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ARE BASEBALL CARDS STILL WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of baseball cards varies significantly depending on the specific card and its condition, but in general baseball cards can still hold value for savvy collectors. While the hyped speculation of the late 1980s and early 1990s has faded, certain rare and historic baseball cards remain quite lucrative investments.

It’s important to note there are billions of baseball cards in existence from over a century of production. The vast majority are common cards in well-worn condition that have little to no monetary worth. For the highly-sought rookie cards of all-time great players or unique error/variations, significant profits can still be attained with the right card.

To better understand the modern baseball card market, we must look at factors influencing value such as supply and demand, player performance, grading services, and of course basic economic principles. Starting in the late 80s, skyrocketing demand amidst an enthusiastic collector frenzy pushed even common cards to new high prices. As the initial boom dissolved in the mid-90s, marketplace saturation soon caught up as production greatly outpaced interest.

Waning nostalgia and lack of new collectors joining the hobby caused values to plummet industry-wide. Many lost speculation profits and confidence in cards as a commodity deteriorated. Throughout the 2000s, the market stabilized at lower levels with die-hard collectors caring most about condition and completeness of classic sets over pure monetary statistics. Today’s baseball card investors tend to focus more on rarities, prospects and short-prints from the pre-1986 “Junk Wax” era production.

Outstanding rookies from stars still active like Mike Trout or investments in prospects who blossomed like Juan Soto remain a solid strategy. Hall of Fame talents whose careers ended in past decades persist as blue-chip holdings as well. For what essentially amounts to baseball memorabilia, seeking tremendous condition specimens can provide returns, especially through the rigorous third-party authentication now offered by firms such as PSA, BGS, SGC and others.

Their rigorous grading on centering, edges, corners and surface attributes supplies standardized rarity data according to the assigned numerical grade. This transparency supports market prices more concretely in the modern age. High-end auctions still feature six and seven-figure transactions for pristine examples of Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner and other icons from the prewar period. But the wider baseball card universe operates at much lower levels today.

A PSA 9 graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in exceptional shape recently sold for over $2.8 million, showcasing the investment potential for the truly great rarities. It’s difficult to predict future values of individual cards, so collecting also requires passion, knowledge of the market, risk tolerance – and of course, some luck. While the 1980s “meteor rise” hype has long cooled, rare and exceptionally preserved baseball cards from important players are still quite collectible assets if you buy right. With care and foresight, strategic additions to a long-term set can potentially appreciate over decades.

But for casual fans, today’s common bulk cards have nominal financial worth in the depreciated marketplace. The collapse of Toys “R” Us and other major retailers from online competition has contracted the previous distribution channels which keep supply high. With production largely past its peak, future scarcity may create new investing opportunities. But short of a revival matching the 1980s craze, baseball memorabilia like most collectibles depends far more now on inherent condition, history and enjoyment of the hobby over just betting on future profit. For avid enthusiasts, the baseball card world still holds immense fascination and potential earnings – if you can find the next rare 1952 Mantle.

While the 1980s speculative boom is long finished, valuable baseball cards still exist for patient collectors who do their research. Hall of Fame players from decades ago in top-notch condition command the highest prices, as well as short-print errors and prospect cards pre-1986. With proper care, authentication, and market savvy, uncommon vintage issues can appreciate significantly over the long run. But for common modern issues, the financial value remains minimal. Baseball cards today are best viewed as a specialty hobby and potential collectible investment – not strictly as a get-rich venture. For those who truly love the sport and take time to learn the market, opportunities remain to profit, but cards must primarily be collected for enjoyment rather than just expectations of future earnings.

WHAT COMPANIES STILL MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps: Topps is considered the flagship brand of modern baseball cards and is likely still the largest and most well-known producer today. They have held the exclusive license to produce Major League Baseball cards since 1959. Topps pioneered the modern format of baseball cards that is still widely used, with statistics and biographies on the back of each card. They release many different series each year under the flagship Topps brand as well as subsidiary brands like Bowman. Some of their most popular modern releases include Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, Topps Heritage, and Topps Tribute.

Panini America: Panini America is one of the larger competitors to Topps. They hold licenses from the NFL, NBA, FIFA World Cup, and many other sports properties. For baseball cards, Panini America releases sets featuring current MLB players and rookies under brands like Donruss, Contenders, and Certified. Some of their flagship baseball card releases are Donruss Optic, Diamond Kings, and Chronicles. While they don’t have the official MLB license, Panini is able to photograph and include current players and stats.

