2019 Topps Series 2 Blaster!

OK, so it's not quite a Topps Update box. But, it's a little bit newer than some others. Been meaning to post this one for a bit, so glad I'm finally getting the chance.

And hoping you still care...if you ever did.

Yup. It's actually a Series 2 box. Couple decent ballplayers on the cover.

Seven pacs, plus the one special patch card pack. Let's start with that one.

OK. So, decent player. But, is there anyone out there with an Honus Wagner player collection that this sort of card would appeal to? Especially since, as you may have noticed, this isn't a regular old patch card. This is a special foil numbered version. So, an Honus Wagner super-collector? Let's check out the back of this one.

 Yeah. Ok. 36/150. Maybe I can think of someone who might like that numbering.

Starting with the real packs, we get another middle infielder without much range these days. I wonder what kind of offer the Sox could make him so that he would retire. Some sort of personal services contract in order to get him out of the luxury tax calculation? Nice picture though. I wonder when they could have gotten that shot.

High fives. Low fives. Number five. I sense a theme in this pack.

Bregman must be looking for his sign before he takes his cuts.

This card is much better than the annoying Aaron Judge versions. Almost makes it worth going to Wal-Mart. I said "almost".

I like the "Franchise Feats" idea for a card set celebrating 150 years of baseball. Gives a decent excuse to add more star players into the set. I, of course, live the Benintendi card. That picture belongs in ever sports room in New England.

Not sure I need another Bob Feller reprint card. Let me rephrase that. I know I don't.

Nor do I particularly need a Rickey Henderson reprint/throwback. It's one thing to see new players on old designs. It's another to see them on designs we've already seen them on. Not sure I see the purpose. 

But, overall, a couple decent Red Sox cards in the box...including an insert. Not exactly something to write home about. But, it's not like it's a premium box. 

How did your boxes go?

It's About Time!

Once again, I can read your minds! 

You've seen blogger after blogger post about their first packs of

2019 Topps. It's the yearly ritual where everyone talks about their packs, and their opinions. But, I know what you're thinking. Sure, those other 3036 bloggers who have written about the topic are all well and good. But, what dis Section 36's first packs look like? What does he think about the set?

Well, Section 36 has been having a lot of trouble locating the new Topps product. His local Target has been quite annoying about not stocking the long anticipated cards.

Until now!

So, I finally had the chance to open my first blaster! How did I do? What do I think? Let's find out.

The first Red Sox card of the year! 

In the very first pack of the year, comes the first Red Sox card. Not a bad start! Rafael Devers stares out ready for action. To get it out of the way, I love love love the design. It's simple and elegant. The overly computerized designs of the last couple years are gone. It's just a simple swooping design on one side of the card. It's give a slight 1982 feel, with out looking like a replica. It still leaves plenty of room for the picture, which was the best part of the design the last few years. I really have no complaints.

The design works horizontally as well. That's another problem Topps has been having. the previous designs worked for one, or the other. This one works for both. This picture is just wonderful. It if was a vertical card, it would have been much for stagnant. With the horizontal turn, I can almost feel the ball hurtling towards Mookie's bat.

I like it when Topps has fun with the checklist cards. While the "all smiles" title is a little corny, I have no problem using it to get a card featuring two future Hall of Famers.

My first Red Sox insert! I was glad to get this card, because in an earlier pack I got another Pedro insert...but he was wearing a Dodgers uniform. Bleh. Speaking of bleh? The design of this insert can pretty much be summed up that way as well. Ok, Pedro is one of the greatest players. Yup. Baseball has been around for 150 years. If it's celebrating the 150 years, shouldn't this insert have an old timey feel to it? Or something that doesn't scream "I need an excuse to include these players in the set"? This seems to have had pretty limited thought behind it.

And, the backs. I like the way they keep the same design theme as the front. I also like how it's colorful. I mean, i never see the backs once the cards are in my binders...but it's nice to know that they're there.

So, there are the four Red Sox cards I got in my first blaster. Hopefully there will be many more where those came from!

What do you think?