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SELECT 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 baseball season brought several standout rookie performers and milestone career achievements that have translated to some of the hottest baseball cards on the collecting market. Whether it’s rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. or veterans chasing history like Albert Pujols, here are some of the most desirable 2022 baseball cards to consider adding to your collection:

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards: The top prospect in baseball entering 2022 lived up to the hype with his debut for the Kansas City Royals. Witt showed five-tool abilities and established himself as a franchise cornerstone. His Topps Chrome refractors and autograph cards in particular hold substantial value in the rapidly growing Bobby Witt Jr. PC (personal collection) market. The long-term potential of such a young star continues to drive interest here.

Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards: J-Rod electrified Seattle fans and the league with an outstanding debut campaign that saw him selected to the All-Star team. Like Witt, Rodriguez has that special combination of tools and intangibles that suggest future superstardom. His Topps Chrome autographs and parallels consistently attract robust bids. The Rodriguez hype train left the station and shows no signs of slowing.

Adley Rutschman Rookie Cards: Once considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Rutschman needed time in the minors to adjust but has looked the part of a future All-Star catcher since debuting with the Orioles. His elite defensive abilities paired with a mature approach at the plate give hope that he can be a cornerstone for the rebuilding O’s. Rutschman’s rookies carry strong long-term value.

Spencer Strider Rookie Cards: A surprise breakout fourth round pick just a few years ago, Strider dominated as a starter and reliever for the Braves debuting in late 2022. With a 103 MPH fastball and plus slider, Strider proved capable of overpowering big league hitters and became an overnight star. His Topps rookies are still affordable now but value figures to skyrocket if Strider continues establishing himself.

Oneil Cruz Rookie Cards: “El Quetzal” stole the show with a mammoth 498-foot home run, representing one of the longest ever measured. At 6-foot-7 with elite tools and athleticism, Cruz looks the part of a future star for the Pirates. His autographed and numbered parallels from high-end products like Topps Chrome carry a hefty premium price tag. Cruz’s long-term star potential remains a major allure.

Albert Pujols Chase for 700 Home Runs: Pujols joined the 700 home run club with two long balls in September, a true baseball milestone. Pujols already held legend status for his exceptional 21-year career in St. Louis and Los Angeles but reached new heights with this mark. Pujols’ 2022 Topps flagship and update cards saw a boost with the chase and milestone completion. His Topps Chrome autos and parallels carry the highest premiums.

Aaron Judge Pursuit of AL Single-Season Home Run Record: Judge captivated the sports world with his chase of Roger Maris’ AL home run record of 61. His prodigious power was on full display nightly, culminating with homers #60 and #61 in Toronto. Judge’s 2022 Topps series one flagship rookie debuted at the perfect time to capture this historical season. Cards from high-end products like Topps Transcendent hold immense collector value given Judge’s place as arguably the premiere slugger in baseball.

Sandy Alcantara Triple Crown Qualifier: The Marlins ace put together a true Cy Young caliber campaign, qualifying for the NL Triple Crown with a sub-2.00 ERA to go with 200+ innings pitched and six shutouts. While he ultimately fell short of the pitching Triple Crown, Alcantara established himself as one the game’s premier workhorses. His flagship rookie cards in particular hold strong long-term value for such an under-the-radar star.

Michael Harris II Rookie Cards: The Braves’ surprising rookie center fielder provided outstanding defense and power at just 21 years old. Harris looked right at home playing alongside Acuña and Olson while slashing .297/.336/.514 over his debut season. His rookie cardboard is still affordable but given Harris’ all-around skills and strong organizational support, big upside remains here.

Jose Miranda Rookie Cards: Miranda made Minnesota’s roster out of spring training and steadily produced with good power as the Twins’ first baseman down the stretch. At just 25 years old, Miranda looks capable of being a long-term middle-of-the-order cornerstone for the Twins if he continues tapping into that raw power. His flagship rookies present solid risk/reward as an older but proven prospect.

Other notables from the 2022 season with ascending baseball card values include rookie sluggers like Oneil Cruz, Brennen Davis, Jeremy Peña, and Rhys Hoskins update cards capturing his breakout season. On the pitching side, rookies like Jack Leiter, George Kirby, and Hunter Greene hold promise. Veterans like Pujols, Judge, Alcantara and Astros ace Justin Verlander enjoying career years also bolster the appeal of their 2022 cardboard issues. With strong rookie classes and compelling storylines, the 2022 season provided no shortage of cards primed to rise in collector demand for years to come. The crop profiles as one of the deeper vintages for baseball cards in recent memory.

SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards are a staple of the hobby and have been collected by fans for decades. While millions of cards are produced each year depicting current players, certain vintage cards have taken on legendary status due to their rarity, condition and the noteworthy players featured. Here are details on some of the most prized baseball cards that fetch six and even seven figure prices at auction.

One of the true holy grails of the collecting world is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced between 1909-1911 by the American Tobacco Company as part of their signature sports card series, it is one of the rarest and most valuable trading cards ever due to Wagner purportedly pulling his approval of the card before it could be widely distributed. Estimates suggest only 50-200 examples still exist in varying conditions. In terms of value, a PSA EX-MT 5 sold for $3.12 million in 2016 while a PSA Gem Mint 9 sold for a record $6.6 million in 2021, making it arguably the most valuable trading card period. The rarity and mystique surrounding the iconic shortstop have elevated it to an iconic collectible.

