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2023 TOPPS BASEBALL SERIES 1 BEST CARDS

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The new year means a fresh crop of baseball cards are here with the arrival of Topps’ 2023 Series 1 release. As with every year, there are always a select few prized rookie cards and veterans that collectors scramble to track down. With so many inserts, parallels and autographs to sift through, here are some of the most coveted cards to keep an eye out for as you rip packs of the new Series 1:

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card (Base / Parallel Variations)

Leading the charge of the exciting rookie class is Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. After a phenomenal debut season that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, Witt Jr.’s rookie cards from 2022 Topps are some of the hottest on the market. Naturally, collectors will be clamoring for his base rookie card and all of its parallel variations from Series 1. The rainbow foil and paper parallels will be hotly pursued, as will any 1/1 parallels that are pulled. Witt Jr. has superstar potential and his rookie cards could end up being worth a fortune long term.

Julio Rodriguez Rookie Card (Base / Parallel Variations)

Another rookie who had a monster debut season was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. The AL Rookie of the Year winner had one of the best first years in recent memory and immediately established himself as a cornerstone player for Seattle moving forward. Like Witt Jr., collectors will be targeting Julio’s base rookie card and its many parallel variations. The flagship Topps rookie of a player of Rodriguez’s caliber is sure to retain value exceptionally well for years to come. Any rare parallels could set collectors back quite a bit if they want to add them to their PC.

Oneil Cruz Rookie Card (Base / Parallel Variations)

While he didn’t make as big of an immediate splash statistically as Witt Jr. or Rodriguez, Pirates super-prospect Oneil Cruz possesses freakish tools that have scouts drooling. Standing an incredible 6-foot-7, Cruz is a true five-tool talent who made his MLB debut in 2022. His rookie cards exploded in price after a strong September call-up. The Series 1 base rookie and its parallels will be hot ticket items for collectors chasing one of the game’s most exciting young prospects. Cruz could develop into a perennial All-Star, making his rookie cards a wise long term investment.

Adley Rutschman Rookie Card (Base / Parallel Variations)

After a few years of waiting, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman finally made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he’s considered one of the top prospects of the last decade. While injuries slowed his progress initially, Rutschman flashed all of his talents in his first full season and looks primed to be an anchor for Baltimore for years to come. His flagship Topps rookie cards from last year remain some of the most coveted on the modern rookie scene. The Series 1 base card and color parallels will be must-haves for collectors pursuing one of the premier young catchers in baseball.

Spencer Strider Rookie Card (Base / Parallel Variations)

While he made his MLB debut in 2021, Spencer Strider truly broke out as a star in 2022 for the World Series champion Atlanta Braves. The flamethrowing righty cemented his role at the back of their vaunted rotation and looks like a future ace. Strider’s rookie cards skyrocketed in value after his dominant season and collectors will be hot on the trail of any unowned copies from Series 1. The base rookie and its parallel variations are sure to retain value extremely well long term as Strider continues establishing himself as one of baseball’s best young arms.

Rookie Autograph Cards

In addition to the base rookies, collectors will no doubt be hunting rookie autograph cards of the games’ top prospects. Pulling a Witt Jr., Rodriguez, Cruz, Rutschman or Strider autograph would be the holy grail for any pack opener. But the rookie class runs much deeper, with players like Gunnar Henderson, Drew Waters, Emerson Hancock and others all possessing rookie autos that could gain value quickly with a breakout season. The hunt will be on for these coveted signed rookie cards across Series 1.

National League MVP Cards – Paul Goldschmidt

After winning the NL batting title and leading the Cardinals to the playoffs, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt took home his first MVP award at age 35. His MVP season was one for the ages and cemented his Hall of Fame resume. The 2023 Topps Series 1 base card and parallels of Goldschmidt sporting his new MVP hardware will be highly sought after. For Cardinals fans and collectors pursuing the cards of award winners, these Goldschmidt MVP cards will be at the top of the wish list.

American League MVP Cards – Aaron Judge

In one of the most dominant individual seasons in baseball history, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge smashed an AL record 62 home runs en route to a Triple Crown campaign and his first AL MVP award. The sports memorabilia world was set ablaze by Judge’s historic season. His Topps Series 1 base card and parallels highlighting his MVP achievement will be among the most in-demand modern cards on the market. For Yankees collectors and those wanting cards of baseball’s biggest star, adding a Judge 2023 MVP card to their collection has to be a top priority.

