Eighties Alphabetically - Big League Collectibles

Big League Collectibles was literally, a mom and pop operation, run  by Stephen and Linda Mitchell.  Stephen's mom, Evangeline, painted the pictures, based on postcards she was provided.  Stephen wrote the information on the card backs, and Linda did most everything else, with packaging help from their kids.

They issued sets in 1982, 1983, and 1985.  Their business ended when MLB threatened them with legal action for the unauthorized logo use.

Back in 2020 I was able to ask the Mitchell's some questions about their sets and Stephen answered promptly and in detail.  I posted about it here.  I really suggest you read it as it is pretty interesting.

These are the two Cubs from their first set, Diamond Classics I, released in 1982.  Kiki Cuyler is on the left and Hack Wilson in next to him.

Two sets followed in 1983.  The top six cards are from Diamond Classics II, which is a continuation of the first set.  The bottom three cards are from a set commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first All-Star game in 1983.  Three Cubs were on the NL squad.

Their final set came out in 1985 and was called America's National Pastime.  It was limited to 90 players from the 1930s, including the above six Cubs.  This set had a print run of 5,000, while the other sets all had 10,000 copies.