tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89897907870010492082024-03-06T01:21:49.395-05:00 A Cracked Bat: Baseball Cards and a Hot Dog An off-centered look at life, and reflection through cardboard...hot dog in hand.acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-83253994912851976892021-10-11T17:38:00.001-04:002021-10-11T17:38:53.946-04:00SHE'S ALIVE!!!!! ALIVE!!!!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7s1aYkDdirpbpCnqmraGNs_S4UONkgW6zw0Rc_sYHyl7p5iH-rti2GZgoh1f3rLkRlReiIx7tmIOC24k1SYp5YFW13GJimK7QMpr93tmOtt0aPfD82uEVsxKy2Foyr9BsPyfzkloHdo/s1006/BRIDE.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1006" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7s1aYkDdirpbpCnqmraGNs_S4UONkgW6zw0Rc_sYHyl7p5iH-rti2GZgoh1f3rLkRlReiIx7tmIOC24k1SYp5YFW13GJimK7QMpr93tmOtt0aPfD82uEVsxKy2Foyr9BsPyfzkloHdo/w640-h408/BRIDE.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span>If anyone out there still cares, I'm alive and well in this world and hope the same for you! </span><span>Whew, the time away has been quite relaxing. </span></span><span>My spring and summer hours were spent enjoying friendships, acoustic guitar, sunshine and reading. It's been a wonderful change from the solitude of 2020. I'm still working but most days, it feels like a part-time job. </span><span>I'm also enjoying baseball for the first time this year. Yay playoffs! Dish Network doesn't air Tiger games but Comcast will be here soon which also means real internet!!!!!!!!!!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For those interested - as far as what type of music I play, it depends on my mood. I love the Carter Family and older country like Buck Owens and Kris Kristofferson. Then there's John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Eagles, Indigo Girls, Neil Diamond, Beatles...so much to learn! And for the curious, I doubt I'll ever share a video here. My blog pals would be kind I'm sure but the blog is public. Asking for free cards while laying on the zingers...lol. No thanks. Those folks do exist.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnjCOB-4fSY/YV97pwzhw9I/AAAAAAAAHU4/PqFbYvNmoKMuJV660iklwNU_o2UqW_hLACNcBGAsYHQ/s555/ROCK%2BSTAR.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="555" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnjCOB-4fSY/YV97pwzhw9I/AAAAAAAAHU4/PqFbYvNmoKMuJV660iklwNU_o2UqW_hLACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ROCK%2BSTAR.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No acoustic bitmoji </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Thank you to those of you who reached out to check in on me. Your emails kept me connected to the community here. </span><span>A few of you even dropped some cards my way not knowing if I'd still be interested: Rod of Padrographs, Ye Old Night Owl, Niner from Nine Pockets, Joe Shlabotnik, Diamond King, Dollar Store Doug and Bo Rozny - thank you for thinking of me!!! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Collecting has changed for me. Pandemic hoarding and profiteering provided opportunity for reflection; time to appreciate just how many cards I do have. While 3/4 of my main collection has been added to TCDB, I've never taken time to add mini-collections which includes 1000's of catcher cards alone. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's never been important that I have a BIG collection. My little cardboard hoard is slight in comparison to what many of you have. OK by me. It requires storage. I live in a small space. If I can't - or don't - enjoy what I have then how can MORE be better?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhotqJOOzU4/YV9_YbwHqKI/AAAAAAAAHVA/tP4W3PJwdvgQ9JkzJ0IczJVz_pc41tTdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s588/HOMER.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="588" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhotqJOOzU4/YV9_YbwHqKI/AAAAAAAAHVA/tP4W3PJwdvgQ9JkzJ0IczJVz_pc41tTdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/HOMER.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've looked at some of my favorite issues this year. While perusing Heritage, Stadium Club and Panini Prizm offerings on eBay, I felt oddly disconnected with no desire to pursue player faves new or old, nor my Tigers. What is wrong with me? Rhetorical. Please do not leave diagnostic commentary. LOL. See first photo for clues.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With Topps and Panini both losing out to Fanatics, the three card issues I love most are in doubt. Much has been written about the loss already. It's a wake up call for Topps that came a bit too late. Perhaps Fanatics will acquire Topps or Panini...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The one thing that's kept me in the game are new customs. So far, I have every release Gio Balls has produced. This could change should G decide to add other sports. Nine Pockets also printed some of his fun creations. Gregory messaged me so I wouldn't miss out on the opportunity. I chose three cards...which just gave me a contest idea. Gotta find something to giveaway first.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8WLMabKTQ/YWB3FP-vMPI/AAAAAAAAHVI/bV4VcifMD5AilcgWtYKjx1nZzgURjhIfQCNcBGAsYHQ/s701/zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8WLMabKTQ/YWB3FP-vMPI/AAAAAAAAHVI/bV4VcifMD5AilcgWtYKjx1nZzgURjhIfQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/zoom.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random. LOL.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I've always appreciated the surprise packages. If you'd like to continue sending cards, I do ask kindly, <i>please - </i>send only cards found on my list. Save your shipping funds for cards that are wanted elsewhere. Space truly is in short supply. </span><span>This will likely eliminate many trade opportunities. I also don't expect cards with nothing to offer in return. There will be no new cards here outside of a custom dupe and random pick pockets. Oh yes - there will be some offerings for pickin' in the near future! With the recent postal increase, rules will likely change. I haven't had a chance to review my options.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>So what's in the future for your old Cracked Bat? An occasional post is likely, and collecting is related to </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">wantlist only.</i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span> This does include 2021 Tigers but no Flagship or Stadium Club. I'll keep lists on my tabs and the database. TCDB wants have been cleaned up with more likely to come off soon. As temps drop, I'll have time on weekends to play in the card room. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Here's the other thing...who doesn't appreciate a blogged thank you from the recipient of your kindnesses? For the foreseeable future, all I can offer in the way of thanks is a mention of appreciation. Not that I won't ever share a trade but I do know time will be limited if I want to continue trading. If you are OK with a mention of thanks without the show and tell, then let's continue to trade. I don't expect you to show off cards from me on your blog either. Just let me know you received them and I'll do the same. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Juggling life and priorities creates a challenge for most of us. </span><span>I'd like to remain part of this community. It's a card blog so yes, card will be found here. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I've missed you! Thanks for reading!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Until next time....</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47WRjx7E3XA/YWB3nt9zUfI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/mSm5FC4Xt00AiqugzsNfYV3XtJ90HEJCACNcBGAsYHQ/s398/05cbdf4b-6a63-44a8-85a6-57238014c762_41880126092615.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47WRjx7E3XA/YWB3nt9zUfI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/mSm5FC4Xt00AiqugzsNfYV3XtJ90HEJCACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/05cbdf4b-6a63-44a8-85a6-57238014c762_41880126092615.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOgie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-83474140361954144462021-03-08T07:00:00.000-05:002021-03-08T07:00:56.445-05:00HERE COMES THE SUN...<p>Cards haven't been a priority the past few weeks. Our cardboard hobby has changed a lot in the past year and in turn, so has my collecting. I haven't read the blogs since Topps was released and have yet to see a single card. I'll be around of course, to check out your opinions. The early previews had my head spinning. Toppruss. That's all I can can come up with for a description. We are a short time away from the Heritage for which I'd waited years and it makes me sad to say, I no longer care. </p><p>While I've spent less time and no money on cards this year, I'm not throwing in the towel just yet. There are older cards I'm still searching for and have actually received recently, including a few set finishers.</p><p><u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://tilnextyear-tom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tom - Waiting til Next Year </a></u> </p><p> 1992 Heritage = complete</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qz6s7oaESI/YEQKlpqZeVI/AAAAAAAAHKg/luyIraUUUtoAjbU5htZcDPxU8OalszJAgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3%2B92S%2B%2B93.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1475" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qz6s7oaESI/YEQKlpqZeVI/AAAAAAAAHKg/luyIraUUUtoAjbU5htZcDPxU8OalszJAgCNcBGAsYHQ/w288-h400/3%2B92S%2B%2B93.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">(3) 1992 & (1) 93 Heritage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 1997 UD SP - </span>missing one card for completion, 155 Gwynn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNnQoPjQyUw/YEQKssxg4_I/AAAAAAAAHKs/2foCwpQke3cGC6FQ3ikxaayevxYF-1xnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/97%2BSP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNnQoPjQyUw/YEQKssxg4_I/AAAAAAAAHKs/2foCwpQke3cGC6FQ3ikxaayevxYF-1xnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/97%2BSP.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> 1995 Ultra Power Plus - done!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cbxxdGVn4g/YEQKrj2mCVI/AAAAAAAAHKo/MhFLlC1BcqkImZiFHqOPwIuPZHW1KlpHACNcBGAsYHQ/s1041/95%2BPP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="748" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cbxxdGVn4g/YEQKrj2mCVI/AAAAAAAAHKo/MhFLlC1BcqkImZiFHqOPwIuPZHW1KlpHACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/95%2BPP.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1991 Fleer Pro Visions.</b> All of these cards passed through my hands over the years. I waited until 2020 to build the set. Still need 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKBMUDBqCv8/YEQKlhceMjI/AAAAAAAAHKk/aFskNn7GDrUpiKvCeT6F5k_7DdQfsee8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/91%2BPRO%2BVISION.jpg" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1459" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKBMUDBqCv8/YEQKlhceMjI/AAAAAAAAHKk/aFskNn7GDrUpiKvCeT6F5k_7DdQfsee8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w285-h400/91%2BPRO%2BVISION.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://baseballcardbreakdown.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gavin - Baseball Card Breakdown</a></u><div><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></div><div><span><b> 1994 Studio Heritage</b>: need 1, 5 and 8</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Paox8MnIAJ7kpT3ougraBT1IGvigEYATYKRY8CRuEXctSDkKNXBL-W9s-FCMhlqDVoA7_3FAfmKqGKHO7Q6DclB4Y3aqZBODQjEYMck5M8E9-naF1tgVvvvFX93q2U4iSVcnUW-oZZM/s779/94+heritage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="546" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Paox8MnIAJ7kpT3ougraBT1IGvigEYATYKRY8CRuEXctSDkKNXBL-W9s-FCMhlqDVoA7_3FAfmKqGKHO7Q6DclB4Y3aqZBODQjEYMck5M8E9-naF1tgVvvvFX93q2U4iSVcnUW-oZZM/w280-h400/94+heritage.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1998 UD Wonder Years - done!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC5uM3iRWHs/YEQmrBbOPpI/AAAAAAAAHLI/04vwsOwf4tgLopP-cQEYmDzd-m2B_i9pwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1102/98WY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="806" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC5uM3iRWHs/YEQmrBbOPpI/AAAAAAAAHLI/04vwsOwf4tgLopP-cQEYmDzd-m2B_i9pwCNcBGAsYHQ/w293-h400/98WY.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1996 UD Lovero: </b> still need 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How is it even possible this card wasn't part of my collection long ago, for the bat alone????</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiqwvN4rbTY/YEQmpjaE7sI/AAAAAAAAHK8/vJkVnSCunDMjxveXfI3QE1B5nzhvhJ_aQCNcBGAsYHQ/s785/96%2Blovero%2Ba.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="545" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiqwvN4rbTY/YEQmpjaE7sI/AAAAAAAAHK8/vJkVnSCunDMjxveXfI3QE1B5nzhvhJ_aQCNcBGAsYHQ/w278-h400/96%2Blovero%2Ba.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBqYEN-K1c4/YEQmqjSfBxI/AAAAAAAAHLE/laeBZQuonVAsBiz2f3Etdj46xWLMjeDdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s784/96%2Blovero%2Bb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="784" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBqYEN-K1c4/YEQmqjSfBxI/AAAAAAAAHLE/laeBZQuonVAsBiz2f3Etdj46xWLMjeDdwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h281/96%2Blovero%2Bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game - complete!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyV43iTtxX9iSwKH8YqftTgDmEBQ5He07kY43gVlZp4iaz2H2g8gWkxiHrteXXN-huNT2LxU456Xd_X7W7_u_pYvLyG58J7wI8GU91ip8loPPVOO_FQ5xB3n9ZyAEHpHWnE9rgGNRFO0/s774/2000+greats+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="548" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyV43iTtxX9iSwKH8YqftTgDmEBQ5He07kY43gVlZp4iaz2H2g8gWkxiHrteXXN-huNT2LxU456Xd_X7W7_u_pYvLyG58J7wI8GU91ip8loPPVOO_FQ5xB3n9ZyAEHpHWnE9rgGNRFO0/w284-h400/2000+greats+done.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><a href="https://waxpackwonders.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jeff - Wax Pack Wonders</a></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1991 Score Dream Team,</b> subset complete</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJHnHgp8-ks/YEQqc0lT5EI/AAAAAAAAHLY/n-lWRjC0HkAO-wvJGbHdOAbs7AUza2CMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s519/91%2Bscore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="367" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJHnHgp8-ks/YEQqc0lT5EI/AAAAAAAAHLY/n-lWRjC0HkAO-wvJGbHdOAbs7AUza2CMgCNcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/91%2Bscore.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1992 Studio Heritage -</b> one of the last cards needed! Complete.</div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi13EmVfRzI/YEQqc2xmxtI/AAAAAAAAHLc/oINd6P_Ocq4sxfYB8ZUYE60utRHRjh01ACNcBGAsYHQ/s515/92%2Bst%2Bher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="364" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi13EmVfRzI/YEQqc2xmxtI/AAAAAAAAHLc/oINd6P_Ocq4sxfYB8ZUYE60utRHRjh01ACNcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/92%2Bst%2Bher.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 1993 Stadium Club - a beauty</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> from my TCDB want list</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aS_Cl3-D0Xw/YEQqkqKuXHI/AAAAAAAAHLo/lCMYb_l6eXEFbw2J74r5d4kfRH2WNCxjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s509/93%2Bst%2Bc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="509" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aS_Cl3-D0Xw/YEQqkqKuXHI/AAAAAAAAHLo/lCMYb_l6eXEFbw2J74r5d4kfRH2WNCxjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/93%2Bst%2Bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> Hey Pardner - </span>a new Dutch! 1993 Cardtoons</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEILKanqkis4ErV7GSOYpJ3VAPFlLSXa0aahafZsQEc7h28h3bYp14ZXT-JQNdfUSlPk2RQL2snZKwjdT-UnVj7hFhRBStEqNu21O8GE3MgR9jIL8j22uj6q3SR3BTJGplTo5Cry5X5ZU/s521/93+cardtoons.jpg" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="521" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEILKanqkis4ErV7GSOYpJ3VAPFlLSXa0aahafZsQEc7h28h3bYp14ZXT-JQNdfUSlPk2RQL2snZKwjdT-UnVj7hFhRBStEqNu21O8GE3MgR9jIL8j22uj6q3SR3BTJGplTo5Cry5X5ZU/w400-h284/93+cardtoons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Cards like these keep me tied to the hobby. Outside of trading, only a few ebay purchases have been added to my collection. This month makes two years since I've been to a card show. I had plans to attend one a few months back but tougher covid restrictions were reinstated keeping me home. Trips to the card tables allowed me stock cards I've offered on pickpockets, a supply which won't run out any time soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorting and checking cards off the old W/L is still fun so I won't disappear entirely. Spring is nearing which means a return to outside chores. Warmer weather will allow time with friends too, sitting on the back deck with coffee or around the firepit. I have missed the sunshine but missed my friends more. It was July the last time I had a group gathering. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been doing a little reading. Naturally, I catalog all books read. Here's a snippet of the past few months:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iameVmfzFbw/YEQvUhBQ_jI/AAAAAAAAHL8/kBvQFO7TRzESYIoAPCLi3KdUvHtJxr_fwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="294" height="650" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iameVmfzFbw/YEQvUhBQ_jI/AAAAAAAAHL8/kBvQFO7TRzESYIoAPCLi3KdUvHtJxr_fwCNcBGAsYHQ/w263-h650/image.png" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3O8aQupY8Y/YEVmI7_wwGI/AAAAAAAAHMc/PDcqpSUPovM6EVIjqZJRFr7JAUJwlNEfACNcBGAsYHQ/s612/books%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="406" height="403" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3O8aQupY8Y/YEVmI7_wwGI/AAAAAAAAHMc/PDcqpSUPovM6EVIjqZJRFr7JAUJwlNEfACNcBGAsYHQ/w267-h403/books%2B2.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>There are a few heavy titles in there, eh? Still found time for some baseball though. "Wax Pack" was a Christmas gift and a fun read. The book jacket feels like an old Topps wrapper. The cover itself has a waxiness to it, missing only the sugary sweet scent of bubblegum. The author shares his personal struggles with a stutter and obsessive compulsive disorder with the story of road-tripping to meet the players found in a random pack of 86 Topps baseball cards. