The 1961 Wrigley Field Exhibits set is one of the most star-studded issues of all time. This rare Exhibit baseball card release is a popular vintage issue that earns rave reviews to this day for its grand checklist. Here’s a closer look at this early 1960s baseball set.
1961 Wrigley Field Exhibits Overview
Based on its Wrigley Field name, many collectors may be inclined to believe that this tough Exhibit card issue features only members of the Chicago Cubs. But while some Cubs were included, the release featured players from all over major league baseball. The set is actually named as such because the cards were offered at Wrigley Field. Because they were only distributed there, that speaks to why this set is so rare and has become so difficult to track down.
The cards are postcard-sized, measuring approximately 3 1/2″ wide by 5 1/2″ tall. The set featured black and white images of past players with mostly portraits and half-body shots with some full body poses mixed in. The checklist included players from a variety of eras (starting back in the late 1800s) and had an incredible collection of talent in it. The cards are distinguished by the player’s named printed in black font across the bottom of a blank rectangular border at the bottom that stretches across the width of the card. Backs of the cards could be blank or found with a standard postcard backing, allowing them to be sent in the mail. Blank backs seem to be the easier of the two types to find.
The set included a total of only 24 cards in it, giving the assumption that it might be too difficult to assemble. But because the cards are very rare, collectors wanting a set may be better off trying to buy one that is already complete. Piecing one together may be more fun but can also prove to be difficult. Typically, eBay only has a few dozen (many with prices on the higher side) at any given time.
Checklist and Formal Names
As stated, a total of 24 cards are in the checklist. Notably, every player in the set is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Players such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner, and Walter Johnson lead the way. But there are plenty of other stars, obviously.
You can make the the argument that some players could have been replaced with others. For example, I am surprised that Cy Young and his record 511 wins did not enter the set in place of some. But it’s still a very stacked lineup and tough to complain when the entire lineup is made up of Cooperstown inductees.
Here is the complete checklist.
- Grover Alexander
- Cap Anson
- Home Run Baker
- Roger Bresnahan
- Mordecai Brown
- Frank Chance
- Ty Cobb
- Eddie Collins
- Jimmy Collins
- Johnny Evers
- Lou Gehrig
- Clark Griffith
- Walter Johnson
- Tony Lazzeri
- Rabbit Maranville
- Christy Mathewson
- John McGraw
- Mel Ott
- Herb Pennock
- Babe Ruth
- Al Simmons
- Tris Speaker
- Joe Tinker
- Honus Wagner
Note that I have provided the more common names of players in the checklist above. The actual cards included longer, formal names of players that might make them a bit less recognizable to newer collectors. For example, Cap Anson is called by his full name, Adrian Constantine Anson. Home Run Baker is John Franklin Baker. Tris Speaker is called Tristam. Rabbit Maranville goes by the mouthful of James Walter Vincent Maranville.
Perhaps the oddest name change to grasp is that of Honus Wagner. Wagner initially was referred to as Hans before the Honus name stuck. Here, he is called John Peter Wagner. Interestingly, that isn’t even his correct name as his real first name was Johannes, shortened to John here in this set.
1961 Wrigley Exhibit Prices
Despite being a rare vintage set full of the best players in the history of the game, prices for the cards are generally not too bad. In a set with only Hall of Famers, calling any of these cards ‘commons’ isn’t really accurate. But the lesser players start at around $15-$20 in decent condition with the bigger stars selling for more. Ruth, Cobb, and Gehrig, for example, are typically in the $50-$125 range for mid-grade condition. It should also be pointed out that sellers familiar with this set may charge more for the postcard-backed variations. Nevertheless, the fact that these are post-career cards certainly helps keep the values down.
Sets are not only easier to obtain complete but are also usually the less expensive route. For example, REA recently sold a complete set last fall for $360. Buying all of the cards individually would likely cost more but sets don’t often come on the market. Click here to see 1961 Wrigley Field Exhibits on eBay.
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