Difference between revisions of "1998 Metal Universe"

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(Created page with '<!-- right|frame|The description goes here --> =Description= =Distribution= =Reviews= =Insertion Ratios= {| class="ratio" !Cards !Total Cards !Numbere…')
 
(Precious Metal Gems)
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
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=Description=
 
=Description=
 +
 +
1998 Metal Universe was a 220-card single-series set produced by Fleer/Skybox and released in the summer of 1998.  Unlike [[1996 Metal Universe|previous]] [[1997 Metal Universe|years]] where card backgrounds revolved around space and fantasy comic book designs, the 1998 set design shifted to focus primarily on environmental backgrounds from the state/city that the player represented; however, some players still had space-themed backgrounds.  All cards are printed on etched foil and were highly susceptible to chipping along the edges and were marked as "condition sensitive" by Beckett, just like the 1996 and 1997 sets.
 +
 +
This year marked the introduction of the famous and popular "Precious Metal Gems" (PMG) parallel to the baseball brand, which was already wildly beloved in the basketball hobby.
 +
 +
Being the face of Fleer/Skybox, Alex Rodriguez once again was the featured frontman for this product, just as he was for other Fleer/Skybox products released that year (e.g., [[1998 E-X 2001]], [[1998 Ultra]]).
 +
 +
There were no notable Rookie Cards in this 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.
 +
 
 +
Retail: 18 packs per box, 8 cards per pack.
  
 
=Insertion Ratios=
 
=Insertion Ratios=
Line 17: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[#Base_Set|Base]]||220||-||?||?
 
|[[#Base_Set|Base]]||220||-||?||?
 +
|-
 +
|Precious Metal Gems||220||50||?||N/A
 +
|-
 +
|Universal Language||20||-||1:6||1:6
 +
|-
 +
|Diamond Heroes||6||-||1:18||1:18
 +
|-
 +
|Titanium||15||-||1:96||1:96
 +
|-
 +
|All-Galactic Team||18||-||1:192||1:192
 +
|-
 +
|Platinum Portraits||12||-||1:360||1:360
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=Checklist=
 
=Checklist=
  
==Base Set==
+
==Promos==
 
 
1 Jose Cruz Jr.
 
  
2 Jeff Abbott
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/SAMPLE/Alex-Rodriguez.jpg?id=8bd8e070-a965-4c10-96d1-702c7deb53a5&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/SAMPLE/Alex-Rodriguez.jpg?id=8bd8e070-a965-4c10-96d1-702c7deb53a5&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
3 Rafael Palmeiro
+
Alex Rodriguez promo cards were distributed with all dealer order forms.  The card is identical to Rodriguez's base card except for the text "PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE" written diagonally along the card back and the card being sequentially-numbered as "SAMPLE."
  
4 Ivan Rodriguez
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Promo');
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
5 Jaret Wright
+
==Base Set==
  
6 Derek Bell
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/199/Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=5eeafd8f-b68e-45b3-9f8d-dcfeda4712f2&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/199/Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=5eeafd8f-b68e-45b3-9f8d-dcfeda4712f2&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
7 Chuck Finley
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe') AND (num < 203)
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
8 Travis Fryman
+
===Hardball Galaxy===
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/217/Larry-Walker.jpg?id=ebb401bf-559b-4705-8b3d-fc0d210e6b66&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/217/Larry-Walker.jpg?id=ebb401bf-559b-4705-8b3d-fc0d210e6b66&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
9 Randy Johnson
+
This 15-card subset (203-217) caricatured top players in the game as fictional superheroes based on their baseball talents.  Each card was drawn and designed by Dan Lawlis, a TV storyboard artist that drew for Marvel Entertainment at the time.
  
