Mark McGwire
Gallery: 2016 Bowman's Best baseball cards (updated)
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The final Bowman brand of the year arrives in hobby shops today with autographs from notable players of the past, the present and potentially the future.
You know, guys like No. 1 draft pick Mickey Moniak.
He's not alone in packs of 2016 Bowman's Best -- keep reading for more info and a gallery of what's been found so far.
First Buzz: 2016 Historic Autographs Friends-N-Foes Holiday Edition
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What: 2016 Historic Autographs Friends-N-Foes Holiday Edition
Arrives: Dec. 20
Box basics: One dual-autograph cut booklet per box (13 boxes per case)
What's buzz-worthy: Historic Autographs' second release with booklets is here pairing players with common ties or opposing ones. The Friends cards will include family members, teammates and memorable pairings, while rivalries will be found on the Foes cards.
See a gallery and more ... below.
Need a 2016 Panini Prime Cuts baseball checklist? It's here + gallery
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Prime Cuts is almost here -- but the wait for its checklist is now over.
How many Babe Ruth memorabilia cards will there be? How many rookies made the cut? Who's signing and whose memorabilia can be found for the first time?
Oh and who made it onto the eight-player autograph booklets?
Keep reading to find out what's in store for 2016 Panini Prime Cuts baseball cards ...
Buzz Poll: Would a Chicago Cubs World Series win be the biggest thing ever for cardboard?
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We're just a few hours away from Game 7 of the World Series where the Chicago Cubs will end more than a century of futility -- or the Cleveland Indians will make them once again wait for next year.
On cardboard and in the hobby, there's no comparison between the two teams as the Cubs are largely stocked with young players (several homegrown) who are well-established and readily available on cardboard -- for now -- compared to the Indians, who have a few young notables but nobody who'll truly break the bank. Among the Cubbies' notables are Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Javier Baez, Jake Arrieta, Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo ... and that's not all on a list that's meaty and the cardboard is boldly available for nearly all of them.
That got Buzz wondering ... if the Cubs win it all, is their victory bigger than the Boston Red Sox' 2004 World Series win when it comes to the hobby and collecting? Is it bigger than Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens -- you know, all those historic super-human performances that ultimately turned out to be, well, a bit questionable? They all sold plenty of cardboard in the past -- plenty -- but that team and those players were mostly established veterans. The Cubs are largely kids with plenty of potential for future successes -- dare we say dynasty -- for years to come being a real possibility.
And that would all start with a ring tonight and pay off for collectors for years to come.
I'd argue that demand for the Cubs' key players autographs and key players could be the biggest thing seen in years once it's all said and done. Once The Curse of the Billy Goat is dead and buried alongside that of The Bambino there's all kinds of potential for now in the short-term, later in the weeks and months to come and, ultimately, for future seasons.
It could be like nothing we've ever seen before.
Agree? Disagree? Tell Buzz what you think in the poll below ...
[polldaddy poll=9568991]
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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Sept. 3)
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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: Busting 2016 Bowman Platinum, Big Macs, Donruss soccer, Prizm NBA and some birthday non-sports action.
Gallery: 2016 Topps Archives Signature Series baseball cards
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It's a simple idea -- one autographed buyback per box -- with a showcase of nostalgia and on-card ink with plenty of variety.
It's 2016 Topps Archives Signature Series, and it arrived today.
Topps Now goes big with David Ortiz autos & Gary Sanchez Relics
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It might be the biggest (Papi) day in Topps Now history.
For the first time, Today's Topps Now lineup includes autographs that can be purchased outright -- David Ortiz -- and Relics for the hard-hitting New York Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez on the same day as part of a 14-card offering.
Ortiz autos start at $199.99 for his card limited to 99 copies all the way up to a $999.99 1/1 card that is already sold out.
Need a 2016 Topps Stadium Club baseball checklist? Get it here ...
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The wait is nearly over for 2016 Topps Stadium Club baseball cards as the recently retro-styled brand arrives on Friday with plenty of creative photos and plenty of fun in every box.
The checklist for the brand arrived from Topps on Sunday night so keep reading to learn more.
