And This is Why I'm Not a Player Collector...

Parallel cards have been a standard in Topps products ever since they introduced Topps Gold cards all the way back in 1992 (unless you count the Desert Shield cards from 1991). As rare as it was to find these in packs (in all the packs I opened in 1992, I never EVER found a regular Topps Gold card. I did win a number of Gold cards from the scratch-off cards (which if you held a flashlight to the cards, you could actually see through them and figure out the prizes...not that I did that...no, not me. I won mine fair and square...) The prizes were Topps Gold cards, but the ones I got, and probably everyone else, had the word "Winner" added above the team nameplate.

1992 Topps Gold cards. These six players cards replaced the checklists.

Topps Gold became a staple parallel card in 2001, with every card serial numbered to 2001. Every year since, Gold cards are numbered based on the year. Eventually, Topps introduced other serial-numbered color-bordered parallel cards to their lineup: Topps Black (2003, #'d to 52), Copper (which replaced Black in 2007 because the base set had black borders in the first place, #'d to 56), Platinum (2006, a real one-of-one), and on-and-on. And I'm not even including the different colored foil varieties, or the red backs from 2007...

And it's not just the Topps brand. Topps Chrome brand really went crazy with the colored-chrome parallels.Topps even printed Chrome Refractor parallels. It got to the point that they were even encouraging collectors to "collect the rainbow." 

Parallel sets eventually found their way into factory sets. I'm not talking about the five-card exclusives that collectors were finally opening factory sets for to get their hands on these extremely limited cards. I'm talking in 2023 when every few Topps retail factory sets could contain a full set of parallel cards.

Then, in what has become the bane of an insert collector like me, Topps started making colored paralell cards of their already lesser printed insert cards. I can not tell you the number of times that I've mistakenly included a blue parallel card in an insert set only to find out later that it wasn't part of said set and then I'd have to look for the actual card to complete the insert set. (True story, which involved a 2022 Topps Sweet Shades Jose Altuve card. When I realized that I had the blue parallel instead of the regular card in my binder, I went berzerk and bought the first regular card I could find just so I could make the switch).

In 2025, Topps included 78...yes, that's right...78 different sets of parallel cards. A majority of them were either serial numbered or were exclusively found in specific products (like in packs sold at the Fanatics store in NYC). Hobby packs, jumbo packs, retail packs, blaster boxes, holiday products, super boxes, mega boxes, etc, had their own exclusive parallel cards to chase. As a base and basic set collector, I totally skip over these. But how do you player and team collectors keep track of it all?

As more information about 2026 Topps has come about, the list of parallel cards have been posted online. Let's just say that I am so glad that I am a set collector.

Hobby Exclusive Parallels

Retail Exclusive Parallels

Wait...there's more...

I'm not even about to begin to list the parallels that were announced for the insert, autograph, and relic cards. 

Why Topps??! Why??!

I have a lot of respect for those who collect specific players or specific teams. Your collections are impressive, and I admire your dedication to a niche of the Hobby that many people outside of it would call obsessive, if not insane. 

Do you go after specific parallels? As a team collector, do you try to get at least one sample of everything, regardless of player? Do you try to collect everything to complete a rainbow? What counts to you as a rainbow? I'd love to know.

2025 Topps Update Series Clear Michael Lorenzen #US222

2025 Topps Update True Photo Variation Michael Lorenzen #US222

But then again, maybe I should go for the Michael Lorenzen parallel set. I have two of the harder cards to pull and these will be going into the six-inch binder for 2025 Topps (which I will talk about in a few days time...I promise).

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The Fascination with Topps Card #666

When Topps Total was part of Topps' active catalog of baseball card products, I remember reading somewhere that there was a bit of notoriety when it came to card #666. To wit, the rumor was that someone at the Topps Company was a Yankees fan and would assign the "devilish" number to the pitcher that helped to knock his (or her...let's not assume gender here) favorite team out of the playoffs. To wit, the following players were included in that "elite" #666 club:

• Byung-Hyun Kim, Arizona Diamondbacks (2002 Topps Total)
• Troy Percival, Anaheim Angels (2003 Topps Total)
• Josh Beckett, Florida Marlins (2004 Topps Total)
• Keith Foulke, Boston Red Sox (2005 Topps Total)

In the case of Kim and Foulke, neither actually did end the Yankees' postseason dreams. Kim had blown saves in both games 4 and 5 for the Diamondbacks, taking the loss in game 4. Foulke pitched in five games against New York during the 2004 AL Championship Series, earning a save in Game 6. But Percival was the last pitcher the Yankees saw during the AL Division Series in 2002, and Josh Beckett pitched a complete game shutout in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series (the final game of the series).

So where am I going with this?

With a lot more free time on my hands, I've finally gotten around to putting my cards in binders and taking a closer look at the cards that comprise the 2017 Topps set. Since 2015, Topps has added more cards to the base set giving collectors 700 cards to chase for a complete set. For a good nine-year stretch prior, there were 660 cards in the each eponymous set. This year, card #666 was given to Rougned Odor, the second baseman of the Texas Rangers.

If there is any possible reason why he was slotted with this number, it's most likely because he had that brief spat with Jose Bautista. Recall that during Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS between Texas and Toronto, Bautista hit a seventh-inning home run to give the Jays the lead for good. But while the home run did get the Blue Jays into the next round of the playoffs, everyone remembers what Joey Bats did when he hit the homer...right???

Yeah...that.

So enter the 2016 rematch between the Jays and Rangers on Sunday, May 15, 2016. This would be the last time both teams would meet in the regular season. Rangers pitcher Matt Bush hits Bautista, putting him at first. One batter later, new pitcher Jake Diekman induces a double play. But Bautista tries to break up Odor's relay throw to stop the double play. So Odor shows his displeasure by hitting Bats with a right hook. At that point...it was time to play the feud.

(Please note that I actually thought to put an image of the Odor hitting Bautista, but changed my mind...this is a family blog after all).

So that is the short version of why I think Odor is card #666 this year.

But why do I find card #666 fascinating? It is because back in 1989, Topps assigned card #666 to Reds pitcher Randy St. Claire:

It struck me in a funny, yet ironic way, that the guy pictured on a card that had a number usually associated with evil had a last name with the word Saint (St.) in it.

Others that shared the infamous number include:

• 1970: Adolpho Phillips, Expos
• 1971: Gene Brabender, Angels
• 1972: Hector Torres, Cubs
• 1978: Billy Smith, Orioles
• 1979: Rich Dauer, Orioles
• 1980: Mike Chris/Al Greene/Bruce Robbins, Tigers
• 1981: Sparky Anderson, Tigers Team Card
• 1982: Steve Kemp/Dan Petry Tigers Team Leaders
• 1983: Sparky Anderson, Tigers, (What the heck did the Tigers, let alone Sparky, do to deserve this??!)
• 1984: Jack Morris/Lou Whitaker, Tigers Team Leaders (I'm sensing a pattern here, don't you think?)
• 1985: Mike LaCoss, Astros
• 1986: Charlie Hough, Rangers Team Leaders
• 1987: Von Hayes, Phillies (When you're traded for five guys and you've only had two major league seasons, do you really deserve this number?)
• 1988: Mario Soto, Reds
• 1990: Brian Fisher, Pirates
• 1991: Danny Darwin, Astros
• 1992: Tom Foley, Expos
• 1993: Glenallen Hill, Indians
• 1994: Steve Buechele, Cubs
• 2001: Glenallen Hill, Yankees (What did Glenallen Hill do to get this card number twice??!)
• 2002: Seattle Mariners Team card (When you have the best record in baseball and don't make it to the World Series, wait...didn't they lose to the Yankees??!)
• 2003: Jeff Francis, Rockies Draft Pick
• 2004: Texas Rangers Team Card
• 2005: Texas Rangers Team Card (again??!)
• 2015: Jonathan Broxton, Brewers
• 2016: J. T. Realmuto, Marlins

Based on what happened in yesterday's game between the Yankees and the Tigers, don't be surprised if someone from either team will get this number. My money is on Miggy. Who knows?

Cleansing time.

Please keep in mind that I do not have a morbid interest in the number 666 nor am I trying to wish physical, mental, or spiritual harm on myself or anyone else by continually mentioning this number. Some people truly are afraid of the number 666, so apparently hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia is a real thing. This was just something that came to mind after putting cards to sheets.

I think I'll head to church and pray...now.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

What Would Make Me Want to Buy 2017 Topps Archives...Maybe

I'd like to thank everyone who has left comments, sent me emails and DM's regarding my dad. He had his first chemo cocktail this past Tuesday, and seems to have been in great spirits since. Yes, he was in pain, and it was noticeable on Monday when my family did see him. But he put up a brave front and carried on as if nothing was going on. He's been a symbol of strength and we continue to pray that as the treatments continue, he will continue to fight this and, more importantly, win.

Now, this was what I was trying to write about last week.

The product called Topps Archives really tugs at my heartstrings. I loved the concept of it when 2001 Topps Archives was launched.

For those unfamiliar with the product, The first time the words Topps and Archives were put together, it was in 1983, when Topps created a set honoring their iconic 1952 set. With certain exceptions (because they could not get the subjects or his estate's permission) it was a standard-sized reprint set of all 1952 Topps cards. It was an alternative for those who could not afford the actual cards.

In 1991, Topps reprinted it's 1953 set, again with a couple of omissions. But this time, Topps added a number of "what could have been" cards had they thought doing them. Among the subjects were a young Hank Aaron (imagine if he had a card in the 1953 set).

Two more editions were unleashed to the masses. In 1994, Topps Archives put out a 1954 revival that needed help from that other card company. Because it had the rights to Ted Williams' likeness and images, Upper Deck included card #'s 1 and 250 in it's 1994 All-Time Heroes product. Along with these two cards, UD was nice enough to make a card #259 (Topps did create card #'s 251-258, including a "rookie card" of Roberto Clemente)...of Mickey Mantle.

Finally, in what was to be a foreshadowing of what would eventually the Topps Archives I'd come to love in the first part of the new century, 1995 saw the creation of a Brooklyn Dodgers commemorative set, featuring reprints of all the Brooklyn Dodgers (plus some new ones created just for this product) that graced its cardboard.

Fast forward to 2001, Topps' 50th anniversary. Part of its year-long celebration was the return of Topps Archives. The concept of recreating the first and last cards of 200 retired players was pure genius. Yes, there'd be reprint rookie cards of Hall of Famers (many of whom I'd never be able to afford), but there were also the "Fan-Favorites." Role players, as well as those legendary in the collective hearts and minds of their fans and franchises, were included in this production that took two series to complete. This is the set I loved and cherish so much that I have it stored in a Topps binder that has, what else, Topps cards on the front of it. The following year, Topps brought back the Archives name, featuring reprinted cards from 200 player's "best seasons." It was a great concept. It featured a number of players that didn't appear the previous year. The only drawback was the fact that Topps "included" the player's stats from that year's design. This was great for cards from the 50's through 70's. But cards of players who were "traded" or signed as free agents, and had actual cards from the Traded era were relegated to their cards before the transaction. So you had a 1987 card of Andre Dawson, not as a Cub, but as an Expo.

