The Topps Traded sets as we have come to know them originally came about in 1981, when a separate boxed set featuring players that were traded during the season, and rookies that did not make the base set, was introduced. Previously, there had been other incarnations of the Traded set, both in 1974 and 1976, as 44 card sets featuring only players that had been traded. However, the origins of this concept trace their way back to 1972.
Included as part of the high numbered section of the set, this seven card subset featured well known players who had been traded during the season. These cards featured those players in their new uniforms, with a facsimile rubber stamp saying 'Traded' angled across the bottom of the card. At the time, this was a novel concept, as it required getting to the player on the new team, getting the photograph, and having the card ready in time for inclusion in that series. Back before the internet, digital photography, and the technology of today, this was a difficult undertaking.
Joe Morgan, who is on the card depicted, was traded from Houston to Cincinnati along with four other players for Lee May, Tommy Helms, and Jimmy Stewart. May was a solid player, coming off of back to back All-Star appearances, while Helms and Stewart were serviceable players at the major league level. Morgan, however, became one of the vital cogs of the Big Red machine of the 1970's, going on to make eight consecutive All-Star Game appearances, win back to back MVP awards, and win four Gold Gloves at second base. He also helped to lead the Reds to the post season five times, winning two World Series.
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