Tag Archives: commons

1974 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMMONS

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The 1974 Topps baseball card set is most notable for being one of the highest produced sets in baseball card history. With a massive print run estimated around 550 million cards, the commons found in 1974 Topps packs were exceedingly plentiful. This overproduction was largely driven by the baseball card bubble of the early 1970s that was seeing peak enthusiasm from collectors at the time.

While the huge circulation numbers meant these common cards held little monetary value back when issued in 1974, they remain a staple in the collections of many aging Baby Boomer collectors even today. The set encompasses 660 total cards including player, manager, checklists, and record breaker cards. Of those, the 512 player cards comprise the vast majority of commons found in the set.

Some of the most abundant common cards included players like Ted Simmons, Don Gullett, Dick Allen, Rusty Staub, and Reggie Jackson. These were star names at the time, but their card values have remained low over the decades due to being produced in such high quantities that year. For example, the Ted Simmons card is considered one of the most common in the set with a mint condition example often appraised at just a quarter.

Beyond sheer player counts, 1974 Topps also differed in its photography compared to sets from prior years. Gone were the posed studio shots, replaced by candid action images captured on the field. This helped add a fresh new look but also led to some blurry or off-center cards that are more likely to grade poorly today. Centering issues across the whole set became more prevalent as production speeds increased.

Interestingly, several players missing from the 1973 Topps set due to trades did have 1974 cards manufactured in anticipation of their playing for new teams. This included Bobby Bonds going to the New York Mets and Joe Morgan joining the Houston Astros. But late season transactions meant a handful of cards like Bonds ended up out of place team-wise which adds an element of interest to hardcore collectors.

The design theme embraced a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme with stars, stripes, and team logo on a white background. Statistics on the back advertised the success of the prior season in simple font blocks. Manager cards returned for the first time since 1971 Topps and helped round out the checklist numbers. But unless directly signed or associated to a HOF inductee, these commons also have little perceived added value.

One of the more notable aspects of the 1974 commons are the record breaker highlights cards mixed into the base set. Legends like Hank Aaron, Steve Carlton, and Rico Carty earned specialized callout cards celebrating milestones from the previous season. While common themselves in the set, these have more appeal to collectors interested in milestone and achievement marks from the ’70s era of the game.

In the decades since 1974 Topps hit the hobby scene, the overproduction boom has largely stabilized. Modern print runs on most sports sets are a fraction of what they once were in the early 70s. This has given newer collectors a fresh appreciation for the classic designs and photography glimpses into the past offered even by the most common 1974 player cards. They represent a historic period when baseball cards were most accessible to the youth of America at pocket money price points.

While unlikely to ever gain significant monetary worth, 1974 Topps commons remain a fun collection category for those seeking to build complete rainbow sets from the era or expose their own children to the appeal of collecting. The huge surplus may have diluted values in the short term decades ago, but in the long term it helped ensure these time capsules of 70s baseball would remain obtainable for generations hence. Even the lowly common cards from the set offer nostalgic glimpses into the diamond days of baseball greats like Aaron, Morgan, and many more.

KING OF COMMONS BASEBALL CARDS

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The “King of the Commons” is considered one of the most coveted and rare sets of baseball cards in the industry. Cards from the 1886-1887 N172 Old Judge tobacco cigarette brand are especially legendary for their age, scarcity, and importance in the early evolution of sports cards.

The evolution of baseball cards in America began in the late 19th century as companies sought innovative ways to advertise and promote their tobacco products. In 1868, the first cigarette cards surfaced from the Allen & Ginter tobacco company of Richmond, Virginia featuring non-sports topics to entice new customers. These early cards helped plant the seeds of what would become a multi-billion dollar sports memorabilia industry.

In 1886, the manufacturers at Goodwin & Co. in New York realized the untapped potential of baseball as the new national pastime and decided to feature leading big league players of the day on a new series of cigarette cards inserted in packs of their Old Judge brand. This made the Old Judge set the first dedicated sports card series in the collectible card world. The cards were quite narrow in size at 1 1/4 inches by 2 1/4 inches in a vertical rectangle shape.

Quality reproductions were still quite limited in the 1880s photography era, so the Front of the cards featured small mugshot-style black and white portraits while the Back of each card contained a whimsical rhyme about the player alongside brief stats and accomplishments. Some notable HOF players included in the landmark 1886 Old Judge set were Mike “King” Kelly, Tim Keefe, Jim O’Rourke, John Clarkson, and Pete Browning.

