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 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? 

2013 Topps Opening Day baseball cards

I like Opening Day. It is a fun set and it is inexpensive. I can always pick up a number of packs in the UK, very reasonably priced and less than the expected $1.00 a pack price.
I have always liked the 3D Stars and have collected this great insert for a number of years. The blue bordered parallels numbered to 2013 are nice looking cards as well. In 2013 some interesting additions were included, which made some non- opening day collectors take notice, in particular the surprise picture variations and mascot autographs.

The 2013 Topps Opening Day Baseball base set has 220 cards. This includes 75 players who are not in 2013 Topps Series 1 set. The inserts, which are all 25 card sets, included: Mascots, Superstar Celebration, Opening Day Stars, Play Hard and Ballpark Fun. There are also 10 player autographs and 5 mascot autographs.
The variations can be found in 1 in 617 packs. There are currently 15 identified variations. For a full gallery look here at the superb Cardboard Connection who has images of all the variations.  
I have 6 packs of Opening day, each pack contains 7 cards.
I still need these Red Sox :
#41 Dustin Pedroia 
#42 Jon Lester 
#171 Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Pack 1:
#5 Eric Hosmer Royals
#70 Danny Espinosa Nationals
#97 Matt Cain Giants blue border 0803/2013
#197 Jhonny Peralta Tigers
#153 Andre Ethier Dodgers
#177 Chris Sale White Sox
#BF2 Josh Reddick Athletics

Pack 2:
#40 Carlos Quentin Padres
#86 Brandon League Dodgers
#130 Chase Headley Padres
#183 Fernando Rodney Bay Rays
#185 Curtis Granderson Yankees
#198 Ryan Howard Phillies
#M10 Swinging Friar 

Pack 3:
#22 Felix Hernandez Mariners
#46 Zack Greinke Dodgers
#112 Chase Utley Phillies
#121 Nick Markakis Orioles
#146 Alex Cobb Bay Rays
#155 Brandon Crawford Giants
#SC20 Prince Fielder

Pack 4:

#59 Matt Harvey Mats

#79 Tyler Colvin Rockies

#115 B.J.Upton Braves blue border 1192/2013

#119 Angel Pagan Giants

#126 Todd Frazier Reds

#171 Jarrod Saltalamacchia Red Sox 

#ODS6 Robinson Cano Yankees

Pack 5:

#2 Ricky Romero Blue Jays

#56 Josh Hamilton Angels

#158 J.J.Putz D-backs

#161 Dan Uggla Braves

#174 Kendrys Morales Mariners

#210 Will Middlebrooks Red Sox

#PH15 Andrew McCutchen Pirates

Pack 6:
#41 Dustin Pedroia Red Sox
#75 Trevor Cahill D-backs
#101 Adeiny Hechavarria Marlins
#148 Alex Rios White Sox
#176 Mariano Rivera Yankees
#180 Jason Heyward Braves
#PH23 Hanley Ramirez Dodgers

Not a bad series of packs. A few Red Sox, a smattering of inserts and numbered blue borders. No variations or autographs but those a difficult to find.

2012 Topps Opening day baseball

Yet another Opening Day pack from 'The Dollar Store'. I'm not 100% sure how this works. How does The Dollar Store actually get hold of packs? According to the person who purchased the packs they were in a large bin near the front of the store. Does Topps dump the packs? Or is it a third  party? Such as: returns from other stores, packs that failed to sell?
Opening day, Panini Triple Play are common, but there are the odd Upper Deck...

The Pack:
7 cards per pack

#19 Mat Latos Reds
#45 Mark Melancon Red Sox
#62 Ervin Santana Angels
#88 John Axford Brewers
#128 Lance Berkman Cardinals
#201 Jose Reyes Marlins
#SC-3 Dan Uggla Braves

Finally!

2011 Topps Opening Day baseball

A solitary 2011 Opening day pack. Another pack that came from 'The Dollar Store'. I am always checking 'Poundland' and 'The Pound Shop' here in the UK but as of yet there have been no baseball cards. Seems odd?
The pack:
#77 Koji Uehara Orioles
#86 Stephen Strasburg Nationals
#124 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers
#150 Matt Cain Giants blue border (0365/2011)
#187 Brandon Phillips Reds
#205 Carlos Quentin White Sox
#9/10 Buster Posey Giants Spot the Error

Can you spot the error?

Still no Red Sox!

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.



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

2012 Topps Opening Day blaster

Purchasing an opening day blaster after the season has long gone has become a regular feature of my collecting habits. Released way, way back in March, I should have tried a little harder to get a hold of one as there is a possibility of obtaining 6 different  Jacoby Ellsbury cards. 7-10,  if you include the printing plates. This includes;

#4 Jacoby Ellsbury base

#4 Jacoby Ellsbury base blue border -#2012

(#4 Jacoby Ellsbury base printing plate- 4 if you want to be technical)

# SC-11 Jacoby Ellsbury Superstar Celebrations

#ODS-11 Jacoby Ellsbury Opening Day Stars

#FS-24 Jacoby Ellsbury Fantasy Squad

#'ES-22 Jacoby Ellsbury Elite Skills
of which I have been only able to able two.

 

There are also a number of base Red Sox available to collect in Opening Day :

#4 Jacoby Ellsbury
#18 David Ortiz
#37 Josh Beckett
#45 Mark Melancon
#73 Kevin Youkilis
#86 Jon Lester
#149 Adrian Gonzalez
#172 Dustin Pedroia
#198 Carl Crawford
#218 Clay Buchholz

The blaster contained 11 packs, each containing 7 cards.

