Tag Archives: york

NEW YORK YANKEES BASEBALL BOX CARDS

Leave a reply

The New York Yankees are one of the most successful franchises in professional sports, having won 27 World Series championships throughout their illustrious history. Naturally, Yankees players have been featured extensively on baseball cards since the beginning of the modern card collecting boom that started in the late 19th century. Some of the earliest Yankee stars including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio gained widespread popularity and icon status partly due to their frequent baseball card appearances over the decades.

Some of the earliest documented Yankee cards included representations of the team in tobacco cards issued in the Edwardian era starting in the early 1900s. It was not until the modern post-World War 2 baseball card boom of the late 1940s and 1950s that dedicated sets solely featuring Yankees players began to emerge with regularity. In 1948, Bowman Gum issued the first modern set devoted solely to pics of the current Yankee roster. This 60 card release contained black and white depictions of the ’48 Yankee squad and associated staff like the manager. Many current stars like Vic Raschi, Tommy Henrich, and Allie Reynolds got some of their first widespread card visibility from this set.

In the 1950s, the Yankees dynasty was in full swing led by legends like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra. Topps, at the time the dominant modern baseball card maker, regularly featured multiple Yankee cards in their flagship regular annual sets during this decade. Mantle, Ford, Berra and other pinstripes greats like Billy Martin, Johnny Mize and Larsen began achieving unmatched levels of card collectability during this golden era that coincided with the most dominant run of Yankee titles in history. In 1952 Topps even issued a special 15 card high number Yankee subset as an insert in their main release that year.

In 1959, Topps took Yankee card mania to the next level with the release of the first true modern team set devoted solely to the team. The “1959 Topps New York Yankees” set contained a whopping 132 cards of current and past Yankee players, managers, and staff. Icons like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio got some of their only full color post-career cards produced in this revered release. Key stars of the late 1950s dynasty like Mantle, Ford, Berra and many others also received full colorful individual treatment in the set.

The 1960s saw the Yankee dominance on the field beginning to fade, though legends of past eras like Ruth and Gehrig continued to gain popularity with collectors through cardboard representations. From 1961-1964 Topps released four consecutive annual “New York Yankees Scratch-Off Record” sets containing a mix of current and former players with the gimmick being a scratch-off surface over statistics that could be revealed. These sets, totaling around 60 cards each year, kept the Yankee card presence strong during a time period when they were transitioning between eras of dominance.

In 1967 and 1969, Topps issued special high number subsets of Yankee cards as inserts in their regular annual issues, continuing their pattern of periodic dedicated Yankee team releases. These subsets clocked in at 16 and 7 cards respectively and featured both active Yankee players and alumni. The early 1970s then saw Topps release full traditional 132 card team sets solely devoted to the Yankees again in 1972 and 1973 as the franchise transitioned from its 1960s dynasty to a rebuilding phase.

As the 1970s moved along, George Steinbrenner’s infamous ownership took over the team in 1973 and immediately set about constructing the next great Yankee teams of that decade. Led by stars like Thurman Munson, Catfish Hunter, Graig Nettles and Reggie Jackson, the Yankees were championship contenders again by 1976. Starting that year, Topps issued a new dedicated multi-year Yankee card series called “New York Yankees Team Issue” that would run continuously from 1976-1979. Containing a mix of current players and past stars, these popular sets each included 88 cards aimed squarely at Yankee fan collectors.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Topps and rival brands like Fleer and Donruss kept the Yankee team cards flowing in annual installments including subsets, special editions, and retro reprints featuring stars of eras past and present. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and others from the dynasty years anchored by Joe Torre gained immense popularity both on and off the field that translated to strong cardboard sales. In 1991 Topps even produced “Turn Back The Clock”, a creative set mixing current rosters with retro layouts and design elements harkening to the 1950s-60s golden age.

As the hobby expanded rapidly online in the 2000s, companies like Upper Deck took advantage of digital card making capabilities to craft dazzling retro inspired releases like 2006’s “The Greats” set filled with full color frames of all-time Yankee legends from Ruth and Gehrig to Mantle, DiMaggio and Jackson. Parallel modern issues kept Jeter, Rivera, and other Core Four staples in collector hands as well. Beyond the traditional gum and candy LPs, firms launched ambitious projects like Topps’ 2010 “History of the New York Yankees” documentary-inspired cloth patch collection spanning 100 cards and the franchise’s entire first century.

Today, even with physical cards declining, digital platforms allow limitless Yankee memorialization. From classic Topps and Bowman scans to original online commission work, no player is too obscure to be celebrated and studied anew. As the Bronx Bombers continue vying for title 28 and beyond, new generations will discover legendary figures of the team’s past and see how far baseball’s greatest dynasty and brand has come since those early tobacco days of the 1900s. The collectable cardboard window into the Yankees vast history remains as strong and informative as ever over a century after the team’s inception.

