2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's baseball

 

This was a set that I tried not to like but it was impossible. The psychedelic colours,  'groovy' fonts and purple/orange combination of the packs certainly make this different. 
This was also a simpler time of collecting, no variations or short printed time limited gimmicks, just the base set, a few inserts, some relics and autographs. 

There are 180 cards in the base set, the last 90 cards are broken into sub-sets: 

Rookie Flashbacks #91- #110, 

Decade Dateline #111- #140, 

Award Winners #141- #170, 

1970 World Series #171- #180.

The inserts include:70's Super Powers, Bellbottomed Bashers,  Decade Dynasties, Disco Era Dandies and The Arms Race. 

The back of each pack states:

"Randomly inserted into these specially marked packs are the following cards:10 Disco Dandies (1:14), 10 Bellbottom Bashers (1:14), 10 The Arms race (1:14), 6 70's Super Powers (1:23), 6 Disco Era Dandies (1:23), UD Decade Game Used Bat Cards (1:48), UD Decade Combo Bat Cards (1:336), UD Decade Game Jersey Cards (1:168), Signed UD Decade Jersey Cards (1:480), UD Decade Game Used Patch Cards (1:7500),"

The Red Sox, (although I have always toyed with the idea of trying to collect the whole set), available from this set are:
#24 Dwight Evans
#25 Fred Lynn
#26 Rico Petrocelli
#27 Carlton Fisk
#28 Luis Aparicio
#91 Carlton Fisk RF
#93 Fred Lynn RF
#128 Carlton Fisk DD
#147 Carlton Fisk AW
#157 Fred Lynn AW
#176 Carlton Fisk WS

I purchased this blaster quite a while ago when it looked as if the card collectors in the UK were going to meet up in a sort of conference/get together type thing. However when push came to shove not many people were willing to travel since the collectors were spread across the UK, as far north as Scotland and me down south in Kent - so it never happened and doesn't look like ever happening. Hence the breaking of this blaster plus a few others in the future.

The blaster contains 8 packs and each pack contains 5 cards.

Pack 1:
#26 Rico Petrocelli Boston Red Sox
#71 Jack Clark San Francisco Giants
#150 Reggie Jackson AW Oakland Athletics
#176 Carlton Fisk WS Boston Red Sox
#BB9 Graig Nettles New York Yankees

Pack 2:
#15 Dennis Eckersley Cleveland Indians
#67 Steve Rogers Montreal Expos
#93 Fred Lynn RF Boston Red Sox
#129 Chris Chambliss DD New York Yankees
#155 Mike Hargrove AW Oakland Athletics

Pack 3:
#42 Chris Chambliss New York Yankees
#68 Gary Carter Montreal Expos
#119 Billy Williams DD Chicago Cubs
#145 Chris Chambliss AW Cleveland Indians
#SP4 Willie McCovey San Francisco Giants

Pack 4:
#8 Sal Bando Oakland Athletics
#34 Bert Blyleven Minnesota Twins
#104 Dale Murphy RF Atlanta Braves
#130 Ruppert Jones DD Seattle Mariners
#171 Brooks Robinson WS Baltimore Orioles

Pack 5:
#17 Brooks Robinson Baltimore Orioles
#60 Fergie Jenkins Chicago Cubs
#86 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
#105 Bert Blyleven RF Minnesota Twins
#156 Joe Morgan AW Cincinnati Reds

Pack 6:
#43 Roy White New York Yankees
#69 Andre Dawson Montreal Expos
#131 Ron Fairly DD Toronto Blue Jays
#157 Fred Lynn AW Boston Red Sox
#D1 Boog Powell Baltimore Orioles

Pack 7:
#18 Tommy Davis Baltimore Orioles
#44 J.R. Richard Houston Astros
#70 Bobby Bonds San Francisco Giants
#106 Thurman Munson RF New York Yankees
#132 George Foster DD Cincinnati Reds

Pack 8:
#19 Eddie Murray Baltimore Orioles
#45 Jose Cruz Houston Astros
#98 Robin Yount RF Milwaukee Brewers
#124 Al Kaline DD Detroit Tigers
#158 Tom Seaver AW New York Mets

Only 4 Red Sox, but as I said I think it is time to go after the whole base set plus inserts. I need another pursuit like I need a third armpit, but these cards are awesome, I like them almost as much as the 1975 Topps set.

