Tag Archives: roger

BEST ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball card collection reflects his Hall of Fame career. Clemens played for 24 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 2007 for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He won a record seven Cy Young Awards and struck out over 4,000 batters. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after Roger Clemens baseball cards from throughout his legendary career.

1984 Fleer #250 Roger Clemens (Boston Red Sox) – Clemens’ rookie card is one of the key cards for any baseball card collection focused on the pitcher. The 1984 Fleer set had poor quality control and production which makes high graded versions quite rare and valuable. A PSA 10 Gem Mint of this Clemens rookie could fetch over $10,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition sell for thousands. This was the first trading card that captured the start of Clemens’ Hall of Fame career.

1986 Topps Traded #T127T Roger Clemens (Boston Red Sox) – Clemens’ first Topps Traded card highlights his breakout 1986 season where he won the American League Cy Young Award. He went 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 238 strikeouts. This card stands out for showing Clemens in the classic Red Sox uniform during the peak of his time with the franchise. High grade copies in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ can sell for over $1,000 due to the card’s rarity and importance in marking Clemens’ arrival among the game’s elite pitchers.

1991 Topps #1 Roger Clemens (Boston Red Sox) – Clemens earned the #1 spot in the 1991 Topps set after winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 1990-1991. The card has strong visual appeal with Clemens pictured in his windup. It remains one of his most iconic Red Sox cards. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $800. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent condition can sell for $200 or more. This was a high point in Clemens’ career that cemented his status as the ace of the Red Sox staff.

1997 Upper Deck #1 Roger Clemens (Toronto Blue Jays) – After leaving Boston in free agency, Clemens enjoyed great success in his two seasons pitching for the Blue Jays. He won the AL Cy Young in both 1997 and 1998. This card has Clemens pictured in the iconic Toronto uniform from that era. PSA 10 copies have sold for $600 due to the visual appeal and rarity of high grade examples from the 1997 Upper Deck set. It’s one of the key cards from Clemens’ underrated Toronto chapter.

2001 Bowman’s Best Refractors #R3 Roger Clemens (New York Yankees) – Clemens was dealt from Toronto to the Yankees before the 1999 season. He helped the Bronx Bombers win the World Series that year and in 2000 as well. This refractors parallel card from 2001 Bowman’s Best stands out for its flashy design. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $400. Even raw near-mint copies demand $100 due to the card’s visual pop and rarity. It captures Clemens dominating hitters in the famed Yankees pinstripes.

2004 Topps #132 Roger Clemens (Houston Astros) – After leaving the Yankees, Clemens spent the final three seasons of his career pitching for the Astros. In 2004 at age 41, he put together one of his finest seasons winning his record setting 7th Cy Young Award. This Topps card from that award-winning year is one of Clemens’ key Astros issues. High grades have sold for $150-200 given how it highlights the pitching legend’s remarkable late career resurgence in Houston.

2007 Topps #198 Roger Clemens (Houston Astros) – Clemens’ final major league card from his final season pitched in 2007 for Houston. He made his last All-Star appearance that year before retiring. The visual of Clemens on the mound has made this a popular card among Astros and Clemens PC collectors. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $125. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies sell for $50-75 given that it marks the pitching icon’s swan song after a 24 year Hall of Fame career.

Roger Clemens’ legendary baseball card collection spans his entire career across five different franchises. From his rookie card to his final season issues, Clemens cards highlighting each milestone and team remain some of the most sought after in the hobby. Whether raw or graded, his key cards from Topps, Fleer, and Upper Deck sets will always hold value for collectors due to how they captured one of the greatest pitchers to ever take the mound.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

Roger Maris Baseball Cards For Sale – The Most Iconic 1961 Season Cards

The 1961 season was one of the most memorable and controversial seasons in Major League Baseball history. This was the year that New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s longstanding single season home run record, hitting 61 home runs compared to Ruth’s previous record of 60. Maris’ accomplishment was deeply polarizing at the time as many felt the modern expansion to 162 games gave Maris an unfair advantage over Ruth who set the record in 154 games.

Regardless of the debate around the legitimacy of the record, Maris’ 1961 season captivated the country and made him one of the most famous players in baseball. His hitting of home run #61 on October 1st, 1961 is still considered one of the most iconic moments in sports history. For collectors today, Maris’ 1961 baseball cards remain some of the most sought after and valuable relating to any single season performance. Here is a breakdown of some of the top Roger Maris 1961 baseball cards that frequently come up for sale in the sports memorabilia market:

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130

The flagship Maris 1961 card released by Topps is considered the most iconic of his 1961 cards. It features a classic action photo of Maris swinging the bat with his Yankee pinstripes clearly visible. The front touts his 1960 stats and the back provides a brief biography. This is the card that defined Maris’ 1961 season for collectors. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples in pristine mint condition have sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered, but lesser graded examples still command prices of $2,000-$5,000 depending on condition. The 1961 Topps set is one of the most popular and collectible of all time.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #432 ‘Record Breaker’

