Baseball Card Show Purchase #8 – Lot Of Five 2013 Topps Archives ‘Tall Boy’ Cards

Baseball Card Show Purchase #8 – Lot Of Five 2013 Topps Archives ‘Tall Boy’ Cards

On the short list of cards that I told the dealer I was seeking was ’Any Card From The Tall Boy’ subset.

I knew as soon as I saw these cards in some previews that I was going to want to go after the full set.  I love the vintage look, and I like that the checklist features from of my favorite players from the 1980′s.

He pulled five cards from the set during his box break and I swiftly offered him $2.00 for the lot.

Here is my purchase: 

My favorites from this lot are the Mike Greenwell and Dave Stewart cards.  It’s nice to see these two guys getting some modern-day love!!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #6 – Inspiration For My Next Subset!!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #6 – Inspiration For My Next Subset!!!

When I attend these monthly baseball card shows, the biggest thrill that I get is the chance to simply sift through a massive amount of cardboard.

As a kid, I used to love doing this and getting this chance once a month makes up for the other 30 days a  month that I get to shop online for them.

While at the card shows, I always find it interesting when I discover a card or set that I had not seen before.

And that was what happened when I came across these two cards:

Coming from the 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen set, the two cards you are seeing come from the ‘Wal Climbers’ subset.  I like the theme, and I love the images.

This is definitely a set that I will investigate further.  If the remainder of the cards look as good as the first two that I picked up, I will be going after the full set, for sure!!

BLASTER BREAKS!!! 2 Retail Blasters Of 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball Cards – Come Check Them Out!!!

BLASTER BREAKS!!!  2 Retail Blasters Of 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball Cards – Come Check Them Out!!!

Yes, I went to a card show on Friday.  And yes, I spent some cash at the show.  And yes, I will show you the entire haul all day long on Monday.

But, I could not resist picking up some more 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen cards.  So, while at Wal-Mart today doing the grocery shopping, I threw two retail blasters in the cart with our other items.

And as soon as we got home and put the groceries away, I tore into the GQ!!!

And now it is time to show off the cards.

So, here is everything that I pulled from Box #1:

Pack 1 – Kershaw is a hot card, and I like the King Felix no-hitter card too!

Pack 2 – Fisk is sweet, and the Profar is cool.  But this pack is about Bryce Harper!!!

Pack 3 – Another nice card of Felix Hernandez!

Pack 4 - JETER!!!

Pack 5 – Loving the Perez and Abbott cards.  And the Machado insert and Verlander minis are very nice too.

Pack 6 – Rickey Henderson insert and DAAARRYYYLL!!!  And a Cody Ross card for my son!

Pack 7 – Black-border mini LJ Hoes rookie card

Pack 8 – 3 Yankees!

And now, on to Box #2!!!!

Pack 1 – Another SWEET Bryce Harper insert!!

Pack 2 - Great card of Yadi!  Sweet mini McCutchen.  And ANDRE DAWSON!!!

Pack 3 – A Star-Filled pack!!  Reggie, Pettitte, Longoria, Strasburg, Shelby Miller rookie card, and a Matt Kemp mini – WOW!!!

Pack 4 – Nice Jeter insert, Sweet Machado rookie card, and a blue-framed Cole Hamels card

Pack 5 – Ehhhhh….

Pack 6 – JUSTIN VERLANDER RELIC CARD!!!!  AWESOME!!!!

Pack 7 – Great Brooks Robinson and Roy Halladay cards, and a mini Green Mike Olt rookie card numbered to 99!!

Pack 8 – Jackie Robinson and a Tulo mini

Whew…  That was a lot of scanning!!!

I am a big fan of this release and overall I am pretty happy with my pulls.  I would have like to nab a Fergie Jenkins or Jim Palmer card, plus a few Marlins, but I am hopeful that I can work a few trades to bring some of them into my collection in the coming week or two.

I hope you enjoyed viewing the results of my box break!  Hopefully we can do this again some time soon.

Have a great night!!!

And Finally, My 2012 Topps ‘Mound Dominance’ Subset Is Complete!!! Come Check It Out.

