Taking offers for 1988 Topps Cloth Experimental baseball cards

divecchia · January 26, 2007 3:35PM

Hi..

To the best of my knowledge these cards were produced by Topps, but was a failed experiment that was never meant to be released to the public, but like many other collectibles these cards made their way into the hands of collectors. The complete set consists of 121 blank backed cards that look like the regular 1988 Topps cards, but the similarity ends there. The cards are printed on a material that looks and feels like TYVEK(that's the plastic that's wrapped around a newly constructed house before the vinyl siding goes up). The cards are very thin and flexible. To give you an idea of the thickness it would take three(3) 1988 Cloth cards stacked on top of each other to equal the thickness of a standard 1988 Topps baseball card. I have for sale the following cards. It's not a complete set as I have already sold some. I broke them down by teams for the team collectors out there. This is also a neat item if you collect Topps test issues. Most of the players in this set are commons. I will try and post scans of the stars that I have left this weekend.

Email me with questions or for high quality scans of particular card(s) and to talk about prices. I will answer all emails as quickly as possible.

List has been updated as to what cards are remaining on 2-19-2007.

Thanks...Donato

Tony Armas (Angels)-Gary Lucas (Angels)-Gus Polidor (Angels)-Butch Wynegar (Angels)

Tim Birtsas (Athletics)-Steve Ontiveros (Athletics)-Eric Plunk (Athletics)

George Bell (All Star) (Blue Jays)-Tom Henke (All Star) (Blue Jays)-Jimmy Key (All Star) (Blue Jays)

Bruce Benedict (Braves)-Jeff Dedmon (Braves)-Damaso Garcia (Braves)-Ed Olwine (Braves)-Charlie Puleo (Braves)-Chuck Tanner (Braves)

Mark Clear (Brewers)-Mike Felder (Brewers)-Steve Kiefer (Brewers)-Charlie O’Brien (Brewers)

Drew Hall (Cubs)-Les Lancaster (Cubs)-Frank Lucchesi (Cubs)-Jim Sundberg (Cubs)

Jeff Hamilton (Dodgers)-Shawn Hillegas (Dodgers)-Ken Landreaux (Dodgers)-Len Matuszek (Dodgers)-Alex Trevino (Dodgers)

Craig Lefferts (Giants)-Chris Speier (Giants)

Andy Allanson (Indians)-Carmen Castillo (Indians)-Doc Edwards (Indians)-John Farrell (Indians)

John Moses (Mariners)-Dennis Powell (Mariners)-Steve Shields (Mariners)-Mike Trujillo (Mariners)

Rick Aguilera (Mets)-Dave Johnson (Mets)-Barry Lyons (Mets)-John Mitchell (Mets)-Rafael Santana (Mets)-Doug Sisk (Mets)-Tim Teufel (Mets)

Mike Bielecki (Pirates)-Bob Kipper (Pirates)-Jose Lind(Pirates)

Ed Correa (Rangers)-Geno Petralli (Rangers)

Wade Boggs (All Star) (Red Sox)-Dennis Boyd (Red Sox)-Roger Clemens (All Star) (Red Sox)-Joe Sambito (Red Sox)

Terry McGriff (Reds)-Jeff Montgomery (Reds)-Frank Williams (Reds)

Ed Hearn(Royals)-Bill Pecota (Royals)-Gary Thurman (Royals)

Billy Bean (Tigers)-Dave Bergman (Tigers)-Matt Nokes (All Star) (Tigers)-Pat Sheridan (Tigers)

Keith Atherton (Twins)-Mark Davidson (Twins)-Dan Schatzeder (Twins)-Twins Leaders (Gary Gaetti, Kent Hrbek) (Twins)

Ron Karkovice (White Sox)-Pat Keedy (White Sox)

frankhardy · January 27, 2007 1:15AM

PM and email sent.

frankhardy · January 27, 2007 3:25AM

Any idea as to how many were made?

divecchia · January 27, 2007 3:31AM

<< Any idea as to how many were made? >>

According to an SCD article in 1997, somewhere around 50 sheets were printed.

Donato

divecchia · January 27, 2007 4:21AM

Hi Nick...

All the emails I've sent you keep coming back from AOL as undeliverable. Here are the scans of the Sutton and the Landreaux. PM me if you would like to see other cards and with any offers if interested.

