Sports Cards Mania

[Oil Can Dan]

Well I don't want to be a turd in the punch bowl but I don't have much desire to own a card that has a swatch of something a player wore for less than five seconds. Couple that with the sticker autograph instead of the on-card auto and I just don't really get it. Give me an on-card auto and a piece of a uniform that was actually used in games and now we're talking...

 

[JoePoulson]

Agreed, especially about the sticker autographs. Man I just cannot get behind those, seems so "impersonal" haha, plus the on-card autos always look better.

I've been spending some time on eBay, just adding random stuff to my watchlist. Thinking about all kinds of stuff but then ultimately I remember I don't really *need* anything and whatever I would buy would either go into a box or some secluded display I don't see enough and/or the family just doesn't care. More about the hunt / watch at this point I suppose as I'll just re-sell most everything. One thing I have confirmed is that I'm a HUGE fan of Bowman Chrome, thus I'm going HAM on 2022 BC for Marcelo Mayer cards next year. Getting the budget ready for tons of case breaks (not sure what they'll cost, assuming the Sox will be a higher price in 2022...like the Yankees in 2020 go for around $420 per 12 box case break for HTA), maybe even my own case??? Sounds crazy but it's not often the Sox draft possibly the best player in the draft so there's no better time to yolo.

 

[sodenj5]

Agreed, especially about the sticker autographs. Man I just cannot get behind those, seems so "impersonal" haha, plus the on-card autos always look better.

I've been spending some time on eBay, just adding random stuff to my watchlist. Thinking about all kinds of stuff but then ultimately I remember I don't really *need* anything and whatever I would buy would either go into a box or some secluded display I don't see enough and/or the family just doesn't care. More about the hunt / watch at this point I suppose as I'll just re-sell most everything. One thing I have confirmed is that I'm a HUGE fan of Bowman Chrome, thus I'm going HAM on 2022 BC for Marcelo Mayer cards next year. Getting the budget ready for tons of case breaks (not sure what they'll cost, assuming the Sox will be a higher price in 2022...like the Yankees in 2020 go for around $420 per 12 box case break for HTA), maybe even my own case??? Sounds crazy but it's not often the Sox draft possibly the best player in the draft so there's no better time to yolo.

Yea Marcelo is going to be a big pull. Bowman Chrome and Sapphire are the top tier, IMO, when it comes to rookies. Bowman does a great job with those.

Sadly, when it comes to cases and pulls, you’re almost always better off buying the card you want from eBay instead of buying hobby boxes and hoping to pull the guy you want.

 

[JoePoulson]

Yea Marcelo is going to be a big pull. Bowman Chrome and Sapphire are the top tier, IMO, when it comes to rookies. Bowman does a great job with those.

Sadly, when it comes to cases and pulls, you’re almost always better off buying the card you want from eBay instead of buying hobby boxes and hoping to pull the guy you want.

So true and it sucks 'cause ripping packs is the best. I look at prices for 2020 BC and I'm like it would be so fun to rip a case but for $2600 imagine the card(s) you could buy instead. Plus you don't have to go through hassle of having them graded, etc. if you don't want.

 

[saintnick912]

As I said before, I've been out of card collecting for almost 30 years. After unloading most of my old cards I've been organizing what's left and picking up a few cards that I always wanted but never picked up for whatever reason.

For the more recent stuff, I have no connection with the sets, but I wanted to pick up a couple of cards of favorite modern players. I've really enjoyed finding the Topps Heritage stuff. Just ordered a couple from the '03 and '04 Sox runs, which are in the 1954 and 55 style. They couldn't have made something more perfect for what I wanted to buy right now. The 08 look pretty good too with that 1959 set look.

 

[runnels3]

I've really enjoyed finding the Topps Heritage stuff. Just ordered a couple from the '03 and '04 Sox runs, which are in the 1954 and 55 style. They couldn't have made something more perfect for what I wanted to buy right now. The 08 look pretty good too with that 1959 set look.

 

[Carmine Hose]

Picked up a 2018 Bowman Chrome Tristan Casas refractor, PSA 10, at an LCS for $125 (seeing people trying to get $250-$300 on EBay). With the Duran hype driving his prices up, hoping their is value in the higher rated prospect before people discover him after his Olympic performance.

The next wave will be in December when the 2021 draft cards are released and everyone starts going for the Mayer issues.

 

[saintnick912]

Had an unexpected bonus come in for a project I shipped at work, and decided on a less than practical purchase, the bookends of the '54 set which has always been a favorite of mine. Not the best condition but the centering/framing on these looked good to me and the color is good.

