Tag Archives: goudey

WHAT YEARS DID GOUDEY MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Goudey is considered one of the most iconic early issuers of baseball cards. They began including cards with players’ images in their gum and candy products in 1933 as a promotional item and marketing tool. That 1933 Goudey Baseball Card set is considered the first mass-produced baseball card set. It featured 161 cards showing individual players. Some of the notable stars included in that set were Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx.

In 1934 and 1935 Goudey continued producing baseball cards as inserts in their products. The 1934 set totaled 88 cards and expanded the roster to include players from the AL and NL. Rookies like Dizzy Dean and Lefty Gomez made their card debuts. The 1935 set was similar in size at 82 cards and also featured rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Joe DiMaggio.

In 1936 Goudey produced one of the most acclaimed and valuable sets in baseball card history, the 1936 Goudey Baseball Cards. Unique for its time, it featured color photographs on the fronts of the cards rather than black and white images. The set totaled a then-high of 252 cards divided into three series. Among the stars included were Ted Williams’ and Bob Feller’s rookie cards which have sold for over $1 million each in recent decades.

Goudey continued their series in 1937 with a set of 199 cards divided among three series. This included rookie cards of future superstars like Bob Elliott. The 1938 set was their last large base set numbering 160 cards across two series. That set contained the rookie cards of Hall of Famers Ernie Lombardi and Billy Herman.

In 1939 and 1940 Goudey issued much smaller 20 card sets as inserts or extras in their gum to promote specific teams rather than the whole league. The 1939s featured the National League All-Stars while the 1940s showed American League All-Stars. These sets are considered invaluable today given their limited production and focus on all-star level players.

Goudey’s final baseball card production before World War II came in 1941 with small 16 card sets focused on either the NL or AL pennant contenders that year. Featuring stars in action shots rather than portraits, they represented the company’s last original baseball cards for over a decade.

In 1953, Goudey attempted a brief revival of their baseball card line to nostalgically remind consumers of their earlier issues. Known as the 1953 Goudey Baseball Card “rebranded” reissue set, it reused 180 cards from the 1933-1941 issues but with a blue border printed around the images instead of the original white or gray. High quality reproductions made it a favorite set for collectors at the time seeking to complete their vintage Goudey collections.

Between 1933 and 1941 as well as with their unique 1953 reissue set, Goudey Gum Company produced 18 different baseball card sets totaling over 1750 individual cards. They helped popularize the modern concept of trading, collecting and enjoying baseball cards as hobby and their beautifully crafted vintage issues remain highly prized by collectors today with individual cards routinely selling for six figures due to their historical significance in the early development of the modern baseball card collecting phenomenon. No other early 20th century baseball card brand left a more indelible mark on the industry.

2007 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2007 Goudey Baseball Card set was released on April 18, 2007 to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the iconic Goudey Gum Company baseball card series from the 1930s. Produced by Topps, the 2007 set paid homage to Goudey’s innovative artistic designs from the early 20th century with 270 total cards featuring today’s biggest MLB stars. Named after The Goudey Gum Company based in Louisville, Kentucky, the original run of Goudey cards from 1933-1938 are considered some of the most beautiful and collectible in the hobby. Nostalgia for those early cards drove Topps to bring back the Goudey branding for their 2007 release.

The 2007 set had significant historical backing and visual allure that captivated classic card collectors. Topps meticulously reproduced elements of the vintage design aesthetic that made early Goudey cards so appealing, including dramatic portraits with ornate borders, gold accents, and elegant font typeface. Each card also featured the iconic “Goudey Gum Company” banner across the top used on the originals. While it had 270 cards like a standard Topps flagship set, the 2007 Goudey release felt like a premium limited edition with its premium attention to authentic retro visuals and nostalgic connection to early 20th century baseball culture.

