In 1933 the Goudey Gum Company issued the first of their many sets, creating the modern baseball card marriage between baseball cards and bubble gum.  The first set consisted of 240 cards which included many members of the Hall of Fame.  All of the players were currently playing when this set was issued except Napoleon Lajoie, card #106, who had been retired for many years.  There is an interesting story and much speculation concerning the Lajoie card.  When the Goudey Gum Company issued the cards,it was noticed that #106 was ommitted from the collection and inquired were sent card #106.  It is not known why Napoleon Lajoie was picked for the card.  Today the Napoleon Lajoie card is very rare and therefore very expensive commanding price of over $5,000.

The Goudey Gum Company issued many fine cards using quality portraits and printed on the best possible stock.  Their sets (1933-1941) are very collectible.  The favorite of many collectors still remains the "Big League" series issued in 1933.

Another gum company, Gum Incorporated, issued in 1939-1941 a popular series called "Play Balls."  The cards are all in black and white except for the 1941 set which was issued in color.  Joe Dimaggio, Ted Williams, and Hank Greenberg were some of the stars included in these sets.  A common player card sells for about $15.  Naturally, the 1941 set is the most popular because it was issued in color.  The 1939 and 1940 "high numbers" series are more difficult to find, selling for four or five times the cost of the regular cards.  Collectors believe completing the "Play Ball" series is quite an accomplishment.  To complete these three year sets takes much time and dedication indeed.*