2022 Bowman Platinum Blaster Box Opening!

Let's open some more cards! This time, some 2022 Bowman Platinum? It's been a while since I've opened some of this, so it seemed like a good time to give it a try. This is another one of those sets I don't really understand. So, it's a glossy version of players you can find in Bowman that's not Bowman Chrome? Is there really a point? Or, better yet, a market? Apparetly not, since these are always found with clearance stickers on them No matter...might as well open some packs.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Yup...there's the box. Apparently I should be looking for a Whitt.

And, there are all the packs inside.

Starting off with a fun insert of Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer. Always fun pulling one of his cards.

And, a rookie card of Jarren Duran. I always seem to pull one of his cards. Glad he's starting to play better.

Speaking of Mayer, here's another one of his cards. Do cards like this have collector interest? It's not the prestige of a "first bowman chrome". It's just another not quite legit card of his.

Speaking of prospects, here's another top one in Blaze Jordan. Hopefully he is everything he's supposed to be.

And we'll finish it off with Tyler McDonough here.

Not a bad collection of Sox future stars. Hopefully a few of them pan out and I can look back on this post with joy.

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary Blaster Box Opening!

Finally found some of this at my Target. Not sure why it took so long. But, I really enjoy these cards. I like the mix of historic design with the chrome treatment. Plus, the fact that they seem to be released a year late, you already know who the true star rookies will be when you're opening it. Not bad at all. 

So, how did this box go? Let's find out!

 

Here's the box...

And eight packs.

Red Sox star Rafael Devers looking nice on the 1954 design. The green isn't my favorite background, but can't win them all.

And, like I said, you already know whether or not Marcus Wilson here is one of the hot rookies. Spoiler alert, he's not. But...Red Sox rookies are always welcomed!

And there you have it. A couple Sox players to hold on to. Definitely a fun blaster.

Be sure to subscribe to the Section 36 YouTube channel where you'll see every pack from this box opened. Don't miss a single card!

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Update Blaster Box Opening!

I like how Topps has taken the “Update” series and really found its niche. In addition to the new players on new trams concept, they’ve added in the “rookie debut” cards as well as all stars and combos. So, what was once a set made up of players you’ve never heard of and an occasional star that changed teams has become absolutely stuffed with stars and key rookies. In this case, I was able to get both. Bobby Witt Jr is definitely an up and coming star, while Corey Seager is just now coming off an MVP campaign. Great to be able to hit both in a single blaster.

How did this blaster go? I'm glad you asked.

As always, the box. Can't have you sneaking a peek at the good stuff via thumbnail.

And, the good stuff. Or, at least stiff. The yellow jerseys are growing on my, but they have a long way to go before I think they're not just bad.

Hopefully Devers will be delivering at the plate a lot this year. The Sox need him for their playoff push.

Right. Rich Hill was on the Red Sox.

As was Nick Pivetta, pitching quite well for the Sox.

So, not bad. I mean, you can't expect to get more Red Sox in a single box than that one. I guess no complaints.

If you want to see the rest of the box, go check out the opening on my YouTube video. And feel free to like/subscribe while you're there.

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Stadium Club Blaster Opening!

Topps Stadium Club is known for its photography. Always has been. I’ll admit that, especially these days, it seems a bit weird to have a set dedicated to “the good pictures”. It was one thing when Topps was paying photographers and had limited choices. But if you can choose from every picture ever, why not always pick the best ones? I suppose the theory is that the base sets are “ID Cards” that just show the player as they are, while TSC goes for the artistic portrait versions? Whatever the reason, I’m a huge fan. I love making the picture the focus. I suppose that goes along with the player selection as well. The base set doesn’t have Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones or Dave Winfied, who we pulled in this blaster. It also has the hottest rookies like Julio Rodriguez…another pull. So, it’s a wonderful combination.

How did this blaster go? I'm glad you asked...

As always, here's the box. Why doesn't Pete Alonso get more hobby love? He plays in New York, and has more home runs the last five years than Aaron Judge. 

Look at this magnificent shot of Rafael Devers here. This is the sort of card Stadium Club is famous for.  I love how the foil information just hides itself and lets the photos take all the glory.

Believe it or not, that was the only Red Sox card in the blaster. At least it was a good one.

Of course, as I alluded to, the blaster had several non-Sox hits. If you want to see the rest of the box, go check out the opening on my YouTube video. And feel free to like/subscribe while you're there.

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Chrome Update Blaster Opening!

Unlike the "Sonic" box from last time, I both understand and enjoy this product. As a fan of the Topps Chrome brand, this is a fun box to open. I like how Topps has taken the “Update” series and really found its niche. In addition to the new players on new trams concept, they’ve added in the “rookie debut” cards as well as all stars and combos. So, what was one a set made up of players you’ve never heard of and an occasional star that changed teams has become absolutely stuffed with stars and key rookies. In this case, I was able to get both.

