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PLACES THAT TAKE BASEBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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When building your baseball card collection, one of the biggest questions collectors face is what to do with duplicates, lower value cards, or cards of players you no longer want to hold onto. While you can try selling them yourself online through platforms like eBay, that takes time and effort. Another option is to find places near you that will buy your baseball cards.

Card shops are often the best place to look first for selling baseball cards near your location. Card shops specialize in buying, selling and trading all types of trading cards, including baseball cards. They have the expertise to evaluate your cards and make you a fair cash offer. Most card shops buy collections large and small. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to organize your cards by sport, year or set to make the sales process more efficient. You’ll want to bring any particularly valuable rookie cards, relic cards or autographed cards to the front of your collection for the shop owner to review first.

When visiting card shops, be prepared to only get a fraction of what your cards may be worth if you were to individually sell each high end card. Stores need to make a profit when reselling your cards, so their offers will reflect that. The convenience of a bulk sale and getting cash in hand that day makes it worthwhile for many collectors. Consider popping into a few local card shops armed with your organized collection to see which offers you the best price. Shop owners can also help you determine if you have any gems in your collection that may be worth listing individually online.

In addition to card shops, some larger retailers with trading card sections like comic book stores or nostalgia shops may also purchase baseball card collections. It never hurts to call around to local businesses like these that cater to collectors to ask if they do buy cards. Again, the key is having your cards neatly organized beforehand to make the process as smooth as possible. You’ll want to get clear on their pricing structure upfront – whether it’s by the pound, thousand card lots, or a flat percentage of estimated value.

Pawn shops can also be a viable option for selling baseball cards near you, as many pawn shops now specialize in buying and selling sports memorabilia and collectibles including cards. The advantage of pawn shops is they tend to have more flexible pricing structures than specialized card shops, offering the potential for a higher payout if you negotiate well. Pawn shops likely won’t have the same expertise as card shops to really analyze the value of rare cards. So you run more risk of potentially underselling something special without realizing.

Online consignment stores are another way to get the most money for your baseball card collection without doing all the legwork of individual online sales yourself. Websites like Collector’s Cash, Consignment Kings and Max’s Cards allow you to send in your entire collection which they will then market and sell the individual cards for you on popular auction sites like eBay. These sites take a percentage commission of 20-30% off the final sale price. But as with card shops, this full-service model saves you time while still getting reasonable value based on current market rates for your cards.

Sports card and memorabilia conventions or card shows are perfect opportunities to sell cards in bulk to multiple buyers at once. Look for regularly scheduled card shows happening in your area on websites like SportsCollectorsDaily. At conventions, you’ll find dozens of card shop owners, collectors and resellers all looking to purchase collections. With sellers competing against each other, you may be able to get higher offers than at a single shop. You’ll pay a small table or marketing fee, but then have an entire day to sell your collection. Bring plenty of appropriately priced cards to utilize your selling time efficiently.

Some other offbeat but potential places worth asking include national used bookstore chains that may buy cards in with store credit if valuable enough, local used sporting goods stores, antiques malls with collectibles dealers, coin and stamp shops (which sometimes handle cards too), auction houses, and dedicated sports memorabilia or nostalgia resale shops. Don’t forget online marketplace sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp too for trying to sell your entire lot locally to another collector in your area.

For finding the best places near you that take baseball cards, focus first on calling specialized card shops and stores as well as researching any local card shows or conventions. Pawn shops and larger retailers are other backup options that could provide you cash for your duplicates and lower value cards conveniently. Just be sure cards are organized beforehand and get clear on purchase policies like pricing structures and minimum lots. With a little homework, you should be able to sell off parts of your collection efficiently to build space and funds for continuing your baseball card hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS THAT ARE WORTH A LOT

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Baseball cards have been a longtime hobby for collectors, but some cards are far more valuable than others. With the dawn of mass production in the late 19th century, baseball cards became popular collectibles inserted in packs of cigarettes and candy. While common cards from the early 20th century era may only fetch a few dollars, some rare specimens can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands due to their historical significance and scant surviving copies. Let’s dive into some of the most valuable baseball cards that can fetch eye-popping sums at auction.

