Buzz 12 in 12: Busting an Arizona Diamondbacks Authentics Mystery Cap Box (Hour 1)

Do you like Buzz Breaks? Today's your day then as we launch 12 in 12 -- a series of a dozen breaks of wax boxes and wax packs in a dozen hours. We'll post one every hour all day long ... this is Hour 1.

The box: Arizona Diamondbacks Authentics Mystery Cap Box
The cost: $30 (via MLB Auctions)

What's inside this one? Keep reading ...

Caps per box: 1
The Cap – Keith Hessler 2016 cap (team-issued) -- This style is one of seven the Diamondbacks used in 2016 and it was used in both batting practice and for some games. This style was worn for an April 10 game (a 7-3 loss) against the Chicago Cubs when Hessler was on the roster but it was not worn for his two in-game appearances that season or any others while he was on the roster.

The Extra Mystery: This cap wasn't authenticated until Sept. 14, 2016 ... so it could be more than just team-issued but could not be stickered that way if it was Hessler's. ... Or ... is this actually a cap of lefty Steve Hathaway who was wearing No. 56 on that day? (The Diamondbacks did wear this style of uniforms against the Rockies on that date.) This cap has No. 56 written in silver on the bottom of the bill but doesn't have any other obvious modifications. 

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What's Buzz-worthy: How's this for something out of left field? Every box includes either one MLB Authenticated team-issued cap or a game-used cap from the franchise down in the desert. These actually only cost $45 with shipping -- which still seems a little low if you happen to land a gamer. (It seems that $15 shipping is the standard minimum for MLB Auctions.) There are a few teams that regularly sell game-used baseballs, bats and even jerseys in mystery pack/box form. Some mix autographs into the boxes, while others use game-used items that don't have specific play notations in the authentication info. I went with this one since it was a cheaper option, but there's a good chance you might see more like this here if the price is right.

Who's Keith Hessler? This 29-year-old left-handed reliever was a 28th-round draft pick in 2010 out of Coastal Carolina and he made his MLB debut in 2015. In the year this cap was used, he pitched just two games for Arizona before he was waived and picked up by the Padres. He's got just one Rookie Card -- 2016 Topps Series 2 -- and then any parallels or other versions of the set. His only other cards are MiLB issues and he's got nothing on the autograph or memorabilia card front. (If it's actually a Hathaway cap? Well, he's got zilch for baseball cards ... )

Product Grade: A (has potential for the price)
Box Grade: B
Fun Grade: B+ (the authentication mystery made it a little more interesting)

What's next? Be back in an hour ...

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