And Finally, My 2012 Topps ‘Mound Dominance’ Subset Is Complete!!!  Come Check It Out.

Yessir, I have completed another subset and it is time to show it off in its completed form.

The ‘Mound Dominance’ set is from the 2012 Topps release, and is 15 cards deep. 

Here it is, complete:

As for the cards, they look great!  I like the graphics that Topps used to identify the strike zone, and the added team logo on top of that graphic is a nice touch.  I also really like that every card in the subset offers a color, in-action photograph (though the Gibson, Spahn, and Feller appear to be posed-action).  I do wish that Topps used a brighter color for the ‘Mound Dominance’ headline – something that stood out more.

While I am really happy with the look and design of the set, I have to say that there are a few odd things about it that stand out for me as well.

They are:

• the set lacks consistency with the theme; from no-hitters to solid outings to dominant playoff appearances, I wish it focused on just one thing
• the inclusion of Dennis Eckersley ( a player I loved watching) is peculiar.  He is the only non-starter in the set.
• Phil Niekro’s card is celebrating his 300th career win – the only card celebrating a career achievement instead the most dominant game of the pitcher’s career.
• The set gives us Jon Lester and Armando Gallaraga, but leaves out Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro, Schilling, and others that would certainly be also called ‘Dominant’

Overall, I like the set – it looks great, and it is nice to see players like Verlander and Halladay get put into the same conversation as Seaver, Palmer, and Gooden. 

Ultimately, I would have liked to have seen multiple versions of the set, maybe in consecutive years.  If Topps broke this set into different levels while keeping the graphic components similar, with just enough changes to let them stand alone, they could have been on to something.  Imagine if we had: Mound Dominance – No Hitters, Mound Dominance - The Closers, Mound Dominance – The Workhorses, Mound Dominance – The Strikeout Artists, Mound Dominance – Postseason Heroes.  If Topps delivered something like that, it would let them bring us something that more truly represented the many ways that one can dominate from the mound.  And it would certainly let them capture more collectors as well.

Topps, do you hear me???

PACK BREAK – 2 Rack Packs Of 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball Cards. Come See The Haul!!!

PACK BREAK – 2 Rack Packs Of 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball Cards.  Come See The Haul!!!

Last night I had to run out and grab a few things at Wal-Mart.  I had just been there over the weekend, but you know how that goes – sometimes you just forget some things…

Anyways, during the weekend, they did not have any of the new 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards on the shelf.

But, since I knew that the product’s release was imminent, I tried again.  And this time I found the cards – Rack Packs!!!

For those of you that do now know, each rack pack contains 3 packs of cards, with each pack containing six cards.  There is also a bonus pack that holds three White frame exclusive cards.

And now, after that long introduction, let me show you my haul!!!

Rack Pack 1 – Base Cards

Rack Pack 1 – Inserts

Rack Pack 1 – Minis

Rack Pack 1 - White frame exclusives

Rack Pack 2 – Base

Rack Pack 2 – Inserts & Short Prints

Rack Pack 2 – Minis

Rack Pack 2 – White frame exclusives

Not a bad way to start my Gypsy Queen collecting!!!

Overall, I love this set.  It was great to pull cards of Andre Dawson, Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, John Smoltz, Ozzie Smith, Nolan Ryan, and others.  It was also really cool to pull a Dylan Bundy rookie card as well!! 

It is now time to start seeking out the retail blasters…

Thanks for reading.  Have a great day!

Topps Locks Up MLB-Exclusive Baseball Card License Through 2020

Topps Locks Up MLB-Exclusive Baseball Card License Through 2020

From Beckett.com

By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor

Topps and MLB Properties are extending their exclusive licensing agreement for baseball cards.

Their deal is extended through the year 2020, according to an announcement made by the company today.

“Since making Topps our exclusive baseball card licensee, they have continually validated that decision by bringing clarity to the marketplace and reinvigorating the hobby, especially among young people,” said Howard Smith, the MLB Senior Vice President, Licensing, in a prepared statement. “Generations of baseball fans have grown more attached to the game through collecting baseball cards, and Topps is continually coming up with new and creative ways to reach the next generation.”

