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BASEBALL CARDS TWENTY TWENTY THREE

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The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting year in the hobby. With new rookie stars emerging and veteran legends continuing their careers, there will be plenty of intriguing cards to collect. Several high-profile players changed teams over the offseason as well, leading to new photo variations and uniforms to look for. Whether collecting for investment potential, to follow your favorite players, or just for the enjoyment of the sport, 2023 cards offer something for all fans.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the new season is Shohei Ohtani cementing his status as the face of MLB. After winning the AL MVP award in 2021 and continuing his two-way dominance in 2022, Ohtani is already assured of having some of the most coveted rookie cards of the decade. Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other manufacturers will feature him prominently in their flagship sets. With any luck, Ohtani can stay healthy and keep producing at his otherworldly level, making his rookie cards from previous years strong long term holdings.

Another young star to watch is Vladimir Guerrero Jr, who had a breakout season in 2022 with his first All-Star appearance and finishing third in MVP voting. As one of the most exciting new power hitters in the game, Guerrero Jr’s cards have plenty of room for growth. Look for him to be one of the cover athletes for Topps Project 70, a high-end set celebrating the top current players. His rookie cards from 2019 also make for solid speculative investments.

On the pitching side, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani isn’t the only hurler garnering widespread attention. Miami’s Sandy Alcantara had a Cy Young caliber season in 2022 and is poised for a true breakout. Alcantara dazzled with a 2.28 ERA and 228 strikeouts, appearing in every one of the Marlins’ games. His rising star power makes Alcantara cards from past years an intriguing sleeper pickup. Keep an eye out also for Seattle’s George Kirby, who had an excellent rookie campaign and could be a future ace.

Of course, legendary veterans still dot MLB rosters as well. In what may be his final season, Albert Pujols’ quest for 700 career home runs was a riveting storyline. Pujols remains one of the most decorated players of his generation and his classic 2000s-era rookie cards retain tremendous nostalgic appeal. Over in San Diego, Yu Darvish continues pitching at an elite level at age 36. A modern-day Nolan Ryan comp, Darvish keeps collector interest high with his unique arsenal and durability.

Some other veteran superstars who could have big 2023 seasons include Mookie Betts, Jose Ramirez, Aaron Judge and Yordan Alvarez. All are established stars who drive hobby attention. Judge in particular is coming off a historic 62-home run season for the Yankees that saw him break the AL single season record. His 2017 Topps Update rookie card skyrocketed in value and will remain one of the most sought-after modern issues.

On the team front, several franchises made major acquisitions that shake up the card collecting landscape. The Philadelphia Phillies signed AL home run king Kyle Schwarber, AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander joined the New York Mets rotation, and Carlos Correa bolstered the Minnesota Twins infield. Each player brings new uniform variations and photo opportunities in flagship sets.

The baseball card industry also continued innovating with new types of releases. Topps’ Archive brand focuses on high-end reprints of classic designs from the 1970s-90s era. Panini added baseball to its popular Donruss Optic product that features dazzling refractors. Leaf brought back Metal Universe, encasing cards in authentic metal plates. And Upper Deck introduced The Cup, a new high-end set celebrating the pinnacle of performance each year.

Whether collecting modern stars, chasing vintage legends, or enjoying innovative new sets, the 2023 baseball card season has something for all fans. With talented young players emerging alongside accomplished veterans, intrigue abounds on and off the field. The hobby remains as vibrant as ever, giving collectors plenty to look forward to in the new year.

TOP TWENTY FIVE FRANK THOMAS BASEBALL CARDS

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Frank Thomas was one of the most prolific and powerful hitters in Major League Baseball during his 19 year career spent primarily with the Chicago White Sox. Known affectionately as “The Big Hurt”, Thomas smashed 521 career home runs and had a career batting average of .301 over 2,468 games played. His formidable hitting ability and durability at the plate have made his baseball cards some of the most sought after and valuable from the late 1980s through the late 1990s. Here is a breakdown of what are generally considered the top 25 Frank Thomas baseball cards based on their condition, scarcity, and historical significance:

1992 Fleer Ultra #366 – Thomas’ breakout 1991 season where he slugged .559 with 34 home runs and 109 RBI earned him a prestigious spot in the 1992 Fleer Ultra set. While not exceedingly rare, it marked an early opportunity for collectors to obtain a Thomas rookie card after his All-Star campaign. Graded mint examples in the PSA 8-10 range still trade around $30-50.

1994 Donruss #327 – The 1994 Donruss set had a printed run of only 150,000 packs, making inserts and parallels from that year in high demand. Thomas’ primary issue card remains attainable but parallels like the “Diamond Kings” parallel /50 or “Cooperstown Collection” /25 parallels fetch $100-250 graded.

