tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37410084397884165072024-03-05T02:46:50.053-08:00Hobbs' KnightsTrading vintage and modern baseball cardsJason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-19525932524306608382012-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:002012-03-01T18:56:29.388-08:00Trade Post<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="312" id="il_fi" src="http://www.theclevelandfan.com/images/stories/trading_cards.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div><br />
This won't be a typical trade post. My scanner is down, so I wont be able to share all the cards I have recently received in trades. Like many collectors, I have cut back on my spending recently and only bought a small amount of Topps series one, especially when comparing it to last year. If Topps releases new value boxes this year that might change. Meanwhile I have been focusing on finishing some of my set projects, specifically 87', 88' and 89' Topps and 2011 Topps Kimball Minis and Heritage. Some card shop purchases have helped, but mostly generous trades have helped me nearly complete these sets. A quick thanks goes out to:<br />
<br />
Sam at the Daily Dimwit:<br />
In exchange for some unused Golden Giveaway codes and Astros Sam sent me 32 Kimball minis from series one and two. Now I just need to knock out the ones from Update.<br />
<br />
Ryan at Ryan's Pitch:<br />
Ryan sent some 88' Topps and Oriole team set needs, the highlight being a UD Masterpiece Erik Bedard jersey card. I have never opened any UD Masterpieces, but I must say these relic cards are really nice with the dark bordered frame.<br />
<br />
The next trade came from fellow Orioles fan, Ryan at Great Orioles Autograph Project:<br />
He sent over some Orioles he had posted as trade bait along with Kimball minis and a few Heritage and O Pee Chee. The highlight was a Heritage chrome markakis from 2009.<br />
<br />
Ted at Crinkly Wrappers:<br />
Ted is probably the blogger I have traded with most. In exchange for Topps 2012 colored parallels he sent some 1988 Topps, Kimball minis and the new 2012 Topps 87' minis. The highlight of the package was a bunch of O's team needs from 2011.<br />
<br />
Last but no least is Charles at Life Time Topps Project:<br />
I helped fill in some holes in his life time Topps sets and in return he sent a large stack of 88' and 89 Topps. I have not catalogued my cards yet but with this trade and the others I should have all but a few cards for these two sets. The highlight of group was team set needs from 85' and 86' Topps. Charles, I will have more base and insert cards available for you when you get to 97',98' and 99' Topps. <br />
<br />
Thanks again for the trades!Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-64034303862355069332012-02-19T17:14:00.000-08:002012-02-19T17:14:44.969-08:00Trade Bait: 2012 Golden Giveaway Codes<div align="center"><img height="330" id="il_fi" src="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Golden.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="463" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After some deliberation I have decided not to participate in this years Golden Giveaway. Mostly because the codes don't automatically redeem a card and I wont spend enough time on the site to accumulate and trade coins. The cards that are being redeemed look really nice, but I have read posts these are being unlocked few and far between. So I am offering five unused cards I pulled, GGC 3,7,8,9 and 10. I decided cards for sets I'm building or my team collection are better than virtual coins, if you are interested leave a comment or send me a e-mail.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-36288486022655706212011-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:002011-11-10T11:02:11.208-08:00Card Set Spotlight: 1992 Upper Deck Fanfest<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="1992 Upper Deck Baseball All-Star Fan Fest Factory Set" border="0" class="prod_image_selector" height="320" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ql5c7vZvL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="320" /></div>As previously mentioned in past posts, I have a hard time resisting those Fairfield 100 card jumbo packs. Besides some quality vintage cards I have found, one of the reasons, is my adoration for oddball sets and these packs and other various Fairfield repack products are full of cards from odd ball issues of the 1980's and 90's. Many times I discover sets I was unaware existed or have never seen before and is a good way to add them to my collection.<br />
<br />
Today I picked up one while shopping and found two cards from 1992 UD fanfest. This set was produced for the 92' All Star game and Fanfest in San Deigo. My pack yielded Delino DeShields and Royce Clayton, both part of the Future Heroes subset. The 54 card set was broken up into three parts, Future Heroes (1-10), featuring rookies UD felt would make future all star games. The second subset was active All Stars (11-44), featuring all stars of the early nineties and lastly All star Heroes (45-54), featuring ten legends of the past. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a class="thumbnail" href="http://search.sportsbuy.com/searchQuick.do?queryString=1992+Upper%20Deck%20Fan%20Fest+4+Delino%20DeShields&list=Sell&sortOrder=Most+Popular&image.x=50&image.y=12#thumb"><img alt="1992 Upper Deck (UD) All-Star FanFest #4 Delino DeShields - Montreal Expos (Baseball Cards) NM" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sportsbuy.com/images/oldordscans/new_thumbs/book/4118250.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 51, 51);" width="234" /></a></div><br />
The checklist of this small set is very strong, all the superstars from the nineties are represented and ten legends that include, Ted Williams and Brooks Robinson. Design wise the cards are average. They are not overly attractive, though with the full bleed photos they have the potential, but also it is not a ugly set. The design is very simple, utilizing metallic ink for the player names and logo with thick border grounding the image to the bottom of the card. Exluding the bottom border and Fan Fest logo the set has a very 97' Pinnacle Zenith feel to it. Besides the All star game these cards were also sold to collectors through the Home Shopping Club. A harder to find Gold foil set was also produced and one of these sets could be found per each sixty set case.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-25458753890471150602011-10-17T15:52:00.000-07:002011-10-17T15:52:52.838-07:00Group Break Over At Community GumCommunity Gum is hosting a large <a href="http://communitygum.com/2011/10/all-topps-community-break-sign-up-is-now-open/">group break</a>, and will be busting almost a dozen Topps products from the late nineties to mid 2000's. If you are a team collector or player collector with a a lot of holes in your collection for this time period, I recommend checking it out. There are still a lot of teams left and the price is very affordable for the amount of product being opened. The last chance to claim a team is Friday, so hurry over to their site. A link is provided above.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-19347574510924311652011-09-29T19:31:00.000-07:002011-09-29T19:31:35.367-07:00That's A Wrap On The 2011 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBsLjhiIBcSvINvByCL3IyG03QdjFa-wzzSt97F_Vh6B7EZQFwHG176h7S-JN2wgqS0s4rzK1ygQDpsn6RkgW-vyMi7FunEteu8dtUZABl6DU58bdacSKZZaqBrGWcNXSrlRizLd2qxk/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBsLjhiIBcSvINvByCL3IyG03QdjFa-wzzSt97F_Vh6B7EZQFwHG176h7S-JN2wgqS0s4rzK1ygQDpsn6RkgW-vyMi7FunEteu8dtUZABl6DU58bdacSKZZaqBrGWcNXSrlRizLd2qxk/s400/010.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Last nights Orioles-Red Sox game, a 4-3 win for the O's was full of drama and suspense, amplified by a long rain delay, provided a great finish with playoff like atmosphere for the final game of the season. The Orioles playing a meaningful game in September has been missing in Baltimore since 1997. Even the players were caught up in the moment as they mobbed Nolan Reimold at home plate, celebrating like they had earned the wild card berth and for a moment it felt like they had. <br />
<br />
This season was a disappointment for the birds overall but many players such has J.J Hardy, Matt Wieters and Adam Jones had career highs in many offensive categories and hopefully can build on these performances next year. The real problem for the O's was pitching, and this concern needs to be addressed during the off season, if the O's are ever going to compete with the other teams in the A.L East. <br />
<br />
As the Oriole players settle into their off season activities its nice to know the Red Sox are doing the same. Now we just need Justin Verlander and the Tigers to send the Yankees back home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-79059413600920156382011-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:002011-09-26T18:14:33.286-07:002010 Topps Chrome Auto Wade Davis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ05v45_OvfAY1klWCoP-mVK8hB2WI3jA6c8bRnY266A-EhCrjDU1nheCjXNmMkKTU_0B06teJokJrQFWKcVeXgIhj0_6Y5ciGAp0GH5nBMhxPmFrxeXFTSUpVHQHg25_0gH8_rfonL0/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ05v45_OvfAY1klWCoP-mVK8hB2WI3jA6c8bRnY266A-EhCrjDU1nheCjXNmMkKTU_0B06teJokJrQFWKcVeXgIhj0_6Y5ciGAp0GH5nBMhxPmFrxeXFTSUpVHQHg25_0gH8_rfonL0/s320/001.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>I haven't purchased any new Topps Chrome this year, though I have had the itch and I really like the look of the set. It is especially hard since I have a weakness for refractors. Ever since I was a kid dreaming of owning a 93' Finest Refractor, they have been my favorite parallel issue.<br />
<br />
I have curtailed my spending on new cards recently as I focus on trades and trying to complete a few of my set building projects, especially the sets from the late eighties and early nineties that should not take long to build, unless you work very slowly like I do. A few months ago I did buy a reduced blaster of 2010 Topps Chrome at Walmart. For a marked down price I thought I would give it a shot, hoping to pull some Orioles.<br />
<br />
I did find some Orioles base cards in my box and a Adam Jones Refractor for my collection. I also found this Wade Davis Refractor Autograph near the end of the box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfPu-5m1dHoCHt4Wq1s0AmmD6MVpg7BD5PPhyY7kHgH5UJhKsyenmXxo77EAy-tXsEVVPmplWhNxR6Pd05H1wn7P25ydfg0Dt2LH91Y4ne_XUFBcN3VfAXWDcwZyeii7jCZ86zrEsB44/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfPu-5m1dHoCHt4Wq1s0AmmD6MVpg7BD5PPhyY7kHgH5UJhKsyenmXxo77EAy-tXsEVVPmplWhNxR6Pd05H1wn7P25ydfg0Dt2LH91Y4ne_XUFBcN3VfAXWDcwZyeii7jCZ86zrEsB44/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since the Rays play in the same division as my favorite team I am familiar with Wade Davis and have seen him pitch a few times this year, in the beginning of the season he seemed to have the Orioles number, though the Orioles offense was pretty stagnant in April and May. On Sunday, Davis picked up the win against the Toronto Blue Jays, putting the Rays one game behind the Red Sox in the A.L. wild card race. I'm hoping the Orioles can play spoiler and help the Rays win the wild card this week by beating the Red Sox, so far the game is tied 2-2 in the top of the sixth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Topps Chrome autographs look great as a Refractor and so would the Rays in the playoffs over the Red Sox. Now if someone can keep the Yankees from reaching the World Series the post season would be perfect.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-31470692344219745462011-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:002011-09-25T18:48:18.614-07:00Charm City 2<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="297" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Charm%20City%202.jpg" style="height: 339px; width: 506px;" width="349" /></div>I stumbled across a upcoming card show a few weeks ago and thought I'd post it here for collectors if you live in the southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland or Virginia. I didn't go to the first show in April, so I'm not sure how good of a show it will be card wise. I'm planning on attending Friday to check it out. It's not far from where I work and Friday has free addmission from 5-9pm. If its worthwile, I plan on attending Sunday, admission is eight dollars and autograph signers on Sunday will be Orioles from the 1966 World Series team. <br />