WALMART BASEBALL CARDS AROUND NEW YORK

Leave a reply

Walmart has been a popular destination for baseball card collectors and enthusiasts across the United States. With its massive retail presence that includes hundreds of stores in the New York region alone, Walmart offers a convenient one-stop shop for finding the latest baseball card product releases and supplies. The baseball card selection and availability can vary significantly between Walmart locations. This article will provide an overview of the baseball card offerings at various Walmart stores situated around major cities and regions in New York state.

In New York City, the largest urban area in the state, Walmart locations typically have a more limited selection of baseball cards compared to stores in less densely populated areas. The smaller store footprints in the five boroughs of NYC mean less shelf space can be dedicated to non-essential items like trading cards. Some Walmarts in outer borough neighborhoods like Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx may not carry any baseball cards at all. For NYC-area collectors, the best Walmart options tend to be located across the rivers in New Jersey or on Long Island.

Just across the Hudson River, the Walmart in Secaucus, New Jersey regularly receives baseball card shipments and retains a sizable trading card section near the front of the store. Products from Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other manufacturers can usually be found. This location serves collectors in north/central Jersey as well as those traveling in from NYC. Further south in Jersey along the coast, the Walmarts in Eatontown and Brick Township also tend to maintain good baseball card inventories from the major brands. Their selections ebb and flow with the release cycles but supplies are replenished regularly.

On Long Island, large Walmart stores like those in Syosset, Westbury, and Brentwood reliably stock new baseball card products. Given the Island’s proximity to New York City, these locations see shoppers from all five boroughs in addition to the local LI population. Multi-sport card sets from current seasons of Topps Series 1/2, Bowman, and Topps Chrome are consistent staples. Specialty releases from brands like Topps Archives and Topps Heritage that focus on vintage-style designs are also periodically available. Additional Long Island Walmarts with respectable baseball card shelves include locations in Smithtown, Riverhead, and Medford though their stocks may fluctuate more.

Upstate New York is where Walmart really flexes its baseball card muscle, possessing the warehouse space and customer volumes to maintain impressive trading card aisles. Stores within an hour’s drive of Albany like Latham, Rotterdam, and Clifton Park hold meticulously organized Wall-O-Cards racks brimming with options across all the major modern manufacturers. Boxes of unopened wax packs and value bundles abound. When multi-sport mega-sets drop in spring, these upstate Walmarts receive correspondingly massive loads. The selection narrows further north but locations around Buffalo like Depew and Lockport still carry frequent resupplies.

While New York City-proper Walmarts may not provide the best baseball card shopping, collectors have plenty of alternatives nearby. Suburban Long Island stores serve the surrounding communities well with consistent stock. Even more bountiful selections await in northern New Jersey and especially across broad upstate New York, where Walmart’s larger stores capitalize on bigger trading card business. Determining regional favorites pays off, as inventory levels fluctuate between locations. With some scouting efforts, New York baseball card fans can quite easily satisfy their new release and bargain bin needs through Walmart.

NEW YORK YANKEES BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

The New York Yankees are one of the most successful and marketable franchises in all of professional sports. Naturally, Yankees baseball cards have caught the eyes of collectors for decades given the team’s storied history and iconic players. Whether you’re looking for vintage cards of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Derek Jeter, or chasing the latest prized rookies, there’s a massive market of Yankees cards available for avid collectors and fans.

Some key things to know when searching for New York Yankees baseball cards for sale include the different eras, the chase cards for each period, and what fetch the highest prices on the secondary market. For vintage cards prior to the 1980s, it’s all about the stars of baseball’s golden era like Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mantle. Their tobacco cards from the 1910s-50s in particular can sell for thousands depending on condition. Some truly mint examples of Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie have netted over $100,000 at auction.

Finding vintage cards in top condition is no easy task. But there are plenty of affordable options too if you search across the eras. From the 1960s-70s, you can find cards of Catfish Hunter, Thurman Munson, Reggie Jackson, and Ron Guidry. The advent of modern styled cards began in the 1980s when Donruss and Topps released sets that included stars like Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson, and Dave Righetti. Their rookies can often be had for $10-50 each. That era also featured the wishful thinking of prospect cards that never panned out.

Entering the 1990s and 2000s, championships and big names start to drive prices higher again. For example, cards of 1990s heroes like Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera regularly sell in the $25-200 range depending on year, company, and condition. The Core Four era of championships in the late 90s certainly sparked collector interest that persists today. Jeter’s iconic 1996 Topps rookie card in particular remains a sought-after key card in a seller’s market.

More recently, prices have soared for the cards of new Yankees stars as they emerge. Aaron Judge’s 2017 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookies were hot tickets, selling in the multiple hundreds shortly after release. Even veteran stalwarts like Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole command top dollar for their latest Yankees uniforms cards as the team contends year after year. Parallels, autographs, and relic cards insert the premium price points.

Whether budget-friendly or high-end, finding the right New York Yankees baseball cards for sale is all about doing your research as a collector. Reputable auction houses like Goldin, PWCC, and eBay (along with dedicated card shops) offer the most cards from any era. Be sure to check grades, centering, and overall condition photos closely. Ask questions of the seller too for authentication or history on highly valuable pieces. With patience and diligence, you can build an impressive Yankees collection that brings you back to championship eras past or chases the next generation of Pinstripe greats.

