Remembered as one of the fiercest competitors to ever take the mound, Bob Gibson’s trademark tenacity and grit was likely forged long before he ever dreamt of becoming a major leaguer. Months before his birth, Gibson’s father passed away from tuberculosis, leaving his mother Victoria to raise seven children without a dad in a post-depression Omaha, Nebraska. Born Pack Robert … [Read more...] about 9 Career-Chronicling Cards of the Late, Great Bob Gibson
1963 Fleer
Why Baseball Cards Came Out a Tad Later in 1964
Think "Topps" and most people think baseball but the truth is, the trading card side of the business always been about pop culture. If it's entertainment or sports and people talk about it or like to collect it, the company is interested. If it'll sell and the licensing is right, it's a candidate for the company's cards, both physical and digital. … [Read more...] about Why Baseball Cards Came Out a Tad Later in 1964
Vintage Pack Facts: 1963 Fleer Football
A four-year run was about to end for Fleer Corporation. After partnering with the newly-launched American Football League at the start of the turbulent decade that was the 1960s, the gum maker created four relatively simple sets of trading cards featuring AFL players. It would all change in '64 when Philadelphia Gum jumped into the mix and made a deal for … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1963 Fleer Football
Vintage Fleer Issues Focused On Former Stars, Teams
In 1963, Fleer produced a set of cards hoping to challenge Topps, which was the only mainstream producer of baseball issues. However, a lawsuit by Topps ended Fleer's hopes of creating sets featuring current players. Finally by the early 1980s, Fleer won the court fight to be allowed in the baseball card game with current players. However, the company didn't keep … [Read more...] about Vintage Fleer Issues Focused On Former Stars, Teams
Carl Yastrzemski: 8 Great Cards of No. 8
It’s hard to believe, but 55 years ago this week, Carl Yastrzemski made his major-league debut. Batting fifth in Boston’s April 11, 1961, season-opener at Fenway Park against the Kansas City Athletics, the 21-year-old rookie went 1-for-5. In his first major-league at-bat, he singled with one out in the second inning off Ray Herbert. With two outs, he ended the inning when he … [Read more...] about Carl Yastrzemski: 8 Great Cards of No. 8
Ramblings: One-Off Sets Not Always Duds
Not every Super Bowl ad is a winner. I mean, if you saw it way back in 2000, can you ever forget the sock puppet for Pets.com? It was so expensive it killed the company. Yes, we had some funky ideas at the turn of the century. Reading an article about those failed (and very expensive) TV spots on Super Sunday got me thinking about some one-off card sets we’ve seen in the … [Read more...] about Ramblings: One-Off Sets Not Always Duds
1963 Fleer Football Set Offers Key Rookie Cards; Tough Autographs
Fifty years ago, the American Football League was four years old, and while still struggling financially, had begun to build a following among professional football fans. Their game was exciting, and attractive to fans. The AFL had early success in signing new players to their league, and many recent college superstars were sporting the Chargers powder blue, the Bills red and … [Read more...] about 1963 Fleer Football Set Offers Key Rookie Cards; Tough Autographs