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BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY TODAY

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, it’s important to do your research and understand the market. While some cards from decades past can be worth huge sums, focusing only on old cards means missing opportunities in the modern market. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best baseball cards to buy today from both recent years and the present.

One of the top modern baseball cards to consider is any rookie card for Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. As one of the most unique and talented players in the game today, Ohtani’s rookie cards hold tremendous long term value. His 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookies can still be found for reasonable prices, but are great holds. Even his 2021 cards, which feature his first full season back from injury, are appreciating quickly. In a few years, any Ohtani rookie is likely to be out of the price range of most collectors.

Another young superstar with skyrocketing cards is Fernando Tatis Jr, the standout shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Tatis’ elite talent, charisma and youth make him a prime candidate to become one of the faces of MLB for years to come. His 2019 Topps Series 1 rookie card is up over 750% in the last two years alone. While no longer a “bargain,” Tatis rookies still have plenty of upside. His 2021 Update Series paper rookie also looks promising long term.

Ronald Acuña Jr’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card is one of the best modern pickups under $100. Acuña quickly established himself as a budding superstar and the card has increased over 400% since the start of 2020. His 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookies are also excellent longer term holds, though prices have risen significantly. Acuña’s talent and youth ensure his cards will remain relevant investments.

For pitchers, look to Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler. His 2015 Bowman Chrome Prospect card can still be found in the $50-75 range. Buehler has emerged as one of baseball’s premier young hurlers and that card is sure to appreciate greatly in the coming years as his stardom increases. His 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie is also a worthwhile pickup before it climbs out of reach for most collectors.

Another young arm to consider is Miami Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara. While not a household name quite yet, Alcantara is establishing himself as a workhorse starter with ace-caliber stuff. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect card is very affordable at under $20 still. Alcantara has yet to reach his prime and with continued improvement, this card stands to multiply in value substantially in the coming years.

For veteran stars, cards from Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw remain solid investments. While their rookies are cost prohibitive, later parallels and serially numbered cards can still be found at reasonable prices. Trout and Kershaw have Hall of Fame careers already locked up, ensuring any of their cards hold value. Trout in particular is establishing himself as perhaps the greatest player of all time, making even his modern cards worthwhile long term holds.

Rookie cards for recent top draft picks like Spencer Torkelson, Casey Mize, Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr are also strong considers. Though riskier short term as these players have yet to establish themselves in the majors, any could explode in value with a few good seasons. Their draft year cards can still be had for under $50 in most cases, with huge upside if they meet their potential.

For bargain buys, keep an eye out for stars from the 1980s and 90s whose cards have fallen by the wayside. Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and others were elite players who are largely forgotten by today’s collectors. Their rookie cards can often be found raw on eBay for under $20. With the nostalgia cycle always continuing, these cards are primed for a comeback as new collectors rediscover the stars of their youth.

In today’s market, focus on a blend of blue-chip young talents like Ohtani, Tatis and Acuña alongside proven stars and undervalued veterans. Spreading investments across different player tiers and price points helps mitigate risk. Always do your research, buy cards you personally enjoy and have confidence in the players. With patience and a long term outlook, there are plenty of opportunities for growth in the modern baseball card market.

CARDS BASEBALL SCHEDULE TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals are set to take on the Milwaukee Brewers today at Busch Stadium in St. Louis for the second game of a three-game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15pm Central Time as the Cardinals look to bounce back after dropping the series opener 5-1 on Friday night.

The Cardinals enter today’s contest with a record of 40-33 on the season, good for second place in the NL Central division, 5.5 games back of the first place Brewers. Milwaukee improved to 46-28 with their victory over St. Louis on Friday. Today’s starting pitchers will be right-hander Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals and righty Brandon Woodruff for the Brewers.

Wainwright is 6-5 with a 3.32 ERA on the year for St. Louis. The veteran has been very solid for the Cardinals this season, giving them a chance to win in almost every start. In his last outing, Wainwright went 6 innings and allowed just 1 run on 4 hits against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, though he did not factor in the decision of a 3-2 Cardinals win. The 36-year old will be looking to get back on track after struggling in his previous start against Milwaukee on June 15th, giving up 5 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision.

Woodruff has emerged as the Brewers ace this season, going 8-2 with a 3.87 ERA over 14 starts. The 26-year old righty is coming off his best start of the year, tossing 7 scoreless innings of 3-hit ball against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 17th to earn his 8th win. Woodruff faced the Cardinals back on May 31st and did not factor in the decision after allowing 2 runs over 5 innings in Milwaukee’s 3-2 victory. He’ll be aiming for his first career win against St. Louis today.

The Cardinals offense will need to bounce back after being held to just 1 run on 5 hits by Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacín on Friday night. Third baseman Matt Carpenter led the way, going 2-for-4 with a double. The rest of the Cardinals lineup combined to go just 3-for-19. Cleanup hitter Paul Goldschmidt is still seeking his first hit as a Cardinal after going 0-for-4 in his Busch Stadium debut. The Cardinals will need more production from Goldschmidt and the middle of their order against Woodruff today.