As the most successful franchise in the sport, interest in Yankees collectibles only grows over time. Modern players like Judge, Stanton, and Cole joining the long list of legends make each new year’s cards must-own pieces for collectors. The team’s financial muscle also draws big names consistently, fueling collectors’ interests further. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the hobby, New York Yankees baseball cards offer endless affordable and high-end options to satisfy any budget. With their iconic brand and never-ending success, the Pinstripes’ cards will remain a collector favorite for decades to come.

BASEBALL CARDS NEW YORK

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture for over a century, tracing their origins back to the late 1800s when cigarette manufacturers began including small images of baseball players with their tobacco products. As the sport of baseball grew increasingly popular across the United States in the early 20th century, so too did the collecting and trading of these novel cardboard commodities among fans, especially children. No other city played a more central role in the emergence and evolution of baseball cards than New York.

Situated in the heart of the Northeast, New York was the epicenter of professional baseball from the late 1800s onward. The first official baseball league, the National League, was established in 1876 with four of its eight inaugural franchises hailing from New York City – the New York Mutuals, New York Mets, New York Gothams (later Giants), and Brooklyn Atlantics. As these early New York-based clubs and players like Mickey Welch, Buck Ewing, and Tim Keefe gained prominence, they became some of the first baseball stars memorialized on tobacco cards produced by companies such as Allen & Ginter and Old Judge in the 1880s-1890s.

During this period, New York reigned supreme as the baseball capital of the world. The city was home to as many as five Major League teams throughout the late 19th century, all of which helped drive interest and card collecting amongst the massive local fanbases. In the early 1900s, the rise of gum and candy cards from manufacturers like American Caramel, American Tobacco, and Bazooka shifted the insertion of players’ images away from cigarettes. These new card varieties featured many iconic New York sluggers and hurlers of the Deadball Era like Hughie Jennings, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson.

The 1910s-1920s marked the golden age of baseball card production and popularity in New York. By this time, the city was the unrivaled mecca of the sport with three National League franchises – the New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Yankees. Major card companies like American Caramel and Cracker Jack had inserted baseball cards as incentives in their products for over a decade, familiarizing a new generation of fans with the stars donning New York uniforms. Legends like Giants pitcher Christy Mathewson and home run king Babe Ruth of the Yankees became enormously collectible figures.

At the same time, smaller regional firms headquartered within New York City like Breisch-Williams and Clark-Falk-Bell issued sets solely dedicated to baseball. Their cards featured close-up player portraits and statistical information not seen before, helping collectors learn the in-depth histories of their favorite New York-based athletes. The widespread availability and affordability of these cards made collecting an attainable hobby for kids across all five boroughs, cultivating lifelong fans of the local nine. In the 1920s, New York reigned as king of both the baseball diamond and the cardboard collectibles industry.

The Great Depression of the 1930s saw a lull in baseball card manufacturing due to economic hardship. Production ramped up again in the late 1930s thanks to the emerging stars donning Yankees pinstripes like Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Bill Dickey. Gum manufacturer Goudey Gum Company issued highly coveted sets in 1933 and 1938 exclusively featuring current Major Leaguers, cementing the card hobbies’ transition to a modern focus on active players. These sets were snapped up by legions of Yankee loyalists across New York City.

After World War 2, the baseball card boom truly took off with the arrival of Topps in the late 1940s. Based in Brooklyn, Topps swiftly dominated the market by the 1950s with its innovative design and aggressive distribution strategy, saturating candy store shelves and newsstands across New York. Homegrown heroes like the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, and Jackie Robinson became hugely popular subjects. In the post-war era, collecting Topps cards of New York-based superstars was a quintessential childhood experience for kids in the five boroughs.

The late 1950s-1960s represented baseball card collecting’s golden age in New York City. With three MLB teams still calling the area home, fandom was at a fever pitch. Topps released larger and more visually striking designs each year to keep up with growing collector demand. Innovations like the first color cards in 1953 and the debut of team logos in 1959 were huge milestones. New York players received outsized focus, with stars like the Yankees’ Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Roger Maris gracing countless premium cards that flew off shelves. The city’s candy stores, delis, and bodegas stocked boxes upon boxes of fresh packs.

During this peak period, New York was also home to a thriving community of dedicated card collectors. Local shops sprang up to cater to collectors, holding shows, auctions, and enabling trades. Publications emerged to track statistics, document sets, and foster discussions around the ever-evolving hobby. Iconic stores like the Sportscard Shop in Manhattan’s Times Square and Brooklyn’s famed Card World were meccas that collectors from all over the tri-state area visited regularly in pursuit of their favorite New York players. The scene remained vibrant through the 1970s decline before a resurgence in the 1980s.