Another legendary early 20th century issue is the 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig card. As one of baseball’s first true “superstars,” the card gained deserved notoriety. Its scarcity stems from the 1933 Goudey set only featuring a fraction of the players of the time andLou Gehrig only having one card issued. In high grades it is notable for often surpassing $100,000 at auction. A PSA NM-MT 8 recently sold for $487,500 while even well-worn low-grade examples in PSA Poor 1 still attract bids in the thousands due to the fame of the player.

Staying in the 1930s, the 1936 Double Master Work Ed Walsh car is another standout. The former White Sox pitcher is a Hall of Famer who dominated in the early 1900s before serving as a coach post-retirement. He was not a huge name by the late 1930s so only received a single card in the scarce set released by Double Master Work, likely as part of a special order. Less than 10 are known to exist today, with the high grades changing hands for upwards of $50,000. Its undersung player combined with formidable rarity make it an item on any vintage set builder’s want list.

From the post-war era emerges one of the most visually striking and symbolic cards – the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. As one of the first flagship Topps issues after the war and featuring an American icon of sport and patriotism in Mantle, the ’52 set became hugely popular nationwide despite being printed on not much more than scrap paper. Graded examples in Gem Mint 10 regularly achieve six figures at auction due to iconic cache while even lower graded copies still attract tens of thousands. No collection is complete without at least one example of “The Mick’s” rookie card in a holder.

Shifting to the 1960s, the 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie card begins its legend. As one of the most prolific home run hitters of all-time, “Reggie!” would win World Series MVP awards and add historic power numbers to the Yankees’ lore in the 1970s. Naturally, his first issued card became both highly regarded and quite scarce in high grades. Even well-worn PSA 2-3 examples command four-figure prices and a True Gem Mint 10 recently crossed the $1 million threshold at auction due to the romance of the slugger in pinstripes era.

In the modern era, cards from the late 1980s and early ‘90s Moonshot parallels launched cards to new heights. One such standout is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie from 1989 that, graded and preserved perfectly, has become one of the costliest modern cards as “Junior” was a once-in-a-generation talent and star. High-grade PSA 10 Gems regularly surpass $100,000 while even lower grades still demand five figures. The smiling superstar became a snapshot of 90s baseball nostalgia frozen in plastic for the ages.

In summing up, while the masses of cardboard printed yearly depict today’s athletes, certain legendary players from baseball’s storied past have been immortalized in the visual form of their prized early issues. Whether due to rarity, condition, or representing a special era or achievement, select vintage cards have become veritable antiquities that any collection would be lucky to feature. With timeless legends and stories frozen within the cardboard, they continue earning places as pioneering specimens in pop culture collectibles.

1996 SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1996 baseball season was one of transition as many franchises looked to rebuild with promising young prospects while fan favorite veterans from the 1980s and early 90s neared retirement. This next generation of stars was starting to emerge and trading cards provided an early glimpse of the future. Some of the rookies and prospects featured that year would go on to have hall of fame careers while others never lived up to their potential. The 1996 baseball card market reflected this changing of the guard with select issues from flagship brands like Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck that have since become collector favorites.

Topps had been the longtime leader in the baseball card industry but faced new competition from companies like Fleer and Upper Deck that were acquiring MLB licensing rights and offering innovative card designs. Their 1996 offerings continued building on new sets like Finest that utilized sleek graphics and embedded swatches of game worn memorabilia. Ken Griffey Jr., who was coming off back-to-back AL MVP awards and was arguably the biggest star in baseball, received extra attention across issuer lines. But rookie cards of future stars like Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jason Varitek also began to gain traction as collectors anticipated their arrival.

Fleer focused on attracting collectors with exciting parallels and inserts mixed into their base sets. Their ’96 Fleer Update offering featured the base set along with short printed parallels and die-cut cards of rising talents. Rated rookies of Jeter, Garciaparra and Varitek debuted alongside veterans like Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Tony Gwynn. Fleer Ultra, meanwhile, mixed in high-gloss photo variations and embroidered jersey swatches of elite talents. Parallels were scarce adding scarcity. Upper Deck also debuted new subsets in ’96 like SP Authentics, SPx and Ultimate Collection with serial-numbered parallels and sought after Memorabilia Cards of baseball’s elite. Production issues led to low print runs making many of these among the most coveted modern issues.

Collectors in the mid-90s had insatiable appetites for wax boxes from the big three brands hoping to uncover the next hot rookie or short printed parallel. While Jeter, Garciaparra and Varitek got top billing, other prospects were gaining buzz too. Cubs fans awaited the debut of pitchers Kerry Wood and Bill Mueller while Cardinals followers eyed Ray Lankford and Eli Marrero. The Rays, then known as the Devil Rays, had high hopes for slugger Bobby Abreu. And Dodgers and Yankees fans looked forward to seeing what Todd Hollandsworth and Andy Pettitte could do in the show. Even if most of these players did not reach superstar status, their rookie cards from ’96 remain highly sought after by collectors today.