Released late in the 1961-62 Topps series, card #432 features a photo of Maris holding the ball from his record breaking 61st home run. The front notes the record breaking achievement while the back provides more context about how he broke Ruth’s long held single season mark. Like the #130, a PSA/BGS 10 of this card is worth $10,000+. Even mid-grade copies will sell in the $1,000-2,000 range depending on eye appeal. This remains the “key” Maris card from the 1961 Topps set every serious collector wants.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #524 ‘Call Up’

One of the more obscure yet desirable Maris rookie cards is the #524 “call up” issue from later in the ’61 Topps series. It highlights his late season call up to the parent Yankees in 1960 after batting .293 with 15 HR for their AAA Kansas City minor league team. Only about 500,000 of these were printed making high grade examples quite rare. Even well-centered copies in the PSA 7-8 range can sell for $1,000+. With strong demand for any Maris rookie, this remains a very collectible card.

1961 Bazooka Roger Maris

For the young collectors of 1961, Bazooka bubble gum offered an affordable way to obtain baseball cards packaged with their snacks. Their Maris card featured a painted portrait style image of him in a Yankees uniform. Whileexamples are plentiful, high grades remain scarce. PSA/BGS 10 examples can sell for $500-1000 as the only true “rookie” depicting his early career before the fame of 1961. A fun card for any Maris or vintage collection.

1961 Post Roger Maris

As one of the three main competitive card companies of the 1950s-60s along with Topps and Fleer, Post issued their final baseball card set in 1961. Their Maris issue shows him holding a bat with “Yankees” visible. While production run was smaller, condition remains key to value. Their scarcity makes any PSA/BGS 9+ examples still worth $300-500 for collectors seeking a complete Maris rookie collection.

These represent the core Roger Maris 1961 baseball cards that frequently come up for sale whether individually or in group lots. Beyond raw copies, many serious vintage collectors will also pursue these cards in professionally graded Gem Mint slabbed examples to ensure condition, authenticity and long-term preservation of the classic cardboard. Prices often reflect the rareness of high grades especially for such historic and popular 60 year old issues.

With each passing year, fewer unopened packs and supplies remain from 1961 further driving scarcity and prices upwards. Even lesser condition copies still hold value for any dedicated Yankees or Maris fan looking to add a tangible part of sports history to their collection. Over 60 years later, the magic of Roger Maris’ record setting ’61 campaign still captivates collectors through the cards that immortalized his amazing feat.

MOST VALUABLE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Over his 24-year career playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, Clemens established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He holds numerous pitching records, including most Cy Young Awards with 7, and is one of only six pitchers ever to tally over 4,000 strikeouts. Given his tremendous success and longevity at the highest level of baseball, it’s no surprise that some of Clemens’ most notable rookie and vintage cards have become exceptionally valuable collectors items today.

Among the scarcest and highest valued Clemens cards are those from his rookie season with the Boston Red Sox in 1984. That year, Topps was the one and only manufacturer producing baseball cards. They released two main sets – the standard red box and the premium Traded set highlighting players who switched teams. Clemens’ rookie card from the red 1984 Topps set is highly coveted, with graded mint condition examples recently selling for upwards of $1,500. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for a few hundred dollars. However, Clemens’ true “crown jewel” rookie is arguably his 1984 Topps Traded issue.

Only produced in extremely limited quantities even for its time, the 1984 Topps Traded Roger Clemens rookie has become one of the most iconic and expensive baseball cards ever made. In pristine mint condition with a grade of PSA 10, examples have sold at public auction for over $50,000. The extreme rarity and undeniable iconic status of this single card elevates it to a whole different tier in the hobby. Simply put, it’s one of the top prizes any collection, no matter the size, aims to acquire. Even heavily played copies still demand thousands due to their intrinsic historical significance.

Continuing his breakout campaign of 1986 that saw him capture the American League Cy Young Award and finish third in AL MVP voting, Topps featured Clemens heavily across its 1987 sets. This includes his main rookie card in the standard flagship release, as well as additional prominent depictions in the high-end Topps Traded follow-up issues. The 1987 Topps Traded Set in general has developed a strong cult following. Featuring iconic players like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, complete ungraded 1987 Traded sets can sell for well over $10,000. Clemens’ base card from this coveted vintage release still achieves prices up to a few hundred dollars or more in top condition.

While Clemens continued enhancing his resume with dominant pitching across the late 80s and 90s, some of his best and most visually striking cards actually stem from later in his career after joining the New York Yankees. Among the most iconic is his 1997 Topps Championship Collection Gold Parallel issue, limited to only 125 copies produced. With true “1-of-1” status due to the extreme scarcity, known examples have changed hands for astronomical amounts at six figures. Another extremely low print run parallel is Clemens’ 1998 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Refractor, of which there were probably less than 10 produced. Such inserts highlighting Clemens with Yankee pinstripes have grown tremendously in demand.

Perhaps Clemens’ apex as a Yankee came during the storied 1998 season where he posted a 20-6 record and led the league with a microscopic 1.87 ERA and 271 strikeouts en route to his record setting 4th Cy Young Award. Topps appropriately featured him prominently across their ’98 baseball products including the flagship release and higher-end Updates and ClearCut parallels. The 1998 Topps Chrome Update Y2K Refractor Parallel of Clemens has also gained popularity with collectors willing to spend thousands due to its innovativeChrome/refractor technologyincorporated during the “junk wax” era’s peak.

