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blanning71
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THIS IS A LONGWINDED POST AS THERE IS ALOT TO COVER WITH THE UNVEILING OF THIS PRODUCT! BARE WITH ME!
You wait all winter. Through the sleet, snow, rain, and freezing temps, you anticipate it. Yup, thats right. Its the release of the new 2010 products. For many collectors, the release of Topps Baseball isn't only the first crack at the first product of the new year. Its also signals that the new season is right around the corner. With Spring Training only a few weeks away, 2010 Topps allows hobby enthusiasts to pick up the first cards of the year for their favorite players. So what does 2010 Topps bring to the table? Lets take a look and break it down.
First of all, let me say that Topps did a fairly decent job with their first product as the "exclusive manufacturer" of MLB licensed trading cards. Many collectors rely on this product for player collections and whole sets. This year doesn't dissappoint as Topps put out yet another appealing edition. As you rip into this product, you will see many of the staples that have made the base Topps product a hit with collectors over the years. You will notice that each pack has a multitude of insert cards such as Legendary Lineage, Peak Performance, Topps Town, and Turkey Red. Whats new for this year is the History of the Game insert set that features some of the greatest moments in the history of the National Pastime. Topps has also done a When They Were Young set that highlights some of todays players on cards with photos of them as kids. Its a pretty neat subset to add to any collection. Additionally, there is a Tales of the Game insert set that highlights some of the more odd stories in the history of the game such as Topps dumping 1952 Topps cards into the Hudson River in order to free up storage space! This is a nice set that will definitely keep collectors on their toes and asking plenty of questions.
Topps also has brought back the following insert sets:
Topps Gold--gold versions of the base set cards serial #'d to 2010
Topps Black--black versions of the base set cards serial #'d to 59
Topps Silk--Framed mini silk versions of the base set cards and serial #'d to 50
Printing Plates--1 of 1 press plates used in the production of 2010 Topps cards
Sketch cards--original 1 of 1 sketches of players done by some of the brightest, most talented artists in the world.
Now, this is where things get interesting. You always remember the horror of coming home to find your room clean as a kid and all of your precious cardboard heroes gone. Your mom had tossed them in the garbage! Well, Topps has stepped in to help recoup some of your heroes from years gone by. They have created an insert set called Cards Your Mom Threw Out which highlights some of the better cards they have made throughout the years. These cards feature the same front design as the originals but feature the new enhanced design on the back. There are also Original Back cards that look like reprints of the originals. Its a little confusing but it gives you the feel of standing in the parking lot of your local Five and Dime and ripping packs as kids, swapping a Wade Boggs for a Shawon Dunston rookie or a Mickey Mantle for a Tom Seaver.
As an added bonus, Topps has also created the Million Card Giveaway showcasing the cards that your mom threw out. Seeded one redemption card in every six packs on average, collectors will find a redemption card with a code on the back. When you log onto ToppsMillion.com, you will be able to add the code into your portfolio and receive an original Topps card from one of their sets. You can keep the cards in your online portfolio and trade amongst your friends. If you decide to cash out and get the cards in hand, Topps will ship them to you for a small fee. Keep on the lookout for buyback autographed cards and memorabilia cards as well. Througout the year, Topps will also be handing out prizes to collectors based on the cards they have in their portfolios! This is a neat chance to perhaps land an original Topps issue of Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron and more! Oh yeah, and as an additional catch, when you enter a code into the database to retrieve your card, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an original 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card! FANTASTIC!
The memorabilia and autographed issues in this years offering are nice as well. The most common cards found will be the Peak Performance autographed cards and game used cards. There are even a few jersey cards from this set that feature a patch swatch which will add to the chase. The cards are not noted as patches but there are definitely a few scattered amongst the players that have jersey cards. You will also find HOF'er game used memorabilia cards in this set such as Mickey Mantle. The autographed cards look just like the base versions and feature young star graphs of Gordon Beckham, Johnny Cueto, and Troy Tulowitzki.
