Big League Chew was one of the most popular bubblegum and baseball card products in the 1980s. Introduced in 1976 by entrepreneur Don Julyan, Big League Chew offered a unique chewing tobacco alternative that allowed kids to pretend they were chewing like their favorite baseball players. In addition to the shredded bubblegum “tobacco”, Big League Chew also issued collector cards with the gum from 1976 to 1987. The 1986 Big League Chew baseball cards are some of the most sought after by collectors today due to the memorable rookie cards they featured.
The 1986 Big League Chew card set totaled 132 cards and was distributed one per pack of gum. The design featured a yellow and red color scheme with team logos across the top. Player names and positions were listed below each image. The backs of the cards contained career statistics and biographies. Some of the biggest rookie stars of the late 1980s and 1990s first appeared in the 1986 Big League Chew set, making these cards highly valuable today.
Perhaps the most famous rookie card from 1986 Big League Chew is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Drafted in 1981 by the Cleveland Indians, Carter made his MLB debut in 1983 but struggled initially and was traded to the Blue Jays in 1984. By 1986, he was establishing himself as a rising star, having hit .260 with 13 home runs and 65 RBI the previous season. His rookie card from Big League Chew perfectly captures the beginning of what would become a Hall of Fame caliber career. Carter went on to hit over 300 home runs and helped the Blue Jays win the 1992 and 1993 World Series. His card is one of the most in-demand from the 1986 set.
Another hugely valuable rookie is that of New York Yankees starting pitcher Jimmy Key. Drafted 4th overall by the Blue Jays in 1979, Key made his big league debut in 1981 but was still considered a rookie eligible player for card purposes in 1986 as he had not yet exceeded the rookie limitations for at-bats and innings pitched. Key’s rookie card from Big League Chew is one of the earliest to feature the lefty, who would go on to be a 20-game winner for the Blue Jays in 1990 and help lead the Yankees to 4 World Series titles in the 1990s. In pristine graded condition, Key’s rookie now sells for well over $1000.
Two other notable rookies from the 1986 Big League Chew set are Toronto’s Fred McGriff and Cincinnati’s Billy Hatcher. “Crime Dog” McGriff was in his first full season in 1986 after making his debut late in 1985. He hit .282 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI, establishing himself as one of the game’s top young sluggers. His Big League Chew card is the first to feature the 5-time All-Star. Billy Hatcher also made waves in 1986, hitting .307 in his rookie campaign and winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Both McGriff and Hatcher’s cards are key pieces for any 1980s baseball card collection.
In addition to star rookies, the 1986 Big League Chew set also included cards of superstar veterans and franchise players. Toronto’s Lloyd Moseby, Baltimore’s Eddie Murray, Oakland’s Dave Stewart, and Boston’s Wade Boggs were among the many top talents included. The gum company also secured licensing deals that allowed them to produce cards of recently retired legends like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Johnny Bench. These veteran stars helped round out the 132 card checklist.
While production numbers for Big League Chew cards were high compared to traditional card brands of the time, the 1986 set holds nostalgic value for many collectors due to the memorable rookie cards. The gum was also hugely popular with children, meaning many of the cards ended up well-preserved and in high grades over the decades. Today, a complete 132 card 1986 Big League Chew set can sell for over $1000 depending on condition. Key rookie cards like Joe Carter, Jimmy Key, Fred McGriff and Billy Hatcher frequently command $50-100 each or more in top graded gem mint condition. The 1986 Big League Chew baseball cards remain a highly collectible and affordable part of the vintage sports card market.
