Tag Archives: greats

1990 SWELL BASEBALL GREATS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The year 1990 saw an incredible swell in the popularity of collecting baseball cards among both young fans and nostalgic adults. Card companies like Topps, Donruss, Fleer and Score were pumping out set after set featuring the game’s biggest stars and rising prospects. This period is widely considered the peak of the modern baseball card boom before the market began to contract in the latter half of the 1990s. 1990s cards of all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Cal Ripken Jr. remain highly sought after by collectors to this day. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names whose 1990 baseball cards established them as true legends of the game:

Nolan Ryan: The “Ryan Express” was entering the twilight of his unbelievable 27-year career in 1990 at age 43, but he was still one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. His 1990 Topps and Studio cards show him pitching for the Texas Rangers, where he notched his record-setting 5th career no-hitter that year. Ryan held the all-time records for strikeouts, no-hitters and fastest pitch when he retired. His 1990 cards are considered some of the most valuable from the era, routinely fetching well over $100 graded and preserved in near-mint condition.

Cal Ripken Jr.: 1990 was Ripken’s age 29 season and he was coming off winning the AL MVP award the previous year. His 1990 Fleer and Topps cards prominently feature his nickname “Iron Man” after setting the then-record for consecutive games played at 1,081. Of course, Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic record of 2,130 straight games in 1995. His 1990 rookie cards remain some of the more sought-after and high-valued modern issues, a testament to Ripken’s legendary durability and consistency.

George Brett: Approaching his late 30s, Brett remained one of baseball’s all-time great hitters as he led the Kansas City Royals in 1990 with a .293 average, 20 home runs and 77 RBIs. His iconic moustache and uniform number “5” make his 1990 Donruss and Bowman cards highly recognizable. Brett’s career .305 batting average ranks him 13th all-time and his 1980 batting title run of .390 is the highest single-season mark since 1941. Brett was a first-ballot Hall of Famer and his early-90s cards bring strong returns.

Rickey Henderson: By 1990, Henderson had grown into arguably the game’s most dynamic player, fresh off his first of two consecutive AL MVP awards and stolen base records in his prime Oakland A’s years. Cards from Score, Topps and Upper Deck highlight Henderson’s blazing speed and left-handed power swing that made him a one-of-a-kind threat on the basepaths. Henderson’s 939 career stolen bases are über records that still stand today. His early-90s Oakland A’s issues have multiplied greatly in value with time.

Frank Thomas: A rising star slugger in 1990, Thomas appeared poised to become one of the premier power hitters of the era. His rookie cards from 1989 Fleer and Score debuted “The Big Hurt” nickname and established Thomas as a standout prospect in the Chicago White Sox system. In 1990 cards from Donruss, Topps and Score, collectors got an early look at Thomas’ classic left-handed swing and chiseled physique that would fuel 540+ career home runs and 2 MVP awards. Thomas’ rookie cards from this period have grown into investment-grade quality.

Kirby Puckett: The all-star centerfielder for the World Series champion Minnesota Twins was hitting his offensive prime in 1990. Uniform number “34” cards from Score, Donruss and Topps highlight Puckett’s smooth left-handed stroke and highlight-reel defense that would fuel 12 straight Gold Gloves and a batting title. Puckett’s flair for the dramatic including a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series cemented his status as a beloved icon in Minnesota. His 1990 rookie and stars cards hold popularity and value to this day.

Barry Bonds: His 1990 Topps, Fleer, Score issues gave collectors an early glimpse of the physical tools that would translate to record home run and walk totals later in his career. As a speedy, left-handed hitting young outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds slugged 24 home runs and stole 34 bases on his way to his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in 1990. Although his post-Pirates career became mired in performance-enhancing drug controversy, Bonds’ pre-steroid Pirates cards retain strong nostalgia value.

Ken Griffey Jr.: The highly-touted rookie outfielder made his major league debut in 1989 and exploded onto the scene in 1990. That year’s cards from Donruss, Score and Topps highlight Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless defense that evoked comparisons to his father, former Cincinnati Red Ken Griffey Sr. With flashy tools and boyish charm, Griffey became a 1990s marketing phenomenon and his early-career Mariners cards are prized by collectors to this day.

In summary, 1990 was a watershed year in baseball card history. It captured future Hall of Famers and stars at their peaks alongside rookie cards for iconic players still in their early careers. High-quality, preserved examples from 1990 issues of these all-time baseball legends remain widely sought by collectors, holding value as timeless artifacts of the sport’s rich history.