 

[LogansDad]

Oh, those are sick. Congratulations!

 

[JoePoulson]

Yea those are badass. Love those 50s Topps Teds sooo much. Been tempted a few times to splurge as well.

 

[Fishercat]

A&G and Gypsy Queen up on Target

 

[DanoooME]

I sold a card on Goldin Auctions this past week, a 2009 Topps UFC Round 2 Jon Jones Ultimate Gear Autograph numbered 11/25. The auction house had it sent to PSA for grading and it came back an 8, which was really disappointing since the card looked flawless except for one minor flaw on one corner. The card still sold for $3,500 with a 23% buyer's premium putting the final total at $4,305. I was surprised it did that well given the grade, but am happy with the final result. The process was interesting. It was a 2 week auction. The card got 6 bids up to $300 in the first hours of the auction, then it sat there unchanged for 12 days. Got a $325 bid in the morning and figured I'd end up getting $500 or so for it. When I went back to check that night (was supposed to be the last night), the card was up to $1,800 and was in bidding "overtime". Last I had seen it had made it to $2,000 by the end of the night. However, they had technical issues with the site (lagging something fierce), so they extended the bidding for another 24 hours and the price took off again, ending with that final total.

I'd never done an auction like that before and thought it was a good experience. Goldin specializes in the high end market, and I got way more than I expected for it after the grade came back lower than expected. I didn't get the $50,000 the guy on e-Bay is asking for his #7/25 and not in as good a condition as mine, but I didn't expect that either. That e-Bay entry was what motivated me to get it to auction, figuring they would maximize my potential profit. I don't know if it was maximized, but I'm happy with how things turned out.

 

[Seabass]

A&G and Gypsy Queen up on Target

Snagged one of each, thanks.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

Panini National Treasures basketball dropped this week. Going for around $14,000 for a 4 box case.

Anthony Edwards and Lamelo Ball base RPA's look to be selling for about 5k each, to /99. I think I just saw an Aaron Nesmith RPA #'d to 8 go for about 15k. That product is insane. The redemptions bother the shit out of me though. I still have a dozen redemptions from 2015-16 NT, including a 1/1 logoman for Demarre Carroll that probably would have sold for $1,500 at the time, and is probably worth about $200 now (but of course, i'll never get it). Redemptions should have been a class action lawsuit a long, long time ago.

 

[jmanny24]

I have been collecting 1st Bowman autos of prospects, and watching them progress through the minors, I have about 60, nothing crazy but it's fun. With the World Cup coming up I bought this Kai Havertz (also have a Lewandowski and Sancho both PSA 9 coming), but the gem of my collection is this Foxx rookie I got in a break where the spot was like $40

 

[soxhop411]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mike-trout-rookie-card-3-9-million
Call me nuts, but I hate this.

A 1 out of 1 card which is just forced rarity sells at auction for over $3M, eclipsing the endless record set by the famous T206 Honus Wagner card.

I grew up in the late 80's/early 90's collecting cards, and buying the monthly Beckett price guide, fantasizing about owning a 1952 Topps Mantle. In the Sixth Grade, we had a speaking class and I did a speech about the Honus Wagner card. It was such a great part of the baseball mythology, it's sad that to beat it they had to force scarcity of a card. Cards should be able to be collected and enjoyed.

I'm only 35, but I feel like an old man right now.

And Honus Wagner is back on top yet again!
T206 Honus Wagner baseball card sells for $6.606 million, shattering previous record

A T206 Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $6.606 million -- which includes a 20% buyer's premium -- early Monday morning, shattering the record for highest-selling sports card of all time.
The previous record belonged to a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for $5.2 million in January, a record later matched by a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James-autographed rookie jersey card in April.
The seller of the Wagner card is an "East Coast collector." Both seller and buyer prefer to remain anonymous.
"This Wagner stands out because of its condition," said Brian Dwyer, president of Robert Edward Auctions, which brokered the deal. "There's only about 60 of these that we can confirm through various population reports and available grading data. Of those 60, most are rated poor, authentic or good, at best. This card is one of the best examples out there, and it's certainly one of the best examples available."
This Wagner card received a grade of 3 from SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp.). According to population reports from the three biggest card-grading companies -- PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services) and SGC -- only four T206 Wagners have been graded higher than a 3, combined, all in private collections.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32031670/t206-honus-wagner-baseball-card-sells-6606-million-shattering-previous-record

 

[brandonchristensen]

Hell yah!!

 

[saintnick912]

I finally made it to Cooperstown in 2019, the week before Memorial Day. We had the place almost to ourselves, minus running into one tour group at the Babe Ruth exhibit with a really fun guide. The only letdown of the day was that they had their T206 Wagner off display, because it was going to be moved to a temporary exhibit.

