Random Wax: 2018 Topps Archives

Plenty of stars in this 2018 Topps Archives pack.  These pay tribute to the '59, '77 and '81 Topps baseball sets.  Stephen Strasburg has had a tough season but if he could stay healthy he's shown his numbers will rank him among the league's best each year.  Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge really make this a great pull.  As much as I dislike the Yankees there is no arguing the talent they have in the outfield with these two guys. Was happy to pull a couple of Red Sox to offset the Yankee cards with the Rafael Devers Coming Attractions card ('93 Design) being a favorite.  I enjoy Topps Archives so we may see more of these in the future.

BREAKDOWN:

18 – Total Cards

6 – 1959

5 – 1977

5 – 1981

1 – Coming Attractions

1 – Future Stars

2018 Topps Archives

I'm always excited about the Archives brand of card so I was excited when I grabbed my first pack of 2018 Archives baseball.  This year's set pays homage to Topps baseball sets from '59, '77 and '81 as well  '93 to a lesser degree.  I loved my pull which was highlighted by Ronald Acuna Jr. of my Braves.  Great looking card and boy is he having a great rookie season.  This pack got me excited for more and I'll definitely seek out additional packs.  

The '59 design doesn't do much for me but many of the designs that predate the seventies really don't.  Still I think Topps did a pretty good job merging the old with the new here.

The '77 set is more up my alley as that is about when I started collecting.  And boy did I pull some greats to include personal collection guys David Ortiz and Ozzie Smith.  Bruce Sutter is another player I always liked.  So the design combined with these greats made them a big hit with me.

Were the '81 cards one of my favorites?  No but as with many designs I like the nostalgia combined with current players and retired legends.  I think this is my first Ralph Kiner card.  Topps borrowed a '93 Coming Attraction design to showcase top rookies.  

Great look for some of the Cardinals' future stars.  Harrison Bader is tearing it up right now and Jack Flaherty is 7-6 wit a 3.05 ERA in 20 starts.  

BREAKDOWN:

18 – Total Cards

6 - 1959

5 – 1977

5 – 1981

4 – RC

4 – Retired Legends

1 – 1993 Coming Attractions

1 – 1981 Topps Future Stars