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1987 TOPPS BASEBALL PICTURE CARDS TRADED SERIES

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series was a special subset of cards released by Topps as part of their flagship baseball card release for that year. The Traded Series featured cards of players who had been traded to new teams during the 1986-1987 offseason. These player transactions resulted in cards showing the ballplayers in the uniforms of their new clubs for the first time.

The 1986-1987 offseason saw a number of impactful trades take place throughout Major League Baseball. Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens was one of the biggest names dealt, going from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets. Other well-known players switching uniforms included Tim Raines (Montreal Expos to Chicago White Sox), Darryl Strawberry (New York Mets to Los Angeles Dodgers), Tony Armas (Boston Red Sox to Oakland Athletics), and Donnie Moore (California Angels to Detroit Tigers).

To commemorate these roster changes, Topps created a special subset of cards within the 1987 set numbering system specifically for the traded players. There were a total of 22 cards in the 1987 Traded Series, with each one showing the player in the standard baseball card front-on pose shot but wearing the hat, jersey, and colors of their new ballclub for the first time. This was a unique way for collectors to not only track offseason transactions but also see how the players looked with their updated uniforms before the 1987 season began.

Some noteworthy aspects of the 1987 Topps Traded Series cards:

The cards were numbered sequentially from other base cards in the main 1987 Topps set, ranging from card numbers 451 to 472. This kept them separate from the standard rookies, stars, and team cards which occupied the lower numbers.

Nearly all of the 22 players featured had been part of notable trades. The lone exception was Donnie Moore, who had actually been released by the Angels and then signed as a free agent by the Tigers in the offseason.

Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs was included, having been dealt from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in a blockbuster trade. His card showed him in the famed Yankee pinstripes for the first time.

Star slugger Darryl Strawberry’s card depicted him as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, foreshadowing high expectations for his production in the team’s power alleys of Dodger Stadium.

Like with Strawberry, Tony Armas Jr.’s Traded Series card was one collectors hung onto, given his potential after being acquired from the Red Sox by the Athletics and switching from Fenway Park to the Oakland Coliseum.

Tim Raines’ White Sox card signified hopes for stolen base records being set on the fast artificial turf at old Comiskey Park in Chicago. Raines would disappoint due to injury but still put up solid numbers.

Traded veterans like Don Aase (Cubs to Phillies) mixed with younger dealt players like Darnell Coles (Red Sox to Angels) and Spike Owen (Red Sox to Astros).

When it was released in 1987, the Topps Traded Series provided a fun way for baseball fans to not only follow the news of player movement but to see how the newest additions to each franchise looked in their fresh uniforms. For collectors, it remains a standout subset within the larger collection of the main 1987 Topps issue due to its significance in memorializing historical trades still discussed today. While limited to only 22 cards, its roster of talent and memorable portrayals of players like Boggs, Strawberry, and Raines in new threads gave the 1987 Traded Series an impact beyond its size. It stands as one of the most noteworthy traded subsets ever produced by Topps.

Through its emphasis on documenting the major league trades of the 1986-1987 offseason and presenting the affected players in the fresh uniforms of their new teams, the 1987 Topps Traded SeriesSubset achieved historical status within the larger 1987 Topps issue and remains a highlight for collectors due to its lineup of legendary names and importance in marking transactions that altered the baseball landscape. It is remembered as one of Topps’ most celebrated traded subsets of the 1980s and beyond.

1986 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS DATABASE

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The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set was released late in the 1986 MLB season as a supplementary set to Topps’ main 1986 flagship release. Topps Traded sets from the 1970s on focused on featuring cards of players who had been traded since the regular sets were finalized and printed earlier in the season. With late-season trades and call-ups becoming more common in the 1980s, Topps Traded served the purpose of updating collectors on roster changes throughout the year.

The 1986 Topps Traded set includes 132 total cards and was printed on the standard thick cardboard stock Topps used for most of their releases in the 1980s. Some of the biggest player trades of 1986 are well represented in the set. Future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson’s card shows him with the New York Mets after being traded from the Oakland A’s. Fellow all-time great Gary Carter also received a Traded card reflecting his midseason move to the Mets. Other notable acquisitions like Bob Horner (Braves), Doyle Alexander (Tigers), Stanley Javier (Pirates), and Joe Carter (Indians) all made appearances after changes of scenery.

