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ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In Baseball

2025 Baseball Prospects to Keep An Eye Out For

The 2025 MLB draft might yet be a ways off, but the Winter season has always been speculation central for any diehard baseball fan and collector. From breakout college all-stars to stealthy power hitters who dominate the numbers, there’s a lot to gain from knowing who to look out for when it comes to the best baseball rookies of 2025. Find your next all-star with this Giant Sports Card deep-dive.

1. Dylan Crews

Dylan Crews is one of the favorites to earn Rookie of the Year this year, and his path to stardom can clearly be traced from his earliest games alongside fellow LSU alum Paul Skenes. Crews made waves as the No.2 draft pick in 2023 with an impressive $9.2 million signing bonus with the Washington Nationals, much of which was propelled by his LSU record.

Crews is a Golden Spikes Award winner with one of the most impressive minor league records. On the defensive side, he’s coming in at three outs above average. In terms of offense, this 2025 baseball prospect has 21 hits to his name in his final 16 games in the minor leagues, and is a potential five-tool threat in the future. If Crews can keep honing his stellar offensive and defensive pedigree, he’s going to be an easy pick for Rookie of the Year.

2. Roman Anthony

Roman Anthony is arguably another one of the most promising rookies of the upcoming season by most metrics. Yet to hit 21, this left-handed outfielder already ranks at over a 90% exit velocity. Ramos’s raw talent and potential caught the attention of scouts early on, and it’s easy to see why.

Ramos’s raw power and bat speed indicate that he could potentially be a 25+ homer player at his peak. Combine that talent with a team that synergizes perfectly with his strengths, especially players like Duran, and you’ll start to see why this 2025 baseball prospect could be one of the hottest rookie baseball cards to look out for this season.

3. James Wood

James Wood closely follows Roman Anthony’s heels, with many scouts pegging him as this season’s De La Cruz. If you’re out of the loop, De La Cruz was a star 2024 rookie pick who played a massive role in the Cincinnati Reds’ performance that season, second only to Bobby Witt Jr. in terms of pure speed.

Wood could end up playing a similar role for the Nationals this upcoming season. At 22, James Wood is already an impressive outfielder who balances striking speed with size and strength. With a 2024 OPS of .781 and nine home runs in his debut season, this 6’7 powerhouse could be the breakout star of your next Panini baseball box.

4. Kristian Campbell

If there’s one word we could use to describe this top 2025 baseball prospect, it would be: dynamic. Perhaps more than any of the players mentioned in this 2025 baseball rookies list, Campbell seems determined to improve his performance and match the best that the Red Sox have to offer.

Evolution: Scouts have reported a massive improvement in Campbell’s raw power since his Minor League debut in 2023. A few swing adjustments in the off-season have allowed Campbell to access more of the power that his larger frame can deliver, and experts believe he still might have room to grow.
Versatility: Campbell’s potential strength and proven defensive capabilities make him an excellent future two-way player. As a defender, Campbell has already played center field, second, and third base, with second base being his comfort zone.

This 2025 baseball prospect comes with a sky-high skill ceiling. If the Sox can harness his potential, we might just be looking at a consistent two-way all-star player.

5. Carson Williams

Williams is the perfect prospect for collectors who chase baseball card cases for the risk and reward. This duality defines Carson Williams as a top prospect for the Rays. On the one hand, Williams displays an above-average combination of speed and offensive power, along with a 95 mph arm that could make him an intimidating defensive threat, as well.

Conversely, Williams strikes out more often than his fellow MLB prospects. Luckily, this shortcoming can be managed with enough training, and if Williams is resilient enough to improve, he could take the Rays to new heights in 2025 and beyond. Collectors who bet big on this 2025 baseball prospect could see themselves winning big with a potential base-stealing threat.

2024 Topps Luminaries Baseball Hobby Box

6. Jackson Jobe

We’ve discussed a lot of heavy hitters on this 2025 baseball rookies list. Jackson Jobe breaks away from that trend as a uniquely talented pitcher for the Tigers. Like the other players on our list, Jobe has a long way to go before he can be considered an all-star threat, but his current pitching prowess makes him a player to watch from day 1.

Jobe’s biggest strength lies in his fastballs, averaging a little over 97 mph. He might not be able to deliver those 99 mph pitches consistently at the moment, but he already shows a considerable amount of flexibility. Additionally, this 2025 baseball prospect can clearly ramp up the speed when the situation calls for it, throwing in splitters and cutters along with those four seams.

7. Samuel Basallo

The Orioles might just have found the perfect catcher in Samuel Basallo, a Dominican powerhouse who has been in the limelight since early 2024. At 20, Basallo stands tall at 6’4 and 220 pounds, considerably larger than other rookies at the same position. Still, his ability to call a game has made him a player to watch for the 2025 season.

As one of the most promising catchers in our 2025 baseball rookies list, Basallo’s tenacity will ultimately determine his future with the Orioles. He has remarkably recovered since injuring his throwing arm in mid-2024, but he still has a long way to go. Will this 2025 baseball prospect’s batting and catching prowess give him a prized spot in the latest sports card boxes? Only time will tell.

Collect The Season’s Best

New MLB seasons are always something of a gamble. You can never really tell how a player will handle an off-season injury or which low-key rookie will put up a head-turning performance once the draft is over. As a collector, your best bet is generally to spread out your picks and snap up the season’s most promising rookies.

