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92 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Score Select baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most sets from this time period are not very valuable today due to extreme overproduction, the Score Select set stands out as holding significant collector value even 30 years later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes 92 Score Select cards special and the factors that determine their worth.

Released in 1992 by Score Board, Inc., the Score Select set was a premium high-end version of the main Score baseball card release for that year. The set featured 264 total cards with photographic images and player bios on the front and back. What set Score Select apart was the extremely high quality production values and rarity compared to the mainstream Score set and other releases of that era.

The cards were printed on ultra-thick 13-point cardboard stock with glossy fronts that gave them a very premium feel compared to the thinner and less vibrant cardboard of typical ’90s cards. The photos were sharp, colorful images that truly captured the players and had a very collectible aesthetic even back at the height of the junk wax era. What really drives Score Select values today is the extreme scarcity resulting from limited distribution.

Only 1,000 cases of the 1992 Score Select set were ever produced by the manufacturer. Each case contained 24 factory sealed wax packs with 8 cards per pack for a total print run of only 192,000 individual cards. To put this in perspective, some individual mainstream ’90s sets had print runs in the billions of cards. This drastic difference in rarity is a major factor in the collectibility and value retention of 92 Score Selects versus most other junk wax era cards.

With such a tiny original print run and demand steadily increasing from collectors over the decades, finding high grade Score Select cards still in their original sealed packs or as gem mint PSA 10 singles has become exceedingly difficult. This scarcity drives values much higher than you would expect from a set released during the overproduction period of the early 1990s. But it’s not just rarity alone – the individual cards that are most valuable are also determined by several other factors:

Player/Card Rarity – Within the set, the hardest cards to find will always command the highest prices. This includes chase cards like the super-short printed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie which is nearly impossible to locate in a high grade. Other rare individual player cards like Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr., or Barry Bonds rookies are also extremely valuable finds.

Hall of Fame Players – Cards featuring players who have gone on to Cooperstown carry significant value. Mint condition cards of inductees like Griffey, Thomas, Ripken, Bonds, etc. can be worth thousands on their own.

Star Power – In addition to HOF players, superstar players from the late ’80s/early ’90s era like Griffey, Bonds, Thomas, Ripken, Tony Gwynn, and others will retain strong collector demand. Their cards are consistently some of the most expensive in the set.

Grading – As with any collectible, condition is key. A PSA 10 Griffey rookie would be worth far more than even a PSA 9 of the same card. Top grades of the top players can sell for over $10,000 individually.

Team Affiliation – Naturally, cards of players from historically successful franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, and others will outperform those of less popular teams generally. Regional biases also impact values at times.

While most cards from the junk wax era have little value, the 1992 Score Select set stands apart as one of the true gems that withstood the test of time. Factors like the ultra-limited original print run, premium production quality, star players, and third party grading all contribute to 92 Score Selects retaining significant collector demand and price tags that far exceed typical early ’90s cardboard. With demand only growing stronger over the decades, this iconic set remains one of the best long term investments available from that otherwise downtrodden period in the hobby.

1995 PINNACLE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Pinnacle Select baseball card set was notable for featuring a sharp, refined design and offering collectors the opportunity to obtain autograph and memorabilia cards of major league stars from the 1994 season. Produced by The Pinnacle Company, Pinnacle Select marked a shift toward elegant artistic styles and premium relic cards after the boom period of the early 1990s started to level off.

Comprised of 330 total cards, the base 1995 Pinnacle Select set highlighted each player with a dynamic action photograph and team logo watermark. Rather than team-centric designs seen in many contemporaneous issues, Pinnacle Select cards emphasized singular players through evocative imagery and limited text. Colors were muted to let photographs stand out, reflecting Pinnacle’s stated goal of crafting cards as miniature works of artistic sport imagery.

Beyond aesthetics, the competitive structure of 1994 MLB rosters provided a wealth of talent to feature. As the players’ strike truncated much of the 1994 season, the rosters of returning teams changed little entering 1995. Stars of the era like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Barry Bonds remained fixture presences in their lineup spots. Pinnacle Select effectively froze frames of these superstars in their prime.

For collectors seeking something beyond the base issues, Pinnacle Select inserted several parallel subsets with chances for autographed and memorabilia relic cards. The “Prime Cuts” subset included 69 photograph variant cards showcasing additional action images of players. More desirably, parallel “Studio Stock” (55 cards) and “Private Stock” (22 cards) variants offered opportunities to pull serially-numbered jersey or autographed inserts of the game’s brightest names.

