Batter Up Color Variations

[judsonhamlin]

In a recent thread about the R318 set, some collaborative searching revealed that, contrary to existing belief, red- and green-printed Batter Ups appear to have been issued only with cards 1-40, as opposed to all 80 "low numbered" cards. This was based upon a review of cards for sale on eBay, the Old Cardboard set gallery and the collections of a couple of members.
Throwing this out to the board for the following:

Does anyone have red or green Batter Ups numbered 41-80? Keep in mind that the pink/purple cards have some variety in the ink, but red cards are truly red.
On the related issue of sheet size, are there any uncut sheets out there that would show how the cards came out of the printing press? If there were 40 card sheets, then that would bolster the idea that the red and green printings were discontinued after the first sheet was distributed.

Thanks to zan, brianp-beme and spec for contributing to this discussion which, if it plays out, might lead to a revision in the set checklist.

[Zan]

Thanks for your research. Eager to see what people come up with.

I think because so little is known about this set (either because of accessibility of knowledge or the popularity of the set) it's safe to say that we can make assumptions that your theories are valid, but I'm glad you opened it up to others to contribute.

[brianp-beme]

Thanks Judson...I was thinking of making the color issue part of a new thread. I have reposted my comments here for easier reference.

All of my red and green Batter-Ups are from #1-40. I have examples of all of the colors for #'s 41-80 except for red and green. Definitely makes it appear like the set, at least the first 80 cards, was issued in groups of 40.

To extrapolate, the higher number cards, which are noticeably shorter, would most likely have been issued in two 56 card groupings, which would account for the 112 additional cards (#'s 81 -192).

Perhaps the first two printings of 40 were 8 across and 5 down on a sheet, while, the second two printings could have been 8 across and 7 down on a sheet (with some of the extra room coming from the shorter heighth of the cards). Thus National Chicle could have dropped the two colors after their first 1-40 sheet run.

A side point...I have always been floored how many HOF players are in the first 40 cards (22), compared to how many are found #'s 41-80 (5). National Chicle was certainly stacking the deck with their first run.

Brian

[Chris-Counts]

All my Batter Ups that are green or red number 40 or lower as well. This partially explains why you see fewer of them. I'm also glad you pointed out the distinction between the pink/magenta cards and those that are red. I'm surprised I've never seen a premium charged for the red and green cards, which seem tougher to find. I'd like to see a population comparison between, for instance, a pink Lefty Grove and a red or green Lefty Grove.

Also, I'm curious about the color varieties in the cards numbered 81 and above. The distinctions ares more subtle, but they definitely exist. Mine have green, blue gold and sepia tints. Are some shades tougher than others or limited to certain cards?

[srittenberg]

Hi. A friend told me about this thread. I have a Batter Up #60 Morgan in red. I'm attaching a picture.

[brianp-beme]

That appears to be the purple tint. Here is a quote I pulled from Judson's post, which I fully agree with:


"Keep in mind that the pink/purple cards have some variety in the ink, but red cards are truly red".

Brian