In addition to traded players, the 1986 Topps Traded set also included Update cards for minor league call-ups or players who were simply deserving of new cardboard after breakout campaigns. Will Clark’s explosive rookie season with the Giants led to his inclusion, as did Oddibe McDowell’s breakout year with the Indians. Even career minor leaguers like R.J. Reynolds and Greg A. Harris found themselves featured after getting their shot in the show. Topps also used Traded sets to issue rookie cards for players who missed the main set cutoff dates, such as Mets pitcher Rick Aguilera.

Along with players, the 1986 Topps Traded set also offered “manager” cards for pilots who took over teams midseason like Jeff Torborg with the Mets and Whitey Herzog adopting the Royals. Special “insert” cards spotlighted that year’s All-Star Game hosted in Houston as well as paying tribute to the late Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner. Topps even found room for a traded umpire with Dave Phillips departing the American League for the National League.

In terms of design elements, the 1986 Topps Traded retained much of the basic look established in the flagship release. All cards utilized the standard white border with team logo in the upper left and a solid color banner across the bottom. Player names are written in typical 1980s Topps script above the photo. Statistics on the back are also laid out similarly with career stats above seasonal stats. One small change is the “Traded” label below the photo instead of the player’s position. The quality of on-card photographs varies but most capture the players in their new uniforms.

When it comes to the rarity and value of 1986 Topps Traded cards today, the set maintains strong collector interest despite its mere supplementary nature. Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson and Gary Carter remain the most coveted cards priced well above the $100 mark in high grades. Rookie cards like Will Clark and Rick Aguilera also command four-figure sums for mint condition specimens. Less heralded players can still hold $20-50 values. Inserts of the All-Star Game and Steinbrenner are also frequently chased short prints above $50. The 1986 Topps Traded set serves as an important snapshot of major roster changes from a pivotal season in MLB history. Its combination of stars, rookies, and role players make it a fun research collection for baseball historians and investors alike.

The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set provided collectors an essential update on the season’s many trades and call-ups during a transformative period for the sport. While a minor supplementary release compared to Topps’ main flagship sets, Traded maintained the company’s high production values and focuses collector interest to this day by spotlighting famous players’ tenure changes. Its combination of star power, rookie debuts, and depth of inclusions give the 132-card set lasting appeal for both casual fans and serious card investors over 35 years later.

1987 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set showcased some of baseball’s biggest stars and hottest rookies that were traded or dealt in that season. Unlike the flagship Topps base set, the Traded set focused exclusively on players who found themselves on a new team via trade or waiver deal. With only 86 cards in the set, it contained many iconic and valuable cards worth far more today than their original retail prices.

Perhaps the most notable and valuable card in the entire 1987 Topps Traded set is card number T1 – Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros. At the time, Ryan was still one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers at age 40 and had just been traded from the Mets to the Astros before the 1987 season. His Traded card shows him in an Astros uniform for the first and only time. In near mint condition, the Ryan T1 card can fetch prices up to $450 or more due to his legendary status and the scarcity of highly graded copies still around today.

Another extremely coveted and valuable card is T5 – Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals. Many collectors and fans consider Smith to be the greatest defensive shortstop of all time. His Traded card was one of the first to show him as a Cardinal after being part of one of the largest player trades in MLB history that offseason. High grade Ozzie Smith T5 cards can sell for over $250.

Two other valuable rookie cards found in the 1987 Topps Traded set include T15 – Mark McGwire of the Oakland A’s and T82 – Jose Canseco also of the A’s. Both McGwire and Canseco went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers and helped power the A’s dynasty teams of the late 80s and early 90s. Near mint or better grades of their rookie Traded cards frequently trade hands for $100 to $150 each due to their first appearance in an A’s uniform and tremendous importance to baseball card collectors and investors.

