I just did something I haven't done in about 10 months. Buy packs, rip them, and post the results to YouTube.
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Friday, November 16, 2012
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Worst Autograph I've Ever Seen in My Life.
You want to know why collectors everywhere hate manu-crap-tured letter patches? Well, other than the fact that the whole concept is stupid. That goes without saying. Take a look at that autograph.Nothing personal against Mr. Ka'aihue, you did your best. But try signing your name 1000 times across an small and uneven surface.
From what I've heard through the grapevine, Topps is reconfiguring Finest for 2011 -- which is why you haven't seen the sell sheets yet. Let's all hope they start by dumping this abomination.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Stale Gum $ell$ Out
Yeah, I know, I know. But if you saw that card, with an $8 price tag, don't tell me you wouldn't have bought it either!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Card-Ola: 2009 Bowman Sterling
No review, just the video.
Come to think of it, the WBC logo does look like the emblem of the German National Socialist Worker's Party.
Come to think of it, the WBC logo does look like the emblem of the German National Socialist Worker's Party.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Card-Ola: 2009 Topps Tribute
Now we're getting into the big-time, no fucking around, high-roller, wax! Let's see what I pull.
One box of 2009 Topps Tribute (supplied by Topps)
Six packs per box, five cards per pack
The Video
The Pulls
Base Set: 18 of 100 (18.00%)
Parallels
3 Blue (numbered to 219): C. Beltran, J. Mize, L. Gehrig
2 Black (1:4, numbered to 99): C. Jones, J. Maurer
1 Gold (1:8, numbered to 50): G. Carter
Inserts
NONE
Autogamers
1 Relic Base Card (47 cards, numbered to 99): D. Snider
1 Blue Relic Base Card (47 cards, 1:7, numbered to 75): A. Pujols
1 Black Triple Relic Base Card (five cards, 1:10, numbered to 50) B. Ruth
1 Autographed Relic Card (55 cards, 1:8, numbered to 99) T. Hanson
1 Autographed Black Relic Card (55 cards, 1:11, numbered to 50): J. Marichal
1 Autographed Gold Dual Relic Card (18 cards, 1:22, numbered to 25): A. Ramirez
The Scans
The Review
Tribute is a hit-or-miss, "lottery ticket," type of product. It was like that when Topps introduced the brand back in 2001, and it remains the same today. When Topps introduced Tribute back in 2001 it caused a sensation as it was their first fore into a super-duper-premium, $100/pack product. (Remember that triple-swatch Nolan Ryan jersey card numbered to 30 copies?)
But times, and The Hobby, have both changed. Had I ripped this five years ago, this box of Tribute would have been excellent. But now after a decade of similar high-end products, Tribute lacks the punch that made the early-00s editions so great.
What's great about this year's Tribute are the base cards. I'm not normally a fan of rainbow-foiled cards, but these are gorgeous. They remind me a bit of the Topps Gold Label cards of the late 90s, but with a mid-90s Fleer Flair-like thickness. Considering the demographic this product is marketed to, it's a shame that most collectors will overlook what may be the most beautifully designed base set of 2010.
Product Rating: 3 1/5 Gumsticks (out of five)
... and another thing.
I received this e-mail from a Stale Gum reader regarding the Babe Ruth relic cards people have been pulling out of Tribute and Topps 206.
To be honest with you, it really doesn't bother me that Topps might have used a piece of a bench or a stadium seat, instead of a Babe Ruth bat. (Upon further review, the left "chip" on the Babe Ruth card I pulled out of this box certainly doesn't look or feel like maple or ash, and probably is from a stadium seat.) What does bother me is that nowhere on the card does it mention what the relics actually are. I'm not a lawyer, I just play one in the cardblogosphere, but Topps is correct when they say that "memorabilia can include a wide array of items and is not limited to just a bat piece." However, if it is not specifically labeled on the card, most collectors would assume (and rightfully so) that a relic card with a piece of wood attached to it is from the bat of the pictured player.
Whether it's stadium seat relics or base-card variations of Carlton Fisk, card companies have an obligation to tell collectors exactly what is (and isn't) in their product BEFORE they release it to The Hobby.
... and yet another thing.
