tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71191287949257206182024-03-05T02:52:11.288-08:00S.Mack TalkJimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-19230813742474686032016-06-12T18:43:00.000-07:002016-06-12T18:47:00.262-07:00In Person Autograph - Mickey MoniakThis post is a few days late, but for those who follow such things, <strong>Mickey Moniak</strong> was the first selection in the recent MLB player draft. The high school outfielder is said to not fit the mold of a typical #1 pick in terms of build and jaw dropping tools, but should still develop in to a quality big leaguer. <br />
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I was able to get Mickey to sign his '13 USA jersey card last year at Area Code Games in Long Beach. The card features him as part of the USA 15 and under team, but honestly, he looks more like 12 in the picture. Moniak really made his mark that week with the play below: <br />
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In front of a throng of scouts, Moniak went Willie Mays with his own version of an over the shoulder catch. Scouts by nature aren't the type to show their emotions, but even they stood up and applauded the effort.<br />
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Of course, this wouldn't be an In Person Autograph post without a UCLA connection. Moniak is committed to UCLA, but like so many of their other high profile recruits from years past, will likely never step foot on campus. <br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-74153900126851682802016-03-26T15:03:00.000-07:002016-03-26T15:03:19.866-07:00In Person Autograph - Ryan HingstOne of the sets I have been casually working on is 2013 Leaf Perfect Game. Why there are unlicensed cards made of high school students, I do not know. But since the cards are out there, they make for an interesting novelty item to get signed. Earlier this month, I got Arizona State sophomore <strong>Ryan Hingst</strong> to autograph his card. <br />
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This morning, I read that Hingst threw a no-hitter the night prior against Utah. The start also happened to be Hingst's first of the season and the no-no was the 10th in Arizona State history. <br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-73148757610666049572016-03-17T08:09:00.000-07:002016-03-17T08:09:36.470-07:00In Person Autograph - Gerrit ColeThis post is a couple of months late, but I was able to get <b>Gerrit Cole's</b> autograph at the UCLA Alumni Game in January. In the past, it has been a mob scene trying to get his signature, but this year's event was on the same day as Dodgers FanFest, so things were noticeably more subdued. <br />
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As the Pirates have black tops, I wondered if his autograph would show through on the card, but my fears were unfounded as the card turned out great. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-9890636555259298032015-12-06T18:09:00.001-08:002015-12-06T18:09:51.252-08:00.10 Card Show PickupsIt's been almost half a year since I made a post, but a rare bounty at the card show this weekend has made me come out of hibernation. The deal was .25/card, or 10/$2. I looked through the first couple of boxes and found a couple of cards here or there, but nothing too exciting. I double checked the pricing and further down, it read 50/$5. Now you got my attention. I'm a sucker for numbered cards and odd inserts, so here is what I bought:<br />
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<strong>'15 Panini Diamond Kings Aficionado Yasiel Puig 2<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings Aficionado Buster Posey 7<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings DK Originals Rusney Castillo 14<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings DK Originals Miguel Cabrera 16<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings HOF Sluggers Cal Ripken 14<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings Also Known As Nolan Ryan 1<br />'15 Panini Diamond Kings Also Known As Frank Thomas 2</strong><br />
<strong>'15 Panini Elite All-Star Salutes Robinson Cano 9<br />'15 Panini Elite All-Star Salutes Glenn Perkins 23<br />'15 Panini Elite Hype Byron Buxton 3<br />'15 Panini Elite Legends of the Fall 4 Tom Glavine<br />'15 Panini Elite Gold Stars Jose Canseco 23<br />'15 Panini Elite Joe Panik 118</strong><br />
<strong>'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Yonder Alonso 99<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Anibal Sanchez 119<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Greg Holland 216 (x2)<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Brandon Belt 234<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil CJ Wilson 326<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Tom Koehler 351<br />'15 Topps Rainbow Foil Aaron Hicks 457<br />'15 Topps 'Til It's Over Matt Cain TIO-12<br />'15 Topps Hot Streak David Cone HS-16<br />'15 Topps Highlight of the Year Nolan Ryan H-22<br />'15 Topps Highlight of the Year Cal Ripken H-27 (x2)<br />'15 Topps 1st Homerun Pablo Sandoval FHR-32</strong><br />
<strong>'15 Topps Spring Fever Manny Machado SF-9 (x3)</strong><br />
<strong>'15 Topps Gypsy Queen Gary Carter 320<br />'15 Topps Gypsy Queen Hoyt Wilhelm 315<br />'15 Topps Gypsy Queen Bronze Framed John Lackey 27 /499<br />'15 Topps Gypsy Queen Bronze Framed Nick Markakis 69 /499<br />'15 Topps Gypsy Queen Bronze Framed Yu Darvish 19 /499</strong><br />
<strong>'15 Topps Museum Collection Madison Bumgarner 29<br />'15 Topps Museum Collection Manny Machado 85<br />'15 Topps Museum Collection Copper Manny Machado 85<br />'15 Topps Museum Collection Brandon Belt 14<br />'15 Topps Museum Collection Jacob DeGrom 76<br />'14 Topps Archives 1968 Game Insert Buster Posey 8</strong><br />
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<strong>'15 Stars & Stripes Kris Bryant 59<br />'15 Stars & Stripes Longevity Kris Bryant 59<br />'15 Stars & Stripes Longevity Alejandro Toral 5<br />'15 Stars & Stripes Diamond Kings Jesse Winker 16<br />'15 Stars & Stripes Diamond Kings JP Crawford 15<br />'15 Stars & Stripes Firewords Addison Russell 9</strong><br />
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Odd to say the least that Kris Bryant cards were essentially in the dime box, but who am I to argue? The real question though is if anyone knows who is pictured on the JP Crawford card? I've watched JP since he was a freshman in High School and he bats left-handed and sports lots of tattoos. The batter in this card is a righty who is inkless. Any ideas?<br />
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<strong>'15 Donruss All-Time Diamond Kings Paul Molitor 30<br />'15 Donruss Studio Kennys Vargas 2<br />'15 Donruss Diamond Kings Nolan Arenado 9</strong><br />
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<strong>'14 Topps Before They Were Great Joe DiMaggio BG-26<br />'14 Topps Before They Were Great Jimmie Foxx BG-23<br />'14 Topps Before They Were Great Jim Rice BG-17<br />'14 Topps Before They Were Great Mike Mussina BG-16</strong><br />
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Universally regarded as some of the nicest inserts made by Topps in recent years. More cards like these please Topps. <br />
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<strong>'14 Topps Update Gold Chris Sale US277 /2014<br />'14 Topps Red Foil Jurickson Profar 18<br />'14 Topps Red Foil Miguel Cabrera 149<br />'14 Topps Gold Jon Niese 60 /2014<br />'14 Topps Mini Buster Posey TM-42<br />'14 Topps Mini Manny Machado TM-31</strong><br />
