Okay guys, where should I start my TENTH set run, and why?

Estil

Okay, as you guys know, I love to collect runs of sets. Here's the nine I have so far:

Topps (1976-2004; 2000 has ALL Magic Moment cards, obviously I want to go up to present; I'll save the 1974 and 1975 for the very end)
Fleer (1981-95; [i[still looking for 1993)*
Donruss (1981-92)
Score (1988-92)
Upper Deck (1989-93)
Ultra (1991-95; 1995 is GM version)*
Studio (1991-95)
Finest (1993-97; 1996 and 1997 is Bronze only)
Flair (1993; want to get 1994 & 1995 also)*

* -- I also want to collect all insert sets for these as well, that is, make master sets.

So now I have nine major runs of baseball sets. Well, that's just kinda an odd number (though it does match nine innings in a baseball game ) so I'm thinking about starting a tenth run, but I'm not sure which set run; here's the top contenders by order of seniority:

Bowman (1990-95) -- The main thing I like about this set is not just the fact that it's loaded with rookies, but remember how I like the Studio sets because they tell you on the back (at least the first three years anyway) the players' personal interests? Well, I like how many of the Bowman cards show the players in street clothes and/or outside the ballpark, at least the 1992 set does. And the Bowman sets from this era (especially 1992) are surprisingly affordable considering how they're loaded up with rookies, which may be because for that time period, we already know by now who's dazzled or fizzled.

Leaf (1990-95) -- As with the 1992 Bowman set, the 1990 Leaf set is also a "landmark" set that is now much more affordable than in the past, because Thomas/Sosa are not really the marquee players they were in the 1990s (or late 1990s in Sosa's case). The 1993 and 1994 sets also have a nice design (especially the backs) and if I choose these sets, I'll most likely go with 1992 Leaf Black Gold instead of the regular 1992 Leaf because the 1992 Leaf Black Gold is quite beautiful and very affordable (not even 2x the BV of the standard set).

Stadium Club (1991-95) -- I already have the 1991 set, and at least for the first three years, Topps really tried to put in the very best photography possible, and you can't go wrong with a GIGANTIC 900 card 1992 set that's dirt cheap. Not too sure about 1994 and 1995 though.

Triple Play (1992-94) & Fun Pack (1993-94) -- Okay, this would actually make it 11 set runs, but these two sets kinda go together, since both were meant to be targeted at youngsters. But the neat facts they put in the first two years of Triple Play as well as the very colorful flashy design of the Fun Pack sets make these sets great for the youngester at heart too. And making master sets of these wouldn't be too hard either.

SP (1993-95) -- I think these sets are interesting as well, but the fact they include the high priced Jeter and A-Rod cards means these are not quite as affordable as the others. At least the 1994 SP die-cut isn't worth much more than the standard set, and I think maybe the Holoview Blue set is reasonably affordable.

Ted Williams Card Company (1993-94) -- It was a shame this company went under after just two years, but I used to have some 1994 cards and they are quite interesting, and making master sets (w/ all inserts) shouldn't be too hard either.

Leaf Limited (1994-96?) -- This would go well with my Finest and Flair runs, as Leaf Limited was designed to compete with those brands. In this case, I do already have the 1994 set.

Or should I just forget all that and just count my future Topps football run as the tenth run? Of course, I have to finish my ongoing projects first (see sig) but it never hurts to plan ahead, right?

PS: I cannot afford to do a Topps Heritage run.

TJMAC

Go for the Stadium Club. They have beautiful photography and a decent selection of rookies. I just saw the 1991-1994 in sheets and binders go on ebay for about $50.00. So, for the price conscious consumer this seems to be a nice deal.

The Leaf sets are nice too. Frankly, I can't stand looking at cards of players in their street clothes, so the Bowmans are not my choice. That is the reason why I won't buy the Bowman Rivera or Manny Ramirez. Also, there designs are kind of boring, but that is just my own preference. I will say I like the Thome, Piazza, Hoffman and Delgado rookies though.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Jdurg

If you decide to go the Stadium Club route, I've got an early Stadium Club Dome set that I can part with quite cheaply. It's got the box and all. I think it's a 1991 set? Only about 100 cards.

metalmike

If you decide to do a Stadium club set run I have a 1993 members only set with all documentation, same as the cards avail in packs but with the members only logo. set is in binder nm/mt 30 delivered. Mike- I think these were limited to 10k copies.

TZAHL

Modern look go stadium club. I thought they've always had the best photos.

For vintage look I would go Bowman. The 89s have the Auto and the 90s have an old feel to them.

Only NO vote would be Triple play.

joestalin

How can you say modern without mentioning topps heritage?

Kevin

jmbkb4

Estil, I really like Leaf. 1990 Leaf is such a beautiful set. In my opinion, the first true Premium set (screw you, 1989 UD!!!). BTW, Thomas is still a Marquee player!!!

jmbkb4

P.S. You could probably pick up the Triple Play sets for the cost of shipping if you were patient. Why not?

metalmike

maybe you can chase the 1993-1994 opc sets? I think they were stand alone- Mike

Estil

<< <i>maybe you can chase the 1993-1994 opc sets? I think they were stand alone- Mike >>



Nah, I don't find the OPC sets to be all that interesting. I did add another two contenders to the list, BTW. Boy is that edit feature handy.

MeteoriteGuy

I would also go the Stadium Club route. Topps made the common cards in that set look nice due to photography. I also like how the early ones, or maybe just the 1991? has the rookie card of the person shown on the back.

Mark

Estil

<< <i>I would also go the Stadium Club route. Topps made the common cards in that set look nice due to photography. I also like how the early ones, or maybe just the 1991? has the rookie card of the person shown on the back.

Mark >>



They did that for the first three years.

blindflyer

I'd go with a hockey set ... or if you're not into hockey, go football.

Time to break into a new sport. It unveils a whole new world!

If you go football, I'd start with 89 Score --- an underrated set with a ton of rookies and HOFs --- looks great, too.

-t

Estil

<< <i>I'd go with a hockey set ... or if you're not into hockey, go football.

Time to break into a new sport. It unveils a whole new world!

If you go football, I'd start with 89 Score --- an underrated set with a ton of rookies and HOFs --- looks great, too.

-t >>



I WILL do a Topps football run, but only Topps. In fact, I might just skip all the sets above and just consider that my tenth run. Though I probably will have to wait until next Christmas season (hopefully BBCE's 1978-93 run will still be for sale).

Estil

Looks like so far Stadium Club is getting the most votes. I really wish though I could do all of them, but think about how much all those binders/pages would cost though... Not to mention I still need another set of shelves; once I'm finished getting caught up on sheets/binders and can get everything set up in a presentable manner you'll see what I mean.