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Baseball Cards

Share the Excitement of the Game

Classic Baseball Cards

Baseball cards are almost as old as the game itself. The Connie Mack baseball card on the right - from the Library of Congress collection - was printed from 1887 to 1890.

Connie Mack Baseball Card 1897-1890
Library of Congress Collection

Baseball cards were first used for advertising purposes, especially by tobacco companies. They gave fans in pre-television days the chance to get a picture of their favorite players along with their stats.

Most of the very old cards were based on artists renditions like the Ty Cobb, circa 1911, card below.

It wasn't until photography became more common that the cards started to have an actual photo on its face.

For an excellent overall history of baseball cards, read the Wikipedia article on the subject.

Baseball card collecting began to hit its stride in the late 40's when children would pass over a few pennies for a card or two and a stick of pop gum.

On of the most valuable baseball card sets is the 1952 Topps set that contains a very rare Mickey Mantle card.

Baseball card collecting among children began to wan in the 60's along with a general disdain for the game. This is probably the time most collections went into the trash as the boomer generation went off to college or found more interesting things to do with their time and money.

This, of course, led to scarity of older cards, increasing the value of those that remained.

Modern Baseball Cards

At some point, baseball cards regained status as a valuable collectible. News of high prices for certain cards spurred interest among collectors and the trading of cards became popular again.

The card publishing companies were quick to jump on the band wagon and re-issued some classics.

Ty Cobb Baseball Card 1911
Library of Congress Collection

They also began to jazz up the way the made and marketed cards for current players.They began to offer suprises like autographed cards. Some used 3-D images.

Also other pieces of baseball memorabilia might find its way into a package of cards - for example fabric from a jersey or a chip off a bat. In order to create a sense of urgency, excitement and value, specialized memorabilia cards are issued in very limited runs,

Baseball Card Collecting

Like all other collectibles, baseball card prices are determined by scarcity and condition, An added factor in determine card values is the popularity or accomplishments of the player - very popular players like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth command higher prices.

The very old cards are quite expensive. Newer cards are all over the place.

You have to be careful about purchasing older - and more valuable cards - fakes abound. Before you lay out money do a bit of research and know what makes your favorite card genuine. A real card in used condition can still be valuable.

Also check out price guides to avoid overpaying. Here is a link to an Baseball Price Guide.