<br />
The show is located at the Hilton in Pikesville, Md, just outside Baltimore City and The Hilton is right off 695 at exit 21. Friday will feature Baltimore Raven autograph signers and Saturday is horse racing jockeys and Baltimore Colts. The autograph roster is pretty deep and for the three days and looks to be a must attend event if you are a Baltimore sports fan. Here are more details:<br />
<br />
Sept 30 - Oct 2, 2011<br />
<br />
Fri: 5pm-9pm<br />
Sat: 9am-5pm<br />
Sun: 9am-5pm<br />
<br />
Admission:<br />
Fri: Free<br />
Sat & Sun: $8/day<br />
<br />
Hilton Pikesville<br />
1726 Reisterstown Road<br />
Pikesville, MD 21208 <br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=39.709925&lon=-76.533615&zoom=7&tt=hilton%20pikesville&tp=1&ioride=us&gid2=12582667">Click HERE for directions </a><br />
<strong>If you are attending the event: </strong><br />
<br />
You must purchase a ticket for category of the item you want the athlete to sign. The prices listed do not include the item, you provide the item to be signed (Items are available for purchase at the event or you can bring your own). Each ticket is good for one signature on one item. You can order tickets in advance via this webpage or by calling 973-808-1740. The tickets are numbered, and called in numerical order at the event. <strong>We do not sell out unless a limit is noted. </strong><br />
<strong>Advanced ticket orders can be placed for this event until Thursday, September 29, 2011 @ 12pm. After that time, all tickets must be purchased at the event.</strong> <br />
<br />
Your tickets will not be mailed to you. <br />
You will pick them up at Will Call at the event. <br />
<br />
<strong>If you cannot attend the event, <br />
but still wish to obtain an autograph: </strong><br />
Mail Order: <br />
<br />
Mail Order Address: <br />
<br />
MAB Celebrity Services <br />
193 Fairfield Road 2nd Floor <br />
Fairfield, NJ 07004 <br />
Attn: Mail Order Department <br />
<br />
Orders must be received or placed by: September 27, 2011 <br />
<br />
Mail order fees are $5 in addition to the prices listed below (Both autographs and inscriptions). Certificates of Authenticity are $6 per signature. Return shipping is $10 for small flats and balls, and $12 for premium items.<br />
<strong>For more information, as well as the </strong><br />
<a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/document/Mail%20Order%20Info%20and%20Form%20PDF.pdf"><strong>Mail Order Form Click here </strong></a><br />
<strong>To place a TICKET<br />
(only if you are attending the event in person) <br />
order online, <br />
click the picture of the player you <br />
wish to purchase </strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: darkred;">Please note: Times, dates, and prices are subject to change without notice. There are no refunds or credits unless a player cancels.</span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Please arrive before your players designated start time.</strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>The Signings Hotline discount is not available for this event.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: darkred;">Official Show Authenticators</span>:<br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/PSADNA.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/purple%20friday.jpg" /><img alt="" height="443" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Colts74802743802.jpg" width="398" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966Os.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: black;">Exhibitors Appearing:<br />
</span></u><span style="color: black;">Mendy’s Baseball <br />
Dana Hoiles <br />
Lin Terry <br />
118 Sports <br />
Cottage Antiques <br />
Man Cave Collectibles <br />
PSA <br />
Best Authentics <br />
All Authentics <br />
Zebra Sports <br />
Main Line Autographs <br />
Dick Gordon Sports <br />
JJ Cards N Toys <br />
Rosenthal Sports <br />
Joe’s Sports Connection</span> </strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td align="Center"><strong></strong><br />
<strong><h1>Friday</h1></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td align="Center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="15"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1998-ray-lewis.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1998" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1998.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Ray Lewis</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>12x Pro Bowler<br />
SB XXXV MVP</strong></span><span style="color: darkred;">7-8</span><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Rollback%20Price%20New%20Text2.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;">Flats up to 11x14<br />
& Minis: <strike>$79</strike></span> <strong><span style="color: darkred;">$69</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;">Premiums: <strike>$99</strike></span> <strong><span style="color: darkred;">$79</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;">Inscriptions: $25<br />
</span><span style="color: black;">*Also: Anyone who purchases a Lewis premium ticket is automatically entered in a drawing to win a game used cleat from the breast cancer awareness game!</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2048-ozzie-newsome.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2048" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2048.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Ozzie Newsome</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Ravens GM<br />
3x Pro Bowler<br />
HOF '99</strong><span style="color: mediumvioletred;">6-7pm</span><br />
Any Item: $25<br />
1st Inscription free<br />
Add'l Ins: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2078-tyrod-taylor.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2078" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2078.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Tyrod Taylor</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Ravens' 2011 6th round draft pick<br />
VA Tech</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">8-9</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2079-marshal-yanda.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2079" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2079.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Marshal Yanda</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Offensive Lineman</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">7:30-8:30</span><br />
Any item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2080-laquan-williams.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2080" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2080.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Laquan Williams</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>2011 Rookie<br />
University of Maryland</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">8-9</span>Any Item: $12</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2081-morgan-cox.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2081" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2081.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Morgan Cox</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Long Snapper</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">7:30-8:30</span>One free autograph per paid admission<br />
Add'l items: $10</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2098-ray-rice.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2098" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2098.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Ray Rice</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>2009 Pro Bowler</strong><span style="color: darkred;">7-8</span>Flats & Minis: $59<br />
Premiums: $69<br />
Inscriptions: $20</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td align="Center"><strong></strong><br />
<strong><h1>Saturday</h1></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td align="Center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="15"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1764-steve-cauthen.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1764" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1764.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Steve Cauthen</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Jockey of the <br />
Triple Crown winner,<br />
Affirmed</strong><span style="color: darkred;">11-12</span><br />
Any Item: $30</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1768-angel-cordero.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1768" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1768.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Angel Cordero</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Legendary Jockey</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">10:30-11:30</span><br />
Any Item: $30</span><span style="color: darkred;">Courtesy of Serious<br />
Sports Marketing</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1769-jean-cruguet.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1769" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1769.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Jean Cruguet</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Jockey who rode<br />
1977 Triple Crown<br />
Winner Seattle Slew</strong><span style="color: darkred;">11-12</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $30</span></span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1770-ron-turcotte.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1770" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1770.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Ron Turcotte</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Hall of Fame jockey</strong><span style="color: black;"><strong>Rode Secretariat & won<br />
the triple crowne in 1973</strong><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $40</span></span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1850-gino-marchetti.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1850" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1850.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Gino Marchetti</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>2x NFL Champ</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">2-3:30</span>Any Item: $25</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1851-lenny-moore.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1851" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1851.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Lenny Moore</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;"><strong><span style="color: black;">2x NFL Champ</span></strong><br />