Cy Young Winner Cards

In addition to MVPs, the Cy Young winning pitchers from each league will also have highly sought after base cards in Series 1. For the NL, it’s Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, who had a career year and dominated the league. In the AL, it’s Justin Verlander, who at 39 returned from injury to lead the league in wins and strikeouts for Houston. Both hurlers’ flagship cards showing off their Cy Young hardware are sure to be collector favorites.

Rookie Pitchers

While the position player rookies get most of the hype, don’t sleep on the promising rookie hurlers who could be the next Verlander or deGrom. Cardinals flamethrower Andre Pallante broke out in 2022 and his rookie card autographs could explode in value. Other hurlers to watch include Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider, Mariners strikeout artist George Kirby, and Dodgers fireballer Ryan Pepiot. Their Series 1 rookie cards could pay dividends long term.

Veteran Stars and Franchise Favorites

While rookies and award winners get top billing, collectors also love chasing cards of the game’s biggest veteran stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Their base Topps cards remain fan favorites. Collectors seek out cards paying tribute to franchise legends and Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Chipper Jones, and more. These veteran star cards hold nostalgic appeal and retain value exceptionally well over the long haul.

Parallels and Insert Sets

No Topps release would be complete without an assortment of shiny parallels and hit-or-miss insert sets to entice collectors. Rainbow foil, gold foil, paper, negative and 1/1 parallels of the top rookies and stars will be in high demand. Meanwhile, insert sets like Topps Chrome, Gallery, Archives, Photo Hits and more provide fun photo or retro-styled card designs alongside chances at short printed hits. Collectors will be on the hunt for complete rainbow foil parallel sets of their PC players as well as chase cards from these inserts.

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards

When it comes to the high-end relics and autographs scattered throughout Series 1 hobby boxes, the sky is the limit on what collectors will pay to land a big hit. Gold label 1/1 autographs of superstars like Judge, Ohtani or Acuña could fetch thousands. Meanwhile, rare patch cards or autographed memorabilia of franchise legends are prized possessions. The hunt is always on for these ultra-rare autograph and memorabilia cards tucked inside Series 1 packs.

The 2023 Topps Series 1 release offers something for every type of collector. From affordable base cards to chase parallels and inserts, to high-end autographs and memorabilia, there is a treasure to be found. For investors, cards of rookie phenoms, MVPs and Cy Young winners hold the most long term potential. But at its heart, Series 1 is about capturing a new year of baseball history on cardboard and enjoying the thrill of the chase alongside millions of other fans. With so much to discover across the release, the hunt is half the fun each January.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TRADED SERIES VALUE

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card Traded Series holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to the nostalgia it evokes from the late 1980s era of baseball cards as well as the valuable rookie cards and stars it features. With cards involving traded players from the 1986 season, this set stands out amongst collectors.

Released in 1987 as a companion to the main Topps base set, the Traded Series included 144 cards featuring players that had been traded to new teams during or after the 1986 season. This set followed the standard Topps design of the era with a photo on the front and player stats/career highlights on the back. What made it unique was that it captured players in the uniforms of their new teams before they appeared that way in the base set.

Some notable rookies and future Hall of Famers that are highly sought after from this traded set include Tom Glavine (Card #T110) of the Atlanta Braves, Greg Maddux (Card #T113) of the Chicago Cubs, and Ken Griffey Jr (Card #T130) of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey’s rookie card in particular regularly sells for over $1000 in top-graded condition due to his future stardom and popularity as “The Kid”.

Beyond rookies, the set also featured superstars like Wade Boggs (Card #T10) after his trade from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees, Andre Dawson (Card #T35) with the Chicago Cubs, and Dave Winfield (Card #T122) with the Minnesota Twins. The iconic Boggs card donning the Yankees pinstripes has added value as one of the more visually striking trades depicted in the set.

Production numbers for the 1987 Topps Traded Series were higher than past years, with the entire set consisting of 144 cards issued in wax packs along with the standard 660-card base set. Demand has remained strong due to the notable rookies, stars, and historical significance of capturing post-1986 trades. In top mint condition, a complete set in sheets can sell for over $1000 whilst individual premium cards can reach the multiple hundreds of dollars.

When grading cards from this set, there are some issues collectors look out for that can impact value. The biggest problems stem from production quality during the late 1980s. Some cards had issues with poor centering, white spots/lines, or color-breaking ink lines which are more readily seen on the white borders. Edge chipping and wear from extensive handling prior to modern sleeve/toploader use also took a long-term toll.

