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Here's this month's roundup of items that have recently caught my eye as a buyer ... 

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TIFFY TIMES TWO
The Cards: Tiffany Stratton 2024 Panini Three Count WWE Prime Memorabilia Autographs Purple parallel (/25) & standard version (/99)
The Price: About half of a Three Count box these days
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This card was immediately on my radar back when it first was revealed among the mock-ups for this high-end WWE brand and, I've said it before, if this set hadn't used sticker autos it would be perfect. The end of the Panini WWE run combined with a logjam of releases and then the collector (and definitely flipper) focus perhaps shining more on Chrome actually made secondary market prices on a lot of stuff here a bit softer than I had expected, allowing me to pony up on two of these at prices I could handle. (I had initially figured I wouldn't land one of these, let alone one and a parallel.) I was picky with these and wanted to make sure I landed one with a clean auto -- full name, not the abbreviated and half-empty-sticker "Tiff" that shows up sometimes. Both of these hit the spot on both auto quality and price ... and if they ever dip more, I'll do more. Why? It's a Tiffy Time world and we're just collecting in it.
Grab a box right here: WWE cards are here.

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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Here's this month's roundup of items that have recently caught my eye as a buyer ...

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IT'S ALWAYS TIFFY TIME
The Card: Tiffany Stratton 2023 Panini Immaculate Collection WWE Ruby Memorabilia Autographs (/25)
The Price: A meaty amount (for me)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Much like Rhea Ripley rookie autos in 2020, I've focused on trying to find one card from each of the lineups for Stratton's first year of ink in 2023 (RCs in 2022) with cleaner/full sigs on them and this brand was one of my targets for a while. I finally found one that looked good for a price I could pull off. Why chase? Stratton has delivered and figures to do so for some time with her latest big landmark moment being a bruiser of a win over Charlotte Flair at Wrestlemania. "Buff Barbie" is an informal nickname here so far -- they're avoiding trademark claims -- but they're also playing into that more and more with her Wrestlemania debut entrance having a Barbie Dreamhouse/packaging feel before a brawl that left her, in her own words, "looking like a broke down Barbie." That spectacle of an entrance and the match were both proof that the meteoric arrival and win over an all-time great at the biggest event of the year is just the start and the WWE is still fueling that rocket. I've been buying (this was a pre-Mania pick-up) and will keep looking for more somewhat selectively -- since stuff is at times pricey.
Grab a box: WWE cards are here.

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... 

MAMI'S HOME ...
The Card: Rhea Ripley 2020 Topps Transcendent WWE (/50) -- Rookie Card
The Price: Less than some of my others ... and less than a new hobby box.
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: My lucky No. 13th copy of this RC from a super-deluxe release puts me over the 25-percent mark for stockpiling this card's entire print run and while it was still a pricey pick-up it wasn't my highest one, either. How many more will I find? Not sure ... but I do have a price ceiling, even for this top WWE badass and this badass card. I picked up this one awhile back and it got lost in my shuffle of WWE stuff awaiting a slot here, but since she's back from injury and ready to do some mauling she leads things off this month.
Grab a box right here: None for this one ... check out other WWE boxes.

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Click for a closer look.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION IS IN ...
The Album: The Big Lebowski soundtrack (Mercury, 2014 -- first pressing)
The Reason Graded: As you can probably tell, I'm a dabbler with grading in a few -- but not yet all -- directions, but the notion of having a pristine item encased for permanent protection to be appreciated as an artifact of sorts appeals in a lot of ways. Video games, Funko Pop! figures, other toys, VHS, tickets, press photos and more can be graded just like cards, comic books, magazines and coins. I've tried grading VHS and there's a chance I might do more there with a different company that I use for pretty much everything else, but vinyl is one that, well, I jettisoned most of what I had long ago. That means this was more of a first project than just a first try. (I didn't have much vinyl as my early music-buying years were where the Sony Walkman and then CDs were a thing or emerging, not records.) I spotted this soundtrack cheaper than it might have been elsewhere and it's an original, so I grabbed it with an eye for a slab with Texas-based Tuned In Grading as this one is memorable as more than just a soundtrack but a film that's a cult classic with tons of interest and action beyond a couple hours of screen time. And the total package is cool front and back with scenes and even key characters noted.
The Grade: Tuned In Grading 9.0 (sealed)