time tba</span>Any Item: $25</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1852-art-donovan.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1852" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1852.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Art Donovan</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>2x NFL Champion</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span>Any Item: $30</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1853-raymond-berry.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1853" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1853.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Raymond Berry</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>2x <strong>NFL</strong> Champion</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">1:30-3</span><br />
Any Item: $40</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1899-lafitt-pincay.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1899" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1899.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
LaFitt Pincay</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Winningest jockey of all time</span></strong><span style="color: darkred;">10:30-11:30</span></span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $30<br />
<span style="color: darkred;">Courtesy of Serious<br />
Sports Marketing</span></span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1975-jonathan-ogden.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1975" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1975.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Jonathan Ogden</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>11x Pro Bowler<br />
SB XXXV Champ</strong></span><span style="color: darkred;">12-1</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $40<br />
Inscriptions: $20</span><span style="color: black;"><strong>Will not sign ANY<br />
Hall of fame related<br />
items or inscriptions</strong></span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1976-earl-morrall.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1976" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1976.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Earl Morrall</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: darkred;"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
10:45-11:30</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $25</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1977-mike-curtis.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1977" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1977.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Mike Curtis</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">11:30-12:15</span></span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $12</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-1999-fred-miller.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic1999" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/1999.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Fred Miller</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /></strong></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2000-rick-volk.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2000" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2000.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Rick Volk</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /></strong><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2004-roy-jefferson.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2004" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Roy Jefferson</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $10</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2005-glenn-ressler.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2005" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2005.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Glenn Ressler</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2006-jim-obrien.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2006" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Jim O'Brien</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">10:45-11:30</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $20</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2007-norm-bulaich.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2007" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2007.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Norm Bulaich</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $12</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2010-jim-palmer.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2010" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2010.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Jim Palmer</a><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: darkred;">Please note:<br />
Day Change</span></strong><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
time: tba</div><div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Rollback%20Price%20New%20Text2.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: darkred;">Any Item: $29<br />
Inscriptions: $5</span></strong><br />
Last time:<br />
Flats & Balls: $39<br />
Caps, Equip,<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $49<br />
Inscriptions: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2033-roy-hilton.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2033" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2033.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Roy Hilton</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2034-colts-superticket.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2034" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2034.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Colts Superticket</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">$119</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: darkred; font-size: medium;">Includes the following 12 players:</span></strong><br />
</span><span style="color: black;"><strong>Earl Morrall, Mike Curtis, Fred Miller, Rick Volk, Roy Jefferson, Glenn Ressler, Jim O'Brien, Norm Bulaich, Roy Hilton, Tom Nowatzke, Sam Havrilak, and Dan Sullivan!</strong><br />
(<strong><span style="color: darkred;">Excludes</span></strong>: Hendricks, Moore, Marchetti, Berry, and Donovan)<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: darkred; font-size: medium;">Super Tickets are only available through preordering. Super tickets will not be available for purchase at the event.</span></em></span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2049-ted-hendricks.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2049" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2049.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Ted Hendricks</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>"The Mad Stork"<br />
HOF 1990<br />
8x Pro Bowler<br />
4x SB Champ</strong><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Flats: $49<br />
Premiums: $79<br />
Mad Stork<br />
Inscriptions: $35</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2062-pat-day.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2062" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2062.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Pat Day</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Ridden winners of triple crown races 9 times<br />
Multiple racing awards</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $30</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2063-tom-nowatzke.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2063" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2063.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Tom Nowatzke</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Any Item: $10</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2064-sam-havrilak.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2064" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2064.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Sam Havrilak</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">10:45-11:30</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2066-dan-sullivan.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2066" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2066.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Dan Sullivan</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/SB5Champ.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;">Any Item: $10</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2095-marchetti-moore-berry-donovan-superticket.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2095" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2095.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Marchetti, Moore, Berry, Donovan Superticket</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: darkred;">$89<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: darkred; font-size: medium;">Super Tickets are only available through preordering. Super tickets will not be available for purchase at the event.</span></em></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td align="Center"><strong></strong><br />
<strong><h1>Sunday</h1></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td align="Center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="15"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2023-brooks-robinson.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2023" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2023.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Brooks Robinson</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">10-11</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Rollback%20Price%20New%20Text2.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: darkred;">Flats & Balls: $49<br />
Caps, Equip,<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $69<br />
1st Inscription: free<br />
Add'l Inscriptions: $10</span></strong><br />
</span><span style="color: black;">Last time:<br />
Flats up to 11x14<br />
& Balls: $59<br />
O/S flats, Caps<br />
& Equip: $69<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $79<br />
Inscriptions: $20</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2024-andy-etchebarren.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2024" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2024.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Andy Etchebarren</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Any Item: $18</span></span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2025-reggie-jackson.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2025" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2025.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Reggie Jackson</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>1976 Orioles</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span></span><span style="color: black;">Flats up to 11x14<br />
& Balls: $89<br />
O/S flats, Caps<br />
& Equip: $99<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $199<br />
Inscriptions: $30</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2032-paul-blair.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2032" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2032.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Paul Blair</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span>Any Item: $20</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2035-mike-epstein.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2035" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2035.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Mike Epstein</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $18</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2038-pete-rose.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2038" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2038.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Pete Rose</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Rollback%20Price%20New%20Text2.jpg" /><br />
