2016 Topps Archives Baseball Box Break & Review

Baseball, timeless designs, throw in a dash of Hollywood, and you’ve got the making of another successful release of Topps Archives Baseball.

Nobody else in this industry makes retro themed products as well as Topps.  That is a fact.  I think Heritage takes the cake when it comes to crowing a king of retro products, but Archives isn’t that far behind.  Its much more than a quick thrill box to open.  Archives is content rich, featuring a great mix of older and current players all printed on classic Topps designs ranging anywhere from 1953 to 1991.  Topps has given you plenty to look for in addition to the (2) autographs.

Including cards from iconic pop-culture baseball related movies and events has been at the heart of Archives over the last few years.  In 2014, Topps got key cast members from the movie Major League to sign autographs.  Last year we saw cards of Will Ferrell commemorating his Spring Training adventure.  His cards received a ton of national coverage which brought major attention to this brand.  Collectors are still willing to spend upwards of $1,000 for one of his autographs.

For 2016, Topps was able to get cast members from the movie Bull Durham to sign autographs.  The cards reflect the 1988 Topps Baseball design as a nod to the year that movie was released.  Not only was it important for Topps to get people like Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins, and Susan Sarandon to sign on-card.  But it was key for them to be able to use photos of these actors from the actual movie.  Obtaining the rights to do all of this is not something every manufacturer could pull off.  The Kevin Costner (“Crash” Davis) autographs have settled in around $400, while the Susan Sarandon (Annie Savoy) have been selling for a little more.

The Operation Desert Shield parallels were a nice surprise.  They fall about (1) per case, and look just like the original ones did back in 1991.  1991 Topps Baseball isn’t know for having any real high-dollar cards, but when the Operation Desert Shield cards hit the market man did they skyrocket.  Many of them still have a strong demand.

With all of these classic designs and on-card autographs, it makes it really difficult to pick a favorite.  I’d have to go with the buybacks and 1969 Topps Super Autographs.  The 1969 Topps Super Autographs are so simply made.  Hard-signed autographs with those bright and colorful player photos really go a long way.

Topps seems to keep surprising us with what they throw in Archives.  I’d like to see former Phillies pitcher Larry Andersen have autographs in this set.  Bob Uecker would be cool too.  Although, if Bob Uecker didn’t sign when Topps made Major League cards I doubt he’d do it now.  It wouldn’t bother me to see former Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas make an appearance.

Who would you like to see in Archives next year?

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Stephen Piscotty 1969 Topps Super Auto #’ed/99
• Phil Nevin Fan Favorites Red Border Auto #’ed/50

Parallels

• George Brett Blue Border #’ed/199
• Mike Trout Blue Border #’ed/199

Inserts

• Jake Arrieta 1969 Topps Super
• Dee Gordon 1969 Topps Super
• Paul Goldschmidt 1969 Topps Super
• Aaron Nola 1969 Topps Super
• Tony Perez/Eduardo Perez Father-Son
• Tito Francona/Terry Francona Father-Son
• Ron Shelton Bull Durham
• Larry Hockett Bull Durham
• Rick Monday 1985 Topps #1 Draft Pick
• Darryl Strawberry 1985 Topps #1 Draft Pick
• B.J. Surhoff 1985 Topps #1 Draft Pick