Collector's Crack

Did anyone collect the 2009 Upper Deck Baseball set?

2012-02-13T14:15:00.001-09:00

If you did and you have few extras laying around I'd love to make a trade. I'm trying to make a push to finish off a few sets so I can take some needs off my need list and move the set box from the active building shelf to the completed shelf.

I'm 8, yes just 8 cards away from finishing the 1000+ card set that was/is 2009 Upper Deck Baseball.

Here's the cards I need. Red=in trade.

261 Derek Jeter
320 Josh Bard
403 Jon Niese
406 Mark Saccomanno
422 Greg Golson
487 Dustin Pedoria CL
780 Jose Molina
946 Colby Rasmus

I realize that there's Jeter card in there and a couple of rookies. But I'll make it worth your wile.

I also have tons of extras on almost every set from my need list, so take a gander. I'm sure I can fill some holes as well.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - Old Blue Eyes makes another appearance and Gil Hodges

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-09:00

Nothing I like more than crossing a card off the checklist of two greats. Here we get a card of Duke in his Dodger's uni and Gil in his Mets.

1963 would be Gil's last year as an active player. After 11 games with the Mets he was traded to the Senator's and replaced Mickey Vernon as Manager. He managed the Senator's till 1967 and in 1968 was back managing the Mets. In 1969 he took the Mets to the World Series and won, beating the Orioles, who were heavy favorites, in 5 games. Gil passed away in 1972 at the height of his managing from a heart attack while playing golf at the age of only 47.

I'm finished and yet now I'm just getting started.

2012-02-10T15:43:00.000-09:00

This week saw the completion of one of insert sets from last year. I finally got the last 3 Kimball Champions I needed for the complete 150 card set. Whew.

I'm still trying to finish the 2011 Topps Football Bowman mini insert set and of course I decided like everybody else to collect his years 87 mini set. I also really like the Gold Standard insert so I'm going to put the base set of that together too.

I also finally collated my base set and I need about 20 more. I'm not too worried, I've got at least a blasters worth of cards coming as my prize from Brian at Play at the Plate for winning his latest contest.

But feel free to peruse my want list. I'm trading all the other inserts other than 87 minis and Gold Standards, but I do have a few doubles already and they'll go in the trade pile too. After I get my last blaster I'll put a trade post of of all the inserts for trade. I also have a nice stack of base to help fill holes in anyone's set. I don't know if I'm going to take the time to type out a list of what I have though.

On a side, side note, and this is the last I will mention it, maybe. All the prizes to the 2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web have been mailed. So Colbey, Kyle, and Pat be on the lookout for those. I put a little bonus in with each one too.

Everybody have a great weekend. I've got a busy weekend of Poker and building a raceable outhouse.

cb out

If you're a crappy insert card and you die does anyone notice?

2012-02-09T11:41:00.000-09:00

I forgot to mention, I later added an edit at the bottom of the post though, the conspicuous absence of a certain insert in this years Topps Baseball that I haven't seen mentioned. So I'm going to mention it.

This year Topps has finally killed Toppstown!!! (A cheer goes through the crowd.)

I can't remember anyone ever saying anything good about Toppstown, myself included. Let's face it, it was a pointless insert aimed at kids who have better things to do than try and collect and trade virtual cards. Maybe it's because there was no prize, maybe it's because the code card counted toward your total number of cards, whatever the reason, it was probably the most hated insert of all time.

First a little history. In 2008 Topps introduced Toppstown. It inserted code cards, like this one...

...with a code on the back, in 2008 Topps Baseball. You went to the website, set up an account and entered the code. The code got you a virtual card that was put in your virtual folder. There were also gold Toppstown cards worth 4 virtual cards. The goal was to complete the set by entering codes and trading with other users. Much like their giveaway sites. It must of had some kind of success because Topps decided to keep putting these cards in to Baseball and then Football for 3 more years! Here's the main problem. There's really nothing on the card it's pretty plain and once the code is entered it's worthless. It has no collecting value what so ever. How it made your cards come alive I'm still trying to figure out too.

So in 2009 Topps figured out that if you put a player on the card consumers would bitch less.

Put big name stars on the cards and they become collectible. A step in the right direction. I tried Toppstown when it first came out, and I have to say it's just plain dumb. I couldn't even see this interesting me if I was 12 let alone in my 30's. Again Topps had the Gold Parallel cards.

In 2010, Topps changed it up a little bit by having a different photo on the gold version from the base version.

In 2011 Topps went all Panini on the insert and made it a foil board card and got rid of the gold parallel.

Topps also was adding codes to Attax and Opening Day.

Did collector's care at all about these cards? From what I've read from all of you, no. At least not for the codes. Adding a player to the card made it collectible for team and player collectors and for the few collectors that attempt master sets, but I'm assuming the reason they got rid of it was the same reason they stopped eTopps. Lack of interest. I'm sure persistent bitching helped too, but we all know Topps doesn't tend to listen to our bitching. It's interesting to see the evolution of the insert though, watching each year as Topps tried to improve upon it.

Will Toppstown be missed? I doubt it. I won't miss it. What about you?

Someone's got a new book coming out- can you say racism and cocaine?

2012-02-09T08:53:00.000-09:00

You can always tell when a former Major Leaguer has a book coming out. They always lead with the juicy.

Article in the Boston Globe has Oil Can talking about using cocaine and having his career cut short because he's black.

I can't say I was ever a fan of Oil Can, but I was a fan of the name. That's what the sport is missing these days. No not rampant cocaine use. Cool nicknames!

1963 Topps Baseball Project - High-numbered Rookie Goodness

2012-02-08T11:13:00.000-09:00

#549 Rookie Stars - Lopez, Lovrich, Plaskett, and Ratliff.

Ever since I decided to try and slowly put together this set it's given me new ambition to troll eBay for the good deals. This bad boy was one of those good deals. The seller actually had a couple 63 pick auctions going on. I missed out on the low numbered common pick 8 auction, but ended up winning his pick 1 high number common auction. After looking through what he had to offer I settled on this one for a couple of reasons. One it's slightly more valuable that the other high numbered commons. Two you get 4 for the price of 1. And three, well there was no three. He also offered that you could pick as many more from the list as you wanted for 6 bucks a card with no extra shipping. Seems like a deal. All the card were suppose to be EXMT to NRMT in grade and that's over half price. But my winning bid for this bad boy was .99 plus 3.00 bucks shipping. Hmm now 6 bucks a card seems a little high. Needless to say I didn't take him up on the offer.

Let's start my Marcelino Lopez. Lopez played 10 years in the majors and only appeared in 4 major league games with the Phillies in 1963 before being sent back down to the Minors where he spent all of 1964 before being traded to the Angels in 1965. In 1965 he finished second in the rookie of the year balloting. Lopez only threw nine innings in 1967 before he was out with a shoulder injury and then was traded to the Orioles. Lopez would get a World Series ring with the 1970 Orioles team and made a very brief appearance in game 2 to face Bobby Tolan. In 1971 he was traded to the Brewers where he started as a reliever, but eventually moved up to starter. Lopez finished his career with the Indians making just 4 appearances in September 1972 before being passed around in the minor leagues between 3 different team's systems. Lopez passed away in 2001 at the age of 58.

Pete Lovrich career was short and well short. Here only appeared in 20 games for the Athletics and ended his major league career 1-1. He played a few years down in the minors, but as far as I can tell was out of baseball by 1965. And 1963 was the only year he was up in the Bigs.

Elmo Plaskett equally had a short stint in the Majors, but played quite a bit in the minors. Starting his career in 1957 with Pittsburgh's D level teams. Elmo made 7 appearances for the Pirates in 1962 and another 10 in 1963. And then went back down to the minors where he stayed till he retired in 1969 in the Athletics system.

Elmo passed away in 1998 at the age of 60 in home on the US Virgin Islands.

And finally we get to Paul Ratliff. Ratliff made the opening day roster in 1963 at the ripe old age of 19, but only played in 10 games before being demoted back to the minors where he would stay till 1970. In 1971 he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and appeared in only 45 games total his 2 years in Milwaukee, then in July of '72 was traded to the Angels where he would finish his career in their PCL minor league team. Paul is still around at the ripe old age of 68.

Just what you were waiting for another 2012 Topps Jumbo Box break and Review.

2012-02-07T13:56:00.003-09:00

Man I finally found time to scan some stuff in. Last Friday I finally got to pick up my Jumbo box and I also grabbed 4 extra packs of Jumbos so I could send them in for the wrapper redemption. I normally would probably have purchased two Jumbos and tried to put two base sets together, but seeing as Topps had to get greedy and make me buy 4 extra packs for the wrappers screw it. I still might pick up another box, but I'm going to wait till the wrapper redemption is over and prices hopefully go down. Lets talk about the cards, the inserts and then I'll get to the hits. If you're sick of all the 2012 talk just skip down to the bottom to see the good stuff.

Lets take a look at the base design.

There's been quite a bit of hate running around the card world lately, but I really don't find the design that bad. I kinda like it. I think it was the Night Owl who coined the term surfboard for the name plate. I'm glad Topps didn't go too overboard with foil and while the foil doesn't scan very well with the black bar there, in hand they aren't that bad at all. Great photograph like we've come to expect from Topps.

A much simpler back design this year. The team name and position are kinda hard to read under the player name. The one thing I do like is the large number in the upper right hand. I've said this before, but as a set builder this is key. It makes collating cards and filling holes in boxes so much easier and you don't have to squint to see it. But really the backs are kind of a let down from last years.

Here are a few more base fronts with some cool photos.

Now on to the inserts. I don't know if I'm going to just be rehashing what everybody else is already saying or be able to come up with any new insights but here we go.

First up we have the Golden Moments Parallels. Seems confusing to have these called GM parallels and then have a whole other inserts set called Golden Moments, but I didn't name them. Topps got rid of the numbered Golden Parallels, they still have the Blacks parallels that are numbered and from what I've seen they've gone back to foil stamping them instead of that crappy black printed stamp they used the last couple of years. I didn't pull any black parallels, but the Gold's look nice. Not as nice or as sparkly as last years diamond parallels, but still nice.

Seems like Topps in the last few years has to have one big insert that runs through all three series. This year that insert is Golden Moments.

This is pretty much a replacement for last years Topps 60 and the year befores Peak Performance. And there has been a lot of criticism that Topps has been designing all of it's base designs to fit it's relic and auto cards. But I can remember when everybody use to bitch the other way how the base cards weren't set up to be relic cards and the relic versions looked terrible. I think what most people have a problem with is that Topps doesn't design an insert to be just an insert. They instead design a card they don't have to redesign and can make relic and auto parallels of without having to tweak it. I can understand this from a production stand point. It lowers cost and reduces time spent in design. But seems so lazy. And I think that is the biggest bitch I've heard. We've had 3 years now of Topps exclusivity and some of their designs just seem lazy.

But that being said I don't hate this design.

The last couple years Topps has also seemed compelled to add a duos card to each set. This started off with
2010 Legendary Lineage cards and then 2011 Diamond Duos. This year we have Timeless Talents.

I also like this design. Much better over the last two years.

The Classic Walk-Offs inserts is a nice idea. But looking at the card it's obvious that this probably didn't need to have a base card the design is set up to be a relic and/or an autograph card. But I do like the team photo in the auto space. It would have been nice for a different photo and not just a close up of the upper photo down below.

The Gold Futures card is another card where the base just seems kinda blah. Through a nice piece of jersey or better yet a nice patch in where the logo is this would be a hell of a card. Reminds me of a few Upper Deck designs.

I don't mind this card at all I wished they had made this look more like the Gold Standard cards and foiled the medal but this is the least overdesigned card of the inserts I think. There are relic versions of this card and there will be auto relic versions too, but all of those are redemptions from what I've seen on eBay.

Have I bitched enough yet? Ok on to the two inserts I probably will be collecting and I that I really liked.

First, I have an oddball obsession, so the 87 mini's suck me right in. Also take in the fact that the 87 set was the first one I tried to put together as a kid and I'm hooked. The last 3 years Topps has included a retro insert set. 2009 and 2010 it was Turkey Red inserts, last year Kimball Champions, and it just seems odd to jump from turn of the century tobacco cards to 87 Topps. But I'll tell you what, I like it. They look great and are printed on that old cardboard stock I use to love so much.

Every once in a while Topps gets it right.

My other favorite set is the Gold Standard.

I have no idea how Topps gets away with this, seeing as Panini has had a Gold Standard brand already out, but it works. And while it's obvious where the auto sticker goes and even a relic on here. The gold foil stamp and the marble texture really makes a nice card. I'm really hoping that my favorite player gets a card in this set in Series 2 or Update. I've seen a Willie McCovey Auto Patch on eBay and it's pretty sweet.

