1988 Fleer Billy Ripken
 

First post here guys so go easy on me.

Been opening some 1988 and 1989 fleer wax packs recently. Hunting Billy Ripken cards. Came across a YouTube video (see link below) where the guy mentions his 88 rookie card has testicles drawn on the bat knob. And he has a point.

https://youtu.be/Z4FBws6w1Yc

He also says that this was picked up very late in production run and the black box version of this card is very rare. Contacted the guy and he said “ It was very late in the print run. Only included in two rack pack cases sent to Tacoma. I’m just telling you what I heard.”

Has anyone come across one of these?

I'm calling BS, someone did it with a black magic marker and a stencil. ETA, I am referring to the card in the YouTube video that has the black rectangle over the bat knob, I believe someone made the rectangle with a black magic marker and a rectangle stencil.

Billy
 

This one? The 3 does look like boobs in my childish mind.

Do a search for "Ripken" and on this site and you will get more info.

Rick

I know a little about Bill Ripken cards and junk era error cards. Never heard of a 88 black box card.

I would also call fake, why would they cover up the #3, just doesn't make sense.

As Tom Lehrer said: when it's properly viewed, everything is lewd.

Okay so it looks like this guy is faking it til he makes it then...... 👀 I’ve looked everywhere to try and find some more intel but having no luck. Guessing this guy or someone has messed with the card.

Thanks for the input.

Here is a link to by far the best 89 Fleer Bill Ripken website. It is run by a great guy and fellow member of this forum. http://www.billripken.com

It's the number 3, and I've also never heard of the black box 1988 version. If it really existed, it would have been really hot once the 1989 was found. So I'd call it a hoax as well.

I've only heard of it from that youtube video. BUT - I do think it was a Billy moment. That #3 may not be written as most 3s are. I think there was intent there. His '88 Fleer combo card with Cal is another possible example - but they cut out the picture just above the hands. We may never know....
Billy always has the bat with the LS logo facing up....