Difference between revisions of "1999 Metal Universe"

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=Description=
 
=Description=
 +
 +
1999 Metal Universe was a 300-card set produced by Fleer/Skybox and released in January, 1999.  For the first time since the brand was introduced in [[1996 Metal Universe|1996]], base card backgrounds were the same for every player and did not feature a space or fantasy comic book theme (Marvel Entertainment had put its Fleer/Skybox division on the market in late 1998, with the sale closing shortly after this product's release).  Instead, card backgrounds all resembled a piece of sheet metal featuring the player's name.  All cards are printed on embossed etched foil and were highly susceptible to chipping along the edges and were marked as "condition sensitive" by Beckett, just like the 1996-1998 sets.
 +
 +
In an effort to appeal to a non-traditional demographic, Fleer reoriented all their Skybox brands ([[1999 E-X Century|E-X,]] Metal, [[1999 Skybox Molten Metal|Molten Metal,]] [[1999 Skybox Premium|Skybox Premium,]] and [[1999 Skybox Thunder|Skybox Thunder]]) toward a younger audience.  The language used on card backs has not aged well.
 +
 +
For the first time since 1996, Alex Rodriguez was not the frontman for the Metal Universe product - instead, highly-touted prospect at the time, J.D. Drew held that honor for the 1999 set.
  
 
=Distribution=
 
=Distribution=
  
=Reviews=
+
Although Hobby boxes were wrapped in plastic marked "Hobby Exclusive", Retail boxes were also distributed.
 +
 
 +
Hobby: 24 packs per box, 8 cards per pack (MSRP: $2.69).
 +
 
 +
Retail: 20 packs per box, 8 cards per pack.
 +
 
 +
In Hobby boxes, inserts were usually the 4th/middle card in the pack.
  
 
=Insertion Ratios=
 
=Insertion Ratios=
Line 19: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[#Base_Set|Base]]||300||-||?||?
 
|[[#Base_Set|Base]]||300||-||?||?
 +
|-
 +
|Precious Metal Gems||300||50||?||N/A
 +
|-
 +
|Gem Masters||300||one-of-one||?||?
 +
|-
 +
|Neophytes||15||-||1:6||1:6
 +
|-
 +
|Boyz with the Wood||15||-||1:18||1:18
 +
|-
 +
|Planet Metal||15||-||1:36||1:36
 +
|-
 +
|Diamond Soul||15||-||1:72||1:72
 +
|-
 +
|Linchpins||10||-||1:360||1:360
 +
|-
 +
|J.D. Drew Autograph||1||35||?||?
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=Checklist=
 
=Checklist=
  
==Base Set==
+
==Promos==
  
1 Mark McGwire
+
===Regular===
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Samples/RBDJSP/Alex-Rodriguez-Albert-Belle-JD-Drew-Derek-Jeter-Sammy-Sosa-Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=8b5ae397-b7e0-4b68-be62-d953170aa04f&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Samples/RBDJSP/Alex-Rodriguez-Albert-Belle-JD-Drew-Derek-Jeter-Sammy-Sosa-Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=8b5ae397-b7e0-4b68-be62-d953170aa04f&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
2 Jim Edmonds
+
A six-card 5" X 10 1/2" sheet was distributed to dealers and the Hobby media to promote 1999 Metal Universe Baseball.  Cards on the non-perforated sheet are exact copies of each player's base card, with the word "SAMPLE" replacing the card number.  The players featured on this promo sheet were:
  
3 Travis Fryman
+
Albert Belle
 +
J.D. Drew
 +
Derek Jeter
 +
Mike Piazza
 +
Alex Rodriguez
 +
Sammy Sosa
  
4 Tom Gordon
+
===Autographed===
  
5 Jeff Bagwell
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Samples/JDDR2/JD-Drew-(Autographed).jpg?id=0f7fa768-a183-4c0f-a6fe-e7d5920d8678&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Samples/JDDR2/JD-Drew-(Autographed).jpg?id=0f7fa768-a183-4c0f-a6fe-e7d5920d8678&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
6 Rico Brogna
+
Fleer/Skybox had J.D. Drew signed 325 of the 6-card promo sheets and distributed them to attendees of the 14th annual Hawaii Trade Conference.  Only the J.D. Drew card was autographed and each signed sheet was impressed with a Skybox autograph seal in the center (in between the Drew and Jeter cards).  Some people have since cut this promo sheet to obtain the Drew autograph as a single card (see above picture).
  
7 Tom Evans
+
==Base Set==
  
8 John Franco
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/7/Tom-Evans.jpg?id=d6fb07a4-ae17-4cee-a322-44358d22e3b9&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/7/Tom-Evans.jpg?id=d6fb07a4-ae17-4cee-a322-44358d22e3b9&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
9 Juan Gonzalez
+
'''NOTE:''' Since the top of each card is embossed, a stack of '99 Metal Universe cards will tend to "lean."
  
10 Paul Molitor
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe') AND (num < 233)
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Caught on the Fly===
  
11 Roberto Alomar
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/237/Juan-Gonzalez.jpg?id=f48ccd64-9b8b-40f5-8a0e-f9d9cd66bf67&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/237/Juan-Gonzalez.jpg?id=f48ccd64-9b8b-40f5-8a0e-f9d9cd66bf67&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
12 Mike Hampton
+
This 15-card subset, which was based on a column in ''The Sporting News'', highlighted a variety of stars in the game on nearly blank silver foil background and a COTF logo that featured a cartoon fly.
  
