Box Breaks: 2016 Panini Football Blaster Break

 

I know the risks of retail. Typically you rarely pull anything good (though I did pull a Mickey Mantle Game Used Bat once out of a retail box of UD Baseball years ago when that actually meant something) but I dunno, I felt $20 bucks for 11 packs and a guaranteed hit was worth the risk. Surprisingly, this is my first football rip. How did it go? Let's find out!

Rookies- Sterling Shepard, Jalen Ramsey, Cody Kessler, Vernon Hargreaves III, Nate Sudfeld, Chris Jones, Jacoby Brissett, Kevin Taylor, Leonard Floyd, Myles Jack, DeMarcus Ayers

Rookie Shining Armor Parallel- Tyler Ervin

Rookie Blue Parallel- Nelson Spruce (#67/99)

Bravery Parallel- Latavius Murray (#121/199)

Decorated- Tom Brady

Shining Armor Parallel- Kenny Britt

Templar Parallel- Robert Mathis, Malcolm Jenkins

Combine Champions- Daniel Lasco

Knight School- Derrick Henry

Legends Of The Shield- John Elway

Accolades- Emmitt Smith

Squires Jersey- Connor Cook

Overall Thoughts: I really like the base set design. The borders match the team colors of the player depicted and to me it really looks nice. This is a low end set the inserts lack pizzazz, but I'm happy pulling an Emmitt for the PC and also getting Elway and Brady inserts. The parallels are a little confusing, thank god I checked blowout to get clarification though I still don't know exactly what the blue parallel # to 99 is called. My "hit" wasn't great, a Connor Cook Jersey card, but overall I still had a fun time ripping this box. Low risk here. If you're looking for a simple set that won't break the bank, I recommend this for sure! Here are the pics of the cards

 

Latavius Murray Bravery Parallel and a look at the rookie base cards 

 

A look at the base cards from the set, the borders match the team colors. I really think it works.

 

 
 

  

 

 

  

Top 5 Pulls of 2016
#1-15-16 Limited Gold Spotlight Dual Signatures Kristaps Porzingis/Jerian Grant (#8/10)
#2-15-16 Gold Standard Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson Golden Pairs Dual Patch (#12/25)
#3-15-16 Excalibur Karl Anthony Towns Rookie Rampage Autograph Jersey
#4- 15-16 Gold Standard Kristaps Porzingis Gold Strike Auto/Jersey Rookie Card (#56/99)
#5-15-16 Gold Standard Myles Turner On Card Patch/Auto Rookie Card (#11/25)

Looks Like I've Got Some Rippin To Do!!

 

Well...I haven't had time to rip these boxes I've gotten in..but finally this weekend I WILL!!! This Sunday I'll be spending the day ripping these bad boys. 13 boxes in all! Here's a look at the goods

2 Boxes of 2016 Retail Allen & Ginter (Don't normally do retail, but I had some old Wal Mart gift cards to burn so I figured I'd give these a shot)

14-15 Donruss Basketball

15-16 Donruss Basketball

15-16 NBA Hoops

2 Boxes of 15-16 Limited Basketball

2 Boxes of 15-16 Gold Standard Basketball

1 Box of 15-16 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia Basketball

1 Box of 15-16 Playoff Prestige Basketball

2 Boxes of 2016 Topps Tribute Baseball

Should be a blast!! Hope I get a couple decent outta this! I'll be posting my box breaks throughout next week.

Today's Mailday: Golden Duncan

I love the look of refractors/prizms. This came in the mail today via Ebay.

I just HAD to have it when I saw it. The grade is nice, but it's all about the card itself. Can't go wrong with the recently retired Timmy!

My Favorite Cards/Memorabilia of Ken Griffey Jr

 

Emmitt Smith, Anfernee Hardaway, and Ken Griffey Jr. Those were the 3 guys I considered my "heroes" growing up. I was very fortunate to see Emmitt get inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2010 (along with Jerry Rice) and it was one of the best sports experiences of my life. Today, Griffey gets inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame (man I feel so damn old) and it's an honor well deserved. I'm so glad that he's never been linked to PED's like his modern counterparts and despite a few injury plagued season he STILL managed to put up amazing numbers. I've seen many tributes, but here's my personal tribute of "The Kid" as I highlight a few of my favorite cards/collectibles of Ken Griffey Jr.

