Thursday 30 May 2013

2013 Topps Series 1 baseball Jumbo Pack 2

The second Jumbo (rack pack) I received.
Hopefully I will have better luck pulling some Red Sox from this pack of 36 cards.
Jumbo pack 2:
#11 Yu Darvish Rangers
#21 Lucas Duda Mets
#33 Cliff lee Phillies
#55 Tim Lincecum Giants
#74 Kenley Jansen Dodgers
#77 Dustin Moseley Padres
#81 2012 NL leaders
#98 Gaby Sanchez Pirates
#119 Chris Davis Orioles
#132 Ryan Vogelsong Giants
#134 Jake Arrieta Orioles
#147 Ivan Nova Yankees
#174 Jason Grilli Pirates
#185 Rob Scahill Rockies
#291 David Hernandez D-backs
#222 Jason Heyward Braves
# 242 Matt Kemp Dodgers
#269 St Louis Cardinals
#271 Jeurys Familia Mets
#311 Rajai Davis Blue Jays
#320 Michael Young Rangers
#321 Allen Craig Cardinals
#331 Jose Reyes Blue Jays
Retro Rangers
Blue-bordered parallel
#130 Jason Motte Cardinals
#205 Ryan Theriot Giants
#280 Rafael Dolis Cubs


Emerald parallel
#266 Albert Pujols Angels

Gold-bordered parallel
#73 Brandon Crawford Giants 0912/2013

Inserts
#CTC-1 Babe Ruth Yankees
#CD-20 Tommy Milone Athletics
#CH-3 Ian Kinsler Rangers
#CH-41 Johan Santana Mets
#CH-49 Jackie Robinson Dodgers
#TM-42 Willie Mays Giants
Million dollar chase
Two jumbos -no Red Sox! 72 cards and not a sniff...

Tuesday 28 May 2013

1997 Score Hobby Reserve baseball packs

The 1997 Score set consisted of 551 cards split into two series. Series 1 #1-330 and Series 2 #331 - 550. card #551 was a short printed card of Hideki Irabu in both English and Japanese.
The Hobby Reserve was distributed exclusively to the Hobby was printed on premium stock card, Series 1 had a grey border.
There are two parallel versions: Showcase and Artist Proofs. A parallel set called 'Reserve Collection' was only available in Series 2 reserve packs.
There are a number of inserts: Pitch Prefect, Titanic Taters, Hightlight (sic) Zone, Franchise, All-Star Fan fest, Stellar Season, Heart of the Order, Blast Masters, Heart of the Order and Stand and Deliver. Because of the unusual insert methods, certain inserts are only available in either retail, hobby or jumbo packs. Insertion ratios differ depending on the 'type' of pack purchased.
The Red Sox available in Series 2 are:
#344 John Wasdin
#395 Aaron Sele
#450 Steve Avery
#461 Tim Wakefield
#471 Rudy Pemberton
#473 Nomar Garciaparra
#510 Mo Vaughn Going Yard

I have 4 packs of Hobby Reserve, which contain 15 cards.

Pack 1:
#372 Edgardo Alfonzo Mets
#389 Midre Cummings Pirates
#393 Quilvio Veras Padres
#422 Shane Andrews Expos
#426 Felipe Crespo Blue Jays
#430 Roger Clemens Blue Jays
#432 Ernie Young Athletics
#434 Jeff Blauser Braves
#436 Carl Everett Mats
#465 Mike Bordick Orioles
#495 Albert Belle White Sox
#522 Hideo Nomo Dodgers
#534 Rusty Greer Rangers
#542 Roberto Alomar Orioles
#HR487 Chris Holt Astros RC

