Baseball cards have a rich history dating back to the 19th century, beginning as promotional items included in cigarette packs. Early sets like T206 in 1909 featured legendary players such as Honus Wagner, making those cards highly sought after. Over the decades, card designs and materials evolved, with iconic companies like Topps and Upper Deck shaping the market. By the 1980s and 1990s, the hobby saw a boom, leading to increased production and subsequent mass overproduction.