2019 Topps Archives Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

Well… wasn’t that an entertaining box to rip open.  Its the retro product of all retro products.  I’m talking about Archives.  Once again Topps utilizes classic designs from the past to create cards of today’s veterans, stars, rookies, and retired/Hall of Famers.  The collection of notable and obscure players combined with all of the on-card autograph goodness has been a “Fan Favorite” for years.

A hobby box of 2019 Topps Archives will cost about $90 as of this writing.  (24) packs come in a hobby box, and you’re guaranteed (2) on-card autographs.

If you’re looking to put the set together it consists of (300) cards.  Designs from 1958, 1975, and 1993 are featured throughout the set.  When it comes to the cards printed with the 1975 design be sure to watch out for the ones missing the facsimile signature.  Also be on the lookout for 1993 Topps Gold cards.  Both of these are subset parallels that aren’t easy to pull (1:207 packs).  Other parallels include Purple #’ed/175, Silver #’ed/99, Blue #’ed/25 (Hobby), and Gold #’ed 1/1.

Base High-Number cards are like short prints and range from #301-#330.

Please check the card backs as you’re ripping through those packs.  (10) photo variations are in here.  Base cards featuring the 1958 design have CMP codes that end in #053.  Base cards featuring the 1975 design have CMP codes that end in #058.  Base cards featuring the 1993 design have CMP codes that end in #064.  No matter the design, if you pull a photo variation the CMP code will end in #070.

Along with well-known names in baseball like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Sandy Koufax, Archives always comes with a slew of what I call obscure players.  These are guys who had successful careers in baseball, but just don’t have that many autographed cards.  In fact, Archives can sometimes be the only product where they have autographs.

Autographs come in the following forms – Fan Favorites Autographs, 1978 Topps Record Breaker Autographs, 1994 Future Star Autographs, 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos Autographs, Ichiro Retrospective Autographs, Topps Magazine Autographs, and Topps Originals Autographs.

Inserts include 1975 Mini, 1994 Topps Future Star, 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos, Ichiro Retrospective, Topps Coins (Blaster box), and Topps Magazine.

I’m always interested to see if any Phillies players from the past received the Archives autograph treatment.  This year one did.  Former Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal has a Fan Favorites autograph.  Very cool!  When I began watching the Phillies he was their starting catcher.  I even met him during a few autograph signings in Harrisburg, PA.  During his playing career he had some autographed cards issued.  But nothing recently.  Its great to see his name popup again.

Another area of interest to me are the 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos inserts.  Some of these players use to play for the Harrisburg Senators AA team.  The first professional baseball game I went to see was in Harrisburg.  Including guys like Cliff Floyd and Rondell White bring back a lot of memories.

Curious to known whether or not the Topps Magazine was real.  It was.  Topps Magazine ran from 1990 to 1993.  Fun to see this make a comeback in cardboard form.

I say this every year, but I’m going to continue to do so until it happens.  Current Phillies radio broadcaster and former pitcher Larry Andersen needs to have an autograph in here.  Its the perfect product for him to be in.

Tons of nostalgic designs and on-card autographs.  Awesome box!

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Ken Griffey Jr. Fan Favorites Auto
• Coco Laboy 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos Auto

Parallels

• Lucas Giolito Silver #’ed/99
• Lou Gehrig Purple #’ed/175
• Ichiro Retrospective #I-15 Green #’ed/99

Base High-Numbers

• Luis Urias 2019 Rookie #325
• Pete Alonso 2019 Rookie #330
• Kyle Wright 2019 Rookie #329
• Josh Hader 1975 Highlights #313
• Kris Bryant 1975 Highlights #318
• Derek Jeter 1975 Highlights #311
• Chris Sale 1958 Sport Magazine All-Star #305
• Javier Baez 1958 Sport Magazine All-Star #303
• Nolan Arenado 1958 Sport Magazine All-Star #307

Inserts

• Pedro Martinez 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Future Star
• Pete Alonso Future Star
• Ichiro Retrospective #I-4
• Ichiro Retrospective #I-8
• Cal Ripken Jr. Topps Magazine
• Ronald Acuña Jr. Topps Magazine
• Shohei Ohtani Topps Magazine
• Aaron Judge Topps Magazine
• Barry Larkin Topps Magazine

2019 Bowman Sterling Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

Pizza.  That’s exactly what pops into my head when I look at a box of 2019 Bowman Sterling Baseball.  The shape of the box reminds me of something a personal pan pizza would get delivered in.  Mmm… pizza.  I haven’t had one of those from Pizza Hut in a long time.

