Card of the Day: Archie Bradley 2022 Topps Series 1 #10

2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

Collector Type: Set

WANDER FRANCO ROOKIE CARDS!!! WANDER FRANCO ROOKIE CARDS!!! WANDER FRANCO ROOKIE CARDS!!!

Collectors, flippers, and investors have patiently waited for the release of 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball. The #1 rookie people are looking to pull is of Tampa Bay phenom Wander Franco. This is the first product that contains his rookie card logo cards.

Lets get one thing straight. The Topps flagship set is meant to be fun. Yes, its very possible to pull out a life altering card worth a ton of money. But that isn’t the main reason why this product exists. It is meant to appeal to a wide range of fans who have varying budgets. For some reason a lot of people were under the impression that 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball was going to be printed in lower quantities. I’ve seen people complain that Topps made too many boxes. People have done the math and about 700,000 to 1 million copies of each base card in the set have been printed. I guess some people thought the second they got their hands on a box, nobody else was suppose to get theirs. It wasn’t that long ago people were upset that they couldn’t find cards to buy. Now they’re mad because there are too many. In a time when the price of everything is through the roof, we need products that are readily available and affordable to buy.

2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball consists of (330) cards. Parallels include Premiere Party, Rainbow Foil, Royal Blue, Gold #’ed/2022, Green Foil #’ed/499, Advanced Stats #’ed/300, Orange Foil #’ed/299, Red Foil #’ed/199, Vintage Stock #’ed/99, Independence Day #’ed/76, Black #’ed/71, Mother’s Day Hot Pink #’ed/50, Father’s Day Powder Blue #’ed/50, Memorial Day Camo #’ed/25, Platinum #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1. (100) cards have Clear parallels #’ed/10.

You like photo variations? It wouldn’t be a flagship set without them. Like a lot of the parallels, photo variations arrive in your packs upside down. But just to be on the safe side, I always check the CMP codes:

• Base – #543
• SP Short Print – #560
• SSP Super Short Print – #561
• Ultra Super SSP – #562

Autographs include 1987 Topps Baseball Autographs, 2021’s Greatest Hits Autographs, Baseball Stars Autographs, Baseball Stars Dual Autographs, Diamond Greats Die-Cuts Autographs, Flashiest Feet Autographs, Generation Now Autographs, Postseason Performance Autographs, Welcome to the Show Autographs, World Series Champion Autographs, Cut Signatures, Oversized 1987 Topps Future Stars Autographs, and 1987 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack Autographs.

Autograph/Relics include City Flag Patch Autograph Commemorative Relics, MLB Logo Medallion Autograph Commemorative Relics, Major League Material Autographs, Player Jersey Number Medallion Commemorative Relic Autographs, Postseason Performance Autograph Relics, Topps Reverence Autograph Patch Relics, and World Series Champion Autograph Relics.

Relics include 1987 Topps Baseball Relics, City Flag Patch Commemorative Relics, In The Name Relics, MLB Logo Medallion Commemorative Relics, Major League Material Relics, Player Jersey Number Medallion Commemorative Relics, Postseason Performance Relics, World Series Champion Relics, and Sketch Set.

Inserts include 1987 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary, 2021’s Greatest Hits, Diamond Greats Die-Cuts, Flashiest Feet, Generation Now, Home Field Advantage, Home Field Advantage Legendary, Home Run Challenge Code, Salute to The Mick, Stars of MLB, Chrome Stars of MLB, Turnin’ Two / 6-4 Stars, Welcome to the Show, Oversized 1987 Topps Future Stars Box Toppers, and 1987 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack.

The design of this year’s set is very clean, and the names are much easier to read compared to 2021. I think it will transfer over to Chrome very nicely.

As the year goes on, Series 1 will become even more affordable after other MLB products are released.

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Relic:

• Ken Griffey Jr. 1987 Topps Baseball Relic

Parallels:

• Bryce Harper Silver Pack Box Topper 1987 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #’ed/150
• Rafael Devers Generation Now Blue #GN-9
• Max Fried Rainbow Foil #129
• Bobby Dalbec Rainbow Foil #7
• Hyun-Jin Ryu Gold #’ed/2022

Inserts:

