1997 Flair Showcase: Difference between revisions

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[[File:1997flairbox.jpg|frame|1997 Flair Showcase box]]
=Description=
=Description=


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{| class="ratio"
{| class="ratio"
!(Section 2)
!Cards
!Showtime
!Showtime
!Showpiece
!Showpiece
Line 67: Line 65:


https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Promotional-Sample/PANEL/Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=front&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Promotional-Sample/PANEL/Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=front&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Promotional-Sample/PANEL/Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Promotional-Sample/PANEL/Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=back&.jpg


A three-card "strip" was distributed to dealers and the Hobby media a few months prior to the release of 1997 Flair Showcase. The strip contains reprints of the three Alex Rodriguez cards later issued in packs except for the text "PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE" written diagonally across the front and back.
A three-card "strip" was distributed to dealers and the Hobby media a few months prior to the release of 1997 Flair Showcase. The strip contained reprints of the three Alex Rodriguez base cards later issued in packs and featured "PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE" text diagonally across the front and back.


<sql2wiki database="carddb">
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Sample Strip');
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Sample Strip');
</sql2wiki>
</sql2wiki>
==Base Set==


* '''Row 2''':
==Base Set (Section 1)==
 
* '''Row 2''' (Style front; Showpiece back)
 
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-2/102/Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=front&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-2/102/Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=front&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-2/102/Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-2/102/Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=back&.jpg


 
* '''Row 1''' (Grace front; Showstopper back)
* '''Row 1''':


https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-1/41/Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=front.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-1/41/Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=front.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-1/41/Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-1/41/Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=back&.jpg


* '''Row 0''' (Showcase front; Showtime back)


* '''Row 0''':
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-0/142/Mariano-Rivera.jpg?id=9707c406-9eb2-4d33-8bab-de05f10ec216&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-0/142/Mariano-Rivera.jpg?id=9707c406-9eb2-4d33-8bab-de05f10ec216&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-0/64/Carlos-Delgado.jpg?id=6ce5cad5-87cd-4f7b-bf88-097f13ab4a24&size=original&side=front.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Row-0/64/Carlos-Delgado.jpg?id=6ce5cad5-87cd-4f7b-bf88-097f13ab4a24&size=original&side=back&.jpg


For brevity's sake, only one "Row" is listed below. The checklist for all three Rows is identical. Also note that only Row 2 cards are considered "true" rookie cards.  
For brevity's sake, only one "Row" is listed below. The checklist for all three Rows is identical. Also note that only Row 2 cards are considered "true" rookie cards for those players.  All base cards are labeled "Section 1" on the back, distinguishing them from the parallel sets, which were labeled "Section 0" on the back.


<sql2wiki database="carddb">
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Row 2');
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Row 2');
</sql2wiki>
</sql2wiki>
==Parallels==


All 540 base cards (180 players from all three "Rows") are available in a Legacy or Masterpiece parallel.  Both parallels are labeled "Section 0" on the cardback, differing from all base cards which are labeled "Section 1".
==Parallels (Section 0)==
 
All 540 base cards (180 players from all three "Rows") are available in a Legacy and Masterpiece parallel.  These parallels are distinctive from the base cards as both feature a black and white background and labeled "Section 0" on the cardback, differing from all base cards which are labeled "Section 1".


===Legacy Collection===
===Legacy Collection===
Line 113: Line 113:
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Legacy-Collection-Row-1-Masterpiece/152/Dan-Wilson.jpg?id=5fd7fa58-3c36-4233-9439-0b0735b97d27&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Base---Legacy-Collection-Row-1-Masterpiece/152/Dan-Wilson.jpg?id=5fd7fa58-3c36-4233-9439-0b0735b97d27&size=original&side=back&.jpg


Masterpiece parallels are recognizable for the use of a distinctive and reflective-purple foil on the player's nameplate (front and back of card), Flair Showcase logo (front), "Legacy Collection" logo (front), and serial-number stamp (back).  However, the player photos, Row design, and holographic finish were the same as the base versions.  All Masterpieces were stamped: '''"The ''Only'' 1 of 1 Masterpiece"''' on the back.
Masterpiece parallels are recognizable for the use of a distinctive and reflective lavender foil on the player's nameplate (front and back of card), Flair Showcase logo (front), "Legacy Collection" logo (front), and serial-number stamp (back).  However, the player photos, Row design, and holographic finish were the same as the base versions.  All Masterpieces were stamped: '''"The ''Only'' 1 of 1 Masterpiece"''' on the back.
 