On the mound, Wainwright will look to keep the potent Brewers offense in check. Milwaukee ranks third in the National League with 400 runs scored this season. Christian Yelich has been the catalyst, leading all of MLB with a .342 batting average to go along with 26 home runs and 59 RBI. Yelich went 1-for-4 on Friday and will look to stay hot today. Ryan Braun is also swinging a hot bat of late with 3 hits in his last 2 games. Wainwright will have to be sharp with his location against this dangerous Brewers lineup.

The Cardinals bullpen was called upon early on Friday, throwing 4 innings after Wainwright’s early exit. Carlos Martinez worked a scoreless 9th for the Cards. John Gant, who had been very effective as a long reliever, was hit hard for 3 runs in 1 2/3 innings. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt will likely need multiple innings from his ‘pen again today if Wainwright can’t go deep into the game. The Brewers bullpen is also taxed after Chacín only lasted 5 innings on Friday.

Both teams will be looking to grab some momentum heading into the final game of the series on Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals have played much better baseball at home this season, going 24-15 at Busch Stadium compared to 16-18 on the road. A win today in front of what is sure to be a lively home crowd could help St. Louis gain some separation in the division standings with a long stretch against NL Central foes coming up after the Brewers leave town. First pitch for today’s Cardinals vs Brewers game is 1:15pm from downtown St. Louis.

VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The value of baseball cards today is largely dependent on the specific card in question and its condition and rarity. Although mass-produced baseball cards were once considered mere pocket change to kids in the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of collecting as a serious hobby has made some vintage cards extremely valuable. Determining the value of any given baseball card requires considering a variety of factors.

The most influential determinant of a card’s worth is its condition or state of preservation. Just like an antique, the better the condition of a baseball card, the more valuable it becomes. Top condition or “mint” cards that are perfectly centered and have sharp corners and edges with no creases, scratches or stains can be 10 to 100 times more valuable than a beat-up card in poor condition. Professional grading from authentication services like PSA or Beckett help standardize condition assessments and provide collectors assurance of a fair grade.

Another major factor is the player featured on the card and any accolades or milestones reached throughout their career. Cards of players enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame almost always carry higher values than average career players. Iconic rookie cards or cards from milestone seasons of star players are also highly sought after. For example, a rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition recently sold at auction for over $2.88 million, setting a new record. Meanwhile, a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, one of the most coveted cards in existence due to its rarity, has sold for over $3 million in the past.

Beyond individual players, scarcity has a huge impact on card values. Earlier cards from the formative years of cardboard collecting in the late 1800s through the 1950s are far scarcer in high grades compared to more common bubble gum-era cards of the 1970s and beyond. Sets from the pioneers like 1909-11 T206 and 1913 E95 have some of the lowest print runs and toughest cards to find in pristine condition. This scarcity makes the finest examples increasingly valuable to dedicated collectors.

The specific brand, set and year a card was printed also holds significance. Early brands like American Caramel pushed some of the first hobby cards in the 1890s. But companies that helped shape mass production like Topps, Bowman, Fleer and Donruss starting in the post-World War II years hold more nostalgia. Valuable vintage sets span from the aforementioned T206 and E95 issues along with 1953 Topps, 1956 Topps, 1965 Topps, etc. Even modern sets from the 1980s or 90s can gain value with time when sealed in factory fresh wax packs.

Authentication and grading add more definitiveness to determine condition, but they do factor into value too. Services like PSA and BGS slabs help maintain a card’s integrity, but also add a fee premium to what raw, ungraded cards of the same condition level may trade for. Higher PSA or BGS sub-grades of centering, corners and edges are also typically reflected in the price. And vintage cards are always selling for more when encapsulated by the leading graders.

Supply and demand also responds to current trends and events in the hobby. Market influences like highly publicized big auction sales of rare cards, milestones by today’s stars or anniversary years of classic sets can cause short-term value blips. Long gone cards suddenly return to the spotlight as former child collectors rediscover old collections. Macroeconomics like bull market years for other alternative assets also coincide with increased collector spending on vintage cards. And the advent of online auction sites let prices realize once unthinkable highs by connecting a global buyer pool.

With all these dynamics, determining the true worth of any particular baseball card specimen can only be estimated based on recent comparable sales. But looking at all the key factors tells why great preservation specimens from the earliest cardboard years still hold immense value as veritable antiquities, while specific stars or circumstances can boost even modern issues above their issue price in collector circles years later. For dedicated collectors and astute investors, the right combination of all the variables makes certain vintage cardboard treasures worth far more than their original penny price tag could have portended.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT TODAY

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When it comes to collecting sports cards, baseball is king. The rich history and tradition of America’s pastime lends itself perfectly to the world of collecting trading cards featuring legendary players. While the golden era of baseball cards occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the hobby remains hugely popular today. For collectors looking to get started or expand their collections, here are some of the best baseball cards to target in today’s market.

