Rod Carew Baseball Card 1983 Topps No. 200 - Axiom Grade Near Mint Condition, 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 thorough examination finds this card is in Near Mint Excellent condition. Here is a breakdown based on the four primary criteria for grading trading cards: - Centering: The card is well-centered, with the borders on the front being relatively even on all four sides. This is a significant positive attribute for cards from this era. - Corners: The corners of the card are sharp and show minimal signs of wear. There is no significant rounding or "softness" apparent. - Edges: The edges of the card look to be clean and free of any noticeable chipping or "dings." - Surface: The surface of the card, both front and back, is clean, with vibrant colors and no visible scratches, creases, or stains. A true artist with a bat, Rod Carew was one of the most dominant and respected pure hitters in Major League Baseball for two decades. Splitting his illustrious 19-year career between the Minnesota Twins (1967-1978) and the California Angels (1979-1985), Carew was a perennial All-Star, earning the honor in 18 consecutive seasons. His mastery of bat control and his ability to hit to all fields allowed him to win seven American League batting titles, a feat surpassed only by Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and Tony Gwynn. In his 1977 MVP season, he flirted with a .400 average, ultimately finishing at a remarkable .388. A lifetime .328 hitter, Carew accumulated 3,053 career hits with a quiet consistency that defied the home run era in which he played. His elegant, unorthodox stance and cerebral approach to hitting made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and secured his place as a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.