Many Happy Returns

In addition to the stack of 2020 Heritage, there was another stack of cards from Nick when he sent me a mailer last week. As is his usual method, there was a great variety of eras and oddballs!

Even though MLB is continuing to hold out hope for a partial 2020 season, I can't help but think of the things we've already lost - Luis Arraez was going to start his 2nd full season in Minnesota, and Nelson Cruz was looking at the final year of his Twins contract. Will Cruz retire after the 2020 season? Does this lost season change the decision making process at all? Yadier Molina has already said he wants to play in 2021, even if the Cardinals choose to not bring him back.

Some of the lesser seen releases from Topps, including National Baseball Card Day exclusives, the Home Run Challenge insert (Max Kepler was probably not going to hit as many this year, now that Trevor Bauer is in the National League), and a couple of Topps Stickers.

I flipped over the Nelson Cruz sticker for a surprise! I have added Aquino as a player I collect, will be interesting to see what his career trajectory will be.

Nick always includes some fun odd releases - Brian Harper is part of a set of All-Stars, and the two Orlando Rays were future Twins. Sorrento was one of a long line of potential Kent Hrbek replacements.

Some sweet Harmons and a Donruss pop up All-Star insert of Manager Tom Kelly.

These manufactured patches are fun. I was hoping the player's Players' Weekend Nickname would be on the card, but the patch itself is a neat addition. John Castino was probably the Twins' best player in 1981, and he was the guy added to the mix whenever Topps was looking for even representation of the teams. The 1981 Topps Scratchoff game came in Panels. There were 108 total panels, Castino was one of 3 Twins in the checklist.

Thanks again Nick, always fun to see what you've put together! Everyone, go vote for the 2nd Dimebox Champ!