Its been five years since the Bowman Sterling brand was made available as a standalone product.  The last standalone outing it had was in 2014.  I remember buying a lot of Bowman Sterling packs, both baseball and football.  Over the last few years Bowman Sterling inserts have shown up in various other Topps products.

Topps debuted Bowman Sterling to collectors in 2004.  Matt Bush, Huston Street, Robinson Cano, Adam Wainwright, Felix Hernandez, Homer Bailey, Philip Hughes, David Wright, Scott Kazmir, Carlos Quentin, Delmon Young, and Trevor Plouffe were all top guys that you wanted to pull at the time.

2019 Bowman Sterling is a very rookie and prospect focused set.  Much like it’s predecessors of the past.  A hobby box will cost around $250 as of this writing.  Inside each box you’ll find (5) mini-boxes each housing an autograph.

Although the autographs are the main attraction, a base set is here for you to collect.  The base set consists of (100) cards – (50) prospects and (50) rookies.  Parallels include Base Refractor #’ed/199, Speckle #’ed/99, Gold #’ed/50, Blue #’ed/25, Black Atomic #’ed/10, Red #’ed/5, Superfractor #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.

Even though a low-numbered parallel of a base card could easily end up being the major hit of the box, autographs are the meat and potatoes of this brand.  Numerous autograph options are available – Prospect & Rookie Autographs, Sterling Die-Cut Autographs, Sterling Retrospect Autographs, Dual Refractor Autographs, and Triple Refractor Autographs.

Sterling Retrospect highlight the only insert.  Both the autographed and non-autographed versions of these cards are designed to look as if they’re from the 2004 set.  I would say that these are my favorite cards.  A lot of veterans are in this portion of the set.  Vertically signed autographs, which you’ll find on the Sterling Retrospect cards, has always caught my eye.

Simple design.  Pizza box presentation.  Prospecting collectors should enjoy the revival of this brand.

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Noelvi Marte
• Jordan Groshans
• Ryan Borucki
• Franklin Perez
• Grayson Rodriguez Refractor #’ed/150

Parallels

• Brendan Rodgers Refractor #’ed/199
• Brock Deatherage Speckle #’ed/99

2019 Topps Chrome Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

I have a confession to make.  I’m easily distracted by shiny objects.  So are a lot of other collectors.  BE CAREFUL OPENING WHILE OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY!

I can only speak for myself, but when I finished opening my box one word came to mind… balance.  The box I opened contained a very nice balance of hits.  It probably is one of the best Topps Chrome Baseball boxes I’ve ever opened.

A hobby box will run you about $110 right now.  The base set consists of (204) cards with the following parallels: Base Refractor, Prism, Sepia (Blaster), Pink (Value Pack), Negative, Purple #’ed/299, Blue #’ed/150, Green #’ed/99, Green Wave #’ed/99 (Hobby/Jumbo), Blue Wave #’ed/75 (Hobby/Jumbo), Gold #’ed/50, Gold Wave #’ed/50 (Hobby/Jumbo), Orange #’ed/25 (Hobby), Orange Wave #’ed/25 (Hobby/Jumbo), Red #’ed/5, Red Wave #’ed/5 (Hobby/Jumbo), Superfractor #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.

SP Photo Variations are quite difficult to pull falling at a rate of 1:247 packs.  There are (25) total SP Photo Variations.  Pulling the regular version is hard enough, but they do have parallels: Green #’ed/99, Orange #’ed/25, Red #’ed/5, and Superfractor #’ed 1/1.

CMP codes are helpful:

• Base – #369
• SP Photo Variation – #409

Housed inside each hobby box are (2) guaranteed autographs which can come in the form of Rookie Autographs, Dual Rookie Autographs, 1984 Topps Baseball Autographs, 1999 Topps Chrome Baseball Autographs, Freshman Flash Autographs, and Future Stars Autographs.

Relics are case hits.  When you think about Topps Chrome Baseball, relics don’t always pop into your head right away.  They tend to be much more difficult to pull from this brand.  Called Debut Gear, these horizontally-oriented hits came out well and make me wish we saw more chrome-style relics.  Not only did I pull a case hit (1:544 packs) I got the Red Refractor version #’ed/5 (1:17,628 packs).  Not too shabby for a 24-pack box.  Debut Gear Autographs are also available.

