The Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1874, the Cubs have produced some of the game’s greatest players and moments over the past 147 years. Naturally, many of these stars and memories have been immortalized on baseball cards over the decades.
Some of the earliest Cubs cards date back to the late 19th century during the early days of the tobacco card era. In 1886-1887, several Cubs players appeared on cards inserted in packages of Allen & Ginter cigarettes including captain and catcher John Bennett, outfielder King Kelly, and pitcher Larry Corcoran. These cardboard relics are now extremely rare and fetch high prices when they surface at auction.
The modern baseball card boom began in the late 1880s with the introduction of color lithographed cards by companies like Goodwin Champions and Old Judge. Cubs who had cards in sets during this period included Hall of Famers Cap Anson, Adrian “Cap” Anson, and Jimmy Ryan. These early cards are also quite scarce today.
In the early 20th century, the most iconic Cubs cards came from the T206 and T205 White Border sets issued between 1909-1911 by the American Tobacco Company. Superstars Frank Chance, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, and Johnny Evers had prominent cards in the sets that are considered some of the most desirable in the hobby. High grade specimens can sell for over $100,000.
The 1920s brought several new Cubs stars that received widespread card coverage. Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander had cards in numerous sets of the decade after joining the Cubs in 1926 following his stellar career with the Phillies. Legendary “Galloping Ghost” Hack Wilson debuted on cards in 1926 and had one of the most iconic baseball photos ever taken on his 1929 Battebell Gum card.
In the 1930s, Cubs who appeared on cards included future Hall of Famers Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman, and Lon Warneke. The Goudey Gum Company issued highly collectible cards of these players, especially their 1933 and 1934 sets which featured intricate color photos. Highlights from this period also include Hartnett’s iconic 1934 Battebell Gum card showing him calling a game.
The post-war era saw the Cubs return to prominence in the late 1930s and 1940s behind stars like Stan Hack, Phil Cavarretta, and Mickey Owen. These players had cards in iconic sets like Play Ball (1939-1941), Leaf (1941), and Topps (1951). One of the most famous baseball cards ever is the T206 Honus Wagner, several high-grade specimens of which have sold for over $1 million.
In the 1950s, the Cubs cards that stand out most are Ernie Banks’ rookie card from the 1952 Bowman set and his iconic smile on several Topps issues. Other stars like Hank Sauer and Randy Hundley also had popular cards produced during baseball’s golden age of cardboard. Topps dominated the market but competitors like Bowman and Red Man also featured Cubs.
The 1960s brought the legendary Banks at his peak, paired with fellow All-Star second baseman Glenn Beckert. Their cards from the 1960s Topps sets remain widely collected today. Pitchers like Bill Hands, Bill Henry and Ferguson Jenkins also had cards reflecting their contributions to some competitive Cubs teams.
The 1970s saw the rise of future Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, who had popular rookie cards produced by Topps, Donruss and Fleer. Other stars with memorable 70s cards include Billy Williams, Milt Pappas and Bucky Dent. Topps ruled but the arrival of new companies like Donruss began increasing cardboard options for collectors.
In the 1980s, Ryne Sandberg emerged as the Cubs’ new superstar, with his rookie cards and numerous Topps issues among the most iconic of that decade. Other key players to receive widespread card coverage included Jody Davis, Keith Moreland and Rick Sutcliffe. The arrival of Fleer and Donruss as serious competitors to Topps expanded collector choices.
The 1990s saw the Cubs return to prominence behind stars like Greg Maddux, Mark Grace, and Sammy Sosa. All three had extremely popular rookie cards as well as issues throughout the decade reflecting their All-Star play. Upper Deck also entered the market in 1989, increasing competition and innovation even further.
In the 2000s and beyond, cards have commemorated the rise of players like Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano, Starlin Castro, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Iconic rookie cards remain highly sought. The Cubs’ 2016 World Series win also spawned special commemorative card issues. While the digital age has impacted the hobby, the Cubs remain one of the most collectible franchises in cardboard history.
From early tobacco cards to modern issues, Chicago Cubs players have been inspiring collectors for over 135 years. Many of these cardboard pieces of history provide a window into the greatest eras and individual performances in one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Cubs cards continue connecting both fans and the hobby to some of the game’s most memorable names and moments.