BASEBALL ALL TIME GREATS CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

When it comes to collecting valuable baseball cards, the all-time greats tend to have the most sought after and expensive pieces of cardboard from their playing days. The names at the top of the list will be very familiar to any fan of America’s pastime as they revolutionized the game and put up Hall of Fame worthy careers that still stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the individual players whose rookie cards or especially memorable cards from their prime years now command astronomical prices in the collecting world.

Honus Wagner is widely considered the king of valuable baseball cards as his legendary 1909-11 T206 tobacco card is the crown jewel of the hobby. Only around 60 examples are known to exist today in varying conditions. In recent years, pristine mint condition Wagner rookies have sold for over $3 million, making it truly priceless. What makes the Wagner card so desirable is that it was part of an extremely short print run over a decade ago when the smoking culture was at its peak. Few survived in high grade for over a century.

Another turn of the 20th century great with an extremely valuable card is Babe Ruth. His 1914 Baltimore News tobacco card is one of his earliest and quite rare itself. It takes a true mega-millionaire to afford a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded example, which have reached $5 million at auction. Most of Ruth’s vintage cards hold tremendous value considering he essentially invented baseball stardom and hero worship as the first true superstar of the modern era.

In the post-World War 2 era, Mickey Mantle reigned as the sport’s most exciting switch hitting slugger for the dynastic New York Yankees teams. As a result, his 1952 Topps rookie card is arguably second only to Honus Wagner in terms of value for a single card, often selling for well over $1 million in pristine condition. Mantle’s talent, charisma and premature retirement due to injuries have cemented his legend, which is further enhanced by his iconic early Topps cards capturing his MVP caliber play.

While the previous three players dominated their respective eras over 100 years ago, one modern star eclipses them all – Mike Trout. Still active and only 30 years old, Trout is well on his way to a potential Hall of Fame plaque after a decade of otherworldly production. As a result, his 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor parallel rookie card takes the top spot, shattering records at $3.9 million. Trout mania shows no signs of slowing as he’s widely viewed as possibly the greatest all-around player ever – making this 1/1 card one of the most coveted in the entire collecting universe.

A few other generational talents with exceptionally valuable vintage cards include Ty Cobb, whose 1911 M101-8 Egyptians is a true seven figure card, and Honus Wagner contemporary Cy Young, whose 1911 Billy Murray Cracker Jack card recently sold for well over $1 million. From the 1960s, rookie cards of Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente routinely sell for high six figures. Moving into the 1970s, a mint Nolan Ryan 1969 Topps is worth a small fortune at over $500,000 given his all-time strikeout record.

The 1980s produced stars like Ozzie Smith, whose 1985 Fleer update rookie has reached $500,000. And from the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr’s upper echelon rookie cards set records themselves as one of the most widely collected players ever. In the 2000s, a perfect PSA 10 card of Albert Pujols’ 2001 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Superfractor sold for well over $100,000. Even more recently, cards of young phenoms like Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr continue gaining value as they cement all-time great potential.

While the previously mentioned names focus on the most expensive individual cards, there are also certain sets as a whole that hold tremendous value for collectors. The T206 and T205 tobacco card sets from the early 20th century routinely sell for millions. The 1952 Topps complete set in high grade sold for over $2.8 million. The 1975 Topps set has also gained immense value in pristine condition. The 1987 Topps Traded set and 1989 Upper Deck set are both hugely important in the industry’s evolution and extremely valuable finds as well.

When discussing the most valuable baseball cards of all-time, it’s really a who’s who of the sport’s untouchable legends. Players that changed the game like Wagner, Ruth, Mantle, and Trout will always be at the very top of the list since their cards were some of the earliest documenting their otherworldly talents. While prices and individual player values may fluctuate over decades, the all-time greats that made baseball history on the field will continue to have a permanent place in the hobby through their iconic and valuable cardboard representations.

1960 FLEER BASEBALL GREATS CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1960 Fleer baseball card set was unique in that it focused solely on baseball greats from the past instead of current players. Where other contemporary card issues spotlighted the stars of that respective season, Fleer went in a completely different direction by honoring legends that had made their biggest impacts prior to 1960. The set included 36 cards highlighting many of the most renowned players from baseball’s early decades in the 20th century. By spotlighting these legends of the game, the 1960 Fleer issue helped introduce younger fans to players of eras gone by. The cards in the set paid tribute to greats spanning several generations of Major League Baseball.

