2012 Topps Archives Has Created a Spark

It's not that I am bored of collecting, or reading about or sorting through baseball cards, it's just that nothing has been released recently that has piqued my interest and got me really excited about the hobby.  That is, of course, until 2012 Topps Archives came about.

Great move here by Topps. Knowing their demographic, they brought the nostalgic feeling for those of us that collected back in the 80's.  Right down to the wrappers, which resemble old (1988?) wax packs.  As soon as I opened the first blaster I bought I was hooked!  Above is my new favorite Hunter Pence card.  This captures his personality perfectly. He's goofy and so is this card.

This was the first 3-D card I pulled.  These don't blow me away, but they are kind of cool, nonetheless.

A part of this set I don't really like are the floating head cards. What is it with Topps and floating heads? Don't they seem to appear in so many sets?  Considering Mark Teixeira is one of my least favorite players maybe that is giving me the bias.

Ahh, Ryan Howard.  Ryan is down in Clearwater, Florida participating in extended spring training, and word on the street is that he might be back sometime before the All-Star break.  We'll see about that.

And finally, for this batch of Archives cards, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman. To say these two are having good seasons would be an understatement.  These are two of the best young pitchers in the game, and they have helped propel the Nationals to their current first place standing.  I believe Strasburg is a lock to throw a no-hitter a few times in his career.  His stuff is just that good.  

I am going to attempt to collect this set, although every quest I have set out on has ultimately failed.  I think I like this set enough to actually go for it, though.  I am getting ideas together of things I need to acquire when I attend the National Sports Collectors Convention all five days in August.  I need to go in with a plan, and that plan is still being formulated.  Hope everyone had a nice weekend!