In the modern era, New York has continued to play an outsized role in the business of baseball cards. Industry leaders like Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini maintain offices and production facilities in the New York City area, keeping the city at the epicenter of the multi-billion dollar sportscard market. Stores like Stadium Cards in Manhattan’s theater district still serve as hubs where collectors gather. And New York players still receive premium card treatment, with recent Mets stars like Jacob deGrom and Yankees like Aaron Judge gracing prized rookies, parallels and autographs that move quickly. Whether collecting vintage or modern issues, New York remains inextricably intertwined with the rich history and ongoing popularity of America’s favorite hobby – baseball cards.

NEW YORK YANKEES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The New York Yankees are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. Since their founding in 1901, the Yankees have won 27 World Series championships, making them the most successful team in MLB history. Naturally, as one of the premier brands in sports, the Yankees have been heavily featured on baseball cards throughout the decades.

Some of the earliest Yankee cards date back to the beginning of the 20th century during the early years of the tobacco card era from 1909 to 1915. These included cards from companies like American Caramel, Zip Carter, and M101-7. Some notable early Yankees players to appear on cards included third baseman Frank Baker and pitcher Russell Ford. Due to the primitive printing technology of the time, the quality and condition of most pre-1910 cards is generally quite poor and they are quite rare.

The modern baseball card era really took shape between 1931-1952 with the advent of cigarette, gum, and candy cards issued by companies like Wheaties, Goudey, Topps, and Bowman. During this time, the Yankees dynasty was just starting to take form. Legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle started showing up on cards, increasing collector demand for early Yankees stars. Ruth’s 1933 Goudey card is one of the most iconic and coveted in the entire hobby.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Yankees cemented themselves as the team of the decade, capturing 15 pennants and 12 World Series titles. This made their stars incredibly popular spokesmen for trading cards. One of the most well-known sets from this period was the 1947 Leaf Baseball

gum cards. The entire Yankee roster was featured, including DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Bill Bevens, and Allie Reynolds. Many condition sensitive variants also exist like the famed “zip code” back variations that add intriguing complexities for collectors.

The 1950s saw the rise of Mickey Mantle as the new face of the franchise. Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 Topps is arguably the most valuable in the entire set with PSA 10 examples having sold for over $2 million. Other noteworthy 1950s Yankee stars included Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, and Roger Maris. The era also featured innovations like the first color cards introduced by Bowman in 1956 that included a young Mantle on the cover.

The 1960s was a period of transition and talent regeneration for the Yankees. While the dynasty days were in the past, new stars emerged like pitcher Jim Bouton and outfielders Tom Tresh and Roy White. The decade also ushered in the end of the “golden age” of baseball cards as the bubble began bursting in the late 50s with overproduction. But sets like 1965 Topps and 1967 Topps are still fondly remembered for their artistic designs and sharp photos of Bronx Bombers like Mel Stottlemyre.

The 1970s saw the arrival of Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson. “Mr. October” Jackson’s stellar playoff performances turned him into a card collecting icon. His 1974 Topps and 1975 Topps rookie cards are must-haves for any Yankee PC. This period also featured the introduction of oddball and regional issues not seen since the tobacco era. Sets like 1972 Pepsi, 1973 Kellogg’s, and 1977 Hostess helped preserve the images of stars as the national distribution of cards declined.

The resurgence of the Yankees franchise in the late 70s under owner George Steinbrenner paralleled the hobby’s rebirth as interest increased. The Core Four of Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson, and eventual Hall of Famer Dave Righetti were prominently featured in the early 80s. Mattingly’s rookie card from 1982 Topps is one of the most iconic cards of the era. His burgeoning stardom and All-American image made him a card collecting sensation.

The mid-to-late 80s saw the Yankees return to title contention regularly. Stars like pitcher Ron Guidry, slugger Don Baylor, and shortstop Alvaro Espinoza populated the sets with familiar Yankee logos in the background. The 1987 Topps set in particular nicely captured the batting stance of Mattingly as he chased the triple crown. The 90s saw the emergence of homegrown talents like Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Their rookie cards from 1991, 1992, and 1993 Topps launched new generations of Yankee collectors.

In the 2000s, the Yankees won 4 more championships thanks to the “Core Four” of Jeter, Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada along with contributions from Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, and Alex Rodriguez. This golden era of Yankee success was well-chronicled in sets from the decade including 2001 Topps Traded, 2002 Upper Deck, and 2006 Topps Update among others. The 2009 Topps Update Big League autograph of then rookie ace Joba Chamberlain remains a popular parallel card for collectors.

The 2010s saw more lean years as the team transitioned to a new core led by Brett Gardner, Brian McCann, and Didi Gregorius. But young stars like Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez emerged on cards in the 2017 Topps Series 1 and 2018 Topps Update Series. Of course, the legacy of the franchise continues with current standouts Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole regularly appearing in the latest Topps flagship sets and parallels. The never-ending pursuit of World Series championships also keeps the Yankees one of the most collectible sports brands in the world.

From Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle to Derek Jeter, the sustained success of the New York Yankees has captured the imagination of baseball card collectors for generations. Few players have meant as much universally to the hobby as Yankees legends. And with over a century of history and counting, their cards will surely remain a vital part of the collecting landscape for decades more. Whether in mint condition vintage gems or today’s modern autos and parallels, New York Yankees cards hold a special place in the pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS NEW YORK CITY

Leave a reply

New York City has played an important role in the history and development of baseball cards. As one of the early hotbeds for the sport of baseball in the late 19th century, New York saw some of the earliest baseball cards produced and distributed.

