The 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set is arguably one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of baseball cards. Produced by the American Chicle Company, the 1934 Goudey set was the first widely distributed modern baseball card set. It featured cards of 154 different players from the National and American Leagues at the time.
The checklist of players included in the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was very comprehensive for its era. Some of the biggest stars of 1930s baseball were featured, like Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees and Dizzy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals. The set also included many role players and lesser known stars, demonstrating Goudey’s goal of having cards for most everyone actively playing in the majors at that time.
In terms of the franchise representation, the New York Yankees led the way with 15 total players featured thanks to their dynasty run during this period. The St. Louis Cardinals were next with 13 cards. Other teams well-represented included the Chicago Cubs (11), Detroit Tigers (10), Boston Red Sox (9), and Philadelphia Athletics (8). No other franchise had more than 7 players make the checklist.
Some notable individual players included in the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set were:
Babe Ruth, New York Yankees: As the game’s biggest star, Ruth predictably headlined the checklist and his card is the most coveted by collectors today.
Dizzy Dean, St. Louis Cardinals: One of the era’s best pitchers, Dean’s fun-loving personality made him a favorite among fans.
Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees: Prior to his tragic decline, Gehrig was one of baseball’s finest all-around players as evidenced by his inclusion.
Jimmy Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics: Future Hall of Famer was in his prime with back-to-back MVP awards in 1932-1933.
Hank Greenberg, Detroit Tigers: The “Hammerin’ Hebrew” was one of the game’s top sluggers just beginning his remarkable career.
Joe Medwick, St. Louis Cardinals: 1934 NL MVP and star of the famed “Gashouse Gang” Cardinals clubs.
Charlie Gehringer, Detroit Tigers: Durable second baseman was a contributor for Tigers’ championship teams.
In addition to the notable stars listed above, the set also included solid players like Bill Terry, Mel Ott, Jimmie Wilson, Lefty Gomez, Mickey Cochrane, and Freddie Lindstrom among many others. No players were omitted simply due to being on poorer teams – statistical merit earned inclusion.
The design scheme for the 1954 Goudey cards was quite basic but effective. Each card measured approximately 2.125 inches by 3.125 inches and was printed on thin cardboard stock. The front of the card depicted each player’s headshot along with their name and team neatly featured below. On the back was a simple grey graphical border with space in the center for the player’s stats, but no written information. The cards featured no logos or advertisement content at all.
With such inclusiveness and prominently featuring the sport’s icons like Babe Ruth, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was an immediate success upon its release. Its distribution method of being sold in packs of gum helped popularize what we now consider the standard baseball card collecting experience. The set had massive cultural impact by bringing the baseball card hobby to the mainstream forefront.
Today, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards are among the most prized possessions of any serious vintage card collector. In top gem mint condition, premium cards like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig routinely sell for over $100,000 each due to their rarity, historical significance, and superb iconic imagery capturing an bygone era of the national pastime. Even more common players can still fetch thousands because of the set’s immense popularity and influence on the industry. Over 85 years later, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards still capture imaginations as one of the most storied releases in any sport.
