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-   -   100 Days of Barry Larkin (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=353442)

todeen 11-30-2024 07:05 PM

Day 64: Topps Gallery "Players Private Issue" /250. Very similar to Gallery Proof, slightly different. I like the border colors on the Proof better.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...32d1bac29e.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-01-2024 06:13 AM

Earlier in this thread, I posted the 1997 Essential Credentials. It was /99 and had a less rare counterpart, Credentials, /299.

In 1998, they introduced a numbering system that they would use for several other years. They made a Future and Now version of the Essential Credentials parallels and did away with the Credentials.

There were 100 cards in the set. The checklist was basically organized as a ranking system where the top players were near the beginning of the checklist, and the younger players were toward the end of the checklist.

So, the way the Essential Credentials set worked was the Now version was numbered to the card number that player was in the set. Card #1 in the set was a 1/1, card number 2 was /2, and so forth until you get to the last card in the checklist /100. The Future version was the opposite. The young players got the really rare cards, and the stars got the less rare version. The Futures were numbered to 101 minus the card number. So card number 100 in the set was a 1/1, whereas card number 1 was /100. Meaning each player had 101 total Essential Credentials.

Barry Larkin was card #25. Therefore, his Essential Credentials Now was /25, and his Future was /76.

The cards themselves were multi-layer, as the previous year, with acetate and foil coming together to make a shiny masterpiece. Below is the Barry Larkin Essential Credentials Future. I do not yet have the Now version, but am on the hunt. I will do a separate post when we get to 1999, but they used a similar numbering system that year as well.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ef43e9ba90.jpg

todeen 12-02-2024 12:11 PM

Day 66: 1999 Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion. Of all the cards out there, I find the gold parallels the most attractive. 1999 was Larkin's last big career year, and a magical year for the Reds as they won 96 games. He recorded 5.1 WAR in his age 35 season, but the Reds lost game 163 to the Mets, and they missed the postseason. At the time, I believe they were the first 90 win team to miss the playoffs under the new wild card playoff format. While other 90 win teams have missed the playoffs more recently, the 1999 Reds still hold the dubious distinction of most wins without making the playoffs. The Mets got there at together in 2000, and made the World Series, remembered more casually as the Subway Series.

The 1999 season would end Larkin's peak years, which started in 1988. Only showing WAR, here are his numbers:
1988 = 7.0 WAR (All Star, Silver Slugger)
1989 = 3.8 WAR (AS, SS)
1990 = 5.7 WAR (AS, SS, MVP7)
1991 = 6.1 WAR (AS, SS, MVP17)
1992 = 5.6 WAR (SS, MVP12)
1993 = 3.8 WAR (AS)
1994 = 4.0 WAR (AS, GG)
1995 = 5.9 WAR (AS, SS, GG, MVP1)
1996 = 7.2 WAR; first shortstop 30-30 season (AS, SS, GG, MVP12)
1997 = 3.5 WAR (AS)
1998 = 5.7 WAR (SS)
1999 = 5.1 WAR (AS, SS, MVP22)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3da55abbde.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-02-2024 12:35 PM

Larkin has some beauties in the 1998 Flair Showcase set.

Here is the Row 0, the precursor to the current mojo refractor design:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f9cc140af0.jpg

Here is the Row 1 Legacy Collection:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2de5f0d0cd.jpg

And here is the Row 3 Legacy Collection:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...50388eba40.jpg

OhioLawyerF5 12-03-2024 07:21 AM

I'm going to post a bit early today, because I've been excited to get to this one. It is one of the rarest and most interesting cards I own.

I found it at that National this year in Cleveland. A dealer had it that mostly sold vintage oddball stuff like pins and buttons and other trinkets. I saw it and immediately knew it was coming home with me. I asked him how much he wanted for it, and he said I was probably the only person in the building who even knew what it was, and since it wasn't his specialty, he quoted me a super low price. I couldn't give him the cash fast enough.

The card is a 1998 Topps SportzCubz test issue. This entire set is a mystery as it never made it past the prototype phase.

The description on baseballcardpedia.com says, "1998 Topps SportsCubz were plastic 3" square "cubes" apparently issued by Topps as a test issue. The fronts have a player photo set against their team's logo with the words "Topps SportzCubz" on the bottom left and the player's name located on the bottom right. The backs have biographical information as well as season and team stats. Any further information about these cards is appreciated."

It is rare that even baseballcardpedia doesn't have much information on a set.

According to an article on sportscardinfo.com, there are rumored to be 5 total sets produced. The article states, "Very little is known about 1998 Topps SportzCubz. The main reason for this is because it never made it past the test phase. About five prototype cards are rumored to have been made for each player. Then the idea was canned. What the end product would have looked like is a mystery. Judging by the prototype, it looks as if it would have been wrapped around something. I guess we’ll never know."

