Reflections on collecting baseball cards in childhood accompany remarks on the skills and achievements of players whose pictures were found in bubble gum packages

From the baseball card hobby's oldest, most trusted authority, Sport Collectors Digest, this book represents the most comprehensive coverage of minor league baseball cards issues from 1909 to 1993 to be found between two covers. Sets include T206 cards, TCMA, Star Co., ProCards, Zeenuts, Best, Classic Best, SkyBox, Upped Deck, Fleer, Team issues, and regional issues from the 1940s--1990s. More than 40,000 players are checklisted, and more than 1,900 team sets are priced in three different grades. Pre-1980s cards are listed in Near Mint, Excellent and Very Good. Sets issued since 1980 are listed in grades Mint, Near Mint, and Excellent. Dave Platta, a frequent minor league baseball card contributor to Sports Collectors Digest, provides an overview of minor league cards, tracing their history from tobacco cards of the early 1900s to the boom in collecting in the early 1990s, when as many as 10 companies were issuing at least two team sets.

For over a hundred years, kids of all ages have enjoyed the thrill of collecting sports cards. Whether it was souvenirs from their parents’ cigarette packs, pieces that came in bubble gum packages, or the modern dazzlers, the simple formula of pictures and text on cardboard have been a part of North American society for over a century. Now, take a look back at one of the most popular hobbies in history with Got ’Em, Got ’Em, Need ’Em. Covering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, and golf, this unique book offers a look at the greatest sports cards ever produced, including the players and personalities involved. Relive the days gone by with some of the industry’s most well-known experts as we count down the best from the business. Plus, as a special bonus, take a look at the best innovations, the worst blunders, and a special tribute to the hobby’s boom era in the 1990s.

"The #1 authority on collectibles"--Cover.