Reality Check: I did this one to basically to go through the process and see if I liked the results and then to decide how I would approach doing more. It seems based on their grading scale and description that a 10 isn't easy -- that's fine in my book and that took away some of the grade-shock here. (A nine is fine in all realms, really, but we all want perfection and in some genres a nine has a few slots above it on the scale. Not here.) There isn't really a pop report just yet (but I know of at least one copy*) and it appears that the typical overall grade is a meshing of five applicable sub-grades -- record, cover, inner sleeve, labels, shrink -- but since this is a sealed record only two of those are in play. They both clicked at nines for me -- the cover here had a small bend on the back, while the shrinkwrap has a couple minor spots on the right side but I didn't notice one of them previously. I wasn't totally surprised as I knew the small bend would hurt me but everything else seemed strong. Part of me wants to try something vintage that's not sealed next time, but that's easier said than done in terms of balancing condition, an item I like and price -- I know of a few I'd try but I'm a stickler for condition and this kind of grading isn't quite as cheap as others but still less than some so I'd want something with an appealing grade. Plus, if it's not sealed then other things get looked at ... that you can't examine unless you're buying stuff in-person. Part of me also thinks albums without shrink-wrap could look better in the sleeve but I haven't really read up on what the musical devotees prefer. I think, generally, I dig it but I think for storage and size I like the idea of slabs for CD, DVDs and stuff that's more game-sized more ... but the size here also makes all the details you see on the back of this one as well as that main art on the front pop a bit more, too.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... 

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ONLY 40 MORE OUT THERE ... 
The Cards: Rhea Ripley 2020 Topps Transcendent WWE (/50) -- Rookie Card
The Price: More than I'll admit
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Not all 10 of these are totally new pick-ups -- I showed off five of them awhile back right here in this series -- but with this run of super-premium RCs I wanted to show them off all together. It's not often that I have been able to track down 20 percent of a print run -- especially in a brand that carried such a massive price tag -- or, well, really even tried except for maybe my PC player. But, last year I made an effort to start amassing them and I'm not done yet. How many more might I grab? Depends on availability and price -- I can think of four I have missed on recently but things could slow here as I'm not going to overpay more than I did to get this far. If you don't know, Ripley is the new Smackdown women's champ after a classic win over Charlotte Flair at Mania and could be the title-holder on both shows at some point ... and since she's young she's got plenty of time to do even more in WWE barring any injuries. Her 2020 Rookie Cards and autographs should be worth a look ... raw or slabbed.
Grab a box right here: BlowoutCards.com for other WWE cards

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The boxes: 2021 Topps Mickey Mantle Collection (five boxes)
First Buzz Preview & Checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (when available)

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

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It's time to watch the 2021 Topps Series 1 Rip Party.

Check it out above for a replay and click for more on 2021 Topps Series 1.

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Keep reading for a gallery of highlights from some MLB legends.

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This is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five reasons a sports card can be appealing ... beyond just value.

A STRONG PHOTO
We all know a lot of cards from any sports (or non-sports) set from the past that has a photo that's just so clean or different that it stands out from the rest of the pack every time we see it. It doesn't have to be a star, it doesn't have to be a bum ... it's just memorable. Sometimes cards like these can actually command more value than others around it (probably moreso in the years before hits and inserts) but that added appeal can't hurt. The card you see here? It's a simple portrait -- literally nothing but the image -- no design here -- and that's why I chose it. It shows the power of letting the photo have its moment. I own hundreds of Derek Jeter cards that I don't really want or need but the strong photo here makes me want and need it. It's rarer (/100) and from the 2019 Topps Transcendent VIP Party set, but this one would be a card I'd chase if it were from Opening Day. It's all about the photo.

Continue reading →

Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals just might be to rip fewer blasters this year and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention. Would they capture yours? I'd be interested to know -- sometimes they might, sometimes they won't and that's fine. It's a buyer's market out there with plenty of options and bargains as well as high-end gems to chase.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around it's a super-sized edition to clear out some cardboard that's been waiting for its turn here.

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BATTING LEADOFF ... AGAIN
The Card: Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Panini Chronicles Score Rookie Card (SGC 10)
The Price: $10.60
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Is it really a shocker to see this guy batting leadoff here once again? If you're a regular reader you'll know this is the third straight time I've picked one of my Acuña pick-ups to start things off here -- and this time it's a high-grade copy from an affordable (for now) release that's jam-packed with Rookie Cards. I haven't ever submitted anything to SGC for grading, but I have picked off a few cards in their slabs when the price is right and the card is noticeably clean. In this case it was an affordable one picked off in a top grade just before he started heating things up this season. Boxes of many 2018 releases have picked up steam and this one is among them, especially on the hobby side where they are jam-packed with good stuff. I couldn't find this card in the pop report, but the price was right for me.
Grab a box right here: 2018 Panini Chronicles baseball cards

Keep reading for many more interesting items ...