Now fast forward to 2011. Topps Lineage was introduced in 2011. Although the base cards included had a generic design, the big draw of the product was the tribute to past insert sets, cards included in packs from the 60's and 70's. Although Lineage was a one-year wonder, Topps thought to bring back the Archives name the following year. This time, the concept consisted of featuring four designs from the company's history, featuring a mix of current and past players, as well as featured inserts from the past as well. The insert sets featured throughout the years not only consisted of cards from the eponymous product, but from other brands as well (Stadium Club) and other sports (I think there was a basketball insert one year...and some were from Topps' NFL product).

This was all well and good. But Topps already has a Heritage line honoring past sets. Why create a second set that utilizes past designs with present players. I have the first two years' sets of this current revival. But after 2014, I stopped. It's become "Heritage Lite" to me. The inserts and autographs are fine (at least the first year's worth), and some of the inserts themes are great (one year included cards from the movie Major League), but I couldn't see my self continuing buying this set other than a few packs. I wasn't then, nor am I now, a Topps Heritage collector, and this set was just a reminder of it.

By now, if I haven't bored you with Archives' long celebrated history (at least you must be wondering what's my point??!), you're asking yourself why did I waste my time...

Well, I'll tell you (and now for more backstory).

From 1996 through 2000, Topps included a retrospective set of cards, honoring one player. In 1996, as he had passed away the year before, Topps included reprinted cards from Mickey Mantle's legendary Topps cardboard career. The set consisted of 19 Topps and Bowman cards featuring the Commerce Comet, split into two series. Card #20, a reprint of the Mick's 1952 Bowman card, was included in 1996 Bowman. Another 16, featuring Mantle and other players, were inserted the following year in packs of 1997 Topps. Not only did Topps include reprints of Mantle, but they also included reprinted cards from Willie Mays' career, split into two series, from 1952 through 1973. In 1998, reprints of Roberto Clemente's cards from 1955 through 1973 were inserted into packs. Nolan Ryan, and his 27 Topps cards, were featured in 1999. Finally, Hank Aaron was honored with a commemorative set of his own.

Last week, Topps announced that a 23-card Tribute to Derek Jeter will be among the inserts in its 2017 Topps Archives product. It will consist of reprinted cards of Derek Jeter's Topps cards from 1993 (the draft pick card) through 2015.

But there's a catch.

There will be 20 cards that will be easy to find. Three will be short-printed:

• His 1993 rookie card

• His 2015 card (his final card)

• His infamous 2007 card, complete with Mickey Mantle in the dugout and President George W. Bush in the stands

Remember that one?

Now, this isn't the first time Topps has honored Jeter in this way. A couple of years ago, Topps included "framed reprint" cards of the Yankee legend. These cards were more expensive individually than the cards they were honoring.

I think if anyone tried hard enough, he or she can get all of Jeter's cards, from rookie to final - including the Bush/Mantle version - for just under 100, and that's being liberal. It's bad enough that Topps is putting this set (with variations, parallels, and the like) in Archives, but as I have every Topps set since 1976, I have every single one of Derek Jeter's eponymous cards.

Now I know he's been retired for a couple of seasons now (and he'll be a first-time dad to boot). But is it too soon for a Jeter retrospective? Was there nobody available? Were there no other players whose name could have been uttered in the same breath as Mantle, Mays, Clemente, Ryan, and Aaron that could have gotten the reprint treatment? Is there not another player with enough of a card library that could have been featured?

So I have to ask myself: do I want to have a go at trying to complete this set (or getting one off the Bay)? Should I do it? Would it be worth the time, money, effort? If I find one on the auction site, should I just focus on the reprint set? Or should I swallow my pride and buy an Archives set?

It's early yet. The product doesn't come out until later in the year. Maybe I will...maybe I won't. I don't know.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Have You Seen the Backs of 2017 Topps Yet???

So 2017 Topps Series 1 is coming out later this week (possibly??!). We all know what this year's design looks like. But unless you were one of the select few to attend that Las Vegas party a few weeks back, or somehow managed to snag a couple of cards on the Bay, we did not know what the card backs look like.

Well...we do now.

You see, someone on FB posted their complaint about the card backs. Especially because (you're not going to believe this), he said that the stats on the back, which for a very long time showed complete statistics for the players, sometimes even more than 15 years worth of statistics, was no longer on the back of the cards.

His words:

"I bought 2 packs of 2017 topps baseball series 1 at my local target and when I open the first pack on the back of the cards there wasn't the traditional full career stats on the back of the players card! Why didn't topps do this? could someone let me know about this?"

After many on FB doubted his claim, he showed pictures:

Photo from J. DeLand on Facebook

Okay, so let's look at the details:

The cross-diagonal line design element continues on the back. There is a card number, the series (1, 2, or Update) that has appeared in the last three base sets. Team logo. A bio.

Oh, and look. You can follow the Coco Crisp on Twitter and Instagram as both social media profiles are included.

There's the stat box. Five years of lines. The usual stat headers are listed. But at the bottom?

MLB Totals (15 Years)

While the guy was kind of right by saying that not all of his totals are listed on there. There is a totals line.

So this is the first time since 1971, Topps is not going to display a player's full career statistics. Could this be a one-year thing? Will Topps continue the social media links in future sets? I guess in this day and age it makes sense. But at the cost of less stat lines?

What do you think? If you'd like (and are still reading this blog...or waiting to see if I'm still relevant), feel free to leave comments and let me know what you think.

I can't wait to see what these look like up close.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

So I Guess Card #7 Is No Longer Retired??!

After the announcement that Kris Bryant will hold the pole position for the 2017 Topps set, the final checklist with all the numbers assigned to the other 349 cards has been updated. Something got my attention though:

Here are the first 10 cards in sequential order:

#1Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
#2 Jason Hammel, Chicago Cubs
#3 Chris Capuano, Milwaukee Brewers
#4 Mark Reynolds, Colorado Rockies
#5 Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers
#6 Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays
#7 Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
#8 Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins
#9 Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
#10 Steven Souza Jr., Tampa Bay Rays

Two Cubs cards leading things off. Awesome. NL Rookie of the Year takes #5, Chris Sale is #9...hold it.

Wait...I didn't just type that, did I?

1...2...3...(mumbling 4-6)...7 Gary Sanchez...

I'm sorry. Card #7? And it's not Mickey Mantle??!

So apparently, after years of no card 7 (starting in 1997), and then a decade of Mantle (2006...with 10 extra cards to make up for the missing 7 in the first ten years), followed by another four-year hiatus (2013-2016), there will no longer be a need for a filler card on the bottom left corner of the first page of my 2017 Topps binder.

At least, they kept it consistent as a New York Yankee is the subject (no pressure Gary). No official word from Topps as to why #7 is back in circulation in the base set.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The Results Are In...And a 2-Pack Break of 2015 Topps Archives

On Friday, I went to the local big box store, hoping to find packs of 2015 Topps Series 2.

Didn't find any.

Terribly disappointed.

But I did find the 2015 Topps AL All-Star Team Retail set, so I bought that, and two packs of 2015 Topps Archives.

Now I'll be honest, I've been really disappointed with Topps Archives since the concept was brought back in 2012. Not because of the cards themselves (I do have the 2012-2013 sets in my collection), but because it has lost its focus. It has become Topps Heritage Lite honestly.

I know there are restrictions to what Topps can produce regarding products with retired players (which is probably the only thing I didn't like about the deal that was made in 2006), but creating cards of current players in designs from that were already used in Topps Heritage is very uninspired. Even the "Fan Favorites" subset, which was the only thing good about this product (for me anyway) became a letdown in last year's product when you added current players to the SP mix.

The autographs, with the faded in section so that players can sign on-card, turned me off. The ATFF's were probably the only autographed cards I actually look forward to trying to get, especially if the subjects weren't part of the base set.

But I'm glad to see that Topps repeated the things I didn't like for this year's Archives set (end sarcasm). It's probably why I wasn't motivated enough to buy a set last year, save for a few packs. And after looking at today's cards, I'm just as motivated. I may come around...especially when set prices fall dramatically about a year or two later.

So what did I get in my pre-Father's Day packs of 2015 Topps Archives? Here are the results:

Pack 1:

• #59 Yadier Molina, Cardinals 1957
• #176 Zach Wheeler, Mets 1976
• #203 Yu Darvish, Rangers 1983
• #64 Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers 1957
• #174 Trevor Bauer, Indians 1976
• #90ASIMT Michael Taylor, Nationals 1990
• #6 Alexei Ramirez, White Sox 1957
• #130 Aramis Ramirez, Brewers 1976
• #278 Alex Cobb, Rays 1983
• #52 Dilson Herrera, Mets 1957
• #106 Brandon Finnegan, Royals 1976
• #253 Whitey Ford, Yankees 1983
• #22 Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays 1957
• #158 Kole Calhoun, Angels 1976
• #293 Josh Harrison, Pirates 1983
• #71 Matt Holliday, Cardinals 1957
• #198 Michael Brantley, Indians 1976
• #215 Mark Teixeira, Yankees 1983

Nothing much to write home about here. You know you're old when even the Sell Sheets are "honoring the 25th anniversary of the 1990 Topps set." Don't get me wrong, the cards look nice up front, but to me it seems like I'm looking at previews of Topps Heritage cards. Bring back the good old days when you're featuring retired players in the designs that make sense (Whitey Ford in a 1983 design...REALLY??!)

Pack 2:

• #53 Roberto Alomar, Indians 1957
• #125 Babe Ruth, Yankees 1976
• #202 Johnny Bench, Reds 1983
• #88 Lenny Dykstra, Phillies 1957
• #189 Roberto Clemente, Pirates 1976
• #23 of 33 Bryce Harper 1968 Insert card (Fly Out, Runners Do Not Advance)
• #90ASIJS Jorge Soler, Cubs 1990
• #1 Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 1957
• #146 Danny Salazar, Indians 1976
• #244 Cole Hamels, Phillies 1983
• #70 Jake Arrieta, Cubs 1957
• #112 Jesse Hahn, Athletics 1976
• #236 James Shields, Royals 1983
• #134 Duke Snider, Dodgers 1976
• #32 Robin Yount, Brewers 1957
• #213 Brooks Robinson, Orioles 1983
• #35 Eddie Murray, Orioles 1957
• #197 Bob Lemon, Indians 1976

Pack two was the absolute winner between the two. Any pack that contains Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente, Johnny Bench, and six other Hall of Famers, plus two Cubs cards AND a Bryce Harper insert makes this a very loaded pack (okay, most are base, but come on now...four out of the first five cards were of Hall of Famers).

Thinking of putting the Harper card on the Bay, possibly the Soler too. All cards are up for grabs though...make offers or take them off my hands.

But it's Father's Day. This morning, my beautiful wife and two fantastic kids made a huge breakfast and even went to Starbucks to get me a Frappuccino.

