PressTine Baseball Trading Cards

"While you are in America could you buy some baseball cards? ...I will give you the money!"

One of the pitfalls in asking people from the UK to buy baseball cards while they are visiting the US, usually Florida, is that they will sometimes return with these PreeTine repacks. I am usually hoping for packs and I am not that fussy, encouraging them to look in Walmart or Target, even Toys 'R' Us for the latest cards. However the PreeTine packs will be filled with cards that I am sure will come the late 80's -early 90's era 'Junk Wax'.
I must add that I appreciate the effort people have taken to actually find the cards, nevertheless these packs will not yield cards to fill my wants list.
The last time I received some of these, there was 20 cards in the pack, so the number has bumped a little. More cards for your money?
And the packs were purchased from a service station in Florida. A service station?

I have three packs and each pack contains 30 'genuine collectible trading cards'

Pack 1:

1983 Donruss Glenn Gulliver Orioles

1986 Fleer Alex Trevino Giants

1986 Fleer Terry Whitfield Dodgers

1986 Topps Traded Ozzie Virgil Braves

1987 Topps Traded Pat Pacillo Reds

1988 Topps Bill Buckner Angels

1988 Topps Roger Craig Mgr Giants

1988 Topps Dave Dravecky Giants

1989 Topps Joel Skinner Yankees

1988 Topps Pete Incaviglia Rangers

1989 Topps Pascual Perez Expos

1989 Topps Les Lancaster Cubs

1989 Topps Mike Scioscia Dodgers

1989 Topps Scott Fletcher Rangers

1989 Topps Dickie Thon Padres

1989 Topps Kent Hrbrek Twins

1990 Score Jack Howell Angels

1990 Topps Pat Clements Padres

1990 Topps Dave Righetti Yankees

1990 Topps Beau Allred Indians 

1990 Topps Eric Plunk Yankees

1991 Classic  Jerome Walton Cubs

2000 Fleer Tradition Vernon Wells Blue Jays

2000 Topps Finest Dee Brown Royals

2001 Stadium Club David Wells White Sox

2002 Topps Lou Pinella Mgr Mariners 

2009 Topps B.J.Ryan Blue Jays

2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Jonathan Sanchez Giants

2012 Topps Joe Nathan Rangers

Real Gum stained cards in this pack!

Pack 2:
1982 Topps Joe Torre Cardinals
1987 Fleer Traded Danny Tartabull Royals
1987 Topps Thad Bosley Cubs
1988 Fleer Doug DeCinces Cardinals
1988 Topps Devon White Angels
1988 Topps Ed Nunez Mariners
1989 Fleer Jim Rice Red Sox
1989 Topps Mickey Brantley Mariners
1989 Topps Frank Tanana Tigers
1989 Topps Jeffrey Leonard Brewers
1989 Topps Stan Javier Athletics
1989 Topps Bobby Meachem Yankees
1989 Topps Bob Boone Angels
1989 Topps Traded Lee Guetterman Yankees
1990 Score Milt Thompson Cardinals
1990 Score Mickey Tettleton Orioles
1990 Score Rolando Roomes Reds
1990 Topps Jack Howell Angles
1990 Topps Barry Lyons Mets
1991 Classic Troy Salvior Cardianls
1991 Score Howrad Johnson Mets
1991 Topps Al Leiter Blue Jays
1993 Pinnacle Chris Haney Royals
2003 Topps Heritage Omar Vizquel Indians
2003 Upper Deck Vintage Sean Burroughs Padres
2006 Topps Coco Crisp Indians
2007 Topps Flashback Fridays Michael Young
2008 Topps Chrome Bobby Abreu Yankees
2011 Bowman Chrome Ivan DeJesus Dodgers
2011 Bowman Chrome Scott Maine Cubs

I am actually collecting these Flashback Fridays.

