Friday, August 19, 2011

First Ever Case Break

I participated in my first ever break over at Cheap Fun Breaks. The price was great so it was hard to resist. Being a 99% baseball card collector, it was surprising to me that I would go for a football break. I am a football fan but football cards haven't achieved the same excitement that baseball cards have. Regardless, I was very excited and enjoyed the process (and results).

Much to my surprise, the random draft order placed me first. After seeing the break and all the hits and inserts first, we got to pick our team. That was pretty cool and I wasn't sure if that is how they usually go or if that was fitting for that situation. The Ravens were probably the pick to get, considering there were 3 hits and a healthy dose of inserts. I couldn't turn down Joe Montana though, and I chose the 49ers. It was worth it alone for that card. I guess it's time to see the card.
Photobucket
With more picks than participants, we got a second pick. Code cards were available but with me being first, I ended up last for the second pick. The last pick to be claimed were the poor ole Seattle Seahawks. I never turn down more cards!

Overall the process was fair and worthwhile. It was a lot of fun. The only hard part was watching someone else open the packs. That's half the fun!

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Times They Are a Changin'

The blog has gone through some color changing. I'm a Reds fan so I had the red and white in mind but for some reason, the pink has found its way on here. I can't seem to find out how to change it either. Bummer.

Also, I thought of some players and made up a PC list (after I figured out how to add a page). I will begin setting up the "want" and "trade" list, as well, and will begin letting go of cards. I'm not sure how that'll go but I'm definitely open to it.

I've recently participated in my first group breaks. One was for 2011 Topps Football (my first ever) and then 2011 Topps Lineage. Posts to come.

Friday, August 5, 2011

2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces - Blaster Box

My local Wal-Mart hardly ever has anything good marked down in the card "aisle". I wasn't biting on the 2010 Topps Chrome. Even at 40% off, I didn't feel like pulling bent cardboard. I was surprised to find a blaster of 2008 UD Masterpieces. I really enjoy these cards, so I didn't even think long on the decision.

Photobucket
These are the base cards and they are gorgeous. The set consists of 120 cards of artist paintings, printed on canvas-like paper.

Photobucket
The landscape view on the cards only increases the "wow" factor. I really want to get those Ultra-Pro sheets that are for cards oriented this way. These deserve to be seen in the best position to your eyes.

Photobucket
Veteran players are also included within the set. I like having a real chance at pulling a vet player within a set. Now if only we could do something about Pete Rose...

Photobucket
The Yankee Stadium Legacy cards are neat for what they do. I'm not a Yankee fan, though, so I don't get too excited when pulling these.

For a blaster that includes 7 packs + 1 bonus pack per box (why can't they just say 8 packs?!) and 4 cards per pack, you get 32 cards. I'm thinking next time I'll consider a hobby box and have a great time busting that box.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

2003 Topps Bazooka - Hobby Box

After AutoZone didn't have the basic brake pads I needed, I grinded my way to the hobby shop. Trying to watch the spending so I got a couple packs of '99 Fleer Tradition, clear snap cases, and an unexpected hobby box of 2003 Bazooka (cheap sold me). I've never opened these before but judging by the card on the box, they looked pretty cool. Too bad that was only an insert on the front and not the base card design...oh well.

Photobucket
The base cards are pretty basic but I'm still ok with it. I've seen plenty worse and these are different from what I have, so it works.

Photobucket
The backs have nice info on the player with a bio and a "Bazooka Blast Stat of the Year". The stats, however, only give numbers for the previous year. A career total isn't even available.


Photobucket
There are variations of the base cards that have the Bazooka logo filled in with color. There is also a facsimile signature of the player on these cards.


Photobucket
First year player cards and a Bazooka Joe card. The Bazooka Joe cards are of different teams, all number 7, and stating the same info on the back about Bazooka.

Photobucket
Plenty of inserts. Thick gray base card variants (one in each pack), 4 stickers on a card (of base cards), a "mini" card (one in each pack), stand up cards, and Bazooka comics (I really like these, they're rather thin but very cool).

Photobucket
The hits. 3 per box. That's a lot of hits. I'm not really into having that many guaranteed hits per box but I'll never complain about them. The cards are cool and colorful and...hey! a pinstripe!

Friday, July 22, 2011

2011 Allen & Ginter 2-Hit Pack. Seriously.

I bought my first round of 2011 A&G, finally. I was in Wal-Mart getting some bandages and had to stop in the card aisle. I popped an o-ring when I saw A&G packs and blasters. There were only 3 blasters left and I took the one in the back.

I was very excited to get a hit in a blaster, but even more excited that I actually got two hits...in a single pack. I have pictured below, the two relic cards. I had already seperated the cards so I wasn't exactly sure which base cards were in there. I do know, that there were still 5 cards total, so the extra relic was counted as a regular card.

Photobucket