Podcasts by Wax Ecstatic

132: A Fat Box of Fat Packs: The Bargain Bin Brings Us Back to '91 Topps! from 2019-05-24T16:00

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.

Follo...

131: Rated MA: Mike Aronstein Joins Us to Discuss the '77 Renata Galasso set from 2019-05-10T16:00

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 ...

130: The Red-Headed Stepchild of Premium: The Better-Than-Advertised '91 Fleer Ultra from 2019-04-26T16:00

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 br...

129: (Air) Brush with Greatness-- We Touch Up 1977 Topps and the Expansion Draft from 2019-04-12T16:00

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.

128: From the"Why Not"Files, A Box of 1992 Upper Deck from 2019-03-29T16:00

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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127: Criticize '70 Topps All You Want, We'll Just Let it Be from 2019-03-08T17:00

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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126: Classic Wax-- The Cards and Stories We Find in a Pack of '78 Topps from 2019-02-22T17:00

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 Listen

125: Honey, I Shrunk the Baseball Cards-- A Look at '75 Topps Mini from 2019-02-08T17:00

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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124: The"Thrill"of Bargain Bin Cellos... Starring the Progressive '87 Fleer Set from 2019-01-25T17:00

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 ...

123: Taking a Break From the Breaks, with Your Questions! from 2019-01-11T17:00

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 use...

122: We Do a Triple Lindy With 1986 Wax! from 2018-12-28T17:00

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.

121: The Baines of our Existence... a Plethora of Dreaded Manager Cards in an '85 Topps Cello! from 2018-12-14T17:00

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.

120: The Guilty Pleasure of"Junk Wax", Featuring a '92 Topps Box from 2018-11-30T17:00

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 th...

119: We Got The Holy Trinity of... Dreaded Manager Cards... Still It's Always Fun to Open '83 Topps from 2018-11-16T17:00

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...

118: Growing Pains: '83 Donruss Struggles While the Hobby Takes Off from 2018-11-02T16:00

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...

117: Topps Buries Bowman, and Still Creates a Masterpiece in '56 from 2018-10-19T16:00

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 a...

116: The AMC Gremelin of Baseball Cards-- A Look at an '82 Topps Cello from 2018-10-05T15:50:19

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 ...

115: Fire Up the Flux Capacitor, We're Going Back to 1955! from 2018-09-28T16:00

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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114: Back in Black: The Prestige and Peril of '85 Donruss from 2018-09-21T16:00

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 (you...

113: A Priority with Kidority Kards from 2018-09-14T16:00

Matt Sammon looks at some of the interesting cards from the 1990 Fleer and 1991 Leaf packs often left in the bottom of the bargain bin, and what you can do with those cards you're looking to donate...

112: The Clash of the Cellos! Looking at Classic Cardboard from 1981 and 1984 Topps from 2018-09-07T16:00

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 br...

111: The Terrific Topps Sets of 1952-54 from 2018-08-31T16:00

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/98K...

110: Flippin' Fleer! Looking Through Some '86 and '89 Cello from 2018-08-24T16:00

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.

Watc...

109: Bowman Bonanza! Looking Back at Classic 1950s Bowman Cards from 2018-08-17T15:57:14

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...

108: Growing Up In Baseball Card World, and the Classic '87 Topps! from 2018-08-10T16:00

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. Pl...

107: Junkapalooza! You Say You Don't Like the '88 Cards, But We Know Better from 2018-08-03T16:00

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 --> Listen

106: The Kids Are Alright! Plus, '84 Fleer and '86 Topps Cello Breaks from 2018-07-27T16:00

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 ...

105: Stars and BARS! '90 Score and '91 Stadium Club Pack Breaks from 2018-07-20T16:00

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.

...

104: A Few Gems From '86 Fleer and '89 Topps, Including a FurrBall! from 2018-07-13T16:00

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.

Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGu...

103: Our Kuntz is a Little Rusty After the Break from 2018-07-06T21:00

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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Episode 102, One Final Pitch! It's"Pucker Pitch"Extraordinaire Dave Stieb and 1980 Topps! from 2017-11-07T14:58

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.<...

Episode 101, We Rip in to '78 Topps, and the Two Sides of Jack Clark from 2017-10-31T13:55

Host Matt Sammon looks back at the '78 Topps set, and the multi-layered story of Jack Clark.

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Episode 100(!), Minnie Stands Tall on the '64 Topps Set from 2017-10-24T13:54

Host Matt Sammon looks back at the under-appreciated '64 Topps set, and the way underappreciated career of Minnie Minoso.

