Uncle Doc's Closet

Anyone Want to Trade?

2011-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for people to trade on the Diamond Giveaway. I'm on the hunt for some 1969 and 1970 Padres cards. Everything is pretty much on the table, save for the Gwynn DDC and my ultra sweet '64 Pete Runnels. The last post worked pretty well with Jeremy. Thanks, man!

Anything post-1973 will not be redeemed, so I'd like to get those cards a happy home, especially if it means an old Padre heading my way. Just drop a comment!

Here's mah booty. Look at it. My booty. Look.

Perv.

Begging and Pleading

2011-11-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

An FYI that the Diamond Giveaway site is back up and running. Also, if you're trying to complete the 1973 Topps set, today is your lucky day if you've got a few hundred codes to enter. Since last night, the Giveaway has unlocked only 1973 Topps. I've completed that set, so I'll hold out on entering my lone remaining code.

Anyways, the Giveaway is set to end on December 31st (apparently). From my original six codes and one gimme code, I've parlayed those seven cards into 33. The whole make my way back to a '52 project has or is Dead on Arrival. So, being a true Padres fan, I'm working on getting some 1969 & 1970 Padres. I have a good start already at home on these team sets, but I'm always looking to land those cards in the 400+ range.

Take a look at what I've got, and drop a comment if you want to trade for something. I do have three of those 1987 Ryans, and for some reason my 1983 Eddie Murray didn't show up on the picture.

Only thing I will not trade is that 1964 Pete Runnels. I love that dude.

Thanks!
Doc

Nightmares on Cardboard - Terror Cards I - Father Merrin

2011-11-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever paused, found yourself staring at something and your brain is screaming, “This isn’t a good idea.”? That something could be the “send” button on that email to your boss; that last shot of tequila; the pool below the balcony you’re on; or that 16 year old checker girl at the local grocery store. All logic tells you, that something should be left alone, but do you think the Fonz considered the consequences of ski-jumping a shark?

Sorry, I was staring at something. Where was I? Of course not, the Fonz jumped the shark because he’s The Fonz. Sure, he probably couldn’t swim wearing that leather jacket, and being a transplanted New York Italian Jew from Wisconsin that hung out with nerdy redheads, he likely had no idea how sharp that shark’s teeth really were. Although, they couldn’t have been sharper than Leather Tuscadero, but nevertheless, the Fonz jumped. He jumped because, um, because, well, I don’t remember that episode too well, but he jumped the shark. Hence a phrase was born that will forever live in infamy to describe those who have gone from being The Fonz to that guy who was Chachi’s Uncle.

Ladies (who am I kidding?) and Gentlemen, I present my shark jumping moment. As described in a previous post, I’ve been sitting on these custom cards for over two years. These were intended for Thorzul’s Nightmares on Cardboard Contest, but like certain things in my life, I prematurely made them and subsequently disqualified myself from the contest two years running. Beat that.

Since these cards fall under the horror movie motif, I will painfully drag them out in Roman Numeral fashion, where the first card will get the most hits, and by the time the last card rolls around, you’ll be asking, “What the hell is this?”

In case you missed the wrapper from the previous post, here it is:

And inside we find the first Terror Card, a gem mint Father Merrin.

Father Merrin was the Trevor Hoffman of the Washington Padres. His save record was spotless until his first (and last) blown save that drizzly, pea soup laden Georgetown night. Prior to being called up to the Savior Circuit, Father Merrin spent considerable time in the African Pazuzu League.

Coming into his final game, Father Merrin was sporting a Eucharist Receiving Average of 1.45 with an unheard of Communion to Confession ratio of 2.37. In his last save attempt, Father Merrin suffered a heart attack and was replaced by Father Karras. Immediately following the game, the Padres traded Merrin to the Angels.

Let’s flip the card over.

Oh, I sense an homage to 1970s movie/TV show cards!

Why the Diamond Giveaway Site is Down

2011-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Posted this on the Topps Facebook page. I wonder how long it will last?

Answer: Off the main page in less than one minute. However, it did make it to their photo album.

Thorzul's Nightmares on Cardboard

2011-11-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

For two years straight, I did not enter Thorzul's Nightmares on Cardboard contest. Although it wasn't from a lack of trying or desire, it just so happens the spirits did not want me to enter. Not that I ever had much of a chance based on PunkRockPaint's winning entry this year, but I am still stuck with them damn cards.

I started on these cards two years ago, just after Halloween 2009. I was so impressed by the entries that year, that I thought I should give it a go. I'd already been making custom cards, and thought, why not enter?

A year later, Halloween was fast approaching. I was printing my cards and preparing to iron paraffin onto a custom made wrapper, when all hell broke lose. First, Thorzul, in his Pabst Blue Ribbon rage decided to in essence ban all 1975 Topps entries. Shit. Two, I ended up spending most of the month of October with my father in intensive care.

I was going to ignore Thorzul's "rules" because I thought he'd like the design, since I did pretty much cater to his favorites. Yet, that whole father in the hospital episode pulled me right out of collecting/blogging, and I've never really recovered from that.

Fast forward to Halloween 2011. I still have the cards. They are still sitting there wrapped in wax and waiting for the contest. Thorzul opens the entries and the one requirement is "NO TOPPS." Double shit.

I sent Thorzul an email practically begging to bend the rules. Nope, no-can-do. "Rules are rules." His classroom must be awfully close to the Governor's Mansion and all that bad mojo is corroding his wonderfully twisted mind.

In the end, I'm still sitting on a pack of custom cards that I haven't seen the light of day since late 2009. Triple shit.

Anyways, I'm sure I'll somehow be preemptively disqualified in 2012, so I'll just start showing those cards here. Behold the one and only wax pack of Terror Cards - '75 Whacks Pack Serial One in the world!

"Topps, We Have a Problem"

2011-11-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Look what just greeted me this afternoon. FINALLY.

Wow, actual acknowledgement of an "issue." If you complain on Topps' Facebook Wall about the Giveaway site, your post will be deleted almost immediately. I was beginning to think that the Topps Diamond Giveaway was being run by Iraqi PR dude during the Second Gulf War...

Diamond Givea…Server Error – Timed Out Application

2011-11-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

Life is short. Time is fleeting. Time is even shorter until the Diamond Giveaway joins the Million Card Giveaway in the great cyber pasture in the sky.

This year marks the first time since 2000 that I last bought more than one pack of baseball cards. The reason being my fascination with the Topps Diamond Giveaway concept, and my desire to hand collate a 2011 Topps set.

Set wise, I’m two short of Series One, and oh, exactly 330 cards short on Series Two. I haven’t bought a single Series Two pack. Why might you ask? Because $2 a pop for 12 cards is still mighty high for this Ebenezer, and with the exponentially decaying Giveaway site, I’ve been tempted not once to try and get another code card.

I figured with the site on the fritz, I’d just wait until Series Two hit the bargain bin and then finish the set. I’ve never really been one to be on the forefront. Case in point, my kids played Atari last night. Seriously, Pitfall and all.

Yet, while I spin my icon, I mean wheels, fix the damn Giveaway site already, or extend the Giveaway to make up for the month plus snafu. And while you’re at it, bring back this little feature…

If I have to keep individually turning down every 1987 Rich Yett trade for my DDC Tony Gwynn card, I’ll quit. But I don’t want to quit! I’m trying to redeem the 1969 Padres Team Set. Please fix the site, or at least give us this option.

Name the Game - 1971 Vada Pinson #275

2011-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Before I get started, thank you to those of you who sent your well wishes concerning my 4-year old son. He is doing great with the new glasses, and if I can ever get him to sit still long enough, I’ll be sure to make a custom card of/for him. By the way, his first words after getting the new specs were, “Daddy, I can see where I am going!” Awesome.

Alright, I’ve been wanting to do this Name the Game post for a long time now. I have researched this bad-boy for going on six months, well, actually like two hours if you combine all the time spent, but it took me six months to produce this.