Be the first to get your hands on tomorrow’s all-stars with Giant Sports Cards. Order new sports card releases at the lowest prices and enjoy day 1 shipping with the sports card store that collects with you. Pull the best 2025 baseball prospects and Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ today.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In SPORT CARDS

The History of Sports Cards & Their Designs

From their simple beginnings as basic collectibles to today’s sophisticated foil-laden pieces, sports cards have come a long way. Interestingly, following this timeline doesn’t just show us how sports cards have evolved; it also reveals intriguing graphic design and consumer trends. Discover the history of trading cards with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

An Infographic About the History of Sports Cards

Pre-1900s

We can trace the precursor of the modern sports card all the way back to the mid-19th century. The concept of the ‘trading card’ as we know it didn’t really exist at the time. Instead, people would receive tiny commemorative cards as part of other more commonly-purchased items, such as tobacco.

These sports cards weren’t really fully dedicated to sports, either. They would typically feature a well-known player alongside a company’s logo, serving as more of an ad than anything else. Peck and Snyder are great examples of notable businesses in this stage of the history of sports cards.

The concept of the first dedicated sports card only emerged around the 1880s with the introduction of Old Judge and other tobacco cards. These cards were still sold with tobacco packs, but they leaned away from being overly promotional, instead featuring popular varsity athletes from institutions like Yale and Harvard.

Design: As you might expect, cards from the pre-1900s era were all sepia-toned, featuring relatively simplistic designs that put the player front and center against a plain background. The bottom of the card would feature the player’s name, along with the institution (typically a university) they played for.

The Early 1900s

This period in the history of sports cards represents a time when the hobby started to come into its own. Baseball cards dominated this era. That said, a few lineups like Allen and Ginter’s ‘World’s Champions’ celebrating multiple sports were also around.

In terms of the history of trading cards, the American Tobacco Company’s T206 series is perhaps the most notable release of the early 1900s. The complete T206 set comprised a whopping 500 cards, each featuring stunning lithographic designs for the period.

Let’s take a look at how these cards differed from older releases in terms of design:

They were the first instance of sports cards transitioning from sepia to vivid colors (typically orange or blue).
T206 cards broke away from depicting players in completely static poses. These cards featured more variety, occasionally showing players in an action shot.
This was also the first time in the history of sports cards that collectors could see some intentional variations in card borders. Certain cards from the T205 series, for example, featured gold borders.

Mid-Late 1900s

This period is fondly remembered as the ‘Gum Wax era,’ named after the Goudey Gum Company releasing the very first non-tobacco baseball card case. These releases were notable for making the hobby more accessible to a wider audience. Younger collectors started entering the space since these cards were sold alongside gum rather than the usual tobacco.

Card designs in this phase of the history of trading cards reflected this change. Goudey’s cards had a more upbeat aesthetic, at times featuring almost cartoonish depictions of popular players against vibrant (but plain!) backgrounds.

This period in the history of sports cards is also notable for two other huge events:

Bowman released its now-iconic Mickey Mantle card in 1951. A strong contender for the title of ‘most popular sports card of all time,’ this piece made waves even at the time of release, thanks to Mantle’s fame.
Topps sports cards hit the scene in 1952, with the brand quickly making a name for itself with its bold designs. Topps quickly became the dominant force in the trading card world from the 1960s onwards.

The 1980s and a portion of the 90s are notable for hosting the ‘junk wax era.’ In the long history of sports cards, this period stands out for the incredible volume of cards it produced. The cards of this period might not have been very high quality, but we got a ton of iconic rookie cards.

2000s-Present

The widespread adoption of the internet and other technologies has completely changed how sports cards are created and collected. For instance, advancements in high-quality printing allowed top manufacturers like Topps and Panini to create incredibly detailed cards that are still valuable today. In the entire history of trading cards, there has never been a period with as many notable inserts as the 2000s.

As a collector, it’s also easier than ever to find out about these special inserts and parallels. Online marketplaces and online sports card stores have helped make this the most accessible period in the history of sports cards.

Meet The Future of Sports Cards

Ready to learn about the future of sports cards? Meet Giant Sports Cards, the Ultimate Collector’s Cave™. We work directly with manufacturers like Topps and Panini to bring new sports card releases to your doorstep on day 1. Get free shipping on orders over $199 and Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ today.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In BASKETBALL, SPORT CARDS

Everything You Need to Know About the Topps Basketball Release

basketball players in a game in black and white

You don’t have to be a basketball fan or even a dedicated collector to know that Topps Chrome Basketball is back and better than ever. Fanatics’ acquisition of the NBA license for 2025 and beyond has reignited interest in collectors everywhere. Rumors of new designs and bold exclusives abound, and you won’t want to miss a single one.

Learn all about the new release with this Giant Sports Cards deep dive.

Chrome Basketball Returns

Topps Chrome has long been a cornerstone of the sports card arena. The sleek chromium finish, striking imagery, and powerful assortment of brand-new talent and established all-stars make for an unforgettable combo. Fans have been waiting for Chrome to return to basketball card boxes for nearly 14 years now, and the wait is finally over.

Brilliant Refractors: Topps Chrome uses refractor technology, creating a spectrum of parallels that adds a layer of excitement to every new pull. Collectors can chase rare parallels like Gold, Orange, Red, and the ultra-scarce Superfractor. Every Topps basketball pack opening is unique, and the next elite autograph could be around the corner.
Rookie-Central: Collectors often look to Chrome as the definitive source for rookie cards, making these boxes highly sought after and potentially valuable in the long term. If you’re looking for a hobby box that brings together the best talent in the league, you’re in the right place.
Autographs and More: Topps Chrome Basketball brings you closer than ever to the arena and your favorite players. Pick from a high concentration of autograph parallel cards, and take it to the next level with cards featuring game-worn jerseys and other unforgettable swatches.

