Derek’s (Re)collections Topps incorporated a “retro” wood grain border design in ‘87 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1962 Topps set. While I was not a big fan of this set at the time, I appreciated the concept. As Camden Yards proved in the subsequent decade, the old-time aesthetic combined with touches of modern … Read more
Derek’s (Re)collections It’s possible that the Topps’ brass were in denial but their competition made significant strides in the first half of the Eighties while the “leader of the pack” seemed to stagnate in terms of design and innovation. Looking back at my allocation of funds towards the various offerings in 1986, Topps would end … Read more
Derek’s (Re)collections Topps came through again with another stellar effort in ‘85. Consistently delivering the largest checklist of the “Big 3” (Topps sets numbered 792 in those days), the inclusion of the 1984 Olympic baseball team along with a bumper crop of rookies took this set to the next level. My one slight criticism of … Read more
Derek’s (Re)collections As I remember it, my collecting days began with the purchase of a few packs of bubble gum cards at the Little League snack shack. Although I focused a lot of my attention on the 1984 Fleer and Topps cards (as the ‘84 Donruss packs proved to be elusive), I also set aside … Read more
