Top Baseball Wax of 2012

Between Topps, Panini, and Leaf, there were a lot of products released into the baseball market this year.  I personally thought that this year's wax was weak, but I just don't really like Topps products that much and they are the main manufacturer.  I have tried to include a variety of product types and price ranges.  The rankings are based on popularity, design, and sales on the secondary market.  Here are my top 10 products of 2012.

10) 2012 Topps Chrome

 

This product has a strong auto checklist and lots of colored refractors.

9) 2012 Topps Finest

 

Another strong auto checklist here.  Plus this includes nice patches.

8) 2012 Bowman Draft Jumbo

 

Bowman draft is a winner every year.  In a few years, the autos could be worth tons.

7) 2012 Leaf Best of Baseball

 

The BEST of baseball, has to make the top 10.

6) 2012 Bowman Sterling

 

Prospect auto with nice color.  Three autos per pack make this apealing to me.

5) 2012 Topps Tier 1

 

Tier One was a big hit with high end autos plus the bat knobs.

4) 2012 Playoff Prime Cuts

 

I LOVE Prime Cuts.  Not as much as last year, but the designs are stunning.

3) 2012 Topps Triple Threads

 

Triple Threads looked good as usual this year.  Sick patches are always a big draw.

2) 2012 Topps Five Star

 

Most expensive baseball product ever.  It had to make the list.  I love the design too.

1) 2012 Topps Museum Collection

 

I loved Marquee last year and love Museum this year.  Framed autos are gorgeous.

Don't agree with my top 10?  Post your's in the comment section below.  Out of all these products, I have only busted Topps Chrome, and Bowman Draft.  So, my opinions of these products are coming from watching youtube breaks plus seeing singles on eBay.  Have a happy New Year everyone.

-20youksox

A Review of 2012's Goals

Hey, everyone!  I would like to use this post to look back on 2012 and see what I did and didn't accomplish from my hobby goals.

1) Get to 500 unique Kevin Youkilis cards in my PC.

I got really close, but I came up just shy.  I am currently at 479 cards with a couple in coming.  I am really bummed I couldn't complete this one but it will be done in a few weeks.

2) Get my collection organized.

This was a fail.  My Youk PC is very organized, but everything else is just shoved in boxes carelessly because they aren't important to me.

3) Post on the blog more.

Another fail, infact I posted significantly less this year.  I have just been so busy this year.

4) Acquire a 2003 Bowman Chrome Kevin Youkilis Gold Refractor Autograph before the world ends.

Well, the world did not end and I picked up one of these.  I barely made this one and I actually just bought the card a couple days ago.  It is still in the mail though.  For those of you who don't know, this card is the HOLY GRAIL of Kevin Youkilis cards comparable to the modern day superfractor auto.  Back in the day, gold was the lowest numbered parrellel number to just 50 copies.

So all in all, I wasn't the most successfull.  The goals I didn't complete will just roll over to next year and I will have a few new goals.  Happy New Year's to everybody and I hope you are able to complete your resolutions!

-20youksox

PS- I hate posting without pictures, so here is a random card from my collection.

Triple Threads Booklet Mailday (with a nice patch)

Hey everyone, got this Triple Threads book card in the mail right before Christmas.  I just got around to scanning it, and this cards is a beauty.  This is my fourth booklet, and it has a great combination of players on it.  From left to right they go Alex Rodriguez, Evan Longoria, Kevin Youkilis, Alex Rios, Nick Markakis, and Wade Boggs.  Two Red Sox player, a HOFer, a future HOFer, and Youk made this pickup an easy decision.  I bought this particular card however because of the jersey peice for Youk.

As you can see, it is a five color patch, but it is not from any of his regular Red Sox jerseys.  After doing a little detective work and looking at several pictures, I have determined that this swatch is from his 2009 All Star Game jersey.  More importantly, it is from the laundry tag.  While I coldn't confirm this right away, I recently bought some evidence that lead me to this conclusion.  I will save that for another post though since I don't have the new card in hand yet.

