2018 Topps Heritage... A Blaster Full of Mediocrity...
I'd been lightly anticipating 2018 Topps Heritage for a few years now, as the 1969 Topps design has been a guilty pleasure of mine, from my earliest days of collecting. It's a very dull and boring design to be sure... But for some reason, I have a soft spot for it...
However, an autographed insert set of 1969 Expansion Seattle Pilots players are randomly inserted into packs. They are far too rare and far too expensive to look into right now... But it still is a great idea. The Seattle Pilots story is fascinating, and gives me a non-Montreal reason to hate Bud Selig!
One of the first card shows I ever attended (at Apache Plaza) brought a 1969 Billy Martin Twins manager card to my collection, for the low price of $1.75. It was only the second "vintage" card I would own at the time. (Next to a 1963 Topps Rookie Stars card featuring Jesse Gonder, Ray Boozer, Sammy Ellis and Ray Culp.)
I had to go with a Blaster, as all of the jumbo packs had been searched. The cardboard was bent open on all 6 jumbos that were hanging from the pegboard. Any light shone in would have revealed a thicker "hit" card, had one been inside.
Doing the math, a Blaster offers 72 cards over 8 packs for $19.99. The jumbo packs include 35 cards for $9.99. Unlike the flagship Topps brand, the Blaster is the way to go for Heritage. (Absolutely NOT the case for flagship Topps) You gotta comparison shop for the better value...
Yeah, Minnesota bias... But that spring training outfield fence earns a whole lotta bonus points from me... Polanco had one hell of a great season, which came out of nowhere, making him an interesting player to follow in 2018.
Usually I'm not a big fan of these. This card is okay, but I really didn't want to see any Giants. Even a Hall of Fame legend like Marichal...
Great job by Topps in updating the classic 1969 All Star Card. I get that they can't use The Sporting News trademark in the same way they did nearly 50 years ago... Other than that, this is a very sharp card.
Ichiro Suzuki is one of my all time favorite players and I never am unhappy to get a one from a pack. That being said, it's still hard to see him with the Marlins, despite his playing the last three seasons in Miami. But just yesterday, Ichiro (at age 44) signed a free agent contract to return to the Seattle Mariners. To likely finish his North American career where it began.
There is not only the glorious All Star Rookie bowling trophy on the card, but also a hint of that same "Field # 2" sign that was featured on Travis Shaw's card...
I didn't like him as an Astro. Not as a Tiger. Definitely not as a Diamondback. Then Martinez became a free agent, and LOUDLY declared what he wanted on the free agent market.
Well Mr. High Self Opinion, how did it feel to wait all offseason, to finally sign a contract with Boston after Spring Training opened, for roughly HALF of what you said you wanted last November?
Pineda signed a two year contract with Minnesota last Novemeber... But that isn't mentioned anywhere on this card. It's been over three months, that should be an easy update... After all, overhyped prospect Shohei Ohtani got not only a picture of him in an Angels uniform, but also an on card autograph. (At the expected ridiculous odds...) So if you can go to this length for someone who signed his contract in mid-December, not updating this Pineda card is very lazy...
I really didn't like much of what I got in this pack, so we'll go with Seager. I don't like the Dodgers, but these All Star cards are great!
Heritage rarely features action shots. Which makes sense. 1960's Topps had very few action shots. But be consistant. Alfaro's card just doesn't look like Heritage. Looks too much like flagship Topps...
I think that we'll see McMahon starting at first base for Colorado this season. And Tauchman has a shot at the 4th or 5th outfield slot. I like both of these players, and think they could contribute to an even better 2018 for the Rockies, than 2017 was. Maybe...
Carpenter has looked bored/sleepy on every card I own of his. Wake up Matt... You're a major league baseball player. I understand that amphetamines are now a banned substance, but maybe try to get to be a little earlier tonight...
2018 Topps Heritage's last shot at baseball card set immortality... I'm feeling pretty meh about this Blaster so far...
I hope Mr. Hader isn't lost... Because I don't see any indication of which field he is posing behind... I see a batting cage, a chain link backstop, some trees, some paths... The All Star Rookie Bowling Trophy... But no field number... I bet this is probably Field #7!
Marquez with the bowling trophy on the card! After an excellent 2017 rookie season, I'm interested in seeing what Marquez will do in 2018. The Rockies need dependable starters, and Marquez looks like he will fill that bill...
Topps should have done some research into what Target stores looked like in 1969, and used THAT to come up with the Target Exclusive Insert card. This is fine. It kind of has the 1969 Topps set feel, but does very little to hold my interest... Too much yellow...
