Wax Ecstatic: Recent Episodes
Wax Ecstatic
Have you rediscovered your childhood baseball cards, or do you have that "90s nostalgia" itch you've been looking to scratch? Come take a trip down memory lane as we take a second look at some famous (and not so famous) baseball cards from the 1990s all the way back through the 1950s. Wax Ecstatic is hosted by long-time collector Matt Sammon, who always has a fun look back at some of that classic cardboard in your collection!
Host Matt Sammon discuses the new book "Singled Out" with author Andrew Maraniss. What started as a random card pull from a 1978 Topps pack will take you down the life path of Glenn Burke, Major League Baseball's first openly gay player. Maraniss shares how Burke was shoved aside to an early career end, while we take a look at 3 players who were part of Burke's life directly or indirectly.
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Watch the video on this subject at https://youtu.be/uZZ6WDAjuvE
Host Matt Sammon dives into a seldom known set about a seldom known league. In the winter of 1989-90, former Major League players brought their achy backs and creaky knees to the newly formed Senior Professional Baseball Association. The SPBA quickly developed from a zany idea, and just as quickly went away. While the 1990 SPBA Pacific baseball card set isn't much to write home about, how this league even got off the ground is.
Watch our pack break at https://youtu.be/FZTAR8_Lx_E
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon dives into the bargain bin to find a gem in 1992 O-Pee-Chee Premier, a set that was overlooked then and now. At only 198 cards, this sharp set is loaded with Hall of Famers and young stars, and is worthy of your attention nowadays.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/gkTCE7WwA4E
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set, which had the right idea but quickly changed courses for numerous reasons.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/-s2CWDhEmV4
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at what is arguably Donruss' greatest set. The 1989 set featured big rookies, stars, and an incredible colorful design. Best of all, it's still ridiculously affordable because it was right in the middle of the "junk wax" era.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/nXgqAY6Xypk
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks at another set that the program took a first look at many years ago, and then just moved on from. Finishing a close second in our listener poll, '85 Topps is a legendary set loaded with rookies and stars, yet it often gets overshadowed by some of the more notable sets of the 1980's.
Watch the video review at https://youtu.be/FOMJkMdHHOM
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon responds to listener suggestions for sets to revisit, and our first in the sharp but overlooked '87 Donruss set. With a 40-year spectrum of young stars and proven Hall of Famers, this is a set worthy of your time with deals still to be found.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/iRXlJIXKVww
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the sharp and fancy 1993 Fleer Flair set, which despite its impressive design and limited press run added an unnecessary layer of product to the already bloated hobby.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/59HL63ugUsI
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the cornucopia of foodstuff combo cards from the 1980s and 1990s. From the classic soda and fast food sets of the late 70s and early 80s, to some gut-busting meals during the bloated days of the hobby in the 90s. Don't overlook some of these unique sets in your collection.
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Watch the breaks at https://youtu.be/gYY1bn1qmOc
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Host Matt Sammon reflects on the colorful and progressive '72 Topps set which looks better with age, and gets a new look courtesy of this year's Topps Heritage design. We also check in with BaseballHappening.net's Nick Diunte to discuss the booming baseball card business.
Watch the video recap at youtu.be/BqMEG6-pXfA
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the history of the "traded" sets and set extensions. What started out as a public service to notify fans that a player changed teams, became a marketing hook in the 70s before becoming a marketing advantage in the 80s.
We also have some updates on our new YouTube channel (at https://bit.ly/3b2r4uf) and some changes coming to the podcast.
Watch the video review of the traded sets at https://youtu.be/YhdT2trfWos
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks at the new Repacked Wax, where cards from the past 65 years are assembled into newly packaged wax units. It's a great idea that's gone big, and Matt talks to Repacked Wax creator Ryan Cornell to learn more about the product.
Watch our first video break at https://youtu.be/hc799bmeYBs
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the sharp '94 Donruss set, which continued a streak of impressive sets released by Donruss in the early 90s. But there were signs that Donruss was taking its eye off the ball, setting up a slippery slope to bankruptcy just years later.
Still this is a great set for those looking to scratch a 90s nostalgia itch, as it is affordable and loaded with stars.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/-6m0TfoACs0
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon takes a look at a unique and short-lived product, 1990 Topps Heads Up. How did this predecessor to items like Fathead not have much of a shelf life? Plus we answer your questions in our listener mail bag!