Buzz Break: 2015 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards (blaster box)
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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: 2015 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)
Packs per box: 8
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 48
Base set completion: 35 of 300 (12 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notable players on base cards – Willie McCovey, David Price, Matt Harvey, Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, Ozzie Smith, Mark McGwire
Rookie Cards (3) – Joc Pederson, Rusney Castillo, Mike Foltynewicz
First Buzz: 2016 Upper Deck All-time Greats Master Collection cards
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What: 2016 Upper Deck All-time Greats Master Collection trading cards
Arrives: This week
Box basics: 58 cards and one mystery redemption per boxWhat's buzz-worthy: Take the biggest names in the sports world (and the
Upper Deck stable of signers) and take it all high-end. How high-end? The cost per box to dealers -- not the price to the public -- is north of $10,000. What does it include? Among the inclusions in each box are an autographed acrylic box-topper, a 25-card autographed base set, a 30-card acetate Master Collection Puzzle set, one Michael Jordan Diamond card, one autographed Masterful Paintings card, one dual auto or dual cut auto card and one mystery redemption.
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.
Cooperstown calls for Ken Griffey Jr. as well as Mike Piazza
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The Baseball Writers' Association of America votes are in, and there's no surprise at the top -- Ken Griffey Jr. is headed to Cooperstown, N.Y., this summer to join baseball's immortals.
He received 99.3 percent of the vote -- a record and three votes short of unanimous -- after his first time on the ballot. Joining him is former Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza, who appeared on 83 percent of the 440 ballots.
Griffey helped usher in a new era of collecting in 1989 as the iconic No. 1 in the first Upper Deck set, a release that helped change the printing and packaging of cards and the collecting expectations of a generation. For those same thirty-somethings and beyond, he's an also icon on the field with his backwards cap and a smooth but powerful left-handed swing that helped produce 630 home runs and countless more memorable moments for the Mariners, Reds and White Sox over 22 seasons but never a World Series at-bat.
Clearly he's one of the greatest players -- and most-beloved players -- in MLB history, a symbol of what's good about the game in an era of bogus records and inflated statistics that have undermined not only the results on the field but also the cardboard of our youth. His enshrinement this summer in Cooperstown will be the stuff that cardboard (and baseball) marketing is made of. In fact, there are already two forthcoming brands -- 2016 Topps Series 2 and 2016 Topps Finest (above right) -- that will spotlight Junior.
Examining 20 Baseball Hall of Fame candidates' Rookie Cards + Buzz casts his votes for Cooperstown
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There are 32 players on the Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot this year and the ongoing debate of who's worthy, who's not and who cheated with performance-enhancing drugs will rage on well beyond the reveal of the voting results on Jan. 6.In Buzz's book, there's quite possibly only one new Hall of Famer headed to Cooperstown this coming summer, and that lock is Ken Griffey Jr.
The rest? Well, it's not that easy. Buzz has eliminated 12 of the guys who are not likely to even make the cut to be on next year's ballot and examined the stats for 20 of those who are left. Along with this, Buzz has added some key Rookie Card info, too, just in case you haven't tracked any of them down just yet or want to revisit cardboard from your youth.
Continue readingBuzz List: Five top Santa Claus cards *serious* collectors need right now
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With the holiday season here, cardboard is probably on the minds of many Buzz readers as they wonder what might await them soon.
Others, like Buzz, might be thinking of Cardboard of Christmas Past -- you know, some of the Santa Claus trading cards we've seen throughout the years. Most of it's trivial and not all that collectable -- but they all stand out in a way compared to our traditional sports cards.
1989 Pro Set Promos #1989
When Dallas-based Pro Set created this card during its first season of making football cards in 1989, it sparked a trend that we saw in not just football cards but other areas in the years that followed. (Boy are there some bad Photoshop jobs there in the 1990s.) For all intents and purposes, though, Buzz would call this one a "Rookie Card." Yes, there were previous non-sports cards -- but this was the one that put cards like this on the minds of the sports-collecting masses after it was mailed out to dealers and selected NFL-related people.Who gets your single vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame this year?
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This year's Baseball Hall of Fame ballot has been released by the Baseball Writers' Association of America with 15 new names and several players who appeared on last year's ballot but failed to get 75 percent of the votes.
Below is the ballot that all BBWAA members will receive. The writers can vote for as many as 10 players. Those who appear on 75 percent of all ballots cast will be inducted into the Hall. Your challenge here is a bit different.