Check out My (new) Cards!

It's been a few months, so I decided it was finally time to request another shipment from COMC. Usually I buy cards, list them for resale at a way to high price and then when the stack is big enough I request shipment. The pile had reached the point where I wanted them in my hands. So, I requested shipment. The baseball ones can be seen below. 

Let's have a look, shall we?

Notice I said "baseball" and not "Red Sox"? I figured it was time I had one of these in my collection. Unlike the Griffey from last time, I've never owned one of these before. Now I do.

Decided I should have one of these too. Actually bought and sold a couple others as I decided this nice on-card signature is the one I wanted. Always nice to grab fun cards of young Red Sox stars.

Picked up a couple Dalbec RC as well. I was on a bit of a run where I wanted to stock up on these rising Red Sox stars before it was too late. So, a cheap Houck auto and a couple cheap Dalbec rookies were needed.

Along those lines, picked up a few Houck parallels while they were cheap. Or, maybe they still are. I dunno. But they can be hard to locate sometimes so it was nice to be able to grab a few.

And Whitlock too! Obviously bought these before he was hurt, and while he was still in the rotation. But, still glad to have these. 

And this one too. Remember when I mentioned my strategy of buying cards, then pricing them high while waiting to ship? I bought one of his other RC autos in April for $6, and priced it at $20 to let it sit. Next night Whitlock makes his first start, dominates, and the card sells for the $20. So, great, that's a nice profit. But...I actually wanted a Whitlock auto. Seems stupid to buy back the one I sold, so I was able to get this better one. For basically the initial $6. So I guess it all worked out.

And there they are! Lots of prospecting this time. Hope it works out.

Do you have a favorite card from the lot?

2021 Topps Fire Blaster

Let's open some more cards! How about another blaster of 2021 Topps Fire? I wonder if we can do better than last time.

How did this one turn out? Let's see!

Here's what the box looks like. Why doesn't Pete Alonso get more hobby love? Topps seems to wonder that too.

I mean, there he is on every pack. That's supposed to make you want to buy more packs!

The first Red Sox card from the box is a good one! Not the best picture of Mr. Houck. But, it's a nice looking card. And, it's a solid rookie of someone who should be a big part of the Sox rotation going forward.

Speaking of future stars, we have Dalbec here! Two players who made big contributions in their rookie seasons, and are expected to be stars for the Sox. Not bad.

Of course, you'd prefer to get card with writing on them, or perhaps some fancier foil. But, I can't complain about probably the two best Red Sox base cards in the set.

Not bad at all.

2021 Topps Series Two Big Blaster Break!

I'm actually assuming that these aren't called "big blasters" but I honestly don't know what else to call them. So, that's what I'm going with. The cards are the same as last time, but there's just more of them.

Let's see how it went!

Here's the box. It's apparently a Target exclusive, which is cool. I should also be on the lookout for exclusive Juan Soto cards. Good to know.

And, since the front didn't mention it, the top of the box mentions all the extra packs I'll find inside.

Just look at them all!

Chris Sale looking especially tall. 

An Arauz rookie. Great shot of number 36!

A fun throwback design of Rafael Devers. The picture captures a lot of action, but doesn't present the best face for Devers.

A nice celebration team card showing the team having a pretty good time.

A sparkly green card of some Yankee. 

A nice action shot of Matt Barnes. The horizontal format really works for this shot.

Look! It's the exclusive Juan Soto I was supposed to be looking out for. Apparently he's not kidding around. The black background is nice too. Wait, are they supposed to be black?

Or...is this a numbered variation? Well done by me!

Basic shot of Arroya batting. I think the cropping really works on this card.

Another rookie. Another crazy action photo. 

Great shot of Eovaldi staring down an opposing batter.

Michael Chavis wondering if he should take another base. I really like these "posed action" type shots. Clearly this is the middle of a play, but it's still a well composed shot.

And, then there's the opposite. As I said last time, this might be the best action shot in the set.

And we close it out with Vazquez threatening to gun down another baserunner.

So, quite the haul. Obviously, the extra packs gave extra opportunities. But, the Red Sox turnout was much appreciated, and the Soto parallel made sure it was a decent box. Very nice all-around.

Have you opened any of these?

How did it go?

2021 Bowman Mega Box!

As I've said, I've always enjoyed opening packs of Bowman. And, with the Mega Box, the added chrome variety makes the experience even more fun. How did this box go?

Let's see!

Here's the box. Always fun when a Red Sox player makes it to the cover. Although, it also makes me wonder if that makes it something I should be saving/collecting.

The packs, including the variety I spoke of earlier.

And BAM a Red Sox from one of the special packs. Yorke has had a great year in 2021, potentially justifying his surprise first round selection in 2020. And, perhaps, making me really glad to have this mojo card of his.

And another Red Sox! This one I knew without even having to look him up.

Here's another guy I know of well. And this one's a true rookie card. Dalbec had a lot of hype entering this season. While he's had his ups and downs, he's ended up with having a decent season. Always happy to add one of his cards.

Tanner Houck is another player anticipated to make a big impression on the Sox this year. He's been solid in his role, and at times was just what the team needed. Glad to have his card as his career launches off.

So there you have it. Several key pieces of the future of the Red Sox. Not a bad haul.

How did yours go?

2021 Topps Heritage Blaster!

Doesn't look like I've opened one of these on here yet...or I'm just forgetful. Once again, not quite sure where this box came from...online most likely. But, let's see what was inside!

Here we go!

The box.

The packs.

The oddities. Important question...does this card count as a Willie Mays card when I'm making up player lots?

I enjoy the love/hate design of the 1972s. It's a fun callback to a different time.

Even the "In Action" cards. And, even when it's of Betts.

OK. These are weird.

Of curse, the disco lettering works much better on a short team name than it does on a long one. Can we get the Diamondbacks to officially change their name so card designs can be a little cleaner moving forward?

Red Sox closer Matt Barnes, and the Red Sox hedge.

Future Red Sox ace Tanner Houck. A nice pull.

And this special insert of Roberto Clemente. Not a fan of the design, but a worthy set.

Nothing all that exciting in this box. But, always fun to open packs.

How did your box go?