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've also taken up an old love of mine: acoustic guitar. I played regularly until I moved to Michigan. I found myself busy exploring life here and dealing with a ridiculous commute. Combined with overtime, there wasn't <i>enough</i> time to do everything. Here's a peek into my quiet space:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-iu95wfHM/YEQ1z5S6RSI/AAAAAAAAHMI/6AvOlWxVJmQpHzYuEh0Az6qQJcb8csq9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/use%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1687" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-iu95wfHM/YEQ1z5S6RSI/AAAAAAAAHMI/6AvOlWxVJmQpHzYuEh0Az6qQJcb8csq9ACNcBGAsYHQ/w330-h400/use%2B1.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ibanez [Ibby] on the left, and a crazy little Luna travel guitar [Vinnie] on the right but my favorite [Carter] is a sweet solid mahogany Crafter, my newest addition joining the family only last month. Woods make a difference in tone. Spruce on the Ibanez gives off a bright tone while mahogany is more mellow and warm with a midrange voice. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXSsx7JTl38/YEQ1yy6K7eI/AAAAAAAAHME/6cT1_oEGQf4haOrHwlvZmexWzVXj2MsPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/carter.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="357" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXSsx7JTl38/YEQ1yy6K7eI/AAAAAAAAHME/6cT1_oEGQf4haOrHwlvZmexWzVXj2MsPgCNcBGAsYHQ/w304-h640/carter.JPG" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Guitar was always important to me. I was afraid too much time had passed but that old rhythm is still in my bones. Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Beatles, Eagles, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, Indigo Girls and so many other singer/songwriters - all part of my playlist. I may be a little rusty but the dog has yet to howl at me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right now, I'm sitting in the hobby room enjoying a moment to catch up the blog. I promised a round of pickpockets which is now a couple weeks overdue. If you and I have traded, I implore you to pick, pick, pick. Please keep this in mind should you want to bless me with 2021 Tigers or any cards from my want lists. You'll see some 2020 Update Turkeys within these pages, given to me by a friend. Nothing like some hand-me-downs to share with you. Maybe by the time Stadium Club comes around, I'll feel differently. I'm not opposed to future trading but please understand for the immediate future, cards from me will be found via picking my pockets. My needs can be found on the tabs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by to knock a little dust off this blog!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BmZMkT8DnEI" width="320" youtube-src-id="BmZMkT8DnEI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-72991637060769166942021-01-24T20:01:00.000-05:002021-01-25T08:47:52.070-05:00No Blog? No Matter.<p> I've received a few cards recently from non-blogging collectors. Alex emailed to say he had a special card for me but would say nothing more about it. I knew of him only from reading Gavin's blog:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://baseballcardbreakdown.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-wale-of-tale-guest-post.html">http://baseballcardbreakdown.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-wale-of-tale-guest-post.html</a></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">He offered to include a Walewander mentioned in his guest post. To understand the story behind the card's inscription, check out the link above.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I wasn't turning down a Tiger auto. I offered a return trade but Alex does not have an interest in recent cards. 'Recent' is anything after the last Lance Johnson card in 2000 but mostly nothing later than 1988. He's been collecting minor league sets for 30 years. I'm sure he has some fine treasures within these sets.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The 89 Fleer Jim W auto arrived accompanied with a new Dutch for my collection! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqeNKzgeRQ8/X-9qrmOccMI/AAAAAAAAHFI/Dcr7k9NX24cK-_yaJDpgYd2uS8OuOwkNQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1135/jim%2Bw%2Bfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="818" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqeNKzgeRQ8/X-9qrmOccMI/AAAAAAAAHFI/Dcr7k9NX24cK-_yaJDpgYd2uS8OuOwkNQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/jim%2Bw%2Bfront.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isJiY59ot-Q/X-9qtvtz9MI/AAAAAAAAHFM/kslq_9JGKJ0dK8JoA3uD1BetXqx4j86TwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1123/jim%2Bback.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isJiY59ot-Q/X-9qtvtz9MI/AAAAAAAAHFM/kslq_9JGKJ0dK8JoA3uD1BetXqx4j86TwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/jim%2Bback.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n950BP0O7JA/X-9qvIJ9tkI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/cmHRbV9DJ_glAlwTBZbE8C83yXhOEsgiACNcBGAsYHQ/s1128/daulton%2Bfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n950BP0O7JA/X-9qvIJ9tkI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/cmHRbV9DJ_glAlwTBZbE8C83yXhOEsgiACNcBGAsYHQ/w306-h400/daulton%2Bfront.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxnxUT23d5I/X-9qwYqXhxI/AAAAAAAAHFU/uaKqinlIWIM8rKUZcIZwg6B48-Tpt1mQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1099/daulton%2B2002%2Bmulti-ad%2B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1099" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxnxUT23d5I/X-9qwYqXhxI/AAAAAAAAHFU/uaKqinlIWIM8rKUZcIZwg6B48-Tpt1mQgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h295/daulton%2B2002%2Bmulti-ad%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Wow. A Daulton from my TCDB wantlist and one I never expected to come across! Darren remains a fan favorite to this day. That he appeared in a 2002 set a few years after his retirement is no surprise. Now that he's passed, I hope he'll have another card or two in a fan-favorites type tribute. <div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Alex! What a thoughtful surprise!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While watching the World Series, I took time to go through full galleries of a few sets on TCDB: all years of Stadium Club, 1983 Fleer and 1993 Upper Deck. I built quite a wantlist this way. I have no desire to complete these sets but have been drawn to many of the Fleer and UD cards, thanks to our bloggers! Fred Pike, my pal north of the border, hooked me up with a nice batch of Upper Deck. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cracked and broken bats:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGEnySz-UtY/X_C7VrDIdWI/AAAAAAAAHFg/DgE5XJ1SQGcIAby1TiywQw2OG26pD_CDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20200815%2B%252817%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1510" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGEnySz-UtY/X_C7VrDIdWI/AAAAAAAAHFg/DgE5XJ1SQGcIAby1TiywQw2OG26pD_CDQCNcBGAsYHQ/w472-h640/Scan_20200815%2B%252817%2529.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Floaters:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ73zTJSOx8/X_C73cJOlhI/AAAAAAAAHFw/iRnRzCN8DY8jyaiPJPlDvWV0RVTTJ42oACNcBGAsYHQ/s2531/Scan_20200815%2B%252819%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="1243" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ73zTJSOx8/X_C73cJOlhI/AAAAAAAAHFw/iRnRzCN8DY8jyaiPJPlDvWV0RVTTJ42oACNcBGAsYHQ/w314-h640/Scan_20200815%2B%252819%2529.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next four are beauties. I love the long dugout shot behind Deer. Both men seem to be unaware of the camera, minds on the game. Gladden of course, is in a throwback uni. Both cards represent the 'reflective' part of my baseball card collection. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRLDpNxJ9Ts/X_C8WR9oqDI/AAAAAAAAHF8/38KEQDIDoqwat_pksWrOowsamaVstLOHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20200815%2B%252818%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRLDpNxJ9Ts/X_C8WR9oqDI/AAAAAAAAHF8/38KEQDIDoqwat_pksWrOowsamaVstLOHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w468-h640/Scan_20200815%2B%252818%2529.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Portugal with a sucker, in shades and signing a mitt - all while wearing a fantastically colorful warm-up jacket! I wouldn't have given two cents for this card in 93! I'm proud to say I've matured as a collector. Knorr of course, is adorning himself with gear in another grand dugout shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next two cards are going into my 'fan shots' stack, headed for a binder spot. Crowd reactions are especially entertaining to me. Lacking the appearance of strong interference, I think perhaps the home team was batting. Any thoughts on this? It's hard to determine by the crowd's apparel, lacking in team colors. It's possible the Reds are playing the Padres as I spy a cap with 'S' and a partial 'res' on a shirt.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNr2unstXw/X_C8VSXVeJI/AAAAAAAAHF4/2lafJuesbl05oZgPSZeVrykKgpCAyWiZACNcBGAsYHQ/s1622/Scan_20200815%2B%252820%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1622" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNr2unstXw/X_C8VSXVeJI/AAAAAAAAHF4/2lafJuesbl05oZgPSZeVrykKgpCAyWiZACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/Scan_20200815%2B%252820%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm adding my full wantlist for both UD and Fleer to my set help tab. Perhaps some of you have these laying around?? </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to both of you gentlemen! You may not blog but your presence in the blog community is noted and greatly appreciated!</div><div><br /></div><div>I spend less on new product every year. Heritage and Stadium Club may see a few of my dollars in 2021 but discovering sets like 93 Upper Deck delight me. I'm paying attention to your posts and shares, and watching my wantlist grow. At least I have someone to blame.</div><div><br /></div><div>The past couple of months have found me less interested in chasing new product. I don't feel like I'm in a hobby funk only that my interests are changing. I've also picked up an old friend which is taking time away from cards - my guitar. At one time, I was a fairly decent strummer. It's been a few years now since I played. Certainly sounds like it too. If you see a bit less of me over the next month, don't be alarmed. I'm having a six-string affair. </div><div><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-63140426837711073042021-01-09T11:19:00.004-05:002021-01-09T11:19:56.061-05:00Welcome to the Bo-Show!<p>Not Jackson. The other Bo. The one that matters.</p><p>Most of you are aware that <b><a href="http://borosny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bo Rozny</a></b> won the Cracked Bat Ballot Box contest in November. He racked up a lot of extra votes with his mail-in <strike>bribes</strike> ballots. Who says you can't vote more than once? Not a single fraudulent mail-in ballot was received at Cracked headquarters.</p><p>October brought in the PWEs like fall puts leaves on your lawn. Every couple of days I'd find Bo's return address on my mail. There were cards featuring PC boys:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBkoNpQmVg/X-5GJ0Xh-VI/AAAAAAAAHAU/MX07GrsiGGI5oEzmWH0t7UlGeWUlLw-zgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20200917%2B%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1515" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBkoNpQmVg/X-5GJ0Xh-VI/AAAAAAAAHAU/MX07GrsiGGI5oEzmWH0t7UlGeWUlLw-zgCNcBGAsYHQ/w296-h400/Scan_20200917%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Set help for 2002 UD World Series Heroes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUb0vxmMqAo/X-5Gf-fmcyI/AAAAAAAAHAc/e6eE4B2QYlwGxlqSN2bPo3LwewOPTo8kQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20200917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1472" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUb0vxmMqAo/X-5Gf-fmcyI/AAAAAAAAHAc/e6eE4B2QYlwGxlqSN2bPo3LwewOPTo8kQCNcBGAsYHQ/w460-h640/Scan_20200917.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I left the hobby in 2002 so missed out on these beauties. I'd like to have the first 90 cards from the set and still need 60. <b><a href="https://acrackedbat.blogspot.com/p/send-help.html" target="_blank">Hint Hint. </a> </b>I love the red, white and blue design and pinstriped background. These will look nice in my RW&B collection. Bo loves his Yankees as you may have noticed 3 of the 4 cards are Bronx Bombers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1999 Fleer Tradition:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2H1l_KEAQ4/X-5KEigUyoI/AAAAAAAAHAk/SNWOnxu30MMrs9jQMsuqhTDHQpK5UQpJACNcBGAsYHQ/s1621/Scan_20200917%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1621" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2H1l_KEAQ4/X-5KEigUyoI/AAAAAAAAHAk/SNWOnxu30MMrs9jQMsuqhTDHQpK5UQpJACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h275/Scan_20200917%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There's an obvious bat-theme here. I'll be adding more cards from this set to my wantlist. Fleer made great photography choices in 98 and 99. I'd buy a box now if 'bricking' weren't a concern. Have any of you opened product from 98 or 99 without this issue? Early to mid-90s are a no-bust for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Staying with the bat-theme, here's an excellent lot of 70s vintage. A couple were doctored up by a previous owner but we can overlook that. 1971 Clendenon features only one bat but catches him seemingly unaware of the camera. I like shots like this. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkVXcP6Kv8E/X-5NHgrQVlI/AAAAAAAAHAw/JLVYMDmd3xsAlSE4a-qUIUyT4fBpyVqMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20201010%2B%252811%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1879" data-original-width="2048" height="589" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkVXcP6Kv8E/X-5NHgrQVlI/AAAAAAAAHAw/JLVYMDmd3xsAlSE4a-qUIUyT4fBpyVqMgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h589/Scan_20201010%2B%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A slew of Tiger vintage featuring greats like Lolich, McLain and Cash:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAooZ1qIP_U/X-5OiLVzPSI/AAAAAAAAHA8/6a4onqiygY0MvAvJW6s7RylgUA6MiXHtgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2467/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2467" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAooZ1qIP_U/X-5OiLVzPSI/AAAAAAAAHA8/6a4onqiygY0MvAvJW6s7RylgUA6MiXHtgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h186/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5mQ7nEzt88/X-5OkLawHmI/AAAAAAAAHBA/9ugsWoUA5YI0XLMrDGlSVM8RSBgSQjwRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20201010%2B%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1865" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5mQ7nEzt88/X-5OkLawHmI/AAAAAAAAHBA/9ugsWoUA5YI0XLMrDGlSVM8RSBgSQjwRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h364/Scan_20201010%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0_MwRICh8SY4dt6eajTAP9b602tpcNZbtHkUH0YVMo6FsFAViVnPPgoSZGIrOnwXwf3x5pmKbcPYcbaBbokbKlBav4ld65YwcVq6MpDBiQBTqPV6CEj0o1goiCP8zV99IExTckAkqAY/s1133/Scan_20201010+%25289%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1133" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0_MwRICh8SY4dt6eajTAP9b602tpcNZbtHkUH0YVMo6FsFAViVnPPgoSZGIrOnwXwf3x5pmKbcPYcbaBbokbKlBav4ld65YwcVq6MpDBiQBTqPV6CEj0o1goiCP8zV99IExTckAkqAY/w400-h296/Scan_20201010+%25289%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bo remembered my love for 70s baseball and catchers with more 73s:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFlgFyvxkIc/X-5PVVnnBsI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/ANHglE0WudIrgml5gW5U5urZBn5sNmg-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20201010%2B%252810%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="2048" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFlgFyvxkIc/X-5PVVnnBsI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/ANHglE0WudIrgml5gW5U5urZBn5sNmg-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h636/Scan_20201010%2B%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I'd love to one day complete a set from the early 70s. I love 72 and 75 the most but know they can be buggers to finish. While it holds many great cards like those shown above, the 1970 design bores me a little, and 71 is gorgeous but has those tough black borders. 1973 has a classy design with so many wonderful photo choices. I toy with the idea. Bo's already made a dent in it for me! I already own nice copies of Aaron and Clemente. The Schmidt rookie will be the big one as well as a mint copy of card number one featuring Ruth, Aaron and Mays. How hard is a 73 build? Do tell.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm gonna miss election season. We may have to do this again in four years' time! </div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-21156598220998449042020-12-31T20:01:00.001-05:002021-01-14T18:59:08.285-05:00Mystery Man Strikes Again<p>I've <b><a href="https://acrackedbat.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-mighty-quinn.html" target="_blank">written </a></b>about this fellow, <b><a href="https://acrackedbat.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-quinn-essential-collection.html" target="_blank">sometimes known as Quinn</a></b> or Xavier, or whatever name he uses in the return address. I know nothing about him. I've tried emailing to thank him, ask questions, even once threatening to return his package unopened. Yeah, that didn't happen. I did let one sit for two months before I caved. His return address is somewhat illegible and likely intentionally so. If I had returned it, well...the post office would've opened and kept the contents for themselves. I could not allow this to happen.</p><p>He is a crazy, generous fellow living perhaps, somewhere in Pennsylvania. I tried deciphering his address to send him a few cards but he's only received an envelope from me once that I know of. I did get a thank you from him one time. If he received another from me, he's never said. I can assure him it was sent and never returned to me.