OK you suffered through my obligitory review. Lets see the good stuff. I lucked out and ended up pulling two of the hits from my 4 other packs I had to buy to be able to do the wrapper redemption.

Never heard of Peralta, but then again I'm not really a Tigers fan.

Neil Walker auto. Another guy I know absolutely nothing about, and I'm too lazy to google him.

Hey I know of this guy!! Nice squiggle there Chris.

It's sad to say, but my best two hits were the manufactured relics.

I was hoping to pull a pin card too, I've heard they're pretty sweet as well, but I ended up with two Retired Rings.

These cards are pretty awesome in person. I didn't know what to think the first time I saw a couple in box breaks, but pulling one of these is sweet. They're super think. Thicker than even the Sweetspot toploaders I had. I'm not sure if they make a top loader or case thick enough for these yet. And they're heavy. There is a noticeable weight to these cards. Whether or not they're as heavy as the 6 or 7 cards they displace, I don't know. So it's possible that pack searchers might have a field day with these. I'm not sure what the rings are made out of. Some type of metal. Probably tin or aluminum given a bronze or golden finish. And while the cards are numbered to 736, at least this year they are numbered.

Over all not a bad break. But is this set game changing? No. Pretty much par for the course for Topps.

There is no real innovation. Most of the inserts are rehashes from previous years inserts. Some of the inserts seem to be blatant rip offs of other companies designs. The ring and pin cards are nice and are the bright spot in the set for me. Even if they are manufactured "hits", they're still pretty cool. There are sketch cards again this year. Nice, but already done, nothing new there. The gold infused cards seem cool, but this too has been done. I haven't actually seen one. And searching on ebay is like a needle in a haystack when every inserts has gold or golden in the name, plus it's quite possible that the gold infused cards are redemption only.

With all that it's still the flagship set. A set builders staple. And while Topps adds SP's to the set they aren't necessary to complete a base set like in Heritage or Allen and Ginter. I don't think there's anything to be overly estatic about, but also I don't see any reason to hate it either. This is flagship Topps here. I'll be interested to see what comes out of the wrapper redemption packs and who's in the Prime 9. I kinda think those redemptions are kind of a joke. I redeemed my 2 from last year and then the dealers just started giving away full sets when you bought a box. They are a nice set, but I was all worried about making sure I hit my LCS during the time marked on the card. It wasn't necessary at all and we'll have to see if it is this year. Oh and I did pick up two Prime 9 cards as well.

I didn't see an damaged cards. I got all my hits from my Jumbo plus two bonus from my 4 extra packs. I also got 14 code cards. I'm not sure if I'm going to redeem or sell or trade. From what I've read it seems like it's going to be like the football codes and that really doesn't interest me, but who knows. I'm not sure when the website will be up. But I'll have decided by then.

The only inserts I'm planning on keeping are the 87 Mini's, the Gold Standards and the ring cards. The autos, relic and inserts are up for trade. If you'd like to trade for them let me know. There are 9 Brewers relic cards I'm trying to get. I already have a McGehee coming, so anyone else is welcome. And I need some gold parallels. You can check out my set needs on my Help me Complete a set and my Brewers Team set needs pages. I should have a 87 Mini need list up sometime this week and any base card needs. I haven't collated yet, but I'm hoping to find sometime this week to put the set together and see if I need anything. Plus I'm sure I'm going to have lots of extras.

Edit:Oh I forgot to add the one insert that's missing that I'm thrilled is missing. ToppsTown in no where to be seen this year. Hooray!!!!!!

Whew. Alright CB out.

2012 Topps Box Labels

2012-02-06T09:32:00.001-09:00

The box is ripped, the wrappers sent in, and I'm getting ready to collate my cards. Probably tonight. I'm hoping I've got a full set. But in preparation of putting my set together I had to make a box label for my set box.

I really miss when Topps use to put box labels in with their hobby boxes. But since they're not anymore I've took it upon myself to make my own and share them with you if you'd like to use them.

For Series 1 I've made a Series 1 box label if you like to box your sets in series and then a general 2012 box label if your like me and put both series 1 and 2 together.

I'm still debating if I want to go after any of the inserts. Seems like everyone likes the 87 Mini's, myself included, and being of that age, the 87 set was the first one I put together. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Thanks again to all who entered my Superbowl contest. I've emailed all the winners and if I get timely responses should have the winnings out by Wednesday.

cb out

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! The Second Annual Almost the Easiest Superbowl Contest has a winner.

2012-02-05T20:17:00.000-09:00

Well. I have to say most of that Super Bowl was a little boring. But wow what an ending. And in the end we didn't have anyone pick the right team to win. So we have to go to the 9 that had the right team to lose. Well here lets have a look at what we had to deal with.

First the correct answer and tie breakers were:

Giants over Patriots, 38 points, 1 TO.

Going into the Super Bowl we had 4 contestants that pegged the Patriots to win it all.

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's
Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's
SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's
Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

But seeing as the Patriots didn't win that means everybody is back in it and we have to go to the tie breakers. Of the 30 contestants 9 picked the Patriots to be the losing team.

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

The total combine points for the game was only 38. Well below what most people thought it would be. But we did have two that picked the closest to 38.

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's
Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

And the Grand Prize winner is Colbey aka Flywheels from Cardboard Collections! Who actually won my World Series contest too. And correctly guessed the correct amount of turnovers in the game.

Congratulations to Kyle4KC who gets second place.

And we had 64 entries for the door prize. Everyone who entered was a follower so that's 60 entries and then I had 4 people pimp the contest for an extra entry.Here's the results from Random.org.

Here's a close up of the top of the list.

Congratulations to the Cardhobbyist!!. I know I have Colbey's address, but I'll need Kyle4KC's and the Cardhobbyists address to ship stuff out this coming week. I'll try and give you two an email tomorrow morning. I realize I'm writting this pretty late for the rest of the lower 48 and you'll probably be reading this Monday morning. But if you either of you two read this and want to email first feel free. My email is in my profile.

Thanks to everyone who played and thanks for making it my biggest contest yet.

On a totally differnent note I finally got my grubby little hands on some Series 1 baseball so I'll probably have a box break and review up in a few days.

Thanks
cb out.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest Finals!!!!!

2012-02-03T10:56:00.000-09:00

Here we are only a couple days left till the Super Bowl. Wow it seems like I started this contest a long time ago. Now come to think of it I did. And of course I wanted to remind all you guys that it's going on. It's been an interesting run up to the big game. I'm having a hard time picking who to root for. I have a stronger dislike of the Giants this year since they beat my team again to get to the Super Bowl just like in 2008. I'm not a Pat's fan although I really have no reason to hate them. I think Tom Brady's a great quarterback. But this year I'm having a hard time deciding who I think will win too. In 2008 the Patriots were juggernauts. Steaming to a perfect season seemingly unstoppable. And then the Giants became the Giant killers and did the seemingly impossible. It was hard for me not to root for the underdog. This year it's a little different. While the Giants had a fairly lackluster season they pulled it together at the right time, kinda like the Packers did last year. And with a little luck and skill have set the stage where it almost looks like they should be favorites in this game not the Pat's. Especially with New England's defense. But any given Sunday. I don't know if it'll be the roller coaster the 2008 Super Bowl was, but I'll be watching, and if it gets boring there's always the commercials. OK back to the contest!

We have 4 contestants that have a team still in it to win it, but if the Giants pull it out again this year, we have 9 that could take home the prize, as no one picked the Giants to win.

You'll remember I asked you to pick the winner. That was it. Of course I need some tie breakers and so I asked you to guess who the opponent would be, total combined points in the game, and total turnovers. That being said if the Giants win we have to move to the tie breakers and then onto total points and it's possible but highly unlikely that we'd have to go to the total TO's.

So here are who's left and their guesses.

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

and here we have the players that are back in it if the Pat's lose!!

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

Lest you forget what you where playing for here are the prizes again.

1st Place - Sweet sweet vintage.

And I just look through these cards again and while I didn't see any superstars, they are all in really great shape, dare I say near mint? Probably not, but I'll let the winner judge, plus I'm throwing in some cards from you favorite team I have laying around. Who knows what I'll find.

2nd Place - Last years door prize that was never claimed.

Is this prize better than the 1st place prize? Maybe. I really liked last years Prime. I only bought a couple of packs this year, but I pulled some nice stuff from it last year. A great quad patch with 4 great rookies. Gronk is the stand out here having a great year. And who knows what's going to happen with Adrian Peterson, Gerhart could see a lot more playing time next year. I had even thought about keeping this card before I put it back in the contest, but I planned on giving this away last year and well I want to keep my good karma. It does book high at 20 bucks so hopefully someone will enjoy this.

And finally the Door Prize, just for stopping in.

A beautiful dual relic of Joe Flacco and Derrick Mason from 2010 Prestige #d to 250. The Flacco piece has some great texture. This one will be randomed off after the Super Bowl. Everybody that entered was a follower or became a follower so you all got 2 entries that way and I think I had 4 people pimp the contest so they got an extra entry for that as well. So there will be about 64 entries to go into Random.com's randomizer.

Thanks again to all 30 of you who participated. And stay tuned I think I'm planning a Stanley Cup contest and maybe even a NBA Championship contest come playoff time.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - The Senator's Athletic Tiger!!!

2012-02-03T08:32:00.000-09:00

Chuck didn't have all that long of a Major League career as a player. He started out with the Braves in 1959 then was traded to the Tigers and then to the Senators in 1961. Stayed with the Senators till 1965. He played in Hawaii and Seattle PCL from 1966 to 1968 when he was picked up by the Angels and finished his career there in 1969 after he suffered an Achillies tendon injury. After playing Chuck helped out in the dug out as a coach for the Mets and Mariners and then in 1984 took over as General Manger of the Mariners for a couple of years. He didn't fair so well and was fired in early 1986 after the first 28 games and the Mariners in last place with a record of 9 - 19. After Seattle Chuck coached with the Mets, Orioles and Phillies. He is currently a special assistant to the general manager of the Washington Nationals at the age of 76.

Speaking of short careers in the Majors. Mike started out with the Boston Braves organization in 1952, but after the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953 Mike never got any playing time wallowing in the minors. He was traded to the Tigers in 1959 and toiled in the minors till 1961 when the Tigers called him up to the big leagues. In his 4 seasons in the majors Mike was always the second string catcher, being used mostly for bull pen duty. After the 1964 season Mike became the bullpen coach for the Tigers and then the Angels till 1969. Then returned to the Tigers in 1970 as a pitching coach. From 71 to 77 Mike worked as a Minor League manager and pitching instructor until coming back into the majors for the Cubs as a pitching coach. He also worked with the Cardinals, Padres, and Red Sox until he retire after the 1994 strike-shortened season. Mike is still around at the ripe old age of 81.

I couldn't find too much information on Bill here. He played 6 years with the Athletics and then went on to play two years with the Yankees and his last year with the Senators in 1968. He had much better minor league career but finished his major league career with only a .216 Batting Average, 41 home runs most coming in his 64 and 65 seasons and 125 RBI's. Bill's is also still with us, somewhere, at 73 years young.

Baseball autograph question for the pros out there.

2012-02-02T13:44:00.000-09:00

I've posted before that I was headed to Arizona for my honeymoon this March. And me and the Missus are taking in a couple spring training games. While I have no idea how many autograph opportunities I'm going to get I'd like to take a few baseballs and cards along just in case.

I know there are quite a few of you out there that have been and collect autographed baseballs. My question is this. Should I spring for the official major league baseball by Rawlings which go for about 15 to 20 bucks a pop new and unsigned or should I just take some nice new official league baseballs, which are the same size and weight as OML balls and only cost about 2 to 3 bucks a pop?

Right off the bat, I'll tell you I'm cheap and I'm probably just going to grab a bunch of cheap balls and go. It doesn't really matter to me if it has the MLB logo on it and I'm not going to be selling the ones I get.

Not a 2012 Topps post again!!!!

2012-02-02T09:53:00.001-09:00

Sometimes living in Alaska can be a pain in the ass. I had to go to Soldotna, about 144 south of Anchorage, for a meeting. My boss and I elected to drive to save some money in our budget. The drive down was OK, but coming back it got dicey coming over Turnagain Pass from the Kenai Pennisula. Ended up having a Alaska State Trooper escort us out of the pass, it was kinda cool, and I wasn't driving, but it made for a long day. And last night was trade night. I was really hoping to be able to post my box break this morning, but alas Bosco's didn't get any of their cards in. I ended up leaving empty handed. I'm proud of myself having so much self control. But I ended up stopping at Wal-Mart on the way home to see if they had 2012 out and they did. Blasters, rack boxes, rack packs, and single packs. I had 40 bucks worth of cards in my had and then after looking how long the checkout lines were put it all back. Again I patted myself on the back for that self control.

