Overall, 2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball impresses me a lot. While I haven’t thought of any set in recent years to be ugly, they were bland. The white borders and lack of instantly memorable design elements have made it tough to tell one year from the next. Not so in 2015. Color’s back. And while it might not be for everyone, I have a hunch that 20 years from now, I’ll remember right away what year they’re from.
Besides the different design, there’s also a lot of great photos in 2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball. Some make me smile, others show drama and a handful just look good. Here are my ten favorites from the base set (at least out of the ones that I got in the box I opened).
10. New York Mets #24
This shot wouldn’t be nearly as good if the Mets were wearing their regular uniforms. But there’s something about a guy in blue hiding amongst a bunch of camouflage. It’s like the card is teasing you with the easiest game of Where’s Waldo.
9. Clayton Kershaw #100
2015 Topps Series 1 has a lot of great cropping that frames shots perfectly. This is one instance. There are plenty of cards showing pitchers going through the motions. But there’s something about this one of Clayton Kershaw that showcases his form as well. If it were the 1990’s, I’d totally want to see a flame added to his arm for added effect.
8. Hunter Pence #67
When is Hunter Pence not a hot mess? And that’s why he’s so easy to like. While sticking you’re tongue out looks goofy, it’s actually more natural than paying homage to Michael Jordan. It’s a sign of deep thought and concentration — except when you’re 4 and trying to tick off your older sister.
7. Colorado Rockies #168
So much awkward. For starters, you’ve got Nolan Arenado hugging Troy Tulowitzki as though he’s just emerged, alive, from the stomach of a shark. From the looks it, Arenado looks ready to cry. Then there’s Tulo, hugging back, but leaning back like he wants to get the heck out of there ASAP. And with all that drama and celebration, you’d think there was something to celebrate. Not really. Check out their record.
6. Derek Jeter Checklist #319
Often, taking the subject of a photo out of the center of the frame adds some extra flair. This is one of those instances. Here you’ve got Derek Jeter tipping the cap and ready to walk off one last time. His playing days are behind him and there’s a new road ahead of him. Cheesy, I know. But it’s the truth and this picture captures that light symbolism perfectly.
5. Matt Garza #56
One word: intense.
4. Derek Jeter #1
Farewell, Captain. One last moment, great cropping, plenty of drama — it’s tough not to like Derek Jeter’s last card from his career (at least in the flagship canon).
3. Mike Trout #300
This is such a great action shot. It’s taken from a beautiful, head-on angle. The focus goes beyond Mike Trout’s face and into the individual pieces of dirt. Beautiful and messy, this is what baseball means to me.
2. Jackie Bradley Jr. #314
This is another fantastic action shot. Going corner-to-corner, it showcases a great play. In fact, I’d say it’s framed perfectly. Bradley’s made the catch, at least that’s the way it appears. There’s his focus in Bradley’s eyes, the great form and the outfield wall looming in the background. It tells a complete story beautifully.
1. Paul Konerko #177
It would have been easy to crop this shot tight in on Konerko waving good-bye. While respectful and capturing a moment, it would have lacked the drama that’s captured in the background. As the White Sox great is showing his emotion, the crowd is on their feet paying tribute. Then there’s the giant ‘P’ and ‘K’ that seal the deal for me. This is my favorite card in a set with lots of great shots.
