We all make mistakes. Sometimes we assume we know more about a subject than we really do, and unfortunately have to be corrected by someone who knows a bit more, or someone who can search Wikipedia on the spot. Then there are EGREGIOS ERRORS, for which there are no excuses.

Sportscards have had misprints, incorrect stats, reverse negative photos, and often the wrong player’s picture on the front. Not only can it be fun to find and know about those egregious error trading cards, but sometimes it pays.

The list of error cards throughout history is long, and something the producers of the memorabilia would like to avoid. In addition to statistical and photographical errors, there have also been cards that made it to print that should have been reviewed much more closely. On occasion, lighting and shadows can create what looks like something that is not in the original shot, or an overlooked item in the background may cause the card company to re-issue the card with another shot.  

My favorite example of an overlooked item is the 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken****FACE card.  Apparently Fleer did not notice that on the knob of the bat, someone had labled it with a very naughty word.  It went to print, became extremely hot, and then Fleer went into panic mode creating three different versions of this card, all with the words covered up. In 2014 this card, and all it’s cover-ups is still one of the most valuable in the entire 1989 set.

Going through my collection of Arizona State Football cards I have found some examples that might not be obvious to many, and some egregious error cards that most Diehard Sun Devils would pick up on immediately. 

1967 Topps #32 Rex Mirich

Rex Mirich’s Rookie card in 1967 said he was a HUGE 260 Lb tackle that was acquired from the Raiders by Denver of the AFL. It also says he went to Arizona State University. The Florence, AZ native and College Football Hall of Famer actually went to school in Flagstaff at NAU. On the back of the card, it asks the reader to take a quiz… A quiz by a card company that confused Flagstaff and Tempe?

2005 Topps All American: #48 John Jefferson (ASU 1974-1977) 

This card features a great picture of #84 on the front. A pic that shows Jefferson, errr… Aaron Cox in an obvioius mid 80’s ASU uniform. I guess Topps couldn’t find a pic of J.J. that wasn’t already on a card.

2007 Press Pass: #27R Zach Miller (ASU 2004-2006)

Ok, so maybe there weren’t enough photos for John Jefferson for the previous entry, I can almost understand that. But in today’s digital age, where we have numerous outlets for photos, why would Press Pass put Zach’s Brother Brent (also a Sun Devil player) on both sides of the card? I would be cool with one of my brothers on my card, especially if he was also a Sun Devil Tight End, but this was just lazy. Oh, on a side note, Tempe is in Arizona, not Arkansas…

1990 Pro-Set: #738 Todd Kalis (ASU 83-87)

So you finally get a rookie card, woo hoo! Wait… Really?  We’re going to do this? You’re going to call me a !@#$% Wildcat? Did ESPN’s crack research team help write the bio.? Helped the Wilcats to a ROSE BOWL VICTORY?

THE….. WORST…… MOST EGREGIOUS……. ERROR CARD…….. EVER!