He belted a game-winning home run in his first big league game back in 2014 and since that time, he's developed into one of baseball's best players. There's no doubt this native of Puerto Rico is a big deal to Cubs fans but Javy Baez rookie cards and pre-rookie issues have also become a hobby favorite. Here's a breakdown of some of his most popular issues … [Read more...]
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Hockey Card Stories 2 a Fitting Sequel
There are few trading card products today that generate a second series outside of the rare flagship brand, but the idea was certainly popular in the hobby for decades. Having a set released through small installments kept kids interested for the next one. In the case of Ken Reid's hit 2014 book Hockey Card Stories, the sequel, dubbed Hockey Card Stories 2, is now on store … [Read more...]
He’s Back: Your Guide to Collecting J.J. Watt Rookie Cards
After two seasons of missing the majority of the action, J.J. Watt has returned to the gridiron with the Houston Texans. Collectors love a good comeback story and if he returns to his earlier form – his cards may be poised for a surge in popularity and price. The 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. A dominant force … [Read more...]
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee: Prelude to the Boom
For hockey card collectors, the 1989-90 O-Pee-Chee release was the end of the innocence as it marked the end of a 25-year stranglehold on the market. Less than a year later, there would be three more manufacturers entering the fray and the hobby boomed to a level previously unheard of. After four straight years of sets consisting of 264 cards, O-Pee-Chee decided to balloon … [Read more...]
2018-19 Black Diamond Hockey to Offer a New Look
For over two decades, Upper Deck has been the home of one of the hobby's most visually striking brands. The release of 2018-19 Black Diamond continues the tradition later this year. Each pack will contain five hits in addition to a bonus pack which has a 2018-19 Upper Deck Exquisite card. This time around, there is a redesigned Black Diamond base set of 50 cards. … [Read more...]
Waiting for the Call: Collecting Cards of Potential Hockey Hall of Famers
Each year, the Hockey Hall of Fame inducts a new class of legendary names into its ranks. The 2018 class will be enshrined this fall but collectors and fans are now thinking ahead to who might make the cut in 2019. Once announced, there is sometimes a little boost in interest for their rookie cards and certified autographs – but why not speculate in advance to beat the rush … [Read more...]
2018-19 Upper Deck Team Canada Juniors Goes for Gold
If there is one thing that Canada truly seems to rally around, it is their national hockey team as it takes on the best talent from the rest of the world. Since the players from the Great White North tend to have a lot of success on the ice, it is only natural that there is also a great demand for these talents appearing on trading cards in their maple leaf-emblazoned jerseys. … [Read more...]
Collecting the Hockey Heroes of Newfoundland
The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is a national treasure for many reasons and the people there have a deep love for the game of hockey. However, one of their local heroes to making it all the way to the NHL is a somewhat rare feat. Luckily, though, most of them have been featured on a major issue hockey card. Newfoundland did not become a Canadian province … [Read more...]
1990-91 Rookie Card Recap: The Hockey Prospecting Market Arrives
Longtime hockey card collectors will remember the 1990-91 season as the year that the hobby boomed as three new manufacturers became licensed by the NHL and NHLPA. The arrival of Pro Set, Score, and Upper Deck was a watershed moment and produced an incredible rookie card class which is loaded up with Hall of Famers, memorable stars, infamous fighters, and more. Whether you … [Read more...]
1984-85 O-Pee-Chee: The End of an Era
For just over a decade, Canadian kids had the same amount of hockey cards to collect each year. The "396" era came to a close with 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee - a set which ranks among the best the company ever released thanks to a sharp and colorful design, tons of big rookie cards, and an awesome contest. What the card-buying public north of the border was not prepared for, though, … [Read more...]