While the new crop of youngsters generated buzz, veteran stars still reigned supreme in ’96. On Target Cards inserted in Topps wax boxes featured snapshots of legends like Nolan Ryan in his final season as well as Kirby Puckett and Cal Ripken Jr. Still in their primes. Upper Deck’s Finest brand showcased dazzling photos and stats of active greats Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. And Fleer Tradition paid homage to living legends like Reggie Jackson alongside recently retired Hank Aaron. These inserts ensured that collectors of all interests had cards to pursue from the ’96 season which was one of transition but also saw living baseball icons at the height of their powers.

In the quarter century since, the 1996 baseball card market has developed a strong cult following as many of the rookies featured went on to Hall-of-Fame careers like Jeter, Garciaparra and Varitek while parallels and serial-numbered inserts have become extremely rare attracting premium prices. Complete factory sealed wax boxeschange hands for thousands of dollars online. While production numbers were high for mainstream issues at the time, conditions have thinned supplies dramatically. The class of ’96 starters and prospects have developed legendary status themselves which only adds to nostalgia and demand. For collectors who enjoyed the 1990s card boom, ’96 remains a special year that marked true change in the industry and on-field as a golden generation stepped aside for a new superstar era to emerge.

The 1996 baseball card market was a transitional year that featured the graduation of future Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek into their rookie cards alongside veterans entering their final prime seasons like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. Flagship brands Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck all debuted exciting new inserts, parallels and memorabilia cards mixed in with their mainstream releases. While production was high at the time, conditioning has greatly reduced supply making complete ’96 sets and especially the short printed parallels extremely desirable among both vintage collectors as well as those who grew up during the 1990s card boom era. The class of prospects and rookies from that year have taken on an almost mythical status themselves which only adds to nostalgia and demand when their young cardboard appearances surface on the secondary marketplace.

SELECT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Selecting baseball cards that have significant value requires knowing which players, seasons, sets and card conditions are most sought after by collectors. With over a century of the sport creating countless trading cards, zeroing in on the high-value options takes serious baseball card knowledge. Let’s take an in-depth look at the most important factors that determine a card’s worth.

The Player: Above all else, the name on the front of the card is what drives value. Iconic stars from baseball’s golden era command top dollar, even on well-worn cards. Names like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Mickey Mantle are guaranteed to pique any collector’s interest. Modern superstars also hold value, with rookie cards for players like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Fernando Tatis Jr. being highly coveted. The further away a player gets from their playing days, the more nostalgia and scarcity tend to increase their cards’ values over time.

The Year: Naturally, the season depicted on the card impacts its value. For older cards, the premium usually goes to those issued prior to World War 2, in the early 20th century. The hobby truly exploded in the 1980s and early 90s, making the rookie and star cards from that period extremely valuable, especially in top condition. The 1952 Topps and 1956 Topps sets are longtime classics. For modern collectors, rookie season cards are must- owns but so are early career promotional issues and sets like Bowman Chrome.

The Card Condition: As with any collectible, condition is king when appraising baseball cards. A flawless, gem mint card will demand exponentially more money than one that is beaten up. Even small creases or corners can downgrade a card’s grade from Near Mint to Very Good and hurt its price. Top-graded examples fetch the most on the resale market. It’s always wise for collectors to carefully consider a card’s condition before making any purchase. Professionally graded vintage cards provide a more standardized system of condition assurance.

The Card Set: Some particular sets have gained legendary status as must-owns for serious collectors. The famous 1909-11 T206 tobacco issue. The 1952 Topps set, which introduced the modern cardboard design. The iconic 1955 Bowman set. The ultra-modern refractors and parallels from brands like Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome parallel the vintage boom. For the uninitiated, it’s best to focus on these proven showcase sets rather than deep-diving into more obscure regional issues which can be much riskier.

Rarity Within the Set: Not all cards within the same release year and brand will be equal. Short-printed cards, serially numbered parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards command big premiums compared to common base versions. Within the flagship Topps sets, the coveted single-number rookies like the famous 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 are crown jewels. For modern collectors, 1/1 parallel autographs reign supreme. Understanding the print runs and serial numbering systems lets savvy collectors recognize and capitalize on the rarest finds in every set.

Autographs and Memorabilia: On their own or included within certain sets, autographed cards and those with game-used memorabilia patches or swatches command prices far beyond their non-auto counterparts. Securing autographs from the all-time greats remains a prestigious and profitable pursuit for vintage collectors. Meanwhile, the insert chase for autographs and relics has been a driving force behind the extraordinary popularity of modern sports cards in the current marketplace. These customized, personalized versions allow for a whole new level of appreciation, investment and display.

Grading Accuracy: With the rise of professional third-party authentication services, grading has become an important part of the collecting process and an influence on valuations. Receiving a qualified official grade from a respected company like PSA, BGS or SGC provides collectors more confidence in a card’s condition and merit. Meanwhile, it allows for easier price comparisons to similar graded examples. As with any subjective process, grading consistency remains imperfect and one company’s NM may be another’s EX. Variations in specific holder labels can also impact predicted resale values.