1990 Bowman #497 – As a rookie in 1990, Thomas took baseball by storm with his prodigious power. His rookie Bowman card remains one of the more affordable from that decade at $40-70 graded. Signed versions bring $300-500 though scarcity has increased demand in recent years.

1995 Collector’s Choice Gold Signature #15 – This elegantly designed patch card parallels Thomas’ mammoth 1995 AL MVP season. With an ultra-low printed run estimated under 100copies, a PSA 10 now trades for $2,000-3,000 out of just a handful in existence.

1992 Fleer #366 – Considered the true Thomas rookie card, this issue debuted him on the checklist after his breakout 1991 campaign. Common but iconic, it remains a staple in collections valued near $20-30 graded. Authentic signed copies can fetch over $500.

1996 Studio #69 – Part of the highly regarded 1996 Studio set, this card featured terrific photography of Thomas in action. High grades PSA 9-10 command $100-200 as it was during one of his peak statistical seasons.

1997 Leaf Limited #50 – From the short printed Leaf Limited set c/999, this parallel featured a sepia-toned photo. High grade examples near mint pull in excess of $300 due to its ultra-rarity and commemorating Thomas’ back-to-back MVP awards.

1997 SP Authentic #95 – Featuring a sharp action shot, this popular insert set brandished authentic swatches of game worn memorabilia. Thomas’ patch card remains highly coveted at $400-600 graded near mint.

1992 Pinnacle #326 – Considered one of the sharpest traded from the early ’90s, this vertical issue commemorated Thomas breaking out in 1991. Higher grades above a PSA 8 hold appreciable $150-300 value long term for such an iconic card.

1994 Leaf Limited Gold #50 – Another parallel pulled from the scarce 1994 Leaf set c/50 copies, this super short print gold version honors Thomas’ awesome 1994 season. Just a handful are known to exist. A PSA 10 specimen would likely sell north of $5,000 if offered publicly.

1995 Upper Deck #269 – High quality photography and printing made the 1995 Upper Deck checklist prized by collectors. Thomas’ primary issue in pristine condition brings $150-300 depending on market conditions. Signed versions can reach up to $1,000 for authenticated copies.

1995 Stadium Club #79 – Part of the premium Stadium Club brand, this unique vertical design highlighted Thomas setting a new standard with his 1995 MVP season. Higher PSA 9-10 grades trade between $200-400 due to the set’s excellence.

1988 Donruss Best #4 – One of Thomas’ earliest rookie year issues was from the scarce 1988 Donruss Best set which contained fewer than 75 total cards. An unopened factory set sold for over $7,000 in recent years, showing high demand for anything related to his pre-rookie accomplishments.

1990 Topps Traded #T68 – Issued midway through Thomas’ rookie campaign after dominating the minors in 1989, this traded release previewed his breakout 1991. PSA 10 examples crack four figures due to the card’s timing capturing the onset of his legend.

1993 Finest #315 – Regarded as one of the finest produced sets of the decade, the premium 1993 Finest branding highlighted Thomas as one of baseball’s elite. Higher graded copies PSA 9-10 command $300-500 long term.

1994 Select #63 – Produced as a high-end competitor to Finest and Studio, Select became known for cutting-edge technology like holograms and embossing. Thomas’ issue there reflects the technological revolution and inclusion in such an exclusive brand.

1990 Bowman #497 – Considered the true Thomas rookie card after also being in Donruss’ 1989 set, his appearance here debuted him on the national scene after destroying minor league pitching. Two decades later, PSA 10 mint examples sell for over $800 untrained due to the card’s historic significance.

1992 Leaf Best #109 – An earlier parallel to the 1992 Leaf Limited set, this one contained 100 cards and was much rarer than other mainstream checklists. Higher grades PSA 8-10 sell for $500-1,000 long term making it a premium collectible tied to Thomas’ 1991 breakout year.

1997 SPx Autographs #100 – An incredibly rare pulled patch autograph sticker card distributed at about one per case of SPx. Considering the elusiveness of any autograph from this brand and late 90s superstar, a PSA/DNA authenticated one would likely fetch over $10,000 today if ever offered on the slabs marketplace.

2000 Topps Chrome Refractors #149 /399 – Produced during Thomas’ final season before retirement, these Chrome parallel refractors captured him in pinstripes for the White Sox one last time. Low numbered examples under /100 sell for $2,000-4,000 reflecting his lasting legend and the parallel’s scarcity.

1994 Score #750 Super Cub – Inserted roughly one per case of Score packs, this short printed parallel pictures Thomas’ childhood fandom of the Chicago Cubs before starring for the crosstown White Sox. Only a few dozen are known to exist, with a PSA 10 breaking six figures if offered publicly.

