2021 Topps Update Baseball

I just opened a blaster box of 2021 Topps Update baseball cards and am disappointed with the font on the base set.  Topps chose an uppercase, italic slim font that makes it very difficult to read the names, teams, and positions.  The 90's style graphical lines are distracting.  Nevertheless, in spite of this style, some of the cards can fetch good money.  This short print of Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels, fetches $15.

​Regardless of the graphical design, I'm digging the celebratory photography on the base cards, such as Joe Musgrove pitching his no-hitter for the Padres, the first in franchise history.

Topps added the players' names on the back of the multi-player cards, a great addition that lacked in past cards.  It was such a hassle trying to figure the players, especially if their faces were partially obscured or it was an older card.  I also like the manufactured patch cards.  The design is a little plain, but the encased 70th Anniversary emblem looks great!  This Kirby Puckett card also sells for $15 on the secondary market.

I'm always a fan of die-cuts, even the odd-ball shaped ones like the Platinum Players set.  I couldn't tell what the design was at first.  Looking closely, the cut is based on the silhouette of "70", as in 70th Anniversary.  They've should've added a slim, 1/8 inch slit on the "0" so it's more distinctive.  Here's Ronald Acuna Jr. at bat.

​I'm not a fan of inserting retro-style cards in modern day sets, and there were several based on the 1992 design.  Nevertheless, Manny Machado was in the blaster so he'll get added to the PC.

​I do like the 1986 retro-design, although chipping can be an issue with black-bordered cards.  Only two were in included, and I wished that numbers were reversed with the 1992 design.  Here's Jarred Kelenic of the Seattle Mariners.

​Pulling a Johnny Bench is exciting, and I like the details of his early career on the back of the card.  The insert set name, Topps Cards That Never Were, lacks originality.

​Shohei Ohtani is always doing great things for the Angels, and here are two of his cards that were pulled.

This is a set I wouldn't got out to complete, but I wouldn't mind targeting the Padres and my favorite players.  I can see many of the base cards hitting the local thrift store, and I'll be sure to pick them up!