 

[Ale Xander]

That's a ripoff buyer's fee IMHO

 

[PortageeExpress]

Looks like Fanatics is getting the MLB exclusive license for cards:
https://www.actionnetwork.com/news/mlb-exlusive-trading-card-lecense-fanatics-topps

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Wow, initial reaction is, this sucks.

70 year partnership, down the tubes?

 

[Bongorific]

I freakin hate exclusive deals. Took out MVP Baseball and the 2K football video game franchises and everything got worse because of it. Now we’ll end up with another brand of unlicensed cards.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

Wow, initial reaction is, this sucks.

70 year partnership, down the tubes?

Yeah, it does blow. Topps will still be in the game, but just like with Football, they won't be able to put team names, uniforms, etc. on the cards. Upper Deck basically only exists at this point, because they have an exclusive with the NHL (and Lebron James and Michael Jordan, which is why you don't see their autos in non UD products), Panini has football and basketball and Topps/Bowman has baseball.

Fanatics exploded onto the scene not very long ago, shocked to see that company valued at 18 billion already. Their merchandise and memorabilia stuff is awesome, so I assume they're cards will end up being pretty great, but this is tough. Topps going the way of Fleer is no good. I wouldn't be surprised if Fanatics just ends up buying Topps, so they can continue the Bowman Chrome and other product lines. Bowman Chrome is THE rookie card to own in baseball.

 

[deanx0]

Yeah, it does blow. Topps will still be in the game, but just like with Football, they won't be able to put team names, uniforms, etc. on the cards. Upper Deck basically only exists at this point, because they have an exclusive with the NHL (and Lebron James and Michael Jordan, which is why you don't see their autos in non UD products), Panini has football and basketball and Topps/Bowman has baseball.

Fanatics exploded onto the scene not very long ago, shocked to see that company valued at 18 billion already. Their merchandise and memorabilia stuff is awesome, so I assume they're cards will end up being pretty great, but this is tough. Topps going the way of Fleer is no good. I wouldn't be surprised if Fanatics just ends up buying Topps, so they can continue the Bowman Chrome and other product lines. Bowman Chrome is THE rookie card to own in baseball.

I know that Topps wouldn't be able to make cards with the team logos (the Panini model), but it looks like the MLBPA has also given an exclusive license to Fantatics, so they might actually be out of the game unless they cut a deal with Fanatics.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

I know that Topps wouldn't be able to make cards with the team logos (the Panini model), but it looks like the MLBPA has also given an exclusive license to Fantatics, so they might actually be out of the game unless they cut a deal with Fanatics.

I'm not a fan of that at all, but frankly, I don't really buy cards without the team logos, etc. at this point. I won't buy baseball from Panini, football from Topps, etc. I wonder if this increase the value of Topps cards down the road though. I'm sure they'll figure out a way to make a small fortune on the "Final year of Topps" sets that are sure to come out, but like I said, I'd be very surprised if they don't end up doing a deal or just sell out to Fanatics altogether.

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Yeah, it does blow. Topps will still be in the game, but just like with Football, they won't be able to put team names, uniforms, etc. on the cards. Upper Deck basically only exists at this point, because they have an exclusive with the NHL (and Lebron James and Michael Jordan, which is why you don't see their autos in non UD products), Panini has football and basketball and Topps/Bowman has baseball.

Fanatics exploded onto the scene not very long ago, shocked to see that company valued at 18 billion already. Their merchandise and memorabilia stuff is awesome, so I assume they're cards will end up being pretty great, but this is tough. Topps going the way of Fleer is no good. I wouldn't be surprised if Fanatics just ends up buying Topps, so they can continue the Bowman Chrome and other product lines. Bowman Chrome is THE rookie card to own in baseball.

That makes sense, Topps history and IP have to be incredibly valuable. Seems like fanatics buying them would be best for all parties.

has Topps issued any kind of statement yet, was this totally unexpected? Weren’t they about to go public or something?

 

[sodenj5]

Gigantic yikes from me. Fanatics quality is awful. Like really awful.

From a money perspective, this probably makes sense for baseball, but for anyone that cares about collecting or cards at all, this is a massive L.

 

[LogansDad]

Sorry for shit posting, but this fucking blows and I hate it.

 

[Ale Xander]

Also wondering now if Fancash would be able to be used to buy boxes, like you can now for T-shirts and hats and stuff.

 

[tmracht]

Man I wonder what that does to the value of the cards from this year, some of these breaks could end up being really valuable if they're the last year of Topps. Hopefully you all get some good cards out of the August one!

