So it only took four years since Topps/MLB yanked the mascot logo for us to see our first non-Indians Cleveland card. I was expecting to write this post next year with Series 1 but this week Topps went ahead and put out the first Cleveland Guardians card.
It’s nice to see even just as a mockup. I’m not sold on the logo but it works in the 1953 design since it’s not the usual modern overly-slick branding. I know it’s not actually hand-drawn but it’s one of the first I’ve seen in a long time that has that essence. It, and the cap logo, are also huge improvements on the block C that’s been in use since 2017.
The amazing thing is that this card could’ve come out even sooner. Triston McKenzie looks to have been scheduled for the December 1st only he got delayed because Topps asked Jared Kelley to change his artwork. Given that the Guardians logos and everything were only announced at the end of July this is a fast turnaround to get it all into production.
The turnaround is so fast that I’m now wondering whether there were any discussions about changing the logo in other sets like Archives, Stadium Club Chrome, and Holiday which all reflect trade deadline team changes. Yes I know this also brings in the question of changing uniform logos in a way that requires more messing around with a photo than the way Living involves individual paintings.
I’m curious how the Guardians rollout will continue on trading cards. The photo issue will remain through next year—especially as the lockout pushes back the chances to get photos of guys in uniform—and Topps will clearly have to make a decision about how much photoshopping they want to do.
SABR's Baseball Cards Research Committee 
Ughhhh. That logo looks so bush league. I’ve seen division 2 colleges with better logos.
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Yeah I go back and forth on it. It’s definitely got that “something a kid doodled” feel but I’ve gotten so tired of all the slick new logos (especially in the Minor Leagues).
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Smart marketing to have one card clearly be the first Guardians card ever. I’m not saying it will become some big valuable thing, but I can see they’ll sell some extras because of that.
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I like the name change, long overdue, but hope a better logo eventually comes.
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I’d like to see an identity which leans a lot more into the Art Deco stuff instead of looking like some kid took the 1990s Angels logo and made it 3D. There’s so much potential but they haven’t even created hoodies or caps with wings yet.
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