Pack 1:

#40 Domonic Brown Phillies
#61 C.J.Wilson Angels
#112 Dee Gordon Dodgers
#138 Russell Martin Yankees
#185 Jeff Niemann Bay Rays
#198 Carl Crawford Red Sox
#M-13 Dinger Rockies

 

Pack 2:

#27 Chase Utley Phillies

#90 Derek Jeter Yankees

#111 Carlos Santana Indians

#121 Mark Teixeira Yankees

#151 Johnny Gueto Reds

#180 Ted Lilly Dodgers

#SC-18 Brett Lawrie Blue Jays

 

Pack 3:

#8 Jordan Zimmermann Nationals

#29 Mike Napoli Rangers

#93 Tim Hudson Braves

#103 Mike Leake Reds

#160 Carlos Ruiz Phillies

#186 Martin Prado Braves

#SC-19 Mark Trumbo Angels

 

Pack 4:

#36 Dexter Fowler Rockies

#55 Miguel Cabrera Tigers

#59 Allcides Escobar Royals

#105 Curtis Granderson Yankees

#190 Stephen Starsburg Nationals

#200 Albert Pujols Angels

#FS-30 Tim Lincecum Giants

 

Pack 5:

#11 Michael Morse Nationals

#Mat Latos Reds

#33 Nick Markakis Orioles

#45 Mark Melancon Red Sox

#88 John Axford Brewers

#142 Tommy Hanson Braves

#M-11 Billy Marlins



 

Pack 6:

#9 Chris Young D-backs

35 Brennan Boesch Tigers

#41 J.J. Hardy Orioles

#96 Chris Carpenter Cardinals

#143 Craig Kimbrel Braves

#202 Stralin Castro Cubs

#SC-17 Adam Jones Orioles

 

Pack 7:

#22 Aroldis Chapman Reds

#51 Prince Fielder Brewers

#140 Erick Aybar Angels

#177 Jhonny Peralta Tigers

#188 Paul Goldschmidt D-backs

# FS-29 Roy Halladay Phillies

#ODS-3 Miguel Cabrera Tigers

 

Pack 8:

#3 Nelson Cruz Rangers

#34 James McDonald Pirates

#56 Vance Worlet Phillies

#156 Joey Votto Reds

#187 David Wright Mets

#208 James Loney Dodgers

#ES-14 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies

 

Pack 9:

#28 Michael Young Rangers

#63 Pablo Sandoval Giants

#108 Roy Oswalt Phillies

#132 Kurt Suzuki Athletics

#149 Adrian Gonzalez Red Sox

#162 Ricky Romero Blue Jays

#FS-28 Justin Verlander Tigers

 

Pack 10:

#17 Pedro Alvarez Pirates

#81 Brendan Beachy Braves

#92 Mike Stanton Marlins

#102 Jesus Montero Yankees

#155 Juan Nicasio Rockies

#206 David Freese Cardinals

#ES-13 David Wright Mets

 

Pack 11:

#42 Mark Reynolds Orioles

#58 Justin Masterson Indians

#83 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies

#152 Neil Walker Pirates blue border 1627/2012

#182 Seth Smith Rockies

#194 Alex Gordon Royals

#M-12 Paws Tigers

 

3 Red Sox form 77 cards...( not a single Jacoby) 

The inserts in Opening Day are pretty impressive particularly the Opening Day Stars which had the 3D vibe going.

 

2012 Topps Opening Day

 Opening day is a highly underrated set. The inclusion of some great looking inserts has raised my estimation of this set.
There are 220 cards in the base set, which also come in a blue border parallel.
The great looking inserts I referred to are; Elite skills, Fantasy Squad, Superstar Celebrations, mascots and the lovely 3D Stars.
I think for the first time some autographs are included as well.
There are 7 cards per pack and the 4 packs come from the Alley family in North Carolina.
The Red Sox available are:
#4 Jacoby Ellsbury
#18 David Ortiz
#37 Josh Beckett
#45 Mark Melancon
#73 Kevin Youkilis
#86 Jon Lester
#149 Adrian Gonzalez
#172 Dustin Pedroia
#198 Carl Crawford
#218 Clay Buchholz

Pack 1:

#13 Bobby Abreu Angels

#107 Rickie Weeks Brewers

#163 Heath Bell Marlins

#199 Felix Hernandez Mariners

#210 Freddie Freeman Braves

#FS Troy Tulowitzki Rockies

#ODS-14 Hanley Ramirez Marlins

Pack 2:

#2 Stephen Drew D-backs

#10 Jose Valverde Tigers

#84 Dan Uggla Braves

#172 Dustin Pedroia Red Sox

#204 Cory Luebke Padres

#FS-9 Jose Reyes Marlins

#ODS -15 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers

Pack 3:

#14 Buster Posey Giants

#25 Eric Hosmer Royals

#53 Alex Rodriguez Yankees

#101 Todd Helton Rockies

#119 Ricky Nolasco Marlins

#133 Sergio Santos Blue Jays

#ES-24 Jered Weaver Angels

Pack 4:

#50 Ichiro Mariners

#71 Ian Kennedy D-backs

#82 Phil Hughes Yankees

#86 Jon Lester Red Sox

#148 Shin-Soo Choo Indians

#216 Jason Kipnis Indians

#SC-5 Joey Votto Reds

I'm still impressed, although I may be easily impressed when it comes to packs of cards.

2 Red Sox and a mixture of inserts.