Fleer/Leaf: Fleer was a pioneer brand in the early days of modern sports cards but lost the MLB license to Topps in the 1980s. The Fleer brand has since changed hands multiple times and is currently owned by Leaf, which continues to release some retro and niche baseball card products focused more on older era players not under an MLBPA license. One of their more popular recent releases paying homage to the original Fleer brand was 2020 Fleer Retro.

Upper Deck: Upper Deck built their business primarily on high-end sports and entertainment memorabilia/cards but also releases baseball card sets showcasing current players. Some of their baseball brands include Ultimate Collection, Artifacts, and Triple Threads. Upper Deck is known for innovative design and unique technology like autographed memorabilia cards.

Press Pass: A smaller and more independent company, Press Pass produces affordable baseball card sets focusing on capturing the authentic look and feel of cards from the 1980s and 1990s. Some popular Press Pass releases with retro designs have been Diamond Kings, O-Pee-Chee, and Stadium Club. They don’t hold MLB licenses but include photos and stats of current players.

Legacy/Donruss/Score: These vintage brand names that were popular in the 1980s-early 1990s were revived in recent years by different licensing companies to produce retro-themed baseball card sets without MLBPA licenses. Legacy/Donruss/Score cards will feature current minor leaguers or historic players no longer under MLB contract alongside retro designs paying homage to the brands of the past.

While the baseball card market has declined significantly from its peak in the late 1980s/early 1990s, it remains a multi-million dollar licensed collectibles industry dominated at the top end by Topps. Companies like Panini America, Upper Deck, and smaller independent producers also continue putting out new baseball card products each year targeting collectors both young and old. With the enduring popularity of the MLB and nostalgia for baseball cards of eras past, companies have found ongoing success maintaining and modernizing the tradition of this all-American collectible. New technological developments in card design also allow these companies to keep innovating the baseball card experience for a new generation of fans and collectors. The long history and legacy of many of these pioneering brands ensure baseball cards will likely remain an integral part of baseball fandom and collectibles for years to come.

DO BASEBALL CARDS STILL COME WITH BUBBLE GUM

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While baseball cards accompanied by stick of bubble gum was a staple of the hobby for much of the latter 20th century, in today’s market gum is rarely included with baseball card packs. There are a few reasons for this change over the past few decades.

To understand why gum is no longer a standard inclusion, it helps to look at the history and origins of the baseball card-bubble gum pairing. The concept of including small toys, stickers, or other non-baseball accessories with card packs took shape in the 1930s as a marketing tactic by card manufacturers to broaden the potential audience and boost sales of their products beyond just dedicated baseball card collectors.

Including a stick of bubble gum helped transform baseball cards from a niche hobby item into affordable recreational fare that could appeal to younger children as well. It was a savvy business move that paid off tremendously for companies like Topps, making the baseball card-gum combination synonymous with the hobby from the post-World War 2 era through the 1980s golden age of the sport.

Attitudes and safety standards slowly began changing through the 1990s with a sharper focus on potential risks to consumers, especially for products aimed at kids. Lawsuits over harmful ingredients in candy and toys generated new regulations and restrictions. Gum manufacturers reformulated recipes to remove potentially hazardous additives and dye colors. Additional packaging and labeling was also required by law.

These consumer protection measures drove up production costs. Meanwhile, the baseball card market was maturing as the memorabilia and collectibles craze took off. Older hobbyists replaced children as the main consumers. The extra costs of including gum in each pack started to seem like an unnecessary expense for manufacturers to absorb.

Baseball cards transformed from affordable impulse purchases at corner stores to a serious investment market targeting established collectors. Individual cards or sets sold at higher premium prices through specialized shops and online dealerships. There was less incentive to use freebees to entice younger or casual customers when serious adult fans were rewarding companies with big money for premium vintage and rookie cards.

So in the 1990s, Topps was among the first manufacturers to phase out the bubble gum, instead introducing bonus stickers or other minor extras into common card packs sold through mass retailers. By the 2000s and 2010s, even those token additions faded away in favor of singularly focusing on the baseball cards themselves in standard packs sold in hobby shops and boxed factory sets targeted at dedicated collectors.