Pack 3:
1983 Donruss Tom O'Malley Giants
1983 Donruss David Palmer Expos
1984 Topps Pat Putnam Mariners
1986 Fleer Lance McCullers Padres
1986 Fleer Rich Dauer Orioles
1986 Topps Traded Bill Gullickson Reds
1987 Hygrade All-Time Greats Sam Crawford Tigers
1988 Donruss Dave Smith Astros
1988 Topps Larry Sheets Orioles
1989 Topps Jim Walewander Tigers
1989 Topps Jim Pankovits Astros
1989 Topps John Davis White Sox
1989 Topps Bobby Bonilla Pirates
1989 Topps Terry Leach Mets
1989 Topps Larry Sheets Orioles
1989 Topps Tony LaRussa Mgr Athletics
1990 Score Mike Jackson Mariners
1990 Score Jose Oquendo Cardinals
1990 Topps Scott Terry Cardinals
1990 Topps Tom Kelly Mrg Twins
1990 Topps Oddibe McDowell Braves
1990 Topps Dennis Boyd Red Sox
1992 Fleer Sid Bream Braves
2000 Fleer Tradition Matt Riley Orioles
2001 Fleer Future Mike Mussina Orioles
2002 Bowmans Best Shea Hillenbrand Red Sox
2004 Donruss Extra Jody Gerut Indians
2009 Topps Tug Hulett Mariners
2013 Topps Johnny Giavotella Royals
2015 Bowman Gary Brown Giants

So these were much better than I expected. I collected the Flashback Friday cards, so it was surprise to find a card to add to the collection plus a couple of Red Sox. The 'Who to Watch' die cut cards from Fleer Tradition are nice looking cards as well.
Overall a better selection of cards but the majority, roughly half the packs, were Junk Wax.

2016 Unknown Silver Packs

Mystery solved these cards are from the 'Spring Fever' Promo set.

The 2016 Spring Fever set is a special 50 card promo set from Topps that is only available through hobby shops during a limited time in February. For every $20 spent on Topps Series 1, collectors were able to obtain a five-card Spring Fever pack. Included in each pack is one Wacky Packages promo card, which were also available in 2016 Topps Series 1.

There are three Red Sox cards in the 50 card set:

SF-5 David Price

SF-19 David Ortiz

SF-21 Dustin Pedroia

Some lucky Red Sox collector may also be able to nab one of these limited Spring Fever autographs:

SFA-CY Carl Yastrzemski 

SFA-DO David Ortiz 

SFA-DP David Price 

Each of these cards is limited to 10.

I have two of these silver packs, each should contain 5 cards plus a Wacky Packages promo sticker courtesy of Big B.

Pack 1:

#4 Todd Frazier White Sox

#9 Johnny Cueto Giants

#25 Andrew McCutchen Pirates

#28 Max Scherzer Nationals

#40 Joe Mauer Twins

#WP7 Cardinals

Pack 2:

#7 Yu Darvish Rangers

#15 Kris Bryant Cubs

#33 Jon Gray Rockies

#42 Giancarlo Stanton Marlins

#46 Jake Arrieta Cubs

#WP2 Mets

I really like the Wacky packages stickers.

2016 Topps Series 1 packs

The Topps Series 1 set has 350 cards to collect, released later in the year Series 2 will have  a further 350 cards. 

The Topps set is again riddled with Gimmicks- Camouflage Uniforms and Photo 'Gimmicks', Thirteen different inserts and each of the base cards is available in different parallel versions;  Purple, Rainbow Foil, Black & White Negatives, Gold, Vintage Stock, Pink, Black,  Framed, Clear, Platinum, although some of these have limited print runs.

The Red Sox checklist for 2016 Series 1 is:

#29 American League Batting Average Leaders 

#75 Rusney Castillo

#77 Clay Buchholz

#84 Mookie Betts 2 variations

#90 Koji Uehara

#109 Henry Owens RC

#126 Papi And The Prince 

#191 Brian Johnson RC

#246 Dustin Pedroia

#260 Ryan Hanigan

#280 Brock Holt

#285 Pablo Sandoval

#301 Wade Miley

#321 Hanley Ramirez 2 variations

I have two packs to share and each contains 10 cards.

Pack 1:

#8 Michael Brantley Indians
#88 Ubaldo Jimenez Orioles 
#125 NL League leaders
#204 Mark Teixeira Yankees
#216 Logan Forsythe Bay Rays
#311 Dariel Alvarez Orioles
#317 Jose Altuve Astros
#PIS-3 Jose Canseco Rangers

Pack 2:

#5 Kyle Seager Mariners

#61 World Series Highlights

#106 Jordan Walden Cardinals

#133 Aaron Nola Phillies

#190 Jeurys Familia Mets

#201 Adam Jones Orioles

#325 Kaleb Cowart Angels

#327 Anthony Rizzo Cubs

#328 Anthony DeSclafani Reds

#PIS-9 Ichiro Marlins

Oh dear, No Red Sox...

PressTine Baseball Trading Cards

I have been gifted these Presstine packs before, so I know what to expect, a lot of late 80's early 90 cards. Interestingly stated on the front of the pack-

"The genuine trading cards have been legally purchased and repackaged for sale by Presstine Marketing Inc."

