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1992 DONRUSS TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not as iconic or valuable as some other sets from that era like 1989 Upper Deck or 1990 Score football cards, the 1992 Donruss Triple Play cards still hold nostalgia and value for collectors today. Here’s an in-depth look at the set and what cards are worth the most from it nearly 30 years later.

The 1992 Donruss Triple Play set contains 330 total cards and was the flagship baseball card released by Donruss that year. Notable rookie cards in the set include Greg Maddux, Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, John Smoltz, and Kenny Lofton. Hall of Famers featured in the set include Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Tony Perez, Robin Yount, and Carlton Fisk in what would be their final baseball card appearances before retirement.

Some key things to know about the design and production of the 1992 Donruss Triple Play cards – The front of the standard issue cards featured a vertical player photo with their team logo on the left and stats/info on the right. The back contained career stats and a short bio. The design was simple but clean compared to some of the more flashy and cartoonish designs of the late 80s/early 90s. The set was also overproduced like many from that era with mass quantities still in existence today compared to the much smaller print runs collectors prefer.

When it comes to the most valuable cards from the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set, several rookie cards and short printed parallel variations top the list:

Jeff Bagwell rookie card – One of the key rookie cards from the set. Bagwell went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is among the most sought after from ’92 Donruss. Near mint condition examples in PSA/BGS slabs regularly sell for $100-200.

Frank Thomas rookie card – Another star player’s rookie that holds value. Thomas’ offensive prowess made him one of the game’s best hitters. PSA/BGS graded mint copies sell in the $50-100 range.

Greg Maddux rookie card – Overshadowed by others but Maddux put together a first ballot Hall of Fame pitching career. His rookie trades hands for $30-60 usually.

Sp silver signatures parallel variation cards – These were short printed silver foil autograph cards signed by the likes of Wade Boggs, Walt Weiss, David Cone. High grades bring $50-150+.

Refractor parallel cards – Shiny refractor versions of standard cards are popular with collectors. Superstars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Kirby Puckett in gem mint can fetch $25-50.

Hologram parallel cards – These were 1 in every 12 packs with hologram images on them. Similar values to refractors depending on player and condition.

Beyond the rookies and parallels, stars of the era hold the most value overall from the set. Key chase cards include – Ken Griffey Jr. ($10-30), Cal Ripken Jr. ($8-20), Barry Bonds ($6-12), Nolan Ryan ($5-15), depending on player, position, and grade. Rarer short prints could be worth more.

In sum, while not the most valuable vintage set overall, the 1992 Donruss Triple Play cards represent a snapshot of baseball in the early 90s. Nostalgia remains high for collectors who ripped packs of these as kids. While production numbers remain large, key rookie cards and refractors/parallels continue to resonate for investors and fans of the players depicted. With historically significant rookies and Hall of Famers, the ’92 Donruss Triple Play cards ensure this primary issue set from the tail end of the sport’s card boom era maintains relevance and collecting interest for years to come.

TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Triple Play was a unique baseball card product released by Donruss from 1992 to 1993. Unlike traditional baseball card sets that focused on individual players, Triple Play featured 3 related players on each card. This article will explore the value that triple play cards can hold for collectors based on various factors like the players featured, player performance, card condition, and rarity.

One of the primary factors that impact the value of a triple play card is the quality of the players featured. Cards that highlight future Hall of Famers or all-time great players from their era will generally hold more value than those featuring less notable players. A 1992 Triple Play card featuring Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent, and Will Clark from the San Francisco Giants would be quite valuable given those players’ careers. Bonds in particular went on to smash the home run record, making any cards from his early Pirates/Giants days more desirable.

Another important consideration is how the featured players performed over the course of their careers relative to expectations at the time the card was produced. A 1992 Triple Play card highlighting young players like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Jimmy Key from the Yankees might seem fairly common now. It holds great value considering all went on to become core members of the dynasty Yankees teams that won 4 titles in 5 years. Conversely, a card featuring highly-touted prospects who never panned out will have lost much of its luster.

Naturally, the condition and aesthetics of an individual triple play card impact its worth similarly to other collectibles. A flawless “gem mint” rated copy will demand the highest prices. Heavily played or damaged cards lose significant value. Other aesthetic factors like centering can also influence grading and thus pricing. Like all card products, the supply and demand created by how many copies remain in high-grade condition regulate value to some extent.

