Introduction to Fleer Baseball Cards
Fleer baseball cards were a staple of the collecting hobby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were a popular way to collect and trade players and teams from the early days of the game. While Fleer cards were not the first baseball cards ever made, they are remembered fondly by collectors today as some of the most iconic and collectible cards of all time.
Fleer Baseball Cards Production History
Fleer first started producing baseball cards in 1887. These cards featured players from the National League, American Association, and other major and minor leagues of the day. Fleer continued producing cards until 1941, when production was halted due to the onset of World War II.
In 1981, Fleer was acquired by the Topps Chewing Gum Company and resumed production of baseball cards. These cards featured players from the modern era, such as Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Barry Bonds. Fleer also produced a number of sets featuring players from the Negro Leagues and other historical sets.
Fleer continued to produce baseball cards until 2005, when it was acquired by Upper Deck. After the acquisition, production of Fleer baseball cards was discontinued.
Notable Fleer Baseball Card Sets
Fleer produced a number of iconic and collectible sets throughout its history. Some of the most notable sets include:
Fleer 1887
The first Fleer baseball card set was produced in 1887 and featured players from the National League, American Association, and other major and minor leagues of the day. The set is notable for being the first Fleer set to feature player images and is highly sought after by collectors today.
Fleer 1981
The 1981 Fleer set was the first set produced by the company after their acquisition by Topps. The set was notable for featuring some of the most iconic players of the modern era, such as Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Barry Bonds.
Fleer 1984
The 1984 Fleer set is notable for featuring the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Don Mattingly. The set also featured cards of superstars such as Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt.
Fleer 1986
The 1986 Fleer set is notable for featuring the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens. The set also featured cards of Hall of Famers such as Rickey Henderson and Wade Boggs.
Fleer 1988
The 1988 Fleer set is notable for featuring the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas. The set also featured cards of superstars such as Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds.
What Year Did Fleer Stop Making Baseball Cards?
Fleer stopped producing baseball cards in 2005, when the company was acquired by Upper Deck. After the acquisition, production of Fleer baseball cards was discontinued.
Reasons For Discontinuing Fleer Baseball Cards
There are a few reasons why Fleer stopped producing baseball cards in 2005. First, the company was acquired by Upper Deck, who decided to focus their efforts on their own card sets. Second, the baseball card industry was in decline due to the rise of video games and other forms of entertainment. Finally, the costs associated with producing baseball cards had become too high for Fleer to remain profitable.
Impact of Fleer Baseball Cards Being Discontinued
The discontinuation of Fleer baseball cards had a significant impact on the collecting hobby. For starters, it reduced the amount of available cards for collectors to collect and trade. Additionally, it reduced the number of card sets available for collectors to assemble complete sets of their favorite players. Finally, it reduced the amount of variety in the collecting hobby, as Fleer had produced a number of iconic and collectible sets throughout its history.
Alternatives To Fleer Baseball Cards
Although Fleer stopped producing baseball cards in 2005, there are still a number of alternatives for collectors to enjoy. Here are a few alternatives to Fleer baseball cards:
- Topps Baseball Cards – Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1951 and is one of the most iconic brands in the industry. They produce a variety of card sets, including flagship sets, special edition sets, and online-exclusive sets.
- Upper Deck Baseball Cards – Upper Deck is another iconic brand in the collecting hobby. They produce a variety of card sets, including flagship sets, rookie sets, and special edition sets.
- Panini Baseball Cards – Panini is a newer brand in the collecting hobby, but they have quickly become a popular option for collectors. They produce a variety of card sets, including flagship sets, rookie sets, and special edition sets.
- Online Sites – There are a number of online sites that allow collectors to buy, sell, and trade cards. These sites are a great way for collectors to find cards that are not available in stores or online retailers.
Conclusion
Fleer baseball cards were a staple of the collecting hobby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were a popular way to collect and trade players and teams from the early days of the game. Fleer stopped producing baseball cards in 2005, when the company was acquired by Upper Deck. The discontinuation of Fleer baseball cards had a significant impact on the collecting hobby, reducing the amount of available cards for collectors to collect and trade. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives for collectors to enjoy, including Topps, Upper Deck, Panini, and online sites.