Play at the Plate

Barely functioning

2012-01-27T11:06:00.000-06:00

I finally broke down and went to see the doc this morning. I then went to Target to drop off my prescription and pick up some card therapy. I used a $20 gift card to pick up a discounted value pack of 2011 Chrome ($6.94 instead of $8.99), a Fairfield Jumbo and a Fairfield 10 pack repack. Mojo to follow (hopefully).

Tobacco Road

2012-01-26T17:30:00.001-06:00

I'm always impressed with the generosity I find among other bloggers. Eric from Manupatches and Mustaches continued that great tradition of generosity last week. Eric had a series of posts describing a lot of early 1900s Tobacco Cards he got for a steal. I commented that I'd be happy to trade for one if he had any dupes. I've always wanted a real tobacco card, even it wasn't a baseball player. Well, Eric sent over 18 cards! I was blown away. Heck, I'm still blown away and I've been looking at these things for more than a week.

I'm just going to show a couple today. In my current sickly state, I only managed to get two scans done.

I regret not scanning the backs of these amazing little cards. This is a 1924 Player's Cigarettes Russian Relief Forces card. It is #9 in a series of 50 Army Corps & Divisional Signs. This card highlights a Russian Army unit that fought in Northern Russia 1919 and 1920.

The Australian Open is going on right now. That's why I chose this card out of the package. It's a 1936 Player's Cigarettes Miss Mary Heeley. This is card #6 of 50 in a series simply called "Tennis". It tells how England's former #1 tennis player, Miss Heeley, hits her forehand. I'll bet all of today's top players use these cards as a training reference. Well, maybe not.

Eric, thanks so much for the amazing cards! I look forward to showing a few more of them off.

Topps' Diamond Giveaway site is back up

2012-01-26T13:12:00.001-06:00

It's regurgitating 1987 cards like it's, well, like it's 1987.

Hello, Bueller, Bueller, anyone? That's what I thought. Well, at least I can order my last few cards.

I still can't find my flash drive.

I need a 10 count

2012-01-26T10:06:00.002-06:00

I don't what hit me, but it must be what's going around the blogosphere. I took a hit of Nyquil last night and just woke up, nearly 12 hours later. I'm going to try to schedule a few posts before the medicine wears off.

Has anyone seen my flash drive?

Music to my ears

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000-06:00

I may be in the minority, but I was happy to hear that Prince Fielder signed with someone besides the Rangers. I would rather he stayed in the N.L., but at least he's not in the A.L. West. Now the Rangers shouldn't have to let a good number of other players walk so they can pay the Princely sum for Fielder.

I promised some music related autos, so let's get to it. I'll start off saying Country Music is most definitely not my favorite, despite being from Texas, so I'm not sure why I requested a couple of these. You know, other than the cute factor.

Trisha Yearwood, 8X10 color photo. Trisha Yearwood was a pretty big music star in the mid 90's. She put out albums from 1991 until 2001 and then took a four year hiatus. She made a comeback in 2005 and put out a couple of albums up to 2008. She is married to Garth Brooks. She has a pretty nice signature.

Amy Grant 8X10 black and white photo. Amy Grant is the biggest selling Christian artist of all time. She has sold more than 30 million albums and has won 6 Grammys. She has put out 15 regular albums and 4 Christmas albums. She is married to Vince Gill. She has a nice signature too.

Faith Hill 8X10 black and white photo. Faith Hill was just getting her career going when I got this photo back in 1995. Now, 18 years after she released her first album, she's sold 40 million records (I know, they're not records anymore) and is married to Tim McGraw, son of former major leaguer Tug McGraw.

I don't know what's coming up next. I'll surprise you.

What do these guys have in common?

2012-01-25T12:00:00.001-06:00

Come on, take a guess.

Bronson Arroyo

Jeff Karstens

Ryan Dempster

Wandy Rodriguez

You can do it. I'll give you one more hint. These next two guys are half as happy as the guys above.

Yovani Gallardo

Chris Carpenter

Ok, I'll tell you. They are all happy they won't be facing Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols in the N.L. Central in 2012 and beyond.

A little Rant

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've got a real rant coming. This isn't it. This is a small trade I made with Trey over at Rants, Reviews and Fandom. He recently posted the cards he got in a mini-box of 2011 Bowman Sterling. Seeing as how I don't buy cards that come in mini-boxes (unless you count blasters and value boxes), I've never purchased any Sterling. I jumped at the opportunity to trade for the lone Ranger (yes, I did) he pulled.

These dual swatch cards that have two of the same color swatches seem pointless to me, but this one cost me a Lance Berkman jersey so it was a good trade for both of us. This is the Alexi Ogando XFractor version which is #105/199.

Trey threw in a couple of other Rangers, including this shiny 2010 Bowman Chrome Ian Kinsler. I like these simple, straightforward trades. Thanks Trey!!

By the way, there are a couple of other deals I'm gathering cards for so if you're expecting cards from me, I'm working on it!

Some stars shine brighter than others

2012-01-24T17:30:00.000-06:00

I grew up in the age of the sitcom. My earliest television memories include The Facts of Life, Different Strokes and What's Happening. I loved M.A.S.H. and watched I Dream of Jeannie reruns. If you ever saw Barbara Eden in that Jeannie outfit you'd love her too.

During my early attempts at the TTM game, I sent away to many sitcom stars. The return rate wasn't great, but I did get some nice autos back in the mail.

I never got Barbara Eden's auto. I just thought we could all use a little Jeannie.

Dinah Manoff 8X10 black and white photo. Dinah Manoff was in a number of movies, but it was Empty Nest (1988-95) that led to this request. I sent a letter to her co-star Kristy McNichol too, but didn't get anything back.

Joanna Kerns 8X10 black and white photo. I loved Growing Pains (1985-92) and Joanna Kerns was one of the original hot moms. Who didn't want a friend with a mom like Maggie Seaver?

Patricia Richardson 8X10 black and white photo. Home Improvement was one of my favorite sitcoms during it's orignal run (1991-99). I actually received two autos from Richardson, each one on the same photo.

Debbe Dunning 8X10 Color photo. Debbe Dunning wasn't the original Tool Time girl, but I think she's way better than the original one. It might have something to do with Pamela's history. Debbe didn't just send love, she included the ever popular X's and O's.

Christina Applegate 8X10 black and white photo. Christina Applegate played the very naughty, very dumb Kelly Bundy on Married With Children (1987-1997). Kelly and the show were pretty popular among my Navy buddies. I actually have watched a few episodes of her new show, Up All Night. She stars along side Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph. She and Arnett have good chemistry and some funny lines. I'm not sure about the authenticity of this autograph. Look at the next one and you'll see why.

A second request to Christina resulted in another return with the same picture and a different signature. This one matches up pretty closely with the way her autograph looked at the time. The first one I showed looks like it was signed by someone in the middle of an earthquake. It doesn't match up at all.

That's it for now, although I forgot one sitcom auto. I'll pair it up with another one in a different post.

Up next, a trio of musical ladies.

Sparkly, Shiny and See-through

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Diamond King recently had his "End of the Year Mega-Contest". The first round was a lot of Will Clark cards and reader Jeff Pedersen won the lot. He later emailed me that he saw my comment about Will Clark being my favorite player and offered to trade me some Clarks for some Cubs. I'm down for that deal anyday.

The Sparkly: 1996 Skybox Metal

Metal has always been one of the stranger sets out there, but it kind of grows on you after a while. At least in moderation. I remember opening boxes of this and just being overwhelmed with too much of the weird backgrounds.

The Shiny: 1995 Bowman's Best

This is a really nice card and I'm digging the 1995 All-Star patch on Will's sleeve.

The See-Through: 1999 Skybox E/X Century

This is one of those funky acetate cards. I'll never get used to seeing Will in an Orioles uniform.

The Non-Will card: 2009 Topps Ian Kinsler Wal-mart black parallel

Hey, it can't be all Will Clark, all the time. Unless...never mind. It looks like Ian is running into a black hole. I hope that's not what happens if the Rangers sign Cecil...I mean Prince Fielder. I'm afraid that would mean ultimately losing many of the current players as their contracts run out.

Thanks for the great cards Jeff! I hope you enjoyed the Cubs.

Topps, get with the program

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

This is not a post about Topps decision to include SSPs with Series 2 numbers in Series 1 packs. If you're surprised by Topps antics and gimmicks at this point, well, you shouldn't be.

This is about the fact that I've been trying since Saturday to request shipping on my last lot of cards from the Diamond Giveaway Site. I know most of you don't care or have wrapped up things on the site already, but it's been down since at least Saturday morning.

Part of the message on the site says, "Our IT department is working diligently to restore the site for your enjoyment!" How diligently can they be working if the site has been down for 3+ days?

Seriously, if you're IT department is that crappy, there are plenty of out of work IT people out there that could probably do better.

He gives a hoot

2012-01-23T17:30:00.000-06:00

I received a package from the one and only Night Owl earlier this month. Night Owl and I don't really trade cards anymore. I send him stuff, he sends me stuff. I like it better that way. No pressure.

I looked through the package Greg sent and as I looked over the players the Rangers had from the mid-80s to the early 90s, it became clear why they never made the playoffs. I love my Rangers still and I'm glad to have every one of them.

I picked out 4 cards to show off so let's get to it.

I got all gushy over my Rangers and I lead off with Will Clark. What can I say, I'm a nutty guy. Night Owl almost always includes at least one Will Clark card in his package to me. He detests the Giants and feels pretty much the same way about Will Clark, which works out great for me. I know one of these days there won't be one single Will Clark in Night Owl's house unless it is in a complete set. That's too bad.

Greg always seem to pull out a vintage Ranger too. This 1973 Bill Fahey fits into the Ranger collection AND the catcher collection.

I never get tired of seeing the old school Rangers logo on cards. Jon Matlack is one of the guys I remember from when I first started following the Rangers. I never knew his middle name was Trumpbour. You can find out some interesting stuff if you actually read the back of cards.

I didn't scan the front because it's no different, but as you can see, this is the 2011 Lineage Venezuelan Ian Kinsler. I don't think I have any other Rangers' Venezuelen parallels from Lineage. You know, just in case you might have one.

Thanks again Night Owl. I'm sure another package will be headed your way before too long.

How much sparkle is too much sparkle?

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

The answer is...there is no such thing as too much sparkle.

I recently picked up almost a case worth of Diamond Anniversary and Liquorfractors from Mike over at Sports Syzygy. The thing is, I'm not going to show you even one of those cards. The reason is that Mike sent over a short pile of vintage and oddball greats. I picked out the most colorful cards I could from the package.

"I'm not cranky, I just don't like airbrushed caps." That's a made up quote, but it might be what's on Bill Hands' mind on this 1975 Topps. Go here for a real write up on this card.

"I can't believe the color combo Topps stuck me with!" Maybe that's a made up quote, but that's what I hear Len Randle saying on this 1975 Topps card. Want to see a quality write up on Mr. Randle. Go here.

Even now, having seen it many, many times, I'm disturbed by Pete Broberg's hair. It's unsettling. If you haven't clicked on the other two links, I should tell you I'm sharing one of my favorite blogs with you. It's not active now, but it does highlight a great set.

Let's end on a HOF note with this super 1975 Topps Fergie Jenkins. There aren't a lot action shots in the '75 set so one like this really stands out. Feel free to check out that '75 blog one more time. If you missed out on it during it's first run, go click on some links. You'll be glad you did.

Mike, thanks for the amazing extra cards. I truly appreciate it!

From the Olympics to I can't believe I watched that show

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

The release of 2012 Topps gets closer with each passing day, which is good because I can't stomach what I see on the card aisle right now. Let's pass a little time with two more autos from my old binder.

I actually got this Mary Lou Retton auto in person. I have no idea what the event was, but I'm guessing Tyson chicken was sponsoring her appearance. In case some of you youngsters are unfamiliar with Mary Lou, she won the 1984 Olympics All Around Gold Medal in gymnastics. She also picked up two silvers and two bronzes in those same games. You can still request her autos TTM through her website.

I actually watched the first 3 or 4 seasons of Beverly Hills 90210. According to my records, I wrote to all the women on the cast, but the only response I got was from Jennie Garth. She was my favorite anyway. Beverly Hills 90210 was on from 1990 to 2000 and Jennie appeared in 292 episodes. She also appeared in 20 episodes of the comeback show, 90210, in 2008.

Next on the auto front are some sitcom stars.

How do you update your wantlists?

2012-01-22T16:25:00.001-06:00

When I finally did my Rangers wantlists, I wrote them as Word documents then copied and pasted them into my "Wantlist" posts. The problem I'm having is keeping the lists updated.

How do you update your lists? Do you just update the list itself? I feel the need to update my Word document first and then copy and paste it all over again. It's actually a hassle because I have to be at a specific computer to update the lists.

I feel like there is a simpler way to do this and I'm just not seeing it.

The envelope please...

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

How about another short round of celebrity autos?

Only one of these actresses has won an Academy Award. Do you know which one?

Nicole Kidman's big Hollywood break was playing the role of Mrs. Tom Cruise in real life.

I got this 8X10 photo back on November 21, 1994.

Meg Ryan was the queen of romantic comedies beginning with 1989's When Harry Met Sally and running through the 1990's.

I received this picture back on November 12, 1994.

There were a number of celebrities that I wrote to a second time if I was successful the first time. Meg was one of the people who responded both times.

It's a little sad that both of these beautiful ladies have resorted to plastic surgery in recent years. Sometimes it doesn't work. That's just my opinion of course. I'm more into the natural look.

If you guessed Nicole Kidman as the Oscar winner, you are correct. She won the Best Actress Award in 2002 for The Hours.

