USA Baseball
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (July 2)
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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: USA Baseball, 2016 Topps Stadium Club breaks, favorite football autos, new NBA contracts & The National.
Potential No. 1 pick A.J. Puk appears on plenty of cards before MLB Draft
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With the MLB Draft set for Thursday night, we'll soon have a new crop of prospects attached to their professional teams and new players that collectors can now focus upon.
Thanks to various high school all-star sets and USA Baseball releases from Panini America, many of the players who'll be tabbed for future greatness already have cardboard.
That includes potential No. 1 overall pick A.J. Puk, a 6-foot-7 left-handed pitcher for the Florida Gators who was previously drafted in the 35th round by the Detroit Tigers out of high school back in 2013.
Buzz-worthy Bargain Break: Making a case for five discounted cases
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If you hadn't noticed, there are a number of cases with dramatically discounted prices this weekend over on the mothership and they were dramatic enough that Buzz had to sit down and ponder the possibilities in many of them.
So much so here are five that caught this collector's eye.
This wax box may offer easiest way to pull a Bryce Harper autograph
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Bryce Harper is the reigning National League MVP and easily one of the first names mentioned when someones asks "Who's the best player in the game today?"
Collectors who have been around have known his name for several years now -- he made his cardboard debut way back in the 2008-09 USA Baseball boxed set as a member of the 16U National Team -- but the high demand for his autographs arguably hasn't waned since his dramatic entry into the national consciousness on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a 16-year-old.
He's signed plenty of autographs, but there's still plenty of demand. Check eBay or COMC and you'll see the lowest asking prices for his ink pushing or topping the $200 mark and that puts him out of reach for a lot of collectors.
Jackie Bradley Jr.'s hitting streak puts focus on his cardboard
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He's been known since Day One to prospectors because he's got one of the most-unique autographs in the game.
You know, one where you can often read every single letter.
But it's on-the-field work that has people watching Jackie Bradley Jr. -- he's on a streak that's getting his cardboard some attention and could help usher him into the mainstream. The Boston Red Sox outfielder enters today's doubleheader against the World Series champion Kansas City Royals with a 22-game hitting streak.
Francisco Lindor is Topps' 2015 Topps Tribute Mystery Redemption
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This mystery is solved.
Topps revealed the player for the 2015 Topps Tribute Mystery Redemption on Tuesday and it's Francisco Lindor.
Max Scherzer's historic game prompts key hobby question
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Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer did something last night that had only happened three other times in MLB history.
He struck out 20 batters in a game.
It's a feat that only Roger Clemens, who did it twice, and Kerry Wood have done before, but in both of those pitchers' cases there's an iconic early baseball card to chase. For Clemens, his 1984 Fleer Update card is the one to own. For Wood, it's his 1997 Bowman Chrome.
For Scherzer?
Cory Hahn revisits play that changed his life in piece for Players Tribune
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Not long ago, Cory Hahn was a USA Baseball player and a promising prep star who joined the Arizona State Sun Devils -- the program that's produced Dustin Pedroia, Barry Bonds and Reggie Jackson -- with some big-league dreams of his own.
Now, though, he works for an MLB team -- in the front office because he can't walk, let alone take the outfield like he used to.
You might know Hahn's story if you're a prospector, but he recapped his story in a piece published today on The Players Tribune -- one that looks back at a fluke play in just his third college game that changed his life forever. It's worth a read.
"These days, I’m not much of a ballplayer," he wrote, "although in my heart I always will be."
Making the Grade II: Corey Seager Pristine, a WrestleMania upstart, two legends & Sheldon Cooper's shirt
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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 the second grading diary here on The Buzz ...
Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor signs on with Topps Authentics
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Topps Authentics is clearly hoarding top young shortstops.
Cleveland Indians star Francisco Lindor is the latest player to sign on exclusively with Topps' autographed memorabilia line after a rookie season that included a .313 average, 12 homers and 51 RBI in just 99 games last year. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year race to fellow shortstop and Topps Authentics player Carlos Correa.
His autographs will be found on oversized Chrome cards, jerseys, balls and bats as part of the deal and he joins a group that also includes Yankees pitcher Luis Severino, Red Sox pitcher Henry Owens and Braves third baseman Hector Olivera.
