“Never before did I realize the tremendous appeal which baseball has on the vast sports loving American public. Among card collectors, at least, the game’s heroes of the past will not be forgotten. Where else, I wonder, can these stars of the past be brought back to life so vividly as on these cards?”
- Jefferson Burdick, July 1937
Hobby Library
Hobby Dictionary
This is a reference guide to terminology used within the Hobby. In it, you’ll find economic, legal, scientific, printing or other terms that may be found within these articles to make it easier for you to follow along.
Guide to Grading Cards
Grading can be subjective and can often be difficult for any collector. This guide is based on Dr. James Beckett’s standards on grading using a blend of detailed photographs and written material.
Roger Babson’s 10 Commandments of Economics
This “How To” guide provides an understanding of the economic fundamentals surrounding the Hobby through Economist Roger Babson’s 10 Commandments of Economics as well as a short history of how our economic system changed in 1913.
Articles
The Rise of the 1909 T206
The 1909 - 11 T206 may be more historically significant than you know. This article examines the beginnings of the T206 and reintroduction of Tobacco cards through legislation and the men behind the set.
When Mars Attacked!
Humanity has a deep-seated fascination with Mars is more than likely isn’t going away anytime soon. This article explores how Astronomer Percival Lowell’s observations helped inspire the 1962 Topps Mars Attacks set.
The Life and Times of Lionel Carter
Lionel Carter was one of the the last known contemporaries of Hobby Founder Jefferson Burdick. This article explores his life and his influence as a writer, researcher and collector.
1933 Goudey: The Set That Defined The Great Depression
The Great Depression was one of the worst economic disasters of the 20th Century. In the midst of the Dust Bowl, 1933 marked the beginning of a major turning point in the history of the hobby through new technology and an uptick in the popularity of Baseball. Here, you’ll learn how the 1933 Goudey set became of of the 3 defining sets of the century.
1933 DeLong - and the Man in the Cardboard Shadows
What was your first card? Did it leave a lasting impression? For one man, it became the catalyst for a 70 year writing career. For another man, the 1933 DeLong set represents a culmination of years of hard work during the Great Depression.
The Founding Father of
Modern Sports Card Collecting
Jefferson R. Burdick is perhaps the best example of what can be achieved through adversity. He is commonly referred to as “The Founding Father of the Hobby”, yet few collectors knew him during his lifetime and even fewer collectors know who he is today. This article explores his life and legacy.
1911 T205 “Goldborders": The Unraveling Of A Baseball Card Giant
This is the set that shaped and molded me into a writer of History Through Cards. In this follow up to the article “American Tobacco Company’s Rise of the 1909 T206”, You’ll read the continuing behind the scenes saga of the company’s unraveling through this set’s Short Prints and outside influences of the Justice Department.
Unlocking the Secrets of the 1909 Ramly Set
The 1909 Ramly set is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ever issued in the Progressive Era. Yet this highly popular and valued set hides a dark past which is just now coming to light.
1926 Sports Co. of America
In a decade filled with bootleg gin, flapper girls and some of the greatest icons in the history of sports, this multi-sport set doesn’t disappoint! Here’s a fresh look at one of the “Roaring 20’s” most beautiful sets made possible by a 19th Century Pitcher and a daring owner who never gave up.
1933 George C. Miller:
How the Great Depression and a shifting cityscape shaped the set.
While 1933 marked one of the worst years during the Great Depression, the sports and non-sports card hobby was going through what can only be described as a “Big Bang”. The George C. Miller set was just one of six Boston area companies to issue cards that year, but has a lot to teach us about economics and the effects of transforming a city.
1934 Goudey: Established - 1921
Goudey’s sophomore set, although short, reveals the inner-workings of how sports card sets were put together during the Great Depression. In this article you’ll learn everything from the design of the 1934 set, to how Lou Gehrig, Chuck Klein and Napoleon Lajoie made their appearance in it.