</p><p>So what does a package from him look like?? Assembly is most fascinating. This package was in a colorful padded mailer. The Glam Stickers from my wantlist are plastered all over it, along with a micro J Owens peeping out of its own little window: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI9YlbimRzuREeMzFhkHnvm5xuXr3luvwsTSDY_hl5mFuC7d3Jz4QcZ7IXLyPi7WfHoRZURigOD8xnfE4fYhHXRP1VqAO5WeE0gl6xrXJvjq74NxzfZODjCci-tZQMcIIQ0He8DSRays/s728/c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="728" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI9YlbimRzuREeMzFhkHnvm5xuXr3luvwsTSDY_hl5mFuC7d3Jz4QcZ7IXLyPi7WfHoRZURigOD8xnfE4fYhHXRP1VqAO5WeE0gl6xrXJvjq74NxzfZODjCci-tZQMcIIQ0He8DSRays/w400-h268/c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7fwyvDdCgBWremt17U_6Ao845PC8tPz0wwtIsrkjhmI7SmDRb4w34ttTpqYU0g0FA8zU0DXw_2wBhkK2CgoAurE27ff8ya8K0tndpHqnwDWLHrl2cprORkLsCJ77TqYXJ34s8lbowJg/s359/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7fwyvDdCgBWremt17U_6Ao845PC8tPz0wwtIsrkjhmI7SmDRb4w34ttTpqYU0g0FA8zU0DXw_2wBhkK2CgoAurE27ff8ya8K0tndpHqnwDWLHrl2cprORkLsCJ77TqYXJ34s8lbowJg/s320/a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeD9OWa5I5NBPX8GzsdbOpZOy4QZVDh6aEjniIaVUAcZL-X7C0p1G0MOL53eCvr1IjGgjvPhuV3wZZx5D_FcBwWq8jZnxKGHugH1ktq3ayuIMTCsO7da9UIXPn2dCsRttNxVgsNZ00Zs/s1484/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1484" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeD9OWa5I5NBPX8GzsdbOpZOy4QZVDh6aEjniIaVUAcZL-X7C0p1G0MOL53eCvr1IjGgjvPhuV3wZZx5D_FcBwWq8jZnxKGHugH1ktq3ayuIMTCsO7da9UIXPn2dCsRttNxVgsNZ00Zs/w400-h131/b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There are layers within which require deconstruction. Beneath the main wrapper is a boxloader:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NPIO1LrPAdfMflKLCt0afwz4BoUSrHRHeYpgvKOc8eoX7c8t8r73fkCWpUNu7zT0zAIURxvSCQqH7qBX_71LhAGwMeNvWqIG6i2Ta1YonK5QlDaSWG96U1lj7aTHthDV4kqscotb6-U/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NPIO1LrPAdfMflKLCt0afwz4BoUSrHRHeYpgvKOc8eoX7c8t8r73fkCWpUNu7zT0zAIURxvSCQqH7qBX_71LhAGwMeNvWqIG6i2Ta1YonK5QlDaSWG96U1lj7aTHthDV4kqscotb6-U/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Beneath this, an oversized card from Topps Vault:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM1Yc70eYUSoH8a7sKj1vQLwJm050hPN1f5uJOHVOEZW6kNMkXvEiJ1OmG3j_y8fArn_fmW4w4JOOuMIQ6uSq3QHTfYloKK0KLro7rjHeljB2I4w5Km4mmv6afzxaSx5DKM3WvQ2aI6Q/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM1Yc70eYUSoH8a7sKj1vQLwJm050hPN1f5uJOHVOEZW6kNMkXvEiJ1OmG3j_y8fArn_fmW4w4JOOuMIQ6uSq3QHTfYloKK0KLro7rjHeljB2I4w5Km4mmv6afzxaSx5DKM3WvQ2aI6Q/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrkqQOcXduyTWh78KywuOPQug5kdWj2TpJK7D6unib9gmiw0fwx2YLbdkToXUB0fd3TaBsAjK0nFRdJPC_0rI38lAAiB10e7mnWdWfGQmquEUiOiolm4cd4VgXQKWkP8JLvf5osRiwxQ/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrkqQOcXduyTWh78KywuOPQug5kdWj2TpJK7D6unib9gmiw0fwx2YLbdkToXUB0fd3TaBsAjK0nFRdJPC_0rI38lAAiB10e7mnWdWfGQmquEUiOiolm4cd4VgXQKWkP8JLvf5osRiwxQ/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And beneath this? Not hockey!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOMr0FCzlZ-EZxa1NiEI0v1Vq4GCSIokc9TKXEHb0TDOu2WjDC9Rha_GtrXJr0D5w1S1rnpEAlptdbnSb7Kjw-27FbP274jSDJSG9HZSlAZj0e2tMz-iLAVNOo7LUtVWyYnYFhSsDzc/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOMr0FCzlZ-EZxa1NiEI0v1Vq4GCSIokc9TKXEHb0TDOu2WjDC9Rha_GtrXJr0D5w1S1rnpEAlptdbnSb7Kjw-27FbP274jSDJSG9HZSlAZj0e2tMz-iLAVNOo7LUtVWyYnYFhSsDzc/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmrFA8cqoBmilgjAPFYpONrJECiZKuSPx4Q3bAlMY-i7ti-98IlwqCHI3-bsdrPf9UJjGNeLpTJyQ6aeWhmd-HLar9MMat7SfO3FVVfcqOVS_GtzpmGvT-mhB7KZZApHsFqaWy9inNBQ/s2048/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1429" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmrFA8cqoBmilgjAPFYpONrJECiZKuSPx4Q3bAlMY-i7ti-98IlwqCHI3-bsdrPf9UJjGNeLpTJyQ6aeWhmd-HLar9MMat7SfO3FVVfcqOVS_GtzpmGvT-mhB7KZZApHsFqaWy9inNBQ/w279-h400/5.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0XaomuWAjXDk_dIQnpHc82VXjAYTO1pEB6Oi9uGM8ewIb7PykB7BQQENnYmVP1dLVdF46SnqbbGDxSmYLKhYoB5dtUZwQ_y8AMIl78zb2dVELbOHESIzrx65ROZxR9MvuupezbFPbe4/s2048/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0XaomuWAjXDk_dIQnpHc82VXjAYTO1pEB6Oi9uGM8ewIb7PykB7BQQENnYmVP1dLVdF46SnqbbGDxSmYLKhYoB5dtUZwQ_y8AMIl78zb2dVELbOHESIzrx65ROZxR9MvuupezbFPbe4/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOdIKwTs8HLM9xseqVMhMtde_UyRP7ya7xqEtOzJpyewgb6XE7Z1f5v-_eK6GGW4n7y8dG3ueCtbRTlkALS-WPGwG3BHr30wITMpVmk1VBKMsGd-OjjbEMVc8ct-Fj9woVi19WCQ1Uv8/s2048/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOdIKwTs8HLM9xseqVMhMtde_UyRP7ya7xqEtOzJpyewgb6XE7Z1f5v-_eK6GGW4n7y8dG3ueCtbRTlkALS-WPGwG3BHr30wITMpVmk1VBKMsGd-OjjbEMVc8ct-Fj9woVi19WCQ1Uv8/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div><p>The little Phillies Mascot has become a favorite toy for my kitty. She bats it around and throws it in the air. Jingles loves her baseball! And so do I:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhbYRKGnj1eZRBgoQ8U1E42-q_EjVWqepGZqYnHS7BEFEevAaKsO0JWe8N-11H9guTdxQtCuIXe0yOjRSzhSKm1YQ19VLDF6vdNqNJeh17dtON5vJAjkCcKE0dKCWtmjFJZpIyplth4c/s2048/8++2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1471" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhbYRKGnj1eZRBgoQ8U1E42-q_EjVWqepGZqYnHS7BEFEevAaKsO0JWe8N-11H9guTdxQtCuIXe0yOjRSzhSKm1YQ19VLDF6vdNqNJeh17dtON5vJAjkCcKE0dKCWtmjFJZpIyplth4c/w288-h400/8++2007.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2007 TR Boxloader</b><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It's not an exaggeration to say there were a couple hundred cards in the box!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYba_ycKG88gVluh0vb7OprVwYMnFqByfL1Rpqt3joQNrkaGaCWn-t8cYtCdzJNpICQSLNafdljQM7NNH4Jy81u4jlZjuqTpxXu1FvoDpOgKx80IjBx8tt-LvB88mAKsfxExhTK9RUt6I/s2048/Scan_20201010+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYba_ycKG88gVluh0vb7OprVwYMnFqByfL1Rpqt3joQNrkaGaCWn-t8cYtCdzJNpICQSLNafdljQM7NNH4Jy81u4jlZjuqTpxXu1FvoDpOgKx80IjBx8tt-LvB88mAKsfxExhTK9RUt6I/w305-h400/Scan_20201010+%252810%2529.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExRs5W5pKOdJDkyNs21l5mrhrRbSut2bIdY7mZhlHCAv_042bTq2Mug4CILy6P5fVozaYJz96w4fXbcWcZiOUTy-aIZsRHgx_w_DikN6NZQ04qNQHv7xOVr8AmhJ08CKy8W3c7lWiw-s/s2048/Scan_20201010+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1590" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExRs5W5pKOdJDkyNs21l5mrhrRbSut2bIdY7mZhlHCAv_042bTq2Mug4CILy6P5fVozaYJz96w4fXbcWcZiOUTy-aIZsRHgx_w_DikN6NZQ04qNQHv7xOVr8AmhJ08CKy8W3c7lWiw-s/w310-h400/Scan_20201010+%25289%2529.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2hfpEmuBTT8Dakk9M4nezjyj64enMb4lNpkghz90qSYYAsYChSMBly-CbkKyK4LpCJiGimzip_H73Aj-rt2ixw2YYecUvKxRh6G3OWuMNMGAG5GPxkrWL9DXBpFApvXHj7Va4iiaeVo/s2531/Scan_20200417+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="2531" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2hfpEmuBTT8Dakk9M4nezjyj64enMb4lNpkghz90qSYYAsYChSMBly-CbkKyK4LpCJiGimzip_H73Aj-rt2ixw2YYecUvKxRh6G3OWuMNMGAG5GPxkrWL9DXBpFApvXHj7Va4iiaeVo/w400-h196/Scan_20200417+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZj7UKBicQA-0y8yfJd_0ORSVVnGtWmLIVNZsJq3vNQMfesoFd-Fge6v3NiM44M_uQ66pmhmkEO7dJkyADGJBvlzVFd-EUFzUC-bCIVZ4-VuFgmhv0XjSF1rwZAvqt9-H13UQuXiG4Ik/s977/Scan_20200417+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="977" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZj7UKBicQA-0y8yfJd_0ORSVVnGtWmLIVNZsJq3vNQMfesoFd-Fge6v3NiM44M_uQ66pmhmkEO7dJkyADGJBvlzVFd-EUFzUC-bCIVZ4-VuFgmhv0XjSF1rwZAvqt9-H13UQuXiG4Ik/w400-h279/Scan_20200417+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcq570zRe9-0NH_RVNNuep_lNqPzEaelTlsVR_TPG9PH9oYYdnKBJo-qAjt4VFbgdWLkmHrmj5wFfcc8PSH8RWu3lFfM-xZ3PVZ2xh4VZXRxVSjvdtvuL9sTnBOc7MrAd8gi-AjVuQIY/s2048/2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcq570zRe9-0NH_RVNNuep_lNqPzEaelTlsVR_TPG9PH9oYYdnKBJo-qAjt4VFbgdWLkmHrmj5wFfcc8PSH8RWu3lFfM-xZ3PVZ2xh4VZXRxVSjvdtvuL9sTnBOc7MrAd8gi-AjVuQIY/w400-h366/2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f9hyphenhyphen6J_4_a1zGUc_hxGtJAGxSrpEanCijbviHFN37KUw8EB4eIz_dk-oMCidzPYbUWSXc-p5FPY-EfOqr-FeHGHgGHDOevhOyXM-aUdrYquYq8WLMIf4oitDaOJN2ehPeXthXYL-A8Q/s1253/2019+inception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1253" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f9hyphenhyphen6J_4_a1zGUc_hxGtJAGxSrpEanCijbviHFN37KUw8EB4eIz_dk-oMCidzPYbUWSXc-p5FPY-EfOqr-FeHGHgGHDOevhOyXM-aUdrYquYq8WLMIf4oitDaOJN2ehPeXthXYL-A8Q/w400-h289/2019+inception.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Are you with me so far?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Ianm7xnVRRaeFfkGYlobHMfM3Zu0rEtBxWLWGHN4MqqQFF0L5HpMHS0V_TmZDa70tbfmKMuPUo4WQHl42pTrXezsZ0Cp8HG3s9Ow1rc3a-LL0K-vwOparBSbGJ8rbZcTOCcv2wVAoI/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Ianm7xnVRRaeFfkGYlobHMfM3Zu0rEtBxWLWGHN4MqqQFF0L5HpMHS0V_TmZDa70tbfmKMuPUo4WQHl42pTrXezsZ0Cp8HG3s9Ow1rc3a-LL0K-vwOparBSbGJ8rbZcTOCcv2wVAoI/w640-h378/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfaWdYdDR0ZbLOZBvJ75ch3VXhZPcoSDxV_BTao2vs_Gf_WLqDxRoeQ1mFEi-vz6ixkftkJkSyGSGJL2a6vtTc-Jfpg0Vw_fal2bd_GfGBor45wFVU_wS7ZsY4xDR96MDII2LmiIib9o/s1089/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1089" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfaWdYdDR0ZbLOZBvJ75ch3VXhZPcoSDxV_BTao2vs_Gf_WLqDxRoeQ1mFEi-vz6ixkftkJkSyGSGJL2a6vtTc-Jfpg0Vw_fal2bd_GfGBor45wFVU_wS7ZsY4xDR96MDII2LmiIib9o/w400-h275/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvoufiSk-_qdbrpJDEjxXSK_DN8riLz0VYZn5OuwVZKkFOz_qAafDxRLUKzzbvrS5B3kkOYv3u7VSrMuSDnWwgSJE6O3iL5oWsgsiR-UZLe5d2AwIWGz0nZE9cvPqUvyZM2rB9uA2h6I/s1102/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="804" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvoufiSk-_qdbrpJDEjxXSK_DN8riLz0VYZn5OuwVZKkFOz_qAafDxRLUKzzbvrS5B3kkOYv3u7VSrMuSDnWwgSJE6O3iL5oWsgsiR-UZLe5d2AwIWGz0nZE9cvPqUvyZM2rB9uA2h6I/w291-h400/3.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1hskB9PpCwpHxRrmSArclOEXui8Ymi0pHofbQNoz-C4W1IB3HkuEif2JnqigzO3BKUQcUfh1kTllbrqVOnLKNkacF0kTt2U_8pS0oT-T1THue9wLwNqEQueMeHgRlynInXItTUC_ha8/s1714/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1hskB9PpCwpHxRrmSArclOEXui8Ymi0pHofbQNoz-C4W1IB3HkuEif2JnqigzO3BKUQcUfh1kTllbrqVOnLKNkacF0kTt2U_8pS0oT-T1THue9wLwNqEQueMeHgRlynInXItTUC_ha8/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8diNoBNnhlViKjC174Bg8gc2w9Olz-WEhc9HS3qyDGF-c5f2p9Z0UeQMolXAFuWd0aSTO352KaBfu0ndxiF8dOQ2HQ722qbrOGxqOAA-8qoSoO-czYZ_Ox89yTkIaCut3FUSW9v3mmI/s2048/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8diNoBNnhlViKjC174Bg8gc2w9Olz-WEhc9HS3qyDGF-c5f2p9Z0UeQMolXAFuWd0aSTO352KaBfu0ndxiF8dOQ2HQ722qbrOGxqOAA-8qoSoO-czYZ_Ox89yTkIaCut3FUSW9v3mmI/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Who does this? Twice per year? It's taken me some time to share these. I didn't open and scan the package until October. Mind blown by the contents, I can tell you that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8VZ7l5Et6AHYuFktUu3Vq35g80dJe4hHAdnIe_R2JSuQ1urmwPRSBW4ow_f8w0cWjEO41UHE8Vnenb6juN1Naf90VmjxRNKXsZB4N4GC3tR39mSAd1ZWqiiM124imwR3D0ijpHyda1w/s764/2017+MINI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8VZ7l5Et6AHYuFktUu3Vq35g80dJe4hHAdnIe_R2JSuQ1urmwPRSBW4ow_f8w0cWjEO41UHE8Vnenb6juN1Naf90VmjxRNKXsZB4N4GC3tR39mSAd1ZWqiiM124imwR3D0ijpHyda1w/w284-h400/2017+MINI.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NdnBBfurf6RtL_UzcaU7GHBG_I0XsIPUjLjmSxIdOuPcLuQunCRYGcBw9D0qAjMosYXBr_444EwiebMbaUixgy2dyIoeOFGjK0xHFzJBqyLX1PILKORDFs1-nI91RN8Ss0xeGgBk_yU/s728/2019+THREADS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="728" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NdnBBfurf6RtL_UzcaU7GHBG_I0XsIPUjLjmSxIdOuPcLuQunCRYGcBw9D0qAjMosYXBr_444EwiebMbaUixgy2dyIoeOFGjK0xHFzJBqyLX1PILKORDFs1-nI91RN8Ss0xeGgBk_yU/w400-h286/2019+THREADS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCpmQZGo_b7T5TyuAdxJY63Ju1GfjCJdBIQDNNsOUi7OMVDODxVNyN426Whb9PE4Srb_A3NjBa4IJvk2bLzu-iif8w6pdAa6HidNta0yWRn00IHNHwywKS0IDGCDdDPcZu7eUrNEpsmY/s1399/Scan_20200417+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1399" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCpmQZGo_b7T5TyuAdxJY63Ju1GfjCJdBIQDNNsOUi7OMVDODxVNyN426Whb9PE4Srb_A3NjBa4IJvk2bLzu-iif8w6pdAa6HidNta0yWRn00IHNHwywKS0IDGCDdDPcZu7eUrNEpsmY/w640-h322/Scan_20200417+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mr. Man also include some vintage charm:</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctDzyhS5W3A_mWof1Ksi1ETxUHAb2t-Bo9sDXL54QlGrJxWVnveFxGeEzjGIEteZ7SqsGDJFpkU1u0xHl4ZzMnUvX9tceqWuj4EJdNcY6G0Z_pC-M32XkaSuwev_cJ4PwBGiA-zumNQI/s1640/BUYBACKS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1640" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctDzyhS5W3A_mWof1Ksi1ETxUHAb2t-Bo9sDXL54QlGrJxWVnveFxGeEzjGIEteZ7SqsGDJFpkU1u0xHl4ZzMnUvX9tceqWuj4EJdNcY6G0Z_pC-M32XkaSuwev_cJ4PwBGiA-zumNQI/w400-h281/BUYBACKS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnyau38FKsKGVtviSrbRVIEXDsnK0gherrBcBrN2Le2HN1lUf4z71_u7NKbkG3wdpI5T0urYyxzE06jIyzXPTCUODLzc1-TcSsSuXvFmG2NxdLRU2WZUb2MJCqH27KDphhI6uDBtiq1Q/s2048/Scan_20200417+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1925" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnyau38FKsKGVtviSrbRVIEXDsnK0gherrBcBrN2Le2HN1lUf4z71_u7NKbkG3wdpI5T0urYyxzE06jIyzXPTCUODLzc1-TcSsSuXvFmG2NxdLRU2WZUb2MJCqH27KDphhI6uDBtiq1Q/w376-h400/Scan_20200417+%25288%2529.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I can't compete with these packages. Sometimes you just have to be humble and say thank you. He should know I recognize his generosity and creativity. In the year of 2020, most of us needed a little pick me up. This package was certainly that. So Rocky, Quinn, Xavier etc - please know I loved the package. Happy New Year, wherever you are!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpiFNz21ZGpj2-x1VjFQI5S68EL9AzvXJUM07KJpFlaefQrK8sXf5VbUlHsQ9_7tFjpk8LWQsM7obglf7GJia9QVOTXjk855XxIMj7je0k6lLdLtmEWF4ppuXI4W18LnacsF31F3kJkc/s1051/Scan_20200417+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1051" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpiFNz21ZGpj2-x1VjFQI5S68EL9AzvXJUM07KJpFlaefQrK8sXf5VbUlHsQ9_7tFjpk8LWQsM7obglf7GJia9QVOTXjk855XxIMj7je0k6lLdLtmEWF4ppuXI4W18LnacsF31F3kJkc/w400-h345/Scan_20200417+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-65409290956793150872020-12-31T16:32:00.001-05:002020-12-31T16:35:39.033-05:00On the Eve of 2021<p>Hail to thee, 2020. We've heard you loud and clear. I'm kicking your nefarious butt to the curb before this night is through. </p><p>This year has left me relatively unscathed but I know this isn't true for everyone. I have good friends who've lost family members, and I lost an elderly friend myself three days before Christmas - all to covid. Although I was laid off in April and May, my employer survived the auto shutdown and finished the year strong. My job is secure. I've certainly missed hanging with friends, especially over the holidays but do OK with 'me' time. Being alone is fairly easy for me though I couldn't do it long term. [I'm a hugger - people <i>and </i>trees.] </p><p>Even with the additional 'free time', I haven't added more posts here. No surprise as it's taken six years to hit #199 with this one. In all fairness to myself, I did manage 44 posts this year. I also gave more of my hobby time to Pick Pockets. When I began the PP page more than a year ago, the intent was to spread a little hobby joy and perhaps spark a few trades. Who knew 2020 would be the sheet show it's been? I've kept up with the page, hoping to make a difference in a few lives. In a year with no retail, perhaps pick pockets has allowed a few of you to build your own packs. </p><p><b> <a href="http://buckstorecards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">2020 gems courtesy of Doug, Buckstore Cards</a>:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3hdibUjDU/X-4nBRjYTwI/AAAAAAAAG-8/QqNK7ogA9fwCy1EqVrpNgeMsSjKmwKKSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1497/refractors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1497" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3hdibUjDU/X-4nBRjYTwI/AAAAAAAAG-8/QqNK7ogA9fwCy1EqVrpNgeMsSjKmwKKSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/refractors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBKQE63NYVA/X-4nCsIjAjI/AAAAAAAAG_A/NVvsg2rc9pIe9PY7NfUtvrPwPTkeCuvEACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan_20201010%2B%25289%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBKQE63NYVA/X-4nCsIjAjI/AAAAAAAAG_A/NVvsg2rc9pIe9PY7NfUtvrPwPTkeCuvEACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h373/Scan_20201010%2B%25289%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhUH_GfsLL0/X-4m_sNpirI/AAAAAAAAG-4/mY5BMBj1sWslEF7ejkc7gD8k09Ck4sVqACNcBGAsYHQ/s1035/Scan_20201010%2B%252810%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhUH_GfsLL0/X-4m_sNpirI/AAAAAAAAG-4/mY5BMBj1sWslEF7ejkc7gD8k09Ck4sVqACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Scan_20201010%2B%252810%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p>Your response to picking has been returned with kindness, with many sending cards from my three want-list tabs and mini-collections. The cards seen throughout this post are all from blogger pals, successfully adding to the joy in my own life. Thank you for this!</p><p><b> <a href="https://thepedestriancollector.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> From Chris the Collector </a></b><a href="https://thepedestriancollector.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">-</a> OPC and Sunoco Dutch with a fun Klesko:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjnD9up-LCg/X-4oXi-qPXI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/DZ9AzIyT2m42oNCgR9x8j0JqowDYRY8vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1191/91%2B%2B90%2B%2Bopc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjnD9up-LCg/X-4oXi-qPXI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/DZ9AzIyT2m42oNCgR9x8j0JqowDYRY8vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/91%2B%2B90%2B%2Bopc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zZnwYFv5Sw/X-4oZBhgsTI/AAAAAAAAG_U/yFUnMd6RGl8E-YjiX17hkHk4ziCvDEXuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1980/Scan_20201025%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1980" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zZnwYFv5Sw/X-4oZBhgsTI/AAAAAAAAG_U/yFUnMd6RGl8E-YjiX17hkHk4ziCvDEXuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Scan_20201025%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN1vab_bjfY/X-4o27UMVUI/AAAAAAAAG_g/S1xDn2WmL8o5ubIQ3bH25LzWK6F4tumnACNcBGAsYHQ/s550/Scan_20201025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN1vab_bjfY/X-4o27UMVUI/AAAAAAAAG_g/S1xDn2WmL8o5ubIQ3bH25LzWK6F4tumnACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Scan_20201025.jpg" /></a></div><p>I don't expect retail to come roaring back to our shelves anytime soon, if ever. Flippers found they could make some quick and easy money on our little blasters and hanger packs. The only Topps Chrome I ever pick up is through retail so I appreciate the Tigers from Doug, shown above. My collecting has moved towards my bat-themed mini-collections: floaters, racks and multiple bats. I'm also pursuing my own Stadium Club collection filled with favorites from 1991 through today. Cards I'm seeking can be found on my TCDB want list - <a href="https://acrackedbat.blogspot.com/p/send-help.html" target="_blank"><b>link found at the top of this page right<i> here</i>.