How did this box go? I'm glad you asked.

Here's the box.

With a very shiny Kenley Jansen card. A card that special must be numbered, right?

Yup. Out of only 250. Nice pull of a Red Sox All-Star.

Unfortunately, that was the only Sox card from the box. At least it was a good hit. Can't complain about that.

If you want to see the rest of the box, go check out the opening on my YouTube video. And feel free to like/subscribe while you're there.

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Holiday Mega Box!

I like when baseball cards are fun. I think some people in the hobby take things a little too seriously. So, to me, a card set that doesn’t is a good thing. Enter Topps Holiday. It’s basically a parallel of the regular Topps Set, but with some whimsey. They put snow falling on the card. There are gimmicky SP with holiday additions. And there’s an autograph or relic in every box. Hard to not have fun when you’re opening this box. Especially when you can get the hot rookies like Brayan Bello and Corbin Carrol.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Like I said. You can get rookies. Red Sox rookies are, of course, even better...like this Yoshida one here. 

Nice card of the now former Red Sox ace.

Speaking of hot rookies, doesn't get much better than this one of Bello here. It will be intersting to see if he takes the next step this season. If he does, that would be huge.

Topps is really taking advantage of the horizontal format with these Sox cards. Hopefully Devers got all of that one in this picture.

Again with the really good use of the horizontal format. Like Bello, I'm excited to see what Story adds to the team this season. If he's healthy last year, the Sox are likely in the playoffs. See if that comes to be this season.

And there you have it. Not much to complain about. Got two of the three est rookies in the set, and some key vets. I'd call that an absolute win.

If you want to see the rest of the box, go check out the opening on my YouTube video. And feel free to like/subscribe while you're there.

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter Blaster!

Not sure why I still had this one hanging around, but here we go. Allen and Ginter are always fun wax to open. Sure, it can get a little annoying when the best card in the pak is an influencer you’ve never heard of. But, it that really worse than a bench player from a team you don’t like? I think it’s a small price to pay for the variety and interest that can be found in any pack.

How did this one go? I guess there's only one way to find out...

As always, here's the box. I wonder who the model is for the old timey player they show.

This is an interesting insert set. It's called "Pitching a Gem", which is one way to describe a good pitching performance. But, to add to the odd nature of the set, they took it a step further. The bottom of the card lists Roger's birthdate, and his birthstone. So, not only is he pitching a gem, but it's also mentioning a related gem. Not bad. I think it's way better than another generic "MLB Stars" insert set.

And, that's all the Red Sox cards. Pretty disappointing. But, I thought I'd give you a chance to see the rest of the cards from the box by checking out my YouTube video.

How did your box go?

Fairfield Baseball Repack Opening!

I'm back with another box (pack?) opening! And, I'm back with another video version! I promise that at some point I'll return to the more normal blog style box openings. (Unless you'd prefer them this way? Leave a comment with your preference) But, I opened a bunch of stuff at once, and cleaned up the massive mess before remembering to take pictures of it all. So, I'll have to wait on that.

As for this post? These Farifield repacks are so odd. There’s almost no information about what may be inside. They mention baseball cards, and they mention old packs. But, what sorts of cards? What types of packs? Is it enough wax to make it worth ripping? And there’s only one way to find out. Luckily it’s not that expensive and easy to give it a try. Or…not. See for yourself. The big hits? Hall of Famers like Ryne Sandberg and Rickey Henderson. And, luckily, Topps Stadium Club packs are always fun to open. But, overall, I wouldn’t waste your time unless you really have an itch to open some wax. (Same goes for the other sports options they offer. See for yourself, I opened a football version on YouTube as well)

Oh, and if you head over to my YouTube channel, please like and subscribe so I can bring you more great content like this!

2022 Donruss Optic Blaster Break!

Time for a different blaster this time around, and a different way to do it. I had a box of these lying around, so figured it was time to give it a try. I don't usually love these unlicensed cards. But, in the constant search for cards, and variety, these can be a nice option. How did it go? There's only one way to find out.

But, it's a new way this time!

You see, as you may know, There's a Section 36 YouTube channel. Up til now, it's just been sitting with a couple guest videos. While those were great videos, it was a pretty pathetic channel. I decided to change that and give the channel a new card-related life and purpose. I'll be posting box breaks, pack breaks, and other card related content. Since it's Section 36, there will of course also be a Red Sox flair to it all. There have been several "shorts" posted already, which you may have seen on S36 social media. Today was the first video. I hope you enjoy it. And I REALLY hope you'll like, subscribe, and tell your friends. Not completely defined on the plan moving forward. But, I'm going to guess at least 95% of the content will be someone in the Section 36 family opening packs/boxes/etc. Maybe 4% will be other videos involving cards in some way, and 1% guest videos from music and life in general. 

