Throwback Wax, Pt. 1

Howdy all!  Had the family down for a cookout on the Fourth and had a great time.  When I was growing up, the Fourth of July cookout always doubled as my birthday party.  I never minded sharing the day and the occasion with our great country, obviously.  Thus, I became used to receiving/opening birthday presents on the Fourth.  And then I got older and the birthday parties subsided and life moved on.  Yes, I know, very sad.  

But, being an adult also means becoming a home owner and having the opportunity to have the family over for special occasions.  So, Mrs. K and I took advantage!  Of those making the trek from New Jersey to Delaware were my sister and her family.  My sister has always been an ace when it comes to birthday gifts, and this year was no different.  Firstly, a couple of vital items off my Amazon.com list:  Season One of "V" and the new album by The Flower Kings (Google them).  [Ed. Note: If you didn't think I was kinda nerdy up til this point, there's your validation, friends!]  Additionally, a rectangular sports card box stuffed with 25 packs of wax from everyone's favorite era of collecting: late '80s and early '90s (or as the vendor on Amazon called it, "vintage").

Well, score for me!

Yes, yes, I know the universal understanding of this era is "Junk Wax" due to massive overproduction blah blah blah, but pardon me for channeling my inner 10 year old and beaming with excitement.  For some, I understand the disregard for this era, because many of you cut your teeth on collecting during a more traditional era, say the early '80s or at some point during the '70s.  For me, on the other hand, this era represents my beginning, the time when the hobby revealed itself to me and hooked me.  And I will always have that psychological attachment to it.

Now, that's not to say I don't abhor some of the output during that time (1988 Donruss springs to mind), but in general I view this period as I would an old friend from my childhood.  And to be reconnected with them brings back happy memories from happy...um...days. [Ed. Note: Sans Fonzie and Richie.]

Besides, is there anything better than ripping open packs of cards?

So, I figured it might be fun to share with you my findings as I explore these 15-20 year old treasures.  As you will see, most of the usual suspects from the hobby at that time will be represented among these packs.

I will try to post the rundown of my "pack breaks" later on today.

Stay tuned!