Author’s note: This is the first in a series of pieces that will offer a mix of facts, unknowns, and speculation on one of the Hobby’s most iconic brands. This installment looks primarily at the inaugural set’s unusual numbering scheme. Founded in 1919, the Goudey Gum Company produced baseball cards from 1933 to 1941. Much like … Continue reading “Overanalyzing Goudey, part one”
My vote for the best baseball cards that came with a food product are the Stouffer’s cards from the overlooked Legends of Baseball set from 1995. When my kids were in grade school in the 1990’s we tried every frozen pizza product available before settling on the Stouffer’s offering as the best of the bunch. … Continue reading “Stouffers 1995 Baseball Set Deserves A Standing Ovation”
While recently looking through my 1975 Topps binder, I was drawn to an “uncommon” common- the one and only Topps card of Bruce Ellingsen. His cherubic face and pompadour do not match the prevailing 1970s style of long, unkept hair, mutton chop sideburns and mustaches-though his sideburns are creeping down. Intrigued by the photo, I … Continue reading “One and done”
A very long time ago I saw a comedian who found it funny to give people lotto tickets as gifts. Because the chance of winning was so remote, he quipped that the gesture was akin to giving someone “nothing.” From 2003 through 2008, the Chicago Cubs held promotional dates in which prizes were given to … Continue reading “Many Will Enter, Few Will Win”
Author’s note: A previous post here examined the largely dismissive portrayal of the Negro Leagues by Topps in the early 1950s. This sequel simply expands the focus to other card makers of the era. 1949 Leaf For hobbyists who regard the Leaf issue as 1948 or 1948-1949, this set would unequivocally be the first major … Continue reading “Don’t think Trice, it’s alright (Part Two)”
It ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe It don’t matter, anyhow An’ it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe If you don’t know by now —Bob Dylan, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” While researching for another article, I came across this 1954 Topps card of Athletics pitcher Bob Trice … Continue reading “Don’t think Trice, it’s alright (Part One)”
1954 was a very eventful year in the USA. The Baby Boom was in full swing. Commercial sale of color television sets (15”!) began. The Army-Senator Joseph McCarthy hearings captivated the nation and ultimately led to his censure in December. Ohio State and UCLA were co-national champions in college football, and Wisconsin’s Alan Ameche galloped … Continue reading “1954: The Year of the Regional”
On November 27, I introduced the Conlin Collection Project. This is Part 1 of a the resulting series of articles. <><><><><><><><><><> PLAYER: George Burns CARD #: 309 AUTHOR: Alex Diaz After opening the pack, I realized that many players took their photos without smiling, simply looking serious. Some players turned away from the camera. … Continue reading “The Conlon Collection Project: Part I”
This article shows methods for using an inexpensive black light in the authentication and fake detection of baseball cards and related ephemera. For card collectors, black light is primarily used with Pre-World War II cards because it can identify modern paper and cardstock and, thus, modern reprints and fakes of Pre-War cards. However, as this … Continue reading “Using a Black Light in Baseball Card Authentication”
The abstract below is based on a report that was originally delivered before a SABR-Quebec regional meeting on November 5, 2011. It has been revised and updated to reflect events and accuracies which occurred since that date. Modest as their success may have been on the field, the Montreal Expos introduced many innovations in their Gallic … Continue reading “Montreal Expos postcards”
SABR's Baseball Cards Research Committee 