Feeling Presidential

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of the GOP debates. I'm sick of politicians making promises they KNOW they can't keep. I'm sick of people voting for those politicians because of those promises, even though they KNOW the politicians won't keep the promises.

I'm just sick of politics period.

I still love Presidential cards and this one is just about as good as they come (unless you have that 2011 Ginter Bush auto which I really, really want).

I picked up a lot of presidential cards on the blowout forums recently and the seller contacted me about this beauty, which I snapped up.

This is a 2004 Topps Presidential First Pitch George W. Bush relic card. It contains an "authentic Yankee Stadium seat", most likely a piece of the seat one of the vendors sits on down in the bowels of the stadium.

The card commemorates President Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2001. The country was still in turmoil after 9/11 and baseball was doing it's part to heal a wounded nation. This is a nice keepsake from a time in our history when everyone was behind the people in New York.

I don't know exactly how many cards make up this set, but I did find a John F. Kennedy and a Howard Taft on COMC. This is a set I would love to put together.

Better late than never

2012-01-20T17:30:00.000-06:00

I promised to post the "hit" from my "I'm Weak" value box. The SOPA/PIPA protest, coupled with my day off, conspired to delay that post a couple of days. It's here now so I you can finally breathe.

That my friend, is a piece of cloth that was personally sweated on by none other than young fireballer, Clayton Kershaw. Not in a real game mind-you, but in some MLB Festivities. Sweet mother of all Cy Young winners.

I actually got something other than a base card from the Bowman Chrome pack this time.

It's a gold refractor Khris Davis #3/50. This is why I don't prospect. I have no idea who this kid is.

I'm going to stay strong until 2012 Topps comes out. After that, I can't promise anything.

You've got mail

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Or soon will if you and I were dealing and you live in the following zip codes:

81039
67335
06489
73026
23223
50112
49001
77381

If we're dealing and you don't see your zip code, I spent some time yesterday pulling cards for a few people.

I mailed those packages out on the 18th. I've received my end of a number of those packages and I'll be getting those posted next week. Except for this one from Jeff over at Cardboard Catastrophes, which is getting posted right now!

First up is a 2011 Bowman Chrome Zach Cone Purple Refractor. I could have picked any number of cards to post first. Why pick Cone, a guy I've never heard of you ask. It's purple and shiny and I'm a child when it comes to shiny things. I love 'em.

Here is more shiny in the form of one of those exclusive to somewhere Diamond Stars Josh Hamiltons. That thing should come with sunglasses or a warning not to take it outside in the sun.

Jeff outdid himself with a couple of nice vintage cards.

Here is a 1964 Topps Jim King I can knock off my Senators want list.

We'll wrap this up with Jim Hannan, circa 1963. Look at him, rubbing up the new bal with an expression that says, "Hey Mr. Batter, I own the plate so back it up!"

Thanks for the great cards Jeff. I look forward to trading again somewhere down the road.

A day off

2012-01-19T15:12:00.000-06:00

I work nights. Most of you know that. What you may not realize is how amazing it is to have a day off during the middle if your week when you work nights. You get to sleep all night and the next day, when you're used to be tired, you're wide awake and ready to go.

Today, I was ready to do something I almost never do: blog from home. I had my scans ready and some post ideas. I sat down at the computer and realized I couldn't access the Internet. I reset the wireless network and the modem. Nothing. I called my ISP. They were unable to "communicate" with my modem.

The diagnosis was a cable modem that had died.

Now I'm not sure what made me madder. The bad modem or a wasted afternoon of alone time to blog. I opted to use the 2+ hours to sort through some cards looking for some trade material.

If any of you tech minded folks has a tip or suggestion about my modem, feel free to share it. I'm the least tech minded person I know so any tips would be appreciated.

I'll be back to work tonight and hopefully have some regular posts ready for you tomorrow. I hate doing these from my phone. This little keyboard is annoying.

Joining the Fight--ON STRIKE Against SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T02:58:00.003-06:00

I can't say it any better than this guy, so I won't even try.

Contact your Congress person before it's too late. You can reach them or get more info through this link.

Throwing trades against the wall to see what sticks

2012-01-17T17:30:00.000-06:00

I want to request the rest of my Diamond Giveaway cards so I can wrap it up for this year. I had a couple of people tell me they had vintage cards they didn't want if I wanted to trade my junk wax for their vintage. You don't have to twist my arm.

I made a few offers for the cards they had available, knowing they would accept them. Well, one of my trades got accepted by someone else.

I offered up a 2007 Michael Young for a 1971 Mets Rookie Stars Tim Foli/Randy Bobb rookie card and it was accepted by a random person. You just never know what kind of offers will be accepted.

If anyone else has any vintage cards they don't want to get shipped, let me know. I'll offer you some junk wax for it.

I'm weak...

2012-01-17T15:18:00.000-06:00

I'm a weak, weak man. My son had a $10 Walmart gift card and wanted to trade it to me for cash to spend at a video game store. Instead of using it for groceries, I bought another one of these "value boxes".

It was rescued from the trash heap of futility by a pack with an All Star workout "relic".

Anyone care to guess who I pulled?

I'll post a scan tonight.

Feelin' my Oates

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

I met Johnny Oates just prior to the 1995 season, his first as the manager of the Texas Rangers. He was appearing at a card show and there was no line. I got him to sign a ball, which I still have, and talked to him for about 5 minutes. I wished him luck with the upcoming season and went on my way.

Oates led the Rangers to their first playoff appearance in 1996 and then had the team in the playoffs again in 1998 and 1999. Oates was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. He died on Christmas Eve, 2004 after a three year battle with cancer. The Rangers retired his number in 2005, placing it along side the number of Nolan Ryan as one of only two Rangers retired numbers.

I decided last year to try to put together a complete Johnny Oates collection, knowing it wouldn't take many cards to complete. Little did I know how tough one card would be to get.

I finally got someone to accept my offer for his 1973 Topps card. Yesterday I picked up the 1978 Oates in a trade. I have offers out for the 1977 and 1981. I think it will be nice to have a complete Oates (player) collection. I haven't had the opportunity to interact with many professional athletes or managers and he was one of the truly nice people I've ever met in that type of situation.

RIP Johnny.

Is anyone else having problem leaving comments?

2012-01-17T00:27:00.001-06:00

Every time I try to leave a comment tonight, it says "redirecting" and just sort of hangs up.

Is anyone else having trouble? Of course, if you are, I guess you won't be able to comment and tell me.

Blogger fun!

Interview with a Packsearcher: Postscript

2012-01-16T17:30:00.000-06:00

I appreciate the positive response to yesterday's post about the Interview with a Packsearcher. You should know confrontation isn't my style, but I get tired of those guys.

Speaking of confrontations, I got an email late Sunday from a guy who read the post and said he sometimes searched packs, didn't see anything wrong with it and would be inclined to kick my a** if I confronted him that way. I told him I didn't like packsearching, I did see something wrong with it and I'm 6'3" and weigh 250+ pounds so I would be inclined to let him try to kick my a**.

As for the whole "getting the manager" routine, I don't talk to managers about the packsearchers anymore. They don't care. Those packs/blasters are brought in by distributors and Wal-mart/Target doesn't have anything to do with them except to sell them. They just don't care. The distributors don't really care either. I've talked to two different distributors who stock those shelves and they even laugh about guys bringing in scales to weigh packs. I've seen blasters that were opened and the distributors say they just write them off. I have yet to run into anyone involved in the process who cares.

Just keep in mind that retail, while the only option for many of us, is a crapshoot. Hits are few and far between, even if your card shelves haven't been ravaged by packsearchers. Check your blasters to make sure they are sealed with the manufacturers plastic wrap. After reading some reports earlier last year about the overwrap being taped shut, I've started checking any blasters I buy. I haven't seen that yet, but it won't surprise me if I do.

Having said all that, I'm going through a little pack ripping withdrawal. I need some 2012 Topps or better yet, a discounted blaster.

The deadline approaches

2012-01-16T12:00:00.001-06:00

It's coming.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012. 4 PM Dallas Time.

The Yu Darvish deadline.

The Rangers have until the Wednesday deadline to sign Yu Darvish. Apparently Yu likes the Rangers professionalism and the Rangers like his...potential. The only real sticking point is the number of years on the table. The Rangers want six, Darvish wants five. It seems he wants to get into free agency sooner rather than later. Whatever. Five years seems like a long time away, although the older I get, the faster time seems to be slipping away.

The Rangers also met with Scott Boras and Prince Fielder on Friday.

I have a couple of problems with this. One, Scott Boras. I can't stand him. Two, if the Rangers sign Darvish and somehow mangage to sign Fielder, that probabaly means they don't get Hamilton, Napoli or Kinsler back. Kinsler has a club option for 2013 and I have to wonder if they feel he's worth $10 million. I love Josh Hamilton, but his injury history is a big consideration.

The Rangers do have that 20 year, $3 billion deal with Fox Sports Southwest. An extra $80 million a year won't hurt the ability to sign players. I just wonder how much is too much.

So where do you think Fielder will end up?

Lady Gaga is an imitator

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

The response to these celebrity autos hasn't been overwhelming, but that's ok. I'm trying to get through until the new products come out and until the Rangers sign Prince Fielder and Yu Darvish things are getting thin around here. I guess I need to hunt down some more packsearchers.

Today's post is musical in nature. Lady Gaga is hailed today as someone who is chameleon-like and changes constantly. Well, she has nothing on the original musical chameleon.

Madonna's debut album came out when I was 12 and she was THE musical superstar during my teen years. Am I proud of that? Not really, but I was a fan when I was younger. My musical leanings have shifted in the many years since I left teendom, but at the time, she was it.

I received these two 4X6 postcards in the mail sometime in early 90's.

This one is a little smeared and it smeared on the back of the black and white one. The ink is clearly there on the back. Someone didn't let them dry. Way to go Madonna! Like many of the autos you get TTM, it's hard to say if they are authentic. Not long after I got these, I took them to a shop that sold memorablia and autographs and the guy there said they were real and offered to buy them from me. Obviously, I opted to keep them.

These next four are being shown for The Cardboard Godfather. I read a comment he wrote on someone else's celebrity post. The post wasn't about Debbie Gibson, but his comment was, so here you go Don!

I didn't know then that you could use baby powder on glossy cards to prevent that smear. Debbie Gibson is just a few days younger than me, so I guess she was more in my wheelhouse than Brooke Shields.

Interview with a packsearcher

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Thursday I ran across another packsearcher in my local big box store. I wasn't even going to go down the card aisle, but as I walked by I saw him doing his business and I just couldn't help myself. I had to confront him. What you'll be reading is a fairly accurate transcript of our "interview".

The setting is the card aisle. The players: Me, a 41 year old Brad Pitt type (not really). Him, a 50ish Nick Nolte mug shot type (really).

Me: What are you doing?

Him: (blank stare)

Me: You do realize you're getting sloppy seconds right? Those packs have been manhandled quite a bit. (I really said that. He was searching the gravity feeders of Update and Ginter, both having been there for weeks.)

Him: You never know what might still be here.

Me: Why do you do that?

Him: Why do you care?

Me: I'm just curious.

Him: Sometimes you can find jersey cards in the packs.

Me: Can you show me how?

Him: No.

Me: Why not?

Him: Because you'll get the good stuff.

Me: What good stuff? Those packs have been there for a month.

Him: I know. I haven't found anything.

Me: Do you ever find anything?

Him: Not much. Everyone beats me too it.

Me: Not everyone is a packsearcher.

Him: I'm not a packsearcher.

Me: (Rolls eyes and prepares to unleash the beast) Yes you are. I watched you bending the packs and running your filthy fingernail down the pack. You're ruining the cards. The cards my son spends his hard earned money on. You're not even finding anything.

Him: (speechless)

Me: What do you do if you find anything good? Sell it?

Him: No way, I'm a collector!

Me: No, you're a packsearcher. Guess what.

Him: What?

Me: You suck. I'm going to get the manager.

Him: So what.

I walked away, not intending to get the manager, and I looked back to see him scurrying toward the other exit. Unfortunately, my phone was dead or I would have taken a pic of him for your viewing displeasure.

I'm going to continue to give these guys grief when I see them. They don't deserve to sit there unchallenged. The stores may not care. The manufacturers may not care. I care.

I almost missed it

2012-01-14T17:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to a number of you bloggers who know more about cards than I'll ever know, I look at cards closer than I used to and I see things I used to miss.

Take this 2001 American Pie Thurman Munson I posted a few days ago.

I usually look at my posts once they hit the blogwaves to see if I need to correct some grammar or take out an extra word. I did need to edit this post, but while I was looking at it, I noticed something I hadn't noticed before.

Munson is in position with glove raised as if to receive the pitch. But look, he already has the ball! I don't know what Munson's caught stealing percentage was, but it probably helped to already have a ball ready to throw out would be base stealers!

It's still weird to see Munson without the mustache. I hope you're having a great weekend!

I had a ticket to the All-Star Game

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Back in 1995, the Texas Rangers hosted the MLB All-Star Game. The Ballpark in Arlington opened in 1994 so it was only natural that the All-Star Game would be held in the beautiful new stadium.

I wasn't a season ticket holder or a big corporate sponsor so I had to find another way to get a ticket. The Rangers held a lottery to distribute whatever measly quantity of tickets they were allowed to sell to the common folks. I only requested one ticket and somehow got picked. I had a sweet seat in Section 33. Somewhere I have a picture of me holding that ticket.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the game. A group of my Navy buddies were getting together in Vegas for a fun-filled weekend reunion. I thought the Rangers would get to host another All-Star game soon and I sold my ticket to a friend and went to Vegas. It was great to see my buddies again, but I've always regretted not going to that game.

