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1987 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1987 Fleer Update baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable modern issues due to the rookie cards it featured.Released as a supplement to Fleer’s main 1987 set in July of 1987, the Update included cards of players who were called up to the majors too late to be included in the original checklist. Among those who debuted were future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and David Justice. But the true gems were the rookie cards of Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, who would go on to break the single season home run record.

While the entire 1987 Fleer Update set only features 66 cards total, it is still highly sought after by collectors due to what it included. The chase cards from the issue are the rookies of McGwire, Bonds, Glavine, and Maddux, with their cards routinely demanding the highest prices in top condition. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, those four rookie cards can each sell for well over $1000 and up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on market conditions. But there are a few other standouts from the Update set as well that can demand big money.

The #1 most valuable card from the 1987 Fleer Update based on recent sale prices is the Barry Bonds rookie (card #56). Considered the true Holy Grail of the set, high grade Bonds rookies are some of the rarest and priciest modern era cards. One factor driving their price up is that Bonds went on to break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record and was one of the best players of his generation. In PSA 10 condition, his rookie has sold for as much as $30,000, with most examples above the $10,000 mark. Condition is critical, as lower graded copies can dip below $100.

In the #2 spot is Mark McGwire’s rookie (card #48). Like Bonds, McGwire smashed the single season home run record in 1998 and his first card is one of the key pieces of MLB history. PSA 10 McGwire rookies have sold for $15,000+, with most higher end copies demanding $4,000-$10,000 across the grading services. His is certainly the 2nd most valuable from the 1987 Fleer Update based on recent sales data.

Taking the #3 spot is Greg Maddux’s rookie card (card #22). As one of the greatest pitchers ever who won 4 Cy Young awards, there is high demand for Maddux’s first Fleer card. PSA 10 examples have sold for $6,500 and up, with most gem mint copies above $3,000. In lower grades, it can still fetch $200-$500 depending on condition. Not quite as iconic or rare as the McGwire or Bonds cards, but still a highly sought after piece from this set.

Cracking the top 5 most valuable from the 1987 Fleer Update at #4 is Tom Glavine’s rookie (card #49). Like Maddux his teammate, Glavine had a Hall of Fame career and his rookie shows up less frequently than the position players above him. In PSA 10 it has sold for over $5,000, with $2,000+ for ungraded or lower graded copies still the norm. rounds out the top 5 as still a very recognizable and pricey card from the short print run set.

Outside the premier rookie cards, there are a few other notables worth mentioning that can still hold significant value from the 1987 Fleer Update based on their attributes or the players involved.

The Ivan Calderon card (#61) is one of the most visually striking cards in the set due to the bright colorful design on the reverse. Higher graded examples have sold for well over $1,000 despite Calderon being a fairly unknown player.

Dwight Gooden’s card (#66) as a member of the Mets can approach $100 PSA 10 due to his status as a fan favorite and dominant pitcher early in his career. Even in lower grades it outperforms most common players.

David Justice’s rookie (#63) as ring leader of the Baby Braves movement can reach $500 for a PSA 10 example. It shows up less frequently than other stars in the set too.

Jeff Reardon’s card (#60) as an All-Star closer gets a bonus from being one of the highly scarce short prints from the set’s production run. Higher grades have sold for $500+ due to rarity.

While small with just 66 total cards, the 1987 Fleer Update set holds immense value primarily driven by the rookie appearances of future stars McGwire, Bonds, Glavine and Maddux. In top Condition, their cards can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. But there are also some visually striking, popular players, and short print cards that provide other notable valuations outside the premier rookies as well. It remains one of the crown jewels for modern collectors and investors due to what it included uniquely for that time period.

1986 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Fleer Update baseball card set is considered one of the most unique and valuable sets from the 1980s. Originally released as a supplement to Fleer’s main 1986 set in August of that year, the Update set contained 54 total cards including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. While not as iconic as some other classic sets from the era, 1986 Fleer Update cards have steadily gained popularity in recent years due to its scarcity and star power rookie cards. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and valuation of some of its key cards.

At the time of its initial release in 1986, the Update set was not hugely anticipated. Baseball card production was ramping up significantly throughout the 1980s due to new licensing agreements, and top rookies were being broken out into their own special sets more frequently. As such, the Update set flew somewhat under the radar. It contained replacement cards for players whose information or teams had changed since Fleer’s main 1986 run was produced in the spring, as well as rookie cards for the Class of ’86 which had debuted later in the MLB season.

Unlike other sets from ’86 which had print runs exceeding 100 million, it’s estimated that Fleer Update had a very limited production run of approximately 3-5 million total packs. With 54 cards in the set but only two classic rookies driving collector interest at the time in Maddux and Glavine, values remained relatively low well after the set first came out. In the early 2000s as the hobby experienced a renaissance, interest began growing in the set due to its scarcity. Successful eBay auctions of high-grade examples of stars like Maddux helped elevate awareness that this was a overlooked classic in the making.

