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STL CARDS BASEBALL GAME HIGHLIGHTS TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium today in the second game of a three-game weekend series. After losing a close 4-3 game yesterday, the Cardinals were looking to even the series at one game apiece. Here are the top highlights and performances from today’s back-and-forth 9-7 Cardinals victory:

The Cardinals offense got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Dylan Carlson began the game with a double off the left field wall. After Paul Goldschmidt drew a walk, Nolan Arenado delivered a two-run double down the right field line to put St. Louis up early. Arenado would then score on a Tyler O’Neill single to make it 3-0 Cardinals.

Pittsburgh got one run back in the top of the second when Bryan Reynolds hit his 11th home run of the season to cut the St. Louis lead to 3-1. The Cardinals responded with two more runs in the bottom half of the inning to regain their four-run advantage. Goldschmidt led off with a single and Arenado followed with a walk. After a double steal, O’Neill brought both runners home with a double to left-center field to make it 5-1 St. Louis.

Pirates starter Mitch Keller was pulled after just 1 2/3 innings having allowed five runs on five hits and three walks. Keller has struggled mightily this season, now carrying an ERA above 8.00 in nine starts. Reliever Duane Underwood Jr. was able to settle things down over the next 2 1/3 innings, limiting the damage.

In the top of the fifth, the Pirates offense woke up with a four-run inning to climb back into the game. Back-to-back singles by Michael Chavis and Greg Allen started the rally. An RBI single by rookie Oneil Cruz plated Chavis to cut the deficit to 5-2. Kevin Newman then delivered a two-run double into the left field corner to make it a 5-4 ballgame. Newman would later score on a sac fly by Josh VanMeter to pull Pittsburgh within one at 5-4.

St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright had cruised through the first four innings but ran into trouble in the fifth. After the four-run outburst, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol came out to settle his veteran righty down. Wainwright was able to get out of the inning with no further damage, leaving having allowed four runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings of work.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Cardinals retook control with a big inning of their own. Goldschmidt led off with a towering solo home run to left field, his ninth of the year, to push the St. Louis lead back to 6-4. Two batters later, Arenado crushed a pitch from reliever Yerry De Los Santos over the fence in right-center for a two-run shot, his eighth homer, to make it 8-4 Cardinals.

The Cardinals bullpen took over from there, with Genesis Cabrera, Giovanny Gallegos and Ryan Helsley combining for 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Gallegos worked around a two-out single in the eighth to keep Pittsburgh off the board. Helsley tossed a perfect ninth, striking out two, to pick up his third save on the year.

While the bullpen shut Pittsburgh down over the final four innings, the Pirates did make things interesting late. In the top of the ninth, a one-out RBI double by Allen and run-scoring single by Cruz off Helsley brought the tying run to the plate. However, Helsley was able to induce a 6-4-3 double play from Ben Gamel to end the game, preserving the 9-7 Cardinals victory.

Offensively, Goldschmidt, Arenado and O’Neill led the way for St. Louis. Goldschmidt finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI, including his ninth home run. Arenado went 2-for-4 with four RBI and his eighth homer of 2022. O’Neill chipped in three hits and drove in two critical runs.

With the win, the Cardinals improved to 25-21 on the season and moved within 1.5 games of first place Milwaukee in the NL Central. St. Louis will look to take the rubber match of the series tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 pm against the Pirates and ace Jose Quintana.

This back-and-forth slugfest was an exciting one for Cardinals fans. Timely hitting, key homers by the stars, and another strong late-inning performance by the bullpen led St. Louis to an important victory. The Cardinals will aim to carry this momentum into the series finale tomorrow.

CARDS BASEBALL SCORE TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers today in their first game of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals entered the game with a record of 47-42, sitting in third place in the National League Central division behind the Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds. The Brewers came into St. Louis with a 52-38 record, leading the NL Central.

In the starting lineup for the Cardinals was Tommy Edman batting leadoff and playing second base. Edman has had a breakout season for the Cards, batting .278 with an .818 OPS. Leading off the bottom of the first with a single, Edman got their offense started early. Following Edman was first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who came into the game batting .332 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs. Goldschmidt struck out looking in his first at-bat.

The Cardinals sent Adam Wainwright to the mound to face the Brewers. At 40 years old, Wainwright has been a stalwart of the Cardinals rotation for over a decade. This season, he has a 7-6 record with a 3.28 ERA in 18 starts. Wainwright cruised through a 1-2-3 top of the first, striking out Brewers leadoff hitter Kolten Wong looking to start his outing strong.

In the bottom of the first with one out and Edman on first, Nolan Arenado stepped to the plate. Arenado was acquired in an offseason trade with the Colorado Rockies and has lived up to expectations in his first season in St. Louis. Batting .275 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs, Arenado crushed a Wainwright pitch over the wall in left field for a two-run homer. The Cardinals grabbed an early 2-0 lead thanks to Arenado’s power.