Some of the first baseball cards ever created were issued in the late 1880s by tobacco companies as promotional items to help advertise their products. In 1886, the American Tobacco Company issued a series of trade cards to promote several brands like Sweet Caporal Cigarettes and Goodwin & Company cigarettes. These early tobacco era cards featured individual players from major league teams of the time like the New York Giants and Brooklyn Bridegrooms (later known as the Dodgers).

In 1888, the Allen & Ginter Tobacco Company issued their famous N172 “Base-Ball” cards as part of a larger series of trade cards inserted into their tobacco products. This landmark set featured images of stars from several big league teams, including New York players like Tim Keefe and Roger Connor of the Giants. It is considered the first true set dedicated solely to baseball players and helped popularize the idea of collecting baseball cards as a hobby.

Throughout the 1890s, tobacco companies continued producing baseball cards as promotional incentives. In 1891, the Mayo Cut Plug Tobacco brand issued a set that included cards of New York players like Jack Doyle and George Van Haltren of the Giants. In 1892, Goodwin & Company released cards featuring more New York players like Dave Orr and Arlie Latham of the Giants and Brooklyn Grooms.

The tobacco era of baseball cards really took off in the late 1890s. In 1896, the American Tobacco Company issued cards as part of sets for brands like Sweet Caporal and Old Judge cigars. These included stars from all the major league teams, such as New York’s Hughie Jennings and Willie Keeler of the Baltimore Orioles (who later played for the Giants and Dodgers). In 1897, the National Baseball Card Company issued one of the most famous and valuable sets from this era with over 500 cards featuring players from across the majors, including many from New York teams.

The early 1900s saw the continued boom in baseball card popularity tied to tobacco products. In 1909, the American Tobacco Company released what is considered the most iconic and valuable set from this tobacco era – the famous T206 collection. Spanning over 500 cards produced between 1909-1911, the ornate and colorful T206 set included all the biggest stars from this era, including many legendary New York players like Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. For decades, the rare Wagner card from this set held the record as the most valuable trading card ever sold.

As the tobacco era began winding down in the early 1910s due to new laws, candy companies stepped in to issue baseball cards as incentives. In 1914, the Chicle Company issued the famous Goudey Gum Company set with over 350 cards of major league players, including stars from New York’s Giants, Dodgers, and Yankees teams. In 1915, the Good & Plenty candy brand released a set including cards of New York players Ray Chapman and Wally Pipp.

During the 1920s, several candy companies continued producing baseball cards including the American Caramel Company, Piedmont Cigarettes, and the Goudey Gum Company, which issued three iconic sets in 1933. This Goudey collection included legendary New York players Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Bill Dickey that remain highly sought after by collectors today.

The modern era of baseball cards began in the late 1930s with the introduction of bubble gum included with cards. In 1938, the Bowman Gum Company issued the first modern gum-and-card set that included stars from all the major league teams, such as New York’s Red Ruffing and Earle Combs. This helped spark a new golden age of baseball card collecting among children and adults alike.

In the post-World War II era of the late 1940s-1950s, card companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer issued iconic sets that captured the stars of this generation, including legends like Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, and Yogi Berra who all played for New York teams. The 1952 Topps set is considered one of the most significant issues ever for its color photographs and inclusion of rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays.

The 1960s saw Topps dominate the baseball card market and produce memorable sets like their 1965 issue, the first to feature player names on the front of cards. Icons like Willie McCovey and Tom Seaver had their rookie cards in this classic set. In 1969, Topps even issued a special New York Mets World Series Champions set to commemorate the “Miracle Mets” first title that year.

In the 1970s, Topps continued to innovate with new photography and inclusion of statistics on the back of cards. Rookie cards in the 1970s included future legends like Thurman Munson and Ron Guidry of the Yankees. The 1970s also saw the rise of the hobby of collecting cards as a serious endeavor, with rare vintage cards from the tobacco and gum eras reaching new heights in value.

The 1980s saw new competitors enter the baseball card market like Donruss, Fleer, and Score. These companies helped drive innovation in card design and technology. Iconic New York players of this generation like Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry had their rookie cards issued during this decade. The late 1980s also marked the peak of the speculative bubble in the baseball card market that eventually led to its crash in the early 1990s.

While the baseball card market contracted significantly in the 1990s and 2000s due to overproduction and loss of kid collectors, New York players continued having their rookie cards issued in sets from Topps, Upper Deck, and other companies. Future stars like Derek Jeter had their first cards released during this era. Card companies also began experimenting with parallel and insert sets featuring short prints and autographs of stars to entice adult collectors.

Today, the baseball card market has stabilized and remains popular among both kid and adult collectors. Iconic players from the New York Yankees and Mets still have their rookie cards featured in annual sets from Topps, Panini, and others. Vintage cards from the early tobacco and gum eras continue appreciating greatly in value, with rare examples of Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth considered the crown jewels of any collection. New York City also hosts several large annual sports card and memorabilia shows that are major destinations for collectors.

