I might be able to help out on this one. I don't know whether the cards were created specifically for this purpose, but they were (and may still be) included as giveaways accompanying certain "Vintage Inspired Sportswear" items sold by Common Union. For the folks possessing top loaders with holes drilled in them, a piece of twine ran through the hole and was attached (along with the tag) to the apparel with a safety pin. As of this writing, Common Union is still advertising the cards with some of their their Jackie Robinson-inspired products (examples here: https://commonunionshop.com/search?q=jackie+robinson&submit=).
Others will have to weigh in on which version of the card is glossy.
While we're on the subject, there's ANOTHER full set of cards being offered by Common Union with their products. Common Union also sells tee shirts and other items that were inspired by other Federal League, Negro League, and Latin baseball teams (plus one football team). Depending on the shirt you order, you're supposed to receive a team card for the following teams:
- Alemendares Scorpions
- Baltimore Black Sox
- Baltimore Elite Giants
- Brooklyn Tip-Tops
- Chicago American Giants
- Chicago Cuban X Giants
- Chicago Federals [Federal League]
- Chicago Whales [Federal League]
- Cuba National
- Detroit Stars
- Habana Leones
- Hilldale Giants
- Homestead Grays
- Kansas City All Nations
- Kansas City Monarchs
- Leopardos de Santa Clara
- Los Angeles Dons [Football; action shot]
- Los Angeles Giants
- Memphis Red Sox
- New York Black Yankees
- New York Cubans
- Newark Eagles
- Philadelphia Stars
- Pittsburgh Crawfords
- Santurce Cangrejeros
- St. Louis Stars
- Veracruz Azules
Here's a link to the list of qualifying items, for anyone who's interested in seeing the cards: https://commonunionshop.com/search?q=baseball+cards&submit=
I researched this release last year but wasn't able to determine exactly when the cards were released. My best guess is that the team cards were produced from 2015 to 2017. Some of the cards I listed are still shown on their website; others I only found mention of on their Twitter page.
This next part is veering further off-topic, but I'm including it to save folks possible aggravation....
Before everyone races off to order stuff, I should warn you that I placed an order last year around this time (a Crawfords tee and a Grays tee, more to get the cards than the shirts), and...nothing happened. I finally requested and received a refund from PayPal but was contacted by someone at Common Union a week later who apologized profusely for the confusion, explained that they were currently out of my items due to supply chain issues, and sent me a care package from his personal stash that consisted of the Craws and Grays team cards I wanted, two other garments, and one additional card. It was very nice of him to try to make amends, and I plan to place another order with them after the holidays. (Roberto Clemente is visible in the Cangrejeros team card.) Anyway, you may want to verify that they have your wanted items in stock before you order. I'm happy to put any of you in contact with the fellow who reached out to me if you're interested in placing an order.
Chris