What cards were issued to players by topps throughout their careers?

Sean1125

Question is pretty much in the title, for older players did topps issue them cards or sets or what did topps do for them?

Does anyone have any information on that? I mean older players in the 50's and 60's

dennis07

Just speaking in general terms the contract signed by (most) players in the early days of Topps was for a few dollars. Topps was not obligated to give them anything else.
I lifted the following from an article:
Topps proved to be a wily and relentless competitor, going so far as to develop its own scouting system so that it could sign rising stars to exclusive deals. Jim Bouton, the former Yankees hurler and Ball Four author, told me that he and all his minor-league teammates had Topps contracts put under their noses as soon as they showed up to spring training. The players, Bouton said, "lined up like they were getting their flu shots." They all signed away their rights for the token $5, known then as "steak money." Author Dave Jamieson

georgebailey2

<< <i> They all signed away their rights for the token $5, known then as "steak money." Author Dave Jamieson >>



By 1983, the players would be saying, "Five dollars. Maybe I'll go to the movies... by myself"

RedHeart54

Win.

prthd

I remember hearing a story how the players called it the "steak dinner" contract. Its amazing how times have changes. Someone refresh my memory, what was the reason A-rod didnt sign with Topps. I dont think it was pver money.


^^They all signed away their rights for the token $5, known then as "steak money." Author Dave Jamieson

EchoCanyon

I know there was no 1972 Rusty Staub ....or was there?

georgebailey2

Half of it is from me.


Back on topic. Didn't players also get to choose items from a catalogue? I recall reading such in a story in SCD a few years back.

fkw

I remember reading that Reggie Jackson said he was given 500 of his 1969T cards by the company. Im sure many players got stacks of freebies, back then cards were fun and had little value

vladguerrero

I like the old Topps Vault index cards that showed what players were given as compensation for their image being used in Topps sets each year... random things like waterbeds, clock radios, lots of color tv sets, etc...