Nostalgia for the classic baseball card-gum pairing never went away. Periodically over the past 20+ years, companies have experimented with limited throwback releases pairing modern cards with bubble gum to cash in on fondremembrances of the golden era combination. These special retro product runs normally command higher prices reflective of their novelty collectability rather than widespread availability or mass market pricing structure.

While increased costs, safety standards, and maturing hobby demographics combined to make bubble gum additions economically impractical for ongoing mainstream baseball card production since the 1990s, the memory and appeal of that classic postwar formula never faded for longtime fans and collectors. Occasional nostalgia-driven releases hint that perhaps some form of gum could potentially be paired with cards again if manufactured and priced as celebratory commemorative items rather than as an everyday product standard. But for regular ongoing series and sets today, baseball cards stand primarily on their own without any supplemental bubble gum promotion or treat.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS STILL WORTH COLLECTING

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Baseball cards continue to be a collectible item for many people, both young and old. While the hobby may not be as large as it was during the peak years of the 1980s and early 1990s, there remains a strong group of avid collectors in the baseball card space. Whether baseball cards are worth collecting really depends on your goals and interests as a collector.

For those seeking to invest in rare, high value cards that could appreciate significantly over time, there are still cards worth targeting for collection. Rookie cards and autograph cards of star players who go on to have Hall of Fame careers clearly hold the most long term value. Cards of players like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. from the recent years have already gained value and have strong chances to become extremely valuable someday if those players live up to expectations. Vintage cards from the pre-1980s era also remain good investments, as the supply of high grade examples of stars from that time period gets smaller each year. Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and other legends from the early 20th century will likely never lose their luster as collectibles. It is important to note that the baseball card market is unpredictable and past performance does not guarantee future results when it comes to an individual card or player appreciating over decades.

For collectors who primarily enjoy the hobby aspect of collecting rather than a focus on investment potential, baseball cards can still be very worthwhile. The annual release of new card sets by the major manufacturers like Topps, Panini and others ensure there are always new cards being produced of current MLB players and teams. Completing sets is fun and engaging for many collectors. Building team and player collections centered around favorite teams or individual players provides enjoyment. The social aspect too of interacting with other collectors at card shows or through online communities makes the hobby very appealing for casual collectors. Even with the rise of digital hobbies, there remains an appeal to the tangible nature of collecting physical baseball cards.

The costs of collecting also remain reasonable for most budgets compared to other collecting spaces. While vintage stars command top dollar, boxes of current year sets can typically be had for $20-50 or less. Individual cards can be obtained fairly cheaply on the secondary market too with many online sellers. Completing a set of a recent year or building a PC (personal collection) collection takes some investment of time and money but doesn’t require big financial outlays. For those that enjoy the nostalgia aspect, vintage wax packs holding mystery cards from the 1970s/1980s era can also provide affordable fun at yard sales and antique stores.

There are some downsides that potential collectors should be aware of. The surge in popularity from the 1980s boom means supply far outstrips demand today for most modern issues. Condition sensitive vintage cards can also be prone to wear and diminished values. Counterfeiting and altered cards also pose risks that require education to identify. The sports card industry has also shown signs of oversaturation in recent years with new companies and sets. Competition for collectors’ dollars is fierce so discerning what to focus on is important. Fluctuations in the broader collectibles market can also impact short term baseball card prices, both positively and negatively.

Ultimately, whether baseball cards are worth collecting today does not have a simple yes or no answer. For collectors passionate about the hobby aspects and history of the sport, there remains incredible enjoyment and potential value to be had from pursuing this collecting niche – both building lifelong collections as well as potentially profiting from appreciating assets down the line. But those seeking more of an investment vehicle may be better served considering other options. For the right collector, baseball cards can absolutely still be worthwhile even in the modern era of the hobby, though a strategic and realistic approach is advised by experts.

DOES DONRUSS STILL MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, Donruss does still make baseball cards, however the company has gone through some ownership and branding changes over the past few decades that have impacted their baseball card production and release schedules.

Donruss began producing baseball cards in 1981 and was a major brand in the industry throughout the 1980s. They were known for innovative sets like their X-Fractors parallel insert cards in the late 80s that featured photographs with “X-ray” type effects. In 1992 Donruss lost the MLB license to produce official on-card photos and team logos to rival brand Upper Deck. This was a major blow to the Donruss brand.

