Baseball cards

In the late 1860s, baseball cards were first used as advertisements for a sporting good store. Quickly, these cards, called 'Trade Cards' became popular advertisements, having a picture on one side and an advertisement on the other. Trade Cards were not only for uses of baseball. Many different stores and pictures were used.

In the 1880s, baseball cards were being printed rapidly. Tobacco companies included various cards in their packs to boost sales. The first, issued by Goodwin and Co. was called the 'Old Judge' collection. Almost every tobbacco company in America started including cards in their packs.

Eventually, after many years of successful sales with tobbacco, a chewing gum company, Topps, started including cards with their gum. After all these years, you can still buy cards with gum.

Today, baseball cards are a valuable commodity. The rarest can be very expensive. They are great collectables for baseball enthusiasts