Saturday, March 15, 2025
what are the best modern day baseball card packs that contain bave ruth reprint cards
To find the best modern baseball card packs with Babe Ruth reprint cards, we need to focus on products from major manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and others that have recently included reprints of classic Babe Ruth cards. These reprints are typically modern recreations of vintage designs, often with updated features like foil, refractors, or serial numbering, celebrating his legendary status. Based on current trends in the hobby and popular releases as of March 15, 2025, here are some standout options:
Topps Series 1 (2025)
Why it’s great: The 2025 Topps Series 1 set includes a "1990 35th Anniversary" insert set with Babe Ruth reprints, featuring parallels like the Green Crackle Foil (/99). Topps frequently honors Ruth with reprints of their classic designs, blending nostalgia with modern flair.
Details: These packs are widely available, affordable (around $50-$70 per hobby box), and offer a mix of base cards, inserts, and parallels. The Babe Ruth reprints are chase cards, often in short-print runs, making them exciting pulls.
Best for: Collectors seeking a balance of accessibility and iconic Ruth reprints.
Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary
Why it’s great: This premium set has featured reprints like the ‘54 Babe Ruth Superfractor (1/1) in 2023, and it continues to spotlight Ruth with high-end reprints of vintage Topps designs. Expect chrome finishes, refractors, and low-numbered parallels.
Details: Boxes are pricier (around $200+), but the quality and rarity appeal to serious collectors. Ruth reprints here often mimic his 1950s-era cards with a modern twist.
Best for: Those wanting a luxury experience with stunning Ruth reprints.
Topps Bowman Chrome
Why it’s great: Known for rookie cards, Bowman Chrome also includes retro-themed Babe Ruth reprints, such as the 2023 Superfractor 1/1 Retrofractor. These reprints tap into Ruth’s early career imagery with a chrome finish.
Details: Hobby boxes run about $250-$300, with Ruth reprints being ultra-rare chase cards. The focus is on premium parallels, appealing to high-stakes collectors.
Best for: Collectors chasing rare, shiny Ruth reprints with investment potential.
Panini Prizm or Donruss
Why it’s great: Panini often includes Babe Ruth reprints in sets like Prizm or Donruss, with designs inspired by vintage cards but featuring their signature prizm parallels (e.g., Gold Donut Circles /10). These are less tied to Topps’ historical Ruth catalog but still iconic.
Details: Boxes are moderately priced ($100-$150), and Ruth reprints appear as inserts or short prints. They’re vibrant and collectible, though Panini lacks MLB licensing, so logos may be absent.
Best for: Fans of colorful, modern designs with Ruth’s likeness.
Topps Archives
Why it’s great: Archives is built around reprinting classic designs from various eras, often including Babe Ruth cards from the 1930s, ‘50s, or ‘60s. These packs are a treasure trove for vintage-style reprints with a modern twist.
Details: Hobby boxes cost around $100-$150, offering a mix of eras and players. Ruth reprints here are common as inserts, sometimes with autographed or relic variants (though reprints themselves aren’t signed).
Best for: Nostalgia-driven collectors who love Ruth in retro formats.
Recommendations
Budget-Friendly: Go for Topps Series 1 (2025). It’s widely available, has solid Ruth reprints, and won’t break the bank.
Premium Pick: Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary offers the best mix of quality, rarity, and stunning Ruth reprints if you’re willing to spend more.
Nostalgia Focus: Topps Archives is ideal for collectors who want Ruth reprints that echo his original card eras.
These packs reflect modern trends as of March 15, 2025, and Ruth’s reprints are typically inserts or parallels, not base cards, so they’re exciting but not guaranteed in every pack. Check recent hobby buzz on platforms like X or eBay for the latest pack-specific Ruth sightings to refine your choice!
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
The history of baseball cards.
The history of baseball cards in the United States is both rich and extensive, tracing its evolution through several key phases:
Early Beginnings (1860s - 1880s)
1860s-1870s: The earliest precursors to baseball cards were photographs of baseball teams printed on cartes de visite, which were popular visiting card formats. These were not mass-produced but rather captured by photographers at the time.
1880s: The first true baseball cards appeared as inserts in tobacco products. Goodwin & Company issued the "Old Judge" series, which included cards of baseball players. These cards were used as promotional items to boost cigarette sales.
The Golden Age (1909 - 1915)
1909: The T206 Honus Wagner card, one of the most famous and valuable cards, was part of a set distributed by the American Tobacco Company. Only a small number were produced because Wagner objected to his image being used, making it extremely rare.