The Masterpiece parallel was a notable set in Hobby history as it was the first set to reduce a print run to only a single set. At a time when scarcity and serial-numbered inserts/parallels was at its peak, the creation of the one-of-one was a landmark concept that forever changed The Hobby.  It was the ultimate chase card as it was the only one of its kind.  Masterpieces brought almost as much criticism as it did praise from collectors as it effectively eliminated player collectors' chances to procure one copy of every card of their favorite star.  Nonetheless, in response, other card companies developed their own one-of-one parallels in the subsequent months and following years and has remained a Hobby staple today.


The Masterpiece parallel was a notable set in Hobby history as it was the first set to reduce a print run to only a single set. At a time when scarcity and serial-numbered inserts/parallels was at its peak, the creation of the one-of-one was a landmark concept that forever changed the Hobby.  It was the ultimate chase card as it was the only one of its kind.  Masterpieces brought almost as much criticism as it did praise from collectors as it effectively eliminated player collectors' chances to procure one copy of every card of their favorite star. Nonetheless, in response, other card companies developed their own one-of-one parallels in the subsequent months and following years and has remained a Hobby staple today.
Given the buzz around this set, a detailed history of one particular high-profile Masterpiece chase was reported on by ''Beckett Baseball Card Monthly'': in 1997, a California dealer sought to acquire all three Ken Griffey, Jr. Flair Showcase Masterpieces. He was able to purchase two of the three for $14,000 and $15,750, respectively; however, the third Masterpiece was found by a teenager in Alaska who was offered an amount rumored to be around $24,000, which he refused.  While the collector was scrutinized, he refused temptation and stated that he had found the ultimate card of his favorite player and wanted to keep the card. As a post-script, in the fall of 1999 the two other Griffey Masterpieces were auctioned on eBay. The final bid of $6800 for one of them did not come close to meeting the seller's reserve price.


==Inserts==
==Inserts==
Line 124: Line 126:
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Wave-of-the-Future/9/Bubba-Trammell.jpg?id=0dea2a8d-0451-4168-b034-be9603c54682&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Wave-of-the-Future/9/Bubba-Trammell.jpg?id=0dea2a8d-0451-4168-b034-be9603c54682&size=original&side=back&.jpg


Please note that cards WF1 and WF2 were added late in the production run.  Each of the other cards are sequentially-numbered "__ of 25".
'''NOTES'''
 
* Cards #WF1 and #WF2 were added late in the production run.  All of the other cards are sequentially-numbered "X of 25".
* Card #11 is a rookie-year card (but NOT a "Rookie Card") of David Ortiz (billed as "David Arias-Ortiz"), who, for some reason, was not included in the base set.


<sql2wiki database="carddb">
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Wave of the Future');
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Wave of the Future');
</sql2wiki>
</sql2wiki>
===Diamond Cuts===
===Diamond Cuts===


[[File:1997flairdc.jpg]]
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Diamond-Cuts/17/Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=24925226-58a2-463f-bd9b-89d438612147&size=original&side=front&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Diamond-Cuts/17/Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=24925226-58a2-463f-bd9b-89d438612147&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Diamond-Cuts/17/Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=24925226-58a2-463f-bd9b-89d438612147&size=original&side=back&.jpg


Line 142: Line 148:
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Hot-Gloves/8/Barry-Larkin.jpg?id=2e95c20b-2faf-47d5-bb32-05130a6d7201&size=original&side=back&.jpg
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1997/Flair-Showcase---Hot-Gloves/8/Barry-Larkin.jpg?id=2e95c20b-2faf-47d5-bb32-05130a6d7201&size=original&side=back&.jpg


1997 was the last time Flair's staple, Hot Glove insert was produced in the decade as it was not featured in the [[1998 Flair Showcase]] or [[1999 Flair Showcase]] products. It featured a die-cut design of fire (instead of a die-cut glove in previous years) that was heat-sensitive.  The fire design all around the card would change from bright red-orange to light-orange and white when exposed to heat, via touch or other heating methods.
1997 would mark the final year for Hot Gloves, which had been a staple of the Flair/Flair Showcase brand dating back to [[1994 Flair|1994.]]  This year's set featured a die-cut flame design (instead of a die-cut glove in previous years) with heat-sensitive ink.  The fire design all around the card would change from bright red-orange to light-orange and white when when touched or exposed to heat.


