Ten Interesting Cards: 2008 Topps Series 2 Retail

I thought I'd try something different here on the blog. I'm frequently falling victim to the whole impulse buy thing, and I often end up with something that doesn't quite deserve it's own full blown box break review. I don't want these things to totally skate by without a mention, so I thought I'd just highlight 10 cards I received, this time from a 2008 Topps Series 2 retail box. I believe I paid $12 for this at a card show, and my only justification is that I'm trying to collect the 50th Anniversary rookie cup insert cards that were found in both Series 1 and 2.

Ah, yes, 2008 was the year of politicians on baseball cards. What a great mix. If you're a history buff, I can see you being into this particular insert set, but I can't see why on anyone on earth would be interested in a card of actor Fred Dalton Thompson's pitiful run at the oval office.

I wasn't at all familiar with the story of Masumi Kuwata, who starred for the Yomiuri Giants for more than 20 seasons before signing a minor league deal with the Pirates of all teams. He was mostly roughed up in his 19 relief appearances in MLB as a 39-year-old rookie.

I know, this is just a simple base card. This is just a reminder of what you are missing by me not showing off the entire box. I like Matt Holliday. I think I received two of this particular card in the box.

I had never seen one of these Home Run Derby contest cards before, and it's strange to see a card that's serial numbered on the front and basically a contest entry form on the back. If you're into Beltran and/or the Mets, perhaps this is the card for you?

I think this is Photoshopped. I'm starting to feel that way about almost every Topps card from the past few years, though. I'd really love to see the "behind the scenes" process that goes on in turning a photo into a baseball card someday.

Here's a shiny bright Jeter that I'm sure most Jeter collectors have in triplicate by now. I've noticed that this series has become "Diamond Stars" for 2011 Topps Series 2. I'll be glad when the whole Diamond business is long gone.

Here's one of the two 50th Anniversary cards that I mentioned that were needed for the set. Unfortunately, I also received two doubles.

Adam LaRoche had some impressive eyebrows at his young age.

Finally, here's an Uncle Rico goldie. Rico broke with the 2008 Cardinals club out of spring training to make his first major league roster just a couple of months shy of his 30th birthday, but did not stick around long. He plays professionally in an independent league these days.

All of these cards are up for grabs, as usual, aside from the last three.