One of the main reasons 1986 Fleer Update has taken off amongst enthusiasts and investors in recent years is because its two premier rookies went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Greg Maddux is considered one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, winning 4 Cy Young Awards and appearing in 8 National League All-Star games over his 23 year career spent primarily with the Cubs and Braves. His rookie card from the Update set is the true crown jewel, and high grades in the PSA/BGS 9-10 range now routinely sell for $1000+ prices at auction. Even well-centered, sharp examples in a PSA 8 can pull in several hundred dollars.

Tom Glavine is another pillar of consistency from the 1980s-1990s who racked up 305 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards as a dominant lefty for the Braves. Though not in the same stratosphere as Maddux for individual accolades, Glavine more than deserves his spot in Cooperstown and his Update rookie maintains strong values as well – a PSA 9 brought $531 in a recent auction despite strong population numbers available. Both of these future Hall of Famers were youngsters just breaking into the show in 1986, so their Update rookies represent some of the earliest widely-available cards showing them as big leaguers.

While the Maddux and Glavine rookies are the clear headliners, there are some other notable stars and key cards that hold value from the 1986 Fleer Update set as well. Pitcher Dwight Gooden’s card reflects his dominance in 1985 when he won Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award. Even in the midst of a print run decline, his star power kept his card relatively scarce in high grades. A PSA 9 recently sold for $268. Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane had arguably the best rookie season of any pitcher in 1986, and his Update RC maintains value as well with a PSA 9 bringing over $100 last year.

Rookie cards are also present for future all-stars like Barry Larkin, Ellis Burks, and Mark Grace. Lower print run players like Expos pitcher Pascual Perez and Pirates hurler Rick Reuschel have developed strong cult followings that increase demand. The Update set has an air of nostalgia for capturing the tail end of ’80s baseball in vivid colorful designs before the influx of licensed sets in the early ’90s changed the landscape. While finding examples in pristine condition is challenging due to age and handling, 1986 Fleer Update remains an affordable classic for avid collectors to pursue high-grade rookies and stars from. With the steady rise of 1980s set valuations in recent collectibles boom, this overlooked gem appears poised to keep appreciating given its notable RCs and limited original distribution.

While not in the same conversation as flagship ’86 releases from Topps or Donruss, the 1986 Fleer Update baseball card set deserves recognition amongst serious vintage collectors and investors. With a print run of likely under 5 million packs and premier rookie cards of Hall of Famers Maddux and Glavine that have only increased in value over time, Update satisfies that niche 1980s nostalgia itch. Examples chasing the PSA 9-10 pop report elite or featuring scarce lower-printed stars consistently sell for several hundred dollars or more. For a relatively unknown supplementary set from ’86, Fleer Update has come a long way and appears positioned well to maintain relevance in the vintage boom for years to come.

2021 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The 2021 Topps Update baseball card release provides collectors another opportunity to add new rookie cards and short prints to their collections each year. As one of the final major card releases of the season by Topps, Update is full of rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts as well as new images of stars. Because of the excitement surrounding the rookie class and elusive short prints, 2021 Topps Update cards are some of the most sought after on the secondary market.

A great place to find 2021 Topps Update packs, boxes, and individual cards is on the online auction giant eBay. With its vast user base of collectors and sellers, eBay provides a centralized hub to purchase Update cards from anyone around the world with an internet connection. While other online sports card marketplaces exist, none match the massive scale and selection of eBay when it comes to finding the exact 2021 Topps Update cards you want for your collection.

Some key factors make 2021 Topps Update one of the hotter releases to track down on eBay:

Rookie Class Headliners: Players like Jonathan India, Trevor Rogers, and Jordan Lawlar are just a few of the premier rookies that make their Topps debut in the Update set. As these players progress in their careers, their rookie cards could gain considerable value.

Short Print Chase: Topps inserts short printed parallels and serially numbered cards low into packs to amp up the chase. Finding rare SPs like Christian Yelich Gold or Jonathan India Blue are tough pulls that excite collectors.

Late Season Stat Updates: Topps slaps stickers on cards to update stats from after the initial release. These updated variations become highly sought after parallel types in their own right.

Retired Player Variations: Topps honors recently retired legends with new photos in Update, memorializing their careers for collectors. Cards like Adam LaRoche and Russell Martin gain popularity.

Overall Set Completion: While the base set is widely available, collecting all the short prints, inserts, and parallels remains an ongoing challenge for completionists.

When browsing for 2021 Topps Update baseball cards on eBay, you’ll find a huge range of listings catering to all budget levels and collecting interests. Individual rookie cards of India, Rogers, Lawlar and others are available graded and ungraded. Run-of-the-mill base cards can be had for under $1 each.

