Another in a long line of blogs devoted to baseball cards, specifically from the Topps Company, and the Hobby in general. Reviews on new and older sets, along with unbiased opinions, will be included.
If you stumbled upon this blog and didn't find what you were looking for, please feel free to e-mail me at bdj610@hotmail.com. I'd be happy to answer your questions.
Every 2026 Topps Hobby Box (12 cards/20 packs) is "guaranteed" to include one autograph or one relic card. When I bought my jumbo box (which I haven't opened yet, but will soon), I also bought 3 regular Hobby packs from a box that was already opened. The gentleman behind the counter allowed me to pick the ones I wanted. I took three from the top left corner and left.
Last night, I asked my son to pick a number from 1 to 3. He picked 3. The results were posted last night. This evening, I opened the other two packs, plus the four retail jumbo packs. With each pack I opened, the more impressed I was with not only the base cards, with the colored ribbons and really large pictures. So far, I have 2 of the 1991 insert cards, and I am love...LOVE the design. I can't wait to build the set.
But back to the point.
One of the two retail packs included an autograph.
A 1991 Topps Autograph.
A Gold Topps 1991 Autograph card, #'d 44/50.
A Gold Topps 1991 Autograph card, #'d 44/50 of the Miz!
I'm the Miz...and I Am...
No, not that Miz...
This one!!!
2026 Topps 1991 Autograph Gold Jacob Misiorowski #91A-MIS
So what if it's a card of a Brewers player. So what if he tailed off after the All-Star Break.
It's THE MIZ!!!
Even the WWE's The Miz (Mike Mizanin) said it was "Awesome." Okay, not in those words, but these:
Courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers' Instagram account and The Miz' X account.
There’s just something about being really, really good at what you do and being called The Miz.
Now, keep in mind, I rarely, if ever get this lucky with my autos and relics. Yes, I've hit some good ones over the years. But I'm actually excited about this one.
Okay, I'm going to settle down now. I think I'll open the hanger box next. Wish me luck. Although I may have already used it up for Series 1. Must admit though, not a bad pull for Friday the 13th...
One of these packs, purchased today at Au Sports in Morton Grove, IL, contains the first 2026 card I will feature on this humble, little blog.
Let's get to it. (Going to ask my son to pick a number from 1 to 3. I'll be right back.)
He picked 3. So the pack on the right will be opened.
And the first card of 2026 is of...
2026 Topps Teoscar Hernandez #251
Teoscar Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers!!!
Let's do a deeper dive on the card. (If you recognize the format below, rest assured that the Randomizer is ready to go, it's just a matter of pulling cards and getting everything going.)
Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2026 Topps #251.
Player Name, position, team: Teoscar Hernández, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers.
Any special information about player: Signed with the Astros as a Free Agent 02/17/2011. Signed with the Dodgers as a Free Agent 01/12/2024. Bats: right. Throws: right.
Number of regular Topps Cards (includes regular and traded cards only): 11. This is his eleventh Topps card.
Blurb on the back: "Teoscar had a milestone-packed 2025 season, reeling off his 200th homer, 200th double and 1,000th hit. The latter achievement occurred on July 3, when he scalded a single that left his bat at 108.2 mph."
Commentary: The first card of 2026 is of Hernández. Looking at the design up close now compared to images online, the fabric background and stitches look realistic. The 75th anniversary logo is in foil, but it's not embossed like the 50th anniversary logo from 2001 Topps. While I understand the complaint about the font used for the player's name, at least it's easy to read (looking at you 2025 Topps). The team's primary right fielder, Teoscar is a 2-time All-Star and 3-time Silver Slugger winner.
Beckett value: n/a.
How many cards of this player do I own?: 36 cards.
The rest of the pack included:
#161 Michael McGreevy, pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
#113 Toronto Blue Jays Team Card
#104 Samuel Basallo, catcher, Baltimore Orioles, RC
#16 Casey Mize, pitcher, Detroit Tigers
#328 Junior Caminero, third baseman, Tampa Bay Rays
#25 Carson Williams, shortstop, Tampa Bay Rays
#205 Bobby Witt, Jr, shortstop, Kansas City Royals
#41 Mookie Betts, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
#210 Jacob Young, outfielder, Washington Nationals
#ATT-3 Jazz Chisolm, Jr, 2025 All-Topps Team
#70 Bob Seymour, first baseman, Tampa Bay Rays
2026 Topps 2025 All-Topps Team Jazz Chisolm, Jr, #ATT-3
The first insert card is off Jazz Chisolm, Jr. of the Yankees, named to the 2025 All-Topps Team as the second baseman. The first of many insert cards that will make up the eventual master set. Looking forward to the chase.