10 Derrek Lee
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 203 AND 217)
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
11 Bernie Williams
+
===Checklists===
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/218/Ken-Griffey-Jr.jpg?id=49a512ae-7658-4943-83d8-632c5ac89330&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base/218/Ken-Griffey-Jr.jpg?id=49a512ae-7658-4943-83d8-632c5ac89330&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
12 Carlos Baerga
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe') AND (num BETWEEN 218 AND 220)
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
13 Ricky Bottalico
+
==Parallels==
  
14 Ellis Burks
+
===Precious Metal Gems===
  
15 Russ Davis
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base---Precious-Metal-Gems/112/Garret-Anderson.jpg?id=f7e42a28-8ffa-4c26-af2b-f7c764c18339&size=original&side=front.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Base---Precious-Metal-Gems/112/Garret-Anderson.jpg?id=f7e42a28-8ffa-4c26-af2b-f7c764c18339&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
16 Nomar Garciaparra
+
All 220 base cards (including the checklists) are available in a Precious Metal Gems (PMG) parallel, which were exclusive to Hobby packs and serial-numbered to 50 copies each.  Each PMG card is finished with a holographic spiral and concentric circle design. 
  
17 Joey Hamilton
+
The PMGs are one of the most appreciated and sought after parallel sets from this era due to the unique card background designs for each player, aesthetics of the holographic foil finish, rarity due to the low serial-numbering, and extensive player checklist -- not to mention the popularity of similar PMG parallels in other sports (especially basketball) during this era.
  
18 Jason Kendall
+
Only the first 45 copies of each PMG (cards serial-numbered 1-45) were seeded into Hobby packs.  Randomly inserted into Hobby packs were five "Ultimate Gems" redemption cards, which could be redeemed for a full 220-card PMG set, all with matching serial numbers.
  
19 Darryl Kile
+
==Inserts==
 
 
20 Edgardo Alfonzo
 
 
 
21 Moises Alou
 
 
 
22 Bobby Bonilla
 
 
 
23 Jim Edmonds
 
 
 
24 Jose Guillen
 
 
 
25 Chuck Knoblauch
 
 
 
26 Javy Lopez
 
 
 
27 Billy Wagner
 
 
 
28 Kevin Appier
 
 
 
29 Joe Carter
 
 
 
30 Todd Dunwoody
 
 
 
31 Gary Gaetti
 
 
 
32 Juan Gonzalez
 
 
 
33 Jeffrey Hammonds
 
 
 
34 Roberto Hernandez
 
 
 
35 Dave Nilsson
 
 
 
36 Manny Ramirez
 
 
 
37 Robin Ventura
 
 
 
38 Rondell White
 
 
 
39 Vinny Castilla
 
 
 
40 Will Clark
 
 
 
41 Scott Hatteberg
 
 
 
42 Russ Johnson
 
 
 
43 Ricky Ledee
 
 
 
44 Kenny Lofton
 
 
 
45 Paul Molitor
 
 
 
46 Justin Thompson
 
 
 
47 Craig Biggio
 
 
 
48 Damion Easley
 
 
 
49 Brad Radke
 
 
 
50 Ben Grieve
 
 
 
51 Mark Bellhorn
 
 
 
52 Henry Blanco
 
 
 
53 Mariano Rivera
 
 
 
54 Reggie Sanders
 
 
 
55 Paul Sorrento
 
 
 
56 Terry Steinbach
 
 
 
57 Mo Vaughn
 
 
 
58 Brady Anderson
 
 
 
59 Tom Glavine
 
 
 
60 Sammy Sosa
 
 
 
61 Larry Walker
 
 
 
62 Rod Beck
 
 
 
63 Jose Canseco
 
 
 
64 Steve Finley
 
 
 
65 Pedro Martinez
 
 
 
66 John Olerud
 
 
 
67 Scott Rolen
 
 
 
68 Ismael Valdes
 
 
 
69 Andrew Vessel
 
 
 
70 Mark Grudzielanek
 
 
 
71 Eric Karros
 
 
 
72 Jeff Shaw
 
 
 
73 Lou Collier
 
 
 
74 Edgar Martinez
 
 
 