Continuing his Hall of Fame run well into his 40s, one of Clemens’ last premier baseball cards was issued after his lone season with the Houston Astros in 2004 that saw him capture another Cy Young at age 41. The 2004 Topps T206 Gold Parallel with its intricate throwback tobacco card design remains a highly sought-after modern vintage parallel in gem mint condition. With his untarnished on-field accomplishments and larger than life persona, Clemens’ name value continues to lift even his post-career “vintage” cards like 2010 Topps Tribute above $100 each depending on grading.

In the end, Roger Clemens’ unparalleled achievements across nearly a quarter century in Major League Baseball have cemented him as one of the all-time pitching greats and among the true icons in the rich history of the sport. Not surprisingly, his best and rarest vintage baseball cards remain among the most expensive and collectible on the hobby market today. From crown jewel rookies to ultra-short print 1990s inserts depicting his heyday as a Yankee, Clemens cards hold enduring significance as tangible artifacts commemorating one of baseball’s absolute legends. For serious collectors, acquiring even a single gem mint example of Clemens’ best issues can take an immense amount of time, patience and deep pockets to achieve.

ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards have significant value for collectors. Clemens played for 24 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 2007 for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He won a record seven Cy Young Awards and is one of only four pitchers to tally over 4,000 career strikeouts. Clemens’ on-field dominance and longevity in MLB make many of his rookie and vintage cards very desirable for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of Clemens’ most valuable baseball cards that can fetch thousands of dollars on the market today.

One of the premier Clemens rookie cards is his 1984 Fleer card. This was Clemens’ first major league card issued after debuting with the Red Sox in 1984 at age 21. In a near-mint to mint condition, graded PSA 8 or higher, these rookie cards can sell for over $1,000. His 1984 Topps rookie card in the similar condition also has value around $1,000. Both the 1984 Fleer and Topps cards are key rookie cards every major Clemens collector wants in their collection. Another noteworthy early Clemens card is his 1986 Topps Traded card, which featured updated photos and stats after his breakout Cy Young season of 1986. Highly graded versions of this scarce traded card sometimes exceed $2,000 in sales.

Moving into the late 1980s, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card is one of the standouts from this period. It features a close-up action photo of “The Rocket” in his signature windup. With strong centering and sharp corners, 1987 Topps Clemens cards grading PSA 8 or higher are valued around $500. His 1988 Donruss card also carries value, with mint condition copies breaking the $200 mark. An even more coveted 1988 Clemens is the Fleer Update card, which included updated photos and stats midway through the 1988 season. Only 150 copies of this scarce fleer Update card were produced, making high grade versions worth $3,000 or more for dedicated collectors.

Entering the 1990s, Clemens was firmly entrenched as one of baseball’s superstar pitchers and his cards from this decade reflect that status. His 1990 Score card displays impressive detail of Clemens unleashing a fastball. Pristine PSA 10 examples have auctioned for around $500. His 1991 Topps card is a classic from one of his dominant seasons. Cards in mint condition fetch $200-300. A real gem is Clemens’ 1992 Upper Deck MVP baseball card. This commemorative card highlighted Clemens winning back-to-back Cy Young and MVP awards in 1990-1991. High grade copies are valued at $800-1,200. The 1992 Upper Deck MVP card remains highly sought after by collectors 30 years later.

Clemens’ move to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 resulted in some new Canadians football-themed cards that are highly collectible. His 1992 Stadium Club Jays card pictured Clemens lined up in a football uniform. Near-mint versions sell for $150-200. An even quirkier Clemens issue from his Toronto tenure is the 1993 Fleer Ultra Action Football Ref card, imagining Clemens as a referee throwing penalty flags. Only 150 of these novelty cards were printed, with PSA 9 copies selling for $800-1,000. Clemens only spent three seasons in Toronto but produced several unique cards that have enduring value for collectors of both baseball and Canadian sports memorabilia.

After rejoining the Boston Red Sox in a 1997 midseason trade, Clemens’ card values spiked as he entered his late 30s pitching career renaissance. His 1997 Leaf Limited Jersey Edition card featured an on-card swatch of his Red Sox uniform jersey. High grade specimens with the jersey material intact exceed $300-400. Another prized Clemens from this period is the 1998 SP Authentic jersey card, bearing two uniform swatches. Near-mint authenticated versions Command $400-600 prices. Clemens’ legacy was further cemented with back-to-back titles leading the New York Yankees pitching staff to World Series wins in 1999 and 2000. This made his Yankees cards very popular. His 2000 Topps Traded base card sees prices upwards of $150 for pristine copies in top holders.

Clemens crossed the 300-win threshold with the Yankees in 2001 and Upper Deck commemorated the rare feat with a special Victory Club parallel card. Only 99 of these parallel Victory Club cards were issued, with a PSA 9 copy recently selling for $2,600. Clemens’ final seasons spent with the Houston Astros from 2004 to 2006 produced additional quality cards as well. His 2005 SP Authentic Legendary Cuts Signature Series card autograph patch serial numbered to /99 is valued around $1,500 in top condition.