13 Orel Hershiser
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 233 AND 247)
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Building Blocks===
  
14 Todd Stottlemyre
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/261/Eric-Chavez.jpg?id=79c2db30-a985-47d7-a62d-7fa18fe3e7e1&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/261/Eric-Chavez.jpg?id=79c2db30-a985-47d7-a62d-7fa18fe3e7e1&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
15 Robin Ventura
+
This 25-card subset highlighted top young players in the game that clubs could build around for success in the future.  Each card in this subject featured an etched foil block design that accented the player's team colors.
  
16 Todd Walker
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 248 AND 272)
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===MLPD===
  
17 Bernie Williams
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/288/Nomar-Garciaparra.jpg?id=5a11be94-3401-452e-b93d-ba187ecfcb2c&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/288/Nomar-Garciaparra.jpg?id=5a11be94-3401-452e-b93d-ba187ecfcb2c&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
18 Shawn Estes
+
This 25-card subset featured some of the most "prominent and dominant players" in the game at the time and were printed on gold foil.
  
19 Richie Sexson
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 273 AND 297)
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Checklists===
  
20 Kevin Millwood
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/299/Kerry-Wood.jpg?id=2b3d441d-4f62-43ca-9436-6035dd6a0a46&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base/299/Kerry-Wood.jpg?id=2b3d441d-4f62-43ca-9436-6035dd6a0a46&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
21 David Ortiz
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 298 AND 300)
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
22 Mariano Rivera
+
==Parallels==
  
23 Ivan Rodriguez
+
===Precious Metal Gems===
  
24 Mike Sirotka
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base---Precious-Metal-Gems/61/Hal-Morris.jpg?id=bc3cfbaa-c60d-4554-96e8-04671be8627f&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Base---Precious-Metal-Gems/61/Hal-Morris.jpg?id=bc3cfbaa-c60d-4554-96e8-04671be8627f&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
25 David Justice
+
Precious Metal Gems fully paralleled the 300-card base set (including all subsets and checklists) and were again exclusive to Hobby packs.  Each Precious Metal Gems card was finished with a gold holographic foil and was serial-numbered to 50.  Due to the already condition-sensitive nature of the etched foil, combined with the holographic finish, Precious Metal Gems from 1999 were notorious for edge chipping.
  
26 Carl Pavano
+
===Gem Masters===
  
27 Albert Belle
+
Gem Masters also fully paralleled the 300-card base set (including all subsets and checklists) and represented the first "one-of-one" or "masterpiece" (stylized after the Flair Showcase brand) for the Metal Universe brand. Cards were printed on a holographic, miniature-oval pattern design that repeated throughout the cardfront. On the back, each card was stamped "THE ONLY ONE OF ONE GEM MASTERS" in holographic foil.
 
+
28 Will Clark
+
==Inserts==
 
 
29 Jose Cruz Jr.
 
 
 
30 Trevor Hoffman
 
 
 
31 Dean Palmer
 
 
 
32 Edgar Renteria
 
 
 
33 David Segui
 
 
 
34 B.J. Surhoff
 
 
 
35 Miguel Tejada
 
 
 
36 Bob Wickman
 
 
 
37 Charles Johnson
 
 
 
38 Andruw Jones
 
 
 
39 Mike Lieberthal
 
 
 
40 Eli Marrero
 
 
 
41 Neifi Perez
 
 
 
42 Jim Thome
 
 
 
43 Barry Bonds
 
 
 
44 Carlos Delgado
 
 
 
45 Chuck Finley
 
 
 
46 Brian Meadows
 
 
 
47 Tony Gwynn
 
 
 
48 Jose Offerman
 
 
 
49 Cal Ripken Jr.  
 
 
 
50 Alex Rodriguez
 
 
 
51 Esteban Yan
 
 
 
52 Matt Stairs
 
 
 
53 Fernando Vina
 
 
 
54 Rondell White
 
 
 
55 Kerry Wood
 
 
 
56 Dmitri Young
 
 
 
57 Ken Caminiti
 
 
 
58 Alex Gonzalez
 
 
 
59 Matt Mantei
 
 
 
60 Tino Martinez
 
 
 
61 Hal Morris
 
 
 
62 Rafael Palmeiro
 
 
 
63 Troy Percival
 
 
 
64 Bobby Smith
 
 
 
65 Ed Sprague
 
 
 
66 Brett Tomko
 
 
 
67 Steve Trachsel
 
 
 
68 Ugueth Urbina
 
 
 
69 Jose Valentin
 
 
 
70 Kevin Brown
 
 
 
71 Shawn Green
 
 
 
72 Dustin Hermanson
 
 
 
73 Livan Hernandez
 
 
 
74 Geoff Jenkins
 
 
 
75 Jeff King
 
 
 
76 Chuck Knoblauch
 
 
 
77 Edgar Martinez
 
 
 
78 Fred McGriff
 
 
 
79 Mike Mussina
 
 
 
80 Dave Nilsson
 
 
 
81 Kenny Rogers
 
 
 
82 Tim Salmon
 
 
 
83 Reggie Sanders
 
 
 
84 Wilson Alvarez
 
 
 
85 Rod Beck
 
 
 
86 Jose Guillen
 
 
 
87 Bobby Higginson
 
  
88 Gregg Olson
+
===Neophytes===
  
89 Jeff Shaw
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Neophytes/7-NP/Paul-Konerko.jpg?id=c01e4a00-59fb-4c44-92c8-65e31edb09f5&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Neophytes/7-NP/Paul-Konerko.jpg?id=c01e4a00-59fb-4c44-92c8-65e31edb09f5&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
90 Masato Yoshii
+
This 15-card set highlighted some of the best young players in the game on a silver foil, radiant circle design.
  