Overall, New York City played a pivotal role in the development and popularity of baseball cards over the past 130+ years. As a hotbed for the sport of baseball since the late 1800s, New York saw some of the earliest cards produced featuring its star players from the Giants, Dodgers, and Yankees. Many of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards ever issued featured these New York legends. Today, collecting cards of past and present New York greats remains an integral part of the rich history and ongoing hobby of baseball card collecting.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE NEW YORK

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby of collectors for decades. Whether it’s chasing down rare vintage cards from the early 20th century or hunting for the latest rookie cards, tracking down baseball memorabilia never seems to get old. For those looking to buy or sell baseball cards in New York, there are plenty of options available in the area.

New York is home to some of the biggest sports card shows and conventions in the country. One of the most highly anticipated annual events is the National Sports Collectors Convention, which is held each summer and draws tens of thousands of attendees. Vendors from around the world rent tables to display and sell their wares at this massive event. Prices can range from just a few dollars for common cards up to tens or even hundreds of thousands for truly rare finds.

While the National may be the biggest sports card show, there are also numerous smaller conventions held throughout the year in New York City and surrounding areas. Some of the most notable include Cardtoberfest in October, held on Long Island, and the New York City Sports Card and Memorabilia Show each spring. These regional shows give local collectors a chance to trade, buy and sell cards without having to travel far. Admission is usually low and there are plenty of deals to be found from vendors eager to move product.

For those who don’t want to wait for a show, there are also many local card shops scattered around New York where cards can be purchased year-round. In Manhattan, one of the most prominent shops is High End Sports Cards and Memorabilia on Broadway in Chelsea. They have a massive inventory of vintage and modern cards for all sports. On Long Island, All Star Sports Cards in Wantagh is another top destination, with over 10,000 square feet of cards, memorabilia and supplies.

Of course, with the rise of eBay and online marketplaces, buying and selling cards remotely has become extremely popular as well. Reputable New York-based sellers on platforms like eBay can offer competitive prices and safe transactions. An experienced seller may even offer to meet a buyer locally if a large purchase is being made. Just be sure to check feedback ratings before purchasing from any unfamiliar online sellers.

When it comes to popular New York Yankees and Mets cards that collectors seek, there are some clear standouts. For the Yankees, iconic stars from their championship eras always demand top dollar. Mickey Mantle is arguably the most coveted Yankee of all time. His 1952 Topps rookie card in near-mint condition can fetch over $100,000. Other expensive Yankee cards include the 1961 Topps Roger Maris ($25,000+), the 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle ($20,000+), and the 1951 Bowman Yogi Berra (over $10,000).

On the Mets side, Tom Seaver is the big draw as the greatest Met of all. High-grade versions of his 1967 Topps rookie card change hands for $20,000 or more. Also pricey are the 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan RC ($15,000+) and the 1973 Topps Jon Matlack RC (over $5,000). For both teams, finding affordable cards of other stars from the 1960s-80s can still cost hundreds or low thousands depending on condition. And there are also plenty of affordable vintage common cards to be found.

In addition to cards of legendary players, collectors seek rare sets and oddball issues that didn’t achieve wide production and distribution. Examples include uncut prototype or test sheets, oddball regional issues, pre-war tobacco cards and more. These are the types of items that might fetch tens of thousands at auction. But persistence and luck are required to track them down, whether at conventions, local shops or via individual online sellers and auctions.

The New York area boasts a robust baseball card and memorabilia market thanks to the iconic Yankees and Mets franchises. With major shows, local shops and a strong online presence, collectors have many convenient ways to buy and sell here. With so much history and passion surrounding these local teams, demand for cards remains high. With a bit of searching, fans can add classic pieces of baseball history to their collections right in New York.

NEW YORK METS ALL 1962 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1962 season was the inaugural year for the newly established New York Mets franchise. After the longtime New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers teams both relocated to California after the 1957 season, New York was left without a National League ballclub. In 1962, the Mets began play as part of Major League Baseball’s expansion that year as a new NL team. It was an expansion that included the Houston Colt .45s (now Houston Astros) as well.

The 1962 Mets finished their first campaign with a dismal record of 40-120, still the worst single-season winning percentage (.250) of any team in MLB history. That dreadful record was somewhat expected for an expansion team working with a roster of cast-offs and journeymen rather than established stars. Despite the team’s record, baseball fans in New York were excited to finally have “their own” team again after years without NL ball.

That excitement extended to collectors as well, with the release of the 1962 Mets’ inaugural season team set of baseball cards from Topps. The 87-card regular issue set marked the return of a New York-based team to the city’s young collectors. While light on star power, the cards still captured the novelty and anticipation surrounding the team’s debut that season.

Of the 87 total cards issued, 82 featured individual Mets players while the remaining 5 cards showed managers and coaches or playoff statistics from 1961. The designs used a green and yellow color scheme with “NEW YORK METS” stylized across the top. On the front, each card showed a black-and-white photo of the player in action alongside their position, number, name, and that inaugural 1962 season.

