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WORLD WIDE SPORTS BASEBALL CARDS 1988

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 1980s, with 1988 marking one of the peak years for production and collecting of sports cards featuring Major League Baseball players. With numerous companies vying to attract collectors, the sheer volume and variations of cards issued that year was immense. Two companies in particular, Fleer and Donruss, battled for collectors with innovative designs and exclusive player contracts. Meanwhile, the traditional leaders Topps and Score also upped their game.

Fleer led the way with novel concepts in 1988. For the first time, they issued total control of certain star players, meaning Fleer had those players’ exclusive autographed cards and rookie cards. This included deals with Bobby Bonilla, David Cone, and Mark McGwire. Fleer also featured their “Photo Proofs” technology, with image qualities far superior to the printed photos on other brands. Additionally, Fleer cards that year had augmented statistics on the back, not just basic info but also interesting tidbits. For example, McGwire’s card noted he led the minors in home runs in 1985.

However, Donruss was not to be outdone in the innovation department. They pioneered hologram technology for added security and collectability. Select cards had embedded holograms visible only at certain angles. Donruss also released the first ever factory-sealed wax box packs with 12 packs inside rather than loose packs. Another curiosity was the Diamond Kings subset, with border designs resembling jewels to highlight stars. Donruss had big names like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith under exclusive contract as well.

Of course, the long-reigning champs Topps and Score weren’t resting on their laurels either. Topps’ main set had clean but classic designs as always and included some of the first Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux rookie cards. Meanwhile, their special Photofile subset featured creative close-up action shots. Score pushed color and cartoon-style artwork further than previous years. But they also had a popular Traded set reflecting midseason player movements via trades and waived players.

Beyond the flagship manufacturers, there were many niche and regional companies in 1988 trying to break into the booming market. Star produced high-gloss photo cards and Leaf came out with oddball inserts like “Traded” and “Released” subsets acknowledging unconventional player status changes. Fleer even launched Homerun Kings, a short-lived brand solely focused on stars’ mammoth blasts. And Konami had the unique distinction of making baseball cards solely for distribution through convenience stores in Japan.

In terms of specific rookie and star player cards that have stood the test of time, several examples from 1988 hold immense nostalgia and monetary value today. The most iconic is undoubtedly the Griffey rookie from Topps, one of the most coveted in the modern era. Maddux’s rookie from the same set is also a highly-treasured gem. Over in the Fleer camp, the Bonilla, Cone, and McGwire rookies immediately established themselves as must-haves.

Donruss rookies like Ivan Rodriguez, Craig Biggio, and Tom Glavine attracted legions of followers. While not true rookies, stars just entering their primes like Clemens (Donruss), Boggs (Donruss), Ozzie Smith (Donruss) and Nolan Ryan (Topps) had amazing popularity. Minor stars like Jeffrey Leonard and Mitch Williams also had memorable seasons immortalized on their 1988 cards. And uniquely rare mistakes like the famed “Blank Back” Ken Griffey Jr. card have become the stuff of collecting legends due to production errors.

In conclusion, 1988 was a watershed year that saw the baseball card hobby boom to new heights, with passionate collectors snapping up cards from all the manufacturers jockeying for attention. Players were bigger than ever personalities, and the expanding array of innovative designs, exclusive contracts, and memorable rookie cards created a true golden age. The foundational cards from Topps, Donruss, Fleer and more still enthral collectors today with nostalgia for 1980s summers and childhood discoveries within wax packs. It was truly a banner year that shaped the world of sports collecting for generations to come.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS IN THE WORLD

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Baseball cards have long held a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. More than just pieces of cardboard with images printed on them, the best baseball cards serve as tangible links to memorable players and moments from baseball’s storied history. Some cards have become so valuable over the decades that they now command astronomically high prices when they come up for sale. Here are some of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold and the incredible stories behind them:

Honus Wagner T206 – $3.12 million (2007 sale)

The undisputed king of all baseball cards is without question the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Pictures of this legendary shortstop of the early 20th century exist in the hands of collectors, but it’s believed only around 50 original T206 Wagner cards were ever printed by the American Tobacco Company. This is why any Wagner that does surface in a sale now routinely shatters all sports card price records. In 2007, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for an astonishing $3.12 million, making it not only the most valuable baseball card but the highest price ever paid for any trading card.

What makes the Wagner so special? As one of the earliest American stars of baseball, Wagner was already a five-time batting champion by the time the T206 set was produced. As a non-smoker, he objected to his likeness being used to promote tobacco products. Thus, his card is thought to have been hastily pulled during production. Extreme rarity plus Wagner’s status as a true icon of early professional baseball forever cemented this as the holy grail for collectors.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $2.88 million (2021 sale)

Just ahead of the Wagner in total dollars paid is the record price fetched for the fabled 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Often referred to simply as “The Mick,” Mantle went on to become not only the greatest switch hitter of all time but arguably the greatest Yankee ever. His rookie season of 1951 had been one for the ages, with Mantle batting .267 with 13 home runs as a 19-year old.

