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The greatest baseball (or sports) card fads in collecting history

Here's a few to getcha started:

Errors (late 1980s): Remember when everyone went gaga over any card with a mistake? Even to this day, an otherwise ten cent common of John Littlefield is worth over $100 if his 1982 Fleer card shows the reverse negative, for example. And as our resident Bill Ripken FF collector can tell ya, this fad peaked in the late 1980s. Of course, if the error card was never corrected, it pretty much does nothing for the value. And in fact, sometimes the CORRECTED version can be worth more than the error; just ask the corrected 1985 Donruss Tom Seaver, which was only in the factory sets.

Insertmania (early to mid 1990s): It used to be that the biggest thrill in pack busting was finding the top stars of that day or the top rookies of that day (remember when a 1988 Donruss Gregg Jefferies was worth $8?), but that all changed with the 1992 season and with the beginning of insertmania. In that year, the main inserts to collect were the 1992 Fleer Rookie Sensations (especially Frank Thomas) and 1992 Topps Gold, then the next year it was all about the 1993 Finest refractors. I believe insertmania peaked around 1994 or 1995 or so, but then declined once people realized that after the year they come out, they just don't hold their value when they get lost in the shuffle of all the other previous years inserts, which we now have about fifteen years worth.

One-of-ones (late 1990s): Remember when one-of-ones first came out (1997 Flair Showcase) and were considered something really special? At least they would be if the companies had kept it within reason (such as the Ultra Masterpieces). But now there's literally hundreds of "one of ones" every year and it seems like now they've become a joke for the most part. The cards with game used jerseys and such would also fit this fad, since it too started around the same time and went the same route for the same results.

Any other collecting fads that you fondly (or not-so-fondly remember)? A 1986 Donruss Canseco for over $100 and a 1990 Score Bo-Jackson B/W card going for $10 (or more) back in the early 1990s? The 1984 Donruss set when it was worth over $200?
WISHLIST
Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
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Comments

  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭
    I remember Fleer Rookie Sensations being a big thing in both baseball and basketball because they only came in cello packs and there wasnt enough to go around....supposedly.
  • EstilEstil Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I remember Fleer Rookie Sensations being a big thing in both baseball and basketball because they only came in cello packs and there wasnt enough to go around....supposedly. >>



    Oh I forgot to mention I just bought ALL of the 1992 Fleer inserts (except Smoke 'N Heat) for about $50. Not bad when just the Rookie Sensations set alone booked for as much as two C-notes at one time. And the Rookie Sensations is a very beautiful set with the royal blue borders; no wonder it was so popular.
    WISHLIST
    Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
    Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
    74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
    1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
    1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭
    Just thought of another...1990 ProSet Football Hologram
  • EstilEstil Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Just thought of another...1990 ProSet Football Hologram >>



    Oh? Tell me more. I don't do football so I don't know anything about that.
    WISHLIST
    Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
    Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
    74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
    1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
    1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
  • Good list. One I will add is how Upper Deck got away from the portrait/action shots of baseball players and portrayed them in another light. The one that comes to mind right now is Nolan Ryan throwing a football. Was that the 1989 Upper Deck set?
    image

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  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Just thought of another...1990 ProSet Football Hologram >>



    Oh? Tell me more. I don't do football so I don't know anything about that. >>



    Couldnt find a pic but I think it was a hologram of the Lombardi Trophy. There was also one in hockey of the Stanley Cup. People were ripping wax like mad to find them...they were selling somewhere in the 100-150 range if I remember correctly.

    All the errors in football, especially the Dickerson AS was a big one to find.

