It was so much more convenient to buy cards back then. I would venture to say in 1989 you would be hard pressed to have to travel more than 5 miles to find a place that didn't have a pack of Topps.
Obviously the landscape of card collecting has changed. People began to realize that the cards they accumulated during this time were pretty much worthless. I still have all my cards, but they are now more facilitators of stories rather than valued collectibles.
Not all was lost during this time period. Maybe you have an 89 UD Griffey or the Frank Thomas error rookie card. These are still very sought after today. My favorite during this time period was this beauty....
1989 Fleer Billy Ripken F*ck Face
This card was something of a legend in the small town I grew up in. Many of us had heard about it, but most had never seen. I'm guessing the first time I heard about it was from my brother. We would laugh uncontrollably at the thought of owning it. I can't remember the first time I actually saw the card in person. My guess was either a card shop or card show while we were on vacation. I'm sure a reaction was some mix of shock and chuckles.
I picked this copy up from a seller that I pick up trade bait from for a few bucks. I'm pretty sure either my brother or I have a copy of this card stashed somewhere, but we couldn't remember whose house it is at. Last time he was over at my house I just handed it to him and said look and it got a pretty big laugh. Over 25 later and we still laugh at it....We are mature adults.
Thanks for reading!