Pack 2:
#349 Chad Curtis Indians
#359 Allen Watson Angles
#364 Mark Clear Mets
#375 Steve Karsay Athletics
#388 John Smiley Reds
#407 Phil Nevin Tigers
#414 Jeff Fassero Mariners
#460 Mel Rojas Cubs
#461 Tim Wakefield Red Sox
#492 Kevin Orie Cubs RC
#502 Jeff Bagwell Astros
#526 Charles Nagy Indians
#528 Tom Glavine Braves
#529 Randy Johnson Mariners
#544 Jason Giambi Athletics
 

Pack 3:
#341 Alex Fernandez Marlins
#342 Ruben Sierra Blue Jays
#370 Brad Ausmus Astros
#379 Lee Smith Expos
#420 David Segui Expos
#427 Jason Bates Rockies
#435 Lenny Dykstra Phillies
#437 Russ Davis Mariners
#445 Jose Valentin Brewers
#449 Jose Vizcaino Giants
#472 Keith Lockhart Braves
#480 Wilton Guerrero Dodgers
#491 Ray Montgomery Astros
#499 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners
#541 Paul Molitor Twins
 
Pack 4:
#341 Alex Fernandez Marlins
#342 Ruben Sierra Blue Jays
#370 Brad Ausmus Astros
#420 David Segui Expos
#423 Gary DiSarcina Angels
#427 Jason Bates Rockies
#431 Deion Sanders Reds
#435 Lenny Dykstra Phillies
#437 Russ Davis Mariners
#445 Jose Valentin Brewers
#454 Roberto Kelly Twins Artists Proof
#472 Keith Lockhart Braves
#489 Vladimir Guerrero Expos
#491 Ray Montgomery Astros
#499 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners

You may have noticed a similarity between packs 3 and 4, 12 of the cards were in both packs- excellent quality control.

Thursday 23 May 2013

2013 Topps Series 1 baseball Jumbo Pack 1

Two Jumbo Packs of 2013 Topps Series 1 from the Alley Family in North Carolina.
Each pack contains 36 cards of which three are exclusive blue bordered parallels.
There are 330 cards in the series 1 base set.
There is a staggering number of parallel variations available: Emerald, red border, blue border, purple border, gold, desert camo, black, pink...wait a minute pink..?, platinum.
Plus some 'Out of Bounds' short prints
There are inserts: 1972 minis, Calling Card (which look pretty impressive at first glance),Chasing History, Chasing the Dream, Cut to the Chase, Silks and hobby only-The Greats.
There are also relics and autos linked to the parallel cards and a wider number of manufactured relic patch, coin, etc, etc.

The Red Sox available in this set are:
#15 Dustin Pedroia
#32 Craig Breslow
#64 Will Middlebrooks
#66 Daniel Nava
#91 Alfredo Aceves
#118 Daisuke Matsuzaka
#241 Jacoby Ellsbury
#279 Vicente Padilla
#291 Ryan Sweeney
#301 Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Jumbo Pack 1:
#10 Adam Jones Orioles
#26 Jered Weaver Angels
#45 Travis Ishikawa Brewers
#70 Todd Frazier Reds
#80 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
#88 Jamey Carroll Twins
#89 Johan Santana Mets
#102 Denard Span Twins
#123 Rickie Weeks Brewers
#126 Dan Uggla Braves
#136 Tyler Clippard Nationals
#146 Kyle McClellan Cardinals
#149 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#172 Nyjer Morgan Brewers
#176 Justin Maxwell Astros
#191 Chris Capuano Dodgers
#200 Scott Downs Angels
#217 Brain Matusz Orioles
#225 Will Venable Padres
#227 Jose Altuve Astros
#232 Jake Odorizzi Royals
#237 Brandon Lyon Blue Jays
#255 Tyler Colvin Rockies
#282 Russell Martin Yankees
#318 Hiroki Kuroda Yankees
Lovely retro Astros
 Blue-bordered parallel
#114 Casey McGehee Yankees
#129 Ike Davis Mets
#259 Bartolo Colon Athletics
 
Emerald parallel
#330 Ryan Raburn Tigers
 
Inserts
#CC-13 Arnold Chapman Reds
#CD-8 Josh Reddick Athletics
#CH-7 Carlos Santana Indians
#CH-13 Don Mattingly Yankees
#CH-14 Lou Brock Cardinals
#TM-8 Dan Uggla Braves
Million Dollar Chase
No Sox- again!

