Stern was the warning to neophytes at card shows where old-timers were signing in the 1980s and 90s: "Get an autograph on a baseball. A picture. A program. DO NOT have him sign his rookie card!" The reason? Some non-written rule about a signature--even a real one--lessening the value of the card itself. So card-focused was the hobby's old guard at the time that an autograph was … [Read more...] about The Rise of Signed Baseball Rookie Cards
vintage rookie cards
Rookie Cards for 10 Sabermetric Favorite Hall of Fame Candidates
When the Baseball Writers Association of America voted Bert Blyleven into the Hall of Fame in 2011, it arguably marked the first selection of a candidate primarily on the basis of sabermetrics. While Blyleven's enshrinmement didn't exactly open the floodgates, there are similar candidates whose day for Cooperstown might be coming as newer age analysis becomes more … [Read more...] about Rookie Cards for 10 Sabermetric Favorite Hall of Fame Candidates
Who’s Next? Vintage Cards With Potential to Climb
Last week a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded PSA 8 sold for a record high $525,800 in Heritage Auctions, completing a yearlong price surge that included two other sales at over $400,000. For most collectors the '52 Topps Mantle is now out of reach, but there are several well-known cards that have the potential to rise as interest shifts and more collectors enter the hobby in … [Read more...] about Who’s Next? Vintage Cards With Potential to Climb
Notable ROY Winners Have Affordable Rookie Cards
It was unanimous in the National League Monday, as Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was named Rookie of the Year. And Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was the American League winner. Correa's vote was closer, as he received 17 of 30 first-place votes to edge Cleveland's Francisco Lindor by a 124-109 vote. Since baseball’s Rookie of the Year award was instituted … [Read more...] about Notable ROY Winners Have Affordable Rookie Cards
Toughest PSA 9 1960s Hall of Fame Rookie Cards
If you collect the 1962 Topps set, you know how difficult it can be to find cards that don’t show wear. While those faux wood grain borders may be unique, they’re a pain in the backside for anyone who is building a high-grade set. Proof of that reveals itself in a list of the most rare PSA 9 1960s Baseball Hall of Fame rookie cards. Of the thousands graded without … [Read more...] about Toughest PSA 9 1960s Hall of Fame Rookie Cards
Mint Mantle Rookie Card Brings $221,150 in Memory Lane Auction
Bidding extended into the early morning hours of the Friday before the Labor Day holiday weekend, and when the dust settled, a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card graded PSA 9 (mint) had reached a new plateau. The card sold for $220,150 in Memory Lane Inc’s 2013 Summer Auction. The price includes a 19% buyer’s premium. The Mantle card was part of the Graham Rookie Card … [Read more...] about Mint Mantle Rookie Card Brings $221,150 in Memory Lane Auction
Ten 1970s Baseball Cards to Consider
The end of the 1960s signifies the end of the "vintage" era for many collectors. To many, the 70s feel modern somehow. Collectors can find most card sets--all Topps of course--with little trouble. They're not expensive, unless you're talking mint sets or graded, mint rookie cards. Still, the latter-year baby boomers entering the hobby and those priced out of the older card … [Read more...] about Ten 1970s Baseball Cards to Consider