I missed a couple of historic events by not going to the game. First, Hideo Nomo became the first Japanese player named to the All-Star Game. Second, the National League only had three hits, but they were all homeruns (Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza, Jeff Conine). It was the first time all of any team's hits had been homeruns. The National League won the game 3-2.

At some point during the 1995 season, the Rangers put out a game program that highlighted the coming game. I thought it would be nice to get the Rangers who appeared in the 1995 All-Star game to sign it. Unfortunately, I never could catch Kenny Rogers or Ivan Rodriguez signing at the ballpark.

I decided to get any Ranger I could to sign the program.

I only managed to get Mark McLemore and Roger McDowell to sign the program before the season was over. Not exactly the two guys I wanted, but not a bad piece for my collection.

I just wish I had that ticket stub and all the memories of being at the game.

I'll take that offer any day

2012-01-13T17:30:00.000-06:00

Like last year, I've been trying to consolidate my portfolio on the Diamond Giveaway site. I don't have nearly as many cards as I had last year, but I want to turn what I do have into the best vintage I possibly can before I request shipping the final lot. I'm still a bit peeved at Topps for limiting the orders to 25 cards or I would have had the ones I wanted shipped already.

I was checking to see if any of my trade offers had been accepted last night when I saw someone had made this offer for my "not ever going to be shipped" 1992 Topps Barry Bonds.

Hmmm, a 1976 Garry Maddox for ANY Barry Bonds? I'll take it, thank you very much.

I'll probably get the Maddox shipped, but I would have let Barry slip back into the Topps Vault where it doesn't belong.

By the way, I'm trying an experiment on the site which I'll share if successful.

Have a great weekend!

What can I say, they love me

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

I got quite a laugh out of Hackenbush's comment on my A Tiger and Two Chicks post yesterday. What can I say, the girls love me. It says so right there on the picture. I'm not making this stuff up.

Ok, maybe they don't all love me.

Kathleen Turner only gives me best wishes and she didn't even really do that much. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that sig is done with some type of auto-pen or printer. Close-up it doesn't look real at all.

My Cousin Vinny's girlfriend, Marisa Tomei loves me.

Like most of my TTM requests, I didn't include a picture. Marisa's "people" picked out a pretty sultry shot to use for fans. I'm not complaining.

You may have noticed there is a theme to most of the celebrity autos I've shown so far. That theme: hotness. The next auto doesn't really fit into that theme.

Don't get me wrong, Teri Garr is a pretty lady. Not to mention, she also loves me.

The reason I sent a TTM request to Teri was that I had just watched Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I sent requests to Garr and Richard Dreyfuss. I never got anything back from Dreyfuss.

I know I promised a sports auto with each group, but I need to scan a few more items. I'll make it up to you this weekend. Feel better now? I thought you would.

Original Pie

2012-01-12T17:30:00.001-06:00

I was looking through my rolling 3 drawer storage container for some trading material to get caught up on those "my bad" trades. It's been a long time since I looked through that container and in the top section I found an opened box of this stuff:

It's the original, 2001 American Pie. I'm telling you right here, right now, it's better than the 2011 version. I found this description of the 2001 version on BaseballCardPedia.com

"2001 Topps American Pie 150-card set released June 15, 2001. The brainchild of Florida Hobby store owner and Topps consultant Alan Narz, American Pie was a hybrid baseball/non-sports set designed to captured the essence of America at the height of the Baby Boomers Era of the '60's and '70's.

The first 115 cards in the set features Major Leaguers who played in the era, #116-#140 features historic events and #141-#150 features American icons of the '60's and '70's.

Each 24-pack Hobby box should yield at least one autograph or relic card.

American Pie can be seen as the first product the successfully incorporated non-sports subjects into a mainstream baseball card set -- a trend that would continue throughout the decade."

You may remember this post where I showed the relic I got from this box. Here are just a few of the cards from the original pie.

Historic Events

Atomic Bomb Test Ban Treaty--Now that's some heavy subject matter for a "sports" card.

U.S. Troops in Vietnam--More heavy material. Let's lighten things up with this next one.

Woodstock--Can you imagine the debauchery that's hidden in that photo. The nudity, the drugs, the stench!

American Icons

James Dean--All this time my Mother-In-Law has been trying to get one of these out of Americana and I had one in my office. She's getting this one tomorrow.

Jimi Hendrix--I guess it's appropriate that he has the "Purple Haze" border.

Janis Joplin--Janis could be one of the naked people in that Woodstock card above.

Major Leaguers

This, my friend, is why the 2001 American Pie is better than the 2011 American Pie. That's right, baseball players.

Thurman Munson Profiles in Courage--Aside from a great photo, these cards can teach you things. Things like Thurman Munson becoming the first Yankees captain since Lou Gehrig. I had no idea. These Profiles in Courage inserts fell 1:8 packs.

Willie Horton--I don't know if you can tell, but Willie's helmet is seriously beat up. The first thing that catches my eye is Willie's awesome 'stache. The second thing that catches my eye are the orange pants on the gentlemen on the left. Nice.

Bill Buckner--Some people have Bette Davis eyes. Some people have Andy Etchebarren eyebrows.

Johnny Bench--You just can't go wrong with Johnny Bench in my book. I think Bench was filming a Krylon paint commercial in this shot. I wonder how many youngsters won't get that reference.

There you have it. A small piece of the original Pie. I hope you enjoyed it.

A Tiger and two Chicks

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

I told you yesterday about my old binder of autos I found. I have a few sports autos in it and while they last, I'll mix them in with the celebrity autos in an effort to keep a sports theme going around here. One thing I find a little sad about these autos is how organized I was about the whole process. I didn't keep track of my early attempts, but later I wrote down when I sent the request, what (if anything) I got back and the date of the return. If I was that organized with my card collection....well, let's just say I'm not.

How about we start with the ladies.

Brooke Shields, 4X6 black and white postcard.

Brooke was right in my wheelhouse. She is 5 years older than me and was around 16 when the Jordache Jean ads came out. My 11 year old self didn't know why at the time, but he liked Brooke. Still do actually.

Cheryl Tiegs, 8X10 black and white photo

The first time I recall seeing Cheryl Tiegs was on the 1983 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. My dad had an SI subscription and dumped a stack of SIs on my bed one day. He either forgot to take this issue out or he was trying to tell me something. I wish I still had that issue.

Now for the sports auto. I almost used this as a contest...you know, guess the auto. I decided against it because I never would have guessed it if I hadn't gotten it in person.

I was at one of the games between the Tigers and Rangers in May of 1995. I didn't normally carry items for the visiting team to sign because in most cases I didn't care to get any autos from them. On this day, Cecil Fielder was signing and the only thing I had was the Game Day insert from the program and Fielder was nice enough to give it a big bold black sharpie sig.

The Best Fake Auto I Ever Got

2012-01-11T17:30:00.002-06:00

I was going through the closet in the guest bedroom yesterday and I found a long lost binder. It wasn't full of amazing vintage cards, but rather something that occupied the collector portion of my brain during one those times when I didn't buy many cards. It was my binder of In Person/TTM Celebrity and Sports autos. The bulk of the autos came between August of 1994 and September of 1995. My interest in autos actually went started back in 1989 when I received the following item in the mail.

It was late 1989 and I had fired off a letter to President Bush about all the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's decision recognizing the rights of people to burn the U.S. Flag. I was young, patriotic and had been in the U.S. Navy just over a year. I didn't expect a reply, but I received this letter from the White House complete with President Bush's signature. I'm 100% sure this is one of those auto-pen signatures that many presidents use. It could also be printed directly on the White House stationary.

I've kept it in the original White House envelope all these years and even thought it's not a real signature, it's something I'm proud to have in my "collection".

It's John Hancock time

2012-01-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Wrong John Hancock.

It's that time of the year. The "Doldrums". No baseball. No new cards. I haven't even heard any good hot stove talk lately. I'm trying to get some scans done and I'm going to show off a few things I found. They were mine already, but I found them again and they involve a few "John Hancocks". I think I'll have the first one up later today and I hope you're not too bored by it.

Come on Spring Training!

Blogger APB

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dont' worry, this isn't becoming a hockey blog, I'm just using the doldrums of the off-season to do a little housekeeping.

I know one of the Hockey Card Bloggers is trying to build a complete set of these Upper Deck MVP Gold Script cards. Does anyone remember who it is?

I've got just one, an Alexei Zhamnov Gold Script #4/100.

I also have this 2001 SP Authentic Sign of the Times David Legwand auto if any of you hockey collectors is interested.

I don't know much about Legwand, but it's a nice on-card auto.

Let me know if you're interested.

The Mad Scientist wants to know

2012-01-10T17:30:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking of starting a Frankenset. I know some of you are working on Frankensets. The first one I remember hearing about was being put together by The King of Ponies.

My original idea was to do a play at the plate Frankenset. I don't think there are enough patp cards to fill out a whole set. I do think I could combine the patp cards with catchers wearing their equipment/in the position. By "in the position" I mean squatting down, generally on vintage cards and usually not wearing equipment.

My question is how many of you are working on Frankensets, what are they and what is your completion percentage? Ok, I guess that's really three questions.

I don't really know if it's worth the time and effort, but it does look like it could be fun. I'm just looking for a little feedback before I hire a hunchbacked assistant and rent out a laboratory to get started.

Barry Larkin is a Hall of Famer? Seriously?

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just kidding!

I will admit I had no idea he had 379 stolen bases. I guess it's out of sight, out of mind with some players. No offense to Barry or Nachos Grande.

Congrats Barry! Now admit it, he looks like a baby-faced badass on this card.

Letting someone else take the hit

2012-01-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

You know if you buy a new car, the second you drive it off the lot, it loses value.
If you buy a used car in good shape, then you can avoid taking the big hit on value and get more bang for your buck.

The same principle applies to cards. I recently spent $20 on a lot of cards from a seller on the Blowout forum. It's the same amount we spend on blasters all the time. It's the same amount I spent on what I once termed "the best blaster ever".

Unlike that blaster, this "blaster" I purchased was all about the shiny. Many of you purchased 2011 Topps Chrome blasters or packs. You might get one or two colored refractors. Take a gander at what I got for the same price as a blaster.

2010 Bowman Chrome Kellin Deglan auto--This would be a nice hit for a blaster, especially since it was a guy from my team. Don't worry, I'm not a prospector and Bowman Chrome is NOT why I bought this lot. It gets better.

2010 Topps 206 Ian Kinsler Blue Refractor #104/199--Yes, Ian looks a little silly, but it's an beautiful card and everyone knows blue refractors were made for the Rangers...and Dodgers...and???

2010 Topps Chrome Michael Young Gold Refractor #31/50. How many blasters did I buy wishing to pull something like this? I don't know and I'm glad you don't either.

2010 Topps Chrome Michael Young Blue Refractor #94/199. It's the start of a beautiful rainbow. Yes, that's the 2nd time I've used the word beautiful in this post. Make that the 3rd time.

2011 Topps Wrapper Redemption Ian Kinsler--That's not Chrome, but it's sparkly and it's my first and only wrapper redemption card.

2011 Gypsy Queen Ian Kinsler Sepia Mini #38/99--Ok, I know it's not shiny, but it's still a great addition to my collection.

I just had to show the back. Well, I didn't have to, but I scanned it, so you get to see it.

2011 Topps Chrome Brian McCann Black Refractor #49/100--No, it's not a Ranger and yes Captain Canuck, it is going in my catcher binder next to the gold one. I hid my catcher binder since I knew you were looking for it.

2011 Topps Chrome Elvis Andrus Blue Refractor #40/99--One of my favorite cards of 2011, it shows Elvis turning a double play against the Giants in the 2010 World Series.

2011 Topps Chrome Ian Kinsler Black Refractor #46/100--Another of my favorite cards from 2011 because of the angle of the photo, the swing and I think that's Joe Mauer behind the plate.

I got all that for $20, but wait there's more! Sorry, I was going for the cheesy informercial affect there...

The lot also included some future trade bait. I won't say what they are specifically, but the lot had:

1 2011 Topps Chrome Black Refractor #/100
1 2011 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #/99
4 2011 Topps Chrome Sepia Refractors #/99
2 2011 Topps Chrome Red Refractors #/25

Overall, I'd say that is a pretty good haul for $20. This is what I was referring to in my post earlier today when I said spending money on opening packs was a waste. I could never expect to get this lot of cards from a $20 blaster, but I picked it up for the same price after some guy took a bath on what must have been a case. I'll definitely be using the Blowout forums and other avenues to buy singles/lots that fit my collecting habits, but fear not dear reader.

I'm a sucker for busting my own packs, so I should still have plenty to trade. Heck, that's one of the best parts of having a blog anyway.

The fog is clearing

2012-01-09T12:00:00.001-06:00

I read your "collecting" resolution posts. I read your 2012 goals posts.

My mind was cluttered with so much pondering, pontificating and planning.

Over the weekend the fog started to clear and my plan for 2012 became a little clearer. This post helped a lot, although I don't think I'll be as resolved as Night Owl.

Looking back at 2012, I realize how much money I waste by approaching my collection in a haphazard manner. I don't think I can commit to NOT buying some of each product that comes out. I love opening packs too much for that. I do think I can commit to not buying blaster after blaster, value box after value box, because I really just don't need all the extra cards laying around. Not only that, but we all know, regardless how much fun it is to open packs, we almost NEVER get the cards we really, really want. I've probably had as much luck as anyone pulling hits for their own team (I got two Ranger hits in my Gint-A-Cuffs box last year), but more often than not, I feel let down by what I see at the end of the blaster. Still, it is SO MUCH fun to open packs. The unknown, the thrill of the chase. It's really an addiction.