Remaining stars whose Traded cards hold value include T3 – Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox ($75-$100 NM), T4 – Wade Boggs also of the Red Sox ($50+ NM), T6 – George Brett of the Kansas City Royals ($50+ NM), T7 – Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies ($40+ NM), T10 – Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers ($30+ NM), T19 – Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets ($25+ NM), and T61 – Dave Henderson of the Boston Red Sox ($25+ NM).

All told, there are around a dozen cards in the 1987 Topps Traded set with reasonable valuations starting at $25 or more for higher graded near mint or mint condition copies. The true holy grails are the previously mentioned Ryan, Smith, McGwire and Canseco rookie cards worth upwards of $100-$450 each in top condition due to strong, consistent collector demand.

The distinctiveness and overall quality of photography and design featured on Topps Traded cards from the 1980s make them a beloved niche within the larger umbrella of baseball cards from that era. Because they solely spotlighted newly acquired stars on different clubs, they captured pivotal career moments in unique uniform debuts. They remain a favorite among not only players collectors but also fans curious to see legends from seasons past on new ballclubs before they further cemented their legacies. While the initial print run numbers are unknown, sufficient quantities still circulate to satisfy most collectors’ budgets depending on the specific card and its rated preservation. The 1987 Topps Traded set presents a tangible investment opportunity for today’s savvy collectors.

The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set highlighted some true icons of the sport during pivotal transitions to new teams. Cards like the rookie offerings of McGwire, Canseco and stars like Ryan, Smith, Brett and others maintain robust collector demand due to incredible talent, memorable imagery and significance in the hobby. With prices already climbing for higher graded versions, savvy collectors would do well to seek out affordable opportunities to add examples from this renowned niche release to their portfolios before values appreciate further with time. The 1987 Topps Traded set stands tall among the most coveted and valuable traded sets in the entire hobby.

1994 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1994 Topps Traded baseball card set is one of the more iconic and valuable sets from the 1990s. Issued mid-season in 1994, the 146-card set was the 3rd Topps Traded set produced and focused on highlighting players who had been traded to new teams since the regular 1994 Topps series was released in March/April of that year. With several star players included who switched teams that season, the 1994 Topps Traded set remains a popular and historically significant release that holds strong value for collectors decades later.

Some key aspects that make the 1994 Topps Traded cards valuable include the high-profile players featured, the limited printing compared to the base Topps sets, and the capturing of notable MLB transactions from that season. Randal Grichuk, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Dennis Eckersley, and David Cone are some examples of stars showcased after being part of mid-season trades in ’94. While exact print runs are not published, Traded sets from the early-mid 1990s are thought to have had circulation in the 250,000-500,000 range, less than the millions printed for the standard flagship releases.

Collectors also admire how the 1994 Topps Tradedcards provided a scrapbook-like snapshot of the league at a particular moment. For example, card #146 features an Expos-turned-Cardinal Gary Carter in the final football-style photo of his career. His inclusion commemorates his emotional mid-season return to Montreal, where he established himself as a superstar catcher earlier in his career. Scenes like this help explain the nostalgia and significance attached to the 1994 Topps Traded cards by those who followed MLB during that season.

In terms of individual player valuations, some of the most expensive cards from the 1994 Topps Traded set unsurprisingly feature the premier players switched teams that year. The Roberto Alomar card (#83), depicting him as a San Diego Padre after being dealt from the Blue Jays, has sold for over $150 raw. The David Cone Pirates card (#39), where he is shown with his new Pittsburgh club after a trade from the Royals, has reached the $150-200 range as well. Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley’s Cardinals RC (#110) has changed hands for $100-125 after his midseason move from the Reds.

Other highly valuable rookie or starred rookies cards:

Randy Johnson Diamondbacks (#131): $75-100 range after trade from Mariners.

Gary Sheffield Dodgers (#69): $50-75 as a new Dodger after being dealt by the Marlins.

Luis Gonzalez Diamondbacks (#132): $50-75 for his rookie with Arizona following trade from Tigers.

Armando Reynoso Rangers (#123): $25-50 as a rookie after joining Texas in a deal with the Mets.

Moving beyond the biggest stars, the vast majority of 1994 Topps Traded commons and short prints still carry significant value compared to their paper counterparts from other ’90s sets. Most raw common cards will sell in the $3-10 range on average. Short prints like Manager’s Pitching Changes (#SP6) and “Tug” McGraw (#SP7) as a Phil have been listed for $15-25 individually. Even base cards featuring less recognizable role players from that time can fetch $5-10 due to the set’s enduring demand.