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/8g0PsDFDflU
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1993 Donruss set which managed to raise the bar from the noteworthy 1992 set. Even though the improvements didn't save Donruss from getting swallowed up by the changing hobby, the set provides collectors today with a sharp and affordable piece of 90s nostalgia.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/4RtVE_1MYbY
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon rings in 2021 with a look back at the 1991 Topps Archives, a set that paid homage to the 1953 Topps set while staying true to the original product. It wasn't the first throwback set for Topps, but it laid a foundation for future Archives, Heritage, and the Living sets.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/8wLVNE2HUNk
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon indulges in your 90's nostalgia as we take a look at '92 Donruss, the first set of three from the early 90's that showed a marked improvement of the Donruss base set. But the turning of the corner came too late for Donruss, as the hobby was speeding past with insert cards and premium sets.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/7wXWB0raG5c
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1963 Fleer baseball set, or as he calls it, the "Seattle Pilots" of baseball sets as there won't ever be a set quite like this one.
Was the star-studded set a major attempt at curtailing Topps' dominance? Or was it a poorly rolled out, pathetic attempt at nothing in particular?
We discuss, with a look at 5 players from that set!
Watch the video at https://t.co/4ZUe0fjq3a
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With Thanksgiving around the corner, host Matt Sammon looks at some hobby "turkeys" including some funny non-sports cards from deep in the storage unit. But like many Thanksgiving side dishes, while many people may not like one side dish in particular, there's nothing wrong with a little guilty pleasure in a side dish.
Host Matt Sammon tracks down some 90s nostalgia that isn't your usual "junk wax", as we open up 1991 Leaf Studio and 1992 Leaf Series 1 packs. We also have what is now becoming a regular warning of "buyer beware" when it comes to the sudden interest in baseball cards by the general public.
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Watch the pack break at: https://youtu.be/L_jZDlwBmBw
Host Matt Sammon looks back at some fun and unique products this episdoe: 1979 Topps MLB All-Star Bubble Gum Wrappers, and 1987 Donruss Jumbo All-Stars with Pop-Up Cards. WaxPackHero.com's Mike Sommer joins us as well to discuss some other unique collectible oddities!
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/n6hBJhQh3vI
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon revisits Minor League Baseball cards with a break of some 1991 Classic packs. Despite a relatively low return on investment, the minor league packs are a fun blast from the past as well as affordable.
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/5tBTsu8w6Nc
Follow us on Twitter @WaxandGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at 1961 Topps, which some people see as plain and boring, while others see a simple and clean work of art. We look at the quirks of this legendary set, Topps' challenge with expansion, and the M&M boys.
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Watch the video review at https://youtu.be/DVuO8XlXDtk
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the little-liked 1982 Topps K-Mart MVP set, which despite a lack of fanfare was a very influential set for young collectors in a pre-internet world. Plus, how K-Mart, Wal Mart, and the hobby have eerily similar histories with (thankfully) different outcomes.
Watch the video at https://youtu.be/pfzSOSz46tY
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at one of his favorite underrated sets, one that is starting to get some more love thanks to a great design and treasure trove of stars and rookies. We're going back to the "Max Headroom" set of baseball cards, 1986 Donruss!
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/8L9k6KG4ZOk
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1993 Upper Deck set, a set that was nearly perfect while showing off the indulgences of future hobby problems.
Watch the pack break at youtu.be/L6y13Aw6aQc
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon revisits the colorful calamity that is 1975 Topps, as we see how market forces and a lack of quality control makes this must-have set so hard to collect.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/Ew0zJqcPyTg
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Host Matt Sammon is joined by Brad Balukjian, author of The Wax Pack book. Matt and Brad first discussed the topic back in September 2016, and nearly 4 years later Brad has a hit that does more than just track down players from an '86 Topps wax pack.
Watch the video break at youtu.be/bfq-mwoaDYc.
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon opens a nice little gift box full of 1988 Topps American Baseball. Popularly known as "UK minis", we dispel the UK connection while discussing why this really smart product only lasted two years.
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/dhDbIKH9m-o
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon opens up some 1994 Topps series 2 packs for the first time in 26 years. But the reminder of the strike-shortened season and the sagging card industry then brings him down... and brings in the salt as he riffs on 2020 baseball problems, the coronavirus, and more.
Watch the video break at youtu.be/1dwMUIFTjGg
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at some "off the beaten path" sets of the late 80's and early 90's: Topps BIG, The Conlon Collection, and Swell Baseball Greats. Plus the stories of some interesting baseball characters from the early 20th century.
