The History of Baseball Cards by Year:
The tradition of collecting baseball cards dates back to the late 1800s when cigarette and tobacco companies began including cards with pictures of baseball players in their products. Some of the earliest baseball cards were produced between 1868-1876 and featured individual players with no team logos or uniforms. It wasn’t until the 1880s that the mass production of baseball cards truly began. Here’s a look at the major developments in baseball cards throughout the decades:
1880s: Some of the earliest baseball card sets produced in the 1880s included Goodwin Champions (1887), Allen & Ginter (1889), and Old Judge (1890). These early tobacco era cards featured single images of players and basic stats or biographies on the back. Color photography was not used yet.
1890s: Production of baseball cards greatly expanded in the 1890s with the start of the tobacco era. Many iconic brands like T206 (1909-1911) and T205 (1905-1911) had their origins. Companies sought innovative marketing tactics and included premium cards, cabinet cards, and illustrated cards in cigarette and tobacco products. The 1890s also saw the first inclusion of team logos and uniforms on cards.
1900s: Into the new century, tobacco companies continued dominating the baseball card market with expansive sets. The American Tobacco Company had huge brands like T205 White Border. In 1909, the National Commission banned the inclusion of baseball cards in cigarettes due to concerns over marketing to children. This led to the decline of tobacco era cards after 1911.
1910s: With tobacco era cards ending, the 1910s saw a transition period. Candy and gum companies like Bazooka and Chicle began experimenting with included baseball cards in their products. Sets from this era were not as large in size or production numbers compared to tobacco era cards.
1920s: The 1920s brought the start of the modern baseball card era as candy and gum companies fully took over production. The most famous set from this decade was the iconic 1924 Goudey Gum Company set, which featured innovative color photography on cards for the first time. Other notable 1920s sets included Sweet Caporal (1910-1915) and Diamond Stars (1925).
1930s: Through the Depression era, sets like Goudey Gum (1933 and 1935) and Play Ball (1934) featured innovative color photos and rookie cards of legends like Ted Williams. Production increased again but World War II shortages would soon impact the industry. The late 1930s also saw the first inclusion of player autographs and signatures on some cards.
1940s: As America entered World War II, cardboard and paper shortages greatly impacted the baseball card industry. Fewer card sets were produced to conserve resources for the war effort. Some notable 1940s sets with much lower print runs included Play Ball Pictorial (1941), Play Ball (1941 and 1942), and Leaf (1941 and 1942).
1950s: After WWII shortages ended, the baseball card boom was reborn in the 1950s. Iconic sets like Topps (1951-Present), Bowman (1949-1955), and Red Man (1948-1949) dominated. Color photography improved greatly and rookie cards of legends like Willie Mays were produced. The ’50s also saw the first inclusion of team logos on the front of cards.
1960s: The ’60s kept the baseball card boom going strong led by Topps. Notable sets included Topps (1960-Present), Post Cereal (1961-1967), and Kellogg’s/Post (1964-1969). The decade also saw the first modern error and variation cards produced unintentionally by Topps. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson further drove collector demand.
1970s: The 1970s saw unprecedented growth in the industry as collecting cards became a mainstream hobby. Topps remained dominant but competitors like Fleer emerged. In 1968, Fleer produced the first successful competitor set since Topps entered the market. The rise of star players in the ’70s like Nolan Ryan also kept interest high.
1980s: The ’80s brought new excitement and innovation to cards. In 1981, Donruss entered the market challenging Topps and Fleer. Upper Deck also debuted successfully in 1989. The decade also saw the first modern inserts and parallel cards produced beyond the base sets. Michael Jordan’s entry into basketball cards in the late ’80s further expanded the sportscard market.
1990s: The 1990s saw the sportscard boom reach its peak. Production and print runs increased massively. Sets from the early ’90s like Stadium Club, Finest, and Ultra were highly coveted by collectors. In the mid ’90s, collectors began seeking rare rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. The decade also brought premium inserts focusing on specific players.
2000s: Into the new millennium, the baseball card market experienced both growth and contraction. The rise of online selling impacted brick and mortar shops. Interest remained high in vintage cards from the pre-war era through the ’80s. Newer players like Derek Jeter also sustained interest. The increase of parallel and short-print cards produced chase cards for collectors.
2010s: Through the current decade, the baseball card market has remained strong despite economic downturns. Interest remains high in vintage players as well as current stars like Mike Trout. New technologies have allowed for innovative card designs and new collecting platforms. Production numbers have declined overall from the ’90s boom era. Steady interest from collectors ensures the tradition will continue strong into the future.
The history of baseball cards spans over 150 years and reflects the cultural history of America. From early tobacco era beginnings to the modern era dominated by companies like Topps, the tradition of collecting cards has endured by sustaining interest in the game, players, and innovations in card design. Whether collecting vintage or modern issues, baseball cards continue captivating collectors of all ages through visual nostalgia and appreciation of America’s favorite pastime.
