I've acquired a third brand new card released in 2021. It's another Topps insert, and another reprint appearance for Tony's rookie card, this time combined with his final base card proper. This card arrived via Greg, who recently joined the Facebook group for UK card collectors.
Card Number 611: Topps Double Header, 2021; #TDH1
Tony was the lead-off hitter in this insert series.
The front of the card is a straight up reprint of Tony's rookie card from 1983, with the additions of a silver foil Topps 70th anniversary logo.
On the back is Tony's 2002 card, with a grey surround - this means Topps avoided putting all their boilerplate legalese onto the card image.
This is a reprint I can really support, as it shows the length of Tony's career in a novel way.
The 1983 card has been reprinted several times, reimagined 20 times in Project 2020, and even turned into somewhat dubious manufactured relic cards.
However, the 2002 template doesn't feature as often in my collection at all. In fact, I think Topps missed a trick here because they gave Tony the 1974 template in their throwback cards last year when they were also using their 2002 template for retired players. He is in the 1974 template again this year in the 70 years of Topps insert set. It would be more fun to have the 2002 template with a different photo of Tony in it.
Back when I reviewed this card along with other cards from 2002, I noted that this picture could almost be an unlicensed DonRuss or Panini card, given the lack of prominent logos. There is just an arm patch that could be easily airbrushed off.
The lack of care when it comes to photography is almost the defining feature of Topps cards. In Tony's first card you mainly see his bum. In his final card you can't see his face either.
At least Topps were consistent, is about all you can say.
I think there are actually nine different Tony Gwynn cards in Topps Series 1 this year. Beside the three I have, there is a short print in the base card design, a 1986 template insert, a chrome parallel of the 70 Years of Topps insert, a patch card, a cloth card (!) and a 1/1 cut signature.
As I have three cards from Series 1, I am technically a third of the way through! Short prints are really hard pulls this year, apparently. So, with the exception of the 1986 insert, I think it's doubtful I will add any more.
Total: 611 cards
Wow I like that idea. First and last on the same card.
ReplyDeleteMixed emotions about this insert. I do like the card itself with the rookie card on one side and his sunset card on the other. My only complaint is that Topps relies way too much on past designs these days. That being said... I think it's about time I create a 9 pocket page full of Gwynn insert cards featuring his 1983 Topps card.
ReplyDeleteShould be easy enough to do!
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