As one of the most prolific and accomplished power pitchers in baseball annals, Clemens’ legend and collectible card values will surely stand the test of time. While some of his vintage rookie cards can command five-figure prices, there are still many affordable Clemens cards under $100 that can enhance any baseball collection. With a 24-year MLB career producing signature moments across multiple teams, Clemens ensured he has no shortage of premium cards recognized by collectors as worth considerable money.

BASEBALL CARDS ROGER CLEMENS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly collectible icons from some of the best seasons in MLB history. Clemens played from 1984 to 2007 for four different teams, winning a record seven Cy Young Awards and pitching over 4,000 career innings with a 3.12 ERA. His intimidating presence on the mound and pinpoint control made him a nightmare for batters during his peak years. Clemens’ success has translated to some extremely valuable and desirable baseball cards, especially from his early Boston Red Sox days in the 1980s.

One of Clemens’ rookie cards is his 1984 Fleer card. This was his true rookie as it was the first card issued of him as a major leaguer. The 1984 Fleer set had a small print run and rookie cards from that year are quite scarce in high grades. A PSA 10 Gem Mint condition 1984 Fleer Roger Clemens rookie in pristine condition could fetch over $10,000 at auction. Even well-centered near-mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition trade hands for thousands. The iconic photo of a young Clemens staring down the camera in his Red Sox uniform has made this one of the most sought-after rookie cards for the Rocket.

Clemens’ early Red Sox years produced some phenomenal seasons statistically and some extremely iconic baseball card issues. His 1986 Topps Traded card, where he is pictured windmilling a pitch for Boston, is considered one of the best action shot cards ever produced. High grade versions can sell for well over $1,000. That same year, Clemens’ standard Topps issue rocketed in value after he won his first Cy Young award. A PSA 10 1986 Topps Roger Clemens in top condition would be worth at least $5,000 today.

1987 was arguably Clemens’ breakout season as he went 24-4 with a 2.97 ERA and led the AL in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP en route to his second Cy Young. His flagship 1987 Topps card shows him mid-windup and is widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Clemens cards ever made. Pristine PSA 10 copies can sell for over $3,000. Bowman also issued a Roger Clemens rookie card in 1987 that is highly sought after by set collectors. Even in lower grades, these cards still demand $100-200 due to the rarity of the issue.

Clemens’ 1988 season was nearly as dominant as the previous year. He went 20-9 with a 2.97 ERA and finished second in Cy Young voting. His iconic 1988 Fleer card, which pictures him glaring at the camera with the Boston skyline behind him, is one of the defining images of Clemens’ Red Sox tenure. High grade versions still sell for over $1,000 today due to the memorable photo and Clemens’ status during this peak period. The 1988 Donruss and Score issues also capture the Rocket in the midst of his prime years pitching for Boston.

After winning his third Cy Young in 1990, Clemens was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays before the 1991 season. His debut year with Toronto produced the famous 1991 Score card that shows Clemens mid-windup with the CN Tower in the background, encapsulating his change of scenery. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $800. Clemens won the Cy Young again that year, cementing his status as the game’s top pitcher. The 1991 Topps Traded and Bowman cards from his first year as a Jay are also highly coveted by collectors.

Clemens’ monster 1996 season with the Boston Red Sox, where he went 21-7 with a league-leading 2.86 ERA and 257 strikeouts en route to his fifth Cy Young, made for some of the most iconic cards of his career. The 1996 Upper Deck SP Authentic card, which has Clemens’ autograph on the front, is one of the rarest and most expensive modern Clemens cards. Just 99 copies were produced and a PSA 10 has sold for over $12,000. The standard 1996 Upper Deck issue is also highly sought after by collectors due to Clemens’ dominance that year. Pristine PSA 10 copies can bring $500-1000.

After winning yet another Cy Young with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997, Clemens signed a record contract with the New York Yankees prior to the 1999 season. His debut season in pinstripes produced the famous 1999 Upper Deck MVP card that captures Clemens mid-windup in the Yankee uniform. This is considered one of the defining Clemens visuals of his later career. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $400. Clemens won the Cy Young again that year, further cementing his legend and driving interest in cards from this period.

Clemens’ career came full circle when he re-signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2007 at age 44, hoping to win a World Series with the team he broke in with over 20 years prior. While he didn’t achieve that goal, his few months back with the Sox that season produced what is likely his last flagship rookie card-style issue – the 2007 Upper Deck Origins. These cards have taken on new significance as a “final rookie” of sorts for the Rocket. High grades have sold for over $100 due to capturing Clemens’ return to Boston late in his career.

In summary, Roger Clemens’ baseball cards perfectly encapsulate the journey of one of the greatest pitchers ever. From his iconic rookie issues in 1984 through defining cards produced during seven Cy Young seasons with Boston, Toronto, and New York, Clemens’ visual baseball card history serves as a who’s who guide to his Hall of Fame career. Pristine high grade examples remain some of the most coveted and valuable modern baseball cards on the market today for serious collectors.

ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Over a stellar 24-year MLB career spent primarily with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Clemens compiled an impressive 354-184 record with a 3.12 ERA and 4,672 strikeouts. He won a record seven Cy Young Awards and was named to 11 All-Star teams. Unsurprisingly, Clemens has been highly featured on baseball cards over the decades given his legendary status. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Roger Clemens baseball cards from throughout his playing career in the 1980s through 2000s.

One of Clemens’ earliest notable rookie cards is his 1984 Topps rookie card. That year was Clemens’ first full season in the majors after debuting in late 1983 with the Boston Red Sox. The 1984 Topps card features a photo of Clemens pitching for the Red Sox on the front with stats and information on the back. In lower print runs compared to modern issues, the 1984 Topps Clemens rookie card in top gem mint condition can fetch over $1,000 due to its significance as one of his early rookie options. Most graded copies in the $200-400 range are more common. Still, it’s an iconic early card that captured Clemens at the start of what became a Hall of Fame career.

Another standout early Clemens card is his 1986 Topps Traded card, issued mid-season after Clemens’ breakout 1985 season where he won the American League Cy Young Award and posted an incredible 24-4 record with a 2.48 ERA. The 1986 Topps Traded set only included 80 cards focusing on postseason events and star players, making Clemens’ inclusion at that time a big honor. His card shows him throwing a pitch for the Red Sox. High graded versions have sold for over $500. The 1986 Fleer update series also featured Clemens and can be found in the $50-150 range depending on condition. These capture Clemens during arguably the first peak of his stellar career in the 1980s.

By the late 1980s and 1990s, Clemens was dominating the AL and achieving huge accomplishments that placed him among the sport’s pitching elites. This led to valuable inclusion in premier baseball card sets. His 1988 Fleer flagships and updates cards commemorate Clemens winning consecutive Cy Youngs in 1986 and 1987 for Boston. The 1989 Upper Deck card remembers his record 20-strikeout game against Seattle that season. Graded versions have reached as high as $400. Clemens is then featured prominently in 1990s flagship sets like Topps, Fleer, and Upper Deck as he continued his dominance with Boston and Toronto. His memorable stays with the Yankees in 1999-2003 also resulted in many noteworthy cards.

Some of Clemens’ most high-profile early 90s cards include the iconic 1992 Upper Deck Baseball Card #1, which had an ultra-short print run, and various rookie cards from his brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998-1999. One of his true holy grails that can fetch thousands is his 1997 SP Authentic autograph card, serially numbered to only 50 copies signed by Clemens. The rarity and significance of this autograph make it a true seven-figure card in pristine condition. Clemens was also a headlining name throughout the late 90s and 2000s in premium sets like Finest, Chrome, and Archives for collectors to target.

In the 2000s, Clemens found new fame late in his career with the Yankees as he continued racking up milestones. This led to him being very prominently featured in many high-profile card sets. Cards like his 2000 Topps Chrome Refractors parallel and 2001 Topps Opening Day Refractor parallel can reach $500-1000 each for top grades. His 2006 Finest Refractor jersey card numbered to just 5 copies also holds immense rarity and value. Collectors continued chasing Clemens rookies and inserts well after his 2007 retirement too. But many consider his true crowning achievement card to be his official 2000 Topps MVP Award Leaders Refractor parallel, limited to 100 copies. Examples have sold for over $10,000 in pristine condition, a true trophy card featuring one of the all-time pitching legends at his very best.

In conclusion, Roger Clemens’ legendary 24-year MLB career and record seven Cy Young Awards resulted in some extraordinarily significant and valuable baseball cards released from his 1984 rookie season through his later accomplishment-filled campaigns mainly with Boston and New York in the 1980s-2000s heyday of the sport. From early rookie issues to seminal updates to ultrarare parallel and autograph versions, Clemens has no shortage of memorable and historic cards that continue to excite collectors. His immense talent and accomplishments on the field translated to highly sought baseball card investments capturing The Rocket’s greatness throughout the eras. Clemens remains one of the most dominant and well-represented pitchers in the history of the hobby.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

Leave a reply

Roger Maris had one of the most iconic single seasons in baseball history when he hit 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record. This historic feat captured the attention of the entire country and etched Maris into the minds of baseball fans forever. Not surprisingly, Maris’ popularity and notoriety led to an increase in production and availability of his baseball cards throughout his playing career in the 1950s and 1960s. Due to his memorable home run chase and home run record holding season in 1961, Maris’ rookie and career cards from that time period are some of the most sought after and valuable vintage baseball cards that can be found on auction websites like eBay today.

While Maris made his MLB debut in 1957 with the Kansas City A’s, it was the 1961 season when his card values and collectibility took off. Topps was the dominant baseball card producer throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. They captured Maris’ historic 1961 season with cards featuring photos from that year. His 1961 Topps card is seen as one of the key rookie and early career cards for any player and remains very popular with collectors. On eBay in gem mint condition, examples of Maris’ 1961 Topps card in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 grade often sell in the $1,000+ range. In lower grades such as PSA 7 or 8 condition, this iconic rookie card can still fetch $250-500.

