History of the 1971 Ultra Rare Milwaukee Brewers Stadium 3" Player Pinback Button Set
Today I attended the Milwaukee Brewers opening day and was quite disappointed by the outcome, 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. I was amazed at all of the costume-like dress of the fans. I saw vintage 1970s styles, 1982 World Series bat and glove jerseys, combinations of all eras, and even the beer can-crochet hats that were popular during the late 1970s. Many of the female fans were dressed in full length bobby socks, and I would estimate that almost 100% of both male and female fans were dressed in Brewers attire.
All three fan shops were packed with fans buying opening day souvenirs, and I purchased home and road 2010 Rickie Weeks game worn jerseys for the MEARS Museum. I did not have any 2010 examples for display, and I always liked the 2010 40th anniversary patch the team sported last season.
All of the nostalgia made me remember a very rare collectable I saw at the 2010 Brewerfest, a complete set of the 1971 Milwaukee Brewers Stadium 3" Player Pinback Button set.
I have been buying and selling Brewers memorabilia since 1986, and have only seen 3 or 4 single player examples. I was never certain what a complete set consisted of, until I saw a complete display at the 'Fest. The Brewers had a traveling museum on display, and with a simple mount on cardboard, labeled with each players name, was the complete set of 10.
Measuring 3"in diameter, these full color buttons featured a portrait pose, with facsimile signatures, with the exception of Tommy Harper, that was issued unsigned. The images appear to be taken in a professional studio, with a blue background found on each image. Included in the complete set of 10 are:
Dave Bristol - Manager
Tommy Harper - 3B
Mike Hegan - 1B
Andy Kosco - LF
Skip Lockwood - P
Davey May - CF
Marty Pattin - P
Ken Sanders - P
Bill Voss - OF
Danny Walton - OF
I have never seen a complete set, and have never seen many of the buttons on display. I would estimate the value of each pinback at $25.00 each, with a complete set selling for a premium, $300+. A complete set should be considered quite rare, and as always, be considerate of condition.
Keep collecting.
