I remember back in 2006 when Ginter was first released, it actually was a pretty bi-polar reaction to the set. There were a LOT of people who loved the content of the product, combining the typical baseball stuff with other non-sport material similar to the original pre-war Allen and Ginter cards. It gained a cult following over the next few years, with hit chasers and set collectors alike buying into the product in a big way. Now, for its 10th edition, the formula remains relatively the same. Much like it was back in its inception, its still one of Topps’ most popular sets. It has inspired copy cats in every corner of the hobby, which only speaks to its influence.

Here are some of the big hits up so far:

2015 Allen & Ginter Aaron Paul Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Val Kilmer Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Adam Jones 2009 Mini Buyback Auto /10

2015 Allen & Ginter Danica Patrick 10th Anniversary Framed Autograph

For 2015’s set, there is a huge focus on delivering the normal things that Ginter is all about, combined with a huge buyback program that runs through the whole product. The base set contains the normal mix of sport and non-sport subjects, ranging from the usual Mike Trout to the unusual “Incredibeard.” This is what makes Ginter so attractive for everyone who loves it – the set literally offers something for everyone.

In terms of high end content, there are on card autographs galore – much like every year. There are also highly valuable non-hits in the set, which has always been something that has been a struggle for many manufacturers. Because so many people build Ginter sets, there are a lot of people who will pay through the nose for rare parallels of the base and minis.

As for the buyback cards, there are a lot of interesting uses of the program, ranging from the common base cards with a special stamp, to framed buyback minis, all the way to framed mini buyback autographs. The buyback autographs are a cool idea to incorporate, especially if the checklist ends up being strong. The rest of the buyback content is pretty low end, similar to the stamped “originals” in 2015 Topps products like Series 1, Heritage and Archives. Sometimes there will be an interesting card, other times, its pretty much stamped junk.

I am always interested in the non-sport checklist, which has reached a level of infamy in the hobby with its growing creativity. The Rocky commemorative cards are awesome, especially with Stallone and Lundgren signing cards as their characters from the movie. I mean, who doesnt love Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed? The Stallone autos should sell for a shit ton, and there will be a number of people who will want to get one of each. Expect huge prices.

There is one other element that should be discussed with this year’s Ginter, which is the inclusion of Ichiro Suzuki, including signed content. Ichiro’s international appeal and resume are undeniably a huge draw, which will only get more valuable over time. He is undoubtedly a 1st ballot HOFer, and will likely be the first Japanese player of this generation to be inducted. Although I would have liked only Mariners content in the set, there are cards from all the teams he has played for.

Ginter’s release will always be a hobby event as long as it exists, and I hope that Topps continues to figure out interesting ways to keep it fresh. I think its only a matter of time before their other licenses like Star Wars start to creep in, and I cannot wait for that to happen. This set will always have a place, and it will always be fun.