-20youksox

Christmas Haul Part 2: Singles

This is part 2 of the cards I got for Christmas.  This section will showcase the single cards I got as gifts from my family.  This year, I got 3 singles that were all pretty nice.  I will start off with an on card auto from 2008 Upper Deck Goudey.  This is a nice card and I am trying to build up the auto portion of my Kevin Youkilis PC.  Out of all the types of cards, autos is where I am lacking the most.

Next up is another autograph, this time a dual.  This card features two Boston favorites David Ortiz, and of course Kevin Youkilis.  As a Red Sox fan, it is surprising that this is my first ever Big Papi auto.  This card is also limited to just 35 copies.

And last but certainly not least, I got another Kevin Youkilis 1/1.  This is a magenta printing plate from 2012 Bowman Chrome, and is one of only a few cards featuring Youk as a member of the White Sox.

Definately a great Christmas.  I am so glad I was able to pick up more cards for my Youk PC which currently stands at 479 unique cards plus doubles.  I have a few packages coming in in the next week or so.  I got 2 Triple Threads booklets, and the holy grail of Kevin Youkilis cards.  Also have a peice of hockey memorabilia coming in.  Also, please comment below with anything cool you got for Christmas, and remember to start thinking about goals for 2013.

-20youksox

Christmas Haul Part 1: Pack Breaks

Every year for Christmas, I end up getting some packs.  Ussually I never pull anything as I have horrible luck when it comes to single packs.  This year I got 5 packs of Series 1, 3 packs of Series 2, 2 packs of Updates, and 2 packs of Bowman Draft.  Out of all those, I managed to pull one hit.

A 2012 Bowman Draft Corey Seager Refractor Autograph.  The centering is great, the auto looks nice, and he was a first round draft pick.  I don't really know what calliber prospect he is, but people on ebay are asking $50 on average for this card (I don't know if anyone actually buys them though).  I will say though that I have had luck with Bowman prospects in the past pulling Mike Trout, Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Gordon Beckham (it was a nice pull at the time) and I have only opened 4 boxes of Bowman products.  The only thing that I think is wierd is the fact that it is not serial numbered.  In the past, they were usually numbered out of 500 or so.  So, I geuss it isn't really that much better than pulling a base auto although I suppose they look nicer.  Anyone who knows about Corey Seager, please comment below and tell me if he is any good.  Part two will have singles I got.

-20youksox

Merry Christmas

Hey everyone, just wanted to wish you a slightly late merry Christmas.  I would have tried posting yesterday, but Christmas is about being with family so it got pushed off till today.  Anyways, got some cool cards for Christmas this year that I will post over the next couple of days.  Please share what you got in the comments section.  Its also about time to start thinking of New Year's goals, so I am going to start thinking about that.  Happy holidays!

-20youksox

Youk To The Yankees

Last night, my favorite player, Kevin Youkilis signed a one year contract with the Yankees, the team that Red Sox fans hate the most.  But, can you blame him for signing with the ememy?  I would have to say no.  The Red Sox traded him away because they did not want him anymore.  In my opinion this gives him permission to sign anywhere he wants.  Its not like the Red Sox tried to resign him and he went to the Yankees for a little extra money.  I think this was Youk's only real offer because the Indians signed Mark Reynolds, and New York would be the team where he would see the most playing time.  While I am concerned about him being on the same team as rival Joba Chaimberlain, I'm sure they can work their issue out.  Not to mention that New Yorks notoriously short porch will most likely help boost his statistics and help him land a contract next year.  So, when Kevin Youkilis returns to Boston will you BOO him, or will you join in a respectful YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUK chant?  Please comment below with opinions.

PS- I will be collecting his Yankees cards.  I already have cards of him in pinstripes (Chicago), so I don't see what the big deal is.  He's still my favorite player.  This doesn't mean I like the Yankees, just Youk.

-20youksox

COMC Mailday

Hey, everyone.  I have been really busy lately so it has been hard to find time to post.  I am also low on funds, so I haven't really had any maildays until a couple days ago.  Anways I placed an order from Check Out My Cards on Black Friday.  The shipping was reduced and prices were slashed, so for $50, I was able to buy 65 Kevin Youkilis cards I needed for my PC.  This included base, refractors, serial numbered and relic cards.  Since there are so many, I am just going to show the "highlights".  Nothing too exciting (it is to me though!) because I was focusing on low end needs.