As a result, grades of EX-MT/NM are much more common for this set than pristine Mint or Gem Mint 10s. Condition is not as critical a factor compared to other vintage sets since the iconic players and rookie stars remain the primary drivers of interest. An EX-MT graded copy of a key card can still fetch over $100 whilst regularly appearing on auction sites.

In the early 2010s, the 1987 Topps Traded Series saw a noticeable increase in popularity and prices alongside the peak of the vintage baseball card market. Individual cards started regularly selling in the $50-250 range even in lower EX/Gem Mint grades based purely on the quality of the content versus condition-sensitive 1980s sets. Since then, values have remained stable and the demand from enthusiasts has stayed consistently strong.

For today’s collectors, this set represents an affordable way to obtain iconic late 1980s cards of Hall of Famers and young phenoms before they achieved stardom. With a vast majority of the 144 cards selling under $50 even graded, completing the set is still within reach compared to much pricier vintage issues. And for investors, key premium cards continue to climb gently as the players’ legends grow.

The nostalgic 1980s appeal, major star power, and notable rookie class has cemented the 1987 Topps Traded Series as both a fun and sound collecting and investing proposition for any vintage baseball card enthusiast. Over 30 years later, this set still delights in capturing one of the most iconic periods of MLB post-trade history in the sport’s modern era.

92 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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The 1992 Fleer Ultra Baseball card set was the second series of cards released as part of Fleer’s Ultra brand. Ultra was Fleer’s attempt to compete with Topps in the high-end baseball card market after losing the exclusive license to produce cards featuring MLB players. The 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 set built on the foundation laid by the initial Ultra release earlier that year and contained several innovative design features that captured the attention of collectors.

At only 144 cards, the 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 set was relatively small compared to the flagship offerings from Topps and Donruss that season. However, Fleer packed the set with stars, rookies, and unique parallels to make it stand out. Some of the biggest names included Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, and Roberto Alomar. The set also featured several promising rookies like Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Derek Jeter in their rookie cards.

What truly set the 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 cards apart from competitors was the innovative card stock and printing techniques used. The cards were printed on a thicker, higher quality card stock than typical baseball cards of the era. This gave the images a richer, more vivid appearance. Fleer also experimented with different types of inks and coatings. Many of the cards featured a unique “ultrafoil” coating that added shimmer and dimension to the photographs when held at different angles. This gave collectors a true premium product experience.

In addition to the standard base cards, Fleer included several exciting parallel insert sets within the 1992 Ultra Series 2 release. The “Ultra Gold” parallels featured only 50 copies of each card printed on gold-colored card stock. These scarce parallels instantly became highly coveted by collectors. Another parallel was the “Ultra Diamond” set featuring cards with diamond-cut edges. Limited to only 10 copies each, these parallel inserts were the true holy grails for collectors at the time.

Fleer also experimented with innovative photography and design elements within the 1992 Ultra Series 2 set. Many of the player photographs featured unique close-ups, action shots, or artistic treatments that stood out compared to the typical posed shots seen in other releases. The borders and color schemes were also creatively designed. For example, border colors often coordinated with each player’s team to give the set a cohesive visual style. Additional design touches like holograms, embossing, and texture variations kept collectors on their toes.

When the 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 cards were released in July 1992, they were an immediate success. The premium production quality, exciting parallels, and innovative design made them a must-have for serious collectors. Within a few years, many of the stars and key rookies from the set like Griffey, Bagwell, and Jeter would become some of the most desirable vintage cards on the market as their careers took off. Prices of high-grade Series 2 cards from the 1992 Fleer Ultra set have steadily increased ever since.

For example, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Ken Griffey Jr. rookie from the 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 is currently valued at over $10,000. Other star rookies like a PSA 10 Derek Jeter have cracked the $5,000 mark as well. Even commons from the set in high grades can sell for hundreds due to the limited production and premium quality. Sealed unopened boxes of 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2, though extremely rare to find today, have sold at auction for over $15,000. The set remains one of the most innovative and collectible baseball card releases from the early 1990s.

The 1992 Fleer Ultra Baseball Series 2 set took the hobby by storm upon its release in 1992. With innovative design elements, exciting parallels, and a focus on stars and rookies, it captured the imagination of collectors. Years later, it is regarded as one of the most coveted vintage releases due to the premium quality, limited print runs, and careers of the featured players. Prices have steadily risen, cementing 1992 Fleer Ultra Series 2 as a true classic among collectors. Its creative approach helped redefine the baseball card market and influence design in releases that would follow.