A legal requirement? Are card collectors that litigious?

Here are the four packs purchased from a dollar store somewhere in New Hampshire. There are 20 cards per pack.

Pack 1:
1985 Topps Rick Cerone Yankees
1986 Topps Curt Wilkerson Rangers
1987 Topps Terry Forster Angels
1988 Donruss Gary Lucas Angels
1988 Donruss Dale Mohorcic Rangers
1988 Fleer Bobby Thigpen White Sox
1988 Topps Casey Candaele Expos
1988 Topps Atlle Hammaker Giants
1989 Fleer Ruben Sierra Rangers
1989 Score Traded Todd Benzinger Reds
1989 Topps Shawn Hillegas White Sox
1990 Donruss Bob Knepper Giants
1990 Score Hal Morris Yankees
1990 Score Kelly Downs Giants
1991 Upper Deck Robert Eenhoorn Yankees
1999 Upper Deck Matt Willioams D-backs
2001 Fleer Tradition Chan Ho Park Dodgers
2004 Topps Total Garrett Anderson Angels
2007 Fleer Jae Seo Devil Rays
2007 Upper Deck Jeremy Guthrie Giants

According to the back of this card he is nicknamed 'The Dutch Treat'

Pack 2:

1986 Pacific Brad Rohde Mariners

1987 Donruss Chris Bando Indians

1988 Fleer Dave Stieb Blue Jays

1988 Score Mike Scioscia Dodgers

1988 Topps Mike Fitzgerald Expos

1988 Topps Rafael Palmeiro Cubs

1989 Donruss Gary Redus Pirates

1989 Fleer Frank White Royals

1989 Score Traded Jeffrey Leonard Mariners

1989 Topps Julio Franco Indians

1990 Score Jeff Blauser Braves

1990 Topps Tony Pena Cardinals

1991 Donruss Will Clark Giants

1991 Donruss Mark McGwire Athletics

1991 Leaf John Orton Angels

1991 Upper Deck Dan Pasqua White Sox

1994 Stadium Club Mark McGwire Athletics

1999 Topps Homer Bush Blue Jays

2003 Bowman Chrome Guilermo Quiroz Blue Jays

2003 Fleer Darin Erstad Angels

2007 Fleer Edgar Renteria Braves

2007 Upper Deck Cody Ross Marlins

2015 Bowman Jordy Larr Mariners

2015 Panini Contenders Tyler Jay University of Illinois

2015 Panini Tyler Jay University of Illinois

A 25 card pack...

Pack 3:

1986 Pacific Rudy Webster Mariners

1986 Topps Jim Gott Giants

1986 Topps Tom Gorman Mets

1988 Donruss Julio Franco Indians

1988 Donruss Don Robinson Giants

1988 Fleer Scott Scudder Reds

1988 Topps Bob Sebra Expos

1988 Topps Jay Tibbs Expos

1989 Donruss Tony Fernandez Blue Jays

1989 Fleer Dwight Gooden Mets

1989 Score Traded Wally Backman Twins

1989 Topps Kevin McReynolds Mets

1990 Donruss John Smolty Braves

1990 Score Kirk McCaskill Angels

1991 Leaf Hector Villanueva Cubs

1991 Upper Deck Darren Fletcher Phillies

2001 Fleer Tradition Mike Lieberthal Phillies

2004 Topps Total Mark Kotsay Athletics

2008 Topps Boof Bosner Twins

2013 Panini Pinnacle Adam Jones Orioles

What a name!

Pack 4:
1986 Topps Tim Flannery Padres
1987 Donruss Dan Pasqua Yankees
1987 Fleer Ed Whitson Padres
1988 Donruss Jack Howell Angels
1988 Donruss Mike Aldrete Giants
1988 Fleer Jesse Barfield Blue Jays
1988 Topps Larry Sheets Orioles
1989 Fleer Bob Boone Angels
1989 Fleer Van Snider Reds
1989 Score Traded Greg Cadaret Yankees
1989 Topps Doc Gooden Mets
1990 Bowman Ken Howell Phillies
1990 Score Scott Garrelts Giants
1990 Topps Pascual Perez Expos
1991 Score Jeff Parrett Braves
1991 Upper Deck Tom Henke Blue Jays
2001 Bowman Wes Anderson Marlins
2006 Fleer Ryan Freel Reds
2011 Topps Tim Hudson Braves
2012 Bowman Angelys Nina Rockies

When did he have time to write 'The Royal Tenenbaums'.