3x WSC<br />
'73 NLMVP<br />
17X All Star<br />
2x GG<br />
'63 NLROY<br />
'75 WSMVP</strong><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">11-12:30</span></span><span style="color: black;">Flats & Balls: $59<br />
Caps & Equip: $69<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $99<br />
Inscriptions: $20</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2041-rafael-palmeiro.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2041" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2041.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Rafael Palmeiro</a><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/Rollback%20Price%20New%20Text2.jpg" /><br />
4x All Star<br />
3x Gold Glove<br />
2x All Star</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba<br />
<span style="color: black;">Flats up to 11x14<br />
& Balls $<strike>89</strike></span> $69</span>O/S flats, Caps, <br />
Equip, Bats,<br />
& Jerseys: $<strike>109</strike> <span style="color: darkred;">$99</span><br />
Inscriptions: $20</div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2050-bob-johnson.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2050" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2050.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Bob Johnson</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span>Any Item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2051-bill-short.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2051" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2051.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Bill Short</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $15</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2053-billy-hunter.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2053" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2053.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Billy Hunter</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Any Item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2054-larry-haney.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2054" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2054.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Larry Haney</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: mediumvioletred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2055-eddie-fisher.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2055" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2055.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Eddie Fisher</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2056-john-miller.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2056" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2056.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
John Miller</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2059-vic-roznovsky.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2059" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2059.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Vic Roznovsky</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2096-frank-robinson.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2096" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2096.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Frank Robinson</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Flats up to 11x14<br />
& Balls: $69<br />
O/S flats, Caps,<br />
& Equip: $85<br />
Bats & Jerseys: $189<br />
Inscriptions: $30</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2097-boog-powell.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2097" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2097.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Boog Powell</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: darkred;">10-11</span><span style="color: black;">Any Item: $30<br />
1st inscription: free<br />
Add'l inscriptions: $5</span></div></td><td width="170"><a href="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2112-wally-bunker.aspx"><img border="0" id="EntityPic2112" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/CATEGORY/icon/2112.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /><br />
Wally Bunker</a><br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.mab-celebrity.com/images/1966OsSmall.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: darkred;">time: tba</span><br />
Any Item: $15</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-28583487527718599302011-08-31T12:03:00.000-07:002011-08-31T12:03:07.359-07:00Old School Hits: Hank Aaron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXSpuwaYlp3g2yT4keb3VP_ecwK2u9RexzVgukjBmOt802awsa4kQ7gZuxfe7WjJeP4jux5avnqkBUX10WYFP_wZ6tZFtFbUnrRjdIKtIB1fFOfc6eJe1XvSbCb0biltmvqLbwZMY96s/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXSpuwaYlp3g2yT4keb3VP_ecwK2u9RexzVgukjBmOt802awsa4kQ7gZuxfe7WjJeP4jux5avnqkBUX10WYFP_wZ6tZFtFbUnrRjdIKtIB1fFOfc6eJe1XvSbCb0biltmvqLbwZMY96s/s320/005.jpg" width="222px" /></a></div>2001 Topps was a big deal because Topps was celebrating its 50th Anniversary producing baseball cards. By this time I was no longer actively collecting. My passion for cards slowly dissipated by my junior year of high school, replaced by other teenage interests. Though I had stopped collecting, I did pick up a pack or two of Topps each year to see the new design and what content made up the new releases. <br />
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Early in 2001 I randomly bought a Beckett price guide at a book store because the cover and cover story caught my eye. The cover image featured a layout of vintage Topps cards and the story featured the history of Topps and their Anniversary celebration. The article was well done (a lot more content than is provided in today's version). The feature chronicled the card company from their first efforts with the red back and blue backs and landmark 1952 issue to later issues and the man behind the card sets, Sy Berger. After reading through the magazine I turned it over and noticed the advertisement for 2001 Topps series one and saw some images of the cards. I saw enough to spike my curiosity and I temporally felt the urge to rip some packs. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So that May, home from college for summer vacation and with some spending money in my pocket I bought ten hobby packs of series one from a small sports memorabilia store that was in the mall. My first impressions of the set were positive. I liked the design of the base cards. The dark green gave the cards a very sharp look. They featured a little too much gold foil, but that didn't really bother me. New to this release were the gold parallel cards, serially numbered to 2001. Yes, the same ones that have been in every flagship release since. Topps also included a three card insert set titled, King of Kings, featuring jersey swatches of Hank Aaron (homerun king), Nolan Ryan (strike out king) and Ricky Henderson (stolen base king). A fourth card featuring all three legends was also issued and limited to 50 copies. I remember my Hank Aaron card came in the second to last pack and at first I was so surprised I wasn't sure what I had. Relic cards were still a rare occurrence in 2001. I knew of their existence, since I was still collecting in 1997 when Upper Deck introduced the first relic cards in their flagship baseball release, but the UD cards were rare and out a my reach as a teenage collector. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojlDMgIvgANOLFBiLWBrhLfgAnQTlbrh4TcqGJkaPOQ26suRuRR8l_hvuFjWkOuzK4eKfmmlRw8x-RpsxVioSGZyJYeN4O68jntYmt71JgF5rhspcCczFrA9Lb-CkOCRzesDNxPRNr_U/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojlDMgIvgANOLFBiLWBrhLfgAnQTlbrh4TcqGJkaPOQ26suRuRR8l_hvuFjWkOuzK4eKfmmlRw8x-RpsxVioSGZyJYeN4O68jntYmt71JgF5rhspcCczFrA9Lb-CkOCRzesDNxPRNr_U/s320/006.jpg" width="234px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So this pull came as an incredible surprise to me. I got home and flipped over my Beckett price guide to the Topps advertisement and saw an example of my card. Lucky pull indeed. Also a surprise was how to store my new treasure and I unwisely placed this card in a screw down case. Fast forward through college and graduate school and my first job, I finally brought my old collection out of storage and went through my cards. Unfortunately, when I tried to free Mr. Aaron from his plastic prison, moisture had done its work and the plastic pulled off some of the card front on the lower right corner.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though I was disappointed with the damage, I have never entertained the idea of selling this card, so any loss of value didn't bother me. This card is a permanent part of my collection and the best card I have ever pulled from a pack. I don't have many relic cards in my collection, but even if I did, this card will always be my favorite and reminds me of the days when relic cards were still hard to find and not guaranteed in a box.</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-69326718502384035732011-08-30T06:32:00.000-07:002011-08-30T06:32:35.003-07:00Another look at 1988 Topps<div align="center"><img alt="1988 Topps Traded Tiffany (#40T Kirk Gibson)" border="2" src="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/baseball_cards/samples/1988_Topps_Traded_Tiffany.jpg" /></div>I haven't bought many new cards recently. I am interested in a few of the current sets available right now, mostly Allen and Ginter and I do have a small curiosity in Topps Lineage, but I have been focusing on older cards and completing some of my sets on my want list, starting with the easiest ones from the junk wax era. The late 1980's is when I got started collecting as a kid. The 1987, 1988 and 1989 sets were the first cards I bought a lot of wax and rack packs, you know the ones with the glossy Allstar card. I was always partial to Topps cards and had more of these cards in my burgeoning collection than Fleer or Donruss. I have always liked the history and nostalgia of Topps cards and this is a big reason that now as an adult, I am trying to build these sets. <br />
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While organizing my want lists and sorting through boxes of these cards I was reminded again of how much I like the 1988 Topps set. The 1987 Topps issue is far and away my favorite Topps design of the eighties and currently I am four cards away from completing this set. But 1988 Topps is a close second. The main reason I gravitate to this set is simply, 1988 Topps features a clean, minimalist design, that places the focus on the photography. This minimalist design is even more striking when compared to the previous 1986 and 1987 designs. Topps would continue a simple design in 1989, reworking the 1974 and 1980 pennant design for this issue, before a giant and misguided design departure was green lighted for the 1990 issue. But if you like photography, this is where the 1988 set excels. <br />
