Nearly 25 years ago, Topps combined early images of NBA stars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to produce an iconic basketball rookie card. Pictured on the sides of then veteran star Julius Erving, the 1980-81 Topps basketball card of the trio is among the most desirable rookies in the entire sport. These days, the rookie card featuring both Johnson and Bird isn't cheap. … [Read more...] about The ‘Other’ Rookie Cards of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Provide Affordable Alternatives
1980s basketball rookie cards
Ranking Every 1980-81 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
If we’re being kind, we might refer to Topps’ 1979-80 basketball set as “unspectacular”. The product failed to resonate with collectors at the time of its release. More than four decades on, not much has changed. Despite a attractive design and some sharp action shots, a rookie crop of Alex English, Mychal Thompson and Reggie Theus and, well, not much else, isn’t the stuff … [Read more...] about Ranking Every 1980-81 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
1989-90 Hoops Basketball Set Brought Much Needed Competition
By 1989, basketball cards had been in the marketplace for some time. Some existed in the pre-war era through sets like the 1933 Goudey Sport Kings release. Their production really got underway with the creation of the 1948 Bowman issue and, subsequently, Topps sets, starting in the 1950s. Topps would produce sets for many years into the early 1980s and become the clear 'go to' … [Read more...] about 1989-90 Hoops Basketball Set Brought Much Needed Competition
Nearly 40 Years Later, Some Bird/Magic Rookie Cards Are Bargain-Priced
Magic Johnson, Larry Bird. Bird, Magic. The two players broke into the NBA in the 1980s and helped kick off what would be an unforgettable decade with their teams winning numerous titles. With all due respect to Michael Jordan who would lead the way in the 1990s, the 80s clearly belonged to Bird and Magic. The pair are forever linked not only because of their rivalry as … [Read more...] about Nearly 40 Years Later, Some Bird/Magic Rookie Cards Are Bargain-Priced
Basketball Gold: Star Company Cards Are Focus of New Website
An avid card collector from New York has launched a website devoted to sharing knowledge about Star Company basketball cards. Jarret Kahn says his goal is to expand the information base for collectors interested in the sets issued by the one-time NBA trading card licensee. In 1983, Star Company picked up production after Topps and the league parted ways following the … [Read more...] about Basketball Gold: Star Company Cards Are Focus of New Website
The Iconic 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Set Turns 30
It's difficult to imagine that company executives could have envisioned what they were creating with the release of the 1986-87 Fleer basketball set. It was the company's first foray into the basketball card world and despite a less than enthusiastic initial reaction, it ultimately became a heck of a debut. Thirty years later, the issue stands near the top of the list … [Read more...] about The Iconic 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Set Turns 30
Bird-Magic Rookie Card Raises Profile of 1980-81 Set
You could buy almost as many boxes as you desired for a few dollars after it was released but in the 35 years that have passed , 1980-81 Topps Basketball cards have become a hot property. Well, one of them anyway. The set is known for its unique, three-player perforated panel design that put Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on the same card. The Bird-Johnson rookie card … [Read more...] about Bird-Magic Rookie Card Raises Profile of 1980-81 Set
NBA Finals MVPs of the 1990s and Their Rookie Cards
In the third of our series that began with the 1970s and 1980s, we run down the rookie cards of the Finals MVPs during the decade of the 1990s. It’s a short list thanks to one guy, but it starts with a player on the team Michael Jordan had to figure out a way to beat in order to kick-start the Chicago Bulls’ decade of dominance. Click the links to each to see them on … [Read more...] about NBA Finals MVPs of the 1990s and Their Rookie Cards
Ramblings: This Card is More Important Than You Think It Is
In reporting, sometimes the real story is buried well beyond the headline. When one looks back at sports cards in the rearview mirror, the original importance of some cards evolves to a whole new meaning. One of these cards which has gone through this type of evolution is the 1989 Hoops David Robinson. When this card was first released in packs, it seemed as is every … [Read more...] about Ramblings: This Card is More Important Than You Think It Is