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Episode 99, The Picture-Perfect '74 Topps and Toothpick Swingin' Dusty Baker from 2017-10-17T13:57

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 B...

Episode 98, We"Go, Go"Back to '69 Topps, and the Enigma That Was the Seattle Pilots from 2017-10-10T15:04:32

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 ...

Episode 97, From Cardboard to Threads, We Look at Jersey Collections from 2017-10-03T14:36:36

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.

Follo...

Episode 96, Italian Beef&the Not-So-Meaty '81 Fleer Set from 2017-09-26T13:50

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.

Episode 95-- Is That a Snake On Your Shoulders Or Are You Happy to See Me? from 2017-09-19T13:45

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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Episode 94, You Can't Spell"Dempsey"Without Some"D" from 2017-09-05T13:45

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.

Follow us on Twitter @WaxAn...

Episode 93, In 1980, Topps Wraps Its Medium Sash Around Large Len from 2017-08-29T13:48

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 "L...

Episode 92,"AO"for"KC"in the Heavily Branded '79 Topps from 2017-08-22T13:45

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...

BUBBLE GUM BONUS! Our August 2017 Survey Show from 2017-08-18T15:30

Host Matt Sammon looks back at the listener survey, and lets you know where the show goes from here!

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Episode 91,"The Bird"is the Word With '78 Topps! from 2017-08-15T13:45

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. Listen

Episode 90, Topps and Toby Keep it Consistent in '77 from 2017-08-08T13:45

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 tradition...

Episode 89, O Say Can You See '76 Topps? from 2017-08-01T13:45

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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Episode 88, IN LIVING COLOR! The Unforgettable '75 Topps Set from 2017-07-25T13:45

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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Episode 87, It's"Little D"on the"Big T"as Topps Rolls Out the Single Series '74s! from 2017-07-18T13:59

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 Padre...

Episode 86, '73 Topps Gets as Ambitious as an Oscar Gamble Afro from 2017-07-11T13:45

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...

Episode 85-- You Can't Go Wrong With Wright! A Look at the Zany '72 Topps Set from 2017-07-04T13:45

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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Episode 84, The Powerful Deron Johnson and the Powerful Look of '71 Topps from 2017-06-27T13:46

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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Episode 83-- Bob Aspromonte is a Hero, While '70 Topps is a Zero from 2017-06-20T13:57:14

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.

Episode 82, Get Your First Real Six-String and a Plain Set of '69 Topps at the Five&Dime from 2017-06-13T13:45

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.

Episode 81, '68 Topps? It's in the Bag! from 2017-06-06T13:45

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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Episode 80, Is '67 Topps a Masterpiece or Boring? from 2017-05-30T13:45

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 Powe...

Episode 79, Art Shamsky Bulldogs His Way Through the Business-Like '66 Topps from 2017-05-23T13:50

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.

Episode 78, A Classic Hitter on a Classic Card, Tony Oliva stars on '65 Topps! from 2017-05-16T13:50

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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Episode 77, Giddyup! It's Rusty Staub's Colt .45s and '64 Topps! from 2017-05-09T13:45

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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Episode 76, Like a Frank Howard Moon Shot, Topps Muscles Out a Winner in '63 from 2017-05-02T13:50

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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Episode 75, Topps Breaks Out the Lumber in 1962 from 2017-04-25T13:45

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 th...

Episode 74, Topps Keeps It Common in 1961 from 2017-04-18T13:54

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.

Episode 73, Topps Starts the 60s With an Ode to the 50s from 2017-04-11T13:52

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 qu...

Episode 72, Better Ed Than Red! A Mad Men-Esque Set for Topps in 1959 from 2017-04-04T16:49:26

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.

Follo...

Episode 71, Who Needs Color TV When You Have '58 Topps? from 2017-03-28T13:55

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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Episode 70,"Pee Wee"Reese and Topps Hit it Big in 1957 from 2017-03-21T13:59

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

Episode 69, To the Binder We Go! The"New"Baltimore Orioles and a New Look for Topps from 2017-03-14T13:50

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!

Episode 68, Mucho Miscellania! All-Stars, No-Logos, and a Baseball Theme Park from 2017-03-10T14:45

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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Episode 67, Talking Team Sets, and One Particularly Bad Team from 2017-03-07T15:00:35

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...