Market Demand: Perhaps above any single factor, the overall marketplace appetite for a player or set dictates upside sales potential. No card holds value in a vacuum. Certain years see collector interest surge in vintage cards or boom for modern rookies as they establish themselves. Chasing trends and maintaining awareness of current market drivers is important for timing an optimal buy or sale. Strong recent price records set the reference point that sellers and buyers will use to determine fair deal prices. Catering inventory to what dedicated collectors specifically covet optimizes profits.

There is immense long-term opportunity for growth in the baseball card collecting space thanks to the timeless enjoyment of the sport. For prudent investors, doing thorough research on the auction results and demand dynamics for various play

SELECT BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 baseball season saw many impressive rookie performances that have already translated to some valuable baseball cards on the hobby market. Rookie cards tend to be some of the most sought-after cards due to their status as a player’s first official card issued by the company and their ability to gain value as a player establishes themselves. Several rookies from 2022 have produced select rookie cards, parallels, and autographs that are highly coveted by collectors.

Perhaps the most renowned rookie on the baseball card market from this past season is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a phenomenal debut campaign that saw him hit 28 home runs and drive in 75 runs while also stealing 25 bases. This two-way impact immediately put him on the map as a likely future star. Rodriguez’s primary Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card has already jumped up over the $500 mark and is an anchor card for any collection. His autograph and memorabilia cards have also enjoyed strong command in the auction market. Rodriguez’s talent and two-sport background playing professional baseball and football make him one of the most hyped young players, translating to significant card value.

Another notable rookie hitter is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Harris established himself as a regular in the Braves outfield and hit 19 home runs while batting .297 over his first full MLB season. This performance helped the Braves win the NL East and cemented Harris as a core piece of their future. Topps Chrome rookie refractors of Harris have eclipsed the $100 mark and his signed cards consistently attract bids well above issue price. Harris is an exciting young player on a perennial contender, setting the stage for his cards to rise even more if he continues developing.

On the pitching side, Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander put together one of the most legendary comeback seasons in 2022 after missing two years due to injury. While no longer a rookie, Verlander regained his elite form and won the AL Cy Young award. This resurgence made his 2022 Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor rocket up over the $500 range, reflecting his re-established status among the game’s best. Catcher Adley Rutschman made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles after years of being heralded as the top prospect in baseball. While Rutschman did not post gaudy stats, his Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor crossed $100 as collectors showed excitement for his future.

Moving beyond base rookies, parallel and autograph cards featuring top rookies this year have also gained traction. Perhaps the prized parallel is Julio Rodriguez’s Topps Chrome Superfractor, numbered to only five copies in existence. Unsurprisingly, each Superfractor that has surfaced has fetched bids north of $10,000 due to their ultra-rare 1-of-5 print runs. On the autograph front, Rodriguez himself has signed several prized releases, like Topps Fire red auto patches and Bowman’s Best auto patches that hold values of $1000+. Meanwhile, Harris’ Topps Fire red auto patches and Bowman Sterling silver auto patches have attained prices around $500 each. These limited parallel and autographed inserts showcase collector demand when coupling top rookies with scarce parallel serial numbers or on-card autographs.

Notably, several 2022 rookies have also produced 1-of-1 printing plate autographs that are true one-of-a-kind relics. In June, a Rodriguez Topps Fire red printing plate auto sold for $23,400 through an online auction house. Then in September, a Riley Greene Bowman Chrome Superfractor printing plate shattered records, moving for over $100,000. These unprecedented seven-figure sales demonstrate the intense fervor surrounding rookie superstars and their most exclusive memorabilia cards approaching the pinnacle of hobby rarities. Plates autographed by elite prospects like Greene and Rodriguez are the rarest of the rare finds.

Looking ahead, the sustained productions and team successes of stars like Julio Rodriguez, Michael Harris II, and other 2022 standouts bode well for the long-term outlook of their rookie cards. So long as these players continue developing, card values are likely to appreciate over years as they cement all-star and hall of fame caliber careers. The select parallels and autographs from 2022 offerings provide a special layer of scarcity that should preserve premiums. This rookie class offers a fantastic investment opportunity for savvy collectors pursuing the cards of future dominant players still in their early careers. How the trajectories of this year’s top rookies unfold will undoubtedly shape the baseball card market for many years to come.

SELECT 94 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 baseball season marked a significant turning point for Major League Baseball. The 1994 MLB strike cancelled the 1994 World Series for the first time since 1904, shortening the season and impacting fan interest and engagement. Several iconic stars and emerging superstars dazzled fans during the 1994 season before the players strike halted play. This created memorable sports card moments that are still prized by collectors today. Some of the most notable and valuable 1994 baseball cards include:

Ken Griffey Jr.: Ken Griffey Jr. was already a superstar by 1994 with 6 All-Star selections and back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1990-1991 to his name by age 24. However, 1994 was a banner year as he slugged a career-high 40 home runs while batting .321 for the Seattle Mariners. His dominant 1994 campaign made his flagship 1994 Upper Deck SP baseball card one of the most coveted modern rookie cards in the hobby. PSA 10 gem mint copies have sold for over $10,000 at auction.