The 1994 Topps Traded baseball card release remains a respected and important issue from the formative years of the modern collector era. As an iconic snapshot of historic MLB transactions during a memorable 1994 season, the visuals and player lineup give the cards strong nostalgic and commemorative appeal. Combined with a moderate print run of under 500,000 sets, values for nearly all included players – from superstars to role players – have stood the test of time and held strong collector interest. Whether raw or graded, nearly every card from this set carries significant monetary worth that is likely to remain high for dedicated baseball card collectors and investors alike.

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MLB 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL TRADED SERIES SET OF 132 CARDS

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The 1989 Topps Traded baseball card set was issued midway through the 1989 MLB season as a complementary set to the main 1989 Topps baseball card series. With 132 total cards, the Traded set featured players who had been traded to new teams since the regular Topps set was finalized earlier that year. As with most Traded sets, it provided baseball card collectors the opportunity to get updated cards showing players in their new uniforms on different clubs.

Some notable players featured in the 1989 Topps Traded set after being dealt included Ken Phelps (traded from the Cubs to the Mariners), Jeff Ballard (traded from the White Sox to the Royals), Jack Clark (traded from the Cardinals to the Yankees), and Lee Smith (traded from the Cubs to the Red Sox). Other big names included Orel Hershiser (traded from the Dodgers to the Indians that year), John Franco (traded from the Reds to the Mets), and Lance Parrish (traded from the Tigers to the Phillies).

In total, the set encompassed players from 24 different MLB teams who were included after trades involving 28 separate transactions between teams during the early part of the 1989 season. Each card featured the standard cardboard stock and design elements of the main Topps flagship set but with smaller photos and no team logo shown on the uniforms since many players had switched clubs.

Beyond just updating cards for recently dealt veterans, the 1989 Topps Traded set also served to provide the collecting community its first card issues for several promising rookie and young prospect players who found themselves on new teams due to trades. This included cards for players like Gregg Jefferies (traded from the Royals to the Mets), Kevin Maas (traded from the Pirates to the Yankees), and Dave Rohde (traded from the Angels to the Blue Jays).

In terms of chase cards and ones garnering attention from enthusiasts at the time, one of the more popular items was the Orel Hershiser card since he was fresh off winning the 1988 World Series MVP and Cy Young awards with the Dodgers. His trade to Cleveland represented a big change and his card in an Indians uniform was highly sought after. Other frequently talked about cards included Jack Clark with the Yankees after leaving the Cardinals and Lee Smith in a Red Sox jersey after his time with the Cubs.

The design of the 1989 Topps Traded set largely mirrored Topps’ standard baseball card template from that year with a photo taking up most of the front. What set it apart slightly was a different color border used and placement of the player’s name and team directly underneath the image rather than across the front. On the back, complete statistics from the previous season were provided along with a short career recap. No gum was included since the cards were sold solely in wax packed form.

When released during the summer of 1989, the 132 card Traded set retailed for $1.00 per wax pack with 11 cards inside on average. Availability was initially limited as Topps produced the complementary updated series in smaller quantities than the flagship release which contained over 700 total cards. Strong initial demand led the company to do multiple subsequent print runs that year to keep up with collector interest.

In the years since its original issue over 30 years ago, the 1989 Topps Traded baseball card set has endured as a seminal release that provided fans and enthusiasts a snapshot of the many midseason moves that reshaped MLB rosters. While players’ careers and stats may have changed in the decades following, the cards still serve as a record of where notable names like Phelps, Ballard, Clark, and Hershiser stood at that particular juncture. For collectors of the time and those who have since acquired the set, it remains afun nostalgic reminder of late 80s baseball trades.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Traded set featured an insert of potential Hall of Fame players and rising stars from that season. While not the most iconic or well-known vintage baseball card set, several key rookies and legends featured make certain 1987 Topps Traded cards among the most valuable from that year. The scarcity and historical significance of some of these players has led to high demand and prices for their rookie or star cards from this 220 card set over the past few decades.