The back of each card contained stats from 1961 (if applicable), brief career highlights if any, and interesting personal information about the player. Though production values were still quite basic compared to modern standards, the designs captured the excitement of a new franchise taking the field. While the individual talents pictured were hardly All-Stars, the cards still resonated strongly with local collectors.

Some of the more notable Mets featured in the 1962 set included pitcher Tracy Stallard, infamous for surrendering Roger Maris’ record-breaking 61st home run that season. Other recognizable names included pitchers Al Jackson and Galen Cisco as well as infielders Elio Chacon, Ed Charles, and Frank Thomas. Most of the roster was made up of cast-offs and players just starting their MLB careers.

The 1962 Topps Mets set remains one of the most historically important issues in the company’s catalog. As the team representing the long-awaited return of National League ball to New York, it captured the initial optimism surrounding that first season – optimism that would quickly fade as the disastrous record piled up. Still, for collectors in the New York area, the hometown Mets cards were a hugely popular seller that year.

Condition and overall scarcity has pushed high-grade examples of key cards from the set like Roger Maris and Tracy Stallard into the thousands of dollars each. Even common players grade well today considering the issue’s short print run of only one year of production. A full near-mint to mint run can fetch well over $10,000 when found intact after all these years.

Though initial investor returns may have been quite meager given that 120-loss season, the 1962 Topps Mets have proven an extremely sound long-term investment for collectors. They mark a pivotal moment not just in Mets or baseball history but the entire city of New York’s relationship with its National League franchise. The cards endure as one of the finest and most desirable rookie offerings in the hobby due to their perfectly capturing that inaugural season’s sense of optimism and new beginning for Big Apple baseball fans. While the team stumbled, the collectibles retain their place in card history.

In that opening 1962 campaign, the Mets franchise finished last in the National League in both wins and losses, as well as runs scored and runs allowed. Only 40 wins versus a whopping 120 losses marked that debut season as one of the worst ever by a MLB club. But through it all, the Topps cards ensured young fans could still enjoy following their new hometown nine in card form, collecting and trading those memorable if underpowered rosters as they began their climb towards respectability

Over a half-century later, the scarcity and historical significance of those 1962 Topps New York Mets cards have cemented their place as one of the most valuable and desirable team sets within the entire baseball card collecting landscape. Even as the on-field product struggled mightily that first season, the cards captured the anticipation and excitement of Big Apple fans finally having their own team to root for once more. They remain a must-have component of any serious vintage collection commemorating that special if difficult inaugural campaign.

NEW YORK METS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The New York Mets franchise began in 1962 as an expansion team in the National League. That inaugural season marked the first year that Mets cards entered the collectible baseball card market. The Topps set was the premier issue that year and featured rookie cards of some of the original ‘62 Mets, including pitcher Bob Miller and outfielder Charlie Neal.

In the decades since, Mets cards have chronicled the evolution of the franchise from lovable losers to perennial contenders. Some of the most iconic Mets cards memorialize the glory years of the late 1960s and early 1970s when the “Amazin’ Mets” shocked the baseball world by winning the 1969 World Series in just their eighth season of existence. Stars of that ‘69 championship like Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Tommie Agee, and Jerry Grote are well represented in vintage sets from that era like Topps and Fleer.

The 1973 Topps card of Nolan Ryan, then in his early days as a Met before being traded to the Angels, stands out not only because it features “The Ryan Express” but because it captured one of the hardest throws in baseball history–Ryan’s 100 mph fastball. In the decades since, that 1973 Nolan Ryan card has become one of the most valuable vintage baseball cards in the hobby due to its rarity, subject, and perfect timing capturing one of the true freak athletes the sport has ever seen.

The 1980s saw the Mets recapture some of their old glory with young stars like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Keith Hernandez leading the franchise to unexpected World Series appearances in 1986 and 1988. “Doc” Gooden’s rookie card from 1984 Topps is one of the most iconic Mets cards ever issued and remains a highly sought after piece of cardboard for collectors. Gooden would go on to become the youngest player ever to win the Cy Young Award in 1985 while starring on some of the best Mets teams of that era.

During extended runs of mediocrity for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Mets cards tended to feature more flavor-of-the-month type players who did not have the lasting impact of names from the 60s-80s glory years. Notable exceptions included Todd Hundley and John Olerud, who each had productive offensive seasons for those Mets clubs. Rookie cards and early returns of future stars who didn’t blossom until leaving New York, such as Armando Benitez and Scott Kazmir, also made lasting impressions in cardboard during this period.

The mid-2000s signaled a resurgence for the Mets franchise that coincided with new stars appearing on baseball cards. Popular players who sparked renewed interest in Mets collecting included Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Tom Glavine. In particular, hometown hero Wright became the new face of the franchise and one of the most featured players in cardboard over the following decade-plus as the longest tenured Met of all time. Other stars who became integral to those mid-2000s teams like Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, and Carlos Delgado also populate Mets cards from sets like Topps, Upper Deck, and Leaf during this time period.