Wednesday 22 May 2013

1995 Topps Dimension III baseball packs

In line with the direction my collecting habits have taken of late, I purchased some packs of Topps Dimension III, of 'D3' as it became known.
I ignored some sensible advice, such as avoiding this product like a plague infested cat. However I wanted to see Topps's attempt at 3D/lenticular technology for myself .
Maybe it's a weak extraocular muscle or just my poor eyesight but these things look bloody awful... from any distance.
It begs the question. What were they thinking?
 
There are 59 base cards in the set and 6 Zone inserts. There are only two Red Sox in the set;
#9 Roger Clemens
#34 Mike Greenwell
I purchased 5 packs from e-bay for about $1.00 a pack (which is a little better than the original price of $5 a pack).

Pack1:
#3 Ruben Sierra Athletics
#12 Andy Benes Padres
#26 Paul O'Neill Yankees
#44 Doug Drabek Astros
#DIIIZ 1 Frank Thomas White Sox

 
Pack 2:
#10 Cal Eldred Brewers
#23 Mike Stanley Yankees
#32 Ivan Rodriguez Rangers
#34 Mike Greenwell Red Sox
#57 Orlando Merced Pirates
 
Pack 3:
#23 Mike Stanley Yankees
#32 Ian Rodriguez Rangers
#41 Tim Wallach Dodgers
#57 Orlando Merced Pirates
#DIIIZ 3 Jeff Bagwell Astros 


Pack 4:
# 7 Albert Belle Indians
#18 Scott Leius Twins
#20 Brian Anderson Angels
#37 Don Mattingly Yankees
#47 Bip Roberts Padres

 
Pack 5:
#10 Cal Eldred Brewers
#11 Dennis Eckersley Athletics
#14 Andres Galarraga Rockies
#22 Bobby Bonilla Mets
#32 Ivan Rodriguez Rangers 
 
These cards look better scanned than they do in the flesh, but the pictures still appear to be out of focus rather than three dimensional. Pinnacle's UC3 was apparently a much better product, which couldn't have been too difficult.
At least I pulled an Eck.

Sunday 19 May 2013

2013 Topps Baseball Series 1

A quick couple of five card Topps Series 1 cards, that came enclosed within a birthday card. Nice little birthday surprise.

The Red Sox available in Topps Series 1 are:
#15 Dustin Pedroia
#32 Craig Breslow
#64 Will Middlebrooks
#66 Daniel Nava
#91 Alfredo Aceves
#118 Daisuke Matsuzaka
#241 Jacoby Ellsbury
#279 Vicente Padilla
#291 Ryan Sweeney
#301 Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Funny that these cards will be part of the 2013 Red Sox in particular Dice-K. Hadn't the Red Sox decided a while ago not to resign him.

Pack 1:
#221 Heath Bell D-backs
#260 Giants Game 5 NLDS
#303 Alex Rodriguez Yankees Checklist
#309 Endy Chavez Orioles
#312 Scott Hairston Mets
 
Pack 2:
#153 AL League Leaders
#239 Ramon Santiago Tigers
#276 Luis Ayala Orioles
#305 Shelby Miller Cardinals
#323 Michael Brantley Indians
 

Saturday 18 May 2013

1990 Sportflics Magic Motion baseball cards

I have become strangely obsessed with the 3D/ Lenticular cards both past and present. It may be the strange combination of plastic and cardboard or the 'oddball' nature of these cards, but I have been feeling the urge to add a few to my collection.
So what better way to add to the lenticular collection than 'Sportflics'.
By 1990, Sportflics Magic Motion cards were in their fifth year and had not been the spectacular success that the producers had hope they would be.
The 250 base card set only featured 6 Red Sox players;
#2 Wade Boggs
#50 Mike Greenwell
#72 Nick Esasky
#80 Ellis Burks
#149 Roger Clemens
#217 Dwight Evans

I have six packs of these 3D marvels. Each pack contains three superstar cards and two trivia cards.

