Welcome

This blog is about sports cards. I tend to only purchase cheap items so don't come hear expecting to see big money cards. My teams collections are Chicago White Sox and Michigan Wolverines. I also have a bunch of player collections.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Purchase from JABO’s

I posted on my trade bait post a little while back that I had purchased cards from Kyle at “JABO’s.”  He was selling off 10 cards for $2.  I grabbed these 3 cards along with an 1981 Topps for my set collection and then the 6 cards I posted as trade bait.  Here’s what I got for myself.

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  • Chad Henne – 2008 UD Football Heroes
  • Chris Sale – 2011 Topps Chrome Xfractor(?)
  • Tom Seaver – 2011 Topps 60

Chad Henne for the Wolverine collection.  Chris Sale for the White Sox Collection.  And the Tom Seaver goes over to my player collection.

Friday, December 30, 2011

My goals for 2012

Everybody else is putting resolutions or goals down for their blogs so I figured what the hell! I don't do resolutions in my personal life, because I believe if you truly wanted to make a change, you don't need a calendar to tell you its time. But I do like to set goals as to things I need or want to accomplish.

Now my blog isn't so much card oriented as it is my personal cards. Which is why I'm amazed I have as many readers as I do. Lets face it, if your not a fan of the White Sox or the Wolverines, then my blog doesn't really mean much to most of you. Some of you may be like me and read anything and everything card related, regardless if its always about a certain team or not. This leads me to my first goal, which I made when I started blogging back in the spring.

1. Blog what you want, don't conform to what you think everyone else wants. What this means is if I want to post a certain card or subject, then post it. Don't worry if it's going to get many views or if it's going to be that post that gets you another follower. Do I follow my stats? Somewhat. I watch them, but I don't check them on any regular intervals. Just whenever I feel like it. Do I know how many followers I have? I'm sitting in my break room at work on my blogger app and I can tell you that as of last night, before I went to bed, I had 56. So yes, I follow my followers and I usually notice right away when I get a new one. But I don't do a whole lot to gain followers. It's just a number that makes me think that people are actually reading my drivel.

2. As far as numbers do go, I want to get my PC's at some attainable goals. Or at least most of them. I'd like my White Sox collection to have:

  • At least 4000 (currently at 1636) cards.  This will be a little more than double my current collection
  • At least 300 (currently at 112) vintage ('79 and earlier) cards.  This will be a little rough as it’s almost 3 times what I have now.
  • At least 100 relics and 100 auto's.  (Also tough, because they cost more.)
  • And I don't have a number in my head for this goal, but considering I don't have any yet, I would like to complete some team sets in my White Sox PC. Which means part of my goal is to make a want list for each of the sets. I take that back, I do have 1 team set, I don't remember now where I got it but I'm pretty sure I either bought it or someone traded me the 2010 Topps flagship set.

3. Along with the completing team sets mentioned above, I do want to set a number for completing vintage team sets. I'm going to say I want at least 10 vintage team sets before 2012 closes. I think this goal may be tough due to lack of funds and some vintage is just hard to find. But I set it a little higher at 10 sets because I think the 70's won't be extremely difficult.

4. I don't have a number of posts or views I want to get because with the addition to the 1973, 1981 and today's 9, I have plenty of material for awhile. And as far as views go, I don't consider them accurate because I know that a lot of people (including myself) who use feed or RSS burners to read their blogs.

5.  As for my Wolverine collection, this is a little harder because there just isn’t as many cards out there and because of that, even base cards tend to cost more.  But here goes:

  • 200 total cards (currently 71).
  • 5 relic cards (currently 0).  They just don’t make many relics that are Wolverine jerseys only.
  • 75 auto cards (currently 8).  There are a lot of auto’s out there that I don’t have already plus newer sets.  This goal might be a harder one, because of the only in Wolverine uniform rule but I’ll make a run at it.

And let’s take a look at my player collection goals.

6.  Paul Konerko collection

  • 300 total cards (currently 107).  This shouldn’t be hard because there are a lot of cards currently out there that I don’t have.
  • 25 relics (currently 7).  That’s a little lofty but again, there are a bunch out there already that I don’t have.
  • 2 auto’s (currently 1).  Totally gonna try to double this one.  But seriously, the auto I have may or may not be actually autographed by Konerko.  So I would like to get at least 1 real autograph.  His auto cards aren’t outrageous but they aren’t cheap either so I don’t see myself spending huge amounts of money on autos so I don’t see myself going for 10.  At this point, 1 real autograph would make me happy.

7.  Tom Seaver collection

  • 200 total cards (currently 165).  The main reason I’m at 165 is because I got a 100+ card set of all Tom Seaver’s.  So I can’t see myself going overboard on this one.  Plus he was a player of the 70’s and 80’s so there is only so many to begin with.  I do need to get more of his older base cards though.

8.  Billy Williams collection

  • I’m going to go with 25 (currently 3).  I definitely need to get his vintage base cards but he has a number of inserts in previous sets as well so I feel 25 is reachable.

9.  Dave Dravecky collection

  • 30 total cards (currently 19).  I haven’t investigated enough to know just how many cards he has.  When I get around to making wantlists for each player collection I’ll have a better idea just how many cards he has.  I can’t imagine is a huge amount but I could be wrong.

10.  Mike Hart & Peyton Manning (currently 11 & 30)

  • I don’t really have a goal here.  These aren’t huge collections that I really go after.  I’m just not into pro football that much.  I just pick these up here and there, plus it gives a few more players people can send me for trades.

11.  I would like to be at least half way through the 1973 set (342 cards).  I’m currently at around 25 or so.  I haven’t gotten all those posted yet so I don’t have a set figure.

12.  I would like to be done with the 1981 Topps set.  This is a lofty goal as I’m only about 100 cards in.  But I don’t know of any real expensive cards in this set and I seem to be able to pick these up pretty cheaply on Ebay.  So we’ll go for it all.

A couple of short term goals are

  • Get player and team set want lists up.
  • Update my blog roll (so behind)
  • Get my 1973 and 1981 sets in binders.

I guess that’s about it.  For the record, the way I do goals is, I look at what I have, figure out about how many I should get, and then add more to that number.  I figure it they are going to be goals, you should set them high in order to push yourself to achieve them.  So I really wouldn’t be shocked if I don’t even reach half these goals.  But they are there to push me, let’s hope they do.

