The Best Rookie Cards To Invest in!

[@eloydelagarza]

GREAT idea! As someone who came back into the hobby but was overwhelmed by too many products, this is a big helpl

[@justintime5463]

"If I have any concerns 30 years from now I'll be very happy" -Chris, Quote of the show...we love it 🤣🤣🤣

[@SpitballinCards]

hahaha - truth!

[@JohnNP3]

Thoughts on the Bowman Chrome rookie image variations without the auto holding value over time? You guys showed the Gunnar version with auto. I’m thinking about the non-auto version. Cool image with him celebrating in the dugout sporting the O’s chain.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - John I usually like the bowman chrome rookie variations, look at the Ohtani from 2018! My one issue with Gunnar’s is how similar it is to his topps golden mirror SSP. It’s annoying. Weren’t there multiple images they could use? Another issue with the 2023 rookie class is just how many damn variations there are across all the products. Way too many. In conclusion, I just don’t know. Maybe wait and see if the PSA pop count stays under control?

[@JohnNP3]

@@SpitballinCardsThx Chris. All good points.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@JohnNP3 I really like the Yoshida image from 2023.

[@anthonyspizzirri7403]

Another Great video fellas! You have me alot to think about and consider. Appreciate the content.

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickfenk3242]

No talk of transcendence?

[@chrisc4264]

The problem today is much like the junk wax era except we have junk wax parallels. Too many 1/1s and too many choices. The high end stuff isn't affordable for me and it's too risky anyway. 2024 Topps Chrome IF they don't 🤬 it up, can be a solid pickup of a few players and to stash the hobby wax. The best rookie cards to buy if you have the money are vintage and nothing ultra modern. My Powerball numbers are always off by 6 😆 so my budget is limited. Love Mookie for example but can't afford any numbered or scarce rookies of him. Thanks for the chat. Gilded may be nice but also too pricey for most average collectors.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - way way WAY too many parallels. But if they want to grow the hobby, they have to get cards to more people so I get it. Just makes ripping so much less worthwhile. And the better parallels harder to find. thanks for watching!

[@chrisc4264]

@@SpitballinCards To a point yes but gimmicks get old fast

[@SpitballinCards]

@@chrisc4264 most are indeed quickly forgotten

[@stueystuey1962]

I'm starting to like bow chro rc's. Iotw the rc's with the rc logo. It pairs well with the bow chro 1st and costs a fraction but are very hard to pull.

[@nick_dabaldo8254]

You guys rock. Best content, very informative. Help me a ton

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching! I’m really glad we could help!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy collecting!

[@ryanra44]

2024 topps true photo variation looks super cool, especially the Bobby Witt jr

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - yeah that action sliding image is 🔥🔥🔥

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Definitely -- like a poster!

[@rorycalhoun1126]

All Witt Jr cards

[@BCcards]

I agree with sapphire. Though update sapphire this year had black /10 which were awesome. Weird one but cool in 2023 was stars in the night from cosmic. Only has 3 parallels, one /10 and one /5 and the super. Cool looking cards, like a stary night themed

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I just can’t get into cosmic. Seems way too gimmicky. Kind of a novelty set. But if it sticks around for a few years, my opinion could change. Thanks for watching!

[@BCcards]

@@SpitballinCards oh yea def not into cosmic. That one insert looks good tho

[@kangtheconqueror9545]

​@SpitballinCards My first big pull after getting back in the hobby was a Ohtani Supernova Black Eclipse 10/10. I know Cosmic sells really well on all the live streams so I think it'll stick around.

[@jordanduggan8441]

What do you guys think of the 2022 Bowman Heritage true gold chrome rookie autos? I’ve heard they discontinued the set but the Bobby Witt & Julio Rodriguez are beautiful to me.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - the set looks good, but man so many sets and autos in 2022. It’s hard for a secondary set like this stand out after a few years. Thanks for watching!

[@Joe-cf3vo]

Great work gents. This is a tough choice but I agree with you. I am a collector of image variations. For autos I prefer on card autos from stadium club, stadium club chrome, chrome, and bowman 1st autos. Gilded and Dynasty has grown on me for personal astetics reasons

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching! Always good to meet another appreciator of image variations!

[@DeadPandaSociety]

It’s awesome what you guys do here I definitely love watching every episode! I’m going to the detroit sports spectacular. Definitely going to look for a couple cards including Elly!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - good luck at the show! Keep an eye out for some Skubal!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for the feedback! And for watching -- happy collecting!

