Tier one is proving to be a very popular product with collectors, and one of the main reason is the potential to pull one of many big hits in the product. One of the main attractions is the Bat Knob jumbo relic cards, which feature a huge piece of the bottom of the subject’s game used bat. Because of the shape of these pieces, I have to imagine these are the only types of cards they can be used in, and I think its a great chase idea.

Although I really do not like the design of these cards, especially the fact that they are vertically oriented instead of horizontal with a tiny player picture, I do understand the appeal. Check out the crazy prices the big players out of this set are getting:

2012 Tier One Roberto Clemente Bat Knob 1/1

2012 Tier One Roger Maris Bat Knob 1/1

2012 Tier One Carl Yastrzemski Bat Knob 1/1

2012 Tier One Brooks Robinson Bat Knob 1/1

Because of his short lifespan, I have to believe there is more demand than supply for Roberto Clemente’s relics. He did play for the better part of two decades, but he is one of the most famous HOF players and many collectors want his stuff. Therefore, you dont have much of his stuff circulating for the card companies to buy up. Maris, a New York Yankee by definition, is in a very similar situation, which is odd for someone not in the HOF.

A true testament to the popularity of this set is that other lesser guys are getting close to the price of a case, even though they may not be that popular. That is truly surprising. I have to say, I guess after seeing the performance of other jumbo swatch cards in baseball, the unique attraction of these knobs make a lot of sense in their appeal.

I wonder what will happen when Ruth (not yet pulled) and Mantle (pulled earlier) eventually end up on eBay.