The hobby of collecting vintage baseball cards has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with prices reaching record highs. Whether you’re a new collector looking to invest or a lifelong hobbyist chasing your wishlist, these are generally considered the most desirable baseball cards collectors are seeking in 2022.

Heading the list for another year is the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of the hobby, high-grade Mantle rookies consistently shatter auction records. In early 2022, a PSA 9 copy sold for over $2.88 million, showing no sign of slowing down. Even low-grade examples still fetch huge sums, demonstrating the card’s universal appeal and staying power within the market. The modern record for any trading card was set by a PSA 8 Mantle rookie that sold for $5.2 million in 2021.

Another perennial favorite is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. As one of the earliest documented collectibles, the Wagner introduced the modern concept of the trading card and is truly one of a kind as the star shortstop famously requested his card be pulled. Less than 60 high-grade examples are known to exist today. At auction, nine-figure sums are not unheard of for pristine T206 Wagners, highlighting its status as the most valuable collectible in the world. Even well-worn copies still attract six-figure bids.

For collectors pursuing Baseball’s Golden Age, the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth and the 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth rookie cards remain illustrious prizes. Despite far fewer surviving in high grades compared to modern issues, examples still emerge on the census of authentication services like PSA. A PSA 8 1933 Goudey Ruth recently sold for over $1.8 million. Low-grade 1916 Ruth rookies have cracked six-figures as interest in the Bambino’s early career skyrockets. Other highly-coveted pre-war stars include legendaries like Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.

The post-WWII era saw the introduction of the modern cardboard format and mass-produced sports cards. Iconic stars of the 1950s like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Sandy Koufax continue to attract fervent collector interest. A PSA 9 1954 Topps Mays rookie sold for $6 million, the most paid publicly for a modern card (post-WWII). Likewise, a near-perfect 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie topped $2 million recently. For affordable Hall of Famers on a budget, common low-grade examples of these all-time greats can still be found in the low-to-mid five-figure range.

Two legendary Chicago Cubs also constitute major want lists – the T206 Frank Chance and the 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Tinker. The stoic Chance rookie is one of the toughest early cards to acquire in any condition, with the population almost exclusively at PSA 1 or 2. Likewise, the beautifully designed Cubs shortstop Tinker is a true blockbuster in high grades, with about a half-dozen PSA 5s and fewer PSA 6s known. Five and six-figure prices are typical for these keys to early Cubdom.

In the modern era, high-grade rookie cards of MLB’s current biggest stars reign supreme. A PSA 10 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie changed hands for over $3.9 million in 2021. The top Miguel Cabrera and Bryce Harper rookies from their monumental rookie seasons also pull million-dollar prices in pristine condition. For lower budgets, common near-mint examples can still require a five-figure commitment. Other hot commodities include star prospects like Wander Franco and rookies of recent phenoms like Juan Soto.

Colorful vintage stars from the 1960s and 1970s also earn dedicated followings. The 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie, 1975 Topps George Brett rookie, and 1969 Topps Niekro Brothers dual rookie card headline the period. Mint condition examples consistently break six-figures, with higher grades safely into the mid-five-figure territory depending on the player(s). Iconic stars like Roberto Clemente, Reggie Jackson and Johnny Bench continue to attract new generations of collectors too.

Two notorious short-print cards from the 1980s dominate that decade’s most wanted – the iconic 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie and the coveted 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. A PSA 10 Griffey pulled in over $480,000 last year alone. Conversely, common well-centered Jordan and Griffey rookies in lower grades still trade for thousands. Other ‘80s stars like Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly and Rickey Henderson also maintain vibrant collector markets.

Names like Mantle, Wagner, Ruth, Mays and Trout will likely always top vintage baseball card want lists. New generations of fans also fuel newfound appreciation for relatively unknown early stars and the hottest talents from all eras. Whether focused on investing, wish lists or new discoveries, with over a century’s worth of cardboard to explore, there is no shortage of potential grails to chase. Condition remains king in the hobby, but even low-grade treasures still hold immense charm and value for collectors of America’s pastime.

