Kellogg’s baseball cards are a unique collectible item that were inserted in cereal boxes by the Kellogg Company from 1967 through 1980 as part of a baseball memorabilia promotion. During a time when baseball card trading and collecting was hugely popular across America, Kellogg’s cards tapped into this excitement by providing kids with a baseball card when they ate their favorite cereal. Now decades later, these cards can still bring smiles to adults who remember finding them as kids or provide value for those interested in vintage baseball collectibles.
Almost all major cereal brands experimented with inserting baseball cards, comics, or other premiums into boxes at some point, but Kellogg’s sustained their promotion the longest. From 1967 through 1980, Kellogg’s issued cards spotlighting current major league players through licensing deals with MLB and the MLB Players Association. The contents of these full-color, gumless cards were similar to contemporary issuers like Topps and Fleer with stats, photos, and career highlights on the front and backs. However, Kellogg’s small card size at 2 1/8 inches by 3 1/8 inches made them stand out.
When it comes to value, Kellogg’s cards are generally not as desirable or expensive as the big sport card companies from the same era due to smaller size and being included with cereal rather than sold as a stand-alone product. Still, condition is key and some Kellogg’s cards have achieved impressive prices when featuring elite players from the 1960s through the 1970s or rookie cards of all-time greats like George Brett’s 1969 issue. The most valuable Kellogg’s series are:
1967: Featuring stars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax, ’67 is the first year of issue and extremely condition sensitive. High grades of legends can reach into the hundreds of dollars.
1969: Standouts like Tom Seaver, Reggie Jackson, and Johnny Bench rookies propel this as one of the best. Top rookies in mint condition have sold for over $1,000.
1970: Features Nolan Ryan’s rookie card and run-of-the-mill commons run $5-10 but key cards can demand $100+ in top condition.
1971: Known for Earl Weaver, Johnny Bench and Billy Williams on the manager card subset. Highlights from this set reach the $50-150 range.
1972: Its George Brett rookie is iconic and has changed hands for thousands of dollars in pristine quality. Other stars also make ’72 alluring.
Beyond the highest value years noted above, nearly all Kellogg’s issues up until 1980 contain cartoons, puzzles and interesting career overviews that captivate collectors. Condition sensitive stars and rookie cards from any year could realize hundreds depending on player quality and state of preservation. Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Oakland A’s tend to attract more attention in the secondary market.
As with many vintage cardboard products, demand and pricing is directly correlated to both supply and condition factors. With only being inserted in cereal boxes rather than sold individually, far fewer Kellogg’s cards made it to the present day in top shape compared to standard card packs. Even well-cared for examples often show bending, edgewear or creasing due simply to being folded and packaged. Still, the hobby’s ongoing enthusiasm for anything related to early baseball memorabilia and collecting ensures a market remains for these unique cereal premiums from the dawn of modern baseball card era.
Whether being assembled in team or year sets for display, finding that special forgotten rookie from childhood, or simply appreciating the link to breakfasts past – Kellogg’s cards continue delighting fans young and old with a small but mighty slice of baseball’s heritage. Especially as the brands that used such promotions fade from circulation, the appeal of uncovering what serial treasures may remain in a forgotten box from the attic only grows. Their smaller stature compared to traditional card stock also makes condition assessments easier. So whether spending $5 on common players or thousands chasing legendary rookies, these underappreciated cereal treats maintain an engaging niche within the vibrant world of baseball collecting.
While not Topps flagship issues, Kellogg’s baseball cards carry tangible nostalgia and recognized place in supporting the growth of baseball card culture during one of its most formative eras. Prices vary widely depending on particulars but condition sensitive star players, rookies and vintage examples from the high value years have attained impressive prices when offered in top shape. Even with limited print runs and distribution through cereal boxes rather than packs, dedicated collectors ensure an enthusiastic secondary market remains. As such, Kellogg’s cards represent an overlooked but potentially rewarding segment for fans exploring the value of forgotten childhood cardboard or discovering a new appreciation for one of sport’s most unique memorabilia promotions.