<sql2wiki database="carddb">
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
Line 156: Line 162:
===Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange===
===Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange===


Twenty-five Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange cards (good for an autographed Rodriguez fielding glove) were randomly seeded into packs. The card fronts were similar in design to the regular Row 2 card, except for green foil accents. The cardback, however, consisted entirely of text explaining prize guidelines. The deadline to exchange the card was 8/1/98
Twenty-five Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange cards (good for a fielding glove autographed by A-Rod) were randomly seeded into packs. The card fronts were similar in design to the regular Row 2 card, except for green foil accents. The cardback, however, consisted entirely of text explaining prize guidelines.  
 
This card expired August 1st, 1998.


<sql2wiki database="carddb">
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange');
SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1997) AND (setname = 'Flair Showcase Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange');
</sql2wiki>
</sql2wiki>
{{Flair}}
{{Showcase}}
[[Category:Fleer]]
[[Category:Fleer]]
[[Category:1997]]
[[Category:1997]]

Latest revision as of 22:15, 1 February 2022

Description

1997 Flair Showcase (produced by Fleer) was a 540-card fractured set released that summer and consisted of 180 players on three different levels/"Rows", with each Row featuring a unique front design:

  • Row 2: "Style" design
  • Row 1: "Grace" design
  • Row 0: "Showcase" design

The Row 2 cards were easiest to find, while the Row 0 cards were the toughest.

Each "Row" was then sub-divided into three, 60-card sub-sections featuring a different cardback icon:

  • Showtime: Baseball icon
  • Showstopper: Batter icon
  • Showpiece: Glove icon

Each of the 180 players in the set had one card in each of the three rows, with a specifically assigned cardback icon per Row, meaning each player had 3 base cards total. The "Seat" number on back represented the card number in the set.

1997 Flair Showcase was most notable for introducing "Masterpieces", the first ever "true" one-of-one parallel.

Distribution

24 packs per box, five cards per pack (MSRP: $4.99). Hobby only. 67,500 boxes produced.

Insertion Ratios

Cards Showtime Showpiece Showstopper
Style (Row 2) 1-60 (1.5:1) 61-120 (1:1.5) 121-180 (1:1)
Grace (Row 1) 61-120 (1:2) 121-180 (1:3) 1-60 (1:2.5)
Showcase (Row 0) 120-180 (1:5) 1-60 (1:24) 61-120 (1:12)

Although the odds are not listed on the box, a typical 24-pack Hobby box should yield four Showcase Showtime cards, two Showcase Showstoppers and one Showcase Showpiece card.


Cards Total Cards Numbered To Odds
Legacy Collection 540 100 1:30
Masterpiece 540 one-of-one 1:3000
Wave of the Future 27 - 1:4
Diamond Cuts 20 - 1:20
Hot Gloves 15 - 1:90
Million Dollar Moments 45 - one-per-pack
Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange 1 25 1:64,800

Checklist

Promos

Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=front&.jpg

Alex-Rodriguez-(uncut-panel).jpg?id=f2d15630-bee8-4805-bc6e-8246e5c625b1&size=original&side=back&.jpg

A three-card "strip" was distributed to dealers and the Hobby media a few months prior to the release of 1997 Flair Showcase. The strip contained reprints of the three Alex Rodriguez base cards later issued in packs and featured "PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE" text diagonally across the front and back.

  • NNO Alex Rodriguez

Base Set (Section 1)

  • Row 2 (Style front; Showpiece back)

Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=front&.jpg Marty-Cordova.jpg?id=5dec31c6-62a1-4ab0-a927-a9782f8e1034&size=original&side=back&.jpg

  • Row 1 (Grace front; Showstopper back)

Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=front.jpg Jermaine-Dye.jpg?id=66f4a88d-c54f-421f-a1ef-a6fbfea59960&size=original&side=back&.jpg

  • Row 0 (Showcase front; Showtime back)

Mariano-Rivera.jpg?id=9707c406-9eb2-4d33-8bab-de05f10ec216&size=original&side=front&.jpg Mariano-Rivera.jpg?id=9707c406-9eb2-4d33-8bab-de05f10ec216&size=original&side=back&.jpg

For brevity's sake, only one "Row" is listed below. The checklist for all three Rows is identical. Also note that only Row 2 cards are considered "true" rookie cards for those players. All base cards are labeled "Section 1" on the back, distinguishing them from the parallel sets, which were labeled "Section 0" on the back.

