Today's pack comes courtesy of Orange County Sports Cards, who threw bonus packs in to my package as part of their Super Bowl special deal. Since they're two loose packs, I'm not holding my breath, but I have gotten hits out of loose bonus packs before, so we'll see what's in store today, all on...I CAN'T BELEIVE IT'S NOT POSTED!
Opening the pack, I can see that the card on the bottom is the ToppsTown card, and it’s of Joey Votto. I really, really hate the ToppsTown cards. It’s a large part of the reason why I got a jumbo box of 2011 Topps instead of a hobby box – only ten TT cards instead of 36. If I have to get one (and I do), at least it’s Votto’s card. Best to get this out of the way early.
First real card – Shin-Soo Choo (#35). This looks to be a follow through after a throw to the infield. Didn’t somebody else get Choo with his first card in 2011? I think so. If you’re that person, hit me up in the comments.
In 1978, card #35 was Sparky Lyle
Freddy Sanchez (#260). Nice dirt stain, Freddy.
In 1977, card #260 was J.R. Richard
2010 NL RBI Leaders (#138). Albert Pujols, Carlos Gonzalez and Joey Votto. It’s a Joey Votto hot pack! Well, not really. One and a third cards of a person does not a hot pack make.
In 1957, card #138 was Minnie Minoso
Rick Ankiel (#34). A lot has been said already about this card being one of the best in the series. After seeing it in person, I have to agree. The slide, the tag, the third-base coach doing push-ups, the look of determination on Ankiel’s face, the third baseman’s big ol’ butt, the little bit of dirt kicked up around the bag – all combine to make it a great picture. Okay, maybe not the third baseman’s butt.
In 1954, card #34 was Jim Rivera
Colorado Rockies (#283). Eh, a fairly blase photo for a team card. The first real clunker in the bunch, unless you count the league leaders card. And I don’t, because when you have to squeeze three photos onto one card, the odds are stacked against you from the beginning.
In 1990, card #283 was Joey Albert Belle
Kyle Drabek (#70) Gold Parallel (75/2011). This card couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m currently in the middle of a trade with a Blue Jays fan and I’m having trouble rounding up stuff for him. Duane of Democratic Roadkill, this is for you. Hope you enjoy it – it’s a nice low number, too.
In 1988, card #70 was Roger Clemens (boo!)
Mickey Mantle Diamond Giveaway card (#TDG-1). Awesome, my first card. Last year, it took me 11 packs before I got my first Million Card Giveaway card. And I let about fifteen codes expire because I couldn’t find the box the movers had packed them in until it was too late. There’s a moral in there, somewhere, I just can’t find it. Probably something about the randomness of the universe.
In 1964, card #TDG-1 was Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown (as far as you know)
Roger Bernadina (#84). Look at the back of this card. For a guy with a combined one year of major league experience spread out over three years, his stat lines are crammed full of minor league stats dating back to 2002. It looks like the back of Jamie Moyer’s card over here. They even included his injury rehab stint with the GCL Nationals in 2008.
In 1998, card #84 was Charles Nagy
Brian Wilson (#210). The hardest-working beard in baseball rounds out this pack. Steve Bedrosian wishes Brian Wilson all the best, and thanks him for making people remember who Steve Bedrosian was again.
In 1983, card #210 was Jack Clark
So there you have it. No insert cards, unless you count the Diamond Giveaway card. And those are the best kind of insert cards. Why can’t we have them one in every pack and the ToppsTown cards 1 in 12?
Coming soon, my break of a jumbo pack from 2011 Topps Series 1.
I love how you compared card numbers with years past.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in your Topps Town cards. I actually like the look of these cards this year. If you are interested in working out a trade, you can contact me at steelertim12276@hotmail.com. Just put in the subject line something on the line of Topps Town cards or something of that nature. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteThe blurb on the back matching up the card number with a card of the past annoys me for two reasons.
ReplyDeleteFirst, there seems to be no connection between the past card and the current card, other than the card number. Topps just randomly picked one.
Secondly, all it does is remind me that I'd rather have the card that Topps is mentioning than what I have in my hands.