This is something I rarely do - the outside link - but appropriate for this blog, I thought it was.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/honus-wagner-baseball-card,27810/
4.26.2012
4.25.2012
The Search For Jarrod Parker (Cards)
In honor of Jarrod Parker's first start with the Oakland A's, I wanted to be so bold as to link back to my first Hoosiers On Cardboard feature published last September.
Jarrod was traded from Arizona in the off-season since this post - in the Trevor Cahill deal - and I expect big things from him eventually in Oakland. It's been great to be able to root for a local kid. We nearly moved into his former school district but ended up one over.
I'm interested in any dupe Jarrod Parkers anyone might have on hand. It appears I only have this one. I'd pick some up at the local card shop, and might have to snag his auto from there, but all Parkers are just overpriced at this store. The proprietors are nice enough but they know they sell well.
Love to see Jarrod working his way back after Tommy John surgery. Hoping for the best for this kid. I believe, at the time of this post, he's battling in a 0-0 game in the sixth against the White Sox.
Jarrod was traded from Arizona in the off-season since this post - in the Trevor Cahill deal - and I expect big things from him eventually in Oakland. It's been great to be able to root for a local kid. We nearly moved into his former school district but ended up one over.
I'm interested in any dupe Jarrod Parkers anyone might have on hand. It appears I only have this one. I'd pick some up at the local card shop, and might have to snag his auto from there, but all Parkers are just overpriced at this store. The proprietors are nice enough but they know they sell well.
4.24.2012
Heritage Design Trade Flashback Needs
Yeah, you know you're getting lazy about headlines when you just go with keywords.
Many collectors have turned their attention to Gypsy Queen in the past week or so - either furiously chasing it or disparaging it - so I wanted to take a few minutes to briefly look again at our old friend Heritage 2012. I have some needs. I have some dupes. Read on!
While I'm not collecting the full Heritage set, focusing instead on completing the wonderful Heritage of 2011, I am gathering the 2012 inserts as well as select favorite players - and Reds, Tigers, Cubs and White Sox. I received a nice assist with those efforts recently after Ross at Design on Deck contacted me. Ross took a look at my want list and I'm very grateful for that.
I'm a particular fan of Flashbacks. I believe Ross sent me five. Here are two of them.
Here is a sampling of some of the other fine cards Ross sent along.
Before I continue with various lists, I just want to say that I truly enjoy Design on Deck. It's unique and I really love his card designs. I don't believe I've actually ever told him that but I wanted to be sure to say something here. I wish he could print and issue his cards.
I wish I had the graphic design talents. They're sorely needed.
Meanwhile, Ross, your cards are coming soon. I was waiting to pick up a few more packs and hit more of your needs and I did manage to add a couple of extras. I wish I had more but I'm sending the diamond parallels and all the Heritage extras I had from your wants. I think it unfortunately doesn't total any more than the number of cards you sent.
For everyone else, are you collecting Heritage? If so, here are some cards I have for trade:
13, 19, 23, 27, 32, 36, 37, 38, 42, 45, 47, 47, 47, 60, 69, 69, 69, 75, 82, 85, 89, 93, 103, 108, 110, 110, 112, 115, 115, 121, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 132, 137, 137, 157, 180, 192, 197, 204, 217, 221, 224, 224, 228, 241, 243, 255, 267, 271, 277, 297, 315, 328, 332, 342, 342, 347, 351, 360, 363, 363, 372, 378, 388, 388, 395, 395, 400, 400, 400, 401, 402, 408, 408, 413, BF-SK, NF-JKE, NAP-TL, Checklist 5
Please indulge me as I present my wants:
BF-EW, BF-JM
NF-JK, NF-PP, NF-PS, NF-UA, NF-UC
NAP-MC, NAP-MK, NAP-RB
14 Justin Masterson
35 Chris Sale
51 Alex Gordon
53 Dee Gordon
79 Detroit Tigers
87 Andrew McCutchen
90 Joey Votto
95 Kerry Wood
100 Paul Konerko
138 Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder (Pride of NL)
140 Max Scherzer
160 Mark Buehrle
186 Joe Mauer
193 Starlin Castro
194 Francisco Cordero
207 Mike Trout
211 Freddie Freeman
218 Justin Verlander/Jose Valverde
222 Chicago Cubs
223 Addison Reed
246 Felix Hernandez
276 Ryan Braun
278 Jhonny Peralta
279 Matt Kemp
285 Adrian Gonzalez
320 Zack Greinke
327 Rick Porcello
365 Jose Valverde
366 Dustin Ackley
393 Brandon Beachy
406 Al Alburquerque
422 Dusty Baker
476 Prince Fielder
Many collectors have turned their attention to Gypsy Queen in the past week or so - either furiously chasing it or disparaging it - so I wanted to take a few minutes to briefly look again at our old friend Heritage 2012. I have some needs. I have some dupes. Read on!
While I'm not collecting the full Heritage set, focusing instead on completing the wonderful Heritage of 2011, I am gathering the 2012 inserts as well as select favorite players - and Reds, Tigers, Cubs and White Sox. I received a nice assist with those efforts recently after Ross at Design on Deck contacted me. Ross took a look at my want list and I'm very grateful for that.
I'm a particular fan of Flashbacks. I believe Ross sent me five. Here are two of them.
 | ||
| Probably a top five current player of mine. |
 |
| Still amused by pitchers named Homer, I am. |
 |
| Berkman has long been a favorite of mine, admittedly from his glory years where he led my fantasy juggernaut. Also, his resemblance to my cousin is uncanny and an ongoing source of family amusement. I pick up Berkman cards whenever I can but still need a good auto. |
I wish I had the graphic design talents. They're sorely needed.
