Todd has always had a passion for baseball ever since he was a young boy. Every year when the baseball season started up again in the spring, Todd would get so excited knowing that meant trips to the local baseball card shop in hopes of finding new cards to add to his growing collection. Over the years, through trades with friends at school and lucky finds at card shows on weekends, Todd had amassed a sizable collection of hundreds of baseball cards. There were 7 cards in particular that stood out as Todd’s most prized possessions in his collection.
The first was a 1969 Topps Rod Carew rookie card. Todd had searched for this card for what seemed like forever before finally finding one in pristine condition at a card show a few years back. Rod Carew went on to have a hall of fame career and was known for his amazing hitting ability and consistency. Todd cherished this card not only because of Carew’s career accomplishments, but also because 1969 Topps rookie cards from that era in general are among the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Getting one in near mint to mint condition like Todd’s was quite the lucky find.
Another favorite of Todd’s was a 1994 Fleer Ultra Rare Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. card. Refractors became popular in the mid-1990s as a variation of the base card with a slick, hologram-like finish on it. Griffey was already one of the biggest young stars in the game during this time and his refractor rookie cards became hugely sought after. Todd’s was in immaculate shape, with sharp corners and no flaws of any kind to the surface. Refractors hold a special appeal to collectors due to their flashy, almost futuristic look compared to the normal paper base cards.
A true piece of baseball history that Todd treasured was an original 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card. The era of the 1930s Goudey set is one of the most classic and nostalgic in the hobby. Todd couldn’t believe his luck when he discovered an intact Goudey Ruth card in one of the cardboard long boxes at a card show. The color on the card was still vibrant and there was only very light wear overall. To own a true vintage piece chronicling the legendary Babe Ruth’s playing career was really special to Todd.
Another of Todd’s prized cards was a 1954 Topps Willie Mays rookie. The condition was excellent for its age with stunningly bright colors still intact. Willie Mays went on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history and his iconic 1954 Topps rookie is among the most valuable baseball cards to exist. Though Todd hadn’t had it professionally graded, upon close inspection it was clear this was at least a PSA 8 quality rookie, still quite remarkable for a card over 60 years old. Obtaining a true vintage 50s rookie card of this caliber was a real thrill and testament to Todd’s persistence in his collecting.
A more modern card that was among Todd’s favorites was a 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Patch Card of Honus Wagner. This super premium product featured game-used memorabilia cards of the all-time greats. Todd’s Wagner card came with a genuinely authentic piece of fabric from an old Pirates uniform Honus Wagner had worn over a century ago paired with a photo of the legendary shortstop. Getting a true piece of history encased on a card like this was so unique and satisfying to Todd. The quality control and craftsmanship of Exquisite cards also set them apart as truly high-end showpieces.
Todd also cherished his 1989 Fleer Barry Bonds rookie card. Barry Bonds went on to smash the single season and all-time home run records and though controversial at times, was one of the game’s most feared hitters. His rookie cards from 1989 Fleer and Score are iconic in their own right and represented Todd’s favorite player growing up. This particular Bond’s rookie was in pristine shape, a true gem out of Todd’s entire collection.
The final card among Todd’s top 7 was a 2006 Topps 206 David Wrightchrome refractor rookie card numbered to just 99 copies. Todd loved David Wright as the homegrown superstar for his favorite team, the New York Mets. When a local dealer had one of the ultra-short printed chrome versions for sale a few years ago, Todd jumped at the chance to acquire such a rare and desirable rookie card. Numbered parallels and serially-numbered cards hold a unique appeal to collectors and Todd was thrilled this card would possibly gain in value as the years went on given its limited production run of under 100 copies.
While Todd’s overall baseball card collection numbered in the hundreds, these 7 particular cards stood out as his most prized possessions, chronicling the legends of the game, representing his favorite players, and in some cases, preserving genuine pieces of baseball history. Todd took great care in maintaining these gems in pristine condition and saw their acquisition as highlights over his many years of devoted baseball card collecting.