The specific teams and players depicted offer another layer to a triple play card’s collectibility and price. Cards featuring historically significant franchises tend to do well. A 1993 Triple Play featuring Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and Chris Sabo from the Big Red Machine era Cincinnati Reds holds tangible nostalgia and intrigue. Regional desirability also plays a role, as cards of local heroes from a collector’s hometown area may attract premium dollars. Rarer combinations or scenarios not captured in other sets can spike collector interest.

Beyond inherent player-centered factors, the year and specific Triple Play series of a card influences value to collectors. The 1992 Donruss Triple Play release remains the more desirable inaugural set. The players featured had established themselves more by then and future accomplishments were still unknown mysteries adding intrigue. Rarer insert and parallel card varieties within each year’s product also increase scarcity and collector demand. Numbered parallels below the usual print run especially drive up prices.

In total, properly assessing the interplay between all these potential value drivers is key to determining approximate pricing for any given triple play baseball card in the marketplace. While inherently not as liquid as rosters sets due to their unique three-player format, the best triple play cards highlighting all-time great talentcombinations remain favorites for dedicated collectors of 1990s baseball memorabilia. With care and research, discerning fans can uncover hidden value in this short-lived but innovative early-’90s card product.

HASSAN TRIPLE FOLDERS BASEBALL CARDS

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Hassan Triple Folders are a classic and iconic product for storing and displaying baseball cards. Invented in the 1970s by Hassan Freeman while working at a five and dime store in New Jersey, the triple folder revolutionized how collectors organized and presented their prized cards. What started as a simple cardboard folder made to hold three cards on each page has grown into a multi-million dollar industry spanning decades.

The original Hassan Triple Folder design featured three vertical slots cut into each page allowing cards to be inserted and securely held in place. Pages were grouped into sets of 12 which were bound together using a simple but robust coil binding along the side. A thick cardboard cover on the front and back protected the pages and cards. Each folder held 36 cards in total providing adequate space to start building sets and collections in an organized fashion.

Word spread quickly among collectors of the new found utility of Hassan’s invention. Prior to the triple folder, cards were often simply piled or stuffed loosely into envelopes with no structure for easy sorting or viewing. The ability to neatly slot cards three across made it simple to flip through collections and admire the players and stats. It also protected the fragile cardboard from potential damage that comes with disorganized storage methods. Demand took off and Freeman knew he was onto something big.

In 1978, Freeman registered the Hassan Triple Folder trademark and formed his company to mass produce the product. Early folders came in basic colors like red, blue, green and featured simple stock photography on the covers. As the product gained mainstream popularity through the 1970s and 80s, covers became more creative with original artwork, team and player themes. Premium materials like leather-like covers were even introduced at higher price points. Variations like trading card albums that held pages sideways also hit shelves expanding storage options.

Hassan grew his operation extensively opening a factory in South Brunswick, New Jersey that employed nearly 200 workers at its peak. Triple folders and supplies became a staple in corner stores, drug stores and specialty hobby shops across America. Major card manufacturers like Topps started including vouchers for free Hassan folders in wax packs as a bonus incentive for collectors. Partnerships were formed granting licenses to feature players, leagues and teams on custom designs. Proceeds from sales helped baseball programs for underprivileged youth.

The 1990s marked a turning point as interest in traditional sports cards waned some with the rise of entertainment and pop culture cards focused on movies, music and more. Hassan pivoted releasing folders designed for these new collectibles but baseball remained the core business. Around this time the company introduced magnetic closing flaps and plastic sheets for rare “rogue” cards to provide more protection than the regular cardboard pages. Competition also emerged with other brands making triple folders or similar booklet designs.

Hassan maintained relevance into the 2000s by leaning into retro and nostalgia fueled by the growth of online card communities. Premium “vintage replica” folders recreated the look of the original 1970s designs. Rare out of print team and player editions from the 80s saw renewed popularity. When values of vintage cards exploded on auction sites, Hassan took advantage with acid-free archival pages and binders better suited for truly valuable investments. They also smartly utilized new digital marketing such as social media to reach younger collectors.