Speaking of chases, Topps is making a big deal of adding a redemption card that could net a collector a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. It wouldn't be the first time that Topps is inserting one of the most iconic baseball cards in history (oh and is there ever controversy over Topps' picks for iconic cards...that's a topic for another day) in packs of product (see 1991). It is an awesome prize to chase. Time will tell if and when it will be found.
As I said when the design was announced earlier this year, I love this design. Even Sports Card Radio acknowledged this to my surprise (been a fan of these guys for a long time). I can't wait to open the rest of the packs and boxes I bought today. It would be nice if I managed to get a full set from the items I bought today, but I am not holding my breath. Now that product is out, I'm going to start working on my want lists for insert cards. If you have any you want to get rid off, please feel free to contact me. I'll be more than happy to take them off your hands.
Went to the closest big box store on my way to work. Normally after the first day or two after the release of a product, it's pretty much hit or miss as to if the store has product on the shelf. Then you add all the scalpers, resellers, and other synonyms that I won't be using (family blog after all), who grab as much as they can, I wasn't getting my hopes up.
But then...the doors opened, and there was no mad line (do you miss those COVID days???). No riots in the store. And as I was walking in, seeing red-colored packs, I thought to myself, "they still have a lot of 2025 Update Series." As I got closer, I realized I was wrong.
They had plenty of blaster boxes, one hanger box left (which as you can see, I took), and two pegs worth of 36-cards retail packs. I took the plunge and grabbed what you see above.
Thanks to recent events (you know, fights, scalpers, etc), Target has now managed to limit what you can buy when you go to pay at the self-checkouts (and I'm sure this is being enforced at the registers). I could only buy up to two of the same item. That means while I was able to ring up the two blasters, and the one hanger, after scanning the third pack, the register flashed, saying that I could only buy up to two of the same item. It's about time they did this. Who is going to want to stand in front of the same self-checkout (with the camera aimed right at you) trying to buy pack after pack after pack? So I made my first purchase, bought two more with a second transaction, and left. I am not greedy, I will be more than happy to leave cards for others to buy.
I still am planning on going to the card shop later this afternoon (no pharmacy tonight) to buy a box. Note to self: remember to call the shop to get prices.
So here I am, waiting for my lunch break to open at least one or two packs of 2026 Topps? I'll update with a picture of my first card of 2026 shortly. I can't wait.
Okay, that's a bit of a stretch. MLB's Opening Day (or night) is on March 26, when the Yankees take on the Giants. The other teams begin competition the next day.
I mean:
2026 Topps Series One is now OFFICIALLY LIVE!!!
Yes, some people have already received their boxes, and showed off their "hits" (or whatever good cards they got out of the packs). Some of the "big dealers" started opening packs as early as last week (spoilsports). But today is the DAY!!!
Sadly, I won't be able to join in today (work). But tomorrow night, I'll be rushing to the closest card shop (and if not, hopefully the big box store) and get my hands on something!!!
I can't wait to see what everyone gets from their packs and boxes today. Just do me a favor, please...
After months of searching, I finally have the 2024 Topps Dodgers Team Set, which includes one of Shohei Ohtani's first cards as a Dodger. So, okay, it's not the SP from Series 1 that costs way...WAY...too much right now. But still.
Found this on Amazon for $50.00. Normally, I would just pass on this as 50 bucks is too high for ANY team set, regardless of which team. But I've had this gift card sitting on my desk waiting to be used, even though I am not a regular Amazon user (those would be my kids). So I wound up using my daughter's account (did not redeem her points) to order it and only had to pay for shipping.
I am now down to three team sets to complete the 2024 Topps Team Set album: Brewers, Athletics, and Nationals.
Now I don't want these in the generic packaging. I need, no...WANT...the sets with the team-specific packaging. I'll get them eventually...hopefully.
If anyone out there has any of the three remaining sets I need, or can direct me to someone who does, please contact me either in the comments, or email me at bdj610@hotmail.com.
(It's Wednesday, February 2, 2026. Guess what day it is???)
(Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" plays as the radio alarm clock turns on at 6:00 AM).
D.J. #1: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today. D.J. #2: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach? D.J. #1: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing. D.J. #2: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!" D.J. #1: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting. D.J. #2: Especially cold! D.J. #1: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips... D.J. #2: - On their chapped lips... D.J. #1: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow? D.J. #2: Punxsutawney Phil! D.J. #1: That's right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's... D.J. #1, D.J. #2: [in unison] GROUNDHOG DAY!
Okay Phil...Lay It On Me...
Some time today, this little guy is going to tell us if there will be six more weeks of winter or if we're getting an early spring. I think it's if the groundhog sees its shadow, that means we're still getting winter. And after the biting cold and snow we've gotten here in Chicago, I am hoping that our friend here doesn't see it's shadow.
But there is good news coming.