1973 Topps–Terry Forster #129

I’m collecting the 1973 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
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  • Card Facts – Terry Forster – Chicago White Sox – Card # 129
  • Purchase Price – $.33 (Ebay lot, 7/$2.34)
  • On the back (toon) – Terry likes to go skiing.
    • “One of Terry’s most impressive efforts of 1972 occurred in Cleveland, July 11th.  He relieved Rich Gossage with one out in the 7th inning and hurled the final 2 2/3 innings of the game.  He was credited with his 12th save of the season, protecting Chisox’ 4-3 victory which was credited to Gossage.  Terry had his best curveball of the season that game, he allowed Tribe only one hit and fanned three in his short stint.”
  • Drafted by the White Sox in the 2nd round in 1970.
  • Debut – April 11, 1971.
  • 1971-1976 (White Sox), 1977 (Pirates), 1978-1982 (Dodgers), 1983-1985 (Braves), 1986 (Angels)
  • Born in Sioux Falls, SD
Led the league in saves in 1974 (24). Made the White Sox roster in 1971 after only 10 minor league (A) games.  Has a lifetime Batting Average of .397 with 78 at bats.
  • Cards posted in this set – 4
  • Total price paid – $1.00
  • Average price per card – $0.25
  • Cards left to post – 680 (including NNO Checklists)

1981 Topps-New York Yankees #670

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-yankees670
  • Card Facts – New York Yankees team – Card # 670
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
New York Yankees team checklist (Ron Davis, Aurelio Rodriguez, Willie Randolph, Joe Lefebvre, Tom Underwood, Oscar Gamble, Brian Doyle, Rudy May, Ruppert Jones, Ron Guidry, Fred Stanley, Johnny Oates, Rick Cerone, Graig Nettles, Eric Soderholm, Reggie Jackson, Bobby Brown, Tim Lollar, Bruce Robinson, Jim Spencer, Rich Gossage, Mike Griffin, Doug Bird, Tommy John, Gaylord Perry, Bobby Murcer, Luis Tiant, Bucky Dent, Bob Watson, Lou Piniella, Gene McMichael.)
103-59.  Finished 1st in AL East.  Lost the ALCS to the Royals (0-3)
  • Cards I have in this set – 9
  • Total price paid – $0.99
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 717

Thursday, December 29, 2011

1973 Topps–Juan Marichal #480

I’m collecting the 1973 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
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  • Card Facts – Juan Marichal – San Francisco Giants – Card # 480
  • Purchase Price – $.56 (Ebay lot, 4/$2.24)
  • On the back (toon) – Juan owns a farm in the Dominican Republic.
    • “Nicknamed “Dominican Dandy”.  Juan won 1965 All-Star Game & was voted game’s MVP.”
  • Signed by the Giants as a free agent in 1957.
  • Debut – July 19, 1960.
  • 1960-1973 (Giants), 1974 (Red Sox), 1975 (Dodgers)
  • Born in Laguna Verde, Monte Cristi, D.R.
Hall of Famer pitched for the Giants for the majority of his career (13 years) before playing with 2 teams (Red Sox, Dodgers) in 2 years before retiring.  Was a 9 time All-Star (1962-1969, 1971) including going home with an All-Star MVP trophy in 1965.  Led the league in ERA in 1969 (2.10), was 2nd in 1965 (2.13), and 3rd in 1966 (2.23).   Led the league in Wins in 1963 (25) and 1968 (26).  Led league in Complete Games in 1964 (22) and 1968 (30).  Led the league in Shutouts in 1965 (10) and 1969 (8).  Was the winningest pitcher in the decade of the 1960’s (191 wins).
  • Cards posted in this set – 3
  • Total price paid – $0.67
  • Average price per card – $0.22
  • Cards left to post – 681 (including NNO Checklists)

Today’s 9 - Harold Baines

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

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HAROLD  BAINES

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 1981 Fleer, 1982 Donruss, 1983 Topps

(middle row) 1985 Donruss, 1985 Topps Rub Downs, 1986 Fleer Star Stickers

(bottom row) 1986 Sportflics, 1986 Topps, 1987 Topps

Played with the Sox from 1980-1989, 1996-1997, 2000-2001

Was All-Star in 1985-1987, 1989, 1991, 1999

Won a Silver Slugger award in 1989

Card back info –

“Still platooning in right field for White Sox, but scouts say it’s only a matter of time when his ability will dictate his play every day.  Tied for 2nd on White Sox in HR last year.  Was their No. 1 choice in the June ‘77 amateur draft at the insistence of club owner Bill Weeck who had personally scouted him in Maryland.  White Sox had the No. 1 pick everall that year and passed up Paul Molitor and Terry Kennedy for Baines.  Made it to Chisox after just 3 years in the minors, his last being a .296 season at Iowa in ‘79” – 1982 Donruss

“July 7 – Walloped 3 homers including grand slammer in 7-0 win vs. Tigers.  July 11 – Went 3-5 with 2 homers & 5 RBI’s in White Sox 16-7 win vs. Blue Jays at Toronto” – 1983 Topps

“Led AL in slugging (.541) last year and was White Sox club leader in batting and RBI.  Set an AL record with 22 game-winning RBI in ‘83.  Became youngest White Sox player in history to drive in 100 runs in ‘82.  Was No. 1 amateur draft pick in nation in ‘77 as Chisox passed over Terry Kennedy and Paul Molitor to take him out of Maryland H.S.” – 1985 Donruss

“Has twice hit 3 HR in a game (‘82 & ‘84).  Led AL in slugging (.541) in ‘84” – 1986 Fleer Star Sticker

“One of the best young hitters in the majors, Harold led the league in game-winning RBI’s with a record 22 in 1983 and in slugging percentage in 1984.  He was selected right out of high school first in the nation in the June 1977 free-agent draft and in 1982, at 23, became the youngest White Sox player ever to have over 100 RBI’s in one season.  In an explosive spree that same year, Harold hit five homers in six games, including two grand slams, batted .500 (11-22) and drove in 13 runs.  In 1985 he was sixth in the AL in batting, fifth in hits and fourth in RBI’s” – 1986 Sportflics

“Harold and his wife are parents of 2 daughters.” – 1987 Topps

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 23

It could have been interesting if the Sox had drafted Molitor instead of Baines, but you never know.  And I certainly didn’t not want Baines, he was great for us and is still great for us on the bench with the coaching staff.

1981 Topps-Rob Picciolo #604

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-robpicciolo604
  • Card Facts – Rob Picciolo – Oakland A’s – Card # 604
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – Batted .403 as a high school senior in 1971. 
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – Was Santa Monica City College MVP in 1972-73. 
  • Drafted by the A’s in the 1st round (4th pick) in 1975.
  • Debut – April 9, 1977.
  • 1977-1982, 1985 (Athletics), 1982-1983 (Brewers), 1984 (Angels)
  • Born in Santa Monica, CA
Rob went to Pepperdine University.  He led the southern league shortstops in douple play’s in 1975.  He played all the infield and outfield positions during his professional career.  But only 6 games combined at the outfield positions with the most of his career at shortstop.
  • Cards I have posted in this set – 8
  • Total price paid – $0.88
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to post – 718

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Cheap ebay purchases

I seem to spend a week or so buying cheap cards on ebay, then I’ll go a few weeks without even looking, then the cycle repeats.  I decided to throw up all of them in this post instead of breaking them into multiple posts.

