Baseball cards have been captivating fans for generations, and every year new collector’s items are released. But what do you know about the history of baseball cards? Before the lively face of your favorite players was printed on cardboard, the cards had a very different origin.
Join us as we explore the past of baseball cards and all the nostalgia that comes with it. From obscure beginnings to colorful masterpieces, let’s take a look back at the history of baseball cards.
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The Invention of Baseball Cards
The invention of baseball cards dates back to the mid-1800s when tobacco companies used them as promotional giveaways. The cards featured artwork of famous players of the day and were part of the company’s card series.
In 1910, newspaper mogul William Wrigley Jr. began distributing baseball cards for gum as well. Card collecting started to become a hobby for kids in the early 1900s, and in the 1930s and 40s, companies such as Goudey Gum and Topps Chewing Gum.
Early Baseball Card Printings
Early baseball cards were printed in tobacco boxes starting in the mid-1880s and were a way to promote different brands of cigarettes. It wasn’t until 1909 that the American Tobacco Company released the first set of baseball cards.
These cards featured prominent players that were hand-painted on them. Over the next few decades, new sets of cards began to appear from various manufacturers. During this period, card designs changed to include full-color photos of the player and their team logo.
The Collectability Boom of the 1990s
The added availability of valuable rookie cards and upgraded investments in digital photography. Card designs led to an exponential increase in demand and prices. Many collectors and investors held onto cards from the 1990s, leading to a “boom” in collectability.
This boom was also driven by the development of card grading standards, as well as the rebranding of card companies. Nowadays, the hobby of baseball card collections is still a massive industry and highly sought after by many collectors.
Rare Autographed Cards
Dating back to the 1800s, baseball cards served as a way for fans to look at their favorite players. These cards would often feature a picture of the player, along with their stats, biography, and other important information.
Since then, the development and organization of these cards have been unparalleled. They can now be found in almost any specialized basketball museum found here, as well as most stores that sell baseball memorabilia.
Baseball cards have evolved over the years with the advent of rare cards and autographed cards. There are even digital versions for the modern collector.
Explore the History of Baseball Cards Today
The history of baseball cards has come a long way from their humble beginnings, and today they are appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Whether you’re a collector, a card game enthusiast, or just a baseball fan, there’s something special in the history that baseball cards have to offer. Take a deeper look and explore the treasures of the classic baseball card world today!
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