</b></a></p><p> <b> <a href="https://cardstotalkabout.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A cup of black coffee from Matt</a>:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L300l74h0C0/X-4vhWbSIdI/AAAAAAAAHAA/l7IsOyl_eMgeGNCNykyr-XRzHmz2oAKAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1124/Scan_20201025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="825" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L300l74h0C0/X-4vhWbSIdI/AAAAAAAAHAA/l7IsOyl_eMgeGNCNykyr-XRzHmz2oAKAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w294-h400/Scan_20201025.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><p>I've never listed goals here, hobby or otherwise. Goals cause me to look back over the full year and beat myself up for not accomplishing them. I prefer to note my achievements as the year moves along saying to myself "hey there, look what you did!" </p><p>I do have an idea for the blog however, and would love some feedback from you. I'm an avid reader, mostly non-fiction: baseball, history and personal growth. All are in <i>excellent</i> condition from a non-smoking home. With no room to keep all my beloved books, I've considered adding a book tab. Books would be available to trade for <u>x-#</u> of cards on my wantlist. As a rule, I don't have the latest hot cards and players so perhaps a book would be considered in lieu of cards. Please share your thoughts in a comment.</p><p><b> <a href="http://cardsoncards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> From Kerry Cards on Cards</a></b> - 2020 Stadium Cub set help, Kaline SP and Pink Velocity Posey:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k28Xpg8Tq0M/X-4rHbzANFI/AAAAAAAAG_o/WgDw-AGCUjUjQBDRknBdtZVnj6ma229BACNcBGAsYHQ/s1038/2020%2B%2Bkaline%2Bsp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1038" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k28Xpg8Tq0M/X-4rHbzANFI/AAAAAAAAG_o/WgDw-AGCUjUjQBDRknBdtZVnj6ma229BACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2B%2Bkaline%2Bsp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.beckett.com/news/al-kaline-not-me/" target="_blank">Check out the story behind this photo, featuring our own Nick Vossbrink</a></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3KstDieN90/X-4rHYIG9TI/AAAAAAAAG_s/MUNwJ7h7kPE3nX0Zo6E-e02UFbgKKs7kwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1037/2020%2Bposey%2B199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="744" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3KstDieN90/X-4rHYIG9TI/AAAAAAAAG_s/MUNwJ7h7kPE3nX0Zo6E-e02UFbgKKs7kwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2Bposey%2B199.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTZ0tfJggQo/X-4rI2g5V_I/AAAAAAAAG_w/vo0-2f_7IhsyOxQiz3g-j4OPE-8ZgbrTACNcBGAsYHQ/s2249/Scan_20201122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="2249" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTZ0tfJggQo/X-4rI2g5V_I/AAAAAAAAG_w/vo0-2f_7IhsyOxQiz3g-j4OPE-8ZgbrTACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h184/Scan_20201122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As for 2021, it deserves a chance. I tend to have an optimistic view of life but keep reality in my back pocket. I'm grounded. My hope for each of you is a year of kindness. Be kind to yourselves. Love yourselves. You are good people. If I didn't think so, we wouldn't be connected. May you and yours be healthy and blessed. </p><p>Thank you for supporting this little blog!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5thmWANcFHQ/X-40kvRd42I/AAAAAAAAHAM/q5DJgojr7uQogqxK3T0QKXQFHd_m9S9OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s357/frank%2Byou.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="311" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5thmWANcFHQ/X-40kvRd42I/AAAAAAAAHAM/q5DJgojr7uQogqxK3T0QKXQFHd_m9S9OgCNcBGAsYHQ/w349-h400/frank%2Byou.PNG" width="349" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-70163313656744531712020-12-25T09:31:00.001-05:002020-12-25T09:31:13.611-05:00Merry Christmas!!<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lGWWp9APYM/X-CHXnSEFGI/AAAAAAAAG-k/3oLGQ59pB50YInsK18Ie6qSwlFSFr9QzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s768/NUTCRACKER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="768" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lGWWp9APYM/X-CHXnSEFGI/AAAAAAAAG-k/3oLGQ59pB50YInsK18Ie6qSwlFSFr9QzQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/NUTCRACKER.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-41938905782451886812020-12-20T20:49:00.002-05:002020-12-20T21:35:15.554-05:00That Time I Wanted a Dolly for Christmas<p> I rarely asked for a doll, at Christmas or ever, really. I wanted books, magic tricks, a guitar, stuffed animals but dolls? Meh. Any doll I ever owned was quickly modified by my sister. Oh to be sure, she had her own dolls but using these for makeovers was anathema. Sis cut the hair off mine, took markers and crayons to their faces. She stole their clothes too. My dolls could be found naked and disfigured nearly anywhere in the house. What I wouldn't give to have a few of those moments back. We still laugh about her cosmetology experiments. </p><p>Our mom died in the spring of '75 when I was ten and she, eight. That Christmas was one to forget but I can't. My sister says she doesn't remember but part of me feels she must. This was the year I found out there was no Santa Claus. I somehow knew he would never come again. My dad made some terrible choices. He remarried before Thanksgiving. She was a true 'stepmother', determined to be rid of his kids. Within a couple of years, she had her wish. Where we went and how are their own stories. Many, many years passed before Christmas meant anything to me. As a young adult, I spent a few of them alone.</p><p>I don't share this to make anyone sad, nor do I need pity or sympathies. A lot of you share wonderful childhood Christmas memories, most to which I cannot relate. Over the years, I've grown to enjoy Christmas as a season of sharing. I love shopping for friends and giving to those in need. My life experience has given me empathy for those who struggle with the holidays. If you are someone who'll be glad when 2021 is here, I get it. This particular Christmas season is a struggle for many who've never had the holiday blues. </p><p>At Christmastime, I look forward to putting up the tree and holiday decor, and hanging lights in all the places I can still reach. You might say Christmas has thrown up at my house. There's some in every room. The tree has been joined by gifts-a-plenty, scheduled for delivery tomorrow. You can't even see all the gifts in this picture. Wrapping every evening this week has kept me busy and away from the blogs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K5cpM_jLP8/X9_l5DGa-AI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/rjKYfRNTtx00VX-rHgPs_VIhaH4YPdt-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2578/20201219_165509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2578" data-original-width="1220" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K5cpM_jLP8/X9_l5DGa-AI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/rjKYfRNTtx00VX-rHgPs_VIhaH4YPdt-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w189-h400/20201219_165509.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRVyhflJOKI/X9_3F4H0RwI/AAAAAAAAG-I/RKW8O-Hswmw-PFwbIUUGvi9esgLr6HjYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s740/b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="740" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRVyhflJOKI/X9_3F4H0RwI/AAAAAAAAG-I/RKW8O-Hswmw-PFwbIUUGvi9esgLr6HjYwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h512/b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>CRACKED BAT FAN CLUB</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-Z4JzVvFrM/X9_3Gcg1mLI/AAAAAAAAG-M/OHtyXvEC0hc879Lth1aprBv6JBF3QWjqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s532/jest.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-Z4JzVvFrM/X9_3Gcg1mLI/AAAAAAAAG-M/OHtyXvEC0hc879Lth1aprBv6JBF3QWjqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w233-h400/jest.JPG" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>FAN CLUB PRESIDENT</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1301" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fvX0Z5nxqk/X9_qpQYKVwI/AAAAAAAAG9g/NKczzkq8LD0sV6MusSxpukUS3ESceCs5ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h344/1.JPG" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_a5bC-nyAM/X9_qqkMxgmI/AAAAAAAAG9o/tCBR5ak7x8g3qW94Oij8404mVcwYk78VgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3000/20201219_162929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="3000" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_a5bC-nyAM/X9_qqkMxgmI/AAAAAAAAG9o/tCBR5ak7x8g3qW94Oij8404mVcwYk78VgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h224/20201219_162929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9WwQ3ULag/X-AJyszWKrI/AAAAAAAAG-c/7slESPXgEDkhRQrYam-qSoS9ZSeNZn-ugCNcBGAsYHQ/s956/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="956" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9WwQ3ULag/X-AJyszWKrI/AAAAAAAAG-c/7slESPXgEDkhRQrYam-qSoS9ZSeNZn-ugCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h450/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAimI1TWsKM/X9_rQeTfU1I/AAAAAAAAG90/F7_wxLPFkXwknXYrN0oNahHm_Bkgw_Y6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201219_182923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAimI1TWsKM/X9_rQeTfU1I/AAAAAAAAG90/F7_wxLPFkXwknXYrN0oNahHm_Bkgw_Y6gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h324/20201219_182923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I'd be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank Jon Pennysleeves for the Dolly he sent awhile back. She's a pretty thing and fits nicely into my collection of Presidential spouses. For his fifth blog-a-versary, <a href="https://pennysleevethoughts.blogspot.com/2020/09/free-stuff-friday-anniversary-edition.html" target="_blank"><b>Jon gave away a fantastic assortment of stars and vintage.</b></a> I missed out on 1961 Golden Press, 1933 Goudey Indians and a butt-load of other goodies. There were autos and a printing plate. The 1952 Topps Look and See Madison was still available and the first Dolly I've wanted since I was a kid.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbe08y9OPk8/X9_xpZTvsiI/AAAAAAAAG-A/sl9HZOeDCpQBBf9aV7VXppTEMNine6fAACNcBGAsYHQ/s936/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="690" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbe08y9OPk8/X9_xpZTvsiI/AAAAAAAAG-A/sl9HZOeDCpQBBf9aV7VXppTEMNine6fAACNcBGAsYHQ/w295-h400/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Topps misspelled 'Dolley"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p>I make merry when I can. This year, I won't be hanging out with friends. I'll miss our evening of feasting and laughter while playing Cards Against Humanity - a game so disgusting and awful it goes against all my personal beliefs and etiquettes. </p><p>Whatever you do, wherever you may be, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year. May health and happiness be yours. </p><p><b>Season's Greetings from Cracked Bat:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dykEVrq9UK7pKX9elzur4fsZ5_XT3lliFg8pX7OkrZk6xOUFSt8d9rnFESSoqxLO8Mi-VG9cEcTpiRfNJ9wtA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>[Yes Nine Pockets, there is a tree in the hobby room!]</div><p><br /></p></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-27312350185780872932020-12-13T20:04:00.001-05:002020-12-14T06:28:14.086-05:00Time Won't Give Me Time<p>Mon 12/7: Other than the title referencing a Culture Club tune, writes nothing</p><p>Tues 12/8: Puts tree up, decorates</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoiJoQGF-ho/X9aOKilOaKI/AAAAAAAAG84/WU_6VmJ6s7YQP2zDB8C_A2JhsspGJbu9QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1517" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoiJoQGF-ho/X9aOKilOaKI/AAAAAAAAG84/WU_6VmJ6s7YQP2zDB8C_A2JhsspGJbu9QCNcBGAsYHQ/w296-h400/tree.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big tree last year. Sweet, little tree this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Wed 12/9 3:20pm</p><p>Even a pandemic Christmas season is a hectic one. I fantasize about all my opportunities for free time but reality squashes my dreams - again. Last December - the first at my then new job - it was sloooooooow as molasses. This year I'm prepared. Recent PWEs and mailers were scanned and dumped to a flash drive then taken to my office. It now rest peacefully in my top drawer. 'Hello, little flash drive' [wistfully closes drawer.] Work is insanely busy - and gratefully so.</p><p>Thurs - Sat: nuttin'</p><p>Sunday 12/13 Flash drive still in desk drawer at work. Comes across blogger references to the 'five minute post'. THAT I can do. Go!</p><p>I really should post trades but want to share some of my own cards. Dang it cat, must you be held NOW? What is that on the wall? Did I leave my car windows down? I forgot to bring a bottle of water to the hobby room. God, I could use a nap. Laptop battery at 15%. Great, the internet just cut out again. Now, where are those cards I scanned? Oh wow! I forgot he sent me these - eight months ago! Time's up. </p><p>A card from my Altuve collection:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jW3xlUsuW9A/X9aPHKvVARI/AAAAAAAAG9A/jyvoJfZI0Ywqo3n2kRvHWqM7uiAnrFm8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1013/Scan_20201010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="709" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jW3xlUsuW9A/X9aPHKvVARI/AAAAAAAAG9A/jyvoJfZI0Ywqo3n2kRvHWqM7uiAnrFm8ACNcBGAsYHQ/w280-h400/Scan_20201010.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.cardboardconnection.com/2019-topps-transcendent-collection-baseball-cards" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2019 TRANSCENDANT /100</span></a></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Have a good week my friends!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DYKHXl1xoc/X9aRQlL4agI/AAAAAAAAG9I/EyWEoqPEoEYQmX7rwdAhnjv859bWkc04wCNcBGAsYHQ/s450/gratitude.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DYKHXl1xoc/X9aRQlL4agI/AAAAAAAAG9I/EyWEoqPEoEYQmX7rwdAhnjv859bWkc04wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/gratitude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What is time anyway? All of life's moments, one by one. Peace!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-84149408796540173302020-12-06T17:27:00.003-05:002020-12-06T18:00:13.843-05:00We Need a Little Retail...<p>Right this very minute...but you're not gonna find it here.</p><p>It's been awhile since I sat on Santa's lap, probably two or three years now. My needs are fairly simple: toilet paper, sanitizer and retail baseball cards. I have a home, my health and some of my sanity. While not a hoarder, I have plenty of tp and sanitizer. I got no new baseball cards. None. It's pitiful. People are sick, many hungry and I have no packs to rip. It's time for self-reflection. Me. Me. Me. </p><p>Collector pals have come to the rescue over the past few months. PWEs have been rolling in thanks to Pick Pocketers and mail ballots for the recently ended election season contest. </p><p><b><a href="http://baseballdimebox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Our fave Dimebox man, Nick</a></b> sent this batch. The top card is a Turkey Red RP of <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_Schmidt" target="_blank">Charles 'Boss' Schmidt. </a> </b> A Tiger catcher who beat up on Ty Cobb? How did I not know him?? Hangs head in shame.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cLAaB5GrGY/X81CgGLe-ZI/AAAAAAAAG5o/C5FGmI3Bhj8knQvgF_QysrYLKNoZwo-fQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2440/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2440" data-original-width="1138" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cLAaB5GrGY/X81CgGLe-ZI/AAAAAAAAG5o/C5FGmI3Bhj8knQvgF_QysrYLKNoZwo-fQCNcBGAsYHQ/w298-h640/Scan_20201010%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Gold and red parallels, just in time for the holidays. 2020 Archives with a 74 design I kinda like but was 2002 necessary? I hated it then. It's likely responsible for me leaving the hobby in 2002. Blech. I needed the Miggy so am certainly glad to have this one. With white borders, I'd have been all over these cards. No, that's a lie. I didn't appreciate white borders til 2012. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BCzFYVh8kk/X81CgIVm7-I/AAAAAAAAG5s/HMF4KF4pMucYBWj19CRnf7fc2MF9Dr-agCNcBGAsYHQ/s2511/Scan_20201010%2B%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2511" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BCzFYVh8kk/X81CgIVm7-I/AAAAAAAAG5s/HMF4KF4pMucYBWj19CRnf7fc2MF9Dr-agCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h183/Scan_20201010%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gary Sheffield is lucky he's in a Tiger uni on a great-looking 2007 Elements or he'd not be welcome in my house. These cards are super attractive in hand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Bdd04KEFA/X81CtyPekNI/AAAAAAAAG50/zf-d04KAl-w-YMtPH5shDtXVS512FlCjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s519/07%2Belements.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="369" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Bdd04KEFA/X81CtyPekNI/AAAAAAAAG50/zf-d04KAl-w-YMtPH5shDtXVS512FlCjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w285-h400/07%2Belements.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nJkjJaYov4/X81Ct__mVZI/AAAAAAAAG5w/Bdh03RX9QiswSGu1DoT3EVZHkvL6Fw43QCNcBGAsYHQ/s519/2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="373" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nJkjJaYov4/X81Ct__mVZI/AAAAAAAAG5w/Bdh03RX9QiswSGu1DoT3EVZHkvL6Fw43QCNcBGAsYHQ/w288-h400/2019.