Non-autographed inserts include 1984 Topps Baseball, Freshman Flash, Future Stars, and Greatness Returns.

I think you’ll agree that my hits were quite balanced.  One of these years I’d like to see some Topps Chrome Baseball National Sports Collectors Convention exclusive cards.  Shiny stuff!!!

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Cedric Mullins Gold Wave Refractor Auto #’ed/50
• Sean Reid-Foley Auto

Relic

• Ivan Rodriguez Debut Gear Patch Red Refractor #’ed/5

SP Photo Variation

• Justus Sheffield Green Refractor #’ed/99

Parallels

• Carlos Santana Purple Refractor #’ed/299
• Touki Toussaint Prism Refractor
• Jose Urena Prism Refractor
• Dakota Hudson Prism Refractor
• Sandy Alcantara Prism Refractor
• Charlie Blackmon Refractor
• Evan Longoria Refractor
• Whit Merrifield Refractor
• Nick Burdi Refractor
• Jesus Aguilar Refractor
• Justus Sheffield Refractor
• Ronald Guzman Refractor

Inserts

• Ty Cobb/Bryce Harper Greatness Returns
• Kyle Wright Freshman Flash
• Cedric Mullins Freshman Flash
• Scott Kingery Future Stars
• Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. Future Stars
• Miles Mikolas Future Stars
• Ichiro 1984 Topps
• Francisco Lindor 1984 Topps
• Joey Votto 1984 Topps
• Yusei Kikuchi 1984 Topps

2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Hobby Box Break & Review

A Beagle, the Wright Brothers, and Santa’s Sleigh all have what in common?  No.  This isn’t some type of a joke.  Each has a card in 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter.

You can’t compare Allen & Ginter to other card sets.  Baseball is the core focus of this brand, but there are lots of interesting and wacky things to watch out for.  Some of the cards and the subject matter on them can only work in a product like this.  Its been this way since Topps revived the brand in 2006.  Even the 19th century set its modeled after contains a lot of non-baseball items.  That’s what Allen & Ginter is.  Far too many anger addicted people jump on the hate wagon because a card contains a fictional piece of Robin Hood’s bow.  Fun and fantasy are part of Allen & Ginter’s charm.  It likes to take an authentic approach to fictional people, places, and things.  Animals, celebrities, historical events, and various pop-culture items have received the Allen & Ginter treatment.

Upon diving into your hobby box, you’ll notice (24) packs and a box topper.  The complete set consists of (350) cards.  Cards #1-#300 make up the main set.  Short Prints are found on cards #351-#400.  There are no cards that go from #301-#350.  Parallels include Gold Hot Box, and Glossy #’ed 1/1.

It wouldn’t be Allen & Ginter without a slew of mini cards.  You should receive (1) per pack.  The card numbering follows the same as the main set.  Parallels that you can get are A&G Logo Back (1:5), Black (1:10), No Number (50 copies), Brooklyn Back (#’ed/25), Gold (Retail), Wood #’ed 1/1 (Hobby), Glossy #’ed 1/1, and Framed Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.  SP minis have the following odds A&G Logo Back (1:65), Black (1:30), No Number (50 copies), Brooklyn Back (#’ed/25), Gold (Retail), Wood #’ed 1/1 (Hobby), Glossy #’ed 1/1, and Framed Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.  Limited to (50) copies its also possible to find A&G Logo Backs without card numbers.

Other mini cards that you can find include Base Mini Exclusives Extended EXT (Rip Card exclusive), Framed Mini Cloth, Mini Metal, and Mini Stained Glass.

Allen & Ginter is one of those products that you can look at the checklist all you want, but is best to browse eBay to see what pops up.  Topps regularly includes surprises.  I have yet to see a Mini Stained Glass card in person, but I’ve heard a lot of collectors enjoy the look of them.  The artwork used on The History of Flight inserts came out well, and is something I’d like to see used on baseball players.

With surprises around every corner, you never know for sure what you’re going to get.  I squeezed out an extra hit.  You’re only suppose to get (3), but my bonus hit was an autograph.  The truth is if you’ve enjoyed Allen & Ginter in previous years the fun should continue with the 2019 set.  A hobby box will cost about $99.