The Brewers got a run back in the top of the second against Wainwright. Andrew McCutchen led off with a single and scored on a Rowdy Tellez RBI double down the left field line. However, Wainwright was able to limit the damage, getting Hunter Renfroe to fly out to end the inning with the score 2-1 Cardinals.

In the bottom of the third, the Cardinals offense broke the game open. Goldschmidt started the inning with a walk and then Arenado singled to put two runners on with no outs. Brewers starter Eric Lauer was unable to put the Cardinals away, as Dylan Carlson hit a deep sacrifice fly to score Goldschmidt. Edman then lined a single to score Arenado and make it 4-1 St. Louis.

Wainwright cruised through the middle innings, keeping the Brewers off the board. He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the fifth by getting Luis Urias to ground into an inning-ending double play. Through six innings, Wainwright had only allowed the one run on five hits while striking out five.

The Cardinals added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth against Brewers reliever Brent Suter. Harrison Bader led off with a double and scored on a Tyler O’Neill RBI single. Goldschmidt then blasted a two-run homer to left, his 19th of the year, to make it a 7-1 St. Louis advantage.

In the seventh, the Brewers threatened against Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos. A Renfroe single and walk to pinch hitter Jace Peterson put two on with one out. However, Gallegos was able to strike out Wong and get McCutchen to ground out to end the threat.

Genesis Cabrera pitched a scoreless eighth for St. Louis to keep Milwaukee off the board. In the bottom of the eighth, the Cardinals added an insurance run against reliever Hoby Milner. Edman led off with a single and scored on a Carlson RBI double to make it 8-1.

In the ninth, Ryan Helsley closed things out for his sixth save of the season. He allowed a leadoff single to Urias but then struck out the next three batters to seal the 8-1 Cardinals victory.

Wainwright earned the win, pitching 7 1/3 innings with one run allowed on six hits. The Cardinals offense pounded out 13 hits led by Edman, Arenado, and Goldschmidt, who all had multi-hit games. The win moves St. Louis back within 3.5 games of the first place Brewers in the NL Central standings.

In the second game of the series tomorrow night, the Cardinals will send Jack Flaherty to the mound against Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM CT at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals look to take the series from their division rivals. After today’s convincing win powered by the offense and Wainwright’s strong start, St. Louis has momentum as they aim for their 48th win of the season.

HOTTEST BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The baseball card market is as hot as ever, with collectors and investors clamoring to get their hands on the sport’s top rookie cards, autographed memorabilia cards, and cards featuring some of the game’s all-time great players. While the vintage cards of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays will always hold mystique, today’s market has shifted toward cards from the 1990s through the 2000s, as well as modern-day rookie cards that could turn into valuable pieces of memorabilia in the coming decades.

Leading the way as one of the hottest baseball cards on the market right now is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Autographs Superfractor card of Mike Trout. Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball today, Trout’s elite rookie card is his 1/1 autograph rendition from his draft year of 2009, before he made his MLB debut. With Trout achieving superstar status and on pace to become one of the greatest to ever play, PSA Gem Mint 10 graded copies of this ultra-rare Trout card have fetched over $400,000 at auction. Even well-worn PSA 6 copies still sell for five figures.

Trout isn’t the only modern star driving frenzied collector interest though. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card from 2019, graded a PSA 10, is another white-hot ticket in today’s market. As one of baseball’s most exciting young players, his scintillating rookie season in 2020 energized collectors chasing cards from his early career with the Padres. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for over $20,000 so far. Meanwhile, other emerging stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Wander Franco continue gaining more notoriety – and making their leading rookie cards more coveted and valuable.

While today’s biggest stars reign supreme, collectors still remain laser-focused on vintage cards too. The iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card maintains its pedestal as the Holy Grail of the hobby. High-grade PSA 8+ copies frequently hit $1-2 million at auction. The legendary 1952 Topps rookie card of Dodgers great Jackie Robinson also fetches top dollar, with a PSA 9 example recently selling for over $480,000. These groundbreaking cards, which introduced two of baseball’s most notable pioneers, will likely never be topped in both cultural significance and collectibility.

Memorabilia cards, which fuse traditional trading cards with authentic signed or game-used memorabilia pieces, inhabit a hot sector unto themselves. A 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter manufactured patch card signed by Shohei Ohtani that was issued as a 1/1 exclusive for Goldin Auctions fetched over $47,000. A serial numbered Babe Ruth autograph card from an add-on release to 2009 Topps Tribute, considered more scarce than standard issues, has brought $40,000+. And a single-signed ball card of Nolan Ryan from 1992 Fleer, certified with an on-card auto, has crossed auction at upwards of $15,000. Today’s top signers like Mike Trout and Fernando Tatis Jr. featured in distinctive memorabilia card formats ignite similar collector arousal.