2014 Topps Opening Day blaster

The 2014 Topps Opening Day is a 220-card set. As in previous Opening Day releases, the cards are just like the Topps Series One, although this year Topps added relics and short printed variations.

There are the usual variety of inserts: Between Innings (10), Breaking Out(20), Fired Up!(30),
Mascots (25), Opening Day Stars (25) and Superstar Celebrations(25).
Each of the 220 base cards has a blue serial numbered parallel set.

The Red Sox checklist from the set includes:
#2 Dustin Pedroia 2 variations
#8 Mike Napoli
#19 Koji Uehara 2 variations
#22 Clay Buchholz
#51 David Ortiz 2 variations
#75 Will Middlebrooks
#110 Jonny Gomes
#113 Jon Lester
#178 Xander Bogaerts RC 2 variations
#194 Shane Victorino

The blaster contains 11 packs, each pack has 7 cards. 

Pack 1:

#1 Mike Trout Angels

#72 Jose Fernandez Marlins blue 0563/2014

#111 Aroldis Chapman Reds

#117 Michael Choice Rangers

#191 Derek Holland Rangers

#197 David Freese Angels

#M16 Braves mascot

#ODS12 Stephen Strasburg Nationals

Pack 2:

#12 Mark Teixeira Yankees

#17 Aaron Hicks Twins

#69 Jason Grilli Pirates

#128 Manny Machado Orioles

#176 Yovani Gallardo Brewers

#182 Adrian Gonzalez Dodgers

#M24 Billy the Marlin

Pack 3:

#89 Julio Teheran Braves

#95 Todd Frazier Reds

#112 Billy Butler Royals

#140 Alex Rodriguez Yankees

#164 Sonny Gray Athletics

#218 Everth Cabrera Padres

#M25 Mr Met

Pack 4:

#25 Torii Hunter Tigers

#51 David Ortiz Red Sox

#172 Josh Hamilton Angles

#183 Aramis Ramirez Brewers

#212 Mark Trumbo D-backs

#220 Derek Jeter Yankees

#SC8 Buster Posey Giants

Pack 5:

#33 Ben Revere Phillies

#87 Jayson Werth Nationals

#122 Yadier Molina Cardinals

#146 Howie Kendrick Angels

#186 Jonathan Schoop Orioles

#209 Alfonso Soriano Yankees

#UP21 Mike Trout Angels

Pack 6:

#24 Michael Wacha Cardinals

#99 Pablo Sandoval Giants

#124 Madison Bumgarner Giants

#139 Jarred Cosart Astros

#202 Jake Marisnick Marlins

#BI9 Royals

#UP30 Jason Kipnis Indians

Pack 7:

#12 Mark Teixeira Yankees blue 0676/2014

#14 Trevor Rosenthal Cardinals

#97 Wilmer Flores Mets

#125 Tim Lincecum Giants

#163 Chris Johnson Braves

#188 Andrew Lambo Pirates

#BO18 Felix Hernandez Mariners

Pack 8:

#9 R.A.Dickey Blue Jays

#40 Wil Myers Bay Rays

#47 Matt Harvey Mets

#79 Nick Castellanos Tigers

#155 Kendrys Morales Mariners

#ODS1 Mike Trout Angels

#ODA-SC Steve Cishek Marlins

Pack 9:

#6 Adrian Beltre Rangers

#23 Felix Hernandez Mariners

#92 Coco Crisp Athletics

#135 Zack Greinke Dodgers

#159 Adam Wainwright Cardinals

#200 Bryce Harper Nationals

#SC3 Torii Hunter Tigers

Pack 10:

#56 Jedd Gyorko Padres

#70 Craig Kimbel Braves

#105 Brain Dozier Twins

#116 Yunel Escobar Bay Rays

#126 David Price Bay Rays

#170 Billy Hamilton Red blue 0977/2014

#BO9 Joe Mauer Twins

Pack 11:

#31 Hunter Pence Giants

#52 Carlos Santana Indians

#104 Jason Kipnis Indians

#106 Matt Moore Bay Rays blue 1572/2014

#129 Joey Votto Reds

#213 Hyun-Jin Ryu Dodgers 

An opening day autograph with odds of 1 in 278 packs-not bad. The last time I opened some Opening Day the sole Red Sox I pulled was also Big Dave.

