Dipping my Toe into the Diamond Giveaway

Finally, I am catching up with the times.  Goodbye yesteryear, hello 2011!

If you read my last post and made it alllllllll the way to the bottom, you would have read that I have been buying a few 2011 Series One packs.  A whole seven have made into my clutches.  Surprisingly, from those seven packs, I amassed one double, so I've made a reasonable dent in the Series One set (~20%).

Today, I found myself in a Target and noticed the four packs with a guaranteed Diamond Giveaway Code.  I thought, heck, I'm going to buy two packs anyways, might as well pony up for two more packs and get a code.  My FIRST CODE ever.

Ripped the packs and ended up with three codes total, plus some assorted inserts (No Dodgers, YES!).  Anyways, I moseyed on over to the Giveaway site and felt immediately OLD.  I read all the FAQ and then created an account.  I entered my first code and got a:

Joy.  I was immediately thrilled and let down simultaneously.  After all the reading I've done from last year's giveaway to this year's, I was mixed.  I was happy to finally get a card, and then befuddled at the Orange Horror.  I then found my next card and tentatively entered the code and got this:
 

Better.  Not awe inspiring, and I'm pretty sure I have at least three of these at home, but at least we are pre-86.  I figure some Braves fan will make an offer and it will likely be accepted.

Then I looked at my final code card, and thought "Should I enter it, or save it?"  Then I remembered you could see what cards had recently been pulled, and try to get into the good groove.  I saw the three most recent pulls and they were from the late 60s and early 70s.  Sweet, pull that trigger.  I entered the code and got this:

Whaaaa?  What in the world is that?  What is a Diamond Die Cut and WHO is JAIR JURRJENS?  I can feel the sun racing around to come up behind me again, Pink.

Anyways, I'm not sure if you can select a "user" to trade with.  Anyone know?  And if anyone has pointers on how to actually trade, I'd appreciate the 411 (hah, look at me, all trendy and stuff. LOL).

Finally, I need to get a 2011 want list up, as the four packs I got yielded at least 25% doubles.  Also, I really don't care for inserts, so I'll have to post that trade bait, too.

April 26th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

Have you stopped holding your breath?  I know, I know, I missed last weeks update because I was out sick / on vacation.  Man, has this blog hit the tank over the past 10 months, or what?  I remember when I was full of ideas, and as Play at the Plate puts it "Witty banter."  I hope one day I can return to form because I am almost positive next to no one follows this lemon anymore.  I doubt my brother even reads this site now.

Enough of the lame banterless pity party, it is time for your 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update!

Click to enlarge

I've decided to "nerd out" my bracket even more by adding the mysterious magic number to each pairing.  I found several formulas on how to calculate this number.  Some were long and convoluted, but they all eventually break down to Games Played + 1 - Leaders Wins - Followers Losses.  In other words, 33 - W1 - L2.  Arithmetic, My Dear Bob Watson, Arithmetic.

In the span of the last two weeks, the Royals have managed to lose their awesome lead on the Red Sox due in part to so-so play from the Royals and unstoppable Boston wins.  The Orioles showed that they still are AL East cellar dwellers and are likely going to bow out this week against the Rangers.

The first projected teams to make the Sweet 16 (beside the Yanks and Rays who are on bye) are the Rockies, Phillies, Marlins, Indians (didn't see that one coming) and Rangers.  In turn, the Mets, Pirates, Dodgers, White Sox and Orioles are facing first round exits, which means, that I am toying with the idea of throwing up trade bait.  

The Suns, Jets, Bullets, Knicks and other assorted teams will be out of the free giveaway, so I thought I might offer them as trade bait.  I really have no need for the 4,000 or so basketball cards I have, plus about 4,000 football cards either I don't care to have or have doubles.  If anyone bites on the trade bait, I was looking for packs of 2011 Topps in return depending on the quality/quantity for each NBA/NFL/NHL team.  Does this sound even remotely interesting?  