[@richiecook2305]

I completely understand there’s no shortage of products these days but I personally think sapphire has a place long term with the limited print runs as long as we’re talking about on card autos. My personal favorite though is bowman chrome rookie autos, they are so scarce with everyone chasing bowman 1sts I keep my eyes on the guys with the RC stamp!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I love bowman chrome rookie autos. Definitely way less printed these days - just try to find a Julio rodriguez rookie. My main issues with sapphire are that it’s no longer a limited print run and the autos in 2023 Update were all stickers. Topps turned it into a junk product!! Really a shame. Thanks for watching

[@nunzi83]

Using the example you gave in regard to Corbin Carroll. Red bowman or dynasty logoman. I think it’s an easy choice and it’s the red. Huge problem with the dynasty card is that I feel it’s devalued with all the other Carroll logomans that came out In 2023. They’ve been putting logoman 1/1’s in every Higher end release. A lot of these 1/1’s are getting devalued bc of this. Topps inception had over 5 1/1 RPA’s that I saw and I bet there’s prob more then that in that release alone.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I agree with you. Just too many similar patch and Logo cards. Only 5 reds and they came FIRST!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

This is an excellent point! And makes my choice of the red seem even more the right move. Thanks for commenting!

[@sport3423]

Bare with my ignorance, but what is the difference between an image variation and a photo variation?

[@TheProfessorsDugout]

Since there is so much that will be coming out over the rest of the year with a ton of RCs to chase, and with the Brewers PC, I am really just going to concentrate on a few. Topps flagship black parallel and the logo border (which I really liked in Series 1), Topps Chrome (true blue or gold), Topps Finest (gold or blue), Heritage (black chrome which is sharp) and the Stadium Club (rainbow foil). I will be mostly staying away from the other stuff. I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but I am sapphired out. Used to love it, but now I feel they make too much of it.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I’m totally with you on sapphire. Topps had a cool, high end thing and they overdid it with way too many sets and parallels. Not shocking but a true shame. When they gave us an absolutely butchered 2023 sapphire update, packed with worthless sticker autos, I was officially done with the product.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Good point about the team logo borders, I think that's an innovation that was well done. Thanks for watching!

[@bobbybo9691]

So many different variations, I was excited to get back into it. But was overwhelmed by so many different products and variations

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: Hard to argue. It IS overwhelming, I'm 7 years back in and still learning...

[@KirbySmartsFakePunt]

I think this years independence days could have some juice. Acuna’s rookies are a headache to decipher through outside his update and update SSP’s. I’m debating buying his blue bowman chrome rookie cause that seems like a decent image that closely resembles his flagship image? Maybe. Looking forward to buying a lot of elly since I don’t think it’ll be as much of a headache.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I have bad news for you, Elly rookies will be a huge headache. They’re going to be letter for another 12 months. As far as Acuna goes, start with the 2017 bowman chrome auto. Then maybe the 2018 update parallels and SSP. You’re right about him - his rookies are kind of a mess.

[@KirbySmartsFakePunt]

@@SpitballinCards I have his white jersey with glove, his Update Gold, his stadium club ssp that’s a variation of Hank. I am just kind of lost on what other rookies are worth dumping money into. I don’t really like 1st Bowmans despite them definitely being the way to go. I’m a sucker for rookies. And for Elly I just meant I can buy his Black, Independence Day, and an ssp and be done with it. I was late to the party with Acuna

[@KirbySmartsFakePunt]

@@SpitballinCards thanks for the comment as always though. You’re my go to for Acuna stuff lol

[@SpitballinCards]

@@KirbySmartsFakePunt I like your Acuna PC as is. Great stuff. And I think you identified the best Elly to target. 👏👏👏

[@thekeithy4999]

I try to stick with flagship golds. They have staying power, but are affordable. I did pick up a Witt black, but that’s the only flagship black I own. Also, heritage red ink autos existed in 2001. My buddy bought one pack at a card show when we were kids and he pulled a Mike Lamb red ink auto.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Can't argue with that strategy!

[@drpearlmantv6357]

Got my Mookie stadium club RC auto today 💪🏼

[@SpitballinCards]

Did you win that recent auction on eBay? Chris here - we talked about that auction near the end of thursdays “blabbin bout slabbin” KZbin live.

