What sport do you first think of when you think of America? For me its baseball. So it’s not surprising at all that Baseball was one of the first American themed Smurfs to be released back in 1981. 

Variations of Baseball

Baseball #20129 is considered highly collectible because of the different colour variations that can be found. In the Smurf Collector’s Club International Newsletter, edition 22, released in 1991 they list six. How many do you think exist?

Variations: #20129 Baseball Batter

1. Black shoes, red socks and belt, white uniform, 3 painted on back of shirt in red, dull brown bat.
2. Black shoes, orangey/red socks and belt, white uniform, 3 is not painted in on back of shirt, dull brown bat.
3. Black shoes, red socks and belt, white uniform, 3 painted on back of shirt in red, shiny brown bat.
4. Black shoes, red socks and belt, white uniform, 3 painted on back of shirt in red, tan bat.
5. Same as #4, ivory bat
6. Same as #5, new blue

Baseball was very popular in America and also in Europe. It was sold by Wallace Berrie/Applause from 1981 to 1984. During this time it was also sold as a keyring and a triangle pedestal. Schleich sold Baseball from 1981 to 1986/1992/1996 and 1997. It’s also interesting to see that the different coloured bats were shown in both Wallace Berrie and Schleich catalogues. 

Baseball Promo Smurf

If you have a keen interest in promotional smurfs. Then the Silan marked Baseball is worth collecting. A promotional Baseball Smurf was produced for the Belgian Fabric Softener company Silan. It can be found with light cream bat or dark brown bat.

1. Light cream bat – Made in Portugal Schleich S © Peyo 1981 with red paint dot
2. Light cream bat – Hong Kong W. Berrie &Co. Schleich S © Peyo 1981
3. Dark brown bat – Made in Portugal Schleich S Germany © Peyo 1981 CE

You don’t have to be a fan of baseball to enjoy the different variations to be found with Baseball Smurf. 

Keep on Smurfin

Kath B