Chrome is in a league of its own, and all the excitement around its return to the basketball court is all the proof you need. Keen-eyed collectors will be quick to point out that Topps basketball cards are still unlicensed for the 2023-24 season, which begs the question: where’s the hype coming from? There are two factors in play here:

Novelty: The 2023-24 Chrome basketball case is going to be the last unlicensed Chrome case for a long time. Topps sports cards will take over the license in 2025, making this last release a novelty for collectors everywhere. The nostalgia factor plays a huge role in determining prices in the long term, which is why collectors are so eager to snap this drop up.
Exclusivity: Topps doesn’t have the NBA license yet, but they do have an exclusive contract for certain autographs, thanks to Fanatics’ deal with the NBA. The best example of this Topps basketball deal is Victor Wembanyama. He’s on the cover of the latest Topps Chrome drop, and collectors can find his exclusive rookie autograph inside as well.

Unlicensed vs. Licensed: What’s The Difference?

We’ve talked about unlicensed and licensed Topps Chrome basketball cards at length here. Let’s dive into what these terms actually mean for your collection.

Unlicensed	Licensed
Unlicensed cards often use generic team names or logos that resemble NBA teams but are not exact replicas.	Licensed cards boldly display the authentic logos and trademarks of NBA teams, adding to their legitimacy and visual appeal.
Instead of using player names, unlicensed cards use nicknames or even player numbers to identify individuals.	These cards feature the actual names and images of players wearing the official jerseys.
Unlicensed cards generally hold lower value and are less desirable to collectors compared to their licensed counterparts.	Due to their official status and connection to the NBA, licensed cards are more valuable and are more sought-after by collectors.

Collectors generally prioritize licensed products. It’s fair to say that Topps basketball will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025 as it revives older lineups like Topps Finest and Topps Chrome Sapphire for the NBA.

Remember, this doesn’t mean that Panini’s current and older releases will lose value heading into 2025. There’s always going to be a market for licensed Panini cards, and their distinctive design caters to a massive global audience.

How Did Topps Get The License?

There’s a surprising amount of backstory to the Topps Chrome basketball saga and the license change. We can boil it all down to:

The Court: The rivalry between Topps basketball and Panini intensified in 2022 when Fanatics, a sports merchandise giant, entered the fray. Fanatics acquired Topps, signaling its ambition to become a major player in the trading card market.
Shortly thereafter, Fanatics sued Panini, alleging that the company had engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain its exclusive licenses with the NBA and NFL.
The Board: The decision-makers over at the NBA and fans themselves expressed a desire to see real change in the space. Collectors believed that card designs were getting stale, and that only a fresh pair of hands could change things for the better.

Get The Latest and Greatest in Topps Basketball

Whether you’re looking to pick up the last few unlicensed hobby boxes or pre-order new sports card releases, the Ultimate Collector’s Cave™ has you covered. Giant Sports Cards is a trusted online card shop that works directly with manufacturers like Topps to bring the latest releases straight to your doorstep. Get free shipping on orders over $199 and Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ today.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In PANINI NEWS

Panini News: Why Panini’s Loss Could Be a Gain for Collectors

The public tussle between Fanatics/Topps and Panini has been tumultuous for everyone involved, including the collectors. All bets are off, and collectors worldwide are wondering about the future value of their prized cards. Learn all about the potential future value of Panini NBA cards and how to estimate upcoming Panini NFL card values with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

Recap: What Happened To The Panini License?

Both companies are locked in an antitrust suit at the moment. The latest arbitration ruling gives Panini the right to continue producing licensed NFL cards until further orders. Prior to the NFLPA’s premature contract termination, Panini held the rights to the NFL license until 2026. If nothing changes now, collectors will have access to all-new licensed NFL Topps sports cards in 2026.

The Panini news doesn’t get better on the football card front either, with Panini set to lose the NBA license in 2025.

Panini’s Loss, Your Gain

All that said, it’s not all gloom and doom, especially if you’re a seasoned collector. Let’s take a look at the bright side of the Panini-Fanatics fiasco.

All-New Inventory

Panini football cards have been on the shelves for years now. They’ve had the time to establish a solid community, and collectors know what to expect when they pick up a hobby case. The downside of this consistency is that Panini’s designs have gotten stale over the years—at least according to some collectors.

This latest piece of Panini news could be a good sign for collectors who have been waiting for something new. We can already see this happening with the hype around the return of Topps Chrome basketball cards. A few different things could happen now:

Panini might be forced to overhaul its existing approach to card design. Collectors might see all-new parallels heading into 2025. This could impact the value of Panini’s NBA cards once the license switches over.
Topps/Fanatics will have to work hard to convert the Panini loyalists. A recent example of this is their exclusive autograph deal with Victor Wembanyama for the 2024 Topps Mercury release.

a Topps Chrome Overtime Basketball hobby box

Competition is always good for the customer, and we’re seeing that adage play out in real-time with the Panini vs. Topps clash.

Cheaper Hobby Boxes

Collectors generally believe that the Panini news will put downward pressure on Panini NFL card values. There are two ways to look at this:

A dedicated Panini collector waiting to pick up and trade basketball cards in 2025-26 might be disappointed. Unlicensed cards tend to be less valuable than their licensed counterparts.
A collector who’s in it for the long run could see this as an opportunity to get a great deal on Panini hobby boxes. There’s always going to be a niche market for certain popular player cards, even if they’re unlicensed.