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · January 27, 2007 5:13AM

Hi...

Here's a scan of the Pete Rose. Will post other stars as I get time.

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · January 27, 2007 10:23AM

Here are some pictures of the sheet before it was cut into individual cards. Notice the words "SAMPLE ONLY NOT FOR SALE" stamped on the sheet in two different locations. This will explain why some of the cards have black letters on the borders. I also included a side view to try to show how thin and flexible the cards are. If you have any other questions please let me know. I will post more scans of the individual star cards later tonight or Sunday afternoon.

Thanks...Donato

frankhardy · January 27, 2007 12:28PM

Who actually cut them into cards?

divecchia · January 27, 2007 1:08PM

<< Who actually cut them into cards? >>

I did..

Caricon · January 27, 2007 9:17PM

Why would you cut up a nice full sheet of these? I would consider
the whole sheet worth a lot more then one by one.

frankhardy · January 27, 2007 11:51PM

....however, it does look like you did a good job of cutting them.

bobsbbcards · January 28, 2007 12:21AM

<< Why would you cut up a nice full sheet of these? I would consider
the whole sheet worth a lot more then one by one. >>

It's not. There are VERY few people that would be interested in a complete sheet of those. This sort of thing is ideal to be cut apart and sold to player collectors, team collectors, and type set collectors. Check the want lists of individual player collectors, and you'll find the '88 Cloth cards almost every single time.

Good luck with your sales Donato!

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:25AM

<< Why would you cut up a nice full sheet of these? I would consider
the whole sheet worth a lot more then one by one. >>

Hi..

Most player or team collectors don't want to pay what a complete sheet may cost just to get the players they collect. When I mentioned having a sheet at card shows most people asked if I intended to cut it up as they were interested in the singles. I myself am a player collector. I collect Ryan and Rose, so for me I think the same way and am aways looking for singles of those guys and most times I don't want to buy a complete sheet of something just for one card. Especially if you don't have the storage room for it.

Donato

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:26AM

<< 

<< Why would you cut up a nice full sheet of these? I would consider
the whole sheet worth a lot more then one by one. >>

It's not. There are VERY few people that would be interested in a complete sheet of those. This sort of thing is ideal to be cut apart and sold to player collectors, team collectors, and type set collectors. Check the want lists of individual player collectors, and you'll find the '88 Cloth cards almost every single time.

Good luck with your sales Donato!

>>

Thanks Bob...We were thinking the same thing I see.

Donato

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:27AM

<< ....however, it does look like you did a good job of cutting them. >>

Thanks...I appreciate the compliment

Donato

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:50AM

Here are scans of the Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs.

Donato

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:54AM

Here are scans of the Tony Gwynn and Ozzie Smith. (SOLD)

Donato

divecchia · January 28, 2007 12:55AM

Will be out for most of the day. Will be back in the evening to answer more questions.

Donato

Kid4hof03 · January 29, 2007 8:16AM

I just wanted to chime in and say that I purchased a group of these from Donato last week. I received them today and they are outstanding!

Abe

onlyanumber · January 30, 2007 3:37AM

PM sent

divecchia · January 30, 2007 3:54AM

<< PM sent >>

Email me so I can send you scans.

Donato

divecchia · January 31, 2007 4:38PM

Hi...

Tony Gywnn and the Padres cards are no longer available.

Donato

divecchia · February 1, 2007 3:13PM

Hi...

The Phillies team cards are no longer available.

The Pete Rose is pending.

The Ted Simmons (Braves) is SOLD.

Donato

divecchia · February 4, 2007 3:16AM

Here is a scan of the 1988 Topps Cloth Tom Glavine rookie card.

Donato

KalineFan · February 4, 2007 7:41AM

I received the Padres team set with Gwynn. They are definitely nice. Thanks.

The only thing I question is, the origin of these pcs? Where exactly or how did
they reach the hobby? If you have any answers, I would love to know.

Thanks,

Tony
KalineFan

divecchia · February 5, 2007 3:31AM

<< I received the Padres team set with Gwynn. They are definitely nice. Thanks.

The only thing I question is, the origin of these pcs? Where exactly or how did
they reach the hobby? If you have any answers, I would love to know.