Some of the biggest names featured in the 1960 Fleer baseball greats set included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Walter Johnson, and Cy Young. These were undoubtedly some of the most iconic players in baseball history. Babe Ruth held the single season home run record at the time with 60 in 1927 and was widely considered the game’s first true superstar home run hitter. Ty Cobb was regarded as the best hitter and baserunner of his era, winning the batting title 12 times and stealing over 800 bases in his career. Honus Wagner was a versatile shortstop and one of the game’s first superstars in the early 1900s. Walter Johnson dominated as a power pitcher for over 20 seasons, holding the career record for shutouts. Cy Young notched over 500 career wins, a record that still stands today.

In addition to those true legends, the 1960 Fleer issue also highlighted star players from the early decades of the 1900s and 1910s like Tris Speaker, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Eddie Collins, George Sisler, Nap Lajoie, and Roger Bresnahan. Speaker was a premier five-tool player and center fielder who won seven batting titles. Alexander was one of the era’s hardest throwing pitchers and notched 373 career wins. Collins was a speedy second baseman who hit over .330 eight times and stole over 750 bases. Sisler put together one of the best single seasons in history in 1920 when he hit .407. Lajoie and Bresnahan were also standouts as second basemen and catchers, respectively, in the deadball era.

The set stretched into the 1920s as well by including cards for Home Run Baker, Goose Goslin, and Rabbit Maranville. Baker was a powerful slugging third baseman who led the American League in home runs three times in the 1920s. Goose Goslin put together 19 solid seasons as an outfielder, hitting over .300 ten times. Rabbit Maranville established himself as one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball history across 23 seasons.

The cards reached all the way to the late 1930s by highlighting Mickey Cochrane, Mel Ott, and Dizzy Dean. Cochrane was a premier catcher and manager who led the Detroit Tigers to two pennants. Mel Ott slugged over 500 home runs primarily as a corner outfielder for the New York Giants. Dizzy Dean emerged as one of the National League’s most dominant pitchers in the 1930s, winning 30 games in 1934.

In addition to the player photos and names on the front, each card in the 1960 Fleer baseball greats set included a brief bio on the back detailing the player’s career highlights and accomplishments. This helped provide younger fans with historical context on these legends from eras long before they were born. The cards gave a glimpse at the impressive careers had by the game’s earliest stars.

The 1960 Fleer set helped preserve the legacy of baseball pioneers for future generations. By focusing solely on legends instead of current players, Fleer took a creative approach that introduced collectors and fans to iconic names from the sport’s formative years. Highlighting stars from the Deadball Era through the 1930s, the issue paid tribute to the players who helped grow baseball into America’s pastime. Six decades later, the 1960 Fleer baseball greats cards remain a treasured release for collectors seeking to learn about the pioneering eras of the early MLB seasons. They represent one of the most unique vintage sets ever produced.

The 1960 Fleer baseball greats issue took a novel approach by exclusively featuring legends of the game’s past instead of contemporary players. Spanning eras from the late 19th century through the 1930s, the 36-card set introduced younger fans to iconic stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and more. Each card included a brief bio to provide historical context on these pioneering players. Over 60 years later, the 1960 Fleer baseball greats set remains a one-of-a-kind tribute to the earliest stars who helped grow and popularize America’s national pastime during its formative years.

KELLOGG’s BASEBALL GREATS CARDS

Leave a reply

The Kellogg’s Baseball Greats cards were a series of baseball trading cards inserted in boxes of Kellogg’s cereal from 1959 to 1967. They featured iconic baseball players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Hank Aaron. The cards were prized by collectors and served to introduce legendary baseball figures to young fans enjoying their morning cereal.

The cards were conceived by William O. Matson, the vice president of sales promotion at Kellogg Company, who wanted to develop a new marketing strategy to help boost cereal sales. Matson decided inserting collectible baseball cards into cereal boxes was a novel concept that could appeal to kids and parents alike. He worked with Topps, the famous trading card manufacturer, to develop and produce the cards.

The very first series of Kellogg’s Baseball Greats cards was inserted in cereal boxes in 1959. Each box included one card featuring a baseball legend from the early decades of the game. Some of the players featured in the 1959 set included Honus Wagner, Cy Young, and Walter Johnson. The cards measured 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches and featured a black and white photo of the player on the front with basic career stats on the back.

The 1959 inaugural issue was a huge success, leading to annual follow up issues through 1967. Each new series would focus on a different era of baseball history, moving progressively closer to modern times. The 1960 series highlighted stars from the 1920s and 1930s like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. Subsequent years moved into the 1940s, 1950s, and even included some recently retired stars. By 1967, the final set featured active superstars like Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax.