2016 Allen and Ginter blaster

Before opening this blaster, I had a look at what people were saying about the years offering. Some real mixed reviews and collectors have tired of the same format after 11 years.

I collected the whole set in 2010, firstly the base set, knocking out a few short prints along the way and then going after the inserts and I will admit, once is enough. 

Allen and Ginter is always a lovely looking set and an eclectic mix. Where else would you find a Hot Dog eating champion, fitness instructor and political analyst and that is not the start of a joke however there are a fair few comedians thrown in for good measure. 

Though if you are a baseball card collector, these obscure cards might be of little or no interest. 

Saying that,  I really like cards that are printed on material other than card and this set includes wood, metal and cloth minis. 

The 2016 Allen and Ginter base set consists of 351 cards,including the 51 short prints.

There are five different parallels: Mini, Glossy, Mini Exclusives, Mini Cloth and Mini Metal.

There are many inserts, The Numbers Game, Baseball Legends, Natural Wonders, Mascots in the Wild, Ferocious Felines, Laureates of Peace, Subways and Streetcars, US Mayors, Skippers, Artist Originals, Rip Cards and Double Rip Cards.

There is also a very limited 1/1 Greenland Explorer insert.

The Red Sox checklist includes:

#57 Jim Rice

#81 Brian Johnson RC

#87 Craig Kimbrel

#109 Eduardo Rodriguez

#134 Henry Owens

#151 David Ortiz

#184 Mookie Betts

#187 Carl Yastrzemski

#237 Dustin Pedroia

#255 Nomar Garciaparra

#263 Hanley Ramirez

#264 Xander Bogaerts

#270 David Price

#322 Ryan LaMarre SP, RC

#346 Pablo Sandoval SP

I have a blaster, which contains 8 packs and each pack has 6 cards.

Pack 1:

#86 Adam Jones Orioles

#154 Ervin Santana Twins

#179 Jen Welter Coach mini

#228 Colin Cowhead Sportscaster

#NG81 Wade Boggs Yankees

#NW5 Amazon Rainforest

Pack 2: 

#174 Frankie Montas Dodgers

#190 Jon Gray Rockies

#253 Ozzie Smith Cardinals

#314 Starlin Castro Yankees

#MIW9 Parrot

#USM23 Carloyn Goodman Las Vegas Mayor mini

Pack 3:

#18 Kolten Wong Cardinals

#31 Brad Ziegler D-backs

#131 Brooks Robinson Orioles

#132 Leigh Steinberg Agent

#138 Cord McCoy Rodeo Champion mini

#NG53 Zack Greinke D-backs

Pack 4:

#117 Robin Yount Brewers

#195 Joey Votto Reds

#230 Jesscia Mendoza Sportscaster

#318 Yasiel Puig Dodgers mini

#326 Peter O'Brien D-backs

#BL22 Rod Carew Twins

Pack 5:

#1 Jorge Soler Cubs

#97 Kyle Scwarber Cubs

#198 Ari Shaffir Comedian

#214 Justin Bour Marlins

#FF3 Canadian Lynx mini

#NG58 A.J.Pollack D-backs

Pack 6:

#5 Kyle Waldrop Reds

#153 Jung Ho Kang Pirates mini

#235 Chetenne Woods Golfer

#254 Bryce Harper Nationals

#331 Taijuan Walker Mariners

#NW12 Dead Sea

Pack 7:

#22 Francisco Rodriguez Tigers

#113 Alcides Escobar Royals

#186 Morgan Spurlock Filmaker

#261 Carlos Carrasco Indians mini

#297 Corey Kluber Indians

#NG21 Mookie Betts Red Sox (finally!)

