Sy Berger, father of modern baseball card, dies at 91

NEW YORK - The father of the modern baseball trading card who designed the famed Topps versions in the 1950s has died. Sy Berger was 91.

His daughter, Maxine Berger-Bienstock, says Berger died Sunday in Rockville Center, New York.

Using a pair of scissors and cardboard at his kitchen table in Brooklyn, Berger played around with ideas for trading cards until he struck upon a design that endured for decades: a card with team logos and simulated player autographs on the front and bios and stats on the back.

Berger told The Associated Press in 2002: "We wanted to make something attractive that would catch the eye." He added: "And we gave you six cards and a slice of gum for a nickel."

Berger is also survived by his wife, two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.