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The Tom Seaver card I actually purchased in a lot of New York Mets cards.  Most of them were 1987 Topps.  I didn’t need any of the other cards so I put a max bid of what I was willing to pay just for the 1 card and hoped to get lucky.  The Billy Williams I ran into while looking for some 1973’s for the set collection.  I have been looking to grab some vintage Williams for my player collection but it’s been tough grabbing them at a cheap price.  I decided to splurge a bit since it was my birth year.

  • Tom Seaver – 1984 Topps ($.11/shipped)
  • Billy Williams – 1973 Topps ($.99/shipped)

The next lot I also found looking for more ‘73.  They fit the bill but the majority went to my White Sox Collection instead.  The 5 below along with 2 that I already had all came in a lot.  The other 2 will be featured in my 1973 posts.

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  • 7 card lot ($2.34/shipped) = $.11/card

4 of these cards were purchased singles.  The 1973 Topps batting leaders came as part of a 4 card lot (all ‘73s) that I purchased for the set collection.  The Konerko is numbered and I have no idea what the mini Tom Seaver is.  It says 2010 but that’s the first I ever seen them.  I’ll get around to googling it at some point.  Love the 1982 Topps, they bring up so many memories of collecting as a kid, especially being a Tom Seaver because I collected him back then as well.

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  • Mike Hart – 2008 Press Pass ($.49/shipped)
  • Billy Williams – 1973 Topps batting leaders ($.50) 4 card lot ($2/shipped)
  • Paul Konerko – 2007 UD Sweet Spot /850 ($.50/shipped)
  • Tom Seaver – 2010 Topps mini ($.43/shipped)
  • Tom Seaver – 1982 Topps ($.50/shipped)

Grand total for that weeks purchases. $4.07 ($.34/card)

1973 Topps–Gene Michael #265

I’m collecting the 1973 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
73topps-genemichael265
  • Card Facts – Gene Michael – New York Yankees – Card # 265
  • Purchase Price – $.11 (Ebay lot, 40/$4.25)
  • On the back (toon) – The “stick” almost played basketball for the NY Knicks.
    • “Gene came through with early season Triple & Homer to win games for the Yankees in 1972”
  • Signed by the Pirates as a free agent in 1959.
  • Debut – July 15, 1966.
  • 1966 (Pirates), 1967 (Dodgers), 1968-1974 (Yankees), 1975 (Tigers)
  • Born in Kent, OH
  • School – Kent State University
Love the action shot, but you can tell it was 70’s photography.  Played the majority of his career at Shortstop, but played some 2nd and 3rd as well.  And even has some Pitching stats for 1 game.  He pitched 3 innings, gave up 5 run with 5 hits and 3 strikeouts.  It is said that he was a master of the hidden ball trick and had used it multiple times in the majors with success. 
After his 10 year career, he went on to manage the Yankees and the Cubs.
  • Cards posted in this set – 2
  • Total price paid – $0.11
  • Average price per card – $0..06
  • Cards left to post – 682 (including NNO Checklists)

1981 Topps–Johnny Grubb #545

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-johnnygrubb545
  • Card Facts – Johnny Grubb – Texas Rangers – Card # 545
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – none
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – none
  • Drafted by the Padres in the 1st round (24th pick) in 1971.
  • Debut – September 10, 1972
  • 1972-1976 (Padres), 1977-1978 (Indians), 1978-1982 (Rangers), 1983-1987 (Tigers)
  • Born in Richmond, VA
Played 16 seasons in the majors.  Played most of those games in that 16 seasons in all 3 outfield positions.  And played a handful of games (17) at 1st and 3rd base as well.  Was 6th in Rookie of the Year voting in 1973 and made the all-star game in 1974.  Johnny led off his 1979 season with a home run.
  • Cards I have posted in this set – 7
  • Total price paid – $0.77
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to post – 719

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

1973 Topps–Earl Williams #504 (repost)

I’m collecting the 1973 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.

I’m reposting this since blogger seems to have eaten the first time I posted it.  *Update – I found this post, sort of.  Here’s the link “1973 Topps–Earl Williams #504”  Notice the address, then notice the post.  You can also scroll down and notice the comments that were left on the original post.  I don’t know what the hell happened.

73topps-earlwilliams504

  • Card Facts – Earl Williams – Baltimore Orioles – Card # 504
  • Purchase Price – free (already in my collection
  • On the back (toon) – Earl was originally signed as a pitcher
    • “A converted 3rd basemen who made difficult switch to catcher. Earl was acquired by O’s during the off-season. A longball threat, he was selected as NL Rookie of the Year in 1971 and was 2nd in Homers on Braves, ‘72”
  • Drafted by the Braves in the 1st round (6th pick) in 1965.
  • Debut – September 13, 1970
  • 1970-197, 1975-1976 (Braves), 1973-1974 (Orioles), 1976 (Expos), 1977 (A’s) 
  • Born in Newark, NJ

I never heard of someone going from another position to a Catcher.  I always thought of Catcher’s as always played the position because I believe it is the hardest position.  The first time I posted this, I had said that I didn’t know of anybody else who had switched to a Catcher’s position that late in their career.  Dennis had informed me that Brandon Inge had as well.

  • Cards posted in this set – 1
  • Total price paid – $0.00
  • Average price per card – $0.00
  • Cards left to post – 683 (including NNO Checklists)

Today’s 9–Brian Anderson

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

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BRIAN ANDERSON

Cards (L-R) – (top row)  2003 Upper Deck (star rookie), 2005 Topps World Series, 2006 Fleer Flair Showcase (rookie)

(middle row)  2006 Topps (rookie), 2006 Topps ‘52 (rookie), 2006 Topps Allen & Ginter’s (rookie)

(bottom row)  2006 Upper Deck Artifacts (rookie), 2006 Upper Deck SPx Next Line, 2009 Topps

Played with the Sox from 2005-2009.