One of the rarest and most coveted cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, known as the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, it is believed only 50-200 copies were printed featuring the legendary Pirates shortstop, who asked the company to stop printing his image due to his opposition to promoting tobacco. In grade PSA NM-MT 8 condition, one in near-perfect condition sold at auction in 2016 for $3.12 million, setting a new record. Other PSA 8 copies have also sold for well over $1 million. Even poorly graded Wagner rookies in PSA Grade 1 still sell for six figures.

Another ultra-rare early card is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Only an estimated 50 copies are known to exist, since the newspaper promotion was very limited. One in PSA Authentic grade sold for $5.2 million in 2016. Other key Ruth rookies that can sell for big bucks include his 1909-11 T206 card and his Boston Red Sox “mascot” card from the 1917 series. Even in low grades, these cards fetch over $100,000 due to the Bambino’s legendary status.

Iconic Mickey Mantle rookie cards from 1952 are also enormously valuable, especially high grade copies in pristine “mint” condition protected in professional grading slab cases. His Topps card has sold as high as $312,000 for a PSA 9 copy and over $150,000 in a PSA 8 holder. His much rarer Bowman PSA 8 copy topped $275,000 at auction. Other all-time Yankees like Joe DiMaggio also have costly rookie cards from the 1930s-50s topping six figures even in below average condition.

Some uncommon but highly coveted cards include the 1914 Cracker Jack Jackie Robinson “dummy” card produced a few decades before he actually broke the color barrier. Only 50 were known to exist until a recently rediscovered specimen sold for $480,000. High-grade specimens of Honus Wagner’s rare 1909 American Caramel card also sell for $100,000+ despite being a more common issue than the famed T206 card. Another huge card is the 1914 Baltimore News Eddie Plank card from the same newspaper promotion as Babe Ruth’s rookie. Just three are known, with one specimen selling for over $300,000.

Rookie cards of superstar pitchers also naturally demand huge dollars. A Nolan Ryan 1971 Topps rookie in mint PSA 9 condition sold for over $100,000. Other examples include a Tom Seaver 1966 Bowman PSA 8 that topped $90,000, Bob Gibson 1956 Topps PSA 7 selling for $87,000, and a Sandy Koufax 1955 Topps PSA 8 fetching over $60,000. Autograph cards signed by legends in their prime can escalate values further when authenticated, such as a Johnny Bench 1973 Topps autographed rookie that brought nearly $43,000.

One position that can rival pitchers is catchers, owing to their fewer cards in circulation throughout history. A rare 1909-11 Interior Portraits Johnny Kling PSA Authentic card sold for $86,400 back in 2011. Johnny Bench’s 1968 Topps rookie in high grade also routinely sells for over $10,000 today. First-year cards for Hall of Fame backstops like Yogi Berra, Gary Carter and Ivan Rodriguez can reach five figures as well depending on condition.

Rookie cards from the late 1980s and 90s “junk wax” era may be plentiful but still hold value for all-time greats in pristine condition. A Ken Griffey Jr. upper deck rookie PSA 9 sold in 2015 for $31,800. Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera rookies have also been known to crack four figures in top grades. Perhaps no modern card rivals the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in terms of scarceness and demand, as a 1/1 printing plate specimen sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $2.88 million in 2018.

While most baseball cards not featured here can only be worth hundreds at most in top condition, there remains an elite class of rare and significant rookie cards, unique museum specimens and autograph cards signed by the icons of the early game that continue to set new benchmarks at auction. For savvy collectors and dealers, locating high-grade examples of these keys to the hobby presents opportunities to acquire historically prominent baseball memorabilia sure to retain and potentially increase in value for generations of fans.

