Cherry’s Guide to Collecting Baseball Cards (2025)

If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a rookie auto of the next Shohei Ohtani—or finding a vintage gem from the golden era of baseball—then collecting baseball cards might just be your new favourite hobby. 

⚾️ Explore all our Baseball Cards here

What is MLB?

The Major League Baseball (MLB) is the world’s premier professional baseball league, made up of 30 teams based in North America. With a rich history, iconic players, and record-breaking performances every year, it’s no surprise that the trading card scene is just as electric.

Even here in Australia, baseball card collecting is booming—driven by love for the game, the thrill of the hunt, and the rise of global superstars.

The History of Baseball Trading Cards

Baseball cards are the original sports collectible, dating back to the 1800s. Early cards were tucked into cigarette packs and bubble gum, eventually evolving into the billion-dollar industry we know today.

From Topps’ vintage Mickey Mantles to modern Bowman Chrome rookies, baseball cards have captured the legacy of legends like Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., and today’s phenoms like Elly De La Cruz and Julio Rodríguez.

Brands like Topps, Bowman, Upper Deck and Panini have each played a role in shaping the hobby, with Topps currently holding the exclusive license for MLB cards.

Why Are Baseball Cards Still So Popular in 2025?

Three reasons:

1. ⚾️ Deep history – A tradition spanning generations

2. 💎 Investment potential – Rare rookies and autos can be big-time winners

3. 🧢 Player fandom – Baseball has a unique culture of prospect chasing

Whether you're into stats, nostalgia, or ripping packs for fun—baseball cards continue to deliver in 2025.

How To Start Collecting Baseball Cards

Thinking about starting a collection? Here’s how to do it right.

Tips for New Collectors:

• Pick your path: rookies, teams, sets, or legends

• Try a blaster box or hobby box to sample different types of cards

• Use binders and toploaders to protect and store

• Don’t forget to enjoy the process—it’s supposed to be fun!

What Makes a “Good” Collection?

It depends on your style, but most great collections include:

• Base Cards – Your foundation; usually most common

• Rookie Cards – First cards of future stars

• Insert Cards – Themed, often creative and collectible

• Parallel Cards – Alternate coloured versions, sometimes numbered

• Variation Cards – Short prints with photo or print differences

• Relic Cards – Cards with game-used material (like a jersey swatch)

• Autographed Cards – Signed by the player

• Refractor Cards – Foil/shine finish, especially popular in Bowman/Chrome sets

What to Consider When Buying Baseball Cards

Buying is half the fun—but here’s what to watch out for.

Where You Buy Them From

Your best bet? Trusted hobby stores (like Cherry), sealed boxes, and verified single card sellers on platforms like eBay.

Real vs. Fake

Counterfeit cards exist—especially for high-value vintage or modern rookies.

• ✅ Real cards have proper logos, consistent thickness, sharp text

• ❌ Fakes can have blurry printing or odd textures

Singles vs. Hobby Boxes & Packs

• Singles = Targeted collecting. Great if you’re chasing specific players.

• Boxes/Packs = Great for the thrill of the rip and building sets.

Graded vs. Non-Graded

• Graded cards (PSA, BGS, CGC) are authenticated, slabbed, and often more valuable.

• Raw cards can be cheaper and are easier to trade or collect casually.

Best Baseball Cards to Collect

Here are some of the most collected and sought-after types in the hobby:

• Bowman Chrome Firsts – The first card of a prospect (aka “1st Bowmans”)

• Topps Flagship Rookies – Long-standing tradition of rookie recognition

• Topps Chrome Parallels – Colourful, shiny, and often low-numbered

• Autographed Prospect Cards – High risk, high reward

• Vintage Legends – From Hank Aaron to Jackie Robinson, these are timeless

What to Consider When Selling Baseball Cards

Selling cards can be a side hustle—or a strategic way to level up your collection.

Where to Sell Them

• Cherry Collectables (yep, we buy)

• eBay and Facebook groups

• Local card shows and marketplaces

What Price Should You Sell Them At

• Check recent eBay sold listings

• Use tools like 130point.com

• Check graded values from PSA/BGS

Should You Hold or Sell?

• 📈 Rookies: Might be worth waiting if they’re rising stars

• 🧢 Veterans: Sell during hot streaks or just before big games

• 🔒 Legends: Often hold or grow steadily over time

How to Add Value

• Grade your top hits

• Keep cards stored safely

• Group cards in bundles (team sets, rookie packs, etc.)

Are Baseball Cards Worth Collecting?

For sure. Whether you're in it for the chase, the nostalgia, or the flip potential—baseball cards are absolutely worth collecting.

They’ve stood the test of time, continue to evolve, and offer something for every kind of collector. The barrier to entry is low, but the ceiling? Sky-high.

Get Started Collecting Baseball Cards with Cherry Collectables

Ready to swing for the fences? We’ve got everything you need:

• Baseball Singles

• Hobby Boxes & Packs

• Cards sorted by player, team, brand, or card type

Whether you’re building a PC of legends or hunting today’s biggest prospects, your next great pull is just a click away.

👉 Start collecting baseball cards now