[@drpearlmantv6357]

@@SpitballinCardshi Chris . I watched that & no .😊 I was at the Dallas card show (5-17-24) and my friend who is a vendor called me saying someone was going to sell it to him. I sprinted to the booth and paid cash 🎉 I’m a big Mookie collector, with no autos . Until now. Card is raw and won’t gem but is clean enough and we all know how rare😊

[@SpitballinCards]

@@drpearlmantv6357 oh yeah, I have a stadium club raw rookie auto as well. Just happy to have it. Tough to find so grade not as important. We all know Mookie hasn’t signed any cards since! Great pick up in Dallas!

[@drpearlmantv6357]

@@SpitballinCards and then he hits a lead off bomb for us 😍 Question 🙋‍♀️ and maybe topic for y’all (request from me) : do you think Mookie is “the most undervalued” modern baseball card collected ?

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Nice pickup!

[@rockiesinoctober]

So many sets. Thanks for making it slightly less confusing.

[@SpitballinCards]

Sooooooooo many sets

[@JohnMiller-jj9kx]

Very confusing and these cards you point out are largely unobtainable unless you are constantly looking for these at any price. Scott, I would like to see you do a show and summarize what you guys picked, along with the numbers printed and what is actually available. Thanks, great show as always!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - the cost of the cards is an issue. I think more collectors are coming to a similar conclusion: that fewer cards are going to hold value moving forward. Driving the prices of the best ones up. I still like topps gold parallels. They have stayed more affordable. I also think there’s something great about topps chrome Blue Refractors. They’ve been around a long time, too. Thanks for watching!

[@timmccray7507]

I’m a little older collector but I just like dynasty with a game used patch a rookie card logo compared to air brush uniform of the player when he looks 16

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that’s total understandable. I just wish a set like dyansty would tell us what games the patches come from. I’d feel better about the cards, I’m sure. Thanks for watching!

[@schotimecards]

Think you guys did a good job overall covering products to prioritize. One thing I would add for autos that Chris kind of touched on is Rookie Bowman Chrome autos. I feel the Bowman Chrome RC auto goes under the radar because everyone is chasing prospects but really there's a lot less Bowman Chrome rookie autos vs Topps Chrome RC autos so I personally have gravitated towards BC RC autos because in the long run I think people will recognize the lower pop count and will help maintain/grow value for the stars.

[@bangers_sportscards]

I love the logofractor. In my opinion it’s the coolest chrome parallel

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - the set looks good, but with mostly the same images, do we need another gold refractor?? And I’ll be honest, the rookie image variation autos having stickers was infuriating.

[@bangers_sportscards]

@chris agreed. I personally would like it more if it was just a parallel in Topps Chrome. Like numbered to 25 or something, no colors, maybe all photo variation too.

[@hamnertime]

I’m with Jeff and Chris… I would take the Red Bowman Chrome Corbin Carroll card. A card with the MLB patch isn’t special (in my opinion), as every player has that on their uniform. I’d rather have a Carroll card with a patch with the D-back colors.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - RED all the way! Thanks for watching and sharing your great taste in cards!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: Thanks for the feedback! And for watching -- happy collecting!

[@Jackson_Farnsworth]

Picked up a Ken Griffey JR RC this week. I think he'll pan out!

[@chrisc4264]

Wish they hadn't made a gazillion 89 Upper Deck rookies. They printed them well into 1990

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - his underlying metrics look good! Thanks for watching!

[@SpitballinCards]

@@chrisc4264 the single most graded sports card ever!!

[@chrisc4264]

@@SpitballinCards Yup. Many never should've even been graded

[@Jackson09]

Lmao..awesome man...he could...you just never know about the unknown ones ya know...Good luck though...may be on to something...

[@vincentdefino1732]

I actually pulled a Evan Carter 2023 leaf electic auto/10. Got Eric bitoni, Kyle teel, Edward suarez auto

[@bulldozer_cards55]

I would love to hear you guys discuss PSA, in particular we have seen the shift from BGS to PSA as the leader in highest grossing slab sales. I have considered crossing a few SGC 10s to PSA, but then I think...why? If the intent is to hold long term, what is the point of crossing other than to have the illusion of higher value? What would it take to de-thrown PSA and could that happen over the next 10 years? Personally, I wish SGC would get away from 9.5's, it really does prevent me from submitting some larger modern cards, due to the threat of the 9.5 being possible, when maybe that card gets a 10 with PSA. If SGC had only a 9 or 10 option, I would certainly send them more orders.