1994 Upper Deck SP #162 – Extremely rare inserted parallel from Upper Deck’s flagship set with an estimated printed run under 100 copies total. Capturing Thomas in all his glory during a peak season, a high grade example could easily surpass $10,000 in today’s hot memorabilia market.

1990 Bowman #497 – Considered his true rookie card after minors appearances only in other sets from the prior season like Donruss. In pristine PSA 10 condition with a sharp centered image, examples have sold for up to $15,000 in recent monster auctions reflecting its extreme importance to the hobby.

1993 Finest Gold Refractor #315 /150 – One of the rarest pulled parallel refractor cards ever produced, estimated at fewer than 50 copies known. As a parallel of one of the most renowned baseball sets combined with depicting the game’s premier slugger, there is no price high enough mentioned for the handful that could become available.

1997 Topps #1 – Featured as the very first card in the premium 1997 Topps checklist, this issue captured Thomas after winning back-to-back MVP awards and Major League home run titles. In pristine condition with perfect centering, a true gem mint PSA 10 specimen might be the single most valuable Thomas card in existence at over $20,000 raw.

In summary, Frank Thomas’ historic 19 year career producing at an MVP level for nearly two full decades has created a deep well of desirable baseball cards from the late 1980s until his retirement after the 2008 season. While common issues can still be had affordably, high grade specimens of his iconic Bowman rookie, early parallels, and ultra-rare insert cards continue rising rapidly as one of the most coveted collections in the hobby. Thomas’ prodigious power and longevity as one of baseball’s true “Iron Men” assures his legendary cards will retain their prominence for generations of collectors to enjoy.

TOP TWENTY BASEBALL CARDS

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been hugely popular for decades. While there are thousands of great vintage and modern cards on the market, some stand out as particularly valuable and historically significant. Here is an in-depth look at what are widely considered the 20 most desirable baseball cards:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The gold standard of collectible cards is, of course, the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner. Produced between 1909-11 by the American Tobacco Company, estimates say only 50-200 examples still exist in mint condition. The image of “The Flying Dutchman” sliding into third base is one of the most iconic in sports. One mint example sold for $6.6 million in 2016, setting records.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The Mantle rookie card is arguably the single most coveted modern card (post-WWII). With its charming image of an upstart Mick taking a big cut, it represents one of the first megastars of the 1950s post-war boom. High grade PSA 10 examples have reached over $2 million at auction.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the earliest baseball cards featuring “The Bambino” in his iconic batting stance. High quality examples from this beautifully designed set are exceptionally rare, with perhaps fewer than 10 PSA 8s and just a couple PSA 9s known. Six-figure prices are routine for these.

1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx – Foxx’s powerful lefty swing makes this a fan favorite, though its scarcity and condition challenges rival even the great Babe Ruth’s infamous card. Like the Ruth, pristine copies command well into six figures.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” remains an enigmatic figure due to the Black Sox scandal. His rarity, at an estimated 50 surviving examples, makes his tobacco card one of the most treasured pre-war pieces.

1964 Topps/Photographs Mickey Mantle – Widely considered the single most iconic card image of all time. It perfectly captured the essence of the “Commerce Comet” in his prime. High grades have reached $100,000+.

1952 Topps Roberto Clemente – The Clemente rookie may have been upstaged in the ’52 set by Mantle, but it has cemented its status as one of the most historically significant modern issues over the decades. Pristine PSA 10s bring six figures.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – While Aaron has rightly earned acclaim for being a great and dignified ballplayer, this classic card remains a cherished piece for depicting the young “Hammer” in his early Milwaukee days before superstardom.

1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Nap Lajoie – One of the most attractive pre-WWI issues, known for its innovative die-cut design. The “Wizard of Oz” was a true star of the Deadball Era, making high quality examples quite significant.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – A rare Tobacco card of the great Philadelphia A’s lefty. Eddie Plank was a pioneer of pitching and one of the stars of Connie Mack’s dynasty teams of the early 20th century.

1911 T205 Walter Johnson – Capturing “The Big Train” in one of his blazing fastball deliveries. Johnson’s electrifying heat made him one of the most intimidating hurlers in baseball history.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – Perhaps the greatest righty of the Deadball Era. Mathewson embodied skill, guile, and competitiveness on his run to 373 career wins and three World Series rings before retiring at age 41.

1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb – Arguably the finest all-around ballplayer who ever lived. This Tobacco card, believed to number around 100 survivors in all, perfectly captures the furious intensity of “The Georgia Peach.”

1909-11 T206 Fred Clarke – Captain of the great Pittsburgh Pirates clubs of the early 1900s. Noted as one of the first true five-tool players and most innovative skippers.

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan – Widely heralded as the single greatest rookie card issued. It depicted the flamethrower in his first season for the Angels during which he struck out 383 batters with a majestic fastball. Pristine PSA 10s have reached over $20,000.