For over 100+ years, the nickname “King of the Commons” has been bestowed upon the scarcest and most iconic card from the seminal 1886-1887 N172 Old Judge set – the card famous Chicago White Stockings (Cubs) outfielder Mike “King” Kelly. At only an estimated 10-12 surviving copies in existence today, the Kelly card is the prize possession for any serious baseball card collector or investor.

Outside of a SGC-graded PSA 1 copy that sold for $200,000 in 2016, no other Kelly card has been professionally authenticated and graded by the major third-party authenticators. Given the card’s extreme age and condition challenges, ungraded examples rarely trade hands either. As a result, the true statistical rarity of the fabled “King of the Commons” remains mostly a mystery to all but the handful who can definitively claim ownership of college.

Some key facts that help explain the Mike “King” Kelly card’s extreme scarcity and legendary status over 135+ years:

As one of the set’s most popular players of the 1880s, his card was pulled and kept at a much higher rate compared to lesser stars which increases survival odds. Yet only a tiny fraction remain.

Cigarette cards were meant to be smoked, traded, played with as a child, or simply discarded over time which has destroyed the vast majority of the original print run.

The fragile paper stock and small size of these early cards also made longevity much more challenging before the advent of protective sleeves and holders.

Natural disasters, fires, flood and other environmental factors over a century eliminate cards not already lost to other means.

As the first sports star cards, collectors of the time did not grasp the importance of preserving mint condition which has made top-grades impossible to attain.

Intense interest in the cards from the earliest collectors onward has likely led to further loss from multiple re-mounts/removals over the decades in attempts to showcase.

For such a legendary figure in baseball’s early growth, one would expect more of his iconic rookie card to have survived by sheer dint of his popularity alone.

The unbelievably low survivor rate of the Mike Kelly “King of the Commons” card has led most experts to estimate the true original print run was probably just a few hundred copies at most. While heapshot photos could not properly capture the larger-than-life “King” Kelly’s incredible talent and charisma, his pioneering cardboard has become one of the most valuable in the world due to its tremendous historical importance and statistical rarity. After 135+ years, the dazzling King still reigns supreme as the undisputed ruler of a collectible kingdom unto himself.

1981 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMMONS

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The 1981 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and popular issues of all time. While the star rookies and future Hall of Famers like Fernando Valenzuela, Ozzie Smith, and Mike Schmidt receive most of the attention and value, it’s important not to overlook the humbler commons that made up the vast majority of packs. These lower-numbered common cards provide a vivid snapshot of the 1981 MLB season and were handled by countless children just discovering the hobby. Let’s take a closer look at some of the defining characteristics and players featured in the commons of the 1981 Topps set.

The 1981 issue contained 792 total cards, with card numbers 1-402 devoted to the commons. Some familiar names dotted the lower numbers like Reggie Jackson (#9), Steve Carlton (#20), and Nolan Ryan (#31), but the vast majority featured lesser-known role players and fringe major leaguers. Design-wise, the commons utilized a classic vertical format photo on a white background with team logo and player details below. Statistics on the back provided stats from the 1980 season. An iconic design element were the blue borders that ran along the left and right sides of the front of the card.

When it came to the actual players, the commons section was a who’s who of journeymen, backup catchers, and one-dimensional players clinging to major league careers. A perfect example was #106 Rusty Torres, a light-hitting utility infielder with the Rangers who mustered just 11 hits in 103 at-bats in 1980. Others like #113 Larry Lintz (Expos), #147 Jerry Remy (Angels), and #235 Sixto Lezcano (Brewers) had decidedlymediocre careers but their rookie cards remain beloved by collectors today.

Two players who transcended their humble common status with Hall of Fame careers were #138 Ozzie Smith and #255 Mike Schmidt. Both were already established as stars by 1981 but found themselves at the tail end of the commons in this issue in the early stages of what would become Cooperstown careers. Smith’s trademark backflips in the field and Schmidt’s prodigious power made them stand out even amongst the no-name players surrounding them number-wise. Their cards remain quite collectible and valuable to this day.