<strong>'14 Topps Opening Day Mascot Royals M-1<br />'14 Topps Opening Day Mascot Paws M-17</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfxdie-rON0UyLGyE9nePI3sVrmQRSJrZIVnsRYCVltp5S_J-0Y_ti6jmSDSItWSjDFN_s-g9YrmhAz3zPsJj_ekhMa_gYq2RHoNjwUsKTFWnz6Usyo8EdtVL28x0bwktBPaB6o6qND0R/s1600/mascot.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfxdie-rON0UyLGyE9nePI3sVrmQRSJrZIVnsRYCVltp5S_J-0Y_ti6jmSDSItWSjDFN_s-g9YrmhAz3zPsJj_ekhMa_gYq2RHoNjwUsKTFWnz6Usyo8EdtVL28x0bwktBPaB6o6qND0R/s320/mascot.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /><strong>'14 Topps Opening Day Between Innings Hot Dog Cannon BI-5<br />'14 Topps Opening Day Between Innings Racing Presidents BI-1</strong><br />
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I have a soft spot for mascot cards, and only knew of the Opening Day Mascot cards. When I saw mascots in another insert set, I had to get them.<br />
<br /><strong>'14 Topps Gypsy Queen Black Mini Kyle Lohse 119 /199<br />'14 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini Juan Marichal 43<br />'14 Stadium Club Matt Cain 66<br />'14 Panini Prizm Orange Die Cut Prizms Chris Johnson 121 /60<br />'14 Panini Prizm Orange Die Cut Prizms Chris Carter 130 /60<br />'14 Panini Prizm Red Prizms Colby Rasmus 110 /25<br />'14 Panini Prizm Red Prizms Ryan Zimmerman 16 /25<br />'14 Panini Prizm Purple Prizms Chris Carter 130 /99<br />'14 Panini Prizm Purple Prizms Victor Martinez 37 /99<br />'14 Panini Prizm 42 Prizms Carlos Santana 78 /42<br />'14 Panini Prizm Base Prizm Chris Sale 115<br />'14 Panini Prizm Base Prizm Bill Mazeroski 160<br />'14 Panini Classics Timeless Tributes Silver Nellie Fox 100 /149</strong><br />
<strong>'14 Donruss Xander Bogaerts 274<br />'14 Donruss Silver Press Proof Yonder Alonso 329 /199<br />'14 Donruss Silver Press Proof Yoenis Cespedes 155 /199<br />'14 Donruss Hall Worthy Todd Helton 8<br />'14 Bowman Platinum Toolsy Die-Cuts Jorge Alfaro TDC-JAL<br />'14 Bowman Draft Scouts Breakouts Chad Wallach BSB-CW</strong><br />
<strong>'13 Topps Update Gold Ross Ohlendorf US218 /2013<br />'13 Topps Update Gold Bryan Shaw US257 /2013</strong><br />
<strong>'13 Topps Archives Gold Ian Desmond 93 /199<br />'13 Topps Archives Gold Jon Jay 7 /199<br />'13 Topps Archives Mini Tall Boys Will Clark MT-WC</strong><br />
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<strong>'13 Topps Archives Day Glow Orange Madison Bumgarner 129<br />'13 Topps Archives Day Glow Orange Angel Pagan 29 <br />'13 Topps Archives Day Glow Orange Tom Seaver 82</strong><br />
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Never had heard of these before, but after doing some research, these were apparently part of a one-week promotion that ran in Hobby Shops. If I had known this earlier, I would've snatched them all up.<br />
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<strong>'13 Topps Heritage Black Border RA Dickey 464<br />'13 Topps Heritage Black Border Jake Peavy 451<br />'13 Topps Heritage Black Border Fernando Rodney 183<br />'13 Topps Heritage Red Border Chase Headley 467<br />'13 Topps Heritage Aroldis Chapman 493<br />'13 Topps Heritage Chris Sale 455</strong><br />
<strong>'13 Topps Gypsy Queen White Framed Paper Mariano Rivera 86<br />'13 Topps Gypsy Queen Black Mini Miguel Gonzalez 312 /199</strong> <br />
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<br /><strong>'13 Topps Blue Slate Gregor Blanco 651<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Robinson Cano 612<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Tim Hudson 448<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Brett Wallace 538<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Jason Castro 640 <br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Madison Bumgarner 379<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Matt Cain 587<br />'13 Topps Blue Slate Marco Scutaro 597</strong><br />
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Another Topps Wrapper Redemption, these are nice looking cards in person. Would probably be nicer if I didn't drop them on the ground dinging the top left corner on most of them. Oh well, these things happen.<br />
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<strong>'13 Pinnacle Justin Morneau Artist's Proof 50<br />'13 Pinnacle Position Powers Giancarlo Stanton PP8</strong><br />
<strong>'13 Panini Cooperstown Blue Crystal Shard Al Kaline 75 /499<br />'13 Panini Cooperstown Red Crystal Shard Brooks Robinson 78 /399<br />'13 Bowman Blue Ben Revere 34 /500<br />'13 Allen Ginter Ozzie Smith 341<br />'13 Allen Ginter Adam Wainwright 342</strong><br />
<strong>'12 Topps Opening Day Blue Tim Hudson 93 /2012<br />'12 Topps Opening Day Blue James McDonald 34 /2012</strong><br />
<strong>'12 Topps Heritage Derek Jeter 20<br />'12 Topps Heritage Red Border David Price 277<br />'12 Topps Heritage Jonathan Sanchez 440<br />'12 Topps Heritage Jonny Venters 429<br />'12 Topps Heritage Carlos Zambrano 473<br />'12 Topps Heritage Jimmy Rollins 455<br />'12 Topps Heritage Ben Revere 470<br />'12 Topps Heritage Ichiro 491<br />'12 Topps Heritage Fautino De Los Santos 452<br />'12 Topps Gypsy Queen Glove Stories Jeff Francoeur GS-JF<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle Tim Hudson 58<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle Chris Sale 149</strong><br />
<strong>'12 Topps Allen Ginter Frank Robinson 325<br />'12 Topps Allen Ginter Baseball Highlight Sketches Ken Griffey JR BH-15<br />'12 Topps Allen Ginter Baseball Highlight Sketches Ozzie Smith BH-18<br />'12 Topps Factory Set Orange Koji Uehara 171 /190<br />'12 Topps Factory Set Orange Mike Minor 227 /190<br />'12 Topps Factory Set Orange Drew Stubb 375 /190 </strong><br />
<strong>'12 Panini Cooperstown Crystal Collection Connie Mack 8 /299</strong><br />
<strong>'11 Topps Gold Neil Walker 245 /2011<br />'10 Topps Opening Day Mascot Blue Jays M24<br />'10 Bowman Chrome Topps 100 Prospects Carlos Santana TPC12 /999<br />'09 Upper Deck Gold Jeff Baker 113 /99</strong><br />
<strong>'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Billy Martin 2560<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Tino Martinez 5852<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Gil McDougald 2866<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Wally Pipp 37<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Wally Pipp 41<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Herb Pennock 141<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Phil Rizzuto 1831<br />'08 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy Red Reffung 1329<br />'07 Topps Chrome Red Refractor Adrian Beltre 125 /99<br />'06 SP Authentic Chase Utley 168 /899<br />'05 Ultimate Collection Mark Buehrle 65 /475<br />'05 Ultimate Collection Mark Mulder 66 /475<br />'05 Sweet Spot Gold Kerry Wood 47 /599<br />'05 Studio Stars Jason Bay 30 /500<br />'04 Ultimate Collection Andy Pettitte 48 /675<br />'04 Ultimate Collection Johan Santana 85 /675</strong><br />
<strong>'03 Topps Gold Tim Hudson 558 /2003</strong><br />
<strong>'00 MLB Showdown Pennant Run 1st Edition Foil Shawn Green 73<br />'00 MLB Showdown Pennant Run 1st Edition Foil Tim Hudson 99</strong><br />
<strong>'99 Topps MVP Darryl Kile 192<br />'98 Upper Deck National Pride Ivan Rodriguez NP29</strong><br /><strong>'98 Topps Minted in Cooperstown Orlando Cabrera 366<br />'98 Topps Minted in Cooperstown Chris Carpenter 44<br />'98 Topps Minted in Cooperstown Johnny Damon 362</strong><br />
