In the 1980s, Topps' landmark traded sets produced some of the hobby's most iconic cards of the era. Nearly every release in the decade had an important card. In 1982, it was Cal Ripken's 'follow-up' card (after his rookie appeared in the regular Topps set). 1983 and 1984 produced rookie cards of Mets stars Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. The likes of Barry Bonds, Jose … [Read more...] about Topps Introduced Groundbreaking ‘Traded’ Cards in the 1970s
1970s baseball card sets
K-Mart Stores Were Once a Card Collector’s Paradise
Over the weekend, I read a story about the closure of one of America's last remaining K-Mart stores. There are now only three left from a high of over 2,400 worldwide in 1994. If you remember them--especially if you were around before that--you probably remember the store's unmistakable look and discount/dime store smell. Maybe you even remember the lunch counter. A … [Read more...] about K-Mart Stores Were Once a Card Collector’s Paradise
Reggie Jackson: Mr. October’s Career in Cardboard
Reggie Jackson wore No. 44 when he played for the New York Yankees. And on Oct. 18, 1977 — 44 years ago — the Hall of Fame slugger became Mr. October. Jackson had hit a home run in Game 5 of the 1977 World Series in his final at-bat, a drive that clanged off the right-field foul pole at Dodger Stadium. New York lost 10-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Series headed back … [Read more...] about Reggie Jackson: Mr. October’s Career in Cardboard
1971 Milk Duds Set Not a Dud With Collectors
Bubble gum and baseball cards are forever linked but, as most collectors know, there have been many other food products involved with cardboard memories of the national pastime. Bread wrappers, candy bar wrappers and backers, popcorn holders, even meat products are among the edible goodies that have used baseball cards as incentives. But not all food-related baseball items are … [Read more...] about 1971 Milk Duds Set Not a Dud With Collectors
Forgotten Hoard of 1974 Topps Rack Packs “A Classic Pandemic Story”
Eddie Healy is a law student with deep Baltimore roots. Some decades-old baseball card packs with Orioles branding he recently discovered are expected to cover plenty of tuition. Healy, 30, is the owner of a group of 23 unopened 1974 Topps baseball rack packs owned by his late father, Ed Healy III, that are among the highlights of Robert Edward Auctions' current catalog. Three … [Read more...] about Forgotten Hoard of 1974 Topps Rack Packs “A Classic Pandemic Story”
Fill ‘er Up: 1971 Arco Sets Are a Sizeable Bargain For Regional Collectors
Arco was looking to establish itself as a new face in American gasoline in 1971, and what better way to win over some sports-minded customers than with a baseball promotion? Today, the oversized 1971 Arco baseball sets are among the most memorable regional sets of the era, even if only a few teams are represented. The company itself was not old; in fact, Arco came about … [Read more...] about Fill ‘er Up: 1971 Arco Sets Are a Sizeable Bargain For Regional Collectors
Twitter Hero Super 70s Sports, Topps Team Up for Card Set
If you love Super 70s Sports on Twitter, you’ll probably get a kick out of this. Topps has teamed up with Ricky Cobb, the man with the comedic tweets on nostalgia, for a new baseball card set. The Topps X Super 70s Baseball set released Wednesday as on on-demand product, available through the Topps online store. Cobb turned his love for old school sports and … [Read more...] about Twitter Hero Super 70s Sports, Topps Team Up for Card Set
40 Years Later, High-Grade Ozzie Smith 1979 Topps Rookie Cards High in Demand
From 1982 until his retirement after the 1996 season, Ozzie Smith was the face of the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time, he was named as an All-Star in every season, save for 1993. Ironically, that season he batted .288, which was one of the highest averages of his career. However, Smith's earliest cards feature the defensive standout with the San Diego Padres, his … [Read more...] about 40 Years Later, High-Grade Ozzie Smith 1979 Topps Rookie Cards High in Demand
Vintage Pack Facts: 1971 Topps Baseball Wax
After boosting its set to 720 cards in 1970, Topps went even bigger the following year. Their 1971 baseball set grew to 752 cards (they'd top it again in '72 with a whopping 787). This week's edition of Vintage Pack Facts courtesy of VintageBreaks.com takes a look at the products released by Topps during that 1971 season, one that ended with Roberto … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1971 Topps Baseball Wax
Mysterious 1971 Topps Greatest Moments Baseball a Star-Studded Set
Most baseball card sets are full of commons with a selection of star players. But the 1971 Topps Greatest Moments set was the opposite. This short 55-card issue featured primarily big name stars. That, plus an elusiveness that appeals to collectors who like a challenge is what makes it so collectable. Here's a closer look at this unique, oversized set. 1971 Topps … [Read more...] about Mysterious 1971 Topps Greatest Moments Baseball a Star-Studded Set