They continued producing cards throughout the 90s but had to resort to using artist-drawn renderings instead of actual photos on many of their base cards. Their market share declined significantly during this period as collectors favored the photorealistic cards from Upper Deck and later brands like Topps Finest and Stadium Club that took over the high-end market.

In 1996 Donruss was purchased by entrepreneur Jeffrey Power. He moved production to Canada and rebranded the company as Playoff Corp. Playoff Corp continued releasing Donruss baseball cards through the late 90s and early 2000s but they became more of a mid-tier brand rather than a major competitor to Topps and the like.

In 2001, Playoff Corp lost the MLB player’s union license, further limiting their photo and trademark usage. Their releases became more generic and they started primarily focusing on insert sets rather than large base sets in following years. By the mid 2000s, Playoff Corp/Donruss baseball card production had slowed considerably.

In 2007, Panini America acquired the remaining assets of Playoff Corp, including the Donruss brand name. Panini had been a leader in European sports cards and stickers for decades but was looking to expand in the US market. They saw value in the Donruss brand history and retro appeal to collectors.

Under Panini, Donruss brand baseball card production ramped back up. They started releasing regular annual set releases again from 2008 onward. With Panini’s bigger licensing deals, the Donruss sets returned to using actual player photos on many cards rather than illustrations. Parallels and hit inserts became a bigger focus to appeal to collectors.

Some notable Panini Donruss releases of the late 2000s/2010s include 2009 Threads of Greatness, 2011 Diamond Kings, 2014 Diamond Anniversary, 2017 Diamond Anniversary Tribute, and 2021 Elite Extra Edition. While not among the top sellers like Topps Series 1 or Bowman, these sets have found success by tapping into the retro Donruss nostalgia many collectors still feel.

Panini has also blended the Donruss branding into some larger multi-brand baseball products over the past decade such as Chronicles, Diamond Kings, and Illusions. These crossover sets help keep the Donruss name in front of collectors alongside Panini’s other baseball brands like Bowman, Contenders, and Status.

So in summary – while the company has changed ownership a few times and brand recognition has fluctuated, Donruss baseball cards absolutely continue to be produced today under Panini. They have found new life appealing to collectors’ retro interests rather than trying to directly compete at the top of the modern market. Barring any future MLB licensing issues, it’s very likely Donruss cards will continue to be part of the annual baseball card landscape for years to come.

REDDIT ARE BASEBALL CARDS STILL A THING

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of baseball culture for over a century. During the late 19th century, cards featuring baseball players began to be included in cigarette and candy packs as a marketing gimmick. By the 20th century, baseball cards had evolved into a serious hobby and collection item for both children and adults alike. With the rise of digital technologies and other entertainment mediums competing for people’s attention, some have wondered if traditional baseball cards remain relevant or popular today.

While the market for baseball cards may have declined from its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, cards certainly still serve an important function within the baseball community. There continues to be a dedicated community of card collectors, both casual and serious, who seek to find, trade, and add to their collections. Popular modern platforms like eBay allow collectors to easily buy, sell, and appraise the value of their cards. According to official industry sales reports, over $800 million worth of sports cards were sold commercially in the United States in 2021. While somewhat lower than decades past, this figure demonstrates baseball cards retain significant economic value.

Within the collecting community, certain modern stars command as much buzz on the market as the legends of yesteryear did in their time. Top rookie cards for stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others routinely fetch thousands of dollars each from passionate collectors seeking to own a piece of history. Vintage cards featuring iconic players like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner and others remain enormously valuable as well, with the highest graded editions of their cards selling at auction for sums that sometimes reach into the millions. The chase for rare vintage gems or contemporary star rookies seems as exciting as ever for serious card collectors.

While the commercial market value of cards has declined since the 1990s “baseball card bubble”, thisdecrease can at least partially be attributed to wider distribution and print runs back then making individual cards less scarce in the marketplace. A secondary factor behind any decreases is simply the natural aging out of the generation that grew up with cards as a central childhood hobby in the 70s-90s. Younger collectors today may pursue cards differently, often focusing on specific stars or teams instead of building full mainstream sets like in the past. Renewed interest in nostalgia and retro collecting means baseball cards remain a popular gateway for younger fans to learn the history of the game and iconic players from eras before their time.