I've been quietly filling out a binder of 2011 Topps and have about 20% of Series One.  I've also got a handful of shiny and about 20 inserts that I'd be willing to part with, too, if anyone is interested.  Apparently Topps thinks central North Carolina is a good place to send Dodger cards because I've pulled at least one Dodger insert on every pack.  That will get at least two bloggers attention.

Hopefully I will post something between now and next Tuesday.  :-(

Trade #2 - GCRL: Dodgers4Gold

After fruitlessly checking the mail non-stop over the past few days, I finally got a text message yesterday from my wife that unenthusiastically exclaimed, "You got baseball cards in the mail...", I knew that my trade with GCRL was complete.  This trade is my first venture in trading for vintage cards, and I was not disappointed.  To trade 30 dodgers for 5 vintage Topps seems like a deal to me, and based on how trades work, I'm sure it seemed like a deal to GCRL.

I came through the side door, crept to the kitchen and found the package on the bar.  Like a kid in a five and dime, I tore into the padded envelope, which to me looked like a 5 card, 5 cent pack of Topps, and found the following gold.

 

First up is a 1962 Dick Donovan (#15), who oozes that 1950s suburbian charm.  Short haircut, check, bland stoic look, check, no trace of uniform, logo, etc., check.  Mr. Donovan looks like he'd be more comfortable in an accounting firm, than a ballfield because he's Dick Donovan, CPA.  Methinks he his whistfully thinking about sitting in his barka-lounger sipping on a Manhattan without vermouth because that is for sissies, while listening to Bing Crosby on the phonograph.  I do dig the blurry palm tree and the way his collar flips like the "peeling" picture off the wood laminate.

  

Donovan was the 61 AL ERA leader for what appears to be the Senators based on the huge W on the cartoon ballcap, yet the front has him down as a Cleve. Indian.  At least he's not airbrushed.

 

Next up is a sweet 1964 Don McMahon (#122) that is another logo-less, cap-less wonder that pitches for the Cleve. Indians.  At least Mr. McMahon looks like he eats barbwire and shits napalm, instead of filling out 1040s.

Again, he is an offseason castoff from Houston to the Indians, which explains the uniform-less front.  My favorite part of 64 Topps is the quiz, which has long been eradicated by an exuberant child, which leads me to this quote "Rub edge of nickel or dime over blank box for magic answer."  So, sorry little Johnny, you cannot use a penny, two-bit piece or that shiny new 50 cent piece to find your magic answer.  I wonder if kids actually did only use dimes and nickels to rub off the answer?

 

Next is a 1968 Jerry McNertney (#14), which begs the question, Does Jerry have corneas or the largest irises in the world?  Added bonus is the burlap sack print that some of the 68 cards were blessed with.

The fourth card is a 68 Topps Jim Nash (#324) who is sporting the lovely black domed A's hat.  This must have been during the move from Kansas City to Oakland.  I guess Topps must have thought the logo was going to chance.  Also, dig those sliding AAAAs.

Finally, a 1968 Topps Bill Singer (#249). Really, a Dodger fan sending a Padres fan a Do-ho.  I can only surmise that this is a subversive attempt at a Dodger-Blue blood transfusion.  It won't work GCRL, but the card is awesome, especially the ratty, moth eaten sleeve.  The Dodger Nation should be ashamed of his tattered garb.

Thank you so much for the great cards, and one final blurb.  While I was washing dishes last night, I apparently did not put the cards up high enough because while I was with soapy hands, my 2 year old son walked in to kitchen holding the 1962 Topps, to which he proclaimed, "Mine!"  I sense this kid has a future!

Need Addresses - Update!

I am sending out packages today to Captain Canuck, Wicked Ortega, Dan and Play at the Plate.  I am looking for in return (in no particular order and quantity) any Tony Gwynn cards and cards prior to 1971 Topps.  I do not have my want lists up and ready, so it is a blind shoot for you.  Also, if that is a no go, I'm always interested in Padres and Carolina Hurricanes.  

