To improve clarity, particularly for younger audiences, this article discusses the various names associated with the Cubs franchise, specifically focusing on the Chicago Colts (1890–1897). During this time, tobacco products were widely used. The 1895 Mayo's Cut Plug Baseball Cards (N300) contained 48 different players, including 3 from the Chicago Colts. The cards are sized at 2 7/8" x 1 5/8" and are unnumbered. They feature a sepia-toned portrait of the player, surrounded by a distinctive black border. The player's name is displayed at the top of the frame, while an advertisement stating "For Chewing and Smoking" appears at the bottom of the card. All N300 cards have blank black backs.
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Chicago Cubs (1903–present)
- Chicago Orphans (1898–1902)
- Chicago Colts (1890–1897)
- Chicago White Stockings (1871–1889)
Due to the scarcity of sets in this timeframe, Colts cards tend to be quite costly.
To ensure you don't purchase a counterfeit piece of history, always obtain a professionally graded card from a trusted seller. Graded cards are expected to appreciate significantly in value over time.
Inside the large metal "lunchpail" tins of Mayo's Cut Plug Tobacco, a card and the tobacco were packaged together. The tobacco is bitten to form a plug, allowing the user to let the cured tobacco gradually dissolve in their mouth, which seems rather unappealing. Alternatively, it could be cut for pipe smoking, but during baseball games, it was often chewed and spat all over the field.
Chicago Cubs 1895 Mayo's Cut Plug Checklist
| Player |
| Cap Anson |
| William Dahlen |
| Jimmy Ryan |
