Origins of Baseball (1744-1899)

The American Archives Publishing Company has produced one of the most educational card sets when it comes to the history of baseball.  Their 1994 Origins of Baseball (1744-1899) set sits right up there next to both modern day Obak products.  The other week, I snatched up a complete sealed set for only $12.50.  Thats not bad considering individual cards have been known to sell for $3.00 a piece.

Over the last few days, I have been carefully reading through each of the 100 cards.  One of the cards in the set shows two figures from 700 A.D. and are from Mexico.  They depict what it looks like are a batter and someone throwing a ball.  I can’t help but think they look like ancient Lil’ Teammates.

The players of this time were so much more rugged than they are today.  Bid McPhee chose not to use a glove, and instead would beat his hands with an anvil in order to toughen them up.  Since the game was in its infancy, its fun to read about all the scandals that went on too.

The cards aren’t cheaply made either.  They come with a glossy font and back, and have an older look.  The photography is excellent and the backs have extremely detailed descriptions.  The only drawback are the black borders.  Any set that has all black borders is subject to chipping.  Being sealed since 1994, the cards also stick together.  Probably my favorite card in the set is of Connie Mack.  Its my favorite because it shows him as a player, instead of a manager/owner.

If your a fan of products like Obak, I think you would really enjoy this set.  Sure you can read about the history of baseball online or in a book, but I think it sinks it better when reading it off the back of a baseball card.  There aren’t any relics or autographs, but its my favorite modern day set.