As we head into the new year, collectors are always eager to find out which vintage and modern baseball cards will be highly sought after in the upcoming season. With another exciting year of the sport ahead of us, here are some of the top baseball cards collectors will be chasing in 2023 based on factors like player performance, nostalgia, and card scarcity.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (ROOKIE) – The Mantle rookie is regarded as the holy grail of sports cards and considered the most valuable baseball card in existence. In pristine gem mint condition it has sold for over $5 million, making it truly unmatched. Even low-grade examples routinely sell for six figures due to the mystique surrounding Mantle’s rookie campaign and status as a New York Yankees icon. After 70 years, it remains the definitive key card for collectors.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan established himself as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers ever during his 27-year career, but collectors hold a special admiration for his early Topps issues that capture “The Ryan Express” in an Angels uniform. The 1969 is arguably his best and most iconic card, with its vibrant colors and action photo showing Ryan mid-windup. High grades are scarce and nine-figure auctions have occurred, ensuring this one stays highly coveted.

1987 Topps Griffey Jr. (ROOKIE) – Known simply as “the Griffey”, this rookie of one of baseball’s most electrifying players from the late 80s/90s era is a true modern-day blockbuster. Like Mantle before him, Junior’s infectious smile and talents made him a superstar on and off the field. Pristine copies in the seven-figure range prove this beauty isn’t slowing down in demand.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – Quite possibly the most legendary card of all-time, estimated to exist in only 50-200 copies worldwide. Stories of its subject’s refusal to be featured and the card’s abrupt pull from production helped immortalize Wagner’s career and create a mystique surrounding this fragile piece of cardboard. With only a handful confirmed to have a price tag lower than seven figures, collectors only dream of owning a piece of this unmatched rarity.

2013 Topps Update Mike Trout (ROOKIE) – While not nearly as old as the above choices, Trout’s elite talents have led many to dub him the best player of his generation. His rookie cards, including those from Topps Update and Bowman Chrome, set modern record prices that prove his popularity isn’t slowing. As Trout continues chasing Cooperstown with the Angels, interest in his rookie cards will remain as hot as a Southern California summer.

1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. UPDATE – Many collectors consider this 1990 Topps Traded #T79 of Griffey as a rookie card even though it was technically from his sophomore season. Its iconic image showing Griffey leaping makes this a true classic. With mint versions still under $1,000 for now, it provides an attainable yet iconic option for developing collections.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors Chipper Jones, Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood – This flagship product captured these young stars in their early primes during baseball’s steroid era heyday. Parallel refractors were scarce at the time which adds modern rarity to already-exciting nostalgia subjects. Copies in top condition remain quite valuable 17 years later.

2003 Topps Big League Baseball Ichiro Suzuki #BL-6 – A true one-of-a-kind parallel issue capturing Ichiro during one of his most dominant seasons of all-time. Its vivid red foil adds flashy pop to one of the game’s most revered international stars. Only 25 copies are reported to exist, making this a true “big trophy” for well-funded collections.

2006 Topps Update Mike Trout ROOKIE Autograph #TU-106 – While Trout’s 2012 rookie cards set records, collectors adore this tougher-to-find autographed sophomore issue from ’06 which predates the hype around the superstar. Low pop reports and more difficult authentication risks add novelty for advanced collectors.

1952 Topps All-American Girls Patsy Miranda #87 – A true oddball issue celebrating women in sports during the early ’50s. While not depicting baseball players, its historical significance, retro artwork, and scarce reported population make it a fun target for eclectic collections and investors. Its value has grown alongside mainstreaming of women’s athletics in recent decades.

1970 Kellogg’s Johnny Bench #34 – Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards from the late ’60s/early ’70s saw limited production and distribution compared to mainstream brands like Topps. This Bench issue is especially iconic for the cereal brand and remains quite tough to acquire in pristine condition today owing to the fragile 3D construction.

