I May Have a New Favorite Card in my Collection

The day after the Boston Red Sox won the 2018 World Series, I scanned the Topps website, specifically the Topps Now section, to take a look at what particular special cards they had made available to commemorate that event.

What I didn't expect was the sheer number of Topps Now cards, autographs, relics, and parallels available of World Series heroes such as David Price and Steve Pearce. However, most of them including a $3,000 dual 1/1 autograph of Chris Sale and David Price, were way out of my price range.

What wasn't unreasonable to spend was the standard cost of a Topps Now card to commemorate one of the greatest moments in Red Sox history. Though there were actually multiple cards made for this game, I made the decision to simply go for one of them. You'll see why in a couple of days. As for the card of choice, that wasn't a decision I had to think about for very long.

Sure, Game 5 heroes were represented with their own cards by Topps the day the Sox won it all, but there's not a single card I'd rather have besides the one that commemorates, well, the actual World Series win. Plus, I'll probably pick up some other Game 5 cards, possibly of Mookie Betts' homer and the clinching moment with Chris Sale and Christian Vazquez.

The front is all about the celebration that we get to see just 1 team have each and every year. The celebration photo was taken right after they clinched the World Series title as players begin running from the dugout and bullpens for quite possibly the greatest moment in some of their careers.

On the flip side, the actual World Series trophy makes an appearance on the back of the card. Swarming around the trophy are members of the team, already wearing 2018 World Champions hats and shirts. Most every hand in the photo is touching the trophy except for one on the right, likely Rafael Devers, making a "#1" with his left hand.

And with this moment, the season came to an end, history was made, and another banner rose (not yet but soon) for another fabulous city. Each year, one team gets this privilege above all the others, and when you truly think about the magic behind championships, you uncover the beauty of sports.