Pack Break - 2011 Topps Opening Day

Before I get started with the group break I wanted to share the first pack out of the hobby box of 2011 Topps Opening Day that arrived today.  I don't know why I like the Opening Day sets - I guess the low price point?  This year's inserts are very nice and I can't wait to share more of them.  So until then I'll leave you with the contents of pack #1.

Before I start let me just say that even the wrappers look better than in previous years.  I'm not a fan of Lincecum or the Giants (esp. since they knocked out my Braves in the playoffs last year), but I dig the wrappers.  Notice the big exclusive MLB trading card starburst?  Yes Topps, we all know you are the only one in the biz w/ the license.  There are 10 inserts/parallel sets this year!  Some of them are sequentially numbered like the blue parallels and the printing plates and 60th Anniversary autograph Continuity.  Autographs are seeded 1:480 packs while other inserts are easier to come across such as Superstar Celebrations (1:4), Spot the Error (1:6), Stadium Lights (1:9), Mascots (1:4) and Presidential First Pitch (1:6).  My personal favorite are the Opening Day Stars (1:12) as they have a cool 3D vibe like the Topps 2020 cards had.

#137 Joel Pineiro

#204 Carlos Beltran

#046 Yadier Molina

#077 Koji Uehara

Rangers Captain - Mascots #M-23

Alex Rodriguez - Opening Day Stars #ODS-3

Scans don't do these cards justice!

#023 Chris Johnson

I love the 2011 Topps design so it doesn't bother me that the Opening Day cards share the same design.  I like the Opening Day logo and the lack of silver foil stamping works.  The only drawback is the player's position can sometimes be hard to see/read as with Chris Johnson above.  The silver used for the lettering isn't very dark.  I also like the addition of Topps Series 2 preview cards along with players shown in their new team's uniforms (even if they are air brushed).  For $.99 a pack you really can't go wrong.  I'll be building the set to put aside for my daughter in the future.  I'll be building the insert sets for me!