Beyond his Topps rookie, Maris’ other 1961 Topps issue cards depicting him with the Yankees and commemorating his pursuit of the home run record that season are also highly sought after. Examples of Maris’ 1961 Yankees team card, 1961 Topps home run leaders card, and 1961 Topps All-Star card consistently sell in the $100-500 price range across various condition grades when auctioned on eBay. The storylines and photos on these particular 1961 inserts, which chronicled Maris’ chase for baseball immortality that year, keep collector demand strong.

Continuing his home run power surge in 1962, Maris smashed 33 homers that season to finish second in the league. His 1962 Topps issue cards are seen as some of his most aesthetically pleasing issues due to the bright and colorful Yankees photo used. In high grades like PSA 9 or BGS 8.5, 1962 Maris Topps rookies can sell between $200-400. Lower graded copies in PSA 6 or 7 condition are available for $50-150. Outside of Topps, there were also regional Gum Inc issues of Maris available in 1962 which feature colorful action photos. An example would be Maris’ 1962 Gum Inc Yankees card, which grades of PSA 7 bring $100-250 on the current vintage card market.

The 1961 season would end up being the peak of Maris’ home run production across his twelve-year MLB career. He never quite matched the heights of his 61 homer year afterwards, remaining a solid yet unspectacular power threat. From 1963 onward, Maris’ card values dropped off relative to his rookie and record-breaker seasons. Nonetheless, other noteworthy Maris cards that appear routinely on eBay auctions include his 1964 and 1966 Topps issues which mark his final seasons with the Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals respectively. High graded copies of Maris’ 1964 and 1966 Topps cards in PSA 8-9 range can sell in the $50-150 range depending on team photo and condition.

His 1967 Topps card from his final year with the Cardinals also shows up with some regularity on eBay, often attracting bids of $20-75 due to the historical value tied to an all-time great’s final baseball card issue before retirement. While not as iconic or valuable as his early 1960s cards, examples of other vintage Maris card releases like 1965 Design Plastics, 1966 Design Plastics, 1967 Kellogg’s, and 1968 Kellogg’s turn up periodically and can net collectors $10-60 depending on grade and circumstances. Finally, Maris’ 1972 Topps high number card issued posthumously also remains popular as the last baseball card produced featuring him, regularly hitting the $30-75 sales range.

For Maris autograph collectors, signed examples of his iconic 1961 Topps and 1962 Topps rookie cards are holy grails that rarely come to market. When they do surface on group breaks or individual auctions, prices often exceed $1,000-5,000 based on the specimen’s accompanying Certificate of Authenticity and grading. Signed baseballs attributed to Maris in gold marker also command $300-1,500 depending on verification. For more affordable signed collectibles, auto success items like signed photos, letters, balls, or smaller memorabilia starting around $100 can satisfy fans looking to own an element of Maris’ legacy at reasonable cost points.

In summary, Roger Maris’ single season home run record and legendary 1961 campaign have cemented him as one of the most recognizable and collected names in all of baseball card history. High graded copies of his seminal 1950s and 1960s issues, especially Topps releases from 1961-1962, remain some of the prized vintage pieces in any collection. With the sustained nostalgia and demand for Maris’ famous season of 61 home runs enduring decades later, auctions for his historic rookie cards and contemporary releases continue to thrive on platforms such as eBay. Alongside icons like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, Roger Maris endures as one of the faces of the golden age of baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s.

VALUABLE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. Clemens played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 2007 for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He won 7 Cy Young Awards and was named to 11 All-Star teams in his legendary career, cementing his place among the elite in baseball history. Here are some of Roger Clemens’ most valuable baseball cards and what collectors need to know about them:

1984 Fleer #219 Roger Clemens (Rookie Card) – Clemens’ rookie card is one of the crown jewels of any baseball card collection. The 1984 Fleer set was his true rookie card issued as Clemens made his MLB debut that season with the Boston Red Sox. In high grade condition like PSA 10, this card can fetch upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered mint condition copies in PSA 8 or 9 grade still demand thousands of dollars due to the rarity of Clemens’ rookie. The Fleer 1984 design also features a striking headshot photo of the young Rocket that makes this one of the best looking rookie cards in the hobby.

1986 Topps Traded #85T Roger Clemens – This card was issued as an update set addition in 1986 after Clemens’ breakout season where he won the American League Cy Young and MVP awards. It shows him in a Boston Red Sox uniform and is among his earliest flagship Topps cards. High grade examples can sell for over $1,000 because it captured Clemens at the beginning of his dominant career. The ’86T set is also quite scarce compared to the basic Topps flagship issues. This serves as a key intermediate Clemens card for collectors working to complete his early career narrative in their collections.

