Buzz Break: 2021 Topps Chrome Black baseball cards

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The box: 2021 Topps Chrome Black baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

Packs per box: 1 (and one encased autograph)
Cards per pack: 3
Cards in this box: 4
Base set completion: 
2 of 100 (2 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Base cards – Ronald Acuña Jr., Ian Anderson (RC)

Insert/short-print cards: 1 (everything from box in gallery below)
Orange parallels (1) – Luis Campusano (/25)

Autographs/Memorabilia: 1
Autographs (1) – Jesus Sanchez

What's Buzz-worthy: I didn't dig in here last year despite a strong rookie class and some strong potential in its debut, so I was fresh when popping the lid in this over-sized (a mock image above ... it's more like 7-by-8 inches in reality) box with just a pack and an encased auto inside. My initial reaction on my ink admittedly was "Who?" and I was distracted by scratches on the case (it happens) but I was glad to see a pack in there, too, which is one thing that could add a lot more to a lot of these kinds of encased-card releases. (If you miss on the hit, at least there's back-up.) In this case, the Orange parallel wasn't that impressive to me, but it's one in 28 boxes and a RC parallel ... but then I finished out the pack with a pair of Braves -- both names I wouldn't mind finding. So, ultimately, this seems like an average box but I'll put it a tick higher with the color. Aesthetically, all of the various blacked-out approaches at cardboard (everybody has done them) haven't really grabbed me, but this approach might if it were in a slightly less high-end release. All in all, I do think this one is worth the look if you're chasing hits and rarities and not worried about the price tag. Over time, the basics from hobby-only releases with guaranteed hits like this will be tougher to find as the sheer volume of cards made won't compare to the standard stuff.

Product Grade: B
Box Grade: B (ultimately closer to average box but aided by Orange)
Fun Grade: B

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