Watch the video at https://youtu.be/6qdssWwIizY
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks at the crucial pivot in Bowman starting in 1991, after a less-than-spectacular re-introduction in 1989. The Bowman brand is still remarkably strong as the "rookie card" creator thanks to decisions made nearly 30 years ago.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/7XdiwyYncSI
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the tipping point in the start of the rookie card craze-- 1983, and in particular Topps as the set featured rookie cards for Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Ryne Sandberg.
Watch the video break at youtu.be/S4JZuSddE58
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at series 1 of 1993 Topps, a set that is suddenly in demand thanks to Hall of Famer Derek Jeter's gold rookie card. If you're willing to pay a little extra for cards from 1993, something you're not used to doing, you could put together a really solid set from Topps.
Watch the pack break at youtu.be/nUPTu8-8SSI
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon takes one for the team as he opens a holiday "fauxback" 1979 Topps rack pack. While 1979 Topps is a fun and relatively easy vintage set to collect, buyer beware for any rack packs that aren't the real deal.
Watch the pack break at youtu.be/SsMGjhUVBFs
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the set he calls a true work of art-- 1971 Topps and its newly-inspired twin set 2020 Topps Heritage. Featuring special guests Nick Diunte and Patrick Sammon!
Also with a special public service announcement on staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the under-appreciated 1990 Topps set, and the somewhat overlooked vending box. Once used to feed drug store vending machines in the 1960s, the vending box is an efficient way to add to your collection.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/ZiJxpCVrP54
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at '74 Topps as he opens up a vintage pack of a set that was launched with all the right intentions, but fell victim to one team's relocation whimsy.
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/WrlIN66oABs
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon steps out of the batter's box to take a look at some classic non-sports wax, with a focus on Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids, and the ill-fated Trash Can Trolls.
Watch the video of the pack breaks at https://youtu.be/PO7-hjxDc80
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at some memorable multi-player cards, featuring memorable Hall of Fame players... and others. We focus on the others, the "Andrew Ridgeleys" of the hobby!
Host Matt Sammon discusses "first" baseball cards, which requires a little discussion about the classic '89 Topps set. It won't make you rich, but you'll have fun opening up a box you paid $5 for.
Plus we discuss ideas for future shows while reading your comments.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/mKepNbUtL0E
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon dares to purchase a "pack lot" variety pack on EBay, and while the haul is underwhelming there are some pretty interesting stories in these packs.
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Host Matt Sammon helps you stuff your stocking with a lengthy recalling of the '89 Upper Deck set, why the set is still valuable 30 years later, plus we look at "birth year" sets.
Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/8yfmwOWnZRI
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks at several grocery item cards from the 1970's and 1980's, with a bonus look at some cards from the 1930's and 1940's. Plus, a look back at one of the craziest card theft stories in the hobby.
Watch the video at https://youtu.be/hEyesJLRgi4
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the '92 Fleer Ultra set, by request.
After botching the Ultra premiere in 1991, Fleer wasn't messing around with this great "second chance" opportunity that is still very popular today.
Watch the video break at --> https://youtu.be/lP8s5YqefCU
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon had that itch to open up some cards, so naturally he went to the drug store to fix it. The surprising finds in a drug store "variety pack", plus answers to your latest questions in our latest podcast!
Watch the "Walgreens Pack Break" here --> https://youtu.be/l46wSSmji4U
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon finds a box of one of the most overlooked and underrated sets of all time-- 1988 Score. The premiere edition of Score introduced features to the hobby before Upper Deck did, but the set got caught up in some of the "junk wax" tendencies of 1988.
Check out our pack break at https://youtu.be/NnIZuJAQqyE
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Author Dan Epstein joins host Matt Sammon to discuss baseball in the 1970s, why 1976 was and still is a pivotal year in baseball, and of course some classic cards from 1976-80.
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And watch the video of random pulls from 1976-80 at https://youtu.be/cNP4EmW-ysE
Host Matt Sammon looks back at another overlooked set from the 80's-- '86 Topps, while also diving in to stories of expansion teams, old magazines, and Velveeta "cheese"?!?
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And see the rack pack break at https://youtu.be/SrfA9CfMK24
How could something that was so good, become so average and maybe even disdained? Call it "the pumpkin spice" effect, and 1993 Topps Stadium Club represents that. What was once a trend setter in 1991 had become middle-of-the-road by 1993 in a gluttonous and fattening hobby.
