A box break, some buybacks and a HOFer's auto : Thanks Matt !

Matt sent me what may just well be my last cards of the year (*sob*). I got an awesome package from my friend Julie on Saturday (well, our friend, considering how great she is at trading with everybody (did I just call Julie a trading slut (sorry Julie, it's just that I really like the word "slut". Not for its meaning, but because of how it sounds)? I hope I didn't)), but I'll be showing this one off at a later time.

As is often the case now, Matt included the results from our ongoing box breaks series, this time with a box of Topps Update, along with our usual back and forth trading. And because Matt knows how to make me happy, he was also kind enough to include a couple of One Touch holders, as it's really difficult to find supplies here in France.

First, let's get those idiotic buybacks out of the way. Then again, I have to admit it's pretty cool to get one from 1961. And Wilbur will always be a neat name, especially in an old Astros uniform.

Some parallels.

More parallels, including a black bordered /64

 I got what I believe is the sole hit of the box. Though I can understand how annoying it must be to find a manu-relic instead of a patch or auto, I really kind of like it. Plus, it's Ted Williams. And it's quite hefty.

Plenty of Blue Jays for the PC ! Nice to have Tulo and Donaldson in a Blue Jays uniform. David Price is missing, though. Ah well.

So that's it for the box break. Always nice to add some 2015 Topps to the collection !

Now, for the trading aspect of the package :

 New guard vs old guard ! I really like Topps Tek, for some reason. Maybe because of the acetate feel that reminds me of the 90s. Great on-card autos.

I like Topps Tek, but I do think all the variations are silly. I'm still glad to have a low numbered one of Marcus Stroman ( /75)

More PC, this time with one of my favorite players, and a couple of very nice on-card autos, both numbered !

 I sometimes have a feeling Scott Rolen doesn't get the credit he deserves. Or maybe it's just me. Anyway, this is a nice design, though I suspect there are a ton of those to collect from those years !

And finally, I always know that Matt includes that one card that just blows the rest away. I don't know how he does it. Works each time. Last time around, it was a Cal Ripken Jr auto. This time, we stay with somebody who also played his entire HOF career at third base for the Orioles, albeit a generation before :

I promise never to say another mean thing about PANINI ! This is a great card and awesome addition to my collection. I've wanted a Brooks Robinson auto for a very long time but never pulled the trigger. And I can always count on my friends in the blogosphere to help me with such tasks.

Thanks again Matt, you know how much I enjoy our trades and friendship. Here's to next year !