2015 Topps Tier One hit the shop the other day and I was not sure what to expect right out of the gate. So far this year, every Topps MLB release has been well received even without every one of them being loaded with the savior of MLB trading cards known as Kris Bryant (even the ‘recalled’ Tribute boxes).
I mean since hitting the market for the first time in 2011, every Tier One product has quickly sold out and as Brittney says, “Oops!… I did it again.” Wow, even I have to say that one stunk.
Holding true to the two autographs and one relic for less than a Benjamin that has worked so well recently, we went through our three cases of Tier One within hours of its Wednesday release and my only regret was not having my store located within a two-day ship of my distributors so I could have it back in stock that weekend.
Once again collectors are holding out hope for the elusive 1/1 Bat Knobs and this year there are a mind-blowing 141 different to chase. The list of players is more impressive than The Big Red Machine, Murderer’s Row and the 2007 Rockies World Series team put together. Good luck finding the Bo Jackson, Chipper Jones, Duke Snider, Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew, Jimmie Foxx, Jackie Robinson (YES, JACKIE BLEEPING ROBINSON), Mark McGwire, Mike Schmidt, Mike Trout, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Willie Mays or… Ken Griffey Senior (I would pay to be in the room when that one gets pulled and the “OMG” turns into “MEH” when they realize that “Jr” is not part of the Griffey name).
What is cooler than 1/1 Bat Knobs? Well of course that would be autographed 1/1 Bat Knobs of course. Feel free to start your wish list of players like Cal Ripken Jr, Don Mattingly, Johnny Bench, Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Rod Carew and if you happen to pull the Troy Tulowitzki and enjoyed this piece tremendously, feel free to send it my way as a form of payment.
Please enjoy some of the highlights from our first case that got popped in the shop. Yes, Kris Bryant did make a cameo.
Please note Tier One is not Knob or bust. The 10 card Cut Signatures Relics set is wow worthy/ Bob Feller, Duke Snider, Gary Carter, Harmon Killebrew, Jackie Robinson, long ago Hall of Famer Rick Ferrell, Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Willie Stargell and Warren Spahn make going case deep a pretty attractive idea.
Looking for 1/1 Cut Signatures (and who isn’t these days)? Feel free to pick from the likes of Babe Ruth, Don Drysdale, Hank Greenberg, Johnny Mize, Roberto Clemente, Rogers Hornsby, Ralph Kiner and more.
Sure not every single pack delivered some tax bracket changing singles, but by the case, we had some happy collectors (see more relic and autos from Tier One here).
We’re anticipating the upcoming release of 2015 Topps Archives but for now, here’s what else is selling well in the Mile High City (or at least in Denver’s suburbs):
2) 2015 Bowman MLB – Whether it is the regular boxes or the jumbos, shredders love collecting colored autographs of guys they have really never heard of and boxes have been hard to keep around.
3) 14/15 Upper Deck Masterpieces NHL – Three hits per box, possible autographs of Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Roy, Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Brodeur, Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman. Masterpieces go boom! And, by the way, here’s the final Checklist.
4) 2015 Topps Gypsy Queen MLB – Still on the hot list after all this time. Props to Topps.
5) 2015 Panini Contenders Draft Picks NFL – In spite of being so early in the season that collectors do not know most of the names yet, the Contenders name alone has people checking this release out.
By the way, I was lucky enough to attend the NFL Rookie Photo Shoot last week and I’ve been posting a few photos on social media. Feel free to start following me via the links below and we’ll have a column taking you behind the scenes in Los Angeles right here very soon.
Mike Fruitman owns Mike’s Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, CO. Normally, his column focuses on what products are selling best in hobby shops. He’s got thousands of cards for sale on COMC.com under the ID cardmn5150. Enjoy new arrivals and big hits from Mike’s on Twitter. Mike’s is always looking for more friends on Facebook and you can email him at [email protected]