Rookie Cards – One of the most sought-after types of cards are rookie cards, which feature a player’s first appearance in a set during their rookie season. Some of the most valuable rookie cards ever include Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome card, which has sold for over $400,000, and Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps card. While those examples are out of reach for most collectors, there are still plenty of exciting rookies to chase from recent years. Top young stars like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. have rookie cards that hold strong long-term value potential as their careers progress.

Autograph Cards – Signed cards give collectors a direct connection to their favorite players. Many companies now include autographed parallels in high-end products like Bowman Sterling, Topps Chrome Autograph and Topps Tribute. Superstar signers like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom and others can be found, though their rarer autographed cards fetch higher prices. Lower-tier autographs from up-and-coming young players are more affordable options to consider. Memorabilia cards that feature game-used bat, jersey or ball pieces with signatures also offer a unique memorabilia component.

Vintage Stars of the 1950s/60s – The earliest vintage era of the post-WWII period produced some of the most iconic cards and players in hobby history. High-grade examples of stars like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and more are out of reach for most collectors pricewise. There are still affordable vintage options to pursue like lower-grade commons and stars of the time in need of more recognition today. Names like Early Wynn, Minnie Minoso and Luis Aparicio had fantastic careers and offer a connection to the earliest days of the cardboard craze at reasonable prices.

Modern Stars of the 1990s/2000s – The late 80s and 90s are looked at by many as the “golden age” of the modern sports card era, as the popularity of the hobby boomed. High-dollar stars from that period include Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. More affordable options include stars of the era who had solid careers but didn’t achieve the ultra-high levels of some peers. Names like Larry Walker, Jeff Bagwell, Jim Thome and Todd Helton offer Hall of Fame-caliber talent at lower price points. Their cards provide a link to the exciting steroid and home run era of the late 90s.

Current Standouts – Collecting today’s top active players allows collectors to follow careers as they progress in real-time. Stars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and others will likely have Hall of Fame careers when all is said and done. While their rarest cards remain expensive, their base rookies and star parallels offer exciting options to track long-term. Lower-tier but promising young talents like Gleyber Torres, Eloy Jimenez and Kyle Tucker provide affordable upsides if they emerge as stars. Following today’s game through cards allows collectors to engage with the current MLB product.

Memorabilia Cards – While not for every collector’s taste, memorabilia cards that feature game-used pieces of equipment or autographs continue to gain popularity. Top companies like Topps, Panini and Bowman insert memorabilia pieces like jersey swatches, bat and ball fragments into higher-end modern products. Stars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich and Ronald Acuña Jr. can be found, though their rarer memorabilia parallels hold greater value. More attainable options feature lower-tiered players or “relic” memorabilia of simpler cloth or leather fragments. These provide a unique collectible element beyond the traditional cardboard.

Value Players – Not all collectors can afford chasing $100+ cards of the game’s biggest stars. Targeting solid major leaguers who had good careers but didn’t achieve superstar heights provides affordable value. Names like Jim Edmonds, Tim Hudson, Mark Buehrle and Scott Rolen had excellent careers worthy of collecting without breaking the bank. Their base rookie cards or star parallels can often be acquired for $20-50. Lower-tiered vets from the 1980s-2000s like Bobby Bonilla, Bret Saberhagen and Ellis Burks offer nostalgia at low prices. These value options let collectors assemble sizable collections on a budget.

Themed Sets – Beyond individual players, themed sets provide creative collecting opportunities. Retired “Legends” sets from Topps and Bowman let collectors assemble entire lineups of Cooperstown inductees. “Cups of Coffee” sets focus on short-lived careers. Regional sets spotlight certain teams or players. Insert sets highlight unique stats, milestones or achievements. Themed collections offer variety beyond the standard rookie card approach. With ebay and online sellers, collectors can build themed collections of any size or focus without breaking the bank.

No matter a collector’s budget or interests, today’s thriving baseball card market offers a wealth of options. By targeting the player categories outlined above – rookies of future stars, current standouts, vintage greats, or affordable veterans – any collector can start or expand a rewarding long-term hobby engaging with baseball history. Whether chasing iconic Hall of Famers or tomorrow’s potential stars, collecting trading cards remains one of the most fun and accessible ways to connect with America’s pastime.

CARDS BASEBALL GAME SCORE TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Milwaukee Brewers today at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals came into the game with a record of 59-48, sitting in second place in the National League Central division, 4.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Brewers entered with a 64-43 record, looking to extend their division lead with a victory over their NL Central rivals.