Pack 8:

#79 Dustin Garneau Rockies mini

#136 Matt Kemp Padres

#245 Dwier Brown Actor

#287 Andre Dawson Cubs

#302 Trevor Brown Giants

#BL6 Duke Snider Dodgers

Plenty of insets but sadly only 1 Red Sox and no trains.

2017 Topps Heritage Blaster

2017 Topps Heritage is a 500-card set based on the design of 1968 Topps, which consists of 400 base cards and 100 short prints. Unfortunately what is become the norm  for Topps is the Gimmicks, Errors, and Variations. The checklist for these is quite big with 25 Action Image Gimmicks, undisclosed but about 25 Black Dot Gimmicks, about 6 Single-Player Rookie Gimmicks, about 15 Throwback Gimmicks, 6 Errors and 7 Traded cards. I am guessing but they must be popular with Topps including this type of card again and again. 

There are two Parallels- Chrome and mini.

There are a number of different inserts, New Age Performers, Then and Now, Baseball Flashbacks,  News Flashbacks, 1968 Topps Game, 1968 Bazooka, 1968 Topps Discs, 1968 Topps Game Rookies,  1968 Topps 3D, 1968 Topps Posters, which I prefer than the Gimmicks, particularly the oddball versions like Bazooka, Discs and 3D perhaps I am alone in this. Although most are limited, exclusive  or only available as a hobby box loader.

The Red Sox checklist consists of:

#2 Dustin Pedroia / Mookie Betts / Jose Altuve LL

#4 Edwin Encarnacion / Albert Pujols / David Ortiz LL

#10 Corey Kluber / J.A. Happ / Rick Porcello 2 variations

#125 Steven Wright

#140 Brock Holt

#186 Henry Owens

#195 Drew Pomeranz

#204 Tyler Thornburg

#244 Hanley Ramirez

#250 Chris Young

#261 Mitch Moreland

#314a Robby Scott / Andrew Benintendi RC

#314b Andrew Benintendi SP

#318 Rick Porcello

#346 Craig Kimbrel

#354 Sandy Leon

#361 David Ortiz AS

#362 Mookie Betts AS

#382 Boston Red Sox

#405 Chris Sale SP 2 variations

#412 David Ortiz SP 3 variations

#428 Mookie Betts SP 2 variations

#441 Xander Bogaerts SP 2 variations

#454 Dustin Pedroia SP

#462 Jackie Bradley Jr. SP

#480 David Price SP 3 variations

 

The 2017 blaster contains 8 packs, each pack has 9 cards. There is also the possibility of an exclusive Topps Disc card as this blaster was purchased in Derry, New Hampshire. 

Pack 1:

#31 Justin Grimm Cubs
#263 MVP company
#289 Atlanta Braves
#307 Yordano Ventura Royals
#373 Nolan Arendo AS Rockies
#377 Bryce Harper AS Nationals
#399 Sean Manaea Athletics
#THC162 Cardinal Rookie Stars purple chrome
#NAP-18 Dellin Betances Yankees

Pack 2:

#3 NL RBI leaders

#241 Travis Jankowski Padres

#242 James McCann Tigers

#243 Byron Buxton Twins

#250 Chris Young Red Sox

#258 Rockies Rookie stars

#387 Mike Moustakas Royals

#500 Kris Bryant Cubs

#THC413 Albert Pujols purple chrome

Pack 3:

#23 David Wright Mets

#42 Marlins Rookie Stars

#89 Wilson Ramos Bay Rays

#112 Matt Wisler Braves

#231 Matt Garza Brewers

#235 Melvin Upton Jr. Blue Rays

#391 Matt Moore Giants

#THC478 Jameson Taillon Pirates purple chrome

#1968 Topps Game 1/30 Matt Scherzer

Pack 4:

#114 Tom Koehler Marlins

#120 CC Sabathia Yankees

#256 Matt Harvey Mets

#335 Carlos Gomez Rangers

#357 Mark Reynolds Rockies

#390 Josh Harrison Pirates

#THC483 Nomar Mazara Rangers purple chrome

#CCR-RB Ryan Braun Brewers

Pack 5:

