How David Robinson’s 50-point game in the NCAA tournament helped revolutionize the trading card world

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David Robinson became the No. 1 draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs after his career at Navy. (AP Photo)

David Robinson became the No. 1 draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs after his career at Navy. (AP Photo)

March 12 has seen many noteworthy events throughout history, from the founding of the Girl Scouts (1912) to Coca-Cola’s debut in glass bottles (1894). On March 12, 1987, a slightly less-well-known event had an impact on the basketball world — the day future NBA superstar David Robinson exploded for a career-high 50 points for Navy in an NCAA tournament game against Michigan, which cemented his status as a top prospect, and helped usher in a new era for basketball card collecting.

Robinson’s path to the NBA was unique. Drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1987, “The Admiral” couldn’t join the team immediately due to his commitment to the Navy. His eventual debut in 1989 coincided with a pivotal moment in basketball card collecting. Despite the popularity of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird throughout the 1980s, NBA trading cards remained a niche hobby dwarfed by baseball cards. The hobby was primed for explosion — and Robinson was going to be right at the center of it.

Prior to 1989, Fleer was the dominant force in basketball cards, producing relatively small sets with limited player representation. The mid-1980s until the early 1990s are considered the “junk wax era” for basketball cards, featuring high production runs and minimal popularity.

Then came Hoops, the “official card of the NBA.” Their inaugural 1989-90 set was a game-changer, boasting a larger checklist that included two cards of the highly anticipated rookie, David Robinson. His “low-number” No. 138 card, featuring him in a suit holding a Spurs jersey instantly became a must-have for collectors.

While it may have peaked around $50, today, you can find nice raw copies for less than a fast food meal. High-grade examples, however, do much better. In a PSA 10, the card sells for around $300-$400. The second Robinson card (#310) regularly sells for under $3.

Per Sports Collectors Daily, Robinson’s Hoops rookie card success helped usher in a new era for the trading card industry. Card companies realized the importance of featuring rookies prominently, with later sets showcasing players even before they stepped onto the court. Other trading card companies soon hopped on board, while Fleer increased its card set from 132 to 168. By 1990, Skybox entered the market, and Upper Deck followed a year later. Topps and Classic joined in 1992.

So while March 12 may be Alfred Hitchcock Day or known as the day “The Hunger Games” originally released, on this day in 1987, basketball fans around the country witnessed the greatness that David Robinson would come to be known for — which helped create a new era for basketball card collecting.

Here is another collecting milestone for March 12 — on this date in 1894, the world’s very first glass bottled Coca-Cola was sold. This prized transaction took place in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where a candy store owner named Joseph A. Biedenharn was the first person to sell the glass-bottled product. Before then, Coca-Cola was only sold as a fountain drink. Check out this Guinness World Record-holding collection of Coca-Cola cans compiled by Davide Andreani, posted on Mantel— can you spot any glass bottles?

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