Card back info –

“The 15th overall pick has the makings of a five-tool player for Chicago.  he’s shown power, speed, arm strength and range in center field.  But perhaps most valuable are his baseball instincts.  Anderson is comfortable with a wood bat in his hands and plays with passion.  His build has prototypical major leaguer written all over it.” – 2003 Upper Deck (star rookie)

“Brian’s 2005 season was more about a sneak-peek into the White Sox future than anything.  Considered their most advanced offensive prospect, he hit .295 with 16 homers in triple-A and played in 13 games with the big club.  On August 26 in Seattle, the five-tool youngster doubled and hit his first two Major League home runs of pitching phenom Felix Hernandez.” – 2005 Topps World Series

“In just his fifth game in the Major Leagues, Anderson showed off his power potential by swatting two longballs and driving in three run to help the White Sox to a 5-3 victory against the Mariners on 8/26/05.” – 2006 Fleer Flair Showcase

“Why did Chicago deal 2005 starter Aaron Roward and top prospect Chris Young during the offseason?  Because of Brian, the one centerfielder they didn’t trade.  Brian flashed both his talent and his personality on 8/26/05, when he belted his first two MLB homers…and then high-fived himself when given the traditional rookie silent treatment upon returning to the dugout.” – 2006 Topps

“In 2006, Brian succeeded Aaron Rowand as the defending World Champion White Sox centerfielder.  After a slow start, he showed why the club is enamored of his potential, batting .304 in July and August.  Anderson – who had made his 13-game MLB debut in ‘05 – also proved to be worthy defensively, making only two errors in more than 100 starts.” – 2006 Topps ‘52

“Billed as the organization’s best defensive outfielder entering 2006.  Anderson came through offensively in wet opening day conditions to deliver two hits and a pair of RBI in Chicago’s 10-4 victory over.” – 2006 Upper Deck Artifacts

“The athletic youngster is regarded as one of the top defensive outfield prospects in the Majors, and he showed off his sharp talents as a starter on opening day for the White Sox this season.  Anderson was an effective contributor in Chicago’s first game of ‘06, going 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBI.” – 2006 Upper Deck SPx Next Line

“Like many things Brian does, it won’t appear in the box score, but let the history books show that his sprawling catch on September 30, 2008 was one of the more important ever in White Sox annals.  His dive in center field provided the final out of Chicago’s 1-0 win over the Twins in a special one-game playoff that allowed the club to make the postseason.” – 2009 Topps

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 9

I liked Brian when he played for us but he never fulfilled the promise that they hyped him to be.  All you heard was about his 5 tools, and he showed flashes of what he could be with his bat, but could never pull it all together.  If I remember correctly he went to the Red Sox and only played one more year there before retiring.

1981 Topps-Bud Harrelson #694

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-budharrelson694
  • Card Facts – Bud Harrelson – Texas Rangers – Card # 694
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – none
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – none
  • Signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1963.
  • Debut – September 2, 1965
  • 1965-1977 (Mets), 1978-1979 (Phillies), 1980 (Rangers) 
  • Born in Niles, CA
No toons on the back of this card either, but because he has played 16 seasons and his stats take up the whole card.  He had exactly 1400 games at Shortstop, 80 games at 2nd base and 1 game in the outfield in his 16 seasons.  Made the all-star game in 1970 and 1971.  A gold glove in 1971.  Ranked in the top 5 in 4 different seasons for putout’s from a Shortstop.  Was on the 1969 “Miracle Mets” that won the World Series.  Made another appearance in the 1973 World Series with the Mets but in a losing effort against the Oakland A’s.  But the most important fact is we share a birthday.
  • Cards I have in this set – 6
  • Total price paid – $0.66
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 720

Monday, December 26, 2011

Trade Bait

Just wanted to let you know I’ve added photo’s to my trade bait page the other day.  And I have gotten a few more that I have added to that page today but I figured I’d give you a look at what’s new here.

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Jaque Jones autograph – picked it up at the LCS very cheap.  Picked up another card for myself as well, that post will come at a later date.  I’ve scanned all my 1981, 1973 and all my trades and purchases, now I just have to get around to typing the posts out.  Should be able to slam that stuff out this week since I have no kids which means no boy or girl scouts either.

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I picked these up from Kyle of “Juuust A Bit Outside” or “JABO’s”.  He was selling off cards 10 for $2.  I picked up 3 for my PC’s and 1 1981 Topps that you’ll see later.  Since I needed 10, I grabbed these 6 just because.  So if you want them, let me know.  Also check out my trade bait page for my auto’s, game-used, parallels, numbered and inserts.

1981 Topps–Ramon Aviles #644

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-ramonaviles644
  • Card Facts – Ramon Aviles – Philadelphia Phillies – card #644
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – none
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – none
  • Signed by the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1969.
  • Debut – July 10, 1977
  • 1977 (Red Sox), 1979-1981 (Phillies)
  • Born in Manati, Puerto Rico
Not sure why they didn’t feature any toons on this card.  It’s completely full with stats but out of the 15 years listed, only 3 were major league teams.  Must of just not had much to say about him, I guess.  Only played in 1 game for the Red Sox after signing with them.  Contract was purchased by the Phillies where he played 3 season and played all the infield position except 1st base.  Was traded to the rangers after the 1981 season but never saw anymore major league playing time.
  • Cards I have in this set – 5
  • Total price paid – $0.55
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 721

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Today’s 9–Luis Aparicio

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

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LUIS APARICIO

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 1968 Topps, 1969 Topps, 1969 Topps Deckle Edge

(middle row) 1981 TCMA 1959 Go-Go White Sox, 2002 Fleer Greats, 2003 Donruss Estrellas

(bottom row) 2008 Donruss Threads, 2008 Upper Deck Goudey, 2010 Topps Peak Performance

Played with the Sox from 1956-1962, 1968-1970

Was the 1956 AL Rookie of the Year

Was All-Star in 1958-1964 and 1970-1970

Was 2nd in MVP voting in 1959

Won gold gloves in 1958-1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970

Was 2nd in Hits in the AL in 1966 with 182 hits.

Was 2nd in Triple in the AL in 1958 (9) and was 3rd in 1960 (7) and 1965 (10)

Led the league in stolen bases every year from 1956-1964

Led the league in singles in 1966 (143), was 2nd in 1960 (137) and 1968 (132), and was 3rd in 1961 (136) and 1969 (134)

Was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1984.

