Before I head out on a well deserved vacation from work (and subsequently baseball card blog posting) for two weeks, I thought I'd give an update as to the ongoing trades.
GCRL - 21 cards (FYI, you better answer that Wills/Knox trivia question!)
Night Owl - 7 cards
White Sox Cards - 4 cards
Wicked Ortega - 12 cards
Captain Canuck - 31 cards
Dan - 27 stickers
When you get close to or eclipse 50, I'll mail your cards to you. Maybe we'll keep track and have a prize for the first to 50 cards... :-)
Some of the trading posts on the right navbar are set to expire while I'm gone, so be sure to check your want lists!
Also, I plan on building my long awaiting baseball card closet this winter break, so bigger and better trades/posts will be coming soon, along with pictures of the final storage closet.
So, to all those who I've met and talked with, enjoy your holidays and time with family. Be careful and thankful for all that you have.
Doc T
The Common-Man's Friend
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Trading Block - 1996 Fleer Ultra
My Take: The last of the Ultra. Not too sad to see it go, but some of these cards are nice.
HOFers: Winfield
Notables: R. Alomar, Lopez, Grace
Gold Medallion:35, 42, 74, 218
Inserts: Golden Prospect #2 - Alberto Castillo, Fresh Foundation #2 - Marty Cordova, Prime Leather #7 - Kenny Lofton
Closes: January 13, 2010
For Trade:
1, 8, 19, 20, 33,37, 39, 48, 56, 77, 85, 97, 100, 119, 120, 124, 125, 140, 142, 145, 159, 168, 188, 203, 210, 219, 226, 250, 256, 270, 281, 285, 293, 297, FF-2, GM-35, GM-42, GM-74, GM-218, GP-2, PL-7
Special Requests:
Braves - 159
Cubs - 168
Dodgers -219, 226, GM-218
Giants - 293, 297
Marlins - 203
Mets - GP-2
Rangers - 140
Red Sox - 19, 20
White Sox -37, 39, GM-35, GM-42
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
HOFers: Winfield
Notables: R. Alomar, Lopez, Grace
Gold Medallion:
Inserts: Golden Prospect #2 - Alberto Castillo, Fresh Foundation #2 - Marty Cordova, Prime Leather #7 - Kenny Lofton
Closes: January 13, 2010
For Trade:
1, 8, 19, 20, 33,
Special Requests:
Braves - 159
Cubs - 168
Dodgers -
Giants - 293, 297
Marlins - 203
Mets - GP-2
Rangers - 140
Red Sox - 19, 20
White Sox -
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Trading Block - 1995 Fleer Ultra
HOFers: None
Notables: R. Alomar
Gold Medallion: 3, 62, 155, 243
Inserts: Golden Prospects #2 - Alan Benes
Closes: January 12, 2010
For Trade:
9, 22,
Special Requests:
Braves - 130
Cubs - None
Dodgers -
Giants - 240, GM-243
Marlins - 161, 162, 163, 168
Mets - 200
Rangers - None
Red Sox - 9
White Sox -
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Trading Block - 1994 Fleer Ultra
HOFers:
Notables: McGriff, Matt Williams, Phillies Finest Insert - John Kruk
Closes: January 11, 2010
For Trade:
64, 83, 85,
Special Requests:
Braves - 154
Cubs - None
Dodgers -
Giants - 287, 288, 294, 296, 590
Marlins - None
Mets - None
Rangers - 430
Red Sox - None
White Sox - None
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Trading Block - 1991 Fleer Ultra Update
My Take: At least their not Hot Yellow redux.
HOFers: None
Notables: JUAN BERENGUER, OMG!
Closes: January 9, 2010
For Trade:
U-9, U-24, U-29, U-35, U-62 and U-66.
Special Requests:
Braves - U-66
Cubs - None
Dodgers - None
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - None
Red Sox - None
White Sox - None
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
HOFers: None
Notables: JUAN BERENGUER, OMG!
Closes: January 9, 2010
For Trade:
U-9, U-24, U-29, U-35, U-62 and U-66.
Special Requests:
Braves - U-66
Cubs - None
Dodgers - None
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - None
Red Sox - None
White Sox - None
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Trading Block - 1991 Fleer Ultra
My Take: At least their not Hot Yellow.
HOFers: None
Notables: Nary a soul
Closes: January 9, 2010
For Trade:
79, 123, 138, 160, 168, 181, 231, 247, 253, 288, 368 and 392.
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - None
Dodgers - 160, 168
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - None
Red Sox - None
White Sox - 79
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
HOFers: None
Notables: Nary a soul
Closes: January 9, 2010
For Trade:
79, 123, 138, 160, 168, 181, 231, 247, 253, 288, 368 and 392.
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - None
Dodgers - 160, 168
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - None
Red Sox - None
White Sox - 79
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Trading Block - 1988 Panini Stickers
Traded to Dan!
My Take: Again, a lot of missing the NLers in this bunch, and these have been lurking in a steel band-aid tin for 20 years. I think I actually peeled the NL player stickers and put them in my Panini Baseball '88 Sticker Album. These are generally bland head shots, but there are a few action shots. More like quarter action shots because you need four stickers to make one action shot. Some of the sticker backs include the phrase "Trading double stickers with your friends is fun." Ah, the days when even card companies were promoting trading and not "value."
HOFers: Reggie Jackson in A's uniform glory
Notables: Lee Smith, Blue Jays (#210) and Phillies (#349) Team Stickers
Closes: January 7, 2010
For Trade:
12, 22, 28 (2), 30, 60, 64, 78, 79, 80, 88, 108 (2), 111, 118, 175, 191, 199, 200, 210, 224, 225, 227, 256, 349, 450 and 451.
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - None
Dodgers - None
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - 199, 200
Red Sox - 22, 28 (2), 30
White Sox - 60, 64
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
I'll even throw in the Band-Aid tin ;-)
HOFers: Reggie Jackson in A's uniform glory
Notables: Lee Smith, Blue Jays (#210) and Phillies (#349) Team Stickers
Closes: January 7, 2010
For Trade:
12, 22, 28 (2), 30, 60, 64, 78, 79, 80, 88, 108 (2), 111, 118, 175, 191, 199, 200, 210, 224, 225, 227, 256, 349, 450 and 451.
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - None
Dodgers - None
Giants - None
Marlins - N/A
Mets - None
Rangers - 199, 200
Red Sox - 22, 28 (2), 30
White Sox - 60, 64
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Custom Card for GCRL
I made this custom card for Garvey-Cey-Russell-Lopes (GCRL) a few months back. I was looking at some 1977 Topps Rookie quad cards and got the idea it would be neat to feautre the great 70s and early 80s Dodger infield on one card. Being a life long Padres fan, I have always had a sweet spot for Garvey and was always a fan of Cey.
GCRL on Cardboard!
As a complete aside, my best friend is a die hard Cubs fan. So much so that he will forgo the playoffs if the Cubs aren't involved. Anyways, whenever he starts giving me a hard time, I will say one word "Garvey." This will usually set him off, and then I'll have to remind him how the Padres organization used to have the number 6 on their second outfield wall, which was the place where Garvey's NLCS Game 4 winning homer landed, thus forcing a deciding Game 5.
If you blow up the picture, you can faintly see the #6 to the left of the 370 mark in RF.
This gets him even more riled up, until I deal the death blow and mention Leon Durham's Game 5 through the wickets error that ended up giving the Padres the lead and eventual NLCS win. For some reason Durham never got as much heat as Buckner did for his error.
To rub it in even further, I was with him at a bar when the Bartman incident occured back in 2003. Needless to say I was rooting for the Fish. I never mention this one because it's like twisting the knife already in his back.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Trading Block - 1993 Fleer Ultra
So how is this working out for people? Good, bad, boring (zzz...)? If new, check out the Cards Available for Trade links on the right navbar and read the Guidelines. Just curious for a little feedback. However, I do need to post some custom Topps Cards That Never Were and post a Padres All-Time Awful Starters (Thanks N.O. for the idea!).
My Take: Again, I never actively collected these cards and must have ended up with them when I was buying 3,000 count boxes unseen for $5 a pop. Mysteriously cards from 1 through 80 are missing, so they must be in another box. Guess I will have to do a revisit trade on this one when I find them. Cards are nice. I like these much more than 92 Ultra because the backs do not have that bizzare crossword box feel.