Looking beyond the present, cards from players who competed in the legendary eras of the 1950s and 1960s also retain immense popularity. High-grade vintage issues of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax attract scores of drooling collectors. As nostalgia expands the collector pool, a PSA 8 example of a 1956 Topps Mays rookie recently changed hands for over $180,000. Collectors also pay handsomely for graded gems from the hallowed 1968 Topps set, chasing iconic rookies of future Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, and Nolan Ryan. Even aging star cards like a mint 1967 Topps Roberto Clemente can command $5,000+.

Whether a Mint Mike Trout rookie, a signed Tatis Jr. patch, or a crackerjack Mantle, top performers from both past and present help drive skyrocketing demand in the relentless $2 billion sports card market. With star power, iconic designs, and each card possessing its own compelling story and place in history, it’s clear why these top baseball treats remain must-owns for legions of avid collectors. And as nostalgia beds deeper and today’s crop of phenoms progress their careers, baseball’s hottest cards will continue endowing joy while retaining rock-solid financial staying power for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS THAT ARE WORTH MONEY TODAY

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and have become a beloved hobby for collectors worldwide. While the vast majority of cards hold little monetary value, there are certain rare and vintage cards that can be worth significant money if in good condition. In this article, we will explore some of the most valuable baseball cards that collectors should be on the lookout for today.

One of the most famous and sought-after baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced between 1909-1911 as part of the American Tobacco Company’s famous T206 series, it is considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards due to its rarity, historical significance, and association with one of the early game’s greatest players. Honus Wagner, a star shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates around the turn of the 20th century, asked the American Tobacco Company to withdraw his card from production over concerns about promoting tobacco to children. As a result, it is believed only 50-200 examples still exist today in varying conditions. In the modern era, mint condition T206 Honus Wagner cards have sold for over $6 million at auction, making it arguably the most valuable trading card in the world. Even well-worn low-grade examples can still fetch six figures due to the card’s iconic status.

Another extremely valuable early 20th century card is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Considered the first “official” Babe Ruth card since it was issued during his playing days with the minor league Baltimore Orioles, it marked the debut of one of baseball’s first superstars. Like the Wagner, very few high-grade examples are known to exist today. In January 2022, a PSA Mint 9 copy sold for an astounding $2.88 million, setting a new record as the most expensive baseball card ever sold publicly. Other key Ruth rookie cards include issues from the 1909-11 Imperial Tobacco Allen & Ginter set as well as the 1915 Cracker Jack series, with high-grade examples of each routinely bringing six-figure prices.

Moving into the post-World War 2 era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is arguably the most significant modern issue. As one of the first mainstream baseball cards produced and distributed as packs for children after WWII, the 1952 Topps set helped spark the modern sports card collecting craze. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and is still considered one of the game’s all-time great switch hitters. His rookie card is remarkably scarce in pristine condition due to the sheer number produced and handled as a kid-friendly product. A PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold for $5.2 million in 2018, while most well-centered, sharp examples still grade out around $100,000-$250,000 depending on centering and corners. The 1952 Topps rookie cards of fellow Yankees Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra also remain quite valuable at the upper end of the hobby.

The 1970s produced several iconic rookie cards that can be worth a fortune today. The most notable is the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie, considered the finest hockey card ever produced. Gretzky would go on to revolutionize the sport with his otherworldly offensive skills and records. High-grade copies regularly sell for well over $100,000. In baseball, the 1975 Topps Eddie Murray rookie and 1976 Topps Fred Lynn rookie are both hugely significant. Murray slugged his way to 3,000 hits and the Hall of Fame while Lynn was a rare player to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the same season. Pristine examples of each can reach $50,000-100,000 at auction. The 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie is also a consistent five-figure card despite larger print runs at the time due to Mr. October’s legendary postseason heroics for the Yankees.

The late 1980s saw two rookies emerge that would eventually become among the greatest to ever play. In 1987, an 18-year old shortstop named Barry Sanders joined the Montreal Expos organization and was featured in that year’s Topps set. Considered one of the most electrifying and elusive runners in NFL history, Sanders went on to enshrinement in Canton while with the Detroit Lions. His rookie baseball card remains a hot commodity for both football and baseball collectors. Meanwhile, the illustrious career of Ken Griffey Jr. was just beginning. The 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie is one of the most iconic modern issues, capturing Junior early in his tenure with the Seattle Mariners before winning multiple MVPs and establishing himself as perhaps the finest five-tool player of the 1990s-2000s. High grades of either the Sanders or Griffey rookies can reach $10,000-20,000.