BASEBALL CARDS THAT ARE WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, but not all cards are created equal when it comes to value. There are certain factors that determine whether or not a baseball card could have significant monetary worth, from the rarity of the card to its condition and the popularity of the player featured. In this in-depth guide, we will look at some of the specific baseball cards from different eras that have sold for the most money and why they command such high prices in the memorabilia marketplace.

One of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, which is considered the Holy Grail of cards among collectors. In excellent condition, one of these rare early tobacco cards could fetch well over $1 million at auction. This is because the American Tobacco Company only printed approximately 60 of the Wagner cards, making them incredibly scarce. Wagner, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1900-1917 and is considered one of the best shortstops ever, also famously demanded his likeness be removed from tobacco products which added to the allure. In 2016, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for a record-breaking $3.12 million.

Other tobacco era cards that can be worth a significant price include high-grade examples of the rare 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card and the T206 set’s Cabrera, Mathewson, and Johnson issues which are short-printed like the Wagner. A PSA Mint 9 Babe Ruth rookie sold for $5.2 million in 2016. Conditions are especially critical for turn of the 20th century tobacco cards, as the paper stock was not very durable. Anything higher than a PSA 7 or 8 will fetch considerable four or even five figure sums.

The post-war Golden Age of the 1950s produced highly collectible rookie and star cards as well. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is one of the most coveted, with high-end PSA GEM-MT 10 examples changing hands for over $100,000. 1952 Bowman Color cards of Roy Campanella, Willie Mays, and Whitey Ford can also be worth big money, with PSA 9s bringing six figures or more. The ’52 Topps set is also notable for its iconic design featuring player photos on a yellow backing, which makes ungraded examples popular even in lower states of preservation.

Wax boxes and packs from vintage 1950s and ’60s sets like Topps, Fleer, and Bowman that have never been opened are another area that wildly appreciates in value over time. As supplies began to dwindle, unsealed wax from desirable years like ’57 Topps and ’64 Topps fetched over $1 million at auction in recent years. This is because the boxes basically act as sealed “capsules” protecting the pristine condition of the included brand new cards within.

Iconic rookie cards from the 1970s can fetch large sums as well depending on the star power of the player and the quality of the card. A PSA 10 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie sold for $476,000 in 2016. Other notable high dollar ’70s rookies include Rod Carew, George Brett, and Dave Winfield issues from ’71 Topps and ’72 Topps. Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn and Barry Larkin rookies from ’82 Topps are also desired chasing six figures for a true gem copy.

The late 1980s ushered in the modern era of sports card collecting fever with higher print runs and riskier investments compared to many pre-1980 cards. That is not to say there are no big money cards from this interval. Some singular trophy pieces like a PSA 10 1989 Topps Bonds or PSA 10 1990 Topps Griffey Jr. rookie could sell for well over $100,000 in the right auction. Unopened wax boxes and factory sealed ’87 Topps Traded, ’89 Upper Deck, and ’90 Score set the ceiling even higher, with sealed boxes changing hands for hundreds of thousands.

In the aftermath of the speculation boom of the early 1990s, vintage cards regained even more prominence and investment appeal thanks to the nostalgia factor and finite supplies compared to modern highly produced cardboard. This premium has pushed first year/rookie cards of 20th century icons like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle into the realm of million dollar collectors items if they surface in true gem condition protected all these decades later inside some forgotten attic.

Even with today’s more abundant printing, there are still ultra-rare specimens preserved in pristine quality that command lofty sums. For example, anyone owning a PSA 10 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Patricka Mahomes II or PSA 10 2011 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie could find a hungry buyer willing to pay six figures, if not more. Condition sensitive older parallels, numbering variations and autographed or game-used memorabilia cards also drive value propositions for collectors seeking the rarest of the rare.

As you can see, there are number of baseball cards spanning the entire history of the hobby that are investment worthy based on their scarcity, star power, and especially high grades. While attaining perfect condition is no easy feat, judiciously selecting cards of the sport’s true legends from before increased modern production and carefully preserving them long-term presents opportunities for significant profit potential down the road when baseball nostalgia and collecting demand stays perpetually strong.