I'm hoping to do a few things this year. I've got to do a better job of organizing what I buy, keeping my wantlists updated and keeping track of trades. It's a lot to do. I'll do my best, but I know myself. I'll fall behind. I always do.

You know the one thing I won't do this year? The one thing that is most important if I'm going to stay involved in this hobby. I won't stop having fun. I won't let the things I want to do, that I'll probably fail to do, stop me from the fact that opening packs, making trades and connecting with you fine people is fun.

After all, that's what cards are all about and if this hobby isn't fun, then you shouldn't be doing it.

I'll show you later today why spending money opening packs is wasteful if I can get the scans done. It's a fact, but it won't stop me from opening packs. It's just an option you should all keep in mind.

It's Random alright...

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

You may have seen a few other bloggers posting their share of the winnings from Josh over at Royals and Randoms. He held a contest and the winners got to draft and steal their way to a pretty cool little package of cards.

A little twist in the draft was you could steal one card from each player that had picked above you. Thankfully you could pick three of your cards to "lock" so no one could take those.

This is one of the ones I locked.

That's a very nice vintage catcher card of Ray Fosse, circa 1977. That's the same Ray Fosse that is getting bowled over by Pete Rose in my blogger avatar that shows up when I comment on or follow other blogs.

It's not often I run across a Will Clark card I don't have (although I don't really know since I don't have a wantlist/checklist for him). This is one that I'm about 99% sure I didn't have already.

It's a 1998 Donruss Preferred card. These came in 5 card tins and 100 of the 200 cards in the set were of the "Grandstand" (steel) variety like this one.

One of my picks in the draft was a "mystery" pick. It turned out to be a bunch of random 1994-95 NBA Jam Session cards. These over-sized cards are perfect for basketball players since they are so tall.

The best photo in the pack was this Chris Webber. It looks like that's Hall Of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon watching the finger roll from Webber.

Josh also included an assortment of random play at the plate cards, including this gem.

You may recall I mentioned that I didn't have this 1993 Stadium Club Bip Roberts play at the plate, but I really wanted it. Well, ask and you shall receive!

Thanks for the great contest and cards Josh!

My bad

2012-01-08T16:58:00.003-06:00

You don't see it as much as you used to, but do you remember when an athlete, let's say a wide receiver, would make a mistake and them make some gesture acknowledging he messed up? I don't know why, but that always irritated me. Millions of people are watching genius, WE KNOW YOU SCREWED UP!!

Well consider this my gesture acknowledging I screwed up.

If I asked about a card on one of your posts or we might have a trade in the early stages of being worked out AND I have not emailed you in the last 24 hours, then I probably dropped the ball on our deal.

I have a "pending trades" folder in my email and it got deleted when our system updated. Every email is gone so any pending deals got lost. I'm terribly sorry and hope we can get back on track to complete a trade.

Just let me know if we had a deal in the works. Thanks all!

Are there any Yankees fans who DON'T have this card?

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

I don't always post the cards I get in box breaks. Now that I have a scanner again, I'll probably rectify that oversight.

I was recently in a break that Kyle over at Just a Bit Outside held. He opened a box of 2011 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects and a box of 2011 Topps Chrome. I'm such a sucker for shiny that I couldn't resist another shot at some Chrome.

As it turns out, there were 4 autographs in the two boxes. I got two of them. One was a Mets prospect that I traded to Derek for this auto he got in the break:

I really have no attachment to this Hector Noesi auto, so if there are any Yankees collectors who are interested in trading for it, let me know.

My other auto was this Alexi Ogando. I think this is my third Ogando auto from Chrome breaks this year.

How many days until something new comes out?

Play at the Plate 29: Lonnie Smith vs. Brian Harper

2012-01-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

This the 29th play at the plate card I've hightlighted on the blog. This card was included in the package I mentioned yesterday from Robert over at Serial Numbered Insanity.

October 23, 1991
Minnesota Twins vs Atlanta Braves
World Series Game 4, Twins up 2-1

It's the bottom of the 5th inning and the game is tied 1-1. The Twins already lead the series 2-1 so Atlanta is desperate to win this game. Jack Morris is on the mound and Lonnie Smith steps to the plate. Smith singles to left and then steals second on a 2-0 count to Terry Pendelton. On the next pitch, doubles to deep center. Twins center fielder Kirby Puckett retrieved the ball, fired to relay man Chuck Knoblauch who fired to catcher Brian Harper. This is what happened:

Smith was OUT!! Pendleton advanced to third on the throw. The Braves failed to score this inning, but eventually did win the game to even the Series at 2-2.

Unfortunately for Braves fans, Jack Morris would come back and pitch a 10 inning shutout in game 7 to win the World Series for the Twins.

I don't just give stuff away

2012-01-06T17:30:00.000-06:00

Earlier today, I announced the winner of the January contest, but I don't just give stuff away. I've had some incredible luck with contests along the way too.

Take this amazing Troy Aikman card I won from Sam over at The Daily Dimwit.

It's one of those Super Bowl Legend Giveaway cards and it is nice. I didn't enter one single code on the football site, so it's nice to still get one of these cards.

There is also the amazing MLB World Series Tourney held by Nathaniel over at Uncle Doc's Closet. I was fortunate enough to pull out a third place finish this year. I think I got a first place prize though. I didn't count the cards, but there are way over 100 cards from my wantlists. When I get around to sorting them against my lists, I'm pretty sure he will have knocked off entire sets of Rangers. Here is a small sample of the cards he sent over.

This is great. It was folded up and laying on top of the cards. A box topper if you will. It's from the Fall 1990 Topps Magazine. I didn't know Nolan pitched 6 innings of a NLCS game with a broken heel.

This is one of those funky 1994 Topps Cyber Stat parallels. It projects what the player's final numbers would have been had the 1994 season finished normally.

This is a 1984 Fleer Dave Stewart. Stewart didn't have much success with the Rangers. This was a few years before his stretch of 4 consecutive 20+ win seasons with the A's.

Look at that awesome Rangers logo on this 1983 Fleer Bucky Dent. It looks like the kid over Dent's left shoulder is thinking "Bucky F'ing Dent".

Diamond Kings are cool and this 1982 Donruss DK Jim Sundberg is no exception. This one would look great with a blue sharpie auto from Sunny.

I wish I still had my old Rangers cap. It looked just like Fergie's cap on this 1982 Donruss card. I'm still amazed that Jenkins won 25 games for the 1974 Rangers. That's 25 wins out of 84 for the team.

Now we're getting into serious vintage territory. This is a 1977 Mike Bacsik. It may not seem like an important card to many, but I needed it.

It's 1976 all over again. Of course, I wasn't collecting then, but I wish I had been so I could have opened packs of this stuff. Clyde Wright won the A.L. Comeback Player of the Year in 1970 after improving from 1-6 to 22-12.

Now we start a nice string of funky 1975 Topps. We'll go from one of the All-Time Rangers in Tom Grieve...

...to a great Ranger rookie in Mike Hargrove.

I couldn't help posting these last three '75 cards. I just feel like 1975 Topps is too awesome NOT to post.

We'll finish up with this beauty from 1972.

That's no ordinary Topps card. That is a 1972 OPC Jeff Burroughs and it's a thing of beauty.

I want to thank Sam and Nathaniel for the great cards. I'll keep holding contests and I'll keep entering yours.

I got a 1963 card in a 2011 pack

2012-01-06T13:37:00.000-06:00

I resisted the temptation to open the 2011 Chrome Value Pack and Coot Veal will be getting that as part of his prize pack for the January contest.

Since I happened to be at Wally World, I rewarded my amazing willpower with a pack of Update. Did I need it? No. Did I NEED it? Yes.

The best card in the pack was a Diamond Giveaway code. I logged on on my phone and redeemed the card in the parking lot.

Yes, I do have a problem.

I was rewarded with Mr. Lee Walls, Los Angeles Dodger, circa 1963.

I win. (Ok, I know Topps really wins, but I already admitted I have a problem, so let me enjoy my self delusional life please!).

January Contest Winner

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

We have a winner!

The January contest had 56 entries plus another 25 bonus entries from my little hidden question in my Trying To Resist post.

Judging from the comments about 2012 Topps, it looks like many of you are pretty apathetic about it. That's understandable, but I'll get to that later. I know you're not here for statistics or commentary, so I'll get right to the video.

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Congrats to Dhoff over at Coot Veal and the Vealtones! I'll get a prize pack out soon!

Thanks again for all the participation.

A tale of two boxes

2012-01-05T17:30:00.002-06:00

One a blaster of Americana. The other a Topps Update Value Box.

I told you I was going to give my mother in law cards for a change and that's what I did. I gave her a blaster of 2011 Americana for Christmas. She had so much fun opening the first two blasters and she enjoyed this one too, but it didn't produce much.

The blaster had exactly zero parallels, zero James Deans and one relic.

She got a Movie Poster Deborah Kerr, #433/499. From Here to Eternity is one of the classics.

The other box was a 2011 Update Value Box. My oldest son bought this with a gift card he got for Christmas. He got only one code, although he's just reached 45 and didn't need it. I had to explain to him that the only other prize required 60 rings and the odds were long that he'd get one of those Mickey Mantle rings. He didn't pull much of note from the packs, but he did get a "hit".

This Troy Tulowitzki is his second All-Star Jersey card. It's not sparkly and numbered like the Konerko, but he didn't care. He said he's trade this one if someone has a Ranger card he would like.

So who wins, Americana or Update?

By the way, I'll be closing the contest tonight and posting the winner tomorrow. Thanks for all the entries so far!

Trying to resist

2012-01-05T14:58:00.001-06:00

I'm the worst when it comes to having unopened packs of cards around. I have very little willpower and even when I want to wait, I end up ripping the packs before I realize what I'm doing.

I picked up this 2011 Topps Chrome Value Pack as a possible prize for the January contest. That depends on the winner and if he or she wants it. This pack was marked down nearly $3 from the normal price. I thought was funny considering it was right next to a 2010 Topps Chrome Football pack that was still full price.

So here I sit, trying to resist the temptation to rip it! Everyone who answers the following question gets a bonus entry in this month's contest: If you win, would you like this value pack as part of your prize? I'm closing the contest tonight of you haven't entered yet. The winner will be posted in the morning.

Good luck!

You want cool?

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

(First off, I finally hooked up my new HP All-In-One Scanner, Printer, Copier. It was my Christmas gift. I've been without a scanner for almost a year and it was a PAIN in the blog. So that's cool, even though I still need to fine tune it since some of the scans are crooked. That's not really what this post is about.)

This guy has cool in spades. Ryan from This Card is Cool is MOVING to Japan. He's not going to visit, he's going to work. I went to Japan 3 times while I was in the Navy and while I enjoyed my trips, I could not live in a place so different from the U.S. Ryan is cool enough to pull it off.

I "purchased" the Rangers team lot from his big clearance, but that isn't what this is about. This is about another package of cards Ryan sent over. It was loaded with Rangery goodness.

If I ever get completely organized (don't hold your breath, I'm not) I'll know how many of these 2011 Topps Black Bordered Parallels I have in my collection. This is Darren Oliver #51/60. I am such a sucker for parallels.

Ryan sent another 2011 Topps Black Bordered Parallel to keep Mr. Oliver company. It was Mike Adams, #43/60. I thought Adams was going to be the closer in 2012, but then the Rangers went and signed Joe Nathan.

This card is a first for me. I've never even seen these 2005 Absolute Memorabilia Team Trios jersey cards. This one has Kevin Mench, Laynce Nix and David Delucci and is #41/50. I like that it has three different colored swatches.

Ryan sent something for my son's USA collection too. This is a 2009 Upper Deck Matt den Dekker jersey card. I don't know much about Matt, but he split the 2011 season between the Mets A and AA teams.

Brian Ragira was drafted by the Rangers in the 30th round of the 2010 draft, but is playing for Stanford. He was the 2011 Pac-10 Freshman of the year.

Ryan even gave me the Byrd. A 2009 Upper Deck Inkredible Marlon Byrd auto to be exact. This is my second or third Byrd auto.

Ahh Lineage. I like these 1952 Design autos and I like Matt Harrison. I've gotten his auto in person at a game and he seems like a nice guy.

I can't remember if this is my second or third silk card, but that points back to my organizational dysfunction. This is a 2011 Topps Update Series Arthur Rhodes silk #50/50.

Ryan, thanks for the great cards and best of luck in Japan!

I know it was a simple oversight

2012-01-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

Some of you forgot to enter the January contest. No worries, there is still time. I'll probably close this sometime tomorrow. Or tonight if I get bored with it.

I'm thinking of "bipping" the hell out of the last person on the randomization.

Would that be wrong?

(I don't have this card, but I like it!)

Insanity? Maybe to you.

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

Surely by now you've seen Robert's attempt at Serial Numbered Insanity. Maybe you don't know that he's willing to trade a serial numbered card he posts if you make it worth his while.

I've sent him a good number of cards for his project and he sent me back three great cards.

I'd love to get this Topps Chrome Heritage Rangers Danger card (644/1962) signed by Josh and Nellie. I'm really looking forward to 2012 and the Rangers winning the A.L. West again (hopefully).

Some guys will give you the shirt off their backs. Juan Gonzalez and Rafael Palmeiro gave Playoff the pants off their butts and Playoff cut the pants up and put little pieces on a card. This one is #106/400.

At this point, you're realizing something is missing from this post. You go back to the top, start reading again and discover that I said Robert sent three cards. He did. You don't get to see the third one until tomorrow.