This year's Topps wrapper redemption you have to send in 14 jumbo or 50 regular wrappers. That means I either had to buy two jumbos like I usually do and then what to do with the left over 6 wrappers or I had to buy a jumbo and 4 more jumbo packs The last 3 years I've put together two base sets since I usually get so close with buying two jumbos. And that's pretty much the only reason I did. One of my 2012 collecting resolutions was to spend less. So that means I'm probably only going to buy one jumbo and then 4 extra packs so I can send in my wrappers. So guess what Topps you lose! I'm buying less because of your increased wrapper demands. And I'm sure that if you wait prices on Topps boxes will crash come March 1st when the wrapper redemption is over. That being said I'm sure I'll break down and buy a blaster and some rack packs too or maybe another jumbo after the redemption is done and prices come down that'll mean extras for trading! I'll have my need list up, if I have any, after my break. It might actually be a few days till I get my box now as I have plans through the Super Bowl, but I might have to make a quick pit stop in to get a box.

On the Squirrelmania front, prices have come down quite a bit from the first couple of auctions a few days ago, but the card is still going for over 100 bucks in most cases. The Pujols SP is another story. I only found a handful on my ebay search and only one was an auction and the starting price was $199. All the BIN ones are over 200 bucks. Reyes is considerably less. I haven't done an exhaustive search for other SP variations, but my advice if you looking to pick them up wait a few weeks.

cb out

Not a 2012 Topps post a 1963 Topps Baseball Project post

2012-01-31T11:46:00.000-09:00

Well it looks like the only thing we're going to be talking about for a while is 2012 Topps. And I guess rightfully so. Football is almost over and for the most part not too much going on in Hockey or Basketball, neither of which I blog that much about anyways. And I will have plenty to say in the next few days when I finally get my grubby hands on some sweet, sweet new baseball. Until then we'll continue with my ongoing 1963 Topps Baseball set series. Enjoy a non 2012 post while you can.

First up is a few new guys I got in the mail a few days ago.

#44 Terry Fox

Terry started his big league career with the Braves, but only appeared in 5 games. He was traded in a big deal with the Tigers the next year and that's were Terry would spend most of his short 7 years in the majors. Terry would be the Tigers main closer for two years and had a very good first two years with the Tigers. 1963 wasn't nearly as good, but he still managed 11 saves.1966 would be it for Terry as he posted a career high 6.30 ERA and was released and then signed with the Phillies were it didn't get much better and at the end of the 1966 season Terry was done. Terry's still around at the ripe old age of 76.

You might not realize it by looking at him but Bill "Moose" Skowron has 5 World Series rings to his name. Four with the Yankees and one with the Dodgers. As a matter of fact his 1963 stint with the Dodgers is the only year he played in the National League and help the Dodgers win it all in 1963 against his old team. Not only did the Dodgers win the World Series in 1963, but they swept the Yankees. Bill was bought by the Senator's in 1964 and traded to the White Sox later that year. He played a couple of years with the Sox and then was traded to the Angels in 1967, where he finished his career. This 8 time all-star is still around at 81 and lives in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Manny Jimenez was brought up from the Mexican Leagues by the Braves in 1957 and then traded to the KC Athletics in 1962. As the story goes Manny was having a hell of rookie season when the Athletics owner, Charles O'Finley had a talk with Manny about hitting for homers instead of hitting for average. Manny went into a two month slump and lost 30 points on his batting average. After his rookie season he ended up splitting time in Triple-A and the majors the rest of his career. In 1967, Manny went to the Pirates and ended his career in 1969 with the Cubs.

2012 Squirrelmania!!

2012-01-31T08:31:00.001-09:00

It's kinda getting ridiculous. The first batch of 2012 Topps started hitting eBay yesterday as early retail was being opened. The official hobby release is tomorrow and lucky for me it's also trade night at Bosco's. So I'll be there to pick up my Jumbo and at least 4 more packs so I can send in for my redemption, might have to get two jumbo's we'll see. Regardless I'll post the box breaks here. But back to the matter at hand.

2012 Squirrelmania!! So far (as I write this) there are 14 Skip Shumaker Squirrel variations cards on ebay. See them all here. The first one which I posted on yesterday is right around 600 bucks and ending in a few hours. Only one of the listed cards is under 100 bucks and there are some truly crazy buy it now prices. Here's the interesting thing though. There are two other very publicized short prints out there too. A quick search finds no Pujols SP's and only one Reyes. The Reyes is going for about 50 bucks right now.

Ah remember the good old days of Strasmania. I can't wait to find out these are one per box. Although if I get one tomorrow it's going up on ebay ASAP. Nothing like a national news blurb to boost prices.

The first auction ends in about 4 hours I'll have all your Squirrelmania later.

Another SP in 2012 Topps Baseball.

2012-01-30T12:30:00.006-09:00

So with 2 days left till the hobby release of Series 1 is official, I've seen retail blaster breaks already popping up on the forums, there is another SP to watch out for this year.

I just saw this on Yahoo news. So I'm not sure if it's a joke or not. Editing and proofing are kind of a joke on Yahoo blogs, but seeing as we're dealing with Topps I don't find this too far fetched.

You can read the blurb HERE.

Update check out the crazyness HERE. And of this repost that card had only been listed for 2 hours! Over $600 bucks. Wow if that sale actually happens is that guy going to have buyers remorse later.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - #'s 177, 181, and 187

2012-01-30T08:38:00.000-09:00

One of the hazards of buying lots on ebay is that your going to get cards like this. Now this card has 4 great corners, just terribly miscentered.

#177 John Melvin "Bubba" Phillips

I'm always leary of guys named Bubba. Don't know why just one of those things. Bubba played some minor league ball, did some military time, and was finally called up to the Tigers in 1955. He was traded to the White Sox the next year and then moved to the Indians for the 1960 season. In 1963 he was back in Detroit and would finish his career here in 1964. Bubba didn't really have all that stellar of a career, but did hit two grand slams in 1961 and back to back homers in 1962. Bubba pasted away in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1993 at the age of 65.

#181 Sammy Esposito

I couldn't find too much info on Sammy on my 30 second search of the internet. You can see from the back of his card he didn't get a whole lot of playing time. In his 10 years in the majors he played just 560 games, had 8 career home runs and 78 RBI's. Sammy played most of his career with the White Sox, but was trade in the 63 season to Kansas City Athletic's. 1963 was Sammy's last year. After baseball he was the North Carolina State University head baseball coach for 20 years. And as far as I can tell he's till around at 80.

#187 Willie Kirkland

Seems like this is a post of 3 so so players. I guess they all can't be Mickey Mantle. I couldn't find much on Willie either, but Willie played for the Giants, Indians, Orioles and finshed his career with the Senator's. In his 9 year career Willie amassed 148 home runs and 509 RBI's. After Major League baseball Willie played in Hawaii in 1967 and then went over to Japan and played for the Hanshin Tigers for 6 seasons. And Willie is still around somewhere at the age of 77.

A trade with Napkin Doon

2012-01-27T09:37:00.000-09:00

I've been seeing trade posts up with people trading with Mr. Doon for some time now and I knew it would only be a matter of time till we had a trade. Earlier this month Nap posted about his pick up's from a live auction. He got a bunch of miscellaneous cards and some interesting old post cards and stamp stuff. Check it out here. He mentioned that he wasn't interested in the stamp stuff and if anyone wanted it. In the collection he picked up were some really old postcards that looked really interesting. I had hoped that I might be able to trade for those, but they were already claimed, but everything else was still available. Not really being able to tell what all was in there I figure I'd take a gamble. I use to have, and think I still do somewhere in my parents basement, a small stamp collection. We also worked out a trade for some cards. I found some cards he need from his need list and a couple nice cards I had sitting in the trade box for his PC's. You can see what I sent him HERE. Nap sent me a nice assortment of cards as well as the stamp stuff. I think both of us wanted to make sure we didn't screw the other. Unfortunately I'm still sorting through all the stamp and other stuff he sent me. There was a pile! And I can't wait to show it off. After digging through it I'm safe to say I'm not going to get rich from this trade, but just the history and other correspondence that was in there was just awesome. That being said I plan to post on that other stuff later. There was a lot of stamps and a few stamp albums, some old catalogs, postcards, and old travel brochures. Just fun stuff to look through. I share all this with you when I get it sorted out, but for now lets see some of the goodies I got from Mr. Doon.

He sent me a nice stack of 2009 Topps T206 from my need list and over half of the Brewers team set from 2001 Topps Heritage and these other Brewers goodies. I'm pretty sure I got all these in the trade, although before I had a change to scan the pile I got from Napkin also got put with the pile I just got from Colbey over at Cardboard Collection's last group break, but these are all getting credited to my trade with the Doon.

A couple 2009 Goudey for my team set.

2009 Upper Deck X die cut Ryan Braun going into either my team set or my PC.

Interestingly enough I also got another one of these from Colbey's group break. If you've never seen any of these EX cards you should go find some. There one of those futuristic baseball cards. On clear plastic. Here's the back

I do believe there are only two Brewers in this set. The late nineties and early 2000's were dark days for the Brew Crew in talent and in most of the higher end sets you'd be lucky to find two Brewers featured on cards.

1994 Pinnacle Museum Collection of Jody Reed.

The best are these 1999 Fleer Flair Showcase cards.

For a couple of years Fleer Flair had different levels. Row 1 being best, Row 2 being in the middle and than Row 3 at the bottom, although they all look great. Here we have two Row 2 cards.

The Row 1 cards are serial numbered to 6000, which today seems like a lot with are super rare numbered to 10 patch auto cards being pulled left and right, but back in 1999 these were a big deal. And they still look incredible. Like I said the late nineties weren't a great time to be a Brewer's card collector and this set featured only 3 players. Jeff Cirillo, Jeromy Burnitz and Marquis Grissom.

And thanks to this trade I have almost complete sets for Row 1 and Row 2.

Thanks again Nap for the great trade. And I'll be posting more on the trade when I get around to organizing all the stamps and other stuff.

Some thoughts on 2012 Allen and Ginter

2012-01-26T09:12:00.000-09:00

Is it too early to talk about a product that doesn't come out for another 6 months? Probably. I had a similar Allen and Ginter post last year, but in March. But seeing as the 2012 sell sheet is already up, why not?

I've become a big fan of A & G. I missed the first couple of years living in the middle of nowhere Alaska, but ended up picking up a couple of boxes of 2008 pretty cheap and started trying to put that set together. Missed 2009 and then hit 2010 hard. I was trying to be good last year with 2011 and ended up buying 3 boxes. But I did have great luck with my hits.

I'm an oddball lover so this set is great for me. There are a few of you out there that don't like it for the exact same reason. But as lover of history and mini's this is one of my favorite sets of the year. I've, ahem, borrowed some images from the sell sheet here so let's have a look.

Here's what the base is going to look like

The base set will be 350 again with the last 50 being short printed and this year Topps actually put the odds on the sell sheet. SP's will be 1:2 packs. I'm not sure if this was their insertion rate as previous years. I like the base design, simple yet ornate and I think they would look awesome signed.

There, of course, are mini parallel versions and parallels of the mini parallels.

Black bordered, A&G backed, no number(numbered to 50), A&G baseball back #d to 25, I guess this replaces the Bazooka backs, wood (#'d 1 of 1), printing plates, and cloth parallels numbered to 10 of 150 subjects.

Or course there will be the framed mini relics again.

Is it me or do the relics seem smaller?

They are also doing 1 of 1 DNA relics again. Creepy.

Each box is suppose to have 3 hits. Which could be a combination of relics, autos, original A&G buybacks, rip cards, and cut signatures. I heard some horror stories last year of whole cases having nothing but boxes with 3 relic cards. Yikes. Luckily I never personally saw one of those, but that would have sucked.

The buy back originals will be framed like the mini relics and autos, kinda like the 2002 T206 original buybacks were presented. There will also be redemptions for Lepidoptery cards, I'm guessing like the Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Insect cards. And books cards like this..

25 subjects all cards 1 of 1.

On card auto's like always.

There will also be red ink variations numbered to 10. and 20 cut autos added too all numbered 1 of 1.

Let's not forget the rip cards!

Inside could be an original painted card, high number 351-400 exclusive minis, or a redemption card for bats and other swag. I've gotten a rip card the last two years and both times I controlled myself and didn't rip'em and sold them off. While I would have loved to find out what was in there, those cards pretty much paid for the box.

Each hobby box also has a top loader like year past. Either a N43 or a Cabinet card.

Your N43 could be just a simple base, which is most likely, or be a relic version, or an auto relic version like the example up above, or an artifact version. I'm assuming from the sell sheet that 10 subjects will be baseball and 5 will be historical some how.

