Blog Spotlight – Fielders Choice
We wanted to highlight some of the blogs out there on sports cards. We sent out a bunch of emails to different blogs, and well the first one to write back with something on their blog was Dave from Fielders Choice Baseball Card Blog. So here is what Dave had to say about his site.
Fielder’s Choice Baseball Card Blog features commentary about the baseball card hobby and the national pastime in general, especially relating to the writer’s favorite team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Check it out for product news, reviews, critiques, and video box breaks.
Thanks to Dave for the write up on his site, and give it a look in your free time.
Evan Longoria is UD Hobby ROY
Evan Longoria Cements His Place as the Hobby’s Rookie of the Year
Baseball fans rush to add Upper Deck rookie cards of Tampa Bay’s third baseman to their collection
North Las Vegas, NV (October 20, 2008) – The Tampa Bay Rays do not have a long history of baseball success or memorable moments. They do however have a blossoming long-ball hitter who is helping to create certain history and deliver some special moments to the “Sunshine State.” Rookies are not supposed to help lead their team to the World Series, but that’s just what Evan Longoria has done for Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay has long been a football town, but ever since the Rays dropped the “Devil” from their name and pulled the tarp off the upper deck seats at Tropicana Field to accommodate bigger crowds, it’s clear: Evan Longoria is helping make it a baseball town. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the A.L. Rookie of the Year award, he’s shattering records in the postseason and he’s got the baseball makeup to be a perennial MVP candidate. Upper Deck is proud to deliver a wide array of rookie card offerings of Longoria to satisfy the needs of every level of collector.
“Although we are not at the level yet where people grew up cheering for the Rays, Evan Longoria is the type of player everyone can cheer for,” said Gabriel Garcia, Upper Deck’s Baseball associate brand manager. “The Upper Deck Baseball team has really enjoyed watching him this season so we put together the top ten rookie cards of Longoria for 2008. There are cards for every level of collector, but they are all in high demand because of his on-field performance. Pick them up today while you still can!”
#10 – 2008 Upper Deck X – Card #94 – Currently available in the market
Background – This card shows Longoria doing what he does best, watching one of his balls sail over the fence. This is a great rookie card of Longoria to own at a lower price.
#9 – 2008 Upper Deck Goudey – Card #200 – Currently available in the market
Background – There is actually an uncorrected error on the base version of this card where it indicates “Ken Griffey Jr. says…” instead of “Derek Jeter says…” On the more rare mini-versions of the card, the type is correct. The Goudey set has been very popular so this is a great card to start off your Longoria set with.
#8 – 2008 Upper Deck Masterpiece – Card #7 – Currently available in the market
Background – These cards are all produced on a canvas type paper stock and seem to have an insert card type feel to them. This is a great painted image of the slugger stretching out before an at bat. There are a variety of rare versions with different colored borders including the “Pinot Red” version which is limited to just one copy.
#7 – 2008 Upper Deck Timelines 2004 Timeless Teams Design – Card #303 – Available November 4, 2008
Background – The new Upper Deck Timelines brand is unique in that it features today’s players in some of the most popular designs from the past. This card is sure to be one that collectors will be looking for when it hits the market next month given the popularity of the Timeless Teams set.
#6 – 2008 SPx – Card #148 – Currently available in the market
Background – These cards were offered through the 2008 SPx Mystery Rookie Redemption Program. Evan was card RR3 in the program and collectors who found and registered that card will receive this special autographed rookie card.
#5 – 2008 Upper Deck Timelines 1993 SP Design – Card #311 – Available November 4, 2008
Background – The 1993 SP design is a favorite with collectors so it’s safe to speculate that this card will be on the “Must Have” list for plenty of collectors.
#4 – 2008 Upper Deck Sweet Spot – Card #121 – Available December 23, 2008
Background – The 2008 Sweet Spot product will be back with a lower price point this holiday season. The Sweet Beginnings rookie cards are always popular since they are not only very limited, but also autographed.