These are just some of my personal favorites.  If you want to check out the rest of my PC, feel free to check out my photobucket.  I am expecting another package, plus I am still planning to do the Kevin Faulk post.  I just need to get my iPhone pictures onto the computer.

-20youksox

Picked Up My First Game Worn Jersey

Hey, sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I haven't had many maildays because I just spent a bunch of money on this.  I don't usually post much hockey stuff, but I am a huge hockey fan.  While I have been a little insane with the lockout, I am lucky enough to have an AHL team in the next city over that I can follow, the Worcester Sharks. Well, I have gone to quite a few of there games, but I always feel wierd because I don't have any Sharks gear to wear. They sell replicas at the pro shop, but I really perfer "authentic jerseys" with a name and number on the back. As some of you may know, the only way to get one of these is to buy a game used jersey. After saving up and doing some research, I settled on a Jon Landry jersey. Here are some pictures...

Now, I know Landry is not a star or even on the team anymore, but there is a different reason why I chose this jersey. My last name is also Landry, so now I own a jersey with my own name on it. I doubt many others can say that. The jersey is in great shape with no stains or tears. The patchwork looks geat. Now I can feel like a real fan when I go to games! Also, while I was at the game, I met Patriots Star Running Back, Kevin Faulk.  I will post about that next time.  Just thought I'd share.

-20youksox

Supercollector Sharing Hour

Hey, everyone. I've been swamped with school lately so posting has become difficult. I'm going to try to be more consistent with these posts, fortunately.

So, as you are all aware, 20youksox is a Kevin Youkilis supercollector. His collection is astounding to see on a website such as photobucket or Beckett, but in person it is even more amazing. Organized by patches, autographs, 1/1; a wide variety of subtopics.

So, on that note, are there any other supercollectors who would like to share their player they supercollect and some of their collection by posting a link to a photobucket or even commenting with a few links to some of their favorite cards? Personally, I collect almost any Red Sox player, yet I have a special affinity for Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia, and Jon Lester...but I don't "supercollect" so to speak. If anything I had thought about getting an Adrian Gonzalez one going and, well...we all know how that turned out. Anyways, feel free to comment below, we'd love to hear from you!

-The Pack Prodigy

Holloween Mailday!!!

Hey, happy Holloween everyone!  I just got this card in the mail today.  I think its pretty cool, and it is the only version of this card I have seen surface.  I had to have it for my Youkilis PC, and I also love jumbo patches, so this pickup was a no-brainer.

Pretty cool that it came on Holloween to since I am too old to get free candy.  Also, thought I'd share that I went to a Worcester Sharks (AHL) game.  I will post my interesting souvenir from the game with a video mybe.

-20youksox

I Can't Think of a Good Title For this STRANGE Mailday

Okay, this is definately the wierdest mailday I have ever had.  Last Saturday, I received a package in the mail and it wasn't really wierd to be receiving a package because I was expecting a few things from ebay.  However, I opened the package and found something I was not expecting.

This card is from a trade I made last year.  I thought the post office had lost it, but it wasn't that big of a deal because its only a $5 card and all I sent the other trader was some Twins base.  So, I looked at the envelope and saw the shipping date was September 20, 2011.  This package took over a year to get to my house, so it was a nice little surprise to actually get it.  This makes me wonder why it took so long to be delivered.  I wish this package could talk so it could tell me where its been, or it had delivery confirmation so I could see where it had been.  Anyways, just thought I'd share this interesting story.  A couple more maildays are coming this week.

-20youksox

Sweet Triple Threads Patch Mailday

I just got this cool patch card in the mail from the recently released Triple Threads.  The card is low numbered, well designed, and has nice colorful patches.  I hope to pick up more of these cards if they are priced right.

 



 

I also have a couple more packages on the way that I will post when they get here.  I will also post another interesting package that I have in hand and need to scan.

-20youksox

Mailday- Wow This Card Is Thick

Let me start off by saying, this is easily the thickest card in my collection.  This card barely fits in a 360PT toploader.  Next, I will add that this card is awesome.  I have always been a huge fan of button cards, so I picked up this...

I really like this card because of the unique relic it features.  Ballpark collection is one of my all time favorite products too.  I have at least one more mail day coming up, but I hope to have more as I will be bidding on a few things this week.

-20youksox

2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Preview Images

Today, Topps released preview images for next year's Gypsy Queen baseball.  I am a big fan of this product and I am looking forward to next year's release.  This time, Topps teases new inserts including Dealing Aces,

and No Hitters.

I really like the design of these insert compared to those of the last two years.  They kind of remind me of a 2009 Upper Deck SP Legendary cuts relic.  The base cards look pretty nice too as well as their black parellel.

Topps also released a preview image that is a first for any product, and something I love.  These are sure to be hot sellers, framed PATCH cards.  I love patches, and I love framed relics so this is a perfect combination for me.  I am glad they are finally doing this.

Topps stated that they will release more images and product information soon.  For now, these preview pictures definately make me want to buy this product.

-20youksox

E-Graphs???????????????(POLL)

I can't beleive what I just saw.  MLB.com is selling e-graphs.  What is an e-graph?  For the price of $25+ you can buy a virtual autograph of your favorite player with a personalized inscription and a voice recording of the player.  Some players run as high as $100.  Here is a sample of what you get.

Honestly, I don't know why people would want this.  To me it is a complete waste of money because for about the same price (or less), you can get a hard signed photo.  Ganted the inscription would be less personal, and there wouldn't be a voice message, it isn't something you could really display and be proud of.  Personally, I would mind having one, but I would never pay for it myself.  I'm not even sure if this would be considered a "real" autograph.  Please comment below and tell us if you think it counts as a real auto or not.

-20youksox

This Is What I've Been Waiting For...

I haven't really posted lately and this is why.  Topps finally released a picture of what this years Triple Threads All Star Patches look like.  I have been saving my money for the release of Triple Threads so I can buy the All Star Patches of Kevin Youkilis.  I have been a little obsessed with Youks All Star patches as you can see...

Anyways here's what the Triple Threads patches look like...

Triple Threads is scheduled to be released this Wednesday.  Here are a few more cards Topps released pictures of.

 

 



Although these patches are pretty nice, I have seen a lot of plain swatches and bat peices in the other preview images.  Topps also announced R.A. Dickey's signing debut.  Those should sell well for anyone who is lucky enough to pull one.  Good luck to those busting Triple Threads, and keep me in mind for any Youk's you pull!!!

-20youksox

2013 Topps

Hey, everyone. Below is a picture of 2013 Topps flagship base design. As with 2012, I have above-average expectations for this product. Now, obviously I understand it's only the base-product; however, for a base design it looks promising. Check out the 2013 Topps Sellsheet online. It seems like there's going to be a lot of cool inserts themed around "The Chase", whatever that means. Either way, there's some cool relics and autos, especially the die-cut autos appropriately called "Cut to the Chase". Those look slick. Although they apparently make a lesser appearence than in previous years, manufactured "relics" are back. That's probably the only thing I honestly am not the hugest fan of. They look like they'll be pretty cool for what they are, but personally I'd still rather have one of my relics be something of the game-worn variety. 1 Relic per Hobby Box, 2 and 1 Auto per HTA jumbo. Blowoutcards.net is taking preorders now.


c/o Beckett http://bit.ly/R6ItlU

400th Kevin Youkilis Card- 1st Wood Mini!!!

The title kind of gave it away, but my 400th unique Kevin Youkilis card is the 2012 Allen and Ginter Wood Mini hand numbered 1/1.  Surprisingly, this is my fist wood mini which brings up some questions.  How much do these usually go for?  I never thought it would be so expensive.  I gues there are some real hard core Ginter fans.

Now I really love this card because not only is it a milestone, but it is also very unique.  It looks really cool in person- just like real wood.  If you don't have one of these in your collection, I would highly recomend getting one even if it is just a srub.  In my opinion, these thing are like superfractor cool.  Glad I could share this with you.  If you know the "going price" for average wood minis, please comment below because I don't know how I did price wise.