1910-1915: Other tobacco companies followed suit with their sets like T205 and T207, but the practice largely ended with the onset of World War I and subsequent changes in tobacco advertising regulations.
The Depression Era (1930s - 1940s)
1933: Goudey Gum Company issued the first widely recognized set of baseball cards, significantly increasing their popularity by associating them with candy and gum rather than tobacco. This era saw cards of players like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, which are now highly prized.
1940s: World War II impacted production due to paper shortages and gum rationing. Nevertheless, companies like Bowman Gum began producing cards, marking the beginning of the modern era of baseball cards.
Post-War Boom and Modern Issues (1950s - Present)
1950s: Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. entered the market in 1951, eventually securing exclusive rights to produce baseball cards with bubble gum through the 1950s. This period saw the introduction of rookie cards for Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and others.
1960s - 1970s: Topps continued to dominate, but competition from Fleer and Donruss in the late 1980s led to an explosion in card production. This era introduced innovations like multi-colored printing and better card stock.
1980s - 1990s: Overproduction caused a market bubble, leading to a significant decrease in card values by the mid-1990s. However, this period also saw the introduction of autographed cards, memorabilia cards, and limited editions.
2000s onwards: The digital age brought about online trading, card grading services, and auction sites. Companies like Upper Deck, Panini, and Topps have continued to innovate with digital cards, holograms, and cards made from unique materials.
Current Trends: Today, baseball cards combine nostalgia with modern collectibility, with a focus on limited editions, player autographs, and pieces of memorabilia (like pieces of a jersey or bat). The market has seen a resurgence through online platforms and renewed interest from both collectors and investors.
Cultural Impact
Baseball cards have not only been collectibles but also cultural artifacts, documenting the evolution of the sport, fashion, and American society. They've influenced art, been subjects of serious collecting and investment, and even featured in legal battles over rights and exclusivity.
This history reflects not just changes in card production but also shifts in American culture, economics, and technology. If you're looking for specific details or eras, feel free to ask!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
investment alternatives for retirement:graded baseball cards
Are there any true investments that stand the test of time besides having to spend a fortune on gold? Well, just ask the men who sold their baseball collection to several dealers throughout the continental United States about the time when grading card companies
came about ten years ago. Most collectors and hobby shop owners thought that this was a passing fancy, something that would be a trend that would not last more than three years. Well, well, well, how wrong they were, by all observation - their short sightedness and false presumption about graded sports cards has changed the face of the hobby in ways most of us could not have imagined. Indeed, the face of the sports card hobby has changed drastically for the better of the consumer in the past ten years.
There were many collectors that lost a fortune ten to twelve years ago by selling their collections for a few thousand dollars, not knowing what the future would hold for the sports card hobby. There have been many documented articles about the presence of the premier grading companies. Sports card collectors of many ages are now well aware of the value concerning graded sports card memorabilia. The investment return on modern day and vintage sought after sports cards has reached a phenomena market value. There are many choices that the collectors of today, hobbyist now know how to get the most out of their sports card collectibles.
1. SportsCard Guaranty
This is one of the most comprehensive grading companies when it comes to grading vintage sports card memorabilia. Many of their previous premium graded cards have sold on eBay for several thousand dollars. Most collectors that have sports cards that are in mint condition - especially placed in premium three ring binders will get the most from their investment. According to SGC, "Today's sophisticated sportscard market requires a specific grading scale. SGC uses a scale which eliminates the grades known as "tweeners": no grading scale is more accurate or consistent. Many industry experts agree that accurate grades mean more accurate prices for your sportscards." SportsCard Guaranty website provides the collector/investor with vital information that has many options catered to each individual's need. http://www.sgccard.com/
2. Beckett Grading Services
The Beckett sports card publication entered into the grading business to give collectors another distinct view on the hobby world and what it means to the world of graded memorabilia. It was not by mistake that Beckett publications would enter into this lucrative business venture - which has been in service for over ten years. The Beckett publishing company has engaged the sports card hobby in a most positive way, knowing the importance of key players in every sport. http://www.beckett.com/bccg/
3. PSA Grading Services
The Professional Sports Authenticator may be one of the most important companies to grade and authenticate rare and important sports cards and memorabilia. PSA has graded some of the most important sports cards in the hobby, and many of them have sold for record prices. The listing for PSA graded cards on eBay is at an all time high, standing tall in this rough and tough economic climate. PSA professional authenticators can verify most autographs on sports cards, not only does this add to the overall value of the sports card - it will contain a special PSA/DNA sticker attached to the graded memorabilia. Many seasoned collectors have turned to this service due to its overwhelming investment return appeal. http://www.psacard.com/
In the modern age of sports card collecting there are many great football players to invest in, here are a few to buy now, and due to their popularity their cards will only increase in value throughout the years. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Torry Holt, Donovan McNabb, just to name a few. Believe it or not, many of these player cards can be found at bargain prices on eBay and several other online stores. Collecting is not about how much money you have, it is more so looking at each purchase as an investment for the future.