Frank Thomas: Along with Griffey, Frank Thomas was leading the new generation of MLB superstars in the 1990s. In 1994, “The Big Hurt” put it all together by winning the AL MVP and batting title with a robust .353 average to go with his league-leading 101 RBIs and 41 home runs for the Chicago White Sox. His ’94 Finest Refractor parallel created one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards of the decade, routinely worth $1,000+ in high grade.

Barry Bonds: During Barry Bond’s early dominance with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his 1994 Topps Gold label parallel /52 surfaced as one of his scarcest and most sought-after rookie cards. In 1994, Bonds bashed 34 home runs and stole 38 bases while capturing his 3rd consecutive NL batting title at .336. The rarity and appeal of Bonds as arguably the best all-around player of his generation drove values of the ’94 Topps Gold up over $5,000 for pristine PSA 10 copies.

Sammy Sosa: Sammy Sosa exploded onto the scene in 1994, blasting 31 home runs in just 112 games as a dominant power-hitting force for the Chicago Cubs. The Dominican-born slugger captured Rookie of the Year honors and his flashy, rainbow foil encrusted ’94 Finest Refractor became a hot commodity, with mint condition copies valued around $500 today. Sosa went on to smash 60+ homers three times and powered the Cubs’ late 1990s resurgence.

Greg Maddux: Though he lacked the high-profile status of sluggers, Greg Maddux established himself as the premier pitcher of the 1990s with his pinpoint control and uncanny ability to induce weak contact. 1994 was a signature season as he went 16-6 with a stellar 1.56 ERA and 0.811 WHIP for the Atlanta Braves en route to his 3rd consecutive NL Cy Young award. His Topps Traded parallel from ‘94 remains one of the defining Maddux rookie cards, valued near $400 PSA 10.

Pedro Martinez: Prior to emerging as a true ace, Pedro Martinez broke out with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994, posting a sparkling 2.94 ERA across 174.2 innings. His dominance was a preview of the legendary status he would achieve later in the decade. Martinez’s fledgling star power and the sparseness of his Dodgers cards make his ’94 Leaf Limited parallel one of the rarest and most coveted pitchers’ cards from the 1990s, valued around $1,000 in pristine condition.

Cal Ripken Jr.: By 1994, “Iron Man” Cal Ripken Jr. was already a living legend with an ongoing MLB record streak of consecutive games played. Ripken’s iconic quest to pass Lou Gehrig captivated fans, and Topps captured the moment perfectly with Ripken’s flagship ‘94 card depicting his legendary #8 jersey number. High grade copies remain a pillar in most Hall of Fame collections due to Ripken’s achievements and storybook career with the Baltimore Orioles.

Derek Jeter: As a highly-touted prospect in 1994, Derek Jeter announced his arrival by batting .259 in 48 games for the struggling New York Yankees during his rookie campaign. Though he took some lumps along the way, Jeter’s humble beginnings, famous swing, and knack for clutch hits forged a connection with fans. The mystique and sparseness surrounding his debut seasons fuels strong demand for his ‘94 Upper Deck SP rookie card, valued around $600 in mint condition. Jeter went on to capture 5 World Series rings in Yankee pinstripes.

Other notable ‘94 cards include fellow rookie sensations Hideo Nomo, who broke into MLB from Japan and propelled the Dodgers resurgence, and Todd Hollandsworth, whose sparse output and sunset parallel fueled strong values. For vintage team sets, the 1994 Upper Deck was the flagship, featuring creative photography, diverse parallels and rookies that today remain among the most iconic of the entire modern era of baseball cards. While the MLB season was cut short, 1994 delivered many breakthrough rookies and talents that would define the sport for decades to come. The cards from that year endure as prized pieces of baseball history for collectors around the world.

MOST VALUABLE 1994 SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 baseball card class is considered one of the strongest and most investments of the 1990s era. This was the peak of the “junk wax” era where printing was at an all-time high, however, within the flood of production there still emerged cards that hold significant collector value today. While it may not compare to the iconic rookie cards of the 1950s, several high-profile rookies and players from the 1990s have maintained or increased in worth. For collectors looking to invest in cards from their childhood, 1994 remains one of the prime years to consider.

Leading the way for ’94 value is none other than baseball’s home run king, Barry Bonds. While Bonds recorded one of his typically stellar seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1994, slugging 30 home runs and driving in 77 RBI, it was his rookie card from that year that has stood the test of time. Bonds’ 1994 Topps Traded baseball card, featuring him in a Pirates uniform, regularly sells for well over $1000 in near-mint condition. The rarity of Topps Traded cards alone makes it a coveted piece, but possessing the rookie card of the player who would go on to break the most hallowed baseball records gives it an extra cache. Variations of the Bonds rookie in differing conditions can still pull in amounts ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Another 1994 standout who has transcended the “junk wax” label is Frank Thomas. “The Big Hurt” was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s best hitters by 1994 with the Chicago White Sox, smacking 41 home runs and driving in 128 runs on his way to MVP honors. Thomas’ rookie card from ‘94 Finest is considered among the most impressive of the decade. High-quality PSA/BGS graded copies in the 9-10 range will pull in $500-1000+, showing that collectors remain eager to get their hands on one of the cleanest swings of the steroid era. Additional ‘94 inserts and parallels of Thomas hold six-figure value for immaculate specimens.