Only a few hundred of the original 1952 Topps issue are known to still even exist today in high grade, explaining the stratospheric prices this card brings. In January 20221, Heritage Auctions sold a PSA Gem Mint 9 example, the finest-graded of only several dozen cards across all grading services, for $2.88 million. This shattered the all-time record for any sports card and stamped Mantle’s iconic rookie as the new financial heavyweight in the hobby.

1909 Honus Wagner American Tobacco Company – $2.8 million (2016 private sale)

As if one $3 million-plus Wagner wasn’t enough, in October 2016 rumors swirled of yet another ultra-high-end example quietly changing hands in an undisclosed private sale. Details soon emerged that a PSA Authentic specimen graded only three points below the all-time $3.12 million record-holder had sold to collector Derek Jeter for an astounding $2.8 million.

Given the card’s rich provenance and amazingly fresh appearance for a 107-year old piece of paper, many experts assessed this particular Wagner as the single highest-quality example known to exist. Its sale price, just $320,000 shy of the public auction record, proved once more the virtually unlimited demand wealthy collectors have for this perpetually out-of-reach piece of early baseball history. The sky remains the limit for future Wagner offerings.

1949 Bowman PSA 8 Joe DiMaggio – $1.13 million (2019 sale)

While Mantle and Wagner get top billing, the 1949 Bowman Joe DiMaggio card – featuring the Yankee Clipper in action – has also emerged as a true heavyweight on the vintage rarity market in recent times. Like the ’52 Mantle, only a minuscule fraction of the original DiMaggio issue are thought to have survived, especially in high grade.

A beautiful PSA 8 copy came up for public sale in Dallas during the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention. Bidding roared past the million-dollar mark before finally ending at a staggering $1.13 million price, setting a new standard for the Joltin’ Joe and further showcasing the value top iconic vintage can achieve in today’s supercharged collectibles environment. The buyer? Antiques dealer Lauri Halderman, who now owns two of the ten most expensive baseball cards ever.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $1.12 million (2013 sale)

While superstars like Wagner, Mantle and DiMaggio get most of numismatic attention, the T206 Sherry Magee has surprisingly emerged as one of the most financially successful non-greats ever. A light-hitting backup outfielder for the Phillies in the early 1900s, Magee appeared destined for anonymity. Only one of his T206 portraits is known to exist – a PSA NM-MT 8 graded specimen that sold for $1.12 million at a 2013 auction.

What makes this otherwise obscure player’s card so valuable? Extreme scarcity. The Magee is now widely believed to be the single rarest T206 issued after the Honus Wagner. Its massive price tag shows that condition-census rarities from that hallowed era, regardless of attached name, will always hold immense fascination for deep-pocketed collectors.

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle – $900,000 (2001 sale)

While graded examples of Mantle’s true 1952 Topps rookie regularly command millions today, back in the early Internet auction days a lesser-known ’54 Mantle was actually the first card to break the $500,000 threshold. In April 2001, a PSA 8 copy crossed the virtual block at Heritage and sold for an astronomical $900,000.

Though not his debut issue, the 1954 Topps Mantle captured the 24-year old Mick as a two-time MVP and Triple Crown winner at the peak of his immense early abilities. At the time, its selling price was nearly four times the record and hinted at Mantle’s ability to drive values higher than seemingly any other single sports collectible ever. Little did anyone know then just how far prices would eventually soar for the Yankee legend’s prized rookie card.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth – $275,000 (2007 sale)

The Babe Ruth rookie card chase centers around his 1919 Sporting News debut, but another ultra-rare pre-Red Sox issue also fetched a huge price in the mid-2000s. Up for sale in 2007 was a PSA 3.5 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth, playing with the minor league Baltimore Orioles. This exceedingly fragile relic from Ruth’s formative years, long before establishment of his mythical home run prowess, realized $275,000 at Goldin Auctions.

Much like the Sherry Magee T206, elite condition as the lone surviving example propelled values far higher than the attached name alone might typically suggest. Even for an awkwardly posed teenaged Bambino, the 1914 News served as a portal to remember Ruth’s path to majors and championship immortality. Its quarter-million dollar figure set a new standard for the most obscure of his vintage issues.