came about ten years ago. Most collectors and hobby shop owners thought that this was a passing fancy, something that would be a trend that would not last more than three years. Well, well, well, how wrong they were, by all observation - their short sightedness and false presumption about graded sports cards has changed the face of the hobby in ways most of us could not have imagined. Indeed, the face of the sports card hobby has changed drastically for the better of the consumer in the past ten years.
There were many collectors that lost a fortune ten to twelve years ago by selling their collections for a few thousand dollars, not knowing what the future would hold for the sports card hobby. There have been many documented articles about the presence of the premier grading companies. Sports card collectors of many ages are now well aware of the value concerning graded sports card memorabilia. The investment return on modern day and vintage sought after sports cards has reached a phenomena market value. There are many choices that the collectors of today, hobbyist now know how to get the most out of their sports card collectibles.
1. SportsCard Guaranty
This is one of the most comprehensive grading companies when it comes to grading vintage sports card memorabilia. Many of their previous premium graded cards have sold on eBay for several thousand dollars. Most collectors that have sports cards that are in mint condition - especially placed in premium three ring binders will get the most from their investment. According to SGC, "Today's sophisticated sportscard market requires a specific grading scale. SGC uses a scale which eliminates the grades known as "tweeners": no grading scale is more accurate or consistent. Many industry experts agree that accurate grades mean more accurate prices for your sportscards." SportsCard Guaranty website provides the collector/investor with vital information that has many options catered to each individual's need. http://www.sgccard.com/
2. Beckett Grading Services
The Beckett sports card publication entered into the grading business to give collectors another distinct view on the hobby world and what it means to the world of graded memorabilia. It was not by mistake that Beckett publications would enter into this lucrative business venture - which has been in service for over ten years. The Beckett publishing company has engaged the sports card hobby in a most positive way, knowing the importance of key players in every sport. http://www.beckett.com/bccg/
3. PSA Grading Services
The Professional Sports Authenticator may be one of the most important companies to grade and authenticate rare and important sports cards and memorabilia. PSA has graded some of the most important sports cards in the hobby, and many of them have sold for record prices. The listing for PSA graded cards on eBay is at an all time high, standing tall in this rough and tough economic climate. PSA professional authenticators can verify most autographs on sports cards, not only does this add to the overall value of the sports card - it will contain a special PSA/DNA sticker attached to the graded memorabilia. Many seasoned collectors have turned to this service due to its overwhelming investment return appeal. http://www.psacard.com/
In the modern age of sports card collecting there are many great football players to invest in, here are a few to buy now, and due to their popularity their cards will only increase in value throughout the years. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Torry Holt, Donovan McNabb, just to name a few. Believe it or not, many of these player cards can be found at bargain prices on eBay and several other online stores. Collecting is not about how much money you have, it is more so looking at each purchase as an investment for the future.
colecting sports cards
Collecting Sports Cards is Fun!!!
Major League Baseball, a game of ages, the Fall classic, the last two teams that embarked on a 162 game journey in April, left standing. In most baseball cities, the weather is not even thinking about warming up to favor hitters trying to get a piece of a 95 mile per hour fastball in
April.
I know, why am I even talking baseball, what are you kidding me? The NFL Playoffs have just begun and I am talking Superbowl bound, right? Who can remember Philadelphia and Tampa? Well, I am not here to talk about the World Series but rather something that makes me even crazier about baseball. Baseball Cards, and memorabilia!
Sports cards are a big part of my life, and I suggest that If you have small children especially boys you do the same. Sports cards values can build family bonds and yes in the process build finances too. This is not the 1990's where baseball cards are produced in worthless masses. No folks, you invest a pretty penny in sports cards and you are liable to get a prettier penny back.
Sports cards are also a way to get your family back to bonding, I know my two sons can tell me flat out who leads the MLB in home-runs and strikeouts, and even most of the starting 8 on quite a few baseball teams, not just the home team. They are only 6 and 8, not bad huh? Most true collectors would probably read this and say, "yeah right", I am not going to spend $200.00 on a box of sports cards with today's values and let my 5 year old anywhere near that box. Probably so, but there are ways to protect your cards and still enjoy the moment.