Thanks for the great cards Robert!

I'm not a one-dimensional collector

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

I do prefer Rangers, but I like other players too. So long as they are catchers. Or Will Clark.

I recently picked up some nice additions to my Joe Mauer collection from a Twins guy. You might have heard of him, "e rayhahn, rayhahn". He won one of my contests not to long ago and sent along a little thank you package. It wasn't necessary, but I certainly do appreciate it.

I know what you're thinking. "Hey, that's not Joe Mauer!". No, it is not. It is a neat little oddball Nolan Ryan. It looks like it might have been cut from a 1991 Fleer box because it has a blank cardboard back. I can say with out a doubt that I did not have this in my collection.

I'm guessing this 2008 Upper Deck Joe Mauer shows the end result of a play at the plate. I can't tell anything about the game, the date or the player involved, but I'm thinking he was out considering Joe is showing the ball to the ump.

The surprise of the package was this little beauty. It's a 2008 Allen & Ginter mini Joe Mauer jersey complete with pinstripe. I never bought any A&G back in '08 and this is a really nice addition to my Mauer collection.

David, thanks so much for the generous package. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2012.

January Contest

2012-01-03T17:30:00.000-06:00

I've been racking my brain trying to think of some type of contest. I don't usually have too much trouble coming up with something, but this time I've been drawing a blank. The cop out is to ask about 2012 Topps, which releases just under a month from now.

So what are your plans for 2012 Topps?

**Yes, I can't wait!

**No thanks, I'm tired and apathetic towards new cards.

**Sure, why fight it, it's the only game in town.

**Other.

You don't have to use my suggestions, just leave a comment and I'll randomize the names for the winner.

I know you want to know what the prize is and I'd like to tell you it's some 2012 packs, but they aren't out yet. I'll probably give some of those away next month. This month you'll have to settle for some randomness which will include a pack or three and some cards that meet your general interests if possible. Vague enough for you?

By the way, I'm still working on the plan for picking a winner for the Year End Contest for 2011. I'm hoping to get a really nice prize for that.

You following this?

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

The ambitious Night Owl has two new blogs and they are both live. LIVE I TELL YOU!

1971 Topps

1985 Topps

If you weren't following his 1975 Topps blog, you really missed out. Don't miss these two. I'm sure they'll be just as fun.

GCRL kicked off another blog as well.

Timeless Teams

Apparently these Dodger bloggers have too much to say for one blog to handle. I'm glad, because I can't get enough good blogging and these three should really be fun to read.

If you're not already following these new blogs, what are you waiting for? You'll be missing out if you don't follow them and you don't want to miss out in 2012. Trust me.

Completion rocks

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just after Christmas I posted about my son's "loaded blaster". Several people generously offered to trade him the last two rings he needed to get the special edition set, but he had 43 unique rings and couldn't trade rings. He just needed two more codes. He got a few more loose packs of Update from his grandmother, but no more codes.

A generous reader using the name Zippy Zappy commented on that post and he emailed one code, quickly followed by another. He didn't ask for anything in return and I'm extremely grateful for his generosity. My son happily entered the codes when we got back from our trip.

The first code gave up some vintage, circa 1965.

Somehow getting a Giant isn't so bad when it's 47 years old. Of course, my son only cared about the ring. He got the Tampa Bay Rays which he needed. Only one more to get to 45!

The last code gave up a less than stellar card.

No one would be overly thrilled by a 1999 Johnny Damon. Honestly, the card didn't matter. What mattered was the ring, which turned out to be a Frank Robinson. That was quickly converted to an Athletics ring and the quest was over.

Today we requested shipping on the set and 24 cards (all free shipping!) and he's very excited.

Thanks Zippy Zappy! You really made his day and that's saying something this time of year.

Stay tuned for the January Contest later today.

In Memoriam---2011

2012-01-02T17:30:00.000-06:00

My apologies for the lateness of this post. I was working on it before I went on vacation last week and couldn't finish in time to schedule it. I have to recognize baseball-almanac.com as I got the list from their site and used them to look up the information about the players. Amy omission of pertinent career information is my mistake and not intentional. I just wanted to briefly recap those former major leaguers who passed in 2011.

Major League Baseball Players Who Died in 2011

Player Position, Date of Death (Debut Year-Final Year)

Ryne Duren P, 01-06-2011 (1954-1965)

"(Ryne Duren) quickly became the most feared reliever in the league. 'Blind Ryne,' who had uncorrected vision of 20/70 and 20/200, would frighten hitters when he entered the game, squinting toward home through bottle-thick glasses. He enhanced the effect by intentionally throwing his first warm-up pitch back to the screen. Initially, it may not have always been planned; while in the minors his control was so erratic that he once hit the on-deck batter." - Author George D. Wolf on BaseballLibrary.com

Played in 311 games with the Orioles, Athletics, Yankees, Angels, Phillies, Reds and Senators. Duren posted a record of 27-44 with 57 saves.

Francisco de la Rosa P, 01-06-2011 (1991)

Played in 2 games for the 1991 Orioles.

Red Borom 2b,SS, 3b, 01-07-2011 (1944-1945)

Played in 62 games for the Tigers.

Jose Vidal OF, 01-07-2011 (1966-1969)

Played in 88 games for the Indians and Pilots

Dave Sisler P, 01-09-2011 (1956-1962)

Played in 247 games with the Red Sox, Tigers, Senators and Reds. Sisler posted record of 38-44 with 29 saves in 656.1 IP.

Roy Hartsfield 2b, 01-15-2011 (1950-1952)

Played in 265 games for the Braves.

Perry Currin SS, 01-17-2011 (1947)

Played in 3 games with the St. Louis Browns.

Al Grunwald P, 01-18-2011 (1955,1959)

Played in 9 games for the Pirates and Athletics

George Crowe 1B, 01-18-2011 (1952-1961)

Played in 702 games with the Braves, Reds and Cardinals. Hit .270 with 467 hits and 81 homers in his career.

Jose Ortiz OF, 01-20-2011 (1969-1971)

Played in 67 games for the White Sox and Cubs.

Gus Zernial OF, 01-20-2011 (1949-1959)

Played in 1,234 games for the White Sox, Athletics and Tigers. Hit .265 with 1,093 hits and 237 homers in his career.

Ron Piche P, 02-03-2011 (1960-1966)

Played in 134 games for the Braves, Angels and Cardinals.

Woodie Fryman P, 02-04-2011 (1966-1983)

Played in 625 games for the Pirates, Phillies, Tigers, Expos, Reds, Cubs and Expos. Fryman posted a record of 141-155 with 58 saves in 2,411.1 IP. He had 1,587 strikeouts.

Cliff Dapper C, 02-08-2011 (1942)

Played in 8 games for the Dodgers.

Tony Malinosky 3b, SS, 02-08-2011 (1937)

Played in 35 games for the Dodgers.

Chuck Tanner OF, Manager 02-11-2011 (1955-1962) (1970-1988)

Played 396 games with the Braves, Cubs, Indians and Angels. Managed for the White Sox, Athletics, Pirates and Braves. His managerial record was 1,352-1,381 and he won the World Series with the Pirates in 1979.

Gino Cimoli OF, 02-12-2011 (1956-1965)

Played in 969 games with the Dodgers, Cardinals, Pirates, Braves, Athletics, Orioles and Angels. He hit .265 with 808 hits and 44 homeruns in his career.

Joe Frazier OF, 02-15-2011 (1947-1956)

Played in 217 games for the Indians, Cardinals, Reds and Orioles.

Len Gilmore P, 02-18-2011 (1944)

Played in 1 game for the Pirates.

Forrest “Spook” Jacobs 2b, 02-18-2011 (1954-1956)

Played in 188 games for the Athletics and Pirates.

Buddy Lewis 3b, OF, 02-18-2011 (1935-1949)

Played in 1,349 games for the Senators. Hit .297 with 1,563 hits and 607 RBIs in his career.

Greg Goossen C, 1b, 02-26-2011 (1965-1970)

Played in 193 games for the Mets, Pilots, Brewers and Senators.

Duke Snider OF, 02-27-2011 (1947-1964)

Played in 2,143 games for the Dodgers, Mets and Giants. Snider hit .295 with 2,116 hits, 407 homers and 1,333 RBIs in his career. He was the Player of the Year in 1955 and played in 6 World Series with the Dodgers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Scott Cary P, 02-28-2011 (1947)

Played in 23 games with the Senators.

Bob McNamara IF, 03-09-2011 (1939)

Played in 9 games with the Athletics.

Mitchell Page OF, 03-12-2011 (1977-1984)

Played in 673 games for the Athletics and Pirates. Page hit .266 with 560 hits and 72 homers in his career.

Fred Sanford P, 03-15-2011 (1943-1951)

Played in 164 games for the Browns, Yankees and Senators.

Marty Marion SS, 03-15-2011 (1940-1953)

Played in 1,572 games for the Cardinals and Browns. Marion hit .263 with 1,448 hits and 624 RBIs in his career.

Tommy Dunbar OF, 03-16-2011 (1983-1985)

Played in 91 games for the Rangers.

Charlie Metro OF, Manager 03-18-2011 (1943-1945)

Played in 171 games for the Tigers and Athletics. Managed the 1962 Cubs to a 43-69 record and the 1970 Royals to a 19-33 record.

Bob Rush P, 03-19-2011 (1948-1960)

Played in 417 games for the Cubs, Braves and White Sox. Rush posted a 127-152 record in 2,410.2 IP. He had 1,244 strikeouts.

Tom McAvoy P, 03-19-2011 (1959)

Played in 1 game for the Senators.

Normie Roy P, 03-22-2011 (1950)

Played in 19 games for the Braves.

Tom Silverio OF, 04-02-2011 (1970-1972)

Played in 31 games for the Angels.

Eddie Joost IF, 04-12-2011 (1936-1955)

Played in 1,574 games for the Reds, Braves, Athletics and Red Sox. Joost hit .239 with 1,339 hits, 134 homers and 601 RBIs.

Reno Bertoia IF, 04-15-2011 (1953-1962)

Played in 612 games for the Tigers, Senators, Twins and Athletics. Bertoia hit .244 for his career.

Bobo Osborne 1b, 3b, OF, 04-15-2011 (1957-1963)

Played in 359 games for the Tigers and Senators.

Jim Heise P, 04-21-2011 (1957)

Played in 8 games for the Senators.

Bobby Thompson OF, 04-25-2011 (1978)

Played in 64 games for the Rangers.

Mike Krsnich LF, 1b,3b 04-30-2011 (1960-1962)

Played in 15 games for the Braves.

Duane Pillette P, 05-06-2011 (1949-1956)

Played in 188 games for the Yankees, Browns, Orioles and Phillies.

Carlos Pascual P, 05-12-2011 (1950)

Played in 2 games for the Senators.

Mel Queen OF, P, 05-13-2011 (1964-1972)

Played in 140 games as a pitcher for the Reds and Angels. Played in 53 games as an OF for the Reds.

Harmon Killebrew 1b,3b, LF, 05-17-2011 (1954-1975)

Played in 2,435 games (22 years) for the Senators, Twins and Royals. Killebrew hit .256 with 2,086 hits, 573 homeruns and 1,584 RBIs. He won the A.L. MVP in 1969.

Jim Pyburn 3b, OF, 05-21-2011 (1955-1957)

Played 158 games for the Orioles.

Paul Splittorff P, 05-25-2011 (1970-1984)

Played in 429 games for the Royals. He posted a record of 166-143 in 2,554.2 IP and struck out 1,057.

Bill Harris P, 05-28-2011 (1957, 1959)

Played in 2 games for the Dodgers.

Jose Pagan IF,OF 06-07-2011 (1959-1973)

Played in 1,326 games for the Giants, Pirates and Phillies. Pagan hit .250 with 922 hits in his career.

Jim Northrup OF, 06-08-2011 (1964-1975)

Played in 1,392 games for the Tigers, Expos and Orioles. He hit .267 with 1,254 hits, 153 homeruns and 610 RBIs.

Ted Gray P, Florida 06-15-2011 (1946-1955)

"He's (Ted Gray) tough. He's real quick and he has the moxie to throw the ball in there. He throws it and dares you to hit it. I like that in a pitcher. He's one of the toughest for me to hit." - Ted Williams in Baseball Magazine (October 1950)

Played in 222 games for the Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Yankees and Orioles.

Richie Myers PH,PR, 06-24-2011 (1956)

Played in 4 games for the Cubs. He only got one AB in his career, appearing once as a pinch hitter and 3 times as a pinch runner.

Elmer Sexauer P, 06-27-2011 (1948)

Played in 2 games for the Dodgers.

Billy Baldwin OF, 06-28-2011 (1975-1976)

Played in 39 games for the Tigers and Mets.

Don Buddin SS, 06-30-2011 (1956-1962)

Played 711 games for the Red Sox, Colt .45s and Tigers. Buddin hit .241 with 551 hits and 41 homers in his career.

Wes Covington OF, 07-04-2011 (1956-1966)

Played in 1,075 games for the Braves, White Sox, Athletics, Phillies, Cubs and Dodgers. Covington hit .279 with 832 hits, 131 homers and 499 RBIs in his career.

Dick Williams IF,OF, 07-07-2011 (1951-1964)

Played 1,023 games for the Dodgers, Orioles, Indians, Athletics and Red Sox. Williams hit .260 with 768 hits in his career. Managed from 1967-1988, including the Red Sox, Athletics, Angels, Expos, Padres and Mariners. Won two World Series with the A’s (1972 and 1973) Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.

Howard Hilton P, 07-12-2011 (1990)

Played in 2 games for the Cardinals.

