GIO Has Something Topps Doesn't....

No question about it. Just ask him. He's even put it on a bumper sticker. Ok. It wouldn't fill a spot on the bumper but would cover a door ding.

And it's possible I have something you don't... a 70s Baseball, Series One 15 card pack.  If this picture from his post is telling, there were 11 packs. Were - because I now have three. One for my GIO stash, one for a friend, and one for busting. A few of these like Mays, Yaz, Mantle and the Bird will look nice in the PCs.

The card backs have an authentic feel to them. Fronts are glossy with bright color. All are based on customs Gio has shared on his blog. I have my favorites but forced to pick one two, it's Fidrych and Yaz! 1972 has become my favorite set of the 70s.  I'd bite hard on a Nickname series based solely on the 72 design.

Gio included a fine assortment of players. Some of these photo choices truly standout, like Williams and Mantle. There's that Rickey stare in the mix and a 'super' styled Carew insert too!

I have a thing for Gio's creations. So far, I've been able to scoop up a copy of every set he's offered. Most have featured Deadball stars who are a small but sweet spot in my collection.  I don't really know how many 70s packs are available. If you are hesitant to pick up one for yourself, I invite you to sample a card - in hand. I busted a pack to sort among my PCs. That leaves six cards up for grabs. Trade pals have a chance at the end of this post to get one. But first, we have an important election opportunity!

It's time to get out the vote - or get your vote on. We have special candidates for this round. All others will be baseball/baseball related but not everyone likes our National Pastime. Offered today are two nearly complete football sets. Even if you don't collect football, it's likely many of your pals do!

A) Coming at you with super-shiny attitude is 2019 OPTIC! Not photogenic but attractive in-hand. 200 cards in the complete base set. Optic wants you to know that while it's missing 21 cards, it could still fill your binder or trade needs. Perhaps you'd like to pursue these?  You may review this candidate on TCDB.

CANDIDATE A SAMPLE

B) The challenger comes from a humbler background. No shine here but lots of color - 2020 Panini Contenders Draft Picks! Explore this candidate's qualifications here.  A 100 card base set missing only five cards. This set would get my vote.  It's colorful with lots college flair and includes retired players like Sanders, Favre, Marino, Rice and more. Sorted by college, this set would show well in a binder.

CANDIDATE 2 SAMPLE

Before voting, please review our rules:

Regarding those Gio customs, these six cards will be available to trade pals via a special edition of Pick Pockets live Sunday evening, August 30th. *** Time has changed due to unexpected travel.

Pockets will be loaded with inserts, shiny cards plus these six Gio's customs. If you and I have ever traded, you are invited to pick. Even if it's been a long while, let's get back to trading! Only one custom per picker, nine cards total for this round. The cards will be a little thicker, filling those pockets quickly.

Before signing off, there's a card I want to share - a gift from a close friend.

They are both one of one's in my book but don't make me choose between them.   🤣