While Bonds and Thomas anchored the ‘94 class with powerful offensive production, collectors have also remained keen on pitchers from the year. Among them is none other than future 300-game winner Greg Maddux. Fresh off a strike-shortened season where he won 20 games for the Atlanta Braves, Maddux’s ‘94 Finest rookie card is a constant head-turner. High-grade copies can fetch over $1000 depending on the seller, stable comps, and condition of the specific card. Other noteworthy pitchers include Trevor Hoffman, whose ‘94 Finest and Studio rookie command $500-1000 for top-tier editions, and Jamie Moyer who made his Expos debut in 1994. Moyer collectors hold out hope his relatively obscure rookie could gain steam as one of two active pitchers with 500 career wins.

1994 Ultra was an insert set featuring shiny refractors that became extremely popular. Keys cards from the set that maintain four-figure values include Frank Thomas ($2000-4000), Ken Griffey Jr (>$3000 PSA 10), and Juan Gonzalez (>$1000 PSA/BGS 9+). It was the Ultra rookies of Derek Jeter and Manny Ramirez that caused the most frenzy upon release. Today, pristine Jeter and Ramirez ’94 Ultra rookies can go for $5000-10000 depending on the market. Their lasting star power and ’90s nostalgia ensure they stay blue-chip investments.

Beyond star rookies and future Hall of Famers, deeper 1994 sleepers can offer value as well. Jeff Bagwell put up excellent power numbers for Houston but remains somewhat underrated in the collectibles space. His ‘94 Leaf and Pinnacle Best inserts have increased in value, with PSA 10 examples selling between $500-1000. Wild Thing Francisco Cordero dazzled as a rookie setup man for the Reds, making his ’94 Leaf rare hologram parallel quite the chase. Even commons like the ever-steady Craig Biggio and power-hitting Mo Vaughn hold collector interest due to strong ‘94 seasons and player pedigree. In high grades, copies can be acquired in the $100-300 range.

Lastly, when examining the most valuable 1994 baseball cards, upper-deck inserts tend to draw a premium. Examples include the treasured ‘94 SP Authentic autographs of Jeter, Ramirez, Griffey and others ranging from $1000-5000 for signed versions. The high-gloss ‘94 UD3 fielding gems that featured premium defense play earn $300-1000 each. And the elusive ‘94 SP inside pitch jersey parallel autos of stars like Bagwell and Frank Thomas command $3000-10000 depending on the star power and condition. While ‘94 overall saw massive production, savvy collectors who grab the select inserts and parallels from the year are poised to holdonto serious baseball memorabilia assets.

Despite issues some have with overprinting during the era, the 1994 baseball card class endures as a premier vintage investment sector. Anchored by the rookie cards of future legends like Bonds, Griffey, Jeter and Thomas, high-quality copies from key inserts like Finest and Ultra remain significantly valuable. With stars of the steroid era gaining fascination as nostalgia sets in decades later, desirable ‘94 rookies and parallels will likely continue their uptrend. For collectors, piecing together some of the premier 1994 cards offers an affordable pathway to building a blue-chip vintage portfolio.

1995 SELECT BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1995 Select baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the mid-1990s and contained some of the era’s most valuable rookie cards. While not quite as iconic as the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle or Mantle’s more modern rookie in 1951 Topps, the 1995 Select set launched the careers of franchise players who would go on to garner Hall of Fame consideration. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key rookies and rare inserts that make 1995 Select such a coveted set among collectors over 25 years later.

Perhaps the most sought after card in the entire set is the ultra-rare Select Chairman’s Club insert of Cubs rookie sensation Kerry Wood. Only 10 of these 1/1 patches were produced featuring an embroidered patch from Wood’s jersey. Despite Wood’s career being cut short due to injuries, his dominant 20 strikeout performance as a rookie remains one of baseball’s most impressive debuts of all-time. In mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Chairman’s Club Wood has sold for over $25,000 at auction, with most copies fetching at least $10,000. For the extremely dedicated Cubs collector, this remains the ultimate piece from the 1995 season.

Staying in Chicago, the Bill Wussler signature rookie card of White Sox pitcher James Baldwin is also an incredibly scarce pull. Wussler was a pioneering authentication expert who affixed unique serial numbered authentication stickers to a select few cards within the 1995 set release. Only 100 Wussler authenticated Baldwin rookies were produced, with most still in collectors’ hands. High grade PSA 9 or 10 examples with intact authentication have sold for $2,000-3,000 at auction. The extreme scarcity makes any Baldwin Wussler one of the most valuable 1995 Select cards available.

Shifting to the American League East, the Derek Jeter rookie is always a hot commodity but the Select rookie doubles as one of the finest Jeter rookie designs across all card brands. Featuring brilliant photography and rendering of the poised shortstop, PSA 10 graded Jeters crack the $1,000 threshold with some even fetching over $2,000. Very few from the ’95 Select ever achieve the coveted pristine 10 grade, so mint Jeter rookies remain highly investment worthy 25 years after the masterful debut campaign.

