Random Rack Pack: 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen

I recently picked up a couple of rack packs of 2013 Gypsy Queen, I prefer the rack packs because they come with three packs and three White Framed parallels. I like this year’s Gypsy Queen, the only thing that I do not care for is the yellow backs, I would have preferred a more off-white color to keep with the “old time” feel of the set.

I pulled a nice selection of players ranging from rookies, to young stars and retired/Hall of Famers. I like that Topps mixed it up to include a bit of everything for collectors. One of my favorites being a couple of Fielders in Tiger stripes, well Tigers uniforms any way.

A trio of rookies, unfortunately the Padres Casey Kelley had Tommy John surgery in April and probably is out for the season and the D-Backs Adam Eaton is on the DL with an elbow injury and is expected to be out another 6-8 weeks. The Dodgers Paco Rodriguez is holding his own as a reliever with a 2.51 ERA over 14.1 innings and a 5-1 SO to BB ratio this season.

A couple of Mariners follow up. Kyle Seager is keeping the Mariners legit, he is leading the team (regular starters) with a .283 batting avg., 39 Hits and 17 RBIs. Jesus Montero on the other hand is having a difficult time right now. After a solid season last year big things were expected from him but if he keeps playing at his current level, .200 batting avg. I would not be surprised to see the team rush last year’s First Round pick (#3 overall) Mike Zunino in to the catcher spot.

I love the framed cards; the extra layer just adds something unique to the design. Each rack pack includes three White Frame parallels and these were probably the three best cards I pulled. Though any time that Reggie is pulled from a pack it is a good day.

What would a Topps release be without minis?

Hoes is currently playing in the Orioles AAA team in Norfolk and he is having another good season, the problem is that the Orioles outfield is pretty stacked with McLouth, Jones and Markakis.

Bill Buckner, what can be said about this guy? He played 22 seasons with 5 teams and had a very respectable .289 batting avg. and 2,715 hits but no matter how well he played he will always be remembered as the guy who misplayed Mookie Wilson’s single in the bottom of the 10th in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.

Of course nobody remembers the two pitchers who gave up the 2 runs in the bottom of the 10th to tie the game with 3 singles and a wild pitch with two outs before Wilson’s hit (Clavin Schiraldi gave up 3 singles and Bob Stanley threw the wild pitch to tie the game).

I was lucky enough to pull a green mini (1:50 packs), these are #/99 each. I cannot complain about who I pulled too, this guy had an amazing career in Baltimore.

The mini backs are a similar yellow to the base cards; the green mini has a green back.

I close out with a random selection of inserts. I pulled six inserts total but I grabbed these three to give an idea of what comes in the packs.