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.

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

 

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)

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?

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 Series baseball blaster

It seems like such a long time ago that I received this blaster. With 2013 Series 2 closer to hitting the shelves, eBay, COMC and blogs, it might appear a little late in the day to post, but there are still a few Red Sox from Series 2 waiting to be added to the collection:
#368 Carl Crawford
#441 Mike Aviles
#506 David Ortiz
#631 Ryan Kalish

The blaster has 10 packs, each containing eight cards.

Pack 1:

#357 Aaron Harang Dodgers

#369 Huston Street Padres

#481 Matt Harrison Rangers

#547 Jason Giambi Rockies

#615 Luis Marte Tigers

#634 Jose Contreras Phillies

#ACA-17 Tim Lincecum Giants

#MD-5 Dennis Eckersley Athletics

 

Pack 2:

#385 David Murphy Rangers

#442 Johnny Giavotella Royals

#580 Tony Campana Cubs

#569 Travis Hafner Indians

#592 Carlos Lee Astros

#651 Ryan Sweeney Red Sox

#CD-24 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies

#TW-66 Cole Hamels Phillies

 

Pack 3:

#371 Jim Thome Phillies

#394 Bryan LaHair Cubs

#496 Jorge De La Rosa Rockies

#508 Brandon Phillips Reds

#554 Raul Ibanez Yankees

#611 Neftali Feliz Rangers

#640 Jemile Weeks Athletics

#GM-48 Ryne Sandberg Cubs

 

Pack 4:

#367 Chris Volstad Cubs

#395 Jonathan Lucroy Brewers

#485 Carlos Marmol Cubs

#594 Ricky Romero Blue Jays

#617 Jimmy Rollins Phillies

#633 Chris Narveson Brewers

#GGC-16m Johnny Bench Reds

#GM-10 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

 

Pack 5:

#455 Jed Lowrie Astros gold sparkle

#467 Juan Francisco Reds

#490 Chris Carpenter Cardinals

#498 Joey Votto Reds

#511 Ervin Santana Angels

#524 Martin Prado Braves

#610 Cody Ross Red Sox

#GF-26 Jesus Montero Mariners



 

Pack 6:

#346 Dillion Gee Mets

#395 Rod Barajas Pirates

#477 Edison Volquez Padres gold sparkle

#523 Jim Johnson Orioles

#544 Josh Collmenter D-backs

#552 Kyle Drabek Blue Jays

#555 Alex Presley Pirates

#622 Daniel Hudson D-backs

 

Pack 7:

#355 Mark Buehrle Marlins

#363 Fernando Salas Cardinals gold sparkle

#378 Brandon League Mariners

#469 Vinnie Pestano Indians

#505 Fautino De Los Santos Athletics

#577 Dallas Braden Athletics

#650 Prince Fielder Tigers

#GGC-12 Felix Hernandez Mariners

 

Pack 8:

#376 Carlos Quentin Padres

#377 Brandon Inge Tigers

#454 Michael Cuddyer Rockies

#503 Tyler Clippard Nationals

#548 Charlie Furbush Mariners

#609 Lorenzo Cain Royals

#GS-39 Frank Robinson Orioles

#MD-13 Jon Lester Red Sox

 

Pack 9:

#389 Alexi Casilla Twins

#449 Shane Victorino Phillies

#494 Darwin Barney Cubs

#514 Brain Roberts Orioles

#527 Aaron Hill D-backs

#570 Zach McAllister Indians

#GF-45 Lonnie Chisenhall Indians

#GM-3 Eric Hosmer Royals

 

Pack 10:

#339 Clayton Richard Padres

#350 Evan Longoria Bay Rays

#426 Eric Hinske Braves

#471 James Shields Bay Rays

#483 Alex Gordon Royals

#487 Eric Sogard Athletics

#ACA-11 Nolan Ryan Astros

#TM-83 Joe Mauer Twins

 

Exclusive Patch Card:

#HS-HK Harmon Killebrew Twins

 

There you go, still no closer to completing the Red Sox team set. Plenty of nice inserts, gold sparkly cards too. Not convinced by the Historic Stitches, although I doubt I could say no if it was Carl Yastrzemski.