  • 1 Andruw Jones
  • 2 Derek Jeter
  • 3 Alex Rodriguez
  • 4 Paul Molitor
  • 5 Jeff Bagwell
  • 6 Scott Rolen
  • 7 Kenny Lofton
  • 8 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 9 Brady Anderson
  • 10 Chipper Jones
  • 11 Todd Greene
  • 12 Todd Walker
  • 13 Billy Wagner
  • 14 Craig Biggio
  • 15 Kevin Orie
  • 16 Hideo Nomo
  • 17 Kevin Appier
  • 18 Bubba Trammell
  • 19 Juan Gonzalez
  • 20 Randy Johnson
  • 21 Roger Clemens
  • 22 Johnny Damon
  • 23 Ryne Sandberg
  • 24 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 25 Barry Bonds
  • 26 Nomar Garciaparra
  • 27 Vladimir Guerrero
  • 28 Ron Gant
  • 29 Joe Carter
  • 30 Tim Salmon
  • 31 Mike Piazza
  • 32 Barry Larkin
  • 33 Manny Ramirez
  • 34 Sammy Sosa
  • 35 Frank Thomas
  • 36 Melvin Nieves
  • 37 Tony Gwynn
  • 38 Gary Sheffield
  • 39 Darin Erstad
  • 40 Ken Caminiti
  • 41 Jermaine Dye
  • 42 Mo Vaughn
  • 43 Raul Mondesi
  • 44 Greg Maddux
  • 45 Chuck Knoblauch
  • 46 Andy Pettitte
  • 47 Deion Sanders
  • 48 Albert Belle
  • 49 Jamey Wright
  • 50 Rey Ordonez
  • 51 Bernie Williams
  • 52 Mark McGwire
  • 53 Mike Mussina
  • 54 Bob Abreu
  • 55 Reggie Sanders
  • 56 Brian Jordan
  • 57 Ivan Rodriguez
  • 58 Roberto Alomar
  • 59 Tim Naehring
  • 60 Edgar Renteria
  • 61 Dean Palmer
  • 62 Benito Santiago
  • 63 David Cone
  • 64 Carlos Delgado
  • 65 Brian Giles
  • 66 Alex Ochoa
  • 67 Rondell White
  • 68 Robin Ventura
  • 69 Eric Karros
  • 70 Jose Valentin
  • 71 Rafael Palmeiro
  • 72 Chris Snopek
  • 73 Dave Justice
  • 74 Tom Glavine
  • 75 Rudy Pemberton
  • 76 Larry Walker
  • 77 Jim Thome
  • 78 Charles Johnson
  • 79 Dante Powell
  • 80 Derrek Lee
  • 81 Jason Kendall
  • 82 Todd Hollandsworth
  • 83 Bernard Gilkey
  • 84 Mel Rojas
  • 85 Dmitri Young
  • 86 Bret Boone
  • 87 Pat Hentgen
  • 88 Bobby Bonilla
  • 89 John Wetteland
  • 90 Todd Hundley
  • 91 Wilton Guerrero
  • 92 Geronimo Berroa
  • 93 Al Martin
  • 94 Danny Tartabull
  • 95 Brian McRae
  • 96 Steve Finley
  • 97 Todd Stottlemyre
  • 98 John Smoltz
  • 99 Matt Williams
  • 100 Eddie Murray
  • 101 Henry Rodriguez
  • 102 Marty Cordova
  • 103 Juan Guzman
  • 104 Chili Davis
  • 105 Eric Young
  • 106 Jeff Abbott
  • 107 Shannon Stewart
  • 108 Rocky Coppinger
  • 109 Jose Canseco
  • 110 Dante Bichette
  • 111 Dwight Gooden
  • 112 Scott Brosius
  • 113 Steve Avery
  • 114 Andres Galarraga
  • 115 Sandy Alomar, Jr.
  • 116 Ray Lankford
  • 117 Jorge Posada
  • 118 Ryan Klesko
  • 119 Jay Buhner
  • 120 Jose Guillen
  • 121 Paul O'Neill
  • 122 Jimmy Key
  • 123 Hal Morris
  • 124 Travis Fryman
  • 125 Jim Edmonds
  • 126 Jeff Cirillo
  • 127 Fred McGriff
  • 128 Alan Benes
  • 129 Derek Bell
  • 130 Tony Graffanino
  • 131 Shawn Green
  • 132 Denny Neagle
  • 133 Alex Fernandez
  • 134 Mickey Morandini
  • 135 Royce Clayton
  • 136 Jose Mesa
  • 137 Edgar Martinez
  • 138 Curt Schilling
  • 139 Lance Johnson
  • 140 Andy Benes
  • 141 Charles Nagy
  • 142 Mariano Rivera
  • 143 Mark Wohlers
  • 144 Ken Hill
  • 145 Jay Bell
  • 146 Bob Higginson
  • 147 Mark Grudzielanek
  • 148 Ray Durham
  • 149 John Olerud
  • 150 Joey Hamilton
  • 151 Trevor Hoffman
  • 152 Dan Wilson
  • 153 J.T. Snow
  • 154 Marquis Grissom
  • 155 Yamil Benitez
  • 156 Rusty Greer
  • 157 Darryl Kile
  • 158 Ismael Valdes
  • 159 Jeff Conine
  • 160 Darren Daulton
  • 161 Chan Ho Park
  • 162 Troy Percival
  • 163 Wade Boggs
  • 164 Dave Nilsson
  • 165 Vinny Castilla
  • 166 Kevin Brown
  • 167 Dennis Eckersley
  • 168 Wendell Magee, Jr.
  • 169 John Jaha
  • 170 Garret Anderson
  • 171 Jason Giambi
  • 172 Mark Grace
  • 173 Tony Clark
  • 174 Moises Alou
  • 175 Brett Butler
  • 176 Cecil Fielder
  • 177 Chris Widger
  • 178 Doug Drabek
  • 179 Ellis Burks
  • 180 Shigetoshi Hasegawa