While not every player, brand or season is equally represented intrinsically, the stories behind these top ten most expensive baseball cards showcase how certain legendary names, extremes of historical rarity, superb condition, and perfect collector alignment can push values into the multimillion-dollar stratosphere seemingly without limit. As along as collectors remain passionate about the nostalgia, artifacts, and icons of America’s pastime, its rarest cards may well achieve prices never thought imaginable from a modern perspective.

MLB THE SHOW 23 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC CARDS

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The World Baseball Classic is one of the most anticipated international baseball tournaments that occurs every four years. Since the inaugural event in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has grown tremendously in popularity among fans around the globe. In MLB The Show 23, the World Baseball Classic is featured prominently with the addition of player cards representing the different national teams.

Some key things to know about the World Baseball Classic cards in MLB The Show 23:

Player nation cards are separate from their regular MLB team cards. This means players will have two different cards – one for their typical MLB team and another card exclusive to representing their home country in the WBC.

WBC cards have unique artwork that highlights each nation’s uniform and color scheme instead of an MLB team uniform. This makes the cards stand out visually from standard MLB roster cards.

Player attributes and overall ratings are elevated on WBC cards compared to their standard MLB cards to reflect elevated play for their countries. Players tend to go all-out with more passion when competing for national pride.

Due to the rarity and increased attributes, WBC cards have higher quicksell and sell now values on the community market compared to a player’s typical MLB card. This makes them very desirable for collectors.

When the tournament was played, SDS added in dynamic player performances and upgraded cards in real-time based on player stats from actual World Baseball Classic games. This added an authentic simulation layer tracking real WBC performances.

Ballplayer Editions of MLB The Show games reward players with a full team set of WBC cards for the nation related to their digital deluxe version, like Team USA for purchasing the Jackie Robinson Edition.

Some examples of top WBC cards in The Show 23:

Shohei Ohtani (Japan) – 98 OVR. As the best two-way player in MLB, Ohtani elevated his game for Japan in the WBC. His card has 99 contact and power with 90+ hitting and pitching attributes.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Venezuela) – 97 OVR. Despite injuries hampering his 2021 season, Acuña still has incredible potential reflected on his Venezuela WBC card with 99 speed and elite five-tool abilities.

Juan Soto (Dominican Republic) – 96 OVR. At just 23 years old, Soto is already one of the best hitters in baseball. He translates that talent to his Dominican Republic card with rare diamond hitting ratings.

Mike Trout (USA) – 99 OVR. It’s no surprise the consensus best player in MLB earns a 99 overall rating when suiting up for Team USA. His WBC card has maxed out hitting and some of the best speed and fielding as well.

Other notable WBC cards include Jose Ramirez (Puerto Rico), Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Dominican Republic), Giancarlo Stanton (USA), and many more. International stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr.also receive elevated WBC cards reflecting how they play for their home countries.

Building a full World Baseball Classic roster is a fun challenge for Franchise or March to October modes. Scouting and drafting prospects from other nations adds authenticity. Exchanging players in Diamond Dynasty with other managers to complete WBC collections is also a rewarding experience for players.

The addition of World Baseball Classic player cards in MLB The Show 23 helps immerse fans in international baseball competition. It adds value for players who want to experience how some of the world’s best performers elevate their games when competing on the global stage for national pride. As the popularity of the WBC tournament grows, its integration within The Show helps MLB continue expanding its international reach and fanbase worldwide. Whether building WBC rosters from scratch or chasing after elite diamond versions of star sluggers, the World Baseball Classic cards are a thrilling new element in MLB The Show 23.

TOPPS WORLD SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps World Series baseball cards have captured the highlights and memorable moments from Fall Classic games since the early 1960s. The Topps company has produced an annual set of World Series cards for more than 50 years, showcasing the top players, greatest plays, and iconic images from when baseball’s best teams battle it out each October.

Topps began releasing World Series cards in 1961 after already finding success with their regular seasonal baseball card sets. That initial ‘61 World Series subset featured stars like Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris from the New York Yankees team that defeated the Cincinnati Reds. The colorful vintage cards helped collectors and fans relive the drama of that hard fought five game Series.

Through the decades, Topps World Series cards evolved along with the company’s overall baseball card designs. In the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, the cards adopted a larger photo size with bright solid colors and team logos prominently displayed. Popular players from championship teams like Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, George Brett, and David Cone were regularly featured. Topps also preserved pivotal moments on cards like Jackson’s three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series for the New York Yankees.

Part of the allure of Topps World Series cards is that they spotlight some of the greatest and most pressure-packed performances in baseball history. Iconic pitching duels, dramatic late inning hits, and clutch defensive plays have all been immortalized. Cards depicting Joe Carter’s Series winning home run for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 or Bill Mazeroski’s bottom of the 9th homer to give Pittsburgh the 1960 title are highly sought after by collectors.

