Swing, Miss, and Collect: The Unforgettable Saga of the Billy Ripken Error Card
, by David Riska, 3 min reading time
If you are like us you love collecting and trading error cards. The Billy Ripken error card was discovered shortly after the release of the 1989 Fleer baseball set. Collectors and fans were shocked to find that on card #616, an obscenity was clearly visible on the knob of Ripken's bat. The phrase "F**k Face" was written in black marker, and its presence on a widely distributed baseball card caused immediate controversy and fascination.
The Initial Response
Fleer, the company responsible for the card, was quick to react once the error was brought to their attention. However, by the time the mistake was identified, a significant number of cards had already been distributed to the public. Fleer's response was to create variations of the card in an attempt to correct the error, leading to several different versions being released into the market.
Variations of the Error Card
There are several known variations of the Billy Ripken error card, each with its unique method of obscuring the offensive language. These variations have become collectibles in their own right, with some being more rare and valuable than others.
Photo curtesy of Goldin Auctions
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Original Error Card: The original version is the most infamous and sought-after. It features the obscenity on the bat knob in clear, unaltered form.
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Black Box Overprint: One of the first attempts to correct the error involved placing a black box over the obscenity. This version is relatively common compared to other corrected versions.
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Whiteout: Another correction involved applying a whiteout effect over the offensive word. This variation is less common than the black box version and is easily distinguishable due to the white blotch on the bat knob.
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Black Scribble: In this variation, a black marker was used to scribble over the obscenity. The scribble varies from card to card, making some versions more obscured than others.
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White Scribble: Similar to the black scribble version, this variation features a white scribble over the offensive term. The white scribble is less common than its black counterpart.
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"Saw Cut" Variation: A rare variation involves a card that appears to have been cut by a saw along the bottom edge, likely in an attempt to remove the card from circulation. This version is highly sought after due to its rarity and the story behind its creation.
The Impact on Collecting
The Billy Ripken error card and its variations have had a significant impact on the hobby of baseball card collecting. The card became a sensation, drawing attention from collectors and non-collectors alike. It sparked debates about quality control in the card manufacturing process and the responsibility of companies to ensure that their products are free from offensive material.
Collecting the Variations
Collectors interested in owning a piece of this unique moment in baseball card history have sought out all variations of the Billy Ripken error card. Completing a set of all known variations is considered a significant achievement in the hobby. The rarity and value of each variation can vary widely, with the original error card generally being the most valuable and sought after.
The story of the Billy Ripken error card is a fascinating chapter in the history of sports memorabilia. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the hobby and the importance of attention to detail in the production of collectibles. The card and its variations have become symbols of an era in baseball card collecting, representing both a significant oversight and a highly coveted collectible. For collectors, the pursuit of the Billy Ripken error card in all its forms continues to be a passionate endeavor, embodying the thrill of the hunt that is at the heart of collecting.
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