BBM Baseball Cards Premium 2022 ?Genesis/??????
BBM (Broccoli Baseball Memory) is a Japanese company that has been producing high-quality baseball cards for over 30 years. Their annual BBM Baseball Cards Premium release is highly anticipated each year by collectors both in Japan and worldwide. The 2022 edition, subtitled “Genesis,” focuses on rookie cards and prospects from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. It continues BBM’s tradition of exquisite photography, intricate card designs, and attention to detail that sets their releases apart in the competitive baseball card market.
The Genesis set features 324 total cards split between 216 base cards and 108 special parallel and insert cards. All cards utilize high-resolution photography capturing the players in action on the field or in posed portraits. As with past BBM releases, the photography and crispness of the images are among the best in the baseball card industry. Players are featured in their team uniforms, showing off intricate pinstripes, logos, and colors that Japanese teams are known for. This level of visual quality helps collectors truly appreciate and connect with the players.
For the base cards, each of Nippon Professional Baseball’s 12 teams is represented with 18 players. This includes current stars, prospects, and depth players to capture a well-rounded snapshot of each 40-man roster. Standouts like Shohei Ohtani of the Nippon Ham Fighters and future MLB draftees like Roki Sasaki of the Chiba Lotte Marines receive their own base cards to highlight their talents. Veterans mixing with up-and-comers presents a dynamic look at the current NPB landscape.
Beyond the base cards, Genesis features several parallel and insert sets that add complexity for collectors. The most coveted are the ?????? (“Genesis”) parallels, limited to only 5 copies each. Printed on luxurious foil stock, these 1-of-5 parallel cards really stand out in a collection. Other parallels like Gold (/10), Silver (/50), and Rainbow (/25) are sprinkled throughout packs and cases at lower print runs. Various insert sets like “Rising Stars,” “MVP Contenders,” and “All-Stars” highlight some of the top players at each position or role.
In addition to the on-field photography, some cards in Genesis feature unique artwork focusing on specific players. One example is a rendering of Roki Sasaki’s blazing fastball, with numbers and radar gun graphics surrounding his delivery motion. Others utilize more traditional baseball card artwork styles to creatively depict players. These inserts add visual intrigue and variety beyond just photos within the set. Numbering and parallel markings are printed clearly but elegantly on each card, in both English and Japanese text, to satisfy collectors worldwide.
Perhaps most impressive about BBM’s annual releases is the level of quality control and attention to print precision on each card. The registration is spot-on, with perfectly aligned photos and borders on every card. The stock feels substantial without being flimsy. The cut and centering of each card comes out nearly flawless from the factory. This level of production value is a major reason why BBM cards maintain such high resale value long-term for serious collectors.
While pricey compared to mainstream American releases, the premium associated with BBM cards is well-earned based on the artistry and care that goes into each set. Hobby shop distribution is limited but widespread enough that diligent collectors can still track down boxes, packs and singles without too much difficulty if they know where to look. The secondary market for valuable parallels and stars is also robust both on Japanese and English-language auction sites.
In summary, BBM’s Genesis release for 2022 continues their tradition of excellence that has made them a leader in the baseball card industry for over 30 years. Focusing on current NPB stars and top prospects, intricate designs and parallel sets add complexity, while superb photography and precise production deliver a true work of collectible art for fans. As with every BBM release, Genesis is a must-have set for any serious baseball card collector looking to expand their collection into the international game.