Private Stock, as the lowest printed parallel, carried perhaps the greatest excitement and intrigue. Featuring game-worn swatches or signatures from icons like Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs, a hit in a wax pack transported collectors straight to the ballpark. Assuming the relic could be authenticated, value of Private Stock autos often dwarfed even the base rosters of other sets from that era.

Outside of parallels, Pinnacle Select manufactured additional excitement through guaranteed memorabilia or autograph box toppers. Obtainable only through direct purchases of factory-sealed full boxes, memorable relics of Ivan Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, and others sweetened what were already premium baseball card products. While risky for individual hobby boxes, these luxury topper cards elevated the overall product prestige.

Beyond on-card content, Pinnacle accompanied Select with collector-friendly bonuses. Set registries offered the ability to officially document hobby pulls. Coupon booklets inserted in wax packs provided potential savings on future Pinnacle purchases. Attentive extras reflected the company’s seriousness in long-term collector relationships, even as the industry matured past its initial boom.

When initially released in 1995, a hobby box of Pinnacle Select carried a suggested price close to $100, considerable at the time but reasonable given the flagship status. Secondary market values soon rose due to the effective player selection, limited parallel printing, and memorable memorabilia components. Today, a complete base set can be acquired for under $50, but key parallel, autograph, and relic cards maintain four-figure valuation as 1990s collectibles.

For those collecting during the mid-1990s, Pinnacle Select served as a memorable premium baseball card set. Featuring singular artistic designs highlighting MLB’s top stars, worthwhile parallel and hit card odds, and bonuses to enhance the collector experience, it proved a successful blend of aesthetics, chase, and incentives during a transitional period. While no longer a new release, 1995 Pinnacle Select maintains its relevance as a snapshot of the era bridging baseball card boom and maturity.

2022 SELECT BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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2022 was another exciting year for baseball card collectors and investors. Panini’s Select brand continued to gain popularity and produce some of the hottest rookie cards on the market. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best 2022 Select baseball cards that stood out and could hold long term value.

Bobby Witt Jr. Green Prizm /99 (Kansas City Royals)

Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype by making his MLB debut in 2022 for the Kansas City Royals. The ultra-talented shortstop/third baseman showed off plus power and speed at just 21 years old. Witt Jr.’s rookie cards from 2022 Select exploded in value after his call up. The Green Prizm parallel /99 became one of the most coveted rookie cards on the secondary market. With his 5-tool potential and marketability as the new face of the Royals franchise, Witt Jr.’s rookie cards have a great chance to appreciate significantly over the long run if he continues developing into a perennial all-star. Graded gem mint 10 examples of this scarce parallel were selling for well over $1000 by the end of the season.

Julio Rodriguez Aqua Prizm Auto /99 (Seattle Mariners)

Another rookie who made a huge splash in 2022 was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. The 21-year old Dominican wowed fans with his do-it-all abilities after getting called up in June. Rodriguez finished 4th in AL Rookie of the Year voting and looks primed for stardom. His Aqua Prizm Auto /99 from Select became one of the most sought after modern rookie cards on the secondary market in 2022. Only 99 copies of this parallel exist and it features Rodriguez’s elegant autograph in aqua ink. Pristine PSA 10 examples sold for over $2000 by season’s end, showing strong long term potential if Rodriguez continues developing into a perennial all-star and the Mariners remain competitive.

Adley Rutschman Red Prizm Auto /99 (Baltimore Orioles)

After a long wait in the minors, top catching prospect Adley Rutschman finally made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 at age 25. While he struggled at the plate initially, his defense and leadership skills were evident right away. Rutschman’s rookie cards exploded in value after his call up, especially the scarce Red Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies. This coveted rookie card features Rutschman’s signature in vibrant red ink and became one of the hottest modern Orioles cards on the resale market in 2022. Pristine PSA 10 examples were selling for over $1500 by season’s end, a strong return for collectors who picked this up early. Rutschman has all the tools to be a perennial all-star and if he puts it all together at the plate, this rare parallel could appreciate significantly long term.

Spencer Strider Refractor Auto /99 (Atlanta Braves)

One of the biggest rookie sensations of 2022 was Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider. The 25-year old righty burst onto the scene and quickly established himself as a frontline starter, posting a 2.67 ERA with over 200 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings pitched. Strider’s dominance on the mound made his rookie cards some of the hottest on the market in 2022. The Refractor Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as one of his rarest and most desirable rookie cards. Featuring Strider’s bold signature in refracted ink, PSA 10 examples of this parallel sold for over $1000 by season’s end. With ace-like stuff and the potential to be a Cy Young contender for years, Strider’s rookie cards could appreciate substantially if he continues dominating MLB hitters.