Beyond the nostalgia factor, the on-card content in the 2007 Goudey set also paid homage to the past. As with 1933 Goudey, each player portrait in 2007 had a unique artistic border design surrounding it – some straight lines, others more intricate patterns. This border style varied from card to card and perfectly mimicked the look of the earliest Goudey issues. Career stats printed on the back of each card were kept simple like the 1930s, only listing batting average, home runs, and RBI. No modern data points were included unlike today’s more information-packed card backs. Collectors appreciated this refined focus on the essentials just like the early Goudeys featured.

While contemporary collectors enjoyed the nostalgia of the 2007 Goudey design, the set also thrilled investigators of baseball and card history. Significant research went into the player portrait selection process to best represent the heritage of the Goudey name. Legends and stars from both the past and present made the cut, instilling the 2007 release with cross-generational appeal. Pitchers like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and current Aces Roger Clemens and Johan Santana were featured alongside fan favorites like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays spanning several eras. Even notable debut cards of early MLB standouts made the 2007 checklist in tribute, a prime example being Joe DiMaggio’s first card appearance.

Topps went to impressive lengths to procure the necessary historical imagery for these heritage cards in the 2007 Goudey set. Black and white photographs from the 1930s and 40s were located through extensive archives searches to illustrate legends no longer living. Careful colorization and restoration was then done by hand to transform these vintage photos into the printed cards. For modern players without historical photos available, Topps commissioned new original portrait art and border designs that stylistically matched the 1930s aesthetic. Whether historical image or newly commissioned artwork, the overall cohesive retro style of the 2007 Goudey design paid homage to the cardboard greats of baseball past.

The actual on-field production of the 2007 Goudey Baseball Card set saw Topps take a unique distribution approach compared to their flagship series as well. Only sold through select hobby shops and specialty dealers rather than mass-market retail, Goudey carried an air of exclusivity. Initially short printed to just 50,000 sets produced, demand far outstripped the limited print run. This scarcity has only enhanced Goudey’s collectible cachet in the years since, with complete sealed 2007 factory sets now commanding four-figure prices despite their relatively modern production date. Individual rookie cards or stars with low print numbers have reached even higher auction totals. Clearly, Topps struck a chord with their tribute to a piece of early cardboard history beloved by the hobby.

For purists and historians of vintage baseball cards, one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2007 Goudey release was the inclusion of “reproductions” of several key 1930s issues. Among the highlights were recreates of the legendary 1933 Goudey subset cards like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig which are considered the rarest and most valuable in the entire sport. While obviously produced in 2007 rather than the 1930s, these modern remakes carried the exact same visuals, stats and player info as the originals. Having high quality, intact replicas of such iconic cardboard available after decades of being confined to museums thrilled collectors. The appeal to investigate facsimiles versus authentic counterparts adds an engaging layer to the 2007 Goudey set’s merits even today.

In the over fifteen years since its release, the 2007 Topps Goudey Baseball Card set has undoubtedly cemented its status as one of the most intriguing specialty issues ever produced. Both a meticulous tribute to early 20th century card design as well as an innovative snapshot of 2000s baseball, Goudey marries nostalgia, history study and modern collecting dynamics in a cohesive full-color package. Whether cherishing iconic star portraits, unearthing insert hit cards, or simply appreciating the carefully rendered retro production values – the magic recipe Topps captured with Goudey in 2007 continues to excite collectors to this day. The longevity, collecting enthusiasm and market performance this now truly “vintage” baseball card set enjoys is a true testament to how deftly it blended tradition and renewal for a timeless tribute to a classic cardboard heritage.

1934 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the entire history of baseball cards. Issued by the American Card Company and licensed through chewing gum manufacturer Goudey, the 1934 set marked several firsts for the fledgling industry of baseball cards. It was the first true “set” of cards as it included all teams from the American and National Leagues, with each team getting several player cards. At the time it was the largest baseball card set yet produced.

The set contains a total of 161 cards featuring players, managers, and umpires from the 1933 MLB season. Some key things to know about 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards include:

Design: The cards featured colorful graphics and colorful player photos pasted onto basic cardboard stock. The front displayed a caricature-style drawing of the player, their team logo, name, and position. The back had stats and a brief biography.