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like Prizm so this refractory, prizmatical 2019 card is more than welcome at House of Crack. Hmm, that sounded good before I put it down for all to read. Cracked House? Moving on. Stewart is about out of time. Another touted Tiger rookie, he's 26 and has yet to impress me. I appreciate receiving shiny autographed cards of Tiger rookies because I won't buy them. I'll miss out on the big payoff one day when one of these fellows actually becomes a star player. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tommy Bridges, a Tiger who tipped his pitches, appears in the 1988 Sporting News World Wide Sports issue. Reading the back of this card, I discovered the Yankees had a sign-stealing coach. How common was it to have an actual coach dedicated to sign theft? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGrXMPbl8vk/X81C5nHMgmI/AAAAAAAAG6A/oKkId-kY_XEKhtNIcpeTi7xBlzzTTk6kgCNcBGAsYHQ/s549/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGrXMPbl8vk/X81C5nHMgmI/AAAAAAAAG6A/oKkId-kY_XEKhtNIcpeTi7xBlzzTTk6kgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfFK48JSwRk/X81C5gJAOqI/AAAAAAAAG6E/leq0CtPdmvYbz-qQJbVNYioIiMGCgqdVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s522/88%2Bwww%2Bbk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="522" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfFK48JSwRk/X81C5gJAOqI/AAAAAAAAG6E/leq0CtPdmvYbz-qQJbVNYioIiMGCgqdVgCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h228/88%2Bwww%2Bbk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Envelopes like these are <strike>as good</strike> better than a pack rip. The contents are sure to contain a team, player or theme that fits your collection. I haven't missed retail all that much. Shelves emptied by flippers will remain so. These people are profiting so why should this change? I believe stocked retail is a thing of the past. New card purchases interest me less all the time. Pals like Nick keep the new and sometimes odd coming my way which works great for me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's been part of my goal too, with Pick Pockets. You fill the envelope with cards you like. The post office leaves them in your mailbox. You rip at your convenience. Heck - sometimes it takes me so long to get them in the mail, you've forgotten your choices. Surprise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To my trade pals and regular readers, the Christmas edition of Pick Pockets has been updated. Cards picked the past week have been pulled for mailing. Holes left in the pages have been filled. Trade pals can pick again. Readers, it's open pickin' time! Hope you each find a little something to enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLJNs8uJS5E/X81Q_CU6DQI/AAAAAAAAG6c/OSNBuZEesHYDTrRsBhM_4Nt2kx3h5jQdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s694/gifts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="694" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLJNs8uJS5E/X81Q_CU6DQI/AAAAAAAAG6c/OSNBuZEesHYDTrRsBhM_4Nt2kx3h5jQdQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h436/gifts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-12353148668924851252020-11-26T22:57:00.002-05:002020-11-26T22:57:57.685-05:00Cornucopia of Thanks (or Gratitude in a Goat's Horn)There's something about the word <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cornucopia&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS840US840&oq=cornuc&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i131i433i457j0i131i433l6.11058j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">CORNUCOPIA</a></span></b>; the horn o'plenty. It tickles the tongue and sounds corny but the cornucopia has long symbolized abundance. I'll be the first to recognize my life is overflowing with blessings.<div><br /></div><div>I could reel off one hundred things to be thankful for but how do I express genuine appreciation? I enjoy being in the moment, taking the time to soak up whatever it is. I don't need much to be happy. Today I watched as a dove had a drink at the birdbath. Within another minute or so, she was taking a full bath on a 40 degree day. It was then I realized that while I've fed and watered birds for 30 plus years, I'd never seen a dove actually take a bath. That one small moment this morning has been in my mind all day. Within a minute of her dip the bath was full of birds. It was a delightful moment in an otherwise cloudy, damp and gray day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Michigan temperatures have been above average for most of November providing additional moments of gratitude every time I step outdoors. Tomorrow I'll get my Christmas lights up. While I enjoy all the holiday colors, it's nice to think that maybe a passerby finds pleasure in them too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, I am thankful for many of the same reasons most are: employment [bonus: five minute commute,] a home with a good roof, a car, three meals a day plus snacks, pets, books, baseball cards, music, a blog etc etc, I may have only a couple of 'blood' family members left on this earth - my sister and dad - but I've made a family of friends over many years. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've chosen to surround myself with people who are kind. I don't have the time or patience for people who are angry and intolerant or live in a world of continuous self-created drama. Life will bring its own dramatic moments without seeking them out. Physical pain and heartache are part of life but without sorrow and loss, would we truly know the fullness of joy found in laughter or the touch of a loved one's hand? It may sound a bit sappy but these are the thoughts that live in my head.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now, in this moment, I am thankful for you. A few of you supported my little blog from its beginnings in June of 2014. Somewhere along the way, the rest of you lovely and crazy people joined to keep me going. Your kindnesses and many generosities are not taken for granted. Your blogs entertain and educate, and often leave me thinking a bit bigger - outside the box - about the world we live in and share. Thank you. I hope your Thanksgiving has been one of health and happiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is post number 194. I doubt I'll hit 200 by the years end but it is 2020. Nothing is off the table.</div><div>Until next time...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vLzsPM_EDM/X8B2uJcwIdI/AAAAAAAAG2M/bUWEMcf0WOI3VXpddQ5-UTxn5PU6muMIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s720/happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="720" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vLzsPM_EDM/X8B2uJcwIdI/AAAAAAAAG2M/bUWEMcf0WOI3VXpddQ5-UTxn5PU6muMIQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h398/happiness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-86016334868704562962020-11-12T18:28:00.001-05:002020-11-12T18:28:24.641-05:00Hey Blogger! Javascript This!<p> It's my little way of saying 'stick it'! I'm unable to make the Pick Pockets page tab live. The tab is updated but you can't see it. Blogger is aware of the javascript error 'void'. This means you can't see:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZB4tTuElVi4JvfOW7XziWMJuxZyNlXUaQOyilyvU9bg8dMXaUSOR_shWJyPupAp9gEGoPxj-dH6_4rm-yuUv4LomJuGw8L5sdVXRlJLRGIZ0NNxj9gMaKxv0-Id5UXHyNV8wKpiwwak/s409/peeps.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="409" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZB4tTuElVi4JvfOW7XziWMJuxZyNlXUaQOyilyvU9bg8dMXaUSOR_shWJyPupAp9gEGoPxj-dH6_4rm-yuUv4LomJuGw8L5sdVXRlJLRGIZ0NNxj9gMaKxv0-Id5UXHyNV8wKpiwwak/w400-h134/peeps.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You also don't see:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtZDE6J_zS-MdAhUNfTUvDhF4szY4l5S_YbMzhY129gaA7JriuVcK9g9I4WaGD6XccKeXql_57mNUWmt5sFnRxnQVZt37eYB0WZnHvkp4FReujH0gyAjhwNp-hT54h7oyB0rxbaxGYjU/s1049/pickers.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="1049" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtZDE6J_zS-MdAhUNfTUvDhF4szY4l5S_YbMzhY129gaA7JriuVcK9g9I4WaGD6XccKeXql_57mNUWmt5sFnRxnQVZt37eYB0WZnHvkp4FReujH0gyAjhwNp-hT54h7oyB0rxbaxGYjU/w921-h162/pickers.JPG" width="921" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There should be no need to define a regular reader. I've noticed well-timed comments on a couple of posts each time cards are picked. This does not make the picker a regular reader. Please don't email to ask if I mailed cards to you as disappointment will ensue. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've sent cards to this person a few times, receiving a thank you only once when I asked him to acknowledge receipt. He found my blog by searching for free baseball cards. Wow. Who knew? Maybe we should all give that a try!</div><div><br /></div><div>And there's this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBm3O3URD5zbM0c5rE6nJcSb_b1lh7eVjC354sl9cSO_VRpMREmkALdxcxdfH8jjF31yo73HnB28QHc43EHvv2KZgg0bjuNdq0iUJoU5-iZfQ0qF9CXGMFxt_2MdcqKK21oCxtT_SSq0/s761/discl.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="761" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBm3O3URD5zbM0c5rE6nJcSb_b1lh7eVjC354sl9cSO_VRpMREmkALdxcxdfH8jjF31yo73HnB28QHc43EHvv2KZgg0bjuNdq0iUJoU5-iZfQ0qF9CXGMFxt_2MdcqKK21oCxtT_SSq0/w536-h54/discl.JPG" width="536" /></a></div><br /><div>Email your address if we have never traded. No email, no cards. Hmmm. Another reason you did not receive your picks. I enjoy being generous but it's time to say 'no'. Boundaries are healthy - like broccoli.</div><div><br /></div><div>So thanks to all of you who do read, comment and trade with me. Pick Pockets are for you. We'll have another edition around Thanksgiving. The Ballot Box contest took up a bit of my time. I've taken a small break this week to do as little as possible in the evenings but will be around soon to visit your blogs. </div><div><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-56685131052624933912020-11-03T21:23:00.000-05:002020-11-03T21:23:28.450-05:00BREAKING NEWS: ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE CRACKED BAT BALLOT BOX<p>The current political season has droned on and on. While we may not know the outcome of the competing election for a few days, tonight you will know who takes home the Cracked Bat Ballot Box. You chose the contents in a free and fair election process. </p><p>Are you scrolling down? Tsk. Tsk. You could miss another hot dog:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnO3jpqz4zI/X6H3QhUPX1I/AAAAAAAAG1M/8CB9BniVI5c3bcQ59eNCRV-G6YFLBZWowCNcBGAsYHQ/s996/ride%2Bthe%2Bhot%2Bdog.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="996" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnO3jpqz4zI/X6H3QhUPX1I/AAAAAAAAG1M/8CB9BniVI5c3bcQ59eNCRV-G6YFLBZWowCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h354/ride%2Bthe%2Bhot%2Bdog.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm excited to announce our winner but hate to disappoint so many deserving contestants. Many of you never missed a voting opportunity. Several took time to mail-in ballots filled with cards from my wantlist. You're all winners to this Cracked Bat! </p><p>I decided to randomize our list of names nine times, equal to the number of voting rounds. Our number one voter will take home the box. </p><p>Scrolling? So selfish. I can post a LOT of hot dog photos. In fact, I have hundreds more. Lucky for you, I am too tired. Let's do this!</p><p>~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br />~<br /><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">There were 229 items in your list. Here they are in random order:</span></p><ol style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ROYALS N RANDOMS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">LOST COLLECTOR</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE COLLECTOR (CHRIS)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">CARDS ON CARDS (MADDING)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">VROOOMED (DAN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">OHIO TIM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE COLLECTOR (CHRIS)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PADROGRAPHS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ADAM - EPIC</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ANGELS IN ORDER (TOM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">STEVE AT 1975</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JAFRONIUS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BILLY K</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">P-TOWN TOM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">COLLECTIVE MIND</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PENNYSLEEVES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ANGELS IN ORDER (TOM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PENNYSLEEVES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ANGELS IN ORDER (TOM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ROYALS N RANDOMS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PADROGRAPHS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PADROGRAPHS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">CARDS ON CARDS (MADDING)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">STEVE AT 1975</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ROYALS N RANDOMS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">VROOOMED (DAN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">INFIELD FLY RULE (ADAM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ANGELS IN ORDER (TOM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ROYALS N RANDOMS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">OHIO TIM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">COLLECTIVE MIND</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">GARY…</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ADAM - EPIC</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">INFIELD FLY RULE (ADAM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">GARY…</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">P-TOWN TOM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">INFIELD FLY RULE (ADAM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">P-TOWN TOM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">EP (OLD RED SOX)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">STEVE AT 1975</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JAFRONIUS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">P-TOWN TOM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PADROGRAPHS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">OHIO TIM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">INFIELD FLY RULE (ADAM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">STEVE AT 1975</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">LOST COLLECTOR</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PENNYSLEEVES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE COLLECTOR (CHRIS)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JAFRONIUS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">OHIO TIM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NICK VOSSBRINK</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">TOPPS NEVER WERE (JEREMY)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JAFRONIUS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SPYDAMAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PADROGRAPHS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ADAM - EPIC</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">INFIELD FLY RULE (ADAM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">STEVE AT 1975</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BRETT ALAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BUMP RUN (TREVOR)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ANGELS IN ORDER (TOM)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ADAM - EPIC</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">HARDBALL CRAZY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ELLIPTICAL MAN</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JAFRONIUS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHNNY'S TRADING SPOT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">ADAM - EPIC</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NIGHT OWL</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE COLLECTOR (CHRIS)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">OHIO TIM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">P-TOWN TOM</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SHLABBY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIME BOXES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BO ROZNY</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">BBCARDZ</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">FUJI</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NINE POCKETS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">THE DIAMOND KING (KEVIN)</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">WAX PACK WONDERS</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">JOHN SHARP</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">SCC COFFEE MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">PENNYSLEEVES</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">DIAMOND JESTERS - MATT</span></li><li><span style="color: #4c1130;">NACHOS GRANDE</span></li></ol><p style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">IP: 72.173.214.51<br />Timestamp: 2020-11-04 02:05:08 UTC</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Don't use this service for giveaways! Use <a href="https://giveaways.random.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Multi-Round Giveaways</a> instead</strong> <a href="https://giveaways.random.org/warning" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><button type="button">More Info</button></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">You have randomized this list 9 times.</span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span>Congrats to Bo Rozny who had 18 entries! </span>If our winner chooses to part with any of his winnings, well that's fine with me. I just need these things out of my house! </p><p>It was my intention to have a prize for the most mail-in ballots but Bo took the Ballot Box. I was also going to have a prize for second place but Bo took that as well. We'll have another drawing for a few more items soon. I'm too tired to do another round tonight.</p><p>Thank you for being kind to this blogger, and for your participation. No matter the outcome of tonight's Presidential election, this country is divided. But we are not winners or losers, we are Americans. Let's be a people who care for one another. </p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-28004142166214197362020-11-03T19:21:00.006-05:002020-11-03T20:12:27.872-05:00BREAKING NEWS: ELECTION RESULTS!!!