2010 Panini Century Collection Baseball Packs Big-Name Baseball Stars
Panini America may not be an official trading card licensee of Major League Baseball, but you wouldn’t know that from the company’s legendary inclusions in the forthcoming 2010 Century Collection set.
No, there aren’t any MLB logos or airbrushed uniforms in the multi-sport and non-sport product — it’s high school and casual photography — but it’s clear that the autograph and memorabilia assets left over from the Donruss days are getting good use and much of it will be in the hands of collectors starting this week.
In fact, it’s that non-traditional photography that might make these cards stand out from others — whether the significance or story behind the photo is noted on the card or not. (They likely aren’t … in their place an authenticity statement.) For example, the Paul Molitor card shown above is from his behind-the-scenes tour of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., back in 2004.
The bat he’s holding? It’s a Babe Ruth gamer.
And, of course, it goes without saying that we’ve all been bombarded by cards of Pete Rose and Jim Rice in football uniforms, right? And, of course, there’s also a somber inclusion in the set.
The high-end offering will include five cards in every pack — at $200 a pack — with two autographs, two memorabilia cards and one additional autograph or memorabilia card. Originally set to arrive on Dec. 22, it’s now slated for Jan. 5.
The product was one that was originally on the drawing board in January 2009 before Donruss’ unauthorized use of MLB logos caught the attention of MLB Properties and then the company was sold to Panini.
Looks good, but WAY too expensive.