1997 Ken Griffey Jr Starting Lineup

 

I have 12 different Griffey SLU's but this is by far my favorite. I absolutely LOVE the "robbing the HR" Pose, plus the fact that I actually found it at our local Wal Mart makes it extra sweet.

2009 McFarlane Sports Picks Ken Griffey Jr Mariners Clark Toys Exclusive

 

It's the only non Cowboys McFarlane figure I kept in my collection. Classic Griffey

2010 Ken Griffey Jr. "The Kid" Bobblehead

 

This was one of the Bobblehead giveaways during the 2010 season. They were given away April 16th, 2010. Unfortunately the bat broke off and I lost it, but it's not like I intend to sell it anyway. It's the only Bobblehead I own in my collection.

So now the card portion of the tribute. I picked out a few Griffey's that have extra special meaning to me because of the story or impact they have on my collection.

2001 SPX Update Winning Materials Trios Griffey/Sosa/Arod 

 

When I saw this card was made...I HAD TO HAVE IT. Remember the time frame, game used jersey cards (even ones with boring one color swatches) were still relatively hard to find. Also, this was before any the steriod stuff came out and destroyed ARod and Sosa's popularity. At the time, it was a card that featured game used jersey swatches of 3 future hall of famers all on the same card! It was a dream card for me! I remember buying it off Ebay for $75.00 (2nd most I had ever spent on a single card at the time, behind the Grant Hill Jersey Card I had bought earlier that year) from a seller from Canada that only had 10 feedback. I was a little worried (didn't have paypal back then) and waited for sooo long for the card to come in. Lo and behold though it did and it was STUNNING. I couldn't believe I owned this card. Nowadays, this card is barely worth anything, but will always have special meaning in my collection.

1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card

 

I couldn't afford the UD Griffey as a kid, so I had to settle for this one for the longest time. I paid 2 bucks for it a card show when I was a kid and I still have it. My first ever Griffey Rookie.

2003 Upper Deck Signed Game Jerseys Ken Griffey Jr

 

Not only does it show off Griffey's sweet sig (one of the greatest signatures ever) but the story behind it makes it a favorite. This was originally a redemption card, and I pulled it from two packs of 2003 Upper Deck. What makes it even more special, was I pulled it on my birthday as there was a card show that day. It was hard to wait, but when I got it in, it was well worth the wait. Best Redemption card I've ever pulled.

1989 Ken Griffey Jr Upper Deck Rookie Card

 

I mean...every collection has to have one right? There's really not a lot to say about this card. It speaks for itself. I bought this as a card show in Corpus and though I overpaid, it didn't matter...I owned one of the most iconic baseball cards of our time.

1997 Metal Universe Titanium Ken Griffey Jr

 

Oh man..the 90's had some AWESOME looking inserts and this was tops on my list. My friend actually pulled it from a Metal Universe pack, but he traded it to me (god knows for what, lol). I don't care what it's worth, it's such a cool unique designs. I wish cards like THIS would comeback today.

98 Circa Quick Strike Ken Griffey Jr

 

I bought this at a card show when I was a kid and it's one of my favorite Griffey inserts ever. The die cut, the bright colors, it's such a cool looking card. Again, the 90's were so awesome when it came to innovation.

1994 Pacific Prisms Ken Griffey Jr

 

So this has a funny story with a happy ending. During Christmas season, Wal Mart had these Candy Canes stuffed with cards and packs of cards. Each Candy Canes had one of these Prism inserts. One of my friends at the time was a giant asshole who really didn't collect but found out I wanted them so he bought the Griffey and a couple that had Frank Thomas(lol, we were 10). Even though he had doubles of the Thomas, he was notorious for not trading. It was such a jerk move. Luckily, they weren't THAT hard to find, and I don't remember if it was at our Wal Mart or another one, my parents found them both and I got them for Christmas. I'll never forget the look on his face when I told him I got them for Christmas, priceless. 