Oneil Cruz Aqua Prizm Auto /99 (Pittsburgh Pirates)

At 6’7 with incredible raw power and athleticism, Oneil Cruz is one of the most physically gifted players in baseball. After a mid-season call up to the Pirates in 2022, the 23-year old switch hitter tantalized fans with mammoth home runs. Cruz’s rookie cards skyrocketed in value, especially the rare Aqua Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies. This eye-catching card features Cruz’s looping signature in aqua ink and became one of the most popular modern Pirates rookie cards on the resale market. Pristine PSA 10 examples were commanding over $1000 by season’s end as collectors recognized Cruz’s superstar potential if he continues refining his plate discipline and defensive skills. With his rare combination of size and skills, this parallel has the potential for huge long term appreciation.

Jack Leiter Green Prizm /99 (Texas Rangers)

The #2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Jack Leiter had huge expectations entering his first full pro season in 2022. The 22-year old flamethrower did not disappoint, posting a 2.88 ERA with 158 strikeouts over 127 innings between High-A and Double-A. Leiter’s dominance on the mound made his rookie cards some of the hottest prospects on the market. The Green Prizm parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as his rarest parallel. Featuring vibrant green coloring, PSA 10 examples were commanding over $800 by season’s end as collectors recognized Leiter’s ace potential if he continues rising through the Rangers system. With his elite stuff and pedigree as a former Vanderbilt star, this parallel has the makings of a true long term blue chip prospect card.

Jeremy Peña Gold Prizm Auto /50 (Houston Astros)

After longtime Astros shortstop Carlos Correa departed in free agency, rookie Jeremy Peña stepped in and helped lead Houston to another AL pennant in 2022. The 25-year old switch hitter impressed at the plate and in the field, finishing 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Peña’s emergence made his rookie cards skyrocket in value, especially the ultra-rare Gold Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 50 copies worldwide. This dazzling card features Peña’s signature in rich gold ink on a textured gold background. Only a handful graded PSA 10, examples were selling for over $2000 by season’s end. With his all-around skills and clutch playoff performances, Peña looks poised to be the Astros shortstop of the future. This parallel has the potential for truly massive long term appreciation if he becomes a perennial all-star.

Alek Manoah Green Prizm Auto /99 (Toronto Blue Jays)

At just 24 years old, Alek Manoah has already established himself as the ace of the powerhouse Blue Jays rotation. The 6’6 righty uses his intimidating size and stuff to dominate hitters, posting a 2.24 ERA with 180 strikeouts in 196.2 innings in 2022. Manoah’s dominance on the mound made his sophomore cards some of the hottest on the market. The Green Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as his rarest parallel from 2022. Featuring Manoah’s looping signature in vibrant green ink, PSA 10 examples were commanding over $1000 by season’s end as collectors recognized his ace potential long term. With the Blue Jays primed for October success, Manoah’s cards could appreciate substantially if he continues cementing himself as an elite AL starter for years to come.

In summary, 2022 was another banner year for Panini Select baseball cards. Rookies like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, and Rutschman burst onto the scene while established stars like Manoah and Strider cemented their dominance. The ultra-rare parallels from Select like the Gold Prizm, Aqua Prizm, and Green Prizm numbered to just 99 or fewer copies stood out as some of the hottest modern cards on the resale market. With so much young talent continuing to emerge and teams like the Astros, Dodgers and Yankees primed for continued success, 2022 Select cards like these have the potential for huge long term appreciation if these players live up to their potential. Savvy collectors who recognized the scarcity and investment potential of these parallels early on were well positioned heading into 2023.

1995 SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 baseball season marked a special time in the collectible card industry as select sets from the big 3 American card companies featured some of the games biggest stars and more production than ever before.

Upper Deck, whose incredible debut season in 1989 revitalized the baseball card industry continued pushing boundaries with their flagship set and line of high end inserts. The base Upper Deck set featured 792 cards as the brand expanded their photographer roster and card designs. Notable rookies included Hideo Nomo, Greg Vaughn, and Juan Gonzalez who all broke out in 1995. The set also commemorated milestones like Cal Ripken Jr’s record breaking consecutive games streak.

But where Upper Deck really set themselves apart in 1995 was their line of premium inserts. “UD Choice Materials” featured parallel versions of stars printed on metal, acetate, and fabric. These rare parallel cards fetched huge prices and began the collector craze for elaborate inserts that continues today. Upper Deck also debuted their limited “Tier One” set with only 1995 copies of each superstar printed on high quality card stock. Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, and Donruss Wagner became the most coveted cards in the parallel hobby.