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<strong><br />'98 Donruss Preferred Title Waves Scott Rolen 2 /1997</strong><br />
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This Rolen is probably my favorite card from the show. It's a 90's numbered insert, when something numbered to 1997 was considered low. But the card features everything that made the 90's maddening. A needless sub-brand (Donruss Preferred anyone?) die-cut for careful handling in your penny sleeve, with a ridiculous insert name (Title Waves?) that has a holo effect. What more could you want? <br />
<strong><br />'98 Best Diamond Best Adrian Beltre 2</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwMreB1tWVp2B1Eh9YioqqB91ubLySYCnxSuYOK9CjbBndZ7x2pC26S5hGTXuvK-oHNcDP8q5XvRysZzCfuGRcDYL7EjEywxW1Ejt71S91TIaY4r6cqUr6oc18k9N9Jo0F4Ij3m5mqzAY/s1600/platinum.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwMreB1tWVp2B1Eh9YioqqB91ubLySYCnxSuYOK9CjbBndZ7x2pC26S5hGTXuvK-oHNcDP8q5XvRysZzCfuGRcDYL7EjEywxW1Ejt71S91TIaY4r6cqUr6oc18k9N9Jo0F4Ij3m5mqzAY/s320/platinum.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
<br /><strong>'97 Ultra Platinum Medallion Felix Heredia P514<br />'97 Ultra Platinum Medallion Albert Belle P46</strong><br />
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To me, these were the best finds of the day. These Ultra Platinum Medallion's were impossible to find back in the day. I always liked this set as the Gold parallels featured a different photo than the base card. Sometimes it's not that hard to think outside the box and still make a quality product.<br />
<br /><strong>'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Scott Rolen G255<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Rico Brogna G382<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Rex Hudler G344<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Ricky Bottalico G353<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Wendell Magee G252<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Scott Ruffcorn G483<br />'97 Ultra Gold Medallion Mark Leiter G453<br />'97 Stadium Club Matrix John Smoltz 29<br />'96 Topps Power Boosters Barry Larkin 6<br />'96 Topps Finest Silver Refractor Billy Wagner 313</strong><br />
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<strong>'96 Collector's Choice Gold Dustin Hermanson 702<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Ricky Bones 589<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Pedro Astacio 582<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Joe Randa 652<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Deion Sanders 306<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Michael Tucker 653<br />'96 Collector's Choice Gold Robby Thompson 308</strong><br />
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Another parallel set from the 90's. I don't think they were ever worth that much, but tell that to a team collector trying to find these before there was the internet.<br />
<br /><strong>'96 Collector's Choice Sliver Sergio Valdez 716<br />'96 Collector's Choice Sliver Paul Quantrill 248<br />'96 Collector's Choice Silver Mickey Morandini 256<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Bill Swift 110<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Bill Pulsipher 4<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Darren Dreifort 6<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Dustin Hermanson 3<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Doug Drabek 37<br />'95 Collector's Choice SE Gold Brian McRae 216</strong><br />
<strong>'95 Upper Deck Electric Diamond Ricky Bottalico 376<br />'95 Upper Deck Electric Diamond Dave Hollins 377<br />'95 Upper Deck Electric Diamond Gold Fred McGriff 108<br />'95 Upper Deck Special Edition Gold Chuck Knoblauch 218<br />'95 SP Championship Die Cut Gregg Jefferies 75<br />'95 SP Championship Die Cut Darren Daulton 74 </strong><br />
<strong>'94 Stadium Club Team 1st Day Issue Kevin Rogers 23<br />'94 Stadium Club Team 1st Day Issue Milt Thompson 219<br />'94 Stadium Club Team 1st Day Issue David Segui 285<br />'94 Stadium Club Team 1st Day Issue Sam Horn 187</strong><br />
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The dealer also had football and basketball cards, and I did pick up a few of those as well. When it was all said and done, I had 224 new cards for an Andrew Jackson. Not too bad if I do say so myself. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-2922303886267149502015-06-08T18:45:00.000-07:002015-06-08T18:45:03.084-07:00In Person Autograph - Dansby SwansonWith the first selection in today's MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Vanderbilt shortstop <strong>Dansby Swanson</strong>. Swanson was one of three Commodores selected in the first round, joining teammates Carson Fulmer and Walker Buehler. I was able to get Swanson's signature when Vanderbilt made a March trip to UCLA. <br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-5567552055146829052015-05-17T21:30:00.000-07:002015-05-17T21:30:45.586-07:00In Person Autograph - James KaprielianUCLA's Friday night starter the past two seasons, <strong>James Kaprielian</strong> combined with David Berg on what is to believed to be UCLA's first recorded no-hitter last Friday night, a 1-0, 10-inning win against Arizona. I had planned to attend the game in person, but a late start time combined with the rare threat of rain in the Southland kept me at home in front of the television. To my chagrin, I missed out on Bruin history. Below is his 2015 UCLA team card, signed after Saturday's game. <br />
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In keeping up with the Team USA theme, I had James sign his Team USA cards at the UCLA Alumni Game in January.<br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-62816582115285951812015-05-10T18:14:00.000-07:002015-05-10T18:16:33.732-07:00In Person Autograph - Dillon TateA relative unknown at the start of the college baseball season, <strong>Dillon Tate</strong> has rocketed up the draft boards and is now generally regarded as a surefire Top 5 selection in the upcoming June draft. Tate is currently a junior at UC Santa Barbara, and being in the Big West Conference, was sure to make an appearance at Long Beach State or Cal State Fullerton this year. I had long ago marked this weekend down as the date when I could hopefully get him to sign my 2 USA cards. I made the trek postgame after the Fullerton/UCSB contest last night and after what was probably a 40 minute wait, Tate happily signed for everyone who asked. <br />
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Since the release of the 2014 USA box set, Panini has also come out with a USA Stars & Stripes set. I was able to pick up the Tate base card from that set as well, which I also got signed. </div>
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-1977983806190868742015-03-30T19:44:00.000-07:002015-03-30T19:44:11.568-07:00In Person Autograph - Blake RutherfordCurrently a junior at Chaminade, <strong>Blake Rutherford</strong> has long been regarded as one of the top prep prospects in the Class of 2016. The outfielder committed to UCLA when he was a freshman and is a frequent visitor to UCLA baseball games. A veteran of several USA teams, I happened to get Blake's card signed earlier this month when Vanderbilt was in town. I recognized Blake before the game, but he was in a hurry to get seated with his family and promised he would sign later. Typically, this means you are out of luck as the odds of a person remembering you are slim to none. To my total surprise, as he was leaving the game, Blake came over to where I was seated and knocked out both the base card and the U18 Team card. Thank you for being a true stand up guy. <br />