Cabinet cards will come in different flavor's as well. Most likely you'll get a Baseball Highlight or Roller coaster card, which are the base level, 5 baseball, 5 roller coasters.

I wish they'd had a roller coaster example. There will also be super rare cabinet relics with full jersey piece of players names like last year. Replacing the state relics cards are these..

Now onto the inserts. These are just the inserts shown or mentioned on the sell sheet. Every year Topps usually puts in a couple surprise sets, like last years Ascent of Man and Fabulous Face Flocculence.

There are what I really like about A&G.

There are both mini and full size inserts to deal with here. Like last year's Hometown Heroes or the year before This Day in History the big insert set is What's in a Name? Don't understand it yet and it wasn't explained on the sell sheet.

I tend not to go after these sets. One because there large, this set will be 100 card, and two I'm just not interested in the cards.

However the next couple I am.

Being a big lover of history this is one of the sets I'm definitely going after. 20 cards in this one.

Another set that kinda interests me is this one...

Like I said I'm a sucker for history and the odd.

There's also two sets not pictured on the sell sheet. One call You Have Got to be Kidding Me, unbelievable tales of history and Baseball Highlight Sketch, I'm assuming similar to years past. All of these sets will be inserted 1:10 packs.

There's also this interesting oddball advertised.

Of course similar to last years seed cards, no word on how many cards in this set, if there is more than one. But these will drop one per case!

Now the mini inserts.

First up is People of the Bible. I wonder if this is to balance last year's Ascent of Man - Darwin's theory set? Still looks cool and I'll probably be going after most of these mini sets. This set has 15 cards.

Man's Best Friend. I'm torn. I love dogs I'm just not sure if I want to try this one.

However one animal set I'm definitely going after is this one..

Another one I'm most likely going after as a history fan is this one..

20 cards in this one.

The other two sets mentioned but that did not have examples are Musical Masters and Culinary Curiosities. Both I think are self explanatory. The over all insertion rate for these mini's is listed at 1:5.

And before I get to some critic's don't forget about the Ginter code. I don't know if I missed it, but did anyone solve last years code?

Over all I like the base design. Topps has gone back to a great simple design with an art deco feel. And I think these cards would look great with an auto on them. I like how the simple border design was also used on the framed relics and autos. From years past it seems like they've kept that tropical border just changed the color scheme. As far as the hits, inserts, and mini's go. It's par for the course. There are some new elements with the Colony on a Card, but pretty much is the same tried and true offering. Lots of cool mini and full sized inserts to sate many different tastes. Plus Topps always adds a few surprises not on the sell sheet or checklist.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - Presents the Duke!

2012-01-25T12:11:00.000-09:00

I figure I'd keep the HOF 1963 posts going and round out the last of my 3 HOF pick ups for the set.

When you think of Duke Snider you more than likely think of the Dodgers, but in 1963 Duke went to the Mets. I not only picked up this card, but his 64 in the same auction and got both delivered for under twenty bucks. Not a bad deal if I do say so myself. This card is probably in the lowest range I wanted for my set. The corners are soft, theres a little edge damage on the right in the red part. But it has a clean back and decent centering and it's of DUKE SNIDER! For 10 Bucks!!!!

Like I said I also got his 64 card which I'll feature here. It's in better shape than the 63, better centered. This would be Dukes last regular issue card. Featured in his Mets jersey, Duke was actually sold to the Giants on Opening Day in 1964 and that would be his last year.

Duke has two World Series rings to his name, he was an 8 time All-Star and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1980 with over 86% of the vote. Duke passed away last year in February at the age of 84.

What am I going to do?? I'm going to make it official!!! A Prince Fielder post!

2012-01-25T09:33:00.003-09:00

I have to say I was pretty surprised the Tigers managed to scoop up Prince Fielder the other day. I had no illusions that he would be coming back to Milwaukee. I kept reading the scuttlebutt on who was wooing him and the speculation on where he would end up. I have a couple of buddies who are Tigers fans and they where going crazy! Like the prodigal son coming home and taking his rightful place on the throne. Right where his daddy played. Of course it's common knowledge that Prince and his dad Cecil don't have a very good relationship, but I'm pretty sure every Tigers fan was pretty happy with the news.

AJ over at his blog The Lost Collector posed an interesting question. What do you do when one of your favorite players or a player you have a PC for goes to a new team? And it's great timing because when I heard the news yesterday it's exactly what I thought about my Prince Fielder collection. I never officially had him as a personal PC. If you've read the blog before you'll notice I didn't have him up on the Who I Collect. Sure he gets collected by default since he was a Brewer. It got me thinking why when he was obviously one of the two best players on the team didn't I have a PC for him? I don't know. I mean it's not like I didn't collect him, I have a huge stack of Prince Fielder cards and some really nice stuff too. Maybe it's that I didn't need another focus. But I've decided to make it official and I've made my decision on the fate my collecting Prince Fielder. He shall be added! And I do plan to keep collecting his cards. So it's official. Prince now has his name officially up on the side board of Who I Collect. I really don't know why it took him signing with another team to get me to take the plunge. I guess it also begs the question if he had gone to another team would I still feel the same way? I guess we'll never know. I wish him all the best and I hope he has a great long career with the Tigers.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - How do you neutralize an acid? With Al Kaline

2012-01-24T11:00:00.001-09:00

Al "Mr. Tiger" Kaline. Do you think Al's parents had a sense of humor? Did they realize that by naming their son Albert that every time I hear his name I think of chemistry? Who knows? Al is the second HOFer I added to my collection recently. I couldn't pass this card up. I ended up dropping a whole 10 bucks on it, plus $2.50 shipping. Not to shabby for this puppy. Four beautiful corners and decent centering.

Al is one of the few players to totally bypass the minor league system and pretty much graduated high school and started playing major league ball. Al played all 22 years of his Major League career with the Tigers and still is pretty active with the team. He's an 18 time All-Star, 10 time Golden Glove winner, got a World Series ring in 1968, and was another of the few first ballot Hall of Fame inductee's with 88% of the vote. Al finished his career with 3,007 hits, 399 home runs, 1,583 RBI's and a lifetime batting average of .297. So make some room in the front of the box. And welcome Mr. Kaline to the 1963 Topps Project.

Simmer Down Now.

2012-01-24T09:51:00.002-09:00

With the launch of Series 1 Baseball less than 2 weeks away and the announcement that Topps decided to add SP's of Albert Pujol's in his new Angels jersey and Jose Reyes in a Marlin's jersey. There has been a small fervor in the sportscardblogosphere over it. The cards will be #331 and 332 respectively and be short printed in Series 1. But both cards will have non-SP versions in Series 2 with different photo's most likely ones not photoshopped. I really don't understand what the big deal is. This is just like in 2010 where Topps had to keep the Strasmania going and issued a super SP of Strasburg #661 only available through the Cards Your Mother Threw out giveaway website. He also had a none SP version released later in the Update series.

For me I could give a rat's ass about the SP cards. I don't chase the one's Topps already does with inserting SP's of HOFer's or Sparkle variations or whatever, unless they are cards for my Player or Team collections. For me as a set collector, the base set is one through 330 for Series one, no SP's. I either trade away or sell all the stuff I don't want and to be honest these added SP's adds a little value to the box. Because while I'm not a completist as a set collector there are plenty of people who are, or people willing to chase down the first Pujols or Reyes card in his new uniform.

For Topps this is pretty much more of the same. It's not game changing, it's not surprising, it's just par for the course. Just my 2 cents.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - The first HOFer makes it into the collection

2012-01-23T11:03:00.001-09:00

I've been on a little spree lately with the 1963 Topps Baseball Project. I just won another decent lot of 15, so I'll have some posting fodder for weeks. But last week I also picked up 3 different Hall of Famers. I'm not going to spoil the fun your just going to have to wait and see who I picked up. Or peruse the checklist, they're already marked, but the first one I picked up was this Orioles legend.

#345 Brooks "the Human Vacuum Cleaner" Robinson

I was lucky enough to snag this bad boy for fairly cheap and I'll say so far it's the single most expensive card in the set for me. I paid a whopping $19.50 shipped. After staring at this card for a while I think I got a hell of a deal. To be honest the person listing this card gave a terrible description, "No wrinkles or creases, corners are nice." That's a pretty minimal save your ass listing description. But they were right an absolutely beautiful card and the centering ain't half bad. I was trying to make Ernie Banks my first HOFer in the set, but missed out on a great looking card that went for way too cheap, so Mr. Robinson is my conciliation prize.

If you were to ask the average Joe who is the best Oriole they probably would say Cal Ripken. If you were to ask an Orioles fan most likely they would tell you it's Brooks.

Brooks resume is pretty impressive. Sixteen time Golden Glover, 2 World Series rings, 1970 World Series MVP honors, 1964 AL MVP, just shy of the 3,000 hits club, and let's not forget a first ballot Hall of Famer that got 92% of the vote!

Brooks is still kicking and still active in Major League Baseball working with the players union.

So welcome Mr. Robinson to my 1963 Topps collection you are most welcome!

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web - Conference Championship weekend round up.

2012-01-23T08:35:00.001-09:00

Wow what another crazy weekend in the NFL. And I have to say, both games could have gone either way. If Lee Evans had held on to that ball in the end zone, if Billy Cundiff hadn't shanked that kick if Kyle Williams hadn't screwed up twice. If, if, if. In the end the Pats got lucky and lets face it it could have gone either way in the Giants/Niner's game. But even if the wins weren't pretty and relied on others mistakes we have the stage set.

So here were the 8 going into this weekend.

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

Now we're down to 4 who could win by picking the winner. Here's the interesting thing though. No one picked the Giants. And lets face it the last time these two teams met the Patriots were on their way to the perfect season and seemed unstoppable. This year, while the Pat's are playing good ball, they are not near as the juggernaut they were in 2008. And the Giants have turned it on at the right time, much like the Packers did last year. So what's going to happen if the Pat's don't win? Well then we have to go to the tie breakers and while I have 4 people who have correctly picked one of the teams to make the Super Bowl, I ask for the winner. So that means that everyone who picked the Pat's to lose are still in it!!! And if the Pat's lose the 4 that have the Pat's to win lose. Anyways. Here are the final 4 that picked the Patriots to win.

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

and here we have the players that are back in it if the Pat's lose!!

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

Wow, what an interesting predicament. Alright with a break in the action to let Eli Manning get some rest. Holy crap he took a lot of hits, and to let Aaron Rodgers get a free trip to Hawaii, I'll have the final pregame post with all the finalist, from 4 to 13, wow. Good luck everybody.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - The Rule of 3

2012-01-21T12:26:00.001-09:00

Ah the old tenet of the Rule of 3. Bad things happen in 3's, good things happen in 3's, your karma is returned 3 fold. Here at the crack the 1963 Topps Baseball Project posts 3 common cards at a time.

However you take it, it's another offering from the shoebox.

First up #153 Hal Smith.

Not to be confused with Hal Smith the actor who played Otis Anderson, the town drunk on the Andy Griffith Show or Hal Smith the catcher for the Cardinals. Nope this Hal played as a utility player, catching and holding down the corners. He played most of his career in Kansas City, but played two years in Houston, 62 and 63, before ending his career in Cincinnati. Hal is remembered in Pittsburgh as one of heroes of the 1960 World Series, hitting a 3 run homer in the bottom of the 8th with two out to put the Pirates ahead of the Yankees. Of course the Yankees ended up winning it in the 9th, but Hal is still remembered for his pivotal hit.
Hal Smith is still around and 81.

#157 Diego Segui

Man I really like the looks of those old Kansas City Athletics hats. Diego would play on and off for the Athletics for 10 years before finally being traded away to the Cardinals in 1972. Diego also as the distinction of being the only picture to have pitched for both Seattle major league teams. After being released by the Mariners in 1977 Diego went on to pitch for 10 more years in the Mexican Leagues. I couldn't find where Diego calls home now but he's still around at the age of 74.

And lastly we have #159 Jim Pagliaroni

Jim was only 17 when he appeared in first major league game, says so right there in the comic on the back of the card. He was also only 31 when he retired a Seattle Pilot in 1969. Jim joined the military in 1956 and was out in time in 1958 to make spring training. In 1968, Jim was traded to the Oakland Athletics where he caught for Catfish Hunters perfect game the first one in the American League since 1922. Sadly, Jim passed away in April of 2010 from cancer.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web Conference Championships Round!

