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KARRSON: Where there was smoke, there were ball cards 

But the origins of the tobacco-trading card connection may not be as well-known.

I happened across some interesting background information while glancing at a thick book that features thousands of odd tidbits and bizarre tales, and carries the rather coarse name of "Bathroom Reader." I then visited a few Web sites in order to verify what I read. . . .

By the way, the story of Wagner's card being pulled from circulation because of his dislike of smoking is a fallacy. Wagner had simply cut a better endorsement deal with a cigar manufacturer.

Like the Dukes, old Honus understood marketing. But his flair for the dramatic left something to be desired.

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