There are also dual relics found within hte Legendary Lineage set as well. Here are some of the other relic sets found in this years initial offering:
In the Name Relics--nameplate letters from the backs of All Star Event used jerseys of the hottest players
MLB Silhoutted Batter Logo cards--features a manufactured MLB logo patch of players like Ruth, Pujols, and more.
Peak Performance jumbo relics--authentic jumbo swatches of game used material
World Champions Autographs and Autograph Relics--highlight some of the Fall Classic heroes that won this past year
Baseball Legends Cut Signatures--cut autographs of the alltime greats
Manufactured Hat Logo Patches--featuring the hat logos of the time when these players suited up
Mickey Mantle Reprint Relics--reprint cards featuring a relic from Yankee legend Mickey Mantle!
Overall Topps has put out another stellar product so far. Its a little early to tell the overall success that 2010 Topps will have with collectors, but by the looks of some completed secondary market sales of some of the insert sets, its a grand slam.
My thoughts: The base design is a little busy this year but its not too overwhelming with the really nice photography that was used for each card. I really like the fact that each pack should have some sort of inserts in them whether they are Peak Performance, Turkey Red, or Cards Your Mom Threw Out Flashback cards. I LOVE what Topps has done with the Million Card Giveaway redemptions. While many will be disappointed with a Luis Sojo 96 Topps, there will be success stories such as someone landing an original Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays card.
The game used cards and autographs are a tad weak but Topps has to include some second and third tier stars for their base release. Not everyone can expect a Ruth, Mantle, or Pujols relic or autograph but they are still in there for the chase. The manufactured MLB batter logo cards aren't really my cup of tea but they are going to be a neat conversation piece with many player collectors. The Manufactured Hat Logo cards will do the same as well. Neat designs and concept.
Overall, there is something for every collector, young and old, in 2010 Topps. Its nice to be able to get your hands on some and hope to get your favorite players as you prepare for the upcoming 2010 season! Not bad Topps. Not bad at all.
Photos courtesy of FCB Member/Moderator Great Dealz Rob
You wait all winter. Through the sleet, snow, rain, and freezing temps, you anticipate it. Yup, thats right. Its the release of the new 2010 products. For many collectors, the release of Topps Baseball isn't only the first crack at the first product of the new year. Its also signals that the new season is right around the corner. With Spring Training only a few weeks away, 2010 Topps allows hobby enthusiasts to pick up the first cards of the year for their favorite players. So what does 2010 Topps bring to the table? Lets take a look and break it down.
First of all, let me say that Topps did a fairly decent job with their first product as the "exclusive manufacturer" of MLB licensed trading cards. Many collectors rely on this product for player collections and whole sets. This year doesn't dissappoint as Topps put out yet another appealing edition. As you rip into this product, you will see many of the staples that have made the base Topps product a hit with collectors over the years. You will notice that each pack has a multitude of insert cards such as Legendary Lineage, Peak Performance, Topps Town, and Turkey Red. Whats new for this year is the History of the Game insert set that features some of the greatest moments in the history of the National Pastime. Topps has also done a When They Were Young set that highlights some of todays players on cards with photos of them as kids. Its a pretty neat subset to add to any collection. Additionally, there is a Tales of the Game insert set that highlights some of the more odd stories in the history of the game such as Topps dumping 1952 Topps cards into the Hudson River in order to free up storage space! This is a nice set that will definitely keep collectors on their toes and asking plenty of questions.
Topps also has brought back the following insert sets:
Topps Gold--gold versions of the base set cards serial #'d to 2010
Topps Black--black versions of the base set cards serial #'d to 59
Topps Silk--Framed mini silk versions of the base set cards and serial #'d to 50
Printing Plates--1 of 1 press plates used in the production of 2010 Topps cards
Sketch cards--original 1 of 1 sketches of players done by some of the brightest, most talented artists in the world.
