I have often questioned the ability possessed by Panini’s design team to design a good looking card. Time after time, they have shown that they are not only inept at doing so, but take it to a level previously unseen in the trading card industry. This could not be a more horrifying situation, as its clear that Panini is making a push to own an exclusive license in every sport. Seeing the initial examples from Classics Baseball showcase how poorly they perform in the design arena, and it only reinforces why everyone should be concerned.

Here are some of the hits people have already posted:

2014 Classics Jose Abreu Auto Relic

2014 Classics Mike Schmidt Dual Relic Auto /10

2014 Classics Kris Bryant Base Auto RC

2014 Classics Anthony Rizzo Dual Relic Auto

2014 Classics Roberto Clemente Triple Relic

The part of the classics design that baffles me the most is the separated nameplate area that exists on the majority of the base and base autograph content. It literally serves no purpose to draw a line that separates the player picture and layout from the flag and product logo, thus obscuring close to 1/3 of the card surface. Can anyone disagree that having the free floating flag and product logo would be more than adequate? I cannot see a reason why someone would design a card like they did for classics. Its fucking ugly.

Other inserts in the set are even more hideous, which should be beyond shocking that something could look worse than the base design. Classics has long been about a simple design and cool autos and relics, but this is obviously the opposite direction entirely. Overly complicated layouts, and like every single goddamn Panini set, the signature area is regularly separated off in its own defined area.

There are nice looking cards, and some really cool ones that im sure a lot of collectors will use to breed interested in buying the product. On the other hand, I just cant fathom why anyone would want to open this junk. It only goes to show that the hobby has inexplicably shifted away from desiring good looking cards, and will literally accept anything you put in front of them. As long as it has a player subject somewhere tied to the card set someone will buy it. Doesnt matter if the design was thrown together with no consideration for proper visual appeal. Hell, sometimes Panini doesnt even bother with the player.

Maybe we deserve this. Maybe Panini’s exclusives are our punishment for accepting the low standards they have imposed. That is sad and hopefully something will change. I doubt it though, especially when you see their twitter contests. If the hobby is stocked to the brim with those types of people, we ARE doomed to this existence.