Today we’re taking a look back at 1982 Fleer. Coming off a successful debut in 1981, Fleer stuck to pretty much the same script in 1982. The sets were the same size (660 card) and feature minimal design changes (mostly dealing with the way player name and team names are displayed on the front of the card).
The highlight of the 1982 Fleer set is a Rookie Card of Cal Ripken Jr. This is widely considered his least popular and valuable rookie, but a Cal Ripken Jr. rookie is still great. Other popular rookies include current Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, Dave Stewart, Steve Sax, Dave Righetti and Tim Wallach.
After the Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie, the next most popular card is probably the reverse negative photo error of John Littlefield. The negative of the card was reveresed durning the printing process and the card pictures him as a left-handed pitcher instead of his usual right-handed.
We decided to open two cello packs from our collection for a stroll down memory lane. Here’s what we found.
Pack 1:
Carlton Fisk, Indians Perfect Game – Len Barker & Bo Diaz, Ron Roenicke, Ron Guidry, Phillies’ Finest – Mike Schmidt, Lonnie Smith & Steve Carlton, Tim Raines, San Diego Padres Sticker, Toronto Blue Jays Sticker, Larry Bowa, Mike Tyson, Frank Tanana, Marshall Edwards, Von Hayes, Tom Hausman, Roberto Castillo, Greg Pryor, Cecil Cooper, Hector Cruz, Glenn Hoffman, Manny Trillo, Lenn Sakata, Sal Butera, Tony Bernazard, Rick Wise, Paul Splittorff, Frank White, Brian Asselstine, Larry Biittner, Sammy Stewart, Roger Erickson.
Pack 2:
1981 All Star Game, Tug McGraw, San Diego Padres Sticker, Greg Luzinski, Ken Singleton, Rowland Office, Dave Goltz, Vern Ruhle, Garth Iorg, Preston Hanna, Jim Slaton, Bill Campbell, Steve Renko, Bobby Grich, Dale Berra, Jim Dwyer, Ron Davis, Cesar Cedeno, Ruppert Jones, Willie Wilson, Larry Bradford, Willie Aikens, Joe Nolan, Don Cooper, Gary Ward, Tom Griffin, Dave McKay, Rick Leach, Dave Rosello.
Review:
It was fun to see some of the names we got. Greg “The Bull” Luzinski was always a favorite and seeing his card brought back a ton of memories. It’s also just captures his late 70’s, early 80’s look to perfection! I mean just look at this card!
Getting cards of former ESPN announcer Bill Campbell and Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton bring back a ton of memories as well. Plus getting a card of current Red Sox Manager Ron Roenicke in his Dodger uniform and White Sox pitching coach extraordinare Don Cooper is pretty neat too. Not to mention Hall of Famers Calton Fisk and Tim Raines are just a bit of fun icing on the top!
We love opening older cards and getting the flood of memories rushing back to us. We hope you enjoy it too! Leave us a comment on the blog or on our Facebook post and let us know if you like these too! If you would like to try ripping your own 1982 Fleer Cello Pack you can pick them up on eBay for about $12 from reputable sellers.