While my family was at church to witness the baptism of my nephew Charlie, my in-laws were out in beautiful Crown Point, Indiana, to honor the patriarch of the family with a barbecue. Beautiful day for both events. It's the longest day of the year, no less...so the sun should be up until what 9 pm tonight? And the Cubs won (and those guys from the south side did too apparently). So all in all, a great day.

Good to see some childhood friends today. I hope to see them again tomorrow as they encounter a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza for the first time ever. Trying to convince both to come down to my neighborhood for a killer burger before hand though, but we'll see how that goes.

Happy Father's Day to all Dads, Dads-to-Be, Fathers-In-Law, Grandfathers, Great Grandfathers, Foster Dads, Stepdads, and Just-Like Dads.

"Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a special man to be a Dad!!!" - Maury Povich

Until next time, America.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Get Ready. 2015 Topps Series 2 Is Supposed to be Live...NOW!

Now, today is the OFFICIAL release day for 2015 Topps Series 2. It's perfect timing too.

I mean, the Blackhawks ended the NHL season two nights ago by winning their third Stanley Cup in 6 years.

The Warriors defeated the fighting Lebrons last night and brought the NBA title to Golden State (or is it Oakland) for the first time since 1975.

Football doesn't get into training camp mode until the end of the month. MLS is in full swing, and yes there is baseball being played somewhere too.

But today is an important day as it is supposed to be the first day that 2015 Topps Series 2 is to go live. I say supposed because some people have already been able to get their hands on some product and posted images online. More on that later.

But for me, it's time to add on to my never-ending quest to add on to that ever growing (and I'm still counting...when I get to it) collection. So I'll be running to my local big box store to see what I can find (hopefully before the vultures get to them). So what am I going to look for?

Here are the cards that matter (barring last minute changes to the checklist):

BASE:

352 Jaime Garcia St. Louis Cardinals
353 Mike Leake Cincinnati Reds
354 Kyle Hendricks Chicago Cubs
355 Travis Snider Baltimore Orioles
356 Marcus Semien Oakland Athletics
357 Derek Holland Texas Rangers
358 Jon Singleton Houston Astros Future Star
359 Robinson Chirinos Texas Rangers
360 Adam LaRoche Chicago White Sox
361 Matt Holliday St. Louis Cardinals
362 Jason Bourgeois Cincinnati Reds
363 Avisail Garcia Chicago White Sox
364 Travis Ishikawa San Francisco Giants
365 L.J. Hoes Houston Astros
366 Jhoulys Chacin Colorado Rockies
367 Sam Fuld Oakland Athletics
368 David Robertson Chicago White Sox
369 Aaron Loup Toronto Blue Jays
370 Marcell Ozuna Miami Marlins Future Star
371 Koji Uehara Boston Red Sox
372 Matt Adams St. Louis Cardinals
373 Kurt Suzuki Minnesota Twins
374 Nick Martinez Texas Rangers
375 Johnny Cueto Cincinnati Reds
376 Chris Sale Chicago White Sox
377 Tommy Hunter Baltimore Orioles
378 Danny Duffy Kansas City Royals
379 Phil Gosselin Atlanta Braves
380 Hector Noesi Chicago White Sox
381 Stephen Drew New York Yankees
382 Ivan Nova New York Yankees
383 Delmon Young Baltimore Orioles
384 Justin Ruggiano Seattle Mariners
385 James Paxton Seattle Mariners Future Star
386 Ben Zobrist Oakland Athletics
387 Jacob deGrom New York Mets Rookie of the Year
388 Francisco Liriano Pittsburgh Pirates
389 Mookie Betts Boston Red Sox Future Star
390 Cody Ross Arizona Diamondbacks
391 Hisashi Iwakuma Seattle Mariners
392 Brandon Guyer Tampa Bay Rays
393 Danny Salazar Cleveland Indians
394 Marco Scutaro San Francisco Giants
395 Chris Taylor Seattle Mariners
396 Alex Colome Tampa Bay Rays
397 Mike Aviles Cleveland Indians
398 Jordan Zimmermann Washington Nationals 2014 Baseball Highlight
399 Josmil Pinto Minnesota Twins
400 Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
401 Chris Coghlan Chicago Cubs
402 Jeurys Familia New York Mets
403 Leury Garcia Chicago White Sox
404 Tanner Scheppers Texas Rangers
405 Ross Detwiler Texas Rangers
406 Jon Lester Chicago Cubs
407 Jed Lowrie Houston Astros
408 Jake Smolinski Texas Rangers
409 Juan Uribe Los Angeles Dodgers
410 Kyle Lohse Milwaukee Brewers
411 Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners
412 Hector Rondon Chicago Cubs
413 Anthony Gose Detroit Tigers
414 J.A. Happ Seattle Mariners
415 Ervin Santana Minnesota Twins
416 Francisco Cervelli Pittsburgh Pirates
417 Leonys Martin Texas Rangers
418 Jung Ho Kang Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie
419 Omar Infante Kansas City Royals
420 Cody Asche Philadelphia Phillies
421 Joe Kelly Boston Red Sox
422 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers
423 Javy Guerra Chicago White Sox
424 Michael Saunders Toronto Blue Jays
425 Bryan Shaw Cleveland Indians
426 Trevor Plouffe Minnesota Twins
427 Raisel Iglesias Cincinnati Reds Rookie
428 Jon Niese New York Mets
429 A.J. Ellis Los Angeles Dodgers
430 Jarred Cosart Miami Marlins
431 Brandon McCarthy Los Angeles Dodgers
432 Alex Rios Kansas City Royals
433 Justin Masterson Boston Red Sox
434 Carlos Frias Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
435 Mike Fiers Milwaukee Brewers
436 Russell Martin Toronto Blue Jays
437 Jake Marisnick Houston Astros
438 DJ LeMahieu Colorado Rockies
439 Kenley Jansen Los Angeles Dodgers
440 Denard Span Washington Nationals
441 Philadelphia Phillies
442 Tyler Matzek Colorado Rockies
443 Maicer Izturis Toronto Blue Jays
444 Lonnie Chisenhall Cleveland Indians 2014 Baseball Highlight
445 Christian Vazquez Boston Red Sox
446 Nick Franklin Tampa Bay Rays
447 Jose Ramirez Cleveland Indians
448 Ryan Hanigan Boston Red Sox
449 Joe Panik San Francisco Giants 2014 Baseball Highlight
450 Robinson Cano Seattle Mariners
451 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers Cy Young Award Winner
452 Drew Smyly Tampa Bay Rays
453 Elian Herrera Milwaukee Brewers
454 Wade Davis Kansas City Royals
455 Adam Lind Milwaukee Brewers
456 Alex Gordon Kansas City Royals
457 Aaron Hicks Minnesota Twins
458 Junichi Tazawa Boston Red Sox
459 Tuffy Gosewisch Arizona Diamondbacks
460 San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants
461 Mike Moustakas Kansas City Royals
462 Shae Simmons Atlanta Braves
463 Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers
464 Brett Cecil Toronto Blue Jays
465 Seattle Mariners Seattle Mariners
466 A.J. Burnett Pittsburgh Pirates
467 Mat Latos Miami Marlins
468 CC Sabathia New York Yankees
469 James Shields San Diego Padres
470 Mark Trumbo Arizona Diamondbacks
471 Pat Neshek Houston Astros
472 T.J. House Cleveland Indians
473 Ryan Raburn Cleveland Indians
474 Alexi Amarista San Diego Padres
475 Juan Perez San Francisco Giants
476 Jose Lobaton Washington Nationals
477 Dallas Keuchel Houston Astros
478 Los Angeles Dodgers
479 Carlos Gonzalez Colorado Rockies
480 Matt Harvey New York Mets Future Star
481 Freddy Galvis Philadelphia Phillies
482 Joaquin Benoit San Diego Padres
483 Randal Grichuk St. Louis Cardinals
484 Melvin Mercedes Detroit Tigers Rookie
485 Daniel Hudson Arizona Diamondbacks
486 Erik Goeddel New York Mets Rookie
487 Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians Cy Young Award Winner
488 John Lackey St. Louis Cardinals
489 Jeremy Hellickson Arizona Diamondbacks
490 Gavin Floyd Cleveland Indians
491 Rougned Odor Texas Rangers Future Star
492 Brandon Barnes Colorado Rockies
493 Alex Rodriguez New York Yankees
494 James Jones Seattle Mariners
495 Christian Colon Kansas City Royals
496 Houston Astros
497 Hunter Strickland San Francisco Giants Rookie
498 Anthony Desclafani Cincinnati Reds
499 Eduardo Nunez Minnesota Twins
500 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
501 Will Venable San Diego Padres
502 Kevin Frandsen Washington Nationals
503 Joe Panik San Francisco Giants Future Star
504 Minnesota Twins
505 Arodys Vizcaino Atlanta Braves
506 Chase Anderson Arizona Diamondbacks
507 A.J. Pierzynski Atlanta Braves
508 Collin McHugh Houston Astros
509 Danny Santana Minnesota Twins Future Star
510 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim League MVP
511 Asdrubal Cabrera Tampa Bay Rays
512 Jay Bruce Cincinnati Reds
513 Michael Cuddyer New York Mets
514 Will Smith Milwaukee Brewers
515 Victor Martinez Detroit Tigers
516 Lorenzo Cain Kansas City Royals
517 Yusmeiro Petit San Francisco Giants
518 Rajai Davis Detroit Tigers
519 Archie Bradley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie
520 Brayan Pena Cincinnati Reds
521 Nick Castellanos Detroit Tigers Future Star
522 Sam Tuivailala St. Louis Cardinals Rookie
523 Christian Bethancourt Atlanta Braves Future Star
524 John Danks Chicago White Sox
525 Luke Gregerson Houston Astros
526 Will Middlebrooks San Diego Padres
527 Carlos Martinez St. Louis Cardinals Future Star
528 Brad Ziegler Arizona Diamondbacks
529 Ryan Flaherty Baltimore Orioles
530 Chris Heston San Francisco Giants Rookie
531 Drew Hutchison Toronto Blue Jays
532 Dellin Betances New York Yankees Future Star
533 Marwin Gonzalez Houston Astros
534 Chris Capuano New York Yankees
535 Erik Cordier San Francisco Giants Rookie
536 Logan Morrison Seattle Mariners
537 Steven Souza Jr. Tampa Bay Rays
538 Brad Boxberger Tampa Bay Rays
539 Jimmy Nelson Milwaukee Brewers Future Star
540 Drew Stubbs Colorado Rockies
541 Homer Bailey Cincinnati Reds
542 Yasmany Tomas Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie
543 Alberto Callaspo Atlanta Braves
544 Travis d'Arnaud New York Mets Future Star
545 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers League MVP
546 Tyler Clippard Oakland Athletics
547 Kristopher Negron Cincinnati Reds
548 Cleveland Indians
549 Christian Walker Baltimore Orioles Rookie
550 David Price Detroit Tigers
551 Corey Hart Pittsburgh Pirates
552 Yovani Gallardo Texas Rangers
553 Grady Sizemore Philadelphia Phillies
554 A.J. Griffin Oakland Athletics
555 Jake Arrieta Chicago Cubs
556 Jake McGee Tampa Bay Rays
557 Nick Markakis Atlanta Braves
558 Patrick Corbin Arizona Diamondbacks
559 Dee Gordon Miami Marlins
560 Jerome Williams Philadelphia Phillies
561 Ken Giles Philadelphia Phillies
562 Wilmer Flores New York Mets
563 J.J. Hardy Baltimore Orioles
564 Jose Quintana Chicago White Sox
565 Michael Morse Miami Marlins
566 Chris Davis Baltimore Orioles
567 Brennan Boesch Cincinnati Reds
568 Chris Tillman Baltimore Orioles
569 Marco Estrada Toronto Blue Jays
570 Jarrod Dyson Kansas City Royals
571 Devon Travis Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
572 A.J. Pollock Arizona Diamondbacks
573 Ryan Rua Texas Rangers Rookie
574 Mitch Moreland Texas Rangers
575 Kris Medlen Kansas City Royals
576 Chase Headley New York Yankees
577 Henderson Alvarez Miami Marlins
578 Ender Inciarte Arizona Diamondbacks
579 Jason Hammel Chicago Cubs
580 Chris Bassitt Oakland Athletics Rookie
581 John Holdzkom Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie
582 Wei-Yin Chen Baltimore Orioles
583 Jose Abreu Chicago White Sox Rookie of the Year
584 Danny Farquhar Seattle Mariners
585 Matt Moore Tampa Bay Rays
586 Max Scherzer Washington Nationals
587 Daniel Descalso Colorado Rockies
588 Kolten Wong St. Louis Cardinals Future Star
589 Jeff Locke Pittsburgh Pirates
590 Torii Hunter Minnesota Twins
591 Josh Collmenter Arizona Diamondbacks
592 Martin Maldonado Milwaukee Brewers
593 Ruben Tejada New York Mets
594 Jose Pirela New York Yankees Rookie
595 Craig Kimbrel Atlanta Braves
596 Bronson Arroyo Arizona Diamondbacks
597 Matt Shoemaker Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Future Star
598 Nick Swisher Cleveland Indians
599 Michael Brantley Cleveland Indians
600 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
601 Wade Miley Boston Red Sox
602 Drew Storen Washington Nationals
603 Jose Fernandez Miami Marlins Future Star
604 Jordan Schafer Minnesota Twins
605 Huston Street Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
606 Ian Desmond Washington Nationals
607 Jarrod Parker Oakland Athletics
608 Justin Smoak Toronto Blue Jays
609 Luke Hochevar Kansas City Royals
610 David Freese Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
611 Gregor Blanco San Francisco Giants
612 Caleb Joseph Baltimore Orioles
613 Josh Beckett Los Angeles Dodgers 2014 Baseball Highlight
614 Jordan Walden St. Louis Cardinals
615 Carlos Sanchez Chicago White Sox
616 Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs Rookie
617 Terrance Gore Kansas City Royals Rookie
618 Billy Butler Oakland Athletics
619 Kevin Gausman Baltimore Orioles
620 Jose Altuve Houston Astros
621 Luis Valbuena Houston Astros
622 Yan Gomes Cleveland Indians
623 Melky Cabrera Chicago White Sox
624 Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez Philadelphia Phillies Rookie
625 Mark Buehrle Toronto Blue Jays
626 Hanley Ramirez Boston Red Sox
627 Jason Grilli Atlanta Braves
628 Peter Bourjos St. Louis Cardinals
629 Robbie Grossman Houston Astros
630 Carlos Carrasco Cleveland Indians
631 Chris Iannetta Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
632 Kyle Gibson Minnesota Twins
633 Skip Schumaker Cincinnati Reds
634 Roenis Elias Seattle Mariners Future Star
635 Scott Feldman Houston Astros
636 Micah Johnson Chicago White Sox Rookie
637 Matt Szczur Chicago Cubs Rookie
638 Jimmy Rollins Los Angeles Dodgers
639 Cameron Maybin San Diego Padres
640 Matt Clark Milwaukee Brewers Rookie
641 Yorman Rodriguez Cincinnati Reds Rookie
642 Alex Wood Atlanta Braves
643 Oswaldo Arcia Minnesota Twins
644 Chicago White Sox
645 Neftali Feliz Texas Rangers
646 Aramis Ramirez Milwaukee Brewers
647 Yadier Molina St. Louis Cardinals
648 St. Louis Cardinals
649 Emilio Bonifacio Chicago White Sox
650 Pablo Sandoval Boston Red Sox
651 Andrelton Simmons Atlanta Braves
652 Stephen Vogt Oakland Athletics
653 Rafael Montero New York Mets Future Star
654 Alfredo Simon Detroit Tigers
655 Taylor Hill Washington Nationals
656 Adeiny Hechavarria Miami Marlins Future Star
657 Justin Morneau Colorado Rockies
658 Tsuyoshi Wada Chicago Cubs
659 Jimmy Rollins Philadelphia Phillies 2014 Baseball Highlight
660 Roberto Osuna Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
661 Grant Balfour Tampa Bay Rays
662 Darin Ruf Philadelphia Phillies
663 Jake Diekman Philadelphia Phillies
664 Hector Santiago Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
665 Stephen Strasburg Washington Nationals
666 Jonathan Broxton Milwaukee Brewers
667 Kole Calhoun Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
668 Jairo Diaz Colorado Rockies Rookie
669 Tampa Bay Rays
670 Darren O'Day Baltimore Orioles
671 Gerrit Cole Pittsburgh Pirates
672 Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
673 Brett Oberholtzer Houston Astros
674 Desmond Jennings Tampa Bay Rays
675 Jonathan Lucroy Milwaukee Brewers
676 Nate McLouth Washington Nationals
677 Ryan Goins Toronto Blue Jays
678 Sam Freeman St. Louis Cardinals
679 Jorge De La Rosa Colorado Rockies
680 Nick Hundley Colorado Rockies
681 Zoilo Almonte Atlanta Braves
682 Christian Bergman Colorado Rockies
683 LaTroy Hawkins Colorado Rockies
684 Wil Myers San Diego Padres
685 Yangervis Solarte San Diego Padres
686 Tyson Ross San Diego Padres
687 Odubel Herrera Philadelphia Phillies Rookie
688 Angel Pagan San Francisco Giants
689 R.J. Alvarez Oakland Athletics Rookie
690 Brett Bochy San Francisco Giants Rookie
691 Lisalverto Bonilla Texas Rangers Rookie
692 Andrew Chafin Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie
693 Jason Rogers Milwaukee Brewers Rookie
694 Xavier Scruggs St. Louis Cardinals Rookie
695 Rafael Ynoa Colorado Rockies Rookie
696 Boston Red Sox
697 New York Yankees
698 Texas Rangers
699 Miami Marlins
700 Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
701 Milwaukee Brewers

