Genius behind modern baseball cards passes away

January 6, 2015

by Jordan Fickling, sports editor

The inventor behind the addicting and quite famous trading baseball cards, Sy Berger, was pronounced dead at the age of 91. His love for the game and idea of trading cards became very popular and was the norm that every child had back in the days. Today, it's still quite famous and in fact old and ancient cards can be worth a lot of money these days. These are some of the many cards in Senior Zachary Damasco's baseball card collection. Most of these cards in this photo were developed and innovated by the late Sy Berger. Photo by Zachary Damasco. — The inventor behind the addicting and quite famous trading baseball cards, Sy Berger, was pronounced dead at the age of 91. His love for the game and idea of trading cards became very popular and was the norm that every child had back in the days. Today, it’s still quite famous and in fact old and ancient cards can be worth a lot of money these days. These are some of the many cards in Senior Zachary Damasco’s baseball card collection. Most of these cards in this photo were developed and innovated by the late Sy Berger. Photo by Zachary Damasco.

Sy Berger, the inventor of the modern baseball trading card has passed away at the age of 91. Berger was famous for designing the cards in the 1950s.

Topps trading cards has given their heartfelt condolences on their website to Berger as they viewed him as a “cherished member” of the organization.

Topps as a franchise continues to grow strong, gathering a myriad of collectors and followers alike as they will continue to do so even after Berger’s unfortunate death.

“I love collecting Baseball cards because ever since I was young, I always wanted (and still want) to become a Major League Baseball player and be on one of the cards. The fact that a tiny piece of cardboard immortalized various people is what makes it more fun just to open up a pack,” senior Zachary Damasco said.

Berger, when developing the card always made sure to include team logos, an autograph of the player on the front front and player biographies and statistics on the back of them.

“We wanted to make something attractive that would catch the eye. And we gave you six cards and a slice of gum for a nickel,” Sy Berger said.

Baseball collectors and fans alike will miss Berger and will thank him for his contributions to the sport. Berger leaves behind his wife, two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Genius behind modern baseball cards passes away

The Blazer

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