ZEENUTS

In 1911 the Collins-McCarthy Candy Company of San Francisco introduced the first of a series of baseball cards of players in the Pacific Coast League. The Company continued distribution each year thereafter through 1938.

In 1911 and 1912 six teams were covered, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Vernon. In 1913 and 1914 Venice replaced the Vernon team. Salt Lake was added in 1915 and continued through 1925. Vernon returned in 1916 and in 1920 the Seattle was introduced. In addition to those teams already mentioned other teams have appeared on Zeenut cards, Missions for one, Hollywood for another.

In 1913 the Company attached a one-half inch coupon to the bottom of the cards. The coupons were redeemable for prizes from the Company. Because the coupons could be redeemed for prizes most Zeenut cards from 1913 are found with the coupon removed. Cards with the coupon still attached command a premium price for collectors. 1911 and 1912 Zeenuts did not have coupons. Beginning in 1931 the year of issue did not appear on the cards. The only way to determine the year of issue was with a coupon attached and reference to the coupon expiration date. For example 1931 cards have an expiration date of April 1, 1932. A coupon with that expiration date identifies the card as a 1931.

Many Hall of Fame players appear on Zeenut cards. Some appear on cards prior to their years in the Major League and some as players or managers after their Major League careers. Hall of Fame players of note in the Pacific Coast League were Joe DiMaggio, Dave Bancroft, Earl Averill, Lefty Gomez, Frank Chance, Harry Heilmann, and others.

Pictured below are examples of cards for the years 1911 through 1934: