2018 Topps Yankees Project thoughts

In mid-January, I always get excited about the release of the Topps Series One Checklist. However, my reasoning is a little different from most. It entirely is based on my Topps Yankees Project and the continuation of it on a year-to-year basis.

A quick refresher on the Project. It consists of a signed Topps Yankees card for every year, 1951-2017. Each signature was acquired through the mail (TTM), and there are no repeat players. It is definitely one of the most meaningful parts of my collection.

Looking at the checklist, I think there is hope that I will be able to knock off 2018 during spring training. While there is no hope for the some of the players, I may send each Series One base card just to see what happens. You never know.

Here are the Yankees with a Series One base card, along with their signing habits:

Aaron Judge – Signed as a minor leaguer, but obviously will be virtually impossible this year.

Brett Gardner – Hasn’t signed in years.

CC Sabathia – Signs once in a while, but returns usually take a long time

Chase Headley – Reliable signer and he’s not currently part of my project! Here’s a past success.

Clint Frazier – Signed early in his career, but likely not anymore.

Dellin Betances – Signed early in his career, but haven’t seen a success from him in a few years.

Garrett Cooper – Signs! Graciously signed a card for me lastyear.

Gary Sanchez – Doesn’t sign.

Luis Severino - Doesn’t sign.

Masahiro Tanaka – Doesn’t sign.

Miguel Andujar – He signs periodically, but I’ve never gotten him.

Starlin Castro – Doesn’t sign.

Todd Frazier – Signed a lot early in his career and more sporadic of late. I saw a few off-season successes.

My best bests are going to be Andujar, Cooper, Headley, and perhaps Todd Frazier. And if I can’t get any of these guys, there’s always Series Two!