2002 Topps Gold Label MLB Awards Ceremony Joe Torre Jersey

I've spent the past six months doing a 30 Year Top 50 countdown were I picked out the best sets of that time.  I almost thought about turning my countdown into a year long celebration of cool cards from the past thirty years, but settled for the countdown format instead.  If I had picked out a few sets every week to write a blog post on the 2002 Topps Gold Label set would have definitely made an appearance somewhere along the line.  The base cards in the set are alright.  Glossy and high end in appearance.  The relic card set is really cool though.  

2002 Topps Gold Label MLB Awards Ceremony Joe Torre

Meet the latest addition to my collection, which comes from the 2002 Topps Gold relic set.  The whole concept behind the relic set revolves around former MLB Award winners.  Hence the name of the set, MLB Award Ceremony.  Topps actually ran this same set in the 2001 Gold Label release, but greatly improved the set the following year by adding in older players from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.  I own several other cards from this set including a sweet Bill Buckner and Bill Madlock, so I was happy to add this copy of Joe Torre.  The card recognizes Torre as the 1971 National League MVP and features a piece of grey polyester jersey.  

The cards can be condition sensitive so be sure to check the card over carefully before plunking down good money or cards for one of these in purchase or trade.  The left hand side of the card has a silver metallic finish that is often scratched on these cards.  The relic pieces are also held in place by a thin, flexible piece of plastic (it almost feels like plastic wrap) and can also wear.  Lots of great names in this set and cool cards.  Be sure to check them out and add a few to your collection.