What's Buzzing: A big day of WWE and AEW, readying for a new NFL week, Big Dumper homers again, Topps Holiday and more.

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1 -- Readying for NFL Week 3

2 -- Wrestling chatter after a big Saturday for WWE & AEW

3 -- Big Dumper's homer passes Griffey for Seattle record

4 -- Nothing.

5 -- Reactions to Topps Holiday

6 -- Phillies Karen: The new offer stands

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Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.

Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.

Auction Buzz is a monthly look at some of the variety found out there on the auction block ... check 'em out.

It's going to be a busy end of the year for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions with a number of regularly scheduled events as well as some showcase auctions with high-profile stuff all on the calendar. This time, we look at a few things from a few active sales this month.

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ANOTHER BIG JORDAN
The Item: Michael Jordan Oct. 26, 1984 (NBA Debut) Chicago Bulls season-ticket stub (PSA 4)
The Price: $65,000 after 25 bids (ends Sept. 27)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Last month, a Michael Jordan (and Kobe Bryant) card sale via auction re-wrote some hobby history and, while we're confident this one won't fetch $12.9 million, this one is in some rare air. It has already hit its estimated price from the auction house and while its grade is low there are only three higher. "The most important athletic debut of the post-war era?" asked Heritage in its listing. "A strong argument could be made. Perhaps only Wayne Gretzky could challenge Michael Jordan in balloting seeking to identify the most dominant figure of his respective major sport, but once you step outside the sports arena and into the wider popular culture, M.J. leaves The Great One in his dust. He remains one of the most recognizable humans on the planet two decades after his retirement from the NBA." Jordan scored a modest 16 points in a 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets on this night and only 14 of these have been grade overall.

Keep reading for more interesting pieces up for grabs right now.

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Auction Buzz is a monthly look at some of the variety found out there on the auction block ... check 'em out.

It's going to be a busy second half of the year for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions with a number of regularly scheduled events as well as some showcase auctions with high-profile stuff all on the calendar. This time, we look at a few things from a few active sales this month.

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DARK KNIGHT IN DEMAND
The Item: Batman tin robot with original English box (Nomura Toys, 1966)
The Price: $5,250 after 29 bids (ends July 11)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This vintage Japanese toy is a foot-tall prime piece of pop culture with an obvious 1960s feel yet with some aspirations of something more for the future -- it's a battery operated tin toy and it's complete with its Adam West-styled box and fabric cape. This one is "an iconic fusion of superhero flair and vintage tin toy charm" per Heritage and it's one of two known styles -- this one has the serious face and one with the switch button in red. Heritage calls this "a standout from the golden age of Batman collectibles, blending Japanese craftsmanship with Gotham nostalgia."

Keep reading for more interesting pieces up for grabs right now.

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Evan Longoria's playing days might be winding down, but his cardboard will be powering up this year.

As teased on his Instagram today, he signed a batch of baseball cards for Topps and the knob off one of his Charizard-powered baseball bats will have a spot in 2025 Topps Tier One, which will arrive later this year.

"A few beautiful hits I just signed from this years @topps @fanatics Tier One Baseball," the 16-year veteran wrote here. "I inscribed a few for you all. Whoever finds the Charizard bat knob, please hit me up! Happy hunting!"

So, what's the deal with the Pokémon appearance?

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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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A Pokemon throwback is already a hot-selling item.

It's the Pokemon Trading Card Game Classic Case and it's a premium priced ode to the original with a trio of 60-card decks inside "featuring the original first partner Pokemon inspired by the Pokemon TCG base set and quintessential cards from throughout the game’s long history, all as foil cards and ready to play right out of the box."

Let's take a look inside and break it all down more ... keep reading.

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Update (July 10): Pre-orders for the North American version of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet 151 are here. (Click to view and order while they last.)

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This one is a brand-new retro release from Japan ... and it's already a red-hot release, too.

It's a Pokemon Scarlet & Violet 151 Japanese booster box and it's a release that includes the original 151 Pokemon from the Kanto Region. It arrived on June 16 in Japan and it's already lighting things up with collectors here, too, as a top seller not only in the Blowout world but elsewhere.

Why? They're nods to the originals. The original Pokemon are joined by other cards taking this one over the 200-card mark with plenty of familiar names in retro looks and then some "ex" cards that give them a more modern look and energy.

