Card of the Day: Armando Galarraga 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights RC

Welcome To The Hobby Raul

Last night I got a tweet from Mario over at Wax Heaven.  He wanted to show me the new Raul Ibanez autographs and relics that can be pulled from 2009 Topps Updates & Highlights.  This is Ibanez’s first certified autograph of him in a Phillies uniform.  Before this, Phillies fans would have to settle for an autograph of him in a Seattle or Kansas City jersey.  ’09 Updates & Highlights also has the first relic cards of Ibanez containing a piece of MLB All-Star workout jersey.  Topps also inserted some great looking jumbo All-Star patches of Ibanez too.  After the 3-run blast he hit last night, these cards seem to be in high demand.  Lets go Phillies!!!

March 13-15 Philly Show Autograph Updates

Last night I saw that the Philadelphia Sports Card & Memorabilia Show, which is owned by Hunt Auction, Inc, updated their website giving more details on the autograph guests that are planned to appear at next month’s show.

Saturday March 14, 2009:

• Willie Mays
• Frank Robinson
• Willie McCovey
• Larry Christenson – All proceeds go to charity
• Marty Bystrom – 1 FREE autograph with each paid admission

Sunday March 15, 2009:

• Jim Rice
• Jennie Finch
• Robin Roberts
• Dickie Noles – 1 FREE autograph with each paid admission

I plan to be attending on Saturday and will try to get autographs of Marty Bystrom and Larry Christenson.  Both are from the 1980 World Series Phillies.  I would love to get Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, or Willie McCovey to sign my bat, but they are charging a lot for an autograph.  If I wanted Willie Mays to sign my bat it would cost $450.00, and they say NO PHOTOGRAPHY with Mays.  McCovey would cost $159.00 and Robinson $199.00.  I know these Hall of Famers didn’t get paid millions, but I think those ticket prices are a little expensive.  I’m guessing that the line for Willie Mays won’t be that long.  I can see those prices working at The National, but not Valley Forge, PA.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  

For more information on the guests and prices, please click here.

2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Blaster Box Break

This box wasn’t too bad.  I did get a few things for my collection.  I probably wouldn’t go out and purchase a full box.  What I am excited for is 2009 Topps baseball.  Lets hope I can track down one of those Phillies 2008 World Series relic cards.

The Problem With Sketch Cards

Besides the picture, what would you say is the most important aspect of a trading card?  How about the name of the player.  Sketch cards are usually found in entertainment products such as boxes of Star Wars cards, but this year Topps introduced sketch cards to sports fans in their 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights and Stadium Club brands.  I think some of them look really nice, and could be considered tiny pieces of art, but a lot of these sketch cards don’t have the players name on them anywhere.  This can get really confusing.  Collectors end up guessing who the player might be if the name or number isn’t visible.  Another problem I see occuring is that people are starting to manufacturer their own sketch cards for sale.  This is a problem because it can be hard to determine which are from Topps, and which are self-made.  Take a look at the cards below.

 

 

At a quick glance, they almost look like they are from the same company.  The top card is of Gary Carter from Stadium Club, and the bottom card is a custom sketch of Sam Bradford.  If companies want to insert sketch cards into their products thats fine, but I think they need to find a more distinctive way to separate their cards from custom cards.  Perhaps placing them in an uncirculated holder and inserting them as box toppers.  This is why its so important to read the product description.  

Card of the Day #132

Carlos Ruiz 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Auto

Card of the Day #129

Chase Utley 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Jersey #’ed/50

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