I am leaving tomorrow to go to Florida to see the parents and hopefully some spring training baseball.  We'll be in Sarasota, so we'll be close to the Rays and Pirates training facilities.  I'll be sure to be looking for the one guy in the crowd who looks like he announces Roller Derby races...


A run down on needed addresses:

WSC – Have it and will try to mail 3/2.
MattR – Need it.
Fan of Reds - Need it.

Cpt. Canuck – Have it and mailed it (3/1).
Dan – Have it and mailed it (3/1).
Wicked Ortega – Have it and mailed it (3/1).
Play at the Plate - Have it and mailed it (3/1).
Troll – Have it, but need more ammo.
GCRL – Have it and mailed it (2/17).
Night Owl – Have it and mailed it (2/22).

Email me at uncle_docs_closet(at)yahoo(dot)com.

PS - I am hoping this much needed and quiet vacation will bring back my standard of sub par blogging, which greatly outshines the latest output. 


PPS - Anyone collect Star Wars, Legos or GI Joe (1980s) toys?  If so, let me know because I'd love not to hassle with The Bay.

Need Addresses

GCRL's request to cash in on his trade made me realize that I probably should be sending out cards I've promised to people.  While I am still going through my cards and checking out people's want lists, I want to send off what I've already pulled and promised, so I no longer have that feeling of impending doom over my head.  It's my personality. I can't help it.

So, I need address from the following people:

WSC – Need it.
MattR – Need it.
Fan of Reds - Need it.

Cpt. Canuck – Have it and will mail on March 1st.
Dan – Have it and will mail on March 1st.
Wicked Ortega – Have it and will mail on March 1st.
Play at the Plate - Have it and will mail on March 1st.
Troll – Have it, but need more ammo.
  
GCRL – Have it and mailed it (2/17).
Night Owl – Have it and mailed it (2/22).

Email me at uncle_docs_closet(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Trading Block – Change of Tactics

Over my vacation, I did some thinking about the way I was making cards available for trade to others.  When I started this reverse trade posting venture, I thought it would be a good way to get more trading partners and quickly reduce my inventory.  While it has opened up a few new traders, it definitely has not been a quick way to reduce what I have.

For starters, I had no idea how much time it would take to catalog and then list the cards I have available for trade.  I’ve been collecting for 30 years, and save for when my cards were organized by team, wrapped in a rubber band and kept in a Pumas shoebox; I have never been able to organize my collection.  Now, as I am purging my collection for trades and donations, it seems idiotic to actually “organize” my cards just as they are moving on to new homes.  I mean, it takes a lot of time to list cards out by number, team, player, etc., so I’m shaking it up so I can get back to actually posting about cards, cards that never were and baseball.  For goodness sakes, I have about 60 posts planned out, but have been lost in a spreadsheet cataloging process.

But, never fear, all claimed cards are going to their intended destinations, and having identified several trade partners (which is probably about all I can truly handle), you lucky few are going to bear the fruits of my lack of organization and limited time.  While you have been claiming cards on the trading block posts, I have been secretly squirreling cards into your pile that never made it on the blog.  I actually found this quite enjoyable, and you know what?  It made it really easy and quick to thin the cards out.

So, here’s a rundown on what I’m putting aside for you…

GCRL – Dodgers*, Plays at 2nd base, and Dodger Stadium cards.
Night Owl – Dodgers* and night games.
Cpt. Canuck – Braves, Football and Hockey.
WSC – White Sox and Baines.
Dan – stickers, stickers and more stickers.
Wicked Ortega – Marlins
Troll – Rays and Tarta-trolls
MattR – Giants
EDS – Assorted Brew Crews

*Note on GCRL and NO, I will try and keep you guys even and not favor the other.  Such nicety to Dodger fans from a Padres fan.

I will keep the cards available for trade up on the right navbar until the time expires, and maybe I will find time to post some more if I think they are worthy candidates.  One day it should list all the 60s, 70s and 80s goodies I have available for trade (but no expiration date).

If you want me to check out your want-lists, leave a comment, and I will go through yours every time I drop cards in the donation box.