Card back info –

“Luis returned to Chicago in 1968 after five years with Baltimore.  The shortstop has appeared in eight All-Star games and has a World Series lifetime average of .286.  Luis has led the AL in stolen bases 9 times.” – 1968 Topps

“After 5 years with the Orioles, Luis rejoined the Sox via a 6-man deal.  He has a .286 World Series batting mark.” – 1969 Topps

“Luis added to his stature as baseball’s greatest field shortstop in his fourth season with the White Sox in 1959.  Named as the starting shortstop for the American League in the All-Star game.  Luis, participated in all but four of Chicago’s 156 games and tied the club record by stealing 56 bases, matching the total of Wally Moses in 1943.  The Venezuelan born shortstop finished a close second to teammate Nellie Fox in the voting for the American League’s most valuable player award.” – 1981 TCMA 1959 Go-Go White Sox

“Aparicio played every inning of his 18-year career at shortstop, and built a legacy as a superb fielder and a solid producer on offense.  His skill at both facets of the game saw him rack up a total of nine Gold Gloves and 506 stolen bases during his Hall of Fame career.” – 2008 Donruss Threads

“Players may have hit more home runs and grabbed more headlines that Aparicio did in his career, but it’s tough to argue that any one of the big boppers was more valuable to their squad than the White Sox star.  He was one of the best defensive shortstops the Major Leagues has ever seen as he was rewarded with nine AL Gold Glove awards, and his quickness provided him with nin stolen base titles (1956-64)” – 2008 Upper Deck Goudey

“Aparicio’s statistics at shortstop are the most extraordinary in the history of the American League.  His records include those for most consecutive leaderships in fielding percentage (seven, 1959-66), most assists (8016) and most putouts (4548).  The Hall of Famer also held the mark for double plays until Cal Ripken Jr. retired with a mere dozen more.” – 2010 Topps Peak Performance

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 12

I knew he was a Hall of Famer and was an all time White Sox great, but never really realized just how good he was until I was reading his stats and the write up’s on the back of his cards.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

1981 Topps-Ross Baumgarten #398

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-rossbaumgarten398
  • Card Facts – Ross Baumgarten – Chicago White Sox – card #398
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – Picked up victory in major league debut, August 16, 1978
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – Eleven days later he tossed his first big league shutout.
  • Drafted by the White Sox in the 20th round.
  • Debut – August 16, 1978
  • 1978-1981 (White Sox), 1982 (Pirates)
  • Born in Highland Park, IL
Was 4th place on Rookie of the Year voting in 1979 after a 13 win season.  The only time in his career where his win total reached double digits.  Was 0-5 in the National League after being traded to the Pirates.
  • Cards I have in this set – 4
  • Total price paid – $0.44
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 722

Random with Christmas

My plan for Christmas Eve day, is to blog and working on my blog.  Exciting holiday stuff huh?  I want to get some more 1981, 1973 and Today’s 9 posts ready to post for those days I have nothing, which seems to be a lot these days.  I’ve been working on getting my want lists for 1981 and 1973 Topps the last few days since I got a couple of lots off of E-bay.  Those are done and posted under My Collections page on the right side tab or clicking the previous link.  It’s pretty full since I just started this, but since the running tab at the bottom of the 1981 and 1973 posts is only accurate to those that I’ve posted, I figured I needed to get a want list up.  I’m not going all gang busters on these sets so don’t think you have to send me everything you have, but I’m certainly willing to trade for some.  But as stated before in other posts, I don’t have much left.

I also plan on updating my trade page, which is so far behind that it’s pathetic.  I have a couple of trades I’ve received in the last week or so that I need to get scanned and posted as well.  And as I’ve also stated how horrible I am at keeping records, someone sent me great trade.  I set it aside to be scanned the next day, and then here I am a week later, I haven’t scanned it and I forgot who sent it.  So whoever sent me a bunch of Frank Thomas’ and some oddball Sox including Baines and Seaver and a Conlon card, please give me a shout out so I can praise you in the trade post.  You can e-mail me a jccsst1022 at gmail dot com.  I apologize and hopefully you don’t think it was a bad trade because I forgot who sent it.  It’s a testament to my bad record keeping, not a bad trade.  But the good news is, it finally kicked my ass to start keeping records instead of just piling things up and I spent an evening putting everything into a spreadsheet that I haven’t posted about yet.  I even mark them scanned or not.  So good news did come out of it.


011785_0     4170484776_81abbd5bdb_o

I do want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays while I have you here. Or at least the ones still left reading this. Or should I say Merry Christmas. I had to explain to my 9 year old daughter yesterday why they have “Holiday” parties and not “Christmas” parties at school.  I won’t get started on that.  I’ll probaby have stuff posted the next couple of days, but it will be stuff already typed out so I wanted to say it here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
 

Hope you all have a great weekend.  And since I brought up Michigan with the above pics.  Here’s a toon to leave you with.


sports07

***UPDATE - Now that I was going to go work on some blog posts, my first 1973 post has somehow disappeared off my blog, so I now have to figure out what all I had posted on the first one because I liked how it was set up.  DAMN IT!!!!   Now I'm so not in the mood to blog!

Friday, December 23, 2011

1981 Topps–Paul Dade #496

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-pauldade496
  • Card Facts – Paul Dade – San Diego Padres – card #496
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – Was PCL batting champ with .363 average at Salt Lake City in 1976.
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – He lists traveling among his hobbies.
  • Drafted by the Angels in the 1st round (10th pick)
  • Debut – August 12, 1975
  • 1975-1976 (Angels), 1977-1979 (Indians), 1979-1980 (Padres)
  • Born in Seattle, WA
Out of the first 3 cards that I’ve posted for the 1981 Topps set, this is the 1st player to not be drafted by the Braves.  Played mostly right field and third base but also saw some time in left and center and also 4 games at second base.  Was traded for eventual manager of the Indians, Orioles and Mariners, Mike Hargrove.
  • Cards I have in this set – 3
  • Total price paid – $0.33
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 723

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Today’s 9–Wilson Alvarez

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name.  When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series.  I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

alvarez-wilson01

WILSON ALVAREZ

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 1990 Upper Deck, 1992 Score, 1993 Fleer Flair

(middle row) 1994 Upper Deck, 1994 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice, 1995 Topps Bazooka

(bottom row) 1995 Upper Deck, 1995 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice Special Edition Silver Signature, 1997 Circa

Played with the Sox from 1991-1997.

An All-star in 1994.

Was 2nd in ERA in 1993.

