I had no plans on a post today. I don't want to be like Kyle Lewis (or insert your favorite flame out), come out guns-a-blazin' and then just disappear in a short amount of time. Then I went to Walmart.
While there, I figured I'd look for some of the 2026 Topps Chrome Olympics, though I knew the odds were stacked against me. As expected, nothing. I saw some Topps Series 1 hanger packs and I figured picking one up wouldn't hurt. There was no clear price but I figured for $5 I'd do it. Much to my chagrin, when the cashier rang them up, it was $7. That disappointment was just the beginning.
I will be testing the Walmart no returns on cards policy because every card came out with a dinged corner. Honestly, I'll just take store credit over another pack after all this. My assumption is that the other packs will have similar damage. Why can't Topps use the old cello wrappers like they did in the 1980s? Packaging them in those, with the tightness, could have prevented this.
These were the team cards in the pack. I also got an Oakland A's one that I discovered when I went to put the cards back into the pack.
I know less and less players as every season passes. I don't collect or even follow home run derby...er...baseball. Is there anyone good in this group? I ask because I've never heard of any of them.
This significantly smaller group of cards is the base cards of guys I've actually heard of. I think a couple of them are pretty good and one of the collects cards himself.
I've also heard of these three guys! Heck, I even have a pretty good Cal Raleigh rookie card - his Topps Heritage Black Border parallel. I probably should have sold it toward the end of last baseball season, but I'm not the best about selling. I do like the "Profiles" insert set because it's nostalgic for me. I don't recall the year those originally were done but it's certainly when I still had some interest in baseball. I've typically liked the Topps Fire cards I've seen and that's what the Paul Skenes reminds me of. Maybe I should go pull out one of my old Pirates hats that have been hibernating for at least a decade.
Good moment to you wherever you are, thank you for checking this out and have a wonderful rest of your day!
Dang, that stinks all those dinged corners. I hope you get the store credit.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed. I wasn't blown away with the cards so I'd rather not be obligated to get another pack.
DeleteHopefully Walmart gives you a refund or credit. That's a frustrating experience.
ReplyDeleteI feel like they have to because it's selling damaged product.
DeleteThere have been multiple bloggers in recent years who've returned from lengthy absences who, for whatever reason, felt like they had to get back into the swing of things by posting every single day -- only to then burn themselves out within about 30 days (or less) and disappear again.
ReplyDeleteIt's 100% my goal NOT to do that.
DeleteI'm surprised all the card ended up dinged. That's a shame. At least there were a handful of decent action shots.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, Spencer Schwellenbach being a 'Future Star' is pretty silly. He's been a great pitcher for two seasons now.
I did not know that, but it tracks with what we're seeing from Fanatics. Little attention to detail or pride in what they are doing.
DeleteThe reason they don't use cello packs anymore is that they're easy to open, pick out the best cards, and then reseal. It was a problem in the 80s and it would be way worse now with hits and chase cards in play.
ReplyDeleteBut that's no excuse for them selling damaged goods. Hope they'll make it good.
Interesting...I've been collecting since 1987 and have never experienced or heard that. I was still a teen the last time I recall them doing cello packs, so maybe I just destroyed them. I thought they basically disintegrated when I opened them. Thanks for the info!
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