Today Hassan Triple Folders remains a cornerstone product for organizing collections both casual and elite. While sports cards have expanded far beyond baseball, the classic folders still hold relevance. Retro styled reproductions satisfy nostalgia while latest innovations like magnetic sleeves and touch screen compatible pages show Hassan’s commitment to progress. After nearly 50 years, millions of collectors have relied on these cardboard backbones to fuel their hobby. As baseball cards evolve, one thing is clear – the Hassan Triple Folder endures as an indispensable staple of the industry.

1992 DONRUSS TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set was one of the most iconic and popular releases by Donruss in the early 1990s. The set featured traded players from all 26 MLB teams at the time and utilized Donruss’s Triple Play photographic concept of having 3 different photos of each player on each card. Some key things to know about the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set include:

The set featured 666 total cards and included rookies of future stars like Mike Piazza, Mo Vaughn, Kenny Lofton, David Cone, Andruw Jones, and Bobby Higginson. Each card in the set included the player’s name, team, position, and batting and fielding stats from the 1991 season on the front. The back of each card contained career stats and a brief bio.

What made the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set unique was its innovative triple photograph concept. Each player’s card contained three distinct photos of that player – one in an action batting or fielding pose, one in a posed portrait shot, and one in an action pitching pose for pitchers. This creative triple photo design made for very recognizable and visually appealing cards that collectors enjoyed peering at all the different photos.

Production and design quality of the 1992 Triple Play cards was top-notch for the early 1990s. The cards featured a glossy photo on a grey flecked borderless front with lots of clean white space around each image. The backs contained colorful team logo borders and a simple green and white color scheme. Card stock was thick and borders were neatly cut, a step up from some flimsier Donruss releases of the late 1980s.

Rookie card chase and star player chase parallels added to the appeal and collecting interest in the 1992 Triple Play set. The base rookie card for Mike Piazza is one of the most valuable from the years. Other top rookies like Mo Vaughn, Kenny Lofton and Bobby Higginson also featured noteworthy early career cards. Chase cards of superstars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. attracted adult collectors.

Beyond the base set, Donruss issued several supplemental 1992 Triple Play parallel subsets like “All-Stars” (featuring past season award winners), “League Leaders” (top statistical performers) and both Gold and Silver parallel versions of the base cards which inserted special parallel numbering. These extra chase cards increased the overall collecting popcorn for the product line.

The popularity and success of the 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball cards helped cement the “Triple Play” branding and 3-photo concept as a hallmark of the Donruss brand through much of the 1990s. Following releases in 1993, 1994, etc. all utilized variations of the triple photo format that made the 1992 release so unique and collectible. Secondary market values for the ’92 Triple Play set have remained consistent over the decades as one of the most beloved early ’90s card issues.

From a design, production value and player content perspective, the 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set really encapsulated the era and provided a creative solution to photography within the limitations of a standard baseball card. Featuring future stars, consistent quality, supplementary parallels and especially the iconic triple photograph concept helped make the ’92 Donruss Triple Play set a memorable and important early release from the brand that collectors still enjoy to this day. Its lasting legacy and popularity confirm its standing as one of the class releases in early 1990s cardboard.

The innovative triple photo concept, memorable rookie cards, pristine printing quality and inclusion of the game’s biggest stars all combined to make the 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set an exemplary 1990s issue that has endured extremely well through three decades of collecting. Its hallmarks of design, photography and player selection still make it a blast from the past that attracts vintage collectors even today. The set encapsulated Donruss at the peak of its baseball card powers in the early 1990s and surely earns its place among the most memorable and investable cardboard of that entire era.

1992 TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Topps Triple Play baseball card set is one of the more unique and collectible card sets from the early 1990s. Coming on the heels of the iconic and valuable 1991 Topps Traded set, the 1992 Triple Play cards tried something new by featuring statistical statistics and player bios on the cards along with the traditional baseball photos. While the set did not achieve the same iconic status as the ’91 Traded set in the eyes of collectors, 1992 Triple Play cards hold value for many reasons and can be worthwhile investments for the right vintage baseball card enthusiast or investor.

Released in 1992 by Topps, the Triple Play set featured 327 total cards broken into three series. The three series each focused on a different statistical category – Series 1 highlighted batting statistics, Series 2 pitching stats, and Series 3 fielding numbers. What made the set unique was that each card showed the player’s photo on the front along with an in-depth table or paragraph containing their stats and career highlights in that category on the back. For example, a Barry Bonds card in Series 1 would show his career batting stats and records on the reverse.

