Big League Chew is a brand of bubble gum primarily known for its shredded texture that resembles chewing tobacco. Since its introduction in the late 1970s, Big League Chew has developed a loyal following among both baseball players and fans alike. What many may not realize is that in the early 1980s, Big League Chew began including collectible baseball cards inside select packages. These unique collector cards helped fuel the popularity of both Big League Chew gum and baseball card collecting during the peak era of the hobby.
In 1981, Big League Chew saw an opportunity to capitalize on the booming baseball card craze that was sweeping the nation. Everyday, kids could be found trading, sorting, and admiring their vast baseball card collections. The average pack of cards only included about 10-12 cards and retailed for around $0.50. Big League Chew decided to take their product to the next level by including an entire sheet of 20 baseball cards inside specially marked 5-stick packs of gum for $1. This offered nearly double the cards of a traditional pack at only a slightly higher price-point.
The inaugural 1981 Big League Chew baseball cards featured a mixture of current major leaguers as well as legends from baseball history. Some of the more notable names included on the first series of cards were Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan. The fronts of the cards displayed individual player photos while the backs contained stats and career highlights. Each card was roughly the size of a standard trading card, but with a unique glossy finish and yellow, red, and white color scheme that distinctly identified them as Big League Chew issues.
The inclusion of baseball cards proved to be a huge success that helped skyrocket Big League Chew gum to new popularity heights. For kids, it was a no-brainer to purchase the gum specifically to collect the enclosed cards. Meanwhile, the cards themselves took on a life of their own in the trading card game. Their scarcity and “retro” look made them highly coveted among collectors. Today, a complete 1981 Big League Chew set in mint condition can fetch over $100 due to their limited original print run.
Big League Chew would continue to issue new baseball card inserts for several years. The 1982 and 1983 sets followed a similar format to the initial 1981 cards. In 1984 Big League Chew made some changes by shifting to a larger postcard size and moving away from retired players to solely feature current major leaguers. Notable rookie cards from the 1984 set include Dave Stieb of the Blue Jays and Dwight Gooden of the Mets. In total, the 1984 Big League Chew issue included over 150 cards split across three series.
The final Big League Chew baseball card insert came in 1985. This set showcased another 150+ cards but reverted back to the original smaller trading card size of earlier years. By 1986, the baseball card bubble had officially burst due to overproduction. In response, Big League Chew made the decision to discontinue including cards to focus solely on gum sales. While the company would release commemorative and throwback sets in later decades, the 1981-1985 Big League Chew issues remain the only true factory sets produced during the golden era of the hobby.
Even decades later, the Big League Chew baseball cards of the early 1980s continue to be fan favorites. Their nostalgic designs and association with America’s pastime make them a cherished part of history for those who grew up collecting during that time period. The fact they were included in bubble gum packages added an extra element of surprise and excitement compared to traditional wax packs. Today, complete Big League Chew sets in top-rated condition can sell for thousands of dollars, a true testament to their enduring popularity among the collecting community. For many, finding that elusive rookie card or personal favorite player inside a stick of Big League Chew is a cherished memory that will never be forgotten.