HOFers: Eckersley, Henderson
Notables: McGriff, Sheffield, Raines, B. Williams, R. Johnson, E. Martinez, Morris, Wells
Closes: January 6, 2010
For Trade:
83, 96, 98, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 114, 115, 118, 119, 122, 124, 125, 128, 129, 134, 135, 136, 149, 150, 152, 153, 157, 160, 163, 168, 169, 171,172, 174, 175, 178, 179, 184, 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, 194, 196, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 219, 220, 221, 223, 225, 226, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 237, 239, 242, 243, 248, 249, 250, 252, 253, 256, 257, 258, 259, 261, 262, 263, 264, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 274, 278, 280, 285, 287, 289, 290, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 350 and 449
Special Requests:
Braves - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Cubs - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Dodgers - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Giants - 128, 129, 134, 135, 136
Marlins - None
Mets - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Rangers - 278, 280, 285
Red Sox - 149, 150, 152, 153, 157
White Sox - 171,172, 174, 175, 178, 179
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
My Take: Again, I never actively collected these cards and must have ended up with them when I was buying 3,000 count boxes unseen for $5 a pop. Mysteriously cards from 1 through 80 are missing, so they must be in another box. Guess I will have to do a revisit trade on this one when I find them. Cards are nice. I like these much more than 92 Ultra because the backs do not have that bizzare crossword box feel.
HOFers: Eckersley, Henderson
Notables: McGriff, Sheffield, Raines, B. Williams, R. Johnson, E. Martinez, Morris, Wells
Closes: January 6, 2010
For Trade:
83, 96, 98, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 114, 115, 118, 119, 122, 124, 125, 128, 129, 134, 135, 136, 149, 150, 152, 153, 157, 160, 163, 168, 169, 171,
Special Requests:
Braves - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Cubs - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Dodgers - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Giants - 128, 129, 134, 135, 136
Marlins - None
Mets - None (should have some when I find the first 1-80)
Rangers - 278, 280, 285
Red Sox - 149, 150, 152, 153, 157
White Sox - 171,
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Trading Block - 1995 Emotion
My Take: Lame. Sticky. Squeaky. If you've seen these cards, you'd get the little joke. These cards are double thick card stock, and feature a one word "emotion" for each player. I didn't know "follow through" and "secure" were emotions. I can't stand these cards. Please take them!
HOFers: None
Notables: Alex Gonzalez Rookie Insert (#5)
Closes: January 5, 2010
For Trade:
6 (2), 18, 22, 26(2), 38, 42, 47 (2), 84, 86, 92, 95, 98, 111, 114, 115, 119, 124, 137, 162, 163, 169, 173, 174, 176, 180, 185, 196, 200 & Rookie Insert #5 (Alex Gonzalez)
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - 111, 114
Dodgers - None
Giants - 196
Marlins - None
Rangers - 84, 86
Red Sox - None
White Sox - 26(2)
Check out the guidelines post if you have questions about how this works.
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
HOFers: None
Notables: Alex Gonzalez Rookie Insert (#5)
Closes: January 5, 2010
For Trade:
6 (2), 18, 22, 26
Special Requests:
Braves - None
Cubs - 111, 114
Dodgers - None
Giants - 196
Marlins - None
Rangers - 84, 86
Red Sox - None
White Sox - 26
Check out the guidelines post if you have questions about how this works.
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Trading Block - 1992 Fleer Ultra
My Take: Never collected them, but somehow ended up with around 800 Ultra cards through the years. Shiny. Pretty picture. Not a fan of the super high gloss though. Real pain to sort.
HOFers: Fisk
Notables:Raines, Thome, Sheffield, Canseco, Gooden
Closes: January 4, 2010
For Trade:
4, 8, 13, 22, 25, 27, 28 (2), 32, 33, 34, 35 (2), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 (3), 41, 42,43, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51 (2), 52, 53, 54, 55, 62 (2), 66, 67 (3), 69 (2), 70, 71, 72 (2), 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82 (3), 83, 84 (2), 85, 86, 89, 90 (2), 94, 99 (2), 100 (2), 101, 102 (2), 103, 104, 106, 107 (3), 108, 110, 111, 119, 122, 124, 128, 129, 135, 138, 142 (2), 144, 145, 146 (2), 147 (2), 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154 (2), 155, 156, 158 (2), 161, 163 (2), 168 (2), 170 (2), 174, 176, 180, 184, 186, 189, 190, 192, 196, 204, 210, 212, 214, 215, 218, 220, 221, 226, 227, 230, 231 (2), 232, 233, 234, 235 (2), 236, 237, 238, 240, 242, 243, 244, 246, 248, 253, 254, 255 (2), 261 (3), 267 (2), 268, 269 (2), 278 (2), 280, 285, 286, 292 (2), 295 (2), 297, 299, 334, 346, 351, 367, 370, 381, 405, 406, 442, 461, 526 and 540
Special Requests:
Braves - 158 (2), 161, 163 (2), 168 (2), 170 (2), 461
Cubs - 174, 176, 180, 180, 184
Dodgers - 210,212, 214, 215, 218
Giants - 285, 286, 292 (2), 295 (2), 297,
Marlins - None
Red Sox - 13, 22
White Sox - 32, 33, 34, 35 (2), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 (3), 41, 42,43, 334
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
HOFers: Fisk
Notables:
Closes: January 4, 2010
For Trade:
4, 8, 13, 22, 25, 27, 28 (2), 32, 33, 34, 35 (2), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 (3), 41, 42,
Special Requests:
Braves - 158 (2), 161, 163 (2), 168 (2), 170 (2), 461
Cubs - 174, 176, 180, 180, 184
Dodgers - 210,
Giants - 285, 286, 292 (2), 295 (2), 297,
Marlins - None
Red Sox - 13, 22
White Sox - 32, 33, 34, 35 (2), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 (3), 41, 42,
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Trading Block - 1994 Post Set
Traded to Captain Canuck!
Notables: Piazza, Mattingly, Sheffield, Bonds, Larkin, Griffey, Grace, Glavine, Alomar, Thomas, Belle and Bagwell
Closes: December 31, 2009
For Trade:
1 - Piazza, 2 - Mattingly, 3 - Gonzalez, 4 - Puckett, 5 - Sheffield, 6 - Justice, 7 - McDowell, 8 - Mo Vaughn, 9 - Daulton, 10 - Bonilla, 11 - Bonds, 12 - Larkin, 13 - Gwynn, 14 - Grace, 15 - Griffey, Jr., 16 - Glavine, 17 - Fielder, 18 - Alomar, 19 - Whiten, 20 - Dykstra, 21 - Thomas, 22 - Clark, 23 - Galarraga, 24 - Olerud, 25 - Ripken, 26 - Salmon, 27 - Belle, 28 - Jefferies, 29 - Bagwell, 30 - Merced
Special Requests:
Braves - 6 (Justice), 16 (Glavine)
Cubs - 14 (Grace)
Dodgers - 1 (Piazza)
Giants - 11 (Bonds), 22 (Clark)
Marlins - 5 (Sheffield)
Red Sox - 8 (Mo Vaughn)
White Sox - 7 (McDowell), 16 (Thomas)
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Trading Block - 1992 Denny's Grand Slam Holograms
My Take: I received these cards on our annual road trip from California to Indiana and back in the Summer of '92. My parents obliged my obsession with baseball cards, and stopped for lunch 6 times at Denny's, where of course I had to order a Grand Slam. These cards were picked up in: Kingman, AZ; Gallup, NM; Tucamcari, NM; Amarillo, TX; Miami, OK; and Rolla, MO.
HOFers: None
Notables:
Closes: December 30, 2009
For Trade:
Special Requests:
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Trading Block - 1993 Studio
My Take: Horray, it's over! Nice use of team logos, but no player name on front of card save for the scribbled signatures in illegible gold. If it had the player name on the front, these cards wouldn't be that bad...maybe.
HOFers: None
Notables: Whitaker, John Franco, Wetteland
Closes: December 29, 2009
For Trade:
14, 19, 45, 53, 65, 70, 76,
Special Requests:
Dodgers - 182
Red Sox - 45
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Trading Block - 1992 Studio
My Take: Zzzz (One less z than 1991 Studio) - At least there is color on these and an action shot of the player in the background, instead of a drab matte painting, however that said action shot appears to have been taken by Zapruder in pixelated sepia. The horror is almost over my friends.
