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 packs: 2020 Topps x Super 70s Sports baseball cards (three)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: Initially only via Topps.com ... BlowoutCards.com when/if available

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of highlights from this box.

Continue reading →

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: 2019 Topps Heritage High Number baseball cards (monster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
First Buzz preview, SPs & checklist: Click here

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

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Update baseball cards (Walmart blaster)
First Buzz preview with checklist/SPs/more: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

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

Continue reading →

If you hadn't noticed, there are a number of boxes with discounted prices right now right here as Blowout Cards' Black November sales are going strong with Wave 2 just dropping.

The first wave is here and many of the discounts were dramatic enough that Buzz once again had to sit down and ponder the possibilities in many of the boxes and cases -- and here are five boxes/cases that caught this collector’s eye ... and there's far more that just might suit your tastes in the big sale.

--

BLAST FROM THE PAST
2012 Topps Archives baseball hobby box
Here's one I didn't expect to see pop up ... but it's a longshot spot to chase a rare Bryce Harper Rookie Card that will pay for the box. It's not cheap now but these boxes can include all kinds of stuff. Among the basic autos? A ton of memorable (cheap) names and then guys like Don Mattingly, Gary Carter, Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Sandy Koufax, Yu Darvish and Willie Mays. There are also rare Karate Kid box-topper autos for sensei John Kreese (aka Martin Kove) and main Cobra Kai bad guy Johnny Lawrence played by Billy Zabka. Some rarer autos also include an array of top names but there could be receptions for that set in some cases so I won't focus on it ... but there are huge names there if live. There's a lot of other creative stuff here and two autos per box.

Keep reading for a few more boxes you should consider (and are likely to end up in Buzz's cart).

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Allen & Ginter X baseball cards
Checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Keep reading for a full breakdown of what was in this one as well as a gallery of highlights.

Continue reading →

What: 2020 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Baseball (Series 11)
Arrives: Nov. 25
Box basics: One autographed baseball per box (12 boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's autographed baseball chase brand arrives for the 11th time with one of MLB's biggest legends as part of the chase that also includes past and present stars as well as other specialty balls.

Keep reading for details on that one and a gallery of what's possible in this one.

Continue reading →

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 ...

EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY!
The Cards: 2008 Upper Deck Semi-Pro #1 Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell), #2 Ed Monix (Woody Harrelson), #3 Clarence “Coffee Black” Withers (Andre Benjamin)
The Reason Graded: I'm a sucker for sports cards with movie tie-ins (Or is it movie cards with sports tie-ins?) and this is a set I picked up long, long ago and then revisited again recently. The set is simple -- just these three cards that were released in a pack around a piece of wrapped gum in advance of this comedy's arrival. They weren't rare back then but they have dried up a bit now, and I always wanted to slab a set but knew that there would be challenges here if you want elite grades.
The Grades: BGS 9

Reality Check: This was my best trio out of a handful of sets I own and I'm fine with a matching set of BGS 9s as there can be centering issues galore here along with corner lifts on the soft stock, surface warping and even color blotches among those white borders on these highly glossed cards. These were my best options so I sent them in for the tougher grading company in my mind and got about what I had expected (while actually potentially fearing worse). As for the pop report, I'm not sure what's up here as all three of my cards actually show a pop of zero. That's perhaps because I'm the first or among the first to submit these, so they're not all linked up correctly in the BGS system. Or perhaps that whole is "It a sports card or non-sports card?" question in there, too.

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

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

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

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Stadium Club baseball cards (blaster)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of highlights from this box.

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Archives baseball cards (blaster box)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

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

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Series 2 baseball cards 
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
First Buzz preview with checklist/SPs/more: Click here

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

Continue reading →

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: 2020 Topps Big League baseball cards (blaster box)
First Buzz Preview & Checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (a few formats)

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

Continue reading →

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 Today: Big pulls, big questions, big collections and more on this (big?) Monday.

Continue reading →

Check out the prices of unopened boxes from just two years ago in the gallery -- it should surprise you.

Do know what today is?

It was supposed to be the opening day of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, N.J., but with the life-changing coronavirus pandemic still in play across the country the show of all shows has been tentatively rescheduled for December. (And, realistically, that's likely in doubt.)

What might you have found on the show floor? Well, you can find stuff you might not even know exists -- or can even imagine -- and in the case of this throwback gallery of views from just two years ago you might wish you had a time machine.

