The prospects for prospectors are looking up. Way up. Panini America's 2012 Elite Extra Edition Baseball is on the way. But before the shipping process could begin, Panini America's Mike Payne and Tim Trout first had to conduct a comprehensive Quality Control process on what annually is one of baseball collecting's deepest, most enjoyable and value-delivered prospect releases.
The prospects for prospectors are looking up. Way up. Panini America’s 2012 Elite Extra Edition Baseball is on the way. But before the shipping process could begin, Panini America’s Mike Payne and Tim Trout first had to conduct a comprehensive Quality Control process on what annually is one of baseball collecting’s deepest, most enjoyable and value-delivered prospect releases.
They finished that over the weekend, providing more than 120 must-see images for the following preview gallery. Loyal EEE collectors will notice many similarities from this year’s set and those that have come before — but they’ll also ascertain some key additions, too.
Among the most notable: Radically redesigned Aspirations and Status die-cuts with a few new colors, USA Baseball autographs and autograph memorabilia cards, and super-tough new inserts such as High School All-Stars and Team Panini.
This year’s product will once again deliver six autographs per box on average, with Hot Boxes (seeded four per 20-box case) yielding 10 autographs, including signatures from Clint Coulter, Alex Yarbrough, Jake Thompson and Austin Schotts that you won’t find anywhere else.
2012 Elite Extra Edition Baseball releases next Wednesday and we’ll have what promises to be a must-see episode of Panini Unwrapped right here on The Knight’s Lance as soon as possible. But until then, enjoy the following ensemble of must-see preview images . . .
nice and shiny!! im liking the usa cards alot, shows some patriotism and the cards look stunning with the flag fade and relics! should be a hit for us panini baseball fans! i cant wait till you guys get the contract for MLB logos tho, that will make panini the one stop card company for all our collecting needs even more so than now! appreciate the views!
I like the plate-shaped die cuts and the flag background on some of the inserts!
Any idea on a potential release date?
Next Wednesday.
It is prospecting time!!! Nice looking product Tracy. Do you know of the distribution rate on the USA cards. Are there so many a case or one a box? This has always been my favorite baseball product since the autos are jam packed and the hot boxes make for an extra bonus! Can’t wait to bust some of this stuff next week! Talk to you soon and have a great week!
You too, Scott. Thanks. I will try to find the hit ratio on the USA Baseball cards.
When does the full checklist for this (including print runs) go live on your site?
I would assume early next week.
Looking great as always. Can not wait to break open a box or two. Shh( maybe four but don’t let my girl know). Thanks
The Status and Aspirations insert sets in Elite are the best insert sets in any product in my opinion. They never disappoint and have stood the test of time. I do prefer the numbering based on a player’s jersey number, but the rainbow look works. The USA cards have an excellent design. I would love to see the set expanded to players from other countries in future releases. The Yearbook cards would be awesome if they were little booklets with the inside giving an assessment of the player’s past season and future big league outlook. Great work on this product.
Good stuff, Bryan. Thanks for stopping by with some great ideas.
Great design on this years elite! Loving the die cuts and the numerous insert sets this year. The Auto base design reminds me of the 2010 set but this is definitely much nicer! This year product will definitely have my hands full with all these new prospects. Thanks for sharing Tracy!
Really like these. This is a product I have been wanting to bust for years. Rookie autos and loaded with them. Its a must buy
Cards look really nice. I wish Panini would use the Elite brand with mlbpa players. Extra Edition shouldn’t be only edition of Elite!
I am digging the die-cuts, they look like badges.
So happy to see the very popular Elite Series insert still remains. Wondering if the back of the card has a distinct photo that differs from the front or is it the same (just smaller).
For the players that play for New York teams, will it say on the card if they play in the AL or NL at all? Just so I know for group break purposes.
Good question, Jay. I’ll look at them when I get to the office this morning and let you know.
Just going through a few cards at my desk, it would appear that there is no league designation on those teams.
These go live next WED? What are the live dates for limited FB and Prizm football? Hard to keep up!
Limited Football is live today. Prizm Football will be live at the end of the month.
Thanks. Really looking forward to PRIZM (retail and/or hobby). I was able to get a Green and a low-end AUTO out of the loose packs of basketball I bought at my local Target.
Any why you could inform someone to change that for next years product because it has been an issue for years now. Will there be a checklist in the box or online that says what team they are actually on?
Hooray for more die-cuts! This is one old school trend that I don’t mind seeing coming back. Keep up the great work Panini!