Card back info -

“Wilson is the first person born in the 70’s to play in the major leagues.  Failed to retire a batter in his only major league appearance.  Was acquired from Texas with Sammy Sosa and Scott Fletcher for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique” – 1990 Upper Deck

“Wilson became one of the youngest ever to throw a no-hitter when he beat the Orioles 7-0 on August 11, 1991 at age 21.  It was only his second major league start (his first was in ‘89) and came a day after his recall from Double-A Birmingham.  A hard thrower with a live 90-mph fastball and an exceptional curve.  Wilson has an air of confidence on the mound.  He is counted on by the Sox to be a regular starter in ‘92” – 1992 Score

“On August 11, 1991, Wilson pitched a no-hitter against the Orioles in only his 2nd major league start.” – 1993 Fleer Flair

“Alvarez went 7-3 with a 2.45 ERA in the second half including a 5-0 mark with a 1.03 ERA in September and October” – 1994 Upper Deck

“Alvarez was AL Pitcher on the Month in September, going 5-0 with a 0.93 ERA” – 1994 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice

“The much improved Alvarez hurled a no-hitter on August 11, 1991 against the Baltimore Orioles during his rookie campaign.” – 1997 Circa

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 10

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Blog Contests

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Click the link above and head over to join Jabo’s 1st contest in celebration of his 100th post.  Post a comment, it’s that easy to get in on the fun and of course, a shot at free cards.

And for more upcoming contest in the card blogging world, check out his other blog at http://cardcontests.blogspot.com/.  It’s a great resource for the card contests going around.

Santa Claus Is Here With a Christmas Giveaway! - SportsCardBlog.net – Sports Card Blog – Your Source for Sports Card Info

Also check out sportscardblog.net for a Christmas giveaway/takeaway.  Or go here for a direct link to the contest post.  But I recommend the first link and check out the blog as well.  It’s the least you can do since they are giving away free cards.  By the way, you might want to hurry, the deadline is tonight.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blog Bat Around

Just some quick info before I get into the Blog Bat Around.  Had a pretty crappy weekend in Chicago, I won’t go into that here, but I did here if your interested.  But I’m back home and trying to get back into blogging.  I’ve purchased some more set cards and have a few posts ready to go too.  I’ve purchased more 1981 then 1973 for obvious reasons, they are much cheaper.  I did win a few cheap lots on ebay and am waiting to receive those before I get around to doing a want list for either year.  If you want to send what you want for either year, don’t let me stop you.  But if you’d rather wait for the want list and only send what I need, that’s cool.  Either way, don’t expect a return package right away.  I will get you back, but it may take me some time to get some cards to get back to you.

I’m really enjoying getting the posts together for the sets.  It’s a lot more work than I expected so I must give props to those of you who have set blogs.  But anyways, back to the…

bat_around_header

The 2011 baseball card collecting season is finally over - other than Bowman Sterling (coming out December 21st). What set or release stands out as your favorite from the year? What set or release brings your lunch back up to your throat?

As I’ve stated here before, I love baseball cards but don’t really get all into the look or photography and definitely don’t get into the backs of the cards.  I just love cards of baseball players.  So with that in mind, this is somewhat a difficult question for me to pick favorites.  But I’ll do what I can.

seaver11lineage170     seaver11lineage200

My favorite base set was Lineage.  As I said above, I love cards of players.  Lineage mixed up the past with the present.  I didn’t collect originally until 1981 so I’ve never pulled much of the HOF’s of the 50’s and 60’s, or 70’s for that matter and this set had a little of all of it.  Even multiple cards of players with different teams, as also seen above.  And I loved, loved, loved the ‘75 mini’s insert/parallel set.

2011_Greinke_Topps_Lineage_1975_Mini_133_F

How could you not love a vintage feel with modern players.  I bought a lot of the Lineage packs.  Probably the 2nd most packs that I bought this year behind regular Topps.  But for the record, the 75 mini relics I did NOT like, you shouldn’t mess with vintage in that way.

Honorable mention – Gypsy Queen.  Same deal with Lineage, modern and older players.  But I didn’t really enjoy the look of the set.

My 2nd favorite was Series 1, 2 and update since they all look the same.  But what I loved most about all 3 of those sets were these.

konerko11toppsd93   danks11toppshd121

I really loved the sparkly’s and let face it, I got into the Diamond Giveaway too so I bought the most of these packs for the giveaway codes.

For my least favorites, those are easy.  I never bought any packs of the Heritage Minors, Allen & Ginter’s and Attax.  I’m not a big fan of any of the Bowman’s either, but I don’t mind the Bowman base of the established players.  I don’t like all the minor leaguers and draft picks, which is the reason I didn’t like Heritage Minors.  Allen & Ginter’s, I just hate all the non-sport crap in this set.  I don’t mind the design of the base and I would buy packs if I was guaranteed no non-sport cards.  And Attax, well it’s Attax.  I don’t think I’ve heard anybody who likes that.

I’ve enjoyed my first Blog Bat Around and looking forward to more.  Hopefully all of you have as well.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

1981 Topps–Rowland Office #319

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely. This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-rowlandoffice319
  • Card Facts – Rowland Office – Montreal Expos – card #319
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – Launched himself over centerfield fence to rob batter of a homer in 1977.
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – It’s still considered the best catch ever at Atlanta Stadium
  • Drafted by the Braves in the 4th round
  • Debut – August 5, 1972
  • 1972, 1974-1979 (Braves), 1980-1982 (Expos), 1983 (Yankees)
  • Born in Sacramento, CA
Had 99 or more games from 1974-1980.  Only had 26 games in 1981, then only 5 more in the next 2 seasons before he retired.  Rowland played all 3 outfield positions throughout his career.  Ranked in the top 3 in fielding percentage in 1974 (2nd) and 1978 (3rd) at the centerfield position.  Played 1 game at first base in 1977.
  • Cards I have in this set – 1
  • Total price paid – $0.11
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 725

Chicago

I am out of town this weekend so try not to miss me too much.  I am currently sitting in my hotel room in downtown Chicago with plans of walking Michigan avenue "the Magnificent Mile."  I will be back home tomorrow to resume not really normal programming.

I want to start some 1981 topps posts as well as some today's 9.  I'm behind but I also want to throw some posts for the blog bat around going around.  Not sure really how it works but I figured just answering some questions about our hobby shouldn't be to hard and since they are ready made subjects and I lack a creative mind to come up with my own, it's right up my alley.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

1981 Topps–Preston Hanna #594

I’m collecting the 1981 set, slowly but surely.  This post is the latest in my quest for the completion.
81topps-prestonhanna594
  • Card Facts – Preston Hanna – Atlanta Braves – card #594
  • Purchase Price – $0.11 (part of a lot – 9/$.99)
  • On the back (toon, bottom left) – Fashioned a 13-0 high school record in 1972.
  • On the back (toon, bottom right) – He throws a devastating knuckle-curve with fine control.
  • Drafted by the Braves in the 1st round (11th pick)
  • Debut – September 13, 1975.
  • 1975-1982 (Braves), 1982 (A’s)
  • Born in Pensacola, FL
As will be with most of these cards from the 1981 set, I remember the card, but don’t remember the player.  In 1978, Preston had 28 starts (7-13), every other year he played he had less than 10.  In 1982 he was 3-0 with the Braves, who releases him, then he signs with the A’s and finishes the year with them 0-4.  Guess he didn’t fair to well in Oakland.
  • Cards I have in this set – 2
  • Total price paid – $0.22
  • Average price per card – $0.11
  • Cards left to purchase – 724

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

And away we go

Well, it’s officially started.  I used my bookmarked searches on ebay for 1973 & 1981 Topps.  Since I don’t have much else to post, I have come up with a few ideas. 