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And watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/Div7amQciEI
Won't somebody please take these poor lonely baseball cards home with them? Host Matt Sammon reminds you that some big names from big sets can be had for small prices if you're not snobbish about card condition. In a day and age of lock-tite holders and PSA grading, there's nothing wrong with getting some great cards for pennies on the dollar.
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And see the whole collection of "strays" at https://youtu.be/P9dU8R7UFfQ
Host Matt Sammon looks back at '88 Topps through another "bargain bin beauty", and confesses he should have given a lot more attention to the set 30 years ago.
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Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/NdZy3v1KhDM
Host Matt Sammon is joined by Andy of Sport Card Backs and the Baseball Beyond Batting Average podcast to discuss the often overlooked part of baseball cards-- the back.
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And watch us "break our backs" at https://youtu.be/170QPPJROJ8
Host Matt Sammon dives in to what should be a classic grab bag of fun with old Donruss packs. But the repackaged wax doesn't offer up much, unless you're a fan of Ed Lynch.
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Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/JWFjXl5jwSQ
Host Matt Sammon looks in to a 1981 Topps Super Pack, a revolutionary concept that kept the sticky bubblegum away from the cards. How did Topps come up with the idea, and why did they soon abandon it?
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See the pack break at https://youtu.be/i6NTwwCz_qQ
Host Matt Sammon looks through a much-needed redemption set for Fleer, but arguably the last great base set the company released. Plus, we talk more about the "junk wax" treasures listeners are finding.
See the box break at https://youtu.be/OIVzg9lWvzo
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon remembers his late father, Kevin, as we approach Father's Day. While we focus on 5 particular cards that bring back great memories and stories, we also touch on that special bond fathers have with their kids through baseball and baseball cards.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the last "classic" baseball card set, 1991 Topps. Plus, are "junk wax" cards from the 80s and 90s making a comeback? It's all in our latest podcast.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the underappreciated, and readily available, Renata Galasso TCMA sets of the late 70s and early 80s. Mike Aronstein, the "MA" of TCMA, chimes in with his background on the creation of the sets.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at some bargain bin beauties-- a box of 1991 Fleer Ultra. Why did that set fail, and why was 1991 the "husky jeans" era of baseball cards?
Watch the video break at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXLP-T17G8
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the winter of 1976, a very busy one for the Topps art department as free agency and expansion make the air brushers go overboard to crank out the 1977 set.
Check out our pack break at https://t.co/9DIfDrE6z5
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon finds another bargain bin dandy, as we search through a few packs of the last "classic" Upper Deck set, the sharp 1992s.
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Host Matt Sammon sees how 1970 Topps stacks ups to the new 2019 Topps Heritage set. Plus we talk all things collecting with Nick Diunte!
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Host Matt Sammon doesn't land a big star or rookie card, but finds some incredible stories on the players inside a random '78 Topps wax pack.
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/jwvul3SEsg0
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the curious '75 Topps Mini set, including why the set was created and how it was tested.
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Host Matt Sammon looks though some $1 1987 Fleer cellos, and despite having lots of duplicates, lands a big card. Plus we talk about first collecting memories, some '54 Bowman bargains, and Ted Williams dominating the Marlins?
Watch the video break here --> https://youtu.be/7aTnOcZQViQ
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon emerges from the holidays with some answers to your questions this episode. On the table: the strongest set from the "junk wax" era, why vintage cards aren't worth what they used to be, and first memories as a collector.
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Host Matt Sammon opens up a pack from 1986 for each Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. We discuss these cards and baseball in 1986, the "dreaded manager" card again, and the SSPC set of 1975-76.
Watch the video break here --> youtu.be/53h_q3cmgVM
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon hoped for some better cards in the '85 Topps cello he broke, but instead got 5 manager cards. So we focus mostly on the unnecessary outrage over the Harold Baines HOF vote.
Watch the video break here --> https://youtu.be/RK-8ylCJeg0
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon discovers the treasures of a $7 purchase at a card show-- an unopened box of '92 Topps. Plus, we share your "guilty pleasure" sets to open, while looking back at how 1992 was the point of no return for the hobby.
Watch the pack break at youtu.be/JbB4JMIyc-U
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the classic '83 Topps set and some of the stories of the players inside our cello pack break. Plus... would you rather get the tickets to the '83 World Series, '84 World Series, or Donkey Kong Colecovision prize?
Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/7Oe9OFQx59U
Follow us on Twitter, at @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks through our recently opened '83 Donruss packs to discuss the struggles Donruss and Fleer had in the early 80s. Plus, mystery solved with the '56 Topps Hank Aaron card, and why the '59 Fleer Ted Williams set wasn't popular... back then.
Watch the pack breaks at youtu.be/bse-fO9SClA
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at arguably one of the greatest sets in Topps history-- 1956. With detailed stories on players from his personal collection, a history of "red legs", and perhaps an answer to a question of one of the most famous uncorrected errors in baseball card history.
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Host Matt Sammon talks about '82 Topps per our listener pack selection. We cover how Cal Ripken saved the '82 sets, how Topps goofed upi the Ripken rookie debut, and some interesting stories on some of the characters in the pack.
Watch the video break here --> youtu.be/g-vDAqLAjns
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the legendary 1955 Topps set, and while some of his cards are "common", the players' stories certainly aren't.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the frustrating beauty of the '85 Donruss set, and some of the interesting stories of the players he pulled from a rack pack (youtu.be/FbQle5FuBmA).
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Host Matt Sammon opens up your choice cello packs from 1981 and 1984 Topps, discovering some Hall of Fame players, and one player who enjoys... breeding Persian cats?
Watch the video break at youtu.be/4O-BUKj_OzI
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon explores some cards from the 1952-54 Topps sets, and the unique stories behind the players.
See the cards at https://youtu.be/98KX9TFD0H4
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon opens up some Fleer cellos from 1986 and 1989, and shares the stories of some Hall of Famers, close calls for the HOF, and some guys miles from getting that honor.
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/-lqeqLSd_vU
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon looks through some 1950s Bowman cards, while bringing you the very interesting stories of founder J. William Bowman and the players on these specific cards.
Look at the cards on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ObrYbS4EopQ
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon is joined by Mike Chapman, whose dad worked for Topps and Score in the 1980s and 1990s. Quite the connection to a hobby Mike started collecting in during the exact same time. Plus, we open a cello of the legendary '87 Topps... and make a nice hit.
Watch the break at https://youtu.be/_o2wd2klKJY
Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon rips in to your selected cards from 1988, and we discuss the unwritten laws of eating the gum in vintage wax.
Watch the break here --> https://youtu.be/WoPzE8ov6j4
And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Host Matt Sammon shares some of your suggestions as to how to get more kids collecting baseball cards again, and by your vote we open the '84 Fleer and '86 Topps cello packs! Watch the break at https://youtu.be/buWqa3t0J00 and follow us on Twitter at @WaxAndGumStains.
Host Matt Sammon opens packs of '90 Score and '91 Topps Stadium Club, as selected by our listeners, and gets in to a discussion on why kids aren't buying cards as much as they used to.
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Host Matt Sammon opens the listener-selected '86 Fleer and '89 Topps cellos, and wonders if anyone actually bought something from the Topps Company store.
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Host Matt Sammon comes back from a 9 month "extended rain delay", and rips through a grocery pack of 1981 Topps baseball as part of the occasion.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the career of Dave Stieb, his interaction with him when he was 13, and the 1980 Topps set.
Plus, we tell you why the podcast is throwing its final pitch.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the '78 Topps set, and the multi-layered story of Jack Clark.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the under-appreciated '64 Topps set, and the way underappreciated career of Minnie Minoso.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the set he overlooked too much-- '74 Topps, which endures despite the infamous "Washington Nat'l League" goofs. Plus, the career of the new "Captain Hook", Dusty Baker!
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Host Matt Sammon returns to the box of cards from the 1960s and 70s, and finds Jack Aker who had a pretty good career and great life despite playing for a not-so-great "one hit wonder" baseball team.