#12 AL strikeout leaders
#63 Alex Wilson Tigers
#71 Pat Neshek Phillies
#217 Avisail Garcia White Sox
#234 St Louis Cardinals
#257 Houston Astros
#298 Ichiro Marlins
#361 David Ortiz AS Red Sox
#THC449 Freddie Freeman Braves purple chrome

Pack 6:

#38 Philadelphia Phillies

#64 Russell Martin Blue Jays

#109 Chris Iannetta Mariners

#122 Brandon Drury D-backs

#315 Detroit Tigers

#395 Travis Wood Cubs

#413 Albert Pujols Angels

#THC433 Charlie Blackmon Rockies purple chrome

#68TDC13 Robinson Cano Mariners

Pack 7:

#37 Mike Napoli Indians
#39 Tyler Flowers Braves
#90 Billy Hamilton Reds
#211 Jake Barrett D-backs
#287 Adrian Beltre Rangers
#295 Maikel Franco Phillies
#353 Zach Britton Orioles
#490 Josh Donaldson Blue Jays
#THC443 Trevor Story Rockies purple chrome

Pack 8:

#61 Marco Estrada Blue Jays

#168 Brett Lawrie White Sox

#215 Freddy Galvis Phillies

#270 Jordy Mercer Pirates

#293 Didi Gregorius Yankees

#314 Red Sox Rookie Stars

#352 Kevin Kiermaier Bay Rays

#THC500 Kris Bryant Cubs purple chrome

#NF1 Vietman War

This blaster must have been a hot box as every pack contained an unnumbered purple chrome parallel as shown here.

2016 Stadium Club Blaster

2016 Stadium Club is a 300-card set. All 300 base cards are available in the following parallels.
Gold, Black, Black & White, Members Only, Rainbow Foil and First Day Issue.
The inserts include: Contact Sheet, Isometrics, Legends Die-Cuts,  Beam Team,  Triumvirates and Instavision.
Unfortunately Topps chose to include 25 short printed  gimmick variations as well. Pity as the photography and card stock alone make this an excellent product for collectors.
The Red Sox checklist consist of:
#21 Carson Smith
#60 Carl Yastrzemski
#82 Blake Swihart
#112 Curt Schilling
#114 David Ortiz
#133 David Price
#141 Mookie Betts
#147 Henry Owens RC
#223 Nomar Garciaparra
#240 Brock Holt
#241 Rick Porcello
#248 Ted Williams
#254 Dustin Pedroia
#256 Rusney Castillo
#273 Brian Johnson RC

#297 Wade Boggs

The blaster has 8 packs, each pack contains 5 cards.

Pack 1:

#30 Jose Bautista Blu Jays

#70 Dennis Eckersley Athletics

#191 Frank Viola Twins

#197 Zack Greinke D-backs

#221 Jacob DeGrom Mets

Pack 2:

#15 Ozzie Smith Cardinals gold

#72 Tom Murphy Rockies

#157 Mike Leake Cardinals

#273 Brain Johnson Red Sox

#278 Khris Davis Athletics

Pack 3:

#55 Stephen Stasburg Nationals

#80 Nolan Ryan Angles gold

#168 Javier Baez Cubs

#233 Robinson Cano Mariners

#282 Joe Mauer Twins

Pack 4:

#128 Dallas Keuchel Astros

#147 Henry Owens Red Sox

#235 Russell Martin Blue Jays

#253 Paul Molitor Brewers

#293 Cal Ripken Jr. Orioles 

Pack 5:

#61 Miguel Almonte Royals

#225 Trea Turner Nationals

#231 Starlin Castro Yankees

#299 Kyle Seager Mariners

#CS-6 Kris Bryant Cubs

Pack 6:

#120 Mike Moustakas Royals

#141 Mookie Betts Red Sox

#148 Danny Salazar Indians

#242 Collin McHugh Astros

#274 Giancarlo Stanton Marlins

Pack 7:

#3 Matt Kemp Padres

#28 Dee Gordon Marlins

#146 Johnny Bench Reds

#181 Manny Banuelos Braves

#261 Johnny Damon Royals

Pack 8:

#38 Frank Thomas White Sox

#220 Jung Ho Kang Pirates

#286 Harmon Killebrew Senators

#289 Anthony DeSclafani Reds gold

#297 Wade Boggs Red Sox

Well, nice looking cards as Stadium Club tends to be, good photography, thick card stock and a mixture of new and old players- just like this great Wade Boggs card.