The longest-running manufacturer of baseball cards, Topps has made baseball cards since the 1950s and first signed its licensing deal with MLB Properties in 1969. Its current run as an exclusive licensee began in 2010. It will keep exclusivity on “MLB, Jewel Event and Club trademarks, logos and other intellectual property, for use on baseball cards, stickers and certain other product categories.”

Topps said it will aims to “improve the retail and collecting experience and make cards increasingly relevant to children” in its statement.

“Topps has been making baseball cards for over 50 years, and with the ongoing support of MLB, we will continue to produce the most innovative and exciting collectibles in the marketplace,” said Doug Kruep, Topps’ Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Sports & Entertainment. “We value our relationship with MLB and look forward to being in business with them for many years to come.”

Attention 2013 Topps Set Builders And Team Collectors, I Can Help You!!!

Attention 2013 Topps Set Builders And Team Collectors, I Can Help You!!!

The title of this post says it all.  I have amassed a pretty healthy stack of 2013 Topps Series 1 baseball cards that maybe able to help you in your collecting endeavors.

So, if you are building the set or trying to collect every card from your favorite team, let me know as I may be able to help you.

Here is a look at the stacks of cards that  I have to offer:

I’ve got some Greens, some Reds, some Blues, and a whole big stack of base cards too!!!

Hit me up if you’re interested.  Let’s work out some trades so I can help you get closer to your goals.

Thanks for reading.

Valentine’s Day Brings Baseball Cards!!!

Valentine’s Day Brings Baseball Cards!!!

Some people get flowers.

Some get candy.

Others get fancy jewelry.

And some receive anything and everything in between…

Me?

I get baseball cards.  And I would have to say that I am more than happy with getting that versus any of the possible above mentioned gifts.

For Valentine’s Day, my wife hooked me up with 5 rack packs of 2013 Topps.

I didn’t have enough time to scan all of the cards, but I figured that a nice, impromptu ‘Top Ten List’ was certainly in order.

But, before dropping my favorite ten cards from the packs on you, I wanted to take a second to commend Topps on some fantastic photography choices used within the 2013 set.

Here are a few examples:

And now, on to the ‘Top Ten Cards Pulled From My Valentine’s Day Baseball Card Bonanza’!!!

10 – Josh Johnson, base and final Marlins card

9 – Bob Feller, Chasing History

8 – Nelson Cruz, Cut To The Chase

7 – Ken Griffey, Jr., Chasing History

6 – Hank Aaron, Chasing History

5 – Rickey Henderson, Chasing History

4 – Roberto Clemente, Chasing History

3 – Matt Kemp, shiny Green parallel

2 – Giancarlo Stanton, 1972 mini

1 – Mike Trout, Wal-Mart Blue parallel

Not a bad haul.  Can you guess what my favorite subset is from the 2013 Series One release??  LOL

A huge ‘Thank You’ goes out to my wife and kids for the great goodies.

And yes, they got me a little chocolate treat as well – in the shape of a hollow baseball mitt!!

Love you guys!!!

I Couldn’t Resist, I Scooped Up Another 2013 Topps Blaster Today. Come See The Haul!!!

I Couldn’t Resist, I Scooped Up Another 2013 Topps Blaster Today. Come See The Haul!!!

In case you missed it, I bought a 2013 Topps Series One blaster on Wednesday, the official release day of the set.  You can see every card I pulled from that retail blaster here.

Ever since that box break, I have been thirsting for more…  So, when my wife announced that she was headed to Wal-Mart to grab a few things earlier this afternoon, I stated that we should make it a family event and all go.

She knew that I was either not feeling well, or up to something.

She was right!!!

I bought another blaster of 2013 Topps!

And now, I want to show off each and every card that I pulled.

Have a look at these:

Pack 1 – The Spahn is nice, but for me it is all about that JETER!!!

Pack 2 – Blue Zim!!