The 1971 Vada Pinson has to be one of my all-time favorite cards. I am surprised that Play at the Plate hasn’t had this card as his header, yet. The card shows a sprawled out Thurman Munson, and Vada Pinson emerging from the home plate dust. Classic card that surprisingly has a huge back story.

Well, I consulting Baseball Reference and found out that the Indians played at Yankee Stadium nine times during the 1970 season. Of those nine games, one was a night game. Scratch. In another, Thurman Munson did not don the Tools of Ignorance. Scratch. In two more, Vada Pinson never reached base. Double scratch. And finally, in three of those games, Pinson never had a play at the plate. Triple scratch.

This left two games where Vada Pinson was involved in a home plate dust-up. Both games were on June 24, 1970 in AN EPIC DOUBLEHEADER. Let me breakdown what happened on this day:

Four Home Runs – Bobby Murcer hit four consecutive home runs, tying Lou Gehrig.

Firecrackers! – A “fan” threw a cherry bomb from the upper deck, where it exploded next to Indians Catcher, Ray Fosse, causing burns through his stirrup, sock and shoe. The fan was arrested, and Fosse played on.

Folly Floater – Yanks pitcher, Steve Hamilton, lobbed a high soft pitch to Tony Horton, who promptly popped it up. Horton called for another one, Hamilton obliged, Horton popped out and then proceeded to crawl back to the dugout on his knees.

Fight Night – Pinson tried to score from second on a wild pitch. Munson retrieved the ball and threw it to Stan Bahnsen at home. Bahnsen tagged high and hard, prompting a response from Pinson. Bahnsen threw the ball hitting Pinson’s foot, and then Pinson laid Bahnsen out with a single left hook. BAM.

Here are the write-ups I found on this game:

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nJ9RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Cm0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2691,3558315&dq=stan+bahnsen&hl=en

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19700625&id=UcNOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I0gDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1174,4954923

http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=2079&pid=4613

Anyways, that all leads to WHAT IS THE PLAY ON THE CARD, ALREADY? Unfortunately, it’s not the fight scene on the card, as that would be Bahnsen at home, not Munson. Turns out in Game 1 of the double dip, Pinson and Munson were in a play at the dish. Here’s the setting…

Top of the 8th, Indians Batting, Ahead 6-0, Yankees' Ron Klimkowski intentionally walks Vada Pinson. Ray Fosse singles to CF and Pinson goes to third. Nettles flies to center, and Pinson is thrown out at home on a sac fly.

While fruitlessly looking for pictures of The Fight, I found something even more interesting. Turns out there was a 1970s movie called Bang the Drum Slowly (You can read about it on Wrigley Wax). In this movie, they used action footage of the real Yankees. Check out this screen cap from a certain home plate encounter used in the movie.

Look familiar? Munson is positioned to catch and tag from a center field throw. Pinson is sliding into home. The moment just before the picture used on Pinson’s 1970 Topps card was taken.

How cool is that?

This One's for You, Son

2011-11-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days. You know, a day that forever changes something in your life, or better yet, my son's life. Today is the day he gets his first pair of glasses.

We thought something was wrong with his eyesight, and we were right. Turns out he's about as blind as a bat. Although we were very fortunate to catch this early, it still is going to take some adjustment on everyone's part in my little family.

When the ophthalmologist confirmed the need prescription, I was in shock. My little buddy has had so many obstacles thrown up at him in his short life. He is definitely our special child. The other day my wife listed off how many specialists he has, and I was amazed: an orthopedist, a neurologist, a radiologist, a urologist, another orthopedist, two orthotist, at least three physical therapists, and now a ophthalmologist.

He's four.

Last night, he wanted to look through one of "Daddy's books" for his bedtime story. He picked out the 1978 Topps set, and we leafed through every page. He loves Team Cards and Catchers. He calls them squatters. When we were done, he said, "I'm going to be a catcher!" Such enthusiasm! I LOVE IT. Of course, he'll have an uphill climb in that regards being a pure southpaw. But dammit, if my boy wants to catch, he's going to catch. I was relegated to either pitching, first base or right field. Not my boy.

So, in honor of him and just to prove to him that Catchers do wear glasses, here's are all the Squatters on Topps cards that wore glasses...

He may wear glasses, but at least he won't look like My Achy Breaky Heart...

I love you, bud.

Daddy

They Must be Out of Cubic Zirconia

2011-11-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Is this some grand conspiracy against me, or is anybody else having a Hades of a time getting the Diamond Giveaway site to work? I can easily log in, but whenever I try to get to the trade screen, the dreaded cog of doom spins, and spins, and spins, endlessly into the event horizon.

If the cosmos align, I either end up at my requested destination, which is the same odds as the Astros winning the World Series next year, or I get the BIG RED LETTERS OF SYSTEM FAIL-I-TUDE.

I could theorize that the Topps ledger boys crunched their numbers and realized they're going to lose money on this gig, so they decided to have the Topps Techies monkey with the source code. Or, the internets are full, which is a more plausible hypothesis.

Either way, it is quite frustrating, as time is running out and I am trying to parlay my 33 cards into something. I started with six "who?"s and have scrapped up an additional 27 cards that are more to my taste.

Anyone else having problems? Anyone?

2011 MLB Tournament Update - Final Round

2011-11-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

The World Series has come and gone. Tears of joy and sheer revulsion have been shed, or just plain indifference has reared its maligned head. With bated, ahem, breath, I bring you the final results of the 2011 MLB Tournament.

The Tourney Finals had (1) Philadelphia up against the (2) New Jork Jankees. Both teams played to a tie, 19-15, over the last 34 games of the regular season. That miraculous Tampa Bay comeback sealed the Yankees fate. Since the Phils and Yanks didn't play head to head the last 34, the finals were determined by Run Differential. Ooooh, exciting.

After Baseball Reference tabulated the results, the Fightin' Phils edged the Yankees by 14 runs, giving Dan the Sticker Man the win and Dawgbones le prix booby.

The consolation game was a laugher between the Rangers and Giants, a rematch of last years World Series. The Rangers ran away with a 5 game advantage, thus giving that Play at the Plate Dude the bronze medal.

Originally, the winners were going to get their choice of their favorite NBA, NFL and NHL cards. Well, those cards were donated to a friend of mine who evacuated to my house during Hurricane Irene. Somethings take higher priority in life. Soooooo, I have decided to give all three winners a walk through the want lists.

I've already pulled about 300 Rangers for PatP, and have a stick-load of stickers for Dan. Dawgbones has a pretty thin Want List, therefore, since he is a partial Yankee fan, he's getting something extra special from me. I'll post pictures of the prizes before I mail them.

Winners, post a comment, and I'll get in touch with you for your addresses.

Thanks for playing, and we'll see you for the 2012 Tournament (maybe). ;-)

Curses

2011-10-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sure some of you are actually cursing this morning. If that was my team imploding last night, I wouldn't blame you. Anyone reading this either already watched the game or saw the replays this morning, so I won't rehash a fantastic game.

What I will say is that throughout the entire game, I kept watching bad baseball. The old adage about pitching and defense win championships was ringing through my head. I understand that an elimination game is tense. Nerves are abound, hands are shaky and otherwise good ballplayers make ~~bad~~ downright boneheaded plays.

In an elimination game, there is always a goat. Make that a scapegoat. Errors were rampant, hanging curve balls were, well, hanging. Through 7 innings, I was beginning to think that Matt Holliday had money on the Rangers.

If getting thrown out leading off of third by a catcher who nabbed you FROM HIS KNEES wasn't bad enough, that debacle in left field on a routine sky high pop up was down right embarrassing.

In the replays, you can read Holliday's lips telling a back-peddling, twisted around Furcal, "You got it, you got it." Baseball 101 says that only the one fielding the ball speaks. Chalk it up to nerves. It's not like Holliday has a history of blowing easy big-game catches, right?