1995 Fleer Ultra Diamond Producers Ken Griffey Jr.

 

It's not that rare but man...it's such a standout card. I pulled this myself. Love the look of it. So simple and yet so powerful. Amazing card

1997 Upper Deck Collector's Choice Clearly Dominant Ken Griffey Jr

 

How can a low level Collector's Choice card be considered a favorite? Why the story behind it of course. I'll never forget pulling this card in the back of our car during a trip to San Antonio to look for Starting Lineup figures. I bought a pack at Wal Mart and as we driving to the next Wal Mart/Target/Toys R US etc...I ripped it open and pulled this. Even though it's low level, it wasn't an easy pull. 1:144 packs. It always brings me back to the good ol of days of ripping packs and hunting for SLU's.

So those are beyond cool, but I'm lucky to own a couple of items that the cornerstone of my little Griffey collection. It's beyond awesome to own these pieces of memorabilia. Here are my two favorite Griffey items in my entire collection

1994 Ken Griffey Jr Autograph Game Used Cap

 

It's one thing to own swatches of Game Used Griffey Memorabilia, but to own entire pieces? This is a cap Griffey wore in the 1994 season that he also autographed. It comes with a COA from his marketing and memorabilia company Unique Sports. This is one cap that will never touch my head!

1999 Ken Griffey Jr Seattle Mariners Autographed Game Used Bat

 

My favorite bat of my entire collection (even better than my Hank Aaron and Jeter in my opinion) This is an actual bat that Ken Griffey Jr. Used in the 1999 season. It's also autographed and is authenticated by both PSA/DNA (8 for game use) and Unique Sports, Griffey's memorabilia company that he used at the time. Such an amazing piece of history. It has Griffey's classic criss cross tape pattern, it's also got a crack in it. It's beyond awesome to own a couple of items used by one of your heroes. These items will stay in my collection forever.

Today is such a special day and if anyone deserves all the respect and accolades they are getting today it's Ken Griffey Jr. He's taking his rightful place among the greats.

 

 

 

 

 

My First Trade

I haven't made a trade in YEARS..mainly due to the fact that I've been out of the game so long and also because I stopped breaking boxes even longer..only buying singles off Ebay and usually if I bought off Ebay..I intended to keep it. My buddy Leland, who's in my fantasy football league, is a huge Braves fan and when I broke Stadium Club earlier last week he asked if I could set aside any Braves for him. I happily obliged and in return he sent my some Dallas Cowboys. I must say though, he went above and beyond his side of the deal! Here's what I got!


I've been so focused on basketball (and to an extent, baseball)that I haven't had a chance to build a football collection, so this was a pleasant surprise. My first two Zeke Elliott rookies! Being a huge Cowboys fan, i haven't been this excited for a player well since Dez actually lol. I'm hoping from huge things from the offense this year!!


A couple of Prime Signature proof cards # to 149 of Darren McFadden and Jason Witten. Witten is probably my favorite Cowboy of the current crop as he just reminds of the Cowboys I used to love in the 90's. He would fit right in. McFadden had a surprisingly healthy and efficient season for us last year, and here's hoping him and Zeke can form a formidable one-two punch in the backfield.


Couple of nice Michael Irvin Parallels numbered to 25! Always great to get cards of The Playmaker!


A Dez Base and even an auto of Cowboys Rookie Antwan Goodley!


And a sweet looking Ring Bearers insert card of the guy that helped lead us to 3 Super Bowl wins in the 90's Troy Aikman! Numbered to 100!

All in all a great package and it's much appreciated. I'll definitely keep those Braves aside for you when I bust some more baseball again! Thanks Leland!

Box Breaks; 3 Boxes of 15/16 Limited Basketball

I decided to test my luck with these. Limited is like Gold Standard in that you get 1 pack per box. Each box comes with 3 autographs/memorabilia cards a box. Design is a big deal to me and I loved the way the cards look. Did my luck finally run out?? Let's see shall we?

Box 1
Markieff Morris (#57/80)
Karl Anthony Towns Silver Spotlight!! (#23/49)
Draymond Green Glass Cleaners Jersey (#041/149)
Cameron Payne Unlimited Potential Jersey (#135/149)
Signatures Ben McLemore Auto (#43/99)

Box 2
Elfrid Payton (#43/80)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Silver Spotlight (#48/49)
Karl Malone Trophy Case Jersey (#63/149)
Myles Turner Unlimited Potential Jersey (#85/149)
Spencer Haywood Gold Spotlight Signatures (#5/10)

Box 3
Mario Hezonja RC (#09/80)
Kelly Oubre Jr Silver Spotlight (#16/49)
Isiah Thomas Decade Dominance Jersey (#118/149)
Signatures Darrun Hilliard #92/99

and the best hit for last.....

