Quick Answer: What Is the Ellis Burks Kansas City Life Insurance Co. Card?
Ellis Burks' baseball card issued by Kansas City Life Insurance Co. is a promotional trading card produced in the early 1990s as part of a corporate giveaway series. The card features a portrait of the former MLB outfielder, basic career stats, and branding from the insurance company, making it a niche collectible for both baseball card fans and memorabilia tied to corporate promotions.
- Quick Answer: What Is the Ellis Burks Kansas City Life Insurance Co. Card?
- Background on Ellis Burks
- Origin of the Kansas City Life Insurance Co. Card
- Design and Physical Characteristics
- Rarity and Market Value
- Collecting Tips for the Ellis Burks Card
- 1. Verify Authenticity
- 2. Condition Is King
- 3. Documentation
- Comparative Overview: Corporate‑Issued Cards vs. Standard Sets
- Preservation and Grading Resources
- Conclusion
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Background on Ellis Burks
Ellis Burks (born January 25, 1964) enjoyed a 16‑year Major League Baseball career (1987‑2005) with teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, and San Francisco Giants. Known for his speed, power, and defensive versatility, Burks compiled a .284 batting average, 352 home runs, and 1,206 RBIs. He was a three‑time All‑Star and won a World Series with the Giants in 2002. His reputation makes any card bearing his name of interest to collectors.
Origin of the Kansas City Life Insurance Co. Card
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, many non‑sport corporations produced limited‑run baseball cards for marketing purposes. Kansas City Life Insurance Co., a regional insurer headquartered in Missouri, commissioned a series of cards featuring current MLB players to distribute at client events and as promotional giveaways. The Ellis Burks card was part of the 1991 "Life Insurance Player Series," printed on glossy cardstock, 2.5" × 3.5", and typically sold in packs of ten.
Design and Physical Characteristics
The card's front displays a full‑color portrait of Burks in a Colorado Rockies uniform (he was with the Rockies in 1991), overlaid with the Kansas City Life Insurance logo in the upper‑right corner. The back includes:
- Player bio: birthdate, position, batting/throwing hands.
- Career statistics up to the 1991 season.
- A brief blurb about Kansas City Life Insurance's services.
- Contact information and a QR code (now obsolete).
Key physical specs:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Card size | 2.5" × 3.5" (standard) | Physical examination |
| Print run | Estimated 5,000–7,000 copies | Collector interviews |
| Material | Glossy cardstock, 12‑pt thickness | Manufacturer spec sheet |
Rarity and Market Value
Because the card was never included in mainstream baseball card sets (e.g., Topps, Fleer), its supply is limited to the original corporate distribution. Market data from recent auction houses (e.g., Heritage Auctions, eBay sold listings) shows:
- Typical condition (Near‑Mint to Excellent): $15–$30.
- High‑grade (Gem‑Mint, PSA 9+): $75–$120.
- Signed versions (player‑autographed, rare): $250+.
Values fluctuate with overall interest in Burks and the niche market for corporate‑issued cards. The card is considered "low‑mid tier" in rarity compared to limited‑edition inserts from major manufacturers.
Collecting Tips for the Ellis Burks Card
For collectors seeking to add this card to a Burks or corporate‑promo set, consider the following best practices:
1. Verify Authenticity
Check for the original Kansas City Life Insurance logo, correct color palette, and the QR code pattern. Counterfeit versions often have blurred logos or incorrect font.
2. Condition Is King
Even minor creases or surface wear dramatically affect value. Store the card in a penny‑board sleeve and a top‑loader case with a UV‑protective sleeve.
3. Documentation
If you own a signed version, keep any provenance (e.g., a signed certificate or a photo of the signing event) to substantiate authenticity for resale.
Comparative Overview: Corporate‑Issued Cards vs. Standard Sets
Understanding where the Ellis Burks Kansas City Life Insurance card fits within the broader hobby helps set realistic expectations.
| Metric | Corporate‑Issued Card | Standard Set Card |
|---|---|---|
| Print run | 5,000–7,000 | 10,000–50,000+ |
| Distribution channel | Corporate giveaway | Retail hobby shops, hobby conventions |
| Typical market value (mid‑grade) | $15–$30 | $1–$10 (common) / $50+ (rare) |
| Collector interest | Niche (promo collectors, Burks fans) | Broad (general baseball card hobby) |
Preservation and Grading Resources
For those interested in professional grading, reputable services include PSA, BGS, and SGC. When submitting a corporate‑issued card, include a brief note explaining its origin; graders are familiar with these types and will note "promo" on the label. Keep in mind that grading fees for low‑value cards may exceed potential return.
Conclusion
The Ellis Burks baseball card from Kansas City Life Insurance Co. represents a small but intriguing slice of baseball memorabilia history. Its limited production, distinct branding, and connection to a notable MLB career give it modest collectibility. By understanding its provenance, condition factors, and market dynamics, collectors can make informed decisions whether they're preserving it for personal enjoyment or considering resale.