The Autographed Relic card of Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson is misspelled "Tomnmy Hanson."
One box of 2009 Topps Tribute (supplied by Topps)
Six packs per box, five cards per pack
The Video
The Pulls
Base Set: 18 of 100 (18.00%)
Parallels
3 Blue (numbered to 219): C. Beltran, J. Mize, L. Gehrig
2 Black (1:4, numbered to 99): C. Jones, J. Maurer
1 Gold (1:8, numbered to 50): G. Carter
Inserts
NONE
Autogamers
1 Relic Base Card (47 cards, numbered to 99): D. Snider
1 Blue Relic Base Card (47 cards, 1:7, numbered to 75): A. Pujols
1 Black Triple Relic Base Card (five cards, 1:10, numbered to 50) B. Ruth
1 Autographed Relic Card (55 cards, 1:8, numbered to 99) T. Hanson
1 Autographed Black Relic Card (55 cards, 1:11, numbered to 50): J. Marichal
1 Autographed Gold Dual Relic Card (18 cards, 1:22, numbered to 25): A. Ramirez
The Scans
The Review
Tribute is a hit-or-miss, "lottery ticket," type of product. It was like that when Topps introduced the brand back in 2001, and it remains the same today. When Topps introduced Tribute back in 2001 it caused a sensation as it was their first fore into a super-duper-premium, $100/pack product. (Remember that triple-swatch Nolan Ryan jersey card numbered to 30 copies?)
But times, and The Hobby, have both changed. Had I ripped this five years ago, this box of Tribute would have been excellent. But now after a decade of similar high-end products, Tribute lacks the punch that made the early-00s editions so great.
What's great about this year's Tribute are the base cards. I'm not normally a fan of rainbow-foiled cards, but these are gorgeous. They remind me a bit of the Topps Gold Label cards of the late 90s, but with a mid-90s Fleer Flair-like thickness. Considering the demographic this product is marketed to, it's a shame that most collectors will overlook what may be the most beautifully designed base set of 2010.
Product Rating: 3 1/5 Gumsticks (out of five)
... and another thing.
I received this e-mail from a Stale Gum reader regarding the Babe Ruth relic cards people have been pulling out of Tribute and Topps 206.
"Hey Chris, what the hell is going on with Topps and their Ruth etc. relic cards of late. Looks like they are trying to pass off some wooden benches as game used memorabilia in Tribute and T206. People are getting pissed I'm sense a Topps uprising. I busted a case of this stuff and now proud owner of a Polar Bear Babe Ruth "Babes Ass Was Here" card.
"Here's the latest email I received from Topps:
"Hello,
Thank you for the inquiry, please note on the back of the card it says memorabilia. We apologize for any confusion but memorabilia can include a wide array of items and is not limited to just a bat piece. Again we apologize and thank you for your continued support of Topps."
"WTF?
Love the site. Thanks again.
John Popowich
Art Director
McQdesign Strategies
Calgary, Canada"
To be honest with you, it really doesn't bother me that Topps might have used a piece of a bench or a stadium seat, instead of a Babe Ruth bat. (Upon further review, the left "chip" on the Babe Ruth card I pulled out of this box certainly doesn't look or feel like maple or ash, and probably is from a stadium seat.) What does bother me is that nowhere on the card does it mention what the relics actually are. I'm not a lawyer, I just play one in the cardblogosphere, but Topps is correct when they say that "memorabilia can include a wide array of items and is not limited to just a bat piece." However, if it is not specifically labeled on the card, most collectors would assume (and rightfully so) that a relic card with a piece of wood attached to it is from the bat of the pictured player.
Whether it's stadium seat relics or base-card variations of Carlton Fisk, card companies have an obligation to tell collectors exactly what is (and isn't) in their product BEFORE they release it to The Hobby.
... and yet another thing.
The Autographed Relic card of Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson is misspelled "Tomnmy Hanson."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2009 Gummies: Analysis and Reax
Product of the Year, Best Retro-Themed Product: Topps Allen & Ginter
This was A&G's third straight win in the POY, although the Topps Flagship came in a very close second.
Card of the Year: SP Authentic Derek Jeter 1993 SP Buy-Back Autograph
Only 93 of them were made, but it the Jeter buy-back AU truly is a once-in-a-lifetime pull.