As a collector, you should never underestimate the power of nostalgia. Panini cards might be going out of fashion for certain collectors today, but nostalgia for the older designs are bound to set in as time passes and people get used to Topps releases. Consider what happened to ‘09 Upper Deck products once they lost the NBA license.

Selective Sets

The Panini news could be great for those with the patience to play the long game. Panini NBA card values might remain stable through 2025 despite the license changes because of the strong presence of niche collectors in the market. These collectors are always looking to build selective sets focusing only on a single brand or product lineup, like Panini Chronicles. This could be a great time to stock up on those Panini sports cards to cater to that market.

a 2021-22 Panini Chronicles Basketball hobby case

What About The Current Panini Lineup?

If you’re worried about your current or older Panini sports cards losing value, don’t be! The current batch of licensed cards is likely going to hold its value very well heading into 2025-26, despite the Panini news. These Panini cards might even become more valuable, considering they’re going to be the last group of licensed Panini NBA/NFL sports cards for a while.

So, What Are The Downsides?

Current Panini NFL card values might hold steady in the future, but it won’t all be smooth sailing.

There’s going to be a ton of speculative buying and selling due to the license changes.

Collectors will be looking to pick up new sports card releases and flip them once market conditions turn favorable. This might affect the availability of the last batch of licensed hobby cases. We recommend pre-ordering upcoming sports card releases from a trusted retailer like Giant Sports Cards if you’re worried about availability.

Get The Winning Edge

Be the first to know about Panini NBA card values, breaking Panini news, and everything TCG by following our blog. For everything else, keep it locked to Giant Sports Cards—the Ultimate Collector’s Cave™. Get super-fast and free shipping on orders over $199, and build a spectacular collection from the comfort of your home with our sports card store.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In NFL, SPORT CARDS

The Top NFL Rookie Prospects in 2024

The 2024 NFL season is set to be one of the most exciting seasons of football in recent memory. The draft has been locked in, and collectors around the world are waiting to be the first to unbox the best rookie prospects of the season—and that’s not all. Fanatics has secured an exclusive deal to distribute rookie autograph cards three years before the expected date.

Combine the exclusive deal with an armada of new QBs, and it’s the perfect storm for collectors.

An Unmissable Season

The Fanatics announcement has been the cherry on top for football fans this year. Panini cards have sustained their high quality during their time with the NFL license, but it’s clear to see that collectors are ready for Fanatics/Topps’ return in 2025.

Here’s why you absolutely shouldn’t miss the upcoming NFL 2024 rookies as a collector.

The Value of Exclusivity: Exclusivity is one of the best ways to guarantee a card’s long-term value. For buyers, these upcoming cards aren’t just Topps sports cards featuring future QB legends; they’re exclusive first editions that will always be in demand. Imagine having the chance to pick up a 2017 Panini Prizm card of Patrick Mahomes right after his debut!
Topps Returns: Topps, a Fanatics subsidiary, has built its legacy on auto cards. Topps’ take on the NFL rookie prospects this season is almost certainly going to be worth the wait. Whether it’s a return to the classic Topps Chrome designs or something more out-of-the-box, all bets are off for the NFL 2024 rookie auto cards.

#1: Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams is undoubtedly the star QB rookie of the 2024 draft. Fresh out of USC, Williams’ collegiate performance has already sparked discussions among NFL hawks online, with Adam Jahns praising the QB’s game sense and ability to force new plays.

This 2022 Heisman Trophy winner might have his work cut out for him, considering the Bears’ prior troubles with their offensive coordination. That said, his electrifying playmaking abilities could revitalize a stagnant offense and create excitement around a team in need of a spark. Everyone loves an underdog story.

#2: Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders

Another round 1 pick, Jayden Daniels is easily one of the most promising NFL rookies in 2024. LSU, Daniels’ alma mater, has been on fire when it comes to churning out NFL stars. Joe Burrow has been on a tear since 2020 with the Bengals, and Daniels may just be the latest in a long line of stars.

Few NFL rookie prospects can claim Daniels’ moniker of being a dual-threat. He can run both inside and outside the pocket, adding a dimension to the offense that can be difficult to defend against. This mobility makes him a valuable weapon in today’s NFL, where offenses increasingly rely on quarterbacks who can extend plays with their stature. We can already see his autographed Panini Obsidian card being a hit in the future.

#3: Bo Nix – Denver Broncos

Bo Nix was picked 12th among the 2024 NFL rookies, but his star power has helped level the playing field for him. Nix was, by all accounts, a shoo-in for the draft this year, considering his background. His father, Patrick Nix, was a star collegiate athlete himself, and Bo’s impressive performance, even in high school, was clearly a strong indication of things to come.

Nix’s ability to deal with pressure on the field and create space in tight pockets could set the Broncos up for success this year. Naturally, he’ll have to outperform Stidham and Wilson in the Broncos’ QB competition first.

#4: Drake Maye – New England Patriots

It takes a special kind of player to stand out in this impressive lineup of 2024 NFL rookies, and Drake Maye easily makes the cut. Continuing the trend among NFL rookie prospects this year, Maye also carries an NFL family legacy, with his father playing tight-end for the Jets. Interestingly, Maye has chosen not to rely on the family legacy, and he’s already making a name for himself as the third pick of the 2024 draft.

Coaches have been quick to highlight Drake Maye’s leadership qualities both on and off the field, but he’ll have to prove himself immediately at training camp. The QB is currently locked in competition against Jacoby Brissett to be the starter for the season. If Maye comes out on top, we might have a potential elite Topps Dynasty, or Panini Select autographed rookie card contender in the future.

