Mailbox Joys: Mr. Bo Jackson

2009 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH52b - Bo Jackson

I have a love/hate relationship with hidden variations in sets. I love the idea behind them, but I hate the task of tracking these variations down at a price that won't break the bank.

Luckily, I found the White Sox Bo Jackson variation for under $2.00 with a low shipping price. I'm glad that I jumped on the card because every other seller had this card listed around $5.00 with ridiculously high shipping.

I haven't been lucky enough to find any variations in any 2009 Topps product this year. I'm a little shocked that a White Sox player popped up in the variations. If Topps wanted to go mainstream, they would have chosen Bo in a Royals uniform. If they wanted to go obscure, Topps would have had Bo pictured in an Angels uniform. Instead, Topps went middle of the road and I couldn't be happier about that.

If Topps were to make a set next year with great players in rarely seen uniforms, I would probably collect that set. The oddity of Ken Griffey Jr. in a White Sox uniform could be followed by the strangeness of Babe Ruth in a Braves uniform or George Foster in a White Sox uniform.

Mark Grace in a Diamondbacks uniform, followed by Reggie Jackson as an Oriole. The possibilities are endless! Somewhere down the line, most famous players have worn an odd duck uniform. A regular set featuring that would be collecting heaven for me. I think that's why I loved the Obak set so much this year. Even the career one team players were featured in a different uniform. It was fun!

Bo Jackson was the biggest hurdle of completing the 2009 Topps Update set. Now, it's gotten a whole lot easier.