For players looking to grab packs and take their chances at pulling the elusive SPs themselves, you’ll discover plenty of sealed box and pack auctions starting at MSRP and going up from there depending on demand. Unopened Case hits are extremely rare, so those larger whole-box listings fetch premium prices.

Serious collectors hunting specific parallels will need to closely monitor newly listed singles. Top serial numbered relics and autographs from Update are out there waiting to be unearthed. Be ready to spend $50-$100+ for the true high-end short prints and memorabilia cards.

Graded cards present another lucrative segment of the 2021 Topps Update eBay market. Collectors appreciating preservation and authentication drive strong prices for prospects getting “gem mint” PSA 10 treatments. Slabbed rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Jose Miranda reflect huge raw card value multipliers.

While results will vary release by release, studying recent sales data provides clues on how certain 2021 Topps Update cards are trending. Run basic completed item searches to gauge accurate market valuations for multiple grades, serial numbers, and variations as a guide before bidding or listing yourself.

Whether you’re trying to finish sets via singles, rip packs for adrenaline pulls, or grow a long-term investment collection, eBay consistently delivers the goods when it’s time to buy, sell, and trade 2021 Topps Update baseball inventory. With new listings posted daily, you’ll always find your next cardboard treasure awaiting discovery amongst the many on offer.

So if 2021 Topps Update piqued your collector interests, start scouting through the auction giant’s vast marketplace listings right away. With sufficient diligence and a bit of bidding prowess, you can bolster your set or gain that highly coveted big ticket cardboard to excite for years down the road. Just be ready for some intense competition chasing the hottest rookie SP finds on eBay for this exciting release.

1986 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1986 Fleer Update set marked the second time that Fleer produced additional cards for active players after the original issue date. Promoted as containing new photos and stats for the current season, the Update set was eagerly anticipated by collectors. While not all of the Update cards would become tremendously valuable long term, a select few have stood the test of time and increased substantially in price. Let’s take an in depth look at some of the most valuable 1986 Fleer Update baseball cards.

We’ll start with arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the set – the Nolan Ryan Express Edition. Fleer recognized Ryan’s pursuit of Walter Johnson’s all-time strikeout record and crafted a Special Express Edition card featuring new artwork depicting Ryan’s blazing fastball. Only 10,000 of these cards were printed, featuring scratch-off stats on the back to countdown Ryan’s progress. In near mint condition, high grade examples regularly sell for over $5,000 today. The card’s scarcity, subject matter commemorating a historic record, and classic Fleer design all contribute to its tremendous demand.

Another high dollar card is the Roger Clemens. Widely considered one of the most talented pitchers of all-time, the 1986 season was a breakout year for Clemens as he won the AL Cy Young Award with a 24-4 record and led the league in strikeouts. His Update card shows him sporting a Boston Red Sox uniform and is one of the earliest cards capturing “The Rocket” in his prime. Graded Mint 9 examples have sold for around $4,000, showing Clemens’ name value and the card memorializing a seminal season.

The Dwight Gooden Update is also quite valuable at around $2,000 in top graded condition. Like Clemens, 1986 was a banner year as “Doctor K” dominated the NL with a 24-4 record and 268 strikeouts to claim Cy Young honors. His card pictures the lean, young Mets fireballer preparing to deliver another blazing fastball. Gooden’s success and lively on-card pose make this a highly collectible card for ’80s card enthusiasts and Mets fans.

Two other Update rookie cards that hold substantial value are Andres Galarraga and Mark McGwire. The “Big Cat” Galarraga rookie shows him as a 23-year old first baseman with the Montreal Expos, foreshadowing his powerful swing that would produce 400 career home runs. High grade Galarraga rookies trade for over $1,000. McGwire’s rookie card pictures the promising young slugger in an Athletics uniform before he put baseball’s steroids era in the spotlight. Near mint McGwire’s have sold at auction for $800-900, with his prodigious home run talent depicted at an early point in his career adding collector interest.

A few other well-known names with valuables Update cards include Ozzie Smith at $500-600 in top condition. Smith was already an eight-time Gold Glove winner for the Cardinals by 1986, and his card shows his peerless defense that made him a first ballot Hall of Famer. The Don Mattingly Update routinely fetches $300-400. Not yet in his offensive prime, Mattingly’s Update pays tribute to his leadership as captain of the ’85 Yankees. The burgeoning superstar status and gifted hitting ability he later displayed fuels demand for this early card.

As a local hero on formidable pitching staffs, Bret Saberhagen’s value has climbed to $250-300 range. His Royal blue Update portrays him as a talented 22-year old before winning two Cy Youngs in the late ’80s. Rickey Henderson, already a prolific base stealer for the A’s by ’86, has an Update valued at $250 in top shape. His game-changing speed and offensive skills that made him the greatest leadoff hitter ever adds to collector interest in his cards. The Tim Raines Update pops up for around $150-200 in top-end condition. By ’86, Raines was well on his way to a standout career with Montreal, making this an appealing card for Expos and talent aficionados alike.

