The Topps Big Baseball Card series was an ambitious undertaking by Topps to create oversized baseball cards beginning in 1988. The cards measured a whopping 5.5 x 8 inches, dwarfing the traditional size of baseball cards. They contained gorgeous full color action shots that popped off the large cardboard stock. While the first series in 1988 was well received and collectible, it was the 1989 Topps Big Baseball Card 2nd Series that took the concept to new heights and truly captured the imagination of many collectors.
For the 2nd series, Topps doubled down on making each card a work of art worthy of framing. They continued using the same jumbo size but really upped the photography game. Each snapshot perfectly captured an iconic moment from the 1988 MLB season and playoffs in crisp detail. Whether it was Ken Griffey Jr’s epic leap, Kirk Gibson’s World Series walk-off homer, or Ozzie Smith’s acrobatics in the field, the cards truly brought those special plays back to life. The large card stock also allowed for more dynamic cropped close-ups that pulled you right into the thick of the on-field action.
What’s remarkable is Topps was able to sign licensing deals with every major and minor league team to use action shots spanning both the American and National Leagues. That meant the cards covered not just superstars but emerging rookies and role players as well. Collectors could build a virtual baseball rainbow by assembling cards showcasing all 26 big league clubs at the time. The set totaled an ambitious 330 cards, an increase of 60 from the prior year.
Topps also took great care in selecting memorable photos that captured the emotion and energy of America’s pastime. Whether it was Wade Boggs gritting his teeth on a hard slide or Jeff Reardon pumping his fist after a save, the expressions on the players’ faces really made you feel like you were there. Clever cropped details like a catcher’s mitt or dirt kicking up added extra layers of realism to further immerse fans young and old.
The large canvas also gave Topps more room for creative alterations beyond the standard horizontal player shots. Some eye-catching vertical cards depicted double plays or leaping catches against lush green or blue backdrops. Panoramic landscape cards splayed across the entire width showcased epic pitching duels or full team celebrations in vivid scenes. Clever parallel team cards showed the same dramatic moment side-by-side from different angles.
In addition to hiring top sports photographers, Topps invested in high quality printing and foil stamping. The colors truly popped whether depicting green outfields, dirt infields or vibrant team uniforms. Gold or silver foil was expertly overlaid on selected highlights like logos, numbers or autographs. These premium production techniques set the Big Cards apart from other offerings and gave them a very luxe and coveted feel for serious collectors.
Each oversized card also contained quality statistical and biographical information on the reverse. Crisp details recapped notable achievements, career stats to date or fun personal tidbits that brought these stars to life beyond just the single snapshot. Topps’ meticulous attention to detail and storytelling made each piece highly collectible as baseball works of art worthy of displaying and enjoying for years.
The availability of 330 subjects at 1-per-pack also rewarded random brisk trading sessions between collectors of various skill levels. It was very possible to pull a dud pack here and there, but the thrills of landing a superstar, parallel card or personal favorite kept the hunt engaging all the way through the set. With 330 cards in the series compared to other brands’ typical 200-250 card checklists, you always felt progress each time you ripped a fresh pack.
When all was said and done, the 1989 Topps Big Baseball Card Series 2 cemented itself as the high water mark for the oversized baseball card concept. It remains one of the most storied and beloved releases in the modern era due to the immense quality, scope and attention to detail across every aspect. While pricey to collect in today’s market, it’s a piece of cardboard history worth appreciating even without owning yourself. The jumbo sized snapshots truly transported fans back to an epic season that will be remembered for generations to come each time the cards change hands.