While not all players had destinies of stardom, the 1981 commons offer a fond glimpse at the role players who filled out rosters across MLB. Behind stars like Schmidt and Smith were competent regulars like #149 Steve Kemp (Mariners), #183 Dave Rosello (Pirates), and #215 Wayne Nordhagen (Rangers) who contributed in more limited ways. Journeymen relievers also dotted the lineup like #156 Sid Monge (Padres), #185 Joe Nolan (Expos), and #237 Gary Lavelle (Yankees).

The lower halves of the commons also contained rookie cards outside of the mega-prospects. Players getting their first cardboard include #281 Joel Youngblood (Mets), #301 Carmelo Martinez (Reds), and #351 Pat Zachry (Reds). All had cup of coffee type careers but their rookie cards remain a connection to a bygone era. The 1981 commons section also memorialized players who were in their sunset seasons like #331 Adrian Devine (Red Sox), #371 Ted Wilborn (Giants), and #381 Chris Welsh (White Sox).

While 1981 Topps is rightfully remembered for stars like Fernando Valenzuela and Ozzie Smith’s rookie card, the true heart of the set remains in the commons where the anonymous players toiled. For collectors both young and old, flipping through these numbers is a delightful stroll down memory lane recalling the role players, one-dimensional talents, and fringe contributors that rounded out 1980 MLB rosters. Every card tells a story and helps transport us back to a time before luxury boxes and analytics, when baseball was a simpler pastime and its cardboard pieces a prized childhood possession.

BASEBALL CARDS COMMONS

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Baseball cards are one of the most iconic collectibles in American culture. Most people are familiar with the chase of finding rare and valuable cards in packs of baseball cards. There is another important aspect to any baseball card collection – the common cards. While they may not have huge monetary value, common cards make up the bulk of any set and tell the more everyday stories of baseball.

What qualifies as a common baseball card? In the hobby, common cards are defined as fairly low-value cards that were produced in large numbers and have little scarcity. They are often players who had short or unremarkable major league careers. That does not mean common cards lack importance or interest. Even for stars, their rookie or early career cards may be quite common despite featuring a famous player.

Understanding the role of common cards is key for any baseball card collector. While the chase for valuable vintage cards or rare modern parallels can be exciting, common cards are needed to fully capture the history and roster of any given set, team, or season. Completing a set, especially an older and larger one, would be nearly impossible without common cards that round out the ranks.

Some other characteristics that define common baseball cards:

Produced in runs of tens or even hundreds of thousands of copies as opposed to rare cards in the single digits or low four figures.

Often feature players who had careers spanning only a few seasons or no more than a cup of coffee in the majors.

May be players whose biggest claim to fame is being in the right place at the right time to be included in a popular or historic set.

Frequently players whose stats or career trajectories were unknown at the time of card production.

Rarely include short-print, parallel, autographed, memorabilia, or other specialty inserts that add value.

Generally sell individually for under $1-5 even in top-graded gem mint condition depending on the era, player, and specific issue.

While not worth much in monetary terms, common cards are essential to understanding the context and completeness of any release. They represent important historical artifacts and give insights into the baseball landscape at the time in ways that chase cards can overlook. Here are some of the interesting aspects that common cards can reveal:

Roster Depth – Seeing the entire roster from top stars to end-of-bench players shows the actual makeup of teams beyond the All-Stars.

Minor League Talent – Top prospects and those hovering around the majors are documented even if they never panned out.

International Players – Before stars, even foreign players got card issues that broadened the games’ reach.

Short-Term Callups – Journeymen and those with only cups of coffee in the show still got cards back when teams had smaller rosters.

Set Variations – Finding oddball parallels and errors in commons adds to the fun of discovery in a set.

Visual Timelines – Following players’ progression or regression across multiple card designs over the years tells unique stories.

Regional Interests – Lesser lights were still popular locally as represented in their cards appearing in sets.

Forgotten Franchises – Commons anchor defunct or former teams to their era through visuals and stats.

Novelty Inclusions – Odd inclusions like managers, owners, or stadiums add historical context beyond stats.

Checklist Completion – The hunt to find every name in the set, including the most obscure, has its own appeal.

Representing the Everyday – While stars get the glory, commons capture the daily grind of the average player’s career.