Through the 2000s and 2010s, Topps has continued to refine the design aesthetic for their World Series cards. Sleek action shots and vibrant team colors now dominate card fronts, while statistical recap blurbs or notable quotes adorn the backs. Parallels and autograph or memorabilia inserts have also been introduced in parallel with Topps’ other modern baseball sets. This has helped keep collector interest high during this current era with new dominant franchises like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 2021 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros will provide another opportunity for Topps to commemorate a Fall Classic. Top players like Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, and rookie phenom Jeremy Peña are likely to receive individual highlight cards chronicling their postseason excellence should their teams succeed. Multiple parallel variants are also a near certainty for the upcoming release, including low serial numbered options for avid collectors.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect to Topps’ annual World Series cards is that they establish a permanent historical archive of each championship. Generations from now, people will still be able to look back at the Topps cards and see the top performers and key moments from Fall Classics past. Individual cards may appreciate greatly in value too as certain years and teams achieve more legendary status. The complete vintage runs have also become an important collection segment for serious baseball memorabilia aficionados.

In summary, Topps World Series cards have served baseball fans and the hobby incredibly well for over half a century. Both accessible and highly collectible, they are a welcome tradition each October anticipating the World Series. No other company has so thoroughly and entertainingly documented the rich history and heritage of the Fall Classic through yearly card sets quite like Topps. Their excellence in design combined with attention to detail has ensured a dedicated community of collectors will enjoy and preserve these cards celebrating October’s most memorable wins for generations to come. The 2021 edition looks to further extend this legacy from one of the most storied franchises in all of sports card publishing.

2006 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 22KT GOLD BASEBALL CARDS

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In 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Detroit Tigers in one of the most exciting World Series in recent memory to claim their 10th World Championship. To commemorate the team’s remarkable title run, the Cardinals organization partnered with Upper Deck to produce a limited series of 22kt gold baseball cards featuring players from the championship roster. Only 100 of each card were produced, making them among the rarest and most valuable baseball cards ever created.

The idea for a gold card set came from Upper Deck’s desire to honor the Cardinals in a truly unique way. Producing cards from actual 22kt gold foil would create a commemorative set unlike anything seen before. Upper Deck’s production team had to develop new techniques to adhere the gold foil to the card stock without damaging or discoloring the precious metal. It took over six months of experimentation and prototype testing before Upper Deck was able to perfect the process of affixing such thin gold foil in a way that would withstand the rigors of being continually handled without flaking or peeling.

Each card features a player photo on a field of solid 22kt yellow gold foil. Raised lettering for the player’s name, team, position, and “2006 World Series Champions” adorn the lower portion of the card front. On the back, statistics and a short career highlight are printed directly onto the gold surface. The card stock itself is a premium acid-free paper designed to withstand the test of time without yellowing or becoming brittle. Each one-of-a-kind card is then encased in a clear acrylic display case with a serial number etched into the backplate identifying its position out of the limited run of 100.

Some of the notable players featured in the 22kt gold card set include Cardinals superstars Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, and pitcher Adam Wainwright. Pujols’ dominant postseason performance, which earned him MVP honors, makes his card among the most coveted in the collection. Other key contributors like pitcher Jeff Weaver, who won two games in the World Series, and catcher Yadier Molina, who led the Cardinals pitching staff with his defensive skills, are also highlighted. Even role players like So Taguchi, who hit a crucial three-run homer in Game 2, received the prestigious gold card treatment for their championship contributions.

When the cards were initially distributed to team owners, front office staff, and family members of the players in late 2006, the estimated value of each one was $5,000-$7,500 based on the rarity and precious metal composition. As the years passed and the Cardinals 2006 title continued to cement its place among the greatest in baseball history, the value of these one-of-a-kind commemorative cards skyrocketed. A Pujols gold card that was auctioned off in 2015 fetched an astounding $110,000, setting a new record for the most expensive baseball card ever sold. Other star players like Edmonds and Rolen have seen their gold cards sell in the $50,000-$75,000 range in recent years.

While financial gain may motivate some collectors, for many the 22kt gold baseball cards from the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals represent the pinnacle of sports memorabilia. They are tangible works of art capturing the unforgettable moments from one of baseball’s most thrilling championships. Only 100 will ever exist to commemorate each member of the team that brought a title back to long-suffering St. Louis fans. For collectors lucky enough to own a piece of this ultra-rare set, it serves as a permanent reminder of a season they will never forget. With their combination of historical significance, craftsmanship, and limited numbers, the 2006 Cardinals 22kt gold baseball cards have cemented their place as the crown jewels of any serious memorabilia collection.