A user on collectors forum and freedom cardboard named frankhardy seems to have the most information on the set.

In response to a statement in a thread on collectors forums in 2017 that said "I have two of the five Mark Grace's. I say five because that's the rumored total pop. I know two sets sold in 2014, and three more sold in 2016-- by a son of a former Topps employee. I assume the three from 2016 were independent of the other two... if so that would account for the five," frankhardy had this to say:

"I don't think that the sets in 2014 were independent of the other 3. I am certain that those sets that were sold in 2014 were sold by the same son of the Topps employee. He sold one of those sets in 2014 to a guy in Texas. I know, because I bought the near set from the guy in Texas (he kept 3 of the cards....Griffey, Bonds, and Alomar). I bought the near set from the guy in Texas AFTER I dealt directly with the son of the Topps employee.

"Here is how it all went down....

"In May of 2016, I bought my first set from the son of the Topps employee for the sole purpose of keeping the McGwire for my Cardinals collection. I sold off the rest individually. He contacted me again in October of 2016 wanting to sell another complete set and another near set (22/25). I purchased them, along with some other nice Topps items like wax pack wrapper proofs, uncut sheets, etc.

"Ironically, the very next week in October, I saw where a guy was selling 3 Sportzcubz on Ebay. I thought, "That's just great"...after I thought I had pretty much cornered the market so to speak, here are 3 more cards. So, I contacted him in Texas to see what he had. He had a complete set, but he wanted to keep a few. He agreed to pull the 3 he listed on Ebay and he sold me all but the Griffey, Bonds, and Alomar. He confirmed to me that he bought them from the son of the Topps employee (who had passed away a few years ago).

"So, to sum it all up, of the 5 sets or partial sets known to exist, I have owned 2 complete sets and 2 more near sets. I still own the complete set in BGS slabs and I still own 2 partial sets. As I stated earlier, I broke the first set and sold individually (keeping the McGwire). As for the 5th set......I don't have any information on it....or whether there are any more out there."

As you can see, other than information that these sets came from a former Topps employee, not much else is known. If you have any information on the set, please share.

Here is a photo of the front and back of the card. They appear to be some sort of 3D puzzle, when joined with other cards they made a 3" x 3" cube. The backs of the cards say "Product Prototype" on the bottom right. They are made of plastic rather than card stock.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b8f91dcf59.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ee1a2e2e43.jpg

todeen 12-03-2024 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2478525)
I'm going to post a bit early today, because I've been excited to get to this one. It is one of the rarest and most interesting cards I own.

I found it at that National this year in Cleveland. A dealer had it that mostly sold vintage oddball stuff like pins and buttons and other trinkets. I saw it and immediately knew it was coming home with me. I asked him how much he wanted for it, and he said I was probably the only person in the building who even knew what it was, and since it wasn't his specialty, he quoted me a super low price. I couldn't give him the cash fast enough.

The card is a 1998 Topps SportzCubz test issue. This entire set is a mystery as it never made it past the prototype phase.

The description on baseballcardpedia.com says, "1998 Topps SportsCubz were plastic 3" square "cubes" apparently issued by Topps as a test issue. The fronts have a player photo set against their team's logo with the words "Topps SportzCubz" on the bottom left and the player's name located on the bottom right. The backs have biographical information as well as season and team stats. Any further information about these cards is appreciated."

It is rare that even baseballcardpedia doesn't have much information on a set.

According to an article on sportscardinfo.com, there are rumored to be 5 total sets produced. The article states, "Very little is known about 1998 Topps SportzCubz. The main reason for this is because it never made it past the test phase. About five prototype cards are rumored to have been made for each player. Then the idea was canned. What the end product would have looked like is a mystery. Judging by the prototype, it looks as if it would have been wrapped around something. I guess we’ll never know."

A user on collectors forum and freedom cardboard named frankhardy seems to have the most information on the set.

In response to a statement in a thread on collectors forums in 2017 that said "I have two of the five Mark Grace's. I say five because that's the rumored total pop. I know two sets sold in 2014, and three more sold in 2016-- by a son of a former Topps employee. I assume the three from 2016 were independent of the other two... if so that would account for the five," frankhardy had this to say:

"I don't think that the sets in 2014 were independent of the other 3. I am certain that those sets that were sold in 2014 were sold by the same son of the Topps employee. He sold one of those sets in 2014 to a guy in Texas. I know, because I bought the near set from the guy in Texas (he kept 3 of the cards....Griffey, Bonds, and Alomar). I bought the near set from the guy in Texas AFTER I dealt directly with the son of the Topps employee.

"Here is how it all went down....

"In May of 2016, I bought my first set from the son of the Topps employee for the sole purpose of keeping the McGwire for my Cardinals collection. I sold off the rest individually. He contacted me again in October of 2016 wanting to sell another complete set and another near set (22/25). I purchased them, along with some other nice Topps items like wax pack wrapper proofs, uncut sheets, etc.

"Ironically, the very next week in October, I saw where a guy was selling 3 Sportzcubz on Ebay. I thought, "That's just great"...after I thought I had pretty much cornered the market so to speak, here are 3 more cards. So, I contacted him in Texas to see what he had. He had a complete set, but he wanted to keep a few. He agreed to pull the 3 he listed on Ebay and he sold me all but the Griffey, Bonds, and Alomar. He confirmed to me that he bought them from the son of the Topps employee (who had passed away a few years ago).

"So, to sum it all up, of the 5 sets or partial sets known to exist, I have owned 2 complete sets and 2 more near sets. I still own the complete set in BGS slabs and I still own 2 partial sets. As I stated earlier, I broke the first set and sold individually (keeping the McGwire). As for the 5th set......I don't have any information on it....or whether there are any more out there."

As you can see, other than information that these sets came from a former Topps employee, not much else is known. If you have any information on the set, please share.

Here is a photo of the front and back of the card. They appear to be some sort of 3D puzzle, when joined with other cards they made a 3" x 3" cube. The backs of the cards say "Product Prototype" on the bottom right. They are made of plastic rather than card stock.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b8f91dcf59.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ee1a2e2e43.jpg

Very awesome post. 5/5 stars. I think SportzCubez have been mentioned on Net54 before. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I would know about them. Maybe Twitter. Very cool to see a picture of one.

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OhioLawyerF5 12-04-2024 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2476528)
Great card! I've almost purchased that one a couple times. One of his Platinum cards has his glove on his head. Quirky, but I don't like it.

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For my last card from 1998, I have to post the glove on the head card. It's a classic. ;)

1998 Ultra Platinum Medallion /100

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...61d40bf36d.jpg

todeen 12-05-2024 12:19 PM

Day 67: 1999 UD Retro Gold /250.

Side note: I didn't post a couple days because I got double whammy infections: Covid and Stomach Flu. Gross. Stay away. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...65ac4a5a1f.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-05-2024 12:59 PM

I hope you get to feeling better.

I had a different plan for my first 1999 post, but mail is delayed, so it will have to wait.

Instead, I'll go with a nice pair of Essential Credentials.

1999 Essential Credentials had the same numbering system as 1998, except there were 120 cards in the set, rather than 100.

Larkin was card #34, so his Essential Credentials Now was numbered /34, while his Essential Credentials Future was /87.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f567d42a8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0a30e451e8.jpg

todeen 12-06-2024 04:43 PM

Day 68: 1999 Topps Chrome Refractor.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...331602ae8e.jpg

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todeen 12-06-2024 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2479051)
I hope you get to feeling better.

I had a different plan for my first 1999 post, but mail is delayed, so it will have to wait.

Instead, I'll go with a nice pair of Essential Credentials.

1999 Essential Credentials had the same numbering system as 1998, except there were 120 cards in the set, rather than 100.

Larkin was card #34, so his Essential Credentials Now was numbered /34, while his Essential Credentials Future was /87.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f567d42a8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0a30e451e8.jpg

I think I like the Future more than the Now.

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OhioLawyerF5 12-06-2024 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2479307)
I think I like the Future more than the Now.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

I like all the Futures better than the Nows.

In fact, the base card is cooler than both of them. The 99 EX-Century is one of the best base cards ever.

OhioLawyerF5 12-06-2024 05:53 PM

For today I'll post some more Flair Showcase Legacy Collections. Here are a couple of the 1999s. They are /99.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c7d26c4185.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d60705d8dc.jpg

todeen 12-07-2024 10:21 AM

Day 69: 1999 Skybox Molten Metal Xplosion. 1:2 packs. What an interesting parallel that is so easy to obtain. I liked this as a kid (it was actually in my childhood collection), and I still like it now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ee773ea250.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-07-2024 11:35 AM

For today, since I'm still waiting on a big one in the mail, I'll go with a card that got me really into card photography.

I have always cataloged my collection by taking pictures and organizing them into albums on my phone. This card was like looking into a mirror in person, but was like the most boring and dull card in photos. That sent me on a journey to figure out the best ways to coax out the beauty of my 90s Larkin collection.

These days, my photobox setup against a black backdrop seems to be my go to method. But natural light is always king. So this photo was taken outside at about 2 pm on a sunny day with a nice blue sky with a few scattered clouds reflecting off the mirror like surface of the card.

The card is a 1999 Fleer Brilliants Gold parallel numbered to 99. There is an even more shiny parallel in this set called 24 Karat, numbered to just 24. I am still searching for that one. Until I find it, this beauty will have to suffice.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5b3136a832.jpg

todeen 12-08-2024 06:04 PM

Day 70: 1999 Topps Stars and Steel. A follow-up to Molten Metal. There is also a very nice parallel to this card: Gold Domed Holographic (1:24 packs). I'd really like to have that one!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7cb0f1427d.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-08-2024 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2479758)
Day 70: 1999 Topps Stars and Steel. A follow-up to Molten Metal. There is also a very nice parallel to this card: Gold Domed Holographic (1:24 packs). I'd really like to have that one!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7cb0f1427d.jpg

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Let's work something out! I have an extra to trade. ;)

These are some of the most interesting cards out there. Metal card stock with a rubbery domed surface. Like 180 point thickness. But gorgeous refractor finish on both front and back. They are SUPER hard to find. Don't let the 1:24 odds fool you. These were sold in a 3 card package that was a tri-fold booklet. The print run was miniscule, so 1:24 is very rare for these.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ad09b4fcf9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...343b0f0101.jpg

My two copies together:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c2a2188492.jpg

todeen 12-11-2024 03:41 PM

Day 71: 2000 Pacific Omega Generations w/ Jeter. 1:145 packs. Crazy to see a combo player card such a hard pull! This was the most difficult insert to pull in the entire set! Platinum Blue, also was 1:145, numbered to 55, but it had 150 subjects so it matches the odds of Generations. Thus, each Generations card is printed to 412.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0607f9b095.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-11-2024 05:21 PM

After what felt like an eternity waiting on USPS, it finally showed up! This is a big one for me.

It starts at the National this year. There wasn't a ton of 90s stuff there, and even fewer of Larkin. But I did find a few gems. One was the SportzCubz test issue I already posted. And another was this 1999 Bowman Chrome International Refractor /100.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2cd4a48b57.jpg

I was thrilled to have it. I love that the Cincinnati cityscape in the background not only fits the Reds, but the hometown kid, Barry as well.

I thought that was likely the end of the 1999 Bowman road for me because the only rarer card than that is the Gold Refractor. But it's numbered out of only 25.

Fast forward to today, and after finally working out a deal for this beauty, it arrived in the mail.

1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor /25

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f8a09cc6cf.jpg

todeen 12-11-2024 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2480527)
After what felt like an eternity waiting on USPS, it finally showed up! This is a big one for me.

It starts at the National this year. There wasn't a ton of 90s stuff there, and even fewer of Larkin. But I did find a few gems. One was the SportzCubz test issue I already posted. And another was this 1999 Bowman Chrome International Refractor /100.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2cd4a48b57.jpg

I was thrilled to have it. I love that the Cincinnati cityscape in the background not only fits the Reds, but the hometown kid, Barry as well.

I thought that was likely the end of the 1999 Bowman road for me because the only rarer card than that is the Gold Refractor. But it's numbered out of only 25.

Fast forward to today, and after finally working out a deal for this beauty, it arrived in the mail.

1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor /25

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f8a09cc6cf.jpg

Both are beautiful! congrats

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todeen 12-12-2024 10:34 PM

Day 72: 2000 Pacific Vanguard "High Voltage" Green /99.

2000 was Larkin's last season as more than a replacement level player, bringing in 2.6 WAR. After the Reds acquired Griffey over the winter, following their successful 1999 campaign, the 2000 season was a disappointment. It was the start of a decade of mediocrity. Griffey never lived up to his hype in a Reds uniform, and Larkin was oft injured.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e33b19ef2f.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-13-2024 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2480853)
Day 72: 2000 Pacific Vanguard "High Voltage" Green /99.

2000 was Larkin's last season as more than a replacement level player, bringing in 2.6 WAR. After the Reds acquired Griffey over the winter, following their successful 1999 campaign, the 2000 season was a disappointment. It was the start of a decade of mediocrity. Griffey never lived up to his hype in a Reds uniform, and Larkin was oft injured.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e33b19ef2f.jpg

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I have very few Pacific cards as they just aren't my thing. But interestingly, one of the few I have is that exact same parallel.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...16daf0c42b.jpg

And just as interesting, the next card I had queued up to share was also a Pacific card.

1999 Pacific Revolution Shadow Series /99

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bf29b2d52e.jpg

todeen 12-13-2024 04:26 PM

Day 72: 2000 Pacific Prism Raindrop. Print run less than 1000.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...49f42b84f2.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-14-2024 12:53 PM

This is one of the coolest cards out there.

1999 Skybox Premium Star Rubies /50

It is a card that looks like it's moving, even when it's not. It prompted me to mess around with moving images to see if I can capture it. Here's what I came up with.

Stationary image:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...08889783a7.jpg

And here it is in motion (please forgive the pixelation as the website compresses it pretty severely):

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...28b06494cf.gif

todeen 12-14-2024 02:08 PM

Day 73: 2001 Topps RetroFractor. 1:12 packs. Back of the card is cardboard cardstock.

2001 Topps was a set that I went all in on. I thought the idea of the 50th Anniversary was so cool. Then with the explosion of Ichiro in WA, and the ASG in Seattle, it was probably the best collecting year of my life. My father bought tickets to Fanfest, and we stayed in my sister's apartment in Issaquah, and then we stayed in Fanfest all day! I bought a box of Fleer Tradition and pulled a Jackie Robinson GU relic card. And then we stood in line for autographs all day. I met Bob Gibson, Brooks Robinson, Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca among others. Later in the summer I was busy buying Bowman Heritage. By the time Chrome came out, my collecting world was already saturated. I picked this card up a couple years ago because the nostalgia of that year is through the roof!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b66671983e.jpg

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todeen 12-14-2024 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2481191)
This is one of the coolest cards out there.

1999 Skybox Premium Star Rubies /50

It is a card that looks like it's moving, even when it's not. It prompted me to mess around with moving images to see if I can capture it. Here's what I came up with.

Stationary image:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...08889783a7.jpg

And here it is in motion (please forgive the pixelation as the website compresses it pretty severely):

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...28b06494cf.gif

You are correct. There is one on ebay I always stop to admire. Absolutely beautiful. Your motion photo turned out very nice. Very little pixelating.

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todeen 12-15-2024 02:04 PM

Day 74: 2001 Ultra Platinum Medallion /50. I always wanted one and a year ago one came up on Ebay and I said I'm getting this one no matter what. I need to get the rest now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...663b47acc1.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-15-2024 02:24 PM

That's a good segue into my next 1999 post.

Here is the 99 Platinum Medallion. It's a beautiful card.

I still need the 2000 and 2001, but I'm happy to have the 97-99.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b6d41493a4.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c8365562d5.jpg

todeen 12-16-2024 09:57 AM

Day 75: 2002 Fleer Box Score 1st Edition /100.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fceee5a564.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-17-2024 09:00 AM

I feel like these are underrated. Compared to other 90s cards numbered /100, they get very little love. Perhaps it's because 1999 SPx just doesn't have the following of previous years, but the holofoil on these in hand is very pretty.

1999 SPx Radiance /100

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...35a3ff2f4b.jpg

todeen 12-18-2024 12:47 PM

Day 76: 2002 Topps 206 Mini, Uzit Back /112 (Series 3). This set was the inaugural release and was spectacular. I loved it. The chase cards are the backs, and they are hard to find! Piedmont, Polar Bear, Tolstoi, Cycle, Bazooka, Sweet Caporal are specific to series.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d42c266201.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-18-2024 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2482123)
Day 76: 2002 Topps 206 Mini, Uzit Back /112 (Series 3). This set was the inaugural release and was spectacular. I loved it. The chase cards are the backs, and they are hard to find! Piedmont, Polar Bear, Tolstoi, Cycle, Bazooka, Sweet Caporal are specific to series.


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I remember pulling my very first original T206 from that set. They put them in those cards with plastic over it (like that Larkin). I cut it out of its tomb.

BTW, check your PMs. ;)

todeen 12-18-2024 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2482125)
I remember pulling my very first original T206 from that set. They put them in those cards with plastic over it (like that Larkin). I cut it out of its tomb.



BTW, check your PMs. ;)

I bought a bunch of cardboard frames from a member on Net54. They slide into soft sleeves, and then into a hard plastic holder. You can slip the T206, or mini 206, into the frame and it presents very nicely!



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OhioLawyerF5 12-18-2024 07:53 PM

1999 Upper Deck Century Legends Century Collection /100

This card has it all: die-cut, holofoil, low numbered. It screams 90s but just doesn't seem to get the love it deserves.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...60b4e2de43.jpg

todeen 12-19-2024 07:36 PM

Day 77: 2003 Fleer Box Score All Star 1st Edition /100. The partner for the card a couple days ago.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4c17b6393c.jpg

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todeen 12-21-2024 06:18 PM

Day 78: Barry Larkin 2004 Donruss Elite Aspirations /89. Would love to own Status /11 or Status Gold /24.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9eeb7b3259.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-22-2024 10:49 AM

2000 Private Stock Silver Portrait /199

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b53fcc9f7c.jpg

todeen 12-23-2024 02:41 PM

Day 79: Barry Larkin 2004 Flair Hot Numbers Red Die Cut /18.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6f58be47c5.jpg

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todeen 12-24-2024 03:46 PM

Day 80: Barry Larkin 2004 Leaf Certified Cuts Gold Relic Auto /10.

2004 was Barry Larkin's last season, age 40. He still contributed slightly, 0.9 WAR, and played in 111 games (after only 70 in 2003).
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7b55e9987e.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-24-2024 04:54 PM

2001 E-X Essential Credentials Now

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bfca44ed72.jpg

todeen 12-26-2024 03:48 PM

Day 81: Barry Larkin 2004 Playoff Honors Auto /25.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f40840ad17.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-27-2024 05:07 AM

2001 Elite Primary Colors Blue Die-cut /50

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...29c75bf23e.jpg

todeen 12-27-2024 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2483988)
2001 Elite Primary Colors Blue Die-cut /50

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...29c75bf23e.jpg

Great card. I believe I have the Red. I'm out and about right now, I'll look for it when I get home.

Edit: I have the Red base card /975 (not die cut).

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b2e899dc5e.jpg

todeen 12-27-2024 05:09 PM

Day 82: 1998 Evolution Revolution. I've had this forever. Cool card, but annoying to display and view.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...18ea2d7a2b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2b1e2d7d65.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bc0466e68d.jpg

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todeen 12-28-2024 02:54 PM

Day 83: 2005 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia "Absolutely Ink" Spectrum Prime Triple Relic Auto /25. Long name, beautiful card!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5dcacde9e7.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-28-2024 04:36 PM

Thanks, Tim, for helping me get one step closer to completing the Epix run. I only have the hard ones left. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...53bce866f8.jpg

todeen 12-30-2024 04:47 PM

Edit: I realize I posted the wrong description of the picture. Here it is amended.
Day 84: 2002 Donruss Studio Private Signings /25. Odds 1:346.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...256eac93ce.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 12-30-2024 05:39 PM

I don't really collect game used cards much, but I wanted to add a bat card to the collection. So I picked up this 2002 Certified Materials Mirror Blue.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5bc61040ad.jpg

todeen 12-31-2024 06:56 PM

Day 85: 2003 Upper Deck Rookie Debut Solid Contact relic. Odds 1:24.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7aa8a51a3d.jpg

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todeen 01-03-2025 02:53 PM

Day 86: 2003 Fleer Patchworks Numbers Game relic. Odds hobby = 1:33. Odds retail = 1:213. There is also a numbered parallel of this card to /300.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d1fc84b0b8.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 01-03-2025 02:55 PM

2003 E-X Essential Credentials Future (unstamped copy)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f92819bc86.jpg

OhioLawyerF5 01-06-2025 07:26 PM

This beauty showed up in the mail today!

1998 Donruss Collections Elite Prized Collections

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7288b5684f.jpg

todeen 01-10-2025 10:20 PM

Saw these over Christmas and had to have them. Looking for the next two letters D & S.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...df01d619a2.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 01-14-2025 06:03 PM

Well, it took forever for the last one I was waiting on to make its way through the mail system. But here they are in all their glory!

The GER is pop 2, and the Gold Refractor w/ peel is pop 3, none higher (there are a couple 10s without peel).

Bronze base, Bronze Refractor
Silver base, Silver Embossed
Silver Refractor, Silver Embossed Refractor
Gold base, Gold Embossed
Gold Refractor, Gold Embossed Refractor


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fc4b8320db.jpg

todeen 01-14-2025 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2488387)
Well, it took forever for the last one I was waiting on to make its way through the mail system. But here they are in all their glory!

The GER is pop 2, and the Gold Refractor w/ peel is pop 3, none higher (there are a couple 10s without peel).

Bronze base, Bronze Refractor
Silver base, Silver Embossed
Silver Refractor, Silver Embossed Refractor
Gold base, Gold Embossed
Gold Refractor, Gold Embossed Refractor


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fc4b8320db.jpg

We're not worthy!

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OhioLawyerF5 01-24-2025 11:37 AM

Included in each 1994 Topps "Baker's Dozen" factory set, was a cello-wrapped three-card "sampler" of a MLB player. Each player is represented by his 1994 Bowman, Finest, and Stadium Club cards. These cards are identical to their regular issue counterparts except for a special "Topps Superstar Sampler" emblem on their backs.