Who or what would you like to see have a card in the next Allen & Ginter set?  Here’s my list:

• Famous video game characters (Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Kevin Conroy (voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman: The Animated Series)
• Bill Murray (actor/comedian)
• Jim Carrey (actor/comedian)
• Jeff Daniels (actor)
• Obscure/Famous/Historical taxidermy (The Lion of Gripsholm Castle)
• Lost baseball artifacts (significant and authentic artifacts from baseball’s history which existed, but have since been lost to time)
• Kermit the Frog (Muppet)
• Harry Kalas (former Phillies broadcaster)

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Auto

• Quinn XCII Framed Mini Auto

Relics

• Rhys Hoskins Framed Mini Relic
• Chris Taylor Relic
• Ben Schwartz Relic

Short Prints

• Ty Cobb
• Alex Rodriguez
• Jorge Posada
• John Smoltz
• Scott Kingery
• Wade Davis
• Sammy Sosa
• Rogers Hornsby
• Shane Bieber
• Darryl Strawberry
• Phil Rizzuto

Mini Short Prints

• Ty Cobb
• John Smoltz

Mini Parallels

• Starling Marte Black Border
• George Springer Black Border
• Orlando Cepeda Black Border
• Javier Baez A&G Back
• J.T. Realmuto A&G Back
• Wade Boggs A&G Back
• Todd Helton A&G Back
• Maikel Franco A&G Back

Inserts

• In Bloom – Lily of the Valley Mini
• Dreams of Blue Ribbons – Marshmallow-Stuffing Contest Mini
• Collectible Canines – Borzoi Mini
• Collectible Canines – Yellow Labrador Mini
• Collectible Canines – Beagle Mini
• Aaron Judge N43 Box Topper
• Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball Star Signs
• Rhys Hoskins Baseball Star Signs
• Randy Johnson Baseball Star Signs
• Al Kaline Baseball Star Signs
• Max Scherzer Baseball Star Signs
• Clayton Kershaw Baseball Star Signs
• Mares & Stallions – Andalusian
• Mares & Stallions – Tennessee Walking Horse
• Mares & Stallions – Irish Cob
• Mares & Stallions – Quarter Horse
• Incredible Equipment – Johnny Kaw’s Scythe
• Incredible Equipment – Hermes’s Sandals
• Incredible Equipment – Santa’s Sleigh
• Incredible Equipment – Thor’s Hammer
• The History of Flight – Bell X-1
• The History of Flight – Wright Flyer
• The History of Flight – Demoiselle Monoplane
• The History of Flight – Hawker Siddeley Harrier
• Clayton Kershaw – Ginter Greats
• Stan Musial – Ginter Greats
• Rod Carew – Ginter Greats
• Chipper Jones – Ginter Greats
• Frank Robinson – Ginter Greats
• Ken Griffey Jr. – Ginter Greats

2019 Topps Archives Signature Series Baseball (Active Player Edition) Hobby Box Break & Review

“Wouldn’t this card look nice with an on-card autograph?”.  That’s the question Topps answers each year with the release of Archives Signature Series.  That goes for the Active Player and Retired Player Edition.  I’ve had quite a bit of luck with this brand before.  In 2017 I pulled a Mike Trout autograph #’ed 1/1.  Last year I got a Starling Marte autograph #’ed 1/1.  No duds for me.  Now I didn’t get another 1/1 autograph this time, but it is a decent card of a pitcher doing well this year.

Buyback autographs are what keep the heart of this product beating.  Each box contains (1) encased buyback autograph of a currently active MLB player.  Just under (100) different MLB players have autographs in here.  Many with multiple cards.

For those of you unfamiliar with what a buyback autograph is, here’s a little refresher.  Topps will buy up a ton of cards they issued in the past.  They then get players to sign those cards.  Topps then foil stamps the cards with the “Archives Signature Series” logo.  The cards are then placed in BCW holders for their protection.

A single box will cost just under $50.  If you think that’s too expensive for one card, I’d recommend sticking to picking up singles on the secondary market.  Its amazing how far an on-card autograph on a simple base card can go.  Lots of past Topps designs are improved with an on-card autograph.

Very simple and to the point.  I’ve always said cards with a simple design are the most attractive.

Wondering if your favorite player has cards in here?  Take a look.  The amount of cards per player and the serial numbering varies.

Here is what I pulled:

Auto

• Michael Soroka 2015 Bowman Draft Buyback Auto #’ed/79

2019 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

In an age where high-end hits continue to be the main focus of box breakers, Stadium Club aims to change that.  I’m going to say this right now.  Every Stadium Club box opened is a good box.  There isn’t a bad one in the bunch.