Tex Nelson OF, 07-22-2011 (1955-1957)

Played in 79 games with the Orioles. This quote is pretty interesting, "Son (Tex Nelson), I ain't NEVER seen a baseball hit that hard or that far!" - Hall of Fame Pitcher Dizzy Dean (The Dallas Morning News, 07/27/2011) It’s interesting because he never hit a homer in the big leagues.

Mike Palm P, 07-24-2011 (1948)

Played in 3 games for the Red Sox.

Hideki Irabu P, 07-27-2011 (1997-2002)

Played in 126 games for the Yankees, Expos and Rangers.

Alex Pitko OF, 08-01-2011 (1938-1939)

Played in 11 games for the Phillies and Senators.

Joe Caffie OF 08-01-2011 (1956-1957)

Played in 44 games for the Indians.

Al Federoff 2b, SS 08-02-2011 (1951-1952)

Played in 76 games for the Tigers.

Joe Trimble P, 08-11-2011 (1955-1957)

Played in 7 games for the Red Sox and Pirates.

Bob Will OF, 08-11-2011 (1957-1963)

Played 410 games with the Cubs.

Ernie Johnson P, 08-12-2011 (1950-1959)

Played in 273 games with the Braves and Orioles.

Mike Flanagan P, 08-24-2011 (1975-1992)

"I could never play in New York. The first time I ever came into a game there, I got in the bullpen car and they told me to lock the doors." - Mike Flanagan in Baseball Digest .

Played in 526 games with the Orioles and Blue Jays. Flanagan posted a record of 167-143 in 2,770 IP and struck out 1,491. He won the Cy Young Award in 1979.

Frank Fanovich P, 08-27-2011 (1949, 1953)

Played in 55 games with the Reds and Athletics.

Jesse Jefferson P, 09-08-2011 (1973-1981)

Played in 237 games for the Orioles, White Sox, Blue Jays, Pirates and Angels.

Bill Taylor OF, 09-15-2011 (1954-1958)

Played in 149 games for the Giants and Tigers.

Danny Litwhiler OF, 09-23-2011 (1940-1951)

Played in 1,057 games for the Phillies, Cardinals, Braves and Reds. Litwhiler hit .281 with 982 hits and 107 homers in his career.

Eddie Bockman IF, 09-29-2011 (1946-1949)

Played in 199 games for the Yankees, Indians and Pirates.

Johnny Schmitz P, 10-01-2011 (1941-1956)

Played in 366 games for the Cubs, Dodgers, Reds, Yankees, Senators, Red Sox and Orioles. He posted a record of 93-114 with 21 saves and 86 complete games in 1,812.12 IP.

John Romonosky P, 10-02-2011 (1953-1959)

Played 32 games with the Cardinals and Senators.

Ralph Hodgin IF, OF 10-04-2011 (1939-1948)

Played 530 games for the Bees and White Sox.

Paul Martin P, 10-11-2011 (1955)

Played in 7 games for the Pirates.

Cy Buker P, 10-11-2011 (1945)

Played in 42 games for the Dodgers.

Don Williams P, 10-16-2011 (1958-1962)

Played in 11 games for the Pirates and Athletics.

Merritt Ranew C, 10-18-2011 (1962-1969)

Played in 269 games for the Colt .45s, Cubs, Braves, Angels and Pilots.

Roy Smalley SS, 10-22-2011 (1948-1958)

Played in 872 games for the Cubs, Braves and Phillies. Smalley hit .227 with 607 hits in his career.

Bert Cueto P, 10-25-2011 (1961)

Played in 7 games for the Twins.

Dave Cole P, 10-26-2011 (1950-1955)

Played in 85 games for the Braves, Cubs and Phillies.

"That's too bad (being sold to the Philadelphia Phillies). They're the only team I can beat." - Dave Cole in Baseball Digest (September 1955)

Ricky Adams IF, 10-28-2011 (1982-1985)

Played in 120 games for the Angels and Giants.

Mickey Scott P, 10-30-2011 (1972-1977)

Played in 135 games for the Orioles, Expos and Angels.

Bob Forsch P, 11-03-2011 (1974-1989)

Played in 509 games for the Cardinals and Astros. Forsch posted a 168-136 record in 2,794.2 IP with 1,133 strikeouts.

"They've been playing baseball one-hundred years and we're the first brothers to get no-hitters. We're proud of that fact. A no-hitter isn't easy. Two in one family is extremely rare." - Bob Forsch

Matty Alou OF, 11-03-2011 (1960-1974)

Played in 1,667 games for the Giants, Pirates, Cardinals, A’s, Yankees, Cardinals and Padres. Alou hit .302 with 1,777 hits and 427 RBIs in his career.

Benny McCoy 2b, 11-09-2011 (1938-1941)

Played in 337 games for the Tigers and Athletics.

Charlie Lea P, 11-11-2011 (1980-1988)

Played in 152 games for the Expos and Twins.

Nick Strincevich P, 11-11-2011 (1940-1948)

Played in 203 games for the Bees, Braves, Pirates and Phillies.

Sonny Dixon P, 11-19-2011 (1953-1956)

Played in 102 games for the Senators, Athletics, and Yankees.

Greg Halman OF, 11-21-2011 (2010-2011)

Played in 44 games for the Mariners.

Joe Lonnett C, 12-05-2011 (1956-1959)

Played in 143 games for the Phillies.

Bud Bloomfield IF, 12-21-2011 (1963-1964)

Played in 8 games for the Cardinals and Twins.

Each of these men played a role in making baseball the game we all love. Whether it was a one game stint or a Hall of Fame career, they are all Major Leaguers.

Rest in peace gentleman, we baseball fans thank you for your contributions to the Great Game.

Catching up is fun...and exhausting

2012-01-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm back from vacation and I needed to do some serious catching up on the blogosphere. I checked the old blogger dashboard and scrolled down to the last post I commented on before vacation started and it just so happened to be a 5 year anniversary post by the king of ponies and Cookies.

It took a while, but I worked my way through about 5 days of posts and left at least 60 comments (if I missed you, I'm sorry, I was really tearing through them by the end).

I was going to set some goals for 2012, but the way I see it, if I don't set any goals then I can't fail. Makes sense to me. Oh I guess I do have some goals, but they are just loosely floating around in the ether that is my brain. If I can get some of those thoughts collected, I may actually try to put them down on "paper".

I need to get the 2011 Year End Contest set up for all of last year's winners PLUS I need to set up a contest for this month, but I've been debating that and now it's too late to do it today.

I hope you're all doing well on the 2nd day of 2012 and please check out my post that will go up later today. It's not a contest, but I think it's worth at least a cursory glance.

Vacation is nice...

2011-12-31T20:57:00.001-06:00

I'm enjoying my time off, but I'm going through blog withdrawal. I've tried to read a few of your posts, but the wife is having none of it. I'll be reading through three days worth when I get back on Monday.

One thing I've realized on this break is how much I miss blogging. I know it's only been a few days, but I do miss it already. I thought about stopping altogether a couple different times this year and now I realize how hard it would be to walk away.

I'm looking forward to reading your year end posts when I get back.

Happy New Year everyone!

My son's loaded Update Blaster

2011-12-28T17:30:00.001-06:00

I bought my son one Update Blaster for Christmas. Let's just say that I made sure it was "loaded". He opened it and was opening the first pack when I slipped 7 extra Diamond Giveaway codes and one extra pack to the bottom of the stack. He never realized I did it and just thought he got "extra" lucky. At that point he still needed 14 rings to get to the magic number of 45 for the special edition Diamond Giveaway set.

There weren't any Legend SPs or overly exciting Sparklies in the box. He did get two packs of the Target Red parallels, but even he would rather have a regular pack. His manu-patch, which I mentioned yesterday, didn't thrill him too much.

It was Al Kaline, I believe the same one I used in a contest earlier this year.

The extra pack I slipped into his blaster was one that I got in a Value Box. It was as hard as a brick and I felt pretty sure it had a hit in it so I saved it for him.

It did have a hit. It was this Paul Konerko All Star Workout Jersey Sparkle Edition #58/60. He was pretty happy although he didn't know much about Konerko.

He pulled one code from the blaster plus the 7 extras I slipped in while he wasn't looking. He's too new to the collecting game to realize that I jury rigged the contents, but that's ok. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Counting the 4 codes from the other two blasters, that gave him a total of 12 codes to enter. Overall, I'd say he did pretty good with his codes considering he didn't get a Die-Cut. As a matter of fact, he hasn't gotten even one die-cut which is a little weird I think. Here, in reverse order of year, not the order redeemed, are the best cards he unlocked with his 12 codes.

1976 Jim Wynn--I had to tell him that I'd never heard of Wynn either, even though he has that cool All-Star star.

Sweet...Alou! 1973 edition. He knows I'm working on the '73 set so he said this one was for me. Good kid. Must be the great parenting.

1971 Denny Doyle. He looks like one of my college professors. Sorry, that's all I have for Mr. Doyle.

This one goes (or will go) right into the Senators collection. It's a very nice 1970 Topps A.L. ERA Leaders card. I told him Dick Bosman used to be a pitching coach for the Rangers, and Jim Palmer used to sell underwear (I told him the other stuff too) and Mike Cuellar would only take the ball back from Brooks Robinson. Read it here if you don't believe me.

Ummmm, Expos Rookies, vintage 1969. Hey, it's Vintage so we're happy.

1969 Duane Josephson. You know this card is going in the catcher binder. Yes sir.

Sweet burlap goodness in the form of a 1968 Willie Davis. Willie has a funny Texas Ranger story too. Read it here if you're so inclined.

This was actually the first card he unlocked. It also happened to be the oldest. It's a very uninspiring 1961 Jerry Staley. Nothing personal, but it's just not a great shot. It is however, 50 years old, so that is cool.

After some wheeling and dealing, we managed to trade his duplicate rings and he now has 43 rings. He needs two more to get that set. If anyone has a code or two they are willing to trade, let me know. You don't even have to mail the cards. Thanks!

I didn't get cards for Christmas, but my kids did

2011-12-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

**I'm on vacation the next three days. I've got a couple of posts scheduled and may make an impromtu post if I get the sudden desire to share something. One of my favorite parts of the blogosphere, leaving comments on YOUR posts, may also be sporadic to non-existent.**

It's well documented around here that my oldest son is the card collector in training in my house. My youngest is more into the Muppets and Harry Potter and that's just fine. That didn't stop Grandpa from buying each of them a blaster of Topps Update for Christmas. I bought my oldest son a blaster of Update too, but I'll show you that one tomorrow.

We'll kick it off with the true collector's blaster. My oldest wasn't too thrilled with the Manupatch he pulled in the blaster I bought for him. He looked at the checklist and said he would like to get the Nolan Ryan patch card. Well, he saved the "special" pack for last and this is what he found.

I have to say he was rather excited to see Nolan slide out of the pack. This is what makes collecing with him so much fun. I'm old and jaded and while I'd be happy to get Nolan Ryan, I'd still feel like it was just another manu-patch card. He didn't care. He just knew that he'd been hoping for a certain card and he GOT it. That was fun for both of us.

He also pulled three code cards from his 10 packs. I'll show his "results" from that tomorrow as well.

My non-collecting son did ok with his blaster. At least as far as his dad is concerned. He only managed to pull one code, which he promptly and charitably donated to his brother's quest for 45 rings.

He pulled one of the Blue Hope Diamond Parallels.

Unfortunately it was from the now-hated (ok, despised) Cardinals. Jon Jay, #29/60. He reacted pretty much the way I expected. "Huh, ok. There sure are a lot of packs in this box." He got tired of opening packs pretty quick. I'm thinking if I bought him a box of Harry Potter cards, he would be a little more enthusiastic.

He didn't care much for his manu-patch card either, but I was glad to see it.

Carlton Fisk. I love the 1954 Red Sox logo, but I'm not entirely sure why it was paired up with Pudge. That's Topps for you. Still, I managed to make a little "trade" for a couple of Josh Hamilton cards and this now resides in my Fisk collection.

Tomorrow I'll show the best cards from my oldest son's "loaded" Update blaster. It's worth a read if you have a minute to spare. Have a great day everyone!

I can't wait to "show" off what I got

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to set it up yesterday after going to three different houses.

My oldest did get a loaded blaster of Update. He got another blaster he hasn't opened yet and as of right now he's on 7 rings short of the needed 45 to get the Special Edition Set. If anyone has a code or two for trade, let me know.

I'm working the last couple hours of a double shift with another on the way tomorrow so I hope I can get a regular post up for tomorrow. On the bright side, I have three day soff coming up later this week, so it's not all work and no play for me.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Blogosphere!

2011-12-25T12:00:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas and remembers the true meaning behind the holiday!

Just a flesh wound

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to all of you who left such nice comments yesterday. My son's surgery went well and by the time we got home he was up and walking around on crutches like nothing happened. Basically, it all amounted to nothing but a flesh wound.

I'm sure it'll be sore for a bit and he's got about 6 weeks until the holes in the bones fill in, but he's well on his way to a full recovery.

Thanks again everyone.

I'll be back on Monday unless I can sneak a post in before then. Everyone have a very Merry Christmas this year.

Going under the knife

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's time for a little off-season surgery.

You might remember my son breaking his leg in a Little League game back in April. Well, right about now, they should be wheeling him back for surgery to remove the four screws they used to put his tibia back together. The break was right at the growth plate and the screws have to be removed so they won't inhibit his growth.

If you're the praying sort, send one up for him today. The doctor feels like the leg is completely healed and that's a good sign. Three or four days in a walking boot and six weeks for the holes in the bone to fill in and he should be better than ever.