2016 Topps Archives Baseball Blaster

2016 Topps Archives is a 310-card set divided into three 100 card subsets each replicating a previous Topps design. The designs featured this year are the 1953 Topps, 1979 Topps, and 1991 Topps. 10 additional shorted printed cards bring the whole base set to 310 cards. 

There are a number of inserts available, the most interesting for collectors possibly the 1998 design Bull Durham inserts, although the 1969 Topps Super insert looks pretty good as well. Other inserts included are the 1985 Topps #1 Draft Pick insert and the 1985 Father-Son insert. 

The Red Sox checklist includes a mixture of old and new:

1953 design

#31 Henry Owens RC

#35 Jim Rice

#39 David Price

#56 Brian Johnson RC

#74 Dustin Pedroia

#89 Hanley Ramirez

#90 Carl Yastrzemski

1979 design

#101 Babe Ruth

#125 David Ortiz

#146 Mookie Betts

1991 design

#239 Xander Bogaerts

#251 Bobby Doerr

#271 Ted Williams

#288 Nomar Garciaparra

#293 Craig Kimbrel

1969 Super

#69TS-DO David Ortiz

I have a blaster which contains 8 packs of 10 cards with one guaranteed Bull Durham insert per blaster. These were purchased from a Walmart in New Hampshire, Derry to be more exact. 

Pack 1:

#7 Ketel Marte Mariners

#24 Bert Blyleven Twins 

#27 Jim Abbot Yankees

#117 Craig Biggio Astros

#120 Juan Gonzalez Rangers

#131 Jim Palmer Orioles

#215 Yoenis Cespedes Mets

#261 Joe Mauer Twins

#285 Maikel Franco Phillies

#309 Kris Benson Pirates

Pack 2:

#1 Albert Pujols Angels

#47 Jorge Lopez Brewers

#84 Gregory Polanco Pirates

#92 Bartolo Colon Mets

#140 Jung Ho Kang Pirates

#147 Travis Jankowski Padres

#195 Mark Melancon Pirates

#212 Gaylord Perry Indians

#271 Ted Williams Red Sox

#275 Corey Seager Dodgers

Pack 3:

#42 J.D.Martinez Tigers

#67 Lorenzo Cain Royals

#82 Justin Bour Marlins

#139 Carlos Beltran Yankees

#155 Jeurys Familia Mets

#194 Garrett Richards Angels

#237 Miguel Sano Twins

#263 Eddie Matthews Braves

#265 Warren Spahn Braves

#69TS-MS Miguel Sano Twins

Pack 4:

#29 Russell Martin Blue Jays

#30 Manny Machado Orioles

#58 Glen Perkins Twins

#126 Yu Darvish Rangers
#149 Brain Dozier Twins
#157 Jose Abreu White Sox
#223 Goose Gossage Yankees
#282 Lou Block Cardinals
#291 Kaleb Cowart Angels
#BD-T Tony

Pack 5:

#32 Kevin Pillar Blue Jays

#99 Masahiro Tanaka Yankees

#100 Buster Posey Giants

#146 Mookie Betts Red Sox

#148 Zack Greinke D-backs

#150 Kris Bryant Cubs

#160 Joc Pederson Dodgers

#225 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers

#230 James Shields Padres

#248 Anthony Rizzo Cubs

Pack 6:

#13 Jason Heyward Cubs

#39 David Price Red Sox

#68 Trea Turner Nationals

#154 Jon Gray Rockies

#184 Carlos Martinez Cardinals

#186 Peter O'Brien D-backs

#214 Adam Jones Orioles

#276 Nolan Arenado Rockies

#300 Sandy Kofax Dodgers

#85DP-BS B.J.Surhoff Brewers

Pack 7:

