{"title":"1996 Bowman's Best Baseball Cards","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Origin \u0026amp; Lore:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1996 Bowman's Best Baseball Cards collection marks a significant turning point in the world of sports card collecting. Released at a time when the hobby was experiencing renewed momentum, this set is notable for its innovative design and collectible appeal. Bowman's Best, produced by the venerable Topps Company, was created as a premium line, targeted at both avid collectors and passionate baseball fans. The set encapsulates the essence of the 1996 MLB season, celebrating iconic players and the emergence of promising rookies. With its focus on player performance and eye-catching aesthetics, Bowman's Best became a beloved choice among collectors relatively quickly, helped in part by a strong rookie class that included standout players like Derek Jeter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisuals \u0026amp; Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1996 Bowman's Best cards are masterpieces of design, utilizing one of the first iterations of refractor technology that would come to define modern collectible card aesthetics. The card borders are sleek and reflective, complementing vivid action shots that capture the dynamism of each player. Players are often depicted in motion, further enhancing the visual impact. The set features a glossy finish, making the colors appear vibrant and alive. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of holographic imagery, which not only adds depth and a touch of sophistication but also serves as a security measure against counterfeiting. This unique combination of design elements creates a sensory experience, as collectors and fans alike are drawn to the captivating visuals of each card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Mechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e The strength of the rookie class in the 1996 Bowman's Best collection significantly boosts the appeal among collectors. This set features the rookie cards of notable players, including the legendary Derek Jeter, whose card remains a sought-after gem. The set is designed with subsets that feature various themes, including \"Rookies\" and \"Best Performers,\" showcasing the best talent of that season. Each card encapsulates players' contributions to the game, making it not just a collectible but also a reflection of a pivotal moment in baseball history. Furthermore, the incorporation of numbered variants adds an additional mechanic through which collectors can enhance their collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Chase Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e The scarcity of certain inserts and parallels adds an intriguing “chase” element to the 1996 Bowman's Best collection. Key cards such as the Jeter rookie are often found in gold and atomic refractor parallels, which are dramatically rarer than their base counterparts. Limited editions, serial numbering, and other variants amplify the desirability and valuation of certain cards. Collectors actively seek out these exclusive chases, knowing that their rarity can significantly elevate their collections. The presence of cards featuring different refractor colors – ranging from the common to the exceedingly rare – creates a competitive environment at exhibitions and card shows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Derek Jeter rookie card is considered one of the flagship cards in this collection and remains highly sought after.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The set includes variations with multiple refractor parallel types, adding diverse collecting options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Several cards within the collection are known to be short-printed, enhancing their rarity and value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The innovative use of holographic images sets this collection apart from its contemporaries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector's Legacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1996 Bowman's Best Baseball Cards collection has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of nostalgia and investment potential in the collectible cards landscape. Its unique design and notable rookie cards ensure that it resonates with both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts alike. This collection not only captures a memorable moment in baseball history but also appeals to the modern collector's desire for quality and rarity. As the fascination with sports collectibles continues to grow, the Bowman's Best line remains a staple symbol of innovation and excellence that is sure to endure through generations.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"1996-bowmans-best-132-edgard-velazquez-nm-mt-rc-rookie-rockies","title":"1996 Bowman's Best #132 Edgard Velazquez NM-MT RC Rookie Rockies","description":"\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e1996 Bowman's Best #132 Edgard Velazquez NM-MT RC Rookie \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"1996 Bowman's Best #132 Edgard Velazquez NM-MT RC Rookie\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marketplace.live\/cdn\/shop\/files\/0000322149.webp\" width=\"400\" data-original=\"https:\/\/sandoval.ultimatecardstore.com\/online_store\/store\/images\/0000322149.jpg\" data-files=\"0000322149.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align:center\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*****Updated 05\/17\/22*****\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne to five trading cards (depending on thickness) will be shipped in each Card Saver (semi-ridgid - NOT A TOPLOAD) inside a standard letter envelope (PWE - Plain White Envelope)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eNo USPS Tracking available with a FREE or $.99 shipping charge. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eGet tracking with either First Class (shipped in a bubble mailer) or Priority Shipping (shipped in a flat rate envelope).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eSimply Sandoval usually ships within 2 business days Monday thru Friday.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003ePlease contact Simply Sandoval\/simply-cards on eBay if you have any questions regarding this listing. Please have the item number available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eSimply Sandoval has been family owned and operated since 1993. We take pride in accurate grading, fair pricing, and excellent customer service. We have been online since 1993 selling sports cards and handmade items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrading Sports Cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eThese are the grading standards that we use and follow!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul class=\"stars\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eMint (MT) -- A card with four sharp corners, 50\/50 centering, no imperfections or signs of wear. Even cards straight out of the pack do not always grade mint. Pre-1970 MT cards typically sell at 150 percent or more of the NM price. *We don't list cards in this grade* \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eNear Mint - Mint - (NrMt-Mt) - A card with one minor flaw. Any one of the following would lower a Mint card to Near Mint-Mint: one corner with a slight touch of wear, barely noticeable print spots, color or focus imperfections. The card must have 60\/40 or better centering in both directions, original gloss, smooth edges and original color borders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eNear Mint (NM) -- A near-perfect card with perhaps one minor imperfection, such as one blunt corner. Centering is no worse than 60\/40 and the card must have its original gloss. NM cards are the standard by which other grades are usually gauged. Example: MT cards bring 150 percent of book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eExcellent-Mint (EX-MT) -- A card with only two or three minor imperfections. Must have original gloss and centering no worse than 70\/30. EX-MT cards typically sell for 75 to 90 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eExcellent (EX) -- A card with a few minor imperfections. Some original gloss is lost and the edges show moderate wear. All four corners typically show some wear. Centering is no worse than 75\/25. EX cards usually sell for 50 percent to 75 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eVery Good (VG) -- A card that shows obvious handling but is still attractive despite wear and imperfections. A VG card may have a crease, but one that's not severe enough to make the card unattractive. Most of the original gloss is lost. VG cards usually sell for 25 percent to 35 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eGood (G), Fair (F), Poor (P) -- A very worn card with many major imperfections. Collectors use cards of these grades as fillers until better ones can be found. With very little market for such cards, they are valued at 5 percent to 10 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eCreases and major defects if present are mentioned in the description or title of the item for sale or bid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003ePLEASE NOTE: All shipping with USPS is taking longer than normal. Please be advised it may take 21+ days for delivery US only and 60 days International.***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ctable border=\"1\" bgcolor=\"#A9141A\" width=\"70%\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd valign=\"middle\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003ch5\u003e\u003cfont color=\"white\"\u003eThis listing created with GLETech Multiple Selling Channel tools.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e","brand":"Sandoval’s Cards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50428939206931,"sku":"12362","price":1.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/8592\/6675\/files\/1996-bowmans-best-132-edgard-velazquez-nm-mt-rc-rookie-rockies-824.webp?v=1754039601"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/8592\/6675\/collections\/1996-bowmans-best-baseball-cards.webp?v=1778522523","url":"https:\/\/www.tradingcardsmarketplace.com\/collections\/1996-bowmans-best-baseball-cards.oembed","provider":"TradingCardsMarketplace.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}