85 cards (one pack had 25 cards not the advertised 20)and not one single Red Sox.

1992 Fleer Baseball Trading cards

The 1992 Fleer baseball set consists of 720 cards. For the simpletons amongst us, the cards were grouped together by team and then listed alphabetically.
There were a number of subsets in the set; Major League Prospects (652-680), Record Setters (681-687), League Leaders (688-697), Super Star Specials (698-707), Pro Visions (708-713) and seven checklists (714-720).
Although inserts are prevalent in modern sets, it was a fairly new inclusion in 90's. Fleer 1992 included the-Team Leaders(20), All-stars(24), Lumber Company(9), Smoke'n'Heat(12) and Rookie Sensation(20)inserts. As displayed on the pack, Roger Clements had his own 12 card insert set, furthermore randomly inserted in packs were Roger Clements autographs limited to 2000. The odds of finding one in pack were 1:35,000!
Fleer offered collectors (through mail order) three 'extra' Roger Clements cards for only 10 Fleer '92 baseball card wrappers and $1.00 for postage and handling, Also on offer through mail order was an uncut 8 1/2inch by 11inch numbered promo sheet of the 20-card Rookie Sensation, likewise for only 10 Fleer card wrappers and $1.00 for postage and handling, Both were only available while supplies lasted.

The Red Sox available are:
#32 Wade Boggs
#33 Tom Bolton
#34 Tom Brunansky
#35 Ellis Burks
#36 Jack Clark
#37 Roger Clemens
#38 Danny Darwin
#39 Mike Greenwell
#40 Joe Hesketh
#41 Daryl Irvine
#42 Dennis Lamp
#43 Tony Pena
#44 Phil Plantier
#45 Carlos Quintana
#46 Jeff Reardon
#47 Jody Reed
#48 Luis Rivera
#49 Mo Vaughn
#705 Mo Vaughn / Cecil Fielder
#707 Harold Baines / Wade Boggs
#714 Checklist 1-101

I was given two packs of these 'teal' beauties by Big B, each containing 17 cards.

Pack 1:

#37 Roger Clemens Red Sox

#72 Dave Winfield Angels

#80 Scott Fletcher White Sox

#203 Dan Gladden Twins

#228 John Habyan Yankees

#268 Dave Stewart Athletics

#293 Russ Swan  Mariners

#301 Mario Diaz Rangers

#344 Duane Ward Blue Jays

#388 Chuck McElroy Cubs

#415 Paul O'Neill Reds

#431 Jim Corsi Astros

#487 Chris Nabholz Expos

#590 Bryn Smith Cardinals

#623 Kevin Ward Padres

#679 Cal Eldred Brewers

#882 Nolan Ryan Rangers record setter  

Pack 2:

#9 Chris Hoiles Orioles

#62 Wally Joyner Angels

#90 Matt Merullo White Sox

#123 Joel Skinner Indians

#167 Bret Saberhagen Royals

#183 Jaime Navarro Brewers

#201 Scott Erickson Twins

#267 Terry Steinbach Athletics

#300 Jack Daugherty Rangers

#317 Kenny Rogers Rangers

#324 Derek Bell Blue Jays

#463 Ramon Martinez Dodgers

#514 Charlie O'Brien Mets

#557 Bill Landrum Pirates

#596 Todd Zeile Cardinals

#643 Kelly Downs Giants

#8/12 Roger Clemens 'Business as Usual'

A Red Sox in each pack. Not bad.

2016 Topps Opening Day

The second helping from Big B at Waxaholic -2016 Opening Day! I have two packs of this reasonably priced product, which always includes some interesting inserts such as mascots... not for everyone I would think. 
Heavily loaded with Yankees and Red Sox cards too.

The Red Sox available are:

#7 Brian Johnson RC 
#9 Rick Porcello 
#77 Xander Bogaerts 
#98 Jackie Bradley Jr. 
#103 Brock Holt 
#112 Mookie Betts
#138 David Ortiz 
#139 Dustin Pedroia 
#166 Hanley Ramirez 
#167 Henry Owens RC 
#177 Eduardo Rodriguez

 Pack 1: 
#OD14 James Shields Padres blue border 
#OD47 Kyle Schwarber Cubs
#OD72 Michael Conforto Mets 
#OD101 Jose Iglesias Tigers 
#OD163 Gerrit Cole Pirates 
#OD175 Alex Rios Royals
#M-3 Rally Monkey, I will be honest I had to look this one up!