Meanwhile, Ross, your cards are coming soon. I was waiting to pick up a few more packs and hit more of your needs and I did manage to add a couple of extras. I wish I had more but I'm sending the diamond parallels and all the Heritage extras I had from your wants. I think it unfortunately doesn't total any more than the number of cards you sent.
For everyone else, are you collecting Heritage? If so, here are some cards I have for trade:
13, 19, 23, 27, 32, 36, 37, 38, 42, 45, 47, 47, 47, 60, 69, 69, 69, 75, 82, 85, 89, 93, 103, 108, 110, 110, 112, 115, 115, 121, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 132, 137, 137, 157, 180, 192, 197, 204, 217, 221, 224, 224, 228, 241, 243, 255, 267, 271, 277, 297, 315, 328, 332, 342, 342, 347, 351, 360, 363, 363, 372, 378, 388, 388, 395, 395, 400, 400, 400, 401, 402, 408, 408, 413, BF-SK, NF-JKE, NAP-TL, Checklist 5
Please indulge me as I present my wants:
BF-EW, BF-JM
NF-JK, NF-PP, NF-PS, NF-UA, NF-UC
NAP-MC, NAP-MK, NAP-RB
14 Justin Masterson
35 Chris Sale
51 Alex Gordon
53 Dee Gordon
79 Detroit Tigers
87 Andrew McCutchen
90 Joey Votto
95 Kerry Wood
100 Paul Konerko
138 Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder (Pride of NL)
140 Max Scherzer
160 Mark Buehrle
186 Joe Mauer
193 Starlin Castro
194 Francisco Cordero
207 Mike Trout
211 Freddie Freeman
218 Justin Verlander/Jose Valverde
222 Chicago Cubs
223 Addison Reed
246 Felix Hernandez
276 Ryan Braun
278 Jhonny Peralta
279 Matt Kemp
285 Adrian Gonzalez
320 Zack Greinke
327 Rick Porcello
365 Jose Valverde
366 Dustin Ackley
393 Brandon Beachy
406 Al Alburquerque
422 Dusty Baker
476 Prince Fielder
4.18.2012
Gypsy Queen: Through The Years
| The Queen Is Alive |
Still, I'm stopping short of declaring I'll collect the set. I'm directing the greater portion of my budget to completing sets from my youth and to old-fashioned cards.
But I know I'll look to pick up the Reds and Tigers and Cubs and favored players and the veterans in the set. I have the Tigers in Cardboard Heaven's group break, so I should be set with them. Take a look at his break, by the way, plenty of good teams available.
Today, I snagged two of the hanging value packs from Walmart. Each includes three paper frames. I'll show them near the end of this post.
It's tough for me to know yet if I like 2012 more than 2011. It was all fresh and new last year so I'm partial to that on one hand. On the other hand, 2012 is fresh and new now and so I can't help but like it more at this particular moment. On the third hand (don't judge), oh, wait, there is no third hand.
Let's do some comparisons, shall we?
Yet, I like the ornamental design this year and I also prefer how the player's names are presented in the new set. It's just less intrusive on the photo.
The backs on the base cards are similar and a team logo is included on both. This is different than with the inserts - the backs of which I have some problems with.
Advantage: Even
Next, we have Moonshots, a not-so-veiled repeat of Home Run Heroes from 2011 (pictured left).
As for the backs, I kind of like the off-white this year. But, my problem referenced above is that there are no team logos with the inserts. I also don't like the lack of a number for filing purposes. Not a fan of the initials. Perhaps minor quibbles.
Advantage: Home Run Heroes
I like the color this year and it just feels like there's more picture - but perhaps that's an optical illusion. I guess I like both.
Advantage: Even
Advantage: Hallmark Heroes
Finally, perhaps my favorite insert set of all-time - the paper frames. Here's a quick look at similar frames from 2012 (top) and 2011 (below). Of my three frames pulled today, I got Koufax, DiMaggio and Maris.
 |
I also feel that the 2011 version is simply the better frame.
Advantage: 2011
So, it's clear I like and somewhat dislike parts of both releases. It'll be interesting, to me at least, to see if my perspective changes in a few more weeks.
Meanwhile, here are some other cards I snagged today.
Above are three of the six minis I opened. Three all-time favorites of mine! Also, the first card I saw today was the regular version of Warren Spahn.
Next, it was nice to see Catfish Hunter in the checklist. And one can never argue with Bob Feller.
Finally, I'll close with some trade bait. The below three cards appeared in two separate value packs in the exact same order, thus I have dupes of these legends.
I'll be interested to read more about how others feel about this year's Gypsy Queen. I think I'll go explore the blogs.
Enjoy cards!
4.17.2012
Outta Sight! Vintage: Pierce, B. '59s
Billy Pierce has fast become one of those old-timers whose cards I snag if the price feels right.
It all started back in the summer of '11. You and I (and even Billy) were so much younger then. We were carefree and innocent. You still had your hair.
I met Billy that fine summer. He was sitting at a table at a big card show in Chicago, an event hobbyists refer to as "The National." I was there, too, standing in line much like an overgrown kid. No, exactly like an overgrown kid.
I was sheepish and embarrassed, much like how a grown man feels when he asks another grown man for an autograph. No, exactly like that.
I handed Billy this faux vintage card. "Nice to meet you," I said.