Another career sure to reach the Hall is that of Chipper Jones, and his rookie card is iconic from the 1995 Select set. As one of the absolute centerpieces of the 1990s Atlanta Braves dynasty, tens of thousands of Jones rookie cards were produced but finding a true gem in near mint to mint condition becomes exceedingly rare. PSA 9 copies trade hands for $400-600 depending on the market, with a perfect 10 achieving well over $1,000. Though not quite the rarest short print like the Chairman’s Club, the Chipper rookie retains incredible value as one of the defining cards of his legendary career.

1995 Select also immortalized the rookie seasons of franchising building shortstops Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Jeter as well as slugger Carlos Delgado. While produced in much higher quantities than the anomaly patches and autographs, pristine PSA 10 graded versions of these cornerstone rookies can still elicit prices of $150-300 depending on the player pedigree. Garciaparra and Jeter consistently hold top dollar for their respective franchises, with Delgado also maintaining strong recognition among Toronto Blue Jays fans and collectors. All 3 provided incredible early returns on the 1995 rookie investments fans initially made.

Beyond the star rookies, 1995 Select also featured innovative inserts like the embossed 3D Threads parallels and dazzling refractors/refractors. Drawing from the insert craze of the mid-90s, these parallel and serial numbered short prints created another layer of rarity beyond the base cards. Threads parallels number to only 100 copies each and refractors/refractors were ratioed at roughly 1:6 packs. With the added layers of scarcity, pristine top graded examples of insert parallel rookie cards can escalate values tremendously compared to a base rookie. For example, a PSA 10 3D Threads Chipper Jones rookie sold for over $3,000 on the secondary market in 2020. The added scarcity premiums keep 1995 Select inserts highly relevant for today’s investors.

Despite being released over 25 years ago, the 1995 Select MLB card set remains iconic for launching the careers of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra. Through landmark rookie cards, rare serial numbered inserts, and innovative patch parallels, 1995 Select created investment worthy collectors items. While produced in the millions as a whole, finding intact gems of the superstar rookies and scarcer inserts in pristine condition becomes increasingly difficult. This forces a natural scarcity that commands premium prices even a quarter century later. For historians of the sport and investors alike, 1995 Select endures as a bedrock release that immortalized some of baseball’s modern greats.

2022 PANINI SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini America is widely known as one of the premier sports card manufacturers in the industry. While they are most famous for their expansive NBA, NFL and soccer offerings, Panini also produces a robust baseball card set each year called Panini Select. The 2022 edition of Panini Select delivered another exciting and collector-friendly release for baseball fans and investors.

Panini Select debuted in 2017 and has quickly become one of the hottest modern baseball card products on the secondary market. Part of what makes Select so desirable is their exclusive photography and cutting-edge designs. For the 2022 set, Panini landed amazing action shots and portraits of every major star in the league. They also incorporated vibrant colors and intricate textures into their card designs. Some of the most sought-after parallels in the set take these aesthetics to the next level with color bursts, foil accents and laser-cut embellishments.

The 2022 Panini Select base set checklist featured all 30 MLB teams with a diverse array of current players and rising rookies. Veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Mookie Betts and Juan Soto were amongst some of the highest profiled inclusions. Meanwhile, rookies Bryson Stott, Spencer Strider and Bobby Witt Jr. made their Panini debuts after establishing themselves as future cornerstones of their respective franchises in their debut campaigns. Each card featured a unique team-color border pairing players to their on-field affiliations.

In addition to the 306 base cards, Panini packed Select with a bevvy of short printed parallels to satisfy collector demand. The Silver Pack parallel /199 was one of the harder pulls in hobby boxes. Top rookies and stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in this parallel are extremely valuable. The Gold Wave parallel /10 and 1/1 Platinum parallels allowed for some true 1-of-1 hits to be landed. The rainbow foil and on-card autographs in these ultra-short printed versions sent collector’s adrenaline through the roof upon pulling one.

Some other exciting inserts in 2022 Panini Select included Franchise Feats, Legends, Future Phenoms and a Hollywood-inspired Panini Select MAX parallel. Franchise Feats paid homage to iconic MLB moments through the years portrayed on cards mixed with current players. Legends honored aging legends of the game like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and Mike Piazza. Future Phenoms zeroed in on the brightest up and coming stars poised for stardom. And MAX took the looks of standard Select parallels up another notch with extended color palette foil textures and trims on the edges of the cards.

When it comes to rookie classes, 2022 was stocked with future superstars like Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson and C.J. Abrams. These rookies dominated the hobby from their prospect days all the way through their inaugural MLB seasons. This translated to huge demand for their rookie cards, especially from flagship releases like Topps, Bowman and of course Panini Select. The standout rookies from the class all received ample printing in the base set but were also featured across various parallels and inserts throughout the product. Julio Rodriguez in particular became a true chase card that drove mountains of sales throughout the year.

On the player collection side, superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. always garner attention from collectors due to their otherworldly talents and max potential. Acuna was one of the faces of the franchise for Select after returning from injury. Meanwhile, cards of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani selling pitching and hitting at an MVP level were a collector favorite in the 2022 release. Other established positions players like Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued forming the core high-end strategies for completing player-specific rainbow collections.

