The Mystery of Billy Owen

"Who is Billy Owen? It's a mystery that dates back at least one hundred years. Journey back with us now through the mists of time as we seek the long-lost answer. The question as to the true identity of one 'Billy Owen' arose almost by accident, as part of research done to establish the answer to another question, that of the actual date of manufacture of the Fan Craze card game. Much in demand now among collectors of antique tabletop baseball games, several different editions of Fan Craze were produced by The Fan Craze Co. of Cincinnati sometime between 1904 and 1906. 'Generic' editions of the game, packaged variously in boxes measuring six by four inches and six inches square, handsomely printed, and including a wooden playing board, were popular and successful in their day, and are attractive to modern collectors -- the price for an example in decent condition averages over $400., ranging from under $100. to a record $2,300."
Baseball Games

1906 Fan Craze
"How important is this 'card' release? Pretty darn important! This is one of the few card releases around the dawn of the twentieth century. This was produced between 1904 and 1906. Although most indications point to early 1906. This release, which was part of a game, is one of the few between the late nineteenth century tobacco cards and the ever popular T206 tobacco set. It features players from the beginning of the American League that either wouldn't be around for the T206 cards or would be on different clubs by then. This is a cornerstone set from a time that rarely produces cards or even images of some players."
White Sox Cards


1904 Fan Craze American League Baseball Card Checklist
Baseball Almanac