1993 Richmond Kickers Soccer Set

The Oddball Card Collector loves obscure soccer sets... Come to think of it, most soccer sets are pretty darn obscure. But, in our attempt to bring obscure soccer sets to a new, higher level of obscurity, we hereby submit our top choice: The 1993 Richmond Kickers set.

This set is so rare -- and seemingly undocumented -- that one has to wonder if these cards were ever issued. I stumbled upon this set one evening whilst walking through the convoluted online garage sale known as eBay, and promptly added it to my collection with an unflinching click of the "Buy It Now" button. As far as researching the set, Google yields no clues whatsoever. Thankfully, the players and coach pictured on these cards quickly narrow down the year of issue here to 1993, the inaugural season of the Kickers in the USISL (United States Interregional Soccer League).

These cards are slightly larger than the standard size, measuring 2 5/8 across by 3 5/8 tall. The set we obtained features 21 unnumbered cards that were printed on semi-glossy card stock. Backs are printed in varying shades of green and give a short bio of the subject listed. The set was sponsored by the "Sportsmed" division of the Henrico Doctors' Hospital. Cards are not numbered except for player uniform numbers.

A few players went on to perform at the MLS level, including goalkeeper Scott Budnick, midfielder Mike Huwiler, forward Rob Ukrop and midfielder Richie Williams, who played eight productive seasons with D.C. United and Metro Stars.  Forward Leigh Cowlishaw was the first player to have his number retired by the Kickers, and is still involved with the franchise today as their successful coach. Bobby Lennon co-founded the Kickers with Cookie Ketcham, both of whom are pictured on cards in the set.

It's hard to put a price on a set that collectors don't know exists. I'm sure that die-hard Richmond fans would have an interest, and regional oddball collectors as well. All I can say is grab one when ya find it.

Click here to find Kickers Cards on eBay

(1) Liam Behrens, Defender

(2) Tony Blunt, Defender

(3) Matt Borgard, Midfield/Forward

(4) Scott Budnick, Goalkeeper

(5) Patrick Burke, Midfield

(6) Karlton Byrd, Defender

(7) Leigh Cowlishaw, Forward

(8) Scott Davis, Defender

(9) John Dugan, Forward

(10) Eric Dumbleton, Forward

(11) Mike Huwiler, Midfield/Defender

(12) Cookie Ketcham, Owner/Office Manager/Director

(13) Bobby Lennon, Owner/Coach/General Manager

(14) Joe O'Carroll, Goalkeeper

(15) Sean Phillips, Defender

(16) Duncan Satchell, Defender

(17) Khary Stockton, Midfield/Forward

(18) Jack Thomas, Certified Athletic Trainer

(19) Rob Ukrop, Forward

(20) Kathlene Watz, Certified Athletic Trainer

(21) Richie Williams, Midfield

1984/85 Tacoma Stars Set (Pierce County Credit Unions)

We know very little about this simple, but glorious, Tacoma Stars card set. What we do know are the following facts:

1. The Stars were a franchise in the MISL from 1983 to 1992. This set was apparently released in 1984/85.

2. This set consists of sixteen numbered player cards and an unnumbered card that lists the locations of participating Pierce County Credit Unions.

3. Card fronts feature a posed color photo of the player, along with his name and position across the top. The Tacoma Stars team logo is pictured at the bottom.

4. Card backs are all similar except for the card number, which is listed at the top right corner. Backs say, "Compliments of the Pierce County Chapter of Credit Unions who have adopted the Stars."

5. Cards are printed to thin, white card stock.

6. Even though there are 29 different participating Credit Unions listed on the locations card,  this damned set is really tough to find.

Lord knows what the value of this set might be. As is the case with virtually every other regional soccer release, most collectors probably have no idea this issue exists. With that being said, fans of 1980s soccer will recognize several names found within these cards. Defender Jimmy McAlister was the 1977 NASL Rookie of the Year, and earned six caps with the United States national team from 1977 though 1979. Ralph Black was a defender whose professional career spanned the years 1982 through 1999. Forward Mark Peterson had six appearances with the United States national team from 1980 through 1985, and played professionally from 1980 to 1987.

Click here to find Tacoma Soccer Cards on eBay

1. Ralph Black, Defender

2. Neil Megson, Defender

3. Mark Peterson, Forward

4. Gary Heale, Forward

5. Chris Hellenkamp, Midfielder

6. John Barretta, Goalkeeper

7. Paul Roe, Midfielder

8. Flemming Pehrson, Forward

9. Dale Mitchell, Forward

10. Danko Grgic, Forward

11. Ray Evans, Defender

12. Geoff Wall, Midfielder

13. Frank Barton, Midfielder

14. Jim Sinclair, Defender

15. Mike Enneking, Forward

16. Jimmy McAlister, Defender

(NNO) Pierce County Credit Union List Card

1980 81 82 Tampa Rowdies Police Sets - How to Tell the Difference

The Tampa Rowdies soccer club was the subject of three police sets in the early 1980s. All three sets utilized a design format that was typical for safety sets of the time, with the fronts of all three being exactly the same. Here's a look at a card front from each:

I don't know about you, but I can't see much of a difference on the fronts. The key to discovering the year of issue lies on the backs of the cards, as there are subtle but unmistakeable differences. Each of the three years features a different set of sponsors listed on the back bottoms of the cards. Here they are:

You'll immediately notice that the 1980 set features two logos near the bottom, with the circular logo representing the Exchange Club of Tampa. This is the only year that the Exchange Club was a sponsor. In 1981, the two sponsors listed were the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Law Enforcement Council. Luckily, between the printings of the 1981 and 1982 sets, the Law Enforcement Council changed their name to the Community Security Council, with the 1982 set reflecting the name change accordingly.