2012-01-20T18:39:00.000-09:00

It's Friday, two days till the NFL Conference Championships! I'm sure most of you have forgotten I'm holding a Super Bowl contest since you're out. What have I learned from holding this contest 2 years in a row? Never bet on the Saints. And if you get in late pick the team no one else does. Now remember I only asked you who the winner was going to be to win. But since I was sure there would probably be more than one entry to guess the right team I had a few tie breakers. I asked for the opponent, total points in the game and total turnovers. We have 8 contestants left standing after 2 weeks of playoffs. You'll notice that 3 of the 4 teams are represented. Nobody picked the Giants, not surprising, but no one even picked them as an opponent. I won't lie I'm bitter toward the Giants this year so I'll be rooting for the 49ers this Sunday, as for the Ravens/Pats game I don't have a favorite so I'm just going to enjoy the game. I'll have a contest update on Sunday night or Monday morning.

Here are the 8 Semifinalists and their picks:

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

1963 Topps Baseball Project - Obituary Free

2012-01-20T08:32:00.000-09:00

I'll say this I'm really enjoying this vintage set building thing. One of my goals for this set was to feature it here on the blog as I build it. In the process, I wanted to do a little research on each player to provide a little meat to the post and in turn I get to learn some great baseball history and pass that on down. If you've wandered over to my dedicated 1963 Topps Project page you know I set a few rules for myself in collecting the set. First was no wax backs and the second was no filler. My main goal was to put together a nice mid-grade set. So that meant no crappy cards. Now that doesn't mean in buying lots I won't get a few cards I consider sub-par for the set. I will. I know it, but I'm not knowingly going after cards under my desired grade which is EX+ or better. I'm hoping to get the best centering possible with sharp corners, but this is 1960's Topps! With that said I'm fairly happy with the cards I've acquired so far.

I've also be posting in groups of three. I think that's a good fit for the blog. Just enough meat to fill you up, but not so sparse as to leave you hungry. And who knows when this is all said and done maybe we might just learn something too. As always comments are welcome.

So enough blabbing here are 3 more cards from the shoebox.

#140 Frank "Taters" Lary

Actually when I started researching Frank he had a few nicknames. He was also called Mule and the Yankee Killer. Frank played 11 years in the Majors most of it with the Tigers. In 1964 he was traded to the Mets who then traded him to the Braves. The Mets picked him up again in 1965 and traded him away again to the White Sox where he finished his career. Later Frank scouted for various teams and eventually retired completely from baseball and opened up his own construction business. Frank is 81 and currently living in Northport, Alabama.

Next, figuratively and numerically we have #141 Manny Mota.

It's interesting to see Manny here labeled as a Colt .45, when he never actually appeared in a Colts uniform. He was traded to Houston from the Giants, but was traded again in early April in 1963 to the Pirates. Manny had a nice long career of 20 years and is probably best remembered as a Dodger, where he from 1969 to 1982. In 1969 he was the first player selected by the Expos in the expansion draft, oddly enough a player's card I featured in the last 63 project post, Mack Jones was the second. Manny is 73 and is still active in the Dodgers organization and is the longest tenured coach with over 32 years of service. Manny also has two World Series rings one from the 1981 World Series were he was both a player and a coach and the 1988 World Series as a coach.

#152 Ron Nischwitz

Ron had a short career in major league baseball from 1961 to 1965, and not playing in 1964. This was Ron's only year with the Indians and he only made 14 appearances going 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA. He took the '64 season off and finished his career back in Detroit. After baseball he became the head coach for the Wright State University baseball team for close to 20 years. And as a nice change of pace all three of the featured players are still alive. Ron is 74 and still kicking.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - 3 More in the Shoebox

2012-01-19T10:22:00.000-09:00

So far I'm plugging right along with this set, trying to score small lots for cheap on ebay here and there and it's been working. I'm bummed I missed a decent Ernie Banks card that went for way too cheap, but last week I added 3 HOFer's to the collection. They'll be up here soon when I get them. But until then another trio of commons from some recent pick ups. You can follow the progress over at my 1963 Topps Project page. I've got the whole checklist there and have color coded the cards with their status, I've got a completion tracker and I've even decided to try and track how much I spend putting this set together.

OK first up...

#118 Sherm Lollar

This would be Sherm's last year playing baseball. From the back of the card you can see he played for four different teams during his career, with most of the time spent with the White Sox.

Sherm also has two World Series rings one as a player with the Yankees in 1947 and one as a coach with the 1966 Orioles. A nine time All-star and three time Golden Glover Sherm also coached for the Oakland Athletics in 1969 and two of their minor league teams. Sherm past away in 1977 from cancer.

#122 Julio Gotay

Not much to say about Julio. He played most of his career in AA and AAA minor leagues being called up for St Louis full time in 1962 he was traded to Pittsburgh the next year and then to the Angels and the Astros, but played most of that time back down in the minors. Julio past way in 2008 from respiratory failure.

#137 Mack Jones

Mack "the Knife" Jones only played 10 seasons of professional baseball but most of those were with the Braves. A native of Atlanta he moved with the team in 1966, which I'm sure he enjoyed. He was trade to the Reds in 1967 and then in 1968 was taken 2nd by the Expos in the Expansion draft. Mack past away in 2004, in what seems to be a reoccurring theme here, from complications with stomach cancer.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest Divisional Playoff Update

2012-01-16T13:03:00.000-09:00

Wow, what a weekend. And I'm one sad Packer fan, but the Giants definately deserved to win that one. And holy cow was the Saint's/Niners game a nail biter. Well two big upsets put a hurting on the contest so from the 27 we had going into this weeks games we come out with 8 left in the running. And interestingly enough not a single person went with the Giants to win it all, could be a spoiler!

Here's who was in it this week. If your in red your out, but still in the running for the door prize.

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Robert - Packers over Ravens, 45 Points, 4 TO's

Captain Canuck - Saints over Ravens, 67 points, 3 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

piratesfan731 - Saints over Ravens, 45 points, 2 TO's

The Lost Collector - Saints over Patriots, 55 points, 3 TO's

Greg Zakwin - Packers over Ravens, 51 points, 2 TO's, pimp

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Eric L - Saints over Broncos, 48 points, 3 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

arpsmith - Packers over Steelers, 49 points, 4 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Milwaukee Southpaw - Packers over Steelers, 59 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Spiegel83 - Saints over Ravens, 42 points, 4 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Stealing Home - Packers over the Ravens, 39 points, 2 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

And just for summary here is everybody moving on to the Conference Championship Round.

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

Thanks again everyone for entering. Now that we're down to four I'm going to make a wild ass guess and say it'll be 49er's vs the Pats, but who knows. Any given Sunday.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web Divisional Playoff Pregame.

2012-01-13T11:49:00.000-09:00

Alrighty going into Divisional Playoff Action. This should be an interesting week. No #5 or #6 seeded teams made it this far. I'm excited should be some really good football this weekend. Here are the remaining contestants still in it to win it!

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Robert - Packers over Ravens, 45 Points, 4 TO's

Captain Canuck - Saints over Ravens, 67 points, 3 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

piratesfan731 - Saints over Ravens, 45 points, 2 TO's

The Lost Collector - Saints over Patriots, 55 points, 3 TO's

Greg Zakwin - Packers over Ravens, 51 points, 2 TO's, pimp

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Eric L - Saints over Broncos, 48 points, 3 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

arpsmith - Packers over Steelers, 49 points, 4 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Milwaukee Southpaw - Packers over Steelers, 59 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Spiegel83 - Saints over Ravens, 42 points, 4 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Stealing Home - Packers over the Ravens, 39 points, 2 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

Good luck everybody, I'll have an update on Monday.

1963 Topps Baseball Project - It really ties the room together.

2012-01-13T09:42:00.000-09:00

So earlier this month I announced that one of my collecting goals was to start a vintage set and that vintage set was 1963 Topps Baseball. Well so far I've acquired 31 cards. Just over 5% of the set. I set up some rules for myself, created a separate page for progress, and even decided to try and track total expenditures. I decided against setting up a whole separate blog for the set like some of the other very well done set blogs since I seem to have a hard time posting regularly on my other blogs anyways. So I'll just be making regular 1963 Topps Project posts here. So lets start off with 3 more great cards added to the set recently.

First we have card #82 of Ed "Rock" Rakow.

Ed only played 7 years in the Majors, coming up through the Dodgers farm system, moving to Kansas City and ended his career in 1967 with the Atlanta Braves.

In 1989, Ed was the Manager of the West Palm Beach Tropics Senior League, where one of my all time favorites Rollie Fingers played. Ed past away on Aug 26th, 2000 at the age of 65. From the back of the card we also learn that Ed was a switch-hitter and originally an outfielder.

Next up we have card #73 Bobby Bragan manager for the Milwaukee Braves.

The back of this card holds all the information I would probably write up at least up to 1963. This was Bobby's first year as manager of the Braves and followed the team to Atlanta and coached till 1966. He passed away in Jan of 2010 at the age of 92.

Finally for this post we have card #111 "little" Al Jackson.

Look at that All-Star Rookie Trophy.

Al started with Pittsburgh, getting called up a couple of times before moving to the Mets were he played the rest of the 60's except for two years, 1966 and 67, when he was trade to the Cardinals. Al finished his career with the Reds in 1969.

And out of the three featured, Al is the only extant one of the bunch. From what I could find still living in the Waco, Texas area at the age of 76.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #67

2012-01-12T09:27:00.001-09:00

Well sticking with the vintage oddballs and Younts. Next we have a full Burger Chef box with 9 discs featuring the Brewers of 1977.

A quick search on the internet tells me that at one time Burger Chef was the second largest fast food chain in the USA, second only to McDonalds. Eventually Burger Chef got bought out and became part of the Hardee's/Carl's Jr. empire, with the last Burger Chef closing some time in the mid nineties. But in 1977 their triple play funmeals came in these nifty boxes each featuring a certain team. I don't know if certain teams were available only regionally or if you took your chance when you ordered the meal. I'm sure some kid New York was very disappointed to get this Brewers tray. You can find the disc's individually, but finding fully intact full trays isn't too hard and most of these boxes go for under 10 bucks. Still a cool oddball.

So #67 on my :Top 100

1977 Burger Chef Full Triple Play Funmeal Tray featuring the Brewers Team set/ Yount included.

Of course I not only wanted the try as part of Brewers history, but also for the featuring a fresh faced Robin Yount. I also have the lone disc in the collection.

If these trays had come out a year earlier the Brewers Team Tray might be a little more valuable featuring a Hank Aaron on it, but for the most part the Yount is the money disc here, but here's the rest of the team in close up.

Check out my really old comic book.

2012-01-11T12:39:00.000-09:00

Back in the day I really wanted to be a comic book artist. We all want to be something. I liked and still like to draw and thought that would always be cool. There comes a time when you realize that some dreams just aren't going to happen. I realize I'll never draw for Marvel comics, but I still draw for myself.

In 1997, I was hanging out with a bunch of other comic artists and we decided to try and do some of our own books and take them down to the huge comic con in Chicago that year. Well I ended up selling 2 books out of my whole print run, but had a blast at the con. Nerd paradise. I assume it's kinda like going to the National. But I'm rehashing what I already put up over at my Art blog the 13 Tenets of Cynicalbuddism.

So head on over to read the full issue all 16 pages of glory. I will say this I've gotten a lot better since then. I mean this was 15 years ago. God I'm old. Either click on the cover there or HERE to have a peek.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #66 Hostess In Memorandum

2012-01-11T09:20:00.000-09:00

If you haven't heard Hostess has filed for bankruptcy again. Most likely they won't go totally under and you'll still be able to get your Twinkies, but it got me thinking of all those great Hostess food issues of yore and one of my favorite Robin Yount rookie cards I have.

#66 on the Top 100

1975 Hostess King Don's full box Robin Yount Rookie card with Andy Messersmith and Al Oliver.

I also have full boxes of 1976 and 1977 Yount's. A great box with a great rookie card.

Here's the back.

A close up of the panel.

And close ups of the cards.

One of my favorite rookie oddballs I have and I have this mounted and framed in my man cave.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #65

2012-01-10T10:16:00.000-09:00

Been a while since I posted a card on the Top 100. I recently picked up this beauty from the local non-regular card show here in town. I've bitched about the card shows before, mainly that there are only two guys selling and they usually have to hold it with the stamp and coin sellers, but hey ya gotta do what you gotta do. I wasn't expecting much and I wasn't disappointed, but I started jawing with the guys, one is a big Steelers fan the other an Eagles fan. And my eye wandered across this beautiful Paul Molitor patch. He knew I was a Milwaukee fan and pointed out the card. I commented on how nice it was and finally asked what he wanted for it. To my surprise he offered me a really good deal so I took it. It's hard to pass up a card this nice with holder. So at least I didn't come away from the show empty handed. Last time I showed up I also picked up a 2011 Robin Yount Tribute Gold Parallel I needed, for super cheap. So for all my bitching it's not really that bad, plus the guys do have quarter boxes and are always willing to make a deal.