Doc T

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.

Collectors - Get on My Trade Radar!

Since entering the card blogosphere, I have successfully completed one trade with Night Owl, which was my first trade in over 20 years. It was a pleasant experience that I will write about in the future.

In the meantime, I need help identifying future trade partners. Perhaps I am doing this backwards, but if I know someone is watching/reading and I know what they want, then it is easier for me to cull my collection to help them complete theirs. I visit many sites daily, yet, I don't always hit the want lists. I guess I'm more of a "have list" kind of guy.

So, if you're interested in trades, drop a comment and let me know what you are interested in:

1. Sets (Make, Type and Year)
2. Players
3. Teams

I have a guesstimate of around 250,000 cards from the 50s until around 2000. I have lots of oddball cards, and plenty of mainstream. If anything, just help me out by getting yourself on my radar.

So far, the following collectors have been interested...

1. Night Owl - Dodgers & Ron Cey
2. GCRL - Dodgers
3. Collective Troll - Rays
4. Captain Canuck - ???

Currently, I am working on 07 and 08 Topps for my kids, but I'll never turn down a card from 1972 and before (yeah, I won't hold my breath!).

Thanks for helping me out!

Pending Trade

I am slow but surely making my way through some boxes, and have secured some interesting gems for Night Owl. I'll let him display the random madness on his site once he gets the cards.

Anyways, I'm still on the look out for 07 and 08 Topps, and the boxes I am currently going through are 81 to 87 Donruss and Fleer and 88 Score. Does anyone out there need anything from these years and manufacturers?

If so, post a comment with where I can see your want lists. Or, you can drop me an email at uncle_docs_closet(at)yahoo-dot-com. (Be warned though, I have two kids under the age of two, so it may take a while to get cards out)

Looking forward to hearing from someone so I can unload the madness.

Calling all cards! Calling all cards!

I recently decided (unilaterally) that I may start dipping my toe back into the collecting world. As though in the know are aware, things are in a sort of an upheaval in our household, but we are optimistic the economy and job market will turn around soon.

In the meantime, the mad dash to eliminate my massive backlog of 70s and 80s toys is underway on eBay, as well as the thinning of my bloated media collection (i.e., DVDs, CDs, textbooks, books, video games, etc.) via Amazon. Next on the block would supposedly be the 3 foot by 5 foot by 8 foot (that’s 120 cubic feet kids) mountain of baseball cards barricaded in the family room closet.

From a philosophical perspective, I don’t think I could sell the cards. If times got tough, I’m sure I could auction them, or play games with Bad Wax on Craigslist, but while times are decent, I think I could trade them. That being said, I think it is time to thin my inventory by trading for new(er) cards.

When I was a kid, I began collecting the 75 Topps set because it was my birth year. Now with two kids, I think it would be fun to collect their birth years 2007 and 2008. To pass muster with the Mrs., the household rule is to reduce quantity in exchange for quality. Also, I have a firm limit on the number of cards allowed in the house (i.e., no more than are already there), which is why my office has various packs bought and given to me, ahem, Plungerhoo, since we were married.

Well, I’d think that reducing my inventory in exchange for cards meant for our young kids should fit the quantity/quality rule. I am reducing quantity in exchange for quality sets for the kids. So, I guess you could say I’m officially on the market for trades. If interested, drop a line and I’ll check out your lists.

I’m looking for 07 and 08 Topps base set only. No inserts, no variations, just plain old base cards.

Current haves:
2008 – Nothing!
2007 – 1, 15, 56, 127, 201, 218, 234, 238, 254, 325, 326

Disclaimer: It will likely take me a while to find your wants, so please no one send me anything in the mail until I mail you something. As for trades, details can be discussed over email, and as a heads up, I don’t care for price guides. When it feels right, it is right. Also, if you don’t already have a blog or are “known”, I’m not interested. Sorry, but I don’t want to get ripped.

PS - I'm surprised no one even touched the Topps Pack Prices blog. Too much tinfoil hat I guess.