• Steve Carlton Diamond Greats Die-Cuts #DGDC-23
• Shohei Ohtani Home Run Challenge #HRC-4
• Nick Castellanos 2021’s Greatest Hits #21GH-3
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Flashiest Feet #FF-12
• Ryan Mountcastle Generation Now #GN-8
• Eddie Murray Welcome to the Show #WTTS-45
• Jackie Robinson Welcome to the Show #WTTS-1
• Fernando Tatis Jr. 1987 Topps #T87-9
• Sonny Gray 1987 Topps #T87-46
• Kris Bryant 1987 Topps #T87-73
• Darryl Strawberry 1987 Topps #T87-51
• Xander Bogaerts 1987 Topps #T87-35
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1987 Topps #T87-80
• Shohei Ohtani Silver Pack Box Topper 1987 Topps Chrome #T87C-1
• Jose Ramirez Silver Pack Box Topper 1987 Topps Chrome #T87C-28
• Jacob deGrom Silver Pack Box Topper 1987 Topps Chrome #T87C-49

Notable Rookies:

• Jarren Duran #187
• Wander Franco #215

Card of the Day: Bryce Harper 2022 Topps Series 1 Home Field Advantage #3

Under The Tree: 1999 Racing Champions MLBPA Superstar Yo-Yos Series 1

Happy Holidays! Time to look back and remember some of those favorite sports related toys you received as a kid.

When I was in middle school there was a major yo-yo fad. Where it got started and how it began still remains a mystery. All I remember one day is that yo-yos began to popup everywhere. It wouldn’t surprise me if some teachers still have those confiscated yo-yos at the bottom of their desk drawer.

In 1999 Racing Champions (yes I said Racing Champions) known specifically for their die-cast race cars issued a set of MLBPA licensed yo-yos.

The set consists of (10) player yo-yos:

• Kevin Brown #1
• Ken Griffey Jr. #2
• Tony Gwynn #3
• Derek Jeter #4
• Greg Maddux #5
• Mark McGwire #6
• Mike Piazza #7
• Cal Ripken Jr. #8
• Ivan Rodriguez #9
• Sammy Sosa #10

Another set of baseball yo-yos was issued by Racing Champions. This set consists of the same (10) players. The images differ from Series 1, and use holographic foil. Instead of a solid color the yo-yo itself is transparent with glitter.

I believe Racing Champions even had some specially made yo-yos for the National Sports Collectors Convention. You rarely see these.

The Racing Champions brand is still around today. It is currently owned by the Round 2 Corp. They make models, die-cast cars, slot cars, and model train accessories.

Card of the Day: Yermin Mercedes 2021 Topps Series 1 70 Years of Baseball Auto

Tigers 2021 Topps Series 1 Relic Contest Winner Announced

Congrats to James Crecraft on being the lucky winner of the Casey Mize 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball RC Major League Material Relic. Once James Crecraft sends me his mailing address, I will ship this card ASAP. Thanks!

Card of the Day: Alec Bohm 2021 Topps Series 1 #277

Tigers 2021 Topps Series 1 Relic Contest! – NOW CLOSED

This contest is for a Casey Mize 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball RC Major League Material Relic. Good luck!!!

Contest Details:

• This contest will end Friday, February 26, 2021 @ 7:00 p.m. EST.
• To enter, please leave a comment in this post.
• You can enter once per day.
• The winner will be selected at random.
• Please provide a valid e-mail address when entering.
• U.S. residents only.
• The winner will receive an e-mail when the contest is over.
• The winner has one week to send me their contact information or the contest will be held again.
• Once the contest is over, I will need the winner’s mailing address so I can ship them this card for FREE!!!

2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball Hobby Box Break & Review

Collector Type: Set

Seven decades. That’s how long Topps has been making baseball cards. Quite the accomplishment, and there is no sign of them slowing down. 70 years ago it all started with the 1951 Topps Red/Blue Back set.

In case you haven’t noticed, sports cards have drastically gained popularity over the last year. COVID-19 changed everything. While stuck at home people rediscovered their old collections, and searched for various forms of alternative entertainment. Sports fans looking for that gambling fix turned to cards hoping to pull that life altering hit they can watch drive-up bids on eBay, and brag to their friends.

Almost everyday we see another card reach into the seven figures. Sales of this magnitude attract lots of national media coverage. This only fuels the popularity. Its awesome to see sports cards talked about in the mainstream media. I truly believe its something we’re going to see more of in the future. Prices rise because of the increased popularity, but luckily there are lots of ways to enjoy this hobby which don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Buy smart. Just because everyone else is spending a lot doesn’t mean you have too. Collect what you enjoy, and can afford. Don’t worry about what others are doing and end up getting in over your head.

With people paying record prices for cards, widespread media coverage, and a killer rookie class it shouldn’t be a surprise that people were eagerly waiting to dive into 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball.