So #65 on the Top 100

2005 Donruss Prime Patches Paul Molitor Hall of Fame Patch card #HF-3 #d 11/28!

Sorry about the fuzzy scan the card is in a screw down holder.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web Wild Card Weekend Update

2012-01-09T08:47:00.003-09:00

I would say three out of the four games this weekend were pretty much cut and dry. But it's Wildcard Weekend so at least one of the heavily favored teams has too lose. I will say that the best game of the weekend was definitely the Steelers/Broncos game. Man a nail biter, with Big Ben making a great comeback to send the game into overtime and how about the Tebow pass to Demaryius Thomas. Wow, just wow. And at least the Saints made it to the Divisional Playoffs next week, they looked pretty darn good. The Lions looked pretty good too, till halftime when the Saints just turned it to 11. So with the Steelers loss we lose 3 and Dawgbones, why do you listen to me? Out of the original 30 we are down to 26, much better than last year after the Saints lost to Seattle. Of course next week we get all the #1 and 2 seeds coming into play so who knows what the board will look like after that. If your names in red your out of the main contest, but of course still in for the doorprize. One month till the Super Bowl!!! I'll have a Friday contest update.

The contestants:

Fan of Reds - Steelers over Saints, 51 points, 2 TO's

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Robert - Packers over Ravens, 45 Points, 4 TO's

cardanathema - Steelers over Packers, 58 points, 3 TO's

Captain Canuck - Saints over Ravens, 67 points, 3 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

piratesfan731 - Saints over Ravens, 45 points, 2 TO's

The Lost Collector - Saints over Patriots, 55 points, 3 TO's

Greg Zakwin - Packers over Ravens, 51 points, 2 TO's, pimp

AdamE - Steelers over Saints, 40 points, 3 TO's

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Eric L - Saints over Broncos, 48 points, 3 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

arpsmith - Packers over Steelers, 49 points, 4 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Milwaukee Southpaw - Packers over Steelers, 59 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Spiegel83 - Saints over Ravens, 42 points, 4 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Stealing Home - Packers over the Ravens, 39 points, 2 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

Dawgbones - Bengals over Falcons, 13 points, no TO's, pimp

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web official entries

2012-01-07T12:55:00.001-09:00

Alright it's go time. The contest was closed at 12 noon my time, which is Alaska Time, or 4 pm Eastern.
I've tried to double check these and make sure I got them all right but if you see a mistake let me know.
Here's the LINK to the official entries on the original contest post. Over all a nice turn out. I know that I have a few followers and readers that don't do football, so that's ok. You'll also notice if you pimped my contest you have a little pimp at the end of your entry. If for some reason I missed your plug on your blog or you never posted it on my comments let me know by commenting here with the link to the plug and I'll make sure to get you your extra entry in for the door prize.

Looks like a lot of Saints predictor's again this year, let just hope the Saints can make it out of wildcard weekend this year. No one took the Texans, Bengals, Broncos, Lions, Falcon, or Giants. mmmmm Could be a spoiler this year. At least two from the Texans, Bengals, Falcons and Giants, will make it to the second round.

The Contestants

Fan of Reds - Steelers over Saints, 51 points, 2 TO's

hiflew - Ravens over 49er's, 27 points, 6 TO's

The Diamond King - Packers over New England, 69 points, 2 TO's

Robert - Packers over Ravens, 45 Points, 4 TO's

cardanathema - Steelers over Packers, 58 points, 3 TO's

Captain Canuck - Saints over Ravens, 67 points, 3 TO's

Spankee - Patriots over Saints, 60 points, 3 TO's

Colbey - Saints over Patriots, 54 points, 1 TO's

piratesfan731 - Saints over Ravens, 45 points, 2 TO's

The Lost Collector - Saints over Patriots, 55 points, 3 TO's

Greg Zakwin - Packers over Ravens, 51 points, 2 TO's, pimp

AdamE - Steelers over Saints, 40 points, 3 TO's

Cardhobbyist - Ravens over Saints, 41 points, 3 TO's

Eric L - Saints over Broncos, 48 points, 3 TO's

The Dimwit - Saints over Patriots, 63 points, 3 TO's

Mariner1 - Saints over Patriots, 72 points, 1 TO

arpsmith - Packers over Steelers, 49 points, 4 TO's

Matt - 49ers over Patriots, 73 points, 5 TO's

Kyle4KC - Packers over Patriots, 54 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Milwaukee Southpaw - Packers over Steelers, 59 points, 3 TO's, pimp

Spiegel83 - Saints over Ravens, 42 points, 4 TO's

Hackenbush - 49ers over Steelers, 48 points, 3 TO's

Skroeker - Patriots over Packers, 56 points, 3 TO's

SpastikMoose - Patriots over Saints, 45 points, 5 TO's

Stealing Home - Packers over the Ravens, 39 points, 2 TO's

Josh D. - Patriots over Packers, 61 points, 1 TO

Dawgbones - Bengals over Falcons, 13 points, no TO's, pimp

dkwilson - Packers over Patriots, 59 points, 2 TO's

Play at the Plate - Saints over Patriots, 73 points, 3 TO, and 36 pass-interference calls.

Fuji - Packers over Patriots, 73 points, 4 TO's

Alright there you go 30 Entries this year not too shabby. Good luck everybody!!

eFavre

2012-01-06T13:52:00.001-09:00

I was going to post these over at my Packers blog Long Way from Lambeau, but since I mentioned I was getting a big eTopps haul I might as well just lay them all out here. Out of the over 200 eTopps cards I had shipped there were maybe only 20 to 30 I actually plan on keeping for my collections. The rest will be up for trade or go up on ebay to help support my habit. These are all keepers.

I present to you my eFavre collection

2004 eTopps limited to 900 not individually numbered but does have a unique hologram sticker number.

2004 Packers Team card limited to 2500 copies. I do believe these were issued for all the teams that made the playoffs that year.

2005 eTopps Favre card. It doesn't say it anywhere on the card but this card was limited to 1200. This was also the worst Packer season while Favre was quarterback.

2006 eTopps. I really like this years design and on top of that they started serial numbering the cards. This issue was just to 749!

I didn't snag a 2007 Favre card and at only 499 produced it's one of his pricier cards. But I did snag this team card number to 999. NFC North Champions baby!

Even though he left Green Bay and what a soap opera that was, I still love the guy and collect all this later cards too. Here is his 2008 eTopps card numbered to 799 and yikes in a Jets uni!

Woe is me. Not the great Favre in Viks jersey!! Yep, a nice looking set, I also got the Aaron Rodgers from this year. I do believe statistically that this year was Favre's best and he was one interception away from taking the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Doh! You've been Favred.

The Vikings team card featuring Favre and Purple Jesus among others.

Of course Favre's best season was followed by one of his worst. He didn't have a regular issue eTopps card that year but did have one of these 1956 Tribute cards issued for him numbered to just 799. My only complaint is that Topps could have easily put him in a Packers uni seeing as this was a Tribute product, but what ever.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web Last Day to get in!!

2012-01-06T10:15:00.000-09:00

Alrighty, this is the last reminder I swear, but you have one day and approximately 2 hours to get in on the contest and to post a link on your blog if you haven't yet for an extra entry into the door prize drawing.

Don't post here go over to the original post HERE.

Here's a final look at the prizes.

A nice smattering of vintage football. That Paul Warfield is a Wonder Bread issue too. There's only one year repeated here. A little from column A and a little from column B.

The runner up will take home this nice quad rookie patch with some names you might know, from last years Topps Prime and numbered to just 175!

And for showing up to the race you'll also be entered to win this fabulous card. Plus if your already a follower or decide to follow you get an extra entry and you get a third if you plug this contest on you blog (if you have one)

These guys are in the playoffs too. Hell they won their division, but so far have got no love. Not a single person has picked the Texans, Bengals, Ravens, Broncos, Falcons, or Lions to win it all. I realize there's a good reason for this, but I remember last year half the field was eliminated when Seattle stunned the world beating the defending Saints. Hell only one person even dared to pick the Packers last year, besides me that is. Well so far we have 25 entrants, which is 3 more than last year, but I'd love to have over 30 or more, so if you've been on the fence, just not seen my post, or whatever, get on in here!!! The clock is ticking.

My Musings on Matt Flynn super back up Quarterback

2012-01-05T10:33:00.002-09:00

I find it fun to read all the comments people post on the sports articles I read. Lot of hate, lots of love, it all just makes me giggle sometimes.

Anyway, I've been thinking of the great record-breaking performance Matt Flynn, the back up quarterback for Green Bay Packers, put up last Sunday. I was still nursing a hangover and didn't watch the game. It's wasn't on TV and I was damned if I was going to get out of my PJ's and head to the bar. Let's be honest after I heard that half the starting lineup was resting and in all honesty it was a game neither team really needed. Sure the Lions would have clinched the 5th seed, instead of being tied for last seed in the playoffs, but since the Packers had home field advantage, the 1st round bye, and the division clenched it was one of those games that no one cared about. Just don't tell that to the players or the fans. One of the comments I read was "Who wants to pay to see a game played by the second string?" Hmmm good question, but I'm sure that the fans that showed up were glad they did. 11 TD's, over 1000 passing yards, this was an aerial assault to be sure. I don't think anyone predicted that the last game of the season, a game that didn't really mean anything, would end with 86 points on the board and a new Packers single game passing record being set. And not to be over shadowed, Jordy Nelson also had a career game. Yes I know the defense was playing soft. No one wanted to get hurt.

So was it a fluke? Was it that the defense just didn't care so it was a scoreapalosa? Maybe, but last year when Flynn took over for an injured Rodgers when he got a concussion against the Lions in week 14 and then almost beat the Patriots in New England the next week. I remember thinking to myself, "Hey this kid ain't so bad." So it comes as no surprise that he had the game he had in Week 17 this year. I think the shoot out was definitely in part to lax defense, but also skill. The one thing I do know is that Flynn is a free agent after this year and his stock just went up and he most likely will not be backing up Aaron Rodgers next year. I think he'll be starting somewhere. Where? Who knows? I mean he did win a National Championship at LSU.

Just my two cents. Oh and Stafford had a pretty decent game too.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web 2 More Days left to enter

2012-01-05T08:44:00.001-09:00

Well actually you have 2 and a quarter days or so, but there's no reason to wait till the last minute. I've put up some cool prizes. A stack of vintage goes to the winner and a stack of your favorite team, second place gets lasts years bonus prize that was never claimed and just for showing up you might win a nice dual jersey relic of Joe Flacco and Derrick Mason numbered to just 250! And remember you can get extra entries into the door prize for pimping and being a follower. I would love to get my follower numbers over 100, but I'm not too worried about it.

Don't post you entry here, I'm trying to keep them all together on the original post so go HERE.

And yes I will keep posting reminders till Saturday Morning. Entries accepted till 12 noon on Saturday Alaska Time or 4 pm Eastern US time for those lower 48er's and international readers. As of right now we have 23 entries which is one more than last years contest, so I already will call this contest a success!

cb out.

The 1963 Topps Project

2012-01-04T10:56:00.001-09:00

First a little shout out to Justin over at The Hopeful Chase for setting up my first trade of the year and on New Years Day to boot! And thanks to Tony over at the Common (Card) Man for giving me a kick in the pants to finally get my Frank Thomas checklist up on the page over there.

If you waded through my State of the Collection post, Thank you. If you didn't well I understand. It's more a post for me anyways. It's always good to put down some guide lines and I'm glad to see similar postings all over the blogosphere. My #5 goal was to start a vintage set. This isn't that I need something to put more money into or that I don't already have enough on my plate, it's more I wanted to try and slowly piece together a cool vintage set. I was torn between the 1963 and 1965 Topps Baseball sets. I really like both designs. In the end I decided to go with the 1963. Why, I don't know. It's sure not that the cards are cheap. There are some major cards in this set. Pete Rose's rookie card, Mickey Mantle, Warren Spahn, Hank Aaron, ect, ect. I've already begun testing the waters of eBay and COMC's and picked up some nice commons for pretty cheap. I've got those coming but will start this off with the two 1963's I already own. Both of these came from Topps Cards Your Mother Threw Out giveaway last year.

104 Lew Krausse

149 Marv Breeding

PS Don't forget about my Super Bowl contest!! Only 3 more days till go time. Go HERE to enter and win some great vintage football and maybe a nice relic card.

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web 3 more days till go time.

2012-01-04T08:21:00.000-09:00

Just a friendly reminder that if you haven't already made your Super Bowl prediction for the 2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web get you butt over to the original post HERE and do it you only have till 12pm Saturday Alaska Time, 4pm Eastern. And remember if you pimp the contest on your blog and are a follower you get an extra entry for each into the door prize drawing!!!

