Hawk to the Hall - Baseball cards & Hobby opinions

 So far this year, I have purchased at least 1 box, if not several, of every Topps product that has been released.  As always, I got a call today from my local hobby shop to let me know that they received their case of Series 2 Jumbo boxes.  I was all set to leave work and head over there, when I saw this all over eBay.

     From what I have been able to gather so far, this is the only Kosuke Fukudome card in Topps Series 2.  Despite the fact that the Topps Company official website has for months, and still to this very minute, lists card # 645 as being Fukudome, along with Gold, Black, and Platinum parallels, and Printing Plates.

     Yet, what do we get??  A short printed, no number gimmick card of Kosuke in his WBC team Japan uniform.  Oh, and by the way, one of them can be yours on eBay for anywhere from $300 to $900.  Also, Sox fans, you’re in the same predicament if you want an Alexei Ramirez rookie card.  He shows up in another no number gimmick in his Cuba uni. 

     So, what does all this bitching add up to??  Me not purchasing Topps Series 2, and many other base set collectors most likely doing exactly the same.  It’s your frigging base product.  Why can you not just make the base cards you say you’re going to make, and then put in your fruity gimmick short-printed inserts.

     I can’t wait for someone to buy one of these things for $200-$300 only to find out a few weeks later that there are thousands of them out there after people open more wax.  Giuliani anyone??  How much are 2007 Poley Walnuts or Jeter Mantle Bush cards selling for?? The last time I checked, $10 and $3 respectively.

     Maybe one of these days, they’ll figure it out.  Until then, I know where I can get an ACTUAL Cubs Fukudome rookie card.