Absurd Trading Cards You Couldn't Get a Paper Clip For
Trading card collections were relevant 50 years ago, and they're still big among sports fans today, but not all cards are worth buying, and some years have definitely been better than others. Having a well-preserved collection with your favorites is priceless, even though we know you spent more money than you'd like to admit. But having rare cards nobody likes can also be very profitable today, since some people just buy them for the laughs. Luckily for them, there are a lot to choose from.
Whether they had a really bad design that appealed to no one, or they used the worst pictures they could find, some trading cards are just really bad. Some look like they were phoned in, while others tried to take graphic design to new heights, failing miserably in the process. Others are just funny because you know that's the best picture they could get, and it still looks bad.
So, here are absurd trading cards you couldn't get a paper clip for.
Sandy Alomar Jr.
There's got to be a better picture.
Scared Catcher
Not your best look.
1991 Fleer
These cards are considered some of the worst in history, mostly due to their color, but also the lack of… everything else.
Falling
Someone really thought that picture was perfect for a card.
Nomar Garciaparra
A psychedelic trip nobody asked for.
Dennis Cook
Get this card away from my children.
Graphic Design
Some card companies weren't even trying.
Brooks Robinson
He didn't have just one bad card.
Brooks Robinson
He had plenty. Did card makers hold a grudge or something?
Bob Hamelin
Iconic card, considered one of the worst ever made. Nobody wanted to work that day.
Austin Hays
Weird illustration, but I guess it's better than using AI.
1995 Studio
Nobody liked them because they were too different and looked like credit cards, but they're a relic today for some fans.
1995 Fleers
Collages were a thing.
1991 Donruss
The less information, the better, I guess?
1990 Topps
They did Chuck dirty.
'88 Donrus
Probably the only good-looking card of the whole set.
Bad Season
Basketball fans had their fair share of awful cards as well.
Upper Deck
It was marketed towards kids, but still…
Panini Prizm
Is this an Ayo Dosunmu card or a Ref card?
Fleer 91 Ultra
It was almost just a picture with no borders.