HOFers: None
Notables: Rob Dibble (awesome card), Hershiser, John Franco
Closes: December 29, 2009
For Trade:
14, 19 (2), 22, 44, 64, 71, 72, 83, 138, 150 (2), 153, 160, 162, 204, 211
Special Requests:
Dodgers - 44
Red Sox - 138
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Trading Block - 1991 Studio
My Take: Zzzzz... I know, I know. Olan Mills, I mean Studio, but I had to start somewhere and these were on hand. 92 and 93 Studio should be up soon. There will be some awful lots coming up, but you never know what people need! It won't always be bad, I have doubles from the mid-60s until the early 2000s.
HOFers:
All Stars: Blyleven, Lance Parrish, Whitaker, Saberhagen, Aguilera, Welch, Schilling,
Closes: December 29, 2009
For Trade:
1, 16, 17, 23 (2), 26, 28, 29, 35, 41, 43, 47 (2), 60, 66, 69, 70, 78, 79, 81, 82, 85, 88, 91, 92 (2), 93 (2), 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 107, 108, 110, 111, 114, 119, 122, 123, 130, 134 (4), 137 (2), 138 (4), 139, 140 (2), 143 (2), 147 (2), 148, 150, 152, 154, 155, 156, 161, 163 (2), 166 (2), 176, 179, 180,
Special Requests:
Braves - 143, 147, 148, 150
Dodgers -
Red Sox - 16, 17
As always, all unclaimed cards are going to my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids side project, and I can hold your claims until you get enough ammo for a trade.
Remember, first come, first served in the comment box.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Open for Trades!
In lieu of searching out everyone else’s want lists, I have decided to do a reverse approach and post cards that I have available for trade.
The way I envision this working is that I will post the cards I have for a specific year and brand, and make them available for trade for 4 weeks. I will update the side navigation bar to show all cards on the trading block, and when they will be off the block.
The cards will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you see a card you want, leave a comment with the card number(s), and I will remove those cards from the “for trade” list. Also, I will not be selling any of these via this blog. These cards are for trade only.
I’d prefer to set your cards aside in a jewel case until say 50 or so cards and then mail them to you, or I can send them piecemeal if you need them ASAP. Please do not send me any cards until you have received yours from me. That way, you are not out anything until you get your cards.
As for my wants, I like Tony Gwynn (Sr.) and would not turn down any Topps prior to 1986 (preferably prior to 1971). That may sound like a lot based on what I will be initially offering, but we can work it out. Just make an offer and I’ll be cool with it. Also, if you’re an established blogger, you can wait until you get the cards and then you can send me something in return based on what your feeling is.
Finally, all cards that are not claimed within the 4 week timeframe will be going into my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids movement. So, you get first crack to complete your want lists, then all the kiddies will be getting these cards.
Enjoy and keep me on your radar.
Doc T
PS – If you have a specific want (team/player), leave a comment on this post and I will do my best to identify those cards for trade when they are posted.
The way I envision this working is that I will post the cards I have for a specific year and brand, and make them available for trade for 4 weeks. I will update the side navigation bar to show all cards on the trading block, and when they will be off the block.
The cards will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you see a card you want, leave a comment with the card number(s), and I will remove those cards from the “for trade” list. Also, I will not be selling any of these via this blog. These cards are for trade only.
I’d prefer to set your cards aside in a jewel case until say 50 or so cards and then mail them to you, or I can send them piecemeal if you need them ASAP. Please do not send me any cards until you have received yours from me. That way, you are not out anything until you get your cards.
As for my wants, I like Tony Gwynn (Sr.) and would not turn down any Topps prior to 1986 (preferably prior to 1971). That may sound like a lot based on what I will be initially offering, but we can work it out. Just make an offer and I’ll be cool with it. Also, if you’re an established blogger, you can wait until you get the cards and then you can send me something in return based on what your feeling is.
Finally, all cards that are not claimed within the 4 week timeframe will be going into my 1,000,000 Cards for Kids movement. So, you get first crack to complete your want lists, then all the kiddies will be getting these cards.
Enjoy and keep me on your radar.
Doc T
PS – If you have a specific want (team/player), leave a comment on this post and I will do my best to identify those cards for trade when they are posted.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Night of Firsts and Lasts
I get to take my son to his first hockey game tonight. Well, he's been to one before, but he was only a few months old, slept through the entire game and was strapped to my wife in a sling.
So, tonight is an exciting night for me. I can't wait to see his face when someone scores. Wait, make that IF someone scores because we are watching the Canes host the Leafs. That's right, the two (by far) worst teams in the NHL right now.
They are tied for dead last in points with a grand total of 11 over 19 games for the Leafs and 20 games from the Canes. I guess that makes the Canes the worst team, since their PTS/G is lower.
In another perspective, the combined points of these two is 22, which is LESS than 16 other teams, or more than half the league. Heck, the entire Atlantic Division has more points than the Leafs and Canes combined.To make it more unbearable, Staal and Ward are injured.
I think I'll have more fun watching my son than the game.
Oh yeah, posted more info on the 1,000,000 Cards for Kids blog. Check it out! Now! Do it!
So, tonight is an exciting night for me. I can't wait to see his face when someone scores. Wait, make that IF someone scores because we are watching the Canes host the Leafs. That's right, the two (by far) worst teams in the NHL right now.
They are tied for dead last in points with a grand total of 11 over 19 games for the Leafs and 20 games from the Canes. I guess that makes the Canes the worst team, since their PTS/G is lower.
In another perspective, the combined points of these two is 22, which is LESS than 16 other teams, or more than half the league. Heck, the entire Atlantic Division has more points than the Leafs and Canes combined.To make it more unbearable, Staal and Ward are injured.
I think I'll have more fun watching my son than the game.
Oh yeah, posted more info on the 1,000,000 Cards for Kids blog. Check it out! Now! Do it!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
1,000,000 Cards for Kids
I took an idea from Wicked Ortega and have decided to hit the ground running. His idea was to donate unwanted cards to children in need, instead of trashing or burning unwanted cards.
I created a sister blog, 1,000,000 Cards for Kids, and plan on using this site to share information on how to donate your cards to children's hospitals and orphanages, as well as share your success stories and pictures.
Please check out the site and provide any constructive feedback. I am looking for help on an html pledge meter, plus willing to share the blog rights with those who are dedicated to sharing our hobby with children in need.
Sounds crazy, but think it over...
Doc T
I created a sister blog, 1,000,000 Cards for Kids, and plan on using this site to share information on how to donate your cards to children's hospitals and orphanages, as well as share your success stories and pictures.
Please check out the site and provide any constructive feedback. I am looking for help on an html pledge meter, plus willing to share the blog rights with those who are dedicated to sharing our hobby with children in need.
Sounds crazy, but think it over...
Doc T
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
How Does One Thin Their Collection?
What to do. What does a collector do when the proverbial cup has runneth over? Having been retired from collecting since 2002, I now find myself overrun with baseball cards. To some this does not sound like a problem, but rather a blessing. To me, it has become a problem.
Last Friday evening, my wife and I were discussing downsizing our lives. Shedding material possessions and their inherent responsibilities, and focusing on what truly matters. Having two young children, I have come to the realization that I cannot take my possessions with me when I die, and I do not want to laden my children with all of my hobbies, etc.
That being said, I have already started selling old toys, movies and my library collection, but what to do with the baseball cards? During our conversation, my wife said (reiterated again) that I should focus on what I want and not collect for numbers. She said if you want to collect each Topps set from 1952 until now, do it, but don’t keep 5 copies of one card, or brands you don’t even like (She didn’t specifically say this, but used an analogy based on colors and numbers).
Of course, I became defensive and agitated because I’m a man and these are my cards, blah, blah, blah. Yet, she’s right. When I was younger, and up until recently, it was about how many cards I had and not what I had. So, I guess this leads me to a crossroads. I have personally decided that I cannot keep 200,000+ cards, for I do not want to move them, organize them or will them.
Now this bears the problem of what to do with all of these? Do I pull the HOFers and trash the rest? Do I get out the kerosene? Do I sell them (not likely a buyer)? Or do I try and trade them as lots for say a handful of cards in return?
I must admit that the last option does intrigue me. Somewhere, someone out there must want what I have and would be willing to pony up a few cards for what I offer. Trouble is, I have complete Topps sets from 1971 to 2004, and I was hoping to complete 2005 until whenever with my kids when (if) they decide to collect.
So, I need pre 1971 Topps and I do like Tony Gwynn, so maybe that’s a starting place. Yet, it just doesn’t seem plausible that someone would trade me a couple of pre 71 Topps in whatever condition or a few Gwynn cards for 200 Studio cards.
Maybe I should just try it and see.
What do you think?