Billy said "hello" then looked at the card and groused - albeit politely, if it's indeed possible to politely grouse - that he didn't understand why "folks keep sending me cards to sign I've already signed."
Oh, Billy!
I chuckled, offered my thanks and exited left. (For more about my first day at The National, click here. Or here or here for Day Two and Day Three stories.
Our encounter was brief, so brief in fact that I'll bet Billy might not even remember me. Ha! But it was enough to turn me into a Billy Pierce collector.
I recently picked up two cards from the 1959 set at a local card show. I love this set for the colors (most of them), the uniqueness, the logos and the lowercase names.
I've always called this set the "Rear Window Set."
Here's Pierce as viewed from Jimmy Stewart's binoculars.
And, below, is Action Pierce, also from 1959. I love the "Baseball Thrills" cards for the great action shots. Near as I can figure, there were 10 in the set. The "Baseball Thrills" circle reminds me of a Batman cartoon. Now that's iconic.
Billy turned 85 on April 2. He's been heavily involved in children's charities. I have a keen interest in adding cards of players known to be swell gents. I'm also quietly a fan of the White Sox because of time spent at the park between 2000-05.
Billy was a seven-time All Star with the White Sox and the ace of the staff for at least a decade. He finished with a career 211-169 record, 3.27 ERA and 1,999 strikeouts. He holds the White Sox franchise mark for strikeouts, with 1,796. His 186 wins, 2,931 innings and 390 starts are team records for a left-hander.
He is considered by many to be one of the biggest Hall of Fame oversights in history. This from Sports Illustrated writer Joe Posnanski: Billy Pierce has a strong Hall of Fame case that has been widely and enthusiastically ignored. He was, I think, the best pitcher in the American League in the 1950s -- and if there had been an American League Cy Young award he probably would have won it at least twice.
Billy had a slight build - even slighter nowadays - yet he led the American League in complete games three times. He pitched four one-hitters and seven two-hitters, and on June 27, 1958 came within one batter of becoming the first left-hander in 78 years to throw a perfect game.
It was nice to meet you, Billy. You're a Hall of Famer in my book.
It all started back in the summer of '11. You and I (and even Billy) were so much younger then. We were carefree and innocent. You still had your hair.
I met Billy that fine summer. He was sitting at a table at a big card show in Chicago, an event hobbyists refer to as "The National." I was there, too, standing in line much like an overgrown kid. No, exactly like an overgrown kid.
I was sheepish and embarrassed, much like how a grown man feels when he asks another grown man for an autograph. No, exactly like that.
I handed Billy this faux vintage card. "Nice to meet you," I said.
 |
| Ryan's Pitch, back when he was just Reader Ryan, sent me this card a week before I handed it to Mr. Pierce. Thanks Ryan. At the time, I had no other Pierce cards. |
Oh, Billy!
I chuckled, offered my thanks and exited left. (For more about my first day at The National, click here. Or here or here for Day Two and Day Three stories.
Our encounter was brief, so brief in fact that I'll bet Billy might not even remember me. Ha! But it was enough to turn me into a Billy Pierce collector.
I recently picked up two cards from the 1959 set at a local card show. I love this set for the colors (most of them), the uniqueness, the logos and the lowercase names.
I've always called this set the "Rear Window Set."
Here's Pierce as viewed from Jimmy Stewart's binoculars.
Billy was a seven-time All Star with the White Sox and the ace of the staff for at least a decade. He finished with a career 211-169 record, 3.27 ERA and 1,999 strikeouts. He holds the White Sox franchise mark for strikeouts, with 1,796. His 186 wins, 2,931 innings and 390 starts are team records for a left-hander.
He is considered by many to be one of the biggest Hall of Fame oversights in history. This from Sports Illustrated writer Joe Posnanski: Billy Pierce has a strong Hall of Fame case that has been widely and enthusiastically ignored. He was, I think, the best pitcher in the American League in the 1950s -- and if there had been an American League Cy Young award he probably would have won it at least twice.
Billy had a slight build - even slighter nowadays - yet he led the American League in complete games three times. He pitched four one-hitters and seven two-hitters, and on June 27, 1958 came within one batter of becoming the first left-hander in 78 years to throw a perfect game.
It was nice to meet you, Billy. You're a Hall of Famer in my book.
4.13.2012
2012: Needs/Availables (boringest headline ever!) "Boringest?"
Is anyone out there still chasing existing 2012 cards? If so, I have quite a list of available cards below. Sorry for the oh-so-boring post, but I wanted to be sure to direct anyone in need to my lists.
After the long list of available base cards and inserts is a much shorter list of cards I'm searching for. I hope we can work out a deal.
And, if you instead are searching for Heritage 2012, please direct me to your want list. I have plenty of Heritage but haven't cataloged them yet. I do however have a list of cards I need.
Thanks.
And, now, the base set...