Those are some of the most sought-after baseball cards we expect to be in high demand among collectors in 2023. With such a long and storied history of the cardboard collectible, there are certainly many other noteworthy vintage and modern issues that could emerge or continue to gain attention from the hobby. The collectibles market remains unpredictable, but these perennial classics are sure to retain strong interest from those chasing baseball memorabilia next year.

The year 1989 saw legendary players like Rickey Henderson, Nolan Ryan, and Kirby Puckett continue to dominate Major League Baseball, while young stars like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens began making their mark. The baseball card industry was also booming during this time, with the Golden Era of the 1980s producing some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby’s history. When looking back at the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards from 1989, several stand out as truly coveted pieces for collectors.

Perhaps the single most valuable and iconic baseball card from 1989 is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card produced by Upper Deck. Griffey was already showing signs of greatness in his first full season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989, batting .264 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in only 109 games at age 19. No one could have predicted just how historic of a career Griffey would have, cementing himself as one of the true greats of the game. His 1989 Upper Deck rookie card became one of the crown jewels of the collector community thanks to Griffey’s superstar status. High grade versions of this cardboard masterpiece in a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $100,000, setting the record for highest price paid for a modern-era baseball card. Even well-centered copies in PSA 9 Excellent condition command prices well into the thousands.

Another towering rookie card from 1989 was that of slugging first baseman Mark McGwire, who launched 49 home runs in his first full season with the A’s that year. McGwire’s explosive power display immediately put him on the map as a budding superstar, and his rookie is one of the most historic cards from the Junk Wax Era. Higher graded PSA 10 copies have sold for over $10,000, making it one of the more valuable McGwire cards available. Additional highly sought rookie cards from ’89 include Ken Griffey Jr’s Fleer and Score issues along with McGwire’s Fleer, Score, and Donruss debuts as well. Collectors love obtaining true rookie cards from future Hall of Famers.

Pitching greats Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens were both still in their prime during the 1989 season. Ryan put together yet another dominant season for the Texas Rangers at age 42, tallying 14 wins and 304 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 2.76. Clemens broke out as the ace of the Red Sox staff, going 20-9 with a 2.99 ERA and 198 K’s en route to his first Cy Young Award. Their ’89 Fleer and Upper Deck cards remain must-haves for vintage card collectors, especially higher graded versions. Other all-time great pitchers like Orel Hershiser and Mitch Williams also have desirable ’89 issues.

Arguably the biggest star in baseball during the late 1980s was Rickey Henderson. By 1989, Henderson had established himself as the game’s premier leadoff man and baserunner after several monster offensive seasons with the A’s. That year, he batted .276 with 33 steals for Oakland. Rickey’s ’89 Fleer, Score, and Upper Deck cards are always in high demand from collectors looking to land a card of one of the most exciting players in MLB history during his playing prime. Keys to value include strong centering and sharp corners.

Kirby Puckett also broke out as a true superstar for the Twins in 1989, batting .329 with 27 home runs and 94 RBI on his way to an AL batting title. Puckett is beloved in Minnesota for helping lead the Twins to World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. His ’89 Fleer and Donruss rookies, as well as his main issue cards from that season, remain in the crosshairs of both Twins collectors and vintage card investors. Puckett tragically passed away in 2006, adding significance to his cards from the peak of his Hall of Fame career.

While star rookie cards like Griffey and McGwire topped want lists in 1989, vintage collectors also coveted high-grade copies of legendary players from the past. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron all had iconic cardboard from the 1950s-60s that collectors eagerly pursued additions to their collections of in the late 80s Junk Wax boom. Regional stars like Dave Winfield, Ron Guidry, and Andre Dawson saw strong collector demand for their best vintage issues during this time period.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire led the way, along with flagship cards showing superstars of the day like Rickey Henderson, Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens in their primes. While the late 1980s created a valuableintage for collectors today, it also cemented these players’ legacies as some of the true greats to ever play the game.