91 Todd Helton
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Neophytes');
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Boyz with the Wood===
  
92 David Dellucci
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Boyz-with-the-Wood/8-BW/Tony-Gwynn.jpg?id=798de1e7-dc4d-48b1-9a6c-acde792213c0&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Boyz-with-the-Wood/8-BW/Tony-Gwynn.jpg?id=798de1e7-dc4d-48b1-9a6c-acde792213c0&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
93 Johnny Damon
+
This 15-card set highlighted some of the best hitters in the game.  Uniquely, there were two "forms" of the card: the first form of the card featured the player against a orange-flamed background - a collector could keep the card in this original packed-out form or fold the card into a second form that featured a different-colored flame background.
  
94 Cliff Floyd
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Boyz with the Wood');
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Planet Metal===
  
95 Ken Griffey Jr.  
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Planet-Metal/5-PM/Darin-Erstad.jpg?id=4378efd2-f064-448b-95c5-0da98c167153&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Planet-Metal/5-PM/Darin-Erstad.jpg?id=4378efd2-f064-448b-95c5-0da98c167153&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
96 Juan Guzman
+
This 15-card set featured some of the biggest names in the game at the time on a holographic gold die-cut design that resembled planet Earth.
  
97 Derek Jeter
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Planet Metal');
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Diamond Soul===
  
98 Barry Larkin
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Diamond-Soul/5-DS/Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=5eb136de-5031-40d7-9b5a-3a257b034b13&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Diamond-Soul/5-DS/Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=5eb136de-5031-40d7-9b5a-3a257b034b13&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
99 Quinton McCracken
+
This 15-card set featured some of the best players in the game on a multi-colored, [[Lenticular Printing|lenticular]] surface.
  
100 Sammy Sosa
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Diamond Soul');
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
101 Kevin Young
+
===Linchpins===
  
102 Jay Bell
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Linchpins/9-LP/Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=5098d42a-5736-4ccf-a32a-aef9912aa75f&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1999/Skybox-Metal-Universe---Linchpins/9-LP/Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=5098d42a-5736-4ccf-a32a-aef9912aa75f&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
103 Jay Buhner
+
This ten-card set featured players that were considered to be the foundation his team.  Each card had yellow-orange background resembling sparks flying from metal welding and a unique die-cutting design that created pin-shaped holes throughout the card.
  
104 Jeff Conine
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Linchpins');
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
105 Ryan Jackson
+
==Autographs==
  
106 Sidney Ponson
+
===J.D. Drew Autograph===
  
107 Jeromy Burnitz
+
In an unannounced bonus, J.D. Drew autographed 35 copies of his promo card for random insertion into packs.  Each autograph is hand numbered in the bottom center of the card, embossed with an Skybox autograph seal, and sequentially-numbered "SAMPLE" on the back.
  
108 Roberto Hernandez
+
'''NOTE:''' This card is not to be confused with the Sample Sheet autograph (see above).
 
 
109 A.J. Hinch
 
 
 
110 Hideki Irabu
 
 
 
111 Paul Konerko
 
 
 
112 Henry Rodriguez
 
 
 
113 Shannon Stewart
 
 
 
114 Tony Womack
 
 
 
115 Wilton Guerrero
 
 
 
116 Andy Benes
 
 
 
117 Jeff Cirillo
 
 
 
118 Chili Davis
 
 
 
119 Eric Davis
 
 
 
120 Vladimir Guerrero
 
 
 
121 Dennys Reyes
 
 
 
122 Rickey Henderson
 
 
 
123 Mickey Morandini
 
 
 
124 Jason Schmidt
 
 
 
125 J.T. Snow
 
 
 
126 Justin Thompson
 
 
 
127 Billy Wagner
 
 
 
128 Armando Benitez
 
 
 
129 Sean Casey
 
 
 
130 Brad Fullmer
 
 
 
131 Ben Grieve
 
 
 
132 Robb Nen
 
 
 
133 Shane Reynolds
 
 
 
134 Todd Zeile
 
 
 
135 Brady Anderson
 
 
 
136 Aaron Boone
 
 
 
137 Orlando Cabrera
 
 
 
138 Jason Giambi
 
 
 
139 Randy Johnson
 
 
 
140 Jeff Kent
 
 
 
141 John Wetteland
 
 
 
142 Rolando Arrojo
 
 
 
143 Scott Brosius
 
 
 
144 Mark Grace
 
 
 
145 Jason Kendall
 
 
 
146 Travis Lee
 
 
 
147 Gary Sheffield
 
 
 
148 David Cone
 
 
 
149 Jose Hernandez
 
 
 
150 Todd Jones
 
 
 
151 Al Martin
 
 
 
152 Ismael Valdes
 
 
 
153 Wade Boggs
 
 
 
154 Garret Anderson
 
 
 
155 Bobby Bonilla
 
 
 
156 Darryl Kile
 
 
 
157 Ryan Klesko
 
 
 
158 Tim Wakefield
 
 
 
159 Kenny Lofton
 
 
 
160 Jose Canseco
 
 
 
161 Doug Glanville
 
 
 