Here is Larkins Superstar Sampler unopened pack!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2237e60067.jpg

todeen 01-26-2025 11:30 AM

2001 Leaf Limited Lumberjacks /500. Game used odds 1:9 packs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0cb024425a.jpg

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todeen 01-28-2025 05:21 PM

2002 Topps 206 framed relic. Odds: 2 per box.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9f419f3f40.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 01-28-2025 06:55 PM

Recent pickup: 1998 Donruss Collections Preferred Prized Collections. Stated print run of 55.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ff78621ff1.jpg

todeen 01-28-2025 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2491866)
Recent pickup: 1998 Donruss Collections Preferred Prized Collections. Stated print run of 55.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ff78621ff1.jpg

very cool. I want to get all the Prized Collections. I think they are well done.

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KJA 01-29-2025 06:16 PM

Very nice, I will have to post some of my Larkins, I have quite a few auto's, my dad used to work with his sister so I got hooked up with some auto's when I was a kid.

todeen 01-29-2025 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJA (Post 2492110)
Very nice, I will have to post some of my Larkins, I have quite a few auto's, my dad used to work with his sister so I got hooked up with some auto's when I was a kid.

Join the conversation! we love to see new items!

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OhioLawyerF5 01-31-2025 10:52 AM

I am excited as a collector can be! Today, I finally completed the Larkin run from my all-time favorite set: 1998 Donruss Crusade.

The Red Call to Arms is finally mine! This is only the second copy of this card to be seen publicly that I am aware of. I'm not a collector of special serial numbers, but this is jersey number 11/25.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...290941bd86.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...af0ff35429.jpg

Here they are in all their glory, the 3 Call to Arms and the 3 unreleased high number prototypes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a788d26529.jpg

todeen 01-31-2025 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2492540)
I am excited as a collector can be! Today, I finally completed the Larkin run from my all-time favorite set: 1998 Donruss Crusade.

The Red Call to Arms is finally mine! This is only the second copy of this card to be seen publicly that I am aware of. I'm not a collector of special serial numbers, but this is jersey number 11/25.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...290941bd86.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...af0ff35429.jpg

Here they are in all their glory, the 3 Call to Arms and the 3 unreleased high number prototypes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a788d26529.jpg

Very happy for you! Very awesome. Also a very nice addition to this thread.

Does the card look equal to or better than the photos provided by the seller?

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OhioLawyerF5 01-31-2025 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2492556)
Very happy for you! Very awesome. Also a very nice addition to this thread.

Does the card look equal to or better than the photos provided by the seller?

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That's an interesting question. When the card was at auction back in July, the pictures were terrible, but I noticed the damage on the top edge. I asked for more pictures, and they sent close ups of the damage that made it look severe. When it failed authentication due to the damage not being disclosed, I thought it must be very noticeable. Then I was shocked when it came back a PSA 7 when it was re-listed. But this time, I didn't want it to get away. A little edge damage wasn't going to deter me from a card that has only surfaced twice since 1998. When I finally got it in hand, I see why it got a 7. It's not nearly as bad as it looked. From the right angle, it looks bad because the card is so shiny. But as you can see in my picture, it's not that noticeable most of the time. I was worried I would buy the card of my dreams and be disappointed every time I look at it. But thankfully, it's not that bad, and I love it!

todeen 01-31-2025 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2492585)
That's an interesting question. When the card was at auction back in July, the pictures were terrible, but I noticed the damage on the top edge. I asked for more pictures, and they sent close ups of the damage that made it look severe. When it failed authentication due to the damage not being disclosed, I thought it must be very noticeable. Then I was shocked when it came back a PSA 7 when it was re-listed. But this time, I didn't want it to get away. A little edge damage wasn't going to deter me from a card that has only surfaced twice since 1998. When I finally got it in hand, I see why it got a 7. It's not nearly as bad as it looked. From the right angle, it looks bad because the card is so shiny. But as you can see in my picture, it's not that noticeable most of the time. I was worried I would buy the card of my dreams and be disappointed every time I look at it. But thankfully, it's not that bad, and I love it!

That's great!

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REG1976 02-02-2025 06:55 AM

2 Attachment(s)
I got this from the local Dairy Queen during the promotion in 1992, the person who worked there got tired of handing out the cards, so I got this advertisement and what was left of the cello packs @ 3

KJA 03-09-2025 04:26 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Just a couple

todeen 03-12-2025 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJA (Post 2502119)
Just a couple

Love the Kahns set. The 1991 set is an obvious hole in my collection. Thanks for sharing.

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todeen 04-07-2025 03:08 PM

Picked up a real beauty! Die-cut /89.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d09ab945dc.jpg

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OhioLawyerF5 04-11-2025 01:36 PM

Recent mailday: 1999 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractor /100

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0fec6d7f35.jpg

todeen 04-11-2025 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2509210)
Recent mailday: 1999 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractor /100

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0fec6d7f35.jpg

Great card. I didn't know that set had #'d cards. Is it stamped? Or just suspected print runs.