While most 1986 Fleer Update cards hold fairly modest values, certain star players and key rookie cards have increased tremendously due to strong on-card performance, memorable stats, or niche collector demand. The scarcity of the Nolan Ryan Express Edition coupled with its iconic subject matter make it the clear flagship card of the set. But diamonds in the rough like the Gooden, Clemens, and Galarraga rookies have also grown to four-figure status thanks to their portrayals of all-time great player careers at early junctures. For both vintage card collectors and those tracking the increasing worth of ‘80s cardboard, the ‘86 Fleer Update remains a very relevant and financially rewarding part of card history.

2021 TOPPS CHROME UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Chrome Update baseball card set was released on December 1, 2021 as the third and final installment of Topps’ flagship baseball card releases for the 2021 season. As with previous years, Topps Chrome Update serves as a supplement to the base Topps Series 1 and Series 2 releases by featuring additional rookies, stars, and current season highlights not included in the initial issues. With its highly coveted chrome refractors and parallels, Topps Chrome Update is one of the most anticipated card releases each year by collectors both young and old.

Some key things to know about the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set include:

Design: The base card design mirrors the aesthetics of the Topps Series 1 and Series 2 issues with team logos across the top and player photos on a clean white background. Overall it has a very clean, classic baseball card look.

Size: Like the base Topps releases, cards in the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the standard size for modern baseball cards.

Card stock: Where Topps Chrome Update differentiates itself is through its striking chromium photo-variation card stock. This gives the cards a highly reflective, almost holographic glare that sparkles under light.

Parallels: Parallel and short-print variations multiply the chase in Topps Chrome Update. Rainbow foil, gold, black, sepia, and more parallels offer different levels of rarity and prestige for collectors.

Numbered cards: Topps Chrome Update also includes several numbered parallel subsets like Chrome Refractors (#/150), Gold Refractors (#/2021), and Black Refractors (#/2021) adding scarcity.

Rookies: Breakout rookies and prospects from the 2021 season received updated rookie cards in the Chrome Update set, like Randy Arozarena, Jonathan India, and Acuña Jr.’s shiny sophomore card.

Player updates: Injured players or those who switched teams received new cards reflecting their updated team, like Max Scherzer in Dodger blue or José Berríos as a Blue Jay.

Autographs and memorabilia: Higher-end Chrome Update parallels featured autographed and memorabilia cards of current stars signed directly on the card or with on-card swatches of game-used materials.

Inserts: Special Chrome insert sets paid tribute to milestones and new achievements throughout the 2021 season like Records Breakers, League Leaders, and Postseason Contenders.

Upon its early December release, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set became an instant hit among the collecting community. With its irresistible showcase of shiny rookie stars and serial numbered parallels, Topps Chrome Update provides that modern twist collectors crave alongside the classic Topps design. The product sold out fast on release at most hobby shops and retailers as enthusiasts aimed to pull the prized rookie refractors and autographs before they skyrocketed in secondary market value.

As with all Topps Chrome issues, certain rookie cards and star parallels from the 2021 Update set took off almost immediately. Juan Soto and Acuña Jr. pulled ahead as the most sought-after mainstream stars while emerging talents like India, Arozarena, and Scherzer drew heavy demand in their Dodger and post-trade uniforms. Numbered parallels under 10 copies and 1-of-1 printing plates captured collector attention as true one-of-a-kind items. Autographs of elite vets like Trout, deGrom, and Ohtani quickly established themselves as crown jewels for high-end collectors.

In the weeks following release, completed eBay sales revealed steep price climbs for the most hyped rookies. India and Arozarena base rookie refractor singles peaked over $100 each while select parallels climbed higher. Soto and Acuña refractors and higher numbers sold in the $300-1000 range showing their continued star power. As the postseason came to a close and awards were handed out, cards tied to standout performances gained even more cachet. Cards featuring postseason heroes like Eddie Rosario and breakout stars like AL MVP Shohei Ohtani captured peak demand.

In the months since its release, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set has proven to be one of the most fruitful issues in recent memory. While initial retail products vanished rapidly, the long-term legacy of this set is still unfolding through the rising careers of players featured within. With its unmatched formula of captivating designs meeting the hottest new talents, Topps Chrome Update continues to define modern baseball card collecting for another generation. Whether chasing Randy Arozarena’s rookie refractor or the 1-of-1 printing plate of an eventual Hall of Famer, 2021 Topps Chrome Update has given collectors an exciting new piece of the game’s rich history to preserve and enjoy for years to come.

