Rickey Henderson Baseball Card 1983 Topps No. 180 - Axiom Grade Near Mint 8 See Photos ... Includes FREE SHIPPING. Note sports memorabilia market hit $16 billion in 2023. Projections indicate it will reach $52 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 14% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
A detailed physical examination of this baseball card finds it is in Near Mint 8 condition. Here's a breakdown of the four key grading criteria:
- Centering: The front of the card appears to be slightly off-center from left to right. The right border is visibly thicker than the left. The top-to-bottom centering seems to be within acceptable limits for a high grade.
- Corners: The corners, particularly the top right and bottom left, show very minor signs of softening or "fuzziness." They are not perfectly sharp, which would preclude a gem mint grade.
- Edges: The edges of the card appear to be relatively clean with no significant chipping or notching visible.
- Surface: The surface of the card, both front and back, appears to be in good condition. There are no obvious scratches, print defects, or stains. The gloss and color are vibrant.
Widely regarded as the greatest lead-off hitter in the history of Major League Baseball, Rickey Henderson redefined the position with his electrifying blend of speed, power, and plate discipline. Over a remarkable 25-season career that spanned from 1979 to 2003, Henderson established himself as the sport's all-time leader in stolen bases with an astounding 1,406 and runs scored with 2,295, records that are considered by many to be unbreakable. A dynamic offensive force, he was a ten-time All-Star, the 1990 American League MVP, and a two-time World Series champion. Henderson's unique, crouched batting stance and keen eye resulted in a staggering 2,190 career walks, and his surprising power is evidenced by his record 81 lead-off home runs. He played for nine different teams, most notably the Oakland Athletics in four separate stints, but his impact was felt across the league, forever changing the way the game was played from the very first at-bat. His flamboyant personality and unmatched confidence made him one of the most exciting and memorable players to ever grace a baseball diamond, culminating in his first-ballot induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