2019 Topps Stadium Club continues the tradition of superb and unique photography.  That’s what Stadium Club is all about.  The photos Topps uses are so entertaining to look at.  I truly believe this brand could survive without any hits at all just because of the photography.  That’s saying a lot, especially today.

When diving into a hobby box, you’ll find (16) packs with (8) cards inside each pack.  Sitting on top of the packs is an oversize box topper.  Some of these box toppers can be found with autographs and numbered to (10) copies or less.

The base set consists of (301) cards.  Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. made it in with card #301.  Full bleed photographs without a border really makes the pictures do all of the talking.  The checklist covers rookies, veterans, retired stars, and Hall of Famers.  Parallels of the base set include Red Foil (1:3), Black Foil (1:8), Sepia (Retail), Black/White (1:48 Hobby), Rainbow Foilboard #’ed/25 (1:147), Members Only (1:256), 1st Day Issue (1:367), Photographer’s Proof (1:513), and Gold Rainbow Foilboard #’ed 1/1 (1:1,808 Hobby).

SP Photo Variations are a bit more difficult to pick out because of all the unique photos used in the base set.  CMP codes can help:

• Base – #768
• SP Photo Variation – #805

What could make these base cards look better?  How about printing some on chrome stock?  That’s exactly what Topps did.  (90) Stadium Club Chrome cards can be pulled and have the following parallels: Refractor (1:64), Orange Refractor #’ed/99 (1:124), Gold Minted (1:257), and Superfractor #’ed 1/1 (1:5,976 Hobby).

Like I mentioned earlier, I strongly believe this brand could standalone without any hits.  But the on-card autographs do look really good.  Each hobby box should come with (2) autographs.

Autographs that you can get include Base Autographs, Base Chrome Autographs, Beam Team Autographs, Co-Signers Autographs, Emperors of the Zone Autographs, Lone Star Autographs, and Power Zone Autographs.

Inserts include Beam Team, Emperors of the Zone, Instavision, Power Zone, and Warp Speed.  Instavision inserts return as case hits.  Its fun to see the attention they receive on the secondary market considering they aren’t autographed.

I think its time we see some exclusive Stadium Club cards made for the National Sports Collectors Convention.  Its been years since that’s happened.  That concept could be taken in all sorts of directions.

It doesn’t matter if your two autographs are super valuable or not.  Once all of the packs are ripped, you’re going to be left with a nice selection of cards featuring memorable photographs.

Complete Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Stephen Tarpley Base Auto Redemption
• Ramon Laureano Base Auto

Parallels

• Javier Baez Warp Speed Red Foil
• Charlie Blackmon Black/White
• Yadier Molina Stadium Club Chrome Orange Refractor #’ed/99
• Ronald Acuña Jr. Stadium Club Chrome
• Javier Baez Black Foil
• Chris Taylor Black Foil
• Corbin Burnes Red Foil
• Albert Almora Jr. Red Foil
• Niko Goodrum Red Foil
• Matt Chapman Red Foil
• Robbie Ray Red Foil
• Ramon Laureano Red Foil

Inserts

• Juan Soto Oversize Box Topper
• Christian Yelich Beam Team
• Mookie Betts Warp Speed
• Byron Buxton Warp Speed
• Nolan Ryan Emperors of the Zone
• Trevor Bauer Emperors of the Zone
• Matt Carpenter Power Zone
• Miguel Andujar Power Zone

Favorite Card

• Christy Mathewson #29

Christy Mathewson attended Bucknell University, which is just a few miles away from where I live.  He’s buried in a cemetery next to the school.  Pretty neat considering he’s a member of the first Hall of Fame class.  Depending on the year, he’ll either have a bunch of cards made or none at all.

2018/19 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Soccer Hobby Box Break & Review

Curious as to what the 2019 Topps Baseball flagship set will look like on Topps Chrome stock?  Have no fear.  2018/19 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Soccer is here.

2018/19 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Soccer utilizes the 2019 Topps Baseball flagship set design.  It gives us a nice preview as to what the flagship set looks like on chrome stock well before Topps Chrome Baseball comes out.