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OhioLawyerF5 04-11-2025 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todeen (Post 2509251)
Great card. I didn't know that set had #'d cards. Is it stamped? Or just suspected print runs.

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It is stamped. The regular refractors are serial numbered /400, and the atomic refractors are serial numbered /100.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8a9c525ef6.jpg

Balticfox 04-11-2025 05:57 PM

How does an Atomic Refractor differ from a regular Refractor other than the serial numbering?

:confused:

OhioLawyerF5 04-11-2025 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balticfox (Post 2509258)
How does an Atomic Refractor differ from a regular Refractor other than the serial numbering?



:confused:

Most of the time it is a very obvious different refractor pattern. With the 1999 Bowman's Best Atomics, the atomic pattern is subtle. The pattern is in the vertical lines on the card. It's extra "shiny" inside the lines with a crystal-like effect. It's hard to capture in pictures.

This is the more traditional atomic pattern:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2346fdebb1.jpg

They likely decided that pattern wouldn't look very good with the vertical lines of the 1999 design and went a different direction

Here they are side by side (regular on left, atomic on right:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...13c386ebb7.jpg

todeen 05-12-2025 09:54 PM

Been a while since I posted, but picked up a good one tonight on ebay. 2001 Topps Chrome Golden Anniversary Refractor. Odds = 1:100, and it's a 50 card set! Yikes. 5000 packs to possibly get the player you desire. And I got it for $8.75. Feels like a steal. Base Retrofractor is 1:12 packs. I'll post better pictures when it arrives.

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fa56f0bfc5.jpg

OhioLawyerF5 05-13-2025 10:17 AM

Great pickup!!!

I love getting rare card for cheap.

Balticfox 05-13-2025 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5 (Post 2492540)
Here they are in all their glory, the 3 Call to Arms and the 3 unreleased high number prototypes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a788d26529.jpg

Wow, those are absolutely dazzling!

But I don't understand. How "unreleased" were those 3 high number prototypes? How then did you get them?

:confused:

OhioLawyerF5 05-13-2025 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balticfox (Post 2515384)
Wow, those are absolutely dazzling!



But I don't understand. How 'unreleased" were those 3 high number prototypes? How then did you get them?



:confused:

Cards #131 - #200 in the set were produced by Donruss for future 1998 and 1999 baseball products, but were never officially released due to the bankruptcy of Pinnacle Brands. However, prototypes of all 70 of these known, unreleased Crusades emerged on the secondary market shortly after Pinnacle's bankruptcy. None of these unreleased prototype Crusades are serial-numbered. While Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) instructed Pinnacle Brands - which included the Donruss and Leaf products - to destroy its baseball card inventory after the bankruptcy filing, some Donruss employees collated and kept these unreleased Crusades and sold them to Dave and Adam's Card World, a sports card and collectibles store. In turn, they sold the entire lot to a private collector, which then traded hands again to another private collector. Had these Crusades not been backdoored, collectors may have never seen these.

While many collectors believe that one copy of the Red and Purple and two copies of the Green of each player from this unreleased portion of the set exist, this is more of an exception than the norm. The large majority of players only have one of each color, with some players not having one or two colors confirmed to exist.

Most players in the initial Crusade set (#1 - #100) were to have a "base" and "Call to Arms" (CTA) card, for all three colors. The first Crusade "type" for each of these players were released in packs of 1998 Donruss, Leaf, and Donruss Update; however, the second Crusade "type" for many players were part of this unreleased set. For example, the Ken Griffey, Jr. CTA Crusade was one of these unreleased cards that emerged on the secondary market after the bankruptcy - Griffey, Jr. had a "base" Crusade that was officially released in packs but his CTA subset was to be featured in sets that were never officially released.

Unlike the CTA Crusades that were inserted into packs, all unreleased CTA cards are sequentially-numbered.

Because of the popularity of the Crusade set in general and potential rarity of the unreleased Crusades specifically, these command also strong premiums in the secondary sales market over the pack-issued Crusades.

It should be noted, there are a few exceptions to the rule with these unreleased cards. Rickey Henderson (#166) and Vinny Castilla (#138) both do not have a Crusade that was released in packs but have a Crusade in this Unreleased set. Both of Mo Vaughn's Crusades (#12 & #196) - pack-issued and in the unreleased set - were the CTA version; Vaughn does not have a "base" Crusade.

All player cards between #131 and 200 have been accounted for although some players do not have all 3 color parallels.

Barry Larkin has all 3. I was fortunate enough that a dealer in a facebook group I'm in acquired the whole Larkin set and posted them all for sale at once. I snapped them up as soon as I saw the post.


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