In 1981 Topps had competition for the first time since 1955, from Fleer and Donruss. Its answer was 726 cards with a drawn baseball cap on the front of every one; collectors call it the cap set.
Mike Schmidt's card is one of the few that show him in the field. He is in the Phillies' powder-blue road uniform, number 20, set in the field with his glove ready and a full stand behind him, under a green N.L. ALL-STAR banner. The cap in the lower corner reads 3rd BASE, PHILLIES.
One of the few cards of him at third base, where he won ten Gold Gloves.
It was the first card after his 1980 season: Most Valuable Player, World Series MVP, champion. The 1981 season was cut short by a strike, and he won the MVP award again.
He appears twice more in the set, on the league leaders card, #2, and on a Record Breaker, #206.
Centering is the main obstacle to a high grade on this set.