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My favorite design element on the front of the cards is the team name written in bold letters at the top of the card, reminiscent of the classic1967 Topps issue, which in also very popular among collectors for its photography. This gave the already uncluttered design a classy look. The subsets were also just as good as the regular cards. The "Record Breakers" really stood out on a red background and helped to set the tone at the beginning of the set and the "Allstars" featured head shots, centered by a diamond on a yellow background. All the subsets had a clean white border which helped to weave these cards into the main set. "Turn back the clock, '' one of my all time favorite Topps subsets, began in the 1985 issue and is featured again in 1988, along with future stars and draft picks. "Future Stars" and "Draft Picks" cards were creme de la creme in the 1980s, as this decade saw a focus on rookie cards. I can still remember my excitement pulling a future star card from a pack. the 1987 Topps Bo Jackson "Future Star'' rookie card was the star of my collection for many years. Today, even though it now has a large crease horizontally through the center, it is still a card I hold in high regard in my collection.<br />
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Yes, these sets were overproduced, but this fact alone does not describe what these sets really are. Overproduction might have killed any value today, but 1988 Topps is a well executed set, both in design and checklist. And the emphasis Topps put on the photography is evident throughout the set as there are many great action and posed shots. It would take Topps another three years to match the 1988 issue in terms of great photography as Topps responded to more competition for their 1991 and 1992 issues.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-85388689164062790052011-08-15T05:27:00.000-07:002011-08-15T05:27:37.375-07:00Topps Stickers<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="328px" src="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2011ToppsMLBSticerCollectionAlbumCover.gif" width="263px" /></div>I was in the card isle at Target picking up some packs of Topps for my nephews birthday when I saw the new Topps stickers had been released. Baseball sticker albums, just like 1987 Topps, take me back to my childhood. I can remember going to K-Mart or the grocery store and buying the sticker album and packets of stickers in the late 1980's. I think 1990 was the last year Topps produced sticker albums and this probably coincided with my waning interest in stickers as I focused more on baseball cards and the insert craze that would take hold of the hobby in a few short years.<br />
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Although now, I no longer have my old sticker books, they were probably thrown away during spring cleaning chores, I wish I had held on to them. So today I picked up a album and some packs for my nephew to start his own album and I did the same for myself. I have not had a chance yet to open the packs or go through the album, but I plan on starting my album this weekend.<br />
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The sticker set consists of 294 stickers of MLB players including nine legends, printed on foil and 15 dual team logo stickers. The stickers have a nice, simplistic design and the Album has full page color photos of one player for each team. Brian Matusz is pictured for the Orioles. Eight stickers are included in the album to get collectors started. The album retails for $1.99 and the eight stickers packs sell for $0.99, making this small collection very affordable for kids. I am excited to see this type of product back on retail shelves as this is a great product for kids and even adult collectors who also may not have kept their childhood sticker albums.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ToppsMLBStickerCollectionBabeRuth.jpg" rel="lightbox[19302]" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-19305" height="200px" src="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ToppsMLBStickerCollectionBabeRuth.jpg" title="Topps MLB Sticker Collection Babe Ruth" width="141px" /></a><a href="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ToppsMLBStickerCollectionAlbertPujols.jpg" rel="lightbox[19302]"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-19304 alignright" height="208px" src="http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ToppsMLBStickerCollectionAlbertPujols.jpg" title="Topps MLB Sticker Collection Albert Pujols" width="147px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Shown above are a Babe Ruth Legends subset and a regular base sticker of Albert Pujols.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">My posting has been very non existent the last month, and will probably be very sporadic in the coming weeks due to work. That said, my want lists and trade lists are still being updated regularly and I' am still completing trades, I just don't have a lot of time to write.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-89087640906092847792011-07-13T04:58:00.000-07:002011-07-13T04:58:40.488-07:00Some thoughts on 2011 Allen and Ginter<div align="center"><a class="image" href="http://baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/File:2011tag-large.jpg" title="2011 Topps Allen & Ginter's hobby box"><img alt="" border="0" class="thumbimage" height="313px" src="http://baseballcardpedia.com/images/2011tag-large.jpg" width="340px" /></a></div>I went to Target yesterday after work to see if they had received any Allen and Ginter early and sure enough they had a gravity feeder and rack packs. It looked like they stocked their shelves with the product on Monday because the gravity feeder was already disheveled and picked through and there were only a few rack packs and no blasters. So I grabbed a rack pack and two loose packs to sample until I can find some blasters. <br />
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Overall I really enjoyed opening the packs. Allen and Ginter is always a fun product to open because of the wide variety of subjects and inserts you may find in your pack. The base cards are nicer in person with the extra color and border in the design. There looks like there may be more horizontal action cards in the base set, than last year, since I pulled a hand full from my three packs. I apologize for no scans here but everyone will be bombarded with these images soon enough in the next few days.<br />
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As far as the inserts, I didn't pull any hits. I really wanted to buy two blasters to get a better sampling of the different mini's and inserts, but my packs yielded two "Uninvited Guests" minis. I also pulled a "Minds that Made the Future" insert of Leonardo da Vinci. This insert set is not in mini form but the size of a regular card and replaced the "Hometown Heroes" card in the pack. I pulled a Allen and Ginter back mini and two "Hometown Heroes" cards to round out the inserts. I really like the design of the "Hometown Heroes" insert set but was disappointed no Orioles are listed on the checklist. <br />
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My lone Orioles for my pc from this break is currently demoted double A Zach Britton. I also pulled a code breaker promo card. I'm not even going to attempt the Ginter code. I'm not very good at that sort of thing and don't have any time if I were to devote to it. Since everyone will have the product soon I will email you the clue on the back of the card, leave me a comment if you are interested.<br />
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Overall this is another solid release and I like the base design and some of the mini insert sets better than last year. I will be collecting any Orioles and the Floating Fortresses, World's Most Mysterious Figures and Minds that Made the Future.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-84491016991545102302011-07-08T08:09:00.000-07:002011-07-08T08:09:10.228-07:002011 Topps Mark Reynolds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8MxTXoYAeKgtsxHNzxDXM0XISUntb2aEYjI5FAJgWcv4blMu5O_bXSbSbqovP9LHLabdo1W44bCsYqM012CopJlFpqiS1C5jc4GMqUObUCfRmVv8ub8rJ5w1KYc3SBID-QnmgWYytAE/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8MxTXoYAeKgtsxHNzxDXM0XISUntb2aEYjI5FAJgWcv4blMu5O_bXSbSbqovP9LHLabdo1W44bCsYqM012CopJlFpqiS1C5jc4GMqUObUCfRmVv8ub8rJ5w1KYc3SBID-QnmgWYytAE/s400/011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This years Topps issue again features excellent photography, combined with a clean simple design. I'm not a big fan of foil and feel Topps could use a little less on the base product. This example is a nice action shot of Mark Reynolds. Mark is having a nice season offensively. After a slow start to the season, maybe caused by a adjustment to American League pitching, Mark's power numbers are steadily climbing. He is producing exactly the way the Orioles hoped when they traded for him, adding a power threat that the Orioles lineup has sorelyy missed the last few years. Going into the last series before the All-Star break, Mark has 20 home runs, 49 RBI and a OPS of .849. He has even cut back on his strikeouts and is hitting around the .220 mark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the defensive side, Mark is on pace to have the most errors in his career. He currently leads the American League with twenty. His season has been highlighted by great plays featured on highlight reels to simple routine plays he has botched. His inconsistent defense has dove tailed with the Orioles inconsistent play and the Orioles are currently mired in a terrible slump mostly caused by a starting rotation that is in disarray and giving up ten runs or more the last three games. The All-Star game cannot come soon enough and hopefully Buck Showalter can right the ship for the second half.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-38768893805126857232011-07-01T13:14:00.000-07:002011-07-01T13:14:35.238-07:0061*<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400px" id="CardImageImage" src="http://cnt.toppsmillion.com/img/cards/1961-BB-TS1-81-NA_F_187x221.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="285px" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The card featured in this post, I redeemed on the Topps Diamond Giveaway site. At first glance, the card is a common from the 1961 issue. I didn't think much of it since I'm not a fan of the 61' design and decided I would use it as possible vintage trade bait on the the site. Then recently someone offered me a 1959 Topps for my Stallard rookie. I was a little surprised, but a few traders on the site will offer a older card for a card they really want and I assumed he was a Red Sox collector. So I almost completed the trade until my curiosity got the best of me and I did a quick wikipedia search of the pitcher. <br />
