This mid year release is pretty standard from Topps. Once again, the base set is 350 cards, up from 330 in most recent years. The box has the same basic configuration as series one. There are ten packs of fifty cards each. Each box also advertises one autograph and two relic cards. Some of these relics are manufactured, but they seem to be very well done. This set marks the first regular series release for the much anticipated Kris Bryant.
This box contained:
Topps changed up the Archives release a little bit this year. Once again, it is a familiar set up with three vintage designs used in the main set, 1957, 1976, and 1983. The base set has 300 cards, with an additional 30 SPs, bringing the full set to 330. Unlike previous years, the SPs are a much more difficult pull. In previous years, they were available in roughly 1:4 packs. This year, it’s moved to 1:77! Well, so much for making a full set.
The main inserts have a 1990 Topps theme, but there are also Will Ferrell cards mixed in, commemorating his spring training adventure.
The box features 24 packs of 8 cards, with two on card autographs per box.
This box contained:
They’ve changed up the Bowman release a little bit this year, splitting it in to two series. It remains to be seen what Series 2 will bring us. Series 1 has a little bit smaller base set (150 cards) but increased the size of the prospect sets included (also 150).
A Jumbo box advertises 12 packs of 32 cards each, including 3 autograph cards per box.
This is a pretty standard release from Topps. It’s fun and inexpensive, but there really aren’t many surprises in it. The box contains 36 packs of 7 cards. It also tells you to watch for autographs and relics, but unlike many other releases, no hits are guaranteed.
Back this year, after a successful 2014 is a base Donruss release from Panini. I was skeptical last year, as many seemed to be, but the release became a popular nostalgic release. Currently, Topps has an exclusive license with Major League Baseball to use team names and logos in their product, but they do not have exclusive rights to the players. This release is MLBPA licensed, though, so you will see your favorite players and cities, but no team names or logos. I’d prefer it had the full license, but I’ll take whatever alternative we can get right now.