The breakdown:

• 270 Veterans
• 34 Rookie Cards
• 20 Future Stars
• 15 Team Cards
• 5 2014 Baseball Highlights
• 6 Award Winners

So yes, wonderboy Kris Bryant gets his official MLB Rookie card in the eponymous set (no, I'm not ignoring his Archives card...although...). He's #616 on the checklist (for those of you who are wondering). Card #500, which is the biggest number symbolically on the checklist goes to Big Papi himself, David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. It's a great looking checklist.

Now for those wonderful insert sets. The Hobby checklist shows 7 basic insert sets (I don't collect the relics or autos, so if you want a checklist, go nuts).

STEPPING UP
SU-1 Reggie Jackson New York Yankees
SU-2 Duke Snider Brooklyn Dodgers
SU-3 Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers
SU-4 Johnny Podres Brooklyn Dodgers
SU-5 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
SU-6 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
SU-7 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
SU-8 Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds
SU-9 Adrian Gonzalez Los Angeles Dodgers
SU-10 Randy Johnson Arizona Diamondbacks
SU-11 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
SU-12 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
SU-13 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
SU-14 Hunter Pence San Francisco Giants
SU-15 Luis Gonzalez Arizona Diamondbacks
SU-16 Mookie Wilson New York Mets
SU-17 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
SU-18 Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians
SU-19 Joe Panik San Francisco Giants
SU-20 Jacob deGrom New York Mets

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
H-31 Ty Cobb Detroit Tigers
H-32 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-33 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-34 First MLB All-Star Game
H-35 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-36 Enos Slaughter St. Louis Cardinals
H-37 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees
H-38 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
H-39 Bobby Doerr Boston Red Sox
H-40 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
H-41 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees
H-42 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians
H-43 Willie Mays New York Giants
H-44 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
H-45 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
H-46 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers
H-47 Jim Palmer Baltimore Orioles
H-48 Tom Seaver Cincinnati Reds
H-49 Rickey Henderson Oakland Athletics
H-50 Andre Dawson Montréal Expos
H-51 Roger Clemens Boston Red Sox
H-52 Don Mattingly New York Yankees
H-53 Mark McGwire Oakland Athletics
H-54 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers
H-55 Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals
H-56 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
H-57 Edgar Martinez Seattle Mariners
H-58 Greg Maddux Chicago Cubs
H-59 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
H-60 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers

ECLIPSING HISTORY
EH-1 Lou Brock St. Louis Cardinals/Rickey Henderson Oakland Athletics
EH-2 Stan Musial St. Louis Cardinals/Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves
EH-3 Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers/Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers
EH-4 Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals/Omar Vizquel San Francisco Giants
EH-5 Tom Seaver New York Mets/Dwight Gooden New York Mets
EH-6 Whitey Ford New York Yankees/Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
EH-7 Rod Carew California Angels/Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
EH-8 Jim Rice Boston Red Sox/Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
EH-9 Derek Jeter New York Yankees/Lou Gehrig New York Yankees
EH-10 Darryl Strawberry New York Mets/David Wright New York Mets

BASEBALL ROYALTY
BR-1 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
BR-2 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers
BR-3 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
BR-4 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees
BR-5 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
BR-6 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants
BR-7 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
BR-8 Mike Piazza New York Mets
BR-9 Roger Clemens Boston Red Sox
BR-10 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
BR-11 Greg Maddux Atlanta Braves
BR-12 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
BR-13 Randy Johnson Seattle Mariners
BR-14 Nolan Ryan California Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
BR-15 Reggie Jackson Oakland Athletics
BR-16 Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals
BR-17 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
BR-18 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
BR-19 Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox
BR-20 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
BR-21 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
BR-22 Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves
BR-23 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
BR-24 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
BR-25 John Smoltz Atlanta Braves

HEART OF THE ORDER
HOR-1 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
HOR-2 Mike Piazza New York Mets
HOR-3 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
HOR-4 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
HOR-5 Jose Canseco Oakland Athletics
HOR-6 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
HOR-7 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
HOR-8 Gary Carter New York Mets
HOR-9 Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves
HOR-10 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
HOR-11 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres
HOR-12 Hanley Ramirez Boston Red Sox
HOR-13 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers
HOR-14 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
HOR-15 Matt Adams St. Louis Cardinals
HOR-16 Jeff Bagwell Houston Astros
HOR-17 Edgar Martinez Seattle Mariners
HOR-18 Freddie Freeman Atlanta Braves
HOR-19 Paul Goldschmidt Arizona Diamondbacks
HOR-20 Adam Jones Baltimore Orioles

TIL ITS OVER
TIO-1 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
TIO-2 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
TIO-3 Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies
TIO-4 Evan Longoria Tampa Bay Rays
TIO-5 Omar Vizquel Cleveland Indians
TIO-6 Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
TIO-7 Lou Brock St. Louis Cardinals
TIO-8 Nolan Ryan New York Mets
TIO-9 Craig Biggio Houston Astros
TIO-10 Tom Seaver New York Mets
TIO-11 Ivan Rodriguez Florida Marlins
TIO-12 Matt Cain San Francisco Giants
TIO-13 Willie Mays New York Giants
TIO-14 David Freese St. Louis Cardinals
TIO-15 Salvador Perez Kansas City Royals

FIRST PITCH INSERT
FP-16 Kelsey Grammer Los Angeles Dodgers
FP-17 Chris Pratt Chicago Cubs
FP-18 Jon Hamm St. Louis Cardinals
FP-19 Melissa McCarthy Los Angeles Dodgers
FP-20 Chelsea Handler Chicago Cubs
FP-21 Stan Lee San Francisco Giants
FP-22 Lars Ulrich San Francisco Giants
FP-23 Kevin Hart Chicago White Sox
FP-24 Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart San Francisco Giants
FP-25 Gabriel Iglesias Miami Marlins

RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

HOT STREAK
HS-1 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
HS-2 Jim Palmer Baltimore Orioles
HS-3 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers
HS-4 Max Scherzer Detroit Tigers
HS-5 Don Mattingly New York Yankees
HS-6 Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves
HS-7 Vinny Castilla Colorado Rockies
HS-8 Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
HS-9 Frank Robinson Baltimore Orioles
HS-10 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
HS-11 Roger Clemens New York Yankees
HS-12 Randy Johnson Seattle Mariners
HS-13 Pablo Sandoval San Francisco Giants
HS-14 George Brett Kansas City Royals
HS-15 Ozzie Smith St.Louis Cardinals
HS-16 David Cone Kansas City Royals
HS-17 Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians
HS-18 Livan Hernandez Florida Marlins
HS-19 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals
HS-20 Luis Gonzalez Arizona Diamondbacks

FIRST HOME RUN
FHR-1 Eddie Murray Baltimore Orioles
FHR-2 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
FHR-3 Brooks Robinson Baltimore Orioles
FHR-4 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox
FHR-5 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
FHR-6 Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox
FHR-7 Johnny Bench Cincinnati Reds
FHR-8 Tony Pérez Cincinnati Reds
FHR-9 Ty Cobb Detroit Tigers
FHR-10 Miguel Cabrera Florida Marlins
FHR-11 Giancarlo Stanton Florida Marlins
FHR-12 Hunter Pence Houston Astros
FHR-13 Reggie Jackson Kansas City Athletics
FHR-14 Carlos Beltran Kansas City Royals
FHR-15 Bo Jackson Kansas City Royals
FHR-16 David Ortiz Minnesota Twins
FHR-17 Mark McGwire Oakland Athletics
FHR-18 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres
FHR-19 Jayson Werth Toronto Blue Jays
FHR-20 Harmon Killebrew Washington Senators
FHR-21 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-22 Rusney Castillo Boston Red Sox
FHR-23 Dwight Gooden New York Mets
FHR-24 Greg Maddux Chicago Cubs
FHR-25 Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
FHR-26 Ryan Braun Milwaukee Brewers
FHR-27 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals
FHR-28 Matt Kemp Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-29 Prince Fielder Milwaukee Brewers
FHR-30 Nelson Cruz Texas Rangers
FHR-31 Cliff Floyd Montréal Expos
FHR-32 Pablo Sandoval San Francisco Giants
FHR-33 Yadier Molina St. Louis Cardinals
FHR-34 Alex Gordon Kansas City Royals
FHR-35 Lucas Duda New York Mets

THE SULTAN OF SWAT (TARGET EXCLUSIVE)
RUTH-1 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-2 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-3 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-4 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-5 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-6 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-7 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-8 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-9 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
RUTH-10 Babe Ruth New York Yankees

2632 (WALMART EXCLUSIVE)
2632-1 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-2 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-3 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-4 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-5 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-6 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-7 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-8 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-9 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
2632-10 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles

It's nice that Topps has decided to also include retail exclusive inserts to their lineup as well. It looks like the First Pitch cards continue on into series 2, as well as the Highlight of the Year set. A second 10-card Babe Ruth tribute set is part of the offerings, while the other 10-card set honors the Iron Man, Cal Ripken. I am confused and concerned that the numbering of the First Home Run set in series 2 is exactly the same as its series 1 counterparts. Hopefully it's only listed here in error and that the set does begin with card #FHR41.

So get ready boys and girls. Series 2 is upon us. Let the fun continue.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Ichiro is Back on Topps!!!

It looks like whatever deal Ichiro Suzuki had with that rogue card company is now over.

In 2013, many collectors (myself included) noticed that a certain recently traded Yankees player was not in any of the Topps products the company brought to the masses. He didn't appear on any checklists, he didn't appear in the eponymous set, the team set, not even those Topps Chipz. Unusual enough that Topps was excluding a Yankee player, but it was Ichiro.

Ichiro!!!

The last time we saw this guy on a Topps card (not including the SP, or the Heritage High Numbers) was in 2012 Topps Update Series.

2012 Topps Update Series Ichiro #US272A

And that was it.

Okay, I'm wrong. He showed up in those Topps Qubi things in 2013)

If you wanted your Ichiro fix, you'd have to buy cards from those other card companies (shudder). But if you're a die-hard Topps fan, there was nothing for you.  You were out.

Until now.

I saw this on Facebook yesterday, and thought, "This has to be a mock-up. No way is this real!"

It's a picture of an autograph card for 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter's. It includes an image of Ichiro, and an autograph (is that really his auto???).

There were some red flags raised, which made me question its authenticity:

• It's of Ichiro in a Mariners' jersey. Isn't he with the Marlins now?
• It's an autograph. I didn't see (at the time) any news of Ichiro signing an autograph deal with Topps
• I knew that Ichiro was in a long-term deal with Leaf, which was probably why he vanished from Topps products these last two-plus years.

But then today, I'm reading the Twitter feed and see this (and if you can't see the images, the actual line is below):

Topps Company @toppscards: Topps to issue its first autographed cards of Ichiro!

Topps Company @toppscards: Ichiro will also have autographed card of him featured with the *Yankees and @Marlins in 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter.

Well, it's official.

It looks like Ichiro has finally come back to Topps. Along with Allen & Ginter's, will we see a Marlins card of Mr. Suzuki any time soon? Will he be in Series 2? Update Series? Archives?

Better question: Will Topps be making "retro" cards of Ichiro from his Yankees days (2013, 2014)?

Regardless of when he makes his return to a Topps base card, It's about time.

Now, about that Matt Wieters guy...

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Let the Bryant-Mania Begin

(Before I begin, I'd like to take a moment to say thanks and God Bless Francis Cardinal George, who passed away this morning due to complications to cancer. Rest in Peace, Your Eminence.)

In 2010, we had Strasburg Mania.

In 2012, it was Harper Mania.

Today, in 2015, it is time for Bryant Mania!!!

Since Theo and company took over the baseball operations of the Cubs, they have been able to stockpile a number of very prospects. And these last two seasons (well, really since the second half of the 2014 season), we have seen the arrival of heralded players such as Javier Baez (okay, so he's in the minors...for now), Jorge Soler, Arismendy Alcantara, and before the end of this year (or in the near future), we'll probably see the likes of Addison Russell, and Kyle Schwarber.

But today, on Friday, April 17, 2015, the most heralded of all of the Cubs' prospects will make his major league debut.

If you haven't heard his name by now, meet Kris Bryant!

That's right, the guy who's Bowman card has been in the news lately for being sold for a mere $90,000 plus dollars, stepped onto a major league ballfield for the very first time today.

How did he do?

0-4 with three strikeouts (all swinging, all against James Shields) in a 5-4 loss.

Eh, can't win them all. Even Mike Trout went 0-3 in his MLB debut.

He did have a few dazzling defensive plays, which is amazing considering that it was his defense that they were concerned about.

Okay, so what about cards??!

While certain collectors, okay, many collectors, went insane over Topps' treatment over the Washington Nationals' duo (super short-printed cards, variations up the wazoo in Series 2 and other places, mega-short-printed autograph cards), it looks like Topps has been preparing for this moment, and it looks like Bryant's first Topps cards will be appearing in earnest.

According to the Number One Source in the Hobby, and confirmed by Topps' Facebook page, Bryant's cards will:

• show up on a  prospect base (meaning INSERT!!!) card in 2015 Bowman Baseball (as scheduled). There will be inserts and autographed insert cards to chase,
• (hopefully) have autographed cards as part of 2015 Tier One Baseball (hopefully, because they won't be packed out, but redemption cards will),
• be rushed into 2015 Topps Finest Baseball as card No. 111, one of the short-printed base cards, and there will be autograph cards here as well,
• be getting the Harper treatment for his Rookie Cards in Topps Archives (limited base cards and autographs),
• appear in Topps Series 2 Baseball which releases in June. No indication has been made as to if it will be another SSP card, but based on how early it is in the season, there should be no reason as to why he won't be included in the base set and not card #702,
• be added to this year's edition of Stadium Club, Allen & Ginter's and Topps Chrome.

Okay, he's here now. He's gotten his first game out of the way. Let the Hobby riots begin.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Happy Kazuo Uzuki Day!!!

Let me just say that I love this card.



It drives a certain Hobby blogger (now Twitter fiend) to the brink of insanity. But I think it's great.

Long story short, on the heels of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Topps decided to add a card of the next great Japanese pitching phenom. This kid named Kazuo Uzuki. The bio on the back of the card talks of a pitching prodigy who was so close to making that first Japanese team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, but was prohibited by age. Here's the full bio:

Already being called "The Uzi" by some for his 104 MPH fastball, kaz will be the first japan-based high-schooler to jump straight to professional baseball in America when he graduates in 2009. "He is, hands down, the best pitching prospect I've seen in 30 years," said one MLB scout. And one unnamed American League GM said, "The contract this kid is going to get will be astronomical." At age fourteen, he was the youngest player invited to the WBC squad trials and - though he was cut on the last day - he made a lasting impression with his 17 Ks in 7 innings of work during intrasquad matches.

What a prospect. No wonder Topps added his card to packs of their 2008 Topps Series 1 product.

