Pop-Up Home Run: Throwback Insert Adds Power to 2012 Golden Age Baseball
There are days inside Panini America HQ when I tend to forget that I have a job to do and I spend way too much time wandering around the office in amazement, a still-awestruck collector basking in the brilliance of the day-to-day business that engulfs me. Yesterday was one of those days.
I was back in the Product Development area scoping out the Quality Control finds from upcoming releases such as 2012-13 Limited Basketball and 2012 Black Football when I came to a screeching halt at Mike Payne’s desk. Strategically placed and propped up like a troop of inviting little green Army men were several of the brilliantly cool Pop-Ups inserts coming to 2012 Golden Age Baseball.
I spent at least 20 mesmerizing minutes in front of Payne interacting with each and every one (from Curly Howard to Red Grange to Ava Gardner to Seattle Slew to Jack Johnson to Yogi Berra to Bobby Jones and back again), genuinely blown away by the photography, by the functionality, by the fun. And I thought to myself, “if this is what 2012 Golden Age Baseball is all about, I’m all in.”
Everyone I showed the Pop-Ups to yesterday afternoon had a similar childlike exuberance in their reaction — and in an office full of been-there, done-that industry veterans, that’s saying a lot. The throwback thrillers will fall roughly two per box when Golden Age releases on December 19, so the must-see gallery that follows will take you through about 13 boxes worth.
The Pop-Ups, in concert with an astounding on-card autograph roster, the inclusion of the Three Stooges and memorabilia from Seattle Slew and the Titanic, has Golden Age poised to be one of the most eclectic, entertaining and history-drenched trading products of the year. And at just $3 per pack, it’ll be affordable, too.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Pop-Ups after you’ve had a chance to peruse them below. Oh, and be sure to check The Knight’s Lance tomorrow when we preview another aspect of Golden Age’s neat (yeah, I said “neat”) old-school persona: The box-topping 1916 Ferguson Bakery Pennants.
We can’t wait for you to see those, either.
The Knight's Lance 
Those are awesome! I loved those as a kid! Imagine how cool some of those would be autographed! Hint hint
The photography is simply outstanding. It has such a great vintage feel. Beautiful yet unpolished. A real 1950’s era fell to it. I love the classic stuff. These pop ups are mantle pieces for sure.
Oh man, these bring me back to the old Donruss pop-ups back in the ’80s.
Looks great . When is the release date and where can i see a checklist?
Release date is December 19. Hope to have a checklist to post next week.
pop ups didn’t topps just try that some of the last 3 years
Pop up cards have been around for decades. The most well known probably being the Donruss version from the mid-late ’80s
Right down my alley!That is just the type of pop up glory that I really enjoy collecting.It’s is not necessarily that they are pop ups that does it for me it is the subject matter and the old time sepia look (pop ups a bonus)can’t wait to get my hands on those…”YES”
What will the insertion rate be and how many to the complete set of pop ups…..
Thanks
They will fall two per box, on average. Not sure on the checklist, but I will find out.
Very very cool!! I am liking this release more and more with each update!
Those are really neat. Nothing wrong with that word. I happen to use it all the time.
Very nice insert set, good to see that style make a return to the hobby. Thanks Tracy!
I love the Curly card.
Soitenly! Gnuk Gnuk Gnuk!
I second that!
Pop-Ups=Awsome
Love the Curly card and thank you Panini for including Buck Weaver on the checklist, he gets no love in the collecting world.
I think you were not only distracted by the brilliance of Panini products, but you must have had these on your desk making them play against one another. We all know. We all would do it.
I think this is a very creative and fun idea for young and old collectors.