162 Todd Hundley
 
 
 
163 Brian Jordan
 
 
 
164 Steve Finley
 
 
 
165 Tom Glavine
 
 
 
166 Al Leiter
 
 
 
167 Raul Mondesi
 
 
 
168 Desi Relaford
 
 
 
169 Bret Saberhagen
 
 
 
170 Omar Vizquel
 
 
 
171 Larry Walker
 
 
 
172 Bobby Abreu
 
 
 
173 Moises Alou
 
 
 
174 Mike Caruso
 
 
 
175 Royce Clayton
 
 
 
176 Bartolo Colon
 
 
 
177 Marty Cordova
 
 
 
178 Darin Erstad
 
 
 
179 Nomar Garciaparra
 
 
 
180 Andy Ashby
 
 
 
181 Dan Wilson
 
 
 
182 Larry Sutton
 
 
 
183 Tony Clark
 
 
 
184 Andres Galarraga
 
 
 
185 Ray Durham
 
 
 
186 Hideo Nomo
 
 
 
187 Steve Woodard
 
 
 
188 Scott Rolen
 
 
 
189 Mike Stanley
 
 
 
190 Jaret Wright
 
 
 
191 Vinny Castilla
 
 
 
192 Jason Christiansen
 
 
 
193 Paul Bako
 
 
 
194 Carlos Perez
 
 
 
195 Mike Piazza
 
 
 
196 Fernando Tatis
 
 
 
197 Mo Vaughn
 
 
 
198 Devon White
 
 
 
199 Ricky Gutierrez
 
 
 
200 Charlie Hayes
 
 
 
201 Brad Radke
 
 
 
202 Rick Helling
 
 
 
203 John Smoltz
 
 
 
204 Frank Thomas
 
 
 
205 David Wells
 
 
 
206 Roger Clemens
 
 
 
207 Mark Grudzielanek
 
 
 
208 Chipper Jones
 
 
 
209 Ray Lankford
 
 
 
210 Pedro Martinez
 
 
 
211 Manny Ramirez
 
 
 
212 Greg Vaughn
 
 
 
213 Craig Biggio
 
 
 
214 Rusty Greer
 
 
 
215 Greg Maddux
 
 
 
216 Rick Aguilera
 
 
 
217 Andy Pettitte
 
 
 
218 Dante Bichette
 
 
 
219 Damion Easley
 
 
 
220 Matt Morris
 
 
 
221 John Olerud
 
 
 
222 Chan Ho Park
 
 
 
223 Curt Schilling
 
 
 
224 John Valentin
 
 
 
225 Matt Williams
 
 
 
226 Ellis Burks
 
 
 
227 Tom Goodwin
 
 
 
228 Javy Lopez
 
 
 
229 Eric Milton
 
 
 
230 Paul O'Neill
 
 
 
231 Magglio Ordonez
 
 
 
232 Derrek Lee
 
 
 
233 Ken Griffey Jr. FLY
 
 
 
234 Randy Johnson FLY
 
 
 
235 Alex Rodriguez FLY
 
 
 
236 Darin Erstad FLY
 
 
 
237 Juan Gonzalez FLY
 
 
 
238 Derek Jeter FLY
 
 
 
239 Tony Gwynn FLY
 
 
 
240 Kerry Wood FLY
 
 
 
241 Cal Ripken Jr. FLY
 
 
 
242 Sammy Sosa FLY
 
 
 
243 Greg Maddux FLY
 
 
 
244 Mark McGwire FLY
 
 
 
245 Chipper Jones FLY
 
 
 
246 Barry Bonds FLY
 
 
 
247 Ben Grieve FLY
 
 
 
248 Ben Davis BB
 
 
 
249 Robert Fick BB
 
 
 
250 Carlos Guillen BB
 
 
 
251 Mike Frank BB
 
 
 
252 Ryan Minor BB
 
 
 
253 Troy Glaus BB
 
 
 
254 Matt Anderson BB
 
 
 
255 Josh Booty BB
 
 
 
256 Gabe Alvarez BB
 
 
 
257 Gabe Kapler BB
 
 
 
258 Enrique Wilson BB
 
 
 
259 Alex Gonzalez BB
 
 
 
260 Preston Wilson BB
 
 
 
261 Eric Chavez BB
 
 
 
262 Adrian Beltre BB
 
 
 
263 Corey Koskie BB
 
 
 
264 Robert Machado BB
 
 
 
265 Orlando Hernandez BB
 
 
 
266 Matt Clement BB
 
 
 
267 Luis Ordaz BB
 
 
 
268 Jeremy Giambi BB
 
 
 
269 J.D. Drew BB
 
 
 
270 Cliff Politte BB
 
 
 
271 Carlton Loewer BB
 
 
 
272 Aramis Ramirez BB
 
 
 
273 Ken Griffey Jr. MLPD
 
 
 
274 Randy Johnson MLPD
 
 
 
275 Alex Rodriguez MLPD
 
 
 
276 Darin Erstad MLPD
 
 
 
277 Scott Rolen MLPD
 
 
 
278 Juan Gonzalez MLPD
 
 
 
279 Jeff Bagwell MLPD
 
 
 
280 Mike Piazza MLPD
 
 
 
281 Derek Jeter MLPD
 
 
 
282 Travis Lee MLPD
 
 
 
283 Tony Gwynn MLPD
 
 
 
284 Kerry Wood MLPD
 
 
 
285 Albert Belle MLPD
 
 
 
