Buying inexpensive cards can be fun, several issues of mass produced sets in the 1990's have some current and former MLS players and coaches. Many cards of that era were either of the indoor or European variety. Upon assembling sets or busting packs, you will get many of Europe's top players.
First, lets look at the MLS connection. A set of 1990/91 Pro Set yields; current New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol (105), former NASL and MLS player Roy Wegerle (188), Ian Bishop (300) who spent time in the MLS and USL. Other hidden gems in this set are the rookies of Roy Keane (175) and Alan Shearer (213). Both of whom would later become two of the EPL's all-time greats.
Now we'll examine the 1991/92 Pro Set collection. This set was distributed in two series, Part 1 (1-230) is an easy issue to obtain, while Part II (231-479) is very scarce. The second series is identical and contains "transfer" cards, or as we call them "traded" or "updates." Another interesting characteristic of Part II is the English National team subset, this subset includes a team photo and nine puzzle pieces. Now, we'll size up the MLS connection. Once again we Nicol (45). Wegerle is shown again his Queen's Park Ranger's kit (96) and Bishop reappears (123).
A familiar face pops up in Part II, we have John Harkes of New Jersey (334) pictured in a Sheffield Wednesday kit. Treats are abundant throughout both series, the last four cards of each series features some of soccer's all-time greats; Kevin Keegan (227), Malcom McDonald (228), Bobby Charlton (229), George Best (230), Bobby Moore (476), Jimmy Greaves (477), Denis Law (478) and Gordon Banks (479). The Ryan Giggs rookie (294) is a great card and oudates his more common 1994 Upper Deck card by three years.
The 1992 Score soccer cards running rampant all over the US are actually terrific cards. For one they have a very nice card of Roberto Baggio. This issue is common, but assembling a set may take several boxes. Several players in this set played for their national squad in the 1994 World Cup. Three players in this set played in the MLS; Roberto Donadoni, Lothar Matthäus and Walter Zenga.
Be sure to catch next weeks blog, "Yanks Abroad."
I am seeing several packs of the 1990-1 pro set cards on ebay. I've bought a set already for my kids to go through, they are really into the EPL right now. MLS is gaining their interest lately though, and it would be fun to find Harkes and others in the packs.
ReplyDeleteCan you recommend a site or sites that estimate the value of soccer cards as collectibles?
kingsworthy1@yahoo.com
Thank you!