None of That Base Card Junk

Back at the start of my summer break, I signed up for a group break over at Death Stare Cards.  This was definitely an out of character purchase, because group breaks aren't my cup of tea.  Ever since the days of The Bash Brothers, the Oakland A's really have lacked star power in regards to cards... so it's not usually worth it for me to buy them in group breaks.  The same can be said for the San Diego Padres... although Fernando Tatis Jr. puts up a good argument.

However this wasn't your typical group break.  Instead of an unopened box of cards, 1,700 inserts weighing over ten pounds were being sorted by teams.  None of that base card junk.  Teams were $15 each (shipped), but additional teams were only $14 each.

I obviously grabbed the Oakland A's.  Unfortunately PunkRockPaint bought the San Diego Padres fifteen minutes before I arrived.  No biggie.  I picked up the San Francisco Giants instead.

A 200ct. box arrived shortly after I placed my order.  It ended up sitting in my office for weeks until I eventually opened it up.  After going through it... I put the contents back into the box and let it sit some more.  Until today.

In an effort to clean up my office before I head back into the classroom... I went through the contents and picked out my five favorite cards from each team.  However before I reveal them, here's a look at the financial breakdown of this purchase:

Oakland A's: 73 cards ($15/73 = 20.5¢ per card)

San Francisco Giants:  79 cards ($14/79 = 17.7¢ per card)

The bargain hunter within me typically seeks out these kinds of singles in dime boxes.  But after sifting through these 152 cards, I was more than happy with the results of this group break.

Okay... let's check out my personal favorites.  In an effort to make things more interesting, I decided to mix the five cards from each team and rank them from #10 down to #1.  Here we go...

#10: 2018 Topps Update 1983 Topps Design #83-33

The idea to reuse the 1983 Topps design is lazy... but at least they picked a really cool photo.  Who doesn't appreciate a new bubble blowing card to collect?

#9:  2013 Topps Opening Day Ballpark Fun #BF-2

Another fantastic photo with Reddick wearing a super cool looking Oakland Oaks jersey with pie all over his face.  Gotta love those walk-off wins by the Athletics back int he early 2010's.  By the way... I heard the Diamondbacks released Reddick.  Was hoping to see him sign with Oakland as they make a push for one of the Wild Card spots, but the Mets grabbed him.

#8:  2010 Topps Walmart Black #410

This looks like another walk-off win card... only this time the hero is Rajai Davis.  Not 100% sure, but my detective work leads me to believe this is from the June 11th, 2009 win over the Minnesota Twins.

#7:  2014 Topps 1989 Topps Die-Cut Minis #TM-10

When the New York Yankees traded Rickey Henderson back to the A's in the summer of 1989... it was like an early birthday present.  I'm a fan of any card that ties together the A's and 1989, but it's even more special when it features Rickey.

#6:  2015 Topps Opening Day Franchise Flashback #FF-10

No idea why Timmy is dressed up... but he looks fantastic.  This card is going straight into my Sports Card Smorgasbord binder.

#5:  2017 Topps Update Storied World Series #SWS-17

1989 was the last time the Oakland A's won the World Series.  Any card highlighting the event will be welcomed into my collection.

#4:  2020 Topps Decades' Best #DB-52 

Yup.  Another 1989 World Series card.  I like this one better than the 2017 Update card because of the design and the celebration photograph with Stan Javier coming over the top.

#3:  1990 Score #701

Technically this card isn't an insert... but I'll let it slide because I absolutely love it.  It's my favorite 1989 World Series card, because it immediately takes me back to that night of the Loma Prieta earthquake.  It was such a scary event, but one of those key moments from my youth.

#2:  2017 Topps Pro Debut Ben's Biz #BBB-9

If you ever go to a San Jose Giants game, you've gotta grab a churro from this guy.  He actually gets around the stadium and interacts with fans.  I had the opportunity to meet him at two of the three games I attended this summer.

This is my second copy of this card... which is perfect... because I hope to one day bring this copy to a game and ask for his autograph.

#1:  2015 Topps First Pitch #FP-21

I was secretly hoping for this card when I decided to buy the San Francisco Giants in this group break.  I'm not exactly a huge comic book guy, but I don't think you have to be one to be a fan of Stan Lee.  This guy is a legend.  And I absolutely love the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies... which wouldn't exist without him.

Thank you Death Stare Cards for hosting this group break!  I would gladly join another one of these breaks if you decide to host another one.

And any of you who didn't participate... it looks like there are a few teams available.  Click here if you're interested.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!