Condition: Most surviving 1934 Goudey cards are in well-worn condition as they saw a lot of use by children in the 1930s. Mint condition specimens are quite rare. Even moderately played cards in VG or EX condition can command premium prices.

Short Print Cards: The set included several “short print” cards that were printed in lower numbers, making them harder to find. Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth were not included due to licensing issues.

Hall of Famers: Over 75 players in the set would eventually be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Lefty Grove.

In terms of prices, 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards featuring the game’s all-time greats in top condition can sell for astronomical sums. Here’s a breakdown of some record prices realized for key cards from the set:

Mickey Cochrane (Tigers): A PSA 5 copy of this Hall of Fame catcher’s card sold for $72,900 in 2020.

Lou Gehrig (Yankees): A PSA 4 of the Iron Horse went for $62,250 in 2021.

Jimmie Foxx (Athletics): A gem mint PSA 9 sold for $93,000 in early 2022.

Mel Ott (Giants): A PSA 6 brought $53,250 at auction in 2021.

Lefty Grove (Athletics): A high-grade PSA 8 sold for $47,500 last year.

It’s not just the all-time greats that hold value. Here are recent sales of 1934 Goudey cards featuring very good to excellent condition examples:

Bill Dickey (Yankees): A PSA 5 copy made $11,250 in 2020.

Gabby Hartnett (Cubs): A PSA 6 sold for $10,875 last year.

Charlie Gehringer (Tigers): EX condition brought $9,250 in 2021 auction.

Lefty O’Doul (Phillies): A VG-EX grade realized $7,150.

Earl Averill (Indians): PSA 5.5 condition earned $6,250.

Schoolboy Rowe (Tigers): VG-EX grade traded hands for $5,500.

Perhaps most remarkably, even fairly low-grade copies of common players from 1934 Goudey still hold substantial lingering value due to the set’s importance and rarity overall in high grades. A PSA 2 copy of Yankees pitcher Johnny Murphy still sold for $1,575 recently.

The 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was hugely influential and the first true “set” released. Even in well-worn lower grades, copies retain value due to their place in the hobby’s history. High-grade examples of the set’s long list of Hall of Famers routinely break records, with the true all-time great rookies bringing hundreds of thousands when pristine.

GOUDEY GUM COMPANY BASEBALL CARDS

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The Goudey Gum Company began producing some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the early 20th century. Founded by pharmacist Benjamin Goudey in 1884, the company grew to become one of the leading chewing gum manufacturers in the United States. In the 1930s, Goudey sought new ways to promote its gum products and decided to include collectible baseball cards as incentives inside gum and candy packages.

From 1933 to 1941, Goudey released five distinct sets of baseball cards as promotional items. These early releases helped popularize baseball cards as a mainstream collecting hobby. The 1933 Goudey gum cards were the first mass-produced set of modern baseball cards. Each pack of gum contained a single card with photographic images of current Major League players on the front and their stats printed on the back. A total of 81 cards were released in the 1933 set, highlighting stars from both the American and National Leagues.

Notably, the 1933 Goudey issue introduced the first “action shot” cards that depicted players in action poses rather than stiff formal portraits. This set is also unique in featuring one of the rarest and most iconic cards in the hobby – the Babe Ruth card, of which only 12 examples are known to exist in mint condition. Due to its superb condition and historical significance, one of these Ruth cards sold at auction in 2016 for over $5 million, setting a new record as the highest price ever paid for a baseball card. The 1933 Goudey issue laid the foundation for the baseball card collecting industry and remains one of the most pursued sets by serious vintage enthusiasts.

