Topps readies Bowman homage for VIPs at National Sports Collectors Convention
By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor
One big part of the major show experience is the ability to meet people from card companies face to face and discuss the hobby with those who create our treasures.
An even bigger part of the National Sports Collectors Convention is the show-exclusive card circuit — cards that can be mementos of a trip or a way to help pay the bills of going. It’s a big benefit of going to a big show and it’s all a part of having the major companies all under one roof — a competition of sorts between them where you can be the winner.
Topps revealed the first part of its plans on Wednesday.
For VIP bag buyers, Topps will have a five-card set of 1953 Bowman “cards that never were” — a checklist that includes Ernie Banks, Al Kaline, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays.
Topps also is planning wrapper redemption programs that have yet to be revealed. The company will have its annual collector Q&A session on the first full day of the show (July 30) and there will be pack wars and case breaks planned during the event. Topps will be selling oversized High Tek cards at its booth, while its apps teams also will be on hand for demonstrations.
Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball and Beckett Sports Card Monthly magazines. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
Topps is using some very tired pictures for the 5 1953 Bowman cards. !st – use an appropriate year for the Banks. 2nd – the Ted Williams has been way over-used. 3rd – there are so many much better Mays shots. Robinson and Kaline are somewhat over-used but will suffice. Topps please do something about the Banks and Williams and a different Mays would definitely help.
The Willie Mays photo looks like something right out of 1953 Bowman Color … and it shows him in 1952, also. Cool cards!