by Chris Harris Topps has released the first images and sell-sheet for 2012 Bowman Baseball. Although the structure of the set remains unchanged from recent Bowman sets, and most of the checklist is “TBD,” there are a few new additions that collectors should be on the lookout for. The most notable addition to next year’s Bowman should be the Bowman Black autographs. 25 … [Read more...]
Collector Who Cornered Part of Pujols Rookie Card Market Opts to Liquidate
One savvy collector has decided that the magical 2011 World Championship run of the St. Louis Cardinals and their future Hall of Fame first baseman provides the perfect storm to unload what the auction house is calling the greatest collection of Albert Pujols rookie cards ever assembled. “Just 1,000 copies of the 2001 Donruss Elite Pujols card were ever printed,” said Chris … [Read more...]
2011-12 SP Authentic Basketball: Upper Deck Tries to Fill the Hoops Card Void
by Juan Martinez Now that we are weeks into the 2011-12 NBA season lockout, let’s take a look at one of the first products of the year by Panini Upper Deck… Oh… Well, that intro came out wrong. The sad irony of the NBA lockout for basketball card collectors is that their wish – or at least part of it - has come true. A large proportion of the community was saddened by … [Read more...]
2011-12 Upper Deck Hockey: No Auto Redemptions
The newly released 2011-12 Upper Deckhockey product will have no autograph redemption cards in Series One. The company says it was able to secure all of the autographs it needed prior to launch. The company's base brand again features the “Young Guns” rookie cards spotlighting up-and-comers like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton), Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado), Cody Hodgson … [Read more...]
2011 Topps Gridiron Legends Review
by Rich Klein On "paper" and in appearance, 2011 Topps Gridiron Legends might look to a collector like a product built around retired players. When I received the box in the mail and saw that the box featured Hall of Famer Joe Montana, I assumed I was in for a trip down memory lane. While there was plenty of that, there was also a nice mix of current players included as part … [Read more...]
2011 Topps Finest Baseball Box Review
by Rich Klein A couple of weeks ago in reviewing the 2011 Finest Football product we discussed the nearly two decades history of the Finest brand. In recent years, as we have discussed, Topps has evolved the Finest brand into one which can be sold on several levels. The hobby product can be sold on the pack level in stores (as long as the store ensures no searching), the … [Read more...]
Rich Klein’s Ramblings: The Greatest Day in Hobby History?
by Rich Klein Last time in Ramblings we took a detour through the happy times and discussed 9/11. The effects of that day are still fresh in so many minds. Everyone has different memories of that weekend. I spoke to my good friend Ted Straka the other day, and we were both amazed that 10 years had passed at this point. He is still happily married and still active in the … [Read more...]
Bobby Orr Rookie Card: Vintage Hockey Card Gold
by Tom Sanworth Bobby Orr starred in the National Hockey League from 1966-67 to 1978-79 with the Boston Bruins and briefly with the Chicago Blackhawks. Orr is considered by many to be the top defenseman to ever play the game. In his injury shortened career, Orr set records, some of which are still seemingly untouchable today. He also won enough hardware to overflow any … [Read more...]
Topps Chrome 2011 Baseball Box Break
by Rich Klein It's interesting just how long some products have been around. While Topps Finest is nearing two decades, the company has been producing Chrome for a decade and a half now, including the latest installment: 2011 Topps Chrome Baseball. Back in the day, when Topps used to visit the Beckett offices, one of their key phrases was ‘brand loyalty’. What they … [Read more...]
2011 Topps Five Star Football Preview
Topps has released preliminary information and some preview images for the second edition of a super high end product that debuted last year. 2011 Topps Five Star Football is slated to be released just after Super Bowl XLVI. Five Star drew rave reviews last year, despite a hefty price tag and the reaction was enough for Topps to offer it again, this time with what appears … [Read more...]