But wait.

People started to guess that something was amiss.

There was no information anywhere on a Kazuo Uzuki. Nothing online about this wunderkid. And for all of the accolades, you'd think someone would have heard of him.

And that's when things started to unravel.

On April 1, 2008, Topps finally announced that this was an April Fool's joke, less than two months after the product went live. And go figure. Kazuo Uzuki means "first son of April" (if Wikipedia is to be believed).

It turns out that the Japanese pitching phenom was really a New York University law student named Sensen Lin (who, oh yeah, is Chinese). When he was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal Law Blog, he said he had summered with Ropes & Gray LLC. I went to check, and according to his LinkedIn profile, he's been with the firm for six years now (and no, I'm not going to link his profile...are you kidding? Although, I may ask if I can add him as a connection...)

So let's raise a glass to Mr. Lin, who so graciously is now a part of cardboard lore.

Happy April Fools' Day everybody!!!

Keep the pranks to a minimum, will you?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

I'm Sorry, The Jeter Card Sold for HOW MUCH??!

Still upset that my local big box store did not have any 2015 Topps Series 1 packs out, I drowned my sorrows at the Dollar Tree to find that, even though I thought it ended, the store was still selling certain packs for a penny.

So I got myself 35 5-card packs of 2013 Topps Update Series. I'll be breaking that shortly while biding my time, waiting for my paycheck to come next week so I can hop aboard the 2015 Topps train on the Bay.

In the meantime, while perusing the Twitterverse, the biggest casebreaker out there, brentandbecca, has been busy sorting and listing all of the cards they have from the 35 to 100 cases they open for every product (okay, that's an exaggeration, but they do bust open a ton of cases). If you want to know what almost EVERY CARD LOOKS LIKE, check their auctions on eBay.

Speaking of checking their auctions...

So this is Derek Jeter's final regular series Topps card. He's been in every eponymous Topps set since 1993. That gives him a staggering 23 regular Topps cards in his illustrious career. Now, I know last year's Update Series included reprints of his previous 22 cards, but they were of the framed variety and quite frankly, because they were serial numbered, not worth the time and money for me to invest. Heck, some of the reprints were worth more than the regular cards.

But I digress.

So brentandbecca is still sorting through their cards and he put on auction the above card.

Guess what the final price was for this one regular card? Keep in mind that this is not the SP card. There is no twinkle in his eye, (for that matter, I have no idea if he has a sparkle card). This is the base card that EVERY factory set will have when summer hits.

Not $1.00.

Not $5.00.

Not $10.00.

Not $20.00.

Not $50.00.

Just check this out:

Let's try that again:

That's $100.00.

For one base card!!!

And the funny thing is that the guy who "won" the auction paid for it.

Yes, I know that the card itself has been all over the news as it is Jeter's final card. But this is a bit excessive, don't you think? Now EVERYBODY's going to want to put this card online to see if they can ride the wave of hysteria.

Sadly, I can't yet. I haven't seen any cards from 2015 as of today (yes I know it's only Day 2 since the official release).

I'm in the wrong business.

Now I'd love to have the finances that brentandbecca have to break open so many cases. And don't get me wrong, I'd love to spend my day opening packs of cards (it's a ton of work, and I give him, his wife, and his support staff a lot of props for the work they do).

I'm just not sure if my shelves could take the weight.

Congrats.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The 2015 Topps Series 1 Checklist is Now Live!

As they promised last week, Topps has released the 2015 Topps Baseball Series 1 Checklist.

Before we get to the guts of the list, they also posted one more picture:

These are the rainbow foil parallels. Now I don't collect parallels, and some took to the twitterverse wishing that these weren't going to be included, but they look nice, and if I get one in a pack, I'd be happy with it. I mean, with the color scheme of the cards for this year's design, they do look pretty in the light...

But I digress...

The checklist is out. Not only are there 350 base cards (1-6, 8-351...the seven is really gone), but there are a ton of inserts that look to be split between the Hobby shops, the retail stores, and both in terms of exclusivity.

Now understand, I'm only listing the checklists for the base and basic inserts sets. No relics, no autos, no auto-relics, no manufactured relics. Just the cards I'd be willing to collect for this product. So, without further ado, here is the base checklist:

BASE:

