Tag Archives: ovation

2002 UPPER DECK OVATION BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

2002 Upper Deck Ovation Baseball Card Set Overview

The 2002 Upper Deck Ovation baseball card set was released in late 2001/early 2002 and contained 100 base cards as well as various inserts that captured highlights and top performers from the 2001 MLB season. Upper Deck’s Ovation set has been praised by collectors and fans alike for its sharp photography, informative statistical and biographical write-ups on the back of each card, and creative insert cards that add value and collectability to the set. Now over 15 years since its original release, the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation set remains a highly regarded issue that is still actively collected and traded today.

Key Details About the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation Baseball Card Set:

The set contains 100 total base cards which feature front-facing player portraits. Players are arranged alphabetically by their last name and each card features the team logo patch from their 2001 uniform. Rosters included active players as well as a few retired stars.

Upper Deck’s patented SMARTcut technology was used for the player photos. SMARTcut provides detailed, crisp photos that really pop compared to traditional card stock photos of the time. The images showcase each ballplayer’s face and upper torso.

On the back of each base card is a statistical and biographical summary for that player from the 2001 MLB season as well as a career stats recap. This information was thorough yet concise.

The card stock and texture was of high quality. Upper Deck was known for using thicker, higher grade paper stock than other mainstream card manufacturers which lent to the Ovation set’s appeal as a premium product.

In addition to the 100 base cards, the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation set included numerous insert series capturing awards, accomplishments, and top performers from the 2001 MLB campaign. Some of the notable inserts included: MVP Pitchers, MVP Hitters, All-Star Team, Rookies & Prospects, Hank Aaron Award, Topps Gold Label parallels, and more.

Some particularly coveted and valuable inserts included serially numbered parallels like Gold Label (/150), Clear (/25), and 1-of-1 Diamond parallels. Low serial numbered cards added significant chase and collecting excitement to the set.

The Ovation set was packaged in 16-card wax packs as well as factory sealed three-card and 10-card packs/boxes/tiered shippers offering different odds at inserts. Additional bonus packs were also distributed through hobby shops/distributors containing solely insert cards. Several parallel/serial numbered insert varieties existed across the various bonus/shipper items.

Release and Reception of the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation Baseball Card Set:

Upon its release in late 2001/early 2002, the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation baseball card set was met with widespread acclaim among both veteran collectors and newcomers to the hobby alike. Many praised Upper Deck’s flawless execution delivering high-quality photographs, engaging write-ups on the back of each card, and a bevy of coveted insert series tracking 2001’s MLB season highlights and top stars.

This set marked one of the final years Upper Deck would hold an MLB player license before losing exclusive rights beginning in 2003. As such, collectors rushed to complete their Ovation collections knowing it may be one of the final flagship MLB sets from Upper Deck for some time. The set was actively packed, sorted through, and collected in the early 2000s hobby heyday.

Upper Deck’s Ovation brand had developed a strong reputation by 2002 for blending premium production values with captivating visual content and chase card excitement through insert series. This helped fuel initial demand and sell through rates for the 2002 Ovation baseball card release upon its arrival. While most sets see initial fervor fade over time, Ovation has endured and maintained collector interest far beyond its original issuing year.

Today, over 15 years later, the 2002 Upper Deck Ovation set remains one of the most coveted and completeable issues from the early 2000s collecting period. While the base rookie cards may no longer carry significant monetary value for most players included, the attractive photography, writing, and thrill of the chase through coveted inserts have kept this set in the minds and want lists of vintage collectors. Condition-graded serial numbered parallels especially from insert sets like All-Star Team and MVP continue drawing strong prices through online auction sites.

The 2002 Upper Deck Ovation baseball card set is widely regarded as one of the very best mainstream issues from its era. Upper Deck’s hallmark production excellence married with compelling visuals and coveted chase cards made this an absolute standout among collectors upon its initial release over 15 years ago. To this day, it retains plenty of appeal for traders and collectors chasing a complete, high-quality Ovation set from this beloved vintage releases. The quality, creativity, and chase of 2002 Upper Deck Ovation ensure its place as one of hobby’s most fondly remembered modern issues.

