Gems of Junk Wax Bracketology: The Elite Eight (Pt. 1)

Welcome, my friends, to the "Elite Eight".

We started with sixty-four different gems from the overproduction era. Now, thanks to your voting, we're down to the last eight.

I'm warning you. The decisions only get tougher from here on out. I'll be revealing the first pair of "Elite Eight" matchups tonight.

A couple things before we start...

Firstly, the victors from these matchups will not be facing each other in the next round. Both are the initial pairings from different sections of the bracket. Our "Final Four" matchups won't be determined until the end of next round's voting.

Also, the polls for these pairings will close on Monday, June 17th, at 11:59 PM. Be sure to get your votes in before the deadline!

So, without further ado, let's get the "Elite Eight" underway.

#6 -- 1989 Fleer #616 Billy Ripken "Rick Face"

VS.

#9 -- 1991 Topps #170 Carlton Fisk

This may well be my favorite "Elite Eight" matchup.

With two of the more recognizable cards from the overproduction era facing off against each other, this is sure to be quite the battle.

In terms of the mainstream media, the Ripken is probably the most hyped card of its generation. And, with the defeat of his fellow family members in the "Sweet 16", Billy is the last Ripken standing in this tournament.

Among collecting circles, however, the Fisk is a very well-known masterpiece. It's arguably the closest thing we have to a perfect "play at the plate" in this hobby.

Needless to say, I'm excited to see how the voting turns out with this matchup.

#7 -- 1991 Topps #455 Walt Weiss

VS.

#12 -- 1991 Topps #760 Benito Santiago

I'm sure this is the matchup a lot of you were waiting to see.

Of course, this Weiss-Santiago pairing is a clash between a couple of 1991 Topps titans.

Most of us can probably agree that '91 Topps is easily one of the better sets of the overproduction era. Heck, it's one of the best sets ever, period.

The outstanding "double dip" Weiss has squeaked by in a couple close matchups thus far. In contrast, the birds-eye Santiago hasn't been given much of a challenge yet. He's easily knocked out his competitors in the first three rounds of voting.

Can Mr. Weiss finally give Santiago a run for his money?

Only time will tell.

Polls for our first two "Elite Eight" matchups are now on the sidebar.

Happy voting!