Also interesting here? This one won't formally arrive in the United States soon. The English edition is set for a Sept. 22 release, while its Chinese counterpart does drop soon -- June 30 -- to help satisfy international interest right now .

Keep reading for more on this one and to see some of the new images.

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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 ...

BAD IN BLACK!
The Card: Julio Rodriguez 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter X
The Reason Graded: I ripped a pair of these boxes and haven't even sniffed at the regular stuff -- a first for me in its run since 2006 when I used to clear everything I saw on every shelf -- but instead I opted to grade a couple of key pulls from this and other postseason releases with notable newcomers in play. Why this one? It just looked perfect even vs. others I pulled -- and since I only pulled one and have really no plans at this moment to even dabble with regular Ginter I put it into my bulk sub.
The Grade: CSG 10

Reality Check: CSG may have a flub in its system as this didn't even show in the pop report (perhaps it was tagged as a regular card) but I'll present it here* with what I know ... and that's that I know at least this one exists. He's the face of 2023 Topps, so he's on the minds of a few fans right now -- and that's why he's batting lead-off despite this pop report anomaly.

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

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The other day we told you to be here right here, right now ... and it's time.

It's noon-ish on Black Friday here at BlowoutCards.com, and this Pokemon Sword & Shield Ultra Premium Collection box is on sale in a shocking, big-time kind of way -- click here to grab a box or four. (The price is too low for me to show without Pikachu getting riled up.)

It's one that even @PokemonTCGDrops will not believe when they see it.

This one is limit four per household -- attempts at more will get canceled, including the first order -- and it's up for grabs, of course, only while it lasts.

Note: Due to the expected volume, these will begin shipping the week of Dec. 5.

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

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

Mark your calendars so you can catch 'em all this Black Friday.

At noon on Friday at BlowoutCards.com, every Pokemon collector you know will need to visit for a big sale on one of the hottest releases of the year -- and plenty more in the world of Pikachu, Charizard and Gengar.

It's one that even @PokemonTCGDrops will not believe when they see it ... and we know you won't, either.

That's, of course, while it lasts -- be there.

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

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

What: 2022 Super Break Poke Stars Buyback Edition
Arrives: March 7
Box basics: One graded buyback card per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Super Break turns its focus to graded Pokémon cards from the past for a third time with at least one Gem Mint Charizard card in every case.

Keep reading for more info and a selection 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: Big pulls in NFL and MLB boxes, Logan Paul's fake Pokemon case, Wander Franco's Rookie Card, comic book goals for 2022 and more.

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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: Wander Franco's Rookie Card, collectors continue to react to the Fanatics-Topps deal, about Logan Paul's Pokemon case, new breaks and ... what changes should Fanatics make?

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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: New NBA, Heritage and WWE pulls lead the way, but there's also Pokemon Celebrations, the "49ers are trash" says a San Fran fan and one asks "Are there MLB players without certified autos?"

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If you’ve ever been to a major sports card show or sports-related convention, you’ve likely seen a throng of people holding a pack of baseball cards while gathered around a very-excited host dishing out lots of free packs and prizes.

If you haven’t, you’ve almost certainly heard it -- as Pack Wars typically draw the loudest and most boisterous attendees. These screaming sports card fiends are playing the game popularized by Big League Cards owner and Topps frontman Alan Narz.

Narz has hosted Pack Wars nearly everywhere imaginable: at hobby shops and card shows around the country, at Super Bowls, at MLB All-Star Games, and even in Walt Disney World. Now, he’s bringing Pack Wars to the Tampa Bay area, where he’ll be leading the action at the Tampa Bay Collectors Con mega-show this Saturday -- at 2 and 5 p.m. -- and it's free for anyone to participate ... and it will include a Pokémon twist.

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WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Piece of The Game Sports Cards and Collectibles, a one-of-a-kind sports cards and collectibles store, opens its flagship location today.

Moving operations from an online platform, which serves some of the largest sports collectibles markets in the U.S., has been a goal of owner David Prince for the last two years. Their first location -- off bustling U.S. Route 9 in Wappingers Falls -- is the prototype for future stores already slated to open in Westchester County, N.Y., and Mahwah, N.J., over the next year. The goal is to "have a truly unique and immersive experience for avid sports cards and collectible patrons." There is a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 4 p.m. with a public opening tomorrow at 11 a.m.