Nothing personal Reynaldo. Of the remaining cards in the pack, you drew the short straw as the card that interested me the least. I'm sure you're a fine dude...
2018 Topps Heritage is fine for what it is. I don't not like it, but it failed to click with me on just about any level. There was a little nostalgia feel. But any of the gimmicks that directly link up with 1969 Topps (the Expansion Seattle Pilots autographs and the "batboy error" gimmick) are so ridiculously short printed, they can't be enjoyed on a collector level.
And if you really wanted to make this feel like 1969 Topps, take the traded players and free agents that signed with new teams in the offseason and put a giant blob of mismatched colored airbrushing cover-up over the Yankees logo'd NY hat! Let's call this The Michael Pineda Rule!
1969 Topps wouldn't have put out a Pineda Yankees card... They would have put out a picture of Pineda, with some bad scribbling over the Yankees logo, and the word Twins written below him...
There was no way Topps could turn a 1968 Pittsburgh Pirates uniform into an Expos one in time for the 1969 set. So they just zoomed in really close and blacked out the P...
Too bad I wont be pulling any current 1969 Expansion Montreal Expos...
However, an autographed insert set of 1969 Expansion Seattle Pilots players are randomly inserted into packs. They are far too rare and far too expensive to look into right now... But it still is a great idea. The Seattle Pilots story is fascinating, and gives me a non-Montreal reason to hate Bud Selig!
One of the first card shows I ever attended (at Apache Plaza) brought a 1969 Billy Martin Twins manager card to my collection, for the low price of $1.75. It was only the second "vintage" card I would own at the time. (Next to a 1963 Topps Rookie Stars card featuring Jesse Gonder, Ray Boozer, Sammy Ellis and Ray Culp.)
I have neither of those two cards today, and really wish I still did...
So when 2018 Topps hit the market, I stopped to pick some up at the Targets.
I had to go with a Blaster, as all of the jumbo packs had been searched. The cardboard was bent open on all 6 jumbos that were hanging from the pegboard. Any light shone in would have revealed a thicker "hit" card, had one been inside.
Does the hobby need these low-lifes?
Can we legally punch them in the dick when we encounter them in public?
Doing the math, a Blaster offers 72 cards over 8 packs for $19.99. The jumbo packs include 35 cards for $9.99. Unlike the flagship Topps brand, the Blaster is the way to go for Heritage. (Absolutely NOT the case for flagship Topps) You gotta comparison shop for the better value...
So a Blaster then? Okay, sign me up...
We'll handle this opening using my most/least favorite card in each pack,
along with highlighting anything else notable.
along with highlighting anything else notable.
Pack One!
Gio Gonzalez - Nationals
Jorge Polanco - Twins
Braves Rookies - Max Fried, Luis Gohara
Mike Moustakas - Royals
Juan Marichal - Giants - Baseball Flashbacks
Trey Mancini - Orioles
Justin Upton - Angels
Dodgers Rookies - Kyle Farmer, Tim Locastro, O'Koyea Dickson
Chris Owings - Diamondbacks
Most Favorite
Jorge Polanco - Twins
Yeah, Minnesota bias... But that spring training outfield fence earns a whole lotta bonus points from me... Polanco had one hell of a great season, which came out of nowhere, making him an interesting player to follow in 2018.
Most Inserty
Juan Marichal Flashbacks
Usually I'm not a big fan of these. This card is okay, but I really didn't want to see any Giants. Even a Hall of Fame legend like Marichal...
Least Favorite
Chris Owings - Diamondbacks
Yeah... No on Arizona too...
Pack Two!
Diamondbacks Rookies - Anthony Banda, Jimmie Sherfy
Zach Davies - Brewers
David Robertson - Yankees
Adam Eaton - Nationals
Ben Zobrist - Cubs
Joc Pederson - Dodgers
Mike Trout - Angels - All Star
J.A. Happ - Blue Jays
2017 World Series Game 4
Most Favorite
Mike Trout - Angels - All Star
Most 1969sy
Ben Zobrist - Cubs
This card just look like a 1969 Topps card.
Similar style of pose and bleak deserty spring training photo...
Similar style of pose and bleak deserty spring training photo...
Most Historical
2017 World Series Game 4
The World Series card are also very nice, and a great throwback to 1969.
While the 2017 World Series wasn't my favorite, these cards are a nice representation.
Least Favorite
David Robertson - Yankees
Not that it's bad, this card is just too boring. Yet, it does look very 1969...
Overall, a good pack...
Pack Three!
