After yielding exclusivity in the baseball card market when Donruss and Fleer entered the fray in 1981, Topps had to take some bold steps. Its 1983 set was the answer, with a pleasing design, sharper photography, a nostalgic look back and, as it turned out, some key rookies. Readers of Baseball Hobby News had voted Fleer as the best set in 1981 and tabbed Donruss as the … [Read more...] about 1983 Topps Baseball Had Star Power, Key Rookies
ryne sandberg
1983 Topps Baseball Offered A ‘Real’ Improvement
After weathering the entry into the baseball card market by Fleer and Donruss in 1981, Topps needed a strong product by the time 1983 rolled around. As if to convince itself and baseball card collectors, Topps kept pushing the slogan “The Real One,” with “Real” underlined, on packs and boxes to remind fans who had held the license to produce baseball cards for so many … [Read more...] about 1983 Topps Baseball Offered A ‘Real’ Improvement
10 Common Baseball Cards with Superstar Cameo Appearances
Baseball card collectors love a good treasure hunt, and the thrill of the chase keeps us opening packs and rummaging through stacks of cards at flea markets, year after year, in search of a gem. You don't even have to venture outside of your own collection to find a wealth of hidden superstars, though, because some of the game's biggest names pop up where you might least … [Read more...] about 10 Common Baseball Cards with Superstar Cameo Appearances
Ramblings: Your Letters… and Your Card Designs
While listening to Beckett Radio tonight to hear my voice which was not made for radio in a best-of edition, I also realized that was perfect background for our latest edition of Letters to Rich's Ramblings. Our column about Steve Stroughter getting a rookie card in the 1982 Topps Traded set brought some interesting responses. It's funny and kind of sad how that column was … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Your Letters… and Your Card Designs
Ramblings: Really, 1982 Topps Traded Set? Steve Stroughter?
Think 1982 Topps Traded set and you probably think of the Cal Ripken card. However, if you think back to that summer, there are plenty of question marks and riddles to ponder. One of Topps’ most unusual decisions involves a card from that set featuring a player most of us have probably forgotten: The 1982 Topps Traded Steve Stroughter card. Stroughter had bounced around in … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Really, 1982 Topps Traded Set? Steve Stroughter?
Blog: Topps Rookie All Star Team, Packers Gamers on Sale
We now know whose baseball cards will carry the little Topps Rookie All Star trophies. The company announced its selections for the annual squad of star prospects on Wednesday. The Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team began in 1959 with Willie McCovey being the first of 17 future Hall of Famers named to the squad (others include Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, Gary Carter, … [Read more...] about Blog: Topps Rookie All Star Team, Packers Gamers on Sale
2011 Goodwin’s Champions Released
Upper Deck has released its second baseball-themed trading card set of the year: 2011 Goodwin Champions--and an exhaustive checklist of insert cards for collectors to digest. The 231-card regular set features an impressive array of baseball legends and prospects plus memorable champions and standouts from many other sports as well. “This release will really make an … [Read more...] about 2011 Goodwin’s Champions Released
Chicago Sports Memorabilia Always Percolating
by Diane Carter Several American cities rate high when it comes to sports fans and collectors--New York, Boston, Detroit and St. Louis to name a few. But, no list would be complete without Chicago positioned near the top as well. Whether it be the Cubs, White Sox, Bears or Blackhawks, fans fill the stands and Chicago sports memorabilia is among the most active in the … [Read more...] about Chicago Sports Memorabilia Always Percolating
Diamond Die-Cut Cards Get Addition Via Collector Voting
Collectors unlocking codes online as part of the Topps Diamond Giveaway know that the Diamond Die Cut cards as some of the most sought after prizes in the program. The set will now get an additional three cards (1 Legend, 1 Veteran and 1 Rookie), but there’s one catch… collectors will decide the subjects in an NCAA elimination style voting process. Logging onto … [Read more...] about Diamond Die-Cut Cards Get Addition Via Collector Voting
2010 National Chicle Baseball Short Print List Revealed
Yes, Virginia there are 2010 National Chicle Baseball short prints. Topps says cards #276-329 in the recently released baseball product are short printed and can be found at the rate in one of every four packs. The short printed cards are part of three unique subsets: Retired Stars Revisited, Vintage Veterans and Rookie Renditions. The all-painted Topps Chicle … [Read more...] about 2010 National Chicle Baseball Short Print List Revealed