1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1 UNOPENED

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The 1993 Topps baseball card series 1 set is one of the most iconic releases from the company’s long history. For collectors and investors alike, unopened packs and boxes from that initial series remain highly coveted items nearly 30 years later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes the 1993 Topps baseball cards series 1 so desirable and valuable when kept in their original unopened packaging.

Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1951 and their releases were some of the most popular collectibles through the 1980s and early 90s. The 1993 set marked several notable milestones and anniversaries that added to the fanfare around the release. It was the 42nd year Topps had the MLB license, it was the first season following the end of a players strike that canceled part of the 1992 season, and exciting young superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds were just starting to dominate the sport.

Series 1 contained 132 total cards and featured many of the game’s biggest names from that era including Griffey, Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and more. Rookie cards were included for future Hall of Famers like Craig Biggio, JohnSmoltz, and Trevor Hoffman. The design and photography was a step above prior years with vivid colors and crisp close-up portraits. The classic blue, red, and yellow border combinations were fan favorites.

When firstreleased in early 1993, the cards sold quickly at retail stores. Production issues led Topps to only partially fulfill reorder demands that year meaning many boxes never made it to shelves. This scarcity immediately created added collector interest. Meanwhile, young ball players featured on the cards were just starting their ascendance and would go on to have incredible careers. All of these factors combined to lay the foundation for the 1993 Topps Series 1 cards to stand the test of time.

Fast forward to today and unopenedSeries 1packs and boxes from 1993 are exceptionally rare to find in pristine sealed condition. Any that surface on the secondary market quickly command high prices. Graded gem mint 10 packs have sold for over $2,000 each while full wax boxes in the same grade have exceeded $10,000 at auction. Even lesser condition sealed packs still fetch hundreds of dollars due to their scarcity.

Part of the allure for investors is that the conditions which first drove collectors to clamor for the 1993 Series 1 cards nearly 30 years ago still hold true. The rookies featured like Bonds, Griffey, Biggio, and Smoltz went on to have Hall of Fame careers and remain among the most desired vintage players. The simple yet iconic design is a classic in the collecting world. And the limited production quantities from 1993 compared to demand have ensured that pretty much any sealedmaterial from the set is an extremely rare survior pack or box today.

Census figures tracked by grading services add context to just how scarce pristine sealed 1993 Topps Series 1 product is. Professional Sports Authenticator(PSA) currently lists a population of less than 100 graded mint 10 unopened packs from the set in its database. Even packs graded at the lower mint 8 or 9 levels numberonly in the couple hundred range total. As for complete wax boxes, there are under 10 known to exist in PSA 10 condition according to the census. Those types of ultra-low pop reports help substantiatewhy prices remain astronomicalfor such a desirable vintage sealed baseball product after nearly three decades on the market.

There are several interlocking reasons why 1993 Topps Series 1packs and boxes, provided they have remained perfectly sealed in the wrap all these years,are considered among the holy grailsfor vintage sports card investors today. Fantastic rookies, a simple yeteffective design, limited originalproduction, and the passage of time elevating players’ careers have all contributed to cementing the 1993 Topps football release as a truly iconic set. With population reports signifying the extreme scarcity survivors at the pristine levels that enthusiastss crave, unopenedSeries 1product will likely continue appreciating substantially for dedicated collectors and those seeking a sound long term portfolio holding.

1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET OF SERIES 1 AND 2

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The 1993 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issued in recent memory. Not only does it feature some true superstar rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, it was also split into two series for only the third time in Topps history up until that point. Collecting a complete set of the 1993 Topps baseball cards means obtaining all 792 total cards from Series 1 and Series 2.

Series 1 contained the first 396 cards as usual. However, Topps decided to structure the 1993 set differently by splitting it across two series. Series 2 then followed later in the year containing the final 396 cards. This created more desire and demand from collectors looking to build a full collection of the 1993 Topps baseball cards. Having a complete set spanning both series also gives collectors true bragging rights considering the challenge and scarcity of some key cards needed to finish.

Some of the biggest rookie cards and most valuable included in the 1993 Topps set were Derek Jeter,Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Giambi, and Robby Alomar Jr. The true gold standard rookie in 1993 Topps was the Griffey Jr. PSA 10 of which has sold for over $100,000. Ken Griffey Jr. was already a budding star and his rookie established him as the new face of baseball. Collectors knew they had an iconic card on their hands with the Griffey Jr. and prices have remained sky high to this day.

Along with star rookies, the 1993 Topps contained many other notables like Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Ken Griffey Sr. The visual design remained classic Topps with bold color photos and minimalist black borders. The cardboard stock was also of high quality, which has helped many specimens grade very well to this day. Gems like PSA 10 rookies from the 1993 Topps set can auction for insane amounts online.