  • 1973 Topps
  • 1981 Topps
  • Today’s 9 (subject to change)

Every time I receive a 1973 or 1981 Topps, I will post each card and talk about it, sort of like the blogs for certain years that we all know about, but I’m not starting a new blog and I probably won’t have much to say about the card.  But we’ll see where it goes.  I don’t have the knack to get all into the details, I wish I did, because that’s why I read those other blogs.  My love for cards stems from my love of baseball.  Not from my love of the photographs or cards themselves.

Also, as stated in a previous blog, I organized all my White Sox collection into alphabetical by last name.  I had fun doing this, so many memories of growing up.  I used to organize my cards one day by player, the next day by teams, then by years or brands.  This was a daily ritual growing up, only I had thousands upon thousands of cards, probably upwards of 10,000 and I would organize all the time for hours on end.  But back to this project, it took me a couple of evenings, maybe around 7 or 8 hours.  I have decided for another regular series of posts, when I fill one side of a page (yes I use both sides, because I’m cheap) I will scan the page and review it here.  Some will be great players, some will be “who is that” pages.  I know most of these won’t interest you because they will all be White Sox players, but I’m doing it anyways.  You can skip those days if you’d like, I won’t take offense.  I already scanned all the pages that I’ve completed so far so look for those to start.  One thing I learned with this project was, holy crap, I have a lot of Frank Thomas cards.  Probably more than any of my player collections  So there will be a bunch of those posts.  Hopefully those will be starting soon.

I went through my cards this evening to see if I had any cards from those years to start my sets.  I found 1 1973 card.  Which of course will be the hardest set to finish.  And I found 0 1981 cards.  So it looks like I’m pretty much starting both these sets from scratch.  Oh well, more fun that way.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Group Break

break-spankee05

Spankee from “My Cardboard Mistress” held an awesome group break.  He broke all kinds of boxes and being as my collection is fairly new, most of the cards were new to me as well.

break-spankee01

This is just a small selection of the cards.  I think the majority of the Konerko’s were new to that collection as well.

break-spankee02

As you can tell, he broke new with the old.  Love the Fisk Kimball and those 3 stickers are the first I have gotten.  I can not find any around here at all.  Although, I tend to only shop at Walmart.  I just don’t go anywhere else that has cards.  I don’t shop at Meijer or Target, and I don’t ever even go to Walmart just for cards, I pick them up while I’m there for something else.  But I was excited when I saw he broke some stickers and was hoping to get some.

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And a few horizontal cards.  All Konerko’s for the Konerko collection.  And of course, the reason you get into breaks.  Hits!

break-spankee04

I scored a jersey of Konerko.  SWEET!  And with a stripe.

Thanks Spankee for the great group break.  I’m glad you sent me my cards before my Wolverines met your Hokies, otherwise you might be mad at me after the game.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Trade with Night Owl

I grabbed a few Dodgers for Trade Bait and Greg from “Night Owl” was the first Dodgers blogger/collector to jump in on a few of them.  We’ve traded a few times, you can check out previous ones of the trade page over to your right.  Although, I am seriously lacking on updating that page.  Add it to the list of stuff I’d like to get done here.  But back to the trade, this was just a small one, I sent him a few, he sent me a small stack.  He’s like that, just a great trader.  Here are the highlights that he sent me.

trade-nightowl01

An alcoholic refractor, although scanned, it almost looks camouflaged.  But I like all the sparkly in this years sets.  A couple of Orange refractors, a couple of A&G, one being a code card.  An update of a previous Sox, guess he needs a new update card now.  And an insert of Chris Sale.  What’s best is this isn’t all Greg sent me and he sent a bunch of Sox I didn’t have.  I, like most of you, like the colored refractors.  I believe these are my first of Topps Chrome.  I have an Orange Gordon Beckham, but I’ve had it awhile so I’m pretty sure it’s not Topps Chrome from this year at least.  As always, an outstanding trade with Greg.  I’d plug his blog (Night Owl) to you all, but let’s face it, I’m willing to bet if you read baseball card blogs, you read his.  It is the best card blog out there.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

What to do? Or did I do it? I’m lost. Well, not really.

Hiflew over at “Cards from the Quarry” posed the question, How do you store your team’s cards?  Great question, and I enjoyed reading all the answers, check the post out here to read the comments.  I think I had decided to change the way I store mine, I can do that since my collection isn’t all that huge yet.  I had thought about doing it by player because there are so many players I really like and would like to see all their cards together, but I don’t want to start player collections of those players.  So this would be the next best thing.  I’m looking forward to seeing all my Aparicio’s on 1 page as well as some other players.

As I started thinking about how I was going to do it, I remembered the way I collected as a kid.  I had the pages alphabetically by last name.  If you know me, I have to have rules.  My rule was a player had to have so many cards before he got his own page.  Of course, I don’t remember that number at this moment.  I’m thinking 3 or 4 cards for the player.  When I was a kid, I had all the other cards at the back of the book.  This time I think I’ll put all the players in accordance with the letter.  All the A last names after the A pages, ect.

I have my plan, I have set my rules, now coming up with the time to take them all out of the pages and back in will be the problem.  Sounds like a weekend project.  Problem is, my weekend is booked.  They posted Saturday and Sunday at work but I already had plans on Sunday so I told the foreman to mark me as a call in.  I never miss work, so it wasn’t a big deal.  I’ve called in once in the last couple of year.  But on Sunday, my wife and I are taking my kids to a huge Lego Train display towards Chicago.  My son (7 yrs. old) loves Lego’s and I can’t wait to see his face.  They know the city we are going to, I haven’t told them what we are going to see.  Anyways, hopefully I’ll find some time to at least get it started this weekend.