75 Vladimir Guerrero
 
 
 
76 Paul Konerko
 
 
 
77 Kevin Orie
 
 
 
78 Kevin Polcovich
 
 
 
79 Brett Tomko
 
 
 
80 Jeff Bagwell
 
 
 
81 Barry Bonds
 
 
 
82 David Justice
 
 
 
83 Hideo Nomo
 
 
 
84 Ryne Sandberg
 
 
 
85 Shannon Stewart
 
 
 
86 Derek Wallace
 
 
 
87 Tony Womack
 
 
 
88 Jason Giambi
 
 
 
89 Mark Grace
 
 
 
90 Pat Hentgen
 
 
 
91 Raul Mondesi
 
 
 
92 Matt Morris
 
 
 
93 Matt Perisho
 
 
 
94 Tim Salmon
 
 
 
95 Jeremi Gonzalez
 
 
 
96 Shawn Green
 
 
 
97 Todd Greene
 
 
 
98 Ruben Rivera
 
 
 
99 Deion Sanders
 
 
 
100 Alex Rodriguez
 
 
 
101 Will Cunnane
 
 
 
102 Ray Lankford
 
 
 
103 Ryan McGuire
 
 
 
104 Charles Nagy
 
 
 
105 Rey Ordonez
 
 
 
106 Mike Piazza
 
 
 
107 Tony Saunders
 
 
 
108 Curt Schilling
 
 
 
109 Fernando Tatis
 
 
 
110 Mark McGwire
 
 
 
111 David Dellucci RC
 
 
 
112 Garret Anderson
 
 
 
113 Shane Bowers RC
 
 
 
114 David Cone
 
 
 
115 Jeff King
 
 
 
116 Matt Williams
 
 
 
117 Aaron Boone
 
 
 
118 Dennis Eckersley
 
 
 
119 Livan Hernandez
 
 
 
120 Richard Hidalgo
 
 
 
121 Bobby Higginson
 
 
 
122 Tino Martinez
 
 
 
123 Tim Naehring
 
 
 
124 Jose Vidro
 
 
 
125 John Wetteland
 
 
 
126 Jay Bell
 
 
 
127 Albert Belle
 
 
 
128 Marty Cordova
 
 
 
129 Chili Davis
 
 
 
130 Jason Dickson
 
 
 
131 Rusty Greer
 
 
 
132 Hideki Irabu
 
 
 
133 Greg Maddux
 
 
 
134 Billy Taylor
 
 
 
135 Jim Thome
 
 
 
136 Gerald Williams
 
 
 
137 Jeff Cirillo
 
 
 
138 Delino DeShields
 
 
 
139 Andres Galarraga
 
 
 
140 Willie Greene
 
 
 
141 John Jaha
 
 
 
142 Charles Johnson
 
 
 
143 Ryan Klesko
 
 
 
144 Paul O'Neill
 
 
 
145 Robinson Checo
 
 
 
146 Roberto Alomar
 
 
 
147 Wilson Alvarez
 
 
 
148 Bobby Jones
 
 
 
149 Raul Casanova
 
 
 
150 Andruw Jones
 
 
 
151 Mike Lansing
 
 
 
152 Mickey Morandini
 
 
 
153 Neifi Perez
 
 
 
154 Pokey Reese
 
 
 
155 Edgar Renteria
 
 
 
156 Eric Young
 
 
 
157 Darin Erstad
 
 
 
158 Kelvim Escobar
 
 
 
159 Carl Everett
 
 
 
160 Tom Gordon
 
 
 
161 Ken Griffey Jr.
 
 
 
162 Al Martin
 
 
 
163 Bubba Trammell
 
 
 
164 Carlos Delgado
 
 
 
165 Kevin Brown
 
 
 
166 Ken Caminiti
 
 
 
167 Roger Clemens
 
 
 
168 Ron Gant
 
 
 
169 Jeff Kent
 
 
 