The main base set consists of (330) cards. (50) of those cards are of new rookies. Many players made their MLB debut in 2020 which carried their rookie cards over to 2021. Players wearing masks, and cardboard cutouts in the stands all remind us of how we enjoyed the game in 2020. You can clearly see these elements reflected in this product. Parallels include: Royal Blue (Retail), Rainbow Foil, Gold Foil (Jumbo), Gold #’ed/2021, Green #’ed/499, Advanced Stat #’ed/300, Orange #’ed/299, Red #’ed/199, Vintage Stock #’ed/99, Independence Day #’ed/76, Black #’ed/70 (Hobby/Jumbo), Platinum Anniversary #’ed/70, Mother’s Day Pink #’ed/50, Father’s Day Blue #’ed/50, Memorial Day Camo #’ed/25, 70th Anniversary #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1. It should also be noted that (100) cards have Clear parallels #’ed/10 found exclusively in Hobby boxes.

Looking for photo variations has been a top priority for years. Whether its a Hobby, Jumbo, Blaster, or Hanger, you’ve got a shot at finding them. I’ve found the easiest way to identify them is by checking the CMP code on the back.

• Base – #213
• SP – #230
• SSP – #231
• SSSP – #232

There are numerous inserts to keep an eye out for. Two of my favorites include The History of Topps, and Topps Through the Years.

The History of Topps is exactly what it sounds like. Its a 10-card set that focuses of the history of the Topps Company. From the founding of the company by the Shorin Family, all the way to commemorating Topps Project 2020. Garbage Pail Kids fans should look at card #5. It commemorates when the Garbage Pail Kids were first introduced. The front pictures the Mike Trout of Garbage Pail Kids, Adam Bomb. Collectors shouldn’t overlook this card.

Topps Through the Years showcases iconic card designs. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking the autographs and relics pictured on these cards are the real thing. THEY’RE JUST PICTURES OF CARDS! I’ve seen this happen on eBay already. (30) cards you would love to own make up this set.

A Hobby box will yield (1) relic or autograph. Jumbos contain at least (1) autograph and (2) relics. If hits are what you’re looking for, I’d suggest going for the Jumbos. Blasters/Hangers might be more affordable for those who aren’t so hit focused.

Setting the tone for the rest of the year’s MLB products is Series 1’s job. We’ll be seeing the 2021 design on a lot of products – Series 2, Update Series, Chrome, and I’m sure we’ll be getting a Chrome Sapphire Edition.

Checklist

Here is what I pulled:

Relic:

• Casey Mize RC Major League Material

Parallels:

• Matt Chapman Green #’ed/499
• Ryan Castellani RC Gold #’ed/2021
• Travis d’Arnaud Rainbow Foil
• Johnny Cueto Rainbow Foil

Inserts:

• Mariano Rivera Platinum Players Die-Cut
• Shohei Ohtani Topps Through The Years
• CC Sabathia Stars In Service
• Eloy Jimenez Home Run Challenge
• Kyle Schwarber Home Run Challenge
• Bo Bichette 70 Years of Topps Baseball
• Roberto Clemente 70 Years of Topps Baseball
• Wade Boggs Topps Double Headers
• Luis Robert 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Keston Hiura 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Hank Aaron 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Sonny Gray 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Kris Bryant 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Whit Merrifield 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary
• Bryce Harper 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack
• Keibert Ruiz RC 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack
• Spencer Howard RC 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack
• Cristian Javier RC 1986 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary Chrome Silver Pack

Rookies:

• Alec Bohm #277
• Nick Madrigal #197
• Andres Gimenez #53
• Deivi Garcia #41
• Humberto Mejia #139
• Cristian Javier #183
• Triston McKenzie #319
• Nick Heath #122
• Ryan Castellani #177
• Blake Taylor #228
• Edward Olivares #32
• Beau Burrows #123
• Nate Pearson #113
• Sixto Sanchez #25
• Casey Mize #321
• Mitch White #270
• Dane Dunning #231
• Luis Garcia #298
• Evan White #151
• Kris Bubic #238
• Cristian Pache #187
• Isaac Paredes #65
• Santiago Espinal #243
• Daulton Varsho #10
• Eddy Alvarez #326
• Tyler Stephenson #153
• Jo Adell #43
• Ryan Mountcastle #143
• Chadwick Tromp #221
• Daniel Johnson #103
• Bobby Dalbec #26
• Ian Anderson #239
• Keibert Ruiz #256
• Anderson Tejeda #144
• David Peterson #78
• Brandon Bielak #193
• Dylan Carlson #285
• Joey Bart #12
• Monte Harrison #126
• Codi Heuer #311
• Leody Taveras #264
• Jesus Sanchez #269
• Kodi Whitley #145
• James Kaprielan #167

Card of the Day: Jack Armstrong 1935 Wheaties Series 1 – Throwing