Start with a Beckett Publication to enhance your collection, top loaders and penny sleeves are one way to go, screw down holders is another and even go so far as to grade the sports cards with any of the three major grading companies. Beckett, which is my favorite. Psa which is probably the leading vintage card grader, although some would argue. Lastly SGC, Sports card guarantee. I would not stray too much further than those three.
In any event, I believe that sharing the gift of collecting sports cards and memorabilia is a great way for families alike to bond and interact with one another in yet another sporting derived activity.
Now to the part about actually making money, I can tell you right now that you need to have some direction in which to start your collection because simply there are too many sports cards companies and way too much product, don't get me wrong now the product is pretty limited, but still there is just way too much product to choose from out there.
Once you find what is right for you, try your hand at grading a few cards, you will see prices jump for cards that come back gem mint or 9.5 or perfect 10, depending on which company you use. At that time your decision will most likely be whether to keep the card or not! There are a few websites out there can help you determine which way to go, they are websites that are informative about cards and also give you information on how plentiful some cards might be. All in all good information that can be acquired about where to begin.
Major League Baseball, a game of ages, the Fall classic, the last two teams that embarked on a 162 game journey in April, left standing. In most baseball cities, the weather is not even thinking about warming up to favor hitters trying to get a piece of a 95 mile per hour fastball in
April.
I know, why am I even talking baseball, what are you kidding me? The NFL Playoffs have just begun and I am talking Superbowl bound, right? Who can remember Philadelphia and Tampa? Well, I am not here to talk about the World Series but rather something that makes me even crazier about baseball. Baseball Cards, and memorabilia!
Sports cards are a big part of my life, and I suggest that If you have small children especially boys you do the same. Sports cards values can build family bonds and yes in the process build finances too. This is not the 1990's where baseball cards are produced in worthless masses. No folks, you invest a pretty penny in sports cards and you are liable to get a prettier penny back.
Sports cards are also a way to get your family back to bonding, I know my two sons can tell me flat out who leads the MLB in home-runs and strikeouts, and even most of the starting 8 on quite a few baseball teams, not just the home team. They are only 6 and 8, not bad huh? Most true collectors would probably read this and say, "yeah right", I am not going to spend $200.00 on a box of sports cards with today's values and let my 5 year old anywhere near that box. Probably so, but there are ways to protect your cards and still enjoy the moment.
Start with a Beckett Publication to enhance your collection, top loaders and penny sleeves are one way to go, screw down holders is another and even go so far as to grade the sports cards with any of the three major grading companies. Beckett, which is my favorite. Psa which is probably the leading vintage card grader, although some would argue. Lastly SGC, Sports card guarantee. I would not stray too much further than those three.
In any event, I believe that sharing the gift of collecting sports cards and memorabilia is a great way for families alike to bond and interact with one another in yet another sporting derived activity.
Now to the part about actually making money, I can tell you right now that you need to have some direction in which to start your collection because simply there are too many sports cards companies and way too much product, don't get me wrong now the product is pretty limited, but still there is just way too much product to choose from out there.
Once you find what is right for you, try your hand at grading a few cards, you will see prices jump for cards that come back gem mint or 9.5 or perfect 10, depending on which company you use. At that time your decision will most likely be whether to keep the card or not! There are a few websites out there can help you determine which way to go, they are websites that are informative about cards and also give you information on how plentiful some cards might be. All in all good information that can be acquired about where to begin.
realistic baseball card prices and values
Lost in a Dream of Untold Riches? Not so Fast, My Friend
Next to "are we there yet?" and "what's the weather going to be like?", "how much are my baseball cards worth?" ranks as one of the most popular questions. Pricing baseball cards is dicey business, but with a little research and some basic knowledge, you can at least get a general idea
of whether you'll be able to take that vacation to Tahiti or stick with plans to clean out the garage.
If you've asked about appraising baseball cards, chances are someone has told you that buying a guidebook or price guide magazine is the best method for pricing baseball cards. At one time, that was pretty sound advice, although not always an accurate measurement. Baseball card price guides still exist, but sometimes the pricing information doesn't change to reflect the actual market.
First, it's best to realize that when accumulating price information for your sports cards, that you won't get what the guide says when you try to sell them. Sports memorabilia shops are no different than J.C. Penney. They buy at one price to sell at another to make a profit and stay in business. If you want a dealer to buy baseball cards, you'd better be prepared to give him some room. If he's selling a baseball card set for the guide price of $20, he can't buy it from you for $19. If you want quick cash, it's best to sell your cards yourself. If you invest the time and energy, you'll make a little more money by not having to worry about the dealer's profit margin. Such a statement holds true no matter what era we're talking about.