One of the most coveted and expensive 1987 Topps Traded cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from this set has consistently risen in value ever since he began collecting batting titles and Gold Gloves in the late 1980s and 1990s. In gem mint condition, a Griffey Jr. rookie now easily fetches over $10,000 and has sold for as much as $22,000 in recent years. What makes his card so scarce and sought after is its late release in the Traded set, meaning far fewer were pulled by collectors compared to cards in the regular Topps series that year.

Another rookie cardgenerating big money from the 1987 Topps Traded set is that of Greg Maddux. Like Griffey, Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career winning over 300 games and capturing 4 Cy Young Awards. In high grade, his rookie has sold for around $5,000. Maddux has the added cachet of being one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1990s, giving his early cards lasting value. The scarcity of both his and Griffey’s rookies in the harder to find Traded insert set as opposed to the flagship series adds a substantial premium.

In addition to star rookies, the 1987 Topps Traded set featured then-established legends whose cards have increased greatly in value with time. A standout is the Ryne Sandberg card, featuring the 10-time All-Star and 1984 NL MVP at the peak of his career with the Chicago Cubs. In pristine ‘Gem Mint’ condition, a Sandberg from this particular set recently sold for over $4,000 due to his marquee status and winning that elusive championship as a member of the 2016 Cubs. High grade examples of the Ozzie Smith or Don Mattingly cards from this year have also been known to cross the $1,000 mark.

The 1987 Topps Traded set is additionally notable for introducing or highlighting several players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and demand high single card prices. Reds’ power hitter Eric Davis achieved superstar status early in his career and examples of his solid ’87 Traded issue in top condition can approach $1,000. Another in-demand star is the Pedro Martinez rookie, predating his dominant run with the Red Sox. In a sought-after 9 or 10 grade, his first card has sold for well over $2,000.

Condition is extremely important when considering value of any vintage card, but especially for the true elite issues in the 1987 Topps Traded set. With its late-’80s production values, the cards are highly subject to damage from bending, wrinkling or other flaws over decades of being opened and shuffled. For patient collectors willing to rigorously grade and preserve examples, there exists significant longterm financial potential. Beyond the headliners already covered, mint examples of other stars like Alan Trammell, Barry Larkin, or Bo Jackson could routinely sell for hundreds today and may appreciate substantially in the coming years as those players enter the Hall of Fame.

While it came out later in the 1987 season and did not enjoy the same initial fanfare as the Topps flagship set, the Topps Traded insert has proven to contain some of the most historically important and lucrative rookie cards ever made. Headlined by the Griffey and Maddux rookies, this set consolidated multiple emerging and established talents in a single release. For savvy collectors who can acquire high grade copies of the keys playersprofiled, the 1987 Topps Traded cards offer an compelling vintage investment opportunity—especially as the hobby has dramatically increased in popularity and prestige in recent decades. With the high demand spurred partly by nostalgia for the late 80s/early 90s generation, these young star rookies and seasoned vets remain some of the most collectible and monetarily valuable cards from the entire 1980s period.

1974 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1974 Topps Traded baseball card set is considered one of the more exciting and sought after variations issued by Topps during the vintage era. With a checklist of only 96 cards, the 1974 Topps Traded set showcased key players who were traded to new teams during the middle of the 1973 season or in the offseason. Given the relatively small print run compared to the flagship Topps issues of the time, these traded cards remain a popular target of collectors decades later.

Some key details on the 1974 Topps Traded checklist:

The set includes 96 total cards, with players numbered from 1T to 96T to denote them as “Traded” variations.

Some of the biggest star names featured in the set who had been dealt to new clubs include Nolan Ryan, Ferguson Jenkins, Reggie Jackson, Dick Allen, Matty Alou, and Tommy John. Many of these players were dealt right as they entered their primes.

Teams with multiple players showcased include the California Angels (acquiring Nolan Ryan, Bobby Valentine, and Frank Robinson), Texas Rangers (Ron Stone, Mike Hargrove, John Ellis), and New York Mets (Tom Seaver, George Stone, Rusty Staub).

