Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the early 20th century, and the 1920 season saw some of the earliest iconic cards produced. In the years following World War I, interest in the national pastime of baseball was growing tremendously across the United States. Card manufacturers like American Caramel saw an opportunity to capitalize on this enthusiasm by including baseball cards in their candy products.
The 1920 season was a significant one in major league baseball. Babe Ruth had just been traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees and was beginning his legendary career dominating as a power hitter. This trade is now regarded as one of the most impactful in baseball history. Ruth’s dominant performance and home run prowess helped usher in the live-ball era and turn the Yankees into one of the most successful franchises in sports. His popularity translated to demand for his baseball cards.
Some of the most notable baseball card sets from 1920 included issues by American Caramel, Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, and Old Mill Cigarettes. The American Caramel set is considered one of the most iconic vintage issues. These cards featured individual player portraits on the front with no team logos or uniforms depicted. The backs contained basic stats and descriptions of each player. The 1920 American Caramel set had 48 total cards and featured some of the game’s biggest stars of the time like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson.
The 1920 Sweet Caporal set is also highly coveted by vintage baseball card collectors today. These cigarette cards came in packs of cigarettes and featured colorful team portraits on the front. The backs contained stats and biographical information. Notable stars in the set included Rogers Hornsby, Eddie Collins, and George Sisler. The Old Mill Cigarette issue from 1920 was similar in design and included 100 total cards highlighting players from that season. All three of these early 20th century sets are key pieces in the early history of baseball memorabilia and collectibles.
In addition to the factory-produced sets, regional businesses also printed their own baseball cards as promotions in 1920. For example, the Tip Top Bread Company based in Ohio produced a 48-card regional set that year featuring players from Midwestern teams. These localized issues provided additional exposure for baseball stars in different parts of the country. They also demonstrate how the sport’s popularity was growing well beyond just the major league cities on the East Coast at that time.
The condition and rarity of cards from 1920 sets make high-grade examples extremely valuable today. For the most desirable stars, even poorly-centered or damaged cards can sell for thousands of dollars due to their historical significance. Top PSA-graded gems of Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb from these early 20th century issues have reached auction prices over $100,000. The iconic images and statistical information captured in these early 20th century card sets help document a pivotal time in baseball’s growth into the national pastime. They also fueled the collecting phenomenon that has endured for over a century since.
While the specific players and teams have changed over time, the tradition of collecting baseball cards has remained a constant connection to the sport’s history. The 1920 season was a watershed year that helped spark that tradition. Legends like Babe Ruth were just beginning to make their marks but are immortalized in the cards produced that year. The factory and regional baseball card sets from 1920 established several of the key manufacturers and formats that expanded the hobby in subsequent decades. They remain some of the most significant and valuable collectibles for those interested in the early evolution of baseball and its ties to popular culture in America.