The value of old baseball cards depends primarily on two factors: condition and player. Obviously a 1961 Roger Maris baseball card is worth more than one of Tracy Stallard or Gene Green. Hall of Famers are in higher demand, so their cards will sell for a premium. However, common cards from the mid-1960s on back can sell for a high price if and only if hey are well centered and were literally put in a box and forgotten about. Most people think their cards are "mint" if they don't have creases. Not so. Mint means just that. If you cut your figers on the corners, that's mint. But the card can't have print marks, bubbles or wax stains from the wrapper either.
Those who collect the best baseball card sets in existence will pay good money for high grade common cards. Some graded and authenticated commons from the 1950s and 60s can sell for a few hundred dollars, but chances are yours are worth a half a buck each, usually less. If they're well-loved, be grateful if you can get $5 for a stack of 50. But pull the superstars out first. Someone on eBay will pay you that a for a Hall of Famer as long as it's not completely trashed. 1970s and 80s cards are worth even less, but if you have truly high grade cards, think in terms of having a few stars graded and authenticated so you'll have a good idea of what the others will grade. PSA, SGC and GAI are the three best-known companies for grading and authenticating cards. They'll place them in a tamper-evident slab for a price of around $10 each, less in quantity. Watch for monthly specials to get a better deal.
Keep in mind that the number of sports card collectors has decreased in recent years. The "boom" of the 1980s and 90s saw thousands of new collectors and investors get into the market. It resulted in a glut of product to satisfy demand but when those folks left the hobby or quit collecting, the law of supply and demand caught up. Unless we're talking Cal Ripken rookie cards, those produced from the 1980s on haven't appreciated considerably. Many cards printed in the late 1980s and early 90s are simply worthless in every sense except your own childhood memories. Your Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card still has value, but it won't pay your way through dental school. Your complete set of 1990 Upper Deck or 1988 Topps is probably best sold at a garage sale. Pray someone will hand you a $10 bill, but be ready to take $5. Even ten years from now, it's not likely they'll go up much in value unless all of your friends who collected back then become born-again sports collectors.
Online price guides have sprouted up in recent years as values of newer cards rise and fall with player performance. They can reflect those changes quickly, where a printed guide can't. Beckett has a modern online guide service you can utilize for a fee while CardPricer.com and VintageCardPrices.com do the same, with an emphasis on pre-1980s material.
You can also check out SportsCollectorsStore.com to see if what's currently for sale on eBay matches your collection and discover if anyone is bidding on it. You can also purchase cards to add to your collection if you've decided you'd rather be a buyer than a seller.
Searching by "completed items" on eBay can be the best friend you'll have when pricing baseball cards. You can search for sales from the last 15 days and see what others are getting for the cards you're trying to sell. It's both timely and realistic. And that is the true measuring stick for pricing baseball cards accurately.
Next to "are we there yet?" and "what's the weather going to be like?", "how much are my baseball cards worth?" ranks as one of the most popular questions. Pricing baseball cards is dicey business, but with a little research and some basic knowledge, you can at least get a general idea
of whether you'll be able to take that vacation to Tahiti or stick with plans to clean out the garage.
If you've asked about appraising baseball cards, chances are someone has told you that buying a guidebook or price guide magazine is the best method for pricing baseball cards. At one time, that was pretty sound advice, although not always an accurate measurement. Baseball card price guides still exist, but sometimes the pricing information doesn't change to reflect the actual market.
First, it's best to realize that when accumulating price information for your sports cards, that you won't get what the guide says when you try to sell them. Sports memorabilia shops are no different than J.C. Penney. They buy at one price to sell at another to make a profit and stay in business. If you want a dealer to buy baseball cards, you'd better be prepared to give him some room. If he's selling a baseball card set for the guide price of $20, he can't buy it from you for $19. If you want quick cash, it's best to sell your cards yourself. If you invest the time and energy, you'll make a little more money by not having to worry about the dealer's profit margin. Such a statement holds true no matter what era we're talking about.
The value of old baseball cards depends primarily on two factors: condition and player. Obviously a 1961 Roger Maris baseball card is worth more than one of Tracy Stallard or Gene Green. Hall of Famers are in higher demand, so their cards will sell for a premium. However, common cards from the mid-1960s on back can sell for a high price if and only if hey are well centered and were literally put in a box and forgotten about. Most people think their cards are "mint" if they don't have creases. Not so. Mint means just that. If you cut your figers on the corners, that's mint. But the card can't have print marks, bubbles or wax stains from the wrapper either.