It was a hot and humid afternoon in St. Louis, with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit at first pitch. The Cardinals sent right-hander Jack Flaherty to the mound to face Brewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Flaherty, who has been one of the Cardinals’ most consistent starters this season, was looking to bounce back from a rough outing in his last start where he allowed 5 runs over 6 innings against the Chicago Cubs. Gonzalez, a veteran in his first season with Milwaukee, was aiming for his 10th win of the year and trying to help the Brewers gain more separation in the division standings.

The Brewers jumped out to an early lead in the top of the 1st inning. Lorenzo Cain led off with a single and then stole second base. Christian Yelich then lined a single to right field, scoring Cain from second to give Milwaukee a 1-0 advantage. Yasmani Grandal followed with a walk, but Flaherty was able to limit the damage by getting Mike Moustakas to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The Cardinals responded quickly in the bottom of the 1st. Dexter Fowler led off with a walk and then advanced to third on a Paul Goldschmidt single. Marcell Ozuna then hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field, scoring Fowler all the way from first to tie the game at 1-1. Goldschmidt advanced to second on the play. Jose Martinez followed with a single to put runners at the corners, but Gonzalez was able to get out of the inning by inducing a Kolten Wong groundout.

The score remained tied until the top of the 3rd inning. Ryan Braun led off with a single and then Eric Thames drew a walk. Manny Pina, batting in the pitcher’s spot with Gonzalez due up next, came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double down the left field line to give Milwaukee a 3-1 lead. Gonzalez was then intentionally walked to load the bases, but Flaherty struck out Cain looking to end the threat.

The Cardinals cut into the Brewers lead in the bottom of the 3th. Wong led off with a single and then advanced to second on a Flaherty sacrifice bunt. Fowler followed with an RBI single to score Wong and make it a 3-2 game. Goldschmidt then walked to put two runners on, but Gonzalez was able to induce an Ozuna groundout to leave the runners stranded.

Milwaukee added an insurance run in the top of the 5th. Yelich led off with a single and then Grandal walked. Moustakas followed with a sharp ground ball up the middle that deflected off Flaherty’s glove for an infield single, loading the bases with nobody out. Braun then hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field, scoring Yelich to make it a 4-2 Brewers lead. Thames struck out looking for the first out, but Pina came through again with a clutch RBI single to score Grandal and extend the Milwaukee lead to 5-2. Gonzalez helped his own cause with a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over, but Cain struck out looking to end the inning.

The Cardinals threatened in the bottom of the 5th, putting two runners on with one out against Gonzalez. But the veteran lefty was able to work out of trouble by getting Ozuna to ground into an inning-ending double play. Gonzalez’s day was done after 5 strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4.

Milwaukee added an insurance run against Flaherty in the top of the 6th. Grandal led off with a single and then Moustakas walked. Braun followed by lining a single to left field to load the bases with nobody out. Thames was then hit by a pitch, forcing in Grandal and making it a 6-2 Brewers lead. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt had seen enough, pulling Flaherty at that point. Flaherty’s final line was 5.1 innings pitched, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits while striking out 3 with 2 walks.

John Gant came on in relief and was greeted rudely by Pina, who cleared the bases with a bases-clearing double to left center field. Pina’s third big hit of the day gave Milwaukee a commanding 9-2 lead. Gant was able to settle down after that, getting Cain to ground out to end the inning.

The Cardinals tried to chip away at the big Brewers lead in the bottom of the 6th. Ozuna led off with a single and then Martinez doubled to put two runners in scoring position with nobody out. Wong came through with an RBI groundout to score Ozuna and make it 9-3. But reliever Junior Guerra struck out both Fowler and Goldschmidt swinging to end the threat.

Milwaukee added an insurance run against Gant in the top of the 7th. Grandal led off with a single and then Moustakas walked. Braun grounded into a fielder’s choice, but Grandal was able to advance to third on the play. Thames then lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center, scoring Grandal and pushing the Brewers lead to 10-3.

The Cardinals continued to fight in the bottom of the 7th against Guerra. Matt Carpenter pinch hit for Gant and drew a walk. Ozuna followed by crushing a two-run homer to deep left field, cutting the Brewers lead to 10-5. But Guerra was able to get out of the inning by getting Martinez to fly out.

Milwaukee added an insurance run in the top of the 8th against John Brebbia. Cain led off with a single and then stole second base. Yelich was intentionally walked with one out. Grandal came through with an RBI single through the right side, scoring Cain and making it an 11-5 Brewers lead.

The Cardinals made one final push in the bottom of the 8th against reliever Alex Claudio. Fowler led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Goldschmidt walked to put two on with nobody out. But Claudio was able to work out of trouble, striking out Ozuna and getting Martinez and Wong to fly out to end the threat.