For the true baseball card aficionado, commons are an important part of understanding the complete picture of the sport across time. They represent dimensions of the game beyond just the box scores. Even seemingly insignificant inclusions took part in history and deserve to be preserved through cards that were mass-produced decades ago. With enough persistence, a collector can find satisfaction in unearthing tales between the lines of even the lowliest common cards.

In today’s market where vintage cards can sell for six figures, it’s easy to overlook commons. Their unassuming nature is part of their charm. With infinite possible stories between the lines, commons are a gateway to appreciating the full baseball card experience and the larger history and context of the era they were produced. While they may lack flashy chase factors, common cards are nonetheless an essential component of any collection.

HOUSE OF COMMONS BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1993, Upper Deck Company shocked the sports card industry by obtaining permission to produce a series of baseball cards featuring members of the British House of Commons. Known as the House of Commons Baseball Card Series, this unusual release paid homage to America’s pastime by assigning baseball positions and attributes to sitting MPs, peers, and officials.

Despite initial skepticism, the series was a commercial success and helped introduce baseball card collecting to a new audience across the pond. Today, nearly 30 years later, the cards remain a novelty item prized by both Anglo-American politicians and sports memorabilia enthusiasts.

The idea for the series came from Upper Deck President Richard McWilliam, an Anglophile who had the idea to blend his love of British politics and American baseball. He believed MPs would enjoy the lighthearted comparison to ballplayers and thought collectors on both sides of the Atlantic would appreciate the cultural mashup.

McWilliam reached out to the Speaker’s Office and was granted permission to produce cards spotlighting 100 members from all parties who held seats in the 1993 Parliament. Each representative received a card stock photo with their name and position listed above. Behind was a back with key stats and factoids about their political career and personal life.

For the primary baseball position, cards creators relied upon public profiles and backbench rumors to assign roles. For example, Prime Minister John Major received a card as the “Pitcher” for his leadership skills. Firebrand rebel Tony Benn was dubbed the “Pinch Hitter” for his ability to rile up crowds. Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd, known for thoughtfulness, became the “First Baseman.”

Secondary positions acknowledged other qualities. Benn also received the designation “Manager” to capture his knack for agitation. Environment Secretary John Gummer balanced “Third Baseman” with “Umpire” for his fair but firm approach. Cards even poked fun, labeling maverick Neil Kinnock “Left Fielder” in a nod to his unorthodox liberalism.

Statistics included on the backs included vote tallies, speeches delivered, words spoken in Parliament, biggest accomplishments, and personal trivia like hobbies or alma maters. This wealth of insider info proved a big draw for political junkies on both sides of the pond. Distribution was primarily through hobby stores in the UK, U.S., and Canada.

Initial reception exceeded expectations. Critics worried MPs might reject the frivolous comparison to sports or object to personal details being shared. But in reality, most representatives saw the humor and enthusiasm of collectors. Several even requested additional copies to keep or send home.

Buoyed by this response, Upper Deck sought and received permission to produce three follow-up series in subsequent years featuring new classes of MPs. Subsequent releases in 1995, 1997, and 1999 each showcased 100 freshly elected members of varying seniority and ideology. These later editions are considerably rarer finds for devoted collectors today.

While production ended after the 1999 series, the allure and cultural impact of the House of Commons Baseball Card Set lived on. Cards became prized novelties for Anglophile political junkies and an entry point for new collectors on both sides of the Atlantic. Representatives also came to see their cards as a quirky addition to their legacy and political memorabilia collections.

In the ensuing decades, cards took on additional appeal as valuables. With signed copies especially coveted. Cards of leaders like Major, Benn, Blair, and Cameron now trade hands for hundreds or even thousands depending on condition and authenticity of signatures. Key rookie cards also spike in demand, such as Theresa May’s 1995 card debut.

For dedicated collectors, one of the biggest thrills remains finding overlooked gems from backbenchers who went on to greater prominence. Discovering an unsigned 1993 card of a then-unknown junior minister like Boris Johnson or Rishi Sunak would be a huge score. Similarly, locating cards of now-famous firebrands like Jacob Rees-Mogg or Diane Abbott from their early parliamentary days greatly increase intrigue and worth.

While no new editions have been released in recent years, the House of Commons Baseball Card Series remains an acclaimed specialty niche. It successfully introduced baseball card collecting across the Atlantic while paying homage to British parliamentary democracy in a lighthearted way. For Anglophiles and politicos on both sides of the pond, the cards preserve a fun moment of cultural cross-pollination and continue appreciating in value as sought-after rarities.

