Cracker Jack has long been associated with baseball and the tradition of including small collectible prizes inside the snack. For over 100 years between 1912 and 2016, Cracker Jack included mini cardboard baseball cards as prizes inside its iconic caramel-coated popcorn treat. These tiny cardboard cards helped spark the collecting craze and introduced generations of fans to Major League Baseball players.
The inclusion of small prizes began in 1893 when the original manufacturer of Cracker Jack, Frederick & Company, started including a small toy like a whistle or sticker inside each package. This helped differentiate Cracker Jack from other popcorn snacks on the market. In 1912, the company had the idea to include small cardboard baseball cards as the prize. At the time, baseball was rapidly growing in popularity across America and the new baseball cards were a natural fit.
The early Cracker Jack baseball cards from the 1910s and 1920s are some of the most sought after collectibles today. They measured about 1 1/2 inches by 2 1/4 inches and featured a black and white image of a player on one side with basic stats on the reverse. Some of the notable early stars to appear on Cracker Jack cards included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. These tiny cards helped fuel the growing baseball card collecting craze among children and introduced the sport to many new young fans.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Cracker Jack continued including baseball cards as prizes and the quality and size of the cards improved slightly. Color was added to some cards in the late 1930s. More detailed stats and career highlights started appearing on the backs. Stars of the era like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and Bob Feller all had Cracker Jack cards produced. The cards were a way for kids to learn about the great players while also having fun trying to collect full sets.
The 1950s saw the golden age of Cracker Jack baseball cards. More full color photos were used on the fronts and even box scores or season stats might be included on the backs. The cards kept pace with the growing baseball card market. Kids could find stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron in Cracker Jack packs. The cards were a core part of the Cracker Jack experience for young fans at ballgames and backyard games throughout the 1950s.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Cracker Jack cards continued to reflect the changing times. More action shots started appearing and colorful borders were added to the designs. Stars of the eras like Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, and Nolan Ryan had their own Cracker Jack cards. The mini cards remained a staple of the classic ballpark snack all the way through the 1970s.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Cracker Jack baseball cards entered the modern era. Photos and designs were updated to remain competitive with the expanding baseball card market. New young stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Mark McGwire, and Ken Griffey Jr. all had popular Cracker Jack cards produced. The size of the cards increased slightly but they retained their classic mini look. Even as the baseball card industry boomed, Cracker Jack cards stayed true to their small, affordable roots perfect for inclusion in children’s snacks.
By the 2000s and 2010s, Cracker Jack had been including baseball cards as prizes for an incredible 100+ years. Icons like Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Clayton Kershaw all had their early card appearances come courtesy of Cracker Jack. In 2016, Ferrara Candy Company, the new owners of the Cracker Jack brand, made the controversial decision to stop including baseball cards due to rising paper and production costs. Fans mourned the loss of this time-honored baseball tradition.
While the physical Cracker Jack baseball cards ended in 2016, their legacy and impact on the sport cannot be overstated. For over a century, the tiny cardboard cards introduced baseball to new generations and helped spark the baseball card collecting craze. Countless Hall of Famers, MVPs, and all-time greats had their earliest trading card appearances come from inside a bag of Cracker Jack. Even today, complete vintage Cracker Jack card sets from the early decades remain highly coveted and valuable collectors items. The Cracker Jack baseball cards left an indelible mark on both the snacks and the sport that forever linked the two icons of American summer entertainment.