Rookie Card of the Year: Bowman Chrome #185 Gordon Beckham
This was the tightest race as all four nominees got at least 20% of the vote. The BowChro Beckham probably won due to: A) The lack of a dominant rookie in this year's RC-class, and B) The Bowman Chrome name.
Best Base Set, Best Design: Topps
Topps greatly improved the design of their flagship, and the Gummie voters rewarded them.
Best Insert Set: Topps Updates & Highlights Propaganda Posters
Chris Speakman's World War II-inspired posters were the runaway winner in this category.
Best Autographed/Game Used Set: Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Autos and Relics.
The Framed A&G hits are another repeat winner.
Best "High-End" Product: Sweet Spot
A rare victory for Upper Deck.
Worst Overall Product, Worst Base Set, Worst Design: Topps Ticket to Stardom
A runaway winner in all three categories.
Most Meaningless Product: Upper Deck First Edition
Don't blame Upper Deck, blame MLB for forcing UD to make this.
Most Disappointing Product: Topps Unique
Not much "unique" about it. Nice looking base set though.
Worst Insert: Upper Deck 20th Anniversary
If there's something baseball card collector's want, it's cards of hockey players and inanimate objects.
Dumbest Gimmick: Cut signatures of active/living Players (a.k.a. "Franken-Sigs")
Manufactured letter patches came in a very close second. Either would have been a worthy winner of this award.
Best Cardblog: Cardboard Junkie
It's dayf's cardblogosphere, the rest of us are just blogging in it. His third straight victory.
Best New Cardblog: The Collective Troll
Beardy had the early lead, but The Troll (and his fans) came through late in the balloting.
Best Hobby News Source: Wax Heaven
And it wasn't even close.
Best Video Box Breaker/YouTuber: stalegum
You're welcome.
Hobby MVP: Albert Pujols
I honestly thought Jeter would win this one.
Hobby ROY: Gordon Beckham
Beckham beats Tommy Hanson by only 14 votes.
Hobby Top Prospect: Stephen Strasburg
A no-brainer.
Jefferson Burdick Award for Contributions to The Hobby: Mario Alejandro
One of these days, Sy Berger's gonna win this.
This was A&G's third straight win in the POY, although the Topps Flagship came in a very close second.
Card of the Year: SP Authentic Derek Jeter 1993 SP Buy-Back Autograph
Only 93 of them were made, but it the Jeter buy-back AU truly is a once-in-a-lifetime pull.
Rookie Card of the Year: Bowman Chrome #185 Gordon Beckham
This was the tightest race as all four nominees got at least 20% of the vote. The BowChro Beckham probably won due to: A) The lack of a dominant rookie in this year's RC-class, and B) The Bowman Chrome name.
Best Base Set, Best Design: Topps
Topps greatly improved the design of their flagship, and the Gummie voters rewarded them.
Best Insert Set: Topps Updates & Highlights Propaganda Posters
Chris Speakman's World War II-inspired posters were the runaway winner in this category.
Best Autographed/Game Used Set: Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Autos and Relics.
The Framed A&G hits are another repeat winner.
Best "High-End" Product: Sweet Spot
A rare victory for Upper Deck.
Worst Overall Product, Worst Base Set, Worst Design: Topps Ticket to Stardom
A runaway winner in all three categories.
Most Meaningless Product: Upper Deck First Edition
Don't blame Upper Deck, blame MLB for forcing UD to make this.
Most Disappointing Product: Topps Unique
Not much "unique" about it. Nice looking base set though.
Worst Insert: Upper Deck 20th Anniversary
If there's something baseball card collector's want, it's cards of hockey players and inanimate objects.
Dumbest Gimmick: Cut signatures of active/living Players (a.k.a. "Franken-Sigs")
Manufactured letter patches came in a very close second. Either would have been a worthy winner of this award.
Best Cardblog: Cardboard Junkie
It's dayf's cardblogosphere, the rest of us are just blogging in it. His third straight victory.
Best New Cardblog: The Collective Troll
Beardy had the early lead, but The Troll (and his fans) came through late in the balloting.
Best Hobby News Source: Wax Heaven
And it wasn't even close.