Parallels (Section 0)

All 540 base cards (180 players from all three "Rows") are available in a Legacy and Masterpiece parallel. These parallels are distinctive from the base cards as both feature a black and white background and labeled "Section 0" on the cardback, differing from all base cards which are labeled "Section 1".

Legacy Collection

Tony-Graffanino.jpg?id=ccd0403e-1243-48dc-971c-93d7de8a8541&size=original&side=front&.jpg Tony-Graffanino.jpg?id=ccd0403e-1243-48dc-971c-93d7de8a8541&size=original&side=back&.jpg

Legacy Collection parallels are recognizable for the use of a distinctive and reflective-blue foil on the player's nameplate (front and back of card), Flair Showcase logo (front), "Legacy Collection" logo (front), and serial-number stamp (back). However, the player photos, Row design, and holographic finish were the same as the base versions. All Legacy Collections were serial-numbered to 100 copies.

Masterpiece

Dan-Wilson.jpg?id=5fd7fa58-3c36-4233-9439-0b0735b97d27&size=original&side=front&.jpg Dan-Wilson.jpg?id=5fd7fa58-3c36-4233-9439-0b0735b97d27&size=original&side=back&.jpg

Masterpiece parallels are recognizable for the use of a distinctive and reflective lavender foil on the player's nameplate (front and back of card), Flair Showcase logo (front), "Legacy Collection" logo (front), and serial-number stamp (back). However, the player photos, Row design, and holographic finish were the same as the base versions. All Masterpieces were stamped: "The Only 1 of 1 Masterpiece" on the back.

The Masterpiece parallel was a notable set in Hobby history as it was the first set to reduce a print run to only a single set. At a time when scarcity and serial-numbered inserts/parallels was at its peak, the creation of the one-of-one was a landmark concept that forever changed The Hobby. It was the ultimate chase card as it was the only one of its kind. Masterpieces brought almost as much criticism as it did praise from collectors as it effectively eliminated player collectors' chances to procure one copy of every card of their favorite star. Nonetheless, in response, other card companies developed their own one-of-one parallels in the subsequent months and following years and has remained a Hobby staple today.