286 Sammy Sosa MLPD
 
 
 
287 Mo Vaughn MLPD
 
 
 
288 Nomar Garciaparra MLPD
 
 
 
289 FrankThomas MLPD
 
 
 
290 Cal Ripken Jr. MLPD
 
 
 
291 Greg Maddux MLPD
 
 
 
292 Chipper Jones MLPD
 
 
 
293 Ben Grieve MLPD
 
 
 
294 Andruw Jones MLPD
 
 
 
295 Mark McGwire MLPD
 
 
 
296 Roger Clemens MLPD
 
 
 
297 Barry Bonds MLPD
 
 
 
298 Ken Griffey Jr. CL
 
 
 
299 Kerry Wood CL
 
 
 
300 Alex Rodriguez CL
 
 
 
==Parallels==
 
 
 
==Inserts==
 
  
<!--Change these 2 lines accordingly-->
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
[[Category:manufacturer]]
+
SELECT num,player,serial FROM cards WHERE (year = 1999) and (setname = 'Metal Universe Autographs');
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
{{Metal}}
 +
[[Category:Fleer]]
 +
[[Category:Skybox]]
 
[[Category:1999]]
 
[[Category:1999]]

Latest revision as of 18:27, 15 November 2019


Description

1999 Metal Universe was a 300-card set produced by Fleer/Skybox and released in January, 1999. For the first time since the brand was introduced in 1996, base card backgrounds were the same for every player and did not feature a space or fantasy comic book theme (Marvel Entertainment had put its Fleer/Skybox division on the market in late 1998, with the sale closing shortly after this product's release). Instead, card backgrounds all resembled a piece of sheet metal featuring the player's name. All cards are printed on embossed etched foil and were highly susceptible to chipping along the edges and were marked as "condition sensitive" by Beckett, just like the 1996-1998 sets.

In an effort to appeal to a non-traditional demographic, Fleer reoriented all their Skybox brands (E-X, Metal, Molten Metal, Skybox Premium, and Skybox Thunder) toward a younger audience. The language used on card backs has not aged well.

For the first time since 1996, Alex Rodriguez was not the frontman for the Metal Universe product - instead, highly-touted prospect at the time, J.D. Drew held that honor for the 1999 set.

Distribution

Although Hobby boxes were wrapped in plastic marked "Hobby Exclusive", Retail boxes were also distributed.

Hobby: 24 packs per box, 8 cards per pack (MSRP: $2.69).

Retail: 20 packs per box, 8 cards per pack.

In Hobby boxes, inserts were usually the 4th/middle card in the pack.

Insertion Ratios

Cards Total Cards Numbered To Hobby Odds Retail Odds
Base 300 - ? ?
Precious Metal Gems 300 50 ? N/A
Gem Masters 300 one-of-one ? ?
Neophytes 15 - 1:6 1:6
Boyz with the Wood 15 - 1:18 1:18
Planet Metal 15 - 1:36 1:36
Diamond Soul 15 - 1:72 1:72
Linchpins 10 - 1:360 1:360
J.D. Drew Autograph 1 35 ? ?

Checklist

Promos

Regular

Alex-Rodriguez-Albert-Belle-JD-Drew-Derek-Jeter-Sammy-Sosa-Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=8b5ae397-b7e0-4b68-be62-d953170aa04f&size=original&side=front.jpg Alex-Rodriguez-Albert-Belle-JD-Drew-Derek-Jeter-Sammy-Sosa-Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=8b5ae397-b7e0-4b68-be62-d953170aa04f&size=original&side=back&.jpg

A six-card 5" X 10 1/2" sheet was distributed to dealers and the Hobby media to promote 1999 Metal Universe Baseball. Cards on the non-perforated sheet are exact copies of each player's base card, with the word "SAMPLE" replacing the card number. The players featured on this promo sheet were:

Albert Belle J.D. Drew Derek Jeter Mike Piazza Alex Rodriguez Sammy Sosa

Autographed

JD-Drew-(Autographed).jpg?id=0f7fa768-a183-4c0f-a6fe-e7d5920d8678&size=original&side=front.jpg JD-Drew-(Autographed).jpg?id=0f7fa768-a183-4c0f-a6fe-e7d5920d8678&size=original&side=back&.jpg

Fleer/Skybox had J.D. Drew signed 325 of the 6-card promo sheets and distributed them to attendees of the 14th annual Hawaii Trade Conference. Only the J.D. Drew card was autographed and each signed sheet was impressed with a Skybox autograph seal in the center (in between the Drew and Jeter cards). Some people have since cut this promo sheet to obtain the Drew autograph as a single card (see above picture).

Base Set

Tom-Evans.jpg?id=d6fb07a4-ae17-4cee-a322-44358d22e3b9&size=original&side=front.jpg Tom-Evans.jpg?id=d6fb07a4-ae17-4cee-a322-44358d22e3b9&size=original&side=back&.jpg

NOTE: Since the top of each card is embossed, a stack of '99 Metal Universe cards will tend to "lean."

