A Legend Returns: Panini America Prepares 2013 Pinnacle Baseball (Preview Gallery)

May 13, 2013

2013 Pinnacle Baseball Main

It’s been 15 long years since baseball fans have had the opportunity to collect a Pinnacle Baseball set. But in late July, the legend returns for the first time since 1998 with the release of Panini America’s true-to-the-original 2013 Pinnacle Baseball. Boasting a bevy of old-school niceties (including Nufex printing technology, Museum Collection, Artist’s Proofs, Team Pinnacle and so much more), 2013 Pinnacle Baseball 24 eight-card packs — and countless warm memories — per hobby box.

An average hobby box should yield an insert/parallel haul that includes: two autographs, three Museum Collection, two Artist’s Proofs, four Awaiting the Call, three Team 2020, two Position Powers, one Behind the Numbers, three Clear Vision, two Team Pinnacle, two Slugfest, one Aces, three Pinnacle of Success and two Swing for the Fences.

Normally at this point in a product preview, we’d provide some quick paraphrased highlights from the Product Information Sheet. But for 2013 Pinnacle Baseball, we’re going to quote directly from the PIS because, quite frankly, the content is that good.

Museum Collection: Remember the shimmering, Nufex look from the Museum Collection parallels back in the mid 1990s? It’s back with an updated player list featuring today’s stars and a tribute to some of the founding fathers of Pinnacle’s past.

Artist’s Proofs: The name “Artist’s Proof” means so much to those who chased them in the Pinnacle sets of the mid 1990s. They remember ripping pack after pack waiting to see which card was stamped with some Artist’s Proof glory. These are back and still tough to find, which should translate to a serious chase.

Awaiting the Call: Everyone’s got an opinion as to which players deserve enshrinement, and here’s a look at those that are awaiting the call. In this set you’ll find 10 players who have a very real possibility of getting the opportunity to have their likeness bronzed and hanging with the other immortals of the game.

Slugfest: The Slugfest insert name will take you back to the glory days of Pinnacle, but the updated look and the Nufex feel will bring you back to the present with some of today’s biggest sluggers in the set. When you think of the biggest homerun hitters, names like “Pujols,” “Fielder” and “Stanton” come to mind, and they’re all here in this insert set.

Pinnacle of Success: This 16-card set highlights today’s stars whose performances are at their peak. These cards look gorgeous on clear acetate with a touch of Pinnacle magic.

The Hit King Die-Cuts: Pete Rose may be ignored by one company, but his accomplishments are far too great to simply forget about, so we’ve created a special set to commemorate his accolades. Here at Panini, we truly appreciate the all-time hits leader, and we respect his place in history. You, too, can embrace his 4,256 hits with a five-card tribute simply called “The Hit King.”

We’ll have much more on this historic new product in the coming weeks right here on The Knight’s Lance. But now, simply back in its preview brilliance.