Anticipation was at fever-pitch when hobbyists convened at the National Sports Collectors Convention in 1988. Several manufacturers had been rapidly increasing their production of baseball cards during this time, and enthusiasts were enjoying an abundance of cardboard riches. And at the National, in particular, tantalizing rumors circulated that a new player in the card business was set to emerge, reportedly to give collectors the first-ever, truly "premium" full-set release. The eagerly awaited series was said to be a full run of 800, hologram-enhanced pieces, and packs were projected to sell for a then-stratospheric $1.50 per pack. (Quite the step up, in those days of 30-cent Topps wax!) Then, at last, "promo cards" appeared on the show floor.
Offered here is a group of those first "promos" that heralded the groundbreaking 1989 Upper Deck series. Regarded as a milestone of card-producing innovation and technology, this is the set that gave the world the iconic rookie card of Ken Griffey, Jr., and forever altered the perception of cards as trivial and ephemeral paper diversions. It all started with the limited-run, preview cards depicting California Angels players DeWayne Buice and Wally Joyner.
Six Buice cards and six Joyner cards are offered here, with the items arrayed in two neat rows and handsomely encased in a framed display. Buice has placed his signature across the gallery in black marker, and his inscription ("Jay - Let's Make Millions") alludes to the financial involvement of Buice and Joyner in the groundbreaking, card-making venture. As heralds of a trend that was destined to gain forceful momentum, the Buice and Joyner cards hold a singular place in the history of hobby development, and this fabulous piece stands as the ideal souvenir of that important period. (Beckett authentication.)

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