The 1990s saw unprecedented growth in the sports card industry and mint rookie cards from stars like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning remain quite valuable in pristine condition. One rookie from the late 90s stands above most others – the 1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Mike Trout. Still just entering his prime in 2022, Trout has arguably been the best all-around player in baseball over the past decade. His elegant first Bowman Chrome card, with its dazzling refractors, came to symbolize the end of the unregulated boom period. A PSA Gem Mint 10 copy was recently privately sold for over $3.9 million, cementing Trout’s rookie as the new standard for modern baseball cards. Other elite 90s rookies like the 1993 SP Derek Jeter and 1994 SP Griffey Jr. can also crack five-figures in pristine condition.

While the aforementioned vintage and star player cards garner most attention, there are also certain rare error, parallel, autograph and serial numbered cards that hold tremendous value. For example, the infamous 1933 Goudey “Baby Ruth” card featuring an image of baseball’s Babe Ruth as a baby is a legendary error that has sold for over $200,000. Serial numbered rookie autographs of talents like Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. from recent years can reach $5,000-10,000 for low serials. Meanwhile, ultra-short printed parallel inserts like the 2001 SP Authentic Gold Label Juan Gonzalez /500 or 1997 Pinnacle Refractors /99 are highly sought after by set collectors.

While most modern baseball cards have little intrinsic value, there remain countless vintage and star player rookie issues that can be worth significant money – especially in top grades. For savvy collectors, keeping an eye out for the legendary cards profiled here as well as other scarce errors, parallels and autographs from both history and recent years provides the best opportunity to potentially uncover a valuable baseball card gem. With prices always fluctuating based on the economy and availability, today’s bargain could end up paying off handsomely in the future collectibles market.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH TODAY

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years, entertaining collectors and fans alike with images and stats of their favorite players throughout history. While many cards hold little value, certain rare, vintage, and rookie cards can be worth significant money today for savvy collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable baseball cards and what factors determine their current worth.

One of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, considered the rarest and most coveted card in the hobby. Only around 60 are known to exist today in various conditions. In recent years, mint condition examples have sold for over $3 million, with one pristine copy breaking the record in 2021 at $6.6 million. What makes this card so unique and valuable is that Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production due to his disdain for cigarettes. Only a small number made it into circulation.

Another exceedingly rare and valuable pre-war card is the 1913 E90-1 Joe Jackson card, featuring future “Shoeless Joe” Jackson. Like the Wagner, only around 60 are known to exist in all conditions. High grade copies have sold for over $1 million. The rarity and historical significance of these early 20th century tobacco cards drives their immense worth. Other pre-1950 cards that can fetch six figures include the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth and 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie.

In the post-war era, the most valuable baseball cards tend to be rookie cards of all-time great players. The most expensive of these is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. In gem mint condition it has sold for over $2 million, with over $5 million being offered for a perfect gem. What makes Mantle’s rookie especially collectible is his iconic status as perhaps the greatest switch hitter and centerfielder ever. Fewer than 50 PSA 10 examples are known to exist.

Another legendary rookie card worth a fortune is the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron. High grade copies have sold for over $1 million as Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. The 1954 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie in mint condition can fetch $250,000 as Clemente was the first Latin American player inducted in the Hall of Fame. The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie in a PSA 10 grade sold for $100,000 in 2022. Ryan holds the all-time records for strikeouts and no-hitters.

Condition and grading are critical in determining a card’s value. The top two third-party authentication and grading services are PSA and BGS. A PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 10 grade means the card is in pristine “mint” condition, usually with sharp corners and no flaws. This will exponentially increase a card’s worth. Even a small drop to a PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 can cut the value significantly. For rare vintage cards, a high grade is even more important since natural aging and wear over decades is more likely.

Autograph or memorabilia cards can also be worth major money. A 2009 Topps Five Star Patch Auto 1/1 of Mike Trout’s rookie year sold for over $400,000 in 2021. It featured Trout’s jersey and autograph, making it one-of-a-kind. A 2011 Topps Update Auto Patch 1/1 of Bryce Harper went for $350,000. Signed rookies of legends in top condition can reach six figures as well. For example, a PSA/DNA authenticated 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie auto sold for $240,000.

Beyond condition, rarity is another factor that drives value. The more scarce a certain card is, whether from limited production runs or few surviving examples, the more collectors will pay a premium. Parallel and short-print cards from modern sets with print runs under 100 can sell for thousands. Serial #1 cards also command a higher price tag. Promotional and experimental issues as well as error cards fetch big money due to their unusual nature. Cards of players who tragically passed away early like Lou Gehrig and Roberto Clemente maintain strong collector demand.

While the odds of finding a true gem worth six or seven figures in a pack or unsearched collection are exceedingly low, it’s still possible to profit on desirable vintage and rookie cards even in lower grades. With increased collecting interest and fewer high quality examples remaining in circulation, prices continue rising across the hobby. With care and research, savvy collectors can build a portfolio of cards that retain or increase in value over the long run.