Given the buzz around this set, a detailed history of one particular high-profile Masterpiece chase was reported on by Beckett Baseball Card Monthly: in 1997, a California dealer sought to acquire all three Ken Griffey, Jr. Flair Showcase Masterpieces. He was able to purchase two of the three for $14,000 and $15,750, respectively; however, the third Masterpiece was found by a teenager in Alaska who was offered an amount rumored to be around $24,000, which he refused. While the collector was scrutinized, he refused temptation and stated that he had found the ultimate card of his favorite player and wanted to keep the card. As a post-script, in the fall of 1999 the two other Griffey Masterpieces were auctioned on eBay. The final bid of $6800 for one of them did not come close to meeting the seller's reserve price.

Inserts

Wave of the Future

Bubba-Trammell.jpg?id=0dea2a8d-0451-4168-b034-be9603c54682&size=original&side=front&.jpg Bubba-Trammell.jpg?id=0dea2a8d-0451-4168-b034-be9603c54682&size=original&side=back&.jpg

NOTES

  • Cards #WF1 and #WF2 were added late in the production run. All of the other cards are sequentially-numbered "X of 25".
  • Card #11 is a rookie-year card (but NOT a "Rookie Card") of David Ortiz (billed as "David Arias-Ortiz"), who, for some reason, was not included in the base set.
  • 1 Todd Greene
  • 2 Andruw Jones
  • 3 Randall Simon
  • 4 Wady Almonte
  • 5 Pat Cline
  • 6 Jeff Abbott
  • 7 Justin Towle
  • 8 Richie Sexson
  • 9 Bubba Trammell
  • 10 Bob Abreu
  • 11 David Ortiz (billed as "David Arias-Ortiz" on front)
  • 12 Todd Walker
  • 13 Orlando Cabrera
  • 14 Vladimir Guerrero
  • 15 Ricky Ledee
  • 16 Jorge Posada
  • 17 Ruben Rivera
  • 18 Scott Spiezio
  • 19 Scott Rolen
  • 20 Emil Brown
  • 21 Jose Guillen
  • 22 T.J. Staton
  • 23 Eli Marrero
  • 24 Fernando Tatis
  • 25 Ryan Jones
  • WF1 Hideki Irabu
  • WF2 Jose Cruz, Jr.

Diamond Cuts

Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=24925226-58a2-463f-bd9b-89d438612147&size=original&side=front&.jpg Frank-Thomas.jpg?id=24925226-58a2-463f-bd9b-89d438612147&size=original&side=back&.jpg

  • 1 Jeff Bagwell
  • 2 Albert Belle
  • 3 Ken Caminiti
  • 4 Juan Gonzalez
  • 5 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 6 Tony Gwynn
  • 7 Todd Hundley
  • 8 Andruw Jones
  • 9 Chipper Jones
  • 10 Greg Maddux
  • 11 Mark McGwire
  • 12 Mike Piazza
  • 13 Derek Jeter
  • 14 Manny Ramirez
  • 15 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 16 Alex Rodriguez
  • 17 Frank Thomas
  • 18 Mo Vaughn
  • 19 Bernie Williams
  • 20 Matt Williams

Hot Gloves

Barry-Larkin.jpg?id=2e95c20b-2faf-47d5-bb32-05130a6d7201&size=original&side=front.jpg Barry-Larkin.jpg?id=2e95c20b-2faf-47d5-bb32-05130a6d7201&size=original&side=back&.jpg

1997 would mark the final year for Hot Gloves, which had been a staple of the Flair/Flair Showcase brand dating back to 1994. This year's set featured a die-cut flame design (instead of a die-cut glove in previous years) with heat-sensitive ink. The fire design all around the card would change from bright red-orange to light-orange and white when when touched or exposed to heat.

  • 1 Roberto Alomar
  • 2 Barry Bonds
  • 3 Juan Gonzalez
  • 4 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 5 Marquis Grissom
  • 6 Derek Jeter
  • 7 Chipper Jones
  • 8 Barry Larkin
  • 9 Kenny Lofton
  • 10 Greg Maddux
  • 11 Mike Piazza
  • 12 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 13 Alex Rodriguez
  • 14 Ivan Rodriguez
  • 15 Frank Thomas

Million Dollar Moments

See 1997 Fleer Million Dollar Moments

Autographs & Game-Used

Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange

Twenty-five Alex Rodriguez Emerald Exchange cards (good for a fielding glove autographed by A-Rod) were randomly seeded into packs. The card fronts were similar in design to the regular Row 2 card, except for green foil accents. The cardback, however, consisted entirely of text explaining prize guidelines.

This card expired August 1st, 1998.

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