#12 Robin Yount Brewers

#25 Kyle Schwarber Cubs

#83 Satchel Paige Indians

#104 Evan Longoria Bay Rays

#139 Tom Seaver Mets

#200 Bryce Harper Nationals

#274 Michael Brantley Indians

#286 Willie Mays Giants

#288 Nomar Garciaparra Red Sox

#FS-AAL Sandy/Roberto Alomar 

Pack 8:

#4 Bret Boone Mariners

#57 Charlie Blackmon Rockies
#66 Shelby Miller D-backs
#101 Babe Ruth Red Sox
#141 Stan Musial Cardinals
#188 Brandon Crawford Giants
#225 Ryan Braun Brewers
#267 Carlos Gonzalez Rockies
#294 Andrew McCutchen Pirates
#69TS-FF Freddie Freeman Braves

Oh Archives you didn't disappoint. Great to see my (second) favourite player gracing the cardboard again- Nomar please come back.

2013 Panini Cooperstown Blaster

Not sure why I purchased this blaster of 2013 Cooperstown, just saw it on e-bay and thought 'Why not!' Initially opening the box, I was impressed with the bright red packs, but a little underwhelmed by the actual card design. At first glance the sepia-toned pictures were good but didn't excite. However since putting the packs to one side and then getting them out again to write this post, I am more impressed, not just by the depth of players included and the inserts but also the actual card design.
If you're a enthusiast of the backs of cards, then Cooperstown may interest you. Each back features a box score and a short description of the participation of the player depicted.
The addition of the Colgan's Chips is brilliant. At 1 per pack and a 165 card checklist, it is very tempting to go after the entire set. I love this sort of insert in baseball product.

The base set consists of 100 cards, which come in a number of parallels; Green, Blue, Red, Gold, Black Crystal Shard and Matrix. Plus a further 10 colour short printed base cards.
There are inserts; Colgan's Chips, Lumberjacks, Lumberjacks Die Cut, Historic Tickets, Induction, Museum Pieces, Numbers Game and International Play.
There is an interesting looking box topper insert called Pennants, which comes in blue and red.
I purchased a blaster box, which includes 5 packs each containing 6 cards. As a bonus each blaster has three crystal shard parallels. You may notice the box above is a little beaten and battered, the cards were safe except for one pack, which suffered some corner damage.

Pack 1:

#18 Miller Huggins New York

 #39 Dizzy Dean St.Louis

#75 Al Kaline Detroit

#96 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia

#4 1922 World Series historic ticket insert

Satchel Paige  St.Louis chip

 Pack 2:

#14 Honus Wagner Pittsburgh

#27 Paul Waner Pittsburgh

#43 Bobby Doer Boston

#51 Bob Feller Cleveland

#71 Frank Robinson Cincinnati

Jim Bunning  Detroit chip 

Pack 3:

#1 Lou Gehrig New York

#25 Lefty Grove Philadelphia

#56 Stan Musial St.Louis

#82 Rod Carew Minnesota

 #12 Hank Aaron Museum Pieces 

Al Lopez Cleveland chip

 Pack 4:

#9 Johnny Evers Boston

#28 Buck Leonard Homestead Grays

#67 Hoyt Wilhelm Baltimore

#85 Joe Morgan Cincinnati

#20 Catfish Hunter Induction insert

Rickey Henderson chip

Pack 5:

#13 Dan Brouthers Detroit

#41 Carl Hubbell New York

#70 Jim Bunning Philadelphia

#84 Bob Gibson St.Louis

#98 Dave Winfield Toronto

Monte Irvin New York chip

Bonus Crystal Shard pack

#41 Carl Hubbell New York green shard

#84 Bob Gibson St.Louis green shard

#98 Dave Winfield Toronto green shard

I nice enough cross section of inserts, the historic ticket in particular was interesting and I am even more tempted to try and collect the set of Colgan's Chip.