STL CARDS BASEBALL TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals have built one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history since their founding in 1882. While 2021 saw a disappointing early playoff exit, the Cardinals remain fiercely competitive with high expectations for 2022 and beyond. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the team is positioned heading into the new season.

After making the postseason in 2020 during the COVID-19 shortened season, the Cardinals fell short of expectations last year with a 90-72 record and a Wild Card round exit at the hands of the Dodgers. However, 90 wins is still a strong benchmark that illustrates the consistent winning culture in St. Louis. That winning tradition starts at the top with Cardinals’ leadership. William DeWitt Jr. has owned the team since 1996 and presided over three World Series titles and a commitment to fielding competitive teams each year. Longtime president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and manager Oliver Marmol will look to get the Cardinals back in the hunt in 2022.

On the pitching side, the Cardinals remain anchored by future Hall of Famer Adam Wainwright who re-signed for another year at age 41 after posting a 17-7 record in 2021. Wainwright continues to defy Father Time and provides invaluable leadership to the staff. Behind him, Miles Mikolas returns as the number two starter after an injury-plagued 2021 limited him to just two starts. A full, healthy season from Mikolas could provide a major boost. Jack Flaherty also hopes to rebound from a shoulder injury that cost him most of last season. When healthy, Flaherty is one of the best young power arms in the game.

In the bullpen, closer Ryan Helsley emerged as a force last season in saving 12 games with a microscopic 0.89 ERA. Fellow power arm Giovanny Gallegos has thrived in high-leverage relief roles as well. Jordan Hicks continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery and adds more flame throwing if he can regain past form. On the whole, St. Louis has one of the deepest and nastiest bullpens in the NL which gives them a distinct advantage each October.

Offense has usually not been the Cardinals’ strong suit in recent years but the lineup has slowly been improving. 22-year old rookie outfielder Dylan Carlson took a leap forward in 2021 and looks poised for stardom, slashing .266/.343/.437 with 20 homers. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to produce at an All-Star level at age 34. Newly acquired core members Nolan Arenado and Tyler O’Neill from a blockbuster trade last season also settled in nicely in their first year in St. Louis.

Some question marks remain around returning starters Harrison Bader, who battled injuries last year, and third baseman Nolan Gorman, one of the organization’s top prospects who may push for regular playing time in 2022. Veteran catcher Yadier Molina also continues to defy Father Time at 39 years old but his production has declined and he will rely more on his legendary defense and pitch framing skills. With a balanced lineup and potent pitching staff, the Cardinals feel they have the necessary talent to contend once again in 2022.

Looking ahead to this season, the Cardinals have high expectations but will face challenges from defending NL Central champion Brewers as well as up-and-coming Reds and Cubs teams also looking to break through. With strong veteran leadership from the likes of Wainwright, Molina, Goldschmidt and Arenado combined with an influx of talented young players, optimism abounds for another October run in St. Louis. After last year’s disappointment, the 2022 Cardinals are a popular pick to reclaim their division title and make another deep playoff push. Under long-serving manager Oliver Marmol and president John Mozeliak, this franchise knows how to consistently field competitive teams. With one of baseball’s richest histories, the Cardinals look primed to add to their legacy this season.

While 2021 saw the Cardinals fall short of expectations, this franchise has proven time and again that they know how to reload and compete at a high level year in and year out. With a balanced roster featuring battle-tested veterans combined with an exciting young core, optimism is high that 2022 represents another opportunity for October baseball and a chance to add to the storied history of this iconic Midwest franchise. After 40 championships, the Cardinals remain one of the standard bearers for baseball success and they will be a popular pick by experts to hoist more hardware before the 2022 campaign comes to a close.

PRICE OF BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The price of baseball cards has experienced significant fluctuations over the decades since the inception of the modern baseball card collecting hobby in the late 1800s. Following periods of boom and bust cycles, the market for vintage and modern baseball cards alike seems to have stabilized in recent years, though prices still vary dramatically based on player, condition, supply and demand factors.

The golden era for baseball card prices was the late 1980s through the 1990s. Fueled by a surge of interest in collecting driven mainly by the birth of the baby boom generation and TV shows celebrating the hobby like Wax Pack, prices skyrocketed during this time period. Iconic vintage rookies like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and 1964 Topps Hank Aaron routinely sold for tens of thousands, and even hundreds of thousands, of dollars in high grade.

There was seemingly no limit to how much certain elite vintage cards in pristine condition could fetch at the height of the market. But then the inevitable boom bust cycle occurred, as the collectibles market became saturated and overheated. After peaking in the early 1990s, baseball card prices declined sharply over the rest of the decade as the glut of new collectors moving on from the hobby collided with a weakened broader economic climate. By the early 2000s, most vintage stars had lost 2/3 or more of their late 80s/early 90s value.