While collecting the entire 327 card set presents a challenge, there are several factors that maintain and potentially increase the value of notable 1992 Triple Play cards over time:

Rarity and star power: Like most ’90s sets outside the flagship Topps issues, production numbers on Triple Play were relatively low compared to modern card runs. This scarcity enhances value. Rookie cards or cards of Hall of Fame players are always in higher demand.

Condition: As with any older vintage set, well-kept Triple Play cards in Near Mint or better condition command a sizable premium versus more played copies. Maintaining the surfaces and edges is important long term.

Serial numbers: Lower serial numbered cards, especially #/25 or less, hold added collector interest versus higher numbers. Tracking down #1 edition cards is extremely difficult.

Statistical oddities: Cards highlighting unique career achievements or records have an extra layer of intrigue for stats geeks. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card noting his career strikeouts mark is a highlight.

Insert cards: Topps inserted autographed, multi-player, and framed parallel versions in limited numbers that excite collectors. Pristine autographed rookies can reach into the thousands.

Player performance: Modern star power holds currency. A Ken Griffey Jr. rookie that was a value buy in the ’90s appreciates with each Hall of Fame honor.

While the entire set is challenging to complete, here are estimates for raw, Near Mint condition values of some notable 1992 Topps Triple Play singles based on recent sales:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Series 1): $50-75
Barry Bonds Rookie (Series 3): $75-100
Cal Ripken Jr. (Series 2): $15-25
Nolan Ryan record card (Series 1): $30-40
Frank Thomas Rookie (Series 1): $20-30
Roberto Alomar Rookie (Series 1): $15-20
Sandy Koufax (Series 2): $10-15
Tim Raines (Series 1): $8-12
Greg Maddux Rookie (Series 3): $10-15
Jim Abbott Rookie (Series 2): $5-8

The inserts and parallels hold far greater values, as authenticated autographed singles can reach thousands depending on the level of the signing. A PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 Griffey Jr. autographed card could conceivably sell for well over $5,000 given enough interest from deep-pocketed collectors.

While 1992 Topps Triple Play cards may not rival the 1991 Traded set in terms of collector demand, the uniqueness of the statistical layouts and generally low print runs provide enough collector interest to give notable stars and rookies from the set a tangible resale value decades later. With online communities and advanced search tools like eBay, it is easier than ever for buyers and sellers to gauge the price of these ’90s vintage cardboard relics. Condition is critical, and finding that overlooked sealed wax box in someone’s attic could result in a valuable vintage card treasure inside waiting to be discovered. Overall, 1992 Topps Triple Play is a fun and somewhat underrated set from the early ’90s hobby boom worth keeping an eye out for.

1992 LEAF DONRUSS TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set was particularly notable and holds considerable nostalgia for many collectors from that era. The set included 399 total cards and featured all major league players from that season. While not one of the flagship Leaf/Donruss sets of the time that featured stars on the front, the Triple Play set had a unique style that collectors fondly remember to this day.

Some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set include rookies and stars from that time period that went on to have Hall of Fame careers. One of the prized rookie cards is that of pitcher Pedro Martínez. Martínez cards from 1992 are highly valuable today given his outstanding career that included three Cy Young awards and a career ERA of 2.93 over 18 seasons. His Triple Play rookie card in near mint condition can fetch over $1000.

Another Hall of Fame bound rookie from the 1992 set is shortstop Derek Jeter. As arguably the greatest Yankee of all time and a sure fire first-ballot Hall of Famer, his rookie card is extremely desirable for collectors. A PSA 10 graded Jeter rookie would eclipse $10,000 at auction. Even well-centered near mint examples can sell for $500-800 depending on the market. The iconic image of a young Jeter will always be a coveted part of sets from his first season in 1992.

In addition to star rookies, the cards of veteran superstars that season hold great value as well. For example, cards depicting Toronto Blue Jays legend Joe Carter in his 1992 playoff heroics routinely sell for over $100. This is likely due to Carter hitting a World Series walk-off home run that year for Toronto’s second championship. Ken Griffey Jr. was already one of the brightest young stars in 1992 and his cards command high prices. An ungraded Griffey from that Donruss set would sell between $75-150 based on condition.

