Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

GOOD TIMING FOR MY FIRST 3D CARD
The Card: Pete Alonso 2019 Topps 3D #475 -- Rookie Card
The Reason Bought:  No, I didn't buy this one in the wake of his Home Run Derby dominance -- I grabbed this one in the off-season since the price was right (around $30) for a good rookie from that one. Since the Derby, this one has sold for a lot more raw and then some in higher grades but it's still relatively modest compared to other big rookies in the last few years. I didn't grab this one to flip -- I just grabbed it as a good example card to have from one of these plastic-stock releases. It's my first and I do like the 3D effect that is applied here. In this case, his front arm feels closer compared to everything else.
The Grade: PSA 9

Reality Check: The pop report is more of the odd modern type with plenty of 10s but there's also nothing below my grade -- so it's a sign that these cards must grade pretty well if you rip packs and find somebody good.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Do you like Buzz Breaks? Today's your day then as we launch 12 in 12 -- a series of a dozen breaks of past wax packs in a dozen hours. We'll post one every hour on the hour all day long today ... this is Hour 9.

The pack: 1989-90 Fleer basketball wax
The cost: $6.50

What's inside this one? Keep reading ...

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