Baseball card collecting used to be a trendy hobby. But what about now? Are baseball cards still worth collecting today? We have the answer for you:
Yes, baseball cards are still worth collecting. They have only gone up over the last 10 years and have continued to set records at auctions. Many people buy baseball cards as investments or buy and sell them for profit.
There are more actively involved collectors and investors as of today than ever before. And the exciting part is you can become one too and even create a side hustle from it!
Some estimate the 2021 sports card and memorabilia market to be $5.4 billion dollars, which includes baseball cards.
If you’re interested in baseball card collecting or turning it into an investment opportunity, continue reading.
Is Baseball Card Collecting Dead?
No, baseball card collecting is not dead. It’s very well alive and well today, and is growing fast. But, it has changed a lot over the years.
We’ve been a sports card breaker for over 10 years. We’ve completed well over 2,000 baseball breaks and as we continue into the future, the number will only be increasing each year as more people get into the game.
In 2021 and beyond, we estimate new order growth of 15-20% every year as the industry is still in a rapid growth cycle.
Interest in Baseball Card Collecting Over the Past 5 Years
Originally, baseball cards came with the purchase of tobacco and bubble gum. Kids put them in their bike spokes to make a motorcycle sound. Now, the game has totally changed.
Today, baseball card collecting is growing in popularity once again. The chart below shows the interest and search traffic over time of baseball cards and collecting.
How Do I Know if My Baseball Cards Are Worth Money?
Some use baseball pricing guides which will tell you a general range of prices that cards sell for across the country. Others Ebay and online retailers to view the most recent sold prices for cards they are interested in.
The honest answer is it depends on a number of factors: the industry, the player, the supply and demand, and more. Consider the following points when looking at a baseball card’s value:
1. Big Names in the Game
Well-established cards with big-name players are always more valuable. Keep an eye out for cards with players like Mike Trout, Juan Soto, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, or Shohei Ohtani. It varies each year of course.
Projected up-and-coming players in the minor leagues or rookies are also extremely valuable. It ultimately depends on the player, but some rookies can be worth more than even some veteran players.
Remember, a player’s popularity typically equals high card value.
2. Year
The year your card was printed can have a HUGE impact on it’s value. If it’s an old vintage card, it can have value if it has the right factors. But modern cards can have just the same or more value than some of the oldest ones around.
Cards printed in the 80s and 90s as a GENERAL rule are not very valuable, as production numbers surged and there are far more cards than there is demand for them.
Starting in the 2000’s, values have begun to SKYROCKET for modern cards. In 2021, baseball cards are worth more than ever.
Take for example the 1/1 quad diamond Babe Ruth card we hit in 2019 from Topps Diamond Icons. We’ve also hit hundreds of modern players like Jacob DeGrom, Pete Alonso, Derek Jeter that are worth thousands of dollars.
3. Condition & Extra Features
Finally, the card must be in great condition to be worth anything. Examine a card’s condition by specifically looking at the centering, corners, edges, and surface. Are the corners bent? Is the surface rougher than normal? Baseball cards that are in perfect (Gem Mint) condition, will always outprice their less than perfect counterparts.
Also, look out for any unique features like autographs, jerseys, low print numbers, or corrected errors. Cards don’t have to have these features to be worth thousands, but it does help.
What Baseball Cards Are Worth Money Right Now?
Cards always change in value due to market fluctuations, so it’s hard to nail down everyone that is worth money.
Here is a list of the top 10 most trending players and baseball cards in 2021:
- Shohei Ohtani, RHP/DH, Angels.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, Padres.
- Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays.
- Alex Kirilloff, OF/DH, Twins.
- Jonathan India Jr., Indians.
- Vlad Guerrero Jr., INF, Blue Jays.
- Mookie Betts, OF, Dodgers.
- Buster Posey, C, Giants.
- Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore.
- Bobby Witt, SS, Kansas City.
(Updated Aug 25, 2021)
Summary
The baseball sports card market is alive and well. People are buying cards as investments, to sell them for profit, or to collect.
If you’re on the hunt for baseball cards, consider buying from a sports card breaker like us. At The Clubhouse, we sell baseball group breaks daily and give you the best chance at hitting big cards. Create your free account with us or watch some of our past breaks here on Youtube.