Collectibles On SI
Cole Benz

Cole Benz

Joined: Jan 13, 2025

After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 2008, Cole worked as an advertising copywriter until shifting to print journalism a few years later. Managing three weekly newspapers in the Dakotas, Cole won numerous awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association including Best of the Dakotas and, their top award, General Excellence. He returned to collecting in 2021 and has since combined his passion for writing with his love of cards. Cole also writes for the Sports Cards Nonsense newsletter and has made guest appearances on multiple sports card collecting podcasts including Sports Cards Nonsense, and the Eephus Baseball Cards Podcast. IG: coleryan411 X: @colebenz

Left Brien Taylor was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 MLB Draft. An injury prevented him from ever making it to the majors.
Inside the Hobby

Brien Taylor Auto And The Complete Topps Gold Card Set

For never having made the Major Leagues, Brien Taylor is talked about a lot both in the hobby and in the sport of baseball.

Cole Benz
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2003-04 Topps Chrome Hobby Box. The famous set includes rookies from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
News

Content Creator Finds Rare Topps Chrome Basketball Pack in Walmart Tin

Content Creator Bustin' Cards unwrapped a Walmart mystery tin, only to find a Topps Chrome pack from LeBron's rookie year.

Cole Benz
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Apr 6, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) flips his bat after flying out in the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
News

Vlad Jr. Gets Big Contract, Here Are Some of His Biggest Cards

Vlad Jr. Gets Big Contract, Here Are Some of His Biggest Cards

Cole Benz
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Georgia's Charlie Condon (24) slides into second base during a NCAA Athens Regional baseball game against Army in Athens, Ga., on Friday, May 31, 2024. Georgia won 8-7.
News

Pictures of Charlie Condon's Bowman 1st Auto Released by Topps

Pictures of Charlie Condon's Bowman 1st Auto Released by Topps

Cole Benz
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PSA has announced increased turnaround times for multiple levels of services, as well as an increase in the Bulk TCG rate.
Inside the Hobby

PSA Announces New Turnaround Times, Rates

PSA Announces New Turnaround Times, Rates

Cole Benz
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1999 Stadium Club Alex Rodriguez & Derek Jeter Co-Signers
Hobby 101

1999 Topps Stadium Club Co-signers An Early Iteration of Dual Autos

1999 Topps Stadium Club Co-signers An Early Iteration of Dual Autograph Cards

Cole Benz
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Aug 12, 1978; Denver, CO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
Inside the Hobby

April Fools, It's Just Craig Morton

Both Topps and Panini have fooled many collectors the past two release calendar years by including Craig Morton in their products.

Cole Benz
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2025 Topps Series 1 'Celebration' is the newest Topps product release.
Hobby 101

New Series 1 Celebration Set Brings Back Memories of Opening Day

The newest product from Topps includes rare inserts previously featured in the now discontinued Topps Opening Day.

Cole Benz
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Sep 28, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood (29) slides into third base after hitting a triple against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Inside the Hobby

James Wood, Charlie Condon Earn 2025 Bowman Cover

James Wood, Charlie Condon Earn 2025 Bowman Cover

Cole Benz
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Topps has released Series 1, in Easter Eggs!
Inside the Hobby

Topps Released Easter Egg Tins for 2025 Series 1

Topps Continues Holiday Products with Easter Eggs for Series 1

Cole Benz
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May 12, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (39) wears an MLB Debut patch prior to his start against the Cincinnati Reds at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Hobby 101

What Are MLB Debut Patch Cards?

Brought to the collecting world before the 2023 season, the MLB Debut Patches have been nothing but a success.

Cole Benz
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3D sculptures of Nintendo characters Luigi and Mario made from LEGO bricks on display at the Stockton Brick Convention at the San Joaquin County fairgrounds in Stockton on Feb. 2, 2024. The event, which runs Sat, Feb 3 and Sunday, Feb .4, features artwork and creations made created from LEGO bricks, hands-on LEGO making activities and vendors offering the latest sets and mini-figures.
Inside the Hobby

Mariners To Wear Nintendo Ad Patches On Their Sleeve

Mariners To Wear Nintendo Ad Patches On Their Sleeve

Cole Benz
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