Pack 2:
#OD66 Sonny Gray Athletics
#OD85 Carlos Carrasco Indians
#OD138 David Ortiz Red Sox
#OD148 Robinson Cano Mariners
#OD162 Frankie Montas Dodgers
#OD200 Bryce Harper Nationals
#HH-13 Joey Votto Reds

Big Dave always a pleasure to find you in a pack!

2015 Topps Heritage

It has been  a little while, but I have a number of packs sitting on my desk that I have yet to open and Big B just sent me a few more so I will continue to open packs in search of Red Sox. 

I joined a box break of the 2015 Heritage here in the UK last year-so there are no base cards I still need except the higher numbered short prints.  

Pack 1:

#104 Miguel Montero

#131 Checklist

#209 Tigers Rookie Stars

#238 Checklist

#251 David Peralta D-backs

#253 Arismendy Alcantara Cubs

#269 Bryan Price Reds

#369 Brandon Belt Giants

#400 Joe Mauer Twins

Pack 2:

#2 Melky Cabrera White Sox

#96 Tim Lincecum Giants

#183 Terry Francona Indians

#269 Bryab Price Reds

#271 J.J.Hardy Orioles

#275 Yadier Molina Cardinals

#285 Omar Infante Royals

#301 Erick Aybar Angels

#NR14 Nolan Ryan Rangers

Pack 3:

#38 B.J.Upton Braves

#63 Brett Lawrie Athletics

#107 Tigers Rookie Stars

#131 Checklist

#193 Chris Iannetta Angels

#287 R.A.Dickey Blue Jays

#308 Salvador Perez Royals

#377 Nick Swisher Indians

#THC449 Matt Harvey Mets

Pack 4:

#110 Anthony Rizzo Cubs

#120 Brian Dozer Twins

#144 Aaron Hill D-backs

#164 Rookie Stars

#190 Oswaldo Arcia Twins

#279 John Gibbons Blue Jays

#330 Carl Crawford Dodgers

#401 Rookie Stars

#485 Chris Carter Astros

A few other teams to spray around other collectors but not a single Red Sox in 4 packs- unfortunate. 

2014 Topps Series Two baseball cards

I only the David Ortiz short printed variations to complete the series two Red Sox set. Which are:
#475A David Ortiz SP/Goggles on face
#475B David Ortiz SP/Goggles on head.
I have three packs of 2014 Series 2 each containing 12 cards and as directed I will be looking for exclusive cards. (and Red Sox naturally)

Pack 1:

#380 Tyler Chatwood Rockies

#410 A.J.Griffin Athletics

#419 Lucas Harrell Astros

#499 checklist

#529 Jesus Montero Mariners

#578 Tyler Thornburg Brewers

#613  Mark Teixeira Yankees

#617 Greg Holland Royals

#634 Gaby Sanchez Pirates

#652 Edinson Volquez Pirates

#659 Ervin Santana Braves

#BM-21 Shelby Miller Cardinals

Pack 2:
#343 Nate Freiman Athletics
#364 checklist
#365 Dan Uggla Braves
#369 Erick Aybar Angels
#414 Michael Wacha Cardinals
#555 Adam Eaton White Sox
#559 Asdrubal Cabrera Indians
#623 Chad Billingsley Dodgers
#624 Alex Presley Twins
#626 Tommy Hanson Rangers
#642 Brandon Kintzler Brewers
#FN-32 Michael Wacha Cardinals

Pack 3:
#354 Donnie Murphy Cubs
#377 J.J.Hardy Orioles
#390 checklist
#396 Brain Roberts Yankees
#511 Travis Wood Cubs
#534 Ian Kinsler Tigers
#538 Jon Jay Cardinals red hot foil
#580 Todd Frazier Reds
#590 Brett Cecil Blue Jays
#599 Jason Motte Cardinals
#616 Zach McAllister Indians
#625 Albert Pujols Angels

OK. I understand that people like to see variety in their cards, but I am not sure about these 'Red Hot Foils' Does any collector seriously try to complete the set?
It was the closet thing to red in these packs as well!

2014 Topps Heritage trading cards

I remember writing a post sometime last year on 'my other blog' Pursuit of 80's about being back in the saddle. It was an exaggeration, I never really got back on track with the blogging for a number of reasons. After reading some of my older posts I realised they were not good enough, spelling mistakes, some grammatical errors and half-hearted content. In other words lazy work. Another reason was I wasn't trading very much, which had been the mainstay of the blog for a while. 