BASEBALL CARDS THAT WERE NEVER MADE

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Baseball cards have been capturing the likenesses and statistics of players for over 130 years now, becoming an integral part of the sport’s history and fandom along the way. For various reasons, some potential baseball cards fell through the cracks and were never officially produced and distributed. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable baseball cards that fans never got to see come to fruition.

Perhaps the highest profile unproduced baseball card would have been for Babe Ruth during his playing days with the Boston Red Sox from 1914 to 1919. While Ruth did appear on some Red Sox team sets from that era, he was never given an individual card by the major baseball card companies like American Caramel, American Tobacco, or Goudey during his time in Boston before being sold to the Yankees. Given his legendary status today, it’s hard to believe Topps, Bowman, or any other brand in later years never tried to retroactively produce a 1914-1919 Babe Ruth Red Sox card to cash in on his iconic fame and fill in that gap in the card archives.

Another huge missed opportunity was individual cards for the legendary Negro League stars who played prior to the integration of Major League Baseball in 1947. Icons like Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Buck O’Neil, and Satchel Paige dominated the Negro Leagues for decades but were denied the chance to showcase their talents in the big leagues or receive national baseball card recognition during their playing days due to the racial segregation and discrimination of that era. While Gibson, Paige, and a handful of others did receive late-in-life tribute cards in the 1970s and beyond, full-fledged vintage cards of these all-time greats in their primes would have been treasures for collectors.

Trading card companies also missed chances over the years to produce special subset and insert sets highlighting unique players, events, and accomplishments that didn’t necessarily fit traditional annual release checklists. One idea that seems like a no-brainer would have been “Rookie of the Year” cards for each season’s top first-year player. Similarly, “All-Star” or “Postseason Hero” subsets could have highlighted standout performances that may have otherwise been overlooked on standard base cards. And commemorative sets for historic achievements like Ted Williams’ .400 batting average season, Don Larsen’s perfect game, or Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak would have undoubtedly found an eager collector audience.

Injuries, illnesses, or other unexpected circumstances sometimes prevented players from appearing on cards as well. Dizzy Dean was one of the game’s biggest stars in the 1930s but suffered an arm injury in 1937 and was never included in any card issues after that point in his career. Kirby Puckett’s Hall of Fame career was tragically cut short in 1995 due to glaucoma, meaning collectors were denied the chance at any new Puckett cards beyond his Minnesota Twins tenure. And players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron likely would have received special “Retirement” cards had illnesses or injuries not forced them to hang up their cleats earlier than planned.

Trading card companies also passed on opportunities over the years to produce sets highlighting unique leagues, teams, tournaments, and international competitions that took place outside of MLB’s purview. Vintage cards paying tribute to the Negro Leagues, Japanese Leagues, Mexican Leagues, Cuban Leagues, and other pioneering professional circuits around the world would have thrilled collectors. Similarly, the Olympic baseball tournaments, College World Series, minor league all-star games, and other special events never saw their stars immortalized in cardboard form due to lack of licensing or interest from the card publishers.

Perhaps the most glaring missed opportunity, though, was Topps’ failure to produce a complete 1972 set in the wake of a legal dispute that year. With production halted after the first series was released, a significant portion of that season’s biggest players and stories went undocumented in the mainstream card issues collectors had come to expect. Names like Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Hank Aaron are conspicuously absent from the ’72 checklist—a gaping hole that remains unfilled to this day and is the holy grail for completionists.

While the above examples highlight some of the highest profile cases of baseball cards that never came to fruition, there were undoubtedly countless other lesser-known players, teams, and moments that slipped through the cracks as well over the decades. With the ever-growing retro and specialty subsets now produced by today’s card companies, perhaps some of these unmade cards from history could still see new life through limited run releases that would thrill vintage collectors. Until then, they remain as phantom pieces of the hobby’s vast puzzle that fans can only imagine seeing completed.

