I got into an Allen & Ginter break on Whatnot this week. And while I don’t break that often anymore, it is THE MOST fun that have as a collector.
If you’re a baseball card collector, ripping open a pack of Allen & Ginter cards is an event. To quote a fellow Soldier and great American, Forrest Gump: “It’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna’ git.”
First off, the anticipation. Maybe this pack has the card that will make your friends jealous and get you attention on Reddit and IG..maybe a ton of likes on Instagram. But let’s be real. Allen & Ginter are known for their randomness. You might find a card of a baseball legend, or you might get a card of a world champion hotdog eater. It’s like playing a game of cardboard roulette.
Next, the artwork. These cards look like they were designed by artists who love vintage styles. The cards are like stepping back when tobacco ads were all the rage. And let’s face it, pulling a Ruth or a Cobb in an old-school design is pretty cool. That’s part of the fun of collecting.
Then, there are the mini cards. Oh, the minis are deeeeeelightful! These tiny cards love to slip through your fingers and fall to the floor, forcing you to crawl around to find them. But once you have that tiny piece of history in your hand, it’s all worth it. Plus, they make great bookmarks.
And the inserts. One minute, you’re pulling out baseball players. The next, you’ve got a card featuring a head of lettuce. I’m serious. There are also rip cards where you can tear open a special card to find another card inside. Spoiler: It’s usually just another card. But, hey, that’s the thrill of the chase, right? Uhmm…a Beethoven memorabilia card? YUP.
Finally, the community. Sharing your finds (or fails) with other collectors is half the fun. Whether it’s in online forums, social media, or at card shows, the camaraderie among collectors is priceless. Misery loves company, and nothing brings people together like wondering why they needed a card of a person who raises prize-winning turnips.
So, go ahead and rip those packs. Enjoy the ride. Laugh at the absurdity. And remember, it’s not just about the cards. It’s about the thrill of the unexpected and the joy of discovery, even if that discovery is a card of some obscure historical figure. Happy collecting!