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Surprisingly, this card features a history lesson in MLB. It turns out Tracy Stallard is best known for giving up Roger Maris's 61st home run in the last game of the 1961 season against the Yankees. In the fourth inning, Stallard fell behind Maris 2-0 and threw a fastball that Maris blasted into the seats. I'm not sure if the trader knew who Stallard was, I wasn't aware of the name and Stallard had a pretty undistinguished career, except for this historic moment. Stallard himself was even quoted afterwards saying he was glad Maris hit the home run off him, otherwise his name would have been forgotten in baseball. Sadly, for most collectors today it has.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="displayBlock" height="285px" id="CardImageBCKImage" nodeindex="2" src="http://cnt.toppsmillion.com/img/cards/1961-BB-TS1-81-NA_B_285x412.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400px" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Vintage cards are a great piece of baseballs history and a card that represents a historic event like the one above can be obtained rather cheaply, and would make a nice addition to anyone's collection whether you are a beginner or experienced collector. Now my 1961 common has a lot more meaning to me and this card will evebtually become a part of my permanent collection.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-24935218199532934732011-06-18T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-18T21:16:23.196-07:002011 Topps Kimball Champions Brooks Robinson<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpooptcDZEhIRd8bSWe1BCY5PFiRLV3GO09gP01zalsPTucFCIVf86z0Ty6MPbTQr2ETxLI34NrGLuK0eNg6EhI2CpJn8L1ii2a_7CjnnujhqM5lCm7Mgt9UBdGKtlLnpNRbXePKUj26CT/s400/Brooks+Robinson+Kimball+1.png" width="213" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This great looking card came to me from a jumbo case break held by a <a href="http://www.acardboardproblem.com/">cardboard problem</a>. The other highlights I will show in coming posts. I normally don't build insert sets. They really have to catch my attention visually, not break the bank to build and I prefer them to be large sets. The Kimball Champions insert set in this year Topps issue fits this criteria and I have been slowly building the set since series one was released. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The case break helped me get a jump start on the second installment inserted in series two packs. besides this Brooks Robinson card, I also received Cal Ripken, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer and Frank Robinson. The series two checklist for this set is great. I really like the inclusion of retired players. My only critique is a few players are included in both series, these players are, Ty Cobb, Pee Wee Reese and Mel Ott. I'm not really sure why these players were repeated, I expected Micky Mantle to be repeated, but he isn't, yet. I would have liked to have seen other legends such as Cy young, or even Satchell Piage, or maybe some retired stars like George Brett or Robin Yount fill these slots. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Brooks Robinson mini combines a nice batting pose of the third baseman combined with a action shot of him diving for a line drive. This card is my favorite from the set thus far and I'm very curious to see who Topps will include in the Topps Update series. Since they used current players in the first series, and retired players in the second, the logical progression would be rookies in Update. While I wouldn't mind a few rookies in the last fifty cards of the set, I hope its not dominated with players I have never heard of. A focus on young players such as Jason Heyward, Buster Posey and Nefatali Feliz would be a nice compliment and book end to this set.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-20590866211810770182011-06-08T18:34:00.000-07:002011-06-08T18:43:40.184-07:002011 Topps Zach Britton #418<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMp9vZkLpzijxT5V8KjLsRJiYsSVOp4VGtiWnOsiGDGpVNgGfZYtfvNMgj4Z-wBBsHkLY2wCavpWiU1ftQrVo3nU32ttxwEjpJa2h83ZyPCzdRfHV0ij0iZFyXLo2N5aEZ4QkD6Bgtio/s1600/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMp9vZkLpzijxT5V8KjLsRJiYsSVOp4VGtiWnOsiGDGpVNgGfZYtfvNMgj4Z-wBBsHkLY2wCavpWiU1ftQrVo3nU32ttxwEjpJa2h83ZyPCzdRfHV0ij0iZFyXLo2N5aEZ4QkD6Bgtio/s400/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="278px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday, I found the card aisle at Walmart was stocked with Topps series two, so I picked up a loose pack, rack pack and hanger, to sample the release. Overall its a successful continuation of the first series. Out of my loose pack came this Zach Britton card, the first in my collection of the Orioles rookie, since I don't really buy Bowman. I am really looking forward to Topps Chrome for the simple fact of possibly pulling his auto which has been pictured in previews of the set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2Ye53TxL4W9P4DF5qhA-pfsVceX4srWAiKMdbkWcskH-Egh2JbJZOx5vPZVk-gxBqqBvND2A1j3hiX6RpBCWU11jfsEtQevtpswYFsgPLxdrbktRNZoCeJcjqr7eMOvG8IuztbPyLC8/s1600/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2Ye53TxL4W9P4DF5qhA-pfsVceX4srWAiKMdbkWcskH-Egh2JbJZOx5vPZVk-gxBqqBvND2A1j3hiX6RpBCWU11jfsEtQevtpswYFsgPLxdrbktRNZoCeJcjqr7eMOvG8IuztbPyLC8/s400/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zach started the season with the O's after Brian Matusz went on the disabled list and pitched impressively well. He has started to struggle as of late, pitching a few no decisions and recently he had a very bad outing against the blue Jays. He still sports a 5-4 record with a respectable 3.33 ERA, which leads the team. If he can get back on track, I'm hoping he can be a strong rookie of the year finalist for the Orioles. The last Oriole to win the award was Gregg Olsen in 1989 when he became the first reliever to win a ROY. He nabbed the award with 27 saves, which set a major league rookie record and a 1.69 ERA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tonight the Orioles go for a sweep of the Oakland A's, with Britton on the mound. Currently the O's are three games under .500 and trail the Yankees by five and half games. It has been a long time since the Orioles were into June and only five and half games out of first place. This team has been alot more fun to watch this season but also incredibly frustrating because of their inconsistency. They win a few series at home and then go on the road and lose six straight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My packs contained a lot of inserts. Two new sets are "Diamond Stars", which look like the diamond parallels on a ball diamond design, and "Before there was Topps." The "Before There Was Topps" insert could have been left out, to me it feels like a filler and a unnecessary counterpart to the History of Topps insert in series one. Its a very dry set and I'm not a big fan <span style="background-color: white;">of </span>the design. The card has too large of a border and not enough focus on the vintage card featured. The Diamond Stars are a nicer insert, they remind me of an insert from the late nineties. The card I pulled featured Adrian Gonzales. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also beware of the Dominic Brown twinkle. I pulled two which means it can't be an sp and the code number on the bottom matches the other regular base cards. If its a variant the code will differ. I'll be posting my haves and wants for series two on the blog shortly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-50433339670945980382011-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:002011-06-04T19:40:44.777-07:001986 Donruss Diamond King Andre Dawson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcC2yQnNFIJsF9Gh6eGHa90l7MDCa-Q1UECsJfpEg-_rAHuTvWjL9BNegpeyi0wS6PmWfIeH4hgyHhk0n0k-cf06gLucCjcxfqQsR6i0cBE2grf3N8MubDEGqDhjB-1L6yTuVAdX1WDQ/s1600/Image+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcC2yQnNFIJsF9Gh6eGHa90l7MDCa-Q1UECsJfpEg-_rAHuTvWjL9BNegpeyi0wS6PmWfIeH4hgyHhk0n0k-cf06gLucCjcxfqQsR6i0cBE2grf3N8MubDEGqDhjB-1L6yTuVAdX1WDQ/s400/Image+%25289%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="286px" /></a></div>For this post we will stay with the Diamond King Theme. Today's card from my collection is number 25 from the 1986 Donruss set. This was the fourth year in a row that Donruss produced the Diamond King subset. Stylistically the 86' set continued incorporating horizontal lines that were used minimally in the 85' issue and gave the cards a blue border. Overall the design for this set isn't the worst Donruss produced in the 80's, I think the 89' <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">set </span></span>clearly wins that distinction, but it also is not it's best effort.<br />
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At the time of it's issue and through the 90's this was a popular card set due to the rookie cards of Fred McGriff, Jose Canseco and second year card of Roger Clemans. The success of these players helped to drive the cards in the secondary market as collecting rookie cards became an important driving force in the hobby. Today these cards retain a fraction of the value they once commanded as steroids and other off the field issues took their toll on these former superstars. Besides the indifference or dislike many collectors feel towards players during the steroid era and their cards, the 1986 set also falls into the era of overproduction. Donruss ramped up production on its sets after the huge popularity of it's 1984 issue and has the hobby and rookie card collecting began to explode.<br />
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As for "The Hawk," his recent induction in the Hall of Fame last summer was the final touch to an outstanding career. He flew under the radar for years playing in Montreal and didn't really become a household name until he signed with the Cubs in 1987. His 1987 season season was his finest, hitting 49 home runs and 137 RBI and winning N.L MVP. Today Dawson works for the Florida Marlins organization, where he won a World Series ring in 2003.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-85969903418041253592011-05-30T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-30T10:52:40.412-07:0090's Insert card of the MonthI am going to start a new feature on the blog that I'll post once a month, starting with today's inaugural post for May. This feature is going to pay homage to an insert card from the 1990's, the decade the insert chase card exploded in popularity and helped to establish today's current card hobby. As the feature chugs along, I may dip into the late 80's for examples, since Fleer was inserting cards into its rack and cello packs in the same manner as inserts from the 90's. All the cards featured will be from my personal collection, being a teenager for most of the decade, I collected heavily during this time and have boxes of insert cards.<br />