Continue reading →

This one 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 boxes in the big sale that I'm considering digging into right now.

RETRO-STYLED HIGH-END MLB
Buzz doesn't really rip a lot of high-end boxes -- I go for the safety of volume value since I'm generally not a re-seller at all -- but this one in the big sale (the only box of my picks over $60 on this list) is one that has a combo that you don't see a boatload of these days ... a retro aesthetic with high-end potential. Boxes of 2019 Topps Brooklyn Collection MLB include seven cards -- two autographs, two parallels and three base cards -- all on thick stock with styles from the past but never used. All five of the parallel sets are /75 or less with just 50 cards in the base set (simple enough to chase via singles). The auto list is 79 with four parallels per card with names that include Hall of Famers and past/present stars. It's a mix that includes Derek Jeter, Hank Aaron, Ichiro Suzuki, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Sandy Koufax, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and many more. Only two autos per box might make landing these notables tougher ... but they are in there.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

Continue reading →

What: 2020 Topps Dynasty baseball cards
Arrives: Nov. 4
Box basics: One encased autographed card per box (five boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: This high-end line returns with an elegant look and with the familiar format with all on-card autographs and some new inclusions.

Keep reading for more as well as a full gallery of images.

Continue reading →

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 ... and this time around there's some variety as well as some Father's Day nods.

--

VOLATILE FISH
The Card: Mike Trout 2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Artist: Andrew Thiele (/13,199)
The Price: Factory cost from Topps
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was just the second Trout card made in the set that's generating more attention than most releases this year, and Thiele's allegiance to the original 2011 Topps Update Rookie Card got me to bite here a lot faster than the first one, which is far more abstract. This isn't my favorite Trout of those released so far -- that nod still goes to Ben Baller's version -- but I do like it. I'm not buying Project 2020 cards to sell -- many of you out there are -- but now that the big wave of mainstream attention that has come and gone there should be more cards with print runs closer to this number (not for Trout as each of his cards to come has a shot at autographs). This one leads off here as a reminder that this is a set that needs to be watched closely. Only about 285 more cards to go!
Grab a box right here: No boxes of this one ... but MLB boxes are here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

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: 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

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

Continue reading →

Have you seen the latest cool or interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.

--

THE BIG ONE ... 
The Item: Jasson Dominguez 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Shimmer Refractor autograph (/25)
The Price: $12,850 after 54 bids (two days remaining)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This guy is a huge reason why 2020 Bowman boxes are scorchers right now and people have actually seen more than one of his sigs arrive in the same box. (Imagine that for a moment ... ) There are a number of his autos out there all with new-car prices and this one is one that has both that high price and heavy bidding. How will it end? We'll find out soon ...
Similar Pieces: More Jasson Dominguez autos on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for 2020 Bowman boxes

Keep reading for a few more interesting items in this week's roundup ...

Continue reading →

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 ... and this time around there's a little bit of everything.

--

REEL BIG FISH
The Card: Mike Trout 2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Artist: Ben Baller (/34,950 made)
The Price: Factory cost from Topps (bought bundle of five)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: It's probably no secret that Project 2020 is the runaway winner already for Set of The Year with most cards selling thousands of copies a pop at $20 apiece and a number of those re-selling for far, far more than $20. (This one, last I looked? Add on a zero.) Some of the prices are as volatile and logic-defying as it gets if you're looking at things from a cardboard-volume perspective -- rarer ones that weren't that popular at first are now very-pricey ones -- but that's just one part of the equation. The players have fan bases, the artists have fan bases -- and prices for their art may not be as soft as collectors might think them to be. In other words, a style you might not like could have thousands of people wanting them because they know their work elsewhere. (Ben Baller, for example, has more than 260,ooo Twitter followers and 1.4 million on Instagram. Both dwarf most hobby industry accounts and definitely tops them all.) The set has garnered a lot of mainstream media attention, too, meaning non-collectors are buying cards up, too. As I type this, the Trout here is still the No. 1 best-seller but others have come close. This one was the first break-out card volume-wise and is my favorite of the bunch so far this year. Even if others sell more, it will likely remain my favorite unless something to come really wows me.
Grab a box right here: No boxes of this one ... but MLB boxes are here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

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 that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ...