#5: Michael Penix Jr. – Atlanta Falcons

The fifth QB on our list of the top 2024 NFL rookies is the product of another kingmaker: the University of Washington. Michael Penix Jr. is an excellent rookie pick for the Falcons for three key reasons:

Arm-Strength: Penix Jr. ranks with the best when it comes to pure arm strength, allowing him to make throws with nearly unmatched accuracy and speed. Maye might have been picked before him, but Penix Jr.’s overall accuracy is even better. Ultimately, his performance on the field will be determined by his ability to cope with the pressure.
Insurance: Insurance probably isn’t the first thing on a collector’s list when they’re looking at NFL rookie prospects, but it certainly played a part in the Penix Jr. pick. This 2024 NFL rookie could have what it takes to fill in for the Falcons while Kirk Cousins recovers from his injury.
Tenacity: Speaking of injuries, Penix Jr. has already faced his fair share of adversity during his short career. This QB has managed to overcome a torn ACL and dislocated shoulder joints in each arm over the span of just two years. His ability to come back from a disadvantage and perform optimally could make him a future star.

Be The First

Football hobby boxes are set to fly off the shelves as Topps prepares to make its magnificent return in a season packed with some of the most promising rookies in years. Be the first to pull the latest 2024 NFL rookies and skip the hassle of queuing up for new hobby boxes with a sports card store that loves the game as much as you do. Pre-order the latest sports card releases at Giant Sports Cards and Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ at your own pace.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In Baseball, SPORT CARDS

The 1st Sports Cards Ever Made: Baseball and Beyond

a collage of the 1st baseball cards ever made

Sports cards have come a long way to where they are today, with collectors getting ready to buy into digital cards. Some of the oldest sports cards go back even further than you might think, and their origins are as surprising as it gets. Whether you’ve been buying for years or you’re an aspiring collector, you’ll want to know just how deep this rabbit hole goes.

However, before we go back in time, we need to address what the term “first sports cards” means here. There are two ways to interpret this:

The first single card (as part of a commemorative release, for example)
The first cards from a dedicated set/hobby box

You’ll want to know about both if you love sports cards as much as we do. We’ll cover each of these “firsts” wherever relevant.

The 1st Baseball Card Ever Made

Baseball cards owe their origin to an entirely different industry: tobacco. This is part of a trend you’ll see as we move into other sports in this guide.

The very first card can be traced back to 1887 with a tobacco company named ‘Allen & Ginter.’ The company saw an opportunity to tie its ‘Old Judge’ chewing tobacco to baseball at a time when the sport was quickly gaining an enormous amount of popularity.

Cigarette Cards: Some of the oldest sports cards were released as singles, each included in a cigarette pack. These packs would usually be stuffed with a ‘cigarette card,’ giving the pack its signature stiffness. The 1st baseball card ever made was printed on the back of one of these cigarette cards.
Starting a Legacy: There is some dispute about which player card was the first to be printed. The initial run included some of the most popular players at the time, like Cap Anson and John Montgomery Ward. What’s really important here is just how quickly the first sports cards ever made took on a life of their own.

Baseball fans became avid collectors, eagerly seeking out their favorite players’ cards and creating a market for these unique pieces of history. These baseball cards, with their black-and-white portraits and simple designs, provided a rare window into the early days of professional baseball.

The 1st baseball cards ever made kicked off a country-wide craze for the collectibles. Other tobacco companies like T206 quickly jumped on the bandwagon and printed their own lineup. You might be surprised to hear that Bowman was also a part of this rush, creating their now-iconic line of bubble gum baseball cards back in the 1930s.

an Allen and Ginter Topps baseball card box

The Topps era wouldn’t begin until the 1950s when Topps acquired Bowman. This acquisition essentially gave Topps a monopoly over the market, and the oldest Topps sports cards were such hits that they’re still in demand today.

The Oldest Football Card

Interestingly, the 1st baseball card ever made and the first football card both originated from tobacco companies. The first football card can be traced back to 1894 with Mayo Cut Plug’s original Footballers set. This is the first dedicated football card box ever made, with Mayo Tobacco Works selling it alongside cans of plug tobacco.

The idea of football hobby boxes starting out as tobacco collectibles can be confusing, considering the current state of the NFL and its global appeal. Football might have mass appeal today, but it was largely the domain of upper-class Ivy League players in the 19th century. This is why the first Mayo set focuses on Harvard players like John Dunlop or Yale’s Hinkey.

Just like the 1st baseball card ever made, this football set is exceedingly rare today and nearly impossible to acquire unless an auction is held. As one of the first sports cards ever made, only six of the John Dunlop cards remain with a grade of VG-EX or higher. Even a card with a ‘Poor’ grading can sell for as much as $10,000 today.

The Oldest Soccer Sports Card

The first soccer cards emerged in the late 19th century as a marketing ploy by—you guessed it—tobacco companies. W.D. & H. Wills, a prominent tobacco manufacturer, introduced the first soccer cards in 1887, distributing them within cigarette packs. These early cards served as a means to entice consumers and solidify brand loyalty, just like the 1st baseball cards ever made.

The first dedicated set of soccer cards followed shortly after in 1902 with Wills’ 66-card arrangement. These soccer card boxes were instant hits with the average consumer, but the advent of both World Wars halted their growth. It wasn’t until the late 1940s that we saw a shift in the industry.

