Here are some recollections regarding the LEAF GUM cards from my youth.
Early in 1948, the first cards marketed by LEAF were
Pirates of the Seas cards with a 1" x 2" stick of Bubble gum in 1-cent wax-packs.
These cards are very tough to find; and, very seldom seen.
In 1948, LEAF issued their
ALL-STAR FOOTBALL GUM set comprising of 98 cards, issued in two 49-card series. Jackie Jensen's rookie
card is in the tougher Hi # series. A tremendous FB and BB athlete, Jackie decided in favor of BB when he signed with the Oakland Oaks
of the PCL in 1949.
In the Fall of 1948, LEAF introduced their
KNOCK-OUT BUBBLE GUM set (49 cards + Rocky Graziano). These cards were very popular.
And, due to high demand, LEAF ran additional press runs of them in early 1949 (gray cardboard versions).
1948 was the 3rd meeting of the famous Rocky Graziano vs Tony Zale fights of that era. Zale knocked out Graziano in this 3rd match-up,
winning 2 of the 3 fights. The Graziano card is extremely rare. Supposedly, Rocky did not like his picture and had LEAF remove his card.
1948 issue .................................................. ....... 1949 issue
LEAF issued the 1st series (49 cards) of their
ALL-STAR BASEBALL GUM in early Spring of 1949. And, issued the 2nd series (49 cards)
in limited distribution during the Summer of 1949.
.
ALL-STAR FOOTBALL GUM issued in 1949 (49 cards).
Hey guys....I don't think this show is over, yet. So, let's see some more of your LEAF cards.
TED Z
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