Those who collect the best baseball card sets in existence will pay good money for high grade common cards. Some graded and authenticated commons from the 1950s and 60s can sell for a few hundred dollars, but chances are yours are worth a half a buck each, usually less. If they're well-loved, be grateful if you can get $5 for a stack of 50. But pull the superstars out first. Someone on eBay will pay you that a for a Hall of Famer as long as it's not completely trashed. 1970s and 80s cards are worth even less, but if you have truly high grade cards, think in terms of having a few stars graded and authenticated so you'll have a good idea of what the others will grade. PSA, SGC and GAI are the three best-known companies for grading and authenticating cards. They'll place them in a tamper-evident slab for a price of around $10 each, less in quantity. Watch for monthly specials to get a better deal.
Keep in mind that the number of sports card collectors has decreased in recent years. The "boom" of the 1980s and 90s saw thousands of new collectors and investors get into the market. It resulted in a glut of product to satisfy demand but when those folks left the hobby or quit collecting, the law of supply and demand caught up. Unless we're talking Cal Ripken rookie cards, those produced from the 1980s on haven't appreciated considerably. Many cards printed in the late 1980s and early 90s are simply worthless in every sense except your own childhood memories. Your Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card still has value, but it won't pay your way through dental school. Your complete set of 1990 Upper Deck or 1988 Topps is probably best sold at a garage sale. Pray someone will hand you a $10 bill, but be ready to take $5. Even ten years from now, it's not likely they'll go up much in value unless all of your friends who collected back then become born-again sports collectors.
Online price guides have sprouted up in recent years as values of newer cards rise and fall with player performance. They can reflect those changes quickly, where a printed guide can't. Beckett has a modern online guide service you can utilize for a fee while CardPricer.com and VintageCardPrices.com do the same, with an emphasis on pre-1980s material.
You can also check out SportsCollectorsStore.com to see if what's currently for sale on eBay matches your collection and discover if anyone is bidding on it. You can also purchase cards to add to your collection if you've decided you'd rather be a buyer than a seller.
Searching by "completed items" on eBay can be the best friend you'll have when pricing baseball cards. You can search for sales from the last 15 days and see what others are getting for the cards you're trying to sell. It's both timely and realistic. And that is the true measuring stick for pricing baseball cards accurately.
best new baseball cards to invest in!
Rookies and Non-Rookies
Now that it is October, it is a good time to take a look at this year's baseball players and invest in some cards. It is easy to still invest in rookie cards this late in the year but if you wait through the playoffs/World Series, then it might be more difficult to obtain good rookie
cards. There are some signs and some pointers to look for when investing in rookies or other cards.
First, keep in mind that rookies may do well for a season or two and still end up as a dud. One example of this would be Corey Patterson. I invested in some Corey Patterson cards his rookie year and his second year, he was the hot ticket those two years. Now, he could not hit the backside of a barn with his bat. He has declined and I have a few Corey Patterson cards to get rid of... Anyone looking for some Cubs cards? Also, good cards to invest in may not always be rookie cards.
Second, this is an investment. Investments take time and money, this isn't a get rich quick scheme. It is easier to have fun with cards if it's already your hobby, if you are in it for the money then it is easy to lose your head and stop having fun.
Warnings aside, let's get started. If you have been keeping up with the MLB then you know that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays got into the play-offs for the first time in franchise history. They have a lot of good, young players. The rookie to watch on that team this year is Evan Longoria, third baseman. In the first play-off game, Longoria had two home-runs and a really good game. He is good under pressure. It is a good idea to get a couple of his cards this year because it looks like he is a solid player and will stick around.
The Devil Rays also have a couple other players to get a couple cards of: B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford. Both of these players are young and solid. This isn't their rookie years but their cards don't cost an arm and a leg.
Now let's take a look at a pitcher. Joba Chamberlain has been making some waves in the MLB. He is a strong right-handed pitcher for the Yankees. He is very dominant and has a great record coming into the MLB. The Yankees were being careful with him this year but expect to see more of him. Some collectors have already started to direct their attention and money to getting Chamberlain cards, so if you are going to snatch up a couple of his rookies, you will need to hurry.
Kosuke Fukudome is an outfielder for the Cubs. He is 30 years old and already has 9 years of pro experience in the Japan league. He is a solid hitter and a good outfielder. Whether you are a Cubs fan or not he is a good addition to a collection and a player to look out for.