I'm sure La Russa wasn't too distraught that Holliday bruised his pinkie and had to leave the game.

Well, after 26 outs, I thought Holliday was going to bear the brunt of baseball black magic. But I was wrong...

Son, it's the final out of the World Series. 50 fruitless years of franchise futility are riding on a flyball. You've got to make that catch, or die trying. Eight homers is great, but defense is what wins ball games. If Hamilton was in right, he'd have plowed through that wall, busted groin and all, probably broken several bones, and then had a Cherry Coke showered on him in the dugout. That guy is grit.

Fate will be watching tonight's game...

2011 MLB Tournament Update - 4th Round Complete

2011-10-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, if you've managed to be patient with me, here are the results of the Final Four. Philadelphia manhandled San Francisco with a 10 game blowout, and New York squeaked by a plucky Texas team.

The Tournament Finals look like what everyone thought the World Series would be: (1) Phillies versus the (2) Yankees. The Consolation Game is a rematch of last years World Series with the (2) Giants facing off against the (4) Rangers.

I will post the final results sometime during the World Series, but based on the rules I set up, we all know that Dawgbones and Dan the Sticker Man are guaranteed prizes. All that's left is finding out who gets Show.

I Can't Believe You're Gone

2011-10-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with baseball, but about the best athlete I have ever seen or met. My all time favorite race driver, Dan Wheldon, died on Sunday. I am in shock. I was in denial on Sunday, and cried most of Monday. I'm still too upset to convey how much his death effects me. I know I will write about him in the future, but I can't do him justice now.

Dan, you were by far the best race car driver I have ever seen. It was a riot talking to you those several times in Richmond. Your charisma and antics were strong enough to disarm even me. I will miss your presence immensely, and I am devastated for your family.

Please read this wonderful writeup about Dan's life and career. He was much more than a smile and a driver.

It was my pleasure seeing you all these times...

1. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 28, 2003 - Finished 8th

2. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 30, 2004 - Finished 3rd

3. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 28, 2004 - Finished 1st

4. Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead, FL - March 6, 2005 - Finished 1st

5. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 29, 2005 - Finished 1st

6. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 25, 2005 - Finished 5th

7. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 28, 2006 - Finished 4th

8. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 24, 2006 - Finished 9th

9. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 27, 2007 - Finished 22nd

10. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 30, 2007 - Finished 3rd

11. Suntrust Indy Challenge at Richmond, VA - June 28, 2008 - Finished 4th

12. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 24, 2009 - Finished 2nd

13. Indianapolis 500 at Speedway, IN - May 30, 2010 - Finished 2nd

2011 MLB Tournament Update - 3rd Round Complete

2011-10-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

No, I am not dead. Life interrupted fantasy, and we all know who wins that battle. Lest you think that I forgot about the tournament, no, I have not. I already know who won. I feel like I read the last page of a book, but I won't spoil the ending for you.

The Elite Eight is now the Final Four.

(1) Phillies versus (2) Giants - True to the seeding.

(2) Yankees versus (4) Rangers - No great surprise.

Three of these four teams will win a prize. However, I've got bad news and good news on the prize front. News at 11.

"Just when I thought I was out..."

2011-10-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

These jokers pull me back in: Flippant Tyrant, Tournament Contest Winners, Ponies, '75 Topps and Rays.

Say Goodnight, Gracie. Goodnight Gracie.

2011-06-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Diamond Mining - Part VIII - Trade Review

2011-06-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

The old tradefest continues to thrive on the Diamond Giveaway site, and I am up to 124 completed trades from my original six cards. I haven't had time to update my massive graphic, so I thought for this week I'd show the original card I received when I used my code to the card(s) that I have turned them into. Post a comment about your favorite/most improved trade!

Card #1

This gem has become...

AND

Card #2

has magically become...

Card #3

Turned into...

Card #4

Is now an...

Card #5

Has evolved into the following...

and finally Card #6

has turned into...

Not too shabby, eh?

The Adventures of Joe - It's a No Go, Joe

2011-06-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Nobody took up my offer to send Average Joe on an adventure. Joe had his bags packed, got a comfy new seat in a top loader and his original penny sleeve, and nobody bought Common Joe a plane ticket.

I must say I am a touch disappointed that nobody wanted to take Joe on a magical tour of the blogosphere, but 'dems tha breaks.

Now I have to break the news to Joe that all his aspirations of seeing the world were for naught. All his hopes and dreams squashed. I'm sure Joe will not take it lightly. I'm sure Joe is tired of being locked in the closet for the past 20 years.

Excuse me while I tell Joe the bad news...

I was right. He is crestfallen. I've never seen him cry before. Wait. Hey Joe! Where are you going with that gun in your hand?

Crazy Collection Break Idea

2011-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned in passing that our family plans on moving to a smaller house in the near future. I am almost positive that storage will be an issue. Storage for baseball cards will be an extreme issue.

My wife has already clearly stated that the old collection will be low on the priority list for closet space. Under the bed? Nope. Top of the closet? Nope. On the dining room table? Not on your life.

So, I guess one of the thoughts I've been kicking around is breaking all of my doubles and singles I do not want from 1986 (81 for Fleer and Donruss) to around 2000 down into team lots. What I'm curious about is if anyone would even want these. I think that all I'd ask for is the shipping price to be covered, which would probably be a priority mail box. I guess those run $10 to $15 to ship depending on the size of the box, and that isn't too bad to get cards of your favorite team. Even though, I'd likely not go to extremes to box them in 800 count boxes.

Problem is, these aren't vintage cards, nor are they new shiny cards. Another catch is I REALLY don't feel like picking doubles out, so you'd run the risk of landing twelve 1987 Topps Rich Yetts (I'm looking square at you Night Owl!). Third catch is that I'd take singles of the Padres and keep all my Gwynns - so those would be some thin pickins'.

Am I crazy for thinking this? Would anyone even remotely be interested in landing a ton of cards of their favorite team for 10 to 15 bucks? I could even throw in football, basketball and hockey cards, too.

Thoughts?

PS - I am a little hesitant about this idea, so don't take this post as a done deal. I am just trying to gauge interest. Ok?

Diamond Mining - Part VII - Breakin' The Law

2011-06-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re muttering Judas Priest lyrics after reading the title, you’re alright in my book. Breaking the law, that’s exactly what I did this past weekend when it comes to the Giveaway. No, I didn’t break the law, I broke my law. I finally had enough of people offering me vintage goodness for 1987 wood grain horror. And not just any 70s vintagey goodness, but pre ’74 goodness, series goodness.

Last Friday, after a long day of working in the yard, prepping the old house so it looks good to someone with deeper pockets than mine, I hit the Giveaway. Opened up my offers and there it was, a ’73 Rico Petrocelli for my ’87 Ryan. In the past, good old Thoughts and Sox has crossed my path several times in the Mine. T&S is always on the lookout for Red Sox, and there it was, Rico Suave starring me in the eye. Boom! I pulled that trigger.

I immediately emailed T&S and told him I landed a ’73 BoSox if he wanted it. Within minutes, I had an offer for a ’72 Kranepool In Action, done deal. I next traded that Kranepool for a ’71 Nate Colbert (Go Padres!) and then immediately turned that into a ’70 Colbert. So, in a matter of minutes, I’d gone from a run of the mill ’87 Nolan Ryan to some 1970 grey glory goodness card of Nate Colbert, a Padre at that. Don't believe me, check out the now massive Diamond Mine Diagram!

But why did I break my rule of going one year back at a time? I’ll rant why, because traders on the Diamond Giveaway are the stingiest freaks I’ve ever tried to trade with. Sure, they’ll throw a 1992 Archie Cianfroco at you for your Tony Gwynn DDC, but as soon as you offer an ’87 Ryan for an ’86 Ryan, it’s like you b-slapped their mother. So, after three weeks of no bites for my ’87 Ryan and my waning interest in the giveaway, I took that old cardboard.