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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ... it's all MLB and WWE this time with a new baseball season under way and it being WrestleMania week.

The Card: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever 25 Years of Raw #RAW28 Mr. McMahon's Limousine Explodes
The Reason Graded: You don't see why? This is one of the greatest cards I've ever seen in any set, and it simply had to lead off here, too. The heat you see on the card is only rivaled by the heat that is this card. (Something like that.) So, what's the story with this? In a June 2007 episode of Raw, WWE Chairman and ultimate on-screen villain Vince McMahon had an unusual evening on the air. At the end of the show he walked through a star-laden backstage area to go to his limo at the end of his "Appreciation Night." He stepped inside, closed the door and at that exact moment it exploded on live TV. (See it happen here and read all about the fallout.) The company was bombarded with phone calls from some members of the public and it even issued a press release that McMahon was, indeed, dead. The company's stock even took a hit (seriously) as part of the story line. Somehow, it took all of these years for this epic moment to make it onto a card.
The Grade: BGS 9.5

Reality Check: I was all over this one the second I saw the checklist and knew I'd own it in a slab. The super-skinny stock and dark edges make it tough to land without a tweaked edge or corner, but mine is the first and it's nearly perfect. (The spot on the right is part of the photo, not a nicked edge.) The only thing better than a near-perfect copy of a card like this would be one signed by VKM himself ... after all, he somehow survived. This card makes me laugh and I laugh even harder with a high-grade copy.

Keep reading for the rest of this month's new grades and additions.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: An impressive card room video, big pulls from the NBA and MLB, and a Joe Montana Rookie Card in every grade?

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Gary Sanchez is a rookie for the New York Yankees, though he's been around the baseball block a bit.

He's 23 but he's already got seven years of minor-league experience with two big-league at-bats last season before his call-up this year -- one that's paid off pretty well.

How well? He's got six home runs and 12 RBI while batting .379 in 15 games, tying him for the most-powerful start to a career for a Yankee through 17 games.

“This is a time when he’s going to play and play a lot," Brian McCann told Newsday. He’s a future All-Star. There’s not many guys walking around with his talent. He’s one of the best young catchers I’ve seen since I’ve been in the big leagues.”

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2016 Topps Series 2 baseball cards (blaster box)
 Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 10 (plus one medallion pack)
Cards per pack: 10
Cards in this box: 101
Base set completion: 
79 of 350 (23 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notable players on base cards – Stephen Strasburg, Prince Fielder, Yoenis Cespedes, Albert Pujols, David Price.

Rookie Cards (10) – Kenta Maeda, Pedro Severino, Guido Knudson, Miguel Almonte, Scott Alexander, Luke Maile, Keith Hessler, Jorge Lopez, Ariel Pena, Ramon Cabrera.

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One of this year's hidden gems on the field is nearly the same thing off of it -- or at least on cardboard.

In an era of prospect cards made sometimes years before a player even sees an MLB field, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Duvall is a bit of an enigma. Make that an enigma who has 18 home runs this season after a 9-8 victory over the Atlanta Braves Monday night where he led off the game with a two-run shot in the first.

And make that an enigma without a lot of cardboard.

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2016 Topps baseball cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 10 -- plus one manufactured Relic pack
Cards per pack: 10
Cards in this box: 101
Base set completion: 
78 of 350 (22 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notable names pulled on base cards: Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Matt Harvey, Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig

Rookie Cards pulled: Aaron Nola, Greg Bird, Henry Owens, Ryan Lamarre

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Old box breaks, new MMA cards, 2016 Topps breaks, Johnny Manziel & more.

Contest >> Click here to win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Old box breaks, new MMA cards, 2016 Topps breaks, Johnny Manziel & more.

Contest >> Click here to win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1

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Don't flip out, but there's a pretty hot base card in 2016 Topps baseball cards because of a great (and controversial) moment and some mainstream media coverage.

It's Jose Bautista's card No. 96 in the set and it's sold on eBay pretty well.

How well? How about $20 well and that one's not alone. There are also bulk lots that are getting attention because it's a memorable moment captured on cardboard. Rarer parallels of the card also are commanding good cash.

The card was shown at the close of MLB Network's Hot Stove morning show and that means it will probably pop up elsewhere, too. Will it continue to be expensive? Of course not -- but the appeal, especially with Blue Jays fans, probably won't diminish.
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Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.

>> Click here to buy baseball cards on BlowoutCards.com

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More eBay Buzz posts …

This perfect Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Draft auto is how much?

What's a $100 eBay gift card go for on eBay, anyway?

How much will a Flawless BGS set sell for?