The 1992 Topps set is arguably more renown and sought after overall, but Donruss Triple Play still offers affordable vintage for collectors. The design features a photo on the left with player stats on the right side. Some consider it a cleaner, more appealing layout compared to the busier designs Topps employed that year. The photos are also of generally high quality stock images from that season. The cardboard stock was thick and has held up very well for 30 years later.

The relative affordability of even star cards from the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set makes it appealing for collectors just starting their vintage collections. Established collectors also love revisiting the players and designs from their childhoods. The excitement of the 1992 season that saw the Braves win their first title in over 30 years is still imprinted on these cardboard relics as well. Griffey’s ascendance, Bonds’ dominance, and other storylines of that year come alive when holding these yellowed relics in hand.

While the set lacks the true star power of a flagship Donruss or Topps offering due to the design constraints, it offers affordable nostalgia and recognizable players on each card. Rated rookies like Jeter, Martinez, and Jason Giambi can still be acquired in mint condition for a few hundred, providing a cost-efficient vintage collection option. Plus, the designs have endured in a classic, understated way. Even with the more premium 1992 Topps, Donruss, and Bowman sets, the Donruss Triple Play cards endure as a charming, inexpensive vintage option.

For fans of the early 90s, the 1992 Donruss Triple Play baseball cards provide a relatively low-cost pathway into collecting the memorable players, storylines and aesthetics from that era. Star rookies like Jeter and Martinez that anchor mint collections today sold for pocket change when originally packaged. Even 30 years later, well-preserved examples can be obtained without breaking the bank compared to other retro options. The fun, affordable nostalgia alone makes the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set worthy of rediscovery for older collectors and those newer to the rewarding world of vintage baseball cards.

TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS 1993

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The 1993 Topps Triple Play baseball card set marked a rare occasion where the Topps company issued two different base sets in the same year. The flagship Topps set was the standard 353 card release as always, but Topps also produced a smaller 200 card subset focused specifically on multi-player cards showing various defensive plays from the 1992 season.

This marked only the second time Topps had released a set solely dedicated to multi-player cards, with the first being the 1988 Topps Traded set. That 1988 set featured traded and prospect cards in addition to the defensive plays. The 1993 Triple Play set was unique in being exclusively triple, double and even quadruple plays captured from actual MLB games.

Some key things to know about the 1993 Topps Triple Play set:

The set included 200 cards total, with each card showing between 2-4 players depicting defensive plays. No single players appeared alone on any cards.

The photography and card designs focused entirely on recreating pivotal defensive moments from the previous season in vivid detail. No individual stats or bios were included.

Cards were individually numbered on the front from 1-200. The back of each card described the play and included the date, teams involved and final score when available.

Topps used high quality action photography to realistically place each defending player in the proper position and motion of the play. Many cards looked like frozen filmstrips.

Rare quadruple plays and other less common multi-player defensive moments that were captured on video or film during 1992 made their way into the set.

Roster accuracy was a high priority, with Topps only selecting plays where they could positively identify each fielder depicted immediately after the fact.

The scarcity and dynamic photography made Triple Play cards highly coveted by collectors focused on defensive aspects of the game over traditional offensive stats.

Players of all levels of fame were represented proportionately based on their involvement in memorable defensive plays from the prior season, not overall career stats or status. This added diversity and interest to the set compared to Topps flagship issues that usually just featured stars.

Distribution was lighter than the flagship Topps set, with Triple Play packs and boxes much harder for collectors to find on store shelves in the early ’90s. This maintained the set’s status as a premium, limited parallel release years after its initial publication.

Some notable and high valued individual cards from the 1993 Topps Triple Play set include:

#1 – Pirates 3B/SS Jay Bell, P Doug Drabek and 2B Jose Lind turning an UNASSISTED triple play against the Dodgers on September 5, 1992. This is one of the rarest plays in baseball history and the card is among the most iconic in the set. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies sell for over $1000.

#25 – Expos SS Mark Grudzielanek, 2B Mike Lansing and P Brian Barnes completing a 7-4-5 triple play against the Phillies on August 14, 1992. Another hugely improbable play immortalized in card form.

#63 – A foursome of Reds P Scott Scudder, P Rob Dibble, SS Barry Larkin and 3B Chris Sabo recording a QUADRUPLE play against the Cubs on June 26, 1992. One of just a handful of quadruple plays to ever occur and the only one featured in the 1993 Triple Play set.

