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Specs
Year: 1989
Title: Converse
Size: 2-1/2″ by 3-1/2″
Number in Set: 13-17
Overview
The 1989 Converse basketball set was officially licensed by the NBA and was produced by Sports Marketing Inc in Redmond, WA. Apparently, 50k sets were made, which included 13 players who endorsed Converse shoes. The original intention was for the cards to be distributed at youth basketball clinics; however, cards remained and were distributed in other ways throughout the hobby.
When first released, the set included a “free” video card. For $3.95 shipping and handling, fans could get a copy of Converse Basketball tips that featured Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, and Dale Brown.
You will see different checklist sizes listed in various publications for this set. I recently ran across an uncut sheet for sale on eBay that has 16 different cards on it; 13 player cards, two checklists, and the video offer.
However, the uncut sheet shows a blank title card, but others on the market say “1989 ALL PRO TEAM” without the video offer on them, indicating a production shift occurred at some point. So, a master set of 1989 Converse requires 17 cards, but most collectors will stick with the 13 player cards for a complete set.
The front of the player cards features a color-action player photo against a white background. “CONVERSE OFFICIAL SHOE OF THE NBA” and the NBA logo are printed along the top of the card, and the player’s name and number are printed below the photo. The back of each card has basic player vitals, a short biography, and career highlights, along with a tip from the player with an anti-drug or alcohol message.
Mark Aguirre’s name is misspelled as Aquirre on the checklist cards.
Example
Key Cards
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the set’s two key cards.
Checklist
Mark Aguirre
Larry Bird
Rolando Blackman
Muggsy Bogues
Rex Chapman
Magic Johnson
Bernard King
Bill Laimbeer
Karl Malone
Kevin McHale
Mark Price
Jack Sikma
Reggie Theus
Title Card Checklist
Title Card Checklist (Free Video)
Free Video Offer