Bowman baseball returned after a four year hiatus with new packaging and design. The 1995 Bowman set contained 798 cards including rookie cards of Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, and Todd Helton. While not quite as extravagant as Upper Deck, Bowman stamped their place back in the industry with reliable photography and classic designs. Their parallels like “Star Power” on gold proved popular inserts as well.

Perhaps no company understood collecting passions better than Fleer in 1995. In addition to their large base set featuring stars like Derek Jeter and Mo Vaughn, Fleer went all in on specialized inserts. “Fleer Futures” highlighted top prospects like Nomar while “Fleer Tradition” honored the games greats on sepia toned stock. But no Fleer product exploded like their “Ultra” parallel set. Printed on thick card stock with 3D holograms on many stars, Ultra became the most sought after insert of the year with Griffey Jr and Frank Thomas leading the charge.

Donruss also had a strong 1995 featuring stars in posed photography throughout their base set. Rookies like Jeter, Garciaparra, and Mark McLemore debuted while veterans like Greg Maddux and Cal Ripken Jr anchored the checklist. Donruss parallels like “Goldmine” and “Diamond Kings” on reflective materials accompanied the base product. But what collected jaws in 1995 was the short printed “Donruss Elite” set highlighting only the top 50 players. Featuring holograms, embossing, and intricate designs on just 1000 of each card, Elite parallels sold for astronomical prices on the nascent internet auction scene.

While not all 1995 rookie class members stood the test of time, names like Jeter, Garciaparra, Helton, and others propelled the vintage card era to new heights. Carefully selected and produced parallels with scarce print runs took collecting fandom mainstream. The card companies took huge risks with extravagant inserts that paid off in establishing premium brands still chased by collectors today. 1995 proved a watershed year that changed the industry forever as collecting cards transitioned from childhood hobby to sophisticated investment world. Vintage 90s stars and parallels remain coveted prizes for enthusiasts who experienced the renaissance or have since discovered the magic of that special time in card history.

The 1995 baseball card season was a landmark year that saw the “Big 3” American card companies push creative boundaries with their flagship sets and invent high-end parallel insert sets at scale. Rookies like Jeter, Garciaparra and veterans like Griffey Jr. created demand while limited premium parallels from brands like Upper Deck, Fleer and Donruss took collecting to new levels of passion and collecting that still holds true today. The risks card companies took establishing aspirational premium sets in 1995 paid off by making cards a viable collecting category and investment class appreciated by both causal and sophisticated fans.

1995 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Score Select baseball card set was one of the more unique issues from Score in the mid-1990s as it focused on special storylines and statistical accomplishments from the 1994 MLB season. Score Select sets from this era strayed away from the traditional format of showing a player’s picture on the front along with basic stats on the back. Instead, they zeroed in on specific moments or feats to highlight through photographs, graphics and extensive statistical breakdowns.

The 1994 MLB season saw some noteworthy individual performances and franchise milestones that made for interesting subjects to feature in the 1995 Score Select set. A few of the highlighted cards included a focus on Ken Griffey Jr.’s then-record breaking 40 home runs before the All-Star break, a retrospective on the Montreal Expos excellent season that saw them finish with the best record in the National League, and cards dedicated to major career achievements by Rickey Henderson, Tony Gwynn and Eddie Murray.

Perhaps the most notable card in the set was #58 which paid homage to Matt Williams and his pursuit of Roger Maris’ single season home run record. In 1994, Williams launched 43 home runs for the Cleveland Indians as he threatened to break Maris’ longstanding mark of 61 set in 1961. The card breaks down Williams’ power surge that season month-by-month along with statistics on how his home run pace compared to Maris. While Williams fell just short of the record, his prolific power display made for one of the more compelling storylines of that MLB campaign.

Some other top cards in the 1995 Score Select set included:

#5 – A retrospective on the career of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and his then-record of 5,717 career strikeouts.

#15 – A tribute to Tony Gwynn’s astounding .394 batting average in 1994 which was the highest single season mark since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.

#29 – A breakdown of Rickey Henderson’s 1990 MLB record for most career stolen bases which he increased to 1,406 by 1995.

#46 – A celebration of Eddie Murray reaching 500 career home runs on August 6, 1994 while playing for the Cleveland Indians.

#61 – A spotlight on the Career .300 Hitting Club which paid homage to players who achieved a lifetime .300 batting average.

