Series 2 Flagship: a Celebratory Trend

I bought a jumbo pack of Topps Series 2 when it was first released to get a feel for what it was all about.  Around the blogosphere lately Topps has taken a little bashing for the repeated use of some of its photos.  I didn't notice any of that, but then again I don't purchase a ton of different Topps products to be able to cross check such an occurrence.  Just to switch gears a bit: I'd like to give some credit to Topps for the photos that they do use.  I don't know if they're as awesome as the ones from the '91 set, but I still think they're pretty cool.  Exhibit A:  Evereth Cabrera in full out Superman mode!

Exhibit B:  Brian Roberts giving his best "O face" when learning Mr. Harper had avoided the tag in the umpire's eyes.

The "chase" theme is still alive and kicking in Series 2:

 

More inserts:

Gold Cashner and Making Their Mark Wade Miley

Mini '72 Justin Upton

  Lorenzo Cain Hot Pack!  Whoa!

Cubs.  Yeah.  I'm.  Still.  A.  Fan.

Now to the title of the post: a Celebratory Trend.  In my fifty card pack I found five cards featuring players in some state of celebration.  That's a pretty large percentage if you think about it, especially when you consider the 80s and 90s exhibited cards that were largely devoid of such photographs.

 A pair of Royals ready to live it up.  Heck, Billy Butler is so happy he's walking on air!

 

 And shots of the Brew Crew, the Reds, and the Rox all congratulating each other.

 I thought it was a little curious that Topps is focusing so much on these shots, but as a coach of high school athletes I think teamwork and camaraderie is something that can never get enough attention.  So, keep on, keepin' on, Topps.

For what it's worth, the Cubs and the Helton (already in a PWE) are the only cards shown that aren't up for trade.  Thanks for stopping by today!