Pack 1:
#7 Ken Griffey.Jr Mariners
#76 Jose Deleon Cardinals
#158 Julio Franco Rangers
 
Trivia #24
Trivia #151
1. Pick out the MVP who smashed the most home runs in the 70's?
A. Jim Rice
B. Dave Parker
C.Willie Stargell
D. Reggie Jackson
 
Pack 2:
#43 Greg Briley Mariners
#161 Joe Magrane Cardinals
#185 Mike Moore Athletics
 
Trivia #81
Trivia #142
2.What MVP holds the record for most home runs in a four game World Series?
A. Reggie Jackson
B. Mickey Mantle
C. Lou Gehrig
D. Hank Greenberg

Pack 3:
#6 Tony Fernandez Blue Jays
#35 Bob Welsh Athletics
#167 Mike LaValliere Pirates
 
Trivia #63
Trivia #150
3.What MVP was the first switch-hitter ever to win a batting title?
A. Rod Carew
B. Pete Rose
C. Mickey Mantle
D. Frank McCormick

Pack 4:
#2 Wade Boggs Red Sox
#46 Pat Borders Blue Jays
#163 Ricky Jordan Phillies
 
Trivia #11
Trivia #144
4.What MVP has the most RBIs in a four game World Series?
A. Yogi Berra
B. Reggie Jackson
C. Lou Gehrig
D. Mickey Mantle


Pack 5:
#24 Tom Glavine Braves
#156 Len Dykstra Phillies
#190 Dan Cladden Twins
 
Trivia #62
Trivia #149
5. Who was the only pitcher ever to win back-to-back MVP Awards?
A. Hal Newhouser
B. Bob Gibson
C. Sandy Koufax
D. Carl Hubbell

Pack 6:
#18 Glenn Davis Astros
#93 Roberto Alomar Padres
#176 Jeff Huson Expos
 
Trivia #38
Trivia #119
6.What MVP had the most career walks in the NL?
A. Willie Mays
B. Henry Aaron
C. Joe Morgan
D. Maury Wills

answers
1.C Stargell , who bashed 256 homers
2.C Gehrig , who hit four home runs in the '29 series
3.C Mantle, who won the AL hitting title with a .363 batting average in'56
4.C Gehrig, who had a record nine RBIs in the '28 series
5.A. Newhouser, in '44 (29-9) and '45 (25-9)
6.C. Morgan, who holds the NL record with 1,799 walks in his 22 year career.
(answers as of 1990)

Friday 17 May 2013

2013 Topps Heritage packs

A few more packs, 5 to be exact, to clear some more cards off the wants list. It currently stands at 117 cards needed to complete the 425 card base set.
These packs come from the generous Alley family in North Carolina. There are 8 cards per pack.

Pack 1:
#18 Adam Lind Blue Jays
#46 Ian Desmond Nationals
#107 White Sox Rookies
#205 Howie Kendrick Angels
#253 Sergio Romo Giants
#255 Salvador Perez Royals
#296 Rafael Soriano Yankees
#341 Luis Ayala Orioles
#485 Starlin Castro Cubs
Pack 2:
#16 Cliff Lee Phillies
#50 Curtis Granderson Yankees
#61 Kirk Nieuwenhuis Mets
#88 A.J.Ellis Dodgers
#97 Erick Aybar Angels
#169 Elvis Andrus Rangers
#222 J.P.Arencibia Blue Jays
#284 Yasmani Grandal Padres
NAP-JV Justin Verlander Tigers
 