Following the success of that first release, Goudey went on to produce cards in 1936, 1938, 1939, and 1940. The 1934 and 1935 issues were not true “sets” and instead consisted of assorted single cards inserted individually into gum packs. The 1936 set expanded to include all teams from that season and featured additional photographic action shots on a thick, glossy stock that has held up remarkably well over the decades. Rated a 7.5 on the standard 10 point quality scale due to the set’s above average centering and clarity, high-grade 1936 Goudey cards command top dollar from vintage collectors.

In 1938, Goudey went through a major design change, shifting from green-bordered portrait cards to a larger golden yellow landscape format with statistics printed directly on the images. The 1938 set also saw the first “rookie cards” produced for future Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Ted Williams and others. Perhaps the most renowned cards issued during this later period were the 1940s, known both for their artistic dual image “double folded” design as well as the inclusion of several true “superstars” in the early stages of their careers, including Joe DiMaggio and Satchel Paige.

While production of Goudey baseball cards ceased after 1941 due to the onset of US involvement in World War II, the company left an indelible mark on the emerging market it helped create. Today, collectors remain passionate about acquiring high-quality specimens from each of the five original Goudey sets released in the 1930s-40s golden era. With sharp images, historical significance, and scarcity enhancing their value, Goudey cards routinely appear as centerpiece attractions at major card shows and auctions. Particularly coveted by investors are pristine conditioned examples likely to still garner strong prices decades from now. As one of the true pioneer forces behind baseball cards, Benjamin Goudey’s company ensured its place in sports collecting lore by introducing America’s national pastime on inexpensive packs of chewing gum nearly a century ago.

1933 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 1933 Goudey baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the entire history of card collecting. Produced by the American Card Company and featuring photographs from the Boston-based Goudey gum company, the 1933 set included a whopping 262 total baseball cards when it was first released. Though production totals for the set are unknown, surviving examples are extremely scarce today, making high grade 1933 Goudeys some of the most expensive cards that can be purchased on the hobby market.

The 1933 set was the first mass-produced baseball card set to feature actual photographs of players, rather than basic illustrations seen on earlier tobacco cards. This innovation helped capture kids’ imaginations and fueled the growing baseball card craze during the Great Depression era. Despite being produced during economically depressed times, 1933 Goudey cards saw immense popularity upon initial release. The set was sold through gum packs as a marketing tool for Goudey gum and featured images of current major league players from the American and National Leagues of that era.

Top stars of the day like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx were all prominently included and their rare Goudey cards today are considered holy grails by collectors. The set is also notable for including the only known cards made for Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Van Lingle Mungo and Cleveland Indians player Ray Castillo, who are considered the rarest modern baseball cards in existence due to extremely low survive rates. High grade examples of any 1933 Goudey have been known to sell for six figures or more when they emerge on the secondary market.

When considering 1933 Goudey cards for sale currently, it’s important to understand the set contains cards in varied conditions – from heavily played to gem mint. The Scarcity and pricing naturally increases exponentially depending on the grade. At the lower end, well-played or poor conditioned examples of common players can still fetch thousands. The most expense cards will be high number cards and the aforementioned stars, especially in superior gem mint grades. For example, here are the estimated values of some key 1933 Goudey cards across different condition levels:

Babe Ruth (PSA 8 EX-MT): $150,000+
Lou Gehrig (PSA 6 VG-EX): $50,000+
Jimmie Foxx (PSA 5 EX): $35,000+
Van Lingle Mungo (PSA 5 EX): $200,000+
Ray Castillo (PSA 5 EX): $150,000+
Mickey Cochrane (PSA 4 VG): $20,000+
Lefty Grove (PSA 9 Mint): $100,000+

As you can see at the top end, Goudeys in pristine new-looking grades regularly sell for well into the five figures due to their extreme rarity. Even mid-range conditioned examples still demand impressive high four or low five figure prices. This is especially true for the elusive Mungo and Castillo cards which have survival populations in the single digits.

When scouting for 1933 Goudeys for sale, your best options are usually through reputable vintage card auction houses like Heritage, Goldin, or Memory Lane. Individual sellers may also have rare finds listed on eBay, but there is naturally more risk there in terms of authenticity. You’ll also need to factor in a buyer’s premium around 20-25% on top of the final auction price. Grading services like PSA or SGC can also be searched directly for certified examples available for purchase through their ‘collectors vault’ databases.

