1996 Leaf
Description
1996 Leaf was a 220-card set released in May, 1996. For the first time, Leaf was released as a single-series. The main selling point was the large number of serial-numbered inserts in this set, which was a point of focus and emphasize by card companies during this time period.
Distribution
There were three different products of 1996 Leaf Baseball:
Hobby Box - 30 Packs.
Retail Box Version 1 - 36 Packs.
Retail Box Version 2 - 24 Packs.
The marketing purpose behind the smaller 24-pack/box production is not clear. It was not a "jumbo" version, as these packs held the same number of cards as the larger Retail product.
Insertion Ratios
| Cards | Total Cards | Numbered To | Hobby Odds | Retail Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 220 | - | ? | ? |
| Bronze Press Proof | 220 | 2000 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| Silver Press Proof | 220 | 1000 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| Gold Press Proof | 220 | 500 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| MVP Contenders | 20 | - | 1:8 | 1:8 |
| 22K Gold Leaf Stars | 15 | 2500 | 1:190 | 1:190 |
| Hats Off | 8 | 5000 | N/A | 1:72 |
| Picture Perfect | 12 | 5000 | 1:140 | 1:140 |
| Statistical Standouts | 8 | 2500 | 1:210 | N/A |
| Total Bases | 12 | 5000 | 1:72 | N/A |
| Frank Thomas Greatest Hits | 7 | 5000 | 1:210 | 1:210 |
Checklist
Base Set
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf') ORDER BY num +0 ASC; </sql2wiki>
Parallels
Press Proof
All Press Proof parallels were randomly inserted at the rate of 1:10 packs. There were three versions:
- Bronze (limited to 2000 copies)
File:96BPPf.jpgFile:96BPPb.jpg
- Silver (limited to 1000 copies)
File:96SPPf.jpgFile:96SPPb.jpg
- Gold (limited to 500 copies)
File:96GPPf.jpgFile:96GPPb.jpg
Each Press Proof featured holographic foil on the area of the card that was shaded to each player's specific team color. The "Leaf '96" logo in this area was stamped in either Gold, Silver, or Bronze foil for distinction. However, these cards were not serial-numbered and the words "Press Proof" did not appear anywhere on the card.
Inserts
All-Star Game MVP Contenders
This 20 card set features possible contenders for the MVP at the 1996 All-Star Game held in Philadelphia. If the player on the front of the card won the MVP Award (which turned out to be Mike Piazza), the holder could send it in for one of 5000 Gold MVP Contenders sets. The backs of each card carry the instructions on how to redeem the card. The Piazza card when returned with the redemption set had a hole in it to indicate the set had been redeemed.
Curiously, the backs of the Gold cards have the same information on how to redeem winning cards.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf All-Star Game MVP Contenders'); </sql2wiki>
Gold Stars
This 15-card set honors some of the games great players on 22 karat gold trim cards. Only 2500 serial-numbered cards of each player were printed.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Gold Stars'); </sql2wiki>
Hats Off
This eight-card set was printed and embossed on a wool-like material with the feel of a Major League ball cap. Only 5000 copies of each card was produced and is exclusive to retail packs.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Hats Off'); </sql2wiki>
Picture Perfect
This 12-card set is printed on real wood with gold foil trim. Cards 1-6 are exclusive to Hobby packs, 7-12 to retail. Only 5000 serial-numbered copies of each card were printed.
One of twelve different Picture Perfect Promo cards was inserted into 1996 Leaf dealer order forms and hobby media press releases. The cards parallel the standard Picture Perfect inserts except for the text "promotional card" running diagonally across the front of the card and "PROMO/5000" text on back.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Picture Perfect'); </sql2wiki>
Statistical Standouts
Exclusive to Hobby packs, this eight-card set features players who stood out statistically. The cards were printed on a material with the feel of the leather that's between the seams or stitches of a baseball. Only 2500 copies of each card was printed and each is numbered individually on the back.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Statistical Standouts'); </sql2wiki>
Total Bases
This 12-card, Hobby exclusive, set is printed on canvas and features the top offensive stars. Only 5000 serial-numbered copies of each card were produced.
One of twelve different Total Bases Promo cards was inserted into 1996 Leaf dealer order forms and hobby media press releases. The cards parallel the standard Total Bases inserts except for the text "promotional card" running diagonally across the front of the card and "PROMO/5000" text on back.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Total Bases'); </sql2wiki>
Frank Thomas Greatest Hits
This eight-card set feature the statistical highlights of Frank Thomas. The cards are printed on acetate and are die-cut to look like a compact disc. Cards 1-4 were randomly inserted into Hobby packs, 5-7 in retail, and card #8 was made available through a wrapper redemption offer. Each card is serial-numbered to 5000 copies.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info FROM cards WHERE (year = 1996) AND (setname = 'Leaf Thomas Greatest Hits'); </sql2wiki>