Many local card shops, shows, and conventions still see enthusiastic crowds. While attending primarily by dedicated older hobbyists rather than children en masse as in the past, these events demonstrate how communities of collectors remain active and help introduce newcomers. Some shops have noted periodic spikes in interest among new and returning collectors coinciding with milestones like a World Series win for a local team or the retirement of an all-time favorite player. Such events remind casual fans of the fun memories and history tied to card collecting. Resurgences in the popularity of vintage sports and memorabilia collectingstyles in recent decades attract those simply seeking authentic artifacts from seminal baseball eras over the last century. Cards still hold iconic status in this respect.

For sports fans seeking memorabilia, there remain few affordable and plentiful avenues to own authentic pieces of their favorite players and teams quite like baseball cards. While mass-produced, cards feature official logos, photos and statistics recognizably linking each player depicted to their major league accomplishments. Their small size and relatively low cost compared to autographed items or game-used gear also make cards practical for most budget-conscious collectors. As with any vintage hobby, the coronavirus pandemic led to renewed local interest in collecting as fans sought safe entertainment close to home. This helped boost LCS business and reintroduced cards to some casual collectors during lockdowns.

Traditional paper cards now compete with an array of digital collecting platforms as well. Apps and websites catering to the hobby, such as Topps BUNT and MLB Tap Sports Baseball, have proliferated in recent years. They allow fans to assemble virtual teams and compete online using roster lineups composed of cards depicting today’s and yesterday’s stars. While a different experience than physical cards, digital platforms expose new generations to collecting and serve as a supplementary format for existing hobbyists. They further tap into fans’ competitive instincts and drive new interest. Industry analysts argue such mobile experiences can foster greater fan engagement with the sport and individual players, potentially driving newer collectors to also pursue physical cardboard at some point.

While the market size and ubiquity of baseball cards among general youth culture may have declined significantly from peak periods in the 1970s-90s, the hobby remains vibrant within dedicated collecting communities. Serious and casual collectors continue pursuing and deriving enjoyment from building sets and seeking rare finds showcasing the history of America’s pastime. Cards linking each generation of ballplayers to statistics and accomplishments retain strong nostalgic appeal. As long as baseball retains its cherished place within American sports fandom, cards seem poised to stay relevant on some level as an affordable link to the game’s legends and today’s rising stars for years to come. Whether in physical or digital form, or among children just learning the sport or adults revisiting memories, baseball cards seem they will continue serving an important function within baseball culture and collectability.

BASEBALL CARDS STILL A THING

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and were once one of the most popular collectibles for both children and adults alike. In recent decades, the baseball card industry has seen ups and downs. With the rise of digital entertainment and more options for how people spend their leisure time and money, many have wondered if traditional baseball cards are still relevant or if they have become a thing of the past. So the question remains – are baseball cards still a thing?

To understand the current state of the baseball card industry, it’s helpful to look at its history and how it has evolved over time. The earliest known baseball cards date back to the late 1800s when cigarette and tobacco companies began including small cardboard cards with images of baseball players in their products as a marketing tactic. This helped popularize baseball and build interest in the relatively new professional sport. Throughout the early and mid-20th century, baseball cards boomed in popularity as a fun hobby for kids and a way to collect and learn about their favorite players and teams.

Starting in the late 1980s and 1990s, the baseball card market began to experience a major decline. Several factors contributed to this downturn, including an overproduction of cards that led to a surplus and lower resale values. The rise of video games, streaming services, and other digital entertainment pulled recreational time and dollars away from traditional collecting hobbies. Many stores stopped carrying baseball cards and the bubble seemed to have burst for the once lucrative industry.

While baseball cards declined significantly through the 1990s and 2000s, the hobby has shown signs of a resurgence in recent years. Several developments have helped renew interest among both casual and serious collectors. Firstly, the increased use of memorabilia cards that include game-used pieces of uniforms, signed swatches of jerseys, and other one-of-a-kind authentic items has made collecting more interesting and valuable. Secondly, a wave of nostalgia has drawn many back to their childhood pastime of collecting and brought in new generations of fans. Iconic rookie cards of stars like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper have also captured attention.