In summary – the 1933 Goudey baseball card set is one of the true summit releases that started the collecting hobby we know today. High grade key cards and the ultra-rare Mungo and Castillo continue to be among the most expensive and collectible in the world when they surface for sale. For the serious vintage card investor or collector seeking a blue-chip addition, 1933 Goudeys truly represent some of the finest trophies that money can buy in the hobby. Just be prepared to shell out five or even six figures for that opportunity.

1934 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set is arguably one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of baseball cards. Produced by the American Chicle Company, the 1934 Goudey set was the first widely distributed modern baseball card set. It featured cards of 154 different players from the National and American Leagues at the time.

The checklist of players included in the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was very comprehensive for its era. Some of the biggest stars of 1930s baseball were featured, like Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees and Dizzy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals. The set also included many role players and lesser known stars, demonstrating Goudey’s goal of having cards for most everyone actively playing in the majors at that time.

In terms of the franchise representation, the New York Yankees led the way with 15 total players featured thanks to their dynasty run during this period. The St. Louis Cardinals were next with 13 cards. Other teams well-represented included the Chicago Cubs (11), Detroit Tigers (10), Boston Red Sox (9), and Philadelphia Athletics (8). No other franchise had more than 7 players make the checklist.

Some notable individual players included in the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set were:

Babe Ruth, New York Yankees: As the game’s biggest star, Ruth predictably headlined the checklist and his card is the most coveted by collectors today.

Dizzy Dean, St. Louis Cardinals: One of the era’s best pitchers, Dean’s fun-loving personality made him a favorite among fans.

Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees: Prior to his tragic decline, Gehrig was one of baseball’s finest all-around players as evidenced by his inclusion.

Jimmy Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics: Future Hall of Famer was in his prime with back-to-back MVP awards in 1932-1933.

Hank Greenberg, Detroit Tigers: The “Hammerin’ Hebrew” was one of the game’s top sluggers just beginning his remarkable career.

Joe Medwick, St. Louis Cardinals: 1934 NL MVP and star of the famed “Gashouse Gang” Cardinals clubs.

Charlie Gehringer, Detroit Tigers: Durable second baseman was a contributor for Tigers’ championship teams.

In addition to the notable stars listed above, the set also included solid players like Bill Terry, Mel Ott, Jimmie Wilson, Lefty Gomez, Mickey Cochrane, and Freddie Lindstrom among many others. No players were omitted simply due to being on poorer teams – statistical merit earned inclusion.

The design scheme for the 1954 Goudey cards was quite basic but effective. Each card measured approximately 2.125 inches by 3.125 inches and was printed on thin cardboard stock. The front of the card depicted each player’s headshot along with their name and team neatly featured below. On the back was a simple grey graphical border with space in the center for the player’s stats, but no written information. The cards featured no logos or advertisement content at all.

With such inclusiveness and prominently featuring the sport’s icons like Babe Ruth, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was an immediate success upon its release. Its distribution method of being sold in packs of gum helped popularize what we now consider the standard baseball card collecting experience. The set had massive cultural impact by bringing the baseball card hobby to the mainstream forefront.

Today, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards are among the most prized possessions of any serious vintage card collector. In top gem mint condition, premium cards like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig routinely sell for over $100,000 each due to their rarity, historical significance, and superb iconic imagery capturing an bygone era of the national pastime. Even more common players can still fetch thousands because of the set’s immense popularity and influence on the industry. Over 85 years later, the 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards still capture imaginations as one of the most storied releases in any sport.

1938 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set was truly groundbreaking for the hobby of baseball card collecting. Produced by the American Card Company and featuring photographs from the National Pastime News Service, the 1938 Goudey set became one of the most iconic issues in the early decades of baseball cards. With its innovative design choices and featuring some of the true legends of the game, the 1938 Goudey set helped elevate baseball cards from mere promotional items into a true collector’s commodity.