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Blake's signature has changed since his freshman year, when he used to give a full signature. A mutual acquaintance noted that with the shortened signature, the autograph reads a little like Babe Ruth. One can only hope that his baseball career is a fraction as successful as that of the Sultan of Swat. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-49443026457395353842015-02-07T21:18:00.002-08:002015-02-07T21:18:50.016-08:00In Person Autograph - Brian SchalesThe Major League Baseball draft doesn't hold the same appeal as that of their NFL or NBA counterparts, mainly due to lack of name recognition and the immediacy of impact. Even the top draft picks typically don't make the big leagues until years down the road. Even so, I devour draft news and like to have a handle on who the top players are in the country. It was thus a total shock to me last year when the Marlins drafted <strong>Brian Schales</strong> in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. A shortstop at Edison High with a scholarship to Long Beach State, Schales was never mentioned as a top prospect in any publication or news site that I had visited. I recall that neither MLB.com or <em>Baseball America</em> even had a scouting report on him that day, which is uncommon for a top 5 round draft selection. <br />
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Still, I was very familiar with Schales since he was a freshman, as a friend at work had a nephew the same grade and on the same high school team. He sounded like a solid ball player, but I had no idea he had pro potential coming out of high school. Being a pretty high draft, I was thinking that there could be a chance that he could have a Bowman Draft and/or Donruss Elite card. When the checklists for both products came out, it was to my glee (and horror) that Schales was included in both products. While on the one hand, it would be cool to get his card, the horror would be in knowing there would be who knows how many parallel versions of the same card (turns out, waaaaay too many).<br />
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I've been able to pick up a bunch of the Bowman Draft and Donruss Elite base cards and I was able to get Brian to sign some at his high school alumni game. I asked, and it sounded like I was the first person to ever have him sign his baseball card. In fact, he had never seen his Donruss Elite card before and I gladly offered one up to him. <br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-68252760922151195122015-01-25T05:17:00.000-08:002015-01-25T05:17:42.851-08:00In Person Autograph - Dominic SmithSerra High and Orange Lutheran are roughly 35 miles away from each other so it was an absolute shock when <strong>Dominic Smith</strong> made an appearance at the Orange Lutheran alumni game over the weekend. The 2013 Mets first rounder had been staying with former OLu alum Jason Martin and decided to tag along for the game. The surprise appearance required me to make the trek back home to dig out some cards to get signed. Smith was extremely polite and humble and had no issues with signing everything I had, which was a lot. It was great to get an autograph of a local player who plays on an East Coast team that I would otherwise not have had the chance to acquire.<br />
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Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-85198548805159613912015-01-21T21:09:00.000-08:002015-01-21T21:09:03.301-08:00In Person Autograph - Kolby Allard and Lucas HerbertWith all the high schools across the country, the odds of having any one ball player making a Team USA roster are remote at best. What does that say about San Clemente High which happens to have TWO players from last year's 18Usquad? With my newly acquired Team USA base set from the previous post, I headed out to a fall ball game this evening in the hopes of snagging my first two autographs from the set, battery mates <strong>Kolby Allard</strong> and <strong>Lucas Herbert</strong>.<br />
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Allard is generally considered the top prep pitcher in the Class of 2015. If all goes well for him this season, he will never set foot on the UCLA campus. If that is the case, he will join a long list of UCLA signees who went straight to the pros. The autograph didn't turn out the greatest as it was signed in the dark.<br />
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Herbert is another UCLA commit, and the Bruins are expected to have a hole at catcher next season so there is a chance he winds up in school. An interesting tidbit from tonight's contest is that Lucas called his own game behind the plate. It's rare to see a college catcher allowed to call his own game, much less a high school catcher. I thought this signature turned out really well.<br />
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The base set also includes a team photo of the 15U, 18U, and Collegiate teams. It's basically a checklist that lists the roster on the back. In recent years, I've tried to get as many of the players to sign on their respective team card. The first two signatures took up a lot of space so I'm not sure how many more will be able to fit. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-10782539893164963882015-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:002015-01-20T16:14:01.195-08:00Box Break - 2014 Panini USA BaseballThe yearly Team USA products are generally one of my favorites. The autos and jerseys aren't that big a deal to me, as I am after the base cards to get IP autographs. For whatever the reason (perhaps the $90!! box price), I haven't seen as many of the base cards offered through the various online sources, and with the autograph season right around the corner, I've been getting a bit nervous.<br />
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The base set of 81 cards has been going online for ~$30 which seems a bit much to me. I've had a $100 Amazon Gift card from work just lying around, so I decided to bite the bullet and pick up a box for roughly $100 after tax and shipping. Sigh (I am rationalizing this as a free purchase). Trust me, boxes are definitely NOT my thing. Why spend money on a crapshoot when I can spend the same amount of money and knowingly purchase what I want? Anyways, the box arrived in the mail today, and here are the results:<br />
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Personally, I don't think the base cards have as nice of a design as last year's product, but beggars can't be choosers. Turang, Cameron, and Funkhouser look to be the top prospects from the 15U, 18U, and Collegiate teams, respectively. Turang is the son of former big leaguer Brian Turang, and Cameron is the son of long time major leaguer Mike Cameron.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNSIVKGJwAr4BIZNFxn95u2zcdoqE2iFpFWxtCyhTMMv1cR_hcbgv4SYFKIapJdYGGlzi1TGCJ1aGVdxvqOxqCndFo5OQqPoAU6X0JmCRg3Y988Mqt0sUdkOtw6kT4xMQ9-kM-6mMEvWG/s1600/Autos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNSIVKGJwAr4BIZNFxn95u2zcdoqE2iFpFWxtCyhTMMv1cR_hcbgv4SYFKIapJdYGGlzi1TGCJ1aGVdxvqOxqCndFo5OQqPoAU6X0JmCRg3Y988Mqt0sUdkOtw6kT4xMQ9-kM-6mMEvWG/s1600/Autos.png" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