#3 – 2008 Upper Deck Ballpark Collection – Card #121 – Currently available in the market
Background – This higher-end rookie card has a classy look and also Evan’s signature. They are tougher to find, but they are certainly worth looking for.
#2 – 2008 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection – Card #101 – Available December 30, 2008
Background – The Ultimate Collection brand is very high-end and this rookie card proves it. This limited-edition card will have a huge jersey swatch that Evan Longoria will actually sign making it the type of card for the collector who has them all.
#1 – 2008 SP Authentic – Card #121 – Available in the market
Background – This is the first year 2008 SP Authentic rookie cards have included a jersey swatch. This limited-edition, autograph jersey card is definitely the Evan Longoria rookie card that every collector is hoping to add to their collection this year. SP Authentic rookie cards tend to be some of the most valuable and sought after cards each year and this one will be no different.
Tri Star Sell sheet released.
Tri Star has released their sell sheet for their 2008 Prospects Plus Baseball set. This set is super interesting due to the fact that Tri Star has acquired some signed items from Tim Beckham, Eric Hosmer, Pedro Alvarez and Brian Matusz. Thanks to Andrew aka All In Cards for posting this sell sheet to FreedomCardBoard.com.
Product Code: 08TSBPP
Configuration: 24 boxes/20 packs/6 cards
SRP: $4.99 per pack
Release date Wednesday December 10th, 2008
CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS:
9 BIG HITS IN EVERY HOBBY BOX!
o 4 GUARANTEED AUTOGRAPHS!
o 1 GUARANTEED MEMORABILIA CARD!
o 4 GUARANTEED PARALLEL CARDS, ALL #’D TO 50 OR LESS!
o EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPHS OF TIM BECKHAM (#1 OVERALL); PEDRO ALVAREZ (#2 OVERALL); ERIC HOSMER (#3 OVERALL); BRIAN MATUSZ (#4 OVERALL); + MANY MORE TOP 2008 DRAFT PICKS!
Also featuring:
150 Premium Base Cards – exclusive Pro Debut cards of 2008 Draft Picks; featuring 4 levels of numbered parallels!
150 Exclusive PROminent Die Cut Parallel Cards – all numbered to 50 or less!
50+ Farm Hands Autographed Cards – 50+ different players with 4 levels of Numbered Parallels to 50 or less!
18 Exclusive PROtential Game Used Memorabilia Cards – all numbered to 199 or less with 4 parallels!
Razor Autographs in Signature to be On Card!!!
The following announcement was made today by Brian Gray from Razor to FreedomCardBoard.com. We had hinted at a huge surprise in Razor packs when people open them on The Card Podcast. We currently do not have information whether or not this is that big surprise.
RAZOR ANNOUNCES
2008 SIGNATURE SERIES IS ALL ON-CARD AUTOGRAPHS!!!!
YOU ASKED…
WE LISTENED…
THIS MAY CAUSE A SLIGHT DELAY IN DELIVERY, HOWEVER WE FEEL THIS IS THE ULTIMATE PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT FOR THE ULTIMATE PRODUCT CHECKLIST…
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE…. BRIAN
p.s.- we have learned that one of our lesser competitors will be attempting to use “recycled” and non-player authorized autographs in tiny quantities in their product. While we are examining the legal recourse, rest assured according to our players, NO RAZOR EXCLUSIVE PLAYER signed autographs for the competitor… Just wanted you to be aware of this so you are NOT MISLED to believe that the players actually signed cards for this company.
Episode 7 Posted!!
We posted this morning our latest episode of The Card Podcast @ Superfractor.com while still wallowing in the loss of the Red Sox last night. We were lucky enough to have Chris Carlin on from Upper Deck late last week.
You can either download the podcast through the link on the right of the page or click the link to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. How much easier does it get?
Any feedback is appreciated at superfractor.com@gmail.com.
More details on Donruss Threads.
Donruss has posted some images to their sellsheet for 2008 Threads. We get a first look of some great patch and button cards of legendary players such as Shoeless Joe (Hopefully his card isn’t trimmed), Pete Rose, and Willie Mays.