And then I traded my way down to another ’87 Ryan, and turned that into a ’72 Chris Spier In Action. psychedelic vintage, psyweet. Two ’87s for a ’73 and a ’72 without the headache, methinks I’ve developed a new plan…

But, we’ll see if that plan works though because the DG is painfully slow at the moment. I’ve been sitting on 108 trades for a while now, and it looks like the Trade Nazis are out in force. Until next time, WAIT, I failed to mention I broke into the 60s. Turned my ’74 Freddie Patek into a ’68 Tommy Davis. If all I end up with is '68 Burlap, this experiment will be a success.

To Build or Not to Build

2011-06-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

To build or not to build,that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to complete a set or trade/donate the cards away. Of late, I have been struggling with this issue. My household is preparing for a move to likely a smaller house, and given the fact my wife detests baseball cards, it is a forgone conclusion that the old collection needs a major thinning.

This was evident during my recent Donruss spring cleaning (Yes, all those who requested cards, you will receive them...eventually). During that cleaning out process, I decided that I could complete 88, 89 and 90 Donruss because I needed less than 50 cards for each set. But, did I really need to complete those sets? Am I trying to complete them because I like them or because I was painfully close?

Which leads me to why I want your opinion. Do you complete sets only because they are your favorite? Do you ever complete a set because you already have 90% of it done, even though you never intended on building that particular set? I am curious what sort of answers I get to those questions.

I guess all of this leads to the fact that I have had a painfully difficult time shedding cards from my life. I have no problem trading them, or even giving them to someone who wants them, but to just get rid of them seems counter-intuitive. I know that I started the whole 1,000,000 Cards for Kids blog, and I have set aside copious amounts of cards to donate, but truth be told, I haven't dropped them off yet. It was/is much more difficult than I thought finding a place that would take them. Apparently, old cardboard of players that kids today have never heard of is a big issue with places that accept donations for kids. Plus, storage is a major issue for them as well.

I think my last resort will be to take them to Goodwill and let them sell the cards. Some kid might end up with them, maybe. Who knows, I even toyed with the idea of giving them away in bundles of a 100 for Halloween, which I may still do.

Anyways, I have gone on a tangential plane. Back to the building sets issue, I used to have the mantra that if I had at least 50% of the set completed, I'd go ahead and finish the set. I figured, at 50%, it'd be cheaper to collate it than to buy it whole (according to Buckett). But really, do I need a 1990 Score complete set? I think I'd be better off picking the Padres and HOFers out, and then making someone else's mother or wife deal with the clutter.

What do you think?

Name the Game - 1971 Cookie Rojas #118

2011-06-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

While reorganizing the blog, I found some old posts I had written for a new series I was trying to develop. I have attempted new topics in the past, some flopped mightily and others were actually interesting, such as this one, Name the Game. The point of these is to find an action shot from a baseball card and then try to determine the exact play and game that the photograph occurred. I have done three previous versions, so I thought I’d raise this genre back from the dead.

Sticking with my original plan of starting at the first action shot (1971 Thurman Munson) and working forward (plus the fact vintage rocks), the next determinable card is the 1971 Cookie Rojas #118. This card has all the trimmings for determining the game and play.

1.   Double play ball at second base.
2.   Opponents jersey and number is clearly visible.
3.   Day game.
4.   Bonus – Score board visible in the background.

Because of these four items, this card was easy to identify. First step was to identify the stadium. It’s obvious the Royals are on the road, and I do spy pinstripes sliding into second base. So, it’s a day game at Yankee Stadium. At the beginning of the 1970 season, Cookie was a Cardinal and then traded to the Royals for Fred Rico, after Cookie was hitting an abysmal .106 after 23 games for the Red Birds. Cookie played 98 games for the Royals, and checking out Cookie’s game logs for 1970, we see the Royals played three games at the Yanks during Cookie’s tenure that year (August 14th, 15th and 16th).

The 14th game was a Friday nighter, so it’s out, but Cookie played in both the Saturday and Sunday day games. So, we’ll look at the mysterious #9 sliding into second. That’d be Ron Woods, who was in both games, but Ron never actually played in the Saturday game. He was a pinch hitter that was then pinch hit for. He never swung the bat in that game. That makes the Sunday, August 16th the game on the card. This is also confirmed by the scoreboard in the background that matches the Sunday game.

So, what play is it? Looking through the box score of that game, we see that Ron Woods led off the bottom of the sixth with a single to left field against Ken Wright. Gene Michael then hit into a 6-4-3 double play. There you go!

The 1971 Topps Cookie Rojas #118 is the first half of a double play in the bottom of the sixth inning during the August 16, 1970 day game at Yankee Stadium!

2011 MLB Tournament Update - 2nd Round Complete

2011-06-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

While not all of the 32 games have been played this round, each match-up has been decided. The Elite Eight consists of the following duels:

(6) Cardinals versus (2) Giants
This ought to be a good series with considerable drama thanks to St. Louis' hot streak and the Poser-less Giants. I'm anticipating a tournament rule change request any day now from Mr. Sabian.

(4) Braves versus (1) Phillies
The Braves are my bet to take this series. The Phils were lackluster against the Marlins, but since the Marlins TANKED the second round, the Fightin' Phils made it into the next round. If both teams get players back from the DL and keep them off the DL, this should be a humdinger.

(14) Mariners versus (2) Yankees
On paper, one would immediately say the Yanks have this one in the bag, but I'm not so sure. The Mariners can't possibly stay this hot for long, but the Yanks aging lineup and their abyssmal rotation and injury woes will make this one close. Too close to call.

(4) Rangers versus (1) Rays
I call this series the Redemption Series. In a matchup of last years ALDS, the Rays look to reek vengence on the Rangers. My heart says Rays, but my mind says Rangers.

This round should be closely watched. If you make it out of this round into the Final Four, you've got a 75% chance of getting free cards. A LOT of free cards. Here are the remaining players and their NBA, NFL and NHL selections.

MLB Team	Contestant	NBA	NFL	NHL
Braves	MCT	Hawks	Falcons	Thrashers
Cardinals	Diamond King	Magic	Patriots	Kings
Giants	Mark	Lakers	Steelers	Penguins
Mariners	Mariner1	Sonics	Seahawks	Sharks
Phillies	Dan	Sixers	Eagles	Flyers
Rangers	PatP	Mavericks	Cowboys	Stars
Rays	Dayf	Hawks	Falcons	Blackhawks
Yankees	DawgBones	Sixers	Vikings	Flyers

New Blog Design & Name

2011-06-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

You'll notice this blog has undergone a massive overhaul. The change is still a work in progress, so please bear with me.

While I am making the changes, feel free to praise or complain. I like constructive feedback!

Obviously my biggest concern is the ability to read the post text over the Jack Murphy background. I am very interested in your feedback on this!

Oh yeah, and somebody make a trade offer for my Joe Orsulak! Read four posts down...

Doc T

1990 Donruss Want List (You May Howl Hysterically)

2011-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Red is pending.

#	Player	#	Player	#	Player
33	Juan Gonzalez	192	Roberto Kelly	529	Dean Palmer
39	Steve Avery	197	Orel Hershiser	568	Stan Javier
68	Wade Boggs	216	Tim Raines	573	Lance Johnson
86	Tony Gwynn	223	Andre Dawson	583	Kevin Hickey
96	Cal Ripken Jr.	234	Johnny Ray	586	Joe Oliver
109	Alvin Davis	269	Kirby Puckett	635	Brian Holton
113	Kelly Gruber	304	R. Henderson	660	Harold Baines
125	Jose Canseco	321	Jeff Hamilton	665	Nolan Ryan
148	Ron Kittle	439	Mickey Hatcher	704	David Justice
154	Jesse Orosco	451	Bob Melvin	708	Benito Santiago
166	Nolan Ryan	476	Kevin Romine	BC-8	Kirby Puckett
174	Ruben Sierra	511	Joe Hesketh	BC-20	Chili Davis
179	Luis Aquino	516	John Morris
185	Mark McGwire	528	Jerry Reuss

1989 Donruss Want List (You May Chuckle)

2011-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Red is pending.