1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh – Perhaps the finest Deadball Era pitcher beside Mathewson. Walsh recorded four consecutive ERA titles and revolutionized the spitball. Highly regarded by collectors.

1973 Topps Mike Schmidt – Considered by many the finest third baseman in baseball history. His combination of grace and prodigious power made his rookie card an instant sensation.

2000 Bowman Chipper Jones – Among modern issues, Jones’ spectacular rookie photograph has become incredibly scarce in pristine PSA 10 condition due to print qualities.

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson – One of the most charming and historically significant pre-WWI players. Captured the skills and mystique of “Shoeless Joe” prior to the 1919 Black Sox affair which has sadly overshadowed his career.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Star outfielder of the famed Philadelphia A’s dynasty and top slugger of the Deadball Era. Highly coveted for quality examples of a player sometimes overlooked compared to contemporaries.

Condition and historical significance are the two overriding factors that make these 20 cards particularly prized among collectors today. Many represent all-time legends captured in their primes or as talented young players before superstardom. While the most elite specimens will always be reserved for the deepest of hobbyist pockets, celebrating their stories and collecting decent copies remains an attainable passion for baseball fans.

TWENTY TWENTY THREE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set is highly anticipated by collectors as it marks the 65th anniversary of the iconic brand. Topps has revealed several exciting product releases as they look to celebrate this major milestone in the hobby. As in years past, the base set will feature over 300 active players along with retired stars and prospects on the rise. Collectors can find a wide range of parallels, inserts, and short prints to chase after as well.

One of the most notable inclusions in the 2023 Topps set is the return of retired superstar Albert Pujols on a Cardinals card after he spent over a decade in Anaheim and St. Louis. Pujols recently announced his retirement after an incredible 22-year career that saw him cement his status as one of the all-time greats. Topps is honoring Pujols by featuring him in a special Cardinals uniform in the base set, giving collectors one last iconic card of the future first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Rookies will undoubtedly be a hot commodity as always. Topps rookies of playoff standouts like Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez and Houston’s Jeremy Peña are sure to be in high demand. Other top rookie cards to watch out for include Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante, Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, and Mariners pitcher George Kirby. Topps Series 2 usually provides the rookie cards for players who made their debut late in the previous season or were called up earlier in the current year.

Parallels have become a driving force in the secondary market and Topps continues to deliver appealing variations for collectors to hunt. The ever-popular silver packs will include short printed parallels like Green Foil, Rainbow Foil, and Pink Foil. Other parallel sets include Gold (#/2020), Atomic Refractors, Mini Logos, and more. Exclusive to hobby boxes are the super short printed 1/1 Red Sparkle parallels that practically become works of art for collectors’ collections.

Another major highlight for collectors is the return of the highly coveted Topps Transcendent Collection. This ultra-high end product breaks the bank but contains cards that can fetch five or even six figures. The insert set features modern stars on vintage designs, adding an aura of nostalgia. Popular Transcendent cards from past years, like Mike Trout’s 1964 design, continue climbing steadily in secondary market value. Rookie Transcendent parallels are as scarce and desirable as it gets.

Budding ballplayers can always count on Topps for prospect coverage as well. Their Paper Prospects set showcases the can’t-miss talents still making their way through the minors. Bonus Paper Prospects parallels in flagship products give collectors an early opportunity to stock up on players like Giants catcher Joey Bart or Nationals outfielder Alex Call before they debut in the Show. Topps Chrome and Finest also deliver prospects galore with their sharply photographed designs and refractor technology.

Trading card manufacturers utilize various insert sets each year to highlight special accomplishments, provide fun retro callbacks, or tease future releases. 2023 Topps is no different with headliners like Topps Now Moments, which commemorate historic on-field performances in near real-time printing. Additional inserts likely include Topps Heritage highlights, Topps Gallery artist depictions, and Topps Archives retro reprints from the company’s decades of design treasure trove. The insert checklist always brings plenty of variety for all types of collectors to enjoy.

The true draw remains chasing after autographs and memorabilia cards of today’s biggest names. Topps flagship, Chrome, and Allen & Ginter offer the chance at hitting big with on-card or patch autos from superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge. Exclusive 1/1 Signature Series patch autos within cases take player collection centerpieces to an entirely new level. With the intense competition between card companies, Topps packs continually one-up their peers by making these ultra-rare signature cards seemingly achievable for anyone.

As the original and most iconic brand in the industry, Topps understands its responsibility to produce a product that continues gaining new fans while honoring the traditions of over half a century of production. The 2023 release looks poised to check all the boxes collectors have come to expect, from base cards featuring the latest crop of elite talent to unprecedented short prints for enthusiasts to seek. Combining that heritage with innovative technology and design, Topps aims to keep its baseball crown firmly in place for many years of bringing the card collecting community together.