We will spend more time detailing these sets in the future. These really are some great oddball cards that feature cards for players, cheerleaders (Wowdies), the band (Loudies), the stadium, and even mascot "Krazy George."

Click here to find Rowdies stuff on eBay

1976 Pepsi Los Angeles Skyhawks

Looking at my blog stats, it seems that most people are coming here via Google to look up these obscure soccer sets. It makes sense, because so little has been published regarding these regional, oddball gems. While I am far from an authority on anything soccer, I have had the fortune of slowly adding several of these type sets to my collection over the years. Anyone with additional info is very welcome to comment!

The 1976 L.A. Skyhawks set was sponsored by Pepsi. Card fronts feature red borders and black and white player photos. An advertising slogan is featured at the bottom left/center ("Join the Pepsi People feelin' free!"), while the Pepsi Logo is located next to it at the bottom right. Card backs feature player biographies and the team logo. 

A complete set consists of 15 cards, which are not numbered except for player uniform numbers. Legendary Hall of Fame coach Ron Newman is included in the set, as well as Liverpool mainstay Ron Yeats.

It is difficult to give a value to this scarcely-traded set, but common singles might sell in the $3 to $5 each range.

(1) Brian Parkinson, Goalkeeper

(4) Mickey Cave, Midfield

(5) Ron Yeats, Defense

(6) Steve Ralbovsky, Midfield

(7) Jim Rolland, Forward

(8) Abraham Cohen, Midfield

(9) Jim Hinch, Forward

(10) Ane Mihailovich, Forward

(11) Tony Whelan, Forward

(12) Benny Binshtock, Defense

(13) Leif Werneid, Midfield

(14) Steve Cacciatore, Forward

(16) Marine Cano, Goalkeeper

(17) Javier Loza, Defense

Ron Newman, Head Coach

1976 Herfy's San Jose Earthquakes

This set of 18 red-bordered cards was distributed by Herfy's Restaurants in the San Jose area, and are roughly the same size as standard sports cards. Two cards per week were handed out at participating locations. The fronts consist of a large red border and black and white photo. Backs feature short bios and a special offer where cards could be exchanged for merchandise.

According to card backs, one complete set of cards could be exchanged for a Quakes T-Shirt, ten sets for a soccer ball, or eighty sets for a pair of goal nets. Many sets were undoubtedly exchanged for merchandise, as these sets are very difficult to find today. Several noted players appear in this issue, including Julie Veee, Laurie Calloway and Head Coach Gabbo Gavric, who was a kicker for the San Francisco 49ers in 1969.

Examples of this set are rarely found, and like the Herfy's 1975 issue, it is difficult to give the cards an accurate price range because the set rarely trades. We'd guess that $50 would be a good starting point.

1. Julie Vee

2. Buzz Demling

3. Laurie Calloway

4. Mark Demling

5. Gabbo Gavric (Head Coach)

6. Mani Hernandez

7. Art Welch

8. Johnny Moore

9. George Sorgic

10. Paul Child

11. Mark Liveric

12. Jim Zylker

13. Dave Kemp

14. Miro Pavlovic

15. Ilija Mitic

16. John Rowlands

17. Mike Hewitt

18. Mike Ivanow

1975 Herfy's San Jose Earthquakes

Herfy's hamburger restaurants in the San Jose area gave these cards away in 1975. Complete at 22 cards, little else is known about the set. Cards are not numbered and the backs are blank. Featured in the set are 20 players (Buzz Demling is the subject of two cards) and fan/mascot "Krazy George" is the only non-player (George shows up a few years later in the Tampa Rowdies police sets). The cards are quite a bit larger than the standard size, roughly measuring 5 1/4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Soccer fans will recognize many players from the era, including Boris Bandov, Gary St. Clair and Dan Counce.

This set is quite scarce and does not come up for sale often. A good starting point value-wise would probably be in the $40 to $50 range.

 

March 2024 Update: These days, the price of a nice set should be at least $100... Eleven years after my original post, I'm still amazed at how truly scarce these cards are.

(1) Boris Bandov

(2) Laurie Calloway

(3) Paul Child

(4) Dan Counce

(5) Derek Craig

(6) Buzz Demling (daytime, kicking)

(7) Buzz Demling (nighttime, heading ball)

(8) Mark Demling

(9) Gabbo Gavric

(10) Mani Hernandez

(11) Mike Ivanow

(12) Dave Kemp

(13) Terry Lees

(14) Ilija Mitic

(15) Johnny Moore

(16) Bill Quiros

(17) Archie Roboostoff

(18) Gary St. Clair

(19) Art Welch

(20) Zee Zaczynski

(21) Jim Zylker

(22) Krazy George (Head Earthquake Rumbler)