1989 Fleer Randy Johnson #381 Marlboro Errors - 30 Years Later

[steve5838]

Originally Posted by Statfreak101

Just opened the earliest box I've had the pleasure of opening tonight, from a sealed case. Without revealing too much, this date would definitely fit the "mid November" criteria.

This is what the result was...

https://ibb.co/2vk429G
https://ibb.co/2SY7Kqg
https://ibb.co/McnpgBX
https://ibb.co/WGNS0y3
https://ibb.co/DpNNb69

Congrats on the pickup. These look like some nice cards. I saw a reasonably priced sealed case of 83272 on eBay a couple months ago but missed out (it apparently sold in 20 minutes). Steve

[jp1216]

83272 (the 327th day of 1988) would be November 22nd. That is about the earliest date I've seen. 100% sure I haven't seen anything in the 831xx range.
The latest codes I've seen FWIW are around 917xx. Prices have certainly gone up in the past few years. You couldn't give these away 15 years ago.

OT - weren't there other '89 Fleer with Marlboro ads in the background?

[Statfreak101]

Originally Posted by jp1216

83272 (the 327th day of 1988) would be November 22nd. That is about the earliest date I've seen. 100% sure I haven't seen anything in the 831xx range.
The latest codes I've seen FWIW are around 917xx. Prices have certainly gone up in the past few years. You couldn't give these away 15 years ago.

OT - weren't there other '89 Fleer with Marlboro ads in the background?

There is earlier...

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by jp1216

83272 (the 327th day of 1988) would be November 22nd. That is about the earliest date I've seen. 100% sure I haven't seen anything in the 831xx range.
The latest codes I've seen FWIW are around 917xx. Prices have certainly gone up in the past few years. You couldn't give these away 15 years ago.

OT - weren't there other '89 Fleer with Marlboro ads in the background?

I can't remember the exact number, I think it is 4 or 5 other players with a Marlboro sign in the background.

[jp1216]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I can't remember the exact number, I think it is 4 or 5 other players with a Marlboro sign in the background.

I'm sure it's been discussed - but why was only the Johnson card targeted for correction? Is there a story behind it?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by jp1216

I'm sure it's been discussed - but why was only the Johnson card targeted for correction? Is there a story behind it?

The only story I have heard is that Randy is very religious and didn't want the advertisement displayed. How true that is I have no idea.

[Statfreak101]

Originally Posted by bnorth

The only story I have heard is that Randy is very religious and didn't want the advertisement displayed. How true that is I have no idea.

Yes, I have heard this as well - that he didn't like the sign, or being in a picture with that sign.

With that said - the million dollar question. Why the heck wasn't the black box/corrected version just done right away?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Statfreak101

Yes, I have heard this as well - that he didn't like the sign, or being in a picture with that sign.

With that said - the million dollar question. Why the heck wasn't the black box/corrected version just done right away?

As someone who was collecting back then the answer in my opinion was cash. Error cards were a big thing at that time and sold for huge premiums. Higher sale price on individual cards leads to more new unopened product selling.

[Statfreak101]

Originally Posted by steve5838

Congrats on the pickup. These look like some nice cards. I saw a reasonably priced sealed case of 83272 on eBay a couple months ago but missed out (it apparently sold in 20 minutes). Steve

Yep - I know the individual who bought this case.

They got an absolute steal on this case, too.