STORES THAT SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and remain one of the most popular collectibles today. Whether you’re looking for packs of the latest release to build your collection or vintage treasure from decades past, there are many store options for finding baseball cards. This article provides an overview of some of the major retailers and specialty shops where collectors can search for cards.

Large Chain Stores: Big box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Meijer maintain baseball card sections, usually found near the front of the store by the trading cards and collectibles. While the selection tends to focus on recently released packs, boxes, and sets from the big licensed companies like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck, it’s a convenient one-stop shop. Prices are generally lower than hobby shops but the inventory won’t be as specialized. Chain stores are ideal for casual collectors just wanting the latest product or kids starting a collection.

Specialty Sport Card Shops: For a more extensive selection, serious collectors often turn to local specialty sport card shops. These smaller, independent businesses cater exclusively to trading cards of all sports and non-sports items. Knowing the interests of their regular customer base, owners curate inventories with a wide range of vintage and modern baseball cards. Beyond just packs/boxes on the shelves, bins and display cases hold thousands of loose singles available for searching. Prices on individual rare and premium cards will be higher at these shops compared to online retailers, but the browsing experience and expertise of the staff are invaluable assets. Some widely known national chains in this category include Mile High Card Company and Dave & Adam’s Card World.

Online Retailers: In the internet age, online retailers have become essential players in the baseball card market. Websites like eBay, Collectors Universe Match Attax, and Blowout Cards permit searching enormous card databases and putting in bids or buying lists of wants. While browsing selections isn’t as stimulating as in physical stores, online retailers typically beat brick-and-mortar prices. Condition grading services like PSA/BGS also sell population reports detailing every card they’ve graded over the years, enabling collectors to track down exact specimens. Sites maintain individual user reputations so buyers can feel secure in anonymous transactions. PowerSellers with established track records are reliable sources for valuable vintage cardboard.

Card Shows & Conventions: Serious collectors block off weekends every few months to visit major card shows bringing hundreds of vendors under one roof. Events like the National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City or the National Baseball Collectors Convention shift locations annually but provide the ultimate trading card browsing and buying experience. In addition to tables filled top-to-bottom with all eras and teams of inserts and stars, special guests, auctions, and prizes create electric, festival-style atmospheres. While admission and vendor costs run higher than retail stores, the sheer volume and variety of materials available make shows worthwhile pilgrimages. Meeting local collectors and dealers in the lively environment also buildscommunity.

Specific Independent Shops: Several independent collectible shops across the U.S. have developed strong reputations among the baseball card community for superior customer service and unparalleled vintage/high-end offerings. Establishments like Beverly Card Shop in Chicago, Grey Flannel Auctions in New York City, or The Midwest Trading Card Company in Minneapolis have grown loyal clienteles through decades of fair practices, deep stocks, and authentic products. Comprising more than just a storefront, these institutions serve as hubs, resourcing questions, appraisals, consignments, and auctions year-round for collectors nationwide. Maintaining low-profile websites highlighting current highlights complements busy brick-and-mortar presences.

Auction Houses: When seeking truly one-of-a-kind finds or high-dollar graded cards, collectors interface with major sports collectibles auction houses such as Heritage, Sotheby’s, and Goldin. Weekly internet sales feature consignments from estates, longtime holdings, and retirees downsizing collections, presenting unique opportunities to obtain pre-war tobacco cards or uncirculated ’50s rookie gems. Live floor actions at national shows like the National also witness unprecedented treasures on public blocks, with condition analysis from authorities. Big buy-ins match the potential rewards of pieces of cardboard history changing hands at over six figures. Resources like PSA DNA and JSA authentication protect validations further up the food chain.

While the retail and auction landscape continues evolving online, physical storefronts remain important community hubs for baseball card collectors seeking treasure hunting experiences plus necessary authentication, appraisal, and resourcing services. From mega-chain discount racks to hallowed collectibles cathedrals, options abound for adding cardboard pieces of the national pastime to collections both casual and elite. Knowledgeable dealers ensure the hobby retains passionate fans across generations.