#	Player	#	Player	#	Player
42	Randy Johnson RR	281	Greg Mathews	BC-11	Dave Winfield
53	Gary Carter	406	Rick Schu	BC-14	Ozzie Smith
63	Ozzie Smith	445	Paul Gibson	BC-18	Kal Daniels
232	Greg Swindell	465	Dave Leiper	BC-20	Tony Gwynn
233	John Franco	475	Bruce Benedict	PZL	1-3
246	Roberto Alomar	485	Kevin Mitchell	PZL	10-12
272	Dave Smith	497	Mike Campbell
278	Lance Parrish	BC-2	Mike Scott

1988 Donruss Want List (Please Don't Laugh)

2011-06-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Red is pending.

#	Player	#	Player	#	Player
1	Mark McGwire DK	632	Bob Ojeda	BC-13	Wally Joyner
21	Will Clark DK	635	Roberto Kelly	BC-14	Dale Murphy
26	Cal Ripken Jr. DK	654	Ron Gant	BC-15	Kirby Puckett
220	Bo Jackson	658	Todd Stottlemyre	BC-17	Kevin Seitzer
223	Ruben Sierra	BC-1	Cal Ripken	BC-21	Don Mattingly
277	Rickey Henderson	BC-2	Eric Davis	BC-22	Ozzie Smith
298	Dave Winfield	BC-3	Paul Molitor	BC-23	Mark McGwire
302	Jose Canseco	BC-8	Andy Van Slyke	BC-24	Will Clark
319	Tony Fernandez	BC-10	Andre Dawson

The Adventures of Joe: The Common Joe

2011-06-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Everybody, meet Joe. Joe, this is everybody.

Joe is a seemingly common name on a common card from a common set. Besides his awesome last name, Orsulak, Joe is nothing spectacular. I mean the card, not the man. His back is even graced with the decidedly dull card number 212. Unless you call people that live or work in the borough of Manhattan, or you really like the boiling point of water, let’s face it, this number rarely ever makes an appearance in your life. Two hundred twelve is lifeless.

See, it's lifeless.

Now, you're probably asking yourself, "Why is this card relevant to my interests?" It's probably not, but this card means something to me. You see, back when I was an acne riddled, voice squeaking, gangly 14 year old, I counted my cards. After a week full of school, practices, games, ballroom dancing (yeah, you read that correctly), I would take a box of cards into the family room, plop down on the ivory white sectional, turn on Mystery Science Theater 3000 and count my cards into the wee hours of the morning.

During one of those weekend rituals, I came to a watershed moment for a teenage collector who had started out with a handful of cards, sorted by team, wrapped with rubber bands and stored in an old Vans shoebox. I was approaching the 25,000 card mark. It was an almost celebratory moment when I hit 24,900 cards with a pile of 200 or so more cards in my collection to count. I was going to crest the 25,000 card mark, and I wondered, who would be the 25,000th card? Would it be Canseco? Gwynn? Ryan?

I quickly began counting the cards and as I approached the milestone, I remember getting giddy. Giddy is not something a 14 year old boy should get, which likely explains the severe drought of dates in high school. Anyways, as I counted 24,999, I shuffled the card over and saw Joe. Average Joe. Common Joe. I was surely less than thrilled, but I set him aside and placed Joe into a penny sleeve as his humble reward for being card 25,000 in my collection.

But, I eventually grew to love that card, and whenever I see a Joe Orsulak, I always think of that evening. I’ve loved that card so much, that I feel I must set Joe free from my card closet and send Ordinary Joe on an epic adventure. This adventure has two purposes: 1. To see what is the best card(s) I can receive for Standard Joe in what could be a seemingly never ending series of trades and 2. To see where Typical Joe goes through other people’s trades.

To accomplish this, I am placing Usual Joe into a top loader and posting him as trade bait. Whoever makes the best trade offer for Joe after one week of posting will win Joe. Then I’ll take whatever I received for Joe and post that as trade bait, and so on, and so on.

The other part of this adventure will require feedback. I plan on placing a note inside Joe’s top loader. This will be similar to Where’s George, the money tracking website. The note will instruct that person to email me and let me know Normal Joe’s location and what you sent/received for Joe. As long as Joe is in circulation, I will post his whereabouts.

So, who wants a 1990 Joe Orsulak #212? Best offer by 9:00 PM EST June 15th wins!

Restful Night

2011-06-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that my daughter came through the surgery like the little firecracker she is. She was a little groggy and grumpy after coming out of the anesthesia, but she is doing well now.

Almost as important, I am proud to say that her mother made it through the surgery with flying colors.

I give my sincere thanks to all of those who posted their well wishes, and to all of those that kept my little girl in their thoughts and prayers.

Albeit a non-traditional community within this sphere, I am thankful to know there are good people in this world who take the time to support others.

No where did my junk wax Donruss want lists go...

Restless Night

2011-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight is a restless night. Tonight, I should be asleep because I have to be awake and ready to go to the hospital in about five hours. Tonight I cannot sleep because I have to take my daughter to the hospital for surgery.

I alone am taking her tomorrow. My son has had two surgeries and they were too much for my wife to handle. On the second surgery, the nurses asked my wife to leave because of her emotional state. Since I am the father, the husband, I am the emotional rock. The one they turn to in difficult times to be the leader. I find that ironic because during normal times, I am rightly branded as the scatter brained dramatist.

I do not know why I am sharing this, as I am extremely introverted unless a topic that I am extremely familiar with is at hand. Or if I've had a beer or two, and then one cannot shut me up.

I guess I decided to share these thoughts in this forum is because cards calm my mind. One difficult night several months ago, I sat in bed sorting a 3,200 count box. Was it because that box of Score desperately needed attention? Not likely. It was because it felt like the puzzle pieces were coming together.

As I sorted that box, I could feel the heat emanating from my wife. With every shuffle, I felt her skin bristle. She finally sighed, looked at me and said "Why must you sort those cards? The sound makes my skin crawl." I blankly looked at her and replied, "Because it gives me solace. It calms me."

For some unknown reason, baseball cards calm my mind. I cannot describe it, but I am sure someone reading this knows what I mean. Cards live an odd juxtaposition in my life. My wife detests them in seemingly every cell of her being, but they soothe me. It is a fine line of my existence having a hobby that irritates the one I love. I've been told before to always be who you are, and not emulate that which you are not. That being said, it is hard to pursue that which those you love do not understand.

I digress...While I type this, I am taking a break from sorting my Donruss boxes. Pulling singles and seeing how many cards I need to complete 88, 89 and 90 Donruss. Do I truly need to complete those sets? Not likely, but it quells my thoughts of my daughter, and allows me to function as the emotional rock I am supposed to be.

Diamond Mining - Part VI - Expansion Era

2011-06-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Late in the evening hours on Friday, June 3rd, the Diamond Mine practially exploded. Everything had pretty much ground to a standstill, and very little trading had happened for a week or so. That is until 9:00 PM EST. I went into that day with seven cards and about 40 completed trades. I ended that day with 17 cards and almost 70 trades.

Things started out with an extremely benign trade for a 1999 Alomar that yielded a 1998 Molitor. In itself, not too exciting. Both HOFers, but nothing spectacular. Then IT happened. I refreshed my trade screen and someone was offering 11, I said ELEVEN, cards for that 98 Molitor. The first card showing was a 93 Mo Yawn. Meh, I thought. I expanded the selection and then saw more 93 Who's-thats, then I spied a 96 Pedro Martinez. Ok, that alone makes it a doable trade for me. Next I searched for the REQUIRED 1997 card to continue the mining adventure. The last card on the page was a '97 Bobby Bonilla. Bingo.