The Rise of Panini: Panini cards hit the scene in the 1960s, inspired by the previous decade’s Bicicleta cards. These newer cards struck a chord with the public not just in the US but worldwide. The shift from black-and-white photography to vibrant designs was a stark contrast to the 1st baseball cards ever made, and Panini became synonymous with soccer cards.
Post-90s: Panini’s domination continued unchallenged until the mid-90s when Topps eventually rose to the challenge with its Merlin acquisition in the EU. Both companies have been locked in fierce competition since then, but the scale might be tipping towards Topps as the future of the Panini license remains uncertain.

Collect The Old and The New

Whether you’re hunting down the oldest sports cards or the newest, there’s only one place every collector trusts. Pre-order upcoming sports card releases in mint condition and enjoy same-day shipping with Giant Sports Cards. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with a sports card store that cherishes it as much as you do.

More interested in the first sports cards ever made? Head over to the Ultimate Collector’s Cave™ in Alpharetta, GA, and shop authentic rare singles and autographed memorabilia.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In FOOTBALL, SPORT CARDS

The Oldest Football Card: What Was the First Football Card Ever Made?

While the iconic T206 Honus Wagner often steals the spotlight as the holy grail of vintage sports cards, the true origins of football card collecting lie much further back in time. Opinions on the true, original football card are split depending on who you ask. Some will argue that older cards can’t be considered ‘true’ football cards since they were mostly used as tobacco ads, while others believe strongly in this hobby’s promotional origins.

Whatever the truth may be, the story’s worth knowing. Travel back through the ages with this Giant Sports Cards retrospective.

Goodwin & Co.: Humble Beginnings

Goodwin & Co., a small tobacco company, unknowingly planted the seeds of a hobby that would captivate generations of football enthusiasts long before Panini cards hit the scene.

In 1888, nestled within packs of Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarettes were the very first American football cards. As some of the oldest football cards, they featured sepia-toned images of college players in reserved, portrait-like poses. Henry W. Beecher is widely known as the star football player of the set and the first football card in known history.

There is some dispute around experts calling these the ‘first’ football cards, primarily because this set wasn’t dedicated entirely to football. Officially known as the ‘N162 Goodwin Champions’ set, this release covered athletes involved in:Track and Field – Focusing on high-performance athletes such as Harry Jewett.Boxing – Featuring famous brawlers like John L. Sullivan in a now-timeless pose.Baseball – Including incredibly well-known classics like the Cap Anson card. You can see the influence of these cards today with Topps sports cards like the 2023 Allen & Ginter throwback.

In addition to these, the N162 set also included other sports like rowing and lacrosse. As you can see, the first football cards ever made had a ton of company.

Despite all the variety, the inclusion of football players marked a pivotal moment for the hobby, providing the earliest glimpse into the sport’s growing popularity. The oldest football cards in the N162 set depicted players primarily from prominent East Coast and Ivy League colleges like Yale and Harvard.

Mayo’s Cut Plug: The ‘True’ Original Football Cards?

While Goodwin & Co. deserves credit for introducing the first football cards in a multi-sport set, it was Mayo’s Cut Plug, another tobacco company, that took the bold step of releasing the very first dedicated set of football trading cards in 1894.

The Mayo’s Cut Plug set, now nicknamed ‘N302’, consisted of nearly 40 cards featuring prominent college football players of the time. Unlike the earlier Goodwin cards, which were included in cigarette packs, the oldest dedicated football cards were distributed with Mayo’s chewing tobacco. Other notable features include:

Striking Designs: These cards were printed on higher quality stock than older cards found in Old Judge boxes. Full black borders and backs adorned players in their standard sepia-toned poses. The one major downside of this design? Scratches and other forms of damage on the few existing cards remaining today are easily visible. old sepia photographs stacked together Star Collegiate Players: The first dedicated football cards ever made focused on showcasing star players from various colleges, much like the 1888 set. N302 included players like John Dunlop, Langdon Lea, and Charles Brewer.

Scarcity: As you might imagine, tracking down the oldest football cards is much more difficult than picking up a football hobby box today. For instance, only 12 John Dunlop cards have ever been graded by the PSA, with most receiving a poor grade.

By dedicating an entire set to football, Mayo’s acknowledged the sport’s growing appeal and potential to drive sales and brand recognition. We can see how this trend would continue to influence later releases, including collaborations between the NFL and manufacturers like Topps and Panini.

Collecting Old Football Cards

Collecting vintage football cards, particularly those from the pre-tall boy era, presents a unique set of challenges. Very few of the oldest football cards have survived the trials of time with a respectable grade, and that’s just one of the many concerns for collectors.
Low Volumes: Vintage football cards, especially those produced before the 1950s, were printed in far smaller quantities than modern sports card boxes. Most of the original football cards have been discarded or damaged over the years, and the few survivors are exorbitantly priced. Even a PSA 2 John Dunlop card, for example, can sell for over $10,000.

Quality: The first football cards ever made were printed on thinner card stock and exposed to the elements for decades, making them highly susceptible to damage. Collectors seeking high-grade cards must be extremely careful and use sports card supplies like card sleeves to protect their vintage cards.

Authenticity is also naturally a concern when it comes to the oldest football cards. The potential for counterfeiting here is immense, considering these cards’ high prices. Collectors must be vigilant when examining older cards, looking out for trimmed edges, color touch-ups, and reprinted surfaces. four old sports cards on a cracked surface

So, what should you do? As a collector, the best thing to do when shopping for vintage cards is to stick to trusted stores and platforms. Asking around at reliable sports card stores is an excellent way to find autographed memorabilia and rare single cards.