Each box promises 9 "hits", 7 being autographs and 2 memorabilia cards. Of the 4 base autos I received, I was most pleased with the Garza and Molnar, two local products who I have seen pitch in the past. I have the ticket stub from Garza's first collegiate win for Cal State Fullerton, and I saw Molnar pitch a no-hitter last year. I happened to be scoring the game, and he signed the scorecard for me afterwards. <br />
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The three additional autos are of players I have not heard of before. I do like the look of the Gold AU, even if it is a sticker auto. <br />
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Last but not least are the 2 memorabilia pieces. I am not familiar with L.T. Tolbert (apparently he is committed to South Carolina), but the Jumbo Jersey Patch numbered out of 20 is probably my favorite card from the box. Just a beautiful looking card. <br />
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It appears that around 20 of the 65 unique player cards are of guys that may be in my area this year. As such, I will try to keep a running track of any IP successes during the year. <br />
Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-52844028427326859222014-12-23T09:41:00.000-08:002014-12-23T09:41:24.601-08:00Early Christmas Present from Brad at Red Sox Fan In NebraskaI generally have a good idea of my ongoing trades, but in my stack of mail last week was an envelope from Nebraska. Now, I know I had just completed a trade with Brad from <a href="http://redsoxfaninnebraska.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Sox Fan In Nebraska</a>, but I had already received my end of the trade. Looking at the last name, I was sure that it was from Brad, and I was thinking that maybe he had found a couple more of my set needs. When I opened up the envelope, I instead found this...<br />
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Whaddya know, a 1998 Red Sox Score #15 Shane Mack! It has probably been a few years since I have been able to add any new cards to the Mack collection, so I was pretty fired up when I saw it. Thank you Brad for taking the time to look over my wantlist and surprising me with the card. Your generosity will definitely be remembered in the future!<br />
Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-913928094436069242014-11-29T12:58:00.000-08:002014-11-29T12:58:19.193-08:00.10 Card Show PickupsA couple of weeks back, my standby card show got some new dime boxes in. Typically, this is just tons of early 90's junk, but these boxes were actually semi-loaded. It's always tough for me to say no to a numbered card or a tough parallel. Here's what $3 got me:<br />
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<strong>'04 Absolute Memorabilia 141 Hideki Matsui 0292/1349<br />'04 Absolute Memorabilia 169 Jason Schmidt 1111/1349<br />'04 Absolute Memorabilia Tools of the Trade TT-91 Mark Prior 005/125</strong><br />
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<strong>'13 Bowman Chrome Refractor BCP180 Tyler Heineman </strong>- I<strong> </strong>will always have a soft spot for "Heiny", as he was affectionately known at UCLA. Does all the little things that go unnoticed. Hope he gets a chance to make it to The Show<br />
<strong>'02 Fleer Genuine 113 JJ Putz 0587/2002<br />'06 Fleer Tradition Black and White 50 Scott Rolen<br />'12 Topps Heritage 476 Prince Fielder SP<br />'04 Throwback Threads Gold Century Proof 121 Nick Johnson 074/100</strong><br />
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<strong><br />'85 Fleer Update U-43 Greg Gagne - </strong>I'm not sure if I already have this card, but I always appreciated Gagne's efforts as the glue of the Twins infield during their '87 and '91 World Series runs<br />
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<strong>'09 O-Pee-Chee New York New York NY15 Xavier Nady - </strong>I've never seen, much less heard of this insert set, but doing some research, this is a 30-card Yankee set seeded 1:40 packs.<br />
<strong>'09 O-Pee-Chee Walk-Off Winners WK7 Johnny Damon<br />'08 Upper Deck X Xpotential X3-HM Hideki Matsui<br />'14 Topps Opening Day Superstar Celebrations SC-4 Freddie Freeman<br />'11 Topps Heritage Minor Tint 154 Jonathan Singleton 604/620<br />'09 Upper Deck Starquest Emerald Super Rare SQ-36 Curtis Granderson<br />'10 Upper Deck Celebrity Predictors CP9/CP10 Chris Martin Gwynth Paltrow<br />'01 Fleer Premium 204 Jaisen Randolph 1373/1999<br />'05 Prime Cuts 17 Tim Hudson 314/449<br />'15 Prime Cuts 2 Roger Clemens 397/499</strong><br />
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<strong><br />'05 Zenith White Hot WH-1 Scott Rolen - </strong>pretty neat looking remake of the '95 Pinnacle inserts of the same name. Odds were 1:65 packs<br />
<strong>'12 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini Gypsy Queen Back 332 Nick Swisher<br />'12 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini Gypsy Queen Back 91 Tim Hudson<br />'12 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini 235 Orlando Cepeda<br />'11 Topps Lineage Diamond Anniversary Platinum Refractor 105 Ty Cobb<br />'99 Just Spotlight JS10-AS Alfonso Soriano<br />'08 Ultimate Collection 44 Garrett Atkins 320/350<br />'05 Ultimate Signature 61 Carlos Delgado 278/825<br />'10 Upper Deck Supreme S-35 Cole Hamels</strong>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-51056555411291468262014-11-26T10:18:00.000-08:002014-11-26T10:18:32.949-08:00A Return and a FarewellIt's been five months since I last posted, but since it is the day before Thanksgiving, today is as good a time as any to get back in to the swing of things. A few weeks back, Marcus from <a href="http://backstopcards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All the Way to the Backstop</a> sent over a few cards from his trade list, the most prominent being a 2014 Topps Orange parallel of Hank Conger.<br />
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I specifically requested this card because Hank was my favorite "under the radar" Angel. Sure, anyone can collect the big names like Trout and Pujols, but I have always had a soft spot for Hank. The hometown kid from Huntington Beach is a fun loving guy and seemed to be good for clubhouse chemistry. Many an Angels fan wondered why he never got a true shot at being the everyday catcher. Well, that is a moot point now, as after I inquired about this card, Hank was traded to the Astros. Baseball wise, I felt it was a good deal for the Angels. They got a cost controlled young pitcher and a potential future backup catcher, something that seemed to be Conger's destiny if he stayed with the club. Personally, I feel conflicted. On the one hand, Hank will get a clean slate with the Astros, but on the other hand, it feels that the Angels wasted another high draft pick. Regardless, I wish Hank the best with his new team.<br />
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Now, back to the main point of this post. As this is the time of year to give thanks, I would like to give a big Thank You to Marcus. He was the one who initially encouraged me to create this blog. Though the posts have been lacking, I have still managed to make numerous trades with members of the blogosphere world this year. Though we all have our own reasons for collecting, the common theme is that we share a strange affinity for cardboard. Be safe all and have a Happy Thanksgiving. <br />
Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-76605059643461775112014-06-16T18:29:00.000-07:002014-06-16T18:29:19.961-07:00Insert Set Completion From Tony At Off Hiatus Baseball CardsMy last post got a comment from Tony at <a href="http://offhiatusbaseball.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Off Hiatus Baseball Cards</a>, which is a great excuse to post a few cards Tony sent my way a week or so ago. Tony had busted open a case of '13 Topps Series 2, and seeing that I was under 15 cards needed for the entire Emerald parallel set, I checked to see if I could get some set help. Only 2 Emerald cards were found, but two gets me closer to completion.<br />
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In checking my want lists, Tony was also able to dig up the last card I needed to complete The Elite insert set, The Iron Horse.<br />
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While most of us seem to have issues with some of the insert sets that Topps puts out, I've only heard positive things said about The Greats and The Elites from last year, and the Before They Were Great inserts from this year. Thanks a ton Tony. The last card acquired for any set is usually the most rewarding. I have a couple of cards headed your way.Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-43395405765185421892014-06-15T19:00:00.000-07:002014-06-15T19:00:39.300-07:00.05 Card Show PickupsWhat's better than dime boxes? When you can get them for a nickel instead. That was the deal during the latest trip to the card show. If I got 100 cards, they would be .05/each. Basically, 50 free cards. I was all in, but the issue was finding enough cards as the majority were mass produced base products. I was able to find enough cards of interest, some for IP autographs, some for the personal collection, and others for trade bait. Here's what $5 got me:<br />
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<strong>'12 Donruss Elite 43 Tyler Pike <br />'12 Donruss Elite 90 Fernando Perez <br />'12 Donruss Elite 33 Ryan McNeil</strong> <br />
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<strong>'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-43 John McDonald</strong> - scary to say that this John McDonald rookie card common was my favorite pickup of the day. I've never thought much of McDonald, your typical good glove, no bat late inning defensive specialist, but he's seemingly been a great clubhouse influence for the Angels this year. I thought the 2000 Topps Traded was McDonald's rookie card, but his actual rookie is in this set.<br /><strong>'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-99 Jose Molina<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-93 Clay Bellinger<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-36 Chance Sanford<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-52 David Newhan<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-57 Dave Roberts<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-57 Trent Durrington<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-109 Jeff Weaver<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-4 Eric Munson<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-128 Ramon E. Martinez</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-6 Tim Hudson</strong> - one of the A's big three from the early 2000's, Hudson has had a quietly under the radar great career. Currently leading the league in ERA. Who knew saw that coming? A great signing by the Giants<br />
<strong>'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-123 Chad Allen<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-40 Ben Molina<br />'99 Fleer Tradition Update U-101 Joe Nathan</strong><br /><strong>'10 Topps 206 SP blank back Tom Seaver blank back<br />'12 Topps Target Red 574 Kerry Wood<br />'12 Topps Target Red 466 Lance Berkman <br />'12 Topps Target Red 465 Michael Schwimer <br />'12 Topps Target Red 658 Juan Pierre <br />'13 Topps WalMart 319 Brian Bogusevic <br />'13 Topps WalMart 92 Clint Barmes <br />'13 Topps WalMart 212 Eric Chavez 326 <br />'13 Topps Walmart 299 Darwin Barney <br />'13 Topps Walmart 272 NL RBI Leaders<br />'12 Topps 502 Collin Cowgill <br />'13 Topps Opening Day Superstar Celebrations SC-18 Josh Willingham <br />'13 Bowman Purple BP33 Ismael Guillon<br />'13 Bowman Purple BP49 Patrick Leonard<br />'13 Bowman Purple BP13 Tanner Rahier<br />'13 Bowman BP13 Tanner Rahier</strong><br /><strong>'13 Bowman Chrome BCP62 Socrates Brito<br />'13 Bowman Chrome BCP56 Tyler Heineman<br />'13 Bowman Chrome BCP36 Jose Peraza<br />'13 Bowman Chrome BCP19 Carson Kelly<br />'13 Bowman Chrome BCP57 Wade Hinkle</strong><br /><strong>'13 Topps 346 Aaron Hicks<br />'03 Bowman 216 Mike Gallo<br />'12 Topps Golden Moments GM-24 Justin Upton<br />'07 SP Rookie Edition 135 Joe Smith<br />'12 Bowman Platinum Gold 15 Lance Berkman<br />'12 Bowman Platinum Refractor BPP81 Jarred Cosart<br />'07 Allen Ginter 342 Chad Cordero<br />'11 Topps 60 T60-110 Carlon Fisk<br />'11 Topps 60 T60-143 Lance Berkman</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>'13 Topps Opening Day Mascot M-2 Phillie Phanatic</strong> - one of the original mascots, and arguably the best of the bunch. By the way, what ever happened to the San Diego Chicken?<br /><strong>'12 Topps Opening Day Mascot M-15 Kansas City Royals<br />'12 Topps Opening Day Elite Skills ES-8 Felix Hernandez<br />'12 Topps Opening Day Fantasy Squad FS-17 Billy Butler<br />'13 Bowman Platinum Refractor BPCP29 Matt Barnes<br />'13 Bowman Flags 115 Corey Hart<br />'10 Topps Attax Chase Utley<br />'12 Topps Heritage 480 Carlos Gonzalez<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 365 Aramis Ramirez<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 354 Jeremy Hellickson<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 617 Jimmy Rollins<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 542 Jeff Samardzija<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 376 Carlos Quentin<br />'12 Topps Gold Sparkle 530 Cliff Pennington</strong><br /><strong>'94 Bowman 413 Scott Spiezio<br />'94 Bowman 252 Kevin Stocker <br />'94 Bowman 559 Ryan McGuire (x2)<br />'94 Bowman 206 Matt Whisenant (x2)<br />'94 Bowman 586 Richard Hidalgo <br />'94 Bowman 326 Jason Isringhausen<br />'94 Bowman 602 Don Slaught</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>'94 Bowman 642 Billy Wagner</strong> - I don't play fantasy baseball anymore, but when I did, Little Billy was always my closer of choice. Nothing like getting the save along with the three bonus strikeouts.<br /><strong>'10 Allen Ginter 310 Placido Polanco (x2)<br />'10 Allen Ginter 311 Chone Figgins<br />'10 Allen Ginter 313 Ryan Doumit<br />'10 Allen Ginter 317 Alex Rios<br />'10 Allen Ginter 323 Angel Pagan <br />'10 Allen Ginter 324 Randy Winn<br />'10 Allen Ginter 327 Vernon Wells (x2)<br />'10 Allen Ginter 330 Jonathan Papelbon<br />'10 Allen Ginter 332 Ricky Nolasco <br />'10 Allen Ginter 338 Francisco Liriano<br />'10 Allen Ginter 339 Ben Sheets<br />'10 Allen Ginter 341 Jon Garland<br />'10 Allen Ginter 342 Erik Bedard<br />'11 Topps Update Diamond Anniversary US185 Orlando Hudson<br />'11 Topps Update Diamond Anniversary US71 Jeff Francis<br />'11 Topps Update Diamond Anniversary US282 Brad Hand<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US11 Jason Pridle<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US116 Shawn Camp<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US183 Carlos Peguero<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US217 Elliott Johnson<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US253 Scott Linebrink<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US272 Jorge Cantu<br />'11 Topps Update Cognac US317 Craig Counsell<br />'11 Topps Cognac 331 Carlos Guillen<br />'11 Topps Cognac 377 Esmil Rogers<br />'11 Topps Cognac 381 Michael Gonzalez<br />'11 Topps Cognac 408 Denard Span<br />'11 Topps Cognac 453 Joe Saunders<br />'11 Topps Cognac 505 Tommy Hanson<br />'11 Topps Cognac 509 Michael Bourn<br />'11 Topps Cognac 540 Joakim Soria<br />'11 Topps Cognac 594 Jose Valverde<br />'11 Topps Cognac 609 Juan Francisco</strong> <br />