Click here to check the full sheet out. We will be doing a full video break of this set thanks to All In Cards.
Razor Card #154 is…..
Matt Wieters. No huge surprise there, but the details released by Brian Gray of Razor on FreedomCardBoard.com are pretty big considering this is a deal unlike any that have ever been made before.
As follows is the post by Brian about this subject.
Razor Announces Card #154 is none other than Matt Wieters as widely speculated.
In and of itself, this doesnt appear to be an “industry changing event”, however the terms and ramifications of this deal are unprecedented in the hobby.
Razor has signed Matt Wieters to a contract that extends from now until 365 days after he makes the 25-man roster of an MLB team. This is an EXCLUSIVE for images and autographs of Matt.
What this means:
1> For Razor: we get to use his image/autographs in all products for this term.
2> For all draft pick companies: Any contracts in effect now are still valid until expiration, at which point they are not renewable.
3> For upper deck: when Matt makes the 25-man, they can use his picture on a card per their deal with mlbpa. If they want his autograph, they have to come to Razor to get it…. we all know companies will need autographed rookie cards!!!!!!!
4> For topps: Topps will have NO RIGHTS AT ALL to make Matt Wieter’s rookie cards (as they dont have the licensing for such). THE ONLY way they will have a rookie card of Matt is by coming to Razor to get the rights. The same goes for autographs. TO CLARIFY, NO BOWMAN ROOKIES of ANY kind unless Topps licenses from us.
Hope this wasnt a letdown too bad, but more than the card #154 itself, this has huge ramifications for the future….
What if I sign 20-30 players this way next year?
This is a pretty interesting thing, I should be speaking to Brian on this tonight hopefully. I have to give him credit again, he was ready to record something right away, but unfortunately I am at work on my EEE PC away from my desktop and recording studio, so can not do that at this time. Check back later though for more!!!
Upper Deck Hot Prospects preview
We got in our first press release from Upper Deck today about their new Hot Prospects set. Looks like an interesting mid range product with a mix of rookies and NBA Legends. The press release is below.
New Rookies Turn up the Heat in 2008-09 Upper Deck Hot Prospects Basketball
Autograph Rookie Patch Cards of players like Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and O.J. Mayo will have collectors saying ‘Flame On’ this Fall
North Las Vegas, NV (October 14, 2008) – What makes a player a “Hot Prospect?” Draining six three-pointers, leading all scorers and catapulting his team to victory is a good answer. That’s what O.J. Mayo did this week for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Indiana Pacers. Mayo leads one of the NBA’s most talented rookie classes in years and Upper Deck is the first to bring Autograph Rookie Patch cards of each of them in 2008-09 Upper Deck Hot Prospects Basketball. Each hobby box will include one of these coveted Autograph Rookie Patch cards on average.
There are two other key rookie-themed inserts that pack plenty of sizzle. First are the “Rookie Materials” autographed letter patch cards that will afford collectors the opportunity to put together the player’s full name or team name. Hoop fans will also see the return of the extremely innovative autograph insert set, “Draft Day Postmarks.” This set will be limited to just 50 copies of each card.
If the opportunity of finding autograph cards of the top rookie talent wasn’t enough, 2008-09 Upper Deck Hot Prospects keeps the heat on with other exciting autograph inserts. The “Numbers Game” are comprised of autograph memorabilia cards numbered to the players jersey and spotlight top stars like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. There are two parallel versions of these cards numbered to 25 and 1.
“Sweet Selections” cards chronicle where some of the biggest stars were picked in the draft and include names like Chris Paul, Baron Davis, Dwight Howard and Yao Ming. The “Road to Springfield” set is a tribute to the players already enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame or those who are destined to arrive there featuring autographs of Jerry West, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. Both the “Sweet Selections” and “Road to Springfield” cards will be numbered to just 25 copies with parallel versions numbered to 10 and 1.