2020 TOPPS BASEBALL UPDATE SERIES MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2020 Topps Baseball Update Series was released on November 11th and contained several highly sought after rookie cards and parallels that have quickly become some of the most valuable modern cards on the market. The Update Series is Topps’ way of adding players that were called up or had breakout seasons after the flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets were produced and distributed earlier in the year. This creates a lot of excitement among collectors searching for the hottest new prospects. Let’s take a look at some of the standout rookie cards and parallels from the 2020 Topps Update Series that are currently demand high prices in the secondary market.

Undoubtedly the most coveted card from the set is the Luis Robert rookie card. As a rookie of the year contender who had a phenomenal debut season with the White Sox, Robert’s base rookie card has significant appeal on its own. Parallel and autographed versions of his card have reached astronomical prices. The Robert pink refractor parallel is easily fetching over $1,000 raw and $3,000 or more graded gem mint. His autograph card sells for north of $5,000 and the 1/1 rainbow foil autograph sold for a staggering $20,000. Even base Luis Robert rookies grade PSA 10 have sold for upwards of $500, showing how strong the long term demand is perceived to be for one of baseball’s budding young stars.

Another rookie who had collectors rushing packs was Giants pitcher Logan Webb. As a homegrown talent who made his major league debut in 2020 and showed Ace potential, Webb’s base rookie fetched $50-75 raw early on. His pink refractor parallel quickly jumped above $300 though and remains one of the most expensive standard parallels from the set. For Webb autographs, expect to pay $400-600 depending on the parallel. Like Robert, the 1/1 versions of Webb cards commanded astronomical early prices due to the rarity and hype around his breakout rookie campaign.

Speaking of 1/1s, the Cristian Pache rainbow foil autograph card may have been the single most coveted card in the entire set. As the lone 1/1 parallel available, it realized a sale of over $12,000. But Pache’s rise wasn’t limited to just the ultra short printed parallels. Even his standard autograph cards crossed $1,000 and base rookies climbed above the $100 mark. As the rising star center fielder for the Atlanta Braves, Pache has all the makings of a blue chip star and collectors recognize the top-end potential of his rookie cards.

Staying in the Atlanta organization, pitcher Ian Anderson also found new heights with collectors through the Update Series. Like Webb, Anderson made his MLB debut in 2020 and showcased frontline stuff while helping lead the Braves to a division title. His pink refractors reached $250-300 and autos pushed $400-500. But perhaps the standout parallel was the Ian Anderson gold foil /50 card. With its extreme rarity and laser sharp focus on one of baseball’s brightest young arms, the gold pulled in sale prices above $1,200. There’s little doubt Anderson rookie cards will remain a highly speculative long term hold.

If you expand outside just the biggest rookie names, there were several existing stars whose parallels popped in the Update Series as well. For example, Fernando Tatis Jr. had one of the breakout seasons of 2020 and any one of his short printed refractors rose fast. His pink /249 sold for $275-325 while the even rarer red parallel climbed above $650. For established veterans, a Kris Bryant gold foil /50 crossed $525. The Mike Trout SP foil and Shohei Ohtani SP autograph also drew bids north of $400 each.

Of course, no look at the Update Series would be complete without mentioningauthenticated autograph cards. Bobby Witt Jr.’s elite prospect status made both his on-card and sticker autos commandingasks well above $750-1,000 each. Adley Rutschman, the top pick from 2019, pulled in $450-700 for his signatures as collectors bet on his future superstardom. And international signings like Rony Garcia logged auto prices up to $325 based on their incredible upside.

In the end, the 2020 Topps Update Series confirmed what many expected – it housed some of the most coveted modern rookie cards and parallels on the cardboard market. From multicolor refractors and autographs of superstars like Robert, Anderson and Tatis to the dawn of promising prospects like Pache, Webb and Witt Jr., the set showed why the Hobby considers Update among the year’s most anticipated card releases. For savvy collectors, identifying the standout rookies and parallels represented the best avenue to acquiring cards likley to retain and grow value for years to come.

1995 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Fleer Update baseball card set was released toward the end of the 1995 Major League Baseball season as an update to Fleer’s main 1995 baseball card release. Fleer Update sets had become an annual tradition by 1995, giving collectors the ability to get cards of players who had notable seasons or been traded to new teams after the primary set was already printed and distributed.

The 1995 Fleer Update set maintained the same design aesthetic as the main 1995 Fleer baseball card release. The cards featured a white border around a color photo of the player in front of a gray background. At the top was the team logo and at the bottom was the player’s name, position, and stats from the 1995 season up until the point the Update cards went to print.

Some key things collectors wanted to see in the 1995 Fleer Update set included rookie cards of players who broke into the majors late in the season or updated cards to reflect trades that happened after the original 1995 Fleer set was completed. The Update set delivered on both of these fronts with several notable rookie debuts and trade acquisitions getting their first cards in the Update.