Best Video Box Breaker/YouTuber: stalegum
You're welcome.
Hobby MVP: Albert Pujols
I honestly thought Jeter would win this one.
Hobby ROY: Gordon Beckham
Beckham beats Tommy Hanson by only 14 votes.
Hobby Top Prospect: Stephen Strasburg
A no-brainer.
Jefferson Burdick Award for Contributions to The Hobby: Mario Alejandro
One of these days, Sy Berger's gonna win this.
Monday, January 11, 2010
2009 Gummies: The Winners.
Product of the Year: Topps Allen & Ginter
Card of the Year: SP Authentic Derek Jeter 1993 SP Buy-Back Autograph
Rookie Card of the Year: Bowman Chrome #185 Gordon Beckham
Best Base Set: Topps
Best Insert Set: Topps Updates & Highlights Propaganda Posters
Best Autographed/Game Used Set: Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Autos and Relics
Best Retro-Themed Product: Topps Allen & Ginter
Best Design: Topps
Best "High-End" Product: Sweet Spot
Worst Overall Product: Topps Ticket to Stardom
Worst Base Set: Topps Ticket to Stardom
Most Meaningless Product: Upper Deck First Edition
Most Disappointing Product: Topps Unique
Worst Design: Topps Ticket to Stardom
Dumbest Gimmick: Cut Signature Cards of Active/Living Players
Best Cardblog: Cardboard Junkie
Best New Cardblog: The Collective Troll
Best Hobby News Source: Wax Heaven
Best Video Box Breaker/YouTuber: stalegum
Hobby MVP: Albert Pujols
Hobby ROY: Gordon Beckham
Hobby Top Prospect: Stephen Strasburg
Jefferson Burdick Award for Contributions to The Hobby: Mario Alejandro
Congratulations to all the winners.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
2009 Gummies: FOUR DAYS LEFT!
First off, with about four days remaining until the polls close, there have been more 2009 Gummie ballots cast then last year -- almost twice as many, in fact! For those that have voted, I thank you, and for those about to vote (FIRE!), I salute you.
If you've yet to cast your ballot for The Hobby's highest honor -- the only awards chosen by the collectors -- well then, what the are you waiting for? VOTE DAMMIT!
2009gummies.blogspot.com
And in case you've forgotten, nominations for the Decade Gummies are still being accepted. For a list of the Decade Gummie categories, click here.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Card-Ola: 2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects
One Hobby box of 2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects (supplied by Topps)
24 packs per box, seven cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Base Set: 46 of 55 (83.64%)
Inserts
Prospects: 13 of 75 (17.33%)
World Baseball Classic Stars: 30 of 35 (85.71%)
Parallels
24 Gold (one-per-pack)
2 Blues (1:12, numbered to 399): B. Pounders, S. Wilkerson
15 Chromes
28 Chrome Prospects
1 Chrome Refractor (1:11): B. Canizares
1 Chrome Prospect Refractor (1:11): B. Nommensen
1 Chrome World Baseball Classic Stars X-Fractor (1:24, numbered to 199): R. Martin
Autogamers
1 Chrome Prospect Autographed Refractor (21 cards, 1:71, numbered to 500) M. Bashore
1 Chrome Prospect Autographed X-Fractor (21 cards, 1:159, numbered to 225) D. Storen
The Bottom Line
No Stephen Strasburg, no Dustin Ackley, no Donovan Tate, 35 more WBC cards (including such "Draft Picks" and "Prospects" as Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and David Ortiz), and only one decent true "rookie" (Tommy Hanson). That, and what few cards of '09 first-rounders there are, are only available as gimmicked autographed chrome cards.
Save your money, kids. 2010 Topps comes out in just a few weeks.
Product Rating: 1 1/2 Gumsticks (out of 5)
... and another thing.
Gordon Beckham, who's face appears on all the wrappers and wax boxes, does not have a card in '09 BDP&P. What's that keyboard cat?
Yes Keyboard Cat, that's what we call a FAIL!
