The Lean Years: 1999

 Hello Friends!

After a little bit away due to illness/general fatigue, I'm back. 

I'm going to continue my little series with a look at the cards from 1999.. 

So Bowman.. I honestly had to double take because this, to me, is very similar to 1998's design, just... Flipped? 

It is an interesting card, but I think this was the start of the confusing era of Bowman that really hasn't stopped.. In fact it's just gotten worse.. 

Fleer with a set that's similar to their 1997 offering. Different card stock and filled in foil on the names though. This was during the time where Fleer didn't really have a "Flagship Base" set.. I do like the cards, but not enough to collect more than the necessary collections. 

I think there's really only a certain number of ways Topps can present Stadium Club without it feeling stale, similar, or just paint-by-numbers. 

Don't get me wrong. I generally love Stadium Club sets but they generally mash into an indistinct blob in my head if I'm trying to describe one year's offerings without pictures. 

That said, love this photo of Santangelo. It looks early in the season, since it doesn't look like the ivy is blooming yet

The Old Lad Topps.. I like the photography. The foil is hard to read and I'm not sure of that border.. 

Upper Deck. How about a Montreal pitcher hitting at Wrigley? 

Two of those things are extinct... 

I hate to say it but again... Upper Deck feels like a "try hard" brand. I know a lot of people like them, but I don't know.. Not my cup o tea

MVP Another Upper Deck brand that leand into the futuristic vibes that the late 90s tended to have. They're ok, but nothing that screams "Collect the set!"

UD Choice. I think this used to be Collector's Choice. I honestly like this one the best out of the Upper Deck brands. It has nice photography and the rookie cards are rather unique with the player on a ballpark backdrop.. Though, I feel the park should match the player's team, rather than just being Yankee Stadium 

Finally Victory. The budget set for Upper Deck. I liked this set. it was what people wanted for Big League or the relaunch of Topps Total. A simple design with nice photography that includes players that don't usually get cards. 

That's my look at 1999.. I haven't decided if next post will be my thoughts on collecting over the years or if it'll be The Lean Years: 2000...