  • 1 Mark McGwire
  • 2 Jim Edmonds
  • 3 Travis Fryman
  • 4 Tom Gordon
  • 5 Jeff Bagwell
  • 6 Rico Brogna
  • 7 Tom Evans
  • 8 John Franco
  • 9 Juan Gonzalez
  • 10 Paul Molitor
  • 11 Roberto Alomar
  • 12 Mike Hampton
  • 13 Orel Hershiser
  • 14 Todd Stottlemyre
  • 15 Robin Ventura
  • 16 Todd Walker
  • 17 Bernie Williams
  • 18 Shawn Estes
  • 19 Richie Sexson
  • 20 Kevin Millwood
  • 21 David Ortiz
  • 22 Mariano Rivera
  • 23 Ivan Rodriguez
  • 24 Mike Sirotka
  • 25 Dave Justice
  • 26 Carl Pavano
  • 27 Albert Belle
  • 28 Will Clark
  • 29 Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 30 Trevor Hoffman
  • 31 Dean Palmer
  • 32 Edgar Renteria
  • 33 David Segui
  • 34 B.J. Surhoff
  • 35 Miguel Tejada
  • 36 Bob Wickman
  • 37 Charles Johnson
  • 38 Andruw Jones
  • 39 Mike Lieberthal
  • 40 Eli Marrero
  • 41 Neifi Perez
  • 42 Jim Thome
  • 43 Barry Bonds
  • 44 Carlos Delgado
  • 45 Chuck Finley
  • 46 Brian Meadows
  • 47 Tony Gwynn
  • 48 Jose Offerman
  • 49 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 50 Alex Rodriguez
  • 51 Esteban Yan
  • 52 Matt Stairs
  • 53 Fernando Vina
  • 54 Rondell White
  • 55 Kerry Wood
  • 56 Dmitri Young
  • 57 Ken Caminiti
  • 58 Alex Gonzalez
  • 59 Matt Mantei
  • 60 Tino Martinez
  • 61 Hal Morris
  • 62 Rafael Palmeiro
  • 63 Troy Percival
  • 64 Bobby Smith
  • 65 Ed Sprague
  • 66 Brett Tomko
  • 67 Steve Trachsel
  • 68 Ugueth Urbina
  • 69 Jose Valentin
  • 70 Kevin Brown
  • 71 Shawn Green
  • 72 Dustin Hermanson
  • 73 Livan Hernandez
  • 74 Geoff Jenkins
  • 75 Jeff King
  • 76 Chuck Knoblauch
  • 77 Edgar Martinez
  • 78 Fred McGriff
  • 79 Mike Mussina
  • 80 Dave Nilsson
  • 81 Kenny Rogers
  • 82 Tim Salmon
  • 83 Reggie Sanders
  • 84 Wilson Alvarez
  • 85 Rod Beck
  • 86 Jose Guillen
  • 87 Bob Higginson
  • 88 Gregg Olson
  • 89 Jeff Shaw
  • 90 Masato Yoshii
  • 91 Todd Helton
  • 92 David Dellucci
  • 93 Johnny Damon
  • 94 Cliff Floyd
  • 95 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 96 Juan Guzman
  • 97 Derek Jeter
  • 98 Barry Larkin
  • 99 Quinton McCracken
  • 100 Sammy Sosa
  • 101 Kevin Young
  • 102 Jay Bell
  • 103 Jay Buhner
  • 104 Jeff Conine
  • 105 Ryan Jackson
  • 106 Sidney Ponson
  • 107 Jeromy Burnitz
  • 108 Roberto Hernandez
  • 109 A.J. Hinch
  • 110 Hideki Irabu
  • 111 Paul Konerko
  • 112 Henry Rodriguez
  • 113 Shannon Stewart
  • 114 Tony Womack
  • 115 Wilton Guerrero
  • 116 Andy Benes
  • 117 Jeff Cirillo
  • 118 Chili Davis
  • 119 Eric Davis
  • 120 Vladimir Guerrero
  • 121 Dennis Reyes
  • 122 Rickey Henderson
  • 123 Mickey Morandini
  • 124 Jason Schmidt
  • 125 J.T. Snow
  • 126 Justin Thompson
  • 127 Billy Wagner
  • 128 Armando Benitez
  • 129 Sean Casey
  • 130 Brad Fullmer
  • 131 Ben Grieve
  • 132 Robb Nen
  • 133 Shane Reynolds
  • 134 Todd Zeile
  • 135 Brady Anderson
  • 136 Aaron Boone
  • 137 Orlando Cabrera
  • 138 Jason Giambi
  • 139 Randy Johnson
  • 140 Jeff Kent
  • 141 John Wetteland
  • 142 Rolando Arrojo
  • 143 Scott Brosius
  • 144 Mark Grace
  • 145 Jason Kendall
  • 146 Travis Lee
  • 147 Gary Sheffield
  • 148 David Cone
  • 149 Jose Hernandez
  • 150 Todd Jones
  • 151 Al Martin
  • 152 Ismael Valdes
  • 153 Wade Boggs
  • 154 Garret Anderson
  • 155 Bobby Bonilla
  • 156 Darryl Kile
  • 157 Ryan Klesko
  • 158 Tim Wakefield
  • 159 Kenny Lofton
  • 160 Jose Canseco
  • 161 Doug Glanville
  • 162 Todd Hundley
  • 163 Brian Jordan
  • 164 Steve Finley
  • 165 Tom Glavine
  • 166 Al Leiter
  • 167 Raul Mondesi
  • 168 Desi Relaford
  • 169 Bret Saberhagen
  • 170 Omar Vizquel
  • 171 Larry Walker
  • 172 Bob Abreu
  • 173 Moises Alou
  • 174 Mike Caruso
  • 175 Royce Clayton
  • 176 Bartolo Colon
  • 177 Marty Cordova
  • 178 Darin Erstad
  • 179 Nomar Garciaparra
  • 180 Andy Ashby
  • 181 Dan Wilson
  • 182 Larry Sutton
  • 183 Tony Clark
  • 184 Andres Galarraga
  • 185 Ray Durham
  • 186 Hideo Nomo
  • 187 Steve Woodard
  • 188 Scott Rolen
  • 189 Mike Stanley
  • 190 Jaret Wright
  • 191 Vinny Castilla
  • 192 Jason Christiansen
  • 193 Paul Bako
  • 194 Carlos Perez
  • 195 Mike Piazza
  • 196 Fernando Tatis
  • 197 Mo Vaughn
  • 198 Devon White
  • 199 Ricky Gutierrez
  • 200 Charlie Hayes
  • 201 Brad Radke
  • 202 Rick Helling
  • 203 John Smoltz
  • 204 Frank Thomas
  • 205 David Wells
  • 206 Roger Clemens
  • 207 Mark Grudzielanek
  • 208 Chipper Jones
  • 209 Ray Lankford
  • 210 Pedro Martinez
  • 211 Manny Ramirez
  • 212 Greg Vaughn
  • 213 Craig Biggio
  • 214 Rusty Greer
  • 215 Greg Maddux
  • 216 Rick Aguilera
  • 217 Andy Pettitte
  • 218 Dante Bichette
  • 219 Damion Easley
  • 220 Matt Morris
  • 221 John Olerud
  • 222 Chan Ho Park
  • 223 Curt Schilling
  • 224 John Valentin
  • 225 Matt Williams
  • 226 Ellis Burks
  • 227 Tom Goodwin
  • 228 Javy Lopez
  • 229 Eric Milton
  • 230 Paul O'Neill
  • 231 Magglio Ordonez
  • 232 Derrek Lee