Base Set Available
1 - Ryan Braun
1 - Ryan Braun
4 - Jeremy Guthrie
7 - Mickey Mantle
15 - Melky Cabrera
19 - Yonder Alonso
21 - Chris Iannetta
22 - Alfredo Simon
24 - Ike Davis
29 - NL Win Leaders
30 - Derek Jeter
32 - Detroit Tigers
41 - Devin Mesoraco
43 - Brett Wallace
51 - Alcides Escobar
56 - Geovany Soto
57 - Yuniesky Betancourt
66 - Nyjer Morgan
66 - Nyjer Morgan
71 - Jeff Karstens
74 - Kevin Correia
81 - Liam Hendricks
82 - Rick Porcello
84 - Brian Matusz
89 - Dontrelle Willis
89 - Dontrelle Willis
91 - AL Home Run Leaders
93 - Skip Schumaker
94 - Logan Forsythe
95 - Chris Parmalee
99 - Michael McKenry
99 - Michael McKenry
102 - Chase d'Arnaud
107 - Luke Scott
110 - Mark Teixeira
114 - Matt Garza
114 - Matt Garza
114 - Matt Garza
121 - Josh Bell
124 - NL batting average
125 - Adam Jones
125 - Adam Jones
125 - Adam Jones
130 - Asdrubal Cabrera
133 - Ivan Nova
135 - Johnny Cueto
135 - Johnny Cueto
135 - Johnny Cueto
136 - Casey McGehee
141 - Brandon Belt
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
143 - George Kottaras
144 - Marlon Byrd
146 - Carlos Gomez
148 - Chris Getz
151 - Chris Davis
151 - Chris Davis
166 - Brennan Boesch
169 - Brett Myers
171 - Koji Uehara
174 - Yadier Molina
175 - Jared Hughes
176 - Nolan Reimold
176 - Nolan Reimold
179 - Denard Span
187 - Jose Altuve
191 - Angel Pagan
195 - Ben Zobrist
196 - Matt Joyce
197 - Brendan Ryan
200 - Miguel Cabrera
201 - Doug Fister
202 - Andre Carignan
205 - Justin Masterson
208 - Mark Reynolds
210 - Zack Greinke
211 - Kelvin Herrera
213 - Alex Avila
218 - Kyle Hudson
218 - Kyle Hudson
220 - Jay Bruce
220 - Jay Bruce
220 - Jay Bruce
222 - Chris Coghlan
223 - Joe Saunders
226 - Ryan Hanigan
228 - Brent Lillibridge
235 - Joe Benson
239 - AL batting average
241 - James McDonald
245 - Adam Lind
245 - Adam Lind
246 - Bud Norris
247 - Clay Buchholz
249 - Trevor Plouffe
255 - Scott Rolen
255 - Scott Rolen
255 - Scott Rolen
256 - Mat Latos
262 - Shaun Marcum
265 - Aroldis Chapman
265 - Aroldis Chapman
268 - Miguel Cairo
268 - Miguel Cairo
268 - Miguel Cairo
270 - Starlin Castro
272 - Nyjer Morgan
272 - Nyjer Morgan
274 - Alex Liddi
277 - Jeremy Moore
282 - Ryan Raburn
282 - Ryan Raburn
292 - Ben Revere
294 - John Axford
299 - Mitch Moreland
302 - AL Home Run Leaders
308 - Mike Leake
326 - Kevin Gregg
327 - Mark Kotsay
Gold Parallels
211 - Kelvin Herrera
272 - Nyjer Morgan
Classic Walk-Offs
CW3 - Johnny Bench
CW5 - Jay Bruce
CW15 - Derek Jeter
Golden Greats
GG33 - Mickey Mantle
GG41 - Cal Ripken
GG42 - Cal Ripken
Gold Futures
GF8 - Aroldis Chapman
Timeless Talents
TT1 - Molitor/Braun
TT13 - Larkin/Cabrera
Golden Moments
GM18 - Barry Larkin
GM28 - George Foster
GM31 - CC Sabathia
Gold Standard
GS7 - Frank Robinson
GS10 - Reggie Jackson
GS10 - Reggie Jackson
GS11 - Tom Seaver
GS11 - Tom Seaver
GS14 - Frank Thomas
GS22 - Nolan Ryan
87 Minis
TM-31 Brandon Phillips
TM-31 Brandon Phillips
TM-50 Curtis Granderson
WANTED CARDS
Colorful parallels of Reds and Tigers
Gold Standard
GS-2 Stan Musial
GS-15 Ty Cobb
GS-16 John Smoltz
GS-19 Andre Dawson
GS-23 Tom Seaver
GS-25 Willie Mays
Golden Moments
GM-1 Tom Seaver
87 Minis
I need almost all so please let me know what you have available and I'll get with you fast.
After the long list of available base cards and inserts is a much shorter list of cards I'm searching for. I hope we can work out a deal.
And, if you instead are searching for Heritage 2012, please direct me to your want list. I have plenty of Heritage but haven't cataloged them yet. I do however have a list of cards I need.
Thanks.
And, now, the base set...
