A few days ago we learned that baseball’s No. 1 prospect, Dylan Crews, has become a baseball card collector. In the offseason, Crews owns a home in Baton Rouge which is close to the LSU campus where he became a collegiate star. Up the street is the Cards And Culture store where Crews has been ripping packs of baseball cards for his own collection. Like so many of us, Crews is hooked on card collecting.
“I started in the [baseball card] hobby because a bunch of guys in Spring Training were ripping cards, and they kind of got me hooked onto it.”
— Crews said at the Cards And Culture store
More and more, players are getting into memorabilia collecting with jersey swaps and signed baseballs. Baseball card collecting has been a part of baseball for over 100 years and that famous Honus Wagner card was released in 1909.
During the midseason, Nationals players, Jake Irvin and Jacob Young, went to the MLB Network studios to do a segment for “Carded” with Mark DeRosa.
The Thrill of the Chase
Unboxing a fresh pack of baseball cards is a timeless ritual, a rite of passage for many. The anticipation builds as the wrapper is ripped, revealing a colorful array of cardboard treasures. The thrill of discovering a rare card, a rookie sensation, or a beloved player can spark a lifelong passion. The hunt for elusive cards, whether through trading, buying, or selling, fuels the excitement and camaraderie within the collecting community.
Social media has further amplified the thrill of the chase. Collectors can instantly share their findings, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and participate in real-time discussions about the latest releases and rare discoveries. The psychology of collecting, driven by the sense of accomplishment, the thrill of the hunt, and the desire for nostalgia, continues to fuel this passion.
Nostalgia and Memory Lane
Baseball cards are more than just pieces of cardboard; they are time capsules that capture historical moments. Flipping through a collection can transport collectors back to their childhood, evoking fond memories of opening packs with friends and family. These cards serve as tangible reminders of legendary players, iconic teams, and unforgettable games.
The generational aspect of collecting adds another layer of significance. Cards passed down from parents to children create lasting family traditions, fostering a sense of connection and shared history. Moreover, baseball cards can be used to tell stories about baseball’s history, legendary players’ lives, and significant cultural moments.
The Collector’s Community
The world of baseball card collecting is a vibrant and interconnected community. Collectors gather at card shows, conventions, and online forums to share their passion, trade cards, and build lasting friendships. The sense of belonging and camaraderie fosters a powerful sense of community among collectors of all ages and backgrounds.
Card shows and conventions offer a unique opportunity for collectors to meet face-to-face, trade cards, and attend educational seminars. The atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. Online forums and social media groups have further strengthened the collector community, enabling instant connections and real-time discussions.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced collectors to adapt to virtual meetups and online trading, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the community. Despite the challenges, collectors found innovative ways to connect and share their passion.
A Brief History of Baseball Cards
The history of baseball card collecting is intertwined with the evolution of the sport itself. From the early days of tobacco cards to the modern era of high-end collectibles, the industry has experienced significant growth and transformation.
The Early Days: The first baseball cards emerged in 1886, often distributed as promotional items by the tobacco companies with Goodwin as the first and Allen & Ginter a year after. In 1909, the American Tobacco Company released the T206 set, which featured the famous Honus Wagner card and is considered by some to be the most popular set of all time.
The Golden Age: The 1950s and 1960s marked a golden age for baseball card collecting, with iconic sets like Topps and Bowman captivating fans. The 1951 and 1952 Mickey Mantle cards are the most expensive cards sold from that era.
The Junk Wax Era: A period in the late 1980s and early 1990s when a massive influx of baseball cards flooded the market. This overproduction led to a significant decline in the value of most cards, hence the term “junk wax.”
Modern Era: Since the early 1990s, advancements in printing technology, photography, and distribution have significantly shaped the evolution of baseball cards. Social, political, and economic factors have also influenced the popularity and value of these collectibles.
The Economics of Collecting
The economics of baseball card collecting are complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including player performance, card scarcity, and market demand.
Card Values and Grading: Professional grading services, such as PSA and BGS, assess the condition of cards, which significantly affects their value.
Investing in Cards: High-end cards can be considered valuable investments, with the potential for substantial returns.
The Impact of Technology: Online marketplaces and digital platforms have revolutionized the way cards are bought, sold, and traded.
The speculative nature of the market on sites like eBay, CollX, and other platforms can drive up prices for specific cards. At the same time, economic downturns can affect the overall value of collections.
The Role of Manufacturers and Distributors
A handful of major manufacturers dominate the baseball card industry, producing millions of cards each year.
Topps: A major player in the industry, Topps/Bowman has been producing iconic baseball cards for decades, and is currently the only card company with an MLB license.
Panini: Known for its high-end products and exclusive licenses, Panini/Donruss has made significant strides in the market and has had deals with the MLBPA which is the player’s union. While they can’t show MLB and team logos, they have the rights to show player’s faces.
Upper Deck: Known for the high quality of its various sports-card products. Their Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of their best known cards from the years that they had and MLB card license.
Futera: A relative newcomer to the industry, it serves markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Choice: Major distributor of MiLB team sets and other custom card projects for the last thirty years.
Exclusive licensing deals with players’ associations, and individual players have shaped the industry. Smaller, independent companies also play a vital role in offering unique and innovative products. The challenges posed by counterfeit cards, piracy, and changing consumer preferences continue to impact manufacturers.
The Rise of Digital Collectibles
The emergence of digital collectibles, including NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), can potentially reshape the future of baseball card collecting. These digital cards offer unique benefits like instant verification, global accessibility, and innovative features.
