Topps Airbrushing Protocols
PaulMaul
Posts: 4,874 ✭✭✭✭✭
I can’t figure out what the overall philosophy was with airbrushing. Take these two cards from the 1973 set (one of my favorite designs 🙂). On the Tommie Agee card, they actually airbrushed all three Mets players in this photo into Astros uniforms. While on the Frank Robinson card, they just airbrushed the Dodgers name on the front of the uniform. It’s still obviously a Dodgers uniform and the catcher is obviously a Phillie. On cards in the ‘74 set (Jerry Morales/Glenn Beckert) they didn’t bother to airbrush at all.
Why the lack of consistency?
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Comments
The "astros" player on the right was Rusty Staub who didn't even have a contract with Topps
IMF
I have always felt that this approach was stupid and looks terrible. I wish they would just have kept the player's card with the team for whom he played for that season. The last team listed on the back should be the same as on the front IMHO.
That Robinson card is still a Dodger card as far as I am concerned and it would have been one of the greatest ever had they left the team name as Dodgers on the uniform and card itself (for me, at least).
Yeah, whomever was making those calls back then was the wrong person or people for the job.
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How did they airbrush an A’s cap onto Bill, yet leave the “Chicago” on the front of his Jersey? 🤔
the most iconic thing about that Agee airbrushed card was that the airbrushed player on the right is Rusty Staub who had a feud with Topps for a few years & wouldn't agree to be on a card.
IMF
I love the 73 set so much. Mostly because it’s so weird but still has great photos.
Me too. Even though 74 is the first set I collected in real time, I have come to love 72 and 73 most.
so does @Nathaniel1960
78 topps had some dooseys as well. Greg Minon and Mike Paxton look like they were colored in with crayons.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Admittedly, I am building a 1973 OPC Set. You think the back chipping in the Topps version is bad. Ooof.
Kiss me twice.....let's party.
No logo's...
Great thread. The Staub info was very interesting!
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