Caught on the Fly

Juan-Gonzalez.jpg?id=f48ccd64-9b8b-40f5-8a0e-f9d9cd66bf67&size=original&side=front.jpg Juan-Gonzalez.jpg?id=f48ccd64-9b8b-40f5-8a0e-f9d9cd66bf67&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 15-card subset, which was based on a column in The Sporting News, highlighted a variety of stars in the game on nearly blank silver foil background and a COTF logo that featured a cartoon fly.

  • 233 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 234 Randy Johnson
  • 235 Alex Rodriguez
  • 236 Darin Erstad
  • 237 Juan Gonzalez
  • 238 Derek Jeter
  • 239 Tony Gwynn
  • 240 Kerry Wood
  • 241 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 242 Sammy Sosa
  • 243 Greg Maddux
  • 244 Mark McGwire
  • 245 Chipper Jones
  • 246 Barry Bonds
  • 247 Ben Grieve

Building Blocks

Eric-Chavez.jpg?id=79c2db30-a985-47d7-a62d-7fa18fe3e7e1&size=original&side=front.jpg Eric-Chavez.jpg?id=79c2db30-a985-47d7-a62d-7fa18fe3e7e1&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 25-card subset highlighted top young players in the game that clubs could build around for success in the future. Each card in this subject featured an etched foil block design that accented the player's team colors.

  • 248 Ben Davis
  • 249 Robert Fick
  • 250 Carlos Guillen
  • 251 Mike Frank
  • 252 Ryan Minor
  • 253 Troy Glaus
  • 254 Matt Anderson
  • 255 Josh Booty
  • 256 Gabe Alvarez
  • 257 Gabe Kapler
  • 258 Enrique Wilson
  • 259 Alex Gonzalez
  • 260 Preston Wilson
  • 261 Eric Chavez
  • 262 Adrian Beltre
  • 263 Corey Koskie
  • 264 Robert Machado
  • 265 Orlando Hernandez
  • 266 Matt Clement
  • 267 Luis Ordaz
  • 268 Jeremy Giambi
  • 269 J.D. Drew
  • 270 Cliff Politte
  • 271 Carlton Loewer
  • 272 Aramis Ramirez

MLPD

Nomar-Garciaparra.jpg?id=5a11be94-3401-452e-b93d-ba187ecfcb2c&size=original&side=front.jpg Nomar-Garciaparra.jpg?id=5a11be94-3401-452e-b93d-ba187ecfcb2c&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 25-card subset featured some of the most "prominent and dominant players" in the game at the time and were printed on gold foil.

  • 273 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 274 Randy Johnson
  • 275 Alex Rodriguez
  • 276 Darin Erstad
  • 277 Scott Rolen
  • 278 Juan Gonzalez
  • 279 Jeff Bagwell
  • 280 Mike Piazza
  • 281 Derek Jeter
  • 282 Travis Lee
  • 283 Tony Gwynn
  • 284 Kerry Wood
  • 285 Albert Belle
  • 286 Sammy Sosa
  • 287 Mo Vaughn
  • 288 Nomar Garciaparra
  • 289 Frank Thomas
  • 290 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 291 Greg Maddux
  • 292 Chipper Jones
  • 293 Ben Grieve
  • 294 Andruw Jones
  • 295 Mark McGwire
  • 296 Roger Clemens
  • 297 Barry Bonds

Checklists

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  • 298 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 299 Kerry Wood
  • 300 Alex Rodriguez

Parallels

Precious Metal Gems

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Precious Metal Gems fully paralleled the 300-card base set (including all subsets and checklists) and were again exclusive to Hobby packs. Each Precious Metal Gems card was finished with a gold holographic foil and was serial-numbered to 50. Due to the already condition-sensitive nature of the etched foil, combined with the holographic finish, Precious Metal Gems from 1999 were notorious for edge chipping.

