A few weeks back, as I started combing through my list of card related blogs again, I came across a post at Joey’s SqueezePlayCards.com (one of the first card blogs I found, and still a favorite) discussing his getting into collecting 2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces Football. I saw the scans on his site, and by the time I saw the Snow Plow Game card, I knew I would be getting some.
Sure enough, a couple weeks back, as I was Christimas shopping at one of the local giant box stores, I took a quick peek at the card aisle, and while they had no blasters, they did have individual packs, so I grabbed a few (along with some Bowman Chrome–old habits die hard).
Sure enough, I was hooked–not a set I would ever expect to get rich busting, but great looking cards that mix classic football moments, icons, and modern day stars. Some of my early “hits” included a couple decent rookies (Matt Forte & Kevin Smith), Brett Favre, Tom Brady and Joe Namath.
But my favorite card? Brian Bosworth, sporting probably the best mullet in the NFL (until Jared Allen came along).
2008 Masterpieces YA Tittle
2008 Masterpieces Joe Namath
2008 Masterpieces Brian Bosworth
And when I stopped back tonight, they had a couple of blasters (and they must have been on sale, unless $15.99 is the normal price), so I’ve added to the collection–although I’ve already doubled (or tripled or quadrupled, in the case of Peyton Manning) up on some.
I’ll try to get a list up of what I have and what I don’t, in case I decide to go after a set–but I did get a kind of cool Favre/Paul Hornung card, a Bob Sanders tackling Lynn Swann card, and Scott Norwood Wide Right and multiple Eli Manning/David Tyree Helmet Catch cards (including a black bordered one)–but still no Slow Plow Game.
They did a really great job with this set. I am not a Namath fan but that memorable photo made a nice card. I have seen the UD Masterpieces blasters for $14.99. The stores are out around here right now but I have a gift card waiting on a shipment of them to arrive.
Hi I am a new collector following in my dads footsteps and I would like to know which company is better–upperdeck(which I favor) or topps? Thanks for your time
Jacob – It really depends on what you want in a football card, and what specific brand from each company you consider. In general, Upper Deck seems to have better photography. Topps might be a little more collector friendly company, and I know they treat hobby shops better (at least out of the gate). Both have high end and lower end product. Bowman Chrome (Topps) is “Home of the rookie card” in football as well as baseball.
To be honest, if forced to choose one company, in the football arena, I would probably gravitate towards Donruss–I like their designs, they seem to put out balanced products as far as inserts and parallels, autographs and game used cards.
Anyone have any other opinions?