Josh Hader, the Brewers’ dominant closer, pitched a perfect 9th inning to seal an 11-5 Milwaukee victory. The Brewers extended their division lead to 6.5 games over the second place Cardinals with the win. Yelich led the Milwaukee offense, going 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Pina was a perfect 3-for-3 with 4 RBI in a pinch hitting role. Gonzalez earned his 10th win, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings of work. Flaherty took the loss for St. Louis, lasting just 5.1 innings while giving up 6 runs. Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI for the Cardinals in the losing effort.

With the victory, the Brewers increased their division lead and looked primed to make a run toward their first NL Central title since 2011. The Cardinals saw their playoff hopes take a hit with the loss and big deficit in the standings. They’ll look to bounce back in the final game of the series tomorrow and try to gain some ground on their rivals from Milwaukee.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY TODAY

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. While common cards from recent years typically aren’t worth much, there are always certain cards that increase significantly in value over time. Whether it’s due to the player featured, the year printed, or other factors, here are some baseball cards that could be worth money today for collectors.

Honus Wagner – T206 (1909) – The most famous and valuable baseball card in existence is the ultra-rare Honus Wagner card from the 1909-1911 American Tobacco Company’s T206 set. Only about 60 examples are known to exist in various conditions. In excellent condition, one of these historical beauties could fetch over $2 million at auction. Even low-grade copies in poor condition have sold for hundreds of thousands.

Mickey Mantle – Topps (1952) – As one of the greatest players of all time and an icon of the game, Mantle’s rookie card from Topps’ first set is highly coveted. High-grade versions have sold for over $1 million, with the record being $2.88 million. Even low-grade copies in Poor-1 condition can still sell for five figures.

Mike Trout – Bowman Chrome Draft (2009) – Still active and arguably the best current player, Trout’s rookie card value will likely only increase after he retires. Pristine PSA 10 copies have already reached $400,000. Even raw near-mint copies could fetch thousands due to his superstar status and the card’s extreme rarity from a limited print run draft set.

Shoeless Joe Jackson – M101-3 (1909-1911) – One of the most infamous players banned from baseball, Jackson’s legendary skill makes his tobacco era cards very desirable. High-grade copies of his iconic illustration from the T206 set have sold for over $250,000. Even low-grade versions still sell for four figures.

Nolan Ryan – Topps (1968) – As arguably the greatest pitcher ever, Ryan’s early career cards hold value. His true rookie from the 1968 Topps set has reached $100,000 in Gem Mint condition. Near-mint copies still sell for thousands due to his legendary status.

Sandy Koufax – Topps (1956) – A true legend on the mound, Koufax’s rookie is highly coveted. High-grade PSA 10 Gems have reached $150,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range still sell for five figures.

Roberto Clemente – Topps (1955) – An icon both on and off the field, Clemente’s rookie holds value due to his Hall of Fame career and tragic early death. High-end PSA 10 Gems have reached $75,000. Even lower-grade copies still sell for thousands.

Willie Mays – Topps (1952) – One of the all-time greats at “The Say Hey Kid,” Mays’ rookie from Topps’ pioneering first set is highly sought-after. High-grade PSA 10 Gems have reached $350,000. Even lower-grade versions still sell for five figures.

Jackie Robinson – Topps (1947) – As the player who broke baseball’s color barrier, Robinson’s groundbreaking rookie holds immense cultural significance. Pristine PSA 10 Gems have reached $700,000. Even lower-grade copies still sell for over $10,000 due to his legacy.

Babe Ruth – Sporting News (1915) – One of the earliest cards featuring “The Bambino,” this pre-rookie from The Sporting News holds immense historical value. High-grade PSA 8-9 copies have reached $275,000 at auction. Even lower-grade versions still sell for five figures.

Ty Cobb – T205 (1909-1911) – As one of the first true baseball superstars, Cobb’s iconic tobacco era cards are highly prized. High-grade PSA 8-9 versions have reached $125,000. Even lower-grade copies still sell for thousands.

There are also always certain rookie cards that can increase significantly in value if that player has a breakout season or wins awards like MVP. Players like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and others have rookie cards worth monitoring as their careers progress. Autograph and memorabilia cards can also hold value, as can vintage cards of Hall of Famers, especially in top grades. It’s the true rookie cards of all-time greats, stars, and culturally significant players that typically retain and increase in value the most over decades. With patience and luck, any collector could have a valuable baseball card hiding in their collection.

WORTH OF BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The worth of baseball cards today varies greatly depending on factors like the player, year, condition, and rarity of the card. While some modern baseball cards may only be worth a few cents in worn condition, vintage and rare cards can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects that determine the value of baseball cards.

One of the most important factors is the player featured on the card. Cards showing Hall of Fame players from the early days of the sport through the 1980s and 1990s tend to command the highest prices. Some examples of players whose rookie or iconic cards frequently sell for five figures or more include Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Mike Trout. Lesser known players or those without lengthy careers will generally have cards worth much less, often only a few dollars even in mint condition.