Rookie cards in the 1995 Fleer Update included Diamondbacks outfielder Alex Cabrera, Indians pitcher Jason Jacome, Phillies outfielder Kevin Jordan, Cardinals first baseman Fred Manrique, and Blue Jays catcher Eddie Taubensee. While none of these rookies went on to stardom, their rookie cards from the Update set were hotly pursued by collectors at the time looking to add the newcomers to their collections.

On the trade front, the 1995 Update gave collectors first cards showing high profile players in their new uniforms. Notable trades updated included Barry Bonds going from the Pirates to the Giants, Dave Martinez from the Expos to the Padres, and Jose Mesa from the Indians to the Reds. Other trades like Eric Gagne going from the Reds to the Cubs and Bill Pulsipher from the Mets to the Dodgers also got card debuts in their post-trade uniforms.

Hall of Famers with new cards in the 1995 Fleer Update included newcomers Rickey Henderson (joining the Dodgers), Eddie Murray (wearing an Angels uniform for the first time), and Ozzie Smith (switched to the Cardinals from the Padres during the season). Murray and Smith’s Update cards were among their last in an MLB uniform before retirement.

Aside from rookies and post-trade acquisitions, the 1995 Fleer Update also included additional cards for many of the game’s biggest stars who were having career seasons. Player performance upgrades included cards showing Ken Griffey Jr. of the Mariners, Frank Thomas of the White Sox, Mo Vaughn leading the Red Sox, and Pedro Martinez emerging as an ace for Montreal.

The pitching stats on Martinez’s 1995 Fleer Update card (13-4 record, 1.90 ERA through late August) foreshadowed his breakout season that would earn him the NL Cy Young Award. For Griffey, his Update captured him near the end of his AL MVP campaign batting .306 with 40 home runs for Seattle at the season’s midpoint.

Collectors could find a number of parallels and serially numbered parallel inserts throughout the 1995 Fleer Update checklist as well. The set featured Silver Signature parallels numbered to 125 copies along with Gold parallel inserts limited to just 25 copies each. An ‘Ultra’ parallel was even more rare at only 10 copies manufactured.

For autograph chase variants, Fleer included autographed versions of select cards numbered to only 5 or 10 copies. Signatures in the 1995 Fleer Update featured players like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Cal Ripken Jr., and Gregg Jefferies. Still popular among collectors today, vintage autographed cards from the 1990s remain highly valuable and desirable.

When all was said and done, the 1995 Fleer Update checklist totaled 183 total cards spread across 16 trading cards sheets. Featuring the game’s active superstars, prospective rookies, and players in new uniforms, the Update set delivered what collectors had been waiting for after the primary release earlier that year. It captured a snapshot of where teams and players stood midway through one of baseball’s most memorable modern seasons.

For collectors and fans of 1990s baseball memorabilia, the 1995 Fleer Update cards retain popularity as a way to represent where teams were comprised just before the postseason began. Even with no true rookie star power, the Update succeeded by fulfilling its mission of updating the collector on the latest developments from an exciting 1995 MLB campaign. Along with parallels and autographs, these factors ensure the 1995 Fleer Update baseball cards remain a valued part of the vintage trading card marketplace.

BASEBALL TRADING CARDS TOPPS UPDATE SERIES

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The Topps Update Series is an annual release of additional baseball cards produced by Topps after their flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets have already been released. The Update Series provides Topps the opportunity to produce cards featuring new rookie players, players who were traded or changed teams, and players who achieved notable accomplishments after the initial series were printed.

The first Topps Update Series was released in 1992 as a means for Topps to issue cards for players who emerged or had significant performances after their main sets were already finalized. Prior to 1992, Topps would occasionally produce supplemental sets like “Traded” cards to account for in-season player transactions, but the Update Series established an annual tradition of a postseason release focused on chronicling the changes that occurred throughout that MLB season.

Some key aspects that make the Topps Update Series unique include:

Rookies: Topps Update sets will feature the debut cards for any players who made their MLB debut too late to be included in Series 1 or 2. Notable rookie cards from Updates include Bryce Harper from the 2009 set and Juan Soto from the 2018 set.

Traded Players: Any players who were traded to a new team after the initial series are released will have their uniforms and team updated in the Update set. For example, the 2019 Update had cards showing Zack Greinke in an Astros uniform after being acquired at the trade deadline.

Award Winners: If any statistical or award winners emerge after Series 1/2, their accomplishment cards will be in the Update. Examples include cards honoring Cy Young or MVP winners.

Photograph Updates: Occasionally Topps will issue new cards in the Update with fresher or better quality photos compared to a player’s Series 1 or 2 card from that year.

Insert Sets: In addition to standard base cards, Topps Updates usually include popular insert sets like Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, and Parallels to add to the excitement.

Limited Print Runs: Compared to the much larger print runs of Series 1 and 2, Topps Updates have shorter print runs which helps the cards retain value as “chase” items for collectors.

Postseason Highlights: Cards will recognize any players who had standout performances in that year’s playoffs and World Series after the flagship sets were finalized.

