The Single Greatest Year.

[darwinbulldog]

I'd take 1910, but it seems like 1887 should be in the running.

[obcbobd]

1933

[rats60]

For me it is 1911. You have all the t206 cards available plus the introduction of t205 cards. You also have the release of t3 Turkey Reds. The 3 best pre WWI sets all available in the same year.

You also have t201, t5, D304, E94, M110, M116 and the end of the W600 set.

[Jay Wolt]

Originally Posted by darwinbulldog

I'd take 1910, but it seems like 1887 should be in the running.

Agree w/ 1887
tons of baseball issues, my favorite, N284 Buchners

[TobaccoKing4]

I think 1911 is the clear cut winner and that it isn't even close for the reasons already mentioned in this thread.

[darwinbulldog]

They're not all great, but 1910 does have the most sets listed in the OC chronological list -- E91C plus all of these:

[egri]

I'm going to say 1941. The last, and in my opinion, best Play Ball set was on the shelves, and kids could relatively easily obtain earlier cards by harassing their older brothers for their Goudeys and Diamond Stars, and fathers/uncles for their tobacco cards and CJs. Then while kids were collecting these cards brand-new, they were watching Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak and Ted Williams hit .406.

[Tao_Moko]

1909 was still in a decade of economic growth(4%), pre depressions, pre WWI and the birth of the most prolific set in baseball card history. Gets my vote.

[Joe_G.]

I'm biased, but 1887 is a strong contender . . .

Cigarette pack inserts skyrocket as the industry transitions from paper packs to cardboard slide & shell. Practically every subject matter would follow including baseball.

1887 Greatness
Old Judge, Gypsy Queen, Buchner Gold Coin, K-Bats (players & team cards), Four Base Hits, as well as the first baseball currency issues.

1888 - Strong Follow-up
A&G Champions, Goodwin Champions, Kimball Champions, Yum Yums, four different SF Hess baseball issues, OJs (both cigarette cards & cabinets), more currency, and the first gum issues courtesy G&B and HD Smith (Y95 Scrapps).