The modern sports card market also suffered after an initially promising start in the late 1980s/early 90s. Abundant production runs and lack of scarcity drove prices of even rookie cards for future Hall of Famers to negligible amounts. It would take years for the market to stabilize after the bust ended unchecked speculation and getaway purchasing en masse.

Now in the 2020s, the baseball card market seems to have found more solid footing and normalized prices compared to the wild swings of the past. Vintage star rookies still command big money when pristine, driven by a shrinking supply of high graded copies and enthusiasm from dedicated older collectors with ample disposable income. As an example, a vintage 1952 Topps Mantle in Gem Mint 10 grade would be expected to sell for $200,000+ today.

It is much less likely any single card would achieve those astronomical prices seen in the late 80s/early 90s when a single iconic rookie could change hands for seven figures. The market recognizes scarcity more rationally now versus speculating explosively. Similarly, modern star rookie cards have established floors that provide a reasonable investment potential sans guarantees of windfall profit.

A good example is a 2009 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10, which consistently sells in the $800-1,200 range today. If Harper has a Hall of Fame career, the card could appreciate substantially from there. But it would be unlikely to ever reach the heights of cards pre-bust. There seems to be a healthier stability and longer-term perspective compared to get-rich-quick mentality of the past.

At the same time, solid mid-range vintage from the 1950s-1980s has held or increased in value in recent years for certified high grades as a new generation of collectors enters. Factors like player performance milestones retirements also influence appreciation. Even niche parallels and variations that weren’t highly regarded before could be finding new collectors willing to pay more today. As such, there is still investing potential in specific areas to be had.

For modern issues, while base rookies and star cards may not boom wildly, extensive parallel and short-print subsets from mainstream brands have developed strong followings. Color variations numberered to cases or boxes can sell in pristine condition for thousands. Limited edition memorabilia cards with rare autographs or relics inserted also command high prices relative to normal inserts due to their scarcity status.

The contemporary baseball card market generally offers rational prices today versus the lofty highs and subsequent lows of the 1980s-90s. Scarcity and quality drive value for vintage, while modern players must prove themselves over the long haul. Savvy collectors can still profit, but prices are less volatile and based more on tangible player performance and supply/demand economic factors instead of rampant speculation. With stabilized conditions, the future remains bright for continued collecting, preservation of history and potential long-term appreciation for smart investors.

CARDS BASEBALL GAME TODAY

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The long-standing rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals was renewed once again today at Busch Stadium in St. Louis as the two National League Central foes faced off on a sunny summer afternoon. While both teams entered the game near the bottom of the division standings, the intensity and competitiveness that has come to define this rivalry was still very much present.

The Cubs sent right-hander Kyle Hendricks to the mound to face off against Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright. Hendricks has had a solid but unspectacular season, going 6-6 with a 3.78 ERA through his first 18 starts of the year. Wainwright, meanwhile, continues to defy Father Time at 38 years old, boasting a 7-6 record and 3.32 ERA in what is now his 16th major league season, all spent with the Cardinals. Both pitchers came ready to battle in this much-anticipated matchup.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early 1-0 lead against Hendricks in the bottom of the 2nd inning. With one out, Dylan Carlson singled to center and came around to score two batters later on a double off the bat of Nolan Arenado, the big free agent acquisition for St. Louis over the offseason. Arenado has fit in seamlessly with his new club, batting .288 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI on the year.

The Cubs responded quickly to tie the game in the top of the 3rd. After Patrick Wisdom led off the frame with a double, Frank Schwindel brought him home with a line drive single to right, scoring Wisdom easily. Schwindel has been a breakout player for the Cubs in his first full major league season at the age of 29, batting .286 with 13 home runs in only 69 games played.

From there, the game remained tied until the bottom of the 6th inning. Wainwright cruised through the Cubs lineup, allowing only the one run on five hits through the first five and two-thirds innings while striking out six. But with one out in the bottom of the 6th, Tommy Edman smoked a double into the left field corner and came around to score all the way from second on a bloop single to shallow right by catcher Andrew Knizner, putting the Cardinals back on top 2-1.

That would prove to be the decisive run, as Wainwright shut the Cubs down the rest of the way while the Cardinals bullpen took it from there. Wainwright finished with a quality start, allowing just the one run on six hits over seven innings of work while striking out seven against no walks on 103 pitches. The 38-year-old continues to amaze with his consistent excellence, now boasting a 15-7 career record against the Cubs with a 2.36 ERA in 33 starts against their biggest rival.

