Another incredible set I learned about by flipping through an old copy of The Trader Speaks (Sept. 1977) was the 1977 Tom Daniels Burleigh Grimes release. Grimes was the last pitcher allowed to throw to throw the spitball!
Tom Daniels partnered with Grimes (who was in his 80s at the time) to print the 16-card set in 1977. You can see a complete checklist on The Trading Card Database, but here’s a photo of each card from a set I found on eBay.
What’s super cool is that each set included one card autographed by Grimes for $3.49. I’ve seen a few complete sets of signed cards sold at various auctions over the past few years, usually going for between $75 and $100, but one of the most unique ones is available on eBay right now (August 2024) for $575, but it contains a few extra signatures for a total of 22. The additional signatures include Edd Roush, Joe McCarthy, Van Lingle Mungo, Leo Durocher, Robin Roberts, and Luke Appling.
There are also 18 PSA/DNA slabbed cards on the market from the set, including these two.
The Bender and Grimes card sold for $36 at Collect Auctions in April 2023.
Tom Daniels also offered autographed uncut sheets for $6.49 in 1977; Heritage sold this one for $31 in April 2007.
I’d love to get my hands on one of these uncut sheets. Let me know if you have one for sale and happy collecting!