Last Friday evening, my wife and I were discussing downsizing our lives. Shedding material possessions and their inherent responsibilities, and focusing on what truly matters. Having two young children, I have come to the realization that I cannot take my possessions with me when I die, and I do not want to laden my children with all of my hobbies, etc.
That being said, I have already started selling old toys, movies and my library collection, but what to do with the baseball cards? During our conversation, my wife said (reiterated again) that I should focus on what I want and not collect for numbers. She said if you want to collect each Topps set from 1952 until now, do it, but don’t keep 5 copies of one card, or brands you don’t even like (She didn’t specifically say this, but used an analogy based on colors and numbers).
Of course, I became defensive and agitated because I’m a man and these are my cards, blah, blah, blah. Yet, she’s right. When I was younger, and up until recently, it was about how many cards I had and not what I had. So, I guess this leads me to a crossroads. I have personally decided that I cannot keep 200,000+ cards, for I do not want to move them, organize them or will them.
Now this bears the problem of what to do with all of these? Do I pull the HOFers and trash the rest? Do I get out the kerosene? Do I sell them (not likely a buyer)? Or do I try and trade them as lots for say a handful of cards in return?
I must admit that the last option does intrigue me. Somewhere, someone out there must want what I have and would be willing to pony up a few cards for what I offer. Trouble is, I have complete Topps sets from 1971 to 2004, and I was hoping to complete 2005 until whenever with my kids when (if) they decide to collect.
So, I need pre 1971 Topps and I do like Tony Gwynn, so maybe that’s a starting place. Yet, it just doesn’t seem plausible that someone would trade me a couple of pre 71 Topps in whatever condition or a few Gwynn cards for 200 Studio cards.
Maybe I should just try it and see.
What do you think?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Name the Game #4 - 1990 Upper Deck Doubleheader
A friend of mine gave me two 1990 UD cards to track down. First one up is Billy Hatcher featuring Benito Santiago with a play at the plate!
Looking through Baseball Reference, I found that Hatcher played 7 games versus the Pads at good old Jack Murphy. In only two of those games he scored a run, and he was not called out at the plate. One of those runs scored was from one of his homers, so that game is out, leaving us with the August 10, 1989 game. So, in this shot, Hatcher is scoring from second on a single to RF by Craig Reynolds. That means that Tony Gwynn couldn't throw him out in time. DANG!
Hatcher's line form the game
Next up is a Fred Manrique card featuring a play at second with the Crime Dog sliding. There were only two candiates for this card. One being a double play and the other being a force out at 2nd. Since Manrique is still holding the ball, the double play is out!
So, this card is from the August 7, 1989 game at SkyDome. This play took place in the Bottom of the 2nd after McGriff walked. Pat Borders grounded to 1st causing a force out at 2nd (3-6).
Manrique's line from the game.
Weird side note is my friend stopped by on Saturday for a few hours and I gave him two unopened 1989 Topps Wax packs. He opened them with the help of my 2 year old son, and low and behold he pulled a Fred Manrique (and a Pat Borders).
Other interesting side note is my son took each card and threw them on the ground, each of the 15 cards landed face down. We gave them back to him and he threw two more face down, making 17 cards in a row face down. The odds: 1 in 131072. Should have bought a lottery ticket with that luck!
My daughter on the other hand (11 months) decided that Tom Brunansky looked better bent in half.
Looking through Baseball Reference, I found that Hatcher played 7 games versus the Pads at good old Jack Murphy. In only two of those games he scored a run, and he was not called out at the plate. One of those runs scored was from one of his homers, so that game is out, leaving us with the August 10, 1989 game. So, in this shot, Hatcher is scoring from second on a single to RF by Craig Reynolds. That means that Tony Gwynn couldn't throw him out in time. DANG!Hatcher's line form the game
| Astros | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OPS | Pit | Str | PO | A |
| B Hatcher LF | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .227 | .583 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Next up is a Fred Manrique card featuring a play at second with the Crime Dog sliding. There were only two candiates for this card. One being a double play and the other being a force out at 2nd. Since Manrique is still holding the ball, the double play is out!
So, this card is from the August 7, 1989 game at SkyDome. This play took place in the Bottom of the 2nd after McGriff walked. Pat Borders grounded to 1st causing a force out at 2nd (3-6).Manrique's line from the game.
| Rangers | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OPS | Pit | Str | PO | A | Details |
| Manrique SS | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .308 | .770 | 15 | 11 | 1 | 1 | SB |
Weird side note is my friend stopped by on Saturday for a few hours and I gave him two unopened 1989 Topps Wax packs. He opened them with the help of my 2 year old son, and low and behold he pulled a Fred Manrique (and a Pat Borders).
Other interesting side note is my son took each card and threw them on the ground, each of the 15 cards landed face down. We gave them back to him and he threw two more face down, making 17 cards in a row face down. The odds: 1 in 131072. Should have bought a lottery ticket with that luck!
My daughter on the other hand (11 months) decided that Tom Brunansky looked better bent in half.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Name the Game #3 - 1971 Casey Cox
I'm coming off a nasty bought of illness (I say flu, wife says ecoli), and thought I'd post a softball of Name the Game.
Akin to the 1981 Donruss enigma I mentioned in an earlier post, Topps action shots in the 1971 set have the uncanny coincidence of being almost entirely shot in New York. If you look through your binders, you'll notice (almost) every action shot includes a Met or a Yankee. That being said, review of the Casey on the Mound card shows him at the original house that Ruth built.
Note the Visitor's Bullpen
A quick glance at the handy Baseball Reference shows that Casey pitched one game at Yankee Stadium in 1970. July 4th, 1970. Casey had a decent game, but lost 4-2 to the Damn Yankees.
And before someone says that's not Yankee Stadium! Yankee Stadium had not undergone renovations or alterations to the outfield until 1974-75.
Note the bullpen between the LF-CF stands & the Monuments in CF
Not a hard game to find, but it does add an added dimension to our favorite baseball cards when we actually know the game in which the picture was taken!
As noted before, I am taking requests (Plunger!) on Name the Games, otherwise I will continue marching through the 1971 set until now!
Akin to the 1981 Donruss enigma I mentioned in an earlier post, Topps action shots in the 1971 set have the uncanny coincidence of being almost entirely shot in New York. If you look through your binders, you'll notice (almost) every action shot includes a Met or a Yankee. That being said, review of the Casey on the Mound card shows him at the original house that Ruth built.
Note the Visitor's BullpenA quick glance at the handy Baseball Reference shows that Casey pitched one game at Yankee Stadium in 1970. July 4th, 1970. Casey had a decent game, but lost 4-2 to the Damn Yankees.
| Senators | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | ERA | BF |
| C Cox, L (4-6) | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4.50 | 25 |
And before someone says that's not Yankee Stadium! Yankee Stadium had not undergone renovations or alterations to the outfield until 1974-75.
Note the bullpen between the LF-CF stands & the Monuments in CFNot a hard game to find, but it does add an added dimension to our favorite baseball cards when we actually know the game in which the picture was taken!
As noted before, I am taking requests (Plunger!) on Name the Games, otherwise I will continue marching through the 1971 set until now!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Flu and Work Bound
Apparently I caught whatever Night Owl and his family had. I knew I was spending too much time reading his blog. I think the addition of the second Night Owl 1975 Topps (it's far out, man) blog put me over the edge into wretched flu sickness.
That being said, I'm going to lay low for a bit until feeling better, and then I have to catch up on work. Gasp!
In the meantime, send me any requests for Name the Game entries and Topps Cards That Never Were. Perhaps if I have some fodder to work with when I return, posts will start rolling again.
I also got wrapped up in working on Thorzul's 2010 Halloween Contest. Is it too soon to declare myself the winner? :-) Jinx.
I will share with Night Owl, maybe, if he's interested because I think he would be...
That being said, I'm going to lay low for a bit until feeling better, and then I have to catch up on work. Gasp!
In the meantime, send me any requests for Name the Game entries and Topps Cards That Never Were. Perhaps if I have some fodder to work with when I return, posts will start rolling again.
I also got wrapped up in working on Thorzul's 2010 Halloween Contest. Is it too soon to declare myself the winner? :-) Jinx.
I will share with Night Owl, maybe, if he's interested because I think he would be...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Name the Game - 1971 Lee May #40
I had so much fun doing the Thurman Munson card, I thought I'd move on to the next 1971 Topps action card that is even remotely possible to determine the game. This card is of Lee May holding a currently unknown Phillie on first base.
Intense base holding action!
So, we are left with a Phillies home game, Lee May on first and an unknown Phillie with a jersey number beginning with 2, obviously a 20-something. But what number?
