The Card That Brought Me Back

I was furious when Topps left the Opening Day rookie class (Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr, Julio Rodriguez) along with printing Cutch in a Phillies uniform again (he was removed from the 40 man roster in November 2021) for 2022 Topps Series 2. 

I even considered not buying any new 2022 and beyond cards because I was so irritated by the lack if quality control, set planning, and executing of their products.  I lost a lot of interest in the hobby.

Then Topps did something unthinkable.

They actually included all the RC Opening Day class as SSP and even included Cutch in a Brewers uniform as a photo variant.

Behold, the simple looking card that saved me from leaving the hobby. 

This card has fixed my cardboard itch.

It's a simple design and features just a normal photo of Cutch at the plate in his Brewers attire.  

It's perfect in everyday.  

The back even features full career stats. 

Have you ever had one card that brought you back into the hobby?

Too much swag!

A few people have already tagged me on Twitter regarding the 2020 Topps Series 2 photo variant Short Print of Andrew McCutchen.  A few coworkers who are also into cards text messaged me about the card too.

If you haven't already seen it I advise you to put on some shades because this card will blind you with it's swag.

The card community has gone absolutely nuts over this card and prices have varied from $12 to $100.

Many current auctions are in the $70+ range with days left.

The announcement that the season is moving forward and an extremely unique photo variant on a brand new release are definitely driving the price on this card.

I'm going to sit this one out for now though.  I'll let the prices drop back to the $10-$20 range which is where this card's value should be.


ESPN thinks it's a pretty cool card and I agree, but I can't pay those wild prices.

I Got My Eleanor

Holy $#*+!

After 5 years of coming close to landing this SP photo variant of Andrew McCutchen's 2014 Topps Opening Day release I have finally gotten it in hand.

Nate from the blog Bucs Stops Here hooked me up with this unicorn like card.

I told Nate this card was akin to Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds to me.  I had come close on two occasions to acquiring it, but could never actually get it in my hands.

A day went by while he searched to verify he did in fact have the card.  I sat patiently waiting, not knowing what it would be like to actually get possession of this card I have coveted for 5 years.

Then I got this...

Nate being a class act didn't even hold me hostage for the outlandish price that I was offering to get this card.

I sent Nate a package in return for the card and also sent $50 PayPal for the finder's fee.  He claimed it The Most Epic Trade
The link will show sime of the highlights. Below is what I sent him to open. 

Here are the variant, base, and blue parallel

The photo variant has a code of 8969

The base is  8491

Thank you for the card Nate.  I am so glad I can finally cross this card off the needs list. I'm glad you enjoyed the package I sent you.
Man I am pumped about having this in hand finally after all these years.

Wooooooo!

Get Back In The Cage

Cutch has always been a slow starter to the season.  His best months are usually June, July, and August.

Don't hit the panic button yet Giants fans.  Cutch was hitting a measly .226 on April 26th, 2013.  He went on to win the NL MVP, his 2nd Silver Slugger award, and lead the Pirates to their first winning season in 20 years.

Cutch will start raking at the plate again soon.

He is too dedicated to his craft not to be.

I won this batting practice photo variant from 2018 Topps shortly after release.  It cost me about $10.  Now they can be found for around $4.  I guess I should have waited a few months, but after struggling for 3 years to track down a 2014 Opening Day photo variant I am always nervous about letting them get away for a fair price.  $10 for a one in 3 box variant seems fair.

Clemente vs Cutch Heritage comparison Pt 1

Over the years, Topps has used Heritage to bring the current stars of the game on designs from the past.

Cutch has appeared using the same numbering as Pirates Legend Roberto Clemente a handful of times.

I want to preface these segments and state that I do not believe that a single season of Cutch can take away from the greatness of Roberto Clemente's life or his baseball career.

Each of these Heritage comparisons will take a look at a card of Cutch and compare it to the design's original numbered card.

I am going to start with the 2014 Heritage release because of all the parallels I have.
The 2014 Heritage card release is based on the 1965 design.

Cutch's 2014 Heritage card is numbered 160 the same as Pirates Legend and Hall of Famer, Roberto Clemente.

To pay homage to the original Clemente Topps even made a super short print error variant to recognize the misspelling of Pittsburgh (Pittsburfh) on the back.

As will be customary for these Heritage Comparisons I will take a look at the standard counting stats typically found on the back of a baseball card for the players previous year.

Slash Lines
Clemente in 1964 went .339/.388/.484 for an .872 OPS
Cutch in 2013 went .317/.404/.508 for .952 OPS
Advantage Cutch

Plate Discipline
Clemente had a 1.70 K:BB rate (87:51) during his 2nd batting title run in 1964
Cutch's MVP season showed one of his best career rates when he had 1.29 K:BB (101:78)
Advantage Cutch

Extra Base Hits (XBH)
Clemente had 40 doubles, 7 triples, and 12 HR in 1964
Cutch had 38 doubles, 5 triples, and 21 round trippers
59 v 64
Slight advantage Cutch

Runs Scored and Runs Batted In
Runs scored and RBI are based on who hits in front of you and who hits behind you.
Clemente scored 95 runs and drove in 87 in 1964.
Cutch scored 97 runs and knocked in 84.
It was almost a draw (182 v 181), but a
very slight Advantage goes to Clemente

Hardware and awards
Clemente won his 2nd Batting Title, 4th straight Gold Glove, and was elected an All-Star
Cutch won the MVP award, his 2nd straight Silver Slugger, and was elected an All-Star
Advantage Cutch


I hope you enjoyed the comparisons made based on the Heritage and original design numbering.  I will continue to do these segments if there is enough interest in them.

Now I will show off the parallels I have for all my 2014 Heritage cards.

First up are the black retail exclusive border with the black chrome /65 border below it.

Now from top row Base & Logo Variation
Middle Row Chrome & Purple Chrome
Bottom Row WalMart Blue & Pittsburfh back

The only variations I need are Superfractor 1/1, Gold Chrome /5, Refractor Chrome /565, and Topps Vault Blank Back 1/1,

Please let meknow what you think of these segments.  Are they are a cool and fun idea to look at cardboard?