When it comes to photos, 1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase is one of the best inserts ever
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
Call me old-school but photos are one of the number one things I gravitate towards when I decide to chase a set. Slick card stock, autographs and shiny things can be nice too, but I like the idea of every card telling a story. That’s what pictures do for me. Some sets simply stand out when it comes to photography. One of my favorites is 1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase. It’s not a tough set to build. Nor is it particularly valuable in case that’s what you’re looking for.
But if you want great intimate portraits, interesting angles, intense action and the deep stare of Derek Jeter, this set has it.
The set is a mini portfolio for the late Lovero, who passed away in January, 2004 at the age of 44. During his career, Lovero’s photos graced nearly 40 Sports Illustrated, some of which are included here. In fact, the Mark McGwire, which also includes Will Clark, was Lovero’s first cover shot for the magazine.
Like a lot of sets that focus on photography, the design lets the images do the work. They’re all full-bleed on the front with minimal foil for the names of the players, set and Upper Deck’s logo. Backs are just as interesting with Lovero offering insight into the photo. He seamlessly discusses both the player and his art.
1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase cards are inserted 1:6 Series 2 packs. A total of 19 cards make up the set.
1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase Gallery
If you like what you see, you can find plenty of 1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase cards in the Beckett Marketplace.
VJ1 Jim Abbott, Anaheim Angels
VJ2 Hideo Nomo, Los Angeles Dodgers
VJ3 Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
VJ4 Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
VJ5 Greg Maddux, Atlanta Braves
VJ6 Mark McGwire, Oakland Athletics
VJ7 Jose Canseco, Oakland Athletics
VJ8 Ken Caminiti, San Diego Padres
VJ9 Raul Mondesi, Los Angeles Dodgers
VJ10 Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Mariners
VJ11 Jay Buhner, Seattle Mariners
VJ12 Randy Johnson, Seattle Mariners
VJ13 Roger Clemens, Boston Red Sox
VJ14 Brady Anderson, Baltimore Orioles
VJ15 Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox
VJ16 Garrett Anderson/Jim Edmonds/Tim Salmon, Anaheim Angels
VJ17 Mike Piazza, Los Angeles Dodgers
VJ18 Dante Bichette, Colorado Rockies
VJ19 Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres
Upper Deck always did these sets justice, and despite not being scarce, the appearance and quality of the photos made up for it. It’s why I’m thrilled that 2016 has another, even better Stadium Club (because of First-Day Issue parallels and Beam Team inserts, but still lacks a Super Team-style predictor set).
I’d love to see Topps do a 25-plus card insert set like the one above or the 1993 Iooss Collection, but inserted at 1-2 per case a la Day With The Cup. I thinkbthe market would surprise many with sales. Collectors are starving for something different, and the inserts in Fleer Retro tell the story that 90’s inserts and technology still work today, and the only reason they don’t still get used is because they were dropped for the “more valuable” jersey card.
This is what we are missing with the hobby now-a-days, great photography that captures the player in iconic moments. I loved loved Stadium club when it came out because it had everything, decent price, great photos, good checklist, and was not made for hit seekers but set builders.
I’ve given up on alot of collecting and opening boxes because they are all about the hits which are always of the same players from every other product. And I’m sick of the cut out zoomed in photo that’s sparkly and chrome, or worse whatever Topps Fire is. UGLY.
BEING BACK REAL CARDBOARD CARDS
Cards like these should be included in sets today, but they should never be chase cards. These are the types of cards that stick in kid’s memories and make them lifelong collectors. If you make them rare “chase” cards, then kids will never even see them, let alone be inspired by them. Not every collector is ruled by the almighty dollar.
I agree with JD. These should come back and be plentiful. The heck with it being worth a mint. Make a short-printed Gold-tinged Diamond version if you feel you have to but make a base set attainable for all collectors.