“The world was captivated by NBA talent this summer during the Beijing Olympics,” said Tone Stakes, Upper Deck’s associate brand manager for Basketball. “The talent that this rookie class will bring at tip-off time will likely catch their attention again. Some of the most sought after rookie cards in the market will surely come from 2008-09 Upper Deck Hot Prospects Basketball when the season begins. Pick them up now before they get any hotter.”
The heat wave begins today as 2008-09 Upper Deck Hot Prospects Basketball arrives in stores. Each five-card pack carries a suggested retail price of $6.99.
CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS:
o Find one Autographed Rookie Patch per box! (on average)
o Find 2 additional autograph and/or memorabilia cards per box! (on average)
o Look for Hobby-exclusive Autograph and Base Set parallels!
o Find Rookie Materials autographed letter patches and the return of Draft Day Postmarks, signed by the top rookies and limited to 50 copies!
o Each box contains a variety of box-break inserts, including Cream of the Crop, Hot Tandems, Alumni Mates and Supreme Court!
PRODUCT BREAKDOWN:
Autographed Cards
o Rookie Autographs Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Rookie Auto Patch Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Rookie Autographs White Parallel (# to 1)
o Rookie Auto Patch White Parallel (# to 1)
o Numbers Game Auto/Mem (# to jersey #)
o Numbers Game Auto/Mem Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Numbers Game Auto/Patch Parallel (# to 1)
o Rookie Materials Auto-Letter
o Sweet Selections (# to 25)
o Road to Springfield (# to 25)
o Sweet Selections Red Parallel (# to 10)
o Road to Springfield Red Parallel (# to 10)
o Sweet Selections Spectrum Parallel (# to 1)
o Road to Springfield Spectrum Parallel (# to 1)
o Draft Day Postmarks (# to 50)
Memorabilia Cards
o NBA Game Issue (# to 149)
o Property of… (# to 199)
o NBA Game Issue Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Property of… Red Parallel (# to 25)
o NBA Game Issue Patch Parallel (# to 1)
o Property of… Patch Parallel (# to 1)
Inserts and Parallels
o Base Set Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Draft Night Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Rookie Non-Auto Red Parallel (# to 25)
o Base Set White Parallel (# to 1)
o Draft Night White Parallel (# to 1)
o Rookie Non-Auto White Parallel (# to 1)
o Cream of the Crop
o Hot Tandems
o Alumni Mates
o Supreme Court
Regular Cards, Subsets and Rookies
o Base Set – 90 Cards
o Draft Night (# to 499)
o Rookie Non-Auto (# to 199)
o Rookie Autograph (# to 199)
o Rookie Auto Patch Level 1 (# to 399)
o Rookie Auto Patch Level 2 (# to 199)
Did you know Upper Deck Basketball is now on Facebook? Simply search for Upper Deck Basketball and become a fan today!
About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is a premier sports and entertainment publishing company which delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.
Episode 6 is Posted!
We recorded our sixth episode of The Card Podcast @ Superfractor.com tonight with Brian Gray discussing his purchase of the Matt Wieters Elite 1/1 plus a few exclusives about the Razor product.
Click here to download the podcast or subscribe to us on iTunes!!!!
Full Team USA Jerseys to be in Razor’s Second Release!!
We interviewed Brian Gray from Razor on his purchase of the 1/1 Matt Wieters Black Elite Status and he revealed to us that Razor’s second release will be a 1 card per pack and will have 20 redemption cards in it unfortunately. Those cards will be able to be redeemed for full game worn Team USA jerseys of players such as Alex Gordon, Buster Posey and others.
We recorded about 20 minutes with Brian and will be posting that shortly!!!
Matt Wieters Elite Black 1/1 Sold.
The card to own, at least thus, far of Matt Wieters has sold on Ebay today. The auction ended at $1750.00 to a bidder who’s name may raise a few eyebrows.
The original buy it now for the card was $1000, that didn’t get hit and it went for 1349 to the seller who sold it today. The buyer of the card was none other than Brian Gray from Razor. We were able to get him on the phone and a statement on his purchase, and a huge bombshell about their second release and thepit.com releases.