1993 Leaf Promo

Promo/Prototype


Regular Issued Card

Like the 1993 Studio Promo - this card is not currently recognized by the major guides*. And also like the 93 Studio Promo - this may or may not be considered rare. Because while I personally had a difficult time locating an example for my collection - it's possible that the difficulty may be due to the promo being easily confused for the regularly issued Card #195. They're quite similar and would be undistinguishable to the average collector or dealer. I'm hoping to hear from other Frank collectors regarding their experiences on this issue to better gauge how rare (or not) this promo actually is.

*Update: Not recognized by Beckett only. Ha, now there's a shocker. <rolling eyeballs back into head>

The most noticeable differences are found on the card fronts:

Card Fronts:
• On the Promo you can see the Franklin Logo on Frank's glove and wristband. On the issued card it's been airbrushed out. It's my understanding that when the promos were being handed out at a MLB conference of license holders - a Franklin dealer saw that their company trademark was prominently featured on this card. They felt that Franklin should be compensated. When told of the potential legal issues, Leaf took steps to remove the logo from the cards that were eventually issued. The problem was eventually resolved and you never see this kind of problem in baseball cards anymore.
• Cropping on the Promo card is slightly different. On the Promo you can see that the image of Frank is higher - notice the tips of Frank's fingers (on the right hand) are cropped off the card. On the regular issued card his hand is totally visible. Also on the Promo you can see Frank's belt and trousers, on the regular card it's cropped and barely seen.

Card Backs:
• The placement of the foil Sox logo is found on the far upper left corner on the Promo. On the regular issued card it's found more toward the center of the card.
• The cropping of Frank is slightly different. On the Promo notice that you can see more of Frank's legs than on the regularly issued card. It's because Frank has been rotated so he's more upright on the regular card. It's an art director's thing - adjusting an image to improve the visuals. A small but noticebale difference once you know what to look for.
• Finally, notice that the Franklin Logo, so prominently removed from the front of the Promo, is clearly seen on the card's back. I believe that Leaf merely adjusted the most obvious logos (card front) to prevent a lawsuit and the card back was overlooked.

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