Board Buzz: Five must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Jan. 24)
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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: Cracked Ice & Snow Camo seem perfect with the weather, 1997 Upper Deck Legends, some big box breaks pulls and much more.
Panini reveals SP autograph lists for 2015 Panini Contenders baseball
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Panini America revealed two lists of short-printed autographs found in packs of 2015 Panini Contenders baseball cards on Saturday.
One is a list of cards limited to 50 or fewer cards. The other notes cards with less than 200 copies.
Keep reading to see them all.
Topps Authentics adds Boston's Henry Owens to autograph roster
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Henry Owens made his big-league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 and this year he'll debut with a new team.
The Topps Authentics squad.
Topps revealed Owens as the latest exclusive member of its autographed memorabilia team on Wednesday. He joins reigning American League Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa and New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino. The company also teased that there will be more TA announcements to come.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this new endeavor with Topps,” Owens said. “First, being featured in their card products. Now a featured athlete for their Topps Authentics brand. Quite the honor.”
Barry Larkin's memorabilia hits block via Goldin Auctions this month
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Memorabilia from the career of Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin will hit the auction block next week via Goldin Auctions as the former Cincinnati Red has decided to sell his collection.
Among the items in the sale, which will begin on Jan. 11 and end on Jan. 30, are his 1984 USA Baseball uniform and the ball from his first career hit as a big-leaguer. Also found among the 53 lots are items from his University of Michigan days and an All-Star Game-used uniform.
"Barry Larkin is among the most popular players in Reds history as he was born and raised in the Queen City and then played all 19 of his MLB seasons with his hometown Reds," said Ken Goldin founder of Goldin Auctions. "During his remarkable baseball life, he was an Olympic champion, Rookie of the Year, World Series winner, MVP, 12-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer. We are honored to make these rare collectibles from his career available for the first time."
First cards just keep getting earlier with newest USA Baseball set
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Panini America's annual USA Baseball boxed set arrived in hobby shops today with a new inclusion inside.
As in the newest players ever.
New in 2015 Panini USA Baseball are autographs and memorabilia cards like those of Adam Crampton seen above. He was a member of the USA Baseball 14U squad this year. That's the 14-and-under squad -- do the math and you'll figure out that the third-baseman was born sometime in the 2000s. (It's May 24, 2001, to be precise, meaning he's now a grizzled veteran and too old for that roster.)
New Buzz: Products arriving this week (Dec. 6-12)
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After a lull in new arrivals around Black Friday, there are a whopping 13 new products set to arrive this coming week with some heavy hitters in baseball, the college ranks and even non-sports territory on the calendar.
The biggest just might be 2015 Bowman Draft, which will arrive redemption-free on Wednesday with a selection of the newest MLB draft picks in their official MLB uniforms. Autographs for 31 of the 35 first-round picks will be found in this one. For prospectors, this is perhaps the biggest day of the year ... every year.
Bryce Harper has lived up to the hype as unanimous NL MVP -- and that's good for baseball cards
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Not long ago, Bryce Harper was a hyped high-schooler on the cover of Sports Illustrated, then a dropout who got his GED early to hit junior college for a year before being taken No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft.
Now, four years into his MLB career, he's the unanimous National League MVP.
Buzz-worthy numbers: Facts about 2015 Panini Contenders baseball, which arrives on Wednesday
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Here are some facts touting Panini America's latest baseball set, 2015 Panini Contenders, which arrives on Wednesday, Nov. 11, packing some prospect debuts and plenty of international, prep and college talents in their teams' colors.
54 -- There will be 54 players who are appearing on their first autographs in this one, according to the company, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Victor Robles among them. Guerrero is the son of the former big-leaguer and will aim to begin his MLB career in Canada as a Blue Jays signee. (His dad, of course, began as an Expo nearly 20 years ago back in 1996.) Robles is a highly touted Nationals outfielder.
2 -- That's the number of boxes in a case that will pack an autograph from either Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager or Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada. Schwarber will be seen in his Indiana Hoosiers gear but is already on the minds of many collectors as is Seager, who will be found as part of the product's USA Baseball contingent. Moncada is a new international signee who has very little cardboard so far.