1998 Topps Hollywood Stars #H1 Roger Clemens – Topps experimented with various gimmick sets in the late 90s, including this Hollywood Stars promotion which depicted various MLB stars dressed up as famous actors or characters from movies and TV shows. Clemens is dressed as Yosemite Sam on this unique card that has gained significant popularity among specialists. High grade PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ copies can sell for $500-700 due to the novelty aspect paired with Clemens’ star power. It offers a fun and memorable take on one of the pitchers’ career years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

2000 Bowman’s Best Refractors #R37 Roger Clemens – In the midst of Clemens’ successful run with the New York Yankees, Bowman featured this impressive refractor parallel from their high end set. The vivid colors and refractive quality of the card stock make for an eye-catching visual presentation of the Rocket. Top graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have exceeded $400-500. The 2000 Bowman’s Best set remains a set that is desired by modern collectors and Clemens was a major star player during that period.

2001 Topps American Pie #14 Roger Clemens / David Wells – This “duel” card from Topps’ American Pie set shows Clemens and David Wells together, commemorating their matchup on April 22, 2001 where they engaged in an epic pitchers’ duel. Only one run was scored in the complete game contest won by Clemens and the Yankees. High grade copies of this unique “hit” pairing card can be around $200-300 for top condition copies. It represents an iconic game and matchup from Clemens’ later Yankees tenure.

2003 Fleer Greats of the Game Century’s Best #CB-RC Roger Clemens – As one of the premier pitchers across Major League history, Clemens was included in this prestigious retrospective insert set honoring the top 100 players from the 20th century. The card features a sharp full body photo of The Rocket in mid-windup. PSA/BGS 9+ examples tend to sell in the $150-250 range reflecting Clemens’ legendary career accomplishments recognized in this premium commemorative issue.

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game Undefeated #U1 Roger Clemens – This parallel insert from Fleer captures Clemens after his 20th career one-hitter in 2004, moving him past Cy Young on the all-time list at the time. His dominance and pitching prowess is on full display. Sharp, near-pristine copies in the PSA 9-10 range demand $150-300 based on Clemens’ rarity in the highest available modern condition grades. It stands as one of his finest post-rookie Fleer inserts recognizing one of his many hallowed career records and milestones.

In summary, Roger Clemens’ baseball cards are among the most historically significant and sought after issues in the entire hobby. His legendary 24-year career, seven Cy Young awards, over 4,000 strikeouts, and recalls to some of the game’s most memorable individual pitching performances make Clemens a true icon of the sport. Whether collecting his iconic rookie card, select key vintage issues, or premium inserts from the peak of his career, Clemens cards hold value, appeal, and prestige within collections. With asking prices often measured in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially for high quality examples, his cards represent prized targets for enthusiasts seeking to build around one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers.

RARE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and had an illustrious 24-year career in Major League Baseball. He racked up an incredible 354 career wins, 4,672 strikeouts, and won a record seven Cy Young Awards. Not only were his on-field accomplishments remarkable, but his baseball cards from his early career with the Boston Red Sox in the 1980s and 1990s have also gained legendary status among collectors.

Some of Clemens’ rarest and most valuable cards were produced during his first few seasons before he really emerged as a superstar. His 1986 Topps rookie card is arguably the most iconic of the early Clemens cards. Topps only produced one series of cards that year and Clemens’ rookie appeared in the base set as card number 105. The design is straightforward with a plain white border and team logo at the top. Though it may not look very flashy compared to cards produced today, Clemens’ rookie occupied a special place as one of the first widely available cards celebrating his MLB debut.

In mint condition with a grade of PSA 10, one of the highest achievable grades, Clemens’ 1986 Topps rookie has sold for over $20,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies in Poor 1 condition can still fetch $100 due to its status as one of the most important cards from his early career. The 1986 Topps set marked Clemens’ transition from prospect to full-time major leaguer and documented the first steps of what would become an iconic pitching career. Holders of this rare card can feel pride in owning a key piece of baseball memorabilia from one of the games’ all-time great hurlers.

Just one year later, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card is another highly sought after early issue. The design is virtually identical to 1986 but gains significance from his breakout season where he won the first of his record seven Cy Young Awards. Clemens led the league that year with a 5.4 WAR and posted career bests of 24 wins, 8.4 WAR, and 291 strikeouts. He had officially arrived among the elite starting pitchers in baseball. Like the ’86 rookie, gem mint Clemens ’87 Topps cards rarely come on the market and have sold for over $10,000 when grading PSA 10. Even well-used copies still attract prices around $150 due to the allure of possessing a token from Clemens in his award-winning 1987 campaign.

Clemens added to his growing legend and collectible card portfolio with another outstanding 1988 season. That year, he captured his second Cy Young while leading the AL with 24 wins and throwing a career-high 295 strikeouts. While Clemens’ 1988 Donruss and Fleer cards are also quite valuable, it’s the flagship Topps issue that truly stands out. Once again featuring the same straightforward white-bordered design as the prior two years, Clemens’ ’88 Topps comes with the added cachet of being serial number 238 in the set. The low three-digit count makes it an instantly identifiable standout among fans and collectors alike. Pristine PSA 10 examples have changed hands for upwards of $7,000 at major card auctions.