Naturally, the year the card was produced also greatly impacts its value. Vintage cards from the early 1900s through the 1950s are extremely rare and desirable for collectors since baseball card production and collecting were still in their infancy. The oldest and most historically significant cards can sell at auction for over $1 million. The late 1950s are also a very collectible era with the advent of the modern baseball card as we know it today in design and size. Cards produced from the 1960s through the late 1980s are generally the most valuable after the oldest vintage issues due to large print runs and interest from the generation of kids who collected them as children.

Condition is critical – a card in worn, damaged, or otherwise poor condition may only be worth a dollar at most regardless of other desirable attributes. Meanwhile, a pristine, near-mint example could be valued thousands of times higher. The leading grading service, PSA, provides a numerical scale of 1 to 10 for assessing a card’s state of preservation. Gem Mint 10 grades are extremely rare and push values to the highest end. Even a single scratch, ding, or bit of wear can greatly discount the worth. Professionally slabbing and authenticating cards also provides collectors more confidence and may increase demand.

Parallel to condition is the rarity of the specific card issue. Common base cards from modern sets are essentially worthless in anything less than perfect shape. Rare parallel or short-printed variations, autographed or memorabilia cards, and especially the most obscure and elusive errors can potentially earn big bucks for lucky collectors. Perhaps the ultimate benchmark of rarity is the famed 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the Mona Lisa of trading cards. The highest graded example ever sold at auction went for over $3.1 million.

Naturally, economics and market demand also come into play when determining value. During the speculative boom of the late 1980s and 1990s, even average 1980s cards climbed to previously unheard of prices before crashing. Today’s market remains robust, driven by nostalgia from collectors now in their 30s-50s seeking cards from their childhood alongside new younger collectors. As popularity and interest rise or fall over time, so too will prices change and trends emerge in desirability. Professional sports’ peaks and controversies also correspond with collector interest in certain players or teams.

While the specific worth of any baseball card depends on many intertwining details, the market remains vibrant and collecting brings enjoyment to many. With diligent research and care in storing valuable holdings properly, the pastime can even have profitable potential especially for those able to recognize cards sitting in attics that predate recent multi-million-dollar auction records. Whether worth a penny or hundreds of thousands, collectors can relive memories and discover new insights into the long history of America’s favorite pastime through its trading card tradition.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The baseball card market is thriving today, as collectors young and old continue seeking out rare and valuable pieces of history from their favorite teams and players. While cards from past generations commanded the highest prices, today’s market presents exciting modern options as well as legendary vintage treasures. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors in today’s market.

Mike Trout Rookie Card (2009 Topps Trout RC #293) – Widely considered the best player in baseball today, Mike Trout has already cemented his status as an all-time great despite his relatively young age of 30. His rookie card from 2009 Topps is the undisputed king of contemporary cards. High grades of this Trout rookie have sold for over $400,000, making it one of the most valuable baseball cards ever produced. Even well-worn copies still command thousands due to Trout’s dominance and surefire future hall of fame case. As long as Trout continues performing at an elite level, his rookie will remain one of the premier modern baseball card investments.

Sandy Koufax Rookie Card (1955 Topps Koufax RC #131) – One of the greatest pitchers ever, Sandy Koufax’s rookie card is the undisputed heavyweight champion of vintage cards. Near-mint copies have sold for over $1 million, giving it the highest public price tag of any baseball card in history. The 1955 Topps set is famously one of the scarcest of the 1950s, making Koufax’s iconic rookie incredibly difficult to acquire in high grades. Even low-grade copies still fetch five figures due to the demand for a piece of this Los Angeles Dodgers legend. Koufax’s astounding career cements this as the top vintage baseball card on the market.

Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Mantle #311 – No player is more iconic than “the Commerce Comet” Mickey Mantle. His 1952 Topps baseball card, featuring Mantle as a rookie for the New York Yankees, is perhaps the most storied in the entire hobby. High grades have sold for $2 million due to the perfect storm of rarity, star power, and nostalgia surrounding one of America’s true sports heroes. Even poorly-graded copies retain value in the low five figures. Mantle’s mantle as the “greatest living ballplayer” drives collectors wild for any relic of his early baseball card exploits with the Yankees.

Honus Wagner T206 Wagner – The most famous and valuable trading card in the world, the ultra-rare Honus Wagner T206 is the unreachable summit for virtually all collectors. Fewer than 60 high-grade examples are known to exist, making any chance to own a piece of this history a literal once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A PSA Mint 9 copy sold in 2021 for $6.6 million, truly cementing it as #1 in value despite its age. While virtually unobtainable for most, the legend and mystique surrounding the Wagner attracts a dedicated group of immensely wealthy collectors. It’s the holy grail that fuels the entire hobby.