170 Mike Mussina
 
 
 
171 Dean Palmer
 
  
172 Henry Rodriguez
+
===Universal Language===
  
173 Matt Stairs
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Universal-Language/17UL/Hideo-Nomo.jpg?id=2160ec9c-5d42-43ac-921b-de52ad374f47&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Universal-Language/17UL/Hideo-Nomo.jpg?id=2160ec9c-5d42-43ac-921b-de52ad374f47&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
174 Jay Buhner
+
This 20-card set highlighted players in the game that were proficient in "speaking" the universal language of baseball skill and talent.  Each card was die-cut, printed on matte card stock, and featured a sepia-colored map background.  The reverse side of each Universal Language card was written in each player's native language..
  
175 Frank Thomas
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Universal Language')
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
176 Mike Cameron
+
===Diamond Heroes===
  
177 Johnny Damon
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Diamond-Heroes/1DH/Ken-Griffey-Jr.jpg?id=8f56d59f-f87b-47d5-8f26-0dce13f0d302&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Diamond-Heroes/1DH/Ken-Griffey-Jr.jpg?id=8f56d59f-f87b-47d5-8f26-0dce13f0d302&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
178 Tony Gwynn
+
This 6-card set highlighted some of the top players in the game and paid homage to the roots of the Metal Universe brand by featuring the fantasy comic book-themed backgrounds that "interacted" with player photos seen in the base set's design from previous years.  Each card was printed on colored, etched foil.
  
179 John Smoltz
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Diamond Heroes')
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Titanium===
  
180 B.J. Surhoff
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Titanium/9T/Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=910da84a-9db9-4629-81dd-c0cf580aa5bf&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Titanium/9T/Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=910da84a-9db9-4629-81dd-c0cf580aa5bf&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
181 Antone Williamson
+
This 15-card set highlighted some of the best players in the game on a die-cut and embossed card resembling a metal shield featuring colored finishes that accented the player's team. 
  
182 Alan Benes
+
'''NOTE''': These cards are slightly wider than the standard 2½ inch card width.
  
183 Jeromy Burnitz
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Titanium')
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
  
184 Tony Clark
+
===All-Galactic Team===
  
185 Shawn Estes
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---All-Galactic-Team/14AGT/Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=c0bd4d3f-1631-4baa-b7a6-37a1baf5d9cd&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 +
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---All-Galactic-Team/14AGT/Mike-Piazza.jpg?id=c0bd4d3f-1631-4baa-b7a6-37a1baf5d9cd&size=original&side=back&.jpg
  
186 Todd Helton
+
This 18-card set featured the supposed best players in the galaxy.  Each card was printed on a holographic foiled, space and planets background.
  
187 Todd Hundley
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
 +
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe All-Galactic Team')
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
===Platinum Portraits===
  
188 Chipper Jones
+
This 12-card set highlighted some of the best young and established talent in the game at the time, which differed from previous years that just featured young, emerging stars.  Each "card" was made of two pieces: a die-cut, silver etched "frame" and a player portrait card that fit inside the frame.
  
189 Mark Kotsay
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Platinum-Portraits/6PP/Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=1b35a1b5-ee50-483a-a91c-7a9452ac9056&size=original&side=front&.jpg
 
+
https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1998/Metal-Universe---Platinum-Portraits/6PP/Cal-Ripken-Jr.jpg?id=1b35a1b5-ee50-483a-a91c-7a9452ac9056&size=original&side=back&.jpg
190 Barry Larkin
 
 
 
191 Mike Lieberthal
 
 
 
192 Andy Pettitte
 
 
 
193 Gary Sheffield
 
 
 
194 Jeff Suppan
 
 
 
195 Mark Wohlers
 
 
 
196 Dante Bichette
 
 
 
197 Trevor Hoffman
 
 
 
198 J.T. Snow
 
 
 
199 Derek Jeter
 
 
 
200 Cal Ripken Jr.  
 
 
 