An estimated 5 billion Kellogg’s Baseball Greats cards were inserted into cereal boxes over the 9 year run of the series from 1959 to 1967. The cards became extraordinarily popular with children and collectors alike. Kids eagerly awaited finding the bonus baseball card in their cereal boxes and began amassing collections. Meanwhile, adult collectors recognized the photographic quality and historic significance of the players and sets featured.

Because they were mass produced cereal inserts rather than traditional trading cards, the Kellogg’s issues had much higher print runs than comparable sets from Bowman or Topps at the time. Their ubiquity also made them less valuable individually. Still, finding a highly sought after star like a Mickey Mantle or Ted Williams card was always an exciting discovery for lucky young collectors.

While common in the hands of children at the time, many of those Kellogg’s Baseball Greats cards committed to cardboard by peanut butter and soaked in milk over the breakfast table did not survive in the best condition. Those that have survived in top preserved grade today are highly valued by vintage sports memorabilia collectors. Pristine examples of iconic stars from the earliest 1959 and 1960 issues can sell for thousands of dollars. Even well-kept commons from the 1960s runs can carry dollar values far exceeding their trivial worth decades ago.

The impact of the Kellogg’s cards also extended beyond collecting value. Their inclusion in daily breakfasts helped educate generations of young American baseball fans about the history and legends of the national pastime. Players long retired discovered new life and interest from kids seeing their images on cereal box prizes. Families and Little League coaches used the cards to teach kids about batting titles, ERA records, and the colorful stars that built the national legacy of our country’s favorite sport.

While the annual issuance of new Kellogg’s Baseball Greats cards ended after 1967 issue, their legacy and influence on collectors continues decades later. The iconic images they preserved and accessible histories they presented first introduced legions of baby boomers to the who’s who of early MLB stars. Those early sets remain some of the most historically significant sports card issues of all-time due to their mass reach and documentation of long retired greats. Though common as cereal inclusions decades ago, pristine Kellogg’s cards remain a valued part of the collections of dedicated baseball memorabilia historians today.

The Kellogg’s Baseball Greats trading cards inserted in cereal boxes from 1959 to 1967 had an enormous impact as both a marketing promotion and historical documentation project. Their wide distribution introduced generations of young fans to the players and eras that built the game. While common as prizes in their day, survivors in top condition today are prized pieces of baseball memorabilia collecting. Through them, forever immortalized in cardboard, the legends of the early decades of Major League Baseball will continue to inspire new generations of fans enjoying their morning cereal.

BASEBALL’s ALL TIME GREATS ORANGE CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have long been a staple of the sport, allowing fans both young and old to collect pieces of the game’s history. Since the late 1950s, Topps has been the dominant force in baseball cards and one of their most iconic sets is the annual orange all-time greats cards. Each year, Topps selects a new batch of legends from baseball’s past to honor with these special cards that stand out from the rest of the set.

The first Topps orange all-time greats cards debuted in the 1962 set, with the inaugural batch featuring legends Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Honus Wagner. Ever since, Topps has continued the tradition each year of paying tribute to baseball immortals no longer active in the game. Some players like Ruth, Cobb, and Wagner have appeared on multiple orange cards over the decades as Topps’ understanding of their significance has grown. These cards serve as a way for new generations of fans to learn about the pioneers who helped build the national pastime.

A few of the earliest and most iconic orange greats cards included Stan Musial’s 1964 issue, highlighting his career .331 batting average. The 1965 set gave orange nods to Rogers Hornsby for his incredible .358 lifetime average and .424 on-base percentage. In 1966, Lefty Grove was honored for his incredible pitching dominance in the 1920s and 1930s that helped establish him as one of the game’s all-time great hurlers. These cards helped cement the legends of players who were long retired but still revered throughout the sport.

Into the 1970s, Topps continued selecting the most renowned names to feature on orange stock, like the 1973 cards for Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Cobb’s blazed a path as the best hitter of his era while Ruth revolutionized the game as the original home run king. Their inclusion so early in the orange set’s history underscored just how seminal their impacts had been on developing baseball. The 1974 cards paid tribute to the first 300-game winner, Walter Johnson, as well as Honus Wagner, one of the first true superstars from the early MLB era.

