Nolan Ryan 2013 Topps Series One ‘Chasing History’

Nolan Ryan 2013 Topps Series One ‘Chasing History’

While I have no intention, at this time, of going after the ‘Chasing History’ subset from the 2013 Topps Series 1 release, I will admit that the cards are stunning.

I definitely prefer the horizontal action images that Topps chose versus the vertical ones.  And I also think that the left-side border graphics fit better with the horizontal layout.

This is the card of Nolan Ryan from the set:

It looks great, and is a very nice addition to my collection of cards that feature Nolan Ryan.

Great card!  Just not digging the theme of the set…

Brooks Robinson 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen – A Tad On The Boring Side…

Brooks Robinson 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen

There is no doubt that Brooks Robinson is the greatest defensive third baseman of all-time.

Anyone that would argue that fact does not understand how he revolutionized the way that defense at ‘The Hot Corner’ was played.

With that being said, does Topps need to continue to publish cards that feature images of Brooks that offer almost the same image of him in his ‘Ready’ position?

Seriously, I can recall at least 5-6 cards issued in the last few years that feature images that are almost identical to this one.  And as much as I appreciate the reminder that we are celebrating Robinson’s dominance at defense, he did enough on offense as well to be celebrated in that manner too.

Please Topps, give me a card of Brooks sliding into second base.  Or bunting.  Or in the on-deck circle.  Or in a batting cage.  Or slugging a homer…

Please!!

Derek Jeter 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen

Derek Jeter 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen

Man, I hope that we get to see Jeter on the field again this season.  It was so hard to watch him carried off the field (literally) in the postseason last year with that ankle injury.

I had projected VERY BIG THINGS for Jeter in 2013 – I am hoping that he can pick up right where he left off prior to that injury.

We need more baseball history to be created…

Rickey Henderson 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Sliding Stars’

Rickey Henderson 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Sliding Stars’

If you’re going to have a subset of cards in your set that is tagged as ‘Sliding Stars’ you had better have included Rickey Henderson in the checklist.

Cheers to Topps’ Gypsy Queen for doing it right!!!!

And what an excellent image for the card – Man, O Man!!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #6 – 2010 Topps ‘TCYMTO’ Yankees’ Power Hitters – Mickey Mantle & Yogi Berra

Baseball Card Show Purchase #6 – 2010 Topps ‘TCYMTO’ Yankees’ Power Hitters – Mickey Mantle & Yogi Berra

I am a little surprised that I have never seen this card before, but it definitely stopped me in my tracks when I found in a dealer’s box at the show.

Very similar to the ‘Bird Belters’ card that I love from the 1968 Topps set, this one is a classic.

Have a look:

While not the original (that would have been issued in 1957) this card is the next best thing – a perfect reprint.

Anytime you can couple Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra on a baseball card together you are going to attract collectors.  I am pretty sure that this was a well received re-print when issued in the 2010 ‘The Cards Your Mother Threw Out’ subset in 2010.

I Have Finally Brought Home The #1 Baseball Card On My “Want List” – Come Check It Out!!!!

I Have Finally Brought Home The #1 Baseball Card On My “Want List” – Come Check It Out!!!!

This took me a really long time, but it was a wait that was certainly worthwhile.

While some collectors have $100 cards as the most wanted card for their collections, I try to keep to my rules of budgeted baseball card collecting.  Sticking to this plan has led me to becoming a more patient collector – and it almost always works out in my favor.

My most wanted card does not feature an autograph or chunk of jersey material.  The card is not stamped with a Gold foil serial number.

It is however, 45 years old.

Are you ready to see it?

Are you sure?

Ok, here is the card that I have been shopping for for more than two years: 

That’s right!!  A 1968 Topps ‘Bird Belters’ card of HOF teammates Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson (no relation).  I have loved this card since I was a kid, but that PSA slab; something I do not need.

I’ve probably placed bids on this exact card more than 20 times in the last 12 months.  And finally, my constant seeking and patience has paid off for me.

The #1 card on my want list is now home!!!

Now I just need to figure out which collection to put this one into – Frank Robinson or Brooks Robinson….

Hmmm – quite the predicament!

Yogi Berra 2001 Topps ’50 Years Of Topps’ – ‘Noteworthy’

Yogi Berra 2001 Topps ’50 Years Of Topps’ – ‘Noteworthy’

This is the last of the ‘Noteworthy’ cards that I had in my stack to show off on the blog.  This set is a very nice one and is becoming a ’30-YOC’ favorite.

But, I will say that of all of the cards I have picked up thus far from this set, this one below of Yogi Berra is my favorite.

Have a look:

There is just something about Mr. Berra that I have always liked.  I have a few cards of his, all from modern releases, but I now have a new favorite!!!

As for the set, I am going to have to try to find a checklist to see what would be involved in piecing the whole thing together.  If the checklist appeals to me, and the cards can be had affordably, this may be a journey worth taking!!!

2012 Topps ‘Career Day’ Subset – Card #25 – Yogi Berra, New York Yankees

2012 Topps ‘Career Day’ Subset – Card #25 – Yogi Berra, New York Yankees

I am working on this set because I find it to be the most appealing of the subsets issued by Topps in 2012.

The cards feature bold colors, great images, and a unique horizontal design.

I especially like the ‘Career Day’ theme as it pays homage to some of the greatest individual performances of baseball’s elite players.

Card #25 – Yogi Berra, New York Yankees

The Career Day – October 10, 1956.  On this day, the Yankees were facing the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series.  Berra was 2-for-3 in the game with 2 home runs, 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI.  He was also walked two times in the game.  Best of all – The Yankees won 9-0 and secured the 1956 World Series Championship.

Progress – 25/25

Brooks Robinson 2012 Panini Cooperstown – ‘Induction’

Brooks Robinson 2012 Panini Cooperstown – ‘Induction’

One of the things that I like most about the ‘Induction’ subset from the 2012 Panini Cooperstown set is the homage that it pays homage to the day that the player was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For me, it is neat to not only see the moment captured on a card, but I really like to see the suits these guys wore on their ‘Big Day’ as well as the podium that they stood at.

Here is the card of Brooks Robinson from his ‘big day’:

He kind of looks like a local mayor or delegate doesn’t he???

2002 Topps Super Teams ‘Super Teammates’ Starring Lou Brock & Bob Gibson

2002 Topps Super Teams ‘Super Teammates’ Starring Lou Brock & Bob Gibson

It would be very hard to note like a card that featured Cardinals legends Lou Brock and Bob Gibson.  And if you’re a St. Louis Cardinals fan, you would probably tag this card as a ‘Must Have’.

Check it out:

While the design is not thrilling, in my opinion, it is still a pretty nice looking card.  I would have rather had seen this one feature a bit more of St. Louis in the card – maybe Yellow instead of Blue, and the arch implemented into the design would be pretty nice as well…

Still – anytime you can add a card of these two great HOFers to your collection, it is worth doing.