Here's a look at one of the most infamous characteristics of the 1969 set, the hatless players. It was an expansion year, so I can see why it was done for the four new teams. But it wasn't necessary for the other teams.
The prevalance of hatless players was because many players were boycotting Topps! When Marvin Miller took over the Players Association, he felt that Topps was not paying the players enough, so he instructed players not to cooperate with the photographers. (Remember, Topps did not use action shots in those days.) Miller actually tried to make a deal with Fleer, which would have eventually given them exclusive rights to all MLBPA players, but Fleer didn't want to commit to something that would not kick in for several years. (Terrible decision.)
After the 1968 season, Topps relented, doubling the money each player received, and paying a fee to the MLBPA as well. The higher numbered 69s actually have new photos taken in spring training, but the lower numbered series only have new photos for those who broke the boycott. (Of course, some players had been with a team long enough that their old photos had the correct hats.)
More details at SABR's site: https://sabrbaseballcards.blog/2017/01/03/the-1967-68-player-boycott-of-topps/
Aside from the union issue mentioned above, there are also these reasons:
1. The Oakland A's had just moved prior to 1968, so Topps didn't have time to get a new photo for everyone. 2. Players traded in the off-season are usually shown capless the next year (or for the next THREE years, if your name is Don Lock!)
The Bob Veale card is puzzling though. He was and is a Pirate, and Topps had file photos of him in a Pirates cap, so what's the deal with THAT card? (Maybe Manny from "Manny's Baseball World" in The Bronx wanted a royalty whenever a Pirates' "patch hat" was shown? heh heh)
Here's a breakdown (like I did with the airbrushed post):
78 cards due to off-season trades (or new manager hires) 33 due to expansion 7 due to Athletics relocation 5 due to Astros' logo issue 1 (Bob Veale) for no apparent reason
The prevalance of hatless players was because many players were boycotting Topps! When Marvin Miller took over the Players Association, he felt that Topps was not paying the players enough, so he instructed players not to cooperate with the photographers. (Remember, Topps did not use action shots in those days.) Miller actually tried to make a deal with Fleer, which would have eventually given them exclusive rights to all MLBPA players, but Fleer didn't want to commit to something that would not kick in for several years. (Terrible decision.)
ReplyDeleteAfter the 1968 season, Topps relented, doubling the money each player received, and paying a fee to the MLBPA as well. The higher numbered 69s actually have new photos taken in spring training, but the lower numbered series only have new photos for those who broke the boycott. (Of course, some players had been with a team long enough that their old photos had the correct hats.)
More details at SABR's site: https://sabrbaseballcards.blog/2017/01/03/the-1967-68-player-boycott-of-topps/
Thanks for sharing. I was one of those probably grumbling and confused 10 year old's back in 1969. Hatless cards and then the Cubs collapse. Oy!
DeleteGreat info... thanks for sharing
DeleteAside from the union issue mentioned above, there are also these reasons:
ReplyDelete1. The Oakland A's had just moved prior to 1968, so Topps didn't have time to get a new photo for everyone.
2. Players traded in the off-season are usually shown capless the next year (or for the next THREE years, if your name is Don Lock!)
The Bob Veale card is puzzling though. He was and is a Pirate, and Topps had file photos of him in a Pirates cap, so what's the deal with THAT card? (Maybe Manny from "Manny's Baseball World" in The Bronx wanted a royalty whenever a Pirates' "patch hat" was shown? heh heh)
Here's a breakdown (like I did with the airbrushed post):
ReplyDelete78 cards due to off-season trades (or new manager hires)
33 due to expansion
7 due to Athletics relocation
5 due to Astros' logo issue
1 (Bob Veale) for no apparent reason
Your last full row is all from off-season trades!