Topps Big Baseball cards were a large format set of cards released by Topps in 1988 that featured today’s baseball stars blown up to about three times normal size. The oversized cards were an instant hit with collectors and remain very popular to this day, especially the dominant 1st series.
The 1988 Topps Big Baseball set was the first in what would become an annual large size Topps baseball card release through 1992. The cards measured a whopping 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches, making the players seem to leap off the cardboard. This huge scale allowed for loads of detail and personality to shine through in the crisp color photos on each card.
The inaugural 1988 Topps Big Baseball set consisted of 330 cards issued over 11 series from March through December. The mammoth cards were housed in thick wax paper packs with 3 cards per pack and 36 packs per box. A complete base set run would set a collector back around $50-60 in 1988 dollars.
The first series of 1988 Topps Big Baseball cards is most famous and highly regarded of the entire run. The true stars of 1988 baseball dominated the checklist, which helped captivate collectors at the outset of the giant-sized experience. Series one cards skyrocketed in demand from the very beginning and remain the most coveted within the set today due to their iconic players and status as the starting point of this legendary large format issue.
The checklist for the 88 Topps Big Baseball series one included huge names like Ozzie Smith, Darryl Strawberry, Rickey Henderson, Kirby Puckett, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Dennis Eckersley among many other superstars. The true cover boy of series one though was undeniably “Ocie” himself – Ozzie Smith. His oversized smiling face leading the charge perfectly encapsulated the fun, exciting spirit of this groundbreaking new large card set.
Another all-time great highlighted perfectly in the jumbo size was none other than “The Kid” – Ken Griffey Jr. At just 18 years old in 1988, his raw skills were already evident but really shone through on this enormous Topps Big card where you could practically see the talent oozing from his body. His rookie season would be one for the ages and this massive card served as a harbinger of the stardom soon to come.
Some other notable iconic names and specific cards that stand out from the stellar 1988 Topps Big Baseball series one checklist include:
Roger Clemens’ intimidating glare and delivery windup captured perfectly.
Kirby Puckett’s sweet swing frozen for posterity in this gargantuan frame.
Rickey Henderson’s epic leadoff stance and base stealing form on full display.
George Brett hanging in against John Kruk in one of the set’saction shots.
Don Mattingly’s easy low stance commanding respect from his royal perch.
And of course, Wade Boggs’ obsessive routine with the seeds before an at-bat vividly portrayed.
In addition to memorable photos of superstars, the oversized 1988 Topps Big Baseball cards from series one also offered loads ofpristine production quality details collectors could pore over. Things like the brilliant vivid colors, crystal clear close-up images, embossed logos and numbering, premium thick stock card stock, and exotic inlaid designs all screamed high-end memorabilia.
The artistic layouts were also exquisitely crafted to perfectly frame each player within the extra real estate. Background textures, gradients, and graphics coupled with beautiful fonts for names and stats tied it all together in gorgeous, iconic fashion. This level of premium presentation is what helped spur such feverish demand right out of the gate.
Not surprisingly, with all its star power, pristine production traits, and status as the starting point, series one of 1988 Topps Big Baseball enjoys massive popularity among collectors to this day. Series one regularly sees individual cards sell for $20-$50 or more for commons in top grades. Key rookies, stars, and action shots can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
Complete near mint unopened series one wax packs have sold at auction for over $1000 before. And a pristine factory sealed series one box in recent years changed hands for an incredible $5500! It’s safe to say the monstrous demand shows no signs of slowing for this truly groundbreaking and iconic debut set within the massive Topps Big Baseball universe. They remain a highly coveted piece of cardboard collectibles history.
With its all-time great players in abundant supply, magnificent oversized production quality, and status as the inaugural series, 1988 Topps Big Baseball series one truly set the unmatched standard as the most prized and investment-worthy segment of this entire multi-year large format cardboard release. The intangibles of nostalgia, dominance and charm ensure this series will forever hold legendary status among collectors of all eras.