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Host Matt Sammon digs deeper in the closet for some baseball jerseys, new and classics, while looking back at the relatively new phenomena of fans wearing sports jerseys to games.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the premiere edition of Fleer (the legal premiere, that is) and the unique way that Lee Mazzilli finally did fulfill the delivery of a championship at Shea.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the career of Glenn Hubbard, the "face" of Braves fans in the 80s. Plus, a look back at the good but not great '86 Topps set.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the popular '84 Donruss set, and the equally popular Rick Dempsey as we dive back in to the "big old monster box" on the show.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the uninspiring 1980 Topps set, with great detail on how Topps came to monopolize the hobby for 25 years. Plus, a look back at one shining moment and season for "Large Len" Barker!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the '79 Topps set, which was clearly getting ready for a battle with Fleer in a couple of years. Plus, how Amos Otis starred for the Royals while helping wreck the Mets.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the listener survey, and lets you know where the show goes from here!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the collector favorite set from Topps in 1978, and discusses how Mark Fidrych gave the people of Detroit a little hope on and off the field in the summer of '76.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the creative endeavor that was '77 Topps, a set that doesn't get as much love as it should, much like random pull Toby Harrah. But we also dive in to the traditional and advanced stats discussion, as some want to place Harrah on a much higher pedestal.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the incredibly popular and sharp '76 Topps set, with a look at the incredibly patriotic Rick Monday as our random pull!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the legendary (though extremely tacky) '75 Topps set, the time he passed on a '75 Topps rack pack, and the underappreciated career of Vida Blue.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the first full-series release from Topps, the clean '74 set. Despite the great cards and rookie class, the set is hampered by a negated move of the San Diego Padres to Washington D.C. Plus, we look back at the very underrated career of Hall of Famer Don Sutton!
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the many pros and cons of the ambitious '73 Topps set, with some laughable action shots but qualities that have stood the test of time as the last of the "vintage" card sets. Plus, a look back at Oscar Gamble-- the player better known for his hair than his stats.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the flawed but much-loved 1972 Topps set, one of the most iconic if dated sets in baseball card history. Plus, a look at random pull Clyde Wright.
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Host Matt Sammon takes a deep look at the game-changing '71 Topps set, the game-changing power of Deron Johsnon, and some baseball games he recently attended.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1970 Topps set, which some collectors love, but it still leaves a lot to be desired. Also, a look at the "Blind Faith" story of random pull Bob Aspromonte.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the simple yet plain '69 Topps set, looks back at the '69 MLB expansion, and the incredible summer of '69 for Cleon Jones.
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the "burlap set" from 1968, the career of steady shortstop Ed Brinkman, and how these little pieces of cardboard tie us to history.
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Host Matt Sammon is an outlier in the common thought that '67 Topps is a masterpiece. He feels it's a poor attempt at replicating '57 Topps. Meanwhile, we also look back at the booming Boog Powell!
Host Matt Sammon discusses how Topps got back to business with the clean '66 set, and how pinch-hitter extraordinaire Art Shamsky ended up in a class with Mantle, Musial, Bo, and others.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at one of his favorite baseball sets ever made, 1965 Topps, with a look at one of the most underrated hitters in Major League history.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the somewhat unpopular '64 Topps set, featuring young Rusty Staub of the Houston Colt .45s in the sweltering Colt Stadium.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the epic '63 Topps set, the battle Topps had with Fleer, and the monster career of the monster Frank Howard!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the legendary '62 Topps set, which handled the challenges of the 1961 set much better the second time around. Plus, we look back at four decades of baseball and the career of Tim McCarver!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the plain 1961 Topps set, and why Topps had to hold back on card design that season. Plus the not-so-common (Canadian) Hall of Fame career of Ted Bowsfield.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at how Topps went from artsy to business in 1960, but with a mixture of several previous sets in one card. Plus the all-star career of Johnny Temple, that went downhill quick.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at another Madison Avenue inspired set from Topps in 1959, and the not-so-ordinary career of utility infielder Eddie Miksis and the Cincinnati Redlegs.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the colorful 1958 Topps set, and the interesting career path of Jerry Staley. Plus, the unique way Matt got this card 25 years ago.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the groundbreaking '57 Topps set, and how this Pee Wee Reese card is rather appropriate for looking back on "Dem Bums", the Brooklyn Dodgers
Host Matt Sammon looks back at the 1954 Topps set, with random pull Joe Coleman. A major change in the Topps design, stories of Bill Veeck and Charlie Finley, and some news on the podcast!
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Host Matt Sammon makes one more dig through the "miscellaneous" box to look at glossy All-Stars, no-logo cards, and Boardwalk & Baseball.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the fan-favorite team-issued sets, with a deep dive in to his own 2002 Tampa Bay Devil Rays team set that was filled with various miscreants from the Rays' bad old days.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at minor league baseball cards, which started innocently in the 1940s, grew in the 1970s, then exploded in the 1990s with major league cards.
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Host Matt Sammon closes out the "big ole monster box" with a look at '93 Topps, and how the Dodgers whiffed on Pedro Martinez.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the great answer Upper Deck had for the competition in 1993, the great career of Cal Ripken Jr., and our Wax Ecstatic survey results!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the rather forgettable '93 Score set, the unforgettable Greg Maddux, and the dying breed that is the 300-game winner?