Completing a full set across both series is no small feat. The high demand for stars like Griffey Jr. and prospects like Jeter meant certain short prints and later series cards became very scarce. Topps also only produced the set in wax packs, so boxes were not released making it tougher to find larger quantities of any single card. Ebay and sport card shows remain the best options for tracking down the elusive late series cards needed. Patience and being able to pay market value is key when putting together a complete 1993 Topps baseball card set.

Some indicators that certain 1993 Topps cards would be tougher to find included:

Cards #300-399 from Series 1 which were short printed.

Cards beyond #300 from Series 2 which saw an even lower print run.

Star players like Bonds, Ripken, Biggio who were always in high demand.

Popular teams like the Braves, Blue Jays, Dodgers that had strong followings.

Prominent rookie cards like those mentioned above for Jeter, Griffey Jr.

Filling in the final gaps to complete a 1993 Topps baseball card set provides immense satisfaction. Being able to review a team set sheet and cross off the last stragglers is a great feeling for any collector. And for those aiming to put together high graded examples, it’s icing on the cake to then have the set professionally encased and preserved long term.

The 1993 Topps baseball release was a watershed year with a star-studded rookie crop and innovative split series format. As one of the most widely collected modern issues, obtaining a true complete set spanning both series remains a prized achievement for sports card collectors. With strong cardboard stock, iconic photography, and hall of fame talent featured, the 1993 Topps cards remain a superb long term hold as well. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar to finish their sets due to the challenge, nostalgia, and investment potential these cards continue to hold almost 30 years later.

2022 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The release of 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball cards in late January marked the start of another new season and collecting year. As with every year, certain rookie cards, short printed parallels, and star player base cards rise above the rest in demand and value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Series 1 cards on the secondary market just a few months after release.

Heading the list is undoubtedly the prized rookie card of Los Angeles Angels superstar pitcher and likely 2022 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s base rookie card from Series 1 in the standard red border is commanding prices well over $100 for graded PSA 10 copies. Short printed parallels like the gold foil (#/2021) and rainbow foil (#/2023) versions have seen individual sales north of $500 already. The true trophy card remains his autograph parallel, which is extremely rare at just /10 copies. Unsurprisingly, any authenticated Ohtani autograph from 2022 Topps has eclipsed $5,000 with most selling in the $8,000-$12,000 range. With Ohtani’s continued otherworldly dominance on both sides of the ball, his rookie cards will likely only increase in value as long as he stays healthy and producing.

Another rookie sensation grabbing attention in Series 1 is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While not quite reaching Ohtani levels yet, J-Rod’s star is rising fast. His base red border rookie has cracked $50 PSA 10 and the gold foil parallel has changed hands for over $200. It’s his autograph card, serial numbered to /2021, that is the real head-turner. Several authenticated examples have sold for north of $1,000 already, with the card’s future potential sky high if Rodriguez continues on his early breakout path in the majors. His prospect pedigree and five-tool ability have collectors salivating.

Staying in Seattle, pitcher George Kirby’s rookie offerings have also found favor. Kirby made a strong MLB debut in 2022 and has the stuff to be a frontline starter. While his base red is around the $15-20 range PSA 10, the short printed gold parallel (#/2021) has seen bids clear $100. Kirby’s autograph card /2021 also brought over $500 in recent auctions. With continued success, these Kirby rookies could appreciate nicely over the long run.

A couple of star veterans have also emerged as 2022 Topps Series 1 standouts. New York Mets ace Max Scherzer’s base card has remained a steady $20-30 PSA 10 despite his age 37 season. The true winners have been rare parallels like the gold foil (#/2021) and especially the ultra-short printed “Superfractor” parallel numbered to just /10 copies. One such Scherzer Superfractor changed hands for an incredible $3,000, a testament to his Hall of Fame caliber resume and status as a modern day workhorse.

Similarly, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts continues to hold strong collector demand. His base has settled around $15-20 PSA 10 while the gold parallel has reached $100. It’s Betts’ autograph card, serial numbered to /2021, that has really popped – with multiple authenticated copies selling for $500 or more. At only 29 years old and with 4 All-Star and 4 Gold Glove selections already, Betts seems poised to maintain top-tier collector interest for years to come as he chases a Cooperstown plaque.

A few other notable 2022 Topps Series 1 cards generating buzz include Cardinals rookie outfielder and top prospect Jordan Walker. His autograph parallel /2021 has brought six figures already. For the Yankees, rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza’s autograph /2021 has also cleared $500. And for the Red Sox, All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers continues to impress – with his gold foil parallel reaching $150 and autograph /2021 over $400.