Travis Shaw - Brewers
Brett Phillips - Brewers
Stephen Piscotty - Cardinals
Ichiro - Marlins
News Flashback - Give Peace A Chance
Jon Lester - Cubs
Whit Merrifield - Royals
Chris Archer - Rays
Jose Abreu - White Sox
Most Favorite
Ichiro - Marlins
Most Inserty
News Flashback - Give Peace A Chance
Interesting photo choice, I whole-heartedly approve!
Most #2
Travis Shaw - Brewers
I love spring training back field shots, with field indicating signs. Probably just me though...
Least Favorite
Jose Abreu - White Sox
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwnnnnnnn....
Pack Four!
2017 ERA Leaders - Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg
Brian Dozier - Twins
Joe Mauer - Twins
Paul DeJong - Cardinals
Brandon Belt - Giants
Corey Kluber - Indians - All Star
Carlos Beltran - Astros
Manny Pina - Brewers
J.D. Martinez - Diamondbacks
Most Favorite
Manny Pina - Brewers
There is not only the glorious All Star Rookie bowling trophy on the card, but also a hint of that same "Field # 2" sign that was featured on Travis Shaw's card...
Most Twinsiest
Brian Dozier - Twins
Cool photo... Retro throwback uniform... Great card...
Least Twinsiest
Joe Mauer - Twins
Dull photo... Covered up Twins home whites... Boring card...
Least Favorite
J.D. Martinez - Diamondbacks
I didn't like him as an Astro. Not as a Tiger. Definitely not as a Diamondback. Then Martinez became a free agent, and LOUDLY declared what he wanted on the free agent market.
Well Mr. High Self Opinion, how did it feel to wait all offseason, to finally sign a contract with Boston after Spring Training opened, for roughly HALF of what you said you wanted last November?
I have very little patience for players of Martinez' ego...
Pack Five!
Howie Kendrick - Nationals
Troy Tulowitzki - Blue Jays
Michael Pineda - Yankees
2017 Pitching Leaders - Clayton Kershaw, Zach Grienke, Kyle Davies
Chad Kuhl - Pirates
Francisco Lindor - Indians
Kevin Kiermaier - Rays
Dansby Swanson - Braves
Yankees Rookies - Tyler Wade, Garrett Cooper
Most Favorite
Francisco Lindor - Indians
I like this photo. The perspective is slightly off and it reminds me of a 1960's card photo.
Which is exactly what this set needs.
Most High (numbered)
026
Chad Kuhl - Pirates
Can't be a Heritage set without the patented annoying high numbered short prints.
And this one's fairly Kuhl...
Least Favorite
Michael Pineda - Yankees
Pineda signed a two year contract with Minnesota last Novemeber... But that isn't mentioned anywhere on this card. It's been over three months, that should be an easy update... After all, overhyped prospect Shohei Ohtani got not only a picture of him in an Angels uniform, but also an on card autograph. (At the expected ridiculous odds...) So if you can go to this length for someone who signed his contract in mid-December, not updating this Pineda card is very lazy...
Boooooo Topps....
In fact, I think I have a solution to this very problem! I will gladly share my idea at the end of me feeling disappointed in this Blaster...
Pack Six!
Matt Davidson - White Sox
Ken Giles - Astros
Aaron Nola - Phillies
Sean Manaea - Athletics
Jorge Alfaro - Phillies
Joey Votto - Reds - Deckle Edge insert
Corey Seager - Dodgers - All Star
Corey Dickerson - Rays
Jose Quintana - Cubs
Most Favorite
Corey Seager - Dodgers - All Star
I really didn't like much of what I got in this pack, so we'll go with Seager. I don't like the Dodgers, but these All Star cards are great!
Most Inserty
Joey Votto - Reds - Deckle Edge insert
I should really start a Joey Votto collection, since I seem to get his cards ALL THE TIME...
Least Favorite
Jorge Alfaro - Phillies
And I just don't like the blue Phillies hats/helmets...
Pack Seven!
Mets Rookies - Dominic Smith, Amed Rosario
Matt Carpenter - Cardinals
Carlos Santana - Indians
Rockies Rookies - Ryan McMahon, Mike Tauchman
Rich Hill - Dodgers - SP
Josh Bell - Pirates
Jose De Leon - Rays
Corey Knebel - Brewers
Cameron Maybin - Astros
Most Favorite
Rockies Rookies - Ryan McMahon, Mike Tauchman
I think that we'll see McMahon starting at first base for Colorado this season. And Tauchman has a shot at the 4th or 5th outfield slot. I like both of these players, and think they could contribute to an even better 2018 for the Rockies, than 2017 was. Maybe...