There is another Cub to look at this year: Geovany Soto. He plays catcher and definitely grabbed some attention this year. Soto crushed in AAA with 26 home-runs and 109 runs-batted-in last year. He is expected to be a good asset for the Cubs as they build up their ball club for the World Series. So far, the Cubs haven't been doing too well in the post-season but they have a lot of talent if they stick together for next year.
J.R. Towles is another rookie to keep in mind. He plays catcher for the Houston Astros. He has a featured autograph in the Upper Deck X series this year. He has been a good player so far for the Astros and he is one to add to your list of quick cards. Since he is still under many collector's radars, it is a good time to get a couple cards pretty cheap.
Now, with the top rookies aside, there are always cards that aren't rookies but are good to invest in. Here's some:
Chipper Jones has been at the top for awhile and will continue to be until he retires are gets injured, so look into purchasing a couple of his cards.
Derek Jeter has made waves since he hit the MLB, his cards continue to gain value and interest. Grab some of his cards (if you can find any for a good price).
Lance Burkman is a solid player for the Astros and a player that is pretty easy to obtain cards for.
Alex Rodriguez is always a strong player to invest into, he has done well with the Yankees and will continue to.
Brian McCain has been putting up great numbers and the Braves would have been way worse without him this year.
Those would be the top five that I would suggest you buy this year. If you don't have a lot of money to get into the hobby with but you would still like to get a couple cards, there are a few tricks I have learned. Find the card that you want on Ebay and only bid the starting bid (assuming that someone has bid already), do not raise your bid at all. You would be surprised at how often you win, unless you are trying to win a Jeter autograph and then it will never work.
Another way to get the cards you want is to trade for them if you already have some cards. If you don't have any cards then you might want to visit a card shop and buy a few jersey cards or autographs to trade with (Ebay will probably be less expensive even with shipping). One place to trade cards is tradecardsnow.com. Another site would be sportscardfreaks.com. I have completed a couple trades on each site already and it is very easy to get hooked.
Enjoy your cards, and always keep your eyes peeled for new players to invest in!
Now that it is October, it is a good time to take a look at this year's baseball players and invest in some cards. It is easy to still invest in rookie cards this late in the year but if you wait through the playoffs/World Series, then it might be more difficult to obtain good rookie
cards. There are some signs and some pointers to look for when investing in rookies or other cards.
First, keep in mind that rookies may do well for a season or two and still end up as a dud. One example of this would be Corey Patterson. I invested in some Corey Patterson cards his rookie year and his second year, he was the hot ticket those two years. Now, he could not hit the backside of a barn with his bat. He has declined and I have a few Corey Patterson cards to get rid of... Anyone looking for some Cubs cards? Also, good cards to invest in may not always be rookie cards.
Second, this is an investment. Investments take time and money, this isn't a get rich quick scheme. It is easier to have fun with cards if it's already your hobby, if you are in it for the money then it is easy to lose your head and stop having fun.
Warnings aside, let's get started. If you have been keeping up with the MLB then you know that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays got into the play-offs for the first time in franchise history. They have a lot of good, young players. The rookie to watch on that team this year is Evan Longoria, third baseman. In the first play-off game, Longoria had two home-runs and a really good game. He is good under pressure. It is a good idea to get a couple of his cards this year because it looks like he is a solid player and will stick around.
The Devil Rays also have a couple other players to get a couple cards of: B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford. Both of these players are young and solid. This isn't their rookie years but their cards don't cost an arm and a leg.
Now let's take a look at a pitcher. Joba Chamberlain has been making some waves in the MLB. He is a strong right-handed pitcher for the Yankees. He is very dominant and has a great record coming into the MLB. The Yankees were being careful with him this year but expect to see more of him. Some collectors have already started to direct their attention and money to getting Chamberlain cards, so if you are going to snatch up a couple of his rookies, you will need to hurry.
Kosuke Fukudome is an outfielder for the Cubs. He is 30 years old and already has 9 years of pro experience in the Japan league. He is a solid hitter and a good outfielder. Whether you are a Cubs fan or not he is a good addition to a collection and a player to look out for.
There is another Cub to look at this year: Geovany Soto. He plays catcher and definitely grabbed some attention this year. Soto crushed in AAA with 26 home-runs and 109 runs-batted-in last year. He is expected to be a good asset for the Cubs as they build up their ball club for the World Series. So far, the Cubs haven't been doing too well in the post-season but they have a lot of talent if they stick together for next year.
J.R. Towles is another rookie to keep in mind. He plays catcher for the Houston Astros. He has a featured autograph in the Upper Deck X series this year. He has been a good player so far for the Astros and he is one to add to your list of quick cards. Since he is still under many collector's radars, it is a good time to get a couple cards pretty cheap.