In a effort to rectify this I put out 'feelers' to some of my old trading buddies and received some favourable responses. 

Trade packs have been sent!

While waiting patiently for these to land on doorsteps, here are some packs of 2014 Heritage.

Pack 1:

#17 John Mayberry Phillies

#104 Texas Rookie Stars

#171 Gordon Beckham

#183 Robbie Grossman Houston

#238 Josh Beckett Dodgers

#290 Chris Tillman Orioles

#35 Cody Ross D-backs

#JB2 Johnny Bench Reds

#NAP-CD Chris Davis Orioles

Pack 2:

#67 Nick Franklin Mariners

#143 Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Stars

#169 Brain Dozier Twins

#205 Starling Marte Pirates

#210 Erick Aybar Angels

#228 Mitch Moreland Rangers

#279 Evan Cattis Braves

#389 Marco Scutaro Giants

#428 Madison Bumgarner Giants

Pack 3:

#9 AL Pitching Leaders

#223 Miguel Gonzalez Orioles

#229 Colby Rasmus Blue Jays

#234 Johnny Gomes Red Sox

#274 Ron Washington Rangers

#339 Zack Cozart Reds

#393 Lorenzo Cain Royals

#404 Charlie Blackmon Rockies

#459 Ian Kinsler Tigers

Two short prints and a Red Sox. Just love Heritage.

2015 Topps Heritage hanger pack

There is an expression that goes- 'Does exactly what it says on the tin.' Which means there shouldn't be any surprises. 

Heritage is that sort of product. There are some inserts, autographs and relics but Heritage is not chock full of surprises, it's all about the base cards. 

They have the look and feel of vintage cards. It is not for everyone, especially the 'hit hunters'. Although there is enough other 'stuff', minis, gum stains, punch cards, variations and intentional mistakes to keep the product interesting. Don't expect them in every pack, some of those inserts are very difficult to pull. 

Heritage hasn't changed much over the years as it makes it nostalgic way through the decade. This year we are still in the sixties, which means cards in the News Flashbacks set include Star Trek, Batman and Jimi Hendrix. What a combination! 

I have collected all the Red Sox base cards but I still need the following short prints and inserts;

Short prints
#427 Xander Bogaerts 
#480 David Ortiz 
#499 Dustin Pedroia 
1966 Bazooka
#66B-DO David Ortiz 
News Flashbacks 
#NF-1 Batman 
#NF-2 Lunar Orbiter 1 
#NF-3 Star Trek 
#NF-4 Metropolitan Opera House 
#NF-5 Jimi Hendrix Experience 
#NF-6 Ronald Reagan 
#NF-7 NFL/AFL Merger 
#NF-8 Indira Gandhi 
#NF-9 Marvin Miller 
#NF-10 Sheila Scott 

There are 20 cards in the rack/value pack, which contains exclusive Sandy Koufax cards. 
The Value Pack:
#12 Jean Segura Brewers
#52 Power Plus! Trout Angles/Cabrera Tigers
#87 Torii Hunter Twins
#90 Jonathan Schoop Orioles
#92 Yankees
#118 Jonathan Papelbon Phillies
#122 John Danks White Sox
#281 Mike Napoli Red Sox

#296 Joe Girardi Yankees
#340 Garrett Richards Angels
#355 David Robertson White Sox
#361 Zack Wheeler Mets
#372 Juan Lagares Mets
#383 Mike Moustakas Royals
#387 Shelby Miller Braves
#406 Tom Koehler Marlins
#416 Glen Perkins Twins
#424 Royals Rookies
#SK-15 Sandy Koufax Dodgers
#NAP2 Jose Abreu White Sox

There are meant to be Get Smart, Lost in Space and Batman buybacks but at odds of 1 in 22,000 packs (1 in 100,000 for Lost in Space) I don't like my chances of pulling one of these. A shame really since they are all readily available on ebay and COMC.

