It’s no real secret that the first two standalone Cooperstown releases produced under Panini America’s relationship with the National Baseball Hall of Fame have been quite similar in look, feel and content; and those products have been well received by a largely purist collector base that loves little more than its hallowed immortals. But for 2014 Hall of Fame Baseball, Panini America pays tribute to the Hall’s 75th anniversary with a higher-end product that features the game’s greatest legends as you’ve rarely — if ever — seen them before.
From the foiled base set (featuring six collectible tiers numbered from 75 all the way down to only one), to the inclusion of Donruss brand staples such as Elite Series, The Dominators and Diamond Kings, to the Optichrome opulence of the venerable Crusade insert, to a legendary checklist of autograph signers, 2014 Hall of Fame Baseball provides a completely new take on the Hall of Fame brand and breathes new life into the franchise in a huge way. Oh, and if Diamond Kings alone aren’t enough to excite you, there are also actual diamonds (along with emeralds and sapphires) included, too.
Due out in hobby shops across North America one week from today, each 12-card box of 2014 Hall of Fame Baseball will deliver two autographs and five cards numbered to 75 or less (in keeping with the 75th anniversary theme). Jewel-embedded cards fall roughly three per case on average and there’s also an opportunity to pull HOF Cuts and dual-signed cards. Of course, it’s likely that the Prizm-packed splendor of Crusade will strike the biggest chord with collectors.
Earlier this week, Panini America’s Baseball Product Development team spent a few days over at the company production facility packing out and quality controlling the product. The following images showcase just some of the gems that surfaced. Enjoy the gallery and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage.
View the full article