As soon as the Super Bowl ends, we can all turn our attention to more important matters. Like, you know...
Pitchers and Catchers reporting to Arizona and Florida to start Spring Training!!!
Long time readers of the blog know that I am from The Philippines. I've written about the Philippines trying to get to the World Baseball Classic back in 2012. As of 2026, they still haven't done it, but it doesn't mean the country can't represent on the diamond. While they haven't competed in the WBC, the baseball team has won the Southeast Asian Games three years straight, and five titles overall.
So, let's crank out some celebratory music...
Okay, back to the point...
One of the goals of this blog is to show off my collection. Today, I thought I'd show off my collection of mini Allen & Ginter cards that feature the The Pearl of the Orient Seas.
Starting with my favorite A&G Mini Card of All-Time, from the 2007 Flag of All Nations set...
2007 Topps A&G Philippines Flag #39
The card isn't actually numbered per se, but the card is #39 alphabetically (Algeria-United States). Love this design. The sun in the background, the volcano (there's smoke coming from the top), coconut trees along the coast. It really is reminiscent of the original 1887 N9 Allen & Ginter's Flag of All Nations set. I just love the colors of this card, and how the flag is presented.
2008 Topps A&G Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo #WL35
The following year, Topps included a mini insert set featuring 50 of the (at the time) current world leaders. The Philippines was represented with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who became the 14th President of the country. Sworn to the post after the previous president was impeached, she was the leader of the country from 2001 through 2010. She did get into her own issues, but I'm not going to get into that...I am no expert in the story. She is currently a member of the House of Representatives, serving the constituents of the 2nd district of Pampanga. The card itself features a headshot of GMA and an outline of the islands. At least Topps used the right photo for her card, compared to the little mistake done for the card representing Ireland.
2009 Topps A&G Jose Rizal #NH26
The year after that saw Topps honoring National Heroes. This time, Topps selected our national hero, Jose Rizal, as a subject for it's 2009 insert set. The reverse of his card gives a really brief summary of who he was and what he did while the Philippines was under Spanish rule in the late 1800's. He was a writer and member of the Philippine Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms while the Philippines was a colony of Spain. He was executed during the Philippine Revolution, and the day of his death (December 30) is a National Holiday. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Filipino history. The card features Rizal along with the Philippines Coat of Arms.
On to lighter fare...
2010 Topps A&G Carabao #NA42
National Animals was one of the mini insert sets that appeared in the 2010 Topps Allen & Ginter product. And our national animal, the Carabao, was among the 50 subjects. The carabao is a water buffalo species that is commonly used by farmers for plowing. There were also used to pull carts, whether those contained people or valuable supplies. (There's a picture somewhere of yours truly on one...can't remember where it is. I think the name of the one I was on was Gigolo...or was it Macho...)
2011 Topps A&G Philippine Eagle #AP15
Carrying the animal theme over into 2011, Topps featured endangered species in a set called Animals in Peril. The Philippine Eagle, or what is more commonly known as the Monkey Eating Eagle, was among the 30 subjects in this set. It has a six-foot wingspan, and is the largest of all eagles. It's the national bird of the country, with logging taking much of it's territory away. Current estimates say that there are maybe 400 pairs left in the wild.
2012 Topps A&G Balut #CC9
And then...there's the Culinary Curiosities set from 2012. This set featured 10 local delicacies that...let's say are unique. Between the Rocky Mountain Oysters and Haggis is this Filipino delight...Balut!!! Yes, balut. You may have seen the videos of people trying to eat it. And what is it exactly? Fertilized duck embryos boiled or steamed, and eaten in the shell. It's a street food that's sold in many countries in Southeast Asia, but it's more commonly connected to the Philippines. Now, I am more of a Penoy person myself (incubated duck egg that didn't fully develop an embryo), but I've eaten this once. And for a Filipino, once was enough.
It would be a few years before an exclusively-Filipino related card would appear in Allen & Ginter. Sure, the 2021 Mini World Leaders didn't include the President of the time, and the 2022 Mini Bearing Fruit cards had a handful of fruits that are found throughout the region, but there was nothing specifically tying the Philippines to any of them.
2024 Topps A&G The Philippines #FOTW-16
While the 2024 Topps Allen & Ginter set featured a Manila/Dubai Sister Cities full-sized card (and I have that one), the Flags of the World mini set returned after 17 years. This time, as a horizontally-oriented set, with a picture of Manila to the right of the flag. The card is nice, and again, as an extremely amateur vexillologist (definitely not Sheldon Cooper level), I like the set, I like the card.
But nothing compares to the 2007 version.
On a related note, my mom is flying to Manila to visit friends and family back home this week. I wish her safe travels. Maybe bring back the Philippines baseball team cap if you can find one. A jersey would be nice too, but that may be asking for too much. It looks like this...I think...