You can own the negative used to make Nolan Ryan's Rookie Card

eBay Buzz: PSA 8 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle sells for $486,100

Have you seen Connor McDavid’s Young Guns sales so far?

Bryce Harper’s Topps Bunt virtual autograph went for what?

High-grade 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle draws attention

These Kobe Bryant autos are how much?

You won’t believe the price on this perfect Bobby Orr Rookie Card

Today's the day that 2016 Topps Series 1 baseball cards officially arrive. Here's a handy rundown of all of Buzz's posts about it this week and in the past leading up to this point.

Gallery: A massive selection of 2016 Topps baseball cards 

Contest: Win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1 right here (closes on Saturday)

First Pitch: Here are the celebs who now appear on 2016 Topps cards

Board Buzz: Here's a rundown of breaks for 2016 Topps and more

#Buzzworthy Pulls: Show off your best Topps pull for a shot at $25 (closes on Saturday)

Buzz Poll: Will you miss presidential candidates removed from 2016 Topps?

Predictions: Who might make the cut for First Pitch in 2016 Topps?

Checklist rundown: What surprises may be in store in 2016 Topps?

Checklist for 2016 Topps Series 1 baseball cards

Buzz Poll: What's your perspective on 2016 Topps Perspectives

Buzz Poll: Are you ready for 2016 Topps?

Be ready for buyback cards in 2016 Topps (video)

Topps reveals All-Star Rookie Team in 2016 Topps Series 1

2016 Topps includes new-and-improved take on Topps Laser

Series 2: Is it too soon to look ahead to June? Here's our First Buzz preview ... 

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy baseball cards on BlowoutCards.com.

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: 2016 Topps, 2016 Topps and more 2016 Topps on the day of 2016 Topps' official arrival.

Contest >> Click here to win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1

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Contest >> Click here to win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1

This one will be purely visual -- a sampling of 2016 Topps baseball cards already pulled by collectors. Keep reading to see more and Buzz will update this one as more interesting cards surface. (Looking for the First Pitch cards? You will find them here.)

Look for camouflage uniforms as part of the photo variations in this set, too.

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Contest >> Click here to win a box of 2016 Topps Series 1

A few more First Pitch cards from 2016 Topps Series 1 have begun to trickle out onto eBay in advance of the product's official release on Wednesday and there's another surprise among the celebs doing the ceremonial honors.

One of them is former Little League World Series star and 14-year-old Mo'ne Davis.

Davis became  first girl to earn a win and to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history during the 2014 event capturing the hearts of many. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and became a household name.

Who else is among the surprises in the set?

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: 2016 Topps Jordan Spieth First Pitch, big breaks,  a 264 collector, Johnny Manziel & more.

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The first retail pulls from 2016 Topps have begun to hit eBay in advance of its widespread release on Wednesday and that means we get out first glimpses at the surprise inclusions in the First Pitch set.

A checklist has not been released for the insert set, but it appears that this year's version will include golfer Jordan Spieth who has not had any official PGA cardboard despite dominating successes this past year.

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Our weekly Blowout #BuzzWorthyPulls Contest is back. Every single Saturday we'll launch a new post where all you have to do is show off your biggest, newest card via a photo posted on Twitter and here on BlowoutBuzz.com.

Your prize if you're the winner? A $25 BlowoutCards.com gift certificate.

This week's contest & instructions (read closely): Show your best Topps baseball pull. Maybe it's in your box of 2016 Topps Series 1 to rip later this week -- or maybe it's something from an old box. Show us your top Topps card pulled lately.

Step 1 -- Take your photo. This must either be a selfie with the card or an image of the card with paper that has #buzzworthypulls hand-written on it. Be sure to show the card clearly. No exceptions.

Step 2 -- Tweet us and tag it. Tweet your pic to @blowoutbuzz and @blowoutcards and you must include the #BuzzWorthyPulls tag. You don't have to say anything else but if you need to add a detail ("Card is a 1/5.") you can.

Step 3 -- Copy-and-paste that tweet into a comment posted on this thread. (This helps us keep track of things.) We'll only consider one entry per person per week -- so make it count. If you don't copy your tweet here, you can't win. Simple as that.

What's next? Be Patient and wait for the following Saturday ... we'll announce a winner either in the early morning or in the evening (depends on Buzz's schedule). The winner will be notified on Twitter and noted in the comments for that week. The comments will then be closed. At the same time, we'll post the next contest and you can enter there.

Are you ready to win? You know what to do ... show us your #BuzzWorthyPulls.

Do you have a collecting story worth seeing here? Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send BlowoutBuzz a direct message on the Blowout forum.

>> Click here to buy baseball cards on BlowoutCards.com.