2015 Topps Baseball Series One

The cards that I have featured over the last few days have all come from the same store and when opened have a very interesting appearance. The cards have all been shifted in a step configuration, which leads me to believe that the cards have been searched. Bastards...
Still I have eight unopened packs, so I will complain not further.
Taking part in a box break of Series One, pretty much cleared the Red Sox checklist. Although I do not need any base cards, there are a number of Red Sox inserts that I need:

Free Agent 40 
#6 David Ortiz
Gallery of Greats
#8 Roger Clemens
Highlight of the Year 
#6 Ted Williams 
#8 Ted Williams 
#26 Nomar Garciaparra 
Robbed
#15 Mookie Betts
The Babe Ruth Story 
#3 Red Sox Double Threat 
#4 Postseason Pitching Phenom
#5 From Hurler to Hitter 

Although I will take any Highlights of the Year inserts, as they remind me of another set I collect - 1994 Upper Deck All-time heroes

Pack 1:
#59 Jake Odorizzi Bay Rays
#85 NL win leaders
#104 Bud Norris Orioles
#128 Anthony Swarzak Twins
#171 Mike Foltynewicz Astros
#175 Adrian Beltre Rangers
#199 Eric Young Jr. Mets
#204 Eduardo Escobar Twins
#329 Logan Forsythe Bay Rays
#311 Jhonny Peralta Cardinals
#335 Matt Barnes Red Sox
#349 NL RBI leaders

Pack 2:

#9 2104 World Series -Game 4

#37 Arismendy Alcantara Cubs

#52 Fernando Rodney Mariners

#56 Matt Garza Brewers

#57 Lyle Overbay Brewers

#106 Pedro Alvarez Pirates

#169 Adam Jones Orioles

#207 Bryce Harper Nationals

#298 Rymer Liriano Padres

#308 Carl Crawford Dodgers

#I1 Manny Machado/Cal Ripken Jr. Orioles

#JR3 .387 with Kansas City

Pack 3:
#15 Joey Votto Reds
#35 Brandon Moss Athletics
#42 Todd Frazier Reds
#66 Vance Worley Pirates
#110 Tony Sipp Astros
#153 Josh Reddick Athletics
#184 B.J.Upton Braves
#260 David Peralta D-backs
#271 Pittsburgh Pirates 
#310 Jake Lamb D-backs
#8A '74 Gerald Ford
#F40-7 Andre Dawson Cubs

Pack 4:
#61 NL ERA leaders
#78 Yordano Ventura Royals
#86 Tim Hudson Giants refractor?
#94 Tommy Kahnle Rockies
#208 Wilin Rosario Rockies
#209 Daniel Corcino Reds
#232 Andrew Susac Giants
#253 Gregory Polanco Pirates
#276 Conor Gillaspie White Sox
#278 David Phelps Yankees
#342 San Diego Padres
#H12 Roger Maris Yankees

Pack 5:
#28 Alex Cobb Bay Rays
#73 Freddie Freeman Braves
#101 Scooter Gennett Brewers
#119 Anibal Sanchez Tigers
#146 Tony Watson Pirates
#147 Andrew Heaney Marlins
#223 Angels
#257 Jarrod Saltalamacchia Marlins
#330 Brain Duensing Twins
#334 Gerardo Parra Brewers
#FP06 Agnes McKee
#H30 Miguel Cabrera Tigers

Pack 6:
#2 AL batting average leaders
#22 Tyler Flowers White Sox
#30 Tanner Roark Nationals
#33 Oakland Athletics
#62 Nolan Arenado Rockies
#89 Michael Choice Rangers
#234 Brandon Belt Giants
#266 Brandon Phillips Reds
#274 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
#304 Shawn Kelley Yankees
#322 Phil Hughes Twins
#JR-4 Signs for the Dodgers

Pack 7:
#2 AL batting average leaders
#22 Tyler Flowers White Sox
#33 Oakland Athletics
#86 Tim Hudson Giants
#89 Michael Choice Rangers
#100 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers
#156 Santiago Casilla Giants
#234 Brandon Belt Giants
#266 Brandon Phillips Reds
#274 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
#322 Phil Hughes Twins
#A3 Steve Carlton Phillies

Pack 8:
#8 Miguel Gonzalez Orioles
#26 Bryce Brentz Red Sox
#84 Jonathan Schoop Orioles
#87 Eric Sogard Athletics
#123 Ben Revere Phillies
#133 Daisuke Matsuzaka Mets
#135 Matt Dominguez Astros
#170 Tommy Medica Padres
#172 Didi Gregorius D-backs
#186 Rex Brothers Rockies
#261 Lance Lynn Cardinals
#I6 Joe Mauer/Rod Carew Twins

No major surprises from these packs, although the repetition within packs 6 and 7 is odd or poor quality control.
Come on Series 2!

2015 Topps Opening Day

Opening a few packs of Topps Opening Day well behind the official opening day. 

