1997 Leaf Thomas Collection
(6 Types)


One of Six

Game Used Home Jersey
(Orange Frame)

Two of Six
Game Used Away Jersey
(Red Frame)

Three of Six
Game Used Sweatband
(Purple Frame)

Four of Six

Game Used Hat
(Blue Frame)

Five of Six
Game Used Gloves
(Yellow Frame)

Six of Six
Game Used Bat
(Green Frame)

What can be said about this stunning and absolutely fantastic issue that hasn't been said by every Frank collector out there?
• One of the first memorabilia cards issued by a major manufacturer.
• First to use the entire jersey - including the patch, numbers, and nameplate.
• First to include the "outside of the bat" showing the hit marks and even the imprinted barrel type.
• First to use the sweatband.
• First to use the entire cap.
• First to...

Well, you get the idea. <g>

This set was innovative - literally years ahead of its time. When I see $500, $1,000, $1,500 - going for bat barrels today - I have to laugh. Of course I understand how limited they are. I laugh because it was Frank's cards which first showcased the presentation and collectibility of using the outside of the bat instead of an anonymous hunk of the wood from the bat interior.

All of this - and nearly a decade ago. :-)

The design is impressive and the manufacturing superb. Leaf made sure there were enough to go around, 100 of each design, so that the hardcore fans would have a realistic chance at obtaining one, but limited enough so that there wasn't market over-saturation. (the reason why you can get game-used jersey and bat cards for under $5 bucks nowadays)

It's funny, everyone talks about this 'on fire' player, or that phenom rookie; this homerun title, or that record broken --- but in the baseball card hobby it is Frank Thomas who is featured on many of the most prominent cards ever produced in modern card history.

You Rock Big Hurt! :-)

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