1998 Metal Universe
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 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."
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Promo'); </sql2wiki>
Base Set
<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>
Hardball Galaxy
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.
<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>
Checklists
<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>
Parallels
Precious Metal Gems
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
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..
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Universal Language') ORDER BY num +0 ASC; </sql2wiki>
Diamond Heroes
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.
<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
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.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Titanium') ORDER BY num +0 ASC; </sql2wiki>
All-Galactic Team
This 18-card set featured the supposed best players in the galaxy. Each card was printed on a holographic foiled, space and planets background.
<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
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.
<sql2wiki database="carddb"> SELECT num,player,info from cards WHERE (year = '1998') AND (setname='Metal Universe Platinum Portraits') ORDER BY num +0 ASC; </sql2wiki>
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