2nd Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web is open for Business!

2012-01-03T08:49:00.002-09:00

Well it sure was a great regular season for me and my team, could have been better, but not much.

Last year we had 22 participants in the First Annual Almost the Easiest Super Bowl Contest on the Web, I'm hoping to do a little better. The blog has double the amount of followers as we did last year so I'm hoping that translates in to double the participation.

The contest is easy. I want you to tell me who's going to win the Super Bowl. That's it. But just in case we have more than one person guess the correct team we'll have a few tie breakers. Just like last year.

So tell me who the opponent is going to be, and this year just the total amount of points scored by both teams and just in case I get some jokers who pick everything the same tell me how many turnovers too.

So your entry will look like this.

Packers over the Patriots, 45 points, 2 turnovers.

Last year I had only one person guess correctly so we didn't need the tie breakers, but I have a feeling we might need them this year.

So here are your contestants by conference. Last year I just listed the teams and we had one guess that had two AFC teams going at it in the Super Bowl. I won't mention who that was.

AFC

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

Baltimore Ravens

Houston Texans

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

NFC

Green Bay Packers

New Orleans Saints

San Francisco 49ers

Detroit Lions
Atlanta Falcons
New York Giants

Last year I had Don from Don's Sportscards donate a complete set of Grid Iron Giveaway Rookie Redemption Cards. This year I've had to dig deep.

The Grand Prize is

That's 15 vintage football that I dug out of the old football trade box. I think I got most of these from Topps Gridiron Giveaway last year. I will also send along a stack of your favorite football team.

I'm also going to do a second place prize.

This card might look familiar from last year, as it was the bonus prize for entering. The guy who won it never got back to me. He didn't have an email attached to his blogger account and never responded to my posts. So we'll try to give it away again this year! A nice quad rookie patch card numbered to 175 from last years Topps Prime.

And I have a door prize just for entering. And if you're a follower you get an extra entry and if you pimp this contest you get an extra entry into this drawing. Please make sure to leave a comment with a link to you pimp All the entries will be entered at Random.org and a winner will be determined.

A nice dual jersey card with Joe Flacco and Derrick Mason from 2010 Prestige. This card is numbered to 250 I do believe.

So let the games begin. You have until 12:00pm Saturday January 7, Alaska Time or 4pm Eastern Time. That's just before kickoff for Wildcard Weekend.

2012 State of the Collection

2012-01-01T09:41:00.000-09:00

2012

Wow, 2011 was quite a year for me. I got married, bought a house (technically in 2010, but it was the end of December), added two to the family (my wife's cats), and became an NFL owner. I already took a look back at my 2011 State of the Collection address in November. You can read it here. I didn't do to bad. One of my goals was to organize my Brewers team set collection and complete the Topps flagship sets. Well I think I'm one card away from finishing the 70's, I already have my eye on the card, so I just need put together another order for JustCommons to get it. The 80's, 90's, 00's and 10's are mostly done. I've slacked on the flagship as I started wading through the two large collections of Brewers cards I bought. One from 2010 and one from 2011 and all the great stuff people have sent and that I've gotten from group breaks. Alright enough with the looking back I already did that, this is going to be a forward looking statement.

So my goals for 2012....

1 . More trades. I lost track of how many trades I actually completed, but it's well over double digits and I would say easily in the upper 20's to low 30's. I won't set a goal as to how many I want to complete this coming year, just that I'd like to keep it going. I had some great help last year with some set needs and team collections and I tried to help out as many as I could with theirs.

2. Limit my Set building. That's probably the wrong terminology. I bought a bunch or boxes last year of stuff I knew I wouldn't put a set together for. So I guess I just want to focus. I'll probably still dabble in a few pack breaks here and there, but here are the sets I want to go after:

2012 Topps Baseball (all 3 series)
2012 Topps Football
2012 Allen and Ginter - I'm sucked in. I wasn't going to do it this year and ended up buying 3 boxes and hitting good stuff every time. I also managed to put together a complete set with SPs.
2012 Heritage. I stayed away from 2011 Heritage mainly because I threw way too much money at the 2010 set and still haven't finished it. Plus I was worried that box prices would go through the roof like in 2010. But I love the 1963 design and think I might have to make a go of it.

3. Finish my PC Collection tabs on the Blog. I started a bunch of new pages last year that I'd find so time to add my checklist to them. Not only is it a great tool for me to keep track of what I have, with out searching out my excel spreadsheet, but it's great for traders to see if I already have a card they might want to trade me something for.

4. Finish off a few more sets from my needs list. Except for the Topps flagship Football and Baseball, I've been trying to complete the sets listed on the Help me Complete a Set for a few years now. This goes back to my #2 Limit my set building. In 2010, I tried to put together the National Chicle and T206 sets, as well as, the Heritage, A & G, Flagships, and Finest. All of which except the flagships still are not complete.

5. Start a Vintage Set. This isn't something I plan to finish this decade, but I've always loved the 1963 design and I've got a few cards in my vintage collection. I realize this isn't a set you can just whip together. There are some very pricey cards in this set, but this is more of a life collecting goal and one that I plan to officially start this year.

6. Get back into Drawing. Your probably thinking what does this have to do with your card collection? Well let me tell you. I use to be pretty into drawing and cartooning, but seems like I've taken the last year off from even doodling. Problem is my drawing table is covered baseball cards and comic books. So one goal is to clean up and be able to use the table for what it was meant to be used for drawing. And while I have always been more of a cartoony comic guy I'd like to try my hand at some sports subjects. I guess it would be great to get good enough to have Topps offer me a job doing some sketch cards.

7. Post more on my other blogs. I seem to neglect my other blogs from time to time and I'd like to get back into posting on them for what they were meant for.

8. Send out more TTMs. Last year I don't think I sent anything out. In 2010 I was having a good time making my own custom auto-postcards, mostly of nonsports figures. I've been toying with trying to do a Brewers auto project much like AJ's Yankee's project over at the Lost Collector.

I think that's enough goals for one man. As for the collection. I've added some great cards this year as I've posted here and on my PC blogs, the Yount Collector, Rollie Fingers Collector, Long Way from Lambeau, and Miles From Miller. And with #6 I've turned what was once pretty much a blog about me ranting about stupid people to my studio blog over at the 13 Tenets of Cynicalbuddism.

Happy New Year Everybody.

cb out

Happy New Year's Everybody and let's get ready for some great playoff Football

2011-12-30T12:29:00.000-09:00

Wow last games of the regular season are just a few days away and some still matter. Crazy. Of course in the NFC the big game is the last one of the season with the Giants and Cowboys facing off. One gets to go to the playoffs the other gets to watch. The AFC is a little more complicated with the AFC west up for grabs and 4 teams sitting at 8-7 and the Bengals at 9-6. Hell the AFC North could send 3/4 of it's division to the playoffs, crazy. As for me my team, the Packers, they are facing off against the Lions. It's a game that isn't really all that important to either teams seeing as the Packers locked up the division weeks ago and home field advantage last week with their win against the Bears. I won a free rib dinner on that one and I gave my wife's aunt 12 points in the game. I have a feeling that Matt Flynn should get at least 3 quarters of playing time Sunday and if the Lions where smart they'd limit how much playing time Suh gets to keep him out of trouble. If the Pack had beaten the Chiefs 3 weeks ago this game would be a little more interesting. I'd also be a little more enthusiastic about the game if the Lions needed the win to get in, but seeing as they already clinched their wildcard spot it won't be like last year when the Bears decided to play soft against the Packers and let them into the Playoff only to have that come and bite them in the ass.

The other thing I've been thinking about is Rookie of the Year. Of course all the talk is about Cam Newton and Andy Dalton and AJ Green's name is in there too. For me it all depends if you go purely on stats or other factors like winning games. Cam has better QB stats, but not by much. Cam has over 700 more passing yards than Dalton, but they're both tied in total TD's, 20, both have close pass completion percentages and Dalton has 3 fewer picks. I would love to say Cam is the clear winner simply because he put up stellar numbers this year and while his team didn't help him too much to win, he was a boon for fantasy football. But Dalton is most likely taking his team to the playoffs and while it takes more than just a great QB to make a good team the fact that the Dalton-Green combo this season has been so fantastic is hard to over look. So I'm probably going to say that Dalton is my choice, but it ain't up to me. I will say all three guys, Cam, Andy and AJ have had great rookie years and if they can carry that over to their sophomore years, next year should be just as good.

Well just my two cents. And remember my 2nd Annual Super Bowl contest is coming up next week.

Happy New Year's everybody!!!!

North Korea on my mind

2011-12-29T12:17:00.000-09:00

There's been a ton of news about North Korea as of late with Kim Jong-Il's passing. And it got me thinking of this great graphic novel I read a few years back.

Guy Delisle's Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea

Just a hilarious and sometimes sad account of a cartoonist travels in a strange land. You can pick it up on Amazon for under 10 bucks, but you might want to see if your library has it. I ended up reading it in when I lived in Haines, Alaska. The library there was trying to put together a nice collection of graphic novels not just for younger readers, but for everybody and had this book as one of it's featured graphic novels.

In the same vain, but completely different, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, is also highly recommended.

Holy Crap that's a lot of eTopps!

2011-12-28T12:41:00.001-09:00

What does over 200 eTopps cards look like? Em Well, I didn't take a picture of them so you'll never know, but here's one I know was in there that I yanked from the eTopps site. I have to say from placing my order to getting them at my front door was very quick. Especially considering I put the order in right before the Christmas weekend. But for what the shipping cost would have been if I hadn't used points it should have been.

Anywho. I figure that the haul should produce multiple posts to enjoy. I started sorting through them last night and it became a little overwhelming. Now I have to find a place to store all these bad boys. I will say these are some nice looking cards. I'm half tempted to crack one open just so I can get a good look at it without the plastic holder.

And stay tuned for my Super Bowl contest. I've got the announcement queued up, but seeing as two divisions are still undecided and that the last game of the regular season will determine who wins the NFC East, it should be a good weekend of football even if most of the teams already in the playoffs phone it in on Sunday, yeah I'm looking at you Mike McCarthy! And how great would it be if the two starting ProBowl QB's don't show up because they're in the SuperBowl? That's a rhetorical question, cuz the answer is awesome!!! I have a feeling that a few eTopps cards will make it in to the prize pool for this contest too!!

One more week to go

2011-12-27T10:23:00.001-09:00

Man I can't believe the NFL regular season is almost over. And there are two divisions still undecided!! And the last game of the season will decided the NFC East. But that means it's almost time for a contest. Stay tuned I'll have the big post next Monday morning.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #64

2011-12-27T09:55:00.000-09:00

Ah Ahman. I miss Ahman Green. He was fun to watch and a relatively good running back. He still holds the Packers record for most yards..
I like the fact that Ahman retired a Packer too, coming back in the 2009 Season to fill in for Wynn.

I picked this up a while back from Don's Sportscards. It might have been all the way back in 2002. I know I've had this card a long time. It's just so awesome and a pain in the ass to store. It's freaking huge.

Number 64 on the Top 100
2002 Fleer Flair Football Sweet Swatch Box Loader AGSS

Here's a size comparison for you.

Ahman still does a ot of stuff to help the community with his Ahman Green Foundation and he's getting his Masters from UWGB.

He's got his own website too. http://www.ahman30.com

Happy Holiday's Everybody

2011-12-23T12:34:00.001-09:00

I want to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa, Happy Bodhi, Merry Solstice, Good Festivius or whatever religious or secular winter holiday you observe. We here at the Crack are prejudice to no one. Enjoy the season however you please. I probably won't make another post till after the long Christmas holiday so I just wanted to make one last post thanking everybody for a great year, some great trades, group breaks, over all, a great online blogging community of the hobby I love so much and baffles my wife.

So I raise up my chalice of eggnog to you! sniff sniff is that brandy I smell in there? Maybe, maybe.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #63

2011-12-23T08:47:00.001-09:00

I know what your going to say. "What two Robin Younts in a row??!! And didn't you already feature a 2005 Baseball Heroes card on here??"

The answer is yes to both, but it's a different kick ass card. Upper Decks Baseball Heroes had so many parallels and variations it's hard to keep track of them all. I have a fairly detailed spreadsheet with my Yount collection on it and even with that it's hard to figure out all the different cards in this set. Yount actually has 5 cards in the base set, so that means he has 5 cards in every parallel set as well, you get the idea, a lot of cards. I'm still picking up and finding new ones all the time. Some are numbered, some are signed, some have relics, some have relics and autos, some have relics, autos and are numbered. You get the idea.

What we have here is the Blue Signature parallel numbered to 20! And it's only 3 off his number too, so that's an ebay 1/1 right? Say what you want about parallels, I like them. They give me something to chase. Because I don't think I would ever be satisfied if I could look down at my Yount player collection and say done!