I’ve mentioned a few times here that I was thinking about set collecting.  While I know I would enjoy buying packs and trying to collect a set, I simply can’t afford to buy packs all the time.  If I could afford that, I would be buying packs anyways just because I enjoy sorting through a pack to see who I got.  I’ll admit I look forward to getting a hit as well, although it doesn’t happen as often as I would like.  If I had to collect a set this year, I probably would have done Lineage.  I liked the mix of modern and vintage stars, and I liked the inserts.  But what I really love is vintage.  I’ve always said I was going to decide between 1973 (my birth year) or 1981 (1st year I collected).  While I haven’t officially decided to collect either of those years, I did kind of take a small step today.  While at work, I added a saved search for both 1973 Topps and 1981 Topps on my ebay app.  I used the advanced feature and set the parameters at $1.00 or less shipped.  While I haven’t bid on anything yet.  I feel I’m being led to start picking up the cheaper cards here and there, when I can.  I’m pretty much starting from scratch on both sets, the only cards I probably have are in my White Sox collection.  I take that back, technically, I bought my first 1981 Topps today from Kyle at “Juuust a Bit Outside” blog.  He’s selling off some of his unwanted cards 5 for $1 with a $2/minimum.  I browsed his gallery and selected 2 White Sox cards and a Tom Seaver for myself and since I needed 10 cards, I needed to pick 7 others.  So I grabbed a Chad Henne card that I think I might already have, but I may not as he had a couple of cards in the set.  And also a 1981 Mets Future Stars.  Then I picked out 5 cards of other teams that I tend to trade with.  So I guess technically I started collecting sets.

For the record, I’m not asking anybody to send be their 1973’s or 1981’s.  I’m just going to pick at these sets with no real timeframe for completion.  If we make a trade and you want to throw a few in, great, I’m certainly not going to complain.  But I don’t have a lot to trade with right now so I don’t want everybody to send me theirs because then I’m going to have to buy cards to send back.  And with Christmas approaching, I am flat ass broke and can’t afford to really buy much of anything.  As an example, Monday night I went to my LCS while I waited for my daughter to finish with Girl Scouts.  And I didn’t buy anything, nothing, nada.  Of course, nothing really hopped out at me either so it wasn’t really to hard so I guess I can’t pat myself on the back too much.

For the record, I have decided to blame “Night Owl” for this endeavor.  Since he finished his 1975 Topps blog and isn’t starting his 1985 or his 1971 blog’s until after the new year, I had to find other sets to get fixated on.  Thanks Greg, thanks a lot.  Your lucky I haven’t given my wife my new password, she’d probably go into my word file with all my trade partners addresses and send you a mean note.  And forbid me to play with you anymore and then where are you going to send all those Sox cards, huh, did you think of that?

Sorry, got a little off track there.  So to paraphrase.  I’m collecting 1973 and 1981 Topps, but not really.  Don’t send me any 1973 or 1981 Topps, unless you want too.

mlb-santos001     mlb-buehrle004

Bye guys!  Thanks for the memories.  Next years going to be a rough one.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Trade with Spiegel

Spiegel of “Nomo’s Sushi Platter” had told me he wanted the Conlon Dodgers from the set I had bought.  So off they went, that was probably the most cards I’ve sent to a Dodger collector in awhile.  I don’t have hardly any Dodgers because there is so many of them out there and I’ve traded with a bunch of them.  Here’s what Spiegel sent me in return.

trade-spiegel01

Gotta love the 1966 Romano, you know, just because it’s vintage.  But also all the other cards he sent.  He sent a bunch of inserts that I needed, the above is just a few of them.  The Sergio Santos is a purple refractor.  I already had the base and the chrome refractor and now the purple.  Great card Spiegel.

trade-spiegel02

3 Extra Edition, Gold Floyd, Kimball Dunn and Sale Chrome.  Spiegel has already gone above and beyond our trade and then he puts the Danks blue sparkly (Hope Diamond) numbered 60/60.  Thanks Spiegel, truly a great trade.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Cheap ebay

Just a quick post on some of my recent ebay purchases.  We’ll start off with a few Michigan cards since I’m sitting here and watching them take on Iowa State.

ebay02

The Ray Jackson auto I picked up for $2.49/shipped.  I usually try to keep the cheap ebay purchases around $2 but he was a fab fiver so I went a little over budget, but not much.  And now that I’m checking ebay for the prices spent, I can’t find the Biakabutuka card listed.  So I must have gotten that somewhere else.  I’ve said it before, I really need to stay more organized.  I get packages in the mail and get all excited and rip into them then have to think back to who sent what.  I bought some small sticky notes so hopefully I can remember to use those at least.

ebay03

Brent Morel – 2011 Bowman Chrome rookie auto ($3.04/shipped)  Again, I paid a little more but I wanted the card.

Paul Konerko – 2010 Topps Attax code card ($.05/shipped).  Didn’t have one and it was only a nickel.

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Also won this lot ($1.25/shipped), of course that was before I had received a bunch of Dravecky’s from Padrographs so most, if not all, weren’t needed anymore.  Oh well.

I’ve got one more trade post already typed out and some more to scan and type out, we’ll see if I get around to doing that today.  Not to mention, everything you’ve seen this week, I have yet to get into the binders.  Sorry about all the trade posts, but as you know, there isn’t much out there that interests me to buy some packs.  I’ve checked a few times but nothing called to me.  And I have yet to find any of the stickers around here.  They carry the NFL, but no MLB.  I’d like to get the Sox team of those, I might have to start looking around for a team set somewhere.

It’s just after halftime and we are up 13 so keep it going Michigan.  GO BLUE!!!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Trade with Potch

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Before I get to the trade post (because I know how much all of you like them) I wanted to give a shout out to Gavin Floyd of the White Sox.  If you haven’t heard, check out the article here.  You don’t see too many good stories about today’s athletes.  And yes, I would have given him a shout out even if he played for another team.  If you don’t read the trade post below, be sure to check out the Pujols cartoon at the bottom.

Potch of “Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes” saw a couple of cards he wanted, I believe out of some update packs and I sent them his way, in exchange, he sent me these.  Potch must have gone through my want lists because he sent me a bunch of Sox I didn’t have.  I’ll just post the new and the old and spare you all the years in between.  Here’s the new.

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Big thanks for the Allen & Ginter’s because I don’t buy any packs of these.  Not exactly my favorite set.  I do like the design, I just don’t like all the other non-baseball cards that come with it so I don’t buy the packs.  I really like the Hometown Heroes inserts as well.  And the Aparicio up there as well.  I’ve been getting a lot of his cards and he was one of my favorite vintage Sox players.

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He also sent me these 1977 Topps and an 1984.  I always like the vintage.  I’m waiting to see which vintage team set I finish first.  Between all you bloggers, I’ve been slowly filling them up.  I think 1975 is the closest but I still need quite a few of those too.

Thanks for the trade Potch, as always, it’s great trading with you.  And it’s nice to see your original blog name back as well.

I also ran across this cartoon today and had to post it, it is too funny.  Well, maybe not to you Cub fans.

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