<p> NO. NO. </p><p>It's too late to buy your way into this election. Put your money away. I don't care if you have hot dogs. </p><p>Wait. Mister ?!?</p><p>All beef ???</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gg6XdaLb1s/X6Hv5RKYA2I/AAAAAAAAG1A/dFzNaGySM0s5H5idr5JmUff1CaoJ0DLgACNcBGAsYHQ/s500/HD2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gg6XdaLb1s/X6Hv5RKYA2I/AAAAAAAAG1A/dFzNaGySM0s5H5idr5JmUff1CaoJ0DLgACNcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/HD2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-67556948253094872072020-11-03T18:53:00.002-05:002020-11-03T18:53:23.026-05:00BREAKING NEWS: ELECTION RESULTS <p> But first....</p><p><br /></p><p>A hot dog.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt4bqxpT3Mk/X6HtIJf5EWI/AAAAAAAAG04/a1XBXGcdjgkAlr2NjyyPxTCbCBD_qh_OQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/HD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="400" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt4bqxpT3Mk/X6HtIJf5EWI/AAAAAAAAG04/a1XBXGcdjgkAlr2NjyyPxTCbCBD_qh_OQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/HD1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-87162221868493265012020-10-31T08:44:00.001-04:002020-10-31T08:47:25.853-04:00Round Nine Results and Voter Totals<p>We've been through nine rounds of voting. The final candidates were a complete set of 1986 Sportflics Decade Greats and 13 vintage cards from 1961 Fleer. The winner is no surprise but Decade Greats was able to steal 7 of 26 total votes!</p><p><b>CANDIDATE B 1961 FLEER GREATS</b> goes into the Ballot box!</p><p>Let's review our first eight winners:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtA3pzikMkzuarD23NzoxNBVZq5QKloK_kFR_KLbUjOOuQcY_mkLhQjL7fiEfP4ZEUJEWeSG86-HB6JxvA_Ohg_fbAyHkaQnBrQM8lh9H9U6pez1TnXeLYdqOc1QhEy0glR9gVGT1bo/s942/ROUND+1+-+A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="942" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtA3pzikMkzuarD23NzoxNBVZq5QKloK_kFR_KLbUjOOuQcY_mkLhQjL7fiEfP4ZEUJEWeSG86-HB6JxvA_Ohg_fbAyHkaQnBrQM8lh9H9U6pez1TnXeLYdqOc1QhEy0glR9gVGT1bo/w400-h250/ROUND+1+-+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>ROUND ONE</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1988 SCORE YOUNG STARS</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPge25gyy7lmCUjSwJiIcuNJmkUSMy28qfPBnFQHyi-1wCmcs8r3IJ9ZVfLS35t4J3rAu4yC-4ZaW_vUx6qa-gRTls9_fZYIuQEmq8YiHy7G4MSDBTaTiYKCGcGiQSHNmrag3sxT-o0Bg/s832/round+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="625" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPge25gyy7lmCUjSwJiIcuNJmkUSMy28qfPBnFQHyi-1wCmcs8r3IJ9ZVfLS35t4J3rAu4yC-4ZaW_vUx6qa-gRTls9_fZYIuQEmq8YiHy7G4MSDBTaTiYKCGcGiQSHNmrag3sxT-o0Bg/w300-h400/round+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND TWO</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2019 OPTIC FOOTBALL NEARLY COMPLETE SET</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrJxTwXbCiGvG4vx20WRzsEnXP6_92RKV27FMnYcgAUkAY6gkePtA_BVCdUC9i0pc5gnjl_v_t5Gn5pKJTVO_Z6_iDWaA_AJSX6oJJBG5n5zPtGdrKoUB2e94lWNBjmRbRZkF76b5dE/s2048/round+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrJxTwXbCiGvG4vx20WRzsEnXP6_92RKV27FMnYcgAUkAY6gkePtA_BVCdUC9i0pc5gnjl_v_t5Gn5pKJTVO_Z6_iDWaA_AJSX6oJJBG5n5zPtGdrKoUB2e94lWNBjmRbRZkF76b5dE/s320/round+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND THREE</b></div>\<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59HkgEA0CJY-1bxCJ2Q5PYhNU5OV6uZgDueUpqQfXHrmLvkjHmM7_65BjPpAhiseiqlLvXIVlLSyJ3FfFoaIaxnQhHXIoXL_9jQTE1hWId0Ctv5xdwmZSqsY0p21x7644Nbk7d8BVbrY/s710/round+4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59HkgEA0CJY-1bxCJ2Q5PYhNU5OV6uZgDueUpqQfXHrmLvkjHmM7_65BjPpAhiseiqlLvXIVlLSyJ3FfFoaIaxnQhHXIoXL_9jQTE1hWId0Ctv5xdwmZSqsY0p21x7644Nbk7d8BVbrY/w250-h400/round+4.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND FOUR</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEAMTcwnih56LVT4V_u-ZaFp45EX6vrQyKeLAnDVl19ADPFgiDJdl6hN0BrSdxQ2e77Y1VrUrC6bDfRlV-5s2uU5wvrwarV7GJrlahmu0Qn-PwJ5uUFhgoxST9neE8QrHssi6Y_PCawM/s848/87+and+91round+5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEAMTcwnih56LVT4V_u-ZaFp45EX6vrQyKeLAnDVl19ADPFgiDJdl6hN0BrSdxQ2e77Y1VrUrC6bDfRlV-5s2uU5wvrwarV7GJrlahmu0Qn-PwJ5uUFhgoxST9neE8QrHssi6Y_PCawM/s320/87+and+91round+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND FIVE</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1987 SPORTFLICS COMPLETE SET</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIJZG9kPrzfgcBBvRJ-a0hLGfCabsjP-4_yyRiG4pz_lsulXKoFUBDVuh7wHHhsYLYjoqE8J6yqw34SBk8Jfe93HviUqfHbI8SyHPuMkifC1cFNvv0rpjz-PJv3TkKur-wnb6olef8Ik/s856/87+sf+set++round+6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="856" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIJZG9kPrzfgcBBvRJ-a0hLGfCabsjP-4_yyRiG4pz_lsulXKoFUBDVuh7wHHhsYLYjoqE8J6yqw34SBk8Jfe93HviUqfHbI8SyHPuMkifC1cFNvv0rpjz-PJv3TkKur-wnb6olef8Ik/s320/87+sf+set++round+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND SIX</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>QUAKER/WHITEHALL</b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOo7F4zNrXA2H6ZBrW6LvUMgVo2nYkyI3jaUfbFpDKQNXziboTbiaWIK_c_McSYWSFgsV57pa3t7Yh8sFAGa1oTRCEuOD3jXLxolSD5pEfAvg4GaAQfx_iE2PfrNXQcDypIIaXRHTIFY/s868/round+7++B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="868" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOo7F4zNrXA2H6ZBrW6LvUMgVo2nYkyI3jaUfbFpDKQNXziboTbiaWIK_c_McSYWSFgsV57pa3t7Yh8sFAGa1oTRCEuOD3jXLxolSD5pEfAvg4GaAQfx_iE2PfrNXQcDypIIaXRHTIFY/s320/round+7++B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO34W_fwNLHi-vruO1R9IUV8qGhVOVFD4tu3HPaVfFTH0OyRUAGAHNO6xzx0j45Wqmd_bfrcUBtWY0HWGUXJLC_vuPYzGazse2jD62T5MHLXjVS2xY8MD_wWt6iE-62YTLnzlTkBgOvQ/s730/round+7+B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO34W_fwNLHi-vruO1R9IUV8qGhVOVFD4tu3HPaVfFTH0OyRUAGAHNO6xzx0j45Wqmd_bfrcUBtWY0HWGUXJLC_vuPYzGazse2jD62T5MHLXjVS2xY8MD_wWt6iE-62YTLnzlTkBgOvQ/s320/round+7+B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND SEVEN</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVMQLpmJVB1ug5XYcgahpN3XG_bHP20eM8cGgFFBjn4jMAp5-zo3iMxWwWl0fjSLcf5bC565Xf4PAVmXmjeRs4j00HJImX1uGHSxSz1POuO1hrNSHcckvH1dargA-mvKEd7LoCjv9mRk/s691/round+8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="404" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVMQLpmJVB1ug5XYcgahpN3XG_bHP20eM8cGgFFBjn4jMAp5-zo3iMxWwWl0fjSLcf5bC565Xf4PAVmXmjeRs4j00HJImX1uGHSxSz1POuO1hrNSHcckvH1dargA-mvKEd7LoCjv9mRk/w234-h400/round+8.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ROUND EIGHT</b></div><p><br /></p><p>Since this contest began in July, we've had 39 different voters. Any with 10 or more votes have mail-in ballots included in their totals. As you can see, Bo is the leader with 18 total votes! Others who cast mail-in ballots were Elliptical Man, The Diamond King, Sportscard Collectors, P-Town Tom, Shlabotnik Report, Nine Pockets, The Collector, Pennysleeves, Padrographs, Nachos Grande and Dime Boxes. Numbers below will be updated to reflect any additional mail-in ballots received through Nov 3rd.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HReUYX37168LNWBWybGl27k_cuhWXZ5k6LgZ1OtXH-U-eGGBIwzoKEUQdpFPaQLAF179xaZ7DR1DHC_QDvOzrwhb-bwQG8jmSjHFVHPiXVGi9vtw3nDBkA05WWm2cMZlWwH8ngU6u98/s689/39+VOTERS.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="257" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HReUYX37168LNWBWybGl27k_cuhWXZ5k6LgZ1OtXH-U-eGGBIwzoKEUQdpFPaQLAF179xaZ7DR1DHC_QDvOzrwhb-bwQG8jmSjHFVHPiXVGi9vtw3nDBkA05WWm2cMZlWwH8ngU6u98/w238-h640/39+VOTERS.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>While not included on the list above, Fred Pike and Mike Matson took time to create a little foreign interference in the voting process. Mike picked some cards for himself from Pick Pockets as a 'thank you' for his time. Fred will receive a little thank you as well, included with his next pick pocket envelope.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's look at voter totals sorted low to high:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXtJjb4Ugxb3F7Wl6gJQ0D3KclzdZXx0JefZNtEFWjuveQ5ldSsQBsQjihxqEztaaa3np39ZnWGzvXaMWagSr6m4bE-ESpXKAzDi83xdqxkT7SQzPGI8Yvdv6KZ6Mi_Ivw1z03Ew66JE/s703/votes+low+to+high.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXtJjb4Ugxb3F7Wl6gJQ0D3KclzdZXx0JefZNtEFWjuveQ5ldSsQBsQjihxqEztaaa3np39ZnWGzvXaMWagSr6m4bE-ESpXKAzDi83xdqxkT7SQzPGI8Yvdv6KZ6Mi_Ivw1z03Ew66JE/w236-h640/votes+low+to+high.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I've created a sheet to make entry for the Randomizer easier and accurate. I'll copy/past each column into the Randomizer to ensure no names are left out of the drawing. Again, any additional mail-in ballots received through Nov 3rd will be added to these totals.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEgSnZxLzWowPYYsnYLriR1MBkj3RXhEsG_rGPugYo6Eomt9dqh_aXRXhbCrWCcGuqXke5OXEosr-BmUTmxi98sOPpmhH7jmoDEvYuTy6XbmrbtERBLJenVjA-UckpHdgbHB3SkvROc/s1880/entry+1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="1880" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEgSnZxLzWowPYYsnYLriR1MBkj3RXhEsG_rGPugYo6Eomt9dqh_aXRXhbCrWCcGuqXke5OXEosr-BmUTmxi98sOPpmhH7jmoDEvYuTy6XbmrbtERBLJenVjA-UckpHdgbHB3SkvROc/w775-h162/entry+1.JPG" width="775" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="1896" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4TFOyJ-GMjY9k7EzUU92N85mLY-FaKCKRdSTRoU6USJwjzcWwjvELSM6mSyTFHqv-lFi6Aopu0af8HHqXyCq5kyui5qsIaxIORfg5XRSE4mrt7OgZRG1_WFnhen35FXR7F9nrgjgZDg/w1003-h94/entry+2.JPG" width="1003" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmiI_HeGtaU7WQ0A6DH5C2hyphenhyphenYOgqOQyVIf7vW_ofQYd8T0FuclMcLpRDpgy8-ayQoehnAZp_JnoM_0PVKxaU5f8L14Fh6RAdFpqbhiMvxApl3-_f-r-Vl2o9h2hSsbx8jtJ-bIAxeqYw/s1065/entry+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="1065" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmiI_HeGtaU7WQ0A6DH5C2hyphenhyphenYOgqOQyVIf7vW_ofQYd8T0FuclMcLpRDpgy8-ayQoehnAZp_JnoM_0PVKxaU5f8L14Fh6RAdFpqbhiMvxApl3-_f-r-Vl2o9h2hSsbx8jtJ-bIAxeqYw/w640-h80/entry+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll prep your Pick Pockets for mailing after the election. Thanks for your patience, Pickers! We'll have a new PP edition available soon. Pick Pockets are for readers <b>who comment on the blog regularly</b> but trade pals will continue to have first dibs. Anyone who happens upon Cracked Bat for the first time is welcome to participate in one round of Pick Pockets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope to see those of you newer to the blog stick around. Many of you have supported this blog from the beginning. You've made this hobby twice the fun. Thank you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's meet back here Tuesday evening around 8pm EST to find out who takes home the Cracked Bat Ballot Box!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-58482827398792364292020-10-27T20:36:00.006-04:002020-10-28T06:15:26.236-04:00This Is It...<p>...your last opportunity to vote in the Cracked Bat Ballot Box giveaway. </p><p>This has been a year for much needed 'pick-me-ups.' While it's been a bit of work for me, I've had good fun presenting your candidates! I have a few more little giveaways to share with my regular readers in future posts. If you were around before the Ballot Box contest began, you will have the opportunity to win GOOD books, crappy autographed baseballs and odd - read 'unwanted' - collectibles. LOL! If you found this blog during the Ballot contest, stay involved with your comments and make yourself eligible to participate in future giveaways. </p><p><b>It's the Final Round, # 9</b>! Before revealing your last candidates, we need to review Round 8 voting. I predicted 1987 Rookies for the win. The Maddux RC alone was worth your vote. 1992 Triple Play was a great opportunity for pack rippers. It's also fun to tuck packs like these into trade packages. I've been know to pad a mailer with 89 Topps wax. So, was I right? Improved voter turnout created a last minute rally for The Rookies with 11 votes but 1992 Triple Play took 16. Thanks to the 27 who voted in Round 8!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbLJWII0BIM/X5ipHe1yNbI/AAAAAAAAGxg/qzIUMZM1NHQ67GL6VfFB4O0GwF0lzpkngCNcBGAsYHQ/s691/tp1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbLJWII0BIM/X5ipHe1yNbI/AAAAAAAAGxg/qzIUMZM1NHQ67GL6VfFB4O0GwF0lzpkngCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/tp1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>ROUND 8 WINNER</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Round Eight candidates are perhaps my favorites for the Cracked Bat Ballot Box. I love both choices offered here and saved them for last. For some of you, the choice may be difficult. If so, describe your painful decisions in the comments. </p><p><b>CANDIDATE A:</b> <b>1986 SPORTFLICS Decade Greats</b></p><p>There are some phenomenal cards in this 126 card set; 75 player and 51 trivia. It holds a respectable value when broken down by card. Ruth, Gehrig, Williams, Mantle, Robinson, Banks - <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/48410/1986-Sportflics-Decade-Greats" target="_blank">the list of players</a></b> is grand with six decades represented. This candidate would have you believe that the best years are behind us. You can relive those moments again and again by voting for Decade Greats. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOJO59GAjZw/X5ONPLmnOaI/AAAAAAAAGw4/badgrN6Qxi0k-dw_BbJUKvX1nyWUoc1OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s615/sf1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="615" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOJO59GAjZw/X5ONPLmnOaI/AAAAAAAAGw4/badgrN6Qxi0k-dw_BbJUKvX1nyWUoc1OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/sf1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R253cBFXJxo/X5ONPnS7LcI/AAAAAAAAGxA/5YLHHbXG-qYn6sZl9lCRR_6kAV-T8Lv6QCNcBGAsYHQ/s811/sf2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="811" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R253cBFXJxo/X5ONPnS7LcI/AAAAAAAAGxA/5YLHHbXG-qYn6sZl9lCRR_6kAV-T8Lv6QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h345/sf2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLi1LDFSNrw/X5ONPWMmbMI/AAAAAAAAGw8/F9RGK4muv0w0pX4SVgUr-rIQ9M9av6RiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s705/sf3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="705" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLi1LDFSNrw/X5ONPWMmbMI/AAAAAAAAGw8/F9RGK4muv0w0pX4SVgUr-rIQ9M9av6RiwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h234/sf3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVHXvs6Epuc/X5ONQFTR6II/AAAAAAAAGxE/35Pa_M2uZGAgc5ey46MTle3QMGnLJOAJACNcBGAsYHQ/s708/sf6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="708" height="524" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVHXvs6Epuc/X5ONQFTR6II/AAAAAAAAGxE/35Pa_M2uZGAgc5ey46MTle3QMGnLJOAJACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h524/sf6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>CANDIDATE B:</b> <b>1961 Fleer Greats </b></p><p>This is a selection of 13 cards from my collection. I've replaced these in my set with upgrades. Please review the scans for their varying conditions. None are terrible and some are more than acceptable - they're darn nice! I'm attempting to build a better set.</p><p>This candidate is old school with nearly 60 years of experience. Fleer doesn't ask you to believe the best years are found in the old days, these Greats want your appreciation. If quantity is important, Sportflics is your set. If the great names are your thing, so is Sportflics. If vintage matters, it's Fleer. There are HOFers in this lot too. If you aren't familiar with this release, read up<a href="https://www.cardboardconnection.com/1961-fleer-baseball-cards" target="_blank"> <b>here.</b></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4s042TvBt4/X5i0r2Y4PsI/AAAAAAAAGxo/ajMFjPt5-aktXNBpc3UXi94JwGdOh4XkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1141/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="838" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4s042TvBt4/X5i0r2Y4PsI/AAAAAAAAGxo/ajMFjPt5-aktXNBpc3UXi94JwGdOh4XkwCNcBGAsYHQ/w470-h640/1a.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyeC6QVxIW8/X5i0r_RbImI/AAAAAAAAGxs/Gl0QCeo2SKs-1Qdv5p9aOmu4nIH-YIpEgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1139/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1139" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyeC6QVxIW8/X5i0r_RbImI/AAAAAAAAGxs/Gl0QCeo2SKs-1Qdv5p9aOmu4nIH-YIpEgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h470/1b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfOzN9sVuoY/X5i0yeYHxCI/AAAAAAAAGxw/vdGdpcTlHtsGczwwrqmSWieEtr2RiBYqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1233/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1233" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfOzN9sVuoY/X5i0yeYHxCI/AAAAAAAAGxw/vdGdpcTlHtsGczwwrqmSWieEtr2RiBYqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h300/2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5H0OQB8TEDY/X5i0y3kAIkI/AAAAAAAAGx0/XKOnJ6kBvIMaKvX4gly2hSjZKTSmjKlqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1845/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="875" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5H0OQB8TEDY/X5i0y3kAIkI/AAAAAAAAGx0/XKOnJ6kBvIMaKvX4gly2hSjZKTSmjKlqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w304-h640/2b.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-bMAgWw3u4/X5i1FKI6d3I/AAAAAAAAGyM/2FiXQQWjotQyanmwsWyoJcWu7l5jtZb8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1834/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1834" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-bMAgWw3u4/X5i1FKI6d3I/AAAAAAAAGyM/2FiXQQWjotQyanmwsWyoJcWu7l5jtZb8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h300/3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q8agsr9U1k/X5i1E29cjOI/AAAAAAAAGyI/GuU-FElx3WcIZfPdHAMmrmn1SjNUkzTCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="587" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q8agsr9U1k/X5i1E29cjOI/AAAAAAAAGyI/GuU-FElx3WcIZfPdHAMmrmn1SjNUkzTCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w302-h640/3b.