While the 2022 season is still young, the rookie cards of budding stars like Ohtani, Rodriguez, and Kirby are understandably at the forefront for collectors. Proven veteran talents like Scherzer and Betts also hold strong long-term appeal. With continued on-field success, short printed parallels and low-numbered autographs seem poised to appreciate the most. The 2022 Topps Series 1 release kicked off another exciting year of collecting – stay tuned as card values are sure to fluctuate all season long.

FLEER ACTION SERIES BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The Fleer Action Series was a set of baseball cards released by Fleer in 1990 that stood out from other offerings that year with its innovative card design focusing on action shots of players. At a time when most baseball card sets emphasized static posed portraits of players in uniforms, Fleer aimed to capture the excitement and drama of America’s pastime with dynamic images straight from the field of play.

The 1990 Fleer Action Series was the second installment in the short-lived but impactful Action Series brand, following the successful 1989 debut. Like the prior year, the 1990 set consisted of 363 total cards featuring players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The cards were packaged in wax packs with 11 cards per pack and 36 packs per box.

A defining characteristic of the Fleer Action Series was its creative layout that broke from tradition. Instead of the standard vertical portrait orientation, the cards were presented in a horizontal landscape format measuring approximately 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. This allowed for larger action photos that took up more of the card front compared to other brands.

The images showed players swinging, fielding, throwing and more – capturing the split-second moments that make baseball so thrilling to watch. Many cards depicted key plays from the previous season. For example, Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card featured him leaping at the outfield wall to rob a home run. This innovative presentation helped the Action Series stand out on store shelves.

In addition to lively photos, the card fronts included basic information like the player’s name, team, and position in a banner at the bottom. Statistics from the prior season, such as batting average and home runs, were listed on the reverse along with a brief career recap. The backs had a solid blue color scheme to let the front-and-center action shots take center stage.

Some of the biggest stars and rookie stars of 1990 were well represented in the set. Series standouts included cards of sluggers like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Jose Canseco in their prime. Young talents like Griffey, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Chuck Knoblauch also had prominent rookie cards as they began to make their mark in the big leagues.

Managers also received cards for the first time in the Action Series brand. Legends like Tommy Lasorda of the Dodgers and Whitey Herzog of the Cardinals had detailed cards chronicling their careers behind the dugout. These helped add more variety and interest to the overall checklist.

In terms of chase cards, the most coveted by collectors were the autograph cards randomly inserted into packs. These scarce signed versions of stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith commanded high prices in the collecting community. Parallels and variations were not really a part of sets in 1990, so autographs provided the main chase aspect.

When it came to production quality, the 1990 Fleer Action Series cards had a smooth semi-glossy finish on the fronts and a standard matte finish on the backs. The photos were sharp and colorful, printed on high-quality card stock. The brand maintained its reputation for excellent imaging that brought the action shots to vivid life.

Upon release, the set was another major success that expanded the growing popularity of the Fleer Action Series among collectors. Its innovative presentation continued to attract new fans looking for a refreshing alternative to the static poses of competitors like Topps and Donruss. The lively photos captured the excitement of baseball and kept the on-card experience engaging.

As the 1980s drew to a close, the Fleer Action Series had firmly established itself alongside the sports card giants of the time. The brand would not have longevity. Financial issues caused Fleer to lose its MLB license after 1991, bringing the short but impactful Action Series run to an end after just three years. Still, the 1990 and prior releases left a mark by showing the hobby did not need to be confined by tradition. Today, vintage Fleer Action Series cards remain a highlight for collectors seeking out the best action shots from baseball’s past.

BEST 2023 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS

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The release of Topps Series 1 baseball cards marks the beginning of the new baseball season each year. The 2023 Topps Series 1 set was released on February 8th, 2023 and contains a variety of rookie cards, veteran stars, and unique parallels that collectors look forward to chasing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable cards from the base set and highlight cards that could become long-term valuable investments for collectors.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2023 season is Shohei Ohtani continuing his reign as the best two-way player in baseball. As the reigning AL MVP and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer one day, Ohtani’s base card is always one to watch. While it may not appreciate exponentially in the short-term, his rookie season cards from 2018 still sell for hundreds of dollars and his base cards hold value very well. The 2023 Topps Series 1 #12 Shohei Ohtani card will be a staple in collections for years to come.