As more time passed, Topps was able to recognize players whose greatness may have been overlooked or underappreciated in their day. The 1975 set included an orange card for Nap Lajoie, one of the finest second basemen in history whose skillset rivaled contemporaries like Honus Wagner. In 1976, Eddie Collins received his due, a speedy 5-tool player who was a catalyst for the great Philadelphia A’s teams of his time. 1977 saw cards honoring Joe DiMaggio, who still held the MLB record for hitting streak at the time, as well as Dizzy Dean, one of baseball’s most colorful personalities.

The 1980s brought orange cards for pitching legends like Christy Mathewson and Grover Cleveland Alexander, who dominated the mound in the early 20th century. 1984 paid tribute to Stan Musial once more on the occasion of his retirement after 22 remarkable seasons solely with the St. Louis Cardinals. Arguably the finest all-around player of his generation received well-earned recognition. 1985 saw cards for Hank Greenberg and Mel Ott, two of the game’s premier power hitters from the 1930s and 1940s.

As time progressed, Topps began recognizing stars from more recent vintage as well. The 1986 set included an orange card for Bob Gibson, the intimidating St. Louis hurler who led the Cardinals to two World Series titles in the 1960s. 1987 paid homage to Reggie Jackson, the prolific home run hitter whose “October heroics earned him the nickname “Mr. October.” Ted Williams, the last major leaguer to bat over .400, received his due in 1988 on the cusp of baseball’s first Hall of Fame inductions of the modern era. The 1990s brought orange cards for Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench, superstars who dominated in the 1970s.

Into the 21st century, Topps has continued selecting the best of the best to represent on annual orange cards. Recent legends honored include Cal Ripken Jr. in 2001 for breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed iron man streak, Tom Seaver in 2002 on the verge of his Hall of Fame induction, and Rod Carew in 2003 after winning a record 7 batting titles. 2004 saw cards for Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, two of the games true “five tool” superstars. In 2005, Topps paid tribute to Kirby Puckett on the 10th anniversary of his premature retirement due to glaucoma.

As baseball’s history keeps being written, Topps orange all-time greats cards ensure the achievements of the sport’s icons remain remembered. Though the players depicted are no longer active, their impacts resonate through the generations. For collectors both casual and die-hard, finding these standout cards in packs or on the secondary market provides a connection to baseball’s storied past. Topps is certain to continue the annual tradition, honoring new inductees to the Hall of Fame and commemorating significant milestones of the legends who built the national pastime into America’s favorite pastime.

KELLOGG’s CORN FLAKES BASEBALL GREATS CARDS

Leave a reply

In 1965, Kellogg’s launched its first major baseball trading card insert promotion, called Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Baseball Greats. The set featured 36 cards spanning the first century of Major League Baseball, from its earliest stars in the 1860s through living legends of the early 1960s. Each full-size 3 1/2″ by 2 1/2″ card featured a timely baseball biography on the front and stats and career highlights on the back. The pioneering promotion was an instant hit with baseball collectors young and old.

At the time, baseball card inserts in cereal boxes were still a novelty. Topps had found success with its flagship baseball card sets since the 1950s but charged high prices. Kellogg’s saw an opportunity to lure in new young collectors and fans at a low cost. By including a free baseball card in each box of Corn Flakes, nearly every American kid who ate breakfast had a chance at building their own baseball history collection. It was the perfect marketing synergy between America’s favorite breakfast cereal and national pastime.

The 1965 Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Baseball Greats set highlighted superstars from baseball’s earliest eras to capture the interest of both kids and their parents. Icons like Pud Galvin, Nap Lajoie, and Walter Johnson rubbed shoulders with living legends like Stan Musial, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. Each card provided brief highlights of the players’ careers to give context to their impressive stats listed on the back. For many young collectors, these cards sparked new interests in baseball history that would last a lifetime.

In the years that followed, Kellogg’s further grew interest in its baseball card promotion by rotating the lineup of stars each year to keep collectors coming back for more. Some of the most highly coveted players to later appear included Babe Ruth, Josh Gibson, Ty Cobb, and Cy Young. The promotion also expanded across different Kellogg’s cereal brands, with new inserts appearing in Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, and other cereals. Sets from the late 1960s and early 1970s are some of the most highly valued by vintage baseball collectors today.

While the cards themselves were rather basic by today’s standards, as advertising inserts their main goal was to spark customers’ interest in Kellogg’s cereal. And in that regard, they were enormously successful for sparking new passions in baseball fandom. The cereal giants at Kellogg’s had pioneered mainstream sports card packaging promotions that would be copied for decades by food, toy and other companies looking to lure new customers both young and old. Within a few short years, baseball cards were wildly mainstream among American kids.