The set consists of top players from the UEFA Champions League.  (100) cards make up the base set.  Parallels include Refractor, Purple Refractor #’ed/250, Blue Refractor #’ed/150, Green Refractor #’ed/99, Blue Wave Refractor #’ed/75, Gold Refractor #’ed/50, Orange Refractor #’ed/25, Red Refractor #’ed/10, Red Wave Refractor #’ed/10, and Superfractor #’ed 1/1.

You can’t have a set like this without some SP Photo Variations.  Lionel Messi #1, Christian Pulišić #23, Harry Kane #48, Antoine Griezmann #84, and Cristiano Ronaldo #100 cover all of them.  I made a handy little guide showing you what the SP Photo Variations look like.  Checking the CMP codes can be helpful too.  SP Photo Variations end in #223, whereas base cards end in #203.

A single hobby box should yield (1) autograph.  Even if your autograph isn’t some life altering hit, the wide variety of colored refractors helps to balance things out.

Autographs that you can get include Chrome Autographs, Champions League Debut Autographs, Future Stars Autographs, and Superstar Sensations Autographs.  Non-autographed versions of the same titles can be pulled as inserts.

One tiny difference you’ll notice is with the player’s name.  With the 2019 Topps Baseball flagship set the player’s last name is shown above their first name.  When it comes to 2018/19 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Soccer its reversed.

Complete Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Auto

• Matteo Politano Chrome Auto Orange Refractor #’ed/25

Parallels

• Gedson Fernandes Blue Wave Refractor #’ed/75
• Marcus Rashford Green Refractor #’ed/99
• Lionel Messi Purple Refractor #’ed/250
• Rafa Silva Purple Refractor #’ed/250
• Marc-André ter Stegen Refractor
• Luka Modric Refractor
• Andreas Pereira Refractor
• Lucas Moura Refractor
• Marco Verratti Refractor

Inserts

• Robert Lewandowski Superstar Sensations
• Neymar Jr. Superstar Sensations
• Marco Reus Superstar Sensations
• Harry Kane Superstar Sensations
• Raheem Sterling Future Stars
• Saúl Ñíguez Future Stars
• Federico Bernardeschi Future Stars

2019 Topps Museum Collection Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

BIG HITS!  BIG HITS!  BIG HITS!  That’s what Museum Collection is all about.  Over the years I’ve pulled some incredible looking cards from this product.  2019 Topps Museum Collection did not disappoint.  What a great box!!!

Museum Collection is a high-risk, high-reward product.  That’s of course if you’re thinking solely about making money.  When it comes to modern day cards, making money should never be your #1 concern.  Today’s cards should be thought of as fun, not investments.  Too many products receive an unnecessary bashing because the people opening them didn’t get a high-dollar hit.

At about $200 per box, Museum Collection may not fit everyone’s budget.  Some may settle for just a mini-box.  Every box comes with (4) mini-boxes.  Inside each mini-box you’ll find (1) hit.  (1) on-card autograph, (1) autograph relic, (1) quad relic, and (1) prime relic can be found in every master box.

A 100-card base set is there to put together.  It consists of a mixture of rookies, veterans, and Hall of Famers.  Parallels include Copper, Sapphire #’ed/150, Amethyst #’ed/99, Ruby #’ed/50, and Emerald #’ed 1/1.

This brand is really known for only having one type of insert – Canvas Collection.  For the most part, you’ll likely get (1) Canvas Collection Reproduction insert.  If you get really lucky, there are Canvas Collection Originals, Canvas Collection Original Player Autographs, and Canvas Collection Originals Shaped Sketches.

Hits that you’ll find include Archival Autographs, Museum Framed Autographs, Superstar Showpieces Autographs, Dual Autographs, Triple Autographs, Single-Player Signature Swatches Dual Relic Autographs, Single-Player Signature Swatches Triple Relic Autographs, Momentous Material Jumbo Patch Autographs, Momentous Material Dual Jumbo Patch Autograph Book, Museum Framed Autograph Patch, Museum Framed Dual Autograph Patch Book, Single-Player Primary Pieces Quad Relics, Single-Player Primary Pieces Quad Relic Legends, Four-Player Primary Pieces Quad Relics, Meaningful Material Relics, Dual Meaningful Material Relics, Momentous Material Jumbo Patch Relics, Museum Memorabilia, and Jumbo Lumber Bat Nameplate Relics.

The Museum Framed Dual Autograph Patch Books are very well done.  I like the look of the metal hinges that hook the cards together.  They remind me of how book cards originally were made when they were first introduced to the hobby.