#99 – Future HOF SS Ozzie Smith of the Cards backhanding a grounder and spinning to complete a behind-the-back toss to 1B Geronimo Pena who steps on the bag, getting the out at first against the Giants on August 31, 1992. Iconic play by the masterful defensive shortstop.

#195 – Rangers 2B/SS Jeff Kintz, P Bobby Witt and 3B Dean Palmer completing an UNASSISTED triple play versus the Athletics on September 30, 1992. Another highlight defensive rarity.

The 1993 Topps Triple Play set showcased the spectacular defensive side of baseball through cinematic cardboard recreations. While short-printed, it succeeded in capturing pivotal multi-player moments in a visually stunning platform that endures today as a popular niche within the larger collecting community. Even with a limited checklist of 200 cards total, it manages to reflect a diversity of players, teams and memorable defensive sequences from the previous MLB season.

TRIPLE ACTION SPORTFLICS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Triple Action Sportsflicks Baseball Cards: A Brief History and Guide to Value

During the 1950s and 60s, baseball cards were hugely popular with children and collectors alike. While major brands like Topps and Bowman dominated the hobby, smaller regional companies also tried to capitalize on the baseball card craze. One such company was Triple Action Sportsflicks, a short-lived sports trading card publisher based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Triple Action Sportsflicks released just three series of baseball cards between 1957 and 1959 before shutting down operations. Despite their small catalog and short print run, Triple Action baseball cards have developed a cult following among vintage card collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at the background of this obscure early issuer and explore what makes their scarce vintage cardboardcoveted by investors.

The Origins of Triple Action Sportsflicks

Triple Action Sportsflicks was founded in 1956 by brothers Mark and Robert Stevenson. Prior to launching their baseball card line, the Stevenson brothers operated a small regional sports film distribution company called Triple Action Sportsflicks. They acquired 8mm films of baseball, football, and hockey games and rented them to local sport shops, bars, and schools throughout Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Seeing the excitement children had for collecting Topps and Bowman baseball cards, Mark and Robert decided to leverage their sports film distribution ties to produce their own line of local sports stars trading cards. Their first series in 1957 featured players from the Minnesota Twins, as well as minor leaguers based in the Upper Midwest. Distribution was primarily through the same sport shops and bars where they rented their sports film reels.

The 1957 series met with modest success on the regional level. Emboldened, Triple Action released a larger second series in 1958 featuring more Twins players as well as stars from other AL teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Tigers. By this point, they had expanded distribution beyond Minnesota into parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Rising production costs and increased competition from Topps began squeezing their small operation.

Their 1959 set would be their biggest at 132 cards but also their last. After two years of modest profits, Triple Action Sportsflicks went out of business in late 1959 as the national brands like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer cemented their dominance industry-wide. The Stevenson brothers liquidated their remaining card and film inventory and moved on to other business ventures in the Twin Cities. For 20 years, their intriguing but short-lived baseball card experiment was forgotten.

Rediscovery and Rising Collector Interest

In the late 1970s, the rise of organized collector conventions and shows helped spark renewed interest in pre-war tobacco cards and other early 20th century issues. During this period, a small group of dedicated Minnesota collectors rediscovered the obscure Triple Action Sportsflicks cards in the personal collections of local sport memorabilia dealers and collectors.

Word slowly spread of these rarely seen regional issues from the late 1950s featuring familiar names like Harmon Killebrew, Camilo Pascual, and Zoilo Versalles. The limited surviving population, the novelty of featuring obscure local players, and mystique of being distributed by a vanished small operator gave Triple Action cards instant cache among vintage enthusiasts.

In the 1980s, the advent of dedicated sportscard price guides and the first nationally-circulated hobby magazines helped expose Triple Action to collectors on a national scale for the first time. Auction appearances in the late 80s and 90s saw their prices steadily rise as conditioned specimens became increasingly difficult to locate. In the pre-internet era, the brand remained obscure, but high-grade examples routinely sold for mid-three figure sums.

Early 2000s Boom

The early 2000s vintage baseball card market saw record prices paid as collectors with internet access and online connectivity helped drive enthusiasm and pricing to new heights. Multi-thousand dollar auctions became commonplace for scarce pre-war tobacco issues like 1909-1911 T206s and 1913 E90-1s. This wider collector pool drove additional demand downmarket to regional 1950s issues like Triple Action.