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at another sharp set in '93: Fleer Ultra. Plus, were the Mets really in the wrong in '71 when trading Nolan Ryan?
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Host Matt Sammon (no relation) looks back at Tim Salmon's career, and the very good but not great '93 Donruss set. Plus plenty of listener tweets on the hobby!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at one of the best sets not only from 1993, but in the history of baseball cards, Leaf Studio. Plus, a look back at the tragic life and career of Kirby Puckett.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the outstanding set Bowman put together in 1993, plus the sordid career of Carl Everett, and some fun from a pack of 2017 Topps.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the major upgrades to the Topps set in 1992, while also looking back at that one magical year for Scott Erickson.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the '92 Topps Stadium Club set, and the Hall of Fame-worthy career of Larry Walker.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the nice but "standard" '92 Upper Deck set, Frank Thomas' career, and the inanity of one-day contracts.
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Host Matt Sammon reviews the '92 Score set which wasn't bad, but was too safe during a progressing hobby. Plus, we look back at the kid who was too skinny to get drafted... Jim Thome!
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the stellar '92 Fleer Ultra set, and the tumultuous but later redeemed life of Albert Belle.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at one of the winning sets of 1992-- Fleer. Plus the controversial career and nice rebound for Mo Vaughn.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at Donruss' much-improved '92 set, even if it couldn't quite catch up to the competition. And the "tragic" career of Juan Gonzalez.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the '92 Donruss Triple Play set which was a good idea that probably came out at the wrong time. Plus we look at Jeff Bagwell's career, and maybe the 2nd-worst trade in Red Sox history.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the "safe" '92 Leaf set, and how Dave Winfield went from "Mr. May" to "Mr. Jay".
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the pinnacle of Bowmna baseball cards, the sharp and still valuable '92 set. Plus a look at the great career of Don Mattingly.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the last "fun" baseball card set, with gum stains and cheap cardboard stock, 1991 Topps. Plus we look at your least favorite sets, and the rather controversial career of Gary Sheffield.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the groundbreaking '91 Stadium Club set, set even Upper Deck had to adjust to. Plus the HOF career of Roberto Alomar, and the 1991 Sears catalog!
Host Matt Sammon looks at the great career of Ken Griffey Jr., and the not great but better '91 Donruss set.
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Yellow!
Host Matt Sammon looks at the rubber ducky Fleer set from 1991, and discusses the productive yet somewhat dark-shadowed career of Luis Gonzalez.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the steady, consistently classy '91 Upper Deck set, the more productive post-baseball career of Royce Clayton, and more fan throwbacks!
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the '91 Score set which had some nice design elements, but had massive overproduction for a gluttonous 893-card set. We also look at the career of Sammy Sosa, which also had its good points, but now goes down as a failure.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the set that proved to be a turning point for Bowman, and the position change that was a turning point in Hall of Famer Craig Biggio's career.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the great sophomore set from Leaf, and the somewhat great 2-sport career of Deion Sanders, who clearly took off in football after a handful of productive seasons in MLB.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the colorful but memorable 1990 Topps set, and the colorful Joe Magrane who has made a name for himself in the TV studio.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the rather forgettable 1990 Donruss set, one of the worst and most overproduced sets of the era. Plus we look at the rather commendable career of Robin Ventura, despite his penchant for running head-first in to Nolan Ryan's fists.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at a favorite set of his, the clean and classy 1990 Fleer set, and the great playing and broadcast career of John Smoltz.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the tipsy career of David Wells, the return to "great" for the Score set of 1990, and your favorite team's worst trade!
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Host Matt Sammon takes a second look at the underrated 1990 Bowman set, and the rather interesting career of Reds castoff Paul O'Neill.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the first serious attempt at a card set by Leaf, and the lost history of baseball smacker Greg Vaughn.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the 1990 Upper Deck set, which wasn't as splashy as 1989 but kept raising the bar in the hobby.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the classic '89 Topps set, Tim Raines' career, and what are some potential stumbling block for Raines getting in to the Hall of Fame?
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the likeable '89 Fleer set, the legendary Billy Ripken card, and he pulls out his Harry Caray impression when talking about Jamie Moyer's dating life.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the colorful and underrated '89 Donruss set, and shares stories about running in to a grumpy Kevin Brown... and helping Jose Canseco get laid?