The first Update Series set from 1992 included only 80 total cards. But the concept proved popular with collectors and the sets have grown substantially each year. The 2019 Topps Update Series included a massive 495 total cards between the base set and numerous inserts.

In addition to providing the opportunity to chronicle the changes of each MLB season, the Topps Update Series serves several strategic purposes for the card company:

Generates Additional Revenue: By releasing an entirely new set after Series 1/2, Topps earns revenue from another product release and box/pack sales period.

Keeps Hobby Engaged: The Updates provide collectors something new to chase and search packs for during the MLB offseason in a way that extends the collecting season.

Increases Card Values: The short print runs and inserts/parallels combined with the “newness” of rookie cards, uniform updates, and award/playoff highlights helps Update cards hold premium resale value long-term.

Satisfies Completionists: Avid collectors aim to “complete” each annual Topps set and the Updates provide the opportunity to obtain the final cards needed to finish documenting that season in their collections.

Drives Secondary Market: The scarcity and premium nature of some Update cards fuels a robust secondary market where collectors can purchase individual cards they missed through auctions, trade networks, and card shops.

Over the years, Topps has experimented with different designs, photo styles, production techniques, and added more inserts with each new Update Series release. The 2018 Topps Update included a special “Photo Variation” parallel where certain cards had completely different photos from the base version. And the 2020 Update introduced a “Superfractor” parallel with an ultra-premium 1/1 print run.

While other trading card companies like Upper Deck, Leaf, and Donruss have tried their own versions of postseason/traded sets over the years, none have matched the enduring popularity and consistency of Topps’ annual Update Series release. For avid baseball card collectors, finding that one coveted rookie card or playoff hero in a pack of the latest Topps Update continues to provide part of the thrill that makes the hobby so engaging during the offseason each year. The Topps Update Series has firmly cemented itself as a cornerstone product for any serious baseball card collection.

89 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Fleer Update baseball card set was released as the third major set of the year, following Topps and Donruss. Fleer had become the third major baseball card manufacturer in 1986 and released their first Update set in 1987 as a way to issue cards of players who were traded or had notable accomplishments after the regular sets were printed. The 1989 Fleer Update continued this tradition and featured 144 total cards with several key rookies and stars in new uniforms from mid-season trades and call-ups.

Some of the most notable rookie cards in the 1989 Fleer Update set included Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners, Gregg Olson of the Baltimore Orioles, and Gary Sheffield of the Milwaukee Brewers. Griffey had one of the most anticipated rookie cards of the late 80s after being called up in early June and immediately making an impact with his power and defensive skills in center field. His card would become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards ever issued. Olson emerged as the Orioles closer and earned 33 saves as a rookie, while Sheffield was a top prospect who was called up in July and showed why with his elite power and hitting ability.

In addition to rookie standouts, the 1989 Fleer Update also captured several impact players in new uniforms thanks to midseason trades. Perhaps most notably, the set featured Dave Stewart’s first card as a member of the Oakland Athletics after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in May. Stewart would help lead the A’s pitching staff to the 1989 World Series title. Other new uniform cards included Dennis Eckersley (Boston), Walt Terrell (Atlanta), Mark Davis (San Diego), and Alvin Davis (Cleveland).

Beyond new players, the 1989 Fleer Update also included “Update” cards for veterans who were having breakout or bounce-back seasons. For example, the set featured cards of Will Clark (Giants), Bo Jackson (Royals), and Barry Bonds (Pirates) after each put up All-Star caliber numbers. Clark was in the midst of his best power season, Jackson was showing why he was one of the game’s most exciting players, and Bonds was establishing himself as perhaps the best all-around player in baseball in 1989.

In terms of design and production, the 1989 Fleer Update cards largely replicated the look of the company’s main set from earlier in the year. The fronts featured vertical player photos with team logos at the top and player names/positions at the bottom. Statistics on the back included career batting and pitching lines as well as season stats through around the All-Star break. As was common for Fleer at the time, the card stock was thinner than competitors Topps and Donruss. Overall condition of the set is generally a bit poorer than the flagship issues due to the thinner stock and the fact Update sets saw less overall production and collector attention upon initial release.

When it came to chase cards and insert sets within the 1989 Fleer Update, the biggest hits for collectors included the Kenny Rogers no-hitter card commemorating his July 1989 perfect game and the “Fleer Futures” insert set highlighting top prospects like Griffey, Frank Thomas, and Larry Walker. The Rogers no-hitter card was one of the earliest special season accomplishment cards issued. And the Futures insert set of 15 cards gave a glimpse at the next wave of young stars. Other short print and serially numbered parallel cards added to the excitement of the hobby at the time in trying to complete sets.

