Saturday, December 13, 2014

Absolutely Breathtaking

If Stadium Club baseball was a woman, it would be Ms. Upton:


In other words... stunning and badass.  It's hands down my favorite baseball product of the season and a classic for collectors who appreciate photography.


I picked up two boxes from Steel City Collectibles during their Black Friday sale for $49.95 each and I just grabbed two more last night.


Normally, I'd classify these purchases as "out of character", but I had been looking for some reasonably priced boxes for entertainment purposes.  And I wasn't disappointed.

I discovered first hand just how gorgeous this set is.


The vibrant colors and borderless photos pays homage to its once popular 90's ancestor.


And the inclusion of players from both the past and present make this checklist rock solid.


I especially enjoy the handful of black and white photography used within the set.  It's also really cool to see a few candid shots like Jackie signing autographs thrown into the mix too.


But the heart of the set are the action shots... most of which could be blown up and hung on museum walls.

Oh... and I almost forgot to mention this.  Collation was AWESOME!  Out of my first two boxes, I pulled 179 different cards and only one double.


Normally I'd be focused on the inserts, parallels, and autographs from this box break... but honestly they're just the icing on the cake.  The 200 card base set takes centerstage for me and I'm currently 74.5% of the way towards completing it.

So what are your thoughts on this stuff?  Hate it?  Like it?  Love it?

I hope all of you have a great weekend.  Happy Saturday and sayonara!

P.S.  I realize that this is the third appearance of the lovely Kate on this blog... and to be honest... it's probably not the last.  It's just too cool of a card to keep hidden in my collection.

21 comments:

arpsmith said...

I love it, just finished completing my set. I have a solid stack of dups if you want to shoot me your want list I will see if I can help.

JediJeff said...

I love the release. Built mine thru dime boxes, and ebay pick up and a mini box. Looking forward to 2015 SC.

Zippy Zappy said...

Wait, if Stadium Club is Kate Upton, then does that mean it has underwhelming nudes floating around the internet?

As for this set I like the photography used and can appreciate what it tried (and succeeded to do). But as a prospecter it's just not for me.

Man said...

Beautiful issue-I have most of the Redbirds and I couldn't be happier with the Stadium Club. Look's like Kate's relic is a very popular bra color.mmm. I wonder if...

Nick said...

Stadium Club easily wins Set of the Year honors for me. Might be the Set of the Decade as well, now that I think of it.

Anonymous said...

All this attention towards Kate Upton is making Kristi Y. cry. I hope you're happy.

Stadium Club wouldn't normally be a set I'd go too hard after, but after all the raves and the images I've seen, I'm starting to reconsider.

At the very least, that Adam Jones card WILL BE in my collection, it's just a matter of when.

Hackenbush said...

I can't start opening my box until Christmas (I gave my unopened 8.5 lb Dave and Adams assortment of SC and other blasters to my wife to wrap and give me). I'm excited to see them in person. Is it wrong of me not to want to look at them on the blogs until then?

gcrl said...

i'm a fan, but there's an image of fernando valenzuela's 2015 stadium club floating around out there that makes me think 2015 will be even better.

BobWalkthePlank said...

I love this year's Stadium Club. Just opened my second box last night. I'll know where I'm at tomorrow with the set.

The Dutch Card Guy said...

Love it, opening my first SC box next weekend !

Pro Set Cards said...

I agree completely! I also came here expecting a Seinfeld reference but I am more pleased to see Ms Upton (Or Mrs Verlander for us Tigers fans)

Fuji said...

Thanks. Totally appreciate the offer. I have two more boxes on the way. After I bust those... if I need anything, I'll send you a list.

Fuji said...

Wait. There are nude photos of Kate on the internet?

Fuji said...

;)

Fuji said...

Off the top of my head... I'd say you're right. The only recent card product I was this crazy over was 2008 Masterpieces... and it's already six years since that release.

Fuji said...

Kristi has nothing to worry about. I've never really been into blondes. Well... unless they look like Kate.

If I pull an extra Jones... it's yours.

Fuji said...

Don't blame you. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.

Fuji said...

Thanks for sharing. Just found the post... great looking stuff.

Fuji said...

Let me know what you need... and I'll help you out after I bust box #3 and #4.

Fuji said...

Best of luck! But you won't need it. These cards are awesome. You'll get three or four hits per pack.

Fuji said...

Lol... had to look up what you were talking about. But it totally came back to me as soon as I read about it.