1 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
2 Jose Altuve/Victor Martinez/Michael Brantley LEAGUE LEADERS
3 Rene Rivera San Diego Padres
4 Curtis Granderson New York Mets
5 Josh Donaldson Oakland Athletics
6 Jayson Werth Washington Nationals
8 Miguel Gonzalez Baltimore Orioles
9 Hunter Pence San Francisco Giants WORLD SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
10 Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
11 Jon Jay St. Louis Cardinals
12 James McCann Detroit Tigers Rookie
13 Toronto Blue Jays
14 Kendall Graveman Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
15 Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds
16 David DeJesus Tampa Bay Rays
17 Brian McCann New York Yankees
18 Cody Allen Cleveland Indians
19 Baltimore Orioles
20 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
21 Brett Gardner New York Yankees
22 Tyler Flowers Chicago White Sox
23 Michael Bourn Cleveland Indians
24 New York Mets
25 Jose Bautista Toronto Blue Jays
26 Bryce Brentz Boston Red Sox Rookie
27 Kendrys Morales Seattle Mariners
28 Alex Cobb Tampa Bay Rays
29 Brandon Belt San Francisco Giants 2014 BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
30 Tanner Roark Washington Nationals Future Star
31 Nick Tropeano Houston Astros Rookie
32 Carlos Quentin San Diego Padres
33 Oakland Athletics
34 Charlie Blackmon Colorado Rockies
35 Brandon Moss Oakland Athletics
36 Julio Teheran Atlanta Braves
37 Arismendy Alcantara Chicago Cubs Future Star
38 Jordan Zimmermann Washington Nationals
39 Salvador Perez Kansas City Royals
40 Joakim Soria Detroit Tigers
41 Chris Colabello Minnesota Twins
42 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
43 Starlin Castro Chicago Cubs
44 Gio Gonzalez Washington Nationals
45 Carlos Beltran New York Yankees
46 Wilson Ramos Washington Nationals
47 Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
48 John Axford Pittsburgh Pirates
49 Dominic Leone Seattle Mariners
50 Yu Darvish Texas Rangers
51 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
52 Fernando Rodney Seattle Mariners
53 Nathan Eovaldi Miami Marlins
54 Joe Nathan Detroit Tigers
55 Trevor May Minnesota Twins Rookie
56 Matt Garza Milwaukee Brewers
57 Lyle Overbay Milwaukee Brewers
58 Evan Gattis Atlanta Braves Future Star
59 Jake Odorizzi Tampa Bay Rays
60 Michael Wacha St. Louis Cardinals
61 Johnny Cueto/Clayton Kershaw/Adam Wainwright LEAGUE LEADERS
62 Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies
63 Chris Owings Arizona Diamondbacks Future Star
64 Atlanta Braves
65 Alexei Ramirez Chicago White Sox
66 Vance Worley Pittsburgh Pirates
67 Hunter Pence San Francisco Giants
68 Lonnie Chisenhall Cleveland Indians
69 Justin Upton Atlanta Braves
70 Charlie Furbush Seattle Mariners
71 Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers 2014 BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
72 Jordan Lyles Colorado Rockies
73 Freddie Freeman Atlanta Braves
74 Tyler Skaggs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
75 Dustin Pedroia Boston Red Sox
76 Ian Kennedy San Diego Padres
77 Edwin Escobar Boston Red Sox Rookie
78 Yordano Ventura Kansas City Royals
79 Starling Marte Pittsburgh Pirates
80 Adam Wainwright St. Louis Cardinals
81 Chris Young Seattle Mariners
82 Nick Tepesch Texas Rangers
83 David Wright New York Mets
84 Jonathan Schoop Baltimore Orioles
85 Adam Wainwright/Johnny Cueto/Clayton Kershaw LEAGUE LEADERS
86 Tim Hudson San Francisco Giants
87 Eric Sogard Oakland Athletics
88 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants WORLD SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
89 Michael Choice Texas Rangers
90 Marcus Stroman Toronto Blue Jays Future Star
91 Corey Dickerson Colorado Rockies
92 Ian Kinsler Detroit Tigers
93 Andre Ethier Los Angeles Dodgers
94 Tommy Kahnle Colorado Rockies
95 Junior Lake Chicago Cubs
96 Sergio Santos Toronto Blue Jays
97 Dalton Pompey Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
98 Mike Trout/Nelson Cruz/Miguel Cabrera LEAGUE LEADERS
99 Yonder Alonso San Diego Padres
100 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
101 Scooter Gennett Milwaukee Brewers
102 Gordon Beckham Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
103 Guilder Rodriguez Texas Rangers Rookie
104 Bud Norris Baltimore Orioles
105 Jeff Baker Miami Marlins
106 Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
107 James Loney Tampa Bay Rays
108 Jorge Soler Chicago Cubs Rookie
109 Doug Fister Washington Nationals
110 Tony Sipp Houston Astros
111 Trevor Bauer Cleveland Indians
112 Daniel Nava Boston Red Sox
113 Jason Castro Houston Astros
114 Mike Zunino Seattle Mariners
115 Khris Davis Milwaukee Brewers
116 Vidal Nuno Arizona Diamondbacks
117 Sean Doolittle Oakland Athletics
118 Domonic Brown Philadelphia Phillies
119 Anibal Sanchez Detroit Tigers
120 Yoenis Cespedes Boston Red Sox
121 Garrett Jones Miami Marlins
122 Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians
123 Ben Revere Philadelphia Phillies
124 Mark Melancon Pittsburgh Pirates
125 Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies
126 Detroit Tigers
127 Andrew McCutchen/Justin Morneau/Josh Harrison LEAGUE LEADERS
128 Anthony Swarzak Minnesota Twins
129 Jacob deGrom New York Mets Future Star
130 Mike Napoli Boston Red Sox
131 Edward Mujica Boston Red Sox
132 Michael Taylor Washington Nationals Rookie
133 Daisuke Matsuzaka New York Mets
134 Brett Lawrie Toronto Blue Jays
135 Matt Dominguez Houston Astros
136 Manny Machado Baltimore Orioles
137 Alcides Escobar Kansas City Royals
138 Tim Lincecum San Francisco Giants
139 Gary Brown San Francisco Giants Rookie
140 Alex Avila Detroit Tigers
141 Cory Spangenberg San Diego Padres Rookie
142 Masahiro Tanaka New York Yankees Future Star
143 Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
144 Rusney Castillo Boston Red Sox Rookie
145 Jesse Hahn San Diego Padres
146 Tony Watson Pittsburgh Pirates
147 Andrew Heaney Miami Marlins Future Star
148 J.D. Martinez Detroit Tigers
149 Daniel Murphy New York Mets
150 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
151 C.J. Cron Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Future Star
152 Michael Pineda New York Yankees
153 Josh Reddick Oakland Athletics
154 Brandon Finnegan Kansas City Royals Rookie
155 Jesse Chavez Oakland Athletics
156 Santiago Casilla San Francisco Giants
157 Ubaldo Jimenez Baltimore Orioles
158 Kevin Kiermaier Tampa Bay Rays Future Star
159 Brandon Crawford San Francisco Giants
160 Washington Nationals
161 Howie Kendrick Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
162 Drew Pomeranz Oakland Athletics
163 Chase Utley Philadelphia Phillies
164 Brian Schlitter Chicago Cubs
165 John Jaso Oakland Athletics
166 Jenrry Mejia New York Mets
167 Matt Cain San Francisco Giants
168 Colorado Rockies
169 Adam Jones Baltimore Orioles
170 Tommy Medica San Diego Padres
171 Mike Foltynewicz Houston Astros Rookie
172 Didi Gregorius Arizona Diamondbacks
173 Carlos Torres New York Mets
174 Jesus Guzman Houston Astros
175 Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers
176 Jose Abreu Chicago White Sox Future Star
177 Paul Konerko Chicago White Sox
178 Christian Yelich Miami Marlins
179 Jason Vargas Kansas City Royals
180 Steve Pearce Baltimore Orioles
181 Jason Heyward Atlanta Braves
182 Devin Mesoraco Cincinnati Reds
183 Craig Gentry Oakland Athletics
184 B.J. Upton Atlanta Braves
185 Ricky Nolasco Minnesota Twins
186 Rex Brothers Colorado Rockies
187 Marlon Byrd Philadelphia Phillies
188 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants WORLD SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
189 Dustin Ackley Seattle Mariners
190 Zach Britton Baltimore Orioles
191 Yimi Garcia Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
192 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie
193 Buck Farmer Detroit Tigers Rookie
194 David Murphy Cleveland Indians
195 Garrett Richards Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
196 Chicago Cubs
197 Glen Perkins Minnesota Twins
198 Alexi Ogando Texas Rangers
199 Eric Young Jr. New York Mets
200 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
201 Tommy La Stella Atlanta Braves
202 Mike Minor Atlanta Braves
203 Paul Goldschmidt Arizona Diamondbacks
204 Eduardo Escobar Minnesota Twins
205 Josh Harrison Pittsburgh Pirates
206 Rick Porcello Detroit Tigers
207 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
208 Wilin Rosario Colorado Rockies
209 Daniel Corcino Cincinnati Reds Rookie
210 Salvador Perez Kansas City Royals 2014 BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
211 Clay Buchholz Boston Red Sox
212 Cliff Lee Philadelphia Phillies
213 Jered Weaver Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
214 Corey Kluber/Max Scherzer/Jered Weaver LEAGUE LEADERS
215 Alejandro De Aza Baltimore Orioles
216 Greg Holland Kansas City Royals
217 Daniel Norris Toronto Blue Jays Rookie
218 David Buchanan Philadelphia Phillies
219 Kennys Vargas Minnesota Twins
220 Shelby Miller St. Louis Cardinals
221 Jason Kipnis Cleveland Indians
222 Antonio Bastardo Philadelphia Phillies
223 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
224 Bryan Mitchell New York Yankees Rookie
225 Jacoby Ellsbury New York Yankees
226 Dioner Navarro Toronto Blue Jays
227 Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants WORLD SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
228 Jake Peavy San Francisco Giants
229 Bryan Morris Miami Marlins
230 Jean Segura Milwaukee Brewers
231 Andrew Cashner San Diego Padres
232 Andrew Susac San Francisco Giants
233 Carlos Ruiz Philadelphia Phillies
234 Brandon Belt San Francisco Giants
235 Jeremy Guthrie Kansas City Royals
236 Zack Wheeler New York Mets
237 Lucas Duda New York Mets
238 Hyun-Jin Ryu Los Angeles Dodgers
239 Jose Iglesias Detroit Tigers
240 Anthony Ranaudo Boston Red Sox Rookie
241 Dilson Herrera New York Mets Rookie
242 Edwin Encarnacion Toronto Blue Jays
243 Al Alburquerque Detroit Tigers
244 Bartolo Colon New York Mets
245 Tyler Colvin San Francisco Giants
246 Chris Carter Houston Astros
247 Aaron Hill Arizona Diamondbacks
248 Addison Reed Arizona Diamondbacks
249 Jose Reyes Toronto Blue Jays
250 Evan Longoria Tampa Bay Rays
251 Anthony Rendon Washington Nationals
252 Travis Wood Chicago Cubs
253 Gregory Polanco Pittsburgh Pirates Future Star
254 Steve Cishek Miami Marlins
255 James Russell Atlanta Braves
256 Adam Eaton Chicago White Sox
257 Jarrod Saltalamacchia Miami Marlins
258 Kansas City Royals
259 Brian Dozier Minnesota Twins
260 David Peralta Arizona Diamondbacks
261 Lance Lynn St. Louis Cardinals
262 Ryan Braun Milwaukee Brewers
263 Dillon Gee New York Mets
264 Tony Cingrani Cincinnati Reds
265 Arizona Diamondbacks
266 Brandon Phillips Cincinnati Reds
267 Zack Greinke Los Angeles Dodgers
268 Aroldis Chapman Cincinnati Reds
269 Jordy Mercer Pittsburgh Pirates
270 Steven Moya Detroit Tigers Rookie
271 Pittsburgh Pirates
272 Matt Kemp Los Angeles Dodgers
273 Brandon Hicks San Francisco Giants
274 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals
275 Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
276 Conor Gillaspie Chicago White Sox
277 Cincinnati Reds
278 David Phelps New York Yankees
279 Coco Crisp Oakland Athletics
280 Miguel Montero Arizona Diamondbacks
281 Elvis Andrus Texas Rangers
282 Alex Presley Houston Astros
283 Chris Johnson Atlanta Braves
284 Brandon League Los Angeles Dodgers
285 Chris Carter/Mike Trout/Nelson Cruz LEAGUE LEADERS
286 Trevor Rosenthal St. Louis Cardinals
287 Everth Cabrera San Diego Padres
288 Chris Parmelee Minnesota Twins
289 Matt Joyce Tampa Bay Rays
290 David Lough Baltimore Orioles
291 Mark Reynolds Milwaukee Brewers
292 Neil Walker Pittsburgh Pirates
293 Zach Duke Milwaukee Brewers
294 Aaron Sanchez Toronto Blue Jays Future Star
295 Erick Aybar Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
296 Charlie Morton Pittsburgh Pirates
297 Scott Kazmir Oakland Athletics
298 Rymer Liriano San Diego Padres Rookie
299 Joaquin Arias San Francisco Giants
300 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
301 Zack Cozart Cincinnati Reds
302 Martin Prado New York Yankees
303 Ike Davis Pittsburgh Pirates
304 Shawn Kelley New York Yankees
305 Sonny Gray Oakland Athletics
306 Juan Lagares New York Mets Future Star
307 Mark Teixeira New York Yankees
308 Carl Crawford Los Angeles Dodgers
309 Maikel Franco Philadelphia Phillies Rookie
310 Jake Lamb Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie
311 Jhonny Peralta St. Louis Cardinals
312 Kyle Lobstein Detroit Tigers Rookie
313 Anthony Rizzo/Giancarlo Stanton/Lucas Duda LEAGUE LEADERS
314 Jackie Bradley Jr. Boston Red Sox
315 Javier Baez Chicago Cubs Rookie
316 R.A. Dickey Toronto Blue Jays
317 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers 2014 BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
318 George Springer Houston Astros Future Star
319 Derek Jeter New York Yankees 2014 BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
320 Shin-Soo Choo Texas Rangers
321 Josh Hamilton Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
322 Phil Hughes Minnesota Twins
323 Eric Hosmer Kansas City Royals
324 Chris Archer Tampa Bay Rays
325 Felix Hernandez Seattle Mariners
326 C.J. Wilson Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
327 Xander Bogaerts Boston Red Sox Future Star
328 Adrian Gonzalez Los Angeles Dodgers
329 Logan Forsythe Tampa Bay Rays
330 Brian Duensing Minnesota Twins
331 Danny Espinosa Washington Nationals
332 Kyle Seager Seattle Mariners
333 Billy Hamilton Cincinnati Reds Future Star
334 Gerardo Parra Milwaukee Brewers
335 Matt Barnes Boston Red Sox Rookie
336 Matt Carpenter St. Louis Cardinals
337 Jedd Gyorko San Diego Padres
338 Yasmani Grandal San Diego Padres
339 Austin Jackson Seattle Mariners
340 Carlos Gomez Milwaukee Brewers
341 Corey Kluber/Chris Sale/Felix Hernandez LEAGUE LEADERS
342 San Diego Padres
343 Shane Greene New York Yankees
344 Manny Parra Cincinnati Reds
345 Brandon Cumpton Pittsburgh Pirates
346 Trevor Cahill Arizona Diamondbacks
347 Dexter Fowler Houston Astros
348 Carlos Santana Cleveland Indians
349 Justin Upton/Adrian Gonzalez/Giancarlo Stanton LEAGUE LEADERS
350 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
351 Tom Koehler Miami Marlins

The breakdown:

• 269 Veterans
• 30 Rookie Cards
• 17 Future Stars
• 15 Team Cards
• 10 League Leaders
• 5 2014 Baseball Highlights
• 4 World Series Highlights

Number one on the checklist, recently retired Derek Jeter. Personally, it would have been fitting if he was card #2 (get it?). People on the twitter were complaining about Jeter being included in this set. But hey, retired players have been in sets when they're already out of baseball (See Mark McGwire in 2001, Tony Gwynn in 2002, and Paul Konerko in 2014. Yes, he's in here too.

Now, Topps brought back the Future Stars subset for 2015. But instead of picking 17 guys who might never pan out (ala Tim Pyznarski), some of the subjects the company chose were among the ones who were voted as 2014 Topps All-Star Rookies (with that glorious ASRT Rookie Cup).

Team cards, I noticed made a comeback, for the first time since 2011. Now, was NOT WHAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT when it was announced that the set would be 700 cards. That means of the 40 extra cards for this set, after the 30 team cards, only 10 cards are left for whatever. So much for extra players.

Of the 30 Rookie Card-eligible players in Series 1, 5 come from the Red Sox, 4 from the Tigers, 3 are from the Blue Jays, and the rest consist of players from the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds, Astros, Royals, Dodgers, Twins, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Giants, Padres, Rangers, and Nationals. None made their debut before August 1, 2014. As a Cubs fan, seeing both Baez and Soler on the checklist makes me happy. The RC class also includes Brandon Finnegan, who bolted his way from the 2014 MLB Draft to the World Series and my new favorite name, George Runie Farmer, aka Buck Farmer, of the Tigers.

The five season highlight cards will serve as checklists, as they have since 2011.