KRISTAPS PORZINGIS/JERIAN GRANT DUAL GOLD SPOTLIGHT AUTO #8/10!!

Overall Thoughts: Welp...no big deal just managed to pull my 2ND PORZINGIS AUTO IN LESS THAN A MONTH! This one is also numbered to 10 copies! Sure Jerian Grant isn't an ideal partner, but hey a Porzingis rookie auto is a Porzingis rookie auto in my book! The Karl Anthony Towns wasn't a shabby hit either. A rookie parallel of the reigning ROY # to 49. The cards are slick and really like the design of the Trophy Case Jersey of Karl Malone. I wish the Malone and Thomas weren't one color swatches though! The Spencer Haywood Gold Auto was a nice surprise. It too, is numbered to 10. The Turner and Payne have a pretty nice swatch of used jersey. I'm happy with the jerseys I pulled. The autos...well lets just say thankfully I pulled the Porzingis as Darrun Hilliard probably won't be in the league very long and at this point, Ben McLemore is just a guy. Overall fun break though, with 5 cards per box and 3 of them being hits and another being a parallel, makes each card feel like there's a chance and a good hit. Very happy that the luck hasn't run out yet! Here are pics of the break!

















Top 5 Pulls of 2016
#1-15-16 Limited Gold Spotlight Dual Signatures Kristaps Porzingis/Jerian Grant (#8/10)
#2-15-16 Gold Standard Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson Golden Pairs Dual Patch (#12/25)
#3-15-16 Excalibur Karl Anthony Towns Rookie Rampage Autograph Jersey
#4- 15-16 Gold Standard Kristaps Porzingis Gold Strike Auto/Jersey Rookie Card (#56/99)
#5-15-16 Gold Standard Myles Turner On Card Patch/Auto Rookie Card (#11/25)

My EBay Pickups since I've Been Back

Now of course I couldn't comeback to card collecting without buying a FEW singles to help rebuild my collection! Here's what I've gotten so far since I've been back


12-13 Panini Innovation Kobe Bryant Stat Line Game Worn Jersey

 
So I started out very low key. Just a typical game used jersey card of the Black Mamba. I know jersey cards are for the most part commonplace, but the reason I bought this was because the jersey piece is actually tied to a specific game, something I've been advocating FOREVER in this hobby. I wish all memorabilia sets were this transparent, but at least I know this is a swatch of a Kobe game used jersey used in a specific game. Just thought it was very cool and it was under 10 bucks.

15-16 National Treasures Colossal Gold Game Used Patch Kyrie Irving #9/10
 
Yeah...it didnt take long for me to go a little more high end. Love the huge swatch, numbered to 10 copies, and of a great young player who already has a title under his belt.

15-16 Absolute Tools Of The Trade Triple Patch/Ball Karl Anthony Towns #23/25 


I'm really taking a liking to Minnesota. They have the talent to eventually be a power house in this league and Towns will be the franchise player. Love the design and patches on this card. Couldn't pass it up.

2015 Topps Strata Auto/Patch Mike Trout #10/25


I admit, I was on Blowout Cards message boards and I saw someone's mailday had this card and I became jealous and wanted one back. Not only is it autographed by arguably the best baseball player in the game today but the patch can actually be traced back to the jersey worn by Trout (All Star BP Jersey) thanks to the MLB Authentication sticker. Again, love that Topps was able to get these MLB Authenticated. Great looking card

96-97 Topps Finest Gold Refractor Kobe Bryant PSA 9 Mint

Immediately shot up to the top as my favorite card in my new collection and it'll be very tough to beat any time soon. Originally, I just wanted the regular version of this card as I really love the look of it, but then I got greedy and said...screw it...go for the gold standard of this card, which is the refractor parallel. It's such a beautiful card. In my opinion, the best looking Kobe rookie out there (better than the Chrome Refractor).


13-14 Flawless Ruby Patches Kareem Abdul Jabbar #12/15
 
 I had some EBay Bucks to use up and there was no way I was letting this card slide by me. A gigantic patch of the NBA's All Time Leading Scorer. Already a top 3 card in my collection.

So I'd say it's been a nice start in rebuilding my collection!