Topps Big Baseball was a unique card insert set released in 1990 that featured oversized cards showcasing the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. At a whopping 3.5 inches by 5 inches, nearly three times larger than a standard baseball card, the “Big” cards stood out in any collection. They were inserted randomly in 1990 Topps packs at a rate of approximately 1 per 100 packs. The first series included cards for 24 of the game’s top athletes at the time.
To kick off the new insert series, Topps led with none other than Nolan Ryan on the #B1 card. At age 43 in 1990, Ryan was still dominating hitters with his blazing fastball for the Texas Rangers. His oversized Big card featured a classic action shot of the “Ryan Express” unleashing a heater. The towering card captured the power and intensity that made Ryan one of the most feared and respected pitchers in MLB history.
Following Nolan Ryan was #B2, which spotlighted Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. In 1989, Canseco had become the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season, cementing his status as the Game’s biggest star and one of the first true five-tool players of the steroid era. The Big card paid homage to Canseco’s impressive physique and prodigious power with a portrait shot of the muscular outfielder set against an Athletics ballpark background.
Next up for the first series was #B3, honoring California Angels legend Rod Carew. Even at age 43, Carew was still hitting over .300 for the Halos in 1990 in his 19th big league season. The future Hall of Famer’s oversized card depicted Carew crouched into his trademark closed stance, showcasing the elegant swing and impeccable hitting technique that led to his .328 career batting average, still the seventh highest ever recorded in MLB history.
The #B4 slot went to Toronto Blue Jays ace Dave Stieb. In 1990, Stieb was in the midst of his best season, rolling to a record of 15-8 with a 2.93 ERA while helping pitch the Jays to the AL East title. His Big card featured a fiery glare and windup pose that captured the intensity and skill of the stalwart right-hander who logged 153 wins over his 15-year MLB career.
At #B5 was “The Catcher of Fear,” New York Mets backstop Gary Carter. Known for his hustle, work ethic, and clutch hitting, Carter was still raking for the Mets at age 39, making his 11th and final All-Star appearance in 1990. His Big card paid homage to his defensive excellence behind the plate with a rare action shot of Carter blocking home plate to nab a would-be run scorer. The imposing photo demonstrated why Carter was regarded as one of the elite catchers of his era.
The #B6 slot featured Cincinnati Reds first baseman Nick Esasky. In 1990, Esasky was providing power in the Reds’ lineup, bashing 25 home runs to finish with an impressive line of .265/.382/.524. His hulking Big card portrayed Esasky in a confident batting stance, showcasing the imposing right-handed swing that made him a feared RBI producer throughout his career.
At #B7 was San Diego Padres ace Bruce Hurst. The crafty lefty was 13-11 with a 3.64 ERA for the Pads in 1990, demonstrating his consistency as one of the National League’s most durable starters. His massive card captured Hurst in mid-windup, accentuating his deceptive yet effective delivery on the mound that saw him rack up over 160 wins and 1,700 strikeouts over 15 MLB seasons.
The #B8 position featured slugging Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace. In 1990, Grace was establishing himself as one of the game’s premier sluggers and run producers, batting .289 with career highs of 25 homers and 116 RBI. His mammoth Big card highlighted Grace’s imposing stature at the plate with a close-up shot sure to intimidate opposing pitchers.
At #B9 was Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris. The durable righty was still going strong at age 34, posting a record of 18-11 with a sparkling 2.77 ERA to lead the AL in complete games. His hulking card depicted Morris in mid-windup, emphasizing the bulldog mentality and terrific control that would eventually earn him induction into the Hall of Fame.
Closing out the first series at #B10 was Boston Red Sox lefty Roger Clemens. Just entering his prime at age 28 in 1990, “The Rocket” was putting up another dominant season, going 21-6 with an ERA of 1.93 and setting a new MLB record with 20 strikeouts in a single game. His gargantuan Big card featured a furious windup that showed off Clemens’ blazing fastball and competitive fire that would define his Hall of Fame career.
In total, Topps Big Baseball’s debut 1990 series 1 featured 10 future Hall of Famers and showcased 24 of the era’s biggest names in appropriately oversized fashion. At nearly double the size of standard cards, the “Bigs” created a true collectible within collections. Their immense portraits truly captured the larger-than-life talents and personalities of stars like Nolan Ryan, Jose Canseco, Rod Carew, Bruce Hurst, and Roger Clemens. For collectors in 1990 and beyond, obtaining these colossal pieces of cardboard was a true thrill and the mammoth size paid fitting homage to MLB’s greatest performers. Though short-lived at just two series, Topps Big Baseball made an outsized impact and remains a highly coveted insert set from the dawn of the modern baseball card boom.