Now, on to the inserts. Many we've already seen on the sell sheets. Others are brand spanking new. There are at least four retail (that would be Walmart, Target, Toys r Us, etc) exclusive insert sets. Here we go:

ARCHETYPES
A-1 Rickey Henderson Oakland Athletics
A-2 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
A-3 Steve Carlton Philadelphia Phillies
A-4 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
A-5 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
A-6 Yoenis Cespedes Boston Red Sox
A-7 Paul Goldschmidt Arizona Diamondbacks
A-8 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
A-9 Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
A-10 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
A-11 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
A-12 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
A-13 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
A-14 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers
A-15 Mike Piazza New York Mets
A-16 Johnny Bench Cincinnati Reds
A-17 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres
A-18 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
A-19 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
A-20 Greg Maddux Atlanta Braves
A-21 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
A-22 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves
A-23 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants
A-24 Ty Cobb Detroit Tigers
A-25 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
H-1 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees
H-2 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-3 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
H-4 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians
H-5 Stan Musial St. Louis Cardinals
H-6 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
H-7 NEW YORK GIANTS Win The Pennant
H-8 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
H-9 Enos Slaughter St. Louis Cardinals
H-10 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs
H-11 Roger Maris New York Yankees
H-12 Roger Maris New York Yankees
H-13 Warren Spahn Milwaukee Braves
H-14 Brooks Robinson Baltimore Orioles
H-15 Juan Marichal San Francisco Giants
H-16 Catfish Hunter Oakland Athletics
H-17 Nolan Ryan California Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
H-18 Willie McCovey San Diego Padres
H-19 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies
H-20 Fergie Jenkins Texas Rangers
H-21 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
H-22 Nolan Ryan Houston Astros
H-23 Jose Canseco Oakland Athletics
H-24 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
H-25 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
H-26 Nomar Garciaparra Boston Red Sox
H-27 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
H-28 Josh Beckett Florida Marlins
H-29 Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers
H-30 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers

INSPIRATIONS
I-1 Manny Machado/Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
I-2 Ken Griffey Jr/Robinson Cano Seattle Mariners
I-3 Don Mattingly/Mark Teixeira New York Yankees
I-4 Al Kaline/Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
I-5 Steve Carlton/Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
I-6 Rod Carew/Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
I-7 Clayton Kershaw/Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
I-8 Jim Rice/Yoenis Cespedes Boston Red Sox
I-9 Stan Musial/Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
I-10 Fred McGriff/Freddie Freeman Atlanta Braves
I-11 Tom Seaver/Matt Harvey New York Mets
I-12 Jose Abreu/Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox
I-13 Craig Kimbrel/John Smoltz Atlanta Braves
I-14 Randy Johnson/Felix Hernandez Seattle Mariners
I-15 Andrew McCutchen/Willie Stargell Pittsburgh Pirates

GALLERY OF GREATS
GG-1 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
GG-2 Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox
GG-3 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
GG-4 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners
GG-5 Tom Glavine Atlanta Braves
GG-6 Mike Piazza New York Mets
GG-7 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals
GG-8 Roger Clemens Boston Red Sox
GG-9 Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers
GG-10 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles
GG-11 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
GG-12 Steve Carlton Philadelphia Phillies
GG-13 Hanley Ramirez Los Angeles Dodgers
GG-14 Willie Mays New York Giants
GG-15 Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers
GG-16 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
GG-17 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
GG-18 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
GG-19 Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
GG-20 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers
GG-21 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees
GG-22 Babe Ruth New York Yankees
GG-23 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates
GG-24 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers
GG-25 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres

BASEBALL HISTORY
1A Geneva Conference begins
1B Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves
2A Polio Vaccine announced as safe
2B Robin Roberts Philadelphia Phillies
3A American Bandstand debuts
3B Red Schoendienst Milwaukee Braves
4A Nixon / Kennedy debate
4B Ted Williams Boston Red Sox
5A MLK leads march on Washington
5B Warren Spahn Milwaukee Braves
6A Apollo 11
6B Tom Seaver New York Mets
7A Top 40 Countdown premiers
7B Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves
8A Gerald Ford sworn in as President of USA
8B Nolan Ryan California Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
9A Apple founded
9B Reggie Jackson Baltimore Orioles
10A ESPN's first broadcast
10B Bruce Sutter Chicago Cubs
11A CNN begins broadcasting
11B Darryl Strawberry New York Mets
12A Space Shuttle Columbia launches
12B Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers
13A Sandra Day O'Connor sworn in
13B Steve Carlton Philadelphia Phillies
14A Live Aid concert
14B Nolan Ryan Houston Astros
15A Clinton earns Democratic nomination
15B Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners

FREE AGENT 40
F40-1 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
F40-2 Robinson Cano Seattle Mariners
F40-3 CC Sabathia New York Yankees
F40-4 Nolan Ryan Houston Astros
F40-5 Goose Gossage New York Yankees
F40-6 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
F40-7 Andre Dawson Chicago Cubs
F40-8 Greg Maddux Atlanta Braves
F40-9 Alex Rodriguez Texas Rangers
F40-10 Randy Johnson Arizona Diamondbacks
F40-11 Reggie Jackson New York Yankees
F40-12 Carlton Fisk Chicago White Sox
F40-13 David Cone Kansas City Royals
F40-14 Roger Clemens Houston Astros
F40-15 Ivan Rodriguez Florida Marlins

FIRST PITCH INSERT
FP-01 Jeff Bridges Los Angeles Dodgers
FP-02 Jack White Detroit Tigers
FP-03 McKayla Maroney Chicago White Sox
FP-04 Eddie Vedder Chicago Cubs
FP-05 Biz Markie Oakland Athletics
FP-06 Agnes McKee San Diego Padres
FP-07 Austin Mahone Atlanta Braves
FP-08 Jermaine Jones Los Angeles Dodgers
FP-09 Tom Willis Kansas City Royals
FP-10 Graham Elliot Chicago Cubs
FP-11 Tom Morello Chicago Cubs
FP-12 Macklemore Seattle Mariners
FP-13 Suzy Los Angeles Dodgers
FP-14 50 Cent New York Mets
FP-15 Meb Keflezighi Boston Red Sox

RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

ROBBED
R-1 Dustin Ackley Seattle Mariners
R-2 Alexi Amarista San Diego Padres
R-3 Jacoby Ellsbury New York Yankees
R-4 Carlos Gomez Milwaukee Brewers
R-5 Josh Hamilton Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
R-6 Jason Heyward Atlanta Braves
R-7 Ryan Ludwick Cincinnati Reds
R-8 Michael Morse San Francisco Giants
R-9 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
R-10 Colby Rasmus Toronto Blue Jays
R-11 Ben Revere Philadelphia Phillies
R-12 George Springer Houston Astros
R-13 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
R-14 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
R-15 Mookie Betts Boston Red Sox

FIRST HOME RUN
FHR-01 Jorge Soler Chicago Cubs
FHR-02 Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
FHR-03 David Wright New York Mets
FHR-04 Robinson Cano New York Yankees
FHR-05 Derek Jeter New York Yankees
FHR-06 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
FHR-07 Mike Moustakas Kansas City Royals
FHR-08 Eric Hosmer Kansas City Royals
FHR-09 Matt Carpenter St. Louis Cardinals
FHR-10 Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves
FHR-11 Anthony Rizzo San Diego Padres
FHR-12 Jason Heyward Atlanta Braves
FHR-13 Javier Baez Chicago Cubs
FHR-14 Yasiel Puig Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-15 Alex Rodriguez Seattle Mariners
FHR-16 Matt Adams St. Louis Cardinals
FHR-17 Adam Dunn Cincinnati Reds
FHR-18 Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
FHR-19 Paul Konerko Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-20 Adrian Gonzalez Texas Rangers
FHR-21 Jose Bautista Pittsburgh Pirates
FHR-22 Josh Hamilton Cincinnati Reds
FHR-23 Chase Utley Philadelphia Phillies
FHR-24 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
FHR-25 Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds
FHR-26 Adam Jones Seattle Mariners
FHR-27 Chris Davis Texas Rangers
FHR-28 Don Mattingly New York Yankees
FHR-29 Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
FHR-30 Jose Abreu Chicago White Sox
FHR-31 Yoenis Cespedes Oakland Athletics
FHR-32 Paul Goldschmidt Arizona Diamondbacks
FHR-33 Freddie Freeman Atlanta Braves
FHR-34 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
FHR-35 Evan Longoria Tampa Bay Rays
FHR-36 Victor Martinez Cleveland Indians
FHR-37 Mike Piazza Los Angeles Dodgers
FHR-38 Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies
FHR-39 Dustin Pedroia Boston Red Sox
FHR-40 Deion Sanders New York Yankees

THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY
JR-1 Two-Sport College Star
JR-2 Serving his country
JR-3 .387 with Kansas City
JR-4 Robinson Signs with the Dodgers
JR-5 Robinson Travels North
JR-6 Breaking the MLB Color Barrier
JR-7 NL MVP in 1949
JR-8 World Series Title in 1955
JR-9 Call to The Hall
JR-10 Number 42 Retired across MLB

THE BABE RUTH STORY
BR-1 St. Mary's Industrial School Student
BR-2 Hometown Hero Baltimore
BR-3 Red Sox Double Threat Boston Red Sox
BR-4 Postseason Pitching Phenom Boston Red Sox
BR-5 From Hurler to Hitter Boston Red Sox
BR-6 The Home Run King New York Yankees
BR-7 MVP in '23 New York Yankees
BR-8 Murderer's Row Member New York Yankees
BR-9 The Called Shot New York Yankees
BR-10 The Babe becomes a media star New York Yankees

Notes:

It hasn't been announced how the retail sets are split. I highly doubt both Walmart and Target would be willing to share exclusives. So one store should get the Babe Ruth story, the other Jackie Robinson.

The First Home Run and Robbed inserts look to be blaster exclusives. The First Home Run set, at 40 cards, that's a bit too big for one store to carry in one series.

I would have preferred the First Pitch set to be a retail set as well. The subjects chosen, all unique: mostly musicians, a Olympic gymnast, and some people I've never heard of. So let's review:

• Jeff Bridges, actor, "The Dude"
• Jack White, White Stripes
• McKayla Maroney, Olympic Gold Winning Gymnast
• Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam
• Biz Markie, more than "Just a Friend"
• Agnes McKee, 105-year old from Indiana who threw out a first pitch in San Diego honoring the Veterans
• Austin Mahone, a singer...I guess...my daughter probably has heard of him
• Jermaine Jones, New England Revolution midfielder
• Tom Willis, whose goal is to throw out a first pitch at all 30 stadiums...did I mention he doesn't have arms?
• Graham Elliot, Chicago chef who hangs out with Gordon Ramsey making and breaking kids' hearts on MasterChef Junior (and MasterChef)
• Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine
• Macklemore, rapper, frequent "Thrift Shop" customer
• Suzy, a K-POP (that would be Korean) singer
• 50 Cent, rapper, entrepreneur, worst first pitch EVER
• Meb Keflezighi, Eritrean-born American marathon runner who recently won the 2014 Boston Marathon

I can't wait for February 4, when these cards go live. Must save for a master set.

It's time to get closer to the game. You ready??!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama