Barry Larkin Collection 977: 1994 Finest - #240 - Superstar Sampler

Barry Larkin

Year:  1994

Brand:  Finest

Insert set:  Superstar Sampler

Card number:  240

In 1994, Topps released special factory sets that came with a three card "sampler" of an MLB player.  Each player on the 45 person checklist had three different cards - one with the 1994 Finest design, one with the 1994 Stadium Club design, and one with the 1994 Bowman design.  All of the cards are identical to their "regular" counterparts in each set except for the "Superstar Sampler" stamp on the card back.  Obviously, today's card features the 1994 Finest design (and notice the red stamp on the card back to indicate it's part of the Superstar Sampler insert set).

According to baseballcardpedia, the full checklist of players included in the 1994 Superstar Sampler set is:

• Roberto Alomar
• Carlos Baerga
• Jeff Bagwell
• Albert Belle
• Barry Bonds
• Bobby Bonilla
• Jose Canseco
• Joe Carter
• Will Clark
• Roger Clemens
• Darren Daulton
• Lenny Dykstra
• Cecil Fielder
• Cliff Floyd
• Andres Galarraga
• Tom Glavine
• Juan Gonzalez
• Mark Grace
• Ken Griffey, Jr.
• Marquis Grissom
• Tony Gwynn
• Gregg Jefferies
• Randy Johnson
• Dave Justice
• Barry Larkin
• Greg Maddux
• Don Mattingly
• Jack McDowell
• Fred McGriff
• Paul Molitor
• Raul Mondesi
• John Olerud
• Rafael Palmeiro
• Mike Piazza
• Kirby Puckett
• Manny Ramirez
• Cal Ripken, Jr.
• Tim Salmon
• Ryne Sandberg
• Gary Sheffield
• Frank Thomas
• Andy Van Slyke
• Mo Vaughn
• Larry Walker
• Matt Williams

Lots of names you'd expect in that list (Bonds, Griffey, etc.) but also a few surprises to me.  For example, I don't remember guys like Jack McDowell, John Olerud, or Darren Daulton referred to as "superstars."  Still, nice to see a bit of variety on the checklist - though good luck buying a factory set and getting the cards of the player you want from the Superstar Samplers checklist!