Review of the Phillies roster from 1970 gives us: Jim Hutto (#20), Ron Stone (#21), Larry Hisle (#22), Oscar Gamble (#23), Byron Browne (#24), Scott Reid (#25), Sam Parrilla (#27) and Grant Jackson (#29). Hisle, Gamble, Browne and Jackson are out for obvious reasons.
That leaves us with Hutto, Stone, Reid and Parrilla. Philly hosted the Reds 6 times in 1970, and Parrilla did not appear in any of those games, so now we are left with Stone, Hutto and Reid. Stone appeared in 5 of those 6 games, Hutto in 2 and Reid in 2.
From the card, we can plainly see that it is a day game, sorry Night Owl, and of the 5 potential games, only one was played during the day. The June 14, 1970 day game. In that game, Stone and Reid appeared, so Hutto is out. Reid pinch hit, but grounded out to second. That leaves Stone.
Our mystery baserunner has been solved!
Intense base holding action! So, we are left with a Phillies home game, Lee May on first and an unknown Phillie with a jersey number beginning with 2, obviously a 20-something. But what number?
Review of the Phillies roster from 1970 gives us: Jim Hutto (#20), Ron Stone (#21), Larry Hisle (#22), Oscar Gamble (#23), Byron Browne (#24), Scott Reid (#25), Sam Parrilla (#27) and Grant Jackson (#29). Hisle, Gamble, Browne and Jackson are out for obvious reasons.
That leaves us with Hutto, Stone, Reid and Parrilla. Philly hosted the Reds 6 times in 1970, and Parrilla did not appear in any of those games, so now we are left with Stone, Hutto and Reid. Stone appeared in 5 of those 6 games, Hutto in 2 and Reid in 2.
From the card, we can plainly see that it is a day game, sorry Night Owl, and of the 5 potential games, only one was played during the day. The June 14, 1970 day game. In that game, Stone and Reid appeared, so Hutto is out. Reid pinch hit, but grounded out to second. That leaves Stone.
Our mystery baserunner has been solved!Stone was 1 for 3 in the game with a RBI and a walk. May was 2 for 2 with 2 runs and 2 ribbies. Stone had a single in the first scoring Gamble, but advanced to second on the throw. McGlothlin walked Stone in the bottom of the 4th, lined out in the 6th and hit into a double play in the bottom of the 9th. Looks like the 4th inning is it!
Therefore, the action in this card is of Lee May holding Ron Stone at 1st in the bottom of the fourth after a walk from McGlothlin. Stone would later be forced out at second, and the Reds beat the Phillies 10 to 1 on a CG by McGlothlin.
Therefore, the action in this card is of Lee May holding Ron Stone at 1st in the bottom of the fourth after a walk from McGlothlin. Stone would later be forced out at second, and the Reds beat the Phillies 10 to 1 on a CG by McGlothlin.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Name the Game - 1971 Thurman Munson #5
I thought I would shake things up a bit and introduce a new feature for this fledgling blog. I went through my Topps Baseball Card Book and found what I consider to be the first action shot produced, the 1971 Topps #5 Thurman Munson. I know 1955 and 1956 have sort of action shots, but it is really a face portrait with an inlaid action painting.
So, after going through all of the sets, I settled on Mr. Munson as being the first, as his card is the first action shot in the 1971 set.
Anyways, so the name of this game is to determine which major league game the action shot took place. I won't be able to figure out every game because it requires both teams in the picture, either in the play or in the background, and some will be removed because of spring training games.
So, let us give this a go!
Munson making a play at the plate!
PS - Edited thanks to an Anonymous dude.
So, after going through all of the sets, I settled on Mr. Munson as being the first, as his card is the first action shot in the 1971 set.
Anyways, so the name of this game is to determine which major league game the action shot took place. I won't be able to figure out every game because it requires both teams in the picture, either in the play or in the background, and some will be removed because of spring training games.
So, let us give this a go!
Munson making a play at the plate!
The Yankees played the A's 6 times at home in 1970, and Munson played in 5 of the games and all of those games were day games. In none of those games was an Athletic called out at the plate. Problem is who is the head first slider?
Possible candidates:
April 25, 1970 - A's win 3-0 with Mincher scoring on a single (nope-slider is thinner); Bando scores on a double (nope); and Green scores from second on a double (nope-no play likely at the plate when scoring from 2nd on a double).
April 26, 1970 - A's lose 3-8 with Munday scoring on a passed ball (nope - Munson would be retrieving the ball).
July 16, 1970 - A's win 8-2 with Murcer scoring on a GRD (nope); Dobson scores from 2nd on a RF single (hey now); Rudi scores from 2nd on a single to CF (maybe).
July 17, 1970 - A's lose 1-7 with no candidates
July 18, 1970 - A's lose 2-7 with no candidates.
So, it comes down to Dobson and Rudi. After looking at hair cuts, shoes and stirrup height, I'm going to have to go with Chuck Dobson the PITCHER! Who else could make it close at the plate than a pitcher scoring from second, plus only a pitcher would wear his stirrups so high.
The headfirst home plate sliding pitcher!
Possible candidates:
April 25, 1970 - A's win 3-0 with Mincher scoring on a single (nope-slider is thinner); Bando scores on a double (nope); and Green scores from second on a double (nope-no play likely at the plate when scoring from 2nd on a double).
April 26, 1970 - A's lose 3-8 with Munday scoring on a passed ball (nope - Munson would be retrieving the ball).
July 16, 1970 - A's win 8-2 with Murcer scoring on a GRD (nope); Dobson scores from 2nd on a RF single (hey now); Rudi scores from 2nd on a single to CF (maybe).
July 17, 1970 - A's lose 1-7 with no candidates
July 18, 1970 - A's lose 2-7 with no candidates.
So, it comes down to Dobson and Rudi. After looking at hair cuts, shoes and stirrup height, I'm going to have to go with Chuck Dobson the PITCHER! Who else could make it close at the plate than a pitcher scoring from second, plus only a pitcher would wear his stirrups so high.
The headfirst home plate sliding pitcher!
In conclusion, card #5 from 1971 Topps is Chuck Dobson safely sliding headfirst under the tag on Thurman Munson in the top of the 4th from a Joe Rudi single to right field on July 16, 1970!
PS - Edited thanks to an Anonymous dude.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Topps Cards That Never Were: 1983 Willie Stargell
I will take a break from my side project of a write-up on our favorite (ahem) card broker, Mr. Mint, and put up a card I made last week. This entry is dedicated to Pops aka Willie Stargell.
I do not recall much about Mr. Stargell, but I know I did see him come to Jack Murphy back in the early 80s or late 70s. Why do I remember this? The uniforms of course. Along with the Astros and Cardinal road unis, the Pirates uniforms are forever burned in my memory. Imagine, an entire field full of yellow and black (Pirates) and yellow and brown (Padres). Awesomeness to the max!
In my mind Willie had an awesome career. Great power and good average numbers. He was the backbone of the Pirates after the loss of Clemente, and I'm glad he won the (co-)MVP at the tail end of his career to go along with a second WS ring. I guess he had the Orioles number, as he's 17 for 54 against them in WS play.
Stargell was inducted in the Hall in 1988 and sadly passed away in 2001 from complications of a stroke. He is also part of the all century team.
Also, apparently he preferred the name Wilver to Willie, so much so that some of his autographs bear this name, and was called so by Vin Scully.
I cherish a 1965 Topps card I have of him that I found blantantly discarded in the dollar bin (I've found so many 60s-70s HOFers in single bins it is unbelievable).
Willie was also pontificated with the best (ala Yogi):
My eyes!
Here are Pops' stats from 1982:
I do not recall much about Mr. Stargell, but I know I did see him come to Jack Murphy back in the early 80s or late 70s. Why do I remember this? The uniforms of course. Along with the Astros and Cardinal road unis, the Pirates uniforms are forever burned in my memory. Imagine, an entire field full of yellow and black (Pirates) and yellow and brown (Padres). Awesomeness to the max!
In my mind Willie had an awesome career. Great power and good average numbers. He was the backbone of the Pirates after the loss of Clemente, and I'm glad he won the (co-)MVP at the tail end of his career to go along with a second WS ring. I guess he had the Orioles number, as he's 17 for 54 against them in WS play.
Stargell was inducted in the Hall in 1988 and sadly passed away in 2001 from complications of a stroke. He is also part of the all century team.
Also, apparently he preferred the name Wilver to Willie, so much so that some of his autographs bear this name, and was called so by Vin Scully.
