Pack War!

I haven't done one of these in quite a while.  Let's see what a pack of 2012 Topps Archives brings against a pack of 2013 Allen & Ginter's.

The packs are both cool.  I like the retro look of Archives.  I also like the old timey look of A&G.  Close but I'll give the win to Ginter.  A&G- 1, Archives- 0

On to the cards.

Not much to say.  He's Canadian.

Am I crazy or does Olt look like Lawrie's older brother?  Not dissimilar careers either.  

This is close as well.  Olt played for the Cubs---but he was another third base disappointment, batting only .158 in 95 games.  Ya know, I just can't call this one.  Score remains tied.

Oh boy!  Justin was an All-Star in 2013.

Ben was born and raised in Eureka, Illinois, the town where Ronald Regan went to college.  More importantly he was a back to back World Series champion with the Royals and THE CUBS!

Finally we have a clear winner.  A&G is 2 for 2.

Our first HOFer.  He's a Met but the photo is from Wrigley Field.  Another of Gary's great smile shots in the inset.  Can we just give Archives the point now?

Yes.  Archives is on the board.

Tulo has had a sometimes great but injury riddled career.  Pretty nice shot of Troy forcing out Matt Kemp in the middle of a DP.

I'm one of the folks who buys Allen and Ginter's for the non-baseball cards.  Unfortunately this one doesn't do anything for me.  

It's tied 2-2.

Another Met HOFer.  Who doesn't respect Seaver's career?  He garnered 98.8% of votes as a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee.

Enough with the Mets, OK?  As a Twin Johan was 93-44 over an 8 year period in the 2000's.  He's sporting a Gary Carter memorial patch here.  Not enough to beat Tom Terrific.

Archives pulls ahead 3-2.

I'm not a Sox fan but I am a Paulie fan.  Not a Hall of Famer but Konerko was a fan favorite and a White Sox great.

Metsie! Metsie!  This guy hit .529 against my Cubbies in the 2015 NLCS.  It's a mini but they don't excite me.

It's an easy win and a 4-2 victory for Archives.  And the crowd roars!

Archives adds insult to injury by adding two extra cards of a couple of pretty good players.

I've never considered myself an Archives fan.  This may even be the first pack I've ever opened.  It was a really nice one.  The Allen & Ginter's pack was a dud for me.  These were both bargain packs but I assume they were each $3.00 retail.  At least in this case Archives was the better buy.

My unopened pack count is down by two but I still have about 99.8% of my stash intact. 😉

Pack War -- A Harry Caray Tribute

I can't help but think how much Harry Caray would have enjoyed this season.  In his honor here's a pack war of 2013 vs. 2015 Topps Opening Day I think he would have liked.

Round 1

2013

NOICANRACNE NIWDE

I don't think Harry could pronounce Edwin's name correctly forward let alone backward.  Nice photo though.  How about a Jays-Cubs World Series, Harry.

2015

REPAH ECYRB

Monster year for Repah Ecyrb.  2015 wins round 1!

Round 2

2013

RETSEL NOJ

Cool photo of the current Cubs #2.

2015

ROLYAT LIAHCIM

Gotta go with 2013 on this one.  Retsel Noj is easy to pronounce and he is a Cub now.  Scored tied.

Round 3 

2013

NOSIHCTUH WERD

I'm glad the Jays brought back a look similar to the original.  I never liked the mean bird.  Canadian hot pack?  Not a bad name.  I'd declare the first "h" silent and pronounce it, Nosiktuh Word.

2015

NAMEERF EIDDERF

This is a tough one.  Nameerf Eidderf has a nice ring to it.  2015 by an erf.  2015 is back in front.

Round 4

2013

MAHGNILLIW HOSJ

2015

TACBOB EHT RETXAB

This one's easy.  Celebration card trumps Baxter.  I know that Bob stands for Bank One Ballpark but Bobcats eat snakes and that makes this mascot weird.  He's also creepy looking.  We're tied again, folks.  It's best two out of three.

Round 5

2013

YENRAB NIWRAD

No arguing that this card would win on looks.  I think Wrigley Wax has like 40 variations of it.  Yenrab Niwrad isn't too bad, either.  Let's check out our opponent.

2015

RODO DENGUOR

Does he have his eyes on the ball?  I think Harry might find this guy's name easier to pronounce backwards.  DB was a disappointment in the end but the Cubs don't miss him so I guess it doesn't matter.  Never go against the family.  2013 wins and can clinch with a win in round six.

Round 6

2013

OYORRA NOSNORB

Wait a sec.  Who is this guy?  Oh yeah, I didn't recognize him without his leg kick.  

2015

NAMREMMIZ NAYR

Wow, not a lot of teams represented in these two packs.  Namremmiz Nayr is pretty good but I love the name Nosnorb.  2013 has won the war.  Can 2015 win the consolation round?

Round 7

2013

OOHC OOS-NIHS

I wish Harry was here.  Say this name ten times fast---nice try.  Backwards is just impossible.

2015

ANATNAS YNNAD

Danny's had a rough season but it is a nice looking card and his name is pronounceable both ways.  2015 makes it a respectable score.  Final tally, 2013 over 2015, 4-3.

2013 Opening Day, this Bud's for you!