Rosters for each team generally reflect the makeup after the August or September 1973 non-waiver trade deadline. A few offseason trades were also included involving players like Tommy John and Dick Allen.

The checklist showcases a mix of both high-profile stars and role players who found themselves on new squads via trade. Players like Mack Jones, Danny Frisella, and Tom Matchick had their new uniforms depicted alongside bigger names.

Design-wise, the cards largely mirrored the standard Topps issue for 1974 but with grayscale photos and a special “Traded” logo stamped across the upper portion. Card stock/ grain is also slightly different than the base set.

Unlike in later decades, major midseason trades were still quite common in the early 1970s. The 1974 Topps Traded capitalized on capturing these player movements for collectors.

Some key individual cards and their significance in the set:

#1T – Nolan Ryan (Texas Rangers). One of the biggest arms dealt at the time, still dominating for the Angels prior. Would emerge as a true superstar in Texas.

#2T – Ferguson Jenkins (Texas Rangers). Another prized pitching acquisition via the Angels, still early in stellar career. Helped solidify new-look Rangers staff.

#3T – Reggie Jackson (Baltimore Orioles). Fresh off back-to-back WS titles, “Mr. October” was dealt in a shocking mid-1973 trade. Remains among his most iconic uniforms.

#7T – Dick Allen (Chicago White Sox). Controversial yet talented slugger had bounced after one season back with the Phillies in 1973.

#10T – Tommy John (Los Angeles Dodgers). Lefty was hyper-durable at this point and posted strong stats for White Sox/Dodgers across the 1970s.

#15T – Matty Alou (St. Louis Cardinals). Speedy OF was a force for PIT earlier but enjoyed success batting leadoff in STL too. Still going strong at 35.

#27T – George Stone (New York Mets). Local NY product contributed innings for 1973 pennant winners in first of two stints with Mets.

#34T – Don Gullett (Cincinnati Reds). Young southpaw was key future piece acquired from KC that helped propel Big Red Machine dynasty.

#42T – Rusty Staub (New York Mets). Popular veteran corner IF/OF provided veteran leadership for the ’73 champs. Hit .341 as Met.

#81T – Mike Strahler (California Angels). Journeyman RHRP had appeared in a career-high 70 games for the A’s in 1973 before being traded.

The 1974 Topps Traded baseball card set ranks among the most popular and collectible variations issued during the vintage era due to the star power and historical significance featured. Featuring prominent players in their new uniforms following notable mid-season and offseason trades, it captures a key snapshot of the baseball landscape in the early 1970s in under 100 coveted cards. Decades later, the checklist still resonates strongly with collectors exploring the careers and movements of players during that period.

1992 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Topps Traded baseball card set was released by Topps during the middle of the 1992 Major League Baseball season as a special mid-season update to its annual Topps flagship baseball card release. At 233 cards in the base set, the 1992 Topps Traded offered collectors a chance to get updated or rookie cards for players who had been involved in trades or call-ups since the initial 1992 Topps series one release earlier that year.

Some key things to know about the 1992 Topps Traded release include that it focused on capturing the many player transactions that occurred in the early months of the season. Topps produced Traded sets in 1992 and subsequent years to capitalize on collector interest in obtaining cards showing players in their new uniforms after trades. This set serves as a historical snapshot of sizable deals and promotions of prospects that shaped the baseball landscape in the first half of 1992.

Notably, the 1992 season saw a blockbuster trade between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates. On July 31st, the Pirates acquired Barry Bonds from the Padres in exchange for outfielders Andy Van Slyke and Curtis Wilkerson, infielder Jeff King, and pitchers Doug Drabek and Danny Jackson. The headline trade provided the biggest story in the 1992 Topps Traded set, with cards showing Bonds sporting the Pirates uniform for the first time. Other huge deals featured were the acquisitions of Sid Bream and Denny Neagle by the Atlanta Braves.

Rookie cards of future stars like Alex Rodriguez, Jeff Bagwell, Darren Daulton, and David Wells also made their debut in the 1992 Topps Traded set since they had been called up to the majors after the initial series was printed. This was an opportunity for collectors to add these prospects to their collections at an earlier date versus waiting for the following year’s regular Topps issues.

