Even more mustaches

Here is a little multiple choice question for you.

When I completed the 1982 Topps set a few days ago, my first thought was:

A. I've completed all Topps flagship sets between 1974-86!
B. I don't have to buy any more binders -- the family's storage crisis is over!
C. Hockey sticks! Hockey sticks! Hockey sticks!
D. I can update the mustache champion post!

Those who answered "D" know me to a frightening degree.

Back in November, when I tried to determine which set had the greatest percentage of players with mustaches, I had it narrowed down fairly well: sets from the 1970s and 1980s. But I had to confine it to only sets that I have completed, because searching online for cards I don't have for projects such as these gets time-consuming and messy.

So all of the pertinent Topps sets between 1974 and 1989 were included, except one.

That one was 1982 because I hadn't completed it yet.

I went ahead and listed the top five mustache sets anyway and mentioned how an update was in order once I completed '82.

And now this is the mustache moment you have waited for -- the top five mustache sets with 1982 Topps included!

Oh, the suspense:

 
5. 1986 Topps, 44.3 percent (351-792)

If you paid attention to the previous list, you know that 1986 used to be ranked 4th. WE HAVE A SHAKE-UP!

4. 1981 Topps, 45.6 percent (331-726)

I still want to grow a mustache like that.

3. 1984 Topps, 51.6 percent (409-792)

Hmmm. Each of the previous three sets have dropped down a notch.

There was a point when I was going through the 1982 Topps set when I realized that '82 was really going to be a contender. There were several pages in which all but one or two players on the page wore a mustache.

And I came across glorious cards like this:

And this:

This was going to be close.

On with the countdown:

2. 1983 Topps, 53.2 percent (421-792)

The now former mustachioed champion.

Because ...

1. 1982 Topps, 54.2 percent (429-792).

I knew this is why I had to complete the 1982 Topps set!

Now I suppose I should do the same thing for all the Donruss and Fleer sets.

A mustache-counter's work is never done.