In the 8th inning, the Cardinals provided an insurance run, as Edmundo Sosa led off with a single, stole second base, and came around to score on a two-out single by Lars Nootbaar, the rookie outfielder who has impressed in his first taste of major league action. Nootbaar’s clutch two-out RBI gave the Cardinals a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame.

From there, Giovanny Gallegos took over on the mound and worked a perfect 8th inning to keep the Cubs off the board. In the 9th, Gallegos ran into a bit of trouble, allowing a one-out single to Ian Happ and walking Patrick Wisdom, but the flame-throwing righty was able to induce a 6-4-3 double play from Frank Schwindel to end the game. Gallegos earned his 10th save of the year, preserving a 3-1 Cardinals victory in the rivalry matchup.

While not necessarily a pitching duel for the ages given the offensive struggles of both teams, Wainwright and Hendricks battled admirably in what was ultimately a well-pitched game by both starters. Wainwright came away the winner thanks to key run support from Edman, Knizner, and Nootbaar, improving his record to 8-6 while lowering his ERA to 3.28 on the season. For the Cubs, the loss drops Hendricks’ record to 6-7 as they continue to tread water near the bottom of the division.

With the win, the Cardinals improved to 49-48 on the year and remain within striking distance of the division-leading Brewers. While not an easy road ahead, St. Louis remains in playoff contention thanks to solid starting pitching and timely hitting. They’ll look to build on this rivalry victory with another win in the series tomorrow afternoon. For the Cubs, it’s simply about playing spoiler at this point and trying to develop younger players as they eye a rebuild. But the intensity and drama of this historic rivalry was on full display yet again today at Busch Stadium.

In summary, Adam Wainwright continued his stellar career against the Cubs by outpitching Kyle Hendricks to lead the Cardinals to a 3-1 victory in the rivalry matchup at Busch Stadium. Key hits by Arenado, Edman, Knizner and Nootbaar helped provide just enough run support for Wainwright and the St. Louis bullpen to come away with the win, keeping the Cardinals in the NL Central race. While the standings may say otherwise, the Cubs and Cardinals rivalry showed it remains as competitive as ever with another hard-fought battle between the longtime division foes.

MOST POPULAR BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The baseball card industry has experienced an incredible resurgence in popularity over the past decade. Fueled by nostalgia, growing collector interest, and record prices being paid for rare and valuable cards at auction, people of all ages are flocking back to the hobby. While legendary vintage cards from the 1950s and earlier will always be hugely sought after, there are a number of modern baseball cards that have emerged as especially popular among today’s collectors.

Perhaps the most in-demand modern baseball cards are rookie cards, which feature a player’s first appearance in a set during their rookie season. Rookie cards are highly coveted because they showcase a player at the very beginning of their career before they become established major leaguers. Some of the best examples of popular rookie cards from the past 10-15 years include Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks and Prospects card, Bryce Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks and Prospects card, Juan Soto’s 2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day Red Parallel (/99), Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Blue Refractor (/99), Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 2017 Bowman Chrome Yellow Auto (/250), and Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 BowmanChrome Refractors. As players like Trout, Harper, Soto, Guerrero Jr., Tatis Jr. and Ohtani have lived up to expectations and become superstars, their rookie cards have exploded in demand and price. Trout and Harper’s rookies routinely sell for thousands of dollars each now.

In addition to rookie cards, autograph and memorabilia cards featuring today’s biggest stars are enormously popular as well. Collectors covet cards that pair a player’s signature or piece of memorabilia with their image on the front of the card. High-end examples include Mike Trout autographs and patches from sets like Topps Finest, Bowman Sterling, and Topps Allen & Ginter. Recent stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also have autograph and memorabilia cards that sell for big money. Numbered, limited print run parallels are particularly desirable, causing cards like Soto’s 2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day Auto Red parallel (/99) and Acuña’s 2018 Topps Chrome Refractors Auto Orange (/99) to become wildly valuable in a short period of time.

Another hugely popular modern category is prizm and optic parallels from companies like Panini. Using cutting-edge technologies like prizm and flux refractors, these cards feature stunning visual effects in colors like orange, purple, green, and red. Prizm and optic refractors that feature today’s elite talent like Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich, Mookie Betts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are in high demand. Limited parallels number to stages like /10, /25, or /75 make these cards especially collectible. Some popular examples include Tatis Jr.’s 2019 Panini Optic Orange Prizm Auto (/25) and Acuña’s 2019 Panini Prizm Green Refractor (/10). The flashy look of these modern parallel cards appeals greatly to collectors.

Specialized inserts targeting specific players have proven very popular in the hobby. Hero cards highlighting iconic MLB moments have created strong interest when they feature present-day stars. Examples are Acuña’s 2018 Topps Holiday Hero Green Refractor (/25) depicting his leadoff homer in the 2018 NLDS or deGrom’s 2018 Topps Holiday Heroes Green Refractor (/25) showing his scoreless streak. And inserts from brands like Topps Chrome featuring today’s best in dazzling refractors like “Superfractors” of Trout, Acuña, Soto etc are highly sought after by collectors as well.