Thanks.

Green with envy

2011-12-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

I recently bought a small lot of cards from a guy on the Blowout forums. Three green refractor parallels from 2011 Heritage were in the lot. I don't think I ever had any of these in hand before and they are really nice cards. I'm digging the super refractory backgrounds. The three that I received are below.

Michael Cuddyer, Twins

Xavier Nady, Diamondbacks

Alexei Ramirez, White Sox

If anyone has any Rangers from this set they are willing to trade, let me know. These three are available for trade.

The addiction to shiny to continues...

Does the Pursuit of Liquor mean I have a problem?

2011-12-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

If it does, I might just have a problem.

A couple of weeks ago, John of Pursuit of Red Sox posted some Topps Update that made it's way to merry old England. I happened to mention my affinity for all things shiny and lo and behold, John was kind enough to send me an early Christmas gift. A gift for which I will reciprocate of course.

Normally I save the best card in a package for last. This time, in trying to keep the tie-in with the title of the post, I thought I would show you the Liquor I mentioned.

Someone pour me a shot of Bob Gibson please. That's one smooth Liquorfractor. It goes down nice and easy, but if you crowd the glass, it'll burn a bit.

This very nice 2011 Heritage Hamilton will be going for another TTM attempt this Spring. I think Josh's scribble will look nice on this one.

That my friends, is the answer to the question, "How do you throw a knuckleball?" Charlie Hough was already 41 when this 1989 Bowman card hit the shelves. I'm 41 and I think it would sweet to still be playing in the Majors at this age. Or any age for that matter.

John, thanks a bunch. Now that I have your address, I'll get this package out to you.

A whirling Darvish

2011-12-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

So let me get this straight.

You won't give this guy $75 million over 5 years. Yes, I know he wanted to play in SoCal.

But you'll pay $51.7 million JUST to negotiate the POSSIBILTY to give this guy $60-80 million over 5 years.

I understand the skills Darvish possesses are supposedly off the charts. Against Japanese league players.

I'm nervous. Very nervous. Mostly because the Rangers once gave this guy $65 million over 5 years.

I know, different country and different abilities. I'm still nervous.

At least they aren't sitting back watching the Angels make all the big splashes this off season.

Blog Bat Around: PATP Style

2011-12-19T17:30:00.000-06:00

I'm a child. Denying it won't change it. Maybe you've been around a baby who's upset and whiny and the parents whip out a shiny set of keys and boom, the baby is happy and preoccupied. That's me.

The only difference is I get all ga-ga over shiny cards.

Most of my favorites this year are of the shiny variety.

2011 Topps Diamond Parallels....check.

2011 Topps Chrome Atomic Refractor...check.

2011 Topps Chrome Black Refractor...check.

I wouldn't want you to think I can be had soley for cheap shiny baubles. I have depth my friend.

I love Diamonds too. Diamond Die Cuts that is. I was able to put together the entire 8 card Texas Rangers set of die cuts from the Diamond Giveaway site.

Like many others, I liked Gypsy Queen too. The base cards were just so-so, but they are great for autos. Unfortunately I only ended up with a couple of blasters before it all disappeared. I did get some nice cards in a couple of group breaks so it all worked out.

2011 Heritage was pretty nice too. Like GQ, it makes for good TTM requests. The design grew on me and although I'm looking forward to 2012, I'll really be looking forward to 2014 when Heritage will be covering the 1965 set.

Those were my favorites from 2012.

As for the vomiting part...you can mark me down for most anything that has Bowman on it. I don't prospect so I don't get it, but I still need the Rangers every year and that annoys the tar out of me.

4 Years Gone

2011-12-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

I still miss you dad. I'm glad we got to spend so much time together before you left. I cherish those memories more than any from my childhood.

Tell someone you love that you love them today.

Drying out

2011-12-18T17:51:00.000-06:00

I came home from work Friday only to discover my water heater decided it was time to retire.

The thing about water heaters is they don't announce their retirements ahead of time. There isn't any farewell tour around the league where other teams give the water heater a celebratory gift. No, they just start leaking water all over the place, in this case, my garage.

Nothing was ruined other than my savings account. I had planned a trip to the post office Friday afternoon, but that didn't happen. I'll be trying again on Monday so if you're expecting something from me, it should go out tomorrow.

One more slice of Pie

2011-12-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

While doing a little searching for those American Pie cards I mentioned yesterday, I discovered some interesting "memorabilia" cards that are available this time around.

Long time followers might remember a post I did about this 2001 American Pie relic I pulled from a pack.

Topps has reached into the JFK bag again for the 2011 version of AP.

This one is a little creepy to me. I could almost walk to the grassy knoll from my office and get my own piece of "history", but I guess this card would round out my JFK Pie collection. It's really the other three cards in this subset that I want the most.

The Statue of Liberty was closed immediately after the attacks of 9/11 and remained closed to the public until May of 2009. Now only 240 people per day are permitted to climb the steps to the crown. The Statue was closed on October 29, 2011 for a year-long renovation. This "relic" could have come from one of the past renovations. I have a feeling it will turn to dust like my Berlin Wall relic did.

I'm a history major and my interest in primarily in U.S. history so this Lewis and Clark relic is cool. I haven't seen what it says on the back of the card so that could be a scoop of dirt and gravel from the smoking area outside Topps back door.

My favorite card in the subset (I only found these four on the 'bay) is this Gettysburg card. It is my humble opinion that the Civil War is the most fascinating part of U.S. history. I'm interested in what the card back says about this "relic". I sure hope it's not more of that broken office desk from the Topps warehouse.

If anyone gets one of these three cards and wants to move it, let me know.

Have you seen my man card?

2011-12-16T17:30:00.001-06:00

I've bashed American Pie enough.

Now I hang my head in shame and tell you I'm looking for the Susan Lucci relic and auto cards.

My wife is/was a big fan of All My Children.

I'll also be looking for any cards of Lucille Ball that might be in the set. My wife has a fairly nice I Love Lucy collection. I think there is one base Lucy and a Walk of Fame insert as well as a Walk of Fame Star Patch. I figure with my collection habits, the least I could do is pick up some things she would like.

Michael from Sports Syzygy mentioned something about the Muppets cards in my last post and how it might be a bit creepy if there was a "relic" Muppets card. That would be so cool and I'd have to get one for my son.

It's hard to say goodbye

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

According to the Blogger help section, the maximum number of blogs you can follow is 300. I was sitting at 250 and every time I tried to follow someone new, I would click follow and they wouldn't show up in my blog roll or on my dashboard. I don't know if it's a glitch with blogger or maybe they've set the new max at 250, but I decided it was time to clear out some space for the new guys.

I didn't want to do it, but I stopped following everyone on my list who hadn't had a post in at least a year. Two of the blogs I stopped following hadn't posted in over two years. All total, I let 33 blogs go.

It was tough. I almost cried like that baby.

I always hope the guys (or gals) who stop posting will come back. As a matter of fact, Shellie over at The Middle Child posted yesterday for first time in 7 months. It was nice to see her post and I hope she's back at it. She's a Rockies collector by the way. Drop her a comment and give her a little encouragement.

We all need a little encouragement from time to time.

Do you feel a draft?

2011-12-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

I recently participated in a draft break held by Derek aka Tomahawk Chopping - Cardboard & More. It was my first draft break and now I'm sorry I missed out on the one going on right now at Cardboard Heaven.

The draft was 30 rounds deep and only cost $15. I ended up with the 4th pick in the first round and here are my first three picks.

You can't go wrong starting off with a 2011 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Ian Kinsler #62/150. Not if you're a Rangers fan you can't.

Round two found me picking a 2011 Lineage Joe Mauer Stand-Up insert. I might have reached a bit, but I didn't want to lose out on this one since I don't plan on buying any more Lineage.

My third pick of the draft was this nice 2011 Heritage Chrome Refractor Nelson Cruz #392/562. I think this is my first Chrome Refractor from this year's Heritage so I had to spend a high draft pick on it. It was worth it. I picked up a number of other nice cards in the following rounds. Many of them aren't even Rangers so they'll be included in future trades.

The last two rounds were for an auto and a relic. I had the 7th pick in the auto draft and got the auto I most wanted from the group.

I chose this hideous scribble by Ben Revere from 2011 Topps Chrome. It's on card and it's from second favorite team, so that's why I chose it.

I had the first pick in the relic round and chose a card I figured was easily tradeable for a Ranger relic.

This is a 2006 UD Artifacts Derek Jeter jersey #83/325. Sure it's a plain gray swatch, but it's major Jeter MOJO!

Seriously though, I had a load of fun doing this draft. I picked up a bunch of Diamond Anniversary cards and plenty of nice Rangers. Many thanks to Derek for a great draft break. I know those things must be a lot of work.

What did I just do? Revisited edition.

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I did a quick post from the Target parking lot. You might have seen the horrible UPC barcode card I pulled from the Topps American Pie blaster I bought. All I could think about on the way home was how I should have purchased a discounted blaster of Obak for $11.99.

Don't get me wrong. Not every single card in the box was hideous. I'll pass on the Jim Henson and Muppet Show cards to my youngest son. I got a foil parallel of Jimi Hendrix that is pretty psychadelic. I actually thought this card was a nice one.

Vincent Price is cool AND creepy at the same time. I think the "lady" in the background may actually be the sister of Joe DeSa.

That's about all the nice I can muster up for this product. How about we look at a trio of awfulness. A little "Cardboard Depreciation" if you will.

Do we really need a card highlighting the FDA approving the use of birth control pills? I think not, yet here it is in all it's black and white glory.

This is the epitome of ridiculousness. I don't even think Beardy would approve of this card.

Wow. Just wow. That is awful. Did Bill Gates actually give his permission for Topps to use that photo?

Hey, I got a Big Pussy relic! Never, not in a million years, did I think I'd ever type that sentence. Topps didn't see fit to put Vincent Pastore's Sopranos nickname on the back of this relic card. I considered using it in the title of my post, but I just couldn't do it. I know I could have gotten a few thousand extra hits if I had used it. The card looks creased in the pic, but it's not.

I did get a somewhat tough pull in the blaster. The spotlight parallels are 1:47 packs and I got a Gary Cooper #14/76. Unfortunately, I forgot to scan (photograph) it.

I won't be buying any more of these cards. It's just not my cup of tea, but if you like it, more power to you. Especially if you're the Daily Dimwit and your wife likes these cards. Anything that gets a wife interested in cards can't be all bad.

Making my son's day

2011-12-14T17:30:00.000-06:00

How do you make the day of an 11 year old boy who is counting every second until Christmas break?

Do you let him open a Christmas present early?

No, you do not.

Do you get him that Iphone he's been begging for the last 2 months?

Absolutely not.

I'll tell you what you do. You send him to the mailbox, that's what you do. Because maybe, just maybe, he'll come back with an envelope with his own handwriting on it and it will have something like this inside.

He sent three cards to Josh Hamilton in late May and he got all three back. Only one was signed, but he was so excited. It made a rather gloomy day so much better.

Thanks Josh. You sure made his day.

What did I just do?

2011-12-14T12:24:00.001-06:00

So I'm out shopping and I lay down the plastic to buy my gifts, including one for myself. It's a blaster of the brand new Topps American Pie. I'll have a full review tonight, but after seeing this card, let's just say I'm suffering from an extreme case of buyer's remorse. Uggghhh.

Kickstartin' the blogosphere

2011-12-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

I think the offseason doldrums have set in and I've seen a couple people mention they are having a shortage of post ideas.

Is there anyone out there that wants to start a new Blog Bat Around? I've only participated once (or was it twice?) and don't really know the protocol for initiating such high minded endeavors.

Anyway, I've asked so many questions for contest posts, I don't have any good ideas.

Anyone want to throw one out there?

Anyone?

Bueller?

If you don't enter, don't blame me

2011-12-13T23:38:00.001-06:00

The Diamond King is having a MEGA Contest and giving away some great cards. Don't believe me?

Go check it out for yourself. You'll be glad you did!

Not sure what it says about this blog

2011-12-13T17:30:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I posted the results of the Americana blaster I opened with my mother-in-law.

That post got 11 comments. I've only had one other non-contest post get that many comments since August 20th. I'm really not sure what it says about my blog when a post about celebrity cards get more comments than most posts. Well, I actually have an idea what it says about this blog and I don't think I like it. I've been unfocused, my writing hasn't been all that good (not that it ever was) and it's the doldrums of the offseason.

Forget all that because my MIL brought over another blaster of Americana to open in her quest for a card of James Dean.

Before I show off the "highlights" of the blaster, I need to say it was a disappointment that most of the cards had a little corner ding. Nothing major, but not what you'd expect from a new box of cards. I told my MIL we could try to get Panini to replace the cards, but she didn't want to go to the trouble.

Let's get to it shall we?

The first pack revealed the first parallel.

I'm not real familiar with Tony Todd, but the back says he was in Platoon, Candyman, 24 and Psych. This is a silver proof #62/100.

I thought we had a hot box when these next two cards came back to back in pack two.

Stephen Baldwin, silver proof #5/100, should never be considered part of a hot anything.

Gloria Stuart of Titanic fame, is a gold proof #31/50. She passed away last year at the age of 100. RIP Gloria.

Packs 3 and 4 were uneventful and proved that I did not have a hot box. Pack 5 revealed a Prime Time Stars insert AND base card of Linda Evans. I remember her from Dynasty and more specifically the fight scene where she and Joan Collins ended up in the water.

Things started picking up again in pack 6 because I got this unknown actress.

Electra Avellan is the beautiful niece of director Robert Rodriguez and had a role, along with her twin sister, in his film Grindhouse.

