This is not a new concept around here. I said last year that I've had it with Heritage. And I re-emphasized the point when I said I'm sick of retro sets not named Allen or Ginter.
But since Heritage is officially back on the scene, I thought I'd mention it again.
It's weird actually. I don't broadcast all the other sets I'm not collecting. It's understood that I have no intention of staring at a full binder of SP or Topps Attax. But Heritage is different. Someone like me -- a set builder who is totally interested in baseball and card-collecting history -- is supposed to be into this set.
And I was. But not anymore. At least not until around 2021 when the tribute to the 1971 set comes out. And definitely 2024 when the '75 tribute set goes live. (Yes, I'm assuming a lot there).
Like I mentioned before, Heritage takes too much effort to collect. Way too many short-prints. There's still a 2008 set in my residence that needs finishing. And I've lost interest in seeing current players in current fashions on designs from the '50s and '60s. It just doesn't look right to me anymore.
But this year there is an additional reason: I think the 1961 Topps set -- which 2010 Heritage is paying homage to -- is duller than a night locked in the Craft Barn. It might be the dullest mass-produced set on record. Look at Larry Sherry's face on that 1961 card. See? He think it's dull, too.
Now, I've heard what some people have said. There was some sort of minimalist artistic thing going on during the early '60s. Goody for the minimalists. I don't care. From my perspective in 2010, the design is as boring as ice dancing. A card's look has to appeal to me for me to be interested, regardless of what was going on in the world at the time.
Invigorating, huh?
The truth is, I'm not crazy about most of the Topps sets from the 1960s. For me, they're a real step back from the 1950s sets. My favorite sets of the 1960s are 1965 and 1967. Especially '67. 1960 is cool because it's horizontal. I used to like '62, but that's worn off. After that there are some real hurtin' looks in there. 1961 and 1968 are two of my least favorite vintage sets ever. And 1964 and 1966 do little for me. 1963 is only good for blazing the trail for 1983 and 1969 could have been good but is plagued by blacked-out caps and crew cuts.
That doesn't bode well for me and Heritage for the next decade, does it? Heritage could sweeten the deal by cutting down on the short-prints, but I guess I shouldn't hold my breath.
(By the way, the rookie card logo combined with the rookie star logo that was used in 1961 is going to be a bit awkward).
Those of you who remain Heritage devotees, good for you. I'm with you in spirit, rooting you on. It's still a better choice than a lot of card sets out there. And I still sort of like the concept. I'll definitely buy some random packs to get an idea for the cards. Save me your Dodgers.
Otherwise, keep the rest for yourselves. No more Heritage for me. I'm stuffed.
Comments
I will, being a complete sucker, collect the Mets anyway.
http://www.picturecardsandbubblegum.com/post/409318373/topps-heritage-is-out-and-i-wont-be-collecting-it
Having said that, I'm one of the few people (apparently) who actually LIKED the '61 design. So clean and pure. Full of structure. It's everyone playing by the rules. I will (like you guys) get a few this year and (unlike you guys) LIKE them. But there's no way I can afford to build the set. I'll work on the 2010 Topps base and keep chipping away at a couple vintage sets I'm chasing.