Luis Robert 2020 Topps Chrome RC Auto #121 – While vintage cards command history’s highest prices, today’s stars also have immense possibilities. standouts like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto saw their rookie cards rocket to over $1,000 a piece shortly after their debut seasons. White Sox centerfielder Luis Robert broke out in 2020 and showed five-tool superstar potential. His Topps Chrome Refractors with autograph relics from 2020 caught fire, with high grades bringing tens of thousands. Robert looks poised for stardom, keeping this contemporary cut at the forefront of today’s market.

MOOKIE! – Any Mookie Betts card, especially from his MVP-winning 2018 season with the Red Sox, remains a strong long-term play. Despite being traded from Boston to Dodger Blue, Betts’ ability to deliver at the plate while providing highlights in the field makes him a fan favorite. Modern parallels and autographs from Topps products see lots of collector attention. A five-time All-Star and 2018 World Series champion at age 29, Mookie continues producing at an MVP level and establishing himself as one of the new generation’s brightest stars.

Soto’s Rise – At just 23 years old, Nationals slugger Juan Soto has already put together a career that puts him among the game’s elite. After back-to-back superb COVID-shortened 2020 campaigns, collectors have taken notice of Soto’s seemingly limitless upside. His 2018 Bowman Chrome autos and 2019 Topps Chrome Update RCs have climbed considerably and show no signs of slowing. With a smooth left-handed swing and advanced approach, Soto looks set for superstardom and could smash Mike Trout’s rookie records before long.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Topps Chrome RC #51 – At just 23, Vlad Jr. has delivered on all the hype around him as one of the game’s premier young power hitters. After making his MLB debut in 2019, Guerrero Jr.’s rookie cards have ascended accordingly. His flagship Topps Chrome Refractor RC #51 sees some of the most collector attention and value gains of any modern issue. Hitting clean-up for the Blue Jays and already a perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger candidate, Vlad Jr. has all the makings of a longtime cornerstone and could very well produce the highest valued modern rookie card crop when all is said and done.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Topps Chrome Update RC Auto /5 – Speaking of electric young talents, Ronald “El Abusador” Acuña Jr. exploded onto the scene for the Atlanta Braves in 2018 at age 20. His prospect pedigree and rookie season raised hopes he could be a generational superstar, and his cards followed suit. Numbered parallels like his 2018 Topps Chrome Update auto /5 skyrocketed in value as Acuña proved himself one of baseball’s most thrilling players. At just 25 years old now, he’s already a two-time All-Star with 40/40 potential who could carry cards like this to new heights as his career blossoms.

Shohei Ohtani Topps Chrome RC #66 – The first true two-way star of the modern era, Shohei Ohtani’s talents on the mound and at the plate for the Angels captured America’s imagination from the start. His 2018 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card became a collector darling and remains one of the most sought-after modern issues. At just 28 years old, Ohtani is still reaching his massive potential across both disciplines in a way nobody else can. He broke the mold, and cards that capture his unprecedented two-way rookie exploits could appreciate significantly if he continues to pull off the impossible year after year.

This covers some of the most in-demand baseball cards circulating today’s trading card market. While historical greats from the 1950s will likely retain the highest values, today’s stars like Trout, Acuña Jr., Guerrero Jr. and Soto are presenting opportunities for exceptionally high long term returns. Modern parallels and one-of-one autos of breakout talents also retain appeal. As the card collecting hobby evolves alongside new player generations, the past and future remain inextricably linked in bringing new life to America’s oldest pastime.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been around since the late 19th century but it grew exponentially in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. While the vast majority of cards from that era hold little monetary value today, there are some that have exploded in worth and have become among the most valuable baseball cards ever made.

Whether it’s due to extreme rarity, excellent condition, key players featured, or historic significance – these stand out as the top cards worth six and even seven figures in today’s hobby market. While values can fluctuate based on recent auction sales, here’s a look at some of the priciest baseball cards that diehard collectors covet and that newcomers may only dream of obtaining for their collections.

At the very top of the value ladder with a worth estimated around $6-10 million is the iconic 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911, it’s one of the rarest sports cards ever made with only 50-200 surviving copies known. What makes it so desirable is that Wagner, a superstar of the early 20th century, demanded his trading card be pulled from production due to his disdain for tobacco products targeting youth. The extreme scarcity has fueled massive bidding wars for high-grade examples over the decades.

Another pre-World War I card that often competes for the second most valuable baseball card is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Considered the first card to feature the legendary “Sultan of Swat”, it rings in around $2-5 million for top condition copies. Only a small number were printed in 1914 and the card gained notoriety after Ruth went on to smash home run records and later become one of baseball’s first superstars in the 1920s.

The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card has also cracked seven-figures at auction multiple times in gem mint condition, making it potentially baseball’s most monetarily valuable modern-era issue. With a population estimated under 100 PSA 10 “Gem Mint” examples for this iconic card of one of the game’s all-time great switch hitters, it elicits immense enthusiasm from collectors. A 2010 sale reached $231,000.