While baseball card sets in the 1990s generally stuck to a predictable format, Score Select offered collectors something different by focusing more on historical statistics and achievements rather than just straightforward player snapshots. For fans interested in detailed data mining and baseball records, the 1995 issue provided extensive statistical breakdowns across its 70 cards spotlighting some of the most notable storylines and accomplishments from the 1994 season. Two decades later, these unique cards chronicling individual prowess and franchise accomplishments remain an interesting relic from the peak of the baseball card boom era.

The 1995 Score Select set highlighted a variety of compelling moments and milestones while also showcasing the meticulous statistical analysis that Score became renowned for during the early to mid-1990s run of their baseball issues. Cards like the Matt Williams home run chase retrospective and tributes to all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn and Eddie Murray presented baseball history and achievements in a visually appealing format backed by statistical substantiation. While not necessarily the most coveted issue from its time strictly from a collector’s standpoint, the 1995 Score Select set stands out among its contemporaries as one of the more innovative in terms of original content highlighting specific storylines rather than basic player photos and stats. Its focus on meaningful stats and historical contexts from the previous season made it an interesting statistical deep-dive for sports card collectors and baseball fans alike.

1994 PINNACLE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 Pinnacle Select baseball card set was a premium high-end release by Pinnacle that featured superstar players and exciting rookie cards. It built upon the success of Pinnacle’s 1993 Select set and contained 150 total cards with parallel “Studio” variations. The design featured a simple white border around each photo with the team name and player stats along the bottom. Many consider the 1994 Selects to be some of the most aesthetically pleasing cards of the decade.

Some of the biggest stars featured included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine. Griffey’s card was one of the most sought after as he was coming off back-to-back American League MVP awards and was arguably the most exciting player in baseball at the time. Bonds was also entering his prime as one of the game’s best power hitters. Ripken was in the midst of his incredible consecutive games played streak which would end at 2,632. Maddux and Glavine anchored the dominant Atlanta Braves rotation that had won the previous three division titles. Thomas was coming off back-to-back AL batting titles for the Chicago White Sox.

In addition to established stars, the 1994 Pinnacle Select set also featured some of the best rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. Derek Jeter’s rookie card in the base set has become one of the most iconic cards in the hobby. As a highly touted prospect and the Yankees’ shortstop of the future, there was high demand for Jeter’s rookie. Other notable rookies included Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Helton, and Eric Chavez. While they didn’t debut until later in 1994, cards were also included for Randy Johnson after being traded from the Expos to the Astros and Pedro Martinez after coming over from the Dodgers.

Beyond the base set, Pinnacle also produced parallel “Studio” variations with a photo and design identical to the base card but on a silver foil stock. These parallels were limited to only 10,000 copies each and inserted one per hobby box on average. Some of the more valuable and desirable Studio parallels included Griffey, Bonds, Ripken, Jeter, Johnson, and Martinez. These parallel versions command a significant premium to this day.

When Pinnacle released the 1994 Select set, the collecting hobby was undergoing major changes and increased speculation. The skyrocketing prices of vintage cards from the 1950s had captured mainstream attention. The market was beginning to show signs of overheating with some questioning whether modern cards could sustain such high values. Despite uncertainty in the wider collecting world, 1994 Pinnacle Select cards were still coveted by enthusiasts. The set was focused on current star players and had a classic yet understated design which has helped it stand the test of time for collectors.

In the years since its release, the 1994 Pinnacle Select set has become a benchmark for the premium card era of the early 1990s. While it didn’t contain the ultra-high end autographs and memorabilia cards that would become commonplace later, Selects satisfied collectors’ desires for elite parallels and top players signed to exclusive licensing deals. Cards from the set still regularly appear in online auctions and command healthy prices, especially for the stars and key rookies. The Jeter rookie alone can fetch thousands of dollars in top condition. Even run-of-the-mill commons hold value due to the set’s reputation.

When evaluating the entire output of 1990s card companies, 1994 Pinnacle Selects are frequently cited as being among the most desirable issues of the decade. The combination of elite photography, understated design sensibilities, and capturing the sports’ biggest stars as they entered fabled careers has cemented the set’s place in hobby history. While the frenzied speculation of the early 1990s collecting boom has cooled, 1994 Pinnacle Select cards continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts decades later for their classic aesthetic and memorable portrayal of that era of baseball. It remains one of the true landmark releases that defined the premium end of the modern trading card market.

1992 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1992 Score Select baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Score Select was Score Trading Card Company’s new premium brand that was focused on producing high quality cards of the game’s biggest stars. For its inaugural year in 1992, Score Select delivered one of the most legendary checklists in the hobby’s history.