The rise of online collecting forums, trade boards, and dedicated sports memorabilia auction sites also enabled collectors across North America to learn of these extinct Minnesota brands for the first time. With their limited production runs, scarce high-grade survivors, and inclusion of many familiar stars from the late 1950s, Triple Action cards began routinely surpassing $1,000 even for common players in gem mint condition.

A 2007 PSA 9 graded Harmon Killebrew rookie from the 1957 set achieved $3,250 at auction, signaling Triple Action cards had firmly joined the ranks of desirable pre-Bowman issues. By the late 2000s, even well-circulated examples with flaws sold briskly in the $200-500 range on eBay, as full sets traded hands for $10,000+. For local collectors, finding any intact Triple Action cards remained a serious challenge more than 50 years later.

Modern Values and Desirability

As we enter the 2020s, the vintage sports card market remains robust, and that extends to coveted regional brands like Triple Action Sportsflicks as well. Condition remains paramount – mint survivors are the holy grails for sophisticated collectors. Common players in PSA/BGS 9 gem condition can still achieve $500-1000, while true star rookies can surpass $2,000-3,000. Full high-grade sets are exceptionally rare and can sell for $20,000+.

Even for more affordable well-circulated examples, strong four-figure prices remain the norm due to their great scarcity and local nostalgia appeal. Unsigned rookie cards that can be neatly slabbed at PSA 8 also attract active bidding at $600-1000. The brand’s small 57-59 run, exclusive regional distribution area, and lack of surviving high-grade material ensures strong residual interest from condition-focused investors.

The Triple Action Sportsflicks brand remains one of the biggest secrets and surprises within the realm of scarce 1950s baseball cards. Their limited regional story paired with famous players and scant surviving high-quality material makes these cards a true collecting challenge. Those able to find and afford choice specimens will enjoy owning a rarely seen piece of early sports card and Minnesota history prized by experienced collectors.

2022 TOPPS TRIPLE THREADS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Triple Threads baseball card set is one of the hobby’s most anticipated high-end releases each year. With its focus on premium memorabilia cards featuring some of the biggest names in baseball sealed with on-card autographs and rare relic swatches, Triple Threads has become a favorite among collectors looking for the ultimate one-of-one showpieces for their collections.

The 2022 edition continues Topps’ long tradition of delivering the rarest and most unique memorabilia baseball cards on the market. The base set contains 99 cards and runs the entire spectrum of levels from standard base parallels to the hugely popular 1/1 Triple Relic Patch Autograph cards. As with past years, Topps selects a mix of established stars, top rookies, and key performers from the previous season to feature. Popular veterans like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are always highlights while rookies Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Julio Rodriguez made their Triple Threads debuts in 2022.

When it comes to the memorabilia used, Topps pulls out all the stops. In addition to standard jersey and bat relic cards, they’ve incorporated unique items like signed bases, cleats, caps, and even game-used gloves into the design over the years. The true high-end parallels then take this to another level, combining three or more of these rare swatches or pieces of equipment with on-card autographs. Examples include the highly sought-after “Triple Relic Patch Autograph” cards which feature three separate game-used pieces of cloth or leather with a matching autograph. Other popular parallel subsets include the “Dual Relic Auto” and “Triple Bat” cards.

As for the production and rarity of these premium cards, Topps keeps collector interest high by printing extremely low numbered editions. Most base cards come as serially numbered to 99 copies or less. Then the true star attractions like the 1/1 Triple variants are completely one-of-a-kind, hand-collated masterpieces. With such limited quantities, condition is also critical to hold value long-term. Most savvy collectors will pay top dollar only for pristine, flawless examples fresh from authenticating and encapsulating in professional grading slabs. This helps ensure investment-grade preservation of the rarest pieces.

When it comes to the resale market, 2022 Topps Triple Threads cards are already proving to be sound long-term holdings given the strong start of the MLB season and rising player performances. Flagship rookies like Witt and Rodriguez have seen early cards appreciate sharply on the secondary market. Top veterans like Trout and Ohtani hold steady demand as well. And the true 1/1 treasures consistently break records, with recent sales of unique Triple Patch Autos topping $10,000 USD and more for the right players. With its unmatched memorabilia and autograph content combined with strict limited print runs, Triple Threads continues to set the gold standard for high-end baseball cards year after year. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long-term value, it’s easy to see why the product captivates the imaginations of both vintage and modern collectors alike.