<strong>'11 Topps Cognac 652 Edwin Jackson<br />'09 Score Future Franchise 4 Colt Brennan<br />'09 Score Future Franchise 16 Matt Ryan</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>'14 Topps Green 145 Jason Castro</strong> - hey, a 2014 card, and a Green border to boot. Rumor has it that there are Orange parallels in Topps Series 2. Oy.Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-31562226169219149312014-06-04T15:16:00.000-07:002014-06-04T15:16:01.953-07:00A small thanks of appreciation to Jeff at 2x3 HeroesAs most can probably relate, life often times takes over and we get backlogged on completed trades and the packages start to pile up. A week or so ago, I received an unexpected package from Illinois. I basically have a good idea of what trades and online purchases are coming in, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what this could be. When I opened up the package, there were a few cards inside and a note from Jeff at <a href="http://www.2x3heroes.com/" target="_blank">2 by 3 Heroes</a> apologizing for not checking my wantlist on an earlier completed trade (Sorry for being too lax for posting the results of that trade). The included cards were a couple of '14 Topps Golds and '13 Gypsy Queen Minis that I had previously listed on my wantlist. <br />
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The cards were beside the point. From my years of online trading, it's been my experience that a trade is made and that is the end of it with that trader until the next time. For Jeff to go out of his way and re-check my wantlists and send something out "just because", well I am definitely not used to that. One of the things I have realized since I have started this blog and reading other blogs is that there are really a lot of good people out there who collect cards for the pure hobby aspect of collecting and are always glad to help out other collectors without a second thought. I would like to thank Jeff and other collectors like him. You guys definitely make the hobby much more rewarding. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-2899350286092660112014-06-02T20:38:00.000-07:002014-06-02T20:38:09.249-07:00Jarrett Grube - Who?I consider myself pretty well versed on minor league prospects, especially those that belong to my team, the Angels. When the club called up reliever Jarrett Grube late Friday night, I will admit that I had never heard of the name before. Typically that is the case with relievers, who generally aren't top prospects and are often former starters who have been converted to relief. I looked up the backstory on Grube and it turns out he is 32 years of age and has pitched for 3 organizations over 11 years in the minors, including two years of independent ball. As a fan, we take for granted that this was just some no-name call up that will not make a difference one way or another. If you look at it from the Grube's side, however, I'm sure those 11 years and 11,000+ innings pitched while toiling in the minors were all worth it as he took the mound for his major league debut Saturday against the A's. Sure, his stay in the bigs may just be a cup of coffee, but at least he can always say that he is part of an elite club that made The Show. <br />
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Other than minor league team sets, I was almost positive that Grube had no mainstream card issues. To my great surprise, he does make an appearance in the 2004 SP Top Prospects set. Heck, he even has an autograph card in the set. I checked my boxes this evening and lo and behold, I have the base card. A google search lookup, a dig through my boxes, and a 250 word blog post after a nearly one month layoff. Jarrett Grube, well done. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-89108113435227240512014-05-10T15:04:00.000-07:002014-05-10T15:04:29.778-07:00Custom autograph from Chris at Nachos GrandeI have a backlog of completed trades scattered on my desk that I need to get to, but lately, it feels like I just don't have the time. I had mentioned previously that I've begun working on some new sets, the first of which being the 2013 Gypsy Queen Minis. It's always tough to start working on a set a year after the fact as most people have moved on to the current year issues. However, thanks to the magic of trade lists, I was able to see that Chris at <a href="http://fanofreds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nachos Grande</a> had 3 of the minis I was still looking for. Chris and I had previously helped each other out, so I knew that we would be able to quickly come to an agreement. The PWE arrived this past week and so did the minis.<br />
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Being able to knock off a big name like Machado is always a relief, though sometimes it feels like the common players are the hardest ones to find. I'm down to 19 minis for the set now as I slowly chip away. <br />
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Chris added a few surprise cards in the PWE, all being custom Ginter cards including an autograph of Mr. Nachos Grande himself!<br />
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I know I should be more thrilled with being able to mark off a few set needs, but I can't help but admire that custom autograph card. Totally awesome and definitely my favorite card in the package. At a card show, I once joked to a dealer that there should be autographed cards made of every person in the world. That would be something to collect. Thanks much Chris. At the end of the day, cards should be enjoyed and your custom autograph card really put a smile on my face. <br />
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<span id="goog_1959879832"></span><span id="goog_1959879833"></span><br />Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-56668025650664358682014-05-02T20:32:00.000-07:002014-05-02T20:32:24.994-07:002nd trade with Ryan at "O" No!!! Another Orioles Blog Since the cards from my wantlists are getting harder to find, it was time to start working on some new uncompleted sets. The first of these was the '13 Topps Gypsy Queen Minis. In terms of trades, I will always first seek out those who've I've already dealt with in the past. I was able to go back to the well with Ryan at <a href="http://anotheroriolesblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"O" No!!! Another Orioles Blog</a> a week or so ago and knock off two from my wantlist. <br />
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Apparently there are SP minis in this set as well, which I will have to do some research on. In addition to the Freeman and Votto, I also picked up three additional cards from Ryan.<br />
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I really like the look of these Bowman Chrome Blue Wave Refractors. <strong>Lucas Sims</strong> isn't a local guy, but he is a top prospect with the Braves. It will be interesting to see how his career goes. <br />
