1999 Topps Autographs

In 1999, Topps inserted autographs directly into packs of their base product for the second time ever – but after a year in between as 1997 had been the previous time.  This was also the first time Topps ever inserted autographs of current players.

Nolan Ryan Reprint Autographs – (27 cards, 1:4,250 series 1 / 1:5,007 series)

In series 1, 14 of the 27 Nolan Ryan reprints (even years from 1968-1994) were autographed by the Ryan Express and inserted directly into hobby packs.  These are marked with a “Topps certified autograph” foil stamp instead of the Ryan Commemorative stamp which comes on the non-autographed cards.  The other 13 cards were inserted into series 2.

Autographs – 16 cards (1:532 s1 / 1:501 s2)

There were 8 cards inserted in both series 1 and 2 in an autograph set with its own design.  It’s actually a heck of a checklist – it would rival some of the sets Topps puts together today.  Bonds, Clemens Chipper and A-Rod are the biggest names, and that’s plenty.  But you’ve also got Vladimir Guerrero, Andruw Jones, Scott Rolen, Moises Alou, Andres Galarraga, Troy Glaus, and Ben Grieve – who was the defending ROY at the time.