Never Go Out of Style

Whether you’re in the market for the oldest cards or the newest, Giant Sports Cards has your back. Our GOAT-level customer service and massive inventory cover everything from sports trading cards by top brands to trading card games like Pokémon. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with free shipping on orders over $199 today.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In FOOTBALL

All About The New Topps Football Releases

two football teams facing each other on the field

The sports card industry is poised for significant change with the re-emergence of Chrome in both football and basketball. While Topps, now under the ownership of Fanatics, has secured the NBA and NFL licenses for trading cards in 2025/26, Panini remains the exclusive holder of the NFL license for now. This means that the initial release of Topps Chrome football and other products will be unlicensed, featuring player designs without team logos or branding.

What does all this mean for your collection? And what’s going on with the new Topps release?

Get the inside scoop with Giant Sports Cards.

Topps Football: The Latest Update

If you’re a sports card collector, you’ve probably heard of the ongoing dispute between Topps and Panini. Both companies have been marred in an antitrust suit that will determine whether Fanatics gets to keep the NFL license, despite its premature termination.

The suit recently hit a critical juncture, with Panini requesting an arbitration hearing. This arbitration committee ultimately ruled in favor of Panini in July 2024. This means Panini can continue selling NFLPA-licensed trading cards during the originally agreed-upon period, ensuring licensed Panini sports cards remain available to collectors.

That said, Topps Football has made a deal with the NFLPA that gives them exclusive rights to produce rookie autographs for many top quarterbacks from 2025 onwards. This is the deal that has kicked up so much excitement around the return of Topps to the NFL world.

How Did Fanatics Get The License?

We’ll need to break this story into three parts to get the full picture.

1. Panini’s Dominance

Panini’s dominance in the NFL trading card market was firmly established in 2009 when it secured the exclusive license. This acquisition gave them complete control over the production and distribution of officially licensed football hobby boxes, effectively shutting out Topps Chrome Football from the market. With no competition, Panini had significant leverage over pricing and product offerings.

Panini fully used its advantage against Topps Football, setting the market value for NFL cards and determining what types of cards were released. These practices often led to criticism from collectors on multiple fronts:

Some felt the lack of competition created a stagnant market with limited innovation and higher prices.
Other collectors believed that the market lacked variety.
The lack of availability on release days was also a frustration voiced by some collectors, who found it hard to find the product they wanted to rip at release.

2. Fanatics Strikes Back

The sports card landscape shifted dramatically in 2022 with Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps. Topps Football and its other lineups now had access to a wealth of resources, technology, and marketing expertise to leverage against its competitors (mainly Panini).

3. The License Struggle

With Fanatics making its dramatic entry, it would only be a matter of time before it tried to get the NFL license. This is where the story branches out into two versions.

The Official Story: On paper, the NFLPA executives have stated that the chief reason for transferring the license to Topps Chrome Football was the shuffle in Panini’s top management (who mostly left to join Fanatics) along with an increase in compensation.
The Unofficial Story: Panini, on the other hand, believes that Fanatics orchestrated the mass exodus of top management to trigger the license change.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed: What’s The Difference?

Whatever the truth may be, Topps Football is set to return this year and most fans couldn’t be happier. There’s just one elephant in the room: what will they look like?

Topps sports cards released in 2024 will remain unlicensed. Here’s what that means for you:

No Branding: Topps’ 2024 sports card boxes cannot feature official team logos or any branding associated with the NFL or NBA. They can only use player names and likenesses.
Dampened Appeal: Unlicensed cards are generally less appealing to the average collector. Most fans gravitate towards sets featuring their favorite team’s logos and in turn, unlicensed single card values usually don’t carry the same value that licensed cards do. Topps has done a great job with the photography on many cards, including several key players, making it less obvious at first glance the cards are not licensed.
Lower Prices: There’s always a silver lining. Topps Football card boxes released in 2024 will likely be cheaper than their licensed competitors to account for the lower demand.

Licensed cards, on the other hand, have full access to a league’s logos and branding, making them the natural choice for most collectors. The only real downside to licensed cards is that they are usually restricted in terms of design. For example, Topps Chrome Football cases in 2025 will have to follow certain design rules set out by the NFL.

New Releases: What To Expect

Fanatics has been keeping its cards close to the chest about upcoming releases, and we likely won’t hear about their 2025 slate for several more months. The one Topps Football 2024 release we do know about is Topps Composite, which hit store shelves on August 30, 2024.

Composite is actually a fantastic place to start if you’re looking to gear up for the new wave of Topps cards and gives collectors a preview of the other brands Topps will eventually release for football. This hobby box will include the usual favorites like Topps Chrome Black and Topps Finest, along with new launches like Midnight and the aptly named Resurgence and is the first product where a collector can find an RPA of CJ Stroud, Bryce Young and Will Levis.

As for other confirmed releases, we can expect:

Dedicated Midnight and Resurgence hobby boxes featuring an all-new theme.
The return of fan-favorite licensed designs in Topps Chrome and Chrome Black, along with Cosmic Chrome, which had it’s popular debut in baseball a couple of years ago.
Topps Motif, which is a premium brand that will feature 6 autographs per box and is rumored to have print runs of /99 or less for all cards.
A renewed focus on the Topps Football collegiate catalog, with releases like Bowman University, Collegiate Chrome, Bowman’s Best University, and a new higher-end launch called Collegiate Royalty, which will feature 6 autographs per box.

As always, you can look forward to everything you’ve come to love about the Topps Chrome line, like the premium feel of the cards and striking designs. Remember, Topps Chrome Football will finally have rookie autographs for top quarterbacks thanks to Fanatics’ deal with the NFL. There is no doubt that while the next year will be interesting to see how well the market receives Topps’ non-licensed football, the future is undeniably bright for football collectors as Topps makes it’s full return to football in the near horizon!