When hobby boxes of 2022 Panini Select hit the market in November 2022, the reception was overwhelming. With a scarceness factor attached due to lower print run comparisons to competitors, coupled with a boom in baseball card popularity, Select sold out of its initial allocation within hours. This created a whirlwind on the secondary market with singles, memorabilia cards and parallels flying off retailer shelves and selling for premium prices on peer-to-peer platforms. Months later, as the hobby stabilized, some individual cards have still retained value upwards of 5-10x their original pack odds prices.

Overall, Panini delivered another stellar offering for collectors with the 2022 edition of Select. With a perfect mix of the sports’ top talents, flashy designs, and plentiful chase cards, the set has already cemented its place as one of the hobby’s most coveted modern releases. Going forward, Panini Select is sure to factor heavily into long-term portfolio strategies for savvy card investors and enthusiasts alike looking to get in on the ground floor of the next generation of baseball stars.

1993 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1993 Score Select Baseball Cards Price Guide

1993 Score Select was the baseball card set released by Score Board in 1993 as part of their Score branded sets. Score Select featured high quality full bleed photography from the previous season and was considered one of the premier baseball card releases of the early 1990s. While today some of the star rookies and rookie cards from 1993 Score Select have retained or increased in value considerably, there are still many undervalued gems to be found throughout the set for collectors looking to build their collections. Let’s take an in depth look at 1993 Score Select and provide a price guide for the top rookie cards and stars from the set.

The 1993 Score Select set featured 528 total cards issued in wax packs and factory sets. The base card design showcased large colorful action photos from the 1992 MLB season taking up nearly the entire front of the card. Players were featured in their actual team uniforms from the prior season. Card numbers ran from 1-528 with no parallel or short printed variants. The rear of the base cards contained the standard career stats and achievements up to that point for each player.

Some notable rookie cards and stars featured in the 1993 Score Select set included Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Giambi, Troy Percival, and Russ Springer. The collection also contained major stars of the era like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine. While there were no true short prints or serially numbered parallels in the base set, the highest valued cards were often those rookie cards and stars from the major MLB franchises on the East and West coasts as well as star performers from the previous few seasons.

Derek Jeter Rookie – Considered one of if not the crown jewel rookie card from 1993 Score Select, a Derek Jeter rookie PSA 10 Gem Mint is currently valued around $7,000-8,000. Even in PSA 9 Excellent-Mint condition a Jeter rookie still fetches $2,500-3,000. For raw Near Mint-Mint examples prices range $1,000-1,500. As Jeter’s career and accolades continued to grow, his 1993 rookie card has established itself as one of the absolute cornerstone rookies from the early 1990s.

Nomar Garciaparra Rookie – Another highly sought after rookie from 1993 Score Select is Nomar Garciaparra. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Nomar rookie currently sells in the $1,500-2,000 range. PSA 9 Examples go for $600-800. Raw Near Mint copies can be found for $300-500. While no Jeter in terms of value, Nomar’s rookie remains one of the more valuable non-serial numbered cards from the vintage set.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Considered the unofficial face of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr. cards from Score Select are always in high demand. A PSA 10 Griffey in his Mariners uniform would sell around $400-500. Even well-centered PSA 9’s can be had for $150-200. Raw Mint Griffey’s trade between $75-100. One of the most iconic players of the era, Junior’s cards retain strong collector interest.

Barry Bonds – At the height of his powers in the early 90s, Barry Bonds cards were highly sought after. A pristine PSA 10 Barry Bonds fetches $300-350. Mint PSA 9’s go for $100-150. Near Mint raw copies can be found for $50-75. As one of the premiere power hitters of all-time,interest in Bonds’ early 90s cards remains high.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” was coming into his own in the early 90s. A PSA 10 Thomas in his White Sox uniform commands $150-200. PSA 9’s sell in the $75-100 range. Near Mint raw Frank Thomas cards are available for $30-50. A perennial MVP candidate throughout the decade, Thomas cards retain value.

Ken Caminiti – As the 1996 NL MVP, Ken Caminiti rookie and base cards gained popularity. A PSA 9 Caminiti would sell around $75-100 currently. Raw Mint copies can be found $25-40. A breakout star on a winning team, Caminiti became a desired player after establishing himself as a star.

Other stars like Tom Glavine, Tony Gwynn, Wade Boggs, and Cal Ripken Jr. could be acquired in high grades for $50-100. Rookies and prospects like Jason Giambi, Troy Percival, and Russ Springer in top grades could be found in the $25-75 range as well. And for team and player collectors, there were plenty of mid-tier stars, role players, and prospects to be had in the $5-25 price range depending on grading and demand.

While 1993 Score Select did not contain any true short prints or serially numbered insert sets that are often most valuable from vintage releases, the set remains highly collectible today due to its large selection of future Hall of Famers, All-Stars and memorable rookie cards from the era in Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra. Prices for the top stars, rookie cards, and prospects from the set have held up strong in the collector market. And with over 500 total base cards to choose from, team and franchise collectors can build entire team collections relatively affordably from Score Select compared to other contemporary issues. Nearly 30 years later, 1993 Score Select remains a benchmark sports card release that defined the early 1990s baseball card boom.