Memorabilia cards are one of the coolest things that I think has happened to the hobby. I know the market is flooded with them and many aren’t even worth $0.99. In today’s market it takes a lot more to get the collector’s attention. A card containing a piece of plain bat just doesn’t spark a ton of interest, not unless its of someone like Babe Ruth. In my opinion, one of the best type of relic cards in the hobby would be the bat barrel. I’m not talking about the manufactured pieces of wood found in Sweet Spot, I’m talking about the real thing. The first time I saw a bat barrel was in 2002 UD SP Legendary Cuts. I’ve always thought seeing the player’s name inscribed on the bat looked really good. Since 2002 many more bat barrels have been produced, but they still seem to be a rarity in the hobby. The best bat barrel cards contain the entire name, and I don’t like when they cut it in half to create more than one card. I’d love to pull a HOF’er barrel or find a one of Scott Rolen to add to my collection, but any Phillie would do. Lets just hope manufacturers don’t start making their own barrels like they have done with letterman patches.
Filed under: Thoughts | Tagged: barrel, baseball, bat, cards, memorabilia, relic, sports |
Sports Card Info 
” Lets just hope manufacturers don’t start making their own barrels like they have done with letterman patches.”
And right now, some exec at UD or Topps is saying, “I’ve got this great new idea for the bat relics.”
Totally agree. Bat Barrels are the coolest relic. Although I think the example above is hideous. Why not put the sticker auto on the card back and center the barrel?