3 Pack Break: 2010 Topps Opening Day Baseball

First, lets study the subtle differences behind the base set (on left) and Opening Day (on right). As you can see, the only major difference is the lack of foil and the Opening Day logo. Unlike previous Opening Day releases, the borders are the same color. That's one thing I didn't like.

Here's some more of the base cards.

3 packs worth of inserts. The Rolen is Opening Day's version of Topps Gold and are also numbered to 2010. That and the addition of unique Topps Attax inserts into this years set are a couple of big pluses.

The day that I bought these packs I realized that there was no 2009 Opening Day set! Since they skipped last year, I think they should have started fresh with what they're trying to do here, appeal to the kids. Maybe release a set of Topps MLB Marbles.. or Topps MLB Bicycle Spoke Cards. Topps SD Chip Cards?

Oh yeah, the Teixeira code is there for whoever wants it.

Future pack breaks:

• 2001 Topps Archives Reserve
• 2007-08 Fleer Ultra Basketball x2
• 2008 Upper Deck SP Baseball x3
• 2010 Topps Attax Baseball x2

Feel free to let me know which one you'd like to see next.

Blaster Break: 2009 Topps 206 Baseball

You know.. when my wife goes grocery shopping and I specifically ask for a pack of 206.. look what I end up with! A freakin' blaster! Jeez..

This will be a short and simple blaster break post... I only wanted a pack!

I already got a Mize which I showed in a different post, but this is the short print!
..hence the no-numbered back.

Here's the bronzes.

...and the minis.

If you're wondering why all the cards have stains on the back, they're printed like that on purpose.

Ok, now I think I have enough to post a want list. It should be up shortly.

Box Break: 1997 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Series 1

Having been out of touch with this hobby for something like 14 years, I guess I'm lucky to be able to go and pick up a box of 1997 Stadium Club for $11 and be thrilled as if it was a brand new set because it's new to ME! Only 1 disappointment I came across.. I was hoping to pull a wooden Firebrand insert and when I did, it was an expired redemption for a Mark McGwire which was NOT wooden.. sure I could go on eBay and pick one up for a buck but.. bleh.

I'll show my top 10 personal favorites:

#10

Did you know Doc ended his career with a 194-112 record?! I'm not a Yankees fan but I do remember loving it when he and Strawberry were reunited as teammates once again.

#9

Here's Smoltzie the year after he easily won the Cy Young for having a 24-8 season with 294 K's!

#8

Paul Molitor nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career.

#7

This card looks horrible in this scan, and really, it doesn't look much better in person. Why would they make a card commemorating someone hitting their 50th career home run after they've been playing for 9 years? Why is this card my #7? Because I like Mr. Anderson and there aren't too many inserts in this box. The Instavisions were listed at 1:36 packs! Did you know he played most of the '97 season with a broken rib and led his pennant winning Orioles in 13 offensive categories? He led the league in hit-by-pitches too.. with a broken rib I bet that freaked him out every time.

#6

This subset had some great stars in their rookie years. They were put in 1:3 packs.

#5

Eddie is always cool with me.

#4

Jr's '97 season was one of his best, if not THE best. He earned an AL MVP and hit 56 HRs that year. Was he juiced? I don't think so. I really hope and beleive Griffey's talent was genuine. He's always come across as real to me.

#2

These Matrix parallels look awesome and I'm glad I pulled one of a player I know and like! Odds were 1:18 packs.

#1

Darryl is my favorite player. Problems and all, I remember him as an impressive powerful hitter who really helped me fall in love with the game as a kid. He couldn't do much in '97 due to injuries.. and of course, that's why the Yankees didn't make it to the World Series that year.

I got a couple complete sets of checklist so I actually used some!




Coming soon! I've got a box of 1997 Best Prospects to break! 18 packs of minor leaguers turned superstars for only 6 bucks!

1995 UC3 Premier Edition Baseball

I would have thought these cleverly named 3D cards' kind would have died out in the 80's but I guess they stuck around for a while.

Here's what I got:

#25 Rafael Palmeiro
#39 Mike Piazza
#67 Dave Justice
#70 Matt Williams
#124 Ken Griffey Jr. [in-depth]
Pack Stats:

What it cost me: $ 1.75
Beckett NM/MT worth: $3.10
Insert odds I beat: none
Most valuable card: #39 Mike Piazza @ $1.25