    Also reminds me of the 1989 Pro Set errors and especially the William Perry which was short printed. I think that one was up around 50 bucks at it's peak.
  • EstilEstil Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭✭
    Yes, that was in the high number set. I should know, since I own the 1989 UD set (and 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993; the 1993 is one of my favorites).
    WISHLIST
    Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
    Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
    74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
    1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
    1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
  • scooter729scooter729 Posts: 1,730 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Good list. One I will add is how Upper Deck got away from the portrait/action shots of baseball players and portrayed them in another light. The one that comes to mind right now is Nolan Ryan throwing a football. Was that the 1989 Upper Deck set? >>



    Yep, that was '89 Upper Deck. My bigger favorite was the '84 Fleer with crazy shots, like Glenn Hubbard with a huge snake wrapped around him, Jay Johnstone with the Budweiser umbrella hat, Lee Roy Jackson singing the national anthem, and many others. THOSE were great pictures....
  • Bosox1976Bosox1976 Posts: 8,527 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ProSet Santa Claus Card, Detroit Pistons Championship Card, MJ taking BP in a white sox uni card (before his "retirement"), Nolan Ryan throwing a football...
    Mike
    Bosox1976
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭
    good ones Bosox
  • tennesseebankertennesseebanker Posts: 5,428 ✭✭✭
    How about the 79 Bump Willis card.
    image

  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭


    << <i>How about the 79 Bump Willis card. >>



    Ahh yes......and the 1985 Donruss Tom Seaver corrected, 1988 Topps Errors espeically the Al Leiter along with all the other errors. Damn, those 80s and 90s errors were something else in the day! Could go on forever with that list...and 1990 Donruss errors were a HUGE craze...the Ryans especially.
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭
    As far as card fads, the ones I remember are the 'Hot RC or future HOF on the front of the cello/rak' fad, and the promo card fad.
  • Pro Set Gizmo Williams error.

    Pro Line coming out with the autographed cards (one of the first to offer the parallel 'autographed' cards) in '92?

    Score coming out with the find the Orr auto chase etc etc...
    Next MONTH? So he's saying that if he wins, the best-case scenario is that he'll be paying for it two weeks after the auction ends?

    Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12



    image


    Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
  • EstilEstil Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>As far as card fads, the ones I remember are the 'Hot RC or future HOF on the front of the cello/rak' fad, and the promo card fad. >>



    Umm, actually, the "blue chip cards on top/bottom of packs" isn't exactly a fad; that's still very much going strong.
    WISHLIST
    Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
    Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
    74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
    1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
    1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
  • EstilEstil Posts: 6,862 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Pro Set Gizmo Williams error.

    Pro Line coming out with the autographed cards (one of the first to offer the parallel 'autographed' cards) in '92?

    Score coming out with the find the Orr auto chase etc etc... >>



    Oh yes, I forgot to mention pulling autograph cards was a HUGE thing back in the first half of the 1990s.
    WISHLIST
    Dimes: 54S, 53P, 50P+S, 49S, 45D+S, 44S, 43D, 41S, 40D+S, 39D+S, 38D+S, 37D+S, 36S, 35D+S, all 16-34's
    Quarters: 61D, 52S, 47S, 46S, 40S, 39S, 38S, 37D+S, 36D+S, 35D, 34D, 32D+S
    74 Topps: 37,38,46,47,48,138,151,193,210,214,223,241,256,264,268,277,289,316,435,552,570,577,592,602,610,654,655
    1997 Finest silver: 115, 135, 139, 145, 310
    1995 Ultra Gold Medallion Sets: Golden Prospects, HR Kings, On-Base Leaders, Power Plus, RBI Kings, Rising Stars
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭
    I think 1991 Score Mantle and DiMaggio inserts and autos...then 1992 Score with the Mantles, Musials, and Yaz's
  • larryallen73larryallen73 Posts: 6,054 ✭✭✭
    1981 started a lot of special sets, in addition to adding the companies besides Topps. Thus, I remember quite a surge in sales of stickers (Topps and Fleer), credit cards, scratch-offs, white/gray backs, etc.... They were all HIGHLY sought after that year. Now most are worthless of course.
  • Alot of good fads already mentioned. Bo B/W, Pro Set Santa, Jefferies. Theres a myspace group called Jefferies for the Hall of Fame or some pity party name like that.