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgF8Usm-fOA/X5i1VyuWfRI/AAAAAAAAGyc/kgYa_Hr5pqQ-Cc5_N5grxV9NmH-72TZfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1213/Scan_20201025%2B%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1213" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgF8Usm-fOA/X5i1VyuWfRI/AAAAAAAAGyc/kgYa_Hr5pqQ-Cc5_N5grxV9NmH-72TZfwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h298/Scan_20201025%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0VBHK8P67M/X5i1WlqbGFI/AAAAAAAAGyg/gFTjT1-9TNQGx7rfcicfCmAFY7Fw7dNhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2518/Scan_20201025%2B%25289%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2518" data-original-width="1187" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0VBHK8P67M/X5i1WlqbGFI/AAAAAAAAGyg/gFTjT1-9TNQGx7rfcicfCmAFY7Fw7dNhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w302-h640/Scan_20201025%2B%25289%2529.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One final review of the rules:<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4_6aeTnHgs/X5i424I7UkI/AAAAAAAAGyw/jbz0eNclNw8jKPQ9BOhWsviuY_bog1pCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1590/rules.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1590" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4_6aeTnHgs/X5i424I7UkI/AAAAAAAAGyw/jbz0eNclNw8jKPQ9BOhWsviuY_bog1pCQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h214/rules.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>This round will close Thursday evening at the 48 hour mark. I'll need time to tally voter totals and prepare a list for the Randomizer. My next post will announce the winner of this round, review the box contents and confirm each voter's registration and vote totals. Voters will have their names entered into the randomizer equivalent to the number of their votes, including mail-in ballots.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, and please vote November 3rd. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-23023161019451959462020-10-24T12:09:00.000-04:002020-10-24T12:09:10.613-04:00Rounding the Corner!<p>We are rapidly approaching the finish line! I announced the Ballot Box contest on July 4th. We've had seven rounds of voting to date. I was hoping to go ten rounds but I feel a knockout coming! That's ok! We still have time for two more! The Box is filling nicely. I'd planned to have a blaster for the winner but we all know the sad state of retail product. Who'd have thought???</p><p>Round Seven was a slaughter. Challengers Purina/Sunoco and Quaker/Whitehall didn't gather the attention previous contenders garnered. I left voting open for several days but only 16 took time to cast a ballot. Perhaps more interest would've rescued Candidate A? The Whitehall Legends set was the focus of attention with 11 winning votes. I misunderestimated the power of holograms.</p><p>Round 8 Voting is here. No booing from the audience. You must hold your applause or obnoxious commentary until the Ballot Box is awarded.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>CANDIDATE A: 1987 DONRUSS The Rookies</b></p><p>The box is open but contains a sealed set of <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/114/1987-Donruss-The-Rookies" target="_blank">56 cards.</a></b> There is no Clemente puzzle included. Notable rookies in this set are Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Bo Jackson, Matt Williams and Rafael Palmeiro. Of all Greg's rookies, this is may be favorite. I have one in my collection. Do you?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu6gE6BwLA/X5N5B0NpnWI/AAAAAAAAGvk/G-D-x5ki4hkR4pudsIkgNf36FeKOmuS3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s779/r1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="779" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu6gE6BwLA/X5N5B0NpnWI/AAAAAAAAGvk/G-D-x5ki4hkR4pudsIkgNf36FeKOmuS3QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h230/r1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLob1T4j7Zk/X5N5HopFZjI/AAAAAAAAGvo/MQP8g13MoBwmPmr2HHL3v3QdeZ8yyqgjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s350/greg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="245" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLob1T4j7Zk/X5N5HopFZjI/AAAAAAAAGvo/MQP8g13MoBwmPmr2HHL3v3QdeZ8yyqgjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w280-h400/greg.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>CANDIDATE B: 1992 TRIPLE PLAY</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>One sealed box of 36 packs, 15 cards each plus a rub-off game card! Though marketed with the kiddies in mind, adults still love to rip these packs. Oh yes you do! You might pull a Gallery of Stars Bobby Bo, Griffey, Ripken or perhaps some Awesome Action! Who wouldn't like that?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV4guL7Bdkw/X5N-BrWazkI/AAAAAAAAGv4/Jc1Uj1zLEDMT9YchISv7fK8NT_3Pp00tQCNcBGAsYHQ/s691/tp1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="404" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV4guL7Bdkw/X5N-BrWazkI/AAAAAAAAGv4/Jc1Uj1zLEDMT9YchISv7fK8NT_3Pp00tQCNcBGAsYHQ/w234-h400/tp1.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtBryWmi4cI/X5N-LzQgJnI/AAAAAAAAGwE/EabEvBbq0CkkOJ4O5eKwX8luGKwY87BsACNcBGAsYHQ/s350/bobo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="247" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtBryWmi4cI/X5N-LzQgJnI/AAAAAAAAGwE/EabEvBbq0CkkOJ4O5eKwX8luGKwY87BsACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/bobo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TyiYeE-TTVk/X5N-Lzd40uI/AAAAAAAAGv8/hxavp-6Pw6YGQAiwStzElnCXCyJ7XK30ACNcBGAsYHQ/s350/gref.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="244" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TyiYeE-TTVk/X5N-Lzd40uI/AAAAAAAAGv8/hxavp-6Pw6YGQAiwStzElnCXCyJ7XK30ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/gref.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecKvdl_Hopo/X5N-Lw8cTiI/AAAAAAAAGwA/pgGIwKJaRzQG45bVznJXJh5q1jG3CNm0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s350/rip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="252" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecKvdl_Hopo/X5N-Lw8cTiI/AAAAAAAAGwA/pgGIwKJaRzQG45bVznJXJh5q1jG3CNm0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/rip.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMdrUVsYiHA/X5N_dtexBwI/AAAAAAAAGwU/y_L8DlIeqSw9DtKMnYEYr2E_cNCqVwLJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s350/214-96683RepFr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="247" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMdrUVsYiHA/X5N_dtexBwI/AAAAAAAAGwU/y_L8DlIeqSw9DtKMnYEYr2E_cNCqVwLJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/214-96683RepFr.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Do2aGN-rC68/X5N_d8z9igI/AAAAAAAAGwY/0p2GmQK-30wxx2eONkUIWgl6han0NL5FwCNcBGAsYHQ/s350/214-96749RepFr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Do2aGN-rC68/X5N_d8z9igI/AAAAAAAAGwY/0p2GmQK-30wxx2eONkUIWgl6han0NL5FwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/214-96749RepFr.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6syDXewCGTc/X5OAMuRxOII/AAAAAAAAGwg/EALnPg_pDnYCZB1TFH4zglDqPePISkNhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s347/214-196Fr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6syDXewCGTc/X5OAMuRxOII/AAAAAAAAGwg/EALnPg_pDnYCZB1TFH4zglDqPePISkNhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/214-196Fr.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This round is overwhelming. <i>I know I'm exhausted!</i> Take a moment to catch your breath, review the rules and vote!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pstI-MLXSUs/X5OCPC-Mm7I/AAAAAAAAGws/-PKC-oAq22c63XdIoMBPSCrGJ65JXVuzACNcBGAsYHQ/s1590/rules.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1590" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pstI-MLXSUs/X5OCPC-Mm7I/AAAAAAAAGws/-PKC-oAq22c63XdIoMBPSCrGJ65JXVuzACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h214/rules.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-50421625743261623442020-10-18T19:01:00.002-04:002020-10-20T20:14:59.765-04:00A Nacho Break!<p>During this year without baseball, one thing I missed were the concessions. I always have a hot dog of course but on occasion, share nachos with my game pal. I'm pretty basic. Give me lots of hot cheese and jalapenos. So when it comes to a nachos grande, you can count me out. Unless you are Nacho man Chris, whose blog is Grande! In this case, I'll have seconds!</p><p>Chris keeps a trade stack, adding a card at a time. The whole stack is up for grabs in return for one singular piece of cardboard from his want list. In all the years I've watched stacks come and go, I've yet to claim one. What card finally caught my eye?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5t_OZhWShybBWVt4JDgD6iWerCAHv3M6PvS1g2YfL5Cn1gRWZ32JkWgFwx1JmqmSdT-NAtt5dNhX8aXXHygbz3JK4jWMFx02jV0lwD0GjeC7jcPkmMXDFYrk6rdVZMFvAhDVQMJhdU0/s1200/chris+nachos+7.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1200" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5t_OZhWShybBWVt4JDgD6iWerCAHv3M6PvS1g2YfL5Cn1gRWZ32JkWgFwx1JmqmSdT-NAtt5dNhX8aXXHygbz3JK4jWMFx02jV0lwD0GjeC7jcPkmMXDFYrk6rdVZMFvAhDVQMJhdU0/w400-h274/chris+nachos+7.27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>You should know it was not the Jeter. I saw the Kendall and lost my mind. What a shiny, colorful, in-your-face card! I dug til I found a card for him, and dug quickly. Though the stack was only two cards deep, I knew it would go fast. Why no one claimed the Jeter, I can't say. This was a perfect little trade.</p><p>If you follow the Nachos Grande blog, you know about his affordable group breaks. I've enjoyed a couple myself recently with three box breaks of Stadium Club and one box of Diamond Kings. My DK spot netted one of the two 'hits' in the box:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmnvoSrZC7c/X4Xocay63YI/AAAAAAAAGsw/ZViSCDxjlT4LxwIEhcuu80LhhHY9M2wZACNcBGAsYHQ/s800/20201012_174959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmnvoSrZC7c/X4Xocay63YI/AAAAAAAAGsw/ZViSCDxjlT4LxwIEhcuu80LhhHY9M2wZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201012_174959.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Willi's only 23. The shortstop had 129 MLB at bats this year. His season stats: .349 with 6 homers and 24 rbi. He appears promising but he's a Tiger so I have zero expectations, therefore avoiding certain disappointment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chris threw in a random team with each one claimed. One of my freebies were the Pirates:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4Ilh-XpkMs/X4XoiWb6MDI/AAAAAAAAGs0/w-4tcC7yJJ8VcH8u-S9meszOpY0nZZPyACNcBGAsYHQ/s876/20201012_175022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="876" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4Ilh-XpkMs/X4XoiWb6MDI/AAAAAAAAGs0/w-4tcC7yJJ8VcH8u-S9meszOpY0nZZPyACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201012_175022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Chris knew I was building <b>2011 Lineage</b> so he filled my 'break' package with 85 cards from my want list!!! I'd received another 43 cards this summer from a young man named JQ Spooner. He has no blog or accounts that I'm aware of which would allow me to tag him. Between these two generous lots, my list is down to eight cards! I still need: </p><p><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1a222a; font-family: "im fell great primer"; font-size: 19.8px;">42, 49, </span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1a222a; font-family: "im fell great primer"; font-size: 19.8px;">72, 84, </span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1a222a; font-family: "im fell great primer"; font-size: 19.8px;">93, 100, 107, </span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1a222a; font-family: "im fell great primer"; font-size: 19.8px;">149.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWebcYAeAYU/X4Xol7fLPAI/AAAAAAAAGs4/sxAp8av_OO4TY_x_nQXjpN2eYm3cpLTpACNcBGAsYHQ/s1762/20201012_174647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="1701" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWebcYAeAYU/X4Xol7fLPAI/AAAAAAAAGs4/sxAp8av_OO4TY_x_nQXjpN2eYm3cpLTpACNcBGAsYHQ/w386-h400/20201012_174647.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>85 CARDS from CHRIS!</b></div><p>JQ SPOONER: a sampling of his 43 cards:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hv_DgFvCok/X4Xo2FQcoFI/AAAAAAAAGtE/RbmN_IDoRQcHM9lIpmc6z5ZQHmrhpGoUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1646/jq%2Bspooner%2B7.31%2B%2B43%2Bcards%2B%2B11lineage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1646" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hv_DgFvCok/X4Xo2FQcoFI/AAAAAAAAGtE/RbmN_IDoRQcHM9lIpmc6z5ZQHmrhpGoUgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h272/jq%2Bspooner%2B7.31%2B%2B43%2Bcards%2B%2B11lineage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're interested in a box break, Chris is having fun with product as far back as the 90s! His Facebook page can be found <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/nachosgrande" target="_blank">here</a></b> and blog<a href="http://fanofreds.blogspot.com/2020/10/trade-stack-103-two-heritage-means-we.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NachosGrande+%28Nachos+Grande%29" target="_blank"> <b>here.</b></a> Check out the blog link for his current trade stack.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chris, thanks for the fun break offerings - and for the Lineage assist! It was a wonderful surprise!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">**********************************************</div><p>Time for a round six ballot wrap! Your candidates were <b>A:</b> 1987 Sportlics Factory set and <b>B:</b> 1989 Bowman factory set. Twenty-two voters cast their ballots. Sportflics took the win with 12 votes!</p><p>Going into the ballot box:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkCklfOWb28/X4yjBR75FLI/AAAAAAAAGtk/lHI6DN3eHnwA70gy5Dsx6RQYLVjF_EXvACNcBGAsYHQ/s807/l.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="807" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkCklfOWb28/X4yjBR75FLI/AAAAAAAAGtk/lHI6DN3eHnwA70gy5Dsx6RQYLVjF_EXvACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/l.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Welcome to Round 7 voting!</span> </b>Your candidates are small set lots: food, odd and holographic. Each has a running mate. </p><p><b>CANDIDATE A: </b></p><p>A complete 33 card set of 1984 Topps Ralston Purina baseball featuring many stars in all their dog chow glory! Checklist <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/58047/1984-Topps-Ralston-Purina" target="_blank">here</a></b>. Full disclosure: when pulling this set for the contest, I found a slight wrinkle on Nolan's hat. His card still presents well. There is no color loss. You should know your candidate's flaws. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYj9q3v8Ja0/X4yoTkJsdZI/AAAAAAAAGts/DzDz5Lr0HL0NVwTe9KyPJR3y7CGlK9GCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s877/A2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="877" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYj9q3v8Ja0/X4yoTkJsdZI/AAAAAAAAGts/DzDz5Lr0HL0NVwTe9KyPJR3y7CGlK9GCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h382/A2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Ralston Purina's running-mate is the 2001 Sunoco Dream Team, a complete 12 card set ! When I discovered this set just a few years ago, I'd never seen it anywhere. Now these cards seem to turn up in dime boxes everywhere! But all twelve at one time? Rarely. Checklist <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/9113/2001-Sunoco-Dream-Team">here.</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKSqZkzHAX0/X4yo91zt2PI/AAAAAAAAGt0/20qTYB21k6oQsdtGfZsNjPi0wTTGDYz4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s646/A%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="646" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKSqZkzHAX0/X4yo91zt2PI/AAAAAAAAGt0/20qTYB21k6oQsdtGfZsNjPi0wTTGDYz4QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h358/A%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>CANDIDATE B:</b><br /><p>Another complete 33 card set for consideration: 1986 Topps Quaker Granola. Checklist <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/48203/1986-Topps-Quaker-Granola" target="_blank">here.</a> </b>It's filled with stars of the day and a pilgrim on the face of each card. Chew on that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9122w-i3Ws/X4yrdrteI5I/AAAAAAAAGuA/Z4kQE6nzmDEH3v9ISPOScl6micKRLN_qQCNcBGAsYHQ/s868/B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="868" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9122w-i3Ws/X4yrdrteI5I/AAAAAAAAGuA/Z4kQE6nzmDEH3v9ISPOScl6micKRLN_qQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h502/B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Granola's mate in the running: 1992 Whitehall Legends to Life! These cards do not scan well and gave my camera difficulty. That's a politician for ya! Only wants you to see their good side. The five card checklist: Cobb, Gehrig, Ruth, Wagner and Young. Cards were still sealed in plastic wrap. Scratch-free and ready to rock you with their early 90s holographic design.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAKNWUJOccg/X4ys40lILtI/AAAAAAAAGuM/V7NNxng5GS0DkRC0mH67LA5DALo52xUIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s730/B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="730" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAKNWUJOccg/X4ys40lILtI/AAAAAAAAGuM/V7NNxng5GS0DkRC0mH67LA5DALo52xUIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h355/B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqpypZR2R7o/X4ytpVWeCXI/AAAAAAAAGuU/8nc84oOcjosI8zeiGnFBbR2NayIIgYK4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="463" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqpypZR2R7o/X4ytpVWeCXI/AAAAAAAAGuU/8nc84oOcjosI8zeiGnFBbR2NayIIgYK4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/1.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Please review the rules before voting:</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uryTtTFwGOE/X4yuDgg7axI/AAAAAAAAGug/mv1uqp0kINU1jPxzoi5YsT6KI8oMJ2MwwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1590/rules.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1590" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uryTtTFwGOE/X4yuDgg7axI/AAAAAAAAGug/mv1uqp0kINU1jPxzoi5YsT6KI8oMJ2MwwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h214/rules.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Before I close, a thank you goes out to Fuji for the chicken he sent my way. Chicken travels better than one might expect when it's FAMOUS! Fuji recently obtained one for himself and shared it <a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/2020/10/overpriced-chicken.html" target="_blank"><b>on his blog.