OVATION BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Ovation was a short-lived baseball card printing company that produced cards from 1987 to 1990. During its brief run, Ovation attempted to differentiate itself from larger competitors like Topps and Donruss through innovative printing techniques and set designs. Production issues and distribution problems hindered Ovation’s success and led to the company folding after just four years of operations.

Ovation was founded in 1987 by sports memorabilia entrepreneur Joel Shapiro, who sought to disrupt the dominant baseball card industry. At the time, Topps and Donruss dominated the yearly baseball card market, with only minor competition from Fleer. Shapiro saw an opening to attract collectors with unique card designs and specialized printing technologies. Ovation’s inaugural 1987 set featured futuristic artistic renditions of players on a silver foil background. Each card had custom die-cuts and shapes incorporated into the designs that were unseen before in the hobby.

Major problems plagued Ovation’s initial release. The futuristic silver foil cardboard stock proved difficult to cut and punch accurately during mass production. As a result, many cards shipped to collectors with imperfect cuts, dull colors, and machining flaws. Another issue was distribution. Despite planning a large initial print run, Ovation did not have the retail partnerships of the larger companies and struggled to get cards on store shelves. Many shops declined to carry the unknown brand, stunting the 1987 set’s exposure and hampering early sales. Critics panned the set’s conceptual designs but production quality issues.

To rebound in 1988, Ovation adopted more traditional card designs with photos on the front but kept experimenting on the back. Base cards had fun trivia facts replacing the typical stats on the reverse. Insert sets within included ‘Ovation Originals’ which featured innovative double die-cut shapes and designs. Distribution was improved by inking new deals with hobby shop distributors. The set found more success than the prior year thanks to the back-to-basics approach combined with specialized inserts. Key rookies like Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas also boosted interest.

The company attempted another breakthrough concept for its 1989 offering. Dubbed ‘O-Pee-Chee Ovation,’ the set replicated the Canadian-based O-Pee-Chee brand which was a Topps subsidiary. Like O-Pee-Chee products of the time, the cards featured both an English and French text layout on the back. Colourful action photos covered the fronts. An ‘Ovation O-Line’ insert set within also experimented with die-cut shapes. Production issues again plagued the release with centering and color registration problems marring many cards. The distribution network also declined, limiting the brand’s shelf presence.

Entering 1990, Ovation made one last attempt with collectors by showing factory photos from the prior years on the fronts of cards combined with a ‘Best of’ compilation on the backs. Collector feedback was incorporated to address earlier quality control problems. Distribution had collapsed and the product was difficult for most to find. After years of battling production and supply chain problems while competitors dominated retail, Ovation’s founders admitted defeat. The company folded operations during the middle of 1990, ending their short run producing innovative yet flawed baseball memorabilia.

While short-lived, Ovation made a mark in the baseball card industry through their creative designs and technology experimentation, even if the physical quality did not always match the concepts. Their designs became quite collectible after the company disappeared. In today’s market, sealed Ovation factory sets can still demand steep prices from nostalgic collectors and investors. Although production and fulfillment challenges prevented long term success, Ovation took risks that maintained hobby interest during baseball card’s late-80s peak. Their creative spirit introduced new collectors and pushed competitors to also explore the artistic boundaries of sports cards.

In summary, Ovation was an ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful baseball card printing company that was active from 1987 to 1990. Led by entrepreneur Joel Shapiro, Ovation attempted to disrupt the dominant Topps and Donruss brands through innovative card designs and futuristic printing techniques. Persistent production and distribution problems hindered the brand’s growth despite creative concepts. After four years of battling quality control issues and a declining supply chain, Ovation owners conceded defeat, bringing an end to their run of experimenting at the forefront of baseball memorabilia design. While short-lived, Ovation left an enduring mark and their concepts are still fondly remembered today.