The 2015 Mets team captured the fascination of fans by riding a second half surge to the club’s first National League pennant in nine years behind the pitching of young stars Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, affectionately known as the “Amazins’.” Cards featuring rookie seasons and breakout performances of this new “Big Three” starting rotation became instant classics for collectors. Later additions like Yoenis Cespedes also produced memorable cards during their tenure in orange and blue uniforms.

More recently, the 2019 Mets surprised the baseball world by nearly winning the NL East without their injured ace deGrom for much of the season. Potential rookie gems were produced that year as well from players like Pete Alonso, who smashed an MLB rookie record 53 home runs and took the league by storm in his cardboard debut. Similarly, breakout seasons from others on that club like Jeff McNeil added new excitement for today’s Mets collectors and generated interest in their modern card issues from the past few years.

Through more than half a century, the New York Mets franchise has endured many ups and downs but has created a rich history documented in baseball cards. Collectors today can trace the evolution of the club through decades of cardboard, from the original “Amazin’ Mets” of the 1960s to modern standouts like deGrom, Alonso and more. Mets cards remain a vibrant part of the collecting landscape, commemorating past heroes while also capturing current stars who continue adding new chapters to the franchise’s unique story.

SELL BASEBALL CARDS NEW YORK

Leave a reply

Selling Baseball Cards in New York City and Across the State

New York has always been a global epicenter for commerce and collecting, making it an ideal place for enthusiasts to sell their baseball card collections. Whether you have old vintage cards sitting in the attic or a stockpile of modern rookies, here are some tips for where and how to get the best value for your cards in the Empire State.

Online Marketplaces

In today’s digital age, online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist are great starting points to hawk your cards to a wide potential buyer base from your home computer. Take high-quality photos of the front and back of each card and be very descriptive in your listing titles and descriptions. Research recent sold prices on the platforms to help determine fair asking prices. Be sure to carefully package cards for shipping.

Local Card Shops

While they may not offer top dollar, local card shops scattered throughout New York provide a convenient one-stop option to sell your lot. Browse shop websites online or hit popular storefronts in NYC like Pristine Auction, Beckett’s Cards & Collectibles, or Gray’s Sports Collectibles to get on-the-spot cash offers. Shops evaluate conditions and demand and often buy entire collections at wholesale prices.

Card Shows and Conventions

Periodic multi-table card shows and conventions in large New York metro areas like NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse host hundreds of dealers under one roof, greatly increasing your odds of finding a buyer. Pre-sort your cards by sport, era, and star player to make selling more efficient. Bring a laptop to research comparable prices online during the show too.

Online Auction Houses

National auction giants like Heritage Auctions and Robert Edward Auctions regularly feature baseball memorabilia lots online with seven-day bidding windows. Consign worthy single cards, complete sets, autographed items, or vintage trade lots through their online submission portals for expert grading, photography, and promotion to a global collector base. Sellers earn a percentage after items close above minimum bid thresholds.

Personal Advertisements

Beyond wide-reaching sites, posting classified ads locally on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or community bulletin boards helps target collectors in your specific New York region. Include scans or photos along with descriptions of notable players, conditions, and prices. Be sure to vet buyers and only meet in safe public areas during sales.

Card Shows hosted by Collectors Groups

Sport-specific collector clubs like the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) occasionally put on local card shows in metropolitan New York areas. Their tight-knit memberships ensure a captive knowledgeable audience of focused buyers. Scout club websites or Facebook pages for upcoming event dates and tables available for rent.

Consignment Shops

Sports memorabilia and collectibles resale stores like Throwback Sports Cards & Collectibles and PWCC Marketplace purchase individual cards on consignment, often paying higher percentages than card shops. Ship cards to their warehouses, and they’ll handle grading, pricing, display, and fulfillment of online sales orders on your behalf for a cut of the profits when items sell.

Direct Message Collectors on Social Media

Advanced collectors often frequent sports card groups and forums on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and specialty blogs. Scan user profiles for location hints and directly contact serious New York-based fans of particular ballplayers to see if any pieces in your personal collection match their wants. They may pay eBay prices or more to avoid fees and compete with other bidders.

Auctions at Sports Memorabilia Events

Elite national conventions like the National Sports Collectors Convention or Super Show feature live on-site auction salesrooms run by organizations like Heritage where consigned single cards or entire collections can cross the block. Quality items typically fetch above-average market prices with opportunities for instant payment at these prestigious industry gatherings.

Sell to Local Hobby Shops

Beyond dedicated card shops, visit local hobby collectibles stores that may buy for inventory or to resell. Non-sport shops, comic book stores, coin shops, toy stores and game stores welcome sports memorabilia consignments too. They tap into niche buyers and may offer trade-in value toward purchases in their stores as an alternative to straight cash payments.

As the marketplace continues shifting online,savvy collectors across New York now have more opportunity than ever before to profit from their personal collections. With some research, patience and networking, sellers can optimize the value received for cards no matter where they live in the state.