Base Set Available
1 - Ryan Braun
1 - Ryan Braun
4 - Jeremy Guthrie
7 - Mickey Mantle
15 - Melky Cabrera
19 - Yonder Alonso
21 - Chris Iannetta
22 - Alfredo Simon
24 - Ike Davis
29 - NL Win Leaders
30 - Derek Jeter
32 - Detroit Tigers
41 - Devin Mesoraco
43 - Brett Wallace
51 - Alcides Escobar
56 - Geovany Soto
57 - Yuniesky Betancourt
66 - Nyjer Morgan
66 - Nyjer Morgan
71 - Jeff Karstens
74 - Kevin Correia
81 - Liam Hendricks
82 - Rick Porcello
84 - Brian Matusz
89 - Dontrelle Willis
89 - Dontrelle Willis
91 - AL Home Run Leaders
93 - Skip Schumaker
94 - Logan Forsythe
95 - Chris Parmalee
99 - Michael McKenry
99 - Michael McKenry
102 - Chase d'Arnaud
107 - Luke Scott
110 - Mark Teixeira
114 - Matt Garza
114 - Matt Garza
114 - Matt Garza
121 - Josh Bell
124 - NL batting average
125 - Adam Jones
125 - Adam Jones
125 - Adam Jones
130 - Asdrubal Cabrera
133 - Ivan Nova
135 - Johnny Cueto
135 - Johnny Cueto
135 - Johnny Cueto
136 - Casey McGehee
141 - Brandon Belt
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
142 - Travis Wood
143 - George Kottaras
144 - Marlon Byrd
146 - Carlos Gomez
148 - Chris Getz
151 - Chris Davis
151 - Chris Davis
166 - Brennan Boesch
169 - Brett Myers
171 - Koji Uehara
174 - Yadier Molina
175 - Jared Hughes
176 - Nolan Reimold
176 - Nolan Reimold
179 - Denard Span
187 - Jose Altuve
191 - Angel Pagan
195 - Ben Zobrist
196 - Matt Joyce
197 - Brendan Ryan
200 - Miguel Cabrera
201 - Doug Fister
202 - Andre Carignan
205 - Justin Masterson
208 - Mark Reynolds
210 - Zack Greinke
211 - Kelvin Herrera
213 - Alex Avila
218 - Kyle Hudson
218 - Kyle Hudson
220 - Jay Bruce
220 - Jay Bruce
220 - Jay Bruce
222 - Chris Coghlan
223 - Joe Saunders
226 - Ryan Hanigan
228 - Brent Lillibridge
235 - Joe Benson
239 - AL batting average
241 - James McDonald
245 - Adam Lind
245 - Adam Lind
246 - Bud Norris
247 - Clay Buchholz
249 - Trevor Plouffe
255 - Scott Rolen
255 - Scott Rolen
255 - Scott Rolen
256 - Mat Latos
262 - Shaun Marcum
265 - Aroldis Chapman
265 - Aroldis Chapman
268 - Miguel Cairo
268 - Miguel Cairo
268 - Miguel Cairo
270 - Starlin Castro
272 - Nyjer Morgan
272 - Nyjer Morgan
274 - Alex Liddi
277 - Jeremy Moore
282 - Ryan Raburn
282 - Ryan Raburn
292 - Ben Revere
294 - John Axford
299 - Mitch Moreland
302 - AL Home Run Leaders
308 - Mike Leake
326 - Kevin Gregg
327 - Mark Kotsay
Gold Parallels
211 - Kelvin Herrera
272 - Nyjer Morgan
Classic Walk-Offs
CW3 - Johnny Bench
CW5 - Jay Bruce
CW15 - Derek Jeter
Golden Greats
GG33 - Mickey Mantle
GG41 - Cal Ripken
GG42 - Cal Ripken
Gold Futures
GF8 - Aroldis Chapman
Timeless Talents
TT1 - Molitor/Braun
TT13 - Larkin/Cabrera
Golden Moments
GM18 - Barry Larkin
GM28 - George Foster
GM31 - CC Sabathia
Gold Standard
GS7 - Frank Robinson
GS10 - Reggie Jackson
GS10 - Reggie Jackson
GS11 - Tom Seaver
GS11 - Tom Seaver
GS14 - Frank Thomas
GS22 - Nolan Ryan
87 Minis
TM-31 Brandon Phillips
TM-31 Brandon Phillips
TM-50 Curtis Granderson
WANTED CARDS
Colorful parallels of Reds and Tigers
Gold Standard
GS-2 Stan Musial
GS-15 Ty Cobb
GS-16 John Smoltz
GS-19 Andre Dawson
GS-23 Tom Seaver
GS-25 Willie Mays
Golden Moments
GM-1 Tom Seaver
GM-42 Al Kaline
87 Minis
I need almost all so please let me know what you have available and I'll get with you fast.
4.12.2012
Cool Cards From Mr. Habit (update)
Update: This full post, I noticed an hour after posting, was cut at the end, thus not revealing the trump card. I'm reposting.
One of my favorite regular trading partners is a fine gent with whom I really don't even work out trades - Robert of $30 a Week Habit.
We just hold cards back for one another and send them after awhile. This time, we happened to do that about the same day - in fact I believe we did it the exact same day.
Robert came out on the short end of our latest exchange. I hope to make that up to him one of these times.
He sent the above Gypsy Queen bronze paper - perhaps my favorite insert set ever. I've been working harder lately to gather the bronze (and green) GQ paper frames and really should come up with a list of needs. If you have any available, please let me know.
Robert hit needs across several other areas - Reds, Tigers, Cubs - fun parallels, etc. and a SUH-WEET surprise I'll save for the end.
Here's the parade of fun.
Yes, Robert sent along the immediately above beauty from the Topps Chrome 2011 set that I'm closing in on. Awesome! What a great surprise to an already surprising package of cards.
Thanks again Robert!
Meanwhile, if anyone has Topps Chrome 2011 or needs some, check out the link and send me a note.
One of my favorite regular trading partners is a fine gent with whom I really don't even work out trades - Robert of $30 a Week Habit.
We just hold cards back for one another and send them after awhile. This time, we happened to do that about the same day - in fact I believe we did it the exact same day.
|
| I'm sorry, but this card is just stellar in every way. You cannot argue. |
He sent the above Gypsy Queen bronze paper - perhaps my favorite insert set ever. I've been working harder lately to gather the bronze (and green) GQ paper frames and really should come up with a list of needs. If you have any available, please let me know.
Robert hit needs across several other areas - Reds, Tigers, Cubs - fun parallels, etc. and a SUH-WEET surprise I'll save for the end.
Here's the parade of fun.