OVATION BASEBALL CARDS 1999

Leave a reply

Ovation Baseball Cards 1999

The 1999 Ovation baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that took the collecting world by storm upon its arrival during the summer of 1998. Issued by Ovation Marketing Group, the upstart issuer hoped to make a major splash in the hobby by securing coveted licenses from Major League Baseball and the players union. With superb photography and cutting edge designs, the 1999 Ovation set delivered big league quality and truly captured the allure of America’s pastime during a golden age for the sport.

Although a relative newcomer compared to industry stalwarts like Topps, Ovation had been quietly building a reputation over the previous few years with well-received sets focusing on smaller niche themes. For 1999, they decided to go big or go home with a massive flagship release covering all 30 MLB franchises. Securing the necessary licenses was no small feat, but it gave collectors their first serious alternative to the traditional Topps series in years. With an eager, pent-up demand from fans tired of the same old products, Ovation’s foray into the big leagues was perfectly timed.

Containing an impressive 660 total cards, the 1999 Ovation set ambitiously included base cards, retro parallels and special insert sets all centered around chronicling that season’s action on the diamond as well as honoring classic players and moments from baseball lore. Graphically designed by acclaimed Chicago artist John Kikas, the diverse array of cards featured exquisitely detailed illustrations, original portraits and action shots that brought the players directly to life. Accompanied by vital stats and career highlights on the back, each card was a work of art celebrating America’s favorite pastime.

While plenty of parallels and serial numbered variants added to the excitement, the bread and butter of the set was its massive base checklist spanning all 30 MLB teams. With up to 22 cards dedicated to each club’s active roster and other notables, fans could spend hours assembling their favorite squads. Additional retired greats were also included, ensuring that icons like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron held influence over the set even in their post-playing days. With an unmatched scope, the 1999 Ovation set was truly the most complete baseball card collection released up to that point.

Of course, no premier release would be complete without some coveted short printed rookie cards and insert sets to drive collector demand. Among the most hunted after SP’s were Florida Marlins stud pitcher Josh Beckett and Red Sox slugger Nomar Garciaparra, who each offered a tantalizing glimpse of future stardom on the diamond. Beyond the coveted rookie SP’s, Ovation also rolled out a variety of numbered parallel sets at different price points for high-end collectors. The most storied of these was undoubtedly the “Tribute” insert set which honored the greatest players of each franchise through the decades with exquisite foil cards.

Boasting dazzling photography and artistic compositions, the Tribute parallels captured such legendary players as Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax, and dozens more within iconic scenes commemorating their place in baseball history. With serial numbers down to an extremely limited 99 copies, high-grade Tribute cards became the true jewels that the serious memorabilia investors lusted after during the boom years of the late 90’s card market. Although carrying premium price tags in the hundreds to thousands for the most desirable subjects, the investment steadily paid off as values skyrocketed in the following years.

Beyond the alluring photography of the base, parallels and inserts, Ovation also succeeded with a popular and diverse assortment of specialty subsets celebrating various aspects of on-field play. Some highlights included the “Diamond Kings” parallels honoring the achievements of each club’s all-time best player, while “Ovation Originals” paid tribute to stars from yesteryear through classic illustrations of key moments in their careers. Additionally, “All-Century” cards recognized the sport’s living legends via updated portraits from the late 90’s, ensuring they maintained a presence in the modern card landscape.

As the product cycle continued into the following years, Ovation built upon the goodwill and demand generated by their landmark 1999 offering. While never dethroning Topps as the sport’s true kingpin, the upstart publisher succeeded in carving out their own devoted fanbase and established Ovation as a premium brand synonymous with high-quality baseball cards. Two decades later, the 1999 release remains one of the most popular and iconic sports card sets ever produced, still sparking nostalgia among collectors both old and new. Through exquisite design, committed licensing and capturing an exciting period in the sport’s history, Ovation’s initial foray into the big leagues was an unqualified grand slam success.