Introduction to Topps Baseball Cards
Topps baseball cards are some of the most iconic trading cards ever created. They have been around since 1951, and were the first to introduce the idea of putting a piece of gum inside of a baseball card. For over 40 years, Topps was the only major baseball card company to include gum in their cards. But in 1991, Topps stopped putting gum inside their cards.
History of Topps
The Topps Company was founded in 1938 by brothers Ira and Abraham Garfinkle. The company originally sold chewing gum and candy, but soon moved into the baseball card business. In 1951, Topps released their first set of baseball cards which included a piece of bubble gum. From then on, Topps was the only major baseball card company that included gum in its cards.
Benefits of Including Gum
Including gum in Topps’ cards was an innovative way to make the cards more attractive to buyers. Kids loved getting a piece of gum with their cards and parents appreciated the extra incentive to buy. Additionally, the gum added an extra layer of protection to the cards, as the wax paper surrounding the gum kept the cards from getting damaged.
Why Did Topps Stop Including Gum?
In 1991, Topps decided to stop including gum in their cards. The main reason for this was the rising cost of production. The cost of wax paper and bubble gum had risen significantly in the last few years, making it too costly for Topps to include them in their cards.
The Impact of Topps’ Decision
The decision to stop including gum in Topps’ cards had a major impact on the trading card industry. Other companies, such as Fleer and Upper Deck, soon followed suit and stopped including gum in their cards as well. This marked the end of an era, as gum was no longer included as a part of trading cards.
The Rise of New Trading Card Companies
The decision by Topps to stop including gum in their cards opened up the market for new companies to enter the trading card business. Companies such as Donruss and Score emerged, offering cards without gum and at a lower price than Topps. These companies soon became popular with collectors, as they offered cards without the additional cost of bubble gum.
The Future of Topps
Despite the decision to stop including gum in its cards, Topps has remained a major player in the trading card industry. The company continues to produce high-quality cards, many of which are highly sought after by collectors. Topps has also branched out into other areas, such as video games, apparel and even food products.
The Impact on Collectors
The decision by Topps to stop including gum in its cards had a major impact on collectors. Many collectors were disappointed by the lack of gum in the cards, as it was a unique feature that set Topps apart from other companies. Additionally, the wax paper surrounding the gum was a great way to protect the cards from damage.
The Resurgence of Gum in Baseball Cards
Despite the decision by Topps to stop including gum in its cards, some companies have recently begun to include gum again. Companies such as Panini and Leaf have started to include gum in some of their sets, creating a new wave of interest among collectors.
Conclusion
Topps has been an iconic part of the trading card industry since 1951, when they introduced the idea of including a piece of bubble gum in their cards. However, in 1991, Topps made the decision to stop including gum in their cards due to rising production costs. This marked the end of an era, as gum was no longer included as part of trading cards. Despite this, Topps has remained a major player in the industry, and some companies have recently begun to include gum in their sets again.
What year did Topps stop putting gum in baseball cards? Topps stopped putting gum in baseball cards in 1991.