Episode 66, Minor League Baseball Becomes Major League Business from 2017-03-03T15:00

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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Episode 65, The End of the Monster Box! '93 Topps Puts Out a Monster Set with a Future Monster in the Making from 2017-02-28T14:50

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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Episode 64, Upper Deck Keeps Its Quality Streak Going in '93, as Does Cal Ripken Jr. from 2017-02-24T15:00

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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Episode 63, Checking Out the Forgettable '93 Score Set With"the Professor", Greg Maddux! from 2017-02-21T14:50

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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Episode 62, '93 Ultra Makes Mets Fans Forget About Jim Fregosi... Maybe from 2017-02-17T14:50

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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Episode 61, My Brother From Another Mother, Tim Salmon and the '93 Donruss Set! from 2017-02-14T14:50

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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Episode 60, The Stunning '93 Leaf Studio Set, and the Stunning End to Kirby Puckett's Career and Life from 2017-02-10T14:50

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.

Episode 59, '93 Bowman Doesn't Go Away Like the Dinosaurs from 2017-02-07T14:50

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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Episode 58, Topps Grows Up in 1992, Showing Off Scott Erickson's Black Socks from 2017-02-03T14:50

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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Episode 57, Like a Larry Walker Home Run, '92 Stadium Club Creates Another Smash Hit from 2017-01-31T14:50

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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Episode 56, The"Big Hurt", and Could '92 Upper Deck Keep Up? from 2017-01-27T14:50

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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Episode 55, '92 Score is Too Safe at Home from 2017-01-24T14:43

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!

F...

Episode 54, '92 Fleer Ultra Proves to Be One of the Best, and a Guy Not Named"Joey" from 2017-01-20T14:45

Host Matt Sammon looks back at the stellar '92 Fleer Ultra set, and the tumultuous but later redeemed life of Albert Belle.

Follow us on Twitter, at @WaxAndGumStains

Episode 53, An Appetizing Set for Fleer in '92, and Mo Vaughn! from 2017-01-17T14:45

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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Episode 52, The Sharp '92 Donruss, and Juan"Gone"Gonzalez! from 2017-01-13T14:45

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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Episode 51, The Kid-Tested&Mother-Approved '92 Triple Play, and"Killer B"Jeff Bagwell! from 2017-01-10T14:46

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 ...

Episode 50, Fool's Gold with '92 Leaf, and BIG Dave Winfield! from 2017-01-06T14:50

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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Episode 49, The Coming of Age of Bowman in 1992... and Donnie Baseball! from 2017-01-03T14:50

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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Episode 48, The Last"Fun"Baseball Card Set... It's '91 Topps from 2016-12-30T14:50

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 car...

Episode 47, The Bar in the Hobby Gets Raised Again with '91 Stadium Club, and Future HOFer Robbie Alomar! from 2016-12-27T14:47

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!

Episode 46, The Tony! Toni! Tone! '91 Donruss Set, and the Incredible Career of Ken Griffey Jr from 2016-12-23T14:50

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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Episode 45, Awkward Luis Gonzalez on the Awkward '91 Fleer set from 2016-12-20T14:50

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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Episode 44, The Last Time Upper Deck Ruled the Premium Roost, and Royce Clayton's"Entertaining"Career from 2016-12-16T15:50

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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Episode 43, The Set That Was Too Big AND Failed-- '91 Score and Slammin' Sammy Sosa! from 2016-12-13T14:50

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 als...

Episode 42, The 1991 Killer B's-- Biggio and Bowman! from 2016-12-09T14:50

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.

Folllow us ...

Episode 41,"Neon"Deion Sanders Shines With '91 Leaf from 2016-12-06T14:50

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...

Episode 40, It's"Jumbo"Joe Magrane, and the MTV-like 1990 Topps! from 2016-12-02T15:50

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.

Follow us on Twitter at @TBLPowerPlay...

Episode 39, Better Dead Than Red... The Hot Mess That Is 1990 Donruss from 2016-11-29T14:50

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...

Episode 38, Trade You a Doyle Alexander for a John Smoltz? A Look at the All-American 1990 Fleer Set from 2016-11-25T14:50

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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Episode 37, Bottoms Up! It's"Boomer"Wells and the Totally 1990-riffic Score Set from 2016-11-22T14:45

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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Episode 36, Pre-Pinstripe Paul O'Neill and 1990 Bowman! from 2016-11-18T14:43

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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Episode 35, BRING IN VAUGHN! It's Greg Vaugn and the Shiny New 1990 Leaf Set from 2016-11-15T14:50

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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Episode 34, Matt"The Bat"Williams and the Latest Innovation from 1990 Upper Deck from 2016-11-11T14:50

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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Episode 33, Rockin' with Tim Raines and the Classic '89 Topps! from 2016-11-08T14:50

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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Episode 32, A Card That's Half the Age of Jamie Moyer! It's '89 Fleer! from 2016-11-04T14:00

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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Episode 31, An '89 Donruss Card Even Grumpy Kevin Brown Will Sign! from 2016-11-01T13:50

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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Episode 1, Unearthed! An Introduction to Wax Ecstatic from 2016-11-01T01:00:27

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...