FYI – The Juan Soto and Pete Alonso cards were in the same pack.  Second pack in from the right.  That’s where all of the good stuff is.

Complete Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Auto/Relic

• Juan Soto Momentous Material 3-Color Patch Auto Gold #’ed/5

Auto

• Dennis Eckersley Archival Autograph #’ed/199

Relics

• Andrew Benintendi Single-Player Primary Pieces Quad Relic Copper #’ed/75
• Dustin Pedroia Meaningful Material 3-Color Patch Gold #’ed/25

Parallels

• Pete Alonso RC Sapphire #’ed/150
• Kris Bryant Copper
• Roberto Alomar Copper
• Michael Kopech RC Copper

Insert

• Buster Posey Canvas Collection Reproduction

Base

• Jacob deGrom #54
• Jose Altuve #39
• Charlie Blackmon #34
• Josh Donaldson #7
• Mike Piazza #56
• Roberto Clemente #76
• Ozzie Smith #89
• Ronald Acuña Jr. #6
• Clayton Kershaw #47
• George Springer #40
• Freddie Freeman #4

2019 Topps Series 2 Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

We’re at the halfway point of the 2019 MLB season.  Things started off really well for my Phillies, but recently they have sunk into second place behind the Braves.  Pitching is the Phillies’ biggest problem.  They just don’t have it.  If I had to pick their best pitcher, I’d go with Zach Eflin.  That Jake Arrieta has become so incredibly difficult to watch.  I believe he reached his pinnacle when winning the World Series with the Cubs.  Since then its been downhill.  What bothers me the most is how much praise I keep hearing about their pitching.  No sooner does the game end, Phillies lose, and all you hear about is how great the pitching was.  Sometimes I think they’re in complete pitching denial.

Ok.  That’s enough about me complaining about the Phillies’ pitching.  Being almost halfway through the MLB season means the next addition to the classic flagship set is upon us once again.  I’m talking about 2019 Topps Series 2.  In a few more months we will be welcomed with 2019 Topps Updates.

Flagship sets such as this are made for major set collectors.  Products like Series 2 come with (24) packs per box, and guarantee (1) autograph or relic per hobby box.  More affordable retail options are always available.  If you feel like spending a bit more, jumbo boxes offer more hits.

2019 Topps Series 2 picks up right where Series 1 left off.  The base set ranges from card #351 to #700.  Parallels include Purple (Meijer), 150th Anniversary, Rainbow Foil, Gold #’ed/2,019, Advanced Stats #’ed/150, Vintage Stock #’ed/99, Independence Day #’ed/76, Black #’ed/67 (Hobby/Jumbo), Mother’s Day Pink #’ed/50, Father’s Day Blue #’ed/50, Memorial Day Camo #’ed/25, Base Clear #’ed/10, Platinum #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. made it into the set as a Short Print.

You can’t have a flagship set without photo variations.  And there are plenty of them to look for.  The CMP codes can help:

• Base – #962
• SP Variation – #031
• SSP Variation – #032

The Advanced Stat parallel also has a different CMP code which ends in #968.  The easiest way to identify these is to just look at the back as they are #’ed/150.

Unless you get extremely lucky, your hit for the most part will be a basic one-color relic.  There are plenty of big cards to find, but that shouldn’t be your main goal with this type of product.  Its vital that you check everything.  That autograph or relic may not have been a big dollar hit, but a photo variation or parallel could easily end up being the highlight.  The photos Topps picked, especially for the SSP variations, are really interesting.

The Home Run Challenge inserts continue to be my favorite.  None of the dates I’ve picked have been correct.  Anything that can keep collectors thinking about the product once its been opened is ok in my book.  Especially in a time when there are lots of products to choose from.

Gary Vaynerchuk a.k.a. Gary Vee, is featured on his own insert set, and even has some autographs.  Gary Vee is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, investor, and internet personality.  I’ve talked a bit about him before.  Earlier this year Gary Vee appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, and mentioned some of the sports cards he’s been investing in.  Trading cards is one of the areas he started in many years ago.

I think its great to see Gary Vee using his platform to talk about cards.  The general public listening though shouldn’t misinterpret what a successful, wealthy person like Gary Vee does for a hobby as a new guaranteed can’t lose source of income.  A lot of people will interpret what he says in that type of manner.  Its not meant to be received that way.  Just be smart, and enjoy the show.  His insert set highlights top entrepreneurs in baseball.