201 Steve Woodard
 
 
 
202 Ray Durham
 
 
 
203 Barry Bonds HG
 
 
 
204 Tony Clark HG
 
 
 
205 Roger Clemens HG
 
 
 
206 Ken Griffey Jr. HG
 
 
 
207 Deion Sanders HG
 
 
 
208 Derek Jeter HG
 
 
 
209 Randy Johnson HG
 
 
 
210 Brady Anderson HG
 
 
 
211 Hideo Nomo HG
 
 
 
212 Mike Piazza HG
 
 
 
213 Cal Ripken Jr. HG
 
 
 
214 Alex Rodriguez HG
 
 
 
215 Frank Thomas HG
 
 
 
216 Mo Vaughn HG
 
 
 
217 Larry Walker HG
 
 
 
218 Ken Griffey Jr. CL
 
 
 
219 Alex Rodriguez CL
 
 
 
220 Frank Thomas CL
 
 
 
==Parallels==
 
 
 
==Inserts==
 
  
<!--Change these 2 lines accordingly-->
+
<sql2wiki database="carddb">
[[Category:manufacturer]]
+
SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Platinum Portraits')
 +
ORDER BY num +0 ASC;
 +
</sql2wiki>
 +
{{Metal}}
 +
[[Category:Fleer]]
 +
[[Category:Skybox]]
 
[[Category:1998]]
 
[[Category:1998]]

Latest revision as of 21:20, 8 September 2021


Description

1998 Metal Universe was a 220-card single-series set produced by Fleer/Skybox and released in the summer of 1998. Unlike previous years where card backgrounds revolved around space and fantasy comic book designs, the 1998 set design shifted to focus primarily on environmental backgrounds from the state/city that the player represented; however, some players still had space-themed backgrounds. All cards are printed on etched foil and were highly susceptible to chipping along the edges and were marked as "condition sensitive" by Beckett, just like the 1996 and 1997 sets.

This year marked the introduction of the famous and popular "Precious Metal Gems" (PMG) parallel to the baseball brand, which was already wildly beloved in the basketball hobby.

Being the face of Fleer/Skybox, Alex Rodriguez once again was the featured frontman for this product, just as he was for other Fleer/Skybox products released that year (e.g., 1998 E-X 2001, 1998 Ultra).

There were no notable Rookie Cards in this 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.

Retail: 18 packs per box, 8 cards per pack.

Insertion Ratios

Cards Total Cards Numbered To Hobby Odds Retail Odds
Base 220 - ? ?
Precious Metal Gems 220 50 ? N/A
Universal Language 20 - 1:6 1:6
Diamond Heroes 6 - 1:18 1:18
Titanium 15 - 1:96 1:96
All-Galactic Team 18 - 1:192 1:192
Platinum Portraits 12 - 1:360 1:360

Checklist

Promos

Alex-Rodriguez.jpg?id=8bd8e070-a965-4c10-96d1-702c7deb53a5&size=original&side=front&.jpg Alex-Rodriguez.jpg?id=8bd8e070-a965-4c10-96d1-702c7deb53a5&size=original&side=back&.jpg

Alex Rodriguez promo cards were distributed with all dealer order forms. The card is identical to Rodriguez's base card except for the text "PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE" written diagonally along the card back and the card being sequentially-numbered as "SAMPLE."

  • SAMPLE Alex Rodriguez

Base Set

Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=5eeafd8f-b68e-45b3-9f8d-dcfeda4712f2&size=original&side=front.jpg Derek-Jeter.jpg?id=5eeafd8f-b68e-45b3-9f8d-dcfeda4712f2&size=original&side=back&.jpg