Pack 3:
#17 Nick Markakis Orioles
#62 Starling Marte Pirates
#113 Johan Santana Mets
#241 Geovany Soto Rangers
#304 Paul Goldschmidt D-backs
#325 Rafael Betancourt Rockies
#347 Carlos Marmol Cubs
#410 John Lackey Red Sox
#490 Buster Posey Giants
 
Pack 4:
#23 Josh Johnson Blue jays
#39 Brandon League Dodgers
#147 Kyle Lohse Cardinals
#156 Dayan Viciedo White Sox
#335 Jonny Venters Braves
#370 Bud Norris Astros
#376 Steve Cishek Marlins
#399 Dale Sveum Cubs Mng
#479 Ian Kinsler Rangers
 
Pack 5:
#110 Mark Trumbo Angels
#181 Jose Valverde Tigers
#278 Shaun Marcum Brewers
#340 Paul Konerko White Sox
#350 Matt Cain Giants
#353 Chris Heisey Reds
#383 Mike Scioscia Angels Mng
#394 Brandon Inge Athletics
#439 Evan Longoria Bay Rays red border


There were 12 cards that I needed, excluding the high numbered short prints. Not bad.
I funny thing occurred when I opened these packs, all of the cards in each pack had been pushed so that the cards formed a small step, (I should have taken a picture-it was odd), and every pack was exactly the same. It was either some sort of packaging malfunction or some sort of pack searching method?

Thursday 16 May 2013

3 Jumbo packs of Opening Day 2013

Three lovely JUMBO packs of 2013 Opening Day, each containing 24 packs (what a terrific invention JUMBO packs are), from the Alley Family in North Carolina.
There are 220 cards available in the base set.
There are two parallel versions; blue border #2013 and purple border -obtainable only in Toys'R'Us packs.
There are a short printed variations of a number of the base cards, which appear to show the player not playing baseball but involved in activities like press conferences and hand shaking.
There are a number of inserts available; 25 Opening Day Stars, 25 Play Hard, 10 Highlights, 25 Baseball Fun, 25 Celebrations, 24 Mascots and 5 Mascot autographs( aren't they just guys in suits?)
Topps finally succumb and included autographs, 10 players possible.
Besides the Red Sox (which shouldn't be too difficult as there are very few), there is one particular insert that I intend to collect - Opening Day Stars. These lenticular cards, which had been a feature of some of Topps products in recent years, have really captured my interest.
The intention is to collect the whole set of these 3D inserts (plus the Red Sox).
The Red Sox available are:
#20 Jacoby Ellsbury
#41 Dustin Pedroia
#42 Jon Lester
#143 David Ortiz
#171 Jarrod Saltalamacchia
#210 Will Middlebrooks
#BF1 Dustin Pedroia
#BF12 David Ortiz
#M22 Wally the Green Monster
#PH7 Dustin Pedroia
#PH11 David Ortiz
#SC25 David Ortiz

Jumbo Pack 1:
#33 Trevor Plouffe Twins
#39 Heath bell D-backs
#44 Gio Gonzalez Nationals
#80 Anthony Rizzo Cubs
#82 Carlos Santana Indians
#88 Edwin Encarnacion Blue Jays
#89 Drew Stubbs Indians
#93 Justin Upton Braves
#100 Matt Kemp Dodgers
#101 Adeiny Hechavarria Marlins blue border 1806/2013
#106 James McDonald Pirates
#114 Mike Olt Rangers
#133 Billy Butler Royals
#150 Derek Jeter Yankees
#156 Adam Dunn White Sox
#159 Mike Moustakas Royals
#172 Manny Machado Orioles
#189 Austin Jackson Tigers
#190 Chris Carpenter Cardinals
#191 Johnny Cueto Reds
#210 Will Middlebrooks Red Sox
#M-2 Phillie Phanatic
#PH- 5 Brett Lawrie Blue Jays
#SC-25 David Ortiz Red Sox