[@Bryan45552]

At the end of the day, if you're investing in anything, you need a buyer when you go to sell. Sometimes that's someone who's casually into the entity. People will easily know Topps flagship and Topps chrome. When it comes to liquidity, flagship gold and base refractors are likely the best when it comes to drumming up buyers and interest when going to sell. Sure, the flagship black and gold chrome refractor will command a premium, but you might end up making more with multiple refractor sales than the single low numbered parallel.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - you make a good point. Higher end cards tend to take a little Longer to move because the buyer pool is smaller. I can see your logic, but as print runs have increased and continue to increase, those unnumbered parallels like refractors are likely increasing too. Supply could easily outpace demand. Thanks for watching!

[@Grizzgrizzly1]

I’m so pumped that dynasty made this list!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - even though I don’t have any dynasty, I have to admit they look great.

[@joealessandra7726]

Since there won't be 2023 stadium club chrome will that boost the value of the chrome cards included in the base set long term?

[@BPal75]

Perhaps one of you guys could help me understand something. Using Gunnar Henderson as an example, why does he have a 2023 Topps Chrome rookie card #2 (released in July), but then also has a 2023 Topps Chrome Update rookie debut rookie card #USC208 (released in November)? Both cards have the rookie shield. Wouldn't the rookie debut come before a regular rookie card? What's the purpose of having both? I find this very confusing, and left trying to figure out which is the "better" Topps Chrome rookie card to target for him in the long-term, and just generally left confused trying to figure out why Topps does this in general. If anyone can explain this I would appreciate it!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - for a few years now, Topps has included a Rookie debut card in Update for the bigger name rookies that debuted that year. Betts in 2014. Acuna, Soto, Ohtani in 2018. Tatis and Guerrero in 2019. These Debut cards are definitely LESS desirable than the regular rookie card and not the ones to target. For Gunnar, it’s tough. I’m a Braves fan and choosing a Michael Harris rookie was also a challenge. (We broke down the chrome gold refractors on a Blabbin Bout Slabbin channel and there are over 2,000 of them in 2023.) For Gunnar, the numbers are similar. Which cards have you narrowed it down to?

[@BPal75]

Thanks that’s helpful! Yeah it’s tough with Gunnar as you said - he has so many rookie cards. I probably would go for the Topps Chrome Orange for the color match but I don’t think any have sold, so hard to come by. I’m not a big fan of the Orange Wave. I’ve thought about trying to pick up his first Bowman Draft Chrome Orange. At least with the first Bowmans there are a lot less of them, but I don’t really like the photo on his first Bowmans. It’s hard!

[@JChriStiaN648]

Great episode. I always love this topic

[@SpitballinCards]

So do we! Thanks for watching

[@toddbunnell9675]

Love the Dynasty, but explain to me the statement "Game-Used Memorabilia" on the front of card compared to the statement "the relic contained in this card is not from any game....season". Is the relic game used or not?

[@SpitballinCards]

Scott here-It is game used! Topps does that on every relic. They do not want to keep a database showing where every relic is coming from, so they have that blanket statement to protect themselves. If it was not game used it would say "player worn" on the front, or it would say that it is not from anything on the back. People still contend that it is too much of a gray area for them, but it makes sense to me and I am okay with it. Thanks for watching!

[@toddbunnell9675]

@@SpitballinCards Thanks. I have a Kyle Tucker relic from AFL with the MLB relic hologram w/ number. I think those are pretty cool as they identify the date and game. Love the new channel. Great content!

[@forpetesake20]

gilded is a good replacement for the ben baller set

[@SpitballinCards]

And a big upgrade as well!

[@lucycosentino23]

How do you tell if stadium chrome is a Variation?

[@MinneapolisCollectibles]

Love the conversation. Can you answer this question? If bowman 1st is more sought after than RC, why isn’t bowman U or prizm draft more sought after in football? Will as big of a brand as college football is (especially vs minor league baseball) why doesn’t it work out like baseball does?

[@Joan_E]

The only red ink Heritage I have is of Eddie Kasko # to 68 but my best Heritage real one auto is my Henry Aaron I pulled from a blaster that was a redemption

[@rockcundiff1761]

I beg to differ. No particular order: Cobb, Mantle, Ruth, Jackie, Mays, DiMaggio, Mathewson, Walter Johnson

[@SpitballinCards]

But do those guys have gold refractors??