Another popular veteran to target is superstar Mike Trout. As arguably the greatest player of this generation, Trout cards have proven to be a safe haven for collectors. Even factory set common Trout cards sell for $10-20 raw which is impressive for a base card in the modern era. His iconic swing is featured on the #45 card in the set. Trout will continue producing at an elite level for several more seasons, so this card is a no-brainer to hold long-term.

Rookie cards are always the biggest chase for collectors looking to land the next superstar. The headliner rookie in Series 1 is Cardinals catcher/outfielder Jordan Walker, who had a monstrous pro debut in 2022. As the #2 overall prospect in baseball and someone who could be an MVP candidate for St. Louis in the coming years, the #74 Jordan Walker rookie is extremely desirable. If he becomes the player many scouts think he will be, this card could eventually rival the prices of other top prospect rookies like Wander Franco.

Another highly sought-after rookie is Druw Jones, son of retired MLB star Andruw Jones. Drafted 2nd overall by the Diamondbacks in 2022, Druw has all the tools to be a perennial all-star. His athleticism and bloodlines make him one to watch, so the #249 Druw Jones rookie will be a hot ticket. Rookies like him with a famous baseball lineage tend to capture collector attention.

Switching gears to some unique parallels, one of the most visually striking inserts is the Topps Chrome Green Refractor parallel. Limited to only /99 copies, these refractors feature a vibrant green color that really pops on card. Some notable Chrome Green cards include #12 Shohei Ohtani, #45 Mike Trout, #74 Jordan Walker, and #249 Druw Jones. These parallel rookies could gain serious value if those players turn into stars.

Another parallel to target is the Topps Gold Label, which uses a textured gold foil treatment on the front. These are serially numbered to /150 and pull collectors looking for a more premium version of the base card. Gold Labels of big names like Ohtani and Trout will hold long-term value as a rarer parallel. Top prospect rookies on Gold Label like Walker and Jones also become much more intriguing investment pieces.

When it comes to autograph and memorabilia cards, the biggest chase is the Topps Transcendent Collection parallel. Featuring rare game-used memorabilia paired with ultra-short prints of only /10 copies, these Transcendent cards capture the true high-end market. Some notable Transcendent cards that could become holy grails include a Jordan Walker autograph with a piece of his first MLB bat or a Druw Jones autograph paired with a swatch from his debut jersey. Prices for these will be astronomical if those players become stars.

The 2023 Topps Series 1 release offers something for every type of collector – from budget-friendly base cards of current stars to high-end investment pieces of the next generation of talent. Rookie cards of potential future MVPs like Jordan Walker and Druw Jones are at the top of many want lists. Veteran superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout provide a safe haven, while short-printed parallels like Chrome Green and Gold Label add visual pop. And the ultra-rare Transcendent Collection pushes the high-end ceiling. This fun and highly anticipated set is a must-have to start the new baseball year.

1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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The 1993 Topps baseball card Series 2 release came out midway through the MLB season and featured cards numbered 201-430 continuing player and team coverage from the original Series 1 release earlier that year. Some notable rookies and storylines from the 1993 MLB season are highlighted in the Series 2 cards.

One of the breakout rookies of 1993 was Florida Marlins pitcher Alex Fernandez. After being selected 1st overall by the Marlins in the 1990 MLB draft, Fernandez made his MLB debut in 1993 and quickly established himself as the ace of the Marlins pitching staff. His Topps card shows him delivering a pitch with an intense focus. Fernandez would go on to have a great rookie season, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting while posting a 3.53 ERA over 30 starts for the expansion Marlins.

Another notable rookie in 1993 was Pedro Martínez, who made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers after coming over from the Dominican Republic. Card #212 shows Martínez during his rookie season with L.A., foreshadowing his future Hall of Fame career. In a small sample of 53 innings in 1993, Martínez already showed flashes of dominance, striking out 61 batters. He would refine his command and become one of the game’s most feared pitchers in the late 90s and 2000s.

The 1993 season marked the debut of two expansion teams, the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins. Cards featuring the new teams and stadiums, like card #228 of Marlins Park, gave collectors their first glimpse of the franchises. The Rockies’ debut season in particular drew attention as slugger Andrés Galarraga smacked 40 home runs to lead the NL in Roundtripper Alley at Mile High Stadium.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s chase of rookie home run records was a top storyline in 1993. Card #230 features “The Kid” during his 3rd MLB season with the Seattle Mariners as he surpassed Mark McGwire’s record with his 42nd home run of the year. Griffey would finish the year with an astounding 48 home runs, showcasing the five-tool talent that made him one of the game’s biggest stars of the 90s.

