Showing posts with label 2018 Topps Now. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2018 Topps Now. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

SunTrust Park Visit, 06/01/18

Well, as you can see from the date I'm about 6 months late getting around to posting this...but better late than never, right? Living in the upstate of SC I don't get to take in as many Atlanta Braves games in person as I'd like, but last June for my wife's birthday we made the trip down to the ATL for the weekend to catch a Braves vs. Nationals game.


My wife isn't the biggest sports fan. I can hardly get her to watch anything with me on TV, however she's more interested in watching the games in person. The drive is about 5-6 hours, which isn't too bad, but it's a boring drive down I-85. None the less we sat our early that morning to make our way to SunTrust Park.


We should've stopped and grabbed dinner before hand, but I was anxious to get back to the ballpark so we decided we'd just eat at the game. There are plenty of good food options to choose from. We chose Fox Brother's BBQ at the Terrapin Taproom. The line to get a table was pretty long, even though we were there early. Beforehand I didn't know they offered a "buffet" on the 2nd floor, but when we learned there was little to no wait to went on up. The buffet wasn't a traditional buffet, only allowing one trip through the line. The servers were pretty generous in the servings. I went w/ mac & choose and BBQ baked beans and everything was delicious.

 


After we finished our dinner we walked around a little bit before we headed to find our seats. First row in left center field, right over the Braves bullpen! We got a great deal on the tickets and personally, I loved the view. Since my last visit to SunTrust Park there was a new plaque hanging in the Braves Hall of Fame of my guy "Huddy" so of course I had to snap a pic.


When we first took our seats there wasn't much going on in the bullpen as you can see, but it wasn't long before Mike Foltynewicz took to warming up for that nights game. Folty would go on to pitch a complete game shut out against the Nats that night. It was so awesome watching him work his magic that evening, especially striking out Bryce Harper a few times. All those boos turned to cheers with each strikeout...it was great!




The fireworks continued to go off as we exited the stadium. I tried to get a picture or two of the fireworks, but alas the large crowd funneling out of SunTrust didn't allow me much time to grab a picture.

It was a quick was visit to Atlanta as we headed back home in the morning, but I savor every opportunity that I get to catch a MLB game. I'm so jealous of the people that get to go to more games more often, however I'm thankful that I get to (usually) take a game or two in each season.


But what would a post be on a baseball card blog if I didn't tie it back into cards in someway? Well shortly after the game I started to check Topps Now as I just knew that Folty's mound performance should warrant a Topps Now card and for once Topps didn't let me down! I placed the order and proceeded to tell my wife that she had Birthday card from Topps. It was one of the few times where she legitimately seemed interested in baseball cards.

Friday, February 16, 2018

2018 Topps Now Road to Opening Day


It was recently announced that Topps is launching a new program with their Topps Now brand. They will be releasing 15 card sets for each MLB team with exclusive spring training photography for $49.99 shipped.

While the price may seem like a lot to swallow, keep in mind that during the regular season cards single cards were $9.99 shipped each...at least the two previous years. That means the cost of these cards breaks down to about $3.33 each.

By purchasing one of these sets you also become eligible for free bonus cards if one of the following criteria are met during the regular or post season:

Team is first in division at the MLB All-Star break
Player on team throws a no-hitter or a perfect game
Player hits for the cycle
Pitcher throws 15 strikeouts in a single game
Player hits 3 HRs in a single game


I guess one thing that always bothered me about sets released before the baseball season began is that I'm looking at photography from the previous season. I like the idea of these sets containing action shots and photography from spring training. Plus I like the design...has a Stadium Club feel to me.

As a whole I've been a fan of the whole Topps Now concept. I bought nearly every Braves card from the 2016 and 2017 seasons so I'm already on board. I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on the Braves set this year. I guess before I do that, I need to get off my duff and scan all of the 2017 cards I have!

So, what are you're thoughts on Topps Now in general or just in this Road to Opening Day team sets? Yay or nay?