In addition to his main ’80s rookie and early career issues, Clemens has several other scarce and pricey oddball inserts and parallels that intrigue collectors. His 1986 Fleer Update rookie card, with a print run around 10% the size of the Topps base card, is considered exceedingly rare in high grade. Meanwhile, the 1989 Upper Deck Clemens, one of the first cards ever produced by the revolutionary Upper Deck company, has also gained infamy among investors seeking a piece of pitching and production history. Perhaps most awe-inspiring is Clemens’ legendary 1980 Bowman paper stock rookie card. Credited as one of the first nationally distributed rookie cards ever made, an ungraded Bowman Clemens was sold for over $50,000 in recent years.

Clemens’ later career cards with Boston and beyond don’t command the same stratospheric prices as his earliest issues. But they still hold value given his storied résumé. The 2000 Fleer Tradition card documenting his 300th win and capturing his intensity on the mound trades hands for $500-700. When he broke the all-time strikeouts record held by Nolan Ryan in 2001, Clemens notched the milestone with the New York Yankees. His Ultimate Victory parallel from that year’s Topps set boasts rainbow foil lettering and has sold for well over $1,000 PSA/BGS 9-10 condition.

Clemens’ unparalleled pitching prowess and 24-year MLB tenure have cemented him among the pantheon of baseball legends. But for collectors and investors, it’s those earliest cards from his Boston days that truly spark awe due to their rarity and ties to the genesis of his Hall of Fame career. Whether an ultra-valuable 1986 Topps rookie or one of his scarce oddball issues, owning even a low-grade example provides a tangible connection to one of the games’ all-time great hurlers. Clemens’ on-field exploits were the stuff of baseball lore, and it’s fitting his early collectibles have also become the stuff of card collecting legend.

BANTY RED BASEBALL CARDS ROGER MARIS

Leave a reply

The 1961 Banty Red baseball card of New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris holds a special place in the history of the sport and in the collections of many card collectors. That season, Maris went on to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60, capturing the attention of the nation and cementing his place as one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers. The Banty Red card produced during that iconic season provides a glimpse into Maris’ career year and the excitement surrounding his record chase.

Banty Red was a brand of small, rectangular cardboard trading cards produced by the Banty Trading Card Company in the early 1960s. Standing out from the traditional large baseball cards of the time in their unique size and design, Banty Reds featured color photographs on one side and player stats and career highlights on the reverse. The 1961 Banty Red set included cards for over 200 major league players and managers from that season.

The card features a full-body color photo of Maris at bat, swinging hard with his trademark uppercut swing. He is shown wearing his pinstripe Yankees road jersey with number 9 on the back, the number he took over from Mickey Mantle that season. On the reverse, Maris’ stats from 1960 are listed when he hit 33 home runs, as well as career highlights up to that point such as being named American League Rookie of the Year in 1956 with the Kansas City Athletics.

What makes the 1961 Banty Red Maris card particularly notable is that it captures him during his record-setting season before he achieved baseball immortality. When the cards were produced and distributed that spring, Maris was among the favorites to challenge Ruth’s hallowed single-season home run record but had not yet broken it. The back of the card does not list his 1961 stats or acknowledge his record, as the season had not been completed when the set was printed.

Card collectors at the time did not realize they held in their hands a piece of cardboard documenting one of the most iconic individual performances in baseball history before it had even happened. As Maris went on to hit his 61st home run on October 1st to break Ruth’s record, the Banty Red card became a valuable piece of the story chronicling that historic season. Although mass produced, examples in near mint condition today are highly sought after by collectors interested in that pivotal time in baseball.

The pursuit of Ruth’s record in 1961 captivated sports fans across the country. Maris endured intense pressure and criticism from those who felt Ruth’s record should not be broken or that hitting more than 60 home runs in a season was somehow impossible or tainted. All the while, Maris steadily homered his way toward and past Ruth’s hallowed standard, with millions following his every at-bat on radio and television broadcasts. Breaking the record ranks as one of the greatest individual athletic achievements in American sports history.

Adding to the significance of the 1961 Banty Red Maris card is the context of his career and life. After winning Rookie of the Year honors, Maris struggled with injuries over the next few seasons and never quite lived up to his potential with the Athletics. The Yankees acquired him hoping a change of scenery might rejuvenate his career. His record-breaking 1961 campaign was the best of his career, as he proved any doubters wrong with his amazing power surge. Tragically, Maris battled illnesses later in life and passed away from lymphoma in 1985 at the young age of 51.

For collectors, the Banty Red Maris card preserves a snapshot of him at the absolute peak of his abilities, when he was the most talked about athlete in the country and in the midst of etching his name permanently in baseball lore. Holding a card from his record-setting 1961 Topps set is a thrill, but the Banty Red may be even more intriguing as it shows Maris before he accomplished his place in history. Nearly six decades later, the card continues to transport collectors back to a pivotal time in baseball and allow them to relive Maris’ unforgettable season through the simple imagery on a piece of cardboard.

In the over 60 years since that iconic 1961 campaign, Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61 has only been bested once, when Barry Bonds hit 73 in 2001. The debate over whether feats accomplished in the “Steroid Era” should hold the same esteem still rages today among fans and analysts. Either way, what Maris achieved that year enduring intense pressures remains one of the purest and most impressive individual performances in baseball history. His 1961 Banty Red card captures that historic season like no other, making it a true treasure for collectors with its connection to one of the sport’s most hallowed records.