Thanks,

Tony
KalineFan >>

Hi Tony...

I'm glad you received your cards and are happy with them.

From what I have been told and read in an SCD article from July of 1997, these cards were produced by Topps, but were supposed to be discarded as they were a problem to produce and distribute. Basically a failed "experiment" on a new product or concept that Topps was trying to develop. Also, all the sheets I've seen say on them "SAMPLE ONLY NOT FOR SALE", in two locations, so we can assume that these sheets were not meant to be sold or cut up into cards and distributed at that time as they were still in the developemental stage of production. I think that someone saved these sheets from the scrap and from there they made their way out into the hobby. If anyone knows or has any more information on these sheets or cards please feel free to add your comments.

Thanks...Donato

bishop · February 5, 2007 7:45AM

I agree with Donato, but it is peculiar that in 1988 Topps produced these and then decided they were not practical to produce and distribute, since in 1976 they had earlier created similar cloth protoypes. The 1976 test involved only two players, Apodaca and Dyer, but those two specimens can be found in 4 different cloth like formats. You would have thought they would have learned what they needed to know from that. The 76 issue can be found from time to time on e bay or in ebay stores as well . Plus there was the even mor limited ( one of one ?) 1970 Topps Cloth experiment

joemaggio · February 5, 2007 4:08PM

In the past year or two, someone sold an uncut sheet of the 1972 Topps Cloth set on eBay.

bobsbbcards · February 5, 2007 11:07PM

This one was sold by Robert Edward Auctions a couple years ago:

onefasttalon · February 6, 2007 3:03AM

PM Sent!

divecchia · February 7, 2007 8:25AM

<< PM Sent! >>

Hi onefasttalon...

Your 1988 Topps Cloth Pat Pacillo card with Chris Sabo in the background shipped out today.

Donato

divecchia · February 8, 2007 4:34AM

Ron...

PM sent...Let me know if you need scans.

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · February 8, 2007 11:58AM

Here's a Clemens up for auction on eBay. Check it out. I'm looking for a lot less than that.

1988 Topps Cloth Roger Clemens eBay auction

PM me some offers...Donato

gregm13 · February 8, 2007 3:42PM

Is Bill Buckner in the cloth set? Also, does PSA grade them?

Regards,

Greg M.

bobsbbcards · February 8, 2007 8:58PM

<< Is Bill Buckner in the cloth set? Also, does PSA grade them? >>

No, Bill Buckner is not in the set. PSA doesn't currently grade them, and I'd be surprised if they started. One of the large grading companies does, but I can't remember which.

bobsbbcards · February 8, 2007 9:08PM

Here's the checklist for the set:

A's Team Leaders (Canseco/McGwire)
Rick Aguilera
Andy Allanson
Tony Armas
Keith Atherton
Steve Balboni
Billy Bean
Steve Bedrosian AS
George Bell AS
Bruce Benedict
Dave Bergman
Mike Bielecki
Tim Birtsas
Bruce Bochy
Wade Boggs AS
Rod Booker
Dennis Boyd
Braves Leaders
Tom Browning
Carmen Castillo
Rick Cerone
Jack Clark AS
Mark Clear
Roger Clemens AS
Pat Clements
Keith Comstock
Cecil Cooper
Joey Cora
Ed Correa
Mark Davidson
Mark Davis
Jeff Dedmon
Jim Dwyer
Doc Edwards
John Farrell
Mike Felder
Curt Ford
Bob Forsch
Damaso Garcia
Tom Glavine
Mark Grant
Tony Gwynn AS
Drew Hall
Jeff Hamilton
Mike Hart
Andy Hawkins
Ed HEarn
Tom Henke AS
Whitey Herzog
Shawn Hillegas
Charles Hudson
Dave Johnson
Ron Karkovice
Pat Keedy
Jimmy Key AS
Mark Kiefer
Bob Kipper
Les Lancaster
Ken Landreaux
Craig Lefferts
Jim Leyland
Gary Lucas
Frank Lucchesi
Barry Lyons
John Marzano
Gary Mathews
Don Mattingly AS
Len Matuszek
Kirk McCaskill
Terry McGriff
Joey Meyer
John Mitchell
Jeff Montgomery
John Morris
John Moses
Tom Nieto
Matt Nokes AS
Charlie O'Brien
Ed Olwine
Paul O'Neill
Steve Ontiveros
Pat Pacillo
Tom Pagnozzi
Jim Pankowitz
Bill Pecota
Eric Plunk
Gus Polidor
Dennis Powell
Terry Puhl
Shane Rawley AS
Rick Rodriguez
Ron Roenicke
Pete Rose
Lenn Sakata
Joe Sambito
Juan Samuel AS
Rafael Santana
Dan Schatzeder
Pat Sheridan
Steve Shields
Ted Simmons
Doug Sisk
Joel Skinner
Ozzie Smith AS
Chris Speier
Jim Sundberg
Don Sutton
Chuck Tanner
Mickey Tettleton
Tim Teufel
Gary Thurman
Alex Trevino
Mike Trujillo
Twins Leaders (Gaetti/Hrbek)
Tim Wallach AS
Frank Williams
Dave Winfield AS
Butch Wynegar