Each 1966 Kellogg’s set rotated to focus on a different era, with cards highlighting the deadball and live ball eras. Design changes were also made each year, typically improving photography quality and stat layouts. Rosters also expanded beyond 36 players. One of the most significant additions was the appearance of the first African American players to be featured, including Josh Gibson and Buck O’Neil in the 1968 set highlighting Black baseball stars. This helped diversify the promotion’s coverage of baseball history during the civil rights era.

In the early 1970s, Kellogg’s doubled down on baseball nostalgia by introducing sets devoted entirely to turn-of-the-century stars like Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, and Honus Wagner in their Pittsburgh Pirate uniforms. For mid-century collectors, these provided looks at players they only knew from sepia newsprint images or tobacco card reproductions. Design quality took another step up with matte cardstock, embossed logos, and illustrated rather than photographic portraits. These sets offered some of the most iconic early stars in crisp new reproductions.

As baseball card insert promotions evolved throughout the 1970s, Kellogg’s maintained its tradition by introducing new themes like “Baseball’s Hall of Famers” and “Baseball’s Four Decade Stars.” Earlier stars were reprised while continuing to spotlight the game’s then-current biggest names like Reggie Jackson and Steve Garvey. The promotion remained a strong seller through the peak hot stove trading card season in the late 1970s and 1980s sets of Mickey Mantle and Brooks Robinson. Rising licensing and production costs finally led Kellogg’s to sunset the historic promotion after more than 20 years.

While no longer actively inserting baseball cards in cereal boxes, Kellogg’s legacy helped grow the next generation of card manufacturers like Donruss and Fleer to new mainstream heights. Their early sets from the 1960s and 1970s continue gaining collector interest as some of the most iconic baseball cards for evoking baseball’s golden eras. Online auction sites regularly see sets sell for thousands of dollars as complete runs become increasingly scarce. Some consider these pioneering inserts to be the true start of mainstream baseball cards’ popularity among kids and collectors worldwide. For countless fans, it began with the simple surprise of finding a baseball history lesson in their morning cereal.

1987 ALL TIME GREATS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps All Time Greats baseball card set marked a special anniversary for Topps as it was their 30th year producing baseball cards. To celebrate this milestone, Topps created a unique 100 card set that featured some of the all-time greatest players from baseball history. Rather than focusing on current players like a typical base set, the 1987 All Time Greats cards paid tribute to legends of the past.

One of the most unique aspects of the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set was the card design and photograph selection. For each player featured, Topps aimed to choose their most iconic baseball card image ever rather than a standard new posed photograph like in contemporary sets. This allowed collectors a chance to own some of the most legendary vintage card images ever released by Topps in a modern format. While the photos dated back to the early 1950s in some cases, incorporating them into the 1987 set gave the cards a true nostalgic and retro feel.

Another special element of the 1987 All Time Greats cards was that each one featured statistical career highlights of the player on the back rather than standard annual stats from the previous season like typical modern baseball cards. This highlighted just how great the careers of these all-time players had been. Standout stats, records held, and career achievements were emphasized to truly capture why each star was considered among the best to ever play the game based on their long-term success, not just a single recent year.

Some of the most notable and valuable players featured in the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set include Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Nolan Ryan among many other Hall of Fame legends. The cards selected some of the most iconic vintage rookie and early career photos ever produced by Topps to highlight these all-time talents. For example, Babe Ruth’s 1954 Topps card photo is used showing him as a member of the Boston Braves later in his career. Some of the earliest Topps cards ever made in the 1952-1956 era provided the perfect historically significant images to include.

Being limited to just 100 cards in the set, Topps had to be selective in choosing which all-time greats to feature. The selection criteria seemed to focus on true 5-tool all-around superstars who dominated both offensively and defensively at their positions, set numerous MLB records, and often led their teams to championships over long, Hall of Fame worthy careers. Icons from every franchise and era of baseball history were recognized to some degree to craft a balanced and comprehensive collection of the sport’s all-time finest ambassadors and Ambassadors of Baseball.

While not a full hall of fame set by any means due to the limited size, Topps did a commendable job of including players representing all decades of MLB’s first century as well as each franchise to recognize stars from across the sport’s history on a national level with the 1987 issue. Examples of this include inclusion of Brooklyn Dodgers legends like Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider as well as Boston Red Sox greats like Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. The timing of the set’s release also paid homage to Topps’ own storied history in the industry.

