SP 'Short Print'SP is an abbreviation for "Short Print" A "Short Print"is a card that is printed in lesser numbers than the other cards in the same set. Generally, short prints have a print run of half that of the other cards. There is no way of knowing if a card is a short print by looking at it. You would have to use a price guide or checklist that uses the indication SP. Below is a link to a Baseball card checklist.