"As a card collector since I was a child, I wanted to create a space that allows the cards to be displayed as they should be," Prince said. "Cards are now considered alternative assets, similar to fine art, and my store displays cards and collectibles as such."

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What: 2021 Super Break Poke Premium
Arrives: Sept. 15
Box basics: One graded buyback card per box (six boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: Super Break once again turns its focus to graded Pokémon cards from the past with a graded card in every box and other bonus items also possible.

Keep reading for more info and a selection of images.

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What: 2021 Super Break Poke Stars Edition
Arrives: March 31
Box basics: One graded buyback card per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: Super Break turns its focus to graded Pokémon cards from the past one more time with at least two Gem Mint Charizards in every case and some including as many as four this time around.

Keep reading for more info and a selection of images.

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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 packs: Pokémon 25th Anniversary Happy Meal packs 
Where to buy: One pack per McDonald's Happy Meal (initially). Get standard Pokémon boxes here.

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

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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 packs: Pokémon 25th Anniversary Happy Meal packs 
Where to buy: One pack per McDonald's Happy Meal (initially). Get standard Pokémon boxes 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 packs: Pokémon 25th Anniversary Happy Meal packs 
Where to buy: One pack per McDonald's Happy Meal (initially). Get standard Pokémon boxes here.

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

Continue reading →

Goldin Auctions is bringing in some star power to auction some Pokémon 1st Edition cards in an interactive way.

Logan Paul and auction house founder Ken Goldin will do a box break of the original series of U.S.-made cards on Feb. 27 live on YouTube where Paul, an entrepreneur and Pokémon collector, has 22.8 million subscribers. Packs are presently being auctioned -- with $10,000 opening bids on each one -- beginning today and running until Feb. 11.

Besides chasing Charizard, Blastoise, Chansey and Hitmonchan from the packs -- key cards pulled will be graded by PSA live during the stream -- each auction winner will receive one of 44 exclusive Paul non-fungible token digital art cards as you see above.

“I am thrilled to partner with Goldin for the biggest Pokémon unboxing ever,” Paul said in a prepared statement. “This is a newfound obsession of mine and I am so excited to share it with other enthusiasts around the world.”

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As you may have seen Saturday night, it was a weekend of record-setting sales over at Goldin Auctions -- and it wasn't just Michael Jordan scorching the auction block, either.

The Runnemede, N.J.-based company had sales topping $33 million in the two-day event, which it claimed to be "the largest online sports collectibles auction of all time."

"I’ve been collecting cards and memorabilia for my whole life and I’ve never seen as much interest in the hobby. Long-time collectors have seen the value of their items soar and new collectors have rushed in because they view the hobby as not only fun but also a valuable investment," said company founder Ken Goldin in a prepared release. "It’s gratifying to see the hard work of our team on behalf of our consignors lead to these record setting results."

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Some Hollywood chatter could mean big things for fans of Harry Potter -- and those who might be sitting on some cardboard from the past.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a new Potter series could be coming to HBO Max at some point, giving fans a new way to explore the universe and merchandising machine fueled by past films that was created by the books by J.K. Rowling. Part of that merch in the past included a bunch of trading card releases with both gaming and non-sports elements (autos, memorabilia, you name it) in play and it's clear that one version remains a scorcher in box form.

The Wizards of The Coast box you see above is for the trading card game that was the first to arrive coinciding in advance of the arrival of the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, back in August 2001. It's a box that has sold for as much as $950 in recent months on eBay but with good sales volume -- and asking prices for boxes and cases (the few that still might exist) are commanding even higher marks. There are other WOTC expansions for the game that also sell relatively well but not quite as strong -- those include Quidditch Cup (November 2001), Diagon Alley (March 2002) and Adventures at Hogwarts (June 2002).

These gaming sets all arrived around the time of Pokémon -- and we all know how that story has gone.

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BlowoutCards.com has caught another legendary Pokémon card at auction.

Tonight, when the dust settled over at Heritage Auctions, one of only two Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram cards made by Wizards of the Coast in 1998 sold for $360,000. It's graded a CGC NM/Mint+ 8.5 and "the present day existence of the other is questionable" as it may not even exist now according to the auction house. Just two of these blank-backed cards were made to present the concept of an English-market release to Nintendo executives all those years ago.

"Pokémon is the largest media franchise and this is one of the rarest collectibles," said Blowout's Thomas Fish after the sale. "I had to catch this one."

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