I Have Completed My 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Stickers’ Set And It Looks G-R-E-A-T!!!! Check it out!!!

I Have Completed My 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Stickers’ Set And It Looks G-R-E-A-T!!!!  Check it out!!!

As we rapidly approach the release of the new 2013 Topps Archives set, I am very excited to announce that I have completed one of the two subsets from last year’s set that I had been working on – ’77 Cloth Stickers.

I decided to build this set just a few months ago, but thanks to some great trades and donations plus a few card show purchases, I was able to wrap this one up rather quickly.

The set features a solid mix of both vintage and current ball players, and Topps did a great job of staying true to the original design from the ’77 set.  I especially like that Topps chose age-appropriate images of the legends in the set as many of them could have been from 1977.

Here is a look at the complete set:

The set looks really, really nice.  And I am strongly considering putting this one in an album versus leaving them in penny sleeves and top loaders.  I think that showcasing the set in this manner will do the set a lot more justice this way.

I cannot wait to see what surprises the 2013 Archives set may bring!!!

Willie Stargell 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Willie Stargell 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

This one is a great one, featuring one of the most celebrated players from the 1970’s – Willie Stargell!!!

Stargell was the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Pirates team.  His ability to lead the squad with his ability to drive in runs and collect timely hits made him a favorite among his teammates and fans.

This ’77 Cloth Sticker card from the 2012 Topps Archives set captures Stargell very well.  And I love his signature – nice and clean!!

 

Starlin Castro 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Starlin Castro 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

I tell you what, while some of the modern cards from this set don’t work as well as the legends, this one of Starlin Castro passes the test with flying colors!!

Here is the card:

Castro has been a very impressive player since making his major league debut in 2010 as a 20-year old.

At the start of the 2013 baseball season Castro already had 529 career hits – a very impressive and strong start to what can become a legendary career.

Stock up on those rookie cards now folks!!!

Jim Rice 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Jim Rice 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

I’ve scored another sticker for the set – and I am getting closer and closer to the finish line!!!

The card below is the Jim Rice sticker from the 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Sticker’ set.

And if you asked me, I think Topps did a great job with their image selection for this card.

So much better than the posed portrait used for his original card from the 1977 Topps baseball card set!!!

Cliff Lee 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Cliff Lee 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Shout-Out to loyal reader and friend of the blog, Q, for the donation of this baseball card.

The card is from the 2012 Topps Archives baseball card set.  And it is actually a sticker from the ’77 Cloth Stickers’ subset.

Have a look:

I’m working on completing this set, and this Cliff Lee card from the set gets me one step closer.

Lee is off to a great start to his 2013 baseball season – and as a guy that watches a lot of National League East baseball, it is nice to see him rebounding from his 2012 season.

Thanks again Q!!!

Gary Carter 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Gary Carter 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

When I first examined the checklist for this set I was very excited to see that Gary Carter was included.

Carter was just starting to come into his own in the late 1970’s and while he had yet to find ultimate success in the majors while with the Expos, it was certainly a time in his career that he was honing his skills for the future push towards a World Series title.

I am very happy to see that Topps dug into their photo vault to secure an image of a very young Carter for this one!!!

A great addition to my 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Stickers’ set!!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #7 – Ryan Braun 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Sticker’

Baseball Card Show Purchase #7 – Ryan Braun 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Sticker’

I had keyed my wantlist for the subsets I am building into my notepad on my IPhone prior to the show.  I was not certain that I was going to find any of them while there, but at least I would be prepared if I did…

Well, it turns out that I found a few – 3 to be exact!!

1 of the 3 is Ryan Braun’s card from the 2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Sticker’ set.

Here is the card:

Braun looks great on this one – and Topps did a fantastic job with these.

I needed two cards from this set to complete it, and now with this Braun card out of the way, I am 1 card away from completing the set!!

Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers

One of the things that I like most about this subset is that it looks like Topps made conscious efforts to give us images that worked with the 1977 theme.

Here is the most recent addition to my 2012 Topps Archives ’77 Cloth Stickers set, the card of Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter:

As you can see with the image used, you have Hunter in his old Yankees garb complete with a great pair of Black stirrups!

NICE.

Tons Of Trades = Lots Of Help With The Projects I Am Working On!!!

Tons Of Trades = Lots Of Help With The Projects I Am Working On!!!

I tell you what, I have the best and most generous readers around!

Their desire to help me conquer a few new collecting objectives has left me with mail almost every day for the last two weeks.  In turn, I hope that I have been able to assist a lot of you with cards for your collections as well.

I have finally finished sorting everything.  I have documented my gains and updated my checklists.  I am a lot further along tonight than I was 10 days ago.

So, without further ado, let’s take a peek at what has stuffed my mailbox over the last few weeks, shall we?

2103 Miami Marlins parallel versions and inserts:

2012 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Moonshots’

2012 Topps Archives ‘Cloth Stickers’

2012 Topps Archives ‘Deckle Edge’

There is some really great stuff in there, and I am so very thankful to everyone that has helped me get a little closer to knocking out these subsets and team set.

Thank you to Brian, Marcus, Patrick, Ryan, Robert, Doug, Brad, Jeff, Oscar, Q, and Rob!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #9 – Lot Of Four 2012 Topps Archives Cloth Stickers – Granderson, Hamilton, Verlander, Ellsbury

Baseball Card Show Purchase #9 – Lot Of Four 2012 Topps Archives Cloth Stickers – Granderson, Hamilton, Verlander, Ellsbury

Of the three new subsets that I am working to put together, the 2012 Topps Archives Cloth Stickers set boasts the biggest checklist.

So, it was nice to find four cards for that set that I needed.

I was able to score the cards of Curtis Granderson, Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Hamilton, and Justin Verlander.

Have a look:

I paid fifty cents per card for these, but I have to say that I am very happy to have been able to knock out such a large percentage of my ‘Needs’ list with one purchase.

These stickers look great, and I cannot wait to see the full set completed!  Fingers crossed!!