In an attempt to put together Topps baseball sets from the past few years, I have been purchasing some older Topps baseball boxes as they go on sale. The update series is usually the cheapest, so I decided to start with the 2014 Topps Update Series release.
2014 Topps Update Series
Topps Update series has a focus on the All-Star game. While some people absolutely hate the All-Star theme, I enjoy it. The 2014 All-Star game was held at Target field in Minneapolis, Minnesota– the home of my Minnesota Twins. Since I live in the Chicago suburbs, I was never able to attend any of the All-Star festivities.
A whole jumbo box!
I purchased a box of 2014 Topps Update Jumbo since the price is very reasonable at the moment. Instead of describing all the details of 2014 Topps Update series, I will just reference baseballcardpedia as they have already done a great job.
However, I will tell you what I got…
The inserts
Topps enjoys putting a lot of inserts in their products. Some feel a little bland and some look pretty good. The Power Players catch my eye for some reason. Maybe it’s the rainbow card stock?
Another insert set is The Future is Now; Showcasing up coming players.
How about some Fond Farewells? I don’t remember McGuire’s last season being a big deal. Was the steroid controversy a thing at the time? I honestly do not remember.
Finally, World Series Heroes. Unfortunately, they skipped my Minnesota Twins with their 1987 and 1991 World Series Championships. Thanks.
Don’t forget some buybacks. I love buybacks… but only of my Minnesota Twins. No Twins here.
The parallels
The Red Hot Foil parallels look good, but the scans do not do them justice.
Now what is a Topps flagship without gold parallels?
The money cards
Jumbo boxes promise two relics and an autograph. I have learned to stop buying a box for the “hits“. First, the odds are always against you. Second, I discovered I have more fun building a set and trading the cards I get.
The autograph was Steven Souza and the All-Star relic was Chase Utley. The third relic was not a relic, but a World Series Champions Manufactured Rings Roger Maris! This thing is nice and heavy. I am not a Yankee fan, but I won’t complain.
I am well on my way to completing the Update Series set. Everything is up for trade except Minnesota Twins.