Episode 30: Good Job, Good Effort. '89 Score Manages to Darken Gar's Brilliant Career from 2016-10-28T13:50

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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Episode 29, Trash Canseco If You Want, But Give '89 Bowman Another Look from 2016-10-25T13:50

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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Episode 28, As Mammoth as a Cecil Fielder Blast, Our Look at '89 Upper Deck! from 2016-10-21T17:09:47

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...

Episode 27, '88 Topps... About as Disappointing as Glenn Davis' Orioles Career from 2016-10-18T13:50

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 rando...

Episode 26, The Thrill of Will Clark on the Not-So-Thrilling '88 Fleer Set from 2016-10-14T17:30:29

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.

Episode 25, Jay Bell is Trying to Give '88 Donruss the Respect It Deserves from 2016-10-11T13:50

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 p...

Episode 24, Spanky and His Gang Shine on the Premiere '88 Score Set from 2016-10-07T13:50

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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Episode 23, '87 Topps Slays While Reggie Must Kill the Queen from 2016-10-04T13:50

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!

F...

Episode 22, Is That Your Dad? Or Is It Kent Tekulve on the '87 Fleer Card? from 2016-09-30T13:50

Host Matt Sammon discusses the impressive '87 Fleer set, and the impressive but largely forgotten career of Kent Tekulve (#190)

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Episode 21, Remembering Jose Fernandez, and It's Eric The Red on '87 Donruss! from 2016-09-27T13:54

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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Episode 20, Ahhh the People You'll Meet Through a Pack of '86 Topps from 2016-09-23T13:50

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'...

Episode 19, Jack Morris is a Hall of Famer, even if '86 Topps Isn't. from 2016-09-20T13:50

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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Episode 18, Hendu is Looking at You! The Brilliant '86 Fleer set, and the Almost Superstardom of Dave Henderson from 2016-09-16T13:50

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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Episode 17, Trade You a Hubie Brooks for a Gary Carter? It's the Sharp '86 Donruss! from 2016-09-13T13:50

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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Episode 16, Airbrush Me! Chris Speier on the Move With the Funky '85 Topps from 2016-09-09T13:34

Host Matt Sammon discusses random pull (#577) Chris Speier and the quirky but cool '85 Topps set.

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Episode 15, Powder Blue and Gray. It's 1985 Fleer and random pull (#115) Lloyd Moseby! from 2016-09-06T14:06:05

Host Matt Sammon looks at the "sharp" 1985 Fleer set, and the underrated Lloyd Moseby and the '85 Jays.

Episode 14 , Can We Get an Amen? It's Doug Loman and '85 Donruss from 2016-09-02T13:27

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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Episode #13, It's Hip to be Square with '84 Topps and Cub-Buster Andy Hawkins from 2016-08-30T13:30:01

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 fo...

Episode #12, Ed Romero-- Damn Glad to Be in the '84 Fleer Set from 2016-08-26T13:30

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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Episode #11-- '84 Donruss: Leaving a Longer Legend Than Ron Kittle from 2016-08-22T22:56:52

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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Episode 10, Mike"F'n"Torrez and the 1983 Topps Set from 2016-08-18T23:13:05

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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Episode #9, The Redemption of '83 Fleer and"Sky King"Kingman from 2016-08-18T21:27:20

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 Da...

Episode 8, the Non-Descript Career of Von Hayes on the Non-Descript '83 Donruss from 2016-08-18T21:26:32

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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Episode 7, The Hockey Side of '82 Topps from 2016-08-18T21:25:43

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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Episode 6,"Hittin"Hisle and the '82 Donruss set from 2016-08-18T21:25:05

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.

T...

Episode 5, The Blah that is '82 Fleer from 2016-08-18T21:24:10

Host Matt Sammon pulls a random '82 Fleer card, a set that even dependable journeyman Larry Biittner can't save.

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Episode 4, The Dreaded Manager Card! from 2016-08-18T21:23:25

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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Episode 3, Screamin' Tim Stoddard and 1981 Topps from 2016-08-18T21:22:16

Host Matt Sammon discusses the 1981 Topps cards, and wonders what Tim Stoddard is shouting about.

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Episode #2, The Bittersweet Story of Sad Larry Cox from 2016-08-18T21:20:31

Host Matt Sammon discusses the 1981 Fleer set, and the bittersweet story of his random pull (#604), sad Larry Cox.

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