1912 T207: How dissolution of a monopoly and politics affected the set.
In 1911 The Supreme Court handed down their decision that American Tobacco was a Monopoly and should be broken up. This article is the first of a two part look at the challenges facing the Justice Department and the tobacco company through the T207 set.
The History of the National Sports Card Collectors Convention.
It’s been over 40 years since the first National in Los Angeles and it’s been one of the premiere attractions of the Hobby ever since. This article explores the history of the National through the early days of card shows. If you’ve ever been to one, or plan on going, you’re in for an amazing experience through the efforts and hard work of collectors of the past.
The Design History of the 1955 Bowman Baseball Set
In the waning days of the Bowman brand, the company was looking to implement a new household technology to tempt collectors. This is a brief history behind Bowman’s last set and its future.
The 1959 Topps Football Set
1959 was the first year that the American Football League was established and the end of an era when Commissioner Bert Bell died doing what he loved. The 1959 Topps Football set has an unusual and rarely talked about history that goes back much further…
The Mysteries Surrounding
Hobby Pioneer Walter E. Corson
Sometimes the dimly lit avenues and alleyways of research can lead to unexpected surprises. This is no different for the history of the Sports Card Hobby and the people who founded it. With the click of a button we’re a society that has information at the tips of our fingers…yet, how much do we really know? This article explores this topic with one of the Hobby’s pioneers.
1951 Bowman Jets, Rockets & Spacemen
Follow the history of this set through the early days of science fiction, to the technology and artwork behind behind it, to the UFO sightings of Post-War America and today.
Can I have Your Autograph?
An autograph can make an item very special for a collector and add value in more ways than financial. This article explores the Hobby history of autographs, the equipment used and certain things to look for while pursuing your favorite player’s signature.
1981: The Year that changed the Hobby
There are certain years and certain events that have changed the Hobby and 1981 was one of them. This article examines those events through the history of the Federal Trade Commission to Judge Clarance Newcomer’s Decision in Topps Monopolistic hold on the Hobby. This article will also dive into all the sports featured on a card in 1981 and a look back at the Hobby then.
Baseball’s Hobby History Through Advertising
You could say that Baseball became America’s National Pastime through Advertising and sports cards. This article examines the products which had the greatest impact on society, collectors and the early days of the Hobby.
The Life & Times of John D. Wagner
John D. Wagner was one of the first Hobby Pioneers to join Jefferson Burdick after reading an article in Hobbies Magazine. Here is the story of how he may have influenced the history and collectability of one of the Hobby’s most prized cards - The 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner.
J. Warren Bowman v. Gum, Inc. (1936)
In 1936 Warren Bowman was thrown out of his own company in a vote of No Confidence. This is the story behind one of his earliest, and perhaps most important lawsuits, the people behind it and how he got his company back.
The Life and Times of Hobby Pioneer Charles “Buck” Barker
Some forty years after his passing, Charles “Buck” Barker is still talked about and remembered fondly within the Hobby. I wanted to explore his life and the contributions he made to the Hobby through this article.
The Amazing Story Behind Benny McCoy’s 1941 Double Play
Benny McCoy’s career in the Majors only lasted 337 games between 1938 and 1941, yet it is one of the most fascinating stories of how Baseball operated behind the scenes and has an important lesson to teach all of us. This is Benny’s story…
1941 Double Play, Johnny Mize & The Right to Privacy
1941 was an amazing year for Baseball. Joe DiMaggio went on to hit in 56 consecutive games, Ted Williams ended up with a .406 Batting Average, and the St. Louis Cardinals, Johnny Mize became embroiled in one of the first Right of Privacy cases for a sports star. Here is his story.
1957 Topps & “The Flying A”
The 1957 Topps set is one of the most popular among vintage collectors. It’s the first Topps sets to have a now-standard sports card format, and a Kodachrome photograph, but have you ever noticed the background? This article will explore one key feature found on many of these cards - The Flying A.
