In a remarkable find that links the past with the present, a collection of seven baseball cards from the 1928 Greiner's Bread series is about to make waves at Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Card Catalog sale. These cards, originating from a Pennsylvania bakery nearly a century ago, are not only a window into the history of baseball memorabilia but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the sport's early icons. With only a handful of these cards known to have been graded by PSA and SGC, their appearance on the market is a rare opportunity for collectors.
Among the treasures in this collection are the two highest-graded cards of Hall of Famers Edd Roush and George Kelly, both graded PSA 4. These cards hold historical significance, not only for their condition but for their depiction of players who were traded for each other in the late 1920s. The collection also features cards of Lou Gehrig, Gabby Hartnett, Goose Goslin, and Bob O’Farrell, all graded PSA 2, with O’Farrell notably remembered for his play in the 1926 World Series. Rounding out the collection is a George Uhle card, graded PSA 1.
The 1928 Greiner's Bread cards are distinguished by their unique design, which includes the player’s name and card number within a rectangular box on the front, differentiating them from the similar W502 strip cards and the 1927 E210 York Caramel set. These cards, and the bakery promotion they were part of, reflect a bygone era of marketing ingenuity and baseball enthusiasm in Pennsylvania.
This auction not only offers a glimpse into the rich history of baseball and its memorabilia but also celebrates the stories of the players and the fans who have kept the spirit of the game alive through collections like these. As the auction draws near, anticipation builds for the fate of these Greiner’s Bread cards, particularly the Lou Gehrig card, highlighting a season where he showcased his legendary prowess on the field.
The Greiner Bakery Co.'s history adds another layer of interest to these cards, with its roots extending back to the 19th century in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The bakery's innovative promotions, including the baseball card giveaway, were a hit with locals and contributed to the company's legacy in the region.
As the auction date approaches, collectors are eager to see how high the bidding will go for these slices of baseball history, with the Gehrig and Goslin cards already attracting significant attention. This auction not only celebrates the legends of baseball but also preserves the connection between the sport and its fans, ensuring that the stories of these players and the people who cheered them on continue to be told.