The 1992 set featured 100 total cards and captured many of the biggest names in the sport from that era. Perhaps most notably, the checklist included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Barry Bonds, John Smoltz, and Mo Vaughn. Bonds’ rookie card in particular has become one of the most coveted and valuable modern rookie cards on the market. His 1992 Score Select RC routinely fetches well over $1000 in near-mint condition today, a testament to how iconic that particular issue has become for collectors.

In addition to those highly sought after rookie cards, the ’92 Score Select checklist was loaded with stars and future legends across both leagues. Some of the other marquee names included in the set were Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Roberto Alomar, Cecil Fielder, Ken Griffey Jr., Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Gregg Maddux among many others. Having so many future Hall of Famers and all-time great players featured made the set instantly appeal to collectors.

The production quality of Score Select cards also helped drive interest and demand. As Score’s high-end brand, the cards utilized thicker, higher grade paper stock compared to typical issues at the time. The photographs were larger and of better resolution. Color saturation and definition was optimized. Even small details like the embossed logo and manufacturer’s imprinting felt premium. These production elements maintained Score Select’s standard as a luxury baseball card product.

Distribution for the 1992 Score Select set initially seemed limited as well, further enhancing the set’s appeal as a collectible. The cards were much harder to find in traditional retail outlets like hobby shops, drug stores, supermarkets, and big box toy stores that carried most other baseball card products. Score marketed and sold Score Select more as a direct-to-consumer item. Many collectors had to purchase factory sealed boxes and cases directly from the company. This scarcity increased intrigue and boosted the set’s status as an exclusive, limited-run release.

Specifically in regards to the checklist itself, the 100-card count perfectly captured the depth and breadth of baseball’s biggest names at the time while still maintaining an attainable collecting goal for enthusiasts. The lineup included 29 National League players and 27 from the American League, providing balanced representation from both circuits. Positional breakdown included 22 pitchers, 18 outfielders, 15 infielders, and 5 catchers. Having key stars at every position and from both leagues made completing the set very rewarding.

In the years since, the 1992 Score Select checklist has only grown more popular and collectible with fans and traders. Factors like the trio of future Hall of Fame rookie cards, abundance of other all-time greats in their primes, supreme production values, and initial scarcity have all contributed to the set’s skyrocketing vintage value. Near-complete master sets in top condition can fetch over $10,000 today on the secondary market according to Beckett and PSA/DNA pricing guides. Even single high-grade copies of the Bonds, Smoltz, and Vaughn rookies command 4-figure sums.

The impact and staying power of that inaugural 1992 Score Select checklist truly cemented the brand as the gold standard among premium baseball card releases for many decades. It set the bar incredibly high for what collectors expected from future Score Select issues. Subsequent years like 1993, 1994, 1995, and beyond attempted to replicate that same magic and attract similar levels of attention, but 1992 Score Select remains the set that started it all and remains one of the most sought after complete vintage checklists for dedicated card traders and investors. Its allure shows no signs of fading even 30 years after its original distribution. The 1992 Score Select cards perfectly captured lightning in a bottle and remain synonymous with the early 90s baseball card boom.

1994 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 baseball season saw Major League Baseball continue its rise in popularity following the cancellation of the 1994 World Series due to a player strike. baseball card manufacturers were riding high on the renewed interest in the sport and were looking for innovative ways to attract collectors. One of the most unique baseball card releases of the 1990s came courtesy of Score trading cards and their “Score Select” parallel subset from 1994.

Score Select cards featured similar designs to the base 1994 Score issue but with enhanced photography and added embellishments. Instead of the standard team logo depicted on the uniforms of base Score cards, Score Select parallels showed the actual pinstripe or piping patterns of specific teams in intricate detail. Additionally, Score Select cards included metallic foil embellishments on certain elements of the design like uniform numbers or logos for added visual pop. Of particular interest to collectors was the rarity level of these parallels compared to the base cards.

While Score released traditional sets with hundreds of base cards each year, Score Select subsets only featured the biggest stars and most popular players of that season. The 1994 Score Select checklist totaled just 50 cards, making completes sets highly coveted among collectors both then and today. Players included in the inaugural 1994 Score Select run were superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, Cal Ripken Jr., and Derek Jeter among many others. With highly limited print runs compared to the mainstream base issue, these special parallels garnered significant premiums in the marketplace.

Beyond the enhanced photography and rarity factor, another aspect that added cachet to 1994 Score Select cards was the premium stock quality used. While standard Score base cards were printed on thinner stock comparable to other trading card brands of the era, Score Selects utilized a thicker, higher grade card stock. This gave the parallel cards a premium feel in the hand that separated them further from common issues. The sturdier stock also led to Score Selects holding up better to the test of time in terms of condition compared to contemporarily printed base cards after decades of collection and handling.

When first released in 1994, Score Select parallels retailed for significantly more than basic Score packs and boxes. A single Score Select card could easily fetch five to ten times the cost of a typical issue from that year’s base set due to their limited counts. As with many short print subsets from the junk wax era, the initial speculative boom drove values sky high. As the glut of mass-produced cards from the early ’90s wore off, the intrinsic qualities of Score Selects kept them prized by collectors where many other parallels faded.

Three decades after their original release, 1994 Score Select cards remain among the most visually striking and investment-worthy parallels released during baseball’s magazine era. Helped by factors like their star-studded checklists of only the best players, superior production values, and exponentially rarer print runs compared to base issues, these 50 cards have retained residual value better than expected for cards of their time. In top grades, key 1994 Score Selects of superstars like Griffey, Maddux, and Jeter can still command three-figure prices or more today. For set collectors, completing even a lower-grade example of the full 50-card checklist remains a prized and prestigious accomplishment.

When Founder of Score Trading Card Company, Allen & Ginter, launched Score Select parallels in 1994, they helped invigorate the market and excite collectors with a premier limited edition subset. While many short print specialty issues have faded over time, the 1994 Score Selects endure as some of the most visually striking and collectible parallel cards released during the junk wax era. Their showcase photography, premium materials, and ultra-short print runs gave the inserts an air of exclusivity that created residual value when most contemporaries crashed. For both investors and set builders alike, finding and holding examples of the innovative 1994 Score Select checklist remains a meaningful pursuit for baseball card collectors nearly 30 years later.

1993 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1993 Score Select baseball card set marked a turning point in the hobby. It was one of the first high-end insert sets by Score and featured some of the biggest young stars in the game at the time. With only 108 cards in the base set compared to over 700 in the flagship Score brand, these cards carried significantly higher odds of pulling an superstar rookie or star player.

While not as iconic as the 1986 Fleer set due to being a supplemental series rather than the primary retail release, the 1993 Score Select cards still hold tremendous nostalgia and value for collectors today. Prices have risen dramatically in recent years for the top rookies and stars from this short print run. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1993 Score Select baseball cards on the hobby market today.

At the very top of the list is the card considered by many to be the crown jewel of the entire set – the Ken Griffey Jr. SP. Widely regarded as one of if not the greatest player of his generation, Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom by 1993 with consecutive AL Rookie of the Year awards. His SS card carries rare SP designation meaning it was inserted in packs at an even lower frequency than the base parallel.

In pristine mint condition a Griffey Jr. SP can command well over $10,000 today. Even well centered exemplars in PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 grade will fetch thousands. It’s truly one of the iconic rookie cards of the modern era from any brand or year. Many collectors consider pulling this card in a pack back in 1993 as hitting the hobby “lottery.”

Another absolute monster from the set is the Derek Jeter rookie card. Like Griffey, Jeter would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still universally beloved among Yankees fans today. As arguably the most famous Yankee of the past few decades, his rookie card carries tremendous pop culture significance beyond just baseball fandom.

In a PSA 10 mint gem case, a Jeter RC from Score Select can reach $6,000-8,000. Even well centered PSA 9’s still sell for over $1,000. As one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby from the 1990s, it remains a must-have for any collection.

Rounding out the top three is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the hometown hero who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, Chipper became an icon in the city. His dominance at the plate made him one of the most beloved players for Braves fans during their run of division titles in the 1990s.

A PSA 10 Chipper Jones RC will sell in the $3,000-5,000 range today. Even raw near mint copies can sell for well over $1,000. It’s the most valuable and desirable Braves card from the entire set. With Atlanta’s continued success drawing new young fans, interest and prices for this key rookie remain very strong.

After the top three, a few other rookies and young stars start entering the four figure range depending on grade from the 1993 Score Select set. The Jim Thome rookie consistently sells in the $1,000-2,000 range in PSA 9-10 condition. As a prolific home run hitter who would smash 612 big flies over his Hall of Fame career, his RC retains high demand.

The Nomar Garciapara rookie has also gained steam in recent years. A PSA 10 sold for over $2,000 in early 2022 as the former Red Sox star has regained popularity. The Jason Giambi and Mark McGwire rookies can reach $1,500-2,000 in top grades as well, buoyed by their huge home run seasons in the late 1990s steroid era.

Veteran star cards also hold value from this short print set. A Ken Griffey Jr. base card still fetches $300-500 in mint condition. The Frank Thomas “Big Hurt” and Barry Bonds cards consistently sell for $200-300 in top grades as well, as those players remained fan favorites throughout the 1990s.