Now, with the top rookies aside, there are always cards that aren't rookies but are good to invest in. Here's some:
Chipper Jones has been at the top for awhile and will continue to be until he retires are gets injured, so look into purchasing a couple of his cards.
Derek Jeter has made waves since he hit the MLB, his cards continue to gain value and interest. Grab some of his cards (if you can find any for a good price).
Lance Burkman is a solid player for the Astros and a player that is pretty easy to obtain cards for.
Alex Rodriguez is always a strong player to invest into, he has done well with the Yankees and will continue to.
Brian McCain has been putting up great numbers and the Braves would have been way worse without him this year.
Those would be the top five that I would suggest you buy this year. If you don't have a lot of money to get into the hobby with but you would still like to get a couple cards, there are a few tricks I have learned. Find the card that you want on Ebay and only bid the starting bid (assuming that someone has bid already), do not raise your bid at all. You would be surprised at how often you win, unless you are trying to win a Jeter autograph and then it will never work.
Another way to get the cards you want is to trade for them if you already have some cards. If you don't have any cards then you might want to visit a card shop and buy a few jersey cards or autographs to trade with (Ebay will probably be less expensive even with shipping). One place to trade cards is tradecardsnow.com. Another site would be sportscardfreaks.com. I have completed a couple trades on each site already and it is very easy to get hooked.
Enjoy your cards, and always keep your eyes peeled for new players to invest in!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
top 10 most valuable baseball crds of all time
Valuable Baseball Cards
According to a Forbes Magazine article published in 2002 the following list contains 10 examples of some valuable baseball cards in existence today. Keep in mind that the values placed on these cards are based on historical sales prices. Consider that current value is not a set amount but fluid, and based on economic circumstances, as well as the presence of a ready buyer at the time there is a ready seller.
1. 1909 T206 White Border #366
Honus Wagner, 2B Pittsburgh Pirates
$1,500,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
This near mint to mint example graded by PSA recently sold for a reported $2,800,000. Read more about this Most Valuable Baseball Card
2. 1933 Goudey #53
Babe Ruth, OF New York Yankees
$110,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
3. 1952 Topps #311
Mickey Mantle, OF New York Yankees
$97,500 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide
4. 1933 Goudey #106
Nap Lajoie
$92,500 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
5. 1949 Leaf #8
Leroy "Satchel" Paige, P Cleveland Indians
$82,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
6. 1914 E145-1 Cracker Jack #103
Joe Jackson, OF Chicago White Sox
$76,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
7. 1954 Bowman #66A
Ted Williams, OF Boston Red Sox
$66,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
8. 1914 E145-1 Cracker Jack #30
Ty Cobb, OF Detroit Tigers
$60,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
9. 1951 Bowman #305
Willie Mays, OF New York/San Francisco Giants
$55,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
10. 1938 Goudey Heads Up R323 #274
Joe DiMaggio, OF New York Yankees
$45,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
Note: the above prices are base on April, 2005 edition of the SMR price guide for a graded mint condition card.
According to a Forbes Magazine article published in 2002 the following list contains 10 examples of some valuable baseball cards in existence today. Keep in mind that the values placed on these cards are based on historical sales prices. Consider that current value is not a set amount but fluid, and based on economic circumstances, as well as the presence of a ready buyer at the time there is a ready seller.
1. 1909 T206 White Border #366
Honus Wagner, 2B Pittsburgh Pirates
$1,500,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
This near mint to mint example graded by PSA recently sold for a reported $2,800,000. Read more about this Most Valuable Baseball Card
2. 1933 Goudey #53
Babe Ruth, OF New York Yankees
$110,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
3. 1952 Topps #311
Mickey Mantle, OF New York Yankees
$97,500 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide
4. 1933 Goudey #106
Nap Lajoie
$92,500 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
5. 1949 Leaf #8
Leroy "Satchel" Paige, P Cleveland Indians
$82,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
6. 1914 E145-1 Cracker Jack #103
Joe Jackson, OF Chicago White Sox
$76,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
7. 1954 Bowman #66A
Ted Williams, OF Boston Red Sox
$66,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
8. 1914 E145-1 Cracker Jack #30
Ty Cobb, OF Detroit Tigers
$60,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
9. 1951 Bowman #305
Willie Mays, OF New York/San Francisco Giants
$55,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
10. 1938 Goudey Heads Up R323 #274
Joe DiMaggio, OF New York Yankees
$45,000 (April, 2005 SMR Price Guide)
Note: the above prices are base on April, 2005 edition of the SMR price guide for a graded mint condition card.
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