Gem Masters

Gem Masters also fully paralleled the 300-card base set (including all subsets and checklists) and represented the first "one-of-one" or "masterpiece" (stylized after the Flair Showcase brand) for the Metal Universe brand. Cards were printed on a holographic, miniature-oval pattern design that repeated throughout the cardfront. On the back, each card was stamped "THE ONLY ONE OF ONE GEM MASTERS" in holographic foil.

Inserts

Neophytes

Paul-Konerko.jpg?id=c01e4a00-59fb-4c44-92c8-65e31edb09f5&size=original&side=front.jpg Paul-Konerko.jpg?id=c01e4a00-59fb-4c44-92c8-65e31edb09f5&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 15-card set highlighted some of the best young players in the game on a silver foil, radiant circle design.

  • 1 NP Troy Glaus
  • 2 NP Travis Lee
  • 3 NP Scott Elarton
  • 4 NP Ricky Ledee
  • 5 NP Richard Hidalgo
  • 6 NP J.D. Drew
  • 7 NP Paul Konerko
  • 8 NP Orlando Hernandez
  • 9 NP Mike Caruso
  • 10 NP Mike Frank
  • 11 NP Miguel Tejada
  • 12 NP Matt Anderson
  • 13 NP Kerry Wood
  • 14 NP Gabe Alvarez
  • 15 NP Adrian Beltre

Boyz with the Wood

Tony-Gwynn.jpg?id=798de1e7-dc4d-48b1-9a6c-acde792213c0&size=original&side=front.jpg Tony-Gwynn.jpg?id=798de1e7-dc4d-48b1-9a6c-acde792213c0&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 15-card set highlighted some of the best hitters in the game. Uniquely, there were two "forms" of the card: the first form of the card featured the player against a orange-flamed background - a collector could keep the card in this original packed-out form or fold the card into a second form that featured a different-colored flame background.

  • 1 BW Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2 BW Frank Thomas
  • 3 BW Jeff Bagwell
  • 4 BW Juan Gonzalez
  • 5 BW Mark McGwire
  • 6 BW Scott Rolen
  • 7 BW Travis Lee
  • 8 BW Tony Gwynn
  • 9 BW Mike Piazza
  • 10 BW Chipper Jones
  • 11 BW Nomar Garciaparra
  • 12 BW Derek Jeter
  • 13 BW Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 14 BW Andruw Jones
  • 15 BW Alex Rodriguez

Planet Metal

Darin-Erstad.jpg?id=4378efd2-f064-448b-95c5-0da98c167153&size=original&side=front.jpg Darin-Erstad.jpg?id=4378efd2-f064-448b-95c5-0da98c167153&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 15-card set featured some of the biggest names in the game at the time on a holographic gold die-cut design that resembled planet Earth.

  • 1 PM Alex Rodriguez
  • 2 PM Andruw Jones
  • 3 PM Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 4 PM Chipper Jones
  • 5 PM Darin Erstad
  • 6 PM Derek Jeter
  • 7 PM Frank Thomas
  • 8 PM Travis Lee
  • 9 PM Scott Rolen
  • 10 PM Nomar Garciaparra
  • 11 PM Mike Piazza
  • 12 PM Mark McGwire
  • 13 PM Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 14 PM Juan Gonzalez
  • 15 PM Jeff Bagwell

Diamond Soul

Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=5eb136de-5031-40d7-9b5a-3a257b034b13&size=original&side=front.jpg Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=5eb136de-5031-40d7-9b5a-3a257b034b13&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This 15-card set featured some of the best players in the game on a multi-colored, lenticular surface.

  • 1 DS Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 2 DS Alex Rodriguez
  • 3 DS Chipper Jones
  • 4 DS Derek Jeter
  • 5 DS Frank Thomas
  • 6 DS Greg Maddux
  • 7 DS Juan Gonzalez
  • 8 DS Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 9 DS Kerry Wood
  • 10 DS Mark McGwire
  • 11 DS Mike Piazza
  • 12 DS Nomar Garciaparra
  • 13 DS Scott Rolen
  • 14 DS Tony Gwynn
  • 15 DS Travis Lee

Linchpins

Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=5098d42a-5736-4ccf-a32a-aef9912aa75f&size=original&side=front.jpg Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=5098d42a-5736-4ccf-a32a-aef9912aa75f&size=original&side=back&.jpg

This ten-card set featured players that were considered to be the foundation his team. Each card had yellow-orange background resembling sparks flying from metal welding and a unique die-cutting design that created pin-shaped holes throughout the card.

  • 1 LP Mike Piazza
  • 2 LP Mark McGwire
  • 3 LP Kerry Wood
  • 4 LP Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 5 LP Greg Maddux
  • 6 LP Frank Thomas
  • 7 LP Derek Jeter
  • 8 LP Chipper Jones
  • 9 LP Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 10 LP Alex Rodriguez

Autographs

J.D. Drew Autograph

In an unannounced bonus, J.D. Drew autographed 35 copies of his promo card for random insertion into packs. Each autograph is hand numbered in the bottom center of the card, embossed with an Skybox autograph seal, and sequentially-numbered "SAMPLE" on the back.

NOTE: This card is not to be confused with the Sample Sheet autograph (see above).

  • SAMPLE J.D. Drew 35