However, the tangible nature of physical cards continues to hold a special appeal for many collectors. The sensory experience of handling cards, the thrill of the chase, and the nostalgic connection to the past make physical cards a timeless collectible.
The future of baseball card collecting is likely to be a blend of physical and digital collecting. Advancements in technology, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and blockchain technology, may further enhance the collecting experience.
The Top 20 Most Expensive Baseball Cards of All Time
Here is a list of the top 20 most expensive baseball cards ever sold, with their approximate sale prices:
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: $12.6 million
1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner: $7.25 million
1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth: $6.6 million
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth: $6.6 million
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle: $3.1 million
1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth: $3 million
1909-11 T206 Joe Doyle: $2.5 million
1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb: $2.1 million
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente: $1.8 million
1969 Topps Reggie Jackson: $1.5 million
2009 Bowman Draft Picks Mike Trout RC: $1.2 million
2020 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani RC: $1 million
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC: $800,000
1993 SP Authentic Derek Jeter RC: $750,000
1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig: $700,000
1963 Topps Pete Rose Rookie Card: $600,000
1954 Topps Hank Aaron Rookie Card: $550,000
1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth (Blank Back): $500,000
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle (Rookie Card): $450,000
1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth: $400,000
These are approximate values, and prices can vary based on specific card conditions, grading, and market fluctuations.
A Brief Glossary of Baseball Card Collecting Terms
Card Types and Features
- Base Card: A set’s standard, most common card type. Some cards are produced in smaller volumes and in the early days of collecting, high number cards were produced in shorter supply.
- Short Prints (SP): Cards that are produced in limited numbers however the cards might not be printed with a number stamp on the card
- First pro card: These are extremely valuable and have been a staple of Topps in their Bowman brand
- Rookie Card: A card featuring a player’s first appearance in a major league baseball card set.
- Parallel: A variation of a base card, often with an assorted color scheme, foil pattern, or unique printing technique.
- Refractor: A parallel card with a shiny, reflective surface.
- Chrome: A type of card with a glossy, chrome-like finish.
- Insert Card: A special card included in a set, often with unique designs or player signatures and sometimes numbered.
- Autograph Card: A card signed by the player depicted on the card.
- Memorabilia Card: A card that includes game-used memorabilia, such as a jersey patch or bat fragment.
- Patch Card: A memorabilia card featuring a patch of a player’s jersey.
- Autographed Memorabilia Card: A card with a player’s autograph and a piece of memorabilia.
- Foil: Refers to a unique printing technique that adds a shiny, metallic finish to the card.This can be applied to the entire card or specific elements, such as the player’s name or team logo. Foil cards are often considered more visually appealing and collectible than standard cards.
Topps also started the Topps Now program. That product line focuses on releasing trading cards within 24-hours after significant sporting events happen, essentially capturing “moment-in-time” plays and highlights for collectors to purchase as soon as they occur; it debuted in 2016 with a focus on Major League Baseball and has since expanded to other sports and entertainment categories. Topps Now does parallel numbered sets and special autograph cards. The card stock quality and printing gives collectors cards that generally grade as 10s.
Grading and Collecting Terms
- PSA: Professional Sports Authenticator. A company that grades and authenticates sports cards.
- BGS: Beckett Grading Services. Another company that grades and authenticates sports cards.
- PSA 10: A card’s highest grade can be received from PSA, indicating a perfect condition.
- Mint Condition: A perfect card with no flaws or imperfections.
- Near-Mint Condition: A card in excellent condition, with minor flaws.
- PC: Player Collection. A collection focused on a specific player.
- Set: A complete collection of cards from a particular year or series.
- Grading: The process of assessing the condition of a card and assigning it a grade.
- Slab: A plastic case that encases a graded card, protecting it from damage.
- Flipping: Buying and selling cards for profit.
- Hoarding: Collecting cards to hold them for long-term investment.
AND FINALLY…
Variation
Refers to a baseball card “different” from its standard counterpart within the same set. These differences can be subtle or significant, making the variation more valuable to collectors.
Here are some common types of variations:
- Color variations: Cards with different colored backgrounds or borders.
- Photo variations: Cards with different player photos or poses.
- Font variations: Cards with different fonts or lettering styles.
- Printing plate variations: Cards with minor printing errors or variations.
- Error cards: Cards with significant errors, such as misspellings or incorrect information.
Variations can be intentional or unintentional, and they can significantly impact the value of a card. Rare variations, especially those with unique characteristics or historical significance, can be highly sought after by collectors.
“The History of Baseball Cards – From 1860 to Today”
Fanatics Live is an online “box breaking” platform, innovating the breaking space which allows collectors to target certain teams and certain players and increase their odds of receiving the cards they covet at a lower price. Cards And Culture uses it not only to break boxes with collectors online but to build a community through athlete interaction. Crews and Gavin Dugas are two of the first professional athletes to participate in the hobby through online breaking with former LSU and MLB pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. Since both players are new to card collecting, Crews and Dugas have quickly realized the value in sports cards and memorabilia and want to not only build their own collections but also want to encourage fans to collect and interact with others in the space.
Fans and collectors can participate in a special Fanatics Live event on Thursday at 9 pm ET with Crews and Dugas by downloading the Fanatics app and clicking the link in Cards And Culture’s Instagram bio — and that link will give you a $25 credit and ensure you get to interact with Dylan and Gavin on Thursday’s live break while chasing your favorite players’ sports cards.