  • 1 Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 2 Jeff Abbott
  • 3 Rafael Palmeiro
  • 4 Ivan Rodriguez
  • 5 Jaret Wright
  • 6 Derek Bell
  • 7 Chuck Finley
  • 8 Travis Fryman
  • 9 Randy Johnson
  • 10 Derrek Lee
  • 11 Bernie Williams
  • 12 Carlos Baerga
  • 13 Ricky Bottalico
  • 14 Ellis Burks
  • 15 Russ Davis
  • 16 Nomar Garciaparra
  • 17 Joey Hamilton
  • 18 Jason Kendall
  • 19 Darryl Kile
  • 20 Edgardo Alfonzo
  • 21 Moises Alou
  • 22 Bobby Bonilla
  • 23 Jim Edmonds
  • 24 Jose Guillen
  • 25 Chuck Knoblauch
  • 26 Javy Lopez
  • 27 Billy Wagner
  • 28 Kevin Appier
  • 29 Joe Carter
  • 30 Todd Dunwoody
  • 31 Gary Gaetti
  • 32 Juan Gonzalez
  • 33 Jeffrey Hammonds
  • 34 Roberto Hernandez
  • 35 Dave Nilsson
  • 36 Manny Ramirez
  • 37 Robin Ventura
  • 38 Rondell White
  • 39 Vinny Castilla
  • 40 Will Clark
  • 41 Scott Hatteberg
  • 42 Russ Johnson
  • 43 Ricky Ledee
  • 44 Kenny Lofton
  • 45 Paul Molitor
  • 46 Justin Thompson
  • 47 Craig Biggio
  • 48 Damion Easley
  • 49 Brad Radke
  • 50 Ben Grieve
  • 51 Mark Bellhorn
  • 52 Henry Blanco
  • 53 Mariano Rivera
  • 54 Reggie Sanders
  • 55 Paul Sorrento
  • 56 Terry Steinbach
  • 57 Mo Vaughn
  • 58 Brady Anderson
  • 59 Tom Glavine
  • 60 Sammy Sosa
  • 61 Larry Walker
  • 62 Rod Beck
  • 63 Jose Canseco
  • 64 Steve Finley
  • 65 Pedro Martinez
  • 66 John Olerud
  • 67 Scott Rolen
  • 68 Ismael Valdes
  • 69 Andrew Vessel
  • 70 Mark Grudzielanek
  • 71 Eric Karros
  • 72 Jeff Shaw
  • 73 Lou Collier
  • 74 Edgar Martinez
  • 75 Vladimir Guerrero
  • 76 Paul Konerko
  • 77 Kevin Orie
  • 78 Kevin Polcovich
  • 79 Brett Tomko
  • 80 Jeff Bagwell
  • 81 Barry Bonds
  • 82 Dave Justice
  • 83 Hideo Nomo
  • 84 Ryne Sandberg
  • 85 Shannon Stewart
  • 86 Derek Wallace
  • 87 Tony Womack
  • 88 Jason Giambi
  • 89 Mark Grace
  • 90 Pat Hentgen
  • 91 Raul Mondesi
  • 92 Matt Morris
  • 93 Matt Perisho
  • 94 Tim Salmon
  • 95 Jeremi Gonzalez
  • 96 Shawn Green
  • 97 Todd Greene
  • 98 Ruben Rivera
  • 99 Deion Sanders
  • 100 Alex Rodriguez
  • 101 Will Cunnane
  • 102 Ray Lankford
  • 103 Ryan McGuire
  • 104 Charles Nagy
  • 105 Rey Ordonez
  • 106 Mike Piazza
  • 107 Tony Saunders
  • 108 Curt Schilling
  • 109 Fernando Tatis
  • 110 Mark McGwire
  • 111 Dave Dellucci RC
  • 112 Garret Anderson
  • 113 Shane Bowers RC
  • 114 David Cone
  • 115 Jeff King
  • 116 Matt Williams
  • 117 Aaron Boone
  • 118 Dennis Eckersley
  • 119 Livan Hernandez
  • 120 Richard Hidalgo
  • 121 Bob Higginson
  • 122 Tino Martinez
  • 123 Tim Naehring
  • 124 Jose Vidro
  • 125 John Wetteland
  • 126 Jay Bell
  • 127 Albert Belle
  • 128 Marty Cordova
  • 129 Chili Davis
  • 130 Jason Dickson
  • 131 Rusty Greer
  • 132 Hideki Irabu
  • 133 Greg Maddux
  • 134 Billy Taylor
  • 135 Jim Thome
  • 136 Gerald Williams
  • 137 Jeff Cirillo
  • 138 Delino DeShields
  • 139 Andres Galarraga
  • 140 Willie Greene
  • 141 John Jaha
  • 142 Charles Johnson
  • 143 Ryan Klesko
  • 144 Paul O'Neill
  • 145 Robinson Checo
  • 146 Roberto Alomar
  • 147 Wilson Alvarez
  • 148 Bobby Jones
  • 149 Raul Casanova
  • 150 Andruw Jones
  • 151 Mike Lansing
  • 152 Mickey Morandini
  • 153 Neifi Perez
  • 154 Pokey Reese
  • 155 Edgar Renteria
  • 156 Eric Young
  • 157 Darin Erstad
  • 158 Kelvim Escobar
  • 159 Carl Everett
  • 160 Tom Gordon
  • 161 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 162 Al Martin
  • 163 Bubba Trammell
  • 164 Carlos Delgado
  • 165 Kevin Brown
  • 166 Ken Caminiti
  • 167 Roger Clemens
  • 168 Ron Gant
  • 169 Jeff Kent
  • 170 Mike Mussina
  • 171 Dean Palmer
  • 172 Henry Rodriguez
  • 173 Matt Stairs
  • 174 Jay Buhner
  • 175 Frank Thomas
  • 176 Mike Cameron
  • 177 Johnny Damon
  • 178 Tony Gwynn
  • 179 John Smoltz
  • 180 B.J. Surhoff
  • 181 Antone Williamson
  • 182 Alan Benes
  • 183 Jeromy Burnitz
  • 184 Tony Clark
  • 185 Shawn Estes
  • 186 Todd Helton
  • 187 Todd Hundley
  • 188 Chipper Jones
  • 189 Mark Kotsay
  • 190 Barry Larkin
  • 191 Mike Lieberthal
  • 192 Andy Pettitte
  • 193 Gary Sheffield
  • 194 Jeff Suppan
  • 195 Mark Wohlers
  • 196 Dante Bichette
  • 197 Trevor Hoffman
  • 198 J.T. Snow
  • 199 Derek Jeter
  • 200 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 201 Steve Woodard
  • 202 Ray Durham

