Random Wax: 2023 Donruss Baseball

 2023 Donruss:  Really nice Retro 1990 card made all the better by Ken Griffey Jr.  Spoiler alert, it's not my last card in this pack of The Kid.  As a reminder Panini no longer holds a license with the MLBPA, so no current big leaguers in this set.

The lack of logos is one thing but that combined with this design makes it a rough set for me.  The inclusion of retired greats does help soften the blow some.

That middle card is a Holo Orange parallel.

That Mike Mussina is a Holo Blue parallel.  Pulling Smoltz was fun on a Retro 1990 design.

Lots of retired greats.  Loving it.

Marvels are fun inserts.  I like the Diamond Kings design this year.  Better than most years.  That Holo Red parallel is #/2023.  And one more Griffey Jr. as promised.

BREAKDOWN:
30 – Total Cards
20 – Retired Greats
6 – Retro 1990
6 – Rated Prospect
3 – Diamond Kings
3 – Holo Orange Parallels
1 – Marvels
1 – Holo Blue Parallel
1 – Holo Red Parallel #/2023

2023 Donruss Baseball

2023 Donruss:  The 4th of July is a great time for some new baseball.  I held off buying this as Panini baseball isn't a favorite of mine.  Found a pack so I went for it and was surprised at what was inside.  I'd forgotten Panini no longer held a licence with the MLBPA.  So no current players.  All good if you're all about retired greats and youngsters still in the minors.  We'll kick it off with Phil Niekro on the base design.  Love Knucksie and I miss the knuckleball in baseball.

Over half the pack are retired greats which was a win for me.  The "no logo" thing is still very annoying which means I might go after singles but won't chase more of this otherwise.  Here we have a Holo Blue and Holo Orange parallel. Bench is always a strong pull.

Plenty of youngsters.  I don't think I've heard of any of them though.

I like this design more here than I do with NASCAR.  Not sure why but I'm good with the it and the art look.

No Rated Rookies.  Rated Prospects now.  I get it.  Not sure how they determine who is a Rated Prospect as opposed to other players.

I do love 1990 Donruss so this works for me.  The Dom DiMaggio is a Holo Red parallel #/2023.  I like the all red borders look more but I'm still good with these overall.  Not sure why they didn't go all red borders with all the retro '90 cards.

Wasn't what I was expecting but I'm good with this I think.  Again it doesn't mean I'll go looking for more.  Was excited to see john Smoltz here but that Holo Orange combined with the red is a bit of a bummer.  Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

BREAKDOWN:

30 – Total Cards

18 – Retired Greats

6 – Rated Prospect

5 – Retro 1990

3 – Diamond Kings

3 – Holo Orange Parallel

1 – Elite Series

1 – Holo Blue Parallel

1 – Holo Red Parallel #/2023