Sneak peek: Playoff Prime Cuts IV baseball cards

Playoff Prime Cuts IV is set to hit hobby shops on Dec. 24 after a three-year break. Check out a selection of Colossal Jumbo Materials and other insert cards after the jump.

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According to Donruss, more than 400 swatches of a Lou Gehrig game-used uniform and more than 400 swatches of a Jackie Robinson-worn Brooklyn Dodgers jersey and jacket can be found in the product.

Donruss can use Robinson and Gehrig in Prime Cuts IV under terms remaining on a contract signed to get both in Americana in  2007. With one more usage available before the expiration of the contract on Dec. 31, Donruss put each Hall of Famer in the product.

“This is a big deal – for us and for collectors,” said Donruss Brand Manager Ben Ecklar. “To have even one of these players in a set is big. But to have both . . . and to have the quality of game-used items used by both, is really significant.”

The Gehrig jersey pieces come from two jerseys worn late in his career — a 1938 home flannel and a 1939 road jersey, which Donruss purchased at auction in 2003. The jersey is significant because Gehrig played in eight games in ’39 and his last game was on the road. This is likely the last jersey The Iron Horse ever wore.

“We’re thrilled with the chance to bring Lou Gehrig to collectors one more time,” said Donruss Brand Manager David Porter. “These historic pieces will no doubt be the cornerstone of many collections.”

The Robinson swatches came from a 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers home jersey purchased by Donruss in 2001. The Brooklyn Dodgers jacket was worn by Robinson in either the 1954 or 1955 season, and was purchased at auction in 2000 from from Robinson’s widow, Rachel.

Chris Olds has collected sports cards and memorabilia since 1987. Before coming to Beckett Media, he wrote about the hobby for the Orlando Sentinel on his blog, SportsStuff, and for the San Antonio Express-News and The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News. Do you have a comment, question or idea? Send e-mail to him at colds@beckett.com.