I cherish a 1965 Topps card I have of him that I found blantantly discarded in the dollar bin (I've found so many 60s-70s HOFers in single bins it is unbelievable).
Willie was also pontificated with the best (ala Yogi):
- "The (umpire) says 'play' ball, not 'work' ball."
- "Trying to hit Sandy Koufax was like trying to drink coffee with a fork."
- "Throwing a knuckleball for a strike is like throwing a butterfly with hiccups across the street into your neighbor's mailbox."
- "They give you a round bat and they throw you a round ball and they tell you to hit it square."
- (After winning a game in 1979 against the Cincinnati Reds with a pinch RBI single after a disputed check-swing call) "Maybe it was this black bat I used. Or this black shirt or my black arms that made the Reds think they saw something."
My eyes! Here are Pops' stats from 1982:
| YEAR | CLUB | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1982 | Pirates | 74 | 73 | 6 | 17 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 17 | .233 |
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Topps Cards That Never Were: 1978 Brooks Robinson
It appears that I am on a roll, but appearances are deceiving. I am having trouble finding pictures of several HOFers in their final seasons (e.g., Perry with the Royals and Wilhelm with the Dodgers), so I guess I'm putting a call out to others to see if they can find pics of these players in those unis.
Anyways, I'm heading to Washington today, so I need to post early before I head out. Next up would be a card that Collective Troll should have had to collect. The 1978 set should have had a Brooks Robinson card besides the lame Topps attempt at highlighting a HOFer's final season.
Brooks, better known as the Vacuum Cleaner, is and probably always will be the best fielding third baseman in the history of baseball. Since his playing days ended, no one has ever come close to matching his fielding prowess. Third base now is a glorified 1st base position. All power and little substance.
Brooks owned the Gold Glove from 1960 until 1975 and earned every bit of a it. 2,697 put outs at third and a .971 fielding percentage. Hot corner awesomeness.
Brooks was also decent at the plate coming painfully shy of the 3,000 hit mark. Also, not many players begin their career at the young age of 18 anymore.
Not much time, so here is Brooks' 1978 Topps card...
Dig that Orange
Here are Brooks' stats from 1977:
Anyways, I'm heading to Washington today, so I need to post early before I head out. Next up would be a card that Collective Troll should have had to collect. The 1978 set should have had a Brooks Robinson card besides the lame Topps attempt at highlighting a HOFer's final season.
Brooks, better known as the Vacuum Cleaner, is and probably always will be the best fielding third baseman in the history of baseball. Since his playing days ended, no one has ever come close to matching his fielding prowess. Third base now is a glorified 1st base position. All power and little substance.
Brooks owned the Gold Glove from 1960 until 1975 and earned every bit of a it. 2,697 put outs at third and a .971 fielding percentage. Hot corner awesomeness.
Brooks was also decent at the plate coming painfully shy of the 3,000 hit mark. Also, not many players begin their career at the young age of 18 anymore.
Not much time, so here is Brooks' 1978 Topps card...
Dig that OrangeHere are Brooks' stats from 1977:
| YEAR | CLUB | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1977 | Orioles | 24 | 47 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | .149 |
Monday, October 19, 2009
Topps Cards That Never Were: 1976 Bob Gibson
Well, it's been awhile since I spotlighted a pitcher, so who best to follow up Mr. October than another intimidator from the 60s and 70s than Bob Gibson. I do not know much about Gibby, as he retired the year I was born, but I do know he was a strikeout machine in Sports Illustrated Superstar Baseball.
As mentioned in a previous post, I watched an interview with Gibson and Reggie Jackson on PBS a few weeks back. Even at the age of 74, Gibson is still incredibly intimidating. He also looked like he had the fire to go out and pitch a few innings.
During the interview, he recounted an incident he had with his battery mate, Tim McCarver during a mound conference. I do not recall the exact conversation, but McCarver was trying to give Gibby some advice and Gibson's retort was "The only thing you know about pitching is you can't hit it." Love it.
Also, there was an "incident" during the 1993 Old Timers Game between Jackson and Gibson. The story goes: "In 1992, an Old-Timers' game was played at Jack Murhpy Stadium in San Diego as part of the All Star Game festivities, and Reggie Jackson hit a home run off Gibson. When the Old-Timers' Day game was played in 1993, the 57-year-old Gibson threw the 47-year-old Jackson a brushback pitch. The pitch was not especially fast and did not hit Jackson, but the message was delivered, and Jackson did not get a hit."
That incident makes the PBS interview that much more special. Anyways, Gibby or Hoot was only the second pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts at the time. Cool!
Also, I just read he was born Pack Gibson after his father, and changed his name to Robert when he was 18.
Alas, here is my homage to a great pitcher's final season...
The Dominator.
Here are Gibson's stats from 1975 at the age of 39:
As mentioned in a previous post, I watched an interview with Gibson and Reggie Jackson on PBS a few weeks back. Even at the age of 74, Gibson is still incredibly intimidating. He also looked like he had the fire to go out and pitch a few innings.
During the interview, he recounted an incident he had with his battery mate, Tim McCarver during a mound conference. I do not recall the exact conversation, but McCarver was trying to give Gibby some advice and Gibson's retort was "The only thing you know about pitching is you can't hit it." Love it.
Also, there was an "incident" during the 1993 Old Timers Game between Jackson and Gibson. The story goes: "In 1992, an Old-Timers' game was played at Jack Murhpy Stadium in San Diego as part of the All Star Game festivities, and Reggie Jackson hit a home run off Gibson. When the Old-Timers' Day game was played in 1993, the 57-year-old Gibson threw the 47-year-old Jackson a brushback pitch. The pitch was not especially fast and did not hit Jackson, but the message was delivered, and Jackson did not get a hit."
That incident makes the PBS interview that much more special. Anyways, Gibby or Hoot was only the second pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts at the time. Cool!
Also, I just read he was born Pack Gibson after his father, and changed his name to Robert when he was 18.
Alas, here is my homage to a great pitcher's final season...
The Dominator.Here are Gibson's stats from 1975 at the age of 39:
| Year | Club | G | IP | W | L | R | ER | SO | BB | ERA |
| 1975 | Cards | 22 | 109 | 3 | 10 | 66 | 61 | 60 | 62 | 5.04 |
Friday, October 16, 2009
Commissioner for a Day
Some people may wish to be King for a day, but if I had any choice, it would be to have Selig's job for just one day, so I could undo all that he has done.
Not that I have a personal gripe with the Commish, but I do think he has been reactive, instead of proactive. He just doesn't have the stones in my book, plus I am not a fan of a anyone intimately associated with one club having control of the league.
So, if I were commish for a day, I'd make some rather sweeping changes. I am sure this will not be popular, but hey, I'm THE COMMISH!
Change #1 - League realignment
I am not a fan of the three Division leagues. First change would be to go back to two Divisions per league. Two 8 team NL Divisions and two 7 team AL Divisions. That being said, I am not in favor of moving franchises, but I don't have a problem with jumping leagues.
NL West - Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals, Astros and Rangers
NL East - Mets, Braves, Phillies, Pirates, Cubs, Cardinals, Nationals and Reds
AL West - A's, Angels, Mariners, White Sox, Twins, Brewers and Tigers
AL East - Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Indians, Rays and Marlins
Explanation of league jumpers: Rangers get Astros as an in Division rival. Royals get Rockies as an in Division rival, and play St. Louis more regularly. Brewers go back to being the Twins rival. Marlins get the Rays as a rival, and get the boost from visiting Yankees and Red Sox ticket sales. Trust me, they need all the help they can get. Drawback - Tigers get screwed on geography.
Change #2 - Two wild cards
First place in each Division, plus the second place team in each Division makes it as a wild card. So, #2 NL West plays at #1 NL East, #2 NL East plays at #1 NL West. Same for AL.
Change #3 - All Star Game
Back to only an exhibition with no WS implications. WS home field advantage is based on best overall record.
Change #4 - Interleague Play
Gone. I can't stand it. If the leagues are going to have differing rules, then there should be no interleague play. If the leagues had the same rules, I could stomach it. With two Divisions, you could have more balanced playing. Plus, rival games, gone. You'd see your rival every two years.
Change #5 - DH
I'd leave it up to the AL. If they want to keep it, no interleague play. Although, if I was AL President (do they have one anymore?), I'd lose the DH in favor of an additional roster spot.
Change #6 - PEDs
First offense, you're suspended until the Feds complete their investigation/punishment of you. Let's not forget most PEDs are illegal. Suspended with pay until the investigation is over. Convicted, suspended without pay until time is served.