Yes, Robert sent along the immediately above beauty from the Topps Chrome 2011 set that I'm closing in on. Awesome! What a great surprise to an already surprising package of cards.
Thanks again Robert!
Meanwhile, if anyone has Topps Chrome 2011 or needs some, check out the link and send me a note.
4.08.2012
My Greatest Pack Pull Ever
Yesterday I was off doing my thing, running some errands in the town where I grew up - oil change, hair cut, returning library books, dropping three trade packages at the post office and stopping by Walmart to get a couple of things for a family dinner today.
I popped into the card aisle, with no plans to buy anything until Gypsy Queen comes out. I had already snagged plenty of Heritage even though I have no plans to collect it this year. (Speaking of which, if you need Heritage, please let me know and I think we can work out a deal. I have a chunk to trade.)
So, at Walmart, I decided to reward myself for some mini-good things of late and snag one of the value boxes with two packs of Heritage, a few backs of flagship and a special card of either Mays, Mantle or Griffey Jr. I pulled the Griffey, which is up for trade.
I took the value box to Subway for a bite of lunch and commenced opening packs. Three cards into my first pack out popped my best pull ever - by far. It was only the second auto I've ever pulled in a pack.
The first was this Ted Wills from last year's Heritage, a card I still have but would trade for a similar veteran Red, Tiger or Cub auto.
At Subway, sitting all alone in the restaurant, I stared at the card (featured below), not quite believing it even though I knew it was legit. I smiled and giggled - no, cackled! - and surely creeped out the nice woman waiting by the fixins for her next customer.
My first thought was "What an awesome addition to my collection!"
A few minutes later, I guessed this was probably a $50 card. Frankly, I don't know much about these things. I entertained no thoughts of selling it.
But, later, when I looked into it, I decided I couldn't keep this piece of cardboard. In a nutshell, it should fetch enough to pay for the insanely overpriced Cinderella breakfast we're taking my young daughter to next month during four days at Disney World - plus perhaps even one of our overnights. That could be a nice help.
As you can see, I pulled 01/25. A couple of others have sold on ebay for $175.
Truth is, I'm not much of an auto collector. I don't go out of my way to seek them. I would balk at paying much of anything to stand in line for an auto - even of a favorite player. In fact, at The National last summer, I chose not to pay $79 to get Al Kaline or Johnny Bench to sign a card. Those are two of my all-time favorites.
I did obtain a slew of autos at The National (see post) as part of my gifted ticket package - and it was awfully fun to do - but in general it's not my thing.
While having a Hall of Fame auto fall into your lap is pretty great, I'm thankful this card doesn't feature Ernie Banks or Kaline or Bench or Frank Robinson. It eases the guilt factor of pursuing the dollar over the awesome card. If one of those four had signed this card, I'd be deep in a heated internal struggle right now.
Thanks again to the bloggers - Dustin at Coot Veal, Robert at $30 a Week and Kyle at Juuust a Bit Outside, who saw yesterday's post and wrote me about ebay procedures. I'm leaning toward going this route and, if I do, I have a much better idea going in thanks to all of your help.
I popped into the card aisle, with no plans to buy anything until Gypsy Queen comes out. I had already snagged plenty of Heritage even though I have no plans to collect it this year. (Speaking of which, if you need Heritage, please let me know and I think we can work out a deal. I have a chunk to trade.)
So, at Walmart, I decided to reward myself for some mini-good things of late and snag one of the value boxes with two packs of Heritage, a few backs of flagship and a special card of either Mays, Mantle or Griffey Jr. I pulled the Griffey, which is up for trade.
I took the value box to Subway for a bite of lunch and commenced opening packs. Three cards into my first pack out popped my best pull ever - by far. It was only the second auto I've ever pulled in a pack.
The first was this Ted Wills from last year's Heritage, a card I still have but would trade for a similar veteran Red, Tiger or Cub auto.
My first thought was "What an awesome addition to my collection!"
A few minutes later, I guessed this was probably a $50 card. Frankly, I don't know much about these things. I entertained no thoughts of selling it.
But, later, when I looked into it, I decided I couldn't keep this piece of cardboard. In a nutshell, it should fetch enough to pay for the insanely overpriced Cinderella breakfast we're taking my young daughter to next month during four days at Disney World - plus perhaps even one of our overnights. That could be a nice help.
Truth is, I'm not much of an auto collector. I don't go out of my way to seek them. I would balk at paying much of anything to stand in line for an auto - even of a favorite player. In fact, at The National last summer, I chose not to pay $79 to get Al Kaline or Johnny Bench to sign a card. Those are two of my all-time favorites.
I did obtain a slew of autos at The National (see post) as part of my gifted ticket package - and it was awfully fun to do - but in general it's not my thing.
While having a Hall of Fame auto fall into your lap is pretty great, I'm thankful this card doesn't feature Ernie Banks or Kaline or Bench or Frank Robinson. It eases the guilt factor of pursuing the dollar over the awesome card. If one of those four had signed this card, I'd be deep in a heated internal struggle right now.
Thanks again to the bloggers - Dustin at Coot Veal, Robert at $30 a Week and Kyle at Juuust a Bit Outside, who saw yesterday's post and wrote me about ebay procedures. I'm leaning toward going this route and, if I do, I have a much better idea going in thanks to all of your help.
4.07.2012
ebay: Are You Experienced?
I've read plenty of comments and posts over the past year about the, ahem, thrills of selling on ebay. I've made passing note of them but never had any desire to do so myself, so I didn't pay a lot of attention.