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Each month I'll pick a different card and take a look at the player featured and the insert or insert sets importance at the time of issue. Most of the cards I'll feature have little value and many are cards I would still rather not have in my collection. For many, they are examples of the excess and one upmanship between the card companies that dominated the hobby, but I thought this would be a fun exercise to look back at cards that have been overlooked or forgotten in the last decade or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqssmyXsP-kgqUgM6oDHmer0_Qn8fmYWmz0v2CdkPf_5tMAYYfGBm6aoG8wafEz92x2iZFUvtw3sjSnjUP_h0pTMRsTqv_vuTVrHbdNsZJiS0wFbFk0P79lgPO886olAoxI7_R50hoEI/s1600/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqssmyXsP-kgqUgM6oDHmer0_Qn8fmYWmz0v2CdkPf_5tMAYYfGBm6aoG8wafEz92x2iZFUvtw3sjSnjUP_h0pTMRsTqv_vuTVrHbdNsZJiS0wFbFk0P79lgPO886olAoxI7_R50hoEI/s400/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="286px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The card for May is a 1992 Donruss Diamond Kings Cal Ripken Jr, DK5. I pulled this card from foil packs in 1992 and this card was the cornerstone of my collection growing up. For the first time since its introduction in 1982 Donruss took the very popular Diamond Kings subset, which featured paintings of popular major league players by Dick Perez, out of the main set and inserted them into its packs. Cards 1-13 were inserted in Donruss Series One and 14-26 were inserted in Series Two packs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember these cards creating quite a stir among collectors upon their release. Donruss used a simplistic design that really makes the painting the main focal point. Add some gold foil stamping and random insertion in packs and you had a early 1990's insert card that collectors went gaga over. I bought a lot of 1992 Donruss hoping to pull these cards and the ultra rare Donruss Elite. I did pull another Diamond King, DK11 Jeff Bagwell. This set helped to establish the practice by card companies to included multiple different insert sets in its base release. These cards were added incentive for collectors and helped to drive a product with their inflated value as collectors jumped from one insert set to the next. Today these cards can be found on ebay for less than one dollar and can be a nice addition for a player collector.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-7887008343421738862011-05-29T20:04:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:04:33.133-07:001991 Score Dream Team: Doug Jones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtWkhyphenhyphenoX0Xnu6VuMFg0FG455saK-cmK6SaSzehKWUaW-ABJGyF1L0GBCLaWpte_laaVNFBsBKuEFNGdfu_fnlgQVakamFjnwqgkCXuYRyq_jBezaNEqJpPn9M8E2TgWg10MfES5_3cA8/s1600/Image+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtWkhyphenhyphenoX0Xnu6VuMFg0FG455saK-cmK6SaSzehKWUaW-ABJGyF1L0GBCLaWpte_laaVNFBsBKuEFNGdfu_fnlgQVakamFjnwqgkCXuYRyq_jBezaNEqJpPn9M8E2TgWg10MfES5_3cA8/s400/Image+%25287%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="287px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This card today comes from my original childhood collection, and was issued by Score during the height of over production. By 1991, I was really into collecting baseball cards, after acquiring my first cards in 1987. Topps was my favorite, but I also bought packs of the other brands as well. My original collection is really a hodge podge, mostly consisting of junk wax. I didn't really have any direction or goal. Since I relied on my parents or my allowance, I didn't have the money to build sets. I just bought pack of cards when ever I had the chance. Although, Score is a brand I probably have the least amount of cards from, compared to the other brands like 1991 Fleer, where I bought too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Score's Dream Team is definitely my favorite subset from the junk wax era. These cards were found in Score's sets from 1990 to 1993 and usually featured black and white photos. This card is one of the more unique ones created by Score. Doug is featured staring into a fiery baseball that he is holding. I'm not really sure what the point of the picture is since the back of the card states, Doug has a average fastball. A quick Wikipedia search also confirms this revealing, he had a two seam fastball that peaked in the low to mid 80's. Doug found success in the closer role as a change up specialist and was known for keeping hitters off balance with extremely slow pitches. So I'm really not sure what the photographer was going for, but it is still a cool looking card. What I find more impressive then the ball is Doug's mustache. That is one very thick mustache, He looks like he could be a character from the Major League movies. The execution of some of these cards is hit and miss, not every Dream Team card could create a stir in the hobby like the Bo Jackson in shoulder pads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing how popular Brian Wilson's beard is today, I think another closer should revive the Doug Jones mustache.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-13852624377761155672011-05-26T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-26T20:07:26.593-07:002009 Topps 206 Nolan Reimold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg42O5u2AxJSgf4iba8bc8cjJhpwQ1NwxtmuJVVbcTJDFcapiuBuuPaOZUHi-YtD64oALT5uNXtRO8TizWpN9wtjOO1rfjlnucR38F6cuce6GvmekXJiKYdtReKSyrtZlLcx_PWWK54QM/s1600/Image+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg42O5u2AxJSgf4iba8bc8cjJhpwQ1NwxtmuJVVbcTJDFcapiuBuuPaOZUHi-YtD64oALT5uNXtRO8TizWpN9wtjOO1rfjlnucR38F6cuce6GvmekXJiKYdtReKSyrtZlLcx_PWWK54QM/s400/Image+%25286%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="292px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to Nolan Reimold, the Orioles have reached the .500 mark, 24-24 for the first time since May first. Nolan went 4-4 today with two home runs and four RBI to help the O's completed a sweep of the Royals and win their fifth straight. Vladamir Guerrero hit a bouncing single up the middle to score Robert Andino from second to win the game in the bottom of the twelfth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far this season the O's have been very inconsistent, and still cannot beat the Yankees or Red Sox. To stay competitive in the division they need some wins against their A.L. East foes. With the offense beginning to heat up the last few games, I'm hoping they can extend their winning record into the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-11607031140191207822011-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:002011-05-25T18:31:24.066-07:00Action Packed All-Star Gallery: Davey Johnson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRH_GSN366eMv52KJLGvUxTPP83ITXRCktlEU2wnoC2CPptG2ozdEbZGfVD4IKqIKFIHtbOwjXR18pEwHx6UCarfXQMvAlz4L9I7DvhA2s9Y7fEifv8f60itlQtNxb-xWmrmPulDEe5Y/s1600/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRH_GSN366eMv52KJLGvUxTPP83ITXRCktlEU2wnoC2CPptG2ozdEbZGfVD4IKqIKFIHtbOwjXR18pEwHx6UCarfXQMvAlz4L9I7DvhA2s9Y7fEifv8f60itlQtNxb-xWmrmPulDEe5Y/s400/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="286px" /></a></div>HI-PRO Marketing produced an 84 card set in 1992 under the name Action Packed. This set featured past baseball greats and Hall of Famers and cards were issued in seven card foil packs. I pulled this card from my Fairfield jumbo pack break a few weeks ago, these packs always include a few oddball cards. <br />
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The card is thick and kind of feels like a credit card. The card has multiple layers of card stock.The front is embossed, with the likeness of Davey Johnson raised above the card. While the back has more of a plastic layer. The back includes Johnson's bio, his life time stats and a long list of career highlights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y91eyJUQrA5U3CJXhtOhcjQEudsH9olwoAb-uuaAnH6ZGSPWFTQGKMuDGHbianh76_WrEyc8dsanpyasqbepYXGs4Tqk4_bZ2ueSlu0d9gLkecMnhVq2cYRI7rNJI2V6kRX9SRLXOhg/s1600/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y91eyJUQrA5U3CJXhtOhcjQEudsH9olwoAb-uuaAnH6ZGSPWFTQGKMuDGHbianh76_WrEyc8dsanpyasqbepYXGs4Tqk4_bZ2ueSlu0d9gLkecMnhVq2cYRI7rNJI2V6kRX9SRLXOhg/s400/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="left">For an oddball set, the backs include a lot of information and the cards are very detailed with all the gold foil.</div><div align="left">Davey Johnson is not a Hall of Famer but he did win two World Series titles with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970, playing second base. Since I was born in the early eighties, I am not very familiar with Johnson's career has a player, to me Davey Johnson is the last manager to take the Orioles to the playoffs, when he did so in 1996 and 1997. In 97', Johnson lead the Orioles to an A.L. East title and he was awarded American League Manager of the Year. Today, it is amazing to think this happened fourteen years ago, and I was sad to see Johnson resign because of a rumored disagreement with owner Peter Angelos. At the time, O's fans didn't realize this was the beginning of the end and no one could foresee the losing streak the Orioles continue to endure. Today, Davey Johnson continues to be active in baseball, he managed team USA in the last World Baseball Classic in 2009.</div><div align="center"></div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-57994464470356173142011-05-20T21:25:00.000-07:002011-05-20T21:25:39.773-07:00Josh Johnson Is Following MeA trip to Target finally provided me with a chance to sample some Gypsy Queen. An employee was putting new product on the shelf so I had first crack at the fresh wax. I decided to try my luck with one of each and bought a blaster, one rack pack and a single pack from a opened box. This is significantly more than I originally intended but this release has been extremely difficult to find.<br />
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When this set was originally announced I didn't think much of it except that Topps was yet again releasing another retro set, and I wondered if there was really a need for another set like Allen and Ginter. The images on the sell sheet looked nice but nothing really caught my eye, except for the minis, so I told myself I would buy a pack or two as a sample. Since then and with the lack of product available in my area, I have seen these cards all over other blogs and I gradually began to like what I saw. I'm not going to build the set but I have decided to buy more of the product. I would love to pull the Markakis auto and I may try another blaster and pick up a few more rack packs. I really like the retail exclusive green framed parallels and my pack yielded a Brooks Robinson. I'm not going to show the cards from this break, its been done already and everyone is well acquainted with the release by now. Most of you have moved on to 2011 Bowman. From the loose pack I pulled this card.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoV1rlAI88AoiA3MpUaN_ykmcD3LioEhFu05dsaJ16NWxphXNbfCXbOEqr-aa8LJfA3OVcN727boZ4wn0H7Yo8zsojQ8MgVPV5g0koLpKxc93ICNHEzuoU6rFS-pkDqLrECcQLlCl4Xs/s1600/Image+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoV1rlAI88AoiA3MpUaN_ykmcD3LioEhFu05dsaJ16NWxphXNbfCXbOEqr-aa8LJfA3OVcN727boZ4wn0H7Yo8zsojQ8MgVPV5g0koLpKxc93ICNHEzuoU6rFS-pkDqLrECcQLlCl4Xs/s320/Image+%252812%2529.jpg" width="232px" /></a></div>I was hoping for an Oriole, but Josh Johnson is a solid player and the pin strip is a nice added touch. In my last post I mentioned I had yet again bought another Topps Value Box and I had kept it on my desk for a few days before opening the packs. When I did get around to opening the two Heritage packs I found my old Friend Josh Johnson again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOEFYW45MBkuJ9zIOwZMT3YyuzPKm0bxlGUw1qrnK42Xz_hJHSNpPq3_i78hIhyphenhyphenKT47Ue1v4inFFBdyX6qXAu8WoPI2uFV-xXmkiraUheMdniUTwXMJI0VQOS1BDGDPoBKaJaM3Lwy54/s1600/Image+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOEFYW45MBkuJ9zIOwZMT3YyuzPKm0bxlGUw1qrnK42Xz_hJHSNpPq3_i78hIhyphenhyphenKT47Ue1v4inFFBdyX6qXAu8WoPI2uFV-xXmkiraUheMdniUTwXMJI0VQOS1BDGDPoBKaJaM3Lwy54/s320/Image+%252813%2529.jpg" width="232px" /></a></div>For me, it is a rare occasion to pull two relics in the same week, especially of the same player. I only have a couple relics in my collection so this came as a bit of a surprise. Both cards are for trade if anyone is interested, just drop me a line. <br />
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Overall Gypsy Queen has been a nice surprise and very popular with collectors. I like the inclusion of legends and past stars in the checklist, especially players like Barry Larkin and Ozzie Smith who you don't see that often in a new set. With the success of the inaugural release of Gypsy Queen, I assume we will see a second edition of the set next year.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-5328747694012714942011-05-19T08:43:00.000-07:002011-05-19T08:43:33.236-07:00The Power of Value<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ5JLu7gTMzE8fhRovDyscZMzhuzfxfna9TAdQRoa9v6MQZEUlWuR04Czpxxj-niavL4qBDxcad92GbAnDwWih7fmY7J9ycoawVffeEw-DcACltfZZKxzi4-UCM1Eq3rbUbx6ecEik9wT/s1600/2011ToppsValueBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: undefined;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ5JLu7gTMzE8fhRovDyscZMzhuzfxfna9TAdQRoa9v6MQZEUlWuR04Czpxxj-niavL4qBDxcad92GbAnDwWih7fmY7J9ycoawVffeEw-DcACltfZZKxzi4-UCM1Eq3rbUbx6ecEik9wT/s400/2011ToppsValueBox.jpg" width="291px" /></a></div><br />
