Top 5:1994-1995 Ultra Basketball Base Cards

It has been a very long time since I have done one of the Top 5 posts, so why not do it? I also haven't ever done a Basketball one yet so this will be fun as well. I have however done Ultra many times and today is another year of Ultra. Their base cards just look so good it's hard to not do that brand.

So let's get to this.

First I want you to remember, these are the Top 5 in my opinion. You guys may have your own thoughts on these.

Up first, #5. This one is a great angle of a player trying to do a layup and Greg Anderson trying to get the block.

#4 showcases the smooth move by Tyrone Hill to get past one of my favorite Knicks, Patrick Ewing. its fun to think what may be going through Patrick's head right there.

#3 takes us high flying with Loy Vaught. In the background you can also notice a Kings player throwing their hands up in disbelief on this soon to be dunk.

#2 I not only like the angle of the shot, but the player next to Benoit's reaction to his upcoming dunk. He looks in shock.

And finally, #1 is Shaq's dunk, the fans reactions in the background and the opposing player watching this play happen sets the stage for a well rounded action shot.

 

Do you agree with my list? Do you have other favorites you would have stuck in here instead? Thoughts on the 94-95 Ultra basketball design? (which by the way I really like the Ultra foil with the hoop)

Top 5: 2005 Fleer Ultra Football Base Cards

If 2005 Fleer Ultra sounds familiar to you in this series, it should. This is my second installment using it. The first round was the Top 5 baseball card pics, this time we hit the gridiron! 2005 Fleer Ultra was simply action packed and sometimes unique with it's photography along with a clean design.

Just like with the baseball, it was extremely challenging to narrow this down to five images. Remember this list just consists of ones I think are Top 5. Everyone has their own likes/dislikes and connects with certain cards for their own reason.

Let's take a look at mine.

#5. A great sideline catch here by Lloyd. It displays both his concentration and the defender doing their best to stop this completion.

#4 High flying Donald Driver and the priceless reaction on the Bears sideline makes this card a must have on this list.

#3 Slam dunking of Tony Gonzalez. Great shot of this.

#2 Yes, I sometimes think 2 and 3 should be switched, but I can't remember a piece of cardboard that shows a QB from this angle.

#1 No, this isn't an action packed photo, but Brooks entering the field, the green of the grass and the fans cheering caught my eye. It's a beautiful photo capturing the fun and emotion of the game.

So what do you think of my list? Would you have moved some around? Or do you know of others you would have stuck in here instead? You know where to leave your thoughts!

Top 5:1991 Upper Deck Baseball (500+) Base Cards

Oh yes, the simple yet elegant base cards Upper Deck put out the first three years they were in the hobby. Even with a border, they knew exactly what they were doing and even though the designs were similar, they just continued to up-their-game and make a presence in the hobby.

Today, I want to take a look at my Top 5 favorite base cards from number 500 and up. You may agree on some, but not others. That's what makes this hobby fun, difference of opinions and difference of likes. If we all felt the same, well, we would be pretty bored.

Starting at #5, Joe Carter doing the original "bat flip". Wonder his thought on Bautistas....

#4 you just want to say FORE! or I got it, I got it, I got it! You don't see a lot of these kinda angles anymore. I will also note I totally dig these Expo uni's.

#3 has you wondering how often do you get to see images of players signing things at ball games on cards? Answer, not very often. I like the images that capture more than just the game on the field and showcases a bit of a players personality as some won't sign..

#2 is not only is this Faries rookie, being able to capture this moment on the field is amazing. Safe, out, you make the call. Dirt on the plate too!

And #1, I know it's nothing over the top spectacular, but, sliding is just as important in baseball as a bat and ball. Once again, Upper Deck went above and beyond with this image of Fernandez helping us feel like we are right there on the base waiting try and tag him.

I think my selection of the Top 5 cards from 1991 Upper Deck cards #d 500 and up is pretty solid. However, would love to hear your take! Would you choose one over the other on this list? Do you have your own list from cards #500 and up? Are you offended I left the Bagwell rookie off this list? Let me hear it!

Top 5: 2005 Fleer Ultra Baseball Base Cards

I am one of the very few collectors left on earth that still has interest in collecting base cards. I know a lot rip and tear packs and toss the base cards to the floor or sometimes sadly in the trash. But, not me. I look at every card, see every moment it captures and then decide which stack it belongs in. Not one base card ever hits the floor or trash with me. In some ways, I guess you can call me a hoarder.

In this NEW segment, I take a look at the Top 5 of my favorite base cards from a variety of products, sports and years then break them down. Let's see if you agree with my choices.

To kick off this segment, I want to take a look at possibly some of the best ones, 2005 Fleer Ultra. It's action packed and sometimes unique photography along with a clean design gives it high ranks on capturing some of MLB's best moments on and off the field.

