Today's postcard set casts San Diego back a bit further, highlighting those chocolate-and-banana uniforms my 1970s brain likes in spite of itself. The Padres collaborated with local Family Fun Centers (now Boomers San Diego) and Dean's Photo Service (now closed?) on this team issue and gave them away at designated home games. In all likelihood, Family Fun Centers put up sponsorship money and Dean's printed the actual cards, with wood grain borders that evoke 1962 and 2011 Topps.
2011 Heritage #77, homage to 1962 Topps |
Family Fun Centers sponsored several Padre sets in the late 1970s and early 1980s and its checklists include HOFers like Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Rollie Fingers, manager Dick Williams, and coach Billy Herman.
Complete sets probably exist, though I've only seen singles at shows.
The 1978 team honored by this set produced San Diego's only winning season prior to 1984 and #5 caught Gene Richards at the start of his peak as a high-average, high-speed player with the glove to play any outfield position. His playing time dropped off soon after age 28, right when most guys play best, so I suspect injuries shortened what could've been a great career.
Value: Found this autographed #5 at the 2011 National in Chicago for $4. HOF players would cost two or three times more.
Fakes / reprints: Haven't seen any in the marketplace.
1 comment:
Hello,
I collect these card signed. Anyone have a 1979 Family Fun Centers card signed by Billy Herman, Jerry Turner or Eric Rasmussen for sale. I still need those to complete my set. Also looking for the KGB chicken card from this set (signed or not signed) please email me at ledsters@msn.com
Thank you.
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