 

[scottyno]

Man I wonder what that does to the value of the cards from this year, some of these breaks could end up being really valuable if they're the last year of Topps. Hopefully you all get some good cards out of the August one!

the deal was struck today, but topps still has a contract with the league through 2025, so this years shouldn't be the last one

 

[tmracht]

the deal was struck today, but topps still has a contract with the league through 2025, so this years shouldn't be the last one

Gotcha thanks. I need to read better.

 

[runnels3]

Right Field Rookies. Full discosure: The TW '39 is a reprint and was sold as such. I just didn't have the 240k.
The others are Archives.

 

[Ale Xander]

Anyone subscribe to sports illustrated for kids as a kid 30 years ago? Well I did. Threw out many in the past as I “grew up” on purpose , some by accident. Found out that some cards are worth more than the magazine cost. Jordan from the first year (89) has a Hi value of $35. Barkley, which I’m looking at right now, is $5. Steph from 2008. (Never read/collected then!!!) is $50

 

[deanx0]

Apparently Fanatics has also locked up the NBA and the NBAPA, with rumors that they are getting the NFL too, so Panini and Topps are both out.

With a confirming article:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2021/08/23/report-fanatics-strikes-again-set-to-become-exclusive-licensee-for-nba-trading-cards/?sh=a30271269784

 

[runnels3]

Who's your fourth outfielder?
Can you imagine facing these guys back to back x4? That's what happened in the '61 all star game in SF.
The NL down by 1 in bottom 10th, up they come. A pinch hit, passed ball, double, hbp, and Clemente walks
it off with a single to right. No outs - The AL never had a chance!

 

[Carmine Hose]

I'd expect Fanatics to try to buy out Topps and Panini for their production and design capabilities. Michael Eisner (ex Disney CEO) was slated to make around $400 million taking Topps public, but POOF.

 

[deanx0]

Stopped at my local Wal-Mart yesterday morning and they actually had some football cards, so I bought a couple of mini Donruss Elite box (4 packs of 5 cards for $30)

Pulled this gem from my second-to-last pack:



Serial numbered to #499, and two hours later, he's announced as the starter!

 

[djbayko]

Stopped at my local Wal-Mart yesterday morning and they actually had some football cards, so I bought a couple of mini Donruss Elite box (4 packs of 5 cards for $30)

Pulled this gem from my second-to-last pack:

View attachment 43918

Serial numbered to #499, and two hours later, he's announced as the starter!

Just FYI, I can tell it's probably Mac because of the large #10, but the image is microscopic for me.

 

[deanx0]

Just FYI, I can tell it's probably Mac because of the large #10, but the image is microscopic for me.

I may have gone too big in the other direction now...

 

[Carmine Hose]

I will see your Mac Jones pull and raise you this one pulled from a pack of Panini Certified. Patch auto in Patriots uniform, numbered to 149.

 

[deanx0]

Well, I feel like UAB kicking a field goal to take a 3-0 lead against Alabama, only to see the Crimson Tide score the next 63 points...

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Target has blasters of MLB Prizm and MLB Fire avail online FYI

 

[PortageeExpress]

I'm a sucker for the stuff like Leaf Signature Series blasters, even though I usually don't hit much. Tonight was pretty cool, though.

 

[Ale Xander]

topps 2021 complete set ($50) and Topps hanger? packs ($10), and $3 score football packs available now at Target Fenway, FWIW.

 

[runnels3]

The Broadcasters

 

[deanx0]

Starting to seem more product on the shelves at the local Wal-Mart.

Got a Bowman Platinum box with 2 autos guaranteed for $80 and pulled a Tanner Houck jersey auto numbered to 99.

Also got two Bowman Chrome Megaboxes for $39.99 each (5 packs plus 2 Chrome Mega packs), but both kind of sucked. Topps collation was terrible as the first box had 5 or 6 doubles across the 5 packs and the second box was close to the same. Haven't had that kind of poor pack distribution in a Topps box in a long time.

 

[Marbleheader]

Card show at Wilmington Shriners this weekend.

 

[tonyandpals]

Where do you guys get most of your wax (do they even still call them that now) packs? I want to get my boys a box of hockey and football packs for christmas and figure I should get on the now. Not looking for anything that would have good pulls. Just stuff that runs a buck or two a pack that I won't care if they end up in a pile on the floor, as they absolutely will. Bonus points for links where I can just buy it

 

[Marbleheader]

You can buy blasters of 6 packs and give each kid 3. https://www.dacardworld.com/sports-cards/2021-22-hockey-cards?Sort=price