For a modest fee I was able to pick up the Chicago Cubs and I was given one random team, which wound up being the World Champion Giants. Not a bad team to pull through randomization if you ask me!
The Giants actually did really well, including a master set as well as three additional bases sets.
I traded the Will Ferrell Giants card to Nachos Grande, but otherwise I think he pulled every Giant insert card and a JT Snow autograph to boot! Additionally, there's a gold parallel (#'d to 50) of Buster Posey and a Hoyt Wilhelm SP. Man, those SPs are crazy hard to pull!
I don't really have a place for Giants in my collection so I've already worked out a trade to ship them off to ARPSmith.
I'll save you the boredom of the five card Cubs base set, as it has already been broken down over at Wrigley Wax. So, on to the inserts!
First up, we have the Rookie Cup cards in the 1990 Topps design. It seems like Topps is on the Baez bandwagon and it's nice to have a little variation, so I was glad Soler was given a card in this insert set.
Wrigley Wax showed off the 1968 Game cards as well, but I had to show them again because they are so neat.
Topps takes a bunch of heat from the blogging community for many of its decisions or lack of thought, but they nailed these two cards. Baez displayed last year in his brief call-up that he was a prolific strike out artist, and Rizzo is leading the league in in being struck by pitches. Nice job, Topps.
Here's the Will Ferrell card and a 1972 Topps buyback card of Paul Popovich. I'm not really sure what to do with the buyback card. What do you guys/gals do with yours?
I think everyone has seen the front of the ten different Will Ferrell cards, so here's the back of his Cub card.
I like that they have his full playing
There are FIVE short prints in this year's Archives, which makes it nearly impossible for a team collector on a budget to knock out. Argh. But in my opinion Chris pulled something even better . . . autographs!
The autographs on the 1989 design do look really nice. No?
I have a couple of Grace signatures in my collection, but this is my first certified autograph. This is my third Prior autograph and it's a shame he's already considered eligible for the Fan Favorites Autographs. I'm not arguing his selection, but he's only 34 and if it weren't for injuries he should be contributing for some MLB team.
And now the big dog! FYI, Kris Bryant's autographs are going for outlandish prices.
To be completely honest, the main reason I entered the Nachos Grande case break was just for a chance to pull this card. I never actually thought it would happen, and after coming up empty in the first seven boxes I had resigned to the fact that I was going to be shut out. Then box #8 happened and it was victory lap time!
I put in the redemption code this morning and now the waiting game begins. My LCS owner said that a customer pulled a Topps Finest Bryant redemption and that individual called Topps and asked when he might see his card. The answer he was given was in the September to October range.
I must have patience, which shouldn't be a problem. I'm a Cub fan so I have a lifetime of patience! Right?
(No, seriously. Topps, don't cross me.)
Thanks for hosting the group break, Chris! I know that they can be a lot of work, but you have one VERY happy customer in P-town!
It seems off to me that Prior is *only* 34, but at the same time hearing that Mark Prior is 34 years old makes me feel old, too. This was an awesome break, I had fun watching vicariously this time.
ReplyDeleteI declare you the winner!
ReplyDeleteI remember your name being said a LOT in the videos. You definitely made out like a bandit there!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you had managed to pull a Bryant SP, but it looks like you got something even better.
ReplyDeleteAnd now just wait until Topps replaces that card with a Bowman Sterling base auto of Addison Russell (still in a A's uni).
Dang. Wish I could've gotten my hands on that Hoyt. But holy cow what a pull on the Bryant! I'm sure that'll take its place among the centerpieces of your collection.
ReplyDeleteI can't be sure, but I think ya done pretty good ;-)
ReplyDeleteI made out fairly well too, thanks Tom! I am working on putting together your return package. Funds were low so I couldn't get into the break, thanks for thinking of me and sending the Giants my way. I only need to get a stinking Monte Irvin SP to finish off the Giants team set now. Thank goodness there were only 2 Giants SPs.
ReplyDeleteIncredible pulls. One day I will break a box of these open, but it will likely be in the year 2026 or something.
ReplyDelete