Pack 6 revealed...well, it revealed this:

Meredith Salenger and her assets...I mean acting abilities. Honestly, Meredith is the same age as me and I remember her from the 1989 film, Dream a Little Dream. She's grown a bit since then and has acted sporadically for the last 20+ years.

I'm guessing the hits come one per blaster and ours was this:

A really nice Bright Eyes Movie Poster relic from Shirly Temple, #139/499. It's got very slight corner peeling (think 1971 Topps) on both bottom corners, but my MIL was happy with it. The swatch feels like some type of felt material and has flowers on it. She said she would put it next to the Bing Crosby we pulled last week.

We still didn't get a James Dean card and she said she probably wouldn't buy anymore, at least until after Christmas.

I think I know one gift I'll be buying her this year.

A good Rub-Down

2011-12-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

Don't get all hot and bothered. It's not THAT kind of rub down.

Tom from The Angels, In Order recently found some 1984 Topps Rub-Down packs at an antique mall. At a buck a pack, he couldn't pass them up. Unfortunately, he didn't get any Angels, but he did get one Ranger.

Buddy Bell is sharing the spotlight with Lloyd Moseby and Ray Knight. I don't remember seeing any of these back in 1984. I seriously want to rub that Ray Knight right onto my co-worker's desk.

Tom also sent over a short stack of Rangers and I really appreciate it. This just goes to show you that an Angels fan and a Rangers fan CAN get along. We'll see how that goes once the Pujols show rolls through Arlington this season!

Thanks Tom!!

Extra Cheese Please

2011-12-12T17:30:00.000-06:00

I recently claimed my second trade stack for Chris over at Nachos Grande. He was mixing Cardinals and Rangers and I held out until the stack got to 10.

I needed a couple of the Rangers, but the best card Chris sent wasn't even in the trade stack. It was from his recently completed 2001 Topps Gold Label box break.

This is a Class 1 Pudge Rodriguez and it's super shiny. I like shiny, but then again, I get distracted easily.

Thanks for the cards Chris!

You asked...

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

Ok, most of you didn't, but a couple blogger type friends emailed and asked how I felt about the Angels signing C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols.

I'll tell you how I feel.

I think the Angels overpaid for C.J. He doesn't really have the track record to warrant that kind of money, but, and that's a very big but, lefty starters have been overpaid for years. It's amazing to me that anyone would, or could, pay that much money for what is probably their number 3 guy. I'll admit I was disappointed to see C.J. sign with the Angels, but mostly because of the divisional rivalry. I would much rather have seen him pitch for the Marlins. Of course, if the Rangers and Angels play an important game down the stretch and C.J. starts, I like the Rangers chances in that high pressure situation.

As for Pujols, I'm not surprised he came to the American League. His history of foot problems means he can play the field for a few more years and then switch over to DH and keep mashing. Again, I would have liked to see him sign into any other division, but what are you going to do? I guess it'll just be that much sweeter when the Rangers win the West next season. Hey, a guy can hope.

The other high profile situation this weekend was the positive test for Ryan Braun.

The MVP situation aside, I think it's a big blow to the whole game of baseball when one of your big stars takes a hit like this. Like many of you, I'll reserve judgement until all the facts are out, but I don't think it looks good at this point. I imagine a lot of you Braun collectors will be pretty devastated if the situation is as bad as it looks. It's hard for me to believe any big star would be that stupid, but people aren't known for their good judgement. That's people in general. Only time will tell.

Feeling Patriotic

2011-12-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

This will be quick and painless for all you baseball card snobs (I say that because I'm one too.)

My mother-in-law plopped another blaster down in front of me yesterday. My hopes were immediately dashed when I saw it was 8 pack of Panini's 2011 Americana. I covered my disappointment pretty well and thought to myself, I'll just return it for something else. I've got nothing against a little Hollywood card love, but it's not normally my thing. I've busted a few of these in the past, but would rather have baseball cards. My generous MIL dashed my grand switcheroo by saying she wanted to open the packs with me.

Needless to say, I was a little surprised. I asked why and she said she wanted to see a James Dean card. He's the cover boy and one of her childhood idols. That was enough motivation for me and the least I could do after all the cards she's bought for me.

Here are the results of our 8 pack (5 cards per pack) blaster of Americana.

The first pack had this Prime Time Stars Emmanuelle Chriqui insert. I've never heard of her, but the back says she was on Entourage. Never seen it.

The 5th pack revealed this silver parallel of Leslie Nielsen, #13/100. Apparently there are a number of different parallels in Americana. I have heard of Nielsen and thought he was a pretty funny guy.

The "hit" of the blaster was this Road to Zanzibar Movie Poster Bing Crosby relic, #47/99. It looks and feels like a piece of an old tweed jacket. Most of the other Movie Poster relics are /499 so I guess this was a good pull.

We didn't pull a James Dean, but she was pretty happy about the Bing Crosby card so I put it in a toploader for her and she took it home.

I have a feeling she may be buying us another one of these to open. She really wants that James Dean.

Making a Prediction

2011-12-08T17:30:00.000-06:00

Keeping with the Miami Marlins theme, I give you your 2012 National League Batting Champion, Jose Reyes!

Jose Reyes will go 4-4 on opening day with the Miami Marlins and then sit out the rest of the season, assuming his 1.000 batting average will win him the batting title. Failing to realize he is 498 plate appearances short of the required 502, Ramirez will celebrate his second consecutive batting title all season long and demand a raise.

Making Introductions

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Hanley Ramirez.

I understand your feelings are hurt and you don't want to move to third base, even if it means Jose Reyes can play short and your awful team will be better. You want to restructure your deal, the contract that NO ONE forced you to sign, thus forcing the Marlins to consider trading you.

Let me introduce you to Michael Young. Michael Young was the Texas Rangers' second baseman from 2001 to 2003. The Rangers brought in Alfonso Soriano and Michael moved to shortstop. He started there from 2004 to 2008. In 2009, the Rangers brought up Elvis Andrus to play short so Michael moved to third. He started at third base in 2009 and 2010. The Rangers signed free agent Adrian Beltre to play third in 2011 and Michael didn't really want to DH. Guess what? He did it. Once the season started, he didn't say a word about being unhappy. In 2011, he played DH, 3B, SS, 1B and 2B. He had a career year. Oh yea, the Rangers made it to their 2nd consecutive World Series.

Stop your whining and play.

Another Clandestine Hookup with the Mistress

2011-12-07T17:30:00.000-06:00

Ok, it wasn't really a secret. Spankee posted the heck out of his group break. Surely by now you won't be surprised that I took the Rangers.

I received a great variety of different products and if I wasn't being a lazy you know what, I'd be able to tell you how many of these helped with my want lists. Here, for your card viewing pleasure, is a 5 card sample of the greatness bestowed on my by My Cardboard Mistress.

How about we start with some junk wax? This 1988 Donruss Pete Incaviglia proves that Mike Napoli wasn't the first one in Arlington with a manicured beard. Now that I think about that, I'm a little uncomfortable that I even noticed it. Let's just move right along.

How about a nice Charcoal parallel of two guys who are part of the Rangers front office and one guy who would never sign with Texas as a free agent. Inexplicably, I can't get enough of the 2008 Heroes set. I've bought numerous discounted blasters. Dont' judge me. I feel bad enough about it already.

It wouldn't be a random group break if I didn't post something shiny. This is a 2009 Bowman Chrome card of the newest member of the Rangers starting rotation, Neftai Feliz. You might have heard of him.

I'm not peeling the protective coating from this 1999 Finest Rusty Greer so don't even think about suggesting it.

The only Rangers hit of the break was a nice one. This 2001 A Piece of History Game Used Bat Ivan Rodriguez card is marred only by the congratulations note on the back with the name Richard P. Williams attached to it. Otherwise, it's a great card and I like the bat window in the shape of a baseball diamond.

Adam, aka Spankee, thanks for a great break. It was a lot of fun to follow along and I appreciate all the great cards.

I stand corrected...sort of

2011-12-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I posted that time was running short on the Diamond Giveaway promotion. Thanks to Derek and Dawgbones, I discovered the deadline I posted wasn't accurate. Even Topps doesn't seem to know exactly what is going on with the deadline.

The Diamond Giveaway site still says the deadline for redeeming codes and requesting delivery for cards is 12/31/11.

The Topps website gives a different, if slightly impossible, deadline. On the site, the deadline for redeeming codes for Series 1 and Update is said to be 1/31/12, the date listed on the code cards. The deadline for redeeming codes for Series 2 and all other activity on the site is 6/31/12. Trading and card delivery will be available until that final date.

I have two problems with the final date of 6/31/12. First, why is the deadline for Update BEFORE the deadline for Series 2? That makes no sense. Second, and I'd like Topps to make special note of this information, there is NO 31st day in the month of June. Never has been, never will be. How does a major company even post a deadline that occurs on a non-existent date?

I guess I should just say don't hold me to any of the deadline dates you've seen posted here. How am I supposed to know what I'm talking about when Topps doesn't know what they're talking about?

I remember...

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I served in the Navy way back in the 1900's. (That's what my 9 year old calls those days.) I was stationed at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base from 1991 to 1994.

I'll never forget the first December 7th I spent at Pearl. It was the 50th anniversary of the attack. President George H.W. Bush was coming to speak at the memorial service and volunteers were asked to wear our dress white uniforms and line the streets. It was an awe inspiring day for a 21 year old kid and one which I'll never forget. Now, 20 years later and 70 years from the date of the attack, I still recall the feelings I had that day.

A tragic day for our country quickly turned into the rallying cry that would turn the tide of war on opposite sides of the world.

My thoughts this morning are with the men and women that were lost on December 7, 1941 and all the brave souls who lined up in recruitment centers over the next 4 years as the United States took the fight to the enemies of freedom and democracy.

My prayers are with every man and woman who is right now, at this moment, serving on a ship, at a forward operating base, flying an aircraft or watching the back of the soldier next to him. We owe a debt of gratitude to every single one of them.

December Contest Winner

2011-12-06T17:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for your responses to the December Contest questions. I won't drag this out as I know you just want to know who won.

I entered all the names on the randomizer at random.org. I changed things up this time and added all the name in the order of your comments. There were 185 entries and the randomization went like this:

The winner is....way down below. Just in case you didn't want to see the name before you watched the video.

Congrats to our winner, The Rhubarb Runner over at "e rayhahn, rayhahn".

On the off chance that some of you watched the video, I don't really have a speech problem. I was trying to drag the word "list" out while I scrolled down, but it sounds awful. Now you know why most of my videos feature ZERO commentary.

Thanks again to everyone for an outstanding response.

Time's running short

2011-12-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

The Topps Diamond Giveaway gimmick...I mean promotion, ends at 11:59:59 PM eastern time on December 31st. That gives you 25 days and some change to get any codes entered and cards shipped. My son is going to be disappointed because he only has 21 rings, leaving him 24 short of the special edition set. No worries, I have one and he'll end up with it anyway.

I'm not doing the great Diamond Giveaway contest I did last year. It was fun to accumulate all those unwanted cards and trade them for a couple of real winners from 1954. Like I said, it was fun, but it was a LOT of work. Maybe I'll try again next year if Topps is doing it again.

I've been trying to whittle my portfolio down a bit by trading small lots of cards for older cards. It's tougher to do this year, especially with time winding down in the promotion. I managed to get one trade offer accepted over the weekend.

I offered up a couple of '73s and three '80s cards for this beauty from 1959:

I didn't really go on the site thinking I'd make an offer for this, but I didn't have anything special in mind (I've been unable to get any '56 play at the plates this year). When I logged on, this card was in the list of recently unlocked cards and I thought it would make a nice addition to my catchers collection. I also thought it would look nice next to this Frank House I traded for in last year's Million Card Giveaway.

If you're planning on entering any codes or getting your cards, don't forget the deadline is fast approaching.

December Contest...The final question

2011-12-05T17:30:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to all who have answered one or more of the first four questions. The links to the first four questions are provided in case you missed one of the questions.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

I'm going to make this very easy. I like easy contests and you've all been good sports about answering the other questions. All you have to do is tell me, if you were to win this contest, would you rather have an Update Value Box or a prize of equal value?

That's it. Thanks for playing along.

Forkin' Mickey Mantle

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Seriously.

Read it right here.

Kids these days.

December Contest Question #4

2011-12-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

Here is your 4th chance to enter the December Contest. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to answer the first three questions. Feel free to go back and answer any you might have missed.

Question #4.

Most of us have seen a Panini product in the recent past. Based on what you've seen from them, do you think they should be the company that enters the licensed baseball card market when the Topps monopoly expires?

I think we'll have one more question tomorrow and then I'll wrap this thing up.

December Contest Question #3

2011-12-03T17:30:00.000-06:00

Time for round 3 of this month's contest.

I'd give you links to questions 1 and 2, but I'm scheduling this post early and can't get both links.

Question #3.

Do you collect any cards other than baseball cards and if so, which kinds? What would you guess is the breakdown percentage wise of each type of card in your collection?

December Contest Question #2

2011-12-02T17:30:00.001-06:00

Let me start off by saying how much I enjoyed the responses to the first question. I purposefully didn't specify how "rich" the aunt was so you could decide for yourself. If you missed the first question, feel free to click HERE and get in on the action.

Here is question #2.

Looking ahead to 2012, what are two Topps products from 2011 that you don't want to see again and what are two new/revived Topps products you'd like to see introduced or brought back.

Flagship doesn't count because it's not going anywhere.

Still wondering about the prize? I'll give the winner a choice of a Topps Value Box or something of equivalent value. Fair enough?