Not that the Bonilla made me take the trade, but it satisfied my quest. I accepted the trade, and then immediately thought, "Why would someone offer 11 cards for a '98 Molitor?" Then the horrifying thought that someone mistakenly selected "All" on the trade screen, and I just emptied someones cache. I immediately felt remorseful. I read the FAQ and saw you can't void a trade, so, I decided to make the most of it.

From that mess of 11 cards, I have turned them into a decent showing. That one 1998 Molitor (which was originally a 2006 Andy Marte - who?) has become:

1996 Dennis Eckersley (HOFer)
1992 Lance Parrish (AS)
1992 Joe Orsulak (one of my all time faves)
1991 Carlton Fisk (HOFer - and winner of Night Owl's Cardboard Appreciation contest as the greatest card EVAR)
1993 Carlos Martinez (Haven't moved this one, yet - However, I do have my eyes on a sweet Dave Bergman, 700 Club Member Extraordinaire - WAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSUUUUUUPPPP)
1991 Roberto Alomer (HOFer)
1995 Tom Glavine (AS and future HOFer)
1999 Gary Sheffield (AS and future retired asshat)
2004 Richie Sexton (Haven't traded this one, yet)
2005 Ivan Rodriguez (AS and future HOFer if he isn't busted for Roids)
2008 Miguel "Am I 36 or 39?" Tejada

I must say that's NOT TOO BAD for a 2006 Andy Marte. That's also a pretty good start to a pennant winning team.

As far as the other cards, I'm on the precipice of the 60s. My 1971 Ollie Brown became a 1970 Manny Mota. Nice. And I also landed a 1972 Padres Team Card, which was originally a 1977 Rod Gilbreath. Sweet.

Here is the new graphic. It's gotten so big, I've had to splice it from two screen grabs. Yikes.

One day, I'll lay out each "shaft" individually and let you vote on the greatest improvement, which I'm sure the 2006 Andy Marte will win.

Until next time, keep a look out for Uncle_Doc on your trade screen and keep me in mind...

The 700 Club

2011-06-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance for this "skit." When I am sick, I think of the weirdest things.

As President and inaugural member of the 700 club, I call this meeting to order. Before getting to business, let's take roll. Powell?

Here!

Murcer?

He's missing "In Action." Rimshot.

Bench?

The Little General is present and accounted for, Sir!

Heh, little general. Jackson?

What it is!

Carew?

What the %#@& do you want mother %@#*%#? No, you can’t have my autograph.

Ok then, Brett?

Did I ever tell you the story about Whitey Herzog and Pedro Ramos?

Foster?

Don't tell me that story again, Brett. It makes me want to shower with my shorts on.

Just for Men-andez?

Ugh, here.

Schmidt?

Here.

Murray?

Pain.

Easy Clubber. Jackson?

I said, "What it is!"

Be...

WASSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUPPPP!

Berg...

WASSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUPPPP!

Bergman?

WASSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAABI!

All those in favor of replacing Bergman?

AYE!

WASSUP?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO7!

Ripken?

It's about damn time!

Brett?

So, Whitey invited Ramos over to his hotel room...

No one wants to hear about Whiteyball! Mattingly?

I should have used this on Bergman when I had the chance.

Puckett?

Where the women at? (RIPuckett)

Ozzie?

Here. Hey!

Sierra?

Golly, I'm just happy to be here.

Ryan?

I struck out everyone of you pantywaists.

Everyone except me. Bonds? Bonds? Bonds? Has anyone seen Bonds? Wait, what are you doing in that corner, Barry?

Just taking my B-12 shot!

I am so sorry.

June 1st - 2011 MLB Tuesday err Wednesday Tournament Update

2011-06-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've been sick. Forgive the delay and terseness.

Donruss for the Taking

2011-05-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

CLOSED - No more takers, please. Sorry!

I'm planning on doing some spring cleaning this weekend, and hope to cull all of the singles out of my Donruss collection. I'm sitting on three 3,200 count boxes, and probably three quarters of that is heading out the door.

Soooooo, if you for some unknown God-forsaken reason need any Donruss cards from 1981 until 1996, leave a link to your blog or want list in the comment section. I'll gladly set aside anything that I have to help complete your collection.

The sheer amount of cards in my house is beginning to make me nauseous. Time to clutter someone else's closet!

I'm looking at you...

I'll eventually, GASP, put up want lists for some serious junk.

Everything is Frosting Now

2011-05-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Pure dumb luck landed me the only card in the Giveaway that I had to have.

Somehow, this guy...

Magically became this guy...

AND this guy...

And then both of those guys became the greatest hitter to ever play the game........... CAPTAIN VIDEO!

MINE

Everything at the Diamond Giveaway is Frosting Now

Diamond Mining - Part V - THE SHEER AGONY!

2011-05-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

The frustration is setting in. Not because I am unable to pull of any trades, but because people are offering me ridiculous cards for wood grain junk wax. This morning I "had" to turn down two, count them, two '67s for a 1987 Nolan Ryan. What, that Ryan is "worth" about a buck? Judging by the sheer mass of '87 Topps I have at home, I am likely to have at least five of that Ryan card.

I almost accepted that trade this morning, but then I remembered my little quest. One year backwards at a time. I know I wrote the rules, but damn, this is insane. I guess part of me is being weak and wanted someone to say, "Go ahead, break your own rules! Don't be a fool and pass on vintage 60s goodness for 1987 WOOD GRAIN MASS PRODUCED TOPPS!"

What to do...

Back on track, the mining adventure has gone relatively well. I think every "shaft" had a trade since the last update. I even managed to trade an '88 Ryan for an '87 Carlton and an '89 Maddux. The Carlton is floundering, but the '89 Maddux became the aforementioned '87 Ryan, so in the long run, I got what I wanted plus an extra card.

Here's the diagram. Ooooh, all the pretty cards...

click to enlarge

I even traded away my Jair Jurrjens DDC for TWO DDCs. Gaby Sanchez and Andrew Bailey. Never heard of any of those three guys, but the Bailey card has been getting lots of offers. I've put those two DDCs up for a Gwynn DDC. I can dream, right?

Well, I'm still fretting as I type this post in notepad, so I can post it at work with "minimum" online big-brother supervised time. I'll just come straight out and ask (if anyone cares), should I stick with my one year backwards at a time rule or just go for the oldest cards possible?

May 24th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

2011-05-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a day of reckoning. A day that has nothing to do with baseball, however, everyone here is on the edge of their seats. It's the bottom of the ninth. Two out, two on. Two strikes and down by one.

We're waiting for the next pitch. Sweat hanging precariously on our brow. We're anticipating the sting in our eyes, thus blurring our vision. What will the pitch be? Were will the ball come from? Over the top? Three quarters? Fastball or curve? Look for the seams, dammit.

In about 15 minutes the Senate releases their budget. Some of us have already been notified we're being released. Some of us are just plain waiting. I wonder who will be the lucky ones? Those going home or those left to shoulder the load?

Time will tell.

But while we wait, here's this weeks standings. Almost every match-up is a dead heat at the halfway point of the second round, save for the Ginas who are making pebbles out of the Rocks.

Until next time, which will either be a lot of time, or none at all.

Diamond Mining - Part IV - 26 Trades and Counting

2011-05-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last I left you, I was whittling my way backwards in time with two lowly cards. I greet you today with six cards for trade in my Diamond Giveaway "collection (The Diamond Die Cut is not included in this experiment). As the title suggests, I've now completed 26 trades with each trade being the current year for the previous year. My "system" appears to be working, and I can't wait to share it when I've reached the conclusion.

For the sake of space and loading a ton of pictures, I've created a graphic of what has been accomplished. See for yourself.