Set collectors get the most enjoyment out of Series 2.  Bring on Topps Chrome and Updates!

Complete Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Relic

• Jason Heyward Major League Material Relic 150th Anniversary #’ed/150

SP Photo Variation

• Joe Morgan #374

Parallels

• Evolution – Radio Broadcast – Black #’ed/299
• Tyler O’Neill Independence Day #’ed/76
• Chris Owings 150th Anniversary
• Billy McKinney Rainbow Foil
• Patrick Corbin Rainbow Foil
• Ronald Torreyes Gold #’ed/2019
• Hyun-Jin Ryu Gold #’ed/2019
• Ender Inciarte Gold #’ed/2019
• David Dahl Gold #’ed/2019

Inserts

• Carlos Correa Home Run Challenge
• Byron Buxton Significant Statistics
• Trevor Story Significant Statistics
• Derek Jeter Gary Vee’s Top Entrepreneurs In Baseball
• Chris Iannetta Gary Vee’s Top Entrepreneurs In Baseball
• Johnny Bench 150 Years of Baseball
• Honus Wagner 150 Years of Baseball
• Jackie Robinson Iconic Card Reprints
• Ernie Banks Iconic Card Reprints
• Dale Murphy Iconic Card Reprints
• Javier Baez 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars
• Mark McGwire 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars
• Max Scherzer 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars
• Francisco Lindor 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars
• Chris Sale 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars
• Jose Altuve 1984 Topps Baseball Rookies & All-Stars

2019 Topps Finest Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

Since it’s introduction to the hobby in 1993, Topps Finest has been a true fan favorite.  This is the brand that kicked-off the refractor, which has become such an important part of the hobby today.  Even now, those refractors from 1993 command major dollars on the secondary market.  Looking for a sealed box of 1993 Topps Finest?  Be prepared to spend up to $700 for one.

Topps Finest is a chrome-brand.  Although the word “chrome” isn’t in the name, that’s exactly what it is.  Its not something you think about when you have Topps Chrome and the entire Bowman family to pick from.

A master box of 2019 Topps Finest consists of (2) mini-boxes.  Inside each mini-box there are (6) packs, and (1) autograph.  That’s (2) autographs per master box.

The main base set is made up of (101) cards.  Parallels include Refractor, Purple Refractor #’ed/250, Blue Refractor #’ed/150, Green Refractor #’ed/99, Gold Refractor #’ed/50, Orange Refractor #’ed/25, Red Refractor #’ed/5, and Superfractor #’ed 1/1.  Rookie sensation Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. is on card #101.  His base rookie does not have any of the normal parallels.

If you’re going through your packs and pulling out cards with card numbers higher than #101, that’s because Topps included an Extended Base set.  Cards containing numbers 101-125 fall into this category.  Its important to note that there are two card number 101s.  First you have #101 of Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. from the main set.  Secondly, you have #101 of the Extended Base set of Yusei Kikuchi.  The Extended Base set can be thought of as short prints.  At first glance they look just like a base card, but the card stock they’re printed on is a bit thicker.  Just like the numbered parallels and autographs.  Parallels for the Extended Base set include Gold Refractor #’ed/50, Red Refractor #’ed/5, and Superfractor #’ed 1/1.

On-card autographs is where the real action is at.  Finest Autographs, Finest Blue Chips Autographs, Finest Careers Die-Cut Autographs, Finest Firsts Autographs, Finest Origins Autographs, Prized Performers Autographs, and Finest Originals Buyback Autographs are all of the different autographs that you can get.

Non-autographed inserts include Finest Blue Chips, Finest Careers Die-Cut, Finest Firsts, and Prized Performers.

Lots of 90s nostalgia with these inserts, and a couple of very solid autographs came from my box.  Simplified design with a lot of color.

Complete Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Autos

• Luke Voit
• Jesus Aguilar Gold Refractor #’ed/50

Extended Base

• Starling Marte #116

Parallels

• Yadier Molina Blue Refractor #’ed/150
• Walker Buehler Refractor
• Michael Kopech Refractor
• Trevor Story Refractor
• Jose Berrios Refractor

Inserts

• Jake Bauers Finest Firsts
• George Springer Prized Performers
• Joey Votto Prized Performers
• Brandon Nimmo Blue Chips
• Scott Kingery Blue Chips
• Josh Hader Blue Chips
• Shohei Ohtani Blue Chips