For collectors looking to acquire affordable cards of modern stars, basic rookies and parallels remain available in sets each year from Topps, Bowman, Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, and more. While unnumbered copies won’t gain huge value like serially numbered relics and autographs, they still provide an easy entry point into collecting current MLB players. And with big stars like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. still in the early stages of their careers, their rookie and early career cards could prove to be extremely valuable long-term investments as well.

The modern baseball card market remains dominated by the hottest rookie prospects and established superstars of today. Cards that feature these elite talents through autographs, memorabilia, prizm refractors and other premium parallels continue to drive huge collector interest and steady price increases. As long as players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto and others sustain Hall of Fame caliber play, their best cards will likely retain their immense popularity for years to come among both avid collectors and seasoned investors.

TOP SELLING BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The baseball card collecting hobby remains intensely popular, with collectors of all ages constantly seeking out scarce and valuable cards from the modern era. While vintage cards from the 1950s and prior still command top dollar at auction, today’s active collecting market is strongly focused on cards from the late 1980s through present day. Lets take a closer look at some of the top selling and most sought-after modern baseball cards on the market right now.

One of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Auto Refractor card of Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts. Signed by Betts as a 17-year old prospect, examples of this ultra-rare freshman card have sold for over $250,000. Betts has developed into a perennial MVP candidate and the card’s sky-high value reflects his elite status and the card’s extreme rarity from his pre-professional signing period. Another tremendously valuable Betts rookie is his 2011 Bowman Sterling Mini card, featuring a redemptive autograph. Graded examples have also crossed the $200,000 threshold.

For superstar Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, arguably the best player of his generation, his 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph Prospect card is equally esteemed. The card features Trout’s signature from his draft year and, in a PSA 10 gem mint grade, has sold for upwards of $380,000. Other extremely valuable Trout rookies include his 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Refractor Auto, 2009 Bowman Inception Auto Refractor, and 2011 Topps Update Series Chrome Refractor Auto, all regularly reaching five figures and above. Trout continues producing at an elite level which ensures strong long term value appreciation for his collection of rare rookies from the late 2000s and early 2010s period.

Rookie cards for Miami Marlins outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr also carry massive appeal and value due to his transcendent playmaking ability and youth. High grade examples of Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor and Autographed Blue Refractor parallels have achieved over $10,000 at auction. Other Acuña rookies such as his 2018 Topps Series 1 Chrome Update Refractor also garner strong five-figure prices. Acuña’s combination of superstar potential and the rarity of cards from his early professional career in 2018 make these some of the most dynamically priced modern rookie investments.

For pitchers, the 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph Prospect card of Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg is universally recognized as one of the key modern baseball cards. High grades have reached $150,000 due to Strasburg’s status as one of the most ballyhooed pitching prospects ever and the exorbitant rarity of autographed cards from his draft year long before his major league debut. Other highly valuable Strasburg rookies include his 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Refractor and 2010 Topps Chrome Update Refractor Auto. Like Trout, Strasburg’s sustained excellence at the highest level ensures long term preservation of value for his rarest early career cards.

The 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor of San Diego Padres superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr is also white-hot. Tatis burst onto the big league scene in 2019 and has established himself as one of baseball’s electric new generational talents. Low pop reports from hobby experts and Tatis’ marvelous 121 RBI campaign in 2021 have catapulted PSA 10 examples of this rookie card well above $5,000 over the past year with further increases anticipated as his stardom ascends. Other coveted Tatis cards include his 2017 Bowman Sterling Prospects Auto Refractor and 2018 Topps Series 1 Chrome Update Refractor Auto.

Rookie cards for elite talents like Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr also remain highly sought. Soto dazzled as a teenager in 2018 and high grades of his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor have reached $2,500. For Acuña, it’s his 2018 Topps Series 1 Chrome Update Refractor Auto and 2018 Bowman Sterling Auto Blue Refractor that routinely sell for $1,000-2,000 graded mint. Both young stars have delivered MVP caliber numbers so early in their careers that collectors are willing to pay a premium for cards chronicling their breakouts.

The intense collector focus on investing in modern baseball stars is well reflected by sky-high prices for rookie cards starring Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Stephen Strasburg, Fernando Tatis Jr, and more. As elite talents like Ronald Acuña Jr, Juan Soto and others continue their rise, more of their earliest professional releases will achieve collectible grail status. With a thriving pop culture marketplace for trading cards and memorabilia, prices for these high-grade modern gems show no signs of slowing in the years ahead. Savvy collectors would be wise to stalk deals on rookie hits from today’s brightest young stars before they join the ranks of Trout and move permanently out of reach for most budgets.