24 packs per box, seven cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Base Set: 46 of 55 (83.64%)
Inserts
Prospects: 13 of 75 (17.33%)
World Baseball Classic Stars: 30 of 35 (85.71%)
Parallels
24 Gold (one-per-pack)
2 Blues (1:12, numbered to 399): B. Pounders, S. Wilkerson
15 Chromes
28 Chrome Prospects
1 Chrome Refractor (1:11): B. Canizares
1 Chrome Prospect Refractor (1:11): B. Nommensen
1 Chrome World Baseball Classic Stars X-Fractor (1:24, numbered to 199): R. Martin
Autogamers
1 Chrome Prospect Autographed Refractor (21 cards, 1:71, numbered to 500) M. Bashore
1 Chrome Prospect Autographed X-Fractor (21 cards, 1:159, numbered to 225) D. Storen
The Bottom Line
No Stephen Strasburg, no Dustin Ackley, no Donovan Tate, 35 more WBC cards (including such "Draft Picks" and "Prospects" as Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and David Ortiz), and only one decent true "rookie" (Tommy Hanson). That, and what few cards of '09 first-rounders there are, are only available as gimmicked autographed chrome cards.
Save your money, kids. 2010 Topps comes out in just a few weeks.
Product Rating: 1 1/2 Gumsticks (out of 5)
... and another thing.
Gordon Beckham, who's face appears on all the wrappers and wax boxes, does not have a card in '09 BDP&P. What's that keyboard cat?
Yes Keyboard Cat, that's what we call a FAIL!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Saturday, January 02, 2010
2009 Gummie Awards Selection Special.
Don Pardo: "And now, from Fairfax, Virginia; almost live! It's the 2009 Gummie Awards Selection Special. And here's your host, Chris Harris!"
Chris Harris: "Thank you, thank you, very much Don Pardo. And I'd like to welcome you all to the 2009 Gummie Awards Selection Special. In just a few moments, we'll unveil the nominees for the 2009 Gummie Awards, but this year's Gummies will be extra special as we will honor the best and worst in The Hobby for the entire decade past."
"Over the next few weeks, we will unveil the Decade Gummie nominees. But now without further adieu, here are the nominees for the 2009 Gummie Awards!"
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Topps (flagship)
Topps 206
Topps Allen & Ginter
Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
CARD OF THE YEAR
SP Authentic Derek Jeter 1993 SP Buy-Back Autograph
Topps 206 #262 Tommy Hanson
Topps Updates & Highlights #UH-189 "Photo Day Fun" (Young, Hamilton, & Kinsler)
Upper Deck USA National Team #USAB-SS Stephen Strasburg
ROOKIE CARD OF THE YEAR
Bowman Chrome #185 Gordon Beckham
SP Authentic #245 Matt Wieters
Topps #658 Rick Porcello
Topps 206 #262 Tommy Hanson
BEST BASE SET
O-Pee-Chee
Topps
Topps Allen & Ginter
Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
BEST INSERT SET
Topps Updates & Highlights Propaganda Posters
Topps 206 Minis
Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Myths, Monsters, and Legends
Upper Deck X Xponential
BEST AUTOGRAPHED/GAME-USED SET
Sweet Spot Signatures
Topps 206 Framed Autos and Relics
Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Autos and Relics
Upper Deck Goudey Graphs
BEST RETRO-THEMED PRODUCT
Topps 206
Topps Allen & Ginter
Topps Heritage
Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
BEST DESIGN
Topps
Topps Allen & Ginter
Upper Deck
Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
BEST "HIGH-END" PRODUCT
Finest
Sweet Spot
Topps Unique
Triple Threads
WORST OVERALL PRODUCT
Topps Attax
Topps Ticket to Stardom
UD A Piece of History
Upper Deck X
WORST BASE SET
SPx
Topps Ticket to Stardom
UD A Piece of History
Upper Deck X
MOST MEANINGLESS PRODUCT
Bowman
Upper Deck First Edition
Upper Deck Icons
Upper Deck Spectrum
MOST DISAPPOINTING PRODUCT
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects
Topps Unique
Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
Upper Deck Goudey
WORST INSERT