gregm13 · February 8, 2007 10:09PM

<< 

<< Is Bill Buckner in the cloth set? Also, does PSA grade them? >>

No, Bill Buckner is not in the set. PSA doesn't currently grade them, and I'd be surprised if they started. One of the large grading companies does, but I can't remember which. >>

Thanks for the info. I didn't see the cloth card on my Bill Buckner master list but figured that I'd ask anyways.

Regards,

Greg M.

divecchia · February 9, 2007 9:06AM

Hi...

Cardinals team is no longer available.

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · February 12, 2007 7:14PM

Many stars still available. Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Tom Glavine, Don Sutton along with 70 or so commons at $5-$10 each depending on condition.

Donato

frankhardy · February 13, 2007 4:57AM

Just got the Cardinals a few minutes ago.

If you want any more of these cards, guys, don't hesitate. I paid him, and they arrived in just a few days. These cards look great!

divecchia · February 13, 2007 5:01AM

<< Just got the Cardinals a few minutes ago.

If you want any more of these cards, guys, don't hesitate. I paid him, and they arrived in just a few days. These cards look great! >>

Shane...

Thanks for those nice comments...Donato

frankhardy · February 13, 2007 8:32AM

By the way - I also wanted to say that these cards are cut very, very well. They look as good as a factory cut.

divecchia · February 14, 2007 8:36AM

Hi...

Thanks to all the people that have made inquires and purchases on the 1988 Topps Cloth cards along with all the nice comments.

I will update the list on the first page of this thread to show just the remaining cards when I get home late tonight. There are still 70 or so cards available.

Thanks...Donato

zguinness · February 14, 2007 4:43PM

Donato,

I'm guessing the list on the first post is accurate as to what you have left. Could you send me an email regarding the Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs AS cards and a general idea of price for the individual commons.
Thanks,
Zach

zsmith@as39.navy.mil

divecchia · February 14, 2007 6:23PM

<< Donato,

I'm guessing the list on the first post is accurate as to what you have left. Could you send me an email regarding the Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs AS cards and a general idea of price for the individual commons.
Thanks,
Zach

zsmith@as39.navy.mil >>

Hi Zach...

The list on the first post is accurate as of right now. I will send email shortly regarding prices.

Thanks for your interest...Donato

divecchia · February 16, 2007 3:43AM

Hi...

The Tom Glavine(Braves), Kirk McCaskill(Angels) and Rick Rodriguez(Athletics) may no longer be available pending payment.

Donato

divecchia · February 18, 2007 5:38AM

<< Donato,

I'm guessing the list on the first post is accurate as to what you have left. Could you send me an email regarding the Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs AS cards and a general idea of price for the individual commons.
Thanks,
Zach

zsmith@as39.navy.mil >>

Hi Zach...

Another email sent regarding the Glavine card, please reply!

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · February 18, 2007 8:28PM

Hi...

The Tom Glavine(Braves), Kirk McCaskill(Angels) and Rick Rodriguez(Athletics) are no longer available.

Thanks...Donato

divecchia · February 19, 2007 3:32PM

Hi...

The 1988 Topps Cloth John Mitchell (Mets) card is pending payment.

Donato

Taking offers for 1988 Topps Cloth Experimental baseball cards

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