The history of sports cards dates back to the late 19th century, when they were first introduced as promotional items for tobacco products. The earliest known sports cards appeared in 1887, produced by the Goodwin & Co. tobacco company as part of their "Old Judge" series, which featured baseball players. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs to encourage repeat purchases. As sports gained in popularity, particularly baseball, sports cards became more widely produced by companies like the American Tobacco Company and later, major brands like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer. In the mid-20th century, sports cards became closely tied to bubble gum, with cards being sold in packs alongside the gum. The 1980s and 1990s saw a surge in production, leading to an oversupply, but also the rise of rare and valuable cards, some of which are now worth millions. Today, sports cards are both a hobby and a lucrative investment, with collectors valuing cards for their rarity, historical significance, and condition.