-20youksox

Card Store Recap: PC Singles and Pack Break Mojo

I have been a little busy lately, so I have fallen a little behind on posting.  I need to catch up on a couple maildays, and a trip to Pastime Sports Cards and Collectables.  I am going to recap my card store trip first because I already have those cards scanned.  First off, I bought 2 singles for my Kevin Youkilis PC.  Nothing super exciting here, but a nice jersey and a numbered parellel.

$15 for the pair, so not a bad deal.  Next up I bough a bunch of packs.

-6 2012 Topps Chrome
-3 2012 Topps Heritage
-2 2012 Goodwin Champions
-3 2012 Topps Series 2

I got a couple of hits from the packs, and I will save the best for last.  First up is some inserts and refractors.  The King Felix is a refractor, and the Pence an X-fractor.  In this scan, the Verlander is my favorite.  I am a sucker for die cuts.  Plus, these are only 1 per box so I was glad to pull one in 6 packs.

Next, a jersey from Heritage.  Pretty nice looking plus a great player.

And finally the Mojo...

A Miguel Cabrera atomic refractor number 9/10.  These cards are so rare, they aren't even 1 per case.  They are seeded in at a rate of 1:383 packs.  Not to mention the Cabrera is definately not a scrub.  Definately worth the trip.  Me next post will be my 400th unique Youk, so stay tuned- its a nice one.

-20youksox

The Twin Package: Stadium Club Lot

This mailday features two awesome cards that go together from one of my favorite sets, 2008 Topps Stadium Club.  I love stadium because of the one auto per pack, the chance of pulling something sick, and the unique photography.  I picked up this lot because it included a 1/1 I needed for my PC.  The first card in the lot is a Kevin Youkilis card numbered to 999.

I'm not really sure what it is called, but it is a nice picture and was sort of like the freebie of the lot.  Now for the better of the two, a Photographer's Proof Platinum 1/1 of Kevin Youkilis.

Obviously this is cool because it is a 1/1.  One thing I have noticed is the platinum = 1/1.  It is in Topps Series 1, 2, and Update, Triple Threads, and Stadium Club.  Anyways, I am just glad to have this in my PC.

-20youksox

Sweet Red Sox Booklet Mailday

Today I got a couple of packages in the mail, so I am going to share one today and one tommorrow.  This package was the more exciting of the two because this one is a multiplayer book card.  This is only my third book card, and my second multiplayer book card.  This is my favorite of the three because of the sweet patches.

Now this is an amazing card.  I cost quite a bit of money, but I think I got a good deal on it.  Its hard to tell from the scan, but the Ellsbury patch is three colors; red, blue, and white.  I absolutely love this card and I am proud to have it in my Kevin Youkilis PC.  This card brings some diversity to the collection because it features other players.  I will post the next package tommorow, which had 2 cards in it.

-20youksox

Beckett Contest Prize Mailday (Bowman Platinum)

Hey everyone, before I went away camping, I entered a contest on Beckett and won.  The contest was held by longtime member Pyweed who breaks every Bowman product about 5+ CASES at a time.  He always holds contests while he does his live breaks which usually span over a week or so.  The contest I won was guess the player who's autograph will be the lowest numbered in the first case.  I picked David Buchanan of the Phillies and my prize was a choice of 5 prospect autos from a list of extras.  I don't really know much about prospects, so my choices were pretty random except the first one, Brandon Jacobs.

I had heard of him before because he is one of the Red Sox top prospects.  My next one was a little less random because he is in the league wide top 100 prospect and was a first round draft pick.

Next up is Dillon Maples.  I don't really know anything about him, but I did recognize the name from the USA baseball program.

Here is Mahtook's teamate Tyler Bortnick.  I picked this one because the auto because the signature looks nice.  Suposedly he compares with Dustin Pedroia who I am definately familiar with with.



Last but not least is Chris Tilson.  I have no clue why I picked this one, but he was a second round pick last year.  He is suposed to be pretty fast though.

Anyways, pretty sweet for free cards.  I am a huge fan of the design and love that the autos are on card.  This is actually the second time I won one of his contests the last one being the same prize from 2010 Bowman Chrome.  I am cetainly looking forward to his next break.

-20youksox