PLACES THAT BUY BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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For many collectors of sports memorabilia like baseball and football cards, finding places to sell or trade cards can sometimes be a challenge. While online marketplaces make it easy to find buyers and sellers worldwide, there is still value in having local brick-and-mortar stores that are dedicated to buying cards. Here are some of the top options to consider when looking for places near you that buy baseball and football cards.

Local Comic Book and Collectible Stores – Comic book shops have long been hubs for trading cards of all kinds, from Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering to sports cards. Even if the shop does not specialize exclusively in cards, many comic stores will have a section devoted to buying and selling sports memorabilia. They typically pay cash for valuable rare finds or take trade-ins that can be resold to other customers. Calling local comic stores is a good starting point to ask if they purchase cards and what conditions they need to be in.

Specialty Sports Card and Memorabilia Stores – Dedicated card shops are the ideal places to go for getting the best value on card sales or trades. Larger cities often have independent stores or regional chains that focus only on sports collecting. Places like these employ experienced “graders” who can adequately assess conditions and assign market values. Serious or long-term collectors may trade in bulk lots of duplicates for cash or store credit. Specialty shops stay on top of the fluctuating values for vintage cards or rookie cards of current stars.

Card Shows and Conventions – For those wanting to cast a wider net, attending organized card shows offers the opportunity to set up a booth, display inventory, and negotiate trades or sales with many buyers and sellers under one roof. Events range from smaller local weekend shows at convention centers to sprawling national conventions that draw collectors from all over. Vendors are on hand to appraise collections and make competitive cash offers. Some card shows even have dedicated areas for appraisals and a “cash for cards” service.

Card Buying Services – Websites like CardBuyer.com, CardCash.com, and others operate like pawnbrokers for sports cards, buying individual rare pieces or entire collections sight-unseen based on photos submitted online. They offer quick payment by check or electronic funds transfer in exchange. While the prices paid won’t match a garage sale, these services provide convenience for those wanting to liquidate cards without the legwork of seeking out local buyers. Grading credentials and buyer reputations should be verified before sending valuable cards through the mail.

Online Classifieds – Sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and local “buy and sell” Facebook groups allow posting classified listings to find potential buyers. Photos and detailed descriptions help show condition and get top dollar, whether arranging for local pickup/delivery or shipping. Meeting in a public space and only accepting cash are recommended precautions. Online classifies expand the potential customer pool beyond local brick-and-mortar shops.

Auction Houses – Estate sales, appraisal services, or auctioneers may purchase entire collections and break them up to sell individually on platforms including eBay, Heritage Auctions, Lelands, or their own auction calendars. While sellers don’t get to set prices, auction houses take care of grading, research, and advertising to maximize values. An auction rep can assess over-the-phone if a collection warrants a cash offer or consignment contract with a percentage of proceeds going to the seller.

Sport Card Show Schedules – Many metro areas and regional sports conventions have regular monthly or bi-monthly shows. Checking event calendars and following promoter pages on Facebook keeps an eye out for upcoming opportunities. Well-attended shows attract the most vendors who are more likely to pay fair cash prices on the spot rather than just browsing merchandise.

Pawn Shops – As a last resort, local pawn and buy/sell shops might give cash advances on valuable single cards or small collections. These businesses are more suited to moving general items quickly and probably won’t recognize rare finds or give collector prices. Condition issues may also not be to the standards of serious buyers. But for those needing fast cash, pawn shops are an option of last resort if no other interest from specialized outlets can be found.

Sports memorabilia stores, card shows, online classified listings, and auction houses represent the best bets for local sellers to have cards viewed and priced appropriately by knowledgeable collectors. Cash in hand or store credit allows hunting for new gems to repeat the collecting cycle. With some networking and research of buyer reputations, these outlets help turn treasured cards back into the funds to grow collections even further.

