During the late 1800s teams began having photographers take pictures of the players and what was happening on the field. As a result, many players started taking individual photos in which some of them were printed as small cards for the locals who came to the games. In 1868, the Peck and Snyder Company started producing trading cards featuring baseball teams. That was the start of a trend that is still going strong 140 years later.

By 1886, baseball cards were included in cigarette boxes and other tobacco products. By the end of the century, baseball cards became so popular that they were being made in other countries and in 1903 the first full set of baseball cards were made by Breisch-Williams Company.

In 1914 the first baseball card to be put inside of a Cracker Jack box gave children the opportunity to get in the act of collecting baseball cards. One of the most popular and expensive card in history is the 1921 Honus Wagner card, which is rumored to be worth over $1 million.

In 1941 the Bowman Gum and the Leaf Candy Company started issuing out cards and in 1952, Topps started a revolution that has kept them at the front of manufacturing baseball cards.

Today baseball cards are still in high demand and children and adults alike understand the value of a baseball card. Just think of those who have a Joe DiMaggio rookie card or a Ted Williams All-Star game card. Those cards are worth thousands of dollars and the players cards of today will be worth the same in years to come.

- John A. Roberts

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Tags | 1921 Honus Wanger Card, baseball cards, Bowman Gum and Leaf Company, Breisch-Williams, Joe DiMaggio rookie card, Most expensive card in history, Peck and Snyder Company, Ted Williams All-star game card, Topps, tradign cards