The set consisted of a total of 231 cards issued over the course of the 1938 season. What made the 1938 Goudey set so notable was that it marked the first time that baseball cards featured individual player photographs on the fronts of the cards rather than team action shots or illustrations. Previously, most baseball cards had some variation of an overall team photo or a posed group shot on the front. By placing individual player mug shots on each card, the 1938 Goudey set helped establish the iconic baseball card design standard that still exists today of one player per card.

The player photographs were all acquired from the National Pastime News photo archives. This meant each image had a consistency in look and feel. In contrast to prior years where images may have varied more widely between different photographers, the 1938 Goudey set had a uniform photographic quality that added to its appeal. The card backs also included certain details about each player that were compiled by the leading sports authorities and publications of the time to ensure accuracy.

From a statistical standpoint, the 1938 Goudey set is also notable for featuring some true legends of baseball even in the early stages of their careers. This included Joe DiMaggio in his second season posting a .322 average and 146 RBI. That DiMaggio card in particular near- mint condition is valued in the tens of thousands today. The set also included legends like Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, and Hank Greenberg early in their Hall of Fame careers. For collectors, having future all-time greats featured in one of their rookie or early career sets adds tremendous historical value.

Beyond the star power and iconic design, the production quality of 1938 Goudey cards was also a cut above prior issues. The stock was of a high quality thick cardboard. The vibrant colors and sharp details of the photographs popped off the cards. The uniform borders and clean layouts made for an attractive and visually pleasing finished product. Distribution was also aimed beyond just youth consumers. The higher production values suggested Goudey viewed the cards as collectibles for both children and adults. This helped build baseball cards into a true hobby and not just a passing promotional fad.

As one of the earliest mainstream baseball card sets to gain widespread popularity and availability, its legendary status grew over the decades. Near complete or gem mint sets from 1938 now fetch six-figure prices. Even lower-grade common players can sell for thousands. Individual rookie cards of legends like DiMaggio are among the most valuable cards in the entire hobby. While supplies of intact 1938 Goudey sets dwindle with each passing year, their impact and prestige seems only to grow stronger with time within the collecting community.

In retrospect, it’s clear to see how ahead of their time and innovative the creators of the 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set truly were. By making the simplist, yet most significant changes like individual player photography and higher production values, they helped elevate baseball cards from mere novelty to cherished collectible. In securing the first ever photos of legends like DiMaggio, Greenberg, and Ott, they documented some of the first steps of future Hall of Fame careers. Because of this confluence of factors, the 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set has become one of the true “crown jewels” and most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. Its history, star power, and sheer magnetism seem ensure its legacy will endure for generations of collectors to come.

1934 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1934 Goudey Baseball Cards set was truly groundbreaking and represented many ‘firsts’ for modern baseball cards. Issued by the American Card Company and sold in packs of gum as part of its promotion, the 1934 Goudey set showed that there was a market for specialized sports cards and helped lead to the golden age of baseball cards in the post-World War II era.

With its iconic design featuring a colorful oval photo front and stats on the back, the 1934 Goudey set introduced many innovations that became staples of the baseball card industry. At the time, most baseball related Ephemera focused more on teams rather than individual players. The 1934 Goudey cards prominently featured close-up headshots of players, personally connecting young fans with their favorite stars.

For the first time, cards included details on batting and pitching stats from the previous season, helping educate new and younger fans just learning the game. Critical information like career records, batting handedness, rookie season and more were printed on the backs. This standard format is still widely used today on most modern baseball cards. Some key stats featured were batting average, home runs and runs batted in.

The 1933 and 1934 Goudey Baseball Gum sets are considered the first ‘modern’ baseball cards. They included a who’s who of the day’s biggest stars including Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig and 154 other major leaguers from 1933. The 1934 set surpassed its predecessors in many important ways. At 180 total cards across 3 series, it featured more players than any previous card issue. Many of the game’s biggest stars received vertical double portrait cards highlighting two images. Innovations like these demonstrated clear commercial potential for dedicated sports cards as collectibles.

