In 2001, Post Foods launched their latest series of baseball trading cards inserted randomly into boxes of cereal. This series, like previous Post card inserts of the 1990s, featured current MLB players and was wildly popular among young collectors. The 2001 Post cards contained 60 total cards in the base set as well as additional promotional inserts randomly found, continuing Post’s long history of including baseball cards in their cereal boxes dating back to 1909 with their renowned T206 set.
Top players featured in the 2001 Post base set included Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Cardinals first baseman Mark McGuire, Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, and Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg among many others. Rosters featured were for the 2000 MLB season. Design of the cards remained similar to past Post issues with a vertical shape, player photo on front, stats and career highlights on back. Special foil stamped parallels were also published at a ratio of 1:24 packs. The cards measured 2.5″ x 3.5″ and were printed on thick card stock.
While inserts in past Post issues focused primarily on team logos, this series upped the ante by including prolific players in short print parallel formats. Rare “Gold” parallels were inserted at an extremely limited 1:1000 packs and featured superstars such as Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Roger Clemens. Other parallels included “Silver” at 1:250 and “Red” at 1:100 and highlighted the same elite talent. Special jersey and autograph cards showcasing pieces of game worn uniforms were produced at minuscule ratios making them enormously difficult to obtain.
In addition to parallels, Post issued promotional inserts highlighting specific MLB teams, ballparks, and special events. “Diamond Kings” paid tribute to the best players on each franchise throughout history. “This Day in Baseball History” revisited memorable dates and achievements. “Pride of the Park” zoomed in on iconic ballpark attractions. But the true novelty inserts were award winners. “All-Star MVP” and “World Series MVP” recreated great playoff performances on fancy card stock with embossed logos and foil add-ons making for true showcase pieces.
Another major highlight of the 2001 Post issue were rare retiree cards featuring baseball legends recently inducted into the Hall of Fame or having just called it quits. This included the last Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan, and Carlton Fisk cards ever produced while they were still active players from just a season prior. Having their likeness immortalized one final time on wax made these some of the most collected retiree cards in the hobby. A special “Farewell to the King” Ted Williams issue was particularly well-received among collectors.
The 2001 Post cards were an instant smash with fans. With updated rosters, sleek designs, and coveted inserts, they reignited the cereal box card craze of the 1980s and 1990s amongst a new generation. The excitement of not knowing what rare parallel or legendary insert might be found inside stirred collectors of all ages. While print runs weren’t publicly disclosed, the scarcity of parallel pulls suggested these issues were not overproduced. Scarcity, coupled visual pop and collector appeal, cemented the 2001 Post cards as one of the defining baseball card releases of the early 2000s among the hobby. Even after 20 years, mint examples still command premium prices from enthusiasts. The 2001 Post cereal cards remain a high watermark in the long tradition of inclusions that started over 100 years ago and sparked countless childhood memories at the breakfast table.