1977 WORLD SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1977 baseball season saw some memorable moments both on and off the field. On the field, the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling World Series that went the full seven games. Off the field, Topps released its annual set of World Series baseball cards commemorating the Fall Classic. The 1977 World Series card set showcased not only the teams and players competing for baseball’s highest prize that year, but also provided a snapshot into the sport and culture of baseball during that era.

At 132 cards, the 1977 World Series set was one of the largest Topps had produced to that point. In addition to team cards for the Yankees and Dodgers, the set included individual cards for every player on each team’s postseason roster. This meant star players like Reggie Jackson, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and others received multiple cards – one for their regular season stats and one specifically focused on their World Series performance. For fans at the time, collecting the complete set allowed them to relive all the key moments and stats from that thrilling seven-game series between the two legendary franchises.

Beyond cards for just the World Series participants, Topps also included several manager cards, umpire cards, and League Championship Series game summary cards to provide more context around how the Yankees and Dodgers reached the Fall Classic. Standout rookie pitcher Don Gullett even received a card highlighting the injury he suffered in the ALCS that sidelined him for the World Series. Topps’ coverage was truly comprehensive for chronicling the entire 1977 postseason.

On the design side, Topps stuck with their traditional look for the 1977 World Series cards. A simple white border surrounded each photo or illustration with black text boxes below for stats and details. Team logo stamped on each card helped identify at a glance whether it featured a Yankee or Dodger. Topps also used different color variations to denote between regular season stats (blue back) versus World Series stats (red back). This allowed collectors to easily sort between the dual cards some players received.

In addition to current players, Topps also included “Traded” cards highlighting players no longer with their 1977 teams but who had contributed to getting them to the World Series. This included players like Andy Messersmith (Dodgers), Matty Alou (Yankees), and Tommy John (Yankees). Even though they were traded away, their efforts were acknowledged as part of the complete team story being documented in the set. Nostalgic collectors today appreciate how Topps memorialized full team rosters, not just the guys playing in the World Series.

Some other interesting historical facts included in the 1977 World Series card set:

Reggie Jackson received a record five cards – three for his regular season exploits plus two for his World Series MVP performance where he slugged five home runs.

Don Gullett’s card (#72) acknowledging his ALCS injury marked the first time an injury was referenced on a baseball card.

Dodger Steve Garvey’s card (#68) featured a photo from earlier in his career, as Topps was unable to obtain a suitable 1977 image in time for production.

Tommy John received separate cards for his pitching (#87) and coaching (#126) contributions to the ’77 Yankees championship.

Yankees manager Billy Martin received two cards, as Topps produced an “In Action” card (#123) in addition to his standard manager card.

Several utility players and pitchers received “Pinch Hitting” and “Middle Relief” role cards due to limited regular season stats.

Beyond just the on-field stats and players, the overall visual design, attention to completeness, and historical details included made Topps’ 1977 World Series card set a particularly memorable one. It provides a true time capsule into not only that classic Fall Classic between the Yankees and Dodgers, but the entire baseball culture of the late 1970s. Part of its enduring appeal for collectors today is seeing how the sports card industry documented the sport in such meticulous detail over 40 years ago.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC CARDS 2023 TOPPS

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The World Baseball Classic is one of the premiere international baseball tournaments held every four years. Topps has captured each WBC since 2006 through its official trading card releases. For the 2023 edition in March, Topps is set to deliver its most extensive WBC card set yet.

The 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic base card set totals 150 cards featuring players and coaches from the 16 qualifying teams. Topps has secured licensing rights from most of the world’s top professional leagues, allowing for plenty of star players to be included. Reigning champions Team USA will see names like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts featured. Japan’s roster could include Shohei Ohtani and Masahiro Tanaka. Dominican Republic has potential stars like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

In addition to the participating players, Topps also highlights historic figures connected to each country’s baseball heritage with “Moment Cards.” For example, the Dominican Republic moment highlights longtime MLB star David Ortiz. Japan honors legendary pitcher Hideo Nomo, who pioneered Japanese players in Major League Baseball. Topps has obtained new photography for each player rather than reusing stock images from other sets as in past WBC issues.

Rookie cards will be inserted for first-time WBC participants like South Africa, Great Britain, and Brazil. While their young rosters may lack star power currently, these players and countries represent the growth of the global game. For collectors, their rookie cards could gain value as the developmental pipelines strengthen overseas in the years ahead.

Parallel and autograph inserts add to the set’s desirability for loyal Topps WBC collectors and the growing memorabilia market. Topps Finest parallels on premium card stock number to /35 copies. Refractors, available /99, give a shiny texture. “Hit Parade” autographs range from low-numbered premier levels to standard signing bonuses. Topps also confirms “relic” cards containing game-used material from star players will be inserted.

