The New Frankenset: Page #5

It's been a while since I last updated the frankenset series with another post, so I thought that highlighting page #5 would be the perfect way to transition back into a somewhat regular schedule for the blog after being gone for most of the week.

The scope of this page, which features cards #37-45, is more limited than it's been in the past. The 1980s-2010s are represented, but there's only 1 card from the 80s, and it's from '89.

This page might not be one of my favorites, but there's still a fair amount to address; now, let's get started.

#37 2015 Bowman Prospects Archie Bradley

I don't remember exactly when I made this frankenset, but I wish I had chosen something a little more interesting than a 2015 Bowman base card.

Both the set design and the photo aren't all that interesting, and the foil text that makes up the player's name on the side of the card is notoriously hard to read. Fortunately, the subsequent cards on page #5 are at least a little more appealing.

#38 2003 Topps Finest

Thankfully, Frank Thomas' 2003 Topps Finest card is much more interesting, so it looks like this page is heading in a positive direction. People have often referred to this design as somewhat of a "beehive" thanks to the hexagons scattered throughout the background.

Furthermore, I usually prefer to see home uniforms on cards as opposed to the road, but there's something about the grey jersey that compliments the design better, in my eyes, than white would have.

#39 1997 Fleer Million Dollar Moments Ron Blomberg

In 1997 and '98, Fleer placed redemption cards in their products of all different sports which could, ultimately, result in a lucky collector winning $1 million. While I'm not sure if anyone was actually victorious, at least the design is pretty neat.

Blomberg is an interesting choice for the checklist considering he's a lesser-known player compared to guys like Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Jr, but it's also highlighting the moment which was the introduction of the designated hitter.

#40 2003 Topps Stadium Club Orlando Cabrera

I don't know if any of you have seen the set design for the 2020 Topps Stadium Club set, but I must admit that I'm super excited to get a sampling of it upon the release in June. The lowercase letters and small, colorful banners make for an extremely modern design.

All Stadium Club sets, for that matter, use stellar photography to create an incredibly modern end product, and the 2003 set is no exception. The only way I could improve this card is by choosing a photo of Cabrera with a powder blue Expos jersey.

#41 2015 Bowman Matt Shoemaker

There's nothing else I want to say about the 2015 Bowman design, so I'll instead talk about Matt Shoemaker, the subject of the card who was en route to an All-Star season with the Blue Jays last year before getting injured.

Hopefully, he can return in 2020 and stay healthy, maybe even take home the AL Comeback Player of the Year award while he's at it.

#42 1994 Ted William Card Company Ralph Garr

1994 was the 2nd and final year of the Ted Williams Card Company, and while the set was only produced for a brief amount of time, they succeeded in highlighting underrepresented players from the game's extensive history.

Guys like Ralph Garr, Thurmon Munson, and Sal Bando, among others, were featured in the checklist over the product's 2-year history. I've completed both of the base sets and even opened hobby boxes from '93 and '94.

#43 2006 Topps Laynce Nix

As far as the 2000s Topps Flagship sets go, 2006 falls roughly in the middle. It's not catastrophic, but there's nothing all that special about the design. It does feature colors that line up with that of the respective team, but that's about it.

If they removed the foil text that spells out the team/player name as well as the position, I'd be slightly more fond of this design. Hopefully, by now, card companies have learned that we don't like foil text on cards whatsoever.

#44 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter Freddy Sanchez

The card above might very well be my favorite of the entire page, though, to no one's fault but my own, there wasn't a whole lot of competition.

Both the photograph and the design are different from what we typically see out of Allen & Ginter, and the Pirates uniform, which they no longer wear, brings back vivid memories of late-2000s Baseball.

#45 1989 Score Willie Randolph

Aside from the obvious, damaged corner in the top righthand corner, the rest of this 1989 Score Willie Randolph card is in reasonable shape. By this point in his career, on the other hand, Randolph was past his prime.

Granted, he went on to be an All-Star for the 6th and final time in '89, this time with the Dodgers, but he wouldn't match the numbers he put up for the 1977 and 1978 World Champion New York Yankees ever again.