BOB MAX BASEBALL CARDS THAT WERE NEVER MADE

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Bob and Max were two young baseball card collectors growing up in the suburbs of Detroit in the late 1950s. While they had amassed sizable collections of the stars from the various baseball teams of the era in their Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron rookie cards, there were a few players that they wished had cards made but never did. This article explores some of those players that Bob and Max hoped would one day have a baseball card made in their likeness but never did.

One of the first players that Bob and Max wished had a card was Dick Donovan of the Boston Red Sox. Donovan made his MLB debut in 1957 and had a solid rookie season, going 13-8 with a 3.04 ERA. Due to some quirks in the baseball card production process that year, Donovan was left off the roster for the 1957 Topps set despite his contributions. This disappointed both Bob and Max as they were big Red Sox fans growing up and wanted to add Donovan to their collections. They thought for sure he would get a card in 1958 but again he was omitted. Donovan went on to have a decent 6-year MLB career but never saw himself immortalized on a baseball card.

Another missed opportunity was Kansas City Athletics pitcher Bill Fischer. In his rookie season of 1958, Fischer went 15-9 with a 3.46 ERA and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Al Kaline and Bob Allison. His solid numbers that year made him a favorite of both Bob and Max. When the 1959 Topps set was released, Fischer was again absent despite his breakout rookie campaign. Both boys were puzzled as to why such a promising young player didn’t get recognized with his own cardboard. Fischer continued to pitch reasonably well for the A’s over the next few seasons but personal issues derailed his career and he was out of baseball by 1963, leaving Bob and Max still wishing for a Fischer card that never came to be.

Perhaps the most glaring omission from the boys’ perspective was Kansas City Athletics outfielder Earl Robinson. In 1960, Robinson emerged as the A’s best all-around player, batting .304 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI. He led the league in triples with 12 and also stole 24 bases. Both Bob and Max were impressed with Robinson’s five-tool skillset and thought for sure he would get his due with a card after such a stellar season. When the 1961 Topps set dropped, Robinson was yet again left out. They speculated as to why such an exciting young player who finished 9th in AL MVP voting got passed over. Robinson continued to produce for Kansas City over the next few years but injuries derailed his career, and like Fischer, he never saw a baseball card in his playing days, much to the chagrin of Bob and Max.

One of the more puzzling near-misses for a card to Bob and Max was Detroit Tigers pitcher Earl Wilson. In 1961, Wilson emerged as the Tigers’ best starter, going 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA and finishing 6th in AL Cy Young voting. His breakout performance positioned him as the ace of the Tigers staff. Both boys were big Tigers fans and wanted to add Wilson to their collections. When the 1962 Topps cards came out, Wilson was absent again. They talked to other collectors who were also perplexed by this omission. Wilson went on to have a solid 13-year career, winning 20 games three different times, but never had a card in his playing days, which disappointed Bob and Max to this day.

Perhaps the most glaring oversight in need of a baseball card to Bob and Max was Kansas City Athletics slugger Dick Green. In 1963, Green enjoyed a breakout season, batting .288 with 27 home runs and 79 RBI. His 27 round-trippers led the American League that season. Both boys were impressed with Green’s power showing and thought for sure the power-hitting first baseman would receive cardboard recognition after leading the league in home runs. When the 1964 Topps set was released, Green was nowhere to be found, much to their dismay. Green continued mashing home runs over the next few seasons before injuries cut his career short, and like others on this list, he never saw a baseball card issued during his playing days, which still bothers Bob and Max to this day.

In closing, while Bob and Max amassed impressive collections of the stars from the 1950s and 1960s over the years in their Mickey Mantles, Willie Mayses, and Hank Aarons, there were several promising players who slipped through the cardboard cracks that they always wished had cards – players like Dick Donovan, Bill Fischer, Earl Robinson, Earl Wilson, and Dick Green. For whatever reasons, these talented ballplayers who had breakout seasons and career-best performances were passed over by the card companies at the time. Both Bob and Max have often discussed and debated over the years as to why such noteworthy players never saw themselves immortalized on a baseball card. While their collections grew to be the envy of their neighborhood, a few key cards were always missing that represented players they admired but never had the baseball card recognition they deserved.