In addition to focused on mid-season promotions and trades, the 1992 Topps Traded set also highlighted some players who were returning from injury rehabilitation and rejoining their teams during that summer. This included cards showing players like Vince Coleman in a New York Mets uniform after being sidelined for over a year.

The visual design of the 1992 Topps Traded cards largely mirrored the base 1992 Topps issue. The fronts featured individual horizontal player portraits with team logos at the top, along with basic stats below. The Traded set used a blue colored border and banner strip along the bottom, differing from the red color scheme used in the flagship release. Card backs contained more in-depth stats and career summaries.

The 1992 Topps Traded baseball card set provides a distinct window into the many noteworthy player transactions and debuts that shaped the baseball landscape during the first few months of that campaign. Collectors could add these updated cards alongside their initial 1992 Topps collections. Even decades later, the set stands out for its historical capturing of pivotal points in the careers of legendary players like Barry Bonds and future Hall of Famers.

In the years since, the 1992 Topps Traded cards have become highly desirable for both casual collectors and investors. Key rookie cards like those of Alex Rodriguez regularly command over $100 in gem mint condition grades. Signed examples of stars can fetch thousands. Even base cards of franchise players from that era remain steadily collectible and hold value. For those seeking to build a complete set nearly 30 years later, it can be a challenge to acquire all 233 coveted cards in affordable grades. But the 1992 Topps Traded baseball cards continue to be regarded as a premium mid-season issue and integral piece of collecting from one of baseball’s most memorable modern seasons.

1990 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS DATABASE

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The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set was released mid-season by the Topps Company as a supplemental product to their main 1990 baseball card release. The Traded set featured players who were traded or acquired via free agency after printing of the base set had been completed. This added numerous stars to new clubs shown for the first time in their new uniforms.

Some of the biggest player trades preceding the 1990 season included Frank Viola going from the Twins to the Mets, Dave Stewart from the A’s to the Padres, and Dennis Martinez from the Expos to the Blue Jays. Free agent prizes like Bobby Bonilla (Pirates), Ryne Sandberg (Cubs), and Rick Sutcliffe ( Indians) also signed with new teams. The Traded set helped collectors update their rosters to reflect these many mid-season roster changes.

The 1990 Topps Traded set contains 132 cards total. The designs and photography styles generally match the main 1990 Topps issue. All cards in the Traded set feature the subject in the uniform of their new club acquired after the original printing. This allows collectors a way to keep up with the many player transactions that occur each season.

Several notable stars are featured prominently in the 1990 Topps Traded set wearing their new uniforms for the first time. Future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley is shown as an Ace reliever for the formidable A’s bullpen on card #T1 after being obtained from the Cubs. Star outfielder Bobby Bonilla, a key free agent signing by the Pirates, leads off the set with card #T2 photographed in the Pittsburgh black and gold.

Two of the biggest acquisitions before the 1990 season, Dave Stewart and Dennis Martinez, both receive star treatment early in the Traded checklist. Stewart is photographed on the mound for the Padres on card #T3 after coming over from the A’s. Martinez also gets one of the prized early spots at #T7 in his new Blue Jays duds obtained from Montreal. Both pitchers would go on to have solid seasons helping their new clubs.

Other notable players included in the Traded set wearing their post-deal uniforms are Carter (Dodgers), Saberhagen (Red Sox), Morris (Blue Jays), Higuera (Marlins), Fernandez (Mets), and Sandberg (Cubs). Most of these stars were obtained via trade but some like Sandberg signed as notable free agents. The mix makes for an all-star collection of players updated for collectors in their latest jerseys mid-season.

Beyond just star players, the 1990 Topps Traded set also contains several other interesting subset-style inserts. A nine-card “Top Prospects” subset at the beginning highlights some of the top rookies on the cusp of joining their parent club’s roster. A three-card “Olympic Team USA” insert honors baseball’s return to the Summer Games that year. And three traded managers—Lasorda, Cox, and Johnson—also receive special spotlight cards outside the base checklist.