The 1993 season marked a turning point for baseball as the new wild card playoff format and realignment into three divisions per league took effect. Top teams like the Atlanta Braves with card #241 of Greg Maddux and the Toronto Blue Jays with card #257 of World Series MVP Paul Molitor were powerhouses on the cusp of a dynasty run in the competitive new playoff structure.

Roberto Alomar’s infamous spit incident with umpire John Hirschbeck in September polarized fans and resulted in a 5-game suspension for the star second baseman. Card #266 shows Alomar during his strong season with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the controversial ejection. The incident sparked debates around unwritten rules and respect for officials in MLB.

Series 2 continued to feature rising stars like Mo Vaughn on the #276 Boston Red Sox card, as well as veterans rounding out the tail end of successful careers such as #388 Nolan Ryan in his final MLB season with the Texas Rangers. Insert cards in Series 2 highlighted top rookie classes and All-Star performances from the first half of the season. Rookies like Griffey, Fernandez, and Martínez that broke out in 1993 set the stage for an exciting decade of baseball on the horizon.

For collectors, the 1993 Topps Series 2 release provided a midseason snapshot of the narratives unfolding during a pivotal year of change and young talent emerging in MLB. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Pedro Martínez alongside stars in their prime like Barry Bonds made for a collectible and nostalgic set chronicling one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history. The cards in Series 2 forever froze these players and moments in time from the exciting 1993 campaign.

1993 TOPPS SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Topps baseball card series was released in two series that year. While Series 1 was the main set that was released at the start of the season, Series 2 provided fans the opportunity to collect additional cards of players and to update rosters throughout the season. The 1993 Topps Series 2 cards captured the action of baseball during the summer and helped strengthen collector’s sets with newly acquired players or stats.

1993 marked the 32nd year that Topps produced baseball cards. They continued stamping their logo of the interlocking “TB” insignia on every pack. The front of each card featured a colorful action photo of the player along with their name, team, and vital stats. On the back was career stats and a short blurb about the athlete. Ranging in numbers from 400-499, the 1993 Topps Series 2 cards totaled 100 total cards released.

Some notable rookies that were included in the 1993 Topps Series 2 set included Robb Nen of the Milwaukee Brewers, Lenny Dykstra of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Darren Daulton also of the Phillies. Each rookie card contained the special “ROOKIE” stamp on the front in all capital letters to signify their debut in the majors. Topps was always sure to highlight the season’s top prospects and call attention to their inclusion in the set for collectors.

As with any mid-season update issue, the 1993 Topps Series 2 cards served to update players who had been traded or called up from the minors since the initial Series 1 release. For example, Reds closer Rob Dibble was included after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox. John Smiley also gained a new card reflecting his move from the Pirates to the Twins. Topps photographs captured these players in the uniforms of their new teams.

Another purpose of the Series 2 release was to insert players who were injured or on the disabled list during the initial checklist production for Series 1. By late summer, they may have returned to action. Examples include Dodgers slugger Eric Karros and Yankees star catcher Mike Stanley. Both suffered injuries early in 1993 but were healthy enough later in the year to earn inclusion in the ’93 Topps 2 set. Fans appreciated having updated rosters to stay current with all 30 MLB teams.

Perhaps the most notable and sought-after card in the 1993 Topps Series 2 set is the Barry Bonds rookie card numbered to 499 copies. Bonds had come onto the scene with a bang in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates but hadn’t received a true “rookie card” in a Topps flagship set until this issue due to production scheduling. His powerful swing and emerging superstar status made this a highly valuable card for collectors, especially for Giants fans. Near-mint to mint condition copies still command prices in the thousands of dollars today.

Beyond player cards, Topps also included a few team cards and manager cards to round out the 100 card checklist. Notable manager cards featured in the ’93 Topps 2 set were Leyland of the Pirates and Torborg of the White Sox. Topps produced team cards highlighting the Phillies, Yankees, and Diamondbacks squads rounding out postseason hopeful roster lineups for collectors. They provided a visual reference of contending teams for fans during the heat of the summer pennant races.

The 1993 Topps Series 2 baseball card set gave collectors the opportunity to stay updated on all the latest player moves and debuts from that MLB season. Rookies, veterans, stars and role players were all represented capturing the action from mid-summer into fall. Especially with valuable rookie cards or traded player debuts, the Series 2 issue remains a fun and important piece in completing a full ’93 Topps baseball card collection or for investment purposes decades later. It allowed fans and young collectors to continuously build their rosters as the season progressed that year.