Now, this is where things get interesting. You always remember the horror of coming home to find your room clean as a kid and all of your precious cardboard heroes gone. Your mom had tossed them in the garbage! Well, Topps has stepped in to help recoup some of your heroes from years gone by. They have created an insert set called Cards Your Mom Threw Out which highlights some of the better cards they have made throughout the years. These cards feature the same front design as the originals but feature the new enhanced design on the back. There are also Original Back cards that look like reprints of the originals. Its a little confusing but it gives you the feel of standing in the parking lot of your local Five and Dime and ripping packs as kids, swapping a Wade Boggs for a Shawon Dunston rookie or a Mickey Mantle for a Tom Seaver.
As an added bonus, Topps has also created the Million Card Giveaway showcasing the cards that your mom threw out. Seeded one redemption card in every six packs on average, collectors will find a redemption card with a code on the back. When you log onto ToppsMillion.com, you will be able to add the code into your portfolio and receive an original Topps card from one of their sets. You can keep the cards in your online portfolio and trade amongst your friends. If you decide to cash out and get the cards in hand, Topps will ship them to you for a small fee. Keep on the lookout for buyback autographed cards and memorabilia cards as well. Througout the year, Topps will also be handing out prizes to collectors based on the cards they have in their portfolios! This is a neat chance to perhaps land an original Topps issue of Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron and more! Oh yeah, and as an additional catch, when you enter a code into the database to retrieve your card, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an original 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card! FANTASTIC!
The memorabilia and autographed issues in this years offering are nice as well. The most common cards found will be the Peak Performance autographed cards and game used cards. There are even a few jersey cards from this set that feature a patch swatch which will add to the chase. The cards are not noted as patches but there are definitely a few scattered amongst the players that have jersey cards. You will also find HOF'er game used memorabilia cards in this set such as Mickey Mantle. The autographed cards look just like the base versions and feature young star graphs of Gordon Beckham, Johnny Cueto, and Troy Tulowitzki.
There are also dual relics found within hte Legendary Lineage set as well. Here are some of the other relic sets found in this years initial offering:
In the Name Relics--nameplate letters from the backs of All Star Event used jerseys of the hottest players
MLB Silhoutted Batter Logo cards--features a manufactured MLB logo patch of players like Ruth, Pujols, and more.
Peak Performance jumbo relics--authentic jumbo swatches of game used material
World Champions Autographs and Autograph Relics--highlight some of the Fall Classic heroes that won this past year
Baseball Legends Cut Signatures--cut autographs of the alltime greats
Manufactured Hat Logo Patches--featuring the hat logos of the time when these players suited up
Mickey Mantle Reprint Relics--reprint cards featuring a relic from Yankee legend Mickey Mantle!
Overall Topps has put out another stellar product so far. Its a little early to tell the overall success that 2010 Topps will have with collectors, but by the looks of some completed secondary market sales of some of the insert sets, its a grand slam.
My thoughts: The base design is a little busy this year but its not too overwhelming with the really nice photography that was used for each card. I really like the fact that each pack should have some sort of inserts in them whether they are Peak Performance, Turkey Red, or Cards Your Mom Threw Out Flashback cards. I LOVE what Topps has done with the Million Card Giveaway redemptions. While many will be disappointed with a Luis Sojo 96 Topps, there will be success stories such as someone landing an original Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays card.
The game used cards and autographs are a tad weak but Topps has to include some second and third tier stars for their base release. Not everyone can expect a Ruth, Mantle, or Pujols relic or autograph but they are still in there for the chase. The manufactured MLB batter logo cards aren't really my cup of tea but they are going to be a neat conversation piece with many player collectors. The Manufactured Hat Logo cards will do the same as well. Neat designs and concept.
Overall, there is something for every collector, young and old, in 2010 Topps. Its nice to be able to get your hands on some and hope to get your favorite players as you prepare for the upcoming 2010 season! Not bad Topps. Not bad at all.
Photos courtesy of FCB Member/Moderator Great Dealz Rob