Click to enlarge

In short, here's the breakdown:

2002 A.J. Pierzynski has become a 1988 Nolan Ryan
1977 Rod Gilbreath has become a 1975 Dave Hilton
1974 Freddie Patek has become a 1971 Ollie Brown
1979 Jim Norris has become a 1976 Vada Pinson
2006 Andy Marte has become a 2002 Greg Vaughn
2009 Ervin Santana has become no one. Nobody wants him!! Someone hit me up for a 2008 Topps!

I almost did break the rules, though. Apparently a 1988 Nolan Ryan is a hot item to some. I've had offers of vintage 60s goodness for that card and had to turn it down. Sometimes I hate that I follow the rules...

Drop a comment if you want to help out or just to wish me luck!

May 17th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

2011-05-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I was notified today that RIF (Reduction in Force) letters will be mailed in two weeks. I'm sure minds are already made up, but I do not want to tempt fate. Posts may be scarce(r) over the next month or so until the legislature balances their budget on the backs of those who serve the public, who in turn voted them in, so they could let us go, then we can vote them back out. Rinse and repeat.

The only thing I want in my mailbox on June 1st is the last nine 2011 Series One cards I need, not a Dear John letter.

Diamond Mining - Part III - HOFers a'Plenty

2011-05-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

I figure it is about time to update my Diamond Giveaway adventure, as I finally broke an almost week-long drought. I woke up this morning and saw that I had a new card in my collection.

When I last left you, I was sitting on a 1999 Johnny Damon. About a week ago, I thought I'd try and parlay that card from a possible HOFer into a sure thing HOFer. I was not disappointed. Mr. Looks like Jesus, Throws like Mary was resurrected into one of the best pitchers to ever grace the mound. Mike Maddux's brother, Greg Maddux.

I then was able to find an obvious Braves fan, who took my 98 Maddux and gave me my favorite player of all time, Tony Gwynn. Sweeeeeeeeeeeet. If I didn't already have that card, I may have balked at my project, but that 97 Gwynn was upgraded to a 96 Gwynn. Even sweeter, except I can't stand the skewed face photo* on a 96 Topps. * Insert numerous blog links to those who despise 96 Topps :-)

I sat on this 96 Topps card for almost one week. No one would bite on my offer for a 95 Ripken or Gwynn, so I had to swallow my pride and go for a "lesser" HOFer. As if a lesser HOFer is even possible? That 96 Gwynn was immediately snapped up for a 95 Molitor. Another awesome hitter.

So there I stand. I've gone from a 2002 Pierzynski to a 1995 Molitor. I've reach my first goal rather easily, and that is to have a HOFer, which in my mind is crucial to going anywhere in this Diamond Mining Adventure. However, now I stand on the precipice of Junk. I'm not looking forward to the next few trades because I fear they will be painful. I can't wait to see what 1990 gem I land with all its dot matrix psychedelic glory. All I know is that going from 86/87 Topps to 85 Topps is going to suck. I fear I'll get hosed on that one.

Anyways, here's the visual breakdown of the trades so far:

Night Owl's Money Pit Exercise

2011-05-11T05:20:00.000-07:00

Just read Night Owl's post about how much money we spend on cards each year. He invited his readers to relive their experiences/horrors and recount how much money we've spent on cards. I won't go into details for every year except for 2001.

2001, a Card Odyssey. This was my first year away from school. I had graduated from my Masters Program and was now gainfully employed. My salary was not much, but was light years ahead of the pittance I had received in graduate school. With the increase in expendable income and a free subscription to AOL, I went on a tear.

I budgeted myself $1,000 for the year, and I was going to tackle as many sets as possible. With at least three card shows that year at the local fairgrounds, plus my new found ability to snipe auctions on eBay (I'd literally set my alarm to win 2:00 a.m. auctions - remember, this was before you could preset bids), I finished more sets than I thought possible. In 2001, I finished 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, and put a good hurting on 1972 and 1971. That's right, I finished 13 Topps sets in one year. Granted, I had a head start from my childhood and previous attempts, but DAMN!

I kept detailed records of every card I bought that year. I went $32.35 over budget, but managed to haul in 9,479 cards. In 2002, my interests waned, but I got 19,395 cards for $223.35. I just realized I bought 743 1971 Topps in 2002. Can someone say double trade bait?

Anyways, here's the detailed damage from 2001. Considering I spend about $30 a year on cards now, I could not imagine doing what I did in 2001 again. And yes, feel free to chuckle at the purchases of 88 Score, 91 Donruss, etc.