Get Ready For The Latest Releases

Everyone’s talking about Topps’ return to the licensed sports card market, and one thing’s certain: it’s going to be incredibly difficult to secure the new Topps Football releases as it’s rumored they are short printing the non-licensed cards.

If you’re looking to beat the rush and be the first to get new sports card releases, you’re going to want to pre-order at a trusted sports card store. At Giant Sports Cards, we work directly with leading sports card companies like Topps, which lets us ship new releases as soon as they come out. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with Giant Sports Cards, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $199.

ewimt April 1, 2025 0 In Baseball, SPORT CARDS

The Most Valuable 1950s Baseball Cards

Sports cards trace their humble origins to the 19th-century, but the 1950s are where things really kicked off. Many collectors consider the 1950s the ‘Golden Era’ for sports cards, a period where top brands like Topps and Bowman created iconic designs that would persist until at least the ‘80s. Find out which 1950s baseball cards are worth the money with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

Pricing The ‘50s

Printing issues tend to become a concern as we evaluate vintage sports cards, and the ’50s were no different. In fact, due to their age, it can often be an achievement to find a PSA 6, let alone a PSA 9. Some of the most valuable 1950s baseball cards are mere PSA 6/7s, since finding cards in better condition just isn’t feasible. We’ll see this right away with Mickey Mantle’s cards.

Printing aside, you’ll notice that card prices for the most popular ‘50s cards are drastically higher than baseball cards from the ‘60s. Many of the sport’s greatest legends, like Mantle, Mays, and Koufax, started their careers in this era, and their legacies have been irresistible for collectors. Let’s look at some of the biggest baseball cards of the decade.

The Most Valuable Baseball Cards From The 1950s

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311

This is the holy grail, the card you probably heard about even before buying your first baseball card box. This might not be Mantle’s rookie card, but it is his most valuable. In fact, collectors consider this to be the most valuable postwar card, period.

Why? Sheer scarcity. Topps 1952 high numbers didn’t sell well upon release, prompting a Topps executive to dump unsold crates of the series into the ocean. As a result, even a PSA 4 version of this 1950s baseball card is worth money, priced at $106,669. At the other end of the spectrum, an SGC 9.5 sold for $12.6 million in 2022.

1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253

It might not be the most valuable 1950s baseball card, but Mick’s rookie card is no slouch either. This rookie card is the go-to for fans of the seven-time World Series champion, featuring a timeless horizontal design that looks unique even today. As Mantle’s only true rookie card, it’ll always be in hot demand.

A PSA 9 version of this card is currently priced at $3,192,000. If you’re willing to go down to a PSA 4, you can pick it up for $15,099. Despite not being as scarce as the newer #311, this rookie card’s value comes from its sentimentality and symbolizes Mantle’s extraordinary career.

1952 Topps Willie Mays #218

This Topps sports card closely beats out Mays’ Bowman 1951 release for a spot in our ranking of the most valuable 1950s baseball cards. The 12-time Gold Glove winner entered the Hall of Fame during his time with the NY and SF Giants, and his extensive list of achievements makes this the card to get for fans of the team.

The #218 card was particularly prone to centering issues, which is why only nine PSA 9 versions of this card exist today. These PSA 9s are priced at $245,000, while PSA 6s go for $15,034.

1955 Topps Roberto Clemente #164

Roberto Clemente’s story is one of the best in baseball, and his sports trading card reflects that legacy. His career with the Pirates won him 12 consecutive Gold Gloves and a .317 overall batting average. If you’re a Pirates fan eager to own a piece of an all-time icon, this 1950s baseball card is worth the money, even at a PSA 7.

His #164 rookie card is believed to be one of Topps’ best designs, with a clean horizontal design and a calming light green background. Collectors can pick up Clemente’s most valuable 1950s baseball card for $960,000 (PSA 9). Prices for subsequent grades are drastically lower, with PSA 8 and 7 priced at $66,598 and $13,161 respectively.

1954 Topps Henry Aaron #128

Hammerin’ Hank’s rookie card is worth the investment purely based on his athletic achievements alone. Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record gracefully, a feat most fans at the time would’ve considered impossible.

As one of the most valuable 1950s baseball cards of all time, this rookie card is priced at $600,000 (PSA 9). The #128 is immediately recognizable with its distinct orange background (notorious for its print defects) and green reverse. If you can find an unchipped version of this card today, it will almost certainly be worth something.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax #123

This Dodgers baseball card might not be as challenging to locate as, say, a Roberto Clemente, but it’s still in a league of its own. Koufax was the first pitcher to win multiple Cy Young awards, and he was a player to watch even from his earliest games at the University of Cincinnati as a 19-year-old.

As one of the most valuable 1950s baseball cards on our list, a PSA 9 #123 is priced at $360,000 with a population of just 25. While you won’t find any original hobby cases lying around at an affordable price, you can pick up a PSA 5 at a much more affordable $1,875.

1952 Topps Ed Mathews #407

Koufax and Mathews are neck and neck if we’re comparing 1950s baseball cards worth the money. Mathews’ rookie card was part of the famous premier postwar set that also featured the 1952 Mantle, and it’s the second most valuable card of that set.

More importantly, #407 was the last card of that Topps set, which made it extra prone to damage during handling. The surviving pieces are some of the most valuable 1950s baseball cards today. A PSA 9 is priced at $250,000, and only two such cards are known to exist.

Discover The Old and New

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