They were no longer newcomers. In fact, as the collecting year unfolded, it had become pretty clear that in four short seasons, Upper Deck was producing the most desirable baseball cards on the market. While the other trading card makers seemed reluctant to push the envelope much, Upper Deck continued to produce higher quality, more expansive products while … [Read more...] about 1992 Upper Deck Baseball Boasted Ted Williams Autographs, Big Red Machine
1990s baseball rookie cards
1993 Leaf Studio Brought Color Blast, Glossy Upgrade and New Inserts
It was clear by year three that Donruss-Leaf liked the concept of its Studio line of baseball cards and sales were good enough that it seemed collectors did too. Behind the scenes, though, the company was looking to step up its design game. 1993 Leaf Studio Baseball drastically improved the quality of the cards produced and their presentation as a whole. This release was … [Read more...] about 1993 Leaf Studio Brought Color Blast, Glossy Upgrade and New Inserts
1997 Bowman Chrome Baseball Launched Brand’s Immeasurable Rookie and Prospect Card Influence
1997 Bowman Chrome Baseball drew collectors' attention right from the first inning, offering a higher end, premium look and upgraded chromium take on the standard 1997 Bowman Baseball set. It wasn't the first time Bowman offered a chrome style as the mid-1990s Bowman's Best sets featured similar technology. It was also very similar to what the hobby had already seen from the … [Read more...] about 1997 Bowman Chrome Baseball Launched Brand’s Immeasurable Rookie and Prospect Card Influence
Topps Responded to Premium Competitors with 1991 Stadium Club Release
By the early 1990s there was mounting pressure on the big card companies to compete at the highest level and continue to produce more and more premium and more and more high-end products.With the landmark1989 Upper Deck release and a premium Leaf product in 1990, the ball was in Topps court to level up and produce their own higher end baseball card set. 1991 Topps Stadium Club … [Read more...] about Topps Responded to Premium Competitors with 1991 Stadium Club Release
1990 Leaf Baseball Raised Bar for Early 90’s Premium Cards
The Leaf brand has been part of collecting since the late 1940s and even though it's stay was a brief one, it became home to a few key early rookie cards such as the iconic 1948-49 Jackie Robinson, among others. After a long, multi-decade hiatus, the brand was marketed as a Canadian version of Donruss baseball cards for much of the 1980s. (Remember the green leafy logo? Then … [Read more...] about 1990 Leaf Baseball Raised Bar for Early 90’s Premium Cards
1993 SP Baseball Showcased a Premium Card Upgrade, Iconic Jeter Rookie
Upper Deck burst on the baseball card scene, walked up to the plate and cracked what the hobby generally regarded as a grand slam home run with their first baseball product in 1989. Right from the leadoff position with Ken Griffey, Jr.'s iconic rookie card, the company set the tone as the new leader in premium baseball card products. That first offering became as … [Read more...] about 1993 SP Baseball Showcased a Premium Card Upgrade, Iconic Jeter Rookie
1992 Bowman Baseball Truly Became The Home of The Rookie Card
After a 34-year absence, the Bowman Baseball brand made its way back to the hobby late in the summer of 1989. Even though the return offering produced a rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr, among others, it fell flat in many ways. The oversized cards may have been an attempt to conjure up images of the original Bowman cards of the 1950s, but wound up being considered more of an … [Read more...] about 1992 Bowman Baseball Truly Became The Home of The Rookie Card
30 Years Later, 1991 Topps Desert Shield Cards Remain Popular — and Valuable
It's hard to believe but the 1991 Desert Shield baseball cards issued by Topps have turned 30. I remember those cards distinctly, even if finding them proved difficult. Here's a closer look at this impressive set that continues to generate collector interest three decades after it was first issued. About the 1991 Topps Desert Shield Baseball Cards The cards, if you're … [Read more...] about 30 Years Later, 1991 Topps Desert Shield Cards Remain Popular — and Valuable
Signature Rookies Broke New Hobby Ground; Then Faded Away
For longtime collectors who endured the hobby in the 1990s, it’s hard to believe that a quarter century has past since Signature Rookies began to fade away. While you rarely hear that card company's name much these days, how they changed the hobby has a huge influence on what is happening 25 years later. Signature Rookies emerged on the scene with the revolutionary idea … [Read more...] about Signature Rookies Broke New Hobby Ground; Then Faded Away
Greg Vaughn Talks Rookie Cards, Penmanship, Home Run Ball Collection
Slugger Greg Vaughn was born in Sacramento, California and excelled on the diamond from a young age. He starred at Kennedy High School before taking his powerful bat to the University of Miami and becoming a cornerstone at ‘The U’ during his time in South Florida. Vaughn was drafted in the fourth round of the 1984 MLB Amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. A four time … [Read more...] about Greg Vaughn Talks Rookie Cards, Penmanship, Home Run Ball Collection