    Oh yeah, the Promo card fad. I had a Strawberry "Pre-Rookie".



    I remember the UD errors that people made by removing the hologram. I think I actually pulled a real one from a pack.





    imageimageimage
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Studio.





























    /sarcasm
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭
    Back during the error craze, I remember the 89 Upper Deck Dale Murphy reverse negative being super hot. It was selling for over $100.


    Back in 1990, when Upper Deck ran the "Find the Reggie" promotion, there was a local news spot where a reporter interviewed a kid who pulled a Reggie Jackson auto from a pack, and the dealer the kid bought the pack from.
    My Giants collection want list

    WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
  • Anyone remember the Manon Rheaume craze with Classic? Middle Aged men just had to have a card of a woman goalie...
    Next MONTH? So he's saying that if he wins, the best-case scenario is that he'll be paying for it two weeks after the auction ends?

    Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12



    image


    Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Anyone remember the Manon Rheaume craze with Classic? Middle Aged men just had to have a card of a woman goalie... >>



    I grew up not far from her (on the State side of the border) and she did a couple of autographed shows in the area during her popularity. In person, she was even better looking than on the cards! But she had kind of a deep voice that didnt match her looks. She was an extremely friendly person and always smiled at the shows. If you are the kind of guy who likes his woman a jock, she was perfect!
  • Here's another one for ya

    SI for kids.

    Tiger went for big money once...
    Next MONTH? So he's saying that if he wins, the best-case scenario is that he'll be paying for it two weeks after the auction ends?

    Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12



    image


    Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
  • tkd7tkd7 Posts: 1,799 ✭✭
    Eric Lindros in the Score Baseball Set.

    San Diego Chicken Cards.

    Rocket Ismail CFL cards after he snubbed the NFL.

    Topps Big Baseball - A set of cards with stock the size of '52 to '56 Topps cards

    Topps unnumbered team checklist cards from '74

    Topps "traded" cards inserted later in '74 and '76 packs

    Bo Jackson with no shirt, shoulder pads, and a bat over his shoulders card in Score Baseball

    Upper Deck holograms
  • What about eTopps?
  • Bump Wills...good one. Also, the coveted '74 Topps Alou with/without position card.
    “Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.” - George Carlin
  • gosteelersgosteelers Posts: 2,668 ✭✭✭
    Did anyone mention those tacky player phone cards? Around '93-'94 or so...
  • Playaz, don't forget about printing plates. First they were high dollar, now you get them cheap.

    Pimp On....
    Nothing smoother than listening to Bob James and sipping on a glass of vintage Courvoisier! It's PIMPnificent!
    image
  • parallel cards were big....and still are. I thought they would die after it's run in the early to mid 90's with the Topps gold, but it's still alive and well today.

  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,242 ✭✭✭
    Ahhhh yes...the 1992 Topps Gold Brien Taylor! Autographed and all!
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Just "so happened" to highly touted Rookie sensations Ben Mcdonald and Gary Sheffield had errors image
  • RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,267 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Anyone remember the Manon Rheaume craze with Classic? Middle Aged men just had to have a card of a woman goalie... >>



    Middle aged men and horny 16 year olds like me. image I collected about every item I could find of her. Still have the collection.
  • RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,267 ✭✭✭
    Oh yeah, remember POGS?
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Oh yeah, remember POGS? >>



    Remember Alf Bart?
  • TheVonTheVon Posts: 2,725


    << <i>

    << <i>Oh yeah, remember POGS? >>



    Remember Alf Bart? >>



    I don't remember Alf Bart, but I do remember Bart Simpson cards . . . especially "Bart Knows Bo" spoofs of Bo Jackson cards.

    image
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    I got a couple unlicensed "Bart Know Iraq" cards from 1991 Bart giving the finger hehehe
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    You forgot to add the comma, makes more sense. "You remember Alf, Bart? He's back. In pog form."