In terms of specialty parallels, the 1990 Topps Traded release also marked one of the earliest Gold Label parallel variations introduced by Topps. A mere four Gold Label parallel cards were inserted randomly in hobby packs back then featuring Boggs, Whitaker, Saberhagen, and Martinez. These scarce early parallels can fetch a hefty premium today for advanced collectors.

When it comes to the overall condition and demand for the 1990 Topps Traded cards today, the set maintains strong collector interest due its ability to update key rosters and showcase many new uniforms. Commons are quite affordable across all grades while the biggest stars and notable parallels command higher values. Aside from a few very light production lines, centering is also generally above average compared to some early ’90s Topps issues—a plus for grading potential.

The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set enjoys a special nostalgia amongst collectors for its ability to showcase so many famous baseball players in the uniforms of their new teams. Featuring a who’s who of stars and several popular inserts at only 132 cards total, it serves as a fun and affordable supplemental set for keeping rosters current during baseball’s hot stove season each year. The strong visuals and overall collecting demand ensure the 1990 Topps Traded cards remain a valued part of baseball card history.

1987 FLEER TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer traded set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage baseball card releases of all time. While the design was hardly groundbreaking compared to earlier Fleer issues, what made the ’87 traded set so notable was the inclusion of several highly sought rookie cards that would go on to capture the imagination of collectors for decades.

Released in packs alongside the flagship 1987 Fleer baseball card set in spring 1987, the traded issue contained 228 total cards and was largely made up of veteran players who had been traded to new teams in the 1986-87 offseason. It also featured the premier rookie cards of players like Mark McGwire, Kevin Mitchell, and Benito Santiago that would become future Hall of Famers and stars.

The McGwire rookie in particular is one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made. Depicting “Big Mac” in an Oakland A’s uniform, it marked the first widespread appearance of the slugger who would go on to break the single-season home run record. In top graded gem mint condition, McGwire’s traded rookie has sold for over $400,000, making it one of the highest valued modern-era cards.

Another huge star who debuted in the 1987 Fleer traded set was Mets outfielder Kevin Mitchell. His rookie card, which showed him sporting Dodger blue after being traded from San Diego in the offseason, preceded Mitchell’sNational League MVP campaign of 1989. High-grade versions of Mitchell’s debut are also extremely valuable, routinely trading hands for tens of thousands.

Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign in 1986, catcher Benito Santiago’s traded card signified his first appearance in a Padres uniform after being dealt from the Cubs. His stock rose even more with a few more strong seasons, making the Santiago traded RC another highly sought piece from the ’87 issue.

Beyond the star rookie cards, the set as a whole featured several other intriguing traded veterans like Orel Hershiser, Dale Murphy, and Bob Welch. It also contained repeat cards of notable players like Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Don Mattingly in their new uniforms. The visual aesthetics, though standard Fleer designs of the time, added context and intrigue of players changing teams right as the traded player era was heating up in MLB.

While production numbers for 1987 Fleer traded were substantial compared to modern parallels, demand and appreciation for the iconic rookie cards has seen supply dwindle drastically over the past 3 decades. In top graded form, complete sets often sell for well over $10,000. Even common players command prices well above their 1987 retail costs. The longevity of stars like McGwire, Santiago, and Mitchell have ensured this set remains a pillar in the vintage baseball card market.

For collectors, acquiring key 1987 Fleer traded cards presents both opportunity and challenge. Prices remain high, especially for the star rookie hits. Appreciation over the long term is almost guaranteed given the immense impact and name recognition of players featured. For researchers of baseball card history and those fascinated by the beginnings of modern legends, the ’87 Fleer traded release also offers a unique window into the emergence of some of the game’s greatest talent from the late 80s and 90s. Decades after release, it retains its stature as one of the most important and investment-worthy vintage issues ever made.

While package design and photography were nothing groundbreaking, the 1987 Fleer traded baseball card set achieved legendary status due to the star power and impact of rookie cards within. Featuring debuts of Hall of Famers like McGwire, All-Stars like Mitchell and Santiago, and numerous veteran improvements, it has maintained extremely strong collector demand. The unique storyline of depicting players in new uniforms added charm and informational value as well. For these reasons, the 1987 Fleer traded set will undoubtedly remain a pillar in the world of vintage baseball memorabilia for decades to come.