Pack 3 – The Car-Go and Kipnis action shots are great.  And the Blue Darvish and Lincecum cards are pretty nice too.  And of course, the 1972 mini of Longo is sweet!!

Pack 4 – Remember when Cliff Lee ruled the baseball world??  I do like the 3-player NL Batting Leaders card.

Pack 5 – The Babe. The Buster.  And a Russel Martin ‘Foul’ Short Print!!!

Pack 6 – Ehhh…

Pack 7 – Gold-bordered Gallardo, and a Sweet 1972 mini of Lou Gehrig.  But the jewel of this pack is the Mike Olt rookie card!!!

Pack 8 – This is my second Brandon Philips card from the set.  And I like the ‘Chasing The Dream’ series, just not particularly the player…

Pack 9 – Another Jeter & another Buster = Sweet!  And a nice Didi Gregorius rookie card too!

Pack 10 – 2 Chris Coghlan cards; I sure hope he performs this year.  And a very awesome rookie card of Dylan Bundy!!!  YES!!

And my Bonus Manufactured Rookie Card Patch:

Ryne Sandberg!  Not a bad pull at all!!

As with the first blaster that I ripped through, many and most of these cards are available for trade.  I am working on building the Marlins team set so if you have any Marlins available and see something that you like, let me know.

Also, for all of you team collectors, player collectors, and set builders, please let me know if you found something in here that could help you out.   You scratch my back, and I will scratch yours!!!

Have a great night everyone.  Happy Collecting!!!

I Busted A Blaster Of 2013 Topps Today. Come Check Out Every Single Card From The Box!!!

I Busted A Blaster Of 2013 Topps Today.  Come Check Out Every Single Card From The Box!!!

I had been reading tons of blog posts and Tweets about people busting packs and boxes of 2013 Topps baseball cards for the last few days and I wanted to get in on the fun.

Since Monday, I have been stopping at the Wal-Mart that is conveniently located between my son’s school and my workplace.

Monday, nothing.

Tuesday, na-da.

Wednesday, hallelujah!!!

They had them in stock this morning, and I grabbed the first blaster that I laid eyes on!!

For those of you that are not aware, each blaster contains 10 packs with 8 cards per pack.  There is also a bonus pack that contains one Manufactured Rookie Card Patch.

And now, on to the box break!!!

Enjoy the show.

Pack 1 – The Brandon Phillips card is pretty sweet. Nice Todd Frazier too…

Pack 2 – The McCutchen mini is awesome.  I need to learn who AJ Ramos of the Marlins is.

Pack 3 – Seeing Gaby Sanchez in a Pirates uniform still feels weird…  Nice Skaggs rookie card!

Pack 4 – Loving the Lou Brock!  And it is nice to see a Marlins player on a League Leader card.

Pack 5 – Verlander!!  The Chasing The Dream cards are neat, I need to see the full checklist for that subset.

Pack 6 – A-Rod, Kershaw 1972 Topps mini, and a Blue-bordered Zambrano, not too bad…

Pack 7 – Kershaw base!!

Pack 8 – Great action pic of Longo.  And a pretty sweet Donnie Baseball too!!

Pack 9 – The Orioles Wild Card is nice.  And it is great seeing Heath Bell not wearing a Marlins uniform…  The 1972 Gwynn mini is a really nice looking card.

And the Matt Cain Die-Cut ‘Cut To The Chase’ card is fantastic!!

Pack 10 – The base card of Andrew McCutchen is nice, but for me this pack is all about REGGIE!!!

And my Manufactured Rookie Card Patch Bonus Pack…

Not a bad pull of ‘Mr. Cub’ Ernie Banks!!!

Busting this box was a lot of fun. And while I did not end up nabbing any of the rookie cards that I hoped to pull, I had a great time tearing through all ten of the packs.  Something tells me that I am not going to be happy with just one of these boxes…

The cards look fantastic – they are very vivid in color, have great action photography, and offer a nice glossy finish!!

If you see anything you want/need for your sets or team and player collections let me know.  Many of these are available for trade.

Congratulations to Topps!!  The 2013 collecting season is off to a great start!!!