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects World Baseball Classic Stars
Upper Deck 20th Anniversary
Upper Deck Historic Firsts Predictors
Upper Deck OPC 1975 "Reprints"
WORST DESIGN
Topps Ticket to Stardom
Upper Deck A Piece of History
Upper Deck Goudey
Upper Deck X
DUMBEST GIMMICK
Cut Signature Cards of Active/Living Players (a.k.a. "Franken-Sigs")
Manufactured Letter Patches
Topps Wal-Mart/Target, Black/Throwback Blasters
Topps Heritage "Stealth" Variations
BEST CARDBLOG
A Cardboard Problem
Cardboard Junkie
Dinged Corners
Sports Cards Uncensored
Stale Gum
BEST NEW CARDBLOG
A Pack to be Named Later
Beardy's Baseball Blog
The Collective Troll
JD's Wild Cardz
New Card Smell
BEST HOBBY NEWS SOURCE
Beckett
Sports Cards Uncensored
Stale Gum
Tuff Stuff
Wax Heaven
BEST VIDEO BOX BREAKER/YouTuber
BobGibsonFan
chri5784
stalegum
Thundering24
TomTheRipper407
HOBBY MVP
Albert Pujols
Alex Rodriguez
Derek Jeter
Ryan Howard
HOBBY ROY
Colby Rasmus
Gordon Beckham
Rick Porcello
Tommy Hanson
HOBBY TOP PROSPECT
Bryce Harper
Jason Heyward
Stephen Strasburg
Yu Darvish
JEFFERSON BURDICK AWARD for CONTRIBUTIONS to THE HOBBY
Keith Olbermann
Mario Alejandro
Marvin Miller
Stephen Judd
Sy Berger
Voting in the 2009 Gummies will commence TOMORROW! Stay tuned to Stale Gum for information, and keep in mind that nominations for the Decade Gummies will continue for another week.
Guess Who's NOT in 2009 BDP&P?
Here's a hint.
And no, this isn't the first time they've put a player on the wrapper, who isn't even it the set!
And no, this isn't the first time they've put a player on the wrapper, who isn't even it the set!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
In the basement...
I'm taking the next week off.
Sorry, but I got to study for final exams.
Don't worry, I'll be back soon. In the meantime, enjoy this video break of Topps Unique.
Sorry, but I got to study for final exams.
Don't worry, I'll be back soon. In the meantime, enjoy this video break of Topps Unique.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The "Patch" That Ain't?
I need some help.
I just pulled this "Game-Worn Patch" card of the Yankees' Robinson Cano from a box of Topps Unique. (Video break to come) But I have no idea what this is, nor where Topps got this "patch" from.
Obviously, it is not from a Yankees jersey; nor is it from a Dominican Republic WBC jersey.
(It's not a "patch" either, just threads; but that's neither here nor there.)
So what's it from?
Any hints?
I just pulled this "Game-Worn Patch" card of the Yankees' Robinson Cano from a box of Topps Unique. (Video break to come) But I have no idea what this is, nor where Topps got this "patch" from.
Obviously, it is not from a Yankees jersey; nor is it from a Dominican Republic WBC jersey.
(It's not a "patch" either, just threads; but that's neither here nor there.)
So what's it from?
Any hints?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Card-Ola: 2009 Topps 206
One Hobby box of 2009 Topps 206 (supplied by Topps)
20 packs per box, nine cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Base Set: 135 of 300 (45.00%)
5 Short-Print Variations (50 cards, 1:4): K. Uehara, Hernandez, T. Cobb, E. Longoria, G. Sizemore
Parallels
18 Bronze (one-per-pack)
15 Piedmont Minis
2 Polar Bear Minis (1:10): G. Soto, J. Sowers
1 Old Mill Mini (1:20): M. LaPorta
1 Cycle Mini (1:22, numbered to 99): J. Garland
1 Piedmont Variation (1:20) R. Porcello
Inserts
5 Mickey Mantle Checklists
Autogamers
1 Framed Autograph (30 cards, 1:18) R. Braun
1 Piedmont Framed Relic (25 cards, 1:71) HanRam
The Review
It's the most anticipated card set since..., since..., well since Topps announced it back in April. But was 2009 Topps 206 live up to the hype?
Yes. Yes it does. It's not as good as the 2002 edition (then again, how could they top that?), but the 2009 edition is a triumph, and the best card set released so far in 2009.