Item Description	Year	Cards	Per Card	Price	Budget
					$1,000.00
2001 Topps Series 1 Pack	2001	15	$0.14	$2.05	$997.95
2000 Topps Series 1 Set	2000	239	$0.07	$16.95	$981.00
2000 Topps Series 2 Set	2000	239	$0.07	$16.95	$964.05
1975 Topps George Brett	1975	1	$26.00	$26.00	$938.05
1975 Topps Nolan Ryan	1975	1	$12.95	$12.95	$925.10
1979 Topps George Brett	1979	1	$5.50	$5.50	$919.60
2001 Topps Series 1 Pack	2001	15	$0.14	$2.05	$917.55
1990 Fleer Set	1990	660	$0.00	$3.00	$914.55
1991 Donruss Set	1991	792	$0.00	$3.00	$911.55
1992 Donruss Set	1992	792	$0.00	$3.00	$908.55
1978 Topps	1978	11	$0.10	$1.10	$907.45
1955 Newhouser	1955	1	$2.00	$2.00	$905.45
1975 Fisk	1975	1	$5.00	$5.00	$900.45
1975 RBI Leaders	1975	1	$2.00	$2.00	$898.45
1975 SO Leaders	1975	1	$3.00	$3.00	$895.45
1978 Winfield	1978	1	$2.00	$2.00	$893.45
1979 Carlton	1979	1	$1.00	$1.00	$892.45
1979 Whitaker RC	1979	1	$1.00	$1.00	$891.45
1979 Palmer	1979	1	$2.00	$2.00	$889.45
1979 Rose	1979	1	$3.00	$3.00	$886.45
1980 Murray	1980	1	$2.00	$2.00	$884.45
1981 Yaz	1981	1	$1.00	$1.00	$883.45
1982 Schmidt	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$882.45
1982 Seaver AS	1982	1	$0.50	$0.50	$881.95
1982 Murrary	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$880.95
1983 Ripken	1983	1	$5.00	$5.00	$875.95
1985 Ripken	1985	1	$1.00	$1.00	$874.95
1960 Runnels	1960	1	$1.00	$1.00	$873.95
1960 Averill	1960	1	$1.00	$1.00	$872.95
1964 Runnels	1964	1	$1.00	$1.00	$871.95
1965 Kuenn	1965	1	$1.00	$1.00	$870.95
1966 Uecker	1966	1	$1.00	$1.00	$869.95
1969 Oliver RC	1969	1	$1.00	$1.00	$868.95
1972 Perry	1972	1	$0.50	$0.50	$868.45
1972 Grich	1972	1	$0.50	$0.50	$867.95
1973 Stars Lot	1973	10	$0.50	$5.00	$862.95
1975 Checklist lot	1975	5	$0.80	$4.00	$858.95
1982 Lot	1982	4	$0.56	$2.25	$856.70
1983 Rose	1983	1	$0.75	$0.75	$855.95
1978 Topps (60 Cards)	1978	60	$0.05	$3.00	$852.95
1977 Topps (501 Cards)	1977	501	$0.04	$22.00	$830.95
1974 Topps (511 Cards)	1974	511	$0.12	$60.00	$770.95
1974 Star Cards	1974	7	$1.07	$7.50	$763.45
1974 Cards + Stars	1974	31	$0.16	$5.00	$758.45
1980 Topps + Stars	1980	9	$0.17	$1.50	$756.95
1979 Topps + Stars	1979	5	$0.20	$1.00	$755.95
1978 Topps + Stars	1978	39	$0.13	$5.00	$750.95
1976 Topps Lot	1976	520	$0.06	$30.00	$720.95
1973 Topps Lot	1973	275	$0.07	$20.00	$700.95
1974 Topps	1974	1	$0.12	$0.12	$700.83
1976 Topps	1976	17	$0.12	$2.00	$698.83
1977 Topps	1977	16	$0.12	$1.88	$696.95
1976 Topps	1976	9	$0.38	$3.44	$693.51
1974 Topps	1974	46	$0.38	$17.56	$675.95
1974 Fisk	1974	1	$3.50	$3.50	$672.45
1981 Ryan	1981	1	$3.50	$3.50	$668.95
1974 Kaline	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$665.95
1983 Schmidt	1983	1	$1.00	$1.00	$664.95
83 Yount	1983	1	$1.00	$1.00	$663.95
82 Brett	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$662.95
82 Brett IN Action	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$661.95
82 Schmidt IA	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$660.95
1977 Carew	1977	1	$2.00	$2.00	$658.95
1978 Rose RB	1978	1	$1.00	$1.00	$657.95
1961 Santo	1961	1	$1.00	$1.00	$656.95
1988 Score Set	1988	660	$0.00	$2.00	$654.95
1974 Mike Schmidt	1974	1	$8.01	$8.01	$646.94
1974 Dave Winfield	1974	1	$7.00	$7.00	$639.94
1977 Carlton Fisk	1977	1	$1.50	$1.50	$638.44
1976 Fisk	1976	1	$1.50	$1.50	$636.94
1982 Rose	1982	1	$2.00	$2.00	$634.94
1978 - Robinson RB / Yaz / Munson / Fidrych / Gossage	1978	5	$1.20	$6.00	$628.94
1974 Hank Aaron Specials	1974	4	$2.13	$8.50	$620.44
1976 Nolan Ryan	1976	1	$7.51	$7.51	$612.93
1977 Dawson Rookie	1977	1	$4.50	$4.50	$608.43
1978 Eddie Murray RC	1978	1	$10.50	$10.50	$597.93
1974 Ryan	1974	1	$11.10	$11.10	$586.83
1976 Jackson	1976	1	$5.25	$5.25	$581.58
1976 Aaron	1976	1	$4.25	$4.25	$577.33
1976 Aaron RB	1976	1	$3.00	$3.00	$574.33
1974 Topps Lot (Rose/Cepeda/Stargell)	1974	10	$0.80	$8.00	$566.33
1974 Harmon Killebrew	1974	1	$2.49	$2.49	$563.84
1976 Topps Lot (60)	1976	60	$0.19	$11.43	$552.41
1974 Topps Lot (3)	1974	3	$0.19	$0.57	$551.84
1980 Topps Lot	1980	3	$0.04	$0.12	$551.72
1982 Topps Lot	1982	2	$0.04	$0.08	$551.64
1974 Star Lot (Seaver/WS/Marichal)	1974	3	$1.67	$5.00	$546.64
1977 Carter	1977	1	$1.43	$1.43	$545.21
1976 Yount	1976	1	$4.00	$4.00	$541.21
1974 Lot (Aaron#2 & Munson)	1976	2	$1.43	$2.86	$538.35
1976 Lot (Leaders/Carter, etc.)	1976	11	$1.43	$15.71	$522.64
1975 (Clemente MVP & Checklist)	1975	2	$1.00	$2.00	$520.64
1974 Aparicio	1974	1	$1.20	$1.20	$519.44
1974 HR Leaders	1974	1	$2.00	$2.00	$517.44
1977 Winfield	1977	1	$1.95	$1.95	$515.49
1977 Yount	1977	1	$3.45	$3.45	$512.04
1974 Lot	1974	17	$0.30	$5.05	$506.99
1976 Lot	1976	6	$0.30	$1.78	$505.21
1977 Lot	1977	97	$0.30	$28.80	$476.42
1979 Lot	1979	1	$0.29	$0.29	$476.12
1980 Lot	1980	3	$0.30	$0.89	$475.23
1981 Lot	1981	16	$0.30	$4.75	$470.48
1982 Lot	1982	5	$0.30	$1.48	$469.00
1983 Lot	1983	11	$0.30	$3.27	$465.73
1985 Lot	1985	4	$0.30	$1.19	$464.54
1974 Parker RC	1974	1	$2.50	$2.50	$462.04
1974 Batting Leaders	1974	1	$3.25	$3.25	$458.79
1974 RBI Leaders	1974	1	$1.70	$1.70	$457.09
1974 2B AS	1974	1	$3.25	$3.25	$453.84
1977 Rose	1977	1	$6.76	$6.76	$447.08
1974 Griffey RC	1974	1	$4.03	$4.03	$443.05
1976 Ecekersley RC	1976	1	$5.45	$5.45	$437.60
1974 Brock	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$434.60
1974 Aaron	1974	1	$10.51	$10.51	$424.09
1983 Ryan SV	1983	1	$2.91	$2.91	$421.18
1974 Carlton	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$418.18
1973 Lot	1973	100	$0.09	$8.74	$409.44
1973 Lot	1973	327	$0.17	$54.95	$354.49
August 18th Card Show	1973-1977	34	$1.96	$66.50	$287.99
1980 Henderson RC	1980	1	$8.00	$8.00	$279.99
1981 Cards	1981	34	$0.13	$4.25	$275.74
1973 Topps Lot	1973	46	$0.30	$14.00	$261.74
1987 Traded Set	1987	132	$0.03	$4.50	$257.24
1973 Rose	1973	1	$6.00	$6.00	$251.24
1973 SO Leaders	1973	1	$2.50	$2.50	$248.74
Lot from Fair Grounds	1976-1993	1693	$0.01	$10.00	$238.74
1973 Aaron	1973	1	$6.26	$6.26	$232.48
1973 Carew	1973	1	$2.99	$2.99	$229.49
1973 Ryan	1973	1	$6.49	$6.49	$223.00
1973 Clemente	1973	1	$8.85	$8.85	$214.15
1973 Johnson's	1973	2	$1.60	$3.20	$210.95
1973 Leaders	1973	3	$2.38	$7.15	$203.80
1973 Mays	1973	1	$9.76	$9.76	$194.04
1973 Stargell & Seaver	1973	2	$1.83	$3.65	$190.39
1978 Molitor RC	1978	1	$13.01	$13.01	$177.38
1973 Lot	1973	71	$0.52	$37.25	$140.13
1973 Schmidt	1973	1	$38.01	$38.01	$102.12
1973 AT HR Leaders	1973	1	$6.26	$6.26	$95.86
1973 Topps Lot	1973	46	$0.60	$27.50	$68.36
1972 Topps Lot	1972	353	$0.18	$62.00	$6.36
Jim Boutons	1965-1967	3	$2.00	$6.00	$0.36
1973 Cy Young	1973	1	$2.00	$2.00	-$1.64
1972 Aaron	1972	1	$7.75	$7.75	-$9.39
1972 Killebrew & Robinson (Frank)	1972	2	$1.50	$3.00	-$12.39
1972 Willie Mays	1972	1	$8.21	$8.21	-$20.60
1972 Yaz's	1972	2	$1.88	$3.75	-$24.35
2001 Topps Set (Gift)	2001	791	$0.00	$0.00	-$24.35
1973 Checklist	1973	1	$8.00	$8.00	-$32.35

Total		9479	$0.11	$1,032.35

May 10th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

2011-05-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Another week has passed, and the first round is now complete. The Sweet 16 is set, and everything was true to form in the Senior Circuit. All top seeds in the NL advanced, although the Padres did it by the skin of their tonsure. The Padres and Astros tied at 13-19, and then had a head to head record of 2-2. The run differential (-14 vs. -29) gave the Padres the ticket to the next round because of their lame offense and awesome pitching staff.

The AL on the other hand was like the Poseidon Adventure, everything was upside down. The lower seed won in 4 of the 6 contests. Plus, all four of the AL West teams made it to the next round.

Click to enlarge

Who knows what will happen in the next round. It should be exciting!