Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As I am a part of the eBay Partner Network and other programs, if you follow these links and make a purchase, I’ll receive commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re a 90s insert nut like me, you’re easily enamored with any card that brings the shine and shimmer.
Problem is, because they all look cool, it’s really tough to know which are great, which are good, and which can be had for pennies.
This becomes even more challenging with the sets that showed up year after year, with only one or two years being valuable while the rest – while still cool – aren’t worth a ton.
You know, I’m talking Flair Hot Gloves, Ultra Hitting Machines, and a handful of others.
So, I’m trying to help train the cardboard brain.
Here are the best years to look for from a few of the most popular insert sets around.
Flair Hot Gloves
I mentioned things get tough when all of the cards look cool, and Hot Gloves is no exception. From the die cuts to the flames, each year from 1994 to 1997 presented something new and beautiful.
Key Year: 1997 Flair Showcase
But, when it comes to the best, it’s 1997 by a long shot.
And besides looking cool, did you know this tidbit?
From BaseballCardPedia.com:
1997 would mark the final year for Hot Gloves, which had been a staple of the Flair/Flair Showcase brand dating back to 1994. This year’s set featured a die-cut flame design (instead of a die-cut glove in previous years) with heat-sensitive ink. The fire design all around the card would change from bright red-orange to light-orange and white when when touched or exposed to heat.
To drive the point home, as you can see from the Ken Griffey Jr. examples below, 1997 is far and away the most valuable set.
And while not as dramatic of a difference, here is how Cal Ripken Jr.’s Hot Gloves values stack up against each other:
Fleer Ultra Hitting Machines
Cards are nostalgia, and I have fond memories of 1994 Ultra—it was the first wax box I ever ripped as a then 10-year-old.
That said, the look and feel of 1994 Ultra Hitting Machines is nothing compared to 1996 and 1997.
Key Year: 1996 Fleer Ultra
Yes, 1996 is best, but it’s not a runaway favorite for most player’s on the different checklists. Ken Griffey Jr. is in a league of his own, which is why his 1996 last sold for $100, but besides that, values are much closer for most other players.
To compare across all years for other players, here is a look at Frank Thomas, with 1996 being $23.51 last sale and barely beating out 1997 ($17.49).
And here is Mike Piazza, with 1996 at $12.50.
Fleer Ultra Diamond Producers
I love seeing a good insert blossom over the years, and Ultra Diamond producers is one that evolved from meh to magnificent.
Key Year: 1999 Fleer Ultra
Much like Hitting Machines, you can probably guess which were the best issues just by looking at the pictures. 1999 bottom right is the best, with 1998 – bottom left – the next best.
Let’s check out the value breakdown for Griffey, with 1999 last selling for $200:
Like the other sets, though, the comparisons are much closer for other players, and even flipped, with 1998 selling better than 1999 of late.
Here is Frank Thomas:
Here is Mike Piazza:
Ultra Thunderclap
So yeah, there is a lot of Ultra on this list. Thunderclap is one of my favorite sets, and you can easily see why.
Here they are from left to right, 1996, 1997, and 1999:
Key Year: 1996 Fleer Ultra
Neither Market Movers or Card Hedge have all three years – 1996, 1997, 1999 – but from latest eBay sales:
Ken Griffey Jr.:
- 1996 $115
- 1997 $50
- 1999 $34
Barry Bonds:
- 1996 $120
- 1997 $5.99
Mark McGwire
- 1996 5.99
- 1997 $2.99
- 1999 $3.99
So, 1996 – especially Griffey and the bigger names – is going to be the most valuable.
Leaf Statistical Standouts
While Thunderclap carries through a common theme, Leaf Statistical Standouts are a bit all over the place.
That said, did you know this was the only Leaf insert set to run from 1994 until discontinuation?
This was the inaugural year for Leaf’s most recognizable insert (the only insert set featured in Leaf every year from 1994 until the brand was discontinued after the bankruptcy of Pinnacle Brands in 1998). This ten-card set featured the game’s top statistical players. Cards were printed on silver and team-colored foilboard and were exclusive to Series One packs.
And, while they might not look like anything special from the photos, 1995 started the trend of both looking and feeling like a leather baseball in 1995, 1996, and 1998.
In 1997, it was a glove, with a different spin:
Leaf’s flagship and annual insert, these cards were inserted across all Series One packs. This year, the card resembled a fielding glove: the card was die-cut and bi-layered so it “opened up” like a glove. This design was the first of its kind seen in the hobby. Each card is serial-numbered to 1000 copies.
NOTE: The “flap” was glued to the card with rubber cement, which should easily, but not always, rub off without damaging the card.
Key Year: 1997 Leaf
For Griffey, 1997 is the best, last selling for $76. But, both 1996 and 1995 are nothing to sneer at, with latest sales of $30 and $55, respectively.
Topps Gallery of Heroes Stained Glass
While I’ve mentioned a few of the sets above as being my “favorites,” Topps Gallery of Heroes Stained Glass is the one where I’ve put my money where my mouth is with a few in my collection.
Key Year: All?
If you ever come across these, know that the 1997 entry is the best, with the Griffey last selling for over $200. But again, 1999 is strong at $85, and the others are close to $50 as well. All around, you can’t really go wrong if you see these cheap.
Here is Jeter, with 1998 being the most valuable of late:
Here is 1997-1999 for Mike Piazza:
That’s it for now! I hope to add more soon.
