1963 Fleer Baseball Near Complete Set / Lot 7 - NM

Card fronts feature a large player photo, below which a yellow diamond showcases an assortment of player accolades.  The player's name, position, and team is listed below the photo.  Utilizing a vertical orientation, 1963 Fleer card backs include an extensive write-up and statistical history of the player's career.  In the middle of the card back is a graphic of a baseball and two bats that frames the card number.  The entire back includes a bright green border with the player's name printed near the top edge in the same bold color.  

This set was Fleer's final attempt to secure their spot in the baseball card market.  After four years of unsuccessful attempts to enter the gum card market without directly competing with Topps, Fleer released their 1963 set.  In an attempt to work around Topps' claim of exclusivity with gum, Fleer sold their cards with cherry-flavored cookies.  It wasn't until 1980 when Fleer was finally allowed to directly compete with Topps and challenge their long-standing monopoly.