I don't know if other collectors have this problem, but I seem to be a sucker for repacks and value packs. I have a hard time not purchasing these items when I visit one of the large retail outlets. The new revamped Fairfield jumbo packs; 100 cards for five dollars, have me hooked again with the allure of vintage cards. Sometimes, really most of the time, I find these packs to be more gratifying to open than a pack of cards from a current release, mainly because most new releases come packaged for retail with six to eight cards per pack for around three dollars. The value packs also offer more variety, even junk wax is more variety sometimes when there is nothing else of interest in the card aisle. Last but not least, it is a lot of fun to pull a vintage card from a pack of cards.<br />
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I have found I am also not immune to the various incarnations of value products Topps now produces, including the value rack packs and especially the value boxes with Topps series one and two Heritage hobby packs. I bought my fourth box the other day. I didn't really need it. I have already completed the three card refractor set and I'm not building the Topps base, but since I'm building this years Heritage set, I tell myself I may pull a short print or two I may need. I also continue to buy these boxes under the delusion I'll redeem a star vintage card from the Topps diamond site, even though the best card I have redeemed is a common low number from 1960. <br />
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The power of adding some value, actual or perceived is a very real marketing tool that I continue to fall for, especially when I am looking to open some cards and nothing on the shelves catches my eye. Right now is one of those times. I am not interested in Bowman and Gypsy Queen has been out of sight in my area. When I'm not looking to spend much I grab these packs and boxes, the value boxes are cheaper than a blaster and has the same amount of cards and contain enough variety for the consumer to return again. I guess this is what Topps and Fairfield are counting on and what make these packages successful in places like Walmart and Target, since they can appeal to a longtime or casual collector. It looks like value packs will be my purchase of choice for the immediate future, or until Allen and Ginter is released this summer.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-75153242351278695282011-05-14T13:15:00.000-07:002011-05-14T13:15:22.002-07:00Card of the Week: 1968 Ed Kirkpatrick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSy9G_-ZRVsqtP2y95g4QixDz-LBx0FsRcGFautO1h0XKXIuPV0Pe2bbUQqr3UcsFwlcfNIEJ1it1XoTLNmlInp5QsRxlLPUPWhDjDRka6G1cNmxsF9EXKa1cnebWw2_jryMD2tdApAk/s1600/Image+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSy9G_-ZRVsqtP2y95g4QixDz-LBx0FsRcGFautO1h0XKXIuPV0Pe2bbUQqr3UcsFwlcfNIEJ1it1XoTLNmlInp5QsRxlLPUPWhDjDRka6G1cNmxsF9EXKa1cnebWw2_jryMD2tdApAk/s400/Image+%252810%2529.jpg" width="280px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This card is a recent acquisition to my collection. I was in Target and picked up a repack 100 card jumbo pack issued by the Fairfield Co. Fairfield has revamped these jumbo packs. They no longer promise ten Hall Famers in each pack, but continue to offer memorabilia cards, but now at a rate of one in eight packs.The back tells you the memorabilia cards can be relic cards or autos. The packaging also tells you to look for vintage cards from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I was very skeptical of what vintage card I would find, expecting a late 1970's common, but decided to give it a shot for five dollars. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this pack. I spotted the Ed Kirkpatrick card right away in the stack. I knew the card would more than likely be a common but not a 1968 Topps, and flipping the card over revealed it was also a high number.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA9u-QsOGvYviwgX7gAnr95GCgwtN6E4Y2YTGqEV_HXDCi_13DeSopTfmbgvd9BM8gOP4jpvwtX-lg5fqrk1p154L8cVu5PRF4RcbCdxIXAn_ZZAvBzCtSCMEqMXByO8BKCjZytZ5MqU/s1600/Image+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA9u-QsOGvYviwgX7gAnr95GCgwtN6E4Y2YTGqEV_HXDCi_13DeSopTfmbgvd9BM8gOP4jpvwtX-lg5fqrk1p154L8cVu5PRF4RcbCdxIXAn_ZZAvBzCtSCMEqMXByO8BKCjZytZ5MqU/s400/Image+%252811%2529.jpg" width="293px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The condition is also not as bad as I expected. The card is slightly miscut and does have three soft corners, but no creases. This card is in better shape than most of the cards I redeemed through the Topps Million Card Giveaway last year. This pack also contained six other mid to late seventies cards and a bunch of early 80's cards. Of course, it wouldn't be a repack without a fair share of junk wax cards but it included enough vintage that I may pick up another pack sometime.</div>Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-77870022347205802602011-05-06T21:21:00.000-07:002011-05-06T21:21:56.361-07:002009 Topps Allen and Ginter pack breakThis is the first chance I have had to post since returning home from Nashville. I was hoping to open some Gypsy Queen but there was none to be seen when I stopped at Target after work today. Instead I found a discounted pack of 2009 Allen and Ginter that I couldn't pass up, so I'll share what was inside today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAIYK7GfNVKJCsK45_WWjheKEbeQ2NFxN2U5fQjp4WrWkq1B2qrQFMtftaFsPeodfFiMr0RAdqG_L5nitj5tXouQA9T67TJJs2eZQF-rDtE6jm76e9EE6Zr0NDnJy2iK1FGVVvmxqOco/s1600/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAIYK7GfNVKJCsK45_WWjheKEbeQ2NFxN2U5fQjp4WrWkq1B2qrQFMtftaFsPeodfFiMr0RAdqG_L5nitj5tXouQA9T67TJJs2eZQF-rDtE6jm76e9EE6Zr0NDnJy2iK1FGVVvmxqOco/s320/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" width="217px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1-D1mOHOTTWANo38SIWTePCz2a7QymtE5UvfRj3K4nvzXC2KHvzoJU0sPConFZpL5nmy9MGH7fYLKQbfhXxLF64ypwvZK-hjJJmPT-5VWTGID4bQfhGByJz2sYOyHF4Aku3NI39nLWg/s1600/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1-D1mOHOTTWANo38SIWTePCz2a7QymtE5UvfRj3K4nvzXC2KHvzoJU0sPConFZpL5nmy9MGH7fYLKQbfhXxLF64ypwvZK-hjJJmPT-5VWTGID4bQfhGByJz2sYOyHF4Aku3NI39nLWg/s320/Image+%25285%2529.jpg" width="221px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmNu6MJRvaExZ9HULO73TwbGEYdxqi5tZVwRBe3ej92Ft0SGZjoJxcJ-WSgqhyphenhyphenCH4Oe0SAI6XEVUPGrQ5KXz0rdKD10KLnXP1A-A6A-rTZo5Td-bHhdoIDBcNa2BQzAK7xUg6Lx_h9lk/s1600/Image+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmNu6MJRvaExZ9HULO73TwbGEYdxqi5tZVwRBe3ej92Ft0SGZjoJxcJ-WSgqhyphenhyphenCH4Oe0SAI6XEVUPGrQ5KXz0rdKD10KLnXP1A-A6A-rTZo5Td-bHhdoIDBcNa2BQzAK7xUg6Lx_h9lk/s320/Image+%25286%2529.jpg" width="227px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-F2ghPS4xDVDpmUgU0IL7pqJUBPDV3Go9BLiNJebWyjvP5jxr37Uth8Xfn03OKqlTNumf07Uh_7D6nJiUlD4Ji9xKt8tSC6CCGVh2wPN5FhUzK_KqXSBLDGg-jTmpxnQ8ZYKKmIod3I/s1600/Image+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-F2ghPS4xDVDpmUgU0IL7pqJUBPDV3Go9BLiNJebWyjvP5jxr37Uth8Xfn03OKqlTNumf07Uh_7D6nJiUlD4Ji9xKt8tSC6CCGVh2wPN5FhUzK_KqXSBLDGg-jTmpxnQ8ZYKKmIod3I/s320/Image+%25287%2529.jpg" width="223px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8gs3OkE2gPCegefYxBOdr4aTtiiinzAnYMziikA_lgOqyh8zs82mAwJ2tD8DCR5Z-h77zuqQPtmZmGORH_GyX7Ev-o1LzfMkvXdiCbKhIIkEDOm1cyfy5kzu3Z4HlhAL9cWNWFHXQiE/s1600/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8gs3OkE2gPCegefYxBOdr4aTtiiinzAnYMziikA_lgOqyh8zs82mAwJ2tD8DCR5Z-h77zuqQPtmZmGORH_GyX7Ev-o1LzfMkvXdiCbKhIIkEDOm1cyfy5kzu3Z4HlhAL9cWNWFHXQiE/s320/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" width="234px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv6ffCLocKm8KrUmhDH34u00GUsLBKmX_kFYDmdAlGu7gucYgJvB99D2IFbhLVFFVvxaE3YIc8PetRa2VMwW_qb1SCdofkNkBVIY_1zFSJGTIhqB3dst4CCxAcstI2NTjGZ11PXWApOc/s1600/Image+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv6ffCLocKm8KrUmhDH34u00GUsLBKmX_kFYDmdAlGu7gucYgJvB99D2IFbhLVFFVvxaE3YIc8PetRa2VMwW_qb1SCdofkNkBVIY_1zFSJGTIhqB3dst4CCxAcstI2NTjGZ11PXWApOc/s320/Image+%25289%2529.jpg" width="166px" /></a></div>Pretty standard fare here, this pack was dominated by Cubs and Mariners. Derek Lee is having a real slow start with the Orioles this year. His defense at first base as been great and a real asset to the infield, but hopefully he can find some of the power he exhibited when he played in Chicago.<br />
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The real highlight of the pack and the reason I bought the pack, besides the discounted price, is the mini and I was happy to pull one of a negro league player. Frank Evans had a long career in the Negro Leagues playing and managing for numerous teams until he became a major league instructor and scout in the 1960's and 70's. <br />
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This wraps up my short pack break, hopefully I'll be able to post a more substantial topic in the next few days.Jason C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15637108950323226636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741008439788416507.post-34690671603745618032011-04-27T12:55:00.000-07:002011-04-27T12:56:16.659-07:00Card of the week: 1967 Topps #1"The Champs"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9_Tx14V-lvuf7MuLTydhSGvAyk3KDRI9eYaMcca8Psdx50ZUs6-tNU49IFe4M1fpJgwdoTeT3mv8oBpOZeUx6uDNMIuWEmzqC-63TDukcL7XCFgdYjpZYq8KWLyr5ywgm5wJxUYQrKs/s1600/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9_Tx14V-lvuf7MuLTydhSGvAyk3KDRI9eYaMcca8Psdx50ZUs6-tNU49IFe4M1fpJgwdoTeT3mv8oBpOZeUx6uDNMIuWEmzqC-63TDukcL7XCFgdYjpZYq8KWLyr5ywgm5wJxUYQrKs/s400/Image+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This card is easily the favorite in my collection. The last card show I attended was heavey in vintage cards and I picked up this copy in good condition for two bucks. This card was issued as card number one in the 1967 set, for a few years Topps gave the first card to the previous years World Series Winner. What sets this card apart is the simple design and great photo of the manager, Hank Bauer and the hall of famers, Frank and Brooks Robinson. Hank was in his third season coaching the Orioles when he led the team to the title. He would leave the O's after the 68' season to coach in Oakland (something I wasn't aware of is Hank won eight World Series titles, seven has a player for the Yankees and the one managing the Orioles).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most Orioles fans look to the 1960's and 70's as the golden age in Orioles history, when the team competed for the pennant every year. Unfortunatley today, many of the younger fans have never seen a winning season in Baltimore, let alone a playoff appearence. So far in this young season the Orioles have continued their losing ways but I am hopeful they can turn it around and finish with a winning record. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now the best alternative is pull out my vintage Orioles cards from the 1960's and 70's and read about the past winning seasons and championships the Orioles won.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a side note, I am going out of town for a week to visit family in Nashville and run the Country Music Half Marathon, so this will be my last post until I get back. Hopefully when I return I can get my hands on some Topps Gypsy Queen since this set is dominating the hobby headlines today with good and bad news. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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