--

PROJECT 2020 GOT ME
The Card: Ken Griffey Jr. 2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Artist: King Saladeen (/2,504 made)
The Price: $19.99
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was my first card I picked up in the recently launched Project 2020 series from Topps, which is a higher-end premium-stock card set that takes a look back at 20 memorable players' memorable cards through the eyes of 20 different artists. They start at $19.99 with combo and volume discounts available, but I'm going to be on the boat for selected cards here and there as I don't heavily collect any of the players and all artists' styles aren't for me. That said, this card is a memorable take of a memorable Rookie Card for one of the biggest players of the last 40 years so I grabbed it. There are 400 cards in the set with each having Artist Proofs (/20) that vanish instantaneously as well as a Gold 1/1 that's randomly inserted into direct orders from Topps. You'll see more of these cards here throughout the year and you can see the ongoing gallery that updates every weekday right here on The Buzz. I have more of these incoming but this is the only one I presently have in-hand.
Grab a box right here: No boxes for this set ... see MLB boxes here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

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 ... and this time around there's a mix of everything -- mostly on the affordable side.

--

WHO I'D BE WATCHING
The Card: Bo Bichette 2019 Bowman Sterling (PSA 9)
The Price: Under $11
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: If baseball were happening right now, there are a few young players I'd be watching and Bichette is one of them. In just 46 games as a 21-year-old rookie last year, this second-generation MLB player hit .311 with 11 homers, 21 RBI and 18 doubles -- numbers that would have projected out to 39 homers, 74 RBI and 63 doubles over 162 games. While I wouldn't reasonably expect that this year, he was dominating at times in 2019 and he's one of several homegrown Blue Jays rookies from the last couple years (Bichette's RCs are this year) who could be around for a while and generate some success both on the field and on cardboard. When they're this cheap, I'm grabbing them -- most of the time, they are not. With its high-end format, Sterling makes me think this basic card might be less plentiful than a lot of the prospect brands from last year, too, but ultimately I picked it up since it's clean and has a solid photo.
Grab a box right here: 2019 Bowman Sterling

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

Former pitcher Dan Haren pitched 13 seasons in the big leagues for the Cardinals, A's Diamondbacks, Angels, Nationals, Dodgers, Marlins and Cubs and when you work your way around the majors that much you tend to pick up some things.

Among them? Bobbleheads ... and he's selling them to raise money for charities.

These stadium-giveaway items can be hot commodities at times -- and many times they are not -- but your saved eBay searches today might reveal some bobbles with big-league dollar signs attached to them because The Haren Collection pieces come with a little extra item that's making a big difference during a time where there are big problems out there.

Continue reading →

What: 2020 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Platinum Series 2 autographed baseballs
Arrives: May 6
Box basics: One autographed baseball per box (12 boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's autographed baseball chase brand hits the field with a new season of stars and legends along with some specialty balls that add to the chase.

The biggest chase of them all this year? Keep reading for that and a gallery of what's in this one.

Continue reading →

Fast Five is new department here on The Buzz -- a quick list under a single topic. Five items that could have a common tie, fit a theme, be fun for a starting collector, or be 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 something to think about.

This time? Five safe types of card purchases you can make as we deal with anxiety of no sports in some surreal times.

THE ONE YOU KEEP ...
The Card: One you have always wanted but hadn't grabbed yet ... a comfortable card for your collection.
A lot of newcomers might be sweating their big-money cardboard (or bulk box buys) that they bought into this year with intent on some meaty short-term big flips -- you know, because of names like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Mike Trout and so on. But there are other components in the hobby that are just as hot out there but perhaps over the longer term. And then there are those that aren't ... but they are still heavily collected. The first and perhaps most-important pick-up I'd recommend right now? The card you've always wanted but never chased -- for whatever your reason you are into cards. That definition and card can vary for many but it's probably not one you might regret later. One example for me landed just this week fits this bill -- it's a Nick Swisher 2016 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition Superfractor ... a 1/1 card I landed as it was finally pulled from a break by a former Swisher teammate, Phil Hughes, over on BlowoutTV. (They both got their World Series rings as New York Yankees in 2009.) Was it cheap? Maybe, maybe not ... but, to me, it's a buy that I won't worry about over time. These might be the times to grab a card like this -- a comfortable card long as it's responsible for your budget ... no regrets.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

Continue reading →