AUCTION HOUSES THAT SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been a beloved collectible item for over a century, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. As the hobby has grown in popularity over the decades, so too has the market for buying and selling baseball cards. While local card shops remain popular places to find cards, many serious collectors and investors now turn to auction houses when seeking rare and valuable vintage cards. Some of the largest and most well-known auction houses that specialize in baseball cards include:

Heritage Auctions: Based in Dallas, Texas, Heritage Auctions is considered the largest auction house in the world for sports collectibles and memorabilia. They hold frequent auctions both online and in-person that feature hundreds of individual lots of vintage baseball cards up for bid. Heritage Auctions has built a stellar reputation for facilitating some of the biggest baseball card sales in history, including the record-setting $3.12 million sale of a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card in 2016. Their auctions offer cards from the entire history of the hobby, from the earliest tobacco issues to modern rookies. Along with individual cards, Heritage also auctions complete high-grade sets that can sell for six figures. Their online bidding platform and detailed condition census reports make Heritage a top destination for any serious card investor.

Goldin Auctions: Founded in 2012, Goldin Auctions has quickly become a major player in the sports memorabilia auction market. Based in New Jersey, they hold frequent online-only auctions featuring thousands of individual baseball cards up for bid. Goldin specializes in mid-range cards valued between $100-$10,000 and is known for their large selection. They have facilitated numerous six-figure sales of complete vintage sets in gem mint condition. Goldin’s online auctions attract bidders from around the world thanks to their easy online bidding system. While they don’t offer the same ultra-high-end rarities as Heritage, Goldin is a go-to source for affordable lots of vintage stars across all levels of the hobby.

SCP Auctions: Operating since 1985, SCP Auctions is one of the longest-running auction houses in the industry. Based in California, SCP focuses solely on collectibles, coins, and memorabilia, with frequent auctions dedicated to vintage baseball cards. Their auctions are held both online and in-person, and cater to collectors of all budgets. SCP is known for their detailed photography and grading of each card to give bidders full confidence. They have facilitated major individual card sales, such as a 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie that fetched over $400,000 in 2017. SCP’s experienced staff and third-party authentication services make them a trusted name for high-end vintage cards.

Lelands: Founded in 1985, Lelands Auction House is based in New Jersey and specializes in American sports collectibles. Their bi-monthly auctions feature over 5,000 lots of vintage baseball cards available for online bidding. Lelands is known for catering to mid-range collectors, offering affordable individual cards as well as complete team and set collections. They have facilitated six-figure sales of rare complete sets like the 1959 Topps and 1933 Goudey Baseball. Lelands’ easy online platform and detailed condition reports make them a go-to source for vintage cards of all eras and price points.

Robert Edward Auctions: Operating since 1978, Robert Edward Auctions is the oldest continuously-run sports auction house. Based in New Jersey, they hold bi-monthly online auctions featuring a wide selection of individual vintage baseball cards from the 1800s tobacco era up to the 1980s. Robert Edward caters to high-end collectors, offering rare pre-war tobacco cards that can sell for over $100,000. They are known for their meticulous grading standards and have facilitated numerous record-setting individual card sales. Robert Edward’s experienced staff and authentication services make them the premier source for condition-graded vintage rarities.

While local card shops and online retailers remain staples of the industry, auction houses have emerged as the leading destination for those seeking truly valuable vintage cards. Their third-party authentication, detailed condition reports, and competitive bidding processes provide confidence to serious collectors. The large auction houses have facilitated some of the most famous individual card sales in history and continue setting new benchmarks in the hobby. For anyone with a substantial collection to sell or looking for a rare find to add, an auction house remains the best choice.