 Jumbo Pack 2:
#10 Mat Latos Reds
#17 John Axford Brewers
#20 Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox
#26 Howie Kendrick Angles
#28 Albert Pujols Angels
#67 Marco Scutaro Giants
#72 Shelby Miller Cardinals
#73 Ryan Vogelsong Giants
#96 Jordan Zimmermann Nationals
#106 Trevor Sauer Indians
#113 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies
#120 Alex Rodriguez Yankees
#142 Jarrod Parker Athletics
#143 David Ortiz Red Sox
#158 J.J.Putz D-backs
#151 Torii Hunter Tigers
#157 Madison Bumgarner Giants
#166 Tyler Clippard Nationals
#170 Stephen Strasburg Nationals
#188 Coco Crisp Athletics
#200 Evan Longoria Bay Rays
#M-12 Baltimore Orioles
#PH-15 Andrew McCutchen Pirates
#SC-5 Giancarlo Stanton Marlins
 
Jumbo Pack 3:
#2 Ricky Romero Blue Jays
#28 Prince Fielder Tigers
#30 Jayson Werth Nationals
#43 Pedro Alvarez Pirates
#51 Elvis Andrus Rangers
#53 Addison Reed White Sox
#54 Starlin Castro Cubs
#56 Josh Hamilton Angels
#57 Cliff Lee Phillies
 #59 Matt Harvey Mets
#63 Jonathan Niese Mets
#99 Vernon Wells Angels
#108 Hunter Pence Giants
#109 Ian Desmond Nationals
#116 Norichika Aoki Brewers
#130 Chase Headley Padres
#136 Ian Kennedy D-backs
#145 Giancarlo Stanton Marlins
#179 Wade Miley D-backs
#199 Craig Kimbrel Braves
#217 Carlos Ruiz Phillies blue border 0938/2013
#219 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies
#BF-13 Albert Pujols Angels
#ODS-13 YU Darvish Rangers

 Wow , I like Jumbo packs. A fair smattering of Red Sox, nice to pull a Jacoby Ellsbury, it's rare that I ever get his cards from packs. Two blue bordered cards and a good start to the lenticular collection Yu Darvish.



Tuesday 14 May 2013

2013 Topps Opening Day Lenticular insert Opening Day Stars

The lenticular insert has become a staple of recent Topps products; 2011 Lineage, 2012 Archives and 2012 and 2013 Opening Day. There is just something about these types of cards that interests me. The Lenticular process, which is used to create movement or depth in a picture, is nothing new. Topps tested lenticular /3D baseball cards in 1968 and 3D became a regular feature of Kellogg's cereals through-out the 1970's and early 80's and every collector has Sportsflix tucked away in there collection somewhere.
These modern inserts are showing depth rather than movement, nevertheless, this is a collection for the odd-balls amongst us or anyone who appreciates diversity in their baseball collection.
The insert set contains 25 cards and I intend to collect them all.
#1 Prince Fielder - Detroit Tigers
#2 Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers
#3 Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers
#4 Buster Posey - San Francisco Giants
#5 Derek Jeter - New York Yankees
#6 Robinson Cano - New York Yankees
#7 Evan Longoria - Tampa Bay Rays
#8 David Ortiz - Boston Red Sox
#9 Joe Mauer - Minnesota Twins
#10 Albert Pujols - Angels
#11 Mike Trout - Angels
#12 Josh Hamilton - Angels
#13 Yu Darvish - Texas Rangers
#14 Felix Hernandez - Seattle Mariners
#15 David Wright - New York Mets
#16 R.A. Dickey - Toronto Blue Jays
#17 Adrian Gonzalez - Los Angeles Dodgers
#18 Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies
#19 Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals
#20 Stephen Strasburg - Washington Nationals
#21 Joey Votto - Cincinnati Reds
#22 Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers
#23 Andrew McCutchen - Pittsburgh Pirates
#24 Matt Kemp - Los Angeles Dodgers
#25 Yadier Molina - St. Louis Cardinals

Completed 22nd April 2015