The growth of online selling platforms like eBay has made buying, selling and trading baseball cards more accessible globally. Websites and phone apps dedicated to tracking card prices and releases have also engaged more collectors. The rise of YouTube unboxing videos where people open fresh packs on camera has introduced baseball cards to a new digital audience as well. Some studies have found that around 12.5 million Americans collected sports cards in recent years. While not at the peak levels of the 1980s, this shows the hobby maintains a solid fanbase.

From a financial perspective, the values of vintage and rare baseball cards have soared in recent auction sales. In 2021, a rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for a record $5.2 million, showing significant demand remains for iconic pieces of sports history and memorabilia. Prices for modern rookie cards of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto have also risen sharply. This uptick in values has drawn new collectors and investors who view cards as an alternative asset class.

Despite signs of life, it’s hard to say if baseball cards will ever regain their mainstream popularity of the past. Younger generations have many more options to engage with their favorite sports and players online, through video games, live streaming of games, and social media platforms. The traditional hobby of collecting cardboard still faces an uphill battle to attract new fans. On the other hand, for those who grew up with baseball cards, the nostalgia remains strong and the market will likely continue catering to devoted collectors.

While the golden age for baseball cards may have passed, the hobby is far from dead. A dedicated fanbase and recent developments have helped baseball cards remain relevant, even if they don’t have the mass appeal of decades past. Whether cards can continue to innovate, engage new audiences digitally, and hold value long-term will determine if they retain their status as a collectible staple of sports culture or continue their slow decline into niche status. For now, baseball cards appear they will stay a thing, even if not quite in the same way as before. The future of this longtime pastime remains uncertain but its history and nostalgia ensure it will always have its supporters.

BASEBALL CARDS STILL MAKE

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and were once one of the most popular hobbies for children and collectors alike. In recent decades, as technology has advanced and entertainment options have expanded, the baseball card industry has declined significantly from its peak. Yet, despite facing strong headwinds, baseball cards remain a multi-billion dollar business and can still potentially make money for savvy collectors and investors under the right circumstances.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the baseball card boom was in full swing as collectors scrambled to get their hands on coveted rookie cards of rising stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Cal Ripken Jr. Major card companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss pumped out billions of packs annually and card shops dotted shopping malls and downtown areas nationwide. The bubble soon burst as an oversupply of cards flooded the market. With so many identical copies in circulation, the scarcity and allure that drove up early card values disappeared.

As the collectibles craze faded, card companies scaled back production and the sports memorabilia industry contracted significantly. Fewer new collectors were getting into the hobby, card shops closed down, and the sports card aisle at the local drugstore or supermarket became a thing of the past. Meanwhile, entertainment options for kids expanded with new technologies as video games, streaming services, and mobile devices proliferated. The baseball card, once a ubiquitous childhood pastime, was increasingly seen as antiquated and niche.

While the heyday of the 1980s-90s card boom may never be replicated, there are still avenues where savvy collectors and investors can make money in today’s baseball card market. One avenue is high-end vintage cards from the early 20th century, predating the junk wax era of the late 80s-90s that flooded the market. Iconic cards like a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie, or a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth are extremely rare, coveted by serious collectors, and have sold at auction for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in recent years.

Another area that still holds value is star rookie cards from the late 80s and early 90s, before the glut of mass-produced cards. Rookies of players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, or Chipper Jones remain quite scarce in high grades due to the number produced and are still in demand. These cards tend to appreciate steadily over time as the players age into retirement and their legendary careers are reflected upon. While they may not reach the astronomical levels seen for pre-war cards, high-grade examples can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands.

Modern rookie cards from the past 20 years may also hold long-term value prospects, especially for players who go on to have Hall of Fame careers and break major records. Examples could include cards like the 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie or the 2003 Topps Chrome Miguel Cabrera, which have sold for over $10,000 each recently. While it’s impossible to predict the future, cards issued very early in a superstar’s career before they were widely known have the best odds of appreciating substantially if the player lives up to expectations.

Beyond vintage and star rookies, there are also subsets within the industry that are driven more by passionate collectors than sheer numbers. Autograph cards, memorabilia cards with game-used pieces of uniform or bat, and 1-of-1 serial numbered “relic” cards can be scarce commodities that hold value due to their uniqueness. While more common autographs may only be worth $20-50, autographs of legends, especially those that have since passed away, can command prices in the hundreds or thousands.