In the years since its release, the 1989 Fleer Update set has grown in esteem due to the star power and future Hall of Famers it features as rookies or in new uniforms. Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie remains one of the most iconic of the modern era. Other stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Dennis Eckersley, and Will Clark all had defining seasons in 1989 captured in the Update. Combined with the insert sets and chase cards, it became a highly collected set at the time and has retained collector interest since. Prices for star rookie cards and serially numbered parallel versions have risen steadily. For historians of 1980s/90s baseball cards and the players/teams of that era, the 1989 Fleer Update is a standout annual set.

The 1989 Fleer Update was a landmark baseball card set that utilized Fleer’s update formula to great effect by documenting breakout rookie seasons, midseason trades, and statistical milestones. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Gary Sheffield took on added legacy in the decades since. The inclusion of chase cards like the Kenny Rogers no-hitter only added to the excitement of the release. When considering the star players, memorable uniforms, and insert sets it featured all these years later, the 1989 Fleer Update remains one of the most historically noteworthy annual update issues in the hobby. Its cardboard snapshots of that MLB season continue to be prized by collectors and historians of 1980s/90s baseball.

2022 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 2022 Topps Update Series baseball card set was released in late August/early September and it didn’t take long for the new cards to start popping up on the popular auction site eBay. As one of the final major releases of the year, Update always carries some intrigue as it provides fans a chance to get cards of players who weren’t included in the base Topps Series 1 or Series 2 sets from earlier in the year.

The 2022 Topps Update set contains 330 total base cards along with various parallels, inserts, and autographs to chase. While the base rookies and stars tend to drive the most interest initially after release, savvy collectors know that Update often provides some of the best long-term holding cards thanks to prospect breakouts and career-defining seasons that occur after the regular season sets are finalized each year.

Not surprisingly, many of the top rookie cards from the 2022 class were among the first Update cards to gain traction on the eBay marketplace. Cards of Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman were in high demand from both collectors completing their rookie collections as well as investors betting on continued success from these promising young talents.

Within the first week of cards hitting the secondary market, PSA 10 graded versions of the Rodriguez and Rutschman rookies were bringing prices north of $100. Raw copies were trading hands in the $15-30 range depending on the specific parallel. The Harris rookie also gained buzz after a strong September call-up and his base card could be found for $10-20 while PSA 10s climbed to $50-75.

Veteran stars getting their close-up shots in Update also found favor among eBay buyers. Cards of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, budding superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. after returning from injury, and ageless wonder Albert Pujols chasing the 700 home run milestone moved briskly. Harper autos and parallels moved for $75-150 depending on serial number while Pujols relics and memorabilia cards brought $50-100 due to collector interest in his historic career.

Prospect hounds eagerly sorted through the Update rookie crop as well. Cards of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe, and Boston Red Sox outfielder Elijah Ramirez were early fliers being picked up for future potential. Their base rookies traded hands for $5-10 while higher end parallels climbed to $20-30 based on their status as top prospects.

As is always the case with modern issues on eBay, there was no shortage of lucrative autographs, memorabilia cards, and 1/1 parallels to drive bidding wars among the most avid collectors. Some early notables included a Julio Rodriguez auto that hammered for $800, a Ronald Acuna Jr. “Hitting Streak” relic that ended at $575, and a Nolan Arenado “Captain America” parallel 1/1 that commanded $1,250 after 15 bids.

The middle market of solid veteran stars and emerging young talents also found appeal. Guys like Seattle’s Eugenio Suarez ($10-20), Atlanta’s Michael Harris II ($15-30), Toronto’s Alek Manoah ($20-40) and Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson ($25-50) moved steadily based on their 2022 performances and future potential. Ohtani, Soto, Acuna and other household names settled in the $5-15 range depending on parallel.

As more boxes were cracked in the ensuing weeks, the eBay population of 2022 Topps Update cards continued to grow. Later standouts included rookie phenoms Oneil Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr. and Spencer Strider who all gained notice. Parallels and short prints of the top rookies remained the focus of bidding showdowns while lower serial autographs and relics of stars like Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts brought six-figure sums.

By late fall, the initial fervor died down some as most collectors looking to add Update to their collections had done so. Savvy investors continued to prowl the listings, snapping up long-term holds on rookies, prospects and stars they felt had staying power. Meanwhile, collectors on a budget had plenty to choose from as even base versions of the biggest names could be found for under $5.

As the postseason played out and award seasons neared, certain 2022 performances had eBay sellers raising prices back up on cards like Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber and Justin Verlander who shined when it mattered most. And with the 2023 season fast approaching, activity was sure to ramp up again as the cycle continued anew with a fresh crop of rookies and prospects on the horizon in the next year’s inaugural release.

The 2022 Topps Update baseball card release provided yet another fun way for collectors of all levels to stay engaged throughout the fall season via engaging eBay auctions. Rookies, stars and prospects all had their moments, but it’s the long-term holds unearthed years later that often provide the biggest thrills for savvy investors who do their homework on the annual Update issues.