Fleer Limited Editions from 1989

In 1989 Fleer released some 44-card sets that were sold in packets like a deck of cards. Tony Gwynn was given a card in both the "Baseball All Stars" set and the "League Leaders" set. The cards were branded as 'limited edition' and featured different photos to the base set. They were also glossier and printed on better card stock.

One thing I really appreciate about both these sets is that Tony's card number is also his uniform number - 19. However, I think that is totally accidental in both sets because the players are numbered alphabetically. It's just sheer luck that 'Gwynn' is the nineteenth name on the list.

Card Number 164: Fleer Baseball All Stars, 1989; #19

I like the frame on this. It's a notable improvement to the overwhelming use of grey on the regular Fleer base issue.

There is very little information on the cardback, just an unfussy stats box and basic bio-data. This was the era before card companies cared what went on the back of cards. They just had to have something on there.

Card Number 165: Fleer League Leaders, 1989; #19

There's something about bright red borders that appeals to me. This reminds me of the Kay-Bee Kings card from 1990 and also the DonRuss base set from 1990. I'm not going to start collecting cards with red borders, but I'm tempted to put the ones I've got together, just for fun.

The cardback is as unremarkable as the Baseball All Stars card. In a way, I feel this is what cardbacks ought to be like.

Total: 165/394