Some other key details on the 1934 Goudey set that added to its historical significance:

-Color tinting was added to many photos, another first, making the images really pop compared to earlier black and whites. Some portraits had team-colored borders as well.
-Raisedprinting further highlighted player names and stats vs smooth paper. This embossing effect added a sense of quality.
-For the first time, rookie cards were identified as such, a major boon to set completionists and those seeking early singles.
-Hall of Famers like Carl Hubbell, Lefty Gomez and Bill Terry had especially iconic 1934 Goudey cards that regularly sell for collector premiums today.
-The set came as 18-card sheets inserted inside bubble gum packs, a packaging format that set the standard for decades of issues.
-Goudey commissioned well known American illustrator John W. Bateman II to create original pen and ink drawings for the card backs, lending visual interest.

While production was relatively low for a modern set at approximately 60,000 packs made, Goudey’s 1934 offering proved there was staying power in a dedicated sports card line beyond just a novelty or seasonal promotion. Its innovations like player photography, stats and bio information established collectability standards still used today. Prices for high grade 1934 examples in the thousands of dollars show their iconic status among early 20th century baseball memorabilia. The set deserves its landmark reputation as ‘the first modern card issue’ for greatly furthering the growth of baseball as America’s national pastime through accessible collectible cards of its superstar players.

The 1934 Goudey Baseball Card set was truly a groundbreaking landmark that introduced enduring innovations to the world of sports card collecting while showcasing the era’s biggest MLB stars. Its creative format and presentation established crucial standards for baseball cards that paved the way for decades of growth and endearment with young fans following. As one of the earliest predominantly ‘player card’ issues, 1934 Goudey helped cement cards as important agents of the game’s promotion and culture that remain beloved by enthusiasts worldwide today.

GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS 1933

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The 1933 Goudey baseball card set is one of the most iconic and coveted issues in the history of sports card collecting. Produced by the Goudey Gum Company, the 1933 cards were the first modern format baseball card set released. They contained a variety of stars from the early 1930s including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. The 1933 Goudey set holds iconic status among collectors for being the first true “baseball card” set and for showcasing stars from one of the golden eras of baseball history.

The cards were included as a promotional insert in packages of Goudey baseball gum. The company decided to spice up its gum sales by including small cardboard cards imprinted with photos and stats of major league players. A total of 525,000 series 1 cards were printed featuring 161 players. The cards featured horizontal rookie card size photographs in black and white measuring approximately 2 1/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches. Printed on thick coated stock, the cards had rounded edges and were numbered on the front. Biographies of each player were printed in small text on the back.

While the inclusion of baseball cards in gum was not a new concept, the 1933 Goudey issue took the format to a new level and defined the modern baseball card template that would be followed for decades. Previously, baseball cards were made primarily for smokers included in cigarette packs but were not dedicated sets focused solely on the sporting content. The 1933 Goudey cards were the first to resemble what collectors would consider true “baseball cards”. Their success spawned many imitators and established a multi-million dollar trading card industry that still thrives today.

Some key details that make the 1933 Goudey issue so iconic and valuable among collectors include:

Star Power: The set featured huge legends of the era like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Lefty Grove. Getting rookie cards or early 20s/30s issues of these all-time greats is highly sought after.

Scarcity: Only 525,000 series 1 cards were printed. High grade copies are rare today given the cards’ age and the amount that have been lost, damaged, or worn out over nearly 90 years. population reports estimate only a few hundred PSA/BGS 9s or 10s still exist for some of the stars.

Historical Significance: As the first true modern baseball card set, the 1933 Goudey cards took the format mainstream and paved the way for the entire sports card industry. Collectors appreciate their role in documenting a golden age of the sport and in numismatic history.