It was extremely challenging however to narrow this down to five images as many, if not most would make a list or would be tied. Remember this list just consists of ones I think are Top 5. Everyone has their own likes/dislikes and connectswith certain cards for their own reason.

Let's take a look at mine.

#5. Well, it's a nice twist not just to see action shots on the field, capturing a little off the field fun shows us collectors these guys are just as human as the rest of us.

 

#4 has Omar leaping into the air to avoid a slide. You can simply read the reaction across his face to figure out how this play may have turned out.

 

Yes, this one is similar to Vizquels, but there is just something about Rollins in this photo that took the #3 slot. Is it the hair? Is it the shades? He appears to me as a rapper posing as a baseball player in a movie (as I chuckle to myself again). Either way, great angle on the photo and catching Rollins mid-leap was a nice touch as well.

 

#2 I found cool cause it captures Finley's concentration to catching the baseball. Honestly, if I was running to try and track down an outfield ball and a ghostly face on the wall appears out of nowhere, you better believe I would be dropping it or calling the Ghostbusters. 

 

I just really enjoy the photo angle of this base card overall. There is just something unique about it I haven't seen before.

 

And my #1 choice has to be this Ryan Freel base card.

 

I still can't decide if this is a picture of him holding his daughter or if it is someone else baby. If it is his, it would make a great memento for her to have as it captures a great moment between the two and one that she will never be able to share again. If you didn't know, Ryan passed away a few years ago at age 36. 

 

This card also represents there is more to life than just baseball (or any other sport or hobby) and that no matter what, family is always first.

Alright, that's my list for 2005 Fleer Ultra baseball.

 

Now I gotta ask your thoughts on my list, if you would have switched any around and if you own any of the 2005 Fleer Ultra and know of a base card that would work better on my list. Let's hear it!

Top 5 NFL Rookies I Am Collecting in 2013

Here are the Top 5 rookies that I am collecting in 2013. Now, as you will see, I don't collect defensive guys, offensive lineman, or people from the Tight End position. Those kind of players don't really seem to make much of a hobby impact to me unless they are on my team. Or much of a hobby impact in general.

1. EJ Manuel will be the Bills starter and showed that he can lead the team after a strong performance in the first preseason game (yes I know it's preseason but you can sometimes just tell). Especially on the two minute drive before the half. That was impressive. I think he will have a good season in Buffalo. He has some young weapons around him as well with rookie WR's Robert Woods and speedster Marquis Goodwin. And who can forget threat Stevie Johnson. CJ Spiller will also be a huge help taking pressure off from Manuel as well as teams will have to aware of where he is on the field.

2.    Watching Mark Sanchez throw a pick on the fourth play of the game in the preseason game against Detroit first thing only told me it will only be time before Geno Smith will be the Jets starter. I do think Sanchez will start the season, but by Week 6 if not earlier if he's struggling the Jets will turn to their future. And Smith not only has a strong arm, but he can make plays with his legs as well. Maybe bringing some excitement to a lacking Jets offense.

3. This guy is a weapon. And the number one option that the Rams have. Sam Bradford looked strong in his first preseason game despite Austin lacking to show up. I think as time goes on and they grow on each other you better watch out for this guy. He can run out of the backfield with trickery plays, can burn you down the field, and has great return skills as well. All around weapon.

4.   This guy is going to be huge in Houston's offense. Matt Schaub must have been drooling after the Texans drafted him. I think teams will as usual double up Andre Johnson leaving the open field to Hopkins who showed in the first preseason game he can be a beast.

5.  Something tells me the Jags are going to use this guy a lot in their offense. Especially when you list him as OW (offensive weapon) on your depth chart. With Jones-Drew dealing with so many injuries and being unable to play all of the time the Jags needed a lift in their offense and I think this guy provides it both as a runner and wide-out.

I believe these rookies will have the biggest impact on the hobby in terms of values. If I was you, like myself, pick up rookies of these guys early on.

Some honorable mentions on here would have been Lacy from Green Bay (with him splitting time with Jonathan Franklin numbers won't be as high) and Giovanni Bernard from Bengals (probably sharing carries as well with Green-Ellis).

I know some of you may question why Cordarrelle Patterson from the Vikings didn't make this list, well, that's because of the Vikings QB. Can Ponder help Patterson put up the numbers needed to make a hobby impact. Time can only tell. I also didn't put Matt Barkley down either cause I don't expect to see him play this year. That's Vick's team.

Despite this years draft being rough for rookie card collectors, I do believe the Top 5 we have chosen will be good ones to collect. The other belief for this years rookie class is that there could be plenty of diamonds in the rough. You just never know. So picking up lesser known offensive guys won't hurt.

Let us also know your thoughts on our Top 5 list and what you would change about it if you disagree with it.