While box stores and card shops have declined, the online marketplace has allowed the industry to continue on a smaller scale. Websites like eBay allow collectors worldwide to easily buy and sell cards. While volume is down significantly from the boom years, dedicated collectors ensure there is still steady demand for high-end vintage cards, star rookies, and collectibles. Prices have generally held steady or increased modestly overall in recent years according to industry price guides.

While the heyday of sports cards may be in the past, there remain avenues where savvy collectors can still make money in today’s more muted industry. High-grade vintage stars, valuable star rookies, and unique memorabilia cards will generally hold long-term value if purchased smartly. With patience and a discerning eye, those who invest in the top cards can enjoy steady appreciation over decades. It does require more work and expertise to earn profits compared to the boom years when virtually any card could be resold for more. For serious collectors rather than casual fans, baseball cards can remain a viable way to build a collection with long-term value and profit potential.

BASEBALL CARDS STILL WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and have grown into a multi-billion dollar hobby. While the vast majority of cards from the past hold little monetary value today, there are still some vintage and modern cards that can be worth significant money depending on their condition and rarity. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the baseball cards that collectors are still willing to pay top dollar for.

One of the most coveted and valuable baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Produced between 1909-1911 as part of the American Tobacco Company’s famous T206 series, it is widely considered the rarest and most valuable baseball card of all time. What makes the Wagner so rare is that the legendary Pirates shortstop demanded American Tobacco stop producing his card, likely due to his disdain towards tobacco. As a result, it is estimated only 50-200 Wagner cards were printed, making it incredibly scarce today. In near-mint condition, a T206 Wagner recently sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting a new record. Prices for high-grade examples regularly top $1 million.

Another early 20th century gem, the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card is also exceedingly rare. As one of the first cards featuring Ruth, who was just starting his career with the Red Sox at the time, it preceded his legendary run with the Yankees. Less than 50 are known to exist in all grades. In January 2022, a PSA EX-MT 6 example sold for $2.88 million, making it one of the highest prices ever paid for a single card. Mint condition examples could fetch $5 million or more.

Mickey Mantle rookie cards from 1952 Topps have also maintained immense value over the decades. As one of the most iconic players in baseball history, the Mick’s rookie is a must-have for any serious collector. PSA 10 Gems in particular have been selling for record prices, with one example achieving $5.2 million at auction in 2021. Even well-centered PSA 9s can sell for over $100,000. The 1952 Topps set as a whole remains one of the most coveted and valuable of all time.

When it comes to modern cards, rookie cards for franchise players like Mike Trout and LeBron James top the list. Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor parallel #/5 is arguably the most valuable modern card available, with an unconfirmed offer of over $3.9 million being rejected in recent years. Even PSA 10 base rookie cards from his 2009 Bowman set and 2012 Topps series 1 sell for well over $100,000. Meanwhile, LeBron James’ coveted 2003-04 Upper Deck First Year card holds value as one of the first appearances of the NBA legend. PSA 10 examples have reached $680,000 at auction.

Rookie cards for other recent MLB stars like Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also command big money, especially in high grades. Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor #/5 has sold for over $350,000. Betts’ 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractor #/25 reached $160,000. And Soto and Guerrero Jr.’s prized first Bowman Chrome cards from 2015 and 2018 respectively can each sell for $5,000-$10,000 graded PSA 10.

Beyond rookies, rare parallel and serial numbered cards are highly sought after. For example, Tom Brady’s 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket #76/100 sold for $405,000 in 2021. A Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor #/5 like mentioned earlier is worth millions. And serial #1 cards are especially prized, such as a recent $480,000 sale for a Joe Burrow 2020 National Treasures RPA #/5.

Vintage stars like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and more maintain value as well. A T206 Cobb recently sold for $396,000. A near-perfect PSA 8 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Cobb brought $480,000. And high-grade examples from iconic 1950s and 1960s sets like Topps, Fleer and Post continue appreciating over time.

Condition is absolutely critical to value when assessing older cards. A well-centered and sharply-cornered PSA 10 from over 50 years ago could be worth 100x more than the same card in lower grade. Third-party authentication and grading from respected companies like PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA helps establish condition, which buyers rely on. Ungraded cards hold much less value without verified preservation.