So number 63 on the Top 100

2005 Upper Deck Baseball Heroes Robin Yount Signature Blue #64 Sticker auto, #d 16/20

Whew!!! I got a mess of eTopps coming.

2011-12-22T11:45:00.002-09:00

I'm not sure how many of you have ever bought IPO's or cards off of eTopps. I've been picking stuff up since 2004 and to be honest it's hit or miss. eTopps can be bought or sold from your online portfolio on the eBay trading floor and it seems except for a few rare instances that the prices rarely stay above the original IPO price. That being said I've had over 200 some odd cards in my portfolio forever. I kept thinking about selling them on ebay on the trading floor or having them delivered, but just never did. You also accrue performance points if players you buy meet certain goals in the sports year. Over the last 7 years I've accumulated over 300, so when Colbey over at Cardboard Collections pointed out that Topps will be updating it's shipping policies next year and doing away with the ability to use your Performance/Rewards Points to pay for shipping I jumped and had everything in my portfolio available sent to me. That's over 200 (222 to be exact) cards baby. Now you can use your rewards points for stuff in their catalog, I never seem to be able to get in when they sell boxes of cards, but I did pick up some cheap eTopps cards from their leftovers. Needless to say in the 7 years I've been buying and picking up eTopps cards I've never redeemed any Rewards points and after looking through the catalog one more time decided it was time to save myself a crap load on shipping ($237!!) and have my complete portfolio sent to me. And of course I missed a few the first time through so I had to place a second order, but I still have over 100 rewards points left!

What am I going to do with all those cards you ask? Well I'll probably sell a few, but more than likely there will a ton of really cool trade bait for everyone. So stay tuned.

So just to help Colbey spread the word if you have a bunch of eTopps cards in your portfolio and and bunch of unused Rewards Points and you want some cards get to it before it's too late!!!

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #62

2011-12-22T10:24:00.000-09:00

I warned you a while ago these Top 100 posts would be getting more and more PC-centric. So we have another Robin Yount card. A beautiful low numbered patch card. Every now and then I'll just spend an hour or two surfing the listings on ebay for new cards for my player collections. Sometimes there's some incredible Yount's up there. I've seen some great collections being sold off. It's times like that I wish I was rich so I could try and snag all the great cards, but most of the time I'm lucky if I can snag even one of them. I won this card off of ebay a few years back in one of those mass sell-offs. The nice thing is with so many awesome cards to choose from some get over looked and I snagged this bad boy pretty cheap.

#62 on the Top 100 (in no particular order)

2004 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Robin Yount Ultimate Game Patch GP-RY #d 25/75

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #61

2011-12-21T10:18:00.000-09:00

There was a time when I was picking up Rollie Autos like candy and cheap. Here we have another nice one. Rollie has one of the nicest sigs in the hobby in my opinion.

Number 61 on the Top 100

2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Signature Edition Rollie Fingers Signature Decades SD-RF

Here's some dirty in your eye!

2011-12-20T11:17:00.001-09:00

I've been checking out some of the box breaks of the new Topps American Pie. It's been about 10 years since Topps put out an American Pie set and it use to be more of a Baseball related release. But with the popularity of Panini's Americana and Leaf's Pop Century, looks like Topps is giving this pop culture non-sports release a try. There's some neat stuff in the product. I haven't bought any and doubt I will, but I've seen quite a few blog and forum posts on it. The one insert that stands out are the dirt cards. Maybe it's because of Colbey's love of the old Stadium club insert that he keeps posting about over at his blog Cardboard Collections. The checklist I found only lists 4 cards, but Topps leaves the door open that there might be more TBA. But I was able to snag pictures of all 4 dirt relic cards on the checklist. So Colbey this one's for you.

So I guess only 2 are actually dirt. The Gettysburg and Statue of Liberty look like a piece of wood and maybe a piece of old Lady Liberty herself? Tough to tell and no one's posted the backs of these cards so that's no help.

You'll notice when I do a box break or my Top 100 I always try to post a picture of the back of at least one cards in a release. I'm a sucker for completeness like that. I'm at work right now and can't access ebay so I have no idea what these cards are running or what sellers are asking. I'll try and do an update later tonight if I get a chance.

So there you go Colbey some new cards to chase for you oddball relics collection.

cb out

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #60

2011-12-20T09:29:00.000-09:00

Wow we're 3/5ths of the way done here with the top 100 cards in my collection ( in no particular order).

Since I featured a nice Reggie Patch card from UD Premier yesterday why not a nice Triple relic from my favorite baseball player of all time. I like the spacing of the relics in this card. On the outside you have two awesome multicolored patches and on the inside a nice pinstripe relic. And to top it off it's #d 20 out of 20 so that's an ebay 1/1 right?

So Number 60 on the Top 100

2008 UD Premier Robin Yount Triple relic Premier Swatches PS-RY #d 20/20

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #59

2011-12-19T08:38:00.000-09:00

Another day another Reggie.

I remember thinking I can't believe I picked this up so cheap. Looking at the colors I'm assuming the patch came from an old Angels jersey. Still a nice low numbered patch card.

#59 on the Top 100

2008 Upper Deck Premier Reggie Jackson Premier Patches PP2-JA #d 28/44

Contest Pimp Christmas Edition

2011-12-19T08:17:00.000-09:00

Yo yo Yo,
Merry Christmas y'all. One last contest pimp shout out till Christmas. Get you ass over to Sports Card Blog to enter their contest for free stuff. Just leave a comment.

Pimp out.

It's coming prepare yourselves.

2011-12-16T14:38:00.000-09:00

Oh yeah. Last year was so much fun. I have a feeling a few more people will be picking the Packers this year.

Only 3 more weeks till it starts. Last year I gave away a set of Rookie of the Week redemption cards. This year who knows. I still haven't decided. But the format will be the same. If you don't remember or didn't participate last year you can click here to check it out.

And you may remember I talked about having a trivia contest on the blog. I've decided not to do it. Mainly because I don't have the time and mainly because with the internet today it's way too easy to find the answers. But I won't rule one out in the future. So with 3 weeks of regular season left there's some damn good football yet to be played. Some of the divisions are already wrapped up, but there are a few that aren't and the wild cards still need to be decided.

Barry Bonds sentenced to being good from here on out!!!

2011-12-16T11:01:00.002-09:00

Just saw over the wire that Barry Bonds was sentenced to two years probation and a $4000 fine for obstruction of justice. I suppose that's ok with me. I mean yeah he lied, but do we really need Barry in prison? Although maybe he should have to do some community service or something. Cuz lying is bad, m'kay? Yeah it's a slap on the wrist, but he didn't murder anybody, or did he?

Update: I guess he also got 250 hours of community service and some home confinement. Doesn't Barry's house have a bowling alley in it?

Of course there's the appeal process expected to take a year or more, so any actual punishment won't start till after that.

Cynicalbuddha's Top 100 #58

2011-12-16T09:05:00.000-09:00

Wow it's been a over a week since my last Top 100 post, that trade night win took up some space, but lets get back to it.

Another Yount from the Yount collection. Triple Threads has always been hit or miss for me. Especially the relic cards. Some of the designs are just so clunky and visually unappealing. I actually like the base cards more than the hits. But this card has a nice symmetry with all the letters and numbers. Plus the relics are arranged nicely and one has the ever popular pinstripe. I sure the seller listed this card as a 6 relic card but we all know that it's 3 relics with 6 letters, it's pretty obvious. Still a nice card of my favorite baseball player of all time.

Number 58 on the Top 100 (in no particular order)

2008 Topps Triple Threads Robin Yount Triple Take Relic TTR-218 numbered 11/27.

Blog Bat Around

2011-12-16T08:31:00.000-09:00

Ryan over at This Card is Cool posed the following Blog Bat Around question...

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

Sticking to baseball, because I think Parkhurst Champions Hockey is my favorite card release of the year from just opening one pack I snagged in my Trade Night win. Just awesome looking base cards.

But in baseball I think my favorite of the year was Allen and Ginter. I just rocked A&G this year with every box I opened. All three had goodness for me this year, plus while lots of people weren't overly impressed with the base design I kinda liked it and I really liked some of the inserts and mini offerings this year.

My lease favorite set or sets was Bowman for the second year in a row. I've talked with one of local LCS owners last year and he says he always takes a bath on Bowman, it never sells and the only reason last year Bowman went through the roof was because of Strasmania and this year it was Harper Mania. And don't get me wrong I know there are plenty of people out there that like Bowman and collecting prospects, but Topps also crames Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects down our throats and it's almost the exact same product as the regular Bowman offering, just seems pointless. And why do you include Bowman Chrome cards in your regular Bowman release and then offer up Bowman Chrome?

But I digress, so in summary, favorite A&G. Least favorite Bowman, any of it.

Holy Crap!! Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse to be a Bears fan!!

2011-12-15T11:22:00.002-09:00

I just saw this over the wire.

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Sam Hurd, WR for the Chicago Bears, has been busted trying to buy drugs and setting up a drug distribution ring in Chicago.

Wow, all I can say is wow. Go HERE to read the whole article.

Apparently Sam already was distributing, but needed more to keep up with his demand. It just kinda shocks me. I mean this guy makes over a million dollars a year, what is he doing, setting up for his retirement?

Crazy, Crazy, Crazy.

Trade night booty finale.... 2011 Absolute Memorabilia Football.. The best for last

2011-12-15T08:37:00.000-09:00

Well hard to believe that I'd save a Panini product for last, but I did get, in my opinion, the best card out of the trade night win out of this pack.

Here's the two base cards. Shiny

#d to 100

A very nice Charles Woodson Packer insert. Going in my Packer collection.

but ......

the .....

best......

card.....

out .....

of.....

all.....

the....

packs.....

was.....

this one.......

#d to 199

A hand signed Cam Newton triple relic card. Yowza!!!!!!!!!!!!

Contest Pimp

2011-12-14T13:25:00.000-09:00

Yo the Contest Pimp is back with a great contest over at the Diamond King. Lot's of free cards up for grabs.

Go HERE to check it out.

Trade night booty Part 8 the Football Packs

2011-12-14T11:41:00.001-09:00

Here we have the bulk of the Football that I won at Trade night. We'll start off with the cheapest and work our way up.

First up Topps Chrome.

Not too bad. 3 rookies and one of those rookies was an insert. I think Ponder has some learning to do, but might very well end up being the QB the Vikings have long since needed.

Next Topps Gridiron Legends.

I only bought one pack of this when it came out and hit a Jerrel Jernigan auto. I'm just under impressed with this offering. The cards are kinda boring. The Boldin is the Bronze or Sepia or what ever you want to call it parallel #d to 299. Wes Welker is the extra thick decoy card.

Next up Certified Football.

And the hit...

A nice event worn patch of Taiwan Jones. The running joke at Trade Night is that Taiwan is everywhere and I did hit quite a few of his cards in these packs.

Now on to a pack I was really looking forward to opening. At 26 bucks a pack this is a product I could see splurging on a pack or too, but I've been good.

After opening this up all I have to say is which cards are the base cards? Is it the Die cut crowns, I'm pretty sure it is, but honestly it's hard to tell with what you get in a pack. Here's the run down.

Some great looking cards. I really like the Knights of the Gridiron die-cut insert. I would have loved to pull an auto out of this product but I'll suffer with my low numbered Matt Ryan Relic.

Next up the best pack of the bunch.....

Trade night booty Part 7 ... College Football Packs

2011-12-14T08:37:00.000-09:00

So here we have the college packs. Although the Sage 5 Star is pretty much a go between.

Upper Deck is using it's NCAA license here putting out univerity specific offerings. While I think the cards are well done, it's a pretty slim market for these cards. Lets have a look.

First up the Longhorns pack.

Next we have the Sooners.

Like I said a nice quality UD product, great photograph, nice simple design, but if your not a Longhorns or Sooners fan who cares?

Next up we have the Sage 5 Star. I never really noticed this when it came out. Many because I usually stay away from college cards, so that means I usually overlook all Sage and PressPass offerings, but this was something different. I did a double take when I noticed the $45 dollar price tag on the pack. Especially since it was just mingling with all the other packs in the bunch. You get 3 cards and 5 autos. Not too shabby.

Here's what I got.

I have a buddy who's a big Ohio State fan he might get a kick out of this card. Dane is now with the Bears and Cameron with the Steelers.

Here's a couple of Eagles rookies. Of course I know of Casey, he comes from a very famous football family, too bad he's not having such a great year. I am , of course, a huge fan of his brother Clay.

And here we have Torrey Smith, who now plays for the Ravens.

I really like this pack a lot, although I doubt I'd have ever actually bought a pack of this.