Another exceptionally rare and desired post-WWII issue is the 1957 Topps Ted Williams card, which recognized the star slugger after his final season in the majors. Estimates for pristine PSA 10 copies range from $400,000 up to $750,000. Other pre-1960s cards pushing six-figures today in top-tier condition include cards of the likes of Stan Musial, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax.

While 1960s and 70s issues hold less scarcity than their predecessors, certain key rookie and milestone cards still move collectors. A 2018 sale saw a 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 9 eclipse $99,000. The 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie in PSA 9 condition consistently sells in the $60,000 area as well. And 1975 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. and 1977 Topps Fred Lynn rookies in pristine condition have auction prices over $20,000 apiece.

Modern era cards entered the big money stratosphere in the 1980s and 90s. Led by stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds during boom periods for the hobby, select high-grade rookie issues from the junk wax era are now valued far above typical price tags. A PSA 10 1990 Griffey Upper Deck rookie card set the hobby record at $3.12 million in 2021. And a 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Mike Piazza rookie also set a record $4.2 million sale recently.

Today’s six and even seven-figure sales show that condition-sensitive vintage and star player cards retain significant long-term value sought by wealthy collectors. While common 1979 and 1987 Topps cards hold little worth, condition census cards reveal a robust high-end market driven by scarcity, historical importance, and the sustained rise of uber-valuable investment cards. Whether in the past or future, these cards cement themselves as among the financially elite in the collecting realm.

STL CARDS BASEBALL GAME TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals returned home to Busch Stadium today looking to gain ground in the NL Central division race as they took on their rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Much was on the line for this afternoon’s contest between the long-time rivals as both teams remained in contention for playoff spots down the stretch of the 2021 season.

The Cardinals entered play sitting just 2.5 games back of the Cincinnati Reds for the second NL Wild Card spot. At 71-68, they were four games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers as well. Every game was crucial if St. Louis hoped to play into October. Facing the Cubs, who sat just above them in the standings at 67-72, only added more importance to getting a victory.

On the mound for St. Louis was veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright. The 40-year-old remained a rock in the Cardinals rotation despite his age. On the year, he boasted a 15-7 record with a 2.89 ERA over 29 starts. Wainwright entered with a history of success against the Cubs as well, owning a 22-15 record and 2.60 ERA in 53 lifetime starts against their NL Central rivals. He was much needed to lead the Cards to a win.

Chicago countered with lefty Justin Steele, who was making his 20th start of the season. The rookie pitcher had made strides lately, going 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA over his previous nine outings. However, Steele had yet to face the Cardinals in 2021. At 4-3 with a 4.26 ERA on the year overall, he was an unknown quantity for St. Louis. Getting to the young hurler early could be key.

The Cardinals wasted no time putting runs on the board against Steele. Leadoff man Tommy Edman smacked a double to left field on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning. After a walk by Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado drove in Edman with a sacrifice fly to center.

In the bottom of the second, St. Louis broke the game open. Juan Yepez launched a two-run dinger into the left field bleachers to make it 3-0. Dylan Carlson and Paul DeJong later added RBI singles of their own to push the lead to 5-0. Steele was chased before recording an out in the third.

Meanwhile, Wainwright cruised through the Cubs lineup. He worked around a pair of two-out singles in the third and fourth innings to keep Chicago off the board. Through five innings of work, the veteran righty had allowed just three hits and no runs while striking out five.

The Cardinals bullpen took over for Wainwright in the sixth after he threw 95 pitches. Jose Quintana and Rowan Wick kept the shutout intact with scoreless frames. In the bottom of the seventh, Nolan Gorman provided some insurance with a two-run jack to left-center, increasing the St. Louis lead to 7-0.

Genesis Cabrera and Giovanny Gallegos held strong over the final two innings to seal the victory. The Cubs went quietly in order in both frames. When Gallegos got Ian Happ to ground out to end the game, the Cardinals had clinched a 7-0 win in the series opener.

With the shutout victory, St. Louis moved to within 1.5 games of the Reds for the second Wild Card. Wainwright picked up his 16th win after striking out six over six strong innings. The bullpen combined for three hitless innings in relief. Offensively, Edman, Yepez and Gorman each drove in two runs apiece.

The triumph gave the Cardinals momentum as they looked to gain more ground in the playoff race this weekend. Following an off day on Thursday, they will send Jon Lester to the mound on Friday night to face Chicago’s Zach Davies. A series win could pull them even closer in both the division and Wild Card standings with just 15 games left on their regular season schedule.

After dropping two of three in their previous series against the division-leading Brewers, getting back in the win column against the Cubs was a boost the Cardinals desperately needed. With the division and postseason berths still up for grabs, every victory takes on added significance. Momentum is key down the stretch, and St. Louis grabbed a big one by shutting out their rivals on Wednesday afternoon in front of 42,869 fans at Busch Stadium.