Topps Rookie Banquets

[toppcat]

I have some details on the banquet programs on my blog: http://toppsarchives.blogspot.com/se...uet%20Programs

The 1964 set also came with a program but it was issued separately (probably on the table at each seat) and meant to be inserted into the box with the cards (it is a smaller program).

Topps issued programs after 1966 but the format changed and it was essentially printed on 11 x 17 paper and folded to make a four page program from what I know if it. This truncated style went on for years.

Basically, once the players union got stronger with Marvin Miller in command he tried to freeze Topps out by offering a blanket deal to Fleer in 1966, which they turned down. Topps subsequently purchased Fleer's player contracts (they had over 4000 non exclusive ones, although Topps had more) in 1966 and I imagine their payout for same ($395K), the extra royalties for new sets and other expenses related to defending an FTC complaint that came down in 1965 made Topps pare back on things like the banquet programs.

The programs are great, I only have two plus the 64 box and a sample card from that year. The 64 boxed set is really going up in value-they could be had for about $2K a few years ago. I think the 64 banquet set is one of the nicest things Topps ever produced.

If anyone has programs to sell, I might be interested.

Here is a picture form the 1966 banquet:



The trophies did indeed exist and I suspect they were made of the same material as other trophies of the era that were given out to high school players and the like. here is a look at the trophies, from 1961: