The great history of baseball cards is colorful, and today, with many sports card enthusiasts, we can confidently say that it’s a bright future. Before that, let’s learn from the past. Here’s a brief review of the highlights of the last 60 years.
1994: Pacific Trading Cards Granted MLB License
In 1994, MLB expanded the number of licensed card manufacturers, adding Pacific Trading Cards to the list. In 2001, Pacific withdrew from the baseball card business, reducing the number of card manufacturers to four.
1989: The Upper Deck Company Debuts Its First Baseball Card Set
In 1988, Upper Deck received a license from MLB to make baseball cards. That same year, it delivered its first case of baseball cards to George Moore’s Baseball Card Store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upper Deck sold its baseball cards in the middle of its opening year. Before the beginning of the following year, the entire 1990 baseball card stock was sold.
1988: First Set of Baseball Cards Released Under the Score Brand
In 1985, Optigraphics obtained a license for Major League Baseball (MLB) and began producing a unique style of lenticular motion cards called “Sportflics.” In 1988, Optigraphics launched traditional baseball cards under the Score brand and revitalized the industry with action photos, better paper quality, and improved lettering on the backs.
1981: Donruss Joins Topps and Fleer in Producing Baseball Cards
Donald and Russell Weiner founded the Donruss Company in 1954, and the company’s first sports-themed cards were produced in 1965 with a series of racing cards sponsored by Hot Rod Magazine. And in 1981, they began producing baseball cards after Topps’ exclusivity with MLB was successfully challenged by Fleer.
1970: Kellogg’s Introduces 3D Baseball Cards
In 1970, the baseball card industry received a significant new entrant, The Kellogg Company. It released a set of cards that featured 75 of baseball’s best players. The cards, which were included with the boxes of Corn Flakes, were three-dimensional in design, which was a relatively new concept at the time.
1961: Post Cereals Offers First Baseball Card Set
Post’s baseball cards appeared on thick card stock, also available individually in cereal boxes. They could also be ordered from the company. Team sheets were printed on thinner chipboard directly from the Post Cereals Company.
1959: Fleer Releases Ted Williams Baseball Card Set
Fleer was originally known as a gum and candy company. However, with the release of baseball cards in its Bobs and Fruit Hearts candy product in 1923, the company was able to preempt many of its competitors and enter the sports card business.
Don’s Miss Before 1959
There are many more interesting stories: 1948 (Leaf colored card set), 1933 (Goudey major league gum cards), 1909 (American Tobacco T206), etc.
American Legends has a stock of cards from all of these colorful historical periods and is still willing to buy more cards for its inventory. So contact us if you want to sell your sports cards.
