Let’s Talk About Decoy Cards

Let’s talk about what we call “decoy cards.” These are cards that you’d come across in a pack or while sorting and think you’ve got a big star, only to glance at the name and realize it’s kind of a dud that RESEMBLES a star. The 1979 Topps Don Money card is a prime example. When we were kids, it always fooled us into thinking we’d found a Paul Molitor second year card in our stack, only to let us down when we glanced at the name. Who could blame us though? There was a passing physical resemblance and they were both wearing batting helmets. Topps also labeled Money’s card an All-Star while up-and-comer and future Hall of Famer Molitor got no such royal treatment, further confusing us (to be fair, Money was on a pretty good run in ’79, earning his third straight All Star appearance). Were there any cards back in the day that tricked you into thinking you’d hit the jackpot only to leave you feeling fooled? 

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