But now I'm considering throwing some cards up there and giving it a whirl. I guess, what I'm wondering, is just how difficult it is to get started doing this. I thought I'd ask here before taking a deeper look at the site and trying to figure it out.
You see, today I pulled a very nice card - certainly the best one I've ever opened in a random pack - and I'm toying with the idea of selling it. I'll feature the card later today or perhaps tomorrow - or possibly even Monday depending on how busy Easter gets for me. Normally I'd never consider selling such a card - but I just might with this one for various reasons.
I would post it here now but I haven't had a chance to scan it.
Stay tuned, but any helpful ebay comments would be great.
But now I'm considering throwing some cards up there and giving it a whirl. I guess, what I'm wondering, is just how difficult it is to get started doing this. I thought I'd ask here before taking a deeper look at the site and trying to figure it out.
You see, today I pulled a very nice card - certainly the best one I've ever opened in a random pack - and I'm toying with the idea of selling it. I'll feature the card later today or perhaps tomorrow - or possibly even Monday depending on how busy Easter gets for me. Normally I'd never consider selling such a card - but I just might with this one for various reasons.
I would post it here now but I haven't had a chance to scan it.
Stay tuned, but any helpful ebay comments would be great.
4.04.2012
Heritage 2012: I Have Some
This is just a quick notice for anyone who needs Heritage 2012. I have a few dozen for trade. I'll get a list up soon but first wanted to ask those looking for some to feel free to direct me to your want list and I'll look to see what I have right away.
For now, Heritage cards that I want are posted here.
Oh, and I also have a Clubhouse Collection Josh Hamilton bat relic and James Shields jersey relic. For those, I'm seeking any CC jersey relic of the players below. Thanks.
CCR-AC Aroldis Chapman
CCR-AM Andrew McCutchen
CCR-BPH Brandon Phillips
CCR-FH Felix Hernandez
CCR-JBR Jay Bruce
CCR-JM Joe Mauer
CCR-JV Justin Verlander
CCR-MC Miguel Cabrera
CCR-MK Matt Kemp
CCR-MR Mariano Rivera
CCR-PF Prince Fielder
CCR-SC Starlin Castro
CCR-TT Troy Tulowitzki
For now, Heritage cards that I want are posted here.
Oh, and I also have a Clubhouse Collection Josh Hamilton bat relic and James Shields jersey relic. For those, I'm seeking any CC jersey relic of the players below. Thanks.
CCR-AC Aroldis Chapman
CCR-AM Andrew McCutchen
CCR-BPH Brandon Phillips
CCR-FH Felix Hernandez
CCR-JBR Jay Bruce
CCR-JM Joe Mauer
CCR-JV Justin Verlander
CCR-MC Miguel Cabrera
CCR-MK Matt Kemp
CCR-MR Mariano Rivera
CCR-PF Prince Fielder
CCR-SC Starlin Castro
CCR-TT Troy Tulowitzki
4.03.2012
Cardboard Hero: Joe Greene 1979
Football!?
Yep.
I don't often blog about football cards - an exception being when I was giving away late '70s and early '80s football cards last May or so.
But I collected football cards as a kid and those particular cards mean a lot to me. I really only cared about finding Steelers but I held onto about everything I opened.
The Steelers were my team. Still are - and, I reckon, always will be. Sure, the Colts moved to my homeland Indiana a few years later - but by then the Steelers were firmly entrenched as my favorite. Nowadays, I cheer for the Colts as long as they're not facing the Steelers. And, I've always had a soft spot for the Lions and Packers, for various reasons.
One of my favorite football cards from my collection as a youth is this very card.
Mean Joe Greene was the Steelers to me. He was the icon. Sure, others thought that way about Terry Bradshaw - and I liked him, too - but it was Mr. Greene who was the face of the franchise to me. Well, Mr. Greene and Jack Lambert - and, OK, Franco Harris and Jack Ham and Rocky Bleier and Mel Blount and John Stallworth.
This card is certainly my favorite Joe Greene card - perhaps largely because this was the first set I collected. 1979, incidentally, is also the year this iconic TV ad appeared.
Greene's given name is Charles Edward Greene, by the way. He got the "Mean Joe" because his alma mater, the University of North Texas, is nicknamed the Mean Green. "Joe" comes from, well, beats me.
Time marches on. Greene, widely considered one of the greatest defensive linemen ever, and a cornerstone of the Steelers' legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, is now 65. He was an assistant NFL coach for 16 years before becoming special assistant for player personnel for the Steelers in 2004 - and then winning two more rings in that capacity.
Like many of my favorite cards, the close tie-in with my youth and entry into this awesome hobby means a great deal and I'm sure many such cards will be shown over the life of "The Cardboard Heroes" - my developing blog feature created to help me keep track of my all-time favorite cards.
Joe Greene 1979, a true cardboard hero.
Yep.
I don't often blog about football cards - an exception being when I was giving away late '70s and early '80s football cards last May or so.
But I collected football cards as a kid and those particular cards mean a lot to me. I really only cared about finding Steelers but I held onto about everything I opened.
The Steelers were my team. Still are - and, I reckon, always will be. Sure, the Colts moved to my homeland Indiana a few years later - but by then the Steelers were firmly entrenched as my favorite. Nowadays, I cheer for the Colts as long as they're not facing the Steelers. And, I've always had a soft spot for the Lions and Packers, for various reasons.
One of my favorite football cards from my collection as a youth is this very card.
This card is certainly my favorite Joe Greene card - perhaps largely because this was the first set I collected. 1979, incidentally, is also the year this iconic TV ad appeared.