Scarcity and star power will likely keep certain vintage and modern cards at the high-dollar end of the hobby for years to come. As long as there are avid collectors chasing the rarest pieces featuring all-time greats like Ruth, Mantle, Trout and more, spectacular prices should remain for these elite cards. With care and research, today’s investors can still find valuable gems that will retain and potentially increase in worth over decades.

FAR CRY 5 BASEBALL CARDS STILL IN INVENTORY

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Far Cry 5 was released in March 2018 to critical acclaim, garnering praise for its engaging open world, narrative, and gameplay. While the first year sales of the game were strong, Ubisoft produced baseball cards as a promotional item to help extend the life and conversation around the popular title. Nearly four years later, some of those Far Cry 5 baseball cards remain in the inventories of retailers, a testament to both overproduction and the enduring appeal of physical collectibles.

The Far Cry 5 baseball card set contains 54 total cards featuring characters, locations, and items from the game. Each card contains an image on the front along with stats or details on the back related to what is depicted. The cards were distributed to major retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon starting in late April 2018 to coincide with the game’s release. Ubisoft’s licensing and marketing teams aimed to produce around 500,000 total packs of cards to distribute. Each pack contained 9 randomly assorted cards and retailed for around $5.

Initial sales of the Far Cry 5 baseball cards were strong, with many enthusiasts and fans of the game snatching them up. Within the first couple months over 400,000 packs had been purchased according to sales data provided by retailers to Ubisoft. Demand began tapering off more sharply than anticipated through the summer of 2018. By late August less than 25,000 packs remained unsold across all distribution channels. With the holiday shopping season on the horizon, Ubisoft opted to produce an additional 100,000 packs to push total production to the originally planned 500,000 level.

Distribution of the additional Far Cry 5 card packs started in early October 2018. Sales of the new inventory came in even slower than the residual sales over the summer. Over the next 6 months, under 15,000 of the new packs were sold. By April 2019, retailers were left with approximately 80,000 unsold packs taking up valuable retail space. Ubisoft worked with partners to have many of these returned, offering partial credit to clear out the excess inventory. Even after this buyback effort, some packs remained on shelves and in online warehouses.

Fast forward to present day in 2022 and a check of availability still turns up Far Cry 5 baseball card packs waiting to be purchased. While many major retailers no longer list them on their sites, a quick search of online marketplaces like eBay shows sellers with sealed packs available. Prices have dipped well below the original MSRP, with some listings as low as $2-3 per 9 card pack. Dedicated card collectors may snap these up as they become available. But for the casual fan or someone just now playing Far Cry 5, the promotional item has clearly overstayed its welcome on store shelves.

So why did Ubisoft significantly overproduce the Far Cry 5 baseball cards compared to demand? There were a few likely factors at play. First, promotional items like cards are often produced in large minimum runs by the licensed manufacturer. Hitting that 500,000 pack level may have achieved better per unit pricing. Secondly, initial sales were stronger than expected, likely giving Ubisoft overconfidence that demand would be sustained longer. The release of other big games also may have shifted attention away from Far Cry 5 more quickly than anticipated. The physical media business has been on the decline as digital distribution grows. Overestimating interest in a collectible product years later was an easy mistake to make.

For dedicated Far Cry fans and collectors, the lingering unsold Far Cry 5 baseball card packs can still offer value. Completing a full set at a discount provides an affordable way to enjoy relics from a beloved game. And as the years pass, the remaining stock will continue dwindling. For those willing to hunt them down, there is a certain novelty to acquiring officially licensed merchandise long after a game has come and gone. While the overproduction was clearly a miscalculation by Ubisoft, it does allow appreciators of the series to engage with a small piece of its history even today. Whether snapping up the last packs available or keeping an eye out for singles on the secondary market, Far Cry fans need not despair about the cards disappearing anytime soon.

The Far Cry 5 baseball card promotion that saw over 500,000 packs produced is a cautionary tale of what can happen when estimated demand outpaces reality, even for a popular game. Nearly four years later, some of those cards still wait patiently on shelves or in warehouses, a reminder of the challenges in predicting longevity for physical collectibles in the modern era. But for diehard fans, the lingering excess also provides an ongoing opportunity to acquire a small piece of memorabilia from one of gaming’s best modern open world franchises.