Outside the base checklist, collector-friendly inserts like “Fantasy Top 25” rankings mimic similar sets from Topps’ other flagship releases. Topps Traditions takes a retro-styled photography approach copying vintage aesthetic. For fans of international baseball lore, there are also “Walk Through History” capsules highlighting iconic WBC moments from the past. Overall parallels and inserts increase the total card count above the 150-card base.

Distribution of the 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic set follows a similar release path as prior years with key differences. Hobby boxes contain 12 packs with 9 cards per pack (same as past WBC). Retail “blaster” boxes hold 28 cards with one guaranteed hit or parallel per box. As part of MLB license agreements, Topps can sell WBC products through major retailers in addition to hobby shops. Boxes carry MSRPs comparable to Topps Series 1.

Significantly more product is being allocated this year to keep pace with surging interest in the tournament and growth of the baseball card market overall. Topps indicates hobby box print runs exceeding 50,000 units versus under 30,000 for 2021. Retail blaster availability also dramatically increases. Despite higher print counts versus before, initial release frenzy could lead to box scarcity among flippers expecting future returns once 2023 WBC games air in March.

The 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic set promises to be the most ambitious and collectible WBC release yet from the long-time baseball card license holder. Improvements like new photography, more inserts, autograph and hit cards, plus much wider distribution should make it the most successful Topps WBC set to date for player collectors, team fans, and memorabilia enthusiasts worldwide. With high-profile international talent set to participate and a growing collector base, Topps looks to capitalize on the tournament’s fourth go-round by showcasing the excitement of baseball’s truly global appeal through the hobby of card collecting.

HOUSTON ASTROS WORLD SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Houston Astros 2017 World Series championship run produced a wave of commemorative baseball cards celebrating the achievement. For Astros fans, collecting these 2017 World Series cards serves as a way to memorialize and relive the exciting moments from that improbable playoff run.

The Astros defied expectations in 2017 after years of losing to capture their first-ever World Series title. As an underdog fifth seed in the American League, Houston defeated the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy. Their victory was especially sweet for long-suffering Houston fans after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey earlier that season.

Topps released several subsets to commemorate the Astros’ 2017 championship. Their “World Series Highlights” cards feature iconic photos from key moments throughout the playoffs and Fall Classic. One card shows Jose Altuve celebrating after hitting a walk-off home run to clinch the pennant against the Yankees. Another captures Justin Verlander screaming in jubilation after the final out to win the World Series is recorded.

Topps also issued “World Series Champions” base cards of every player on Houston’s WS roster. These include stars like Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer as well as lesser-known role players who contributed to the title run such as Evan Gattis, Chris Devenski, and Ken Giles. Parallel “Gold Foil” versions of these cards were inserted much less frequently into packs, giving collectors an ultra-rare parallel to seek.

In addition, Topps crafted “World Series MVP” cards to honor Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who took home hardware after dominating the Dodgers with a pair of wins in the Fall Classic. The standard and also much harder to find “Gold” parallel capture Verlander in his moment of glory accepting the award at the conclusion of the series.

Panini also got in on commemorating Houston’s championship. Their “Momentous Moments” inserts feature pivotal playoff actions. One depicts Altuve tagging up and scoring the go-ahead run against LA in Game 2 on a fly ball to shallow left. Another frozen moment is of Correa gleefully celebrating after hitting a home run off Clayton Kershaw in that decisive Game 5 victory.

Donruss issued a special “Champions” parallel too. In addition to standard base cards, collectors could find pink foil and even rarer Astro-colored versions celebrating the team and players. Donruss also crafted parallels of their “Postseason Performers” inserts highlighting standouts like Dallas Keuchel and Verlander in the playoffs

Among the rarer chase cards were Topps’ 1-of-1 printing plate autographs featuring pieces of the plate used to print that player’s base card. Just one of each of these ultra-valuable signed plates exists. Bowman also contributed to the 2017 Astros commemorative market with prospects like Forrest Whitley signed autographs and parallels of their regular rookies and prospects.

For diehard Astros collectors, the true crown jewel was Topps’ 2017 World Series “Superfractor” parallel card. Reserved for the 2017 Champions subset, it depicts Springer celebrating on the field in extra shiny refractor style numbering only 1 copy in existence. This 1/1 super-short printed card fetched over $10,000 at auction, making it one of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever created.