I have 4 value packs (more value compared to the single pack)that each contain 24 cards, although packs that contain inserts may contain 22 cards. 

Not that I would ever try myself to collect the whole base set of Opening Day, there is a fellow collector here in the UK who is doing just that. He gave himself a mountain though, as he wants a master set with all the inserts and parallels. These packs are to help him out before he leaps onto COMC...

Value pack (rack pack/jumbo?) 1:

#15 Gregory Polanco Pirates

#17 David Ortiz Red Sox

#38 Johnny Cueto Reds

#40 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers

#58 Starlin Castro Cubs

#59 Paul Goldschmidt D-backs

#63 Adrian Gonzalez Dodgers

#78 Garrett Richards Angels blue border

#90 Daniel Murphy Mets

#98 Adam Wainwright Cardinals

#117 Hector Santiago Angels

#128 Chase Headley Yankees

#136 Drew Smyly Bay Rays

#138 Gragor Blanco Giants

#139 Marcell Ozuna Marlins

#142 Zack Wheeler Mets

#151 Rusney Castillo Red Sox

#152 Ian Desmond Nationals

#160 Kevin Kiermaier Bay Rays

#174 Michael Brantley Indians
#177 Billy Hamilton Reds
#184 Guiler Rodriguez Rangers
#SC08 Bryce Harper  Nationals
#M01 Baxter the Bobcat

Value Pack 2:
#7 Matt Garza Brewers
#11 Anthony Rizzo Cubs
#22 Gerrit Cole Pirates
#34 Michael Pineda Yankees
#49 Jonny Gomes Athletics
#54 Jeff Samardzija White Sox
#64 Anibal Sanchez Tigers
#65 Michael Wacha Cardinals
#67 Josh Harrison Pirates
#78 Garrett Richards Angels
#82 Joey Votto Reds
#84 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies
#101 Edwin Encarnacion Blue Jays
#108 R.A.Dickey Blue Jays
#110 Dalton Pompey Blue Jays
#110 Dalton Pompey Blue Jays blue border 
#122 Justin Verlander Tigers
#149 Jason Castro Astros 
#156 Daniel Corcino Reds
#167 Mike Minor Braves
#195 Carlos Gomez Brewers
#196 Brandon Phillips Reds
#HTD15 Dustin Pedroia Red Sox
#STA-DD Nationals Park

Value pack 3:
#16 Jake Lamb D-backs
#23 Greg Holland Royals
#26 Buster Posey Giants
#29 John Lackey Cardinals
#33 Eric Hosmer Royals
#39 Albert Pujols Angels
#47 Jacoby Ellsbury Yankees!
#61 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#81 Aroldis Chapman Reds 
#86 Giancarlo Stanton Marlins
#88 Christian Yelich Marlins
#92 Mark Teixeira Yankees
#95 Jonathan Papelbon Phillies
#115 Jason Kipnis Indians
#116 David Freese Angels
#119 Craig Kimbrel Braves
#123 Victor Martinez Tigers
#124 Henderson Alvarez Marlins
#141 Julio Teheran Braves
#155 Xander Bogaerts Red Sox
#157 Cory Spangenberg Padres
#159 Jusitn Morneau Rockies
#HTD-05 Jacoby Ellsbury Yankees (that is just depressing two Ellsbury's in one pack-in the wrong uniform!)
#STA-DA Citi Field

Value pack 4:
#14 Michael Taylor Nationals
#18 Pablo Sandoval Red Sox
#24 Tim Lincecum Giants
#30 Danny Santana Twins
#37 Chris Archer Bay Rays
#45 Bryce Harper Nationals
#50 Rougned Odor Rangers
#62 Jose Bautista Blue Jays
#68 Joe Mauer Twins
#73 Kyle Seager Mariners
#75 Jimmy Rollins Dodgers
#99 Evan Longoria Bay Rays
#103 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
#104 Anthony Ranaudo Red Sox
#127 Francisco Cervelli Pirates
#129 Angel Pagan Giants
#133 Jose Molina Bay Rays blue border
#143 Freddie Freeman Braves
#148 Freda Howard Phillies
#169 Matt Adams Cardinals
#185 Maikel Franco Phillies
#188 Javier Baez Cubs
#HTD-14 Denard Span Nationals
#M17 Mr Met

Hopefully this will help Matt before heading onto COMC. 
A great selection of Red Sox spread across the packs and one awful pack containing two Jacobt Ellsbury's. Why didn't this happen when he was with the Red Sox?