Hardball Galaxy

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This 15-card subset (203-217) caricatured top players in the game as fictional superheroes based on their baseball talents. Each card was drawn and designed by Dan Lawlis, a TV storyboard artist that drew for Marvel Entertainment at the time.

  • 203 Barry Bonds
  • 204 Tony Clark
  • 205 Roger Clemens
  • 206 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 207 Deion Sanders
  • 208 Derek Jeter
  • 209 Randy Johnson
  • 210 Brady Anderson
  • 211 Hideo Nomo
  • 212 Mike Piazza
  • 213 Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 214 Alex Rodriguez
  • 215 Frank Thomas
  • 216 Mo Vaughn
  • 217 Larry Walker

Checklists

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  • 218 Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 219 Alex Rodriguez
  • 220 Frank Thomas

Parallels

Precious Metal Gems

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All 220 base cards (including the checklists) are available in a Precious Metal Gems (PMG) parallel, which were exclusive to Hobby packs and serial-numbered to 50 copies each. Each PMG card is finished with a holographic spiral and concentric circle design.

The PMGs are one of the most appreciated and sought after parallel sets from this era due to the unique card background designs for each player, aesthetics of the holographic foil finish, rarity due to the low serial-numbering, and extensive player checklist -- not to mention the popularity of similar PMG parallels in other sports (especially basketball) during this era.