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • gregmo32gregmo32 Posts: 2,648 ✭✭✭
    How about 1977 Topps Star Wars #207 , also known as C3PO with a giant erection...
    If you sports guys haven't seen it , it is hilarious!
    I am buying and trading for RC's of Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Bob Cousy!
    Don't waste your time and fees listing on ebay before getting in touch me by PM or at gregmo32@aol.com !
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>How about 1977 Topps Star Wars #207 , also known as C3PO with a giant erection...
    If you sports guys haven't seen it , it is hilarious! >>



    image

    There's one on ebay now. No chance I'm linking that auction image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • POGS! Classic. I remember the idiot middle schoolers collecting those. They always tried to steal the half dozen i had. Punks are probably homeless now.
  • didn't beany babies do sports pieces too. I seem to remember beany babies with bats but can't recall the players.

    Tins and coins from Pinnacle too!

    Bob C.
    57 Topps (83%) 7.61
    61 Topps (100%) 7.96
    62 Parkhurst (100%) 8.70
    63 Topps (100%) 7.96
    63 York WB's (50%) 8.52
    68 Topps (39%) 8.54
    69 Topps (3%) 9.00
    69 OPC (83%) 8.21
    71 Topps (100%) 9.21 #1 A.T.F.
    72 Topps (100%) 9.39
    73 Topps (13%) 9.35
    74 OPC WHA (95%) 8.57
    75 Topps (50%) 9.23
    77 OPC WHA (86%) 8.62 #1 A.T.F.
    88 Topps (5%) 10.00
  • SDSportsFanSDSportsFan Posts: 5,086 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1991 Upper Deck French Hockey!



    Steve
  • 1990 Donruss Juan Gonzalez rated rookie Reverse Negative. I'm gonna retire on that card some day (lol). I still have it on a rack pack.










    Dave D.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Phone cards.

    I remember going to a show in 1993 - and a lady had an entire table of them!

    Classic Club gave me some I believe.

    mike
    Mike
  • cohocorpcohocorp Posts: 1,371 ✭✭
    1984 donruss cards missing the number on the back. the 1983 donruss color variations.
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>1991 Upper Deck French Hockey!



    Steve >>



    This one may win the prize. There may be something else out there (another set, not a single) which has lost more value than this one, but I can't think of it offhand.
  • How about cards released corellary to a game or something?
    I'm thinking Starting Line up Cards and Classic Game cards.
    Those Yellow Travel Update cards were going for big bucks (and were hard to find) when I was collecting in 87 88. Heck, even those original Green Classic game cards. I have the box game somewhere. But you hardly ever see those up for auction or graded. No body bothers.
    Do You Collect image Baseball 1937,1965-94,2008-09?
    Or Regional Canadian Baseball Issues?
    Come be a contributor to the OPC Baseball Wiki. It's free and easy!
    OPeeChee.Wikispaces.Com
  • jfkheatjfkheat Posts: 2,721 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Shaq rookies from 92-93. Those things were crazy for a little while. I remember the Stadium Club Beam Team card was selling for $300. You can probably get one now for $10 or less.
    James
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some things that were chased had a certain "mania" to it - I wouldn't necessarily classify as a fad but drew immense attention - the "fad" element part comes under the general category of Insert Mania IMO.

    At the National in 92 - I saw kids ripping packs of 92F cellos and leaving them on the floor when they didn't pull a rookie sensation!

    Some of my top "fads" - tho ephemeral - that sparked "rip mania"

    1992UD Homerun Heroes - this set was once going for 50$!!

    Very popular - also - were the Score Franchise inserts and the specially marked "Heroes Highlights" boxes in 1992 with UD.

    Since UD had specially marked insert boxes AND one could only get the Homerun Heroes in the "Jumbo" packs - UD could run the presses out of control in 1992! There's still of ton of unopened product!!!

    image

    mike
    Mike
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