JUST COMMONS BASEBALL CARDS

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While rookie cards and iconic stars dominate hobby discussions, the bulk of any baseball card collection consists of readily available commons from various sets. Though lacking flashy rare inserts or autographs, just commons still hold nostalgia and provide a detailed snapshot of a given season. Accumulating play-by-play accounts of role players through basic cards offers fascinating perspective into the fabric of any league.

Commons comprise the backbone of the pastime, reflecting the hundreds who suit up each year without fanfare. Modern productions churn out tens of thousands of identical copies highlighting untold minor leaguers and seldom-used relievers. Each represents a real-life contributor to championship hopes, no matter how modest their statistical line. Sifting through piles of these often-overlooked cardboard squares rewards dedicated collectors with a fuller understanding baseball’s true scope.

Through cheap commons, enthusiasts gain intimate knowledge of borderline roster occupants fortunate merely to make a cup of coffee in the show. Conversely, some role players grind away for a decade in obscurity, their contributions evident only in extensive card collections. While superstars receive accolades, commons symbolize the daily grind of a sport where even 152 regular season games demand an army of replacements to fill inevitable gaps. The industry might ignore such peripheral figures, but their inclusion adds veracity to any portrayal of a season from cover to cover.

Beyond retrospective appreciation, just commons offer affordability which fuels the hobby. Children first drawn to the bright lights of household names quickly learn the chase involves bandwidth or deep pockets few youngsters possess. Commons emerge as a realistic objective requiring only dedication and organization skills to systematically amass entire teams and sets with minimal outlay. Such an undertaking nurtures long-term interests which blossom into connoisseur-level collections as disposable income increases. Whether seeking affordable shortprints or capturing entire seasons for pennies apiece, commons constitute the true lifeblood keeping the community thriving.

While mega-hits sell for six figures, the constant shuffling of commons maintains speculation’s lifeblood. Since each carries theoretical value to someone completing their collection, a secondary market persists where inventory exchange hands regularly at modest costs. This churn efficiently redistributes surplus cards into the hands of others still requiring them, preventing valuable pieces from slipping into oblivion due to overproduction. Though lacking individual riches, commons as a whole allow the pastime to endure in accessible form for future generations.

Outside financial considerations, commons preserve a democratic spirit within the collecting realm. Whereas autographs or 1/1 parallel impose artificial scarcity, standard base issues remain equally obtainable to all. Commons represent not what money can buy, but what dedication and research canstill uncover through swap meets and used bins. Their egalitarian nature matches the sport itself, where underdogs and call-ups get the same 24 inches of rubber despite pedigree. Collectors of all backgrounds find satisfaction pursuing the same players through market forces alone.

Another advantage arises from the repetitive nature of commons production. Sets from the late 80s through the 90s boom era saw mass duplication yielding astronomical print runs. This ubiquity leaves enduring records encapsulating single-season snapshots down to the last utility infielder activated for a week. Researchers gain an unparalleled database to trace careers and compare eras by aggregating granular statistics across hundreds of issues. Archives of commons transcend monetary worth, preserving an irreplaceable look into baseball’s history accessible for studies which might otherwise rely on imperfect microfilm archives and yellowing newspapers.

A keen observer can even glean narratives from the composition of modern commons sets. Photographer selections, photo angles, and deliberate croppings inadvertently reveal front office priorities, prospect projections, or locker room pecking orders. Conversely, the absence of a given player hints at possible trade negotiations, injuries, or Demotions unknown to the public at press time. Each innocuous cardboard square contributes hidden insights beyond bare Bones stats, imbuing commons with unintentional social perspectives enhancing their value to serious chroniclers.

While rookies and stars receive lavish treatment, commons represent the true heartbeat of any sport or community. Their ubiquitous, egalitarian nature spreads inclusion while cultivating the next generation. Although lacking allure, commons importantly document entire teams and seasons with unique granularity unattainable by high-dollar parallels. Whether completing sets, satisfying curiosity, or preserving baseball’s legacy, commons remain the lifeblood sustaining card collecting’s past, present and future. Though seeming inconsequential individually, only through accumulation and study do their deeper merits become clear.