When it was released in 1987, the Topps All Time Greats set received widespread praise from collectors for preserving iconic baseball images and capturing career highlights in a classy commemorative package. As one of the most unique special hobby releases ever issued by Topps, it set the standard for anniversary inspired subsets that highlighted legends of the game in innovative new ways beyond the usual seasonal format. The retro vintage flair also ushered in a new nostalgia trend that remained highly influential in the card industry for decades to follow.

While production numbers were high for the 1987 issue year, demand has steadily increased for vintage examples of the 100 card Topps All Time Greats set in the years since. With no parallels, inserts, or refractors like modern issues, the original release maintains its integrity as a true collector’s piece. Keys like the Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle cards frequently trade hands for $50-100+ in top graded gem mint condition due to their historical significance and place within the broader heritage of the hobby. The 1987 Topps All Time Greats baseball cards remain a true collector’s set over 30 years later as a testament to the enduring legacies of the players featured.

In concluding, the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set achieved timeless status upon its initial release by beautifully capturing the careers and accomplishments of 100 true legends in baseball’s first century. While intended as a celebratory anniversary release at the time, it has grown to take on much greater meaning as a preservation of invaluable baseball history in card form. The innovative retro design blending iconic photos with career stats still feels ahead of its time. It was a fitting way for Topps to commemorate their milestone 30th year of production by honoring the heroes who helped build the national pastime.

BASEBALL GREATS SWELL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball Cards of the Early 20th Century: Capturing Greatness on Paper and Cardboard

In the early decades of the 20th century, baseball cards served as an important connection between fans and players during a time when live games and televised broadcasts were not widely available. Produced by tobacco companies as promotional items inserted into cigarette and chewing tobacco packs, these early baseball cards introduced the legends of the sport to a new generation of fans through vivid illustrations and brief player biographies printed on thin paper or cardboard. Known as “swell cards” due to their thicker stock, these cards from brands like T206 and E90 captured the likenesses and statistics of some of baseball’s first true superstars at the dawn of their careers.

Many of the players immortalized on these swell cards would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and cement their status as some of the greatest to ever play the game. Names like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, and Honus Wagner still resonate with baseball fans over a century later. Their early baseball cards are prized collectibles today that provide a tangible link to the eras in which these legends established themselves. While statistics and game accounts fill out their baseball legacies, swell cards like the iconic T206 Honus Wagner are visual artifacts that bring these pioneering ballplayers to life.

Ty Cobb was already well on his way to a record-setting career by the time he appeared on his earliest tobacco cards around 1909. Nicknamed the “Georgia Peach,” Cobb played with a ferocity and competitive fire that made him one of the most feared hitters in the game’s early decades. His aggressive style and record-breaking performances at the plate made him a fan favorite. Cobb’s 1909-11 Sweet Caporal and 1911-12 T206 cards showcase his intense focus and determined expression, capturing the competitive spirit that drove him to a still-standing record .366 career batting average.

Walter Johnson was in his prime as one of the game’s most overpowering pitchers when featured on his 1910-11 and 1911 American Caramel cards. Standing an imposing 6’1″ with a powerful build, “The Big Train” struck fear into batters with his blazing fastball that was clocked as fast as 100 mph in an era without radar guns. Johnson’s playing posture and intense stare on his cards project the dominance he exhibited on the mound as he racked up a major league record 110 shutouts and 3,509 strikeouts over his Hall of Fame career.

The elegant windup and follow through of “Matty” Christy Mathewson are captured perfectly on his classic 1911 and 1913 T206 cards. A master of control and changing speeds, Mathewson was the ace of three New York Giants pennant winners and two World Series champions in the early 1910s. His pitching motion and intense focus, framed by his trademark moustache and cap, exemplified the artistry with which he compiled a career 2.13 ERA and 373 wins that still rank among the game’s all-time best.

Perhaps no baseball card is more famous or valuable than the rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. One of the first true superstars of the game nicknamed “The Flying Dutchman,” Wagner was already a living legend as a versatile eight-time batting champion by the time of this iconic card. His intense eyes and powerful swing, immortalized in the sport’s first action pose on a card, capture the skill and intensity that made him one of the greatest shortstops ever. Only about 60 examples are known to exist today of this highly coveted card that can fetch over $1 million in pristine condition.

While not all early cards were as storied as these examples featuring some of baseball’s first true icons, they all provided glimpses into the players and eras that were building the national pastime’s legacy during the game’s formative years. For dedicated fans and burgeoning collectors at the time, tobacco cards introduced emerging talents and statistical leaders that would soon become household names. Many of these cards also thrilled young players who dreamed of one day seeing their own likenesses on cardboard and inspiring future generations. Today, surviving examples of cards from sets like T206, E90, and others provide a unique historical window into the superstars and stories that built baseball into America’s favorite sport.