Whether it’s reliving key moments, commemorating players, or seeking out the rarest parallel inserts and autographs, Astros fans continue adding to their collections of 2017 World Series cards years after the fact. The championship run and dramatic playoff victories capture the energy, excitement and achievement of that unforgettable season in Houston. For those who experienced it firsthand or supporters who’ve since jumped on the bandwagon, collecting these commemorative cards serves as a way to preserve the memory and experience of the Astros’ first title for years to come.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is an international baseball tournament run by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in partnership with Major League Baseball. First held in 2006, it is held every four years featuring national teams from around the world competing to be crowned the world champion. Plans are underway for the 2023 edition of the WBC that will take place from March 8-21, 2023 in cities across the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

Topps has produced official trading cards for every WBC since its inception, providing baseball card collectors a unique opportunity to obtain cards featuring their favorite international players outside of their MLB uniforms. For the 2023 WBC, Topps plans to release retail and insert sets totaling over 400 cards highlighting the excitement and drama of the international tournament. Here is an overview of what collectors can expect from the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic trading cards.

Base Set – The base set will feature 260 cards consisting of all qualified players and managers for the 16 participating teams. Players will be photographed in their official team uniforms wearing country colors with flag logos. Checklists, sponsor/event cards, and retired player tribute cards are also expected to be included. Topps has released base sets for past WBC tournaments in both factory-sealed wax boxes as well as retail blasters/hangers.

Premium Parallel Inserts – Like previous WBC releases, Topps plans premium parallels of top stars in various colors and numbered to specific print runs. Expect gold, silver, and red refractors, among others. Past sets featured numbered parallels as low as /10 copies making these inserts highly sought after by collectors pursuing the rarest versions.

Autograph/Memorabilia Cards – Topps inserts autographed cards of top international stars and MLB icons participating in the tournament. Past releases have included dual-autographed cards with players from different countries. For the first time, Topps plans “relic” cards containing game-used memorabilia from iconic WBC moments encapsulated on the cardboard.

Clear Vision Refractor Inserts – Top prospect players under 25 years old will be featured on these shiny refractive parallel cards numbering /199 copies highlighting the next generation of international talent.

Mascots Insert Set – Continuing a fun tradition, Topps will feature the official mascots for each WBC team nation on 4″ x 4″ cartoon cards. This set is a big hit with collectors of all ages.

Floating Head Inserts – Select franchise stars will appear on oversized head-shot “floating head” parallel cards that stand out from the rest of the set amidst a plain color background.

Team Set Inserts – Collectors can assemble complete 33-card team sets highlighting each of the 16 WBC nation squads with statistics, manager info, and more. These detailed team checklists are collector favorites.

Rainbow Foil Parallels – Topps’ ultra-popular and coveted “rainbow foil” parallel inserts will feature world-class talent on colorful shining cards numbered to just /25 copies, including rare 1/1 editions.

Topps plans widespread distribution methods for the 2023 WBC trading cards. Hobby shops and mass retailers like Walmart will carry Topps retail blasters and packs. Hobby boxes of 12 packs per box targeting serious collectors will be available from Topps.com and specialty sports shops. Cases containing full sets or of premium parallels are expected to fetch top dollar on the secondary marketplace. Digital packs and boxes for the TOPPS NOW WBC digital platform are assured too.

Alongside the primary Topps flagship set, expect full annual releases from competitor brands like Panini and Leaf covering the 2023 WBC too. Special variant sets issued by BBM in Japan of Japanese players are also anticipated. With WBC tournaments becoming a quadrennial tradition, its MLB-sanctioned crossover trading cards continue gaining popularity among both international and Stateside collectors alike. For fans of international baseball and exclusive memorabilia cards, the 2023 World Baseball Classic trading cards set to arrive next spring represent a highly anticipated release.

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS IN THE WORLD

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The baseball card collecting hobby has grown exponentially in value and popularity over the past few decades. As the nostalgia and history associated with vintage baseball cards increases, so too have the sale prices of the rarest and most coveted cards. While most common cards from the early 20th century sell for just pennies, there exists a very small number of incredible condition specimens that have smashed records at auction. Here is an in-depth breakdown of the 10 most expensive baseball cards ever sold according to auction records:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $3.12 Million
The 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is arguably the most famous sports card in the world. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911, it is estimated only 50-200 of these elusive cards were printed due to Wagner’s objection to having his image used to market tobacco. In October 2016, a PSA NM-MT 8 copy of the card sold for $3.12 million through SCP Auctions, making it one of the costliest cards ever. The card’s value is unmatched due to its extreme rarity, historical significance as one of the first-ever “traded” cards, and depiction of baseball legend Honus Wagner.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $5.2 Million
The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is one of the all-time iconic rookie cards in the history of the hobby. In January 2021, Heritage Auctions sold an ungraded PSA 8-9 quality Mantle for a staggering $5.2 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a Mantle rookie at the time. Considered the hottest MLB commodity of the post-war period, Mantle’s rookie card is exceedingly rare to find in high grade and has tremendous nostalgia attached as one of the earliest Topps issues. The card grabbed headlines as it shattered multiple records.

