2016 Topps Archives Blaster Break

Picked up a 2016 Topps Archives blaster box at Wal-Mart. They've brought back some of the different blasters at reduced prices.  I really enjoyed these last year so this was a no brainer.

Again I'm very happy.  I didn't pull a redemption card like last year nor did I get any major inserts but I still grabbed quite a few cards for my personal collection. 

Plenty of retired players in this set which is something I really enjoy.  Smoltz, Chipper, Rice - some of may all-time favorites not to mention Ted Williams and Griffey Jr. and Reggie Jackson cards that are pretty sweet looking. 

I like that the set isn't huge which means it is packed full of stars.  The different card designs mean that if I don't like one design there are others to enjoy.  I may have to hit some other Wal-Marts to see what I can find.  This was a lot of fun. 

Redemption Card - Kyle Schwarber 2016 Topps Archives Baseball Fan Favorite FFA-KS

Earlier this month in my review of the 2016 Topps Archives I mentioned I pulled a redemption card.  The Kyle Schwarber fan favorite autograph card came in today.  So in all I think it only took about 3-4 weeks for it to arrive.  That is much better than I had expected.  It is a nice looking card with an on card autograph.  The 1990 Topps design isn't a big favorite of mine but I don't care.  I'm just stoked to grab my first redemption card and only my second autograph ever.     

Now what do I do with it?  Seems like a dumb question but I'm really perplexed.  I'm not a Cubs fan and while Schwarber isn't a player I have a ton of interest in, he could be an up and coming player.  Do I keep it?  Trade it?  Sell it?  Completed auctions on Ebay have it going for $29 and up.  I've never been in this for the money and selling it seems like I'm betraying it if I sell it.  Sounds weird I know.  Still cash is cash which can lead to more cards.  We'll see.  I'll probably make my decision soon.  There are worse things to have to ponder and no matter what I decide it won't diminish the excitement of this pretty cool card.  Thanks Topps!

2016 Topps Archives Baseball Cards

Grabbed a blaster box of the new 2016 Topps Archives baseball cards.  I liked what I had seen of the reviews so I went all in instead of just looking for individual packs.  And I do like these cards.  The 1953 versions are ok and are all head shots which is pretty boring in my book.  I really like the 1979 cards and the 1991 are nice cards as well.  Between the retired players and regular stars it seemed like a great pull.  I can't complain. 

1953

1979

1991

One of my favorite parts of this set is all the retired players.  There were plenty of former players in my pull which really made this a joy for me.  My favorite cards ended up being the Harold Baines, Craig Biggio, Gary Carter and Mike Trout cards. 

One of the big thrills was pulling my first redemption card - a Kyle Schwarber Fan Favorites Autograph.  Can't wait to get it and I'll post it when it comes in.  The Bull Durham card is a nice insert as is the Topps Super.  The father son cards are nice.  My favorite card of the set was the Harold Baines #1 Draft Pick card.  I'm a Baines guy which definitely helps my appreciation for the card.  I also like that White Sox uniform.  So I really like the cards and will definitely pick up more when I get the opportunity. 

Here is a link to a good blog post on this set at the Dime Boxes blog.   


BREAKOUT:
80 Total Cards
74 Base Cards
- 25 1953
- 25 1979
- 24 1991
2 Topps Supers
1 Bull Durham
1 Father Son
1 #1 Draft Pick
1 Fan Favorites Autograph Redemption Card