Here's the first video.

 

Like I said, please consider liking/subscribing and spreading the word. That first 1000 subscribers would be great to take care of.

I promise I'll remember to turn my camera evetaully. :)

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter blaster!

Let's keep it rolling with another blaster of 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter! You know the story. Old timey cards. Fun subjects, some baseball some other celebrities, some non celebrities.

How did this one turn out? Let's see!

As always, the box. Need some way to make sure you open the post to see the hits.

And all the packs. Do I get credit for actually showing the packs in each box as opposed to just a stock image of a random box/packs combo?

A Red Sox rookie is always welcomed. Especially when it's a yoing starting pitcher with a bright future like Bello here. 

Unfortunately, that was the only Red Sox card in the box. How about we look at some other players too?

How about "almost Red Sox" Alex Rodriguez? Nice looking card that really seems to fit the old timey feel...if you ignore the sunglasses.

How about an actual former Red Sox? Or, a pre Sox card of a former Sox? Whatever the connection, this is a nice little Gagne card. The "Spotless Spans" theme is a little weird, and I can't think of a more useless "record" than a saves streak. (Just beating out a hitting streak). But, this is definitely a card that you can get.

So is this one. I'm really intrigued by this. A rookie year Topps card of a potential star. What will collectors think of this card moving forward? In five years, will this be given rookie card status? Is it better than a rookie year Bowman card without the RC logo on it? Will NBA collectors turn up their noses at it? Has this ever happened in Allen & Ginter with a key rookie year card of a player in another sport? For my purposes, it fits in nicely as a representative Victor Wembanyama "RC".

And there you have it. One Red Sox RC, and one rookie of a budding NBA star. Not bad at all, if I do say so myself.

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter blaster!

It's time to open some more cards! How about another blaster of 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter? I'll keep hoping I'll enjoy the checklist. But, we'll have to see. I'm sure it's hit or miss for Topps. If I love the subjuect it's a hit. If I don't happen to, it's a miss. They can't make everyone happy. But they should at least try to make me happy! 

How did this one turn out? Let's see!

The quanit and quirky box.

And the matching packs.

Starting off tbhis this card of now former Red Sox Alex Verdugo. He was a solid addition to the Sox, and was surprised they let him go for the return they gow. Hopefully the pitching depth will help the team long term.

Bello is still on the team! Hopefully he sticks around for a while performing at a top level. He's apparently one of the good ones.

Speaking of good ones, he's a former Sox in Wade Boggs. May, that Rays logo is just overpoweringly huge! Still looks awkward seeing him wearing it. 

And there you have it. One current Red Sox card, and a couple former players. But, nothing too exciting to talk about.

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary Blaster!

Yup. I still have some of this sitting around. And, yup, when I checked yesterday Targrt still has some of this sitting around. It's still fun though. Since it's technically a 2022 set, you already know the good players in it. It's not hyping the current rookie crop. These players all have at least two seasons under their belt by now. It's a completely different feel.

So, how did this box go? Let's find out!

Remember the box from last time?

And, the packs too?

OK. Some of the players have more than two seasons under their belt. So have played their entire career, and have been retired for a bit. Like Pedroia here.

Some are a bit younger like Hernandez. So, nobody currently on the Red Sox in this box. There were a few former Red Sox though.

Like Benintendi here. He's looking a little despondent in this picture.

Chavis also has an interesting look about him. I always expected big things from Chavis...just like the rest of us.

And there you have it. Nobody on the Sox, and nobody with much star power. This is what you call a bad box. Oh well. At least it's still cards.

How did your box go?

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter blaster!

It's time to open some more cards! How about my first blaster of 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter? I'm hoping that this set will start coming around. In the beginning, it was fun gettingcards of odd objects or unusual people. But, lately it almost seems like they're being used as advertisement. Lots of Social media stars and Topps affilliates. I know it's a fine line between quirky and far out. They did it well for so long though, it's odd watching them lose their way. But, it's still fun to open cards, right? 

How did this one turn out? Let's see!

The Box with the antique feel.

And the packs.

Unbelievable timing on this one.

Especially since it was the only Red Sox card in the box.

But, since this is my first box,  how about some of the other cards?

Here's a nice example of a good oddball card subject. This is the guy responsible for the mud they use to rub up baseballs before games. Always seemed odd that there was only one type of mud that worked for this process. But, so be it. 

Here's a former Red Sox player to add. The design this year is fun. I like the scrolling around the wood border. Feels rather elegant.

And here's the other end of the oddball spectrum. I know "YouTube Stars" are starting to become the "Television Stars" of the day. But, a "content creator" is a really weird subject for a card. At least he doesn't make content for Topps...right?

And there you have it. One timely Red Sox card, and a few others. But, nothing too exciting to talk about.

How did your box go?