1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth – $5.29 Million
Released by Goudey in 1933 as part of their famous “streamlined” card design, the Goudey #53 Ruth is one of the most significant cards issued during the earliest years of the baseball card era. In 2016, Heritage Auctions sold a PSA NM-MT 8 example of this ultra-rare card for a stunning $5.29 million, making it the most valuable card from the pre-war period ever. Only approximately 50 are known to exist in high grade, cementing its place among the most desirable items in the collecting world. Ruth’s iconic status and the issue’s outstanding quality make it a true monetary heavyweight.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $6.6 Million
In the summer of 2016, SCP Auctions broke all records by selling another high-grade PSA NM-MT 8 Honus Wagner for an astronomical $6.6 million. At the time, it marked the single highest price ever achieved for any sports card. While seven figures for the Wagner card was already precedented, this example raised the bar to an entirely new stratosphere. As the most pivotal find of the pre-war period, the Wagner continues to lead the charge in value due to its unmatched historical significance and significance as the “Mona Lisa” of sports collectibles.

1909-11 T206 Nap Lajoie – $7.25 Million
Debuting high on our list at #6 is another 1909-11 T206 cigarette issue, this time showcasing future Hall of Famer and AL batting champion Nap Lajoie. In 2021, Collectable sold a PSA NM-MT 8 graded example for a colossal $7.25 million, making it the new record holder among all non-Wagner T206 cards. The Lajoie is one of the more visually striking subjects from the set but incredibly rare with high estimates of 100 or fewer specimens surviving in top condition. Serving as a true condition benchmark, its astronomical price reflects its condition census crowning achievement.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $7.25 Million
The PSA GEM-MT 10 graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie that was purchased in January 2022 for $7.25 million by collector Rob Jappe supplants its earlier selling counterpart at the #5 all-time slot. This unbelievable specimen holds the distinction of being the unique GEM MT 10 quality record holder. Its price is essentially unheard of for any post-war card issue outside the all-time greats like the T206 set and 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey. Its condition is unequaled and sale undoubtedly confirms the Mantle as the most prized modern card.

2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Auto Blue Refractor #249 Bryce Harper – $8.4 Million
While most of the attention is given to antiquated tobacco and 1950’s issues, the ultra-modern 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Blue Refractor Bryce Harper takes the #4 spot. In August 2021, the logoman Harper auto skyrocketed to $8.4 million at Goldin, proving elite young talent still has the power to shatter records. As the marquee find from the sets inaugural year, its brilliance in refractor parallel and on-card signature earned this card superstar recognition from the hobby. Truly a watershed moment as it established a new threshold for modern issues.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – $9 Million
Securing the number three spot is a coveted 1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson that blasted past predictions in a January 2022 sale with Collectable, achieving a staggering $9 million final price. In PSA EX-MT 5 condition, its status as the highest graded example of this notoriously difficult Baseball Hall of Famer played a major role. It also demonstrated veteran issues from the tobacco era can still challenge for eight-figure territory provided they surpass quality expectations. An amazing result for such an iconic player depiction.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $10.2 Million
In what may be considered par for the course at this elite level, yet another PSA NM-MT 8 Wagner card reset the record books by raking in $10.2 million at Auction House in October 2021. While demands at the ultra-high-end can prove volatile, it was to be expected only a matter of time until this elusive issue crossed the $10 million threshold. Its lofty position exemplifies over a century of mystique built around one of the hobby’s true “holy grails” and a true mark of just how astronomically valuable mint T206 Wagners have become.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $12.6 Million
After over a year of reigning as the most expensive card in the world, the $10.2 million Wagner was usurped by another PSA NM-MT 8 example that generated a completely unprecedented $12.6 million sale with Collectable in August 2022. Shattering hobby records by over $2 million, this particular Wagner crossed into uncharted waters to firmly establish itself as the indisputable king of the modern marketplace. Its condition was described as arguably superior to the $10.2 million card and sale cemented Wagner rarity as the most desirable relic of pre-war collectibles over 100 years after production. Price currently sits at an almost unfathomable pinnacle.

The iconic vintage issues from tobacco sets like T206 and Goudey define the pinnacle of value over a century later due to their extreme rarity, historical significance, and depictions of all-time baseball legends. While modern issues like star rookies can escalate rapidly into the multi-millions as well, it is the pre-war greats attaining Census-quality grades that hold stratospheric potency to challenge and surpass records on a routine basis asCondition reignssupreme. As nostalgia and hobby growth continue their longtime upward trajectory, million and multi-million dollar prices may become increasing normal occurrences for these treasured pieces of sports collectibles history.