The 1998 Topps Tek Thread

You might be wondering who the crazies are who are buying Griffey Diffractors at over $200 a pop (three in the past couple weeks). Well, I'm one of them. Once I saw this one I knew I had to have it. This might be the absolute best pattern for Diffractors - it really dazzles with all that white in the background.

So I had a plan on how I'd buy this one then sell one of my others to essentially pay myself back. Totally impulsive and didn't think about any of the details. Anyway, end up with it at nearly my max bid and realizing that I can only sell a Griffey Diffractor for $200+ if there's competition for it... not to mention you have to factor in fees if you're going to sell a card to pay for a card.

So, a dumb purchase, but man does this card rock - Pattern 19

RStadlerASU22 said:

@RustyGreerFan , the 2018 (20 year Ann) set should be done exactly in the style of 1998. 90 patterns, 90 cards, only Diffractors as parallels. Nothing more or less (no autos, no numbered cards, no Buybacks, just as was) . At least that's what I would do

Ryan

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I did finally get a response to my Facebook post. Not sure if it's true or not, but it's bad news:

Thanks. I will pass this along to the brand team. But, one thing that is a problem is the cost of making the Tek cards. It's very, very high, and they have looked at different ways of doing it and cost is major hinderance on this set.

EDIT: Here are some of the points I made...

I want a 20th anniversary Topps Tek release in 2018 that exactly mimics 1998 Tek (90 cards, 90 patterns, unnumbered Diffractor parallels for all 90 patterns) and I know I'm not alone. Nothing more. No autos, no redemptions, no game used. Would Topps even consider this? Would starting a petition help? Topps was ahead of their time in 1998 and we didn't get it. Now we get it. This set gives collectors so many ways to collect, gives collectors tough but achievable challenges, and creates a ton of activity in trading - the heart of the hobby. Every subsequent Tek release has failed to capture the spirit of 1998. 1998 Tek has an entire community - check out the thread on freedomcardboard.com. Imagine every card in the pack inherently having some value to someone. Topps Tek accomplishes this without going high-end or even being serial numbered.

RustyGreerFan said:

I did finally get a response to my Facebook post. Not sure if it's true or not, but it's bad news:

Thanks. I will pass this along to the brand team. But, one thing that is a problem is the cost of making the Tek cards. It's very, very high, and they have looked at different ways of doing it and cost is major hinderance on this set.

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Hmmm , the cost has to be similar to 1998 costs if they use that same "template". If they were smart they'd figure out a way because it would be a hit.

Ryan

I've noticed a few Olerud Tek popping up on comc; four new patterns in the past few weeks. Some patterns have been sitting there for years for as low as $1.00, the newly listed one is at $4.00. I guess with the popularity of the set, if you happen to have a pattern someone needs you might get more for it.

Sent from my Android using the Freedom Cardboard app.

olerud363 said:

I've noticed a few Olerud Tek popping up on comc; four new patterns in the past few weeks. Some patterns have been sitting there for years for as low as $1.00, the newly listed one is at $4.00. I guess with the popularity of the set, if you happen to have a pattern someone needs you might get more for it.

Sent from my Android using the Freedom Cardboard app.

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These are my Oleruds for trade. I'm looking for a pattern# 1 Olerud

Olerud Card # 4 Pat # 26,33,41,42,46,54,71,74,76,78,90

There are always a few sellers trying to get over like the one listing $ 1-$1.50 Oleruds at $4 on COMC and richindeals7 from Cranston, Rhode Island listing common Olerud 1998 TEKs for $4.99 plus $3.29 shipping on ebay.

RustyGreerFan said:

You might be wondering who the crazies are who are buying Griffey Diffractors at over $200 a pop (three in the past couple weeks). Well, I'm one of them. Once I saw this one I knew I had to have it. This might be the absolute best pattern for Diffractors - it really dazzles with all that white in the background.

So I had a plan on how I'd buy this one then sell one of my others to essentially pay myself back. Totally impulsive and didn't think about any of the details. Anyway, end up with it at nearly my max bid and realizing that I can only sell a Griffey Diffractor for $200+ if there's competition for it... not to mention you have to factor in fees if you're going to sell a card to pay for a card.

So, a dumb purchase, but man does this card rock - Pattern 19

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Congrats on pattern #19 ! Awesome looking card.

Thanks to atlsportsfan I got Thome pattern #59 in yesterday! Down to needing these 11 cards. Thanks for looking.

4, 16, 17, 22, 24, 34, 52, 54, 63, 83, and 90

hello all here is a list of the scott rolen 1998 teks i need patterns 1,15,50,55,76,78,80
any help would be appreciated thanks

A bunch of Bernie's showed up on comc none that i need.
Still looking for patterns 1, 71, 77, 86
have a Bernie diffractor dupe # 44 will trade for those 4

So excited, I just purchased my 1st Curt Schilling Tek Diffractor! Pattern #48 , can't wait til it gets here.

u2me57 said:

So excited, I just purchased my 1st Curt Schilling Tek Diffractor! Pattern #48 , can't wait til it gets here.

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I just couldn't bring myself to pay $ 20.. Im thrifty ..well.... except for vacations and cars

togaman said:

I just couldn't bring myself to pay $ 20.. Im thrifty ..well.... except for vacations and cars

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Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought long and hard before I hit the BIN button. Being a Phillies player clinched it for me. Only my 4th diffractor.

u2me57 said:

Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought long and hard before I hit the BIN button. Being a Phillies player clinched it for me. Only my 4th diffractor.

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Congrats, share a pic when you get it!

Just passed the 50% completion milestone with today's mail. Thanks to all of those here who have helped get us to that milestone. Now the hunt for the remaining 50%.

atlsportsfan said:

Just passed the 50% completion milestone with today's mail. Thanks to all of those here who have helped get us to that milestone. Now the hunt for the remaining 50%.

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Nice way to go.


Sent from my iPad using Freedom Card Board mobile app

atlsportsfan said:

Just passed the 50% completion milestone with today's mail. Thanks to all of those here who have helped get us to that milestone. Now the hunt for the remaining 50%.

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Phil- That's phenomenal. Congrats and let's keep helping each other out!

u2me57 said:

Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought long and hard before I hit the BIN button. Being a Phillies player clinched it for me. Only my 4th diffractor.

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I think someone just popped up another Schilling for $ 35 with a BIN
phishing for a Phillie fan

togaman said:

I think someone just popped up another Schilling for $ 35 with a BIN
phishing for a Phillie fan

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Yeah, I saw that. I think that's a little steep for Schilling. But not for Thome!

Found this checklist in my Dad's cards. He has tons of '99 and '00 but only one '98 I found so far.

Thought you all might enjoy. Sorry about the quality and IDK why they're sideways, scanner not working.

Thanks to gracecollector I got in Thome pattern #54 yesterday. Only 10 more to go!