Only the first 45 copies of each PMG (cards serial-numbered 1-45) were seeded into Hobby packs. Randomly inserted into Hobby packs were five "Ultimate Gems" redemption cards, which could be redeemed for a full 220-card PMG set, all with matching serial numbers.

Inserts

Universal Language

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This 20-card set highlighted players in the game that were proficient in "speaking" the universal language of baseball skill and talent. Each card was die-cut, printed on matte card stock, and featured a sepia-colored map background. The reverse side of each Universal Language card was written in each player's native language..

  • 1 UL Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2 UL Frank Thomas
  • 3 UL Chipper Jones
  • 4 UL Albert Belle
  • 5 UL Juan Gonzalez
  • 6 UL Jeff Bagwell
  • 7 UL Andruw Jones
  • 8 UL Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 9 UL Derek Jeter
  • 10 UL Nomar Garciaparra
  • 11 UL Darin Erstad
  • 12 UL Greg Maddux
  • 13 UL Alex Rodriguez
  • 14 UL Mike Piazza
  • 15 UL Vladimir Guerrero
  • 16 UL Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 17 UL Hideo Nomo
  • 18 UL Kenny Lofton
  • 19 UL Tony Gwynn
  • 20 UL Scott Rolen

Diamond Heroes

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This 6-card set highlighted some of the top players in the game and paid homage to the roots of the Metal Universe brand by featuring the fantasy comic book-themed backgrounds that "interacted" with player photos seen in the base set's design from previous years. Each card was printed on colored, etched foil.

  • 1DH Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2DH Frank Thomas
  • 3DH Andruw Jones
  • 4DH Alex Rodriguez
  • 5DH Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 6DH Cal Ripken, Jr.

Titanium

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This 15-card set highlighted some of the best players in the game on a die-cut and embossed card resembling a metal shield featuring colored finishes that accented the player's team.

NOTE: These cards are slightly wider than the standard 2½ inch card width.

  • 1 T Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2 T Frank Thomas
  • 3 T Chipper Jones
  • 4 T Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 5 T Juan Gonzalez
  • 6 T Scott Rolen
  • 7 T Andruw Jones
  • 8 T Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 9 T Derek Jeter
  • 10 T Nomar Garciaparra
  • 11 T Darin Erstad
  • 12 T Greg Maddux
  • 13 T Alex Rodriguez
  • 14 T Mike Piazza
  • 15 T Vladimir Guerrero

All-Galactic Team

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This 18-card set featured the supposed best players in the galaxy. Each card was printed on a holographic foiled, space and planets background.

  • 1 AGT Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2 AGT Frank Thomas
  • 3 AGT Chipper Jones
  • 4 AGT Albert Belle
  • 5 AGT Juan Gonzalez
  • 6 AGT Jeff Bagwell
  • 7 AGT Andruw Jones
  • 8 AGT Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 9 AGT Derek Jeter
  • 10 AGT Nomar Garciaparra
  • 11 AGT Darin Erstad
  • 12 AGT Greg Maddux
  • 13 AGT Alex Rodriguez
  • 14 AGT Mike Piazza
  • 15 AGT Vladimir Guerrero
  • 16 AGT Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 17 AGT Mark McGwire
  • 18 AGT Scott Rolen

Platinum Portraits

This 12-card set highlighted some of the best young and established talent in the game at the time, which differed from previous years that just featured young, emerging stars. Each "card" was made of two pieces: a die-cut, silver etched "frame" and a player portrait card that fit inside the frame.

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  • 1 PP Ken Griffey, Jr.
  • 2 PP Frank Thomas
  • 3 PP Chipper Jones
  • 4 PP Jose Cruz, Jr.
  • 5 PP Andruw Jones
  • 6 PP Cal Ripken, Jr.
  • 7 PP Derek Jeter
  • 8 PP Darin Erstad
  • 9 PP Greg Maddux
  • 10 PP Alex Rodriguez
  • 11 PP Mike Piazza
  • 12 PP Vladimir Guerrero