Looking ahead, the 2023 edition is sure to raise the bar even higher. Topps will no doubt debut more one-of-a-kind relic and autograph combinations while also featuring the games’ newest phenoms like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr in their sophomore Triple Threads cards. With the continued success of the MLB and rising player popularity, demand for these types of true “holy grail” cards will remain intense. As a result, savvy investors and aficionados of the hobby would be wise to consider 2022 Topps Triple Threads both for short-term flipping potential of hot rookies as well as long-term holdings of the undisputed champions of modern memorabilia cards. Where else can you find such rare, game-used treasures sealed with on-card autographs of the sports’ biggest stars? For discerning collectors, Triple Threads will remain the pinnacle.

1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TRIPLE PLAY

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The 1992 Donruss Baseball set is considered a classic among baseball card collectors. The design elements and photography featured players at the peak of their abilities. For collectors of that era, it represented an evocative snapshot of America’s pastime during a time of dynasties and rising stars.

Among the memorable aspects of the 1992 Donruss release was the inclusion of ‘Triple Play’ short print cards. These special parallel cards served to excite collectors and drive chase for the highly sought-after variants. A total of 66 Triple Play cards were inserted randomly within boxes of the standard 1992 Donruss packs. With printing numbers far lower than the base cards, these short prints instantly took on greater significance and value.

One of the hallmarks of Triple Play cards was the photography. Rather than isolated player portraits, Donruss opted to feature action shots that captured the essence of baseball. Sliding into bases, leaping catches, and strong throwing motions were commonly displayed. This resonated with collectors looking for a more dynamic presentation compared to traditional static poses. The crack of the bat, thwack of a glove, and velocity of pitches seemed almost tangible through the vibrant Triple Play images.

In addition to lively photography, Triple Play cards stood out from the base set through enlarged borders and all-red coloring. The borders extended roughly half an inch further on each side. Meanwhile, the solid crimson hue permeated the entire front of the card from edges to nameplate. This bold and memorable design choice reinforced the parallel set’s status above standard cards. Even from a distance, Triple Play cards immediately caught the eye of admiring collectors.

While photography and design aesthetics attracted attention, the true allure of Triple Play centered around the players featured. Representing the elite talent of 1992, nearly all 66 short prints highlighted future Hall of Famers or significant stars. Names like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Kirby Puckett populated the set. For collectors both young and old, obtaining cards of such iconic players proved tremendously exciting and satisfying.

The 1992 season itself magnified collector demand around certain Triple Play selections. Bonds belted his then-career high 33 home runs to lead Pittsburgh’s resurgence. Ripken smacked 34 doubles and knocked in 114 runs on his way to a fifth consecutive Gold Glove. Maddux spun off a career-best 20 wins and 2.18 ERA for the Braves. Collectors chased these performance-driven short prints avidly.

Perhaps no Triple Play card generated more frenzied interest than Ken Griffey Jr. Already dazzling fans with elite power and defense, Griffey blasted 40 home runs and batted .299 in just his third full big league campaign. Widely considered a can’t-miss future star, his Triple Play became the most coveted of the 1992 set virtually from the moment packs arrived in stores. For enthusiasts who added the Griffey to their collections, a true piece of cardboard history was secured.

Beyond established veterans and rising phenoms, the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set also highlighted several future Hall of Famers in the very earliest stages of their careers. Derek Jeter, nomadic in his rookie season with the Florida State League’s Greensboro B.C. Cubs, received a short print acknowledgment of his prodigious talents. Similarly, a 20-year old Mariano Rivera, toiling away in the low minors, gained early cardboard recognition before emerging as the greatest closer in MLB annals. For prescient collectors, these rookie Triple Plays proved extraordinarily far-sighted grabs.

When all factors are considered – photography, design, subject selection, and the historic context of the time – it’s easy to understand why the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set remains an iconic release over 30 years later. FromBoxes tucked away in attics and closets across the country, these short prints still provoke fascination and admiration whenever unearthed. They allow collectors and fans alike to step back in time and reconnect with unforgettable players and moments from baseball’s storied past. Whether displaying in protective holders or tucked safely in binders, 1992 Donruss Triple Play cards continue enhancing collections with vivid snapshots from the diamond’s golden age.