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 ...

A MONSTER YEAR ...
The Card: Shohei Ohtani 2018 Topps Heritage High Number -- Rookie Card
The Reason Graded: Ohtani had a monster season without even pitching -- first 50-50 Club member for starters and just short of the National League Triple Crown -- and his big-time potential had me submitting some of my RCs for him earlier this year. Did people expect this kind of showing, though? Probably not -- I know I didn't -- but I know Heritage RCs are my preference, so this one made the cut. The bottom corners seem to be the most-common issue with these cards, but this one was clean and so it made my sub -- and I will have two more on the way to grading, too, so you'll see more of this card during the off-season or by next spring.
The Grade: CGC 10

Reality Check: The graded volume is high here but perhaps still modest vs. PSA volumes -- I'm good with that -- and this one has only been topped three times. I dig that. This mark isn't that rare but it is one that would be in demand with the two slots below also where many will look.

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

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What: 2024 TruMystery Signed Figurine Edition
Arrives: Aug. 26
Box basics: One signed figure -- or sometimes a jumbo 5-by-7 auto/mem card display -- per box (eight boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: TruCreator's blind-box memorabilia line expands for the fans of autographs on figures such as Funko Pop!, action figures, McFarlane toys, bobbleheads, porcelain statues and more all in one spot.

Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.

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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 a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The Braves are off to a hot start, Adam Sandler at a card show, Jalen Hurts reactions, Jordan Walker, "the hobby needs a pitch clock" and more in today's edition.

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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 a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Christian McCaffrey heads to the 49ers, Yankees vs. Astros, college football, new pulls and an Adam Sandler baseball card movie?

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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: 1992 Star Pics Saturday Night Live
Where to buy: Hunt around ... BlowoutCards.com for newer (better) non-sports

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

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What: 2017 Historic Autographs Fame & Photo Edition
Arrives: Oct. 25
Box basics: One autographed 8-by-10 photo per pack (20 packs per case)

What's buzz-worthy: Historic Autographs takes to Hollywood with this release that includes big names from Hollywood -- you know, ones found in the tabloids and elsewhere.

Keep reading for more information.

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