Al-Most Favorite
Corey Knebel - Brewers
Are all of the practice fields for the Brewers in Maryvale, Arizona labelled #2?
Most High (numbered)
Rich Hill - Dodgers - SP
Short Print or not, placing an Expos hat on Mr. Hill couldn't make me care about this card...
Least Favorite
Matt Carpenter - Cardinals
Carpenter has looked bored/sleepy on every card I own of his. Wake up Matt... You're a major league baseball player. I understand that amphetamines are now a banned substance, but maybe try to get to be a little earlier tonight...
Pack Eight!
Nicholas Castellanos - Tigers
Jacob deGrom - Mets
Tim Anderson - White Sox
Amed Rosario - Mets - Target Exclusive
Reynaldo Lopez - White Sox
Nationals Rookies - Raudy Read, Erick Fedde
German Marquez - Rockies
Josh Hader - Brewers
Cubs Rookie Stars - Jen-Ho Tseng, Dillon Maples, Taylor Davis
Most Favorite
Josh Hader - Brewers
Most Rockiesiest
German Marquez - Rockies
Marquez with the bowling trophy on the card! After an excellent 2017 rookie season, I'm interested in seeing what Marquez will do in 2018. The Rockies need dependable starters, and Marquez looks like he will fill that bill...
Most Non-Baseballsiest
Nicholas Castellanos - Tigers
Castellanos likes to put on his Tigers uniform and pose in his neighbor's backyard. Where is he?
Most Discount Chainest
Amed Rosario - Mets - Target Exclusive
Topps should have done some research into what Target stores looked like in 1969, and used THAT to come up with the Target Exclusive Insert card. This is fine. It kind of has the 1969 Topps set feel, but does very little to hold my interest... Too much yellow...
Least Favorite
Reynaldo Lopez - White Sox
Nothing personal Reynaldo. Of the remaining cards in the pack, you drew the short straw as the card that interested me the least. I'm sure you're a fine dude...
Well...
That was a stronger final pack, but not enough to sway me into loving this release...
*******
Final thoughts...
And if you really wanted to make this feel like 1969 Topps, take the traded players and free agents that signed with new teams in the offseason and put a giant blob of mismatched colored airbrushing cover-up over the Yankees logo'd NY hat! Let's call this The Michael Pineda Rule!
Truly embrace your past Topps!
There was no way Topps could turn a 1968 Pittsburgh Pirates uniform into an Expos one in time for the 1969 set. So they just zoomed in really close and blacked out the P...
Viola! Expos card!
So embrace that past Topps!
Then you will truly have a set that brings back the warm fuzzies...
(Whatever black streaks that are appearing on Wills' face wasn't me or Topps airbrusher...
Gonna blame the unknown previous owner...)
And knock this crap off! I looked Topps, you didn't provide any!
You did however, provide a ton of Milwaukee Brewers...
Which I guess was your way of pointing out that I wasn't going to see a Seattle Pilots card?
******
Personally, I'm really waiting for 2019 Topps Heritage...
1970 Topps is one of my favorite designs. And I know I'm in the minority with that take...
But this one was okay...
No Aaron Judge!
So thanks Topps!
I'm right there with you. I love the idea of Heritage I just don't really like the result. I love the classic design with current players, but the inserts are boring, the variations and parallels or meh, and hobby wise the product is way too expensive for only one hit, most likely a relic, per box. Plus I hate, hate, hate, manufactured SPs.
ReplyDeleteI would be on board with Heritage being a traditional release along these lines. Put out a 700-800 card set, single series on opening day. Do and update set at the end. There's your Heritage. No short prints so it's something for the set builders, and kept separate from what flagship Topps has become. Since that's the heavily pushed big seller, load that up with expensive obscure fluff and make your money anyway...
DeleteBut let the classic collector have a set to... You know... COLLECT?!
"Look for autographs" has become the most tiresome tease since Publisher's Clearing House's "you may already be a winner!" It didn't happen, it won't happen, it never happens, stop saying it!
ReplyDelete...except for the lame "+ 1 extra pack". Which one is the extra? You can't tell because they're all the same. Just say 8 packs and be done, Topps. It's stupid.
DeleteThe Target exclusive used the design of the 1969 Transogram cards, which came on boxes with little cheap plastic action figures (which are NOT cheap to acquire now!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for triggering my memory!
DeleteNot long after I wrote this, I found one of those for sale and asked. Then I promptly forgot about it...