Greene's given name is Charles Edward Greene, by the way. He got the "Mean Joe" because his alma mater, the University of North Texas, is nicknamed the Mean Green. "Joe" comes from, well, beats me.
Time marches on. Greene, widely considered one of the greatest defensive linemen ever, and a cornerstone of the Steelers' legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, is now 65. He was an assistant NFL coach for 16 years before becoming special assistant for player personnel for the Steelers in 2004 - and then winning two more rings in that capacity.
Like many of my favorite cards, the close tie-in with my youth and entry into this awesome hobby means a great deal and I'm sure many such cards will be shown over the life of "The Cardboard Heroes" - my developing blog feature created to help me keep track of my all-time favorite cards.
Joe Greene 1979, a true cardboard hero.
Kimball Champions: Revisited
The idea of a miniature baseball card, I must admit, never much appealed to me in my collecting youth. But after my return to the hobby earlier this year, Kimball Champions soon arrived and I was hooked.
I had found my mini-set to collect.Sure, most folks go on and on about the 1987 minis in the latest base offering, and sure they're pretty nice - especially the Reds, Tigers and Cubs in that insert set - but I was out of the hobby long before 1987 and have no personal connection to it or the reincarnation.
Besides, I need to focus and I'm honing in on finishing the Kimballs. Here's what I still need:
96, 101, 104, 107, 141, 147, 149
If you find yourself with any of these strays, please let me know. Recently, Mark - the Cynical Buddha of Collector's Crack fame sent me Kimball Danny Duffy in a larger trade package I hope to mention soon. Thanks Mark!
While I know some have complained that the Kimball card stock is not thick enough, it works fine for me. Mostly, I'm drawn to the art - both the close-up and the action down low.
Wouldn't you love to be the person who helps Potch complete his first insert set ever? I mean, can you imagine the glory and fame (and special blog post) that would come with that!?
Not really my problem, fella, but good luck all the same. Besides, methinks you're exaggerating about the glory and fame.
Here's how a page looks, almost completed, in a binder. Pretty, I think. One of those slots is filled now, but #96 eludes me to this day.
4.02.2012
Fun-Time Baseball Hall: Your First-Ballot Padres
And, now, somewhat belatedly but without further adieu, introducing the newest members of the Fun-Time Baseball Hall. Per our rules (see bottom of post at the link in the next paragraph) four from the San Diego Padres are first-ballot inductees.
But wait! A caveat to the rules is that first-ballot inductees must garner at least 50% of the votes. Thus, just three Padres will be inducted in Year One. Oh, sorrowful Padres.
But wait, again!
You said no further adieu!
Hold on. Just a wee bit of adieu. If you haven't done so, go vote now, please, for the Cleveland Indians in the poll after reviewing this post.
And now, the Fun Timers, Padres style - Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman and Mr. Dave Winfield! Editor's Note: Reminder that players must be away from designated franchise for three full seasons, thus the great seasons of Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy (remember when he was so good?) were not under consideration.
Gwynn played his entire 20-year career (1982-2001) for San Diego. Leads the Padres in career average, hits, runs, RBIs and stolen bases. He made his name as one of the most consistent contact hitters in the game's history. He hit .338 for his career and won eight National League batting titles.
Gwynn is, without a doubt, the face of the Padres franchise.
Pitched for the Padres from 1993-2008. Pitched in 2009 and 2010 for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was the first player to reach the 500- and 600-saves milestones, and was the all-time saves leader from 2006 until 2011, when Mariano Rivera surpassed him.
Played first eight seasons (1973-80) of a 22-year career with San Diego. Played for the Yankees (1981-88, 1990), Angels (1990-91), Blue Jays (1992), Twins (1993-94) and Indians (1995).
Winfield was the first player to enter Cooperstown wearing a Padres cap.
The voting breakdown. Better luck next year, Randy, Nate and the Friars!
Nate Colbert - 6 (27%)
Rollie Fingers - 8 (36%)
Steve Garvey - 4 (18%)
Tony Gwynn - 21 (95%)
Trevor Hoffman - 18 (81%)
Randy Jones - 9 (40%)
But wait! A caveat to the rules is that first-ballot inductees must garner at least 50% of the votes. Thus, just three Padres will be inducted in Year One. Oh, sorrowful Padres.
But wait, again!
You said no further adieu!
Hold on. Just a wee bit of adieu. If you haven't done so, go vote now, please, for the Cleveland Indians in the poll after reviewing this post.
And now, the Fun Timers, Padres style - Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman and Mr. Dave Winfield! Editor's Note: Reminder that players must be away from designated franchise for three full seasons, thus the great seasons of Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy (remember when he was so good?) were not under consideration.
Tony Gwynn (OF)
Gwynn is, without a doubt, the face of the Padres franchise.
Trevor Hoffman (RP)
Dave Winfield (OF)
Winfield was the first player to enter Cooperstown wearing a Padres cap.
The voting breakdown. Better luck next year, Randy, Nate and the Friars!
Nate Colbert - 6 (27%)
Rollie Fingers - 8 (36%)
Steve Garvey - 4 (18%)
Tony Gwynn - 21 (95%)
Trevor Hoffman - 18 (81%)
Randy Jones - 9 (40%)
| Ryan Klesko - 2 (9%) |
| Phil Nevin - 2 (9%) Benito Santiago - 4 (18%) Eric Show - 0 (0%) Garry Templeton - 4 (18%) Dave Winfield - 15 (68%) |
And here are the other members of the Hall, so far! I'll add the incoming Padres here soon. | ||
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