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Back by popular demand! We found episode #1, the back story to host Matt Sammon's introduction to baseball collecting in 1989, and why he got back in to the hobby. Plus we go in to detail on why the Wax Ecstatic got started.
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Host Matt Sammon deservedly talks more about Edgar Martinez's Hall-of-Fame-worthy career than the incredibly awful '89 Score set.
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Host Matt Sammon looks back at the revival of the Bowman brand with the '89 Bowman set, and the laughably tragic career of Jose Canseco.
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Host Matt Sammon takes a deep dive in to the hobby-changing (for better or for worse) 1989 Upper Deck set with random pull (#346) Cecil Fielder.
We look in to some of the innovation and fallout from the set, and the unique role relief pitcher DeWayne Buice had in the card company's creation.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the "shaggy dog" of baseball cards, the unspectacular but memorable '88 Topps set. Plus we look back at Glenn Davis' rise in Houston, and fall in Baltimore as our random pull (#430).
Host Matt Sammon looks at the '88 Fleer set that wasn't bad but wasn't good, and the good career of Rafael Palmeiro's shadow, Will Clark.
Sure there's enough '88 Donruss still in its original packaging to wallpaper San Francisco, but it's a nice looking set with some star power. Host Matt Sammon gives the often dumped-on set its props, and looks at the unique career of random pull (#637) Jay Bell.
Host Matt Sammon discusses the new entry in to the hobby in 1988, the very colorful Score set with random pull (#421) Mike LaValliere!
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the legendary '87 Topps set, and the legendary start to Reggie Jackson's Hall of Fame Career. With plenty of listener questions and comments on the '87 set!
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the impressive '87 Fleer set, and the impressive but largely forgotten career of Kent Tekulve (#190)
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Host Matt Sammon shares his thoughts on the death of Jose Fernandez, and on a much lighter note looks at the '87 Donruss set with random pull Eric Davis (#265).
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Host Matt Sammon talks with Brad Balukjian, who is writing a book on the 14 random players pulled from a pack of 1986 Topps. How did he get the idea to chase down these players to see what they're up to 30 years later? Plus your comments!
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the memorable but not great '86 Topps set, and states his case for Jack Morris (#270) to be in the Hall of Fame.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the beauty of the '86 Fleer set, the almost superstardom of Dave Henderson, and your questions and comments!
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the "sharp" and underrated '86 Donruss set, the lengthy but unfortunate career of Hubie Brooks, and plenty of listener reaction from the past week.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses random pull (#577) Chris Speier and the quirky but cool '85 Topps set.
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Host Matt Sammon looks at the "sharp" 1985 Fleer set, and the underrated Lloyd Moseby and the '85 Jays.
Host Matt Sammon discusses the striking 1985 Donruss set, and the inspiring story of Doug Loman-- failed ballplayer, man of God.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the popular '84 Topps set, and the awkward career of Andy Hawkins. Plus some of the worst trades our listeners made, with a confession by Matt about a missed chance for '75 Topps cards.
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Host Matt Sammon takes a look at the impressive '84 Fleer set, and the random pull (#212) Ed Romero, the ultimate utility man whose son has found a gem for the Red Sox.
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Host Matt Sammon just happens to pull a Ron Kittle! While Kittle fell short of expectations, '84 Donruss certainly did not.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the stellar 1983 Topps set, and looks at our random pull-- how one bad pitch elevated average pitcher Mike Torrez to fame.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses how the '83 Fleer set was not only a bounce back from '82, but a trend setter for the next few Fleer sets. Plus the rather colorful career, on and off the field, of Dave Kingman (#548).
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Host Matt Sammon talks about the amazing similarities between '82 and '83 Donruss, and the under-appreciated career of the effective Von Hayes.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses what "sticks" out about the '82 Topps set, a confusing design saved only by Cal Ripken Jr.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the latest pull-- '82 Donruss Larry Hisle (#358), the improved but still lacking '82 Donruss set, and his favorite rookie card pack pull from that same set.
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Host Matt Sammon pulls a random '82 Fleer card, a set that even dependable journeyman Larry Biittner can't save.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the dreaded manager card, and the equally dreadful 1981 Donruss set. The only redeeming factor in this pull, the greatness that is Red Schoendienst.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the 1981 Topps cards, and wonders what Tim Stoddard is shouting about.
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Host Matt Sammon discusses the 1981 Fleer set, and the bittersweet story of his random pull (#604), sad Larry Cox.
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