[@scottfournier4608]

For budget conscious collectors/investors, what do you think of Rookie Debut Gold parallel cards? Can get a raw Mookie debut card for under $100 compared to flagship gold raw around $500.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I think I’d see if you could get the 2014 Topps Chrome update base Rookie for spring they same price. I like that more than the paper gold Debut. But if not, the gold Debut is a solid card. Rookie, serial numbered.

[@craigbrown7880]

Great Stuff gentleman. 🤙🏻

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching! 🍻🍻

[@小曹生活]

I am very curious. So far, there is no autograph card of Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers jersey. Is Topps intentionally controlling the number of Shohei Ohtani's signatures and not wanting too many signatures from Ohtani?

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that doesn’t sound like Topps! Haha I think they just haven’t gotten any yet. I bet they’ll pop up in series 2 in June. Probably some retro autos with the 1989 design.

[@Goobastank]

When you say flagship to 74 you do not mean Topps chrome or Topps Heritage. You just mean straight Topps. And each series (1,2,update) has a black parallel numbered to 74 since 2002?

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - the topps black parallels started in 2003 and were #/52 to honor the 1952 set. Every year after, topps increased the print run by 1. Now in 2024, they’re #/74. Next year it’ll be #/75.

[@SpitballinCards]

Oh and yes, they’re in the regular topps set. Series 1, 2, and update. Hobby boxes only.

[@Goobastank]

Thanks Chris. Great show idea

[@Mskedu47]

Most of the hot prospects like Holliday become total bums. Too risky

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: Agreed. And the fact that they are SO expensive right away makes any gains almost seem impossible.

[@TheBen8355]

Like you said red ink auto has everything going for it.

[@sirdusk2852]

Ill take a koufax, hank, banks, or marris rookie over any modern rookie for the price the moden ones go for. I don't have to worry that in 3 years that rookie may flake out.

[@lakevin]

Flagship black should still be top dog.

[@BellTunnel]

I thought Topps used black parallels for /10, not /75.

[@LivePastHealthy]

I would 100% go logo man.

[@KC_CC]

Yes Jeff! Red Ink!!!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

I like your taste! Thanks for watching!

[@JeffreyBeckerPhotographs]

Phil is my favorite person! Is he on load management again? The best capability is availability.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I’m trying really REALLY hard not be personally offended. Trying.

[@JeffreyBeckerPhotographs]

@@SpitballinCards haha, because Phil is my favorite? :)

[@SpitballinCards]

@@JeffreyBeckerPhotographs I’ll assume this is one of his burner accounts.

[@JeffreyBeckerPhotographs]

@@SpitballinCards Chris!!! Why didn’t you use your new microphone for this? Just saw it on your Blab about Slab video and it sounds great. I’ll assume spitballin was recorded before it arrived. My audio request has finally been realized!! Philmington to the rescue.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@JeffreyBeckerPhotographs 😂😂 YES!! It arrived Tuesday, the day after we recorded spitballin. I did notice a difference. Indeed - philmington to the rescue!

[@aduncaroo]

I want the logoman over the red. I think they’re a whoooooole lot more room for growth for the card regardless of the player.

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion !

[@brandonmartin9117]

I was hyped when guilded came out and then I saw the Julio image 🤮🤢

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - sometimes we just NEED to know how topps makes decisions. Whoever chose that image - and franky almost all of Julio’s rookie auto images - needs to be put in a time out.

[@RichardX-bs1pf]

Connor bedard?

[@SpitballinCards]

Unfortunately, none of us know much about the current hockey card market.

[@rorycalhoun1126]

Witt Jr #1.....Face of MLB for next 10 years.

[@nickfenk3242]

No transcendence mention?

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - it’s just not mainstream enough. Kind of a niche product. At least IMO

[@rossoeder]

Funny how everyone bashed 80's wax era. And these guys admit rookie cards are in 700 different sets. It's so watered down. Bonds had 5/6 variations in both 86 and 87.

[@roberttellez6648]

🎉

[@SpitballinCards]

🍻🍻

[@aduncaroo]

They ruined sapphire after 2019. Super disappointing

[@SpitballinCards]

2022 Sapphire update was the last great sapphire set. Really limited on card rookie autos. Now there’s way too much sapphire everywhere. It’s a shame.