1995 PINNACLE UC3 - Turn Back the Clock Tuesday
Sports
Introduction
Welcome back to the turn back the clock Tuesday series, where we dive deep into nostalgia, and tonight we are revisiting the year 1995. Our focus is on unboxing a coveted treasure: a box of Pinnacle UC3 3D player cards. As we explore this piece of sports card history, we’ll chase after iconic inserts and prominent stars of the era.
The Unboxing Experience
This box, which has 36 packs, was originally priced at $ 1.99 per pack back in '95. After searching extensively, I finally scored this beauty on eBay for about $ 105, which is typically around the going rate for this product. I’ve been itching to open this box ever since I started this series, so let's get it started!
Upon opening the box, I was pleased to find that the cards were very well packaged. The cards have a thicker cardstock, reminiscent of Sportflics, and are sealed via a sturdy wrapper. Each participant in the break will get nine packs, and I can’t wait to see what treasures await us inside.
The Hunt for Inserts
As we delve into the packs, excitement fills the air. The original set contains 147 cards, with each card available in an artist proof parallel. Inside, we should find nine Cyclone Squads, several other inserts, and potentially a chance to snag the rare Hideo Nomo rookie card—the hot chase of the decade back then.
Pulling Legendary Cards
As the packs unfold, I quickly noticed some peculiarities with the packs’ contents. Some packs contained only four cards, while others boasted six. This inconsistency reflected poor quality control from Pinnacle during that era. Among the notable names we pulled was Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and the sought-after Hideo Nomo rookie card.
We also uncovered a couple of sweet Cyclone Squad inserts, which were a favorite of mine growing up. Among these were cards of Jeff Bagwell and Kenny Lofton that brought back fond memories.
One of the highlights came when we discovered a Clear Shots insert of Carlos Delgado. These inserts were a rarity, reportedly seeded at one per 24 packs, making them all the more special.
Despite some lackluster packs, we also hit a Will Clark "In Motion" insert that stood out with its vibrant design and cool illustration.
Finally, one participant in our live break emerged victorious with a pull featuring the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. It felt satisfying to see such an iconic player represented, cementing the fun of the break.
The Conclusion
After digging deep into this box of Pinnacle UC3, it's clear that this nostalgic trip down memory lane was filled with excitement and occasional surprises. While the quality control left much to be desired, the iconic names and unique designs remind us why we loved collecting cards back in the day.
If you're a fan of retro cards, you might find the thrill of opening a box like this worth the investment, though I’d recommend doing so at a lower price point for greater value.
Keywords
Pinnacle UC3, 1995, unboxing, Ken Griffey Jr., Hideo Nomo, sports cards, inserts, Clear Shots, Cyclone Squad, nostalgia.
FAQ
What is Pinnacle UC3?
Pinnacle UC3 is a set of sports trading cards released in 1995, featuring 3D graphics of prominent baseball players of the era.
How many packs are in a box of Pinnacle UC3?
Each box contains 36 packs of Pinnacle UC3 cards.
What is the price range for a box of Pinnacle UC3?
Typically, these boxes can be found for around $ 100 or slightly more, depending on availability and condition.
What notable inserts are in this set?
Key inserts include Cyclone Squad cards and Clear Shots, among others, highlighting various baseball legends.
Are there any rookie cards in Pinnacle UC3?
Yes, one notable rookie card to chase in this set is the Hideo Nomo card, which became popular in the mid-90s.