My Collection: The Lean Years 1997

 Hello Friends!

I haven't been feeling well the last week or so, meaning I haven't had much energy to even think of a topic. 

I decided on one tonight though. I might use this as a filler idea for a bit.. The Lean Years looks into the years where my collection was basically forgotten. Not many cards were added and the ones that were, filled partial holes. 

This post will look at 1997. In 1997 I was living in Terrace Bay still. I wouldn't leave to go to Peterborough until 1998. So cards were a tough find for me. In fact, I don't think any of the cards I have from 1997 were actually collected by me in 1997.. 

I only took a look at the main sets. If I took a look at every major set produced and released, this would take a month. 

Bowman: I believe this is still before they went completely obnoxious with the parallels and inserts that span over multiple sets. Basically for 97 Bowman, I have Jays and Expos, as expected. And, as expected, I'm only looking for Jays/Expos/Canadians from that set. 

Also, I just can't tell if it's a camera trick, or does it look like Barrett is kinda painted? 

Collector's Choice. Even showing my second favourite Jays uni. Again, it's Jays/Expos/Canadians, aside from a Jackie Robinson tribute I kept for whatever reason. 

I like the cards. Nice photography. Not overly gimmicky. I believe this was UD's entry level set.. 

Donruss.. I don't know what it is.. This set just doesn't work for me. I mean I still want the Jays/Expos/Canadians from the set, but it's again not one I'd want to look at and say "Let's get 'em all!"

Fleer was the weird one again in 1997. The cardstock felt like a cross between a felt and fine grain sandpaper. I found them hard to sort. Because of the stock, the cards also seem washed out to me, but that could just be me again. 

I do like the cards, but again not something I want to collect fully. 

Score. I rather liked Score in 1994 and 1995. I don't remember 96. 97 is interesting. Maybe a little too white. I don't know. Lettering maybe could be bigger.. 

I would consider collecting the full set of this, though right now my focus is the usual suspects. 

I hate to say it.. I don't like 97 Stadium Club at all. It's honestly one I would even consider skipping entirely. 

This may get some raised eyebrows.... But I like this set. I'd consider collecting the full set but I also know that 1997-1999 is the "Complete bitch to find" era.. 

Santangelo was one that used PEDs. It gave him the uptick enough to go from AAA or Quad A player to utility player in the majors. 

Upper Deck. Again, This will get some hate, likely.. But.... *exhales* Aside from 1993, I haven't liked Upper Deck period. Right now, all my UD is in a 5000 count box.. 

Finally, Pinnacle.. 

It's ok... But... I don't know. Probably the usual suspects.. 

So of the 1997 cards, I've found one set I'd want to look at completing, and the rest just being Jays/Expos/Canadians aside from maybe UD and SC..