Second offense, suspended with pay until investigation is over. Convicted for a second time, out of baseball. Cleared, you can still play.
I don't like arbitrary 50, 100, etc. game suspensions. Let their fate lie in the judicial system.
I'm sure I'll catch hell, but I'm interested in hearing what your changes would be if commish for a day!
Not that I have a personal gripe with the Commish, but I do think he has been reactive, instead of proactive. He just doesn't have the stones in my book, plus I am not a fan of a anyone intimately associated with one club having control of the league.
So, if I were commish for a day, I'd make some rather sweeping changes. I am sure this will not be popular, but hey, I'm THE COMMISH!
Change #1 - League realignment
I am not a fan of the three Division leagues. First change would be to go back to two Divisions per league. Two 8 team NL Divisions and two 7 team AL Divisions. That being said, I am not in favor of moving franchises, but I don't have a problem with jumping leagues.
NL West - Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals, Astros and Rangers
NL East - Mets, Braves, Phillies, Pirates, Cubs, Cardinals, Nationals and Reds
AL West - A's, Angels, Mariners, White Sox, Twins, Brewers and Tigers
AL East - Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Indians, Rays and Marlins
Explanation of league jumpers: Rangers get Astros as an in Division rival. Royals get Rockies as an in Division rival, and play St. Louis more regularly. Brewers go back to being the Twins rival. Marlins get the Rays as a rival, and get the boost from visiting Yankees and Red Sox ticket sales. Trust me, they need all the help they can get. Drawback - Tigers get screwed on geography.
Change #2 - Two wild cards
First place in each Division, plus the second place team in each Division makes it as a wild card. So, #2 NL West plays at #1 NL East, #2 NL East plays at #1 NL West. Same for AL.
Change #3 - All Star Game
Back to only an exhibition with no WS implications. WS home field advantage is based on best overall record.
Change #4 - Interleague Play
Gone. I can't stand it. If the leagues are going to have differing rules, then there should be no interleague play. If the leagues had the same rules, I could stomach it. With two Divisions, you could have more balanced playing. Plus, rival games, gone. You'd see your rival every two years.
Change #5 - DH
I'd leave it up to the AL. If they want to keep it, no interleague play. Although, if I was AL President (do they have one anymore?), I'd lose the DH in favor of an additional roster spot.
Change #6 - PEDs
First offense, you're suspended until the Feds complete their investigation/punishment of you. Let's not forget most PEDs are illegal. Suspended with pay until the investigation is over. Convicted, suspended without pay until time is served.
Second offense, suspended with pay until investigation is over. Convicted for a second time, out of baseball. Cleared, you can still play.
I don't like arbitrary 50, 100, etc. game suspensions. Let their fate lie in the judicial system.
I'm sure I'll catch hell, but I'm interested in hearing what your changes would be if commish for a day!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Topps Cards That Never Were: 1988 Reggie Jackson
Two posts in two days, I hope my boss doesn't find out...
Well, pickings are getting slim on the ready made custom Topps cards, so you are going to be graced (or cursed) with this rendition of a 1988 Jackson. This card was incredibly difficult to make because of the Athletics name, plus I had a heck of a time finding a decent shot of Reg in an A's uniform that didn't come from the 60s-70s. Prime fodder for retro remakes, but I don't think a side-burned laden funky Jackson in a bright yellow uni would look right on an 88 Topps. Maybe would look good on Night Owl's new 75 Topps homage site though. PLUG!
Anyways, Jackson was really a non-interest guy for me in my childhood days. My dislike for the AL lead to me rarely following him, even when he was an Angel and a short drive from home. However, I've grown to enjoy Mr. Jackson (I am for reeeaaal), since his retirement. I've enjoyed some of his movie cameos and he actually seems to be a real nice guy and not the trouble maker those Damn Yanks would lead you to believe he was. Also saw him on PBS doing an interview with Bob Gibson (Yes, I am a nerd). Those two guys were intimidating just sitting around the table chatting, let alone on the mound or in the box.
On a side note, he has always kind of looked like my Dad, despite the obvious skin tone differences.
Reggie's final season was pretty ho-hum for a final bow. The soft AL rules did allow him to play to the ripe age of 41, and gave him his final resting spot of 563 on the dinger chart.
Also, I just read he is a cousin of Balco Bonds. Geez, who isn't?
Mr. October
Here are Reggie's stats from 1987:
Well, pickings are getting slim on the ready made custom Topps cards, so you are going to be graced (or cursed) with this rendition of a 1988 Jackson. This card was incredibly difficult to make because of the Athletics name, plus I had a heck of a time finding a decent shot of Reg in an A's uniform that didn't come from the 60s-70s. Prime fodder for retro remakes, but I don't think a side-burned laden funky Jackson in a bright yellow uni would look right on an 88 Topps. Maybe would look good on Night Owl's new 75 Topps homage site though. PLUG!
Anyways, Jackson was really a non-interest guy for me in my childhood days. My dislike for the AL lead to me rarely following him, even when he was an Angel and a short drive from home. However, I've grown to enjoy Mr. Jackson (I am for reeeaaal), since his retirement. I've enjoyed some of his movie cameos and he actually seems to be a real nice guy and not the trouble maker those Damn Yanks would lead you to believe he was. Also saw him on PBS doing an interview with Bob Gibson (Yes, I am a nerd). Those two guys were intimidating just sitting around the table chatting, let alone on the mound or in the box.
On a side note, he has always kind of looked like my Dad, despite the obvious skin tone differences.
Reggie's final season was pretty ho-hum for a final bow. The soft AL rules did allow him to play to the ripe age of 41, and gave him his final resting spot of 563 on the dinger chart.
Also, I just read he is a cousin of Balco Bonds. Geez, who isn't?
Mr. OctoberHere are Reggie's stats from 1987:
| YEAR | CLUB | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1987 | A's | 115 | 336 | 42 | 74 | 14 | 1 | 15 | 43 | .220 |
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Topps Cards That Never Were: 1975 Al Kaline
Long time, no post.
Working from 5:30 am to 4:30 pm every day is catching up with me. I have a stack of things to sell on eBay, kids to play with/raise, a house to take care of, a never ending job, and sometimes in there I get to be a husband. So, posting has been moved to the back burner. Heck, it's not even on the stove right now.
My interest has waned, as I don't care for any of the remaining teams in the playoffs (or even those that made the playoffs for that matter). As long as the NL wins, I'm fine with it. The AL is and always will be inferior to me. That statement sounds like a future blog post...
Moving on to my backlog of ready made cards, next up is Al Kaline. Mr. Tiger was waning as early as the 1972 season, but that didn't stop Topps from issuing a 73 and 74 card. However, in the 1974 campaign, Kaline had a monster season for being at the end of his career, which for some reason Topps only saw fit to issue a 75 Topps Highlight.
He played in the most games (147) since his 1961 season, and passed the 3,000 hit mark. He also came up 1 dinger short of the 400 plateau. I guess the DH is good for one thing.
After this season, Mr. Tiger moved up to the broadcast booth to share the mic with another HOFer, the late, great George Kell. What a tandem.
Anyways, here is my rendition of his 1975 Topps card, the best set known to nerd-kind.
Here are Al's stats from 1974:
Working from 5:30 am to 4:30 pm every day is catching up with me. I have a stack of things to sell on eBay, kids to play with/raise, a house to take care of, a never ending job, and sometimes in there I get to be a husband. So, posting has been moved to the back burner. Heck, it's not even on the stove right now.
My interest has waned, as I don't care for any of the remaining teams in the playoffs (or even those that made the playoffs for that matter). As long as the NL wins, I'm fine with it. The AL is and always will be inferior to me. That statement sounds like a future blog post...
Moving on to my backlog of ready made cards, next up is Al Kaline. Mr. Tiger was waning as early as the 1972 season, but that didn't stop Topps from issuing a 73 and 74 card. However, in the 1974 campaign, Kaline had a monster season for being at the end of his career, which for some reason Topps only saw fit to issue a 75 Topps Highlight.
He played in the most games (147) since his 1961 season, and passed the 3,000 hit mark. He also came up 1 dinger short of the 400 plateau. I guess the DH is good for one thing.
After this season, Mr. Tiger moved up to the broadcast booth to share the mic with another HOFer, the late, great George Kell. What a tandem.
Anyways, here is my rendition of his 1975 Topps card, the best set known to nerd-kind.
I screwed up the paint where the name is...too much eraser.