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I'm not too familiar with <strong>Nolan Sanburn</strong>, but he's currently listed on the A's Stockton roster. I hope to get the card signed when the Ports visit Southern California later this year. The <strong>Brandon Belt</strong> Bowman International is for my Giants buddy. <br />
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Thanks Ryan for another trade. Keep those wantlists and tradelists updated and I'm sure we'll trade again. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-61177117282786832342014-05-02T20:02:00.000-07:002014-05-02T20:02:37.409-07:00Last pack - '13/14 Panini Basketball Opening up the last Panini basketball pack from the previous post while watching the Angels/Rangers game. Here are the goods:<br />
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<strong>#68 Tiago Splitter<br />#88 Tony Parker<br />#8 Tony Allen</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>#67 Goran Dragic All-Panini insert<br />#199 Phil Pressey<br />#182 Ricky Ledo<br />#145 Tyler Hansbrough<br />#103 Thomas Robinson</strong><br />
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More of the same in terms of the base cards, but I like the shiny look of the Dragic insert card. As a whole though, basketball cards just don't appeal to me. While this set is ideal for a completist, there are just too many players that I've never heard of. Maybe if I were watching the NBA playoffs instead of a regular season baseball game, I might feel differently . <br />
Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-46160974746781740232014-05-01T20:35:00.000-07:002014-05-01T20:35:32.190-07:00March Madness winnings - '13/14 Panini BasketballTopically, this post is about a month late, but at work today, the manager finally handed out the prizes for our Final Four basketball pool. Each employee who drew a Final Four team received a bag of goodies, among the items, a pack a '13/14 Panini Basketball cards. Given that no one at work has interest in trading cards, I was the true winner as I ended up with the cards. One of the packs was already opened, so I will only list the packs I did open. <br />
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Pack 1<br />
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<strong>#2 Brook Lopez<br />#58 Wesley Matthews<br />#78 Jeff Green<br />#14 LaMarcus Aldridge</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>#192 Shane Larkin - </strong>son of Reds HOFer Barry!<br /><strong>#6 Kyrie Irving Knight School insert<br />#150 Greg Monroe<br />#154 Brandon Knight</strong><br />
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Pack 2<br />
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<strong>#12 Serge Ibaka<br />#90 Paul Millsap<br />#62 Monta Ellis<br />#37 Mario Chalmers</strong><br />
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<br /><strong>#16 Jeremy Lin Preparation insert </strong>- could it have been only a few years ago that Lin-sanity swept the nation? Now Lin is coming off the bench for the Rockets.<br /><strong>#197 Allen Crabbe<br />#132 Marc Gasol<br />#148 Gerald Green</strong><br />
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These cards are pretty "eh" in the sense that the photos pretty much all look like the Larkin card above. Some variety would've been welcome. The most interesting card from the two packs was the Lin which is horizontal and thematically at least, matches the look on his face. I have one more pack left which I will save for the weekend. As 99% of the cards I get are singles at card shows, I should probably string out the packs when I get them. Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-89693564810559287092014-04-28T21:09:00.000-07:002014-04-28T21:09:12.082-07:00Taking the Plunge with Matt at Bob Walk the Plank I had recently begun working on a new set, the '13 Topps Gypsy Queen Minis, and much to my luck, a great new blogger named Matt at <a href="http://bobwalktheplank.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bob Walk the Plank</a> had recently opened up a box. I took the plunge and made contact with Matt asking if he might possibly have any of my wants. Matt graciously sent back 7 of my remaining set needs.<br />
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As I'm working on the set, any missing card is nice to get, but it's always great to add a new <strong>Mike Trout</strong> and <strong>Babe Ruth</strong> card to the collection, not to mention <strong>Mariano Rivera</strong>.<br />
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Matt was kind enough to also offer up a <strong>Garrett Richards</strong> Gypsy Queen autograph. Anyone who watched the Sunday night Angels game against the Yankees knows that Richards has some nasty stuff. <br />
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As a surprise, Matt also added this Flair autograph of <strong>Casey Kotchman</strong>. Kotchman was having his best season for the Angels in 2008 when he was traded to the Braves at the deadline for Mark Teixeira. When Tex signed with the Yankees that offseason, the Angels netted the Yankees first round pick as compensation which as most people know turned out to be... Mike Trout. Yeah, I think that turned out ok in the end for the Angels. <br />
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Thanks again to Matt for the set help and extra goodies.Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119128794925720618.post-13047348844767703492014-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:002014-04-22T22:24:41.450-07:002000 Peoria Chiefs As I have previously mentioned, I like to collect the local kids from Southern California. In the 1998 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected <strong>Tim Lemon </strong>in the second round out of La Mirada High. The previous fall, I had covered Lemon's exploits on the gridiron and that spring, I watched the toolsy Lemon on the baseball diamond. I figured he would be a cool player to track, follow, and collect. After a couple of years in Short Season ball, Lemon moved up to Low-A Peoria in 2000. (Lemon would play 7 years in the minors never getting out of High-A, and was even converted to a pitcher in 2004)<br />
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The Chiefs offered an internet broadcast of their games that season, and I remember listening to many a game in the afternoon. What I remember most about those games was a totally unknown hitter on the Chiefs by the name of <strong>Albert Pujols</strong>. I had never heard of him before which wasn't surprising since he didn't appear in the minors in 1999. Heck, in looking at the 2000 Baseball America Almanac, he is listed as Jose Pujols. <br />
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Pujols seemed to have an exceptional batting eye and had a knack for driving in runs, a sign of what was to come. He was promoted to High-A before the year was over and went on to win the Rookie of the Year with the Cardinals the following year. The rest, as they say, is history, or historic in Pujols' case. Congratulations Albert on hitting your 500th homerun tonight; I'll always remember those humble beginnings with the Peoria Chiefs.<br />
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<br />Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569974722902461446noreply@blogger.com0