Iconic Design: The classic early size, basic stat layout on the back, centered horizontal photos all lend the 1933 Goudey cards a very nostalgic and vintage baseball card aesthetic that is still replicated today. Few designs have resonated as strongly in the hobby like Goudey’s seminal 1933 template.

Condition Census: Occupying the “Mona Lisa’s” of the condition census for their respective players, high graded 1933 Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx cards especially are crown jewels among collectors due to their condition rarity, star power, and history. A PSA 10 mint Ruth could fetch over $2 million at auction.

Over the decades, the 1933 Goudey cards have become synonymous with the early glory days of the baseball card era. Finding high quality copies of the stars of that time in the first prominent baseball card set ever made holds immense appeal to collectors. While many other sets have come and gone, none have matched the 1933 Goudey issue’s blend of scarcity, condition challenge, star power, historical landmark status, and iconic nostalgic design that makes each card a true contemporary work of art to the enthusiast. The 1933 Goudey cards will always be treasured as one of the most important issues in the long and collectible history of baseball cards.

1933 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards set was the first modern baseball card issue. Where previous baseball cards from the late 19th century were more akin to tobacco advertisements or trading cards inserted in cartons of cigarettes, gum, or candy, the 1933 Goudey set marked the first time cards were specifically designed and marketed as collectibles. Many key aspects of modern baseball card production and design were pioneered with this seminal set.

The 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards checklist included cards depicting 161 different players from the American and National Leagues. This was a massive expansion from earlier baseball card offerings which numbered in the single digits or low double digits of players featured. For the first time, collectors could obtain pictorial representations of most every major leaguer of the era in one set.

The cards were issued as loose inserts inside Goudey gum packages with four cards appearing in each pack on average. This established the model of including sports and entertainment trading cards inside confectionery that is still followed by card manufacturers today. The cards measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, similar in size to most modern baseball cards.

Some key features and differences between the 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards and what had come before them include:

Full color lithographed images on the front rather than simple mono-toned portraits as in tobacco era issues. This use of color photography allowed for more lifelike and visually appealing cardboard collectibles.

Standardized card color – all 1933 Goudey cards used the same light blue bordered design. Early tobacco-era issues varied in color and sometimes even size within the same sets.

Player statistics and biographical information printed on the backs of cards rather than just a company advertisement or gum/tobacco plug endorsements. This added Collector value and engagement through informational content on the card backs.

Numerical organization indicated on the face of each card through small printed numbers. While there was no specific handbook, collectors could piece together the set checklist through the numbering system used.

Larger player selection including not just biggest stars but also part-time players and up-and-comers. This led to higher set completion rates by collectors and higher card production numbers.

Some key notable players featured in the 1933 Goudey Baseball Card checklist include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, Lefty Grove, Dizzy Dean, and Carl Hubbell among many others. Ruth’s 1933 Goudey card is one of the most sought after and valuable in the entire set due to his superstar status and iconography during the dead ball era.

Condition is critical to high grades and corresponding value when considering vintage 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards for your collection. The thin paper stock used for these early cards does not hold up well to the test of time and rigorous play they likely endured in the 1930s. Obtaining examples in the highest available Near Mint or better condition can quadruple or even 10x the pricing over heavily played or damaged copies.

Top reserve hobbyists and institutions have acquired pristine 1933 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Goudey Baseball Cards for auction prices reaching $1 million or more individually. But for most collectors, finding any fresh copy of this groundbreaking set in your local card shop or online marketplace in the $50-$500 range would make for an incredible vintage addition to a collection.

The 1933 Goudey set truly advanced the modern baseball card hobby by pioneering many key aspects of design, production value, player selection, and collectibility potential still followed today. It opened up the exciting new pastime of chasing complete checklists of major leaguers through wax packs of cards and gum. For these innovations cementing the 1933 Goudeys as the first true ‘modern’ baseball card set released, they remain hugely important and desirable pieces of both sports and pop culture card history.