Product Review: 4 1/2 Gumsticks (out of 5)
20 packs per box, nine cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Base Set: 135 of 300 (45.00%)
5 Short-Print Variations (50 cards, 1:4): K. Uehara, Hernandez, T. Cobb, E. Longoria, G. Sizemore
Parallels
18 Bronze (one-per-pack)
15 Piedmont Minis
2 Polar Bear Minis (1:10): G. Soto, J. Sowers
1 Old Mill Mini (1:20): M. LaPorta
1 Cycle Mini (1:22, numbered to 99): J. Garland
1 Piedmont Variation (1:20) R. Porcello
Inserts
5 Mickey Mantle Checklists
Autogamers
1 Framed Autograph (30 cards, 1:18) R. Braun
1 Piedmont Framed Relic (25 cards, 1:71) HanRam
The Review
It's the most anticipated card set since..., since..., well since Topps announced it back in April. But was 2009 Topps 206 live up to the hype?
Yes. Yes it does. It's not as good as the 2002 edition (then again, how could they top that?), but the 2009 edition is a triumph, and the best card set released so far in 2009.
Product Review: 4 1/2 Gumsticks (out of 5)
Monday, December 07, 2009
Card-Ola: 2009 Topps Heritage High Numbers
One box of 2009 Topps Heritage High Numbers (supplied by Topps)
24 packs per box, six Topps Heritage and two Topps Updates & Highlights cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Chiptoppers
1 Buy Back: B. Grim
1 Promo Sheet: Green/Redding/Carroll
Base Set: 125 of 220 (56.82%)
10 Chrome (100 cards, 1:3, numbered to 1960): J. Marquis, M. Diaz, D.Aardsma, C. Guzman, R. Garko, J. Francoeur, M. LaPorta, J. Hariston, Jr., N. Morgan, D. Holland
1 Black-Bordered Refractor (100 cards, 1:102, numbered to 60): P. Burrell
Inserts
72 Updates and Highlights Base Set (330 cards, two-per-pack)
2 2009 Flashback (10 cards, 1:12): R. Johnson, Ichiro
2 Rookie Performers (15 cards, 1:12): T. Hanson, G. Beckham
2 Then & Now (10 cards, 1:12): Banks/Rollins, B. Robinson/Wright
Autogamers
1 Clubhouse Collection Dual Relic (1:2020, numbered to 60) Lincecum/Marichal
The Review
The second year of "Topps Heritage High Number Series Presented by 2009 Topps Baseball Updates & Highlights" (yes, that's this product's official name), is much like the first year. The set contains 220 cards, 35 of which short-printed which represent the same 15% proportion that is seen in Topps' other retro-themed sets (i.e. Heritage, A&G). The insert program repeats last year's ("Then & Now" and "2009 Flashbacks," and "Rookie Performers"), but for some reason the Then & Now inserts are numbered as a new ten-card set and not a continuation of the Then & Nows from the first series. Very confusing if you're trying to build a set. In addition, you get a autograph or a gamer in each box.
Each waxpack has two base cards from the Updates & Highlights set. Many of you may not know this -- and I was made privy to this information recently -- but the reason there are two TU&H cards per pack is so to get around the MLBPA's product quota. If this product did not have U&H cards, it would count as a distinct product, and it would count as one of Topps' 17 baseball card products. However, this set is technically considered a re-release of Updates & Highlights, so it doesn't count.
The Bottom Line
Can't really complain about this box. Everything fell as promised including the inserts, parallels, and hits.
The big "hits" were a Pat Burrell Black Refractor (numbered to 60) and a Clubhouse Collection double jersey of Tim Lincecum and Juan Marichal (also numbered to 60).
Product Rating: 4 Gumsticks.