Here are Al's stats from 1974:
| YEAR | CLUB | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1974 | Tigers | 147 | 558 | 71 | 146 | 28 | 2 | 13 | 64 | .262 |
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Uncle Bill, The Mick and Me
I have been remiss in thanking Greg from Night Owl Cards for his part of our trade a few weeks back. His half was a pleasant surprise that got me 22% of the way towards a complete 2007 Topps set for my son. I would have posted my thanks sooner; however I have unfortunately been part of a high profile federal case in my home state. No shenanigans on my part, yet I have had to testify and play the game with the local fish wrapper. So, whilst the world she sleeps, tis best I share my thanks. For once the morning comes, they won't be firing blanks.
Uncle Bill, The Mick and Me
Uncle Bill was born in 1948, youngest of four, son to a housewife and bus driver. His bedroom, replete with Hopalong Cassidy flooring, was a converted bathroom of a small house resting blocks from DePauw University. By my mother’s account, Uncle Bill was a magician of mathematics, a seer of statistics, so it is no wonder he was drawn to baseball.
Coming from a small town situated amidst St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati, he eschewed the regional teams, and cheered for those damn Yankees. Even though I never met my grandfather, I am sure this rancorously irritated him, as he was a life long White Sox fan. To make matters worse, like many boys of his era, Uncle Bill was a die hard Mantle fan.
I have heard countless stories of Uncle Bill, sitting on the family room floor, playing with his baseball cards, nearly all of them Yankees, and mostly those were Mantles. I first heard this legend from my grandmother when I was a 12 year old budding collector; for she saw my similar fascination, thus saw Uncle Bill in me. I listened intently and my ears burned with the mere whisper of the word “Mantle.” I immediately inquired as to the whereabouts of Uncle Bill’s collection.
My grandmother shrugged to my mother, turned to me and said she knew not their location. Sadly, no one knew where the cards were because not long after The Mick hung up his cleats, Uncle Bill was killed in a car accident.
For the next four years, I spent countless summer days searching the house from the cellar to the rafters. I looked in crawlspaces, opened every box I found, searched the rickety detached garage and went as far as looking in the air registers. Fruitless, I’d sit at night in my Uncle’s room, gazing out the window at the nearby street lamp, wondering where his cards had gone. Then one night, I looked across the room at Uncle Bill’s chest of drawers.
In all my searching, I had never looked there because it felt like I would be invading his privacy or would awaken his ghost. It felt taboo. Then one day, I mustered the courage, opened the drawers and found his clothes still neatly folded, waiting for him to come home. The final drawer I opened contained no cards, but only a plastic bag which held his possessions from the night he was killed. A wallet, some pocket change and a watch.
Holding Uncle Bill's watch in my hands, I knew that my quest was over, and frankly, it didn’t matter anymore because I realized it never was about the cards. It was about trying to put my fingers on something tangible from an uncle I had been so close to, yet had never met.
Two decades later, I sat in my own bedroom, holding a small box of cards I had received in trade. I flipped through the glossy, black bordered cards and then I stopped, frozen. For the first time in ages, I felt emotion from a baseball card. In my hands was the first Topps Mantle card I had ever held, a 2007 Topps #7 Mantle. I immediately flipped the card over and poured through the statistics, relishing the red italics and reading the biographical information. The Mick’s height, weight, date of birth was listed, but no date of death. I grinned, then mouthed, “It’s like he’s still playing.” I believe Uncle Bill would have liked that.
I know Greg put those 2007 Topps cards in the box, but I’d like to think Uncle Bill slipped the Mantle in just for me. That card now sits in my dresser drawer, next to my Uncle Bill’s watch.
Uncle Bill, The Mick and Me
Uncle Bill was born in 1948, youngest of four, son to a housewife and bus driver. His bedroom, replete with Hopalong Cassidy flooring, was a converted bathroom of a small house resting blocks from DePauw University. By my mother’s account, Uncle Bill was a magician of mathematics, a seer of statistics, so it is no wonder he was drawn to baseball.
Coming from a small town situated amidst St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati, he eschewed the regional teams, and cheered for those damn Yankees. Even though I never met my grandfather, I am sure this rancorously irritated him, as he was a life long White Sox fan. To make matters worse, like many boys of his era, Uncle Bill was a die hard Mantle fan.
I have heard countless stories of Uncle Bill, sitting on the family room floor, playing with his baseball cards, nearly all of them Yankees, and mostly those were Mantles. I first heard this legend from my grandmother when I was a 12 year old budding collector; for she saw my similar fascination, thus saw Uncle Bill in me. I listened intently and my ears burned with the mere whisper of the word “Mantle.” I immediately inquired as to the whereabouts of Uncle Bill’s collection.
My grandmother shrugged to my mother, turned to me and said she knew not their location. Sadly, no one knew where the cards were because not long after The Mick hung up his cleats, Uncle Bill was killed in a car accident.
For the next four years, I spent countless summer days searching the house from the cellar to the rafters. I looked in crawlspaces, opened every box I found, searched the rickety detached garage and went as far as looking in the air registers. Fruitless, I’d sit at night in my Uncle’s room, gazing out the window at the nearby street lamp, wondering where his cards had gone. Then one night, I looked across the room at Uncle Bill’s chest of drawers.
In all my searching, I had never looked there because it felt like I would be invading his privacy or would awaken his ghost. It felt taboo. Then one day, I mustered the courage, opened the drawers and found his clothes still neatly folded, waiting for him to come home. The final drawer I opened contained no cards, but only a plastic bag which held his possessions from the night he was killed. A wallet, some pocket change and a watch.
Holding Uncle Bill's watch in my hands, I knew that my quest was over, and frankly, it didn’t matter anymore because I realized it never was about the cards. It was about trying to put my fingers on something tangible from an uncle I had been so close to, yet had never met.
Two decades later, I sat in my own bedroom, holding a small box of cards I had received in trade. I flipped through the glossy, black bordered cards and then I stopped, frozen. For the first time in ages, I felt emotion from a baseball card. In my hands was the first Topps Mantle card I had ever held, a 2007 Topps #7 Mantle. I immediately flipped the card over and poured through the statistics, relishing the red italics and reading the biographical information. The Mick’s height, weight, date of birth was listed, but no date of death. I grinned, then mouthed, “It’s like he’s still playing.” I believe Uncle Bill would have liked that.
I know Greg put those 2007 Topps cards in the box, but I’d like to think Uncle Bill slipped the Mantle in just for me. That card now sits in my dresser drawer, next to my Uncle Bill’s watch.
Monday, September 21, 2009
To Keep a Set or To Break a Set
Is that the question?
A few years ago, thanks to my father and his retirement hobby of perusing Floridian garage sales, I came in to possession of a complete set of 1980 Topps Super. The 5 x 7 cards are in excellent shape (i.e., NR-MINT to all you Buckett-ers) and it came with a not so near mint original display box.
Anyways, I am not one to have odd ball cards (especially non-standard size), and these cards have sat idly in a closet since I received them, and currently, they reside in my nightstand. Where don't I have cards stashed?
So, after reviewing some want lists, I noticed that a few people are actually on the lookout for these cards (i.e., Olan Mills portraits). Now, here is the big question. Do I keep a set that I do not care about, or do I break the set to help others complete their collections? It seems almost unholy to break a set (not that it shouldn't be to me because I unknowlingly broke both a 1984 Milton Bradley and a 1984 Drakes set when I shipped some cards off to Night Owl - don't worry, their yours!).
I guess I'm just looking for some popular opinion on the subject.
Should I keep the set intact with the box, or disperse these monstrosities across the nation?
A few years ago, thanks to my father and his retirement hobby of perusing Floridian garage sales, I came in to possession of a complete set of 1980 Topps Super. The 5 x 7 cards are in excellent shape (i.e., NR-MINT to all you Buckett-ers) and it came with a not so near mint original display box.
Anyways, I am not one to have odd ball cards (especially non-standard size), and these cards have sat idly in a closet since I received them, and currently, they reside in my nightstand. Where don't I have cards stashed?
So, after reviewing some want lists, I noticed that a few people are actually on the lookout for these cards (i.e., Olan Mills portraits). Now, here is the big question. Do I keep a set that I do not care about, or do I break the set to help others complete their collections? It seems almost unholy to break a set (not that it shouldn't be to me because I unknowlingly broke both a 1984 Milton Bradley and a 1984 Drakes set when I shipped some cards off to Night Owl - don't worry, their yours!).
I guess I'm just looking for some popular opinion on the subject.
Should I keep the set intact with the box, or disperse these monstrosities across the nation?
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