From 1951-55, Topps and Bowman engaged in a heated rivalry for control of the burgeoning sports card market that saw the development of some of the era's most popular sets. As the sports card collecting market blossomed in the 1980s, Topps re-launched the still familiar Bowman brand in 1989. Over the years that followed, Bowman evolved to become what Topps calls 'prospector's … [Read more...] about Jose Abreu Autographs Will Be Part of 2014 Bowman Baseball
Bowman Chrome
2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball to Offer Two Autographs
All right, let's just say it out loud…some baseball card brands have groupies. Oh sure, there are those who want to use the title "Super Collector" or whatever, but the fact is certain card brands and even types of cards have die-hard loyalists who consider their cards of preference the "true best." One such group is known as "Chromies," and they have the attention of the … [Read more...] about 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball to Offer Two Autographs
Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Box Break
There are certain products which are more consistent than a metronome each year. One of the products is Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects in which each box will have a mix of leading major league rookies and top prospects. Another standard is there will not be one duplicate in our review box. And the third and most important is there will be one autograph in each box. Released … [Read more...] about Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Box Break
2013 Bowman Chrome Baseball Review
Over the past few years we have talked about what advantages Topps has in creating baseball products. The major, and obvious one, is they are the only licensed company to produce both major and minor league cards. Having that license enables them to print cards of both the players we hear about on a nightly basis during the season as well as those players who are better known … [Read more...] about 2013 Bowman Chrome Baseball Review
Topps Chrome Emerges from Crowded Release Calendar
At this point, Topps has most of their product lines in a row. One of the most influential brands Topps has had over the past two decades has been the Chrome nomenclature. Ever since Chrome came out in the time frame after the 1994-95 Baseball and Hockey labor issues were settled, the mere Chrome name has become synonymous with a more "finished" version of the base cards. Topps … [Read more...] about Topps Chrome Emerges from Crowded Release Calendar
What’s Hot in the Shop: A Make or Make Week
by Mike Fruitman While I know the phrase is technically “make or break”, this exciting week in the hobby allows for a little improv. By that I mean, every few months, sports card stores get a week like the one that just ended and to put it simply, if you cannot make money and more importantly – make people who visit your store happy, it is time to think of getting out of … [Read more...] about What’s Hot in the Shop: A Make or Make Week
2012 Bowman Chrome Blue Wave Wrapper Redemption
Topps is bringing back its Blue Wave Refractor Parallel redemption program. The special cards were also part of the base Bowman brand this year. The company says collectors who send in 36 2012 Bowman Chrome Baseball packs (hobby and/or retail) when the product releases this month, will receive a free 5-card cello pack of Blue Wave Refractor parallel cards. Topps has … [Read more...] about 2012 Bowman Chrome Blue Wave Wrapper Redemption
Triple Platinum: A First Look at 2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball
by Chris Harris Now in its third year, 2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball will be released in late July, about halfway between 2012 Bowman and Bowman Chrome. And while most of the product’s structure remains unchanged, Topps has added some new additions for collectors to chase after. The base set will consist of 100 cards and will be supplemented with an equal number of … [Read more...] about Triple Platinum: A First Look at 2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball
Ramblings: Rich’s Own ‘Future Prospect’
by Rich Klein Like many other proud relatives, I have a niece who is not only impossibly beautiful but also impossibly talented. In case you want proof of both of these facts, please go to her web site (SarahWittMusic.com) to both see what I mean and listen to her sing. This past Sunday she performed five songs at the annual D-Bat Mustangs baseball club general meeting at … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Rich’s Own ‘Future Prospect’
2011 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Box Break
by Rich Klein First of all, I apologize for the long delay in writing this review. As we discussed in a previous Rich's Ramblings, life took a turn (or in my case a t-bone without the steak) and I have been on the hobby DL for a while. Needless to say, box reviews come second to health issues. The other aspect that came out of the car wreck was the return of car payments. … [Read more...] about 2011 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Box Break