24 packs per box, six Topps Heritage and two Topps Updates & Highlights cards per pack
Part One
Part Two
The Pulls
Chiptoppers
1 Buy Back: B. Grim
1 Promo Sheet: Green/Redding/Carroll
Base Set: 125 of 220 (56.82%)
short set: 117 of 185 (63.24%)Parallels
Short-Prints (1:3): 8 of 35 (22.86%)
10 Chrome (100 cards, 1:3, numbered to 1960): J. Marquis, M. Diaz, D.Aardsma, C. Guzman, R. Garko, J. Francoeur, M. LaPorta, J. Hariston, Jr., N. Morgan, D. Holland
1 Black-Bordered Refractor (100 cards, 1:102, numbered to 60): P. Burrell
Inserts
72 Updates and Highlights Base Set (330 cards, two-per-pack)
2 2009 Flashback (10 cards, 1:12): R. Johnson, Ichiro
2 Rookie Performers (15 cards, 1:12): T. Hanson, G. Beckham
2 Then & Now (10 cards, 1:12): Banks/Rollins, B. Robinson/Wright
Autogamers
1 Clubhouse Collection Dual Relic (1:2020, numbered to 60) Lincecum/Marichal
The Review
The second year of "Topps Heritage High Number Series Presented by 2009 Topps Baseball Updates & Highlights" (yes, that's this product's official name), is much like the first year. The set contains 220 cards, 35 of which short-printed which represent the same 15% proportion that is seen in Topps' other retro-themed sets (i.e. Heritage, A&G). The insert program repeats last year's ("Then & Now" and "2009 Flashbacks," and "Rookie Performers"), but for some reason the Then & Now inserts are numbered as a new ten-card set and not a continuation of the Then & Nows from the first series. Very confusing if you're trying to build a set. In addition, you get a autograph or a gamer in each box.
Each waxpack has two base cards from the Updates & Highlights set. Many of you may not know this -- and I was made privy to this information recently -- but the reason there are two TU&H cards per pack is so to get around the MLBPA's product quota. If this product did not have U&H cards, it would count as a distinct product, and it would count as one of Topps' 17 baseball card products. However, this set is technically considered a re-release of Updates & Highlights, so it doesn't count.
The Bottom Line
Can't really complain about this box. Everything fell as promised including the inserts, parallels, and hits.
The big "hits" were a Pat Burrell Black Refractor (numbered to 60) and a Clubhouse Collection double jersey of Tim Lincecum and Juan Marichal (also numbered to 60).
Product Rating: 4 Gumsticks.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Gummie Call for Nominations. A Big Video Production
Feel free to post this to your blogs and promote the shit out of this.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
One of these things IS kinda like the other...
When I first saw this on page 14 of the February 2010, Beckett, I couldn't believe my eyes.
I know it's only unlicensed Minor League stuff, but still...
I know it's only unlicensed Minor League stuff, but still...
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
2009 Gummie Awards: Call for Nominations
Yes, it's that time again. The year is almost over. The decade is almost over.
It's time for the baseball card collector's of America to honor the best (and worst) of The Hobby for 2009.
But this year, in addition to the year-end awards, The Gummies will also honor the best (and worst) of the about-to-be-concluded decade.
So please, send me your nominations for each of the categories below (both for 2009 and for the 2000s), and send me any suggestions for any new categories, to chris.harris@stalegum.com. And be sure to look for the 2009 Gummie Awards, and the Gummie Awards of the Decade sometime in the new year.
Categories for the 2009 Gummies:
Product of the Year
Card of the Year
Rookie Card of the Year
Best Base Set
Best Insert Set
Best Autographed/Game Used Set
Best Retro Themed Product
Best Designed Product
Best "High-End" Product
Best Set for Prospects
Best Unlicensed Product
Best Hobby Idea/Innovation
Worst Overall Product
Worst Base Set
Most Meaningless Product
Most Disappointing Product
Worst Insert Set
Worst Designed Product
Worst Gimmick
Best Cardblog (You can't vote for your own!)
Best New Cardblog
Best Hobby News Source (Again, you can't vote for own.)
Best Video Box Breaker/YouTuber
Hobby MVP
Hobby ROY
Hobby Top Prospect
Jefferson Burdick Award for Contributions to The Hobby (this goes to a person)
Categories for the Gummie Awards of the Decade:
Product of the Decade
Card of the Decade
Rookie Card of the Decade
Best Base Set
Best Insert Set
Best Autographed/Game Used Set
Best Retro Themed Product
Best Hobby Idea/Innovation
Worst Overall Product
Worst Base Set
Most Meaningless Product
Most Disappointing Product
Worst Insert Set
Worst Gimmick
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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