While overshadowed at the time by the mainstream Score and Upper Deck releases, the 1993 Score Select set has grown tremendously in popularity and valuation over the past few decades. Helped by the Hall of Fame careers and cult followings of stars like Griffey, Jeter, and Chipper Jones, their rookie cards stand tall as some of the most iconic and valuable in the entire hobby. With prices still rising year over year, these inserts have cemented their place among the true blue chip investments in the baseball card market.

2022 SELECT BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The MLB season of 2022 saw tremendous growth in the hobby of collecting trading cards. Within the broader baseball card market, the 2022 Select brand continued its ascendancy as one of the premier modern sports card products. Select provides desirable rookies, parallels and veteran stars at an affordable price point compared to more expensive brands like Treasures, Elite or Prizm. Here are some of the most valuable and sought-after 2022 Select baseball rookie cards as the hobby heads into the offseason:

Juan Soto Green Refractor /99 – Widely considered the best player in baseball today at just 24 years old, Juan Soto smashed 31 home runs and led the NL with a .362 batting average in 2022. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor rookie card already checks in around $3,000 raw. The new 2022 Select Green parallel, limited to just 99 copies, looks primed to eventually rival or surpass that value as one of the marquee Soto cards on the market. Grading companies will no doubt crack this case hit at premium prices for years to come.

Bobby Witt Jr. Pink Wave /75 – The consensus top prospect entering 2022, Bobby Witt lived up to the hype by smashing 20 home runs and stealing 28 bases as a 21-year-old rookie for the Kansas City Royals. His primary rookie from 2021 Bowman Draft is already amongst the most expensive modern cards available. The Witt Jr. Pink Wave is the lowest serial number parallel from Select, making each of the 75 copies extremely scarce. Expect flawless PSA 10 examples of this cardcolor to climb well above $1,000 in the short term as Witt establishes himself as a budding star.

Julio Rodríguez Green Refractor /99 – Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Julio Rodríguez exploded onto the scene by slashing .262/.345/.479 with 28 homers and 25 stolen bases for the surprising Seattle Mariners. The 21-year-old’s potent five-tool skillset has earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors and cemented his status as a true franchise cornerstone. Like Soto above, Rodríguez’s flagship Green Refractor parallel from Select holds immense long term value and collectability at such a low serial number. Pristine PSA 10 copies could push $2,000+ within a year or two.

Oneil Cruz Pink Wave /75 – One of the most physically impressive players in the game today, 6’7″ shortstop Oneil Cruz wowed with his mammoth home runs for the Pirates as a 23-year-old rookie in 2022. Despite playing just 58 games, Cruz left collectors salivating for his cards after mashing 4 homers with truly eye-popping exit velocities. The Pink Wave parallel from Select is his prized rookie card color, and all 75 copies will be hotly coveted given Cruz’s unlimited upside. Look for a PSA 10 to top $500-600 relatively soon.

Rookie Auto Patch Cards – Select packs an exciting assortment of exciting rookie autograph and memorabilia cards each year. Key 2022 counterparts included Bobby Witt Jr. Blue Wave Auto /50, Oneil Cruz Green Wave Auto /99 and a Julio Rodríguez Green Refractor Auto /99. Each parallel brings a unique combination of rarity, on-card autograph and swatch relic. Flawless graded 10 examples of these so-called “case hits” could reach $1,000-2,000 with years of strong performance by the depicted rookies.

Veteran Star Parallels – Beyond rookies, Select also housed appealing parallels of established superstars like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. Among the most valuable were Trout’s Pink Wave /75, Ohtani’s Green Refractor /99 and Acuña’s Purple Refractor /99. With guaranteed low pop reports, these one-of-a-kind parallels fetch huge sums from committed PC collectors seeking the rarest editions of their favorite players. A BGS/PSA 10 Trout Pink Wave could push $5,000 long term.

As is always the case with modern sports cards, condition and independent third-party grading will be crucial factors driving the exponential long term value appreciation of these coveted 2022 Select rookies and stars. While unchecked raw copies retain affordable accessibility for newer collectors, “chrome corners” and flawless centering will make-or-break seven-figure status ten to twenty years down the road. The intrinsic memorabilia and serial number appeal of these cards, combined with their depiction of emerging superstars, secures their place amongst the most timeless investments in the entire 2022 baseball card season. Select’s combination of rookie phenoms, veteran heroes and ultra-rare parallels continue to make it required collecting for all fans and investors across the baseball card collecting universe.