Monday, November 23, 2020

The Derby, 23 years later

Topps Update is a complete mess. We all know this. Instead of just making a smaller set or forgoing it all together, Topps made what might be their worst set in years.

But in effort to still put out a large Update base set, Topps went back to the well to show old All-Star Games and Home Run Derbies.

While this was a peculiar choice, it gave me a Tino Martinez card to track down, along with a zillion parallels. As the victor of the 1997 Derby at Jacobs Field, Tino was honored with a card depicting his win. It was one of the biggest highlights for me watching baseball growing up, so I wasn't too upset to see him included here, despite the set being lackluster. I honestly put his victory on par for me personally with the four World Series titles, Gooden no-hitter, and Cone and Wells perfect games. Is the feat the same? No. But does it hold the same type of place in my heart? 

You bet.

I picked up the base card on Trading Card Database rather easily. I didn't even have to upload my entire collection. I just found a few people who were offering the card, and found some cards on their wantlist that I had on my trade list. That's all it takes.

The parallels haven't been so easy, so I had to turn to trusty eBay for the Yellow Walgreen's version.
I really like when I'm able to find the Topps hangers at Walgreen's. I found a lot of Update there last year. This year, I found two hangers of Series 2. But I try not to go to Walgreen's these days unless it's necessary. Each time I've had to go grab milk or vitamins, I check. And it's been months since I've seen cards there. It's probably for the best.

I'm would have been disappointed anyways given this turd of a set. Last year I pulled a yellow Vlad Jr RC. This year, the only yellow I really would have wanted is the one above. And it cost me less than half of what a hanger would have.

While it sucks to not be able to find cards to open, at least I'm saving by just buying the singles I want...something I should do anyways.

5 comments:

  1. I picked up a rack pack of Update - holy shit is this set bad.

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  2. Nice pickup! Glad that Tino was represented in the set. I didn't even realize Update was out. But I don't pay attention really to the new product. I totally love just getting the cards I want/need, though naturally I miss opening packs.

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  3. Worst set in years? Ouch. I don't think I've read a positive review on 2020 Update yet. Lol. Feel bad for all of those hoarders who bought out all of the retail supply before it hit the shelves. Lol. Not really.

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  4. Is this going to be one of the ones that has 15 different 1/1's?

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  5. I am having no luck tracking down the 2020 Update parallels. It makes me think that no one is opening the product.

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