This article explored some of baseball’s early 20th century legends and how their iconic tobacco cards captured their talents and personalities for generations of fans. Players like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, and Honus Wagner established themselves as all-time greats in the game’s early decades. Their tobacco cards from pioneering sets like T206 introduced these pioneering ballplayers and allowed their legacies to live on for over a century on prized collectibles. While statistics tell their on-field stories, these early baseball cards serve as visual artifacts that bring the personalities of these iconic figures to life.

BASEBALL’s ALL TIME GREATS CARDS TY COBB

Leave a reply

Tyrus Raymond “Ty” Cobb was an American baseball player who played in Major League Baseball between 1905 to 1928. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Cobb dominated the game of baseball during his era and still holds several major league batting records. Some of his records still stand over 100 years after he retired from baseball.

Cobb was born in 1886 in Narrows, Georgia. He grew up playing baseball as a youth and developed his skills throughout his teenage years. Cobb had an intense competitive drive and relentless work ethic that helped propel him to stardom in professional baseball. He made his MLB debut in 1905 with the Detroit Tigers at just 18 years old. From the very beginning of his career, Cobb established himself as an exceptional hitter and baserunner.

In his rookie season of 1905, Cobb batted .240 with 49 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in just 78 games. While his average was not spectacular for a rookie, his blazing speed and baseball instincts were evident. Cobb would go on to have one of the most decorated careers in MLB history over the next two decades. He won the American League batting title 12 times in his career, including 9 consecutive titles from 1907 to 1915. No player before or since has won as many batting titles as Cobb did in his career.

Cobb’s career batting average of .366 is the highest of all time among players with enough plate appearances to qualify for the record. He also holds the all-time records for career runs scored with 2,244, career hits with 4,191, and career total bases with 5,091. In addition to his hitting prowess, Cobb was also one of the greatest baserunners and thieves in baseball history. He still holds the all-time record for career stolen bases with 892, a mark that will likely never be broken. Cobb took advantage of every opportunity to get on base and wreak havoc once there with his blazing speed.

Defensively, Cobb played primarily as an outfielder throughout his career, though he did spend some time at second base and third base as well early on. He won 11 Gold Glove Awards, which honor the best fielding players, though they were not introduced until 1957, long after Cobb had retired. Defensive statistics and metrics were not kept during Cobb’s playing days, but accounts from observers and teammates indicate he was an excellent outfielder with great range and instincts in the field as well. Cobb committed just 54 errors in over 1,900 total games played, showing his defensive consistency.

In addition to his individual records and achievements, Cobb also helped lead the Detroit Tigers to three American League pennants in 1907, 1908 and 1909. The Tigers fell just short of a World Series title each time, losing to the Chicago Cubs in a best-of-nine series in both 1907 and 1908, and losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1909 World Series. Cobb had excellent performances in those Fall Classic matchups, batting over .300 each time, but it was not enough to carry the Tigers to the championship.

While Cobb dominated on the field statistically and helped his teams win, he had a fiery temperament and confrontational personality that caused conflicts both on and off the field. He got into many fights and physical altercations with opposing players and fans. Cobb was also known to spike or slide hard into fielders taking the extra base, risking injury, to unnerve them. This aggressive style of play fueled his reputation as one of baseball’s “dirty players” and further enraged opponents and spectators. Cobb’s hot-headed nature was likely a product of the intensely competitive environment he grew up in and the pressure of living up to his own lofty standards of excellence.

After 24 seasons in Major League Baseball, all spent with the Detroit Tigers except for his final season which was split between the Tigers and Philadelphia Athletics, Cobb retired at age 41 following the 1928 season. He finished his career with a lifetime batting average of .366 along with his records in hits, runs, total bases and stolen bases that still stand today. In addition to his incredible playing career statistics, Cobb was also part-owner and vice president of the Detroit Tigers franchise for nearly 30 years after retiring as a player.

In 1936, Ty Cobb was one of the first five players elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class. He remained active in the game he loved until passing away in 1961 at the age of 74. Cobb left an indelible mark on baseball that may never be matched. While his aggressive playing style was controversial, his records, accomplishments, and sheer dominance on the field for over two decades cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Ty Cobb pushed the limits of human ability on the baseball diamond and redefined what was possible for a single player to achieve. He remains one of the most renowned and decorated athletes in American sports history.