</b> </a>That's when I began whining; commenting too quickly to notice an error before entering. Truly, I only mentioned the bird was going on my Santa list. Fuji must've had concerns about Santa's ability to travel this covid-Christmas. He stepped right into the red suit and sent one to me. The postal sleigh dropped it off only a couple of days ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB6evpvIrHY/X4y9jj4lbLI/AAAAAAAAGuo/1orXASyo-UUIC52Q1j1S3pIjwjiveGWhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s946/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="946" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB6evpvIrHY/X4y9jj4lbLI/AAAAAAAAGuo/1orXASyo-UUIC52Q1j1S3pIjwjiveGWhQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h348/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>As you can see, the F.C. is right at home among friends in my happy corner. Fuji, you once asked about those brightly colored cans on the speakers. <b><a href="https://www.blakeshardcider.com/rainbowseeker/" target="_blank">"Rainbow Seeker"</a></b> is a pineapple/sage drink by Blake's Hard Cider, a few miles up the road from me. It's good cold or with a little OJ which is my preference. A percentage of the proceeds from this cider support the <b><a href="https://www.glbthotline.org/" target="_blank">LGBT National Hotline.</a> </b></p><p><b>Thank you Chris, Fuji and JQ - and thanks to all my readers! Get out there and vote! </b></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-88960418923429735432020-10-09T19:40:00.000-04:002020-10-09T19:40:41.675-04:00Cards From The Coach<p>Put me in coach. I'm ready to trade. Today. In truth, it was mid-July. <b><a href="http://tilnextyear-tom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coach Tom</a> </b>needed Big League help - or was it biggly help? Well he got Big League. Desperate for anything baseball, a friend and I opened a stack of packs. I helped a couple of pals knock some cards off their wantlists and they each rewarded me generously. I shared my goods from Shlabby last week. </p><p>P-Town's thank-you included a card from a set I'd never seen. This insert is from 2000 Pacific Invincible, Kings of the Diamond:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oaUcYL6xmoCC53C_SpRawV_wFMARO-ywRe50OWicnHwvWkZg9LtTsnD931iA-0whIeeSyzAmxi09llS9qBzkZUx1HSFe5ixSw5uAzPwY0HS4ZQBVbHkGSSh02C1MNp91imQoIp2es7U/s1098/00+invinc+king+diamond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oaUcYL6xmoCC53C_SpRawV_wFMARO-ywRe50OWicnHwvWkZg9LtTsnD931iA-0whIeeSyzAmxi09llS9qBzkZUx1HSFe5ixSw5uAzPwY0HS4ZQBVbHkGSSh02C1MNp91imQoIp2es7U/w301-h400/00+invinc+king+diamond.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I won't go off on my regular rant about Juan Gon. His was one of my first player collections when I followed the Rangers in the early 90s. By 1999, I was over him and so were the Rangers. He was traded to Detroit. Baby Juan wanted the Tigers to bring in the fences so he could knock his balls out of the park. They did not and he left, taking his balls with him. This is a cool card and fits nicely into the Tiger collection.<div><br /></div><div>How about this 1978 Hostess Milt May, a fix for my sweet tooth - cut out with loving care. The black still shows around three sides of the card.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GJQCEQEYrSamc3paq5IrCjS04UvZ4IUaO0aEpqlrIb5zqZbFRl85dSlxEFOpI5T7t_8Huy_yhHtw6A8pPnPKmc25DLCVhLwKAijb55Hge5y-Zry-kl5t_znOhoJo_FtiqxDrRXVlj5E/s1012/78+hostess+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GJQCEQEYrSamc3paq5IrCjS04UvZ4IUaO0aEpqlrIb5zqZbFRl85dSlxEFOpI5T7t_8Huy_yhHtw6A8pPnPKmc25DLCVhLwKAijb55Hge5y-Zry-kl5t_znOhoJo_FtiqxDrRXVlj5E/s320/78+hostess+.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Big League help was in store for me too. Orange parallel Tigs and a Tuve;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp3QMTbnfQso15pE4gnnBwSO5KTVt_q1ZhUTJ5XkEuU7pnfoIITaK4vTbvBsikaTNj9MMxzyCtLCSwLYMOyIAFRoz1wnl-kncppXOcbGf8fEYZprYqYZs-X4YMIVjA5g7-xT-sb4gx64/s2386/big+l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="2386" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp3QMTbnfQso15pE4gnnBwSO5KTVt_q1ZhUTJ5XkEuU7pnfoIITaK4vTbvBsikaTNj9MMxzyCtLCSwLYMOyIAFRoz1wnl-kncppXOcbGf8fEYZprYqYZs-X4YMIVjA5g7-xT-sb4gx64/w640-h292/big+l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I was so disappointed the day I learned Shoop was a <b><a href="https://www.howtopronounce.com/jonathan-schoop" target="_blank">Shcope</a>.</b> The 2020 baseball season is what it is and for him, that was 44 games. Schoop suffered a wrist injury ending his season early. What IS early in a 60 game season? I never saw the Tigers play this year. My only source for baseball is satellite tv. No cable out in these here woods. Satellite innernets allow no quality streaming options. Watching a box break can be painful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tom pulled a special card from his Big League and teased me with it on his blog. I assumed it was me but it could've been any Tiger fan who also enjoys catchers. Can you spot the card?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosIexcF99POaGU6rFlojBpZakaYcPs3dfDkvl0QS-F7VAqlMwTzoZkRGHM9CtG3FLAwyM1M9kNhASjDlOi1tf-AaWSDpwcGSkYicPi3mRjfa6KBiVNrZoKn_ofj_eeaxLAaHYattrxTg/s3359/Scan_20200712+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3359" data-original-width="905" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosIexcF99POaGU6rFlojBpZakaYcPs3dfDkvl0QS-F7VAqlMwTzoZkRGHM9CtG3FLAwyM1M9kNhASjDlOi1tf-AaWSDpwcGSkYicPi3mRjfa6KBiVNrZoKn_ofj_eeaxLAaHYattrxTg/w172-h640/Scan_20200712+%25283%2529.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><br /><div>That's a fun little autograph on Jake's first Big League card! I'm sure his parents are proud. He didn't make an appearance this MLB season but there's always next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tom, thank you for a fun swap! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have to be honest with you, my reader friends. This has been a tough year for me and the game. The sting of the Astros scandal hurt a lot this spring. The Tigers had little to offer, during another year of their life-long [my life] rebuild. The season shut down before it began and then, the waiting. By the first of July, I really didn't care anymore. The ginormous salaries have disgusted me for sometime. Trout signs yet another ridiculous contract. Talent is one thing but come on - no athlete is worth these sums of money. I look at the world we are living in right now and realize none of this truly matters. </div><div><br /></div><div>How is my collecting and an occasional hoarding mentality making the world a better place to live? The hobby is fun and more so when shared. I find less joy collecting new players. I narrowed my focus to four players - and two of these fellows are deceased. The living are Posey and Altuve. I enjoyed a little Stadium Club this past month but new cards haven't meant much to me this year. I can tell you what has made the difference for me. You.</div><div><br /></div><div>My fellow collectors - readers and bloggers alike - you have made my year better. Generosities have been many with freebies everywhere. I put up my Pick Pockets tab in January. It took sometime for folks to find it but you did. That made me happy. I love sharing and giving. This blog has given away over 1000 cards this year. I know because I've kept a spreadsheet - who picked and when, and how many cards. And the year isn't over. So many of you have used this opportunity to return the favors, knocking cards off my wantlists. Thank you for this. Maybe giving away a few cards is making your day a little brighter. Perhaps that matters.</div><div><br /></div><div>So about those Pickpockets. The tab is down for a couple of days while I update the page and add new cards. You'll see it this weekend, probably Sunday afternoon/evening. I have the cards ready to scan and upload. I am still offering cards to anyone who stumbles across this blog for the first time. Cards have been designated for trade pals and regular readers. This will not change. I think it's important to reward my trade pals first. Going forward, trade partners get first picks. For the first 7-10 days, it's trade pals only. After that, I'll open the page up to regular readers too with an announcement on the page for "open-trading season". I have 3000+ cards to choose from every time we have a new round. As long as I can afford the postage, your virtual dime box will be here - and free.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for keeping the hobby fun and for supporting this blog. And with that...</div><div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">***************************************************</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's Round Six! Your candidates are factory sets! </p><p style="text-align: left;">1987 Sportflics offers a complete 200 card base set with an additional 136 Team Logo Trivia Cards, more aptly named 'trivial' cards. Many of these little buggers find their way to file 13. Trivialities aside, this set is full of star cards. I believe this set is also known for the first use of a color player photo on the card back. Feel free to correct me on this...and risk having your ballot voided. LOL.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>CANDIDATE A</b>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuPpgZybmKG7-Beg4kZYYCCz3iWEaWECiS-fFvCmOxyt5aWdNq2hOsNJOd6prJndqftqvnbhrQD8hkVhrpXAAwjYFvbqTRrwqk8e3oOPx_iyfifhwU0Xs8KeycEnANrsqEfR61m7lMeU/s807/87+SF+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="807" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuPpgZybmKG7-Beg4kZYYCCz3iWEaWECiS-fFvCmOxyt5aWdNq2hOsNJOd6prJndqftqvnbhrQD8hkVhrpXAAwjYFvbqTRrwqk8e3oOPx_iyfifhwU0Xs8KeycEnANrsqEfR61m7lMeU/w400-h179/87+SF+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBizFjXT693LHZ8jzQRjmPWTdDM4TZVovF2BjCB2zwKhvSePYFMSJWHQ3YjMRhCb_7oEzkc9d9aRSEwSvRxJu-cAeMSzhAS_mIGomHTZcznefWw-DfTXeNRv-VxkfFyPLiXkSV_OGZz8/s856/87+SF+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="856" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBizFjXT693LHZ8jzQRjmPWTdDM4TZVovF2BjCB2zwKhvSePYFMSJWHQ3YjMRhCb_7oEzkc9d9aRSEwSvRxJu-cAeMSzhAS_mIGomHTZcznefWw-DfTXeNRv-VxkfFyPLiXkSV_OGZz8/w640-h492/87+SF+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvw-XlCGsFb2C2SJzacgnQPsQynY_qA1qTvoe0OIeU4zq-k-QDenQ3m2vjFfTSvkRiY0GtdxjQ0HTCaB-462wyeSPJF4LqUxQFYVmAy1kVUDA7evoMUpmNRG73WREVB895wrCdsz3z-E/s350/boggs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvw-XlCGsFb2C2SJzacgnQPsQynY_qA1qTvoe0OIeU4zq-k-QDenQ3m2vjFfTSvkRiY0GtdxjQ0HTCaB-462wyeSPJF4LqUxQFYVmAy1kVUDA7evoMUpmNRG73WREVB895wrCdsz3z-E/w288-h400/boggs.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW_jYZ_o-Lrw1poZPPeAAK3psqXjwnlVFHlAwHefy4vSnIj_H_pmw4px2esuTulelhrfo9RnmOLMiR4YO5kE4ibaFn2rIZ8I0dvh4pLnlgA61hkkLNywqLnoqulw6rZRuCSGF6aVJVR0/s350/murray.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="248" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW_jYZ_o-Lrw1poZPPeAAK3psqXjwnlVFHlAwHefy4vSnIj_H_pmw4px2esuTulelhrfo9RnmOLMiR4YO5kE4ibaFn2rIZ8I0dvh4pLnlgA61hkkLNywqLnoqulw6rZRuCSGF6aVJVR0/w284-h400/murray.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Not a fan of the 'flics? Well Candidate B is vying for your vote! In fact, it's been pining for acceptance since 1989. Bowman is back! With it's annoying, slightly oversized design, 89 Bowman has been filling dime boxes since 19...89. [?] But - and there always is one - what about that Griffey Jr rookie card? This factory box is still sealed. Junior is likely as minty fresh today as he was upon insertion. One thing this box offers you - storage for the 484 card set.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>CANDIDATE B:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQRb4M4xBnF8b6O_gZge6QFyPC9kwW8K4zZXXNOxn7DsGq3bgYJQAV-kgY79VGRvVH0W7qPPGiBVP7BrIBvNAuSVFSNgSbKIP6PNBdZ77A93T-_VtHf8d1ISVTB3LA5dAC5BBXBozFw8/s845/89+BOW+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="845" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQRb4M4xBnF8b6O_gZge6QFyPC9kwW8K4zZXXNOxn7DsGq3bgYJQAV-kgY79VGRvVH0W7qPPGiBVP7BrIBvNAuSVFSNgSbKIP6PNBdZ77A93T-_VtHf8d1ISVTB3LA5dAC5BBXBozFw8/w640-h224/89+BOW+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8tLVvA6vUTqdWHHKS3IFaW0cXQpE-qtvmd_Ba4RnIuHdjEBKRANlR9qMihbTJCJol6RcCGi9aqSIbLTG1e2XK-6tMWUUWsEndjWRLVhSu-7xcq_y2CDGkXTUffSh5jnnPbWtfSyD9GE/s1000/griffey+2.5x3.75.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8tLVvA6vUTqdWHHKS3IFaW0cXQpE-qtvmd_Ba4RnIuHdjEBKRANlR9qMihbTJCJol6RcCGi9aqSIbLTG1e2XK-6tMWUUWsEndjWRLVhSu-7xcq_y2CDGkXTUffSh5jnnPbWtfSyD9GE/w266-h400/griffey+2.5x3.75.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj1KyEznZD8vh3zKqKgkHKPnVGRYwZf82p0c4Irtu0g7N9J_fUGUbiJEVDjrKu-T44jWsQe7_5zNEn_-Pg5kT_OaU56V3ddzWcEDHBTUDqOEtjXcLPhyznA1ApEATTuM0HmzcEanSyPg/s1000/smoltz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="663" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj1KyEznZD8vh3zKqKgkHKPnVGRYwZf82p0c4Irtu0g7N9J_fUGUbiJEVDjrKu-T44jWsQe7_5zNEn_-Pg5kT_OaU56V3ddzWcEDHBTUDqOEtjXcLPhyznA1ApEATTuM0HmzcEanSyPg/w265-h400/smoltz.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Are you whining? This is a serious election. Faced with candidates that may not appeal to you, will you vote anyway? Every vote counts at the end of this election. Consider these cards trade fodder or add them to your collection. Per usual, a rule recap is in order:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHpniYPTkOpzIfgzuwYg0o33t24F1NUgO7VN2zTXx9fwlnwSs7TGEuxH9G9IjesvPxOfVqeyJtc-5NtE70u8lFc9xkO7oGffxNm1gzu-H70GixdSGN4cNoeNIKmUnPVQDULPEnK1EIE8/s1590/rules.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1590" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHpniYPTkOpzIfgzuwYg0o33t24F1NUgO7VN2zTXx9fwlnwSs7TGEuxH9G9IjesvPxOfVqeyJtc-5NtE70u8lFc9xkO7oGffxNm1gzu-H70GixdSGN4cNoeNIKmUnPVQDULPEnK1EIE8/w640-h214/rules.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This prize package is growing. Mail in votes count too. Cards from Tom and Shlabby netted them each a vote. Any cards received on or before November 3rd count. November 4th = too late.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Now get to votin'! Please?</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-6416346237928801482020-10-04T19:43:00.006-04:002020-10-05T06:29:59.907-04:00Fuji's Touch of Zen<p>It's a rainy Sunday afternoon. I'm listening to peaceful ambient music without a care in the world today. Life is happening everywhere but right here, right now - there is peace in my home. It's a rare moment when life isn't calm here. I am blessed and fortunate. </p><p>I don't subscribe to a specific belief system but prefer to say I'm spiritual: living with gratitude in the present moment and treating others as I would want to be treated. Fuji shared a <b><a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/2020/06/famous-and-unique.html" target="_blank">card on his blog</a></b> this summer which caught my eye with its touch of Zen; the ying and yang. I commented of my desire to search the ends of earth for a copy. He made it so much easier for me. I only had to walk to the mailbox. Live in the flow and let life come to you. No, I am not high. Week upon week, your judgements continue. LOL.</p><p>Zen is not a belief system. If you are curious, <b><a href="https://zenstudies.org/teachings/what-is-zen/" target="_blank">check out this page.</a> </b>No matter your beliefs or lack thereof, zen meditation can be part of any daily practice. The page link contains this snippet:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">So, again, what is Zen? Stop now. Stop trying to get an intellectual lock on something that is vast and boundless, far more than the rational mind can grasp. Just breathe in with full awareness. Taste the breath. Appreciate it fully. Now breathe out, slowly, with equal appreciation. Give it all away; hold onto nothing. Breathe in with gratitude; breathe out with love. Receiving and offering—this is what we are doing each time we inhale and exhale. To do so with conscious awareness, on a regular basis, is the transformative practice we call Zen.</span> </p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OeoTMOwfbo/X3oAaIzZnlI/AAAAAAAAGmM/07hSjdvZQCsSTRu-hjSVbJqOmUEbVhxcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1095/Scan_20200621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="808" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OeoTMOwfbo/X3oAaIzZnlI/AAAAAAAAGmM/07hSjdvZQCsSTRu-hjSVbJqOmUEbVhxcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w472-h640/Scan_20200621.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaDw6k82jo8/X3oAa63vzXI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/loXeUHtdn4AgBxPKZWqh_jG3mxhTvFW1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1166/Scan_20200621%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaDw6k82jo8/X3oAa63vzXI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/loXeUHtdn4AgBxPKZWqh_jG3mxhTvFW1QCNcBGAsYHQ/w477-h640/Scan_20200621%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="477" /></a></div><p>The back of the card may be of interest to my science nerd pals. 'Nerd' is always a compliment in my book. So what did Sanchez do to merit his appearance on <b><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/baseball/" target="_blank">this card</a></b>? All the zeros on the board behind his levitating image tell us he threw a no-hitter, one of only three Puerto Rican players to do so. The others were John Candelaria and Juan Nieves. This card examines the elasticity of a baseball. Only one bat came into contact with balls thrown during Jonathan's no-no, a long fly ball to deep center-field in the ninth inning. Also, the Exploratorium is in San Francisco which means the 'no Dodgers' rule comes into play. That is a rule, yes? </p><p>This card is quirky and fits perfectly into my collection. Thanks for the surprise, Fuji!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">*****************************************</p><p style="text-align: left;">Round Five voting is complete. Twenty-three votes with the winner taking thirteen of them. This means ten of you appreciated the 1986 Sportflics Rookies offered. It seems quantity won this election by a small margin. The Topps Traded sets go into the ballot box. Round six will be up in a few days with a battle of baseball sets. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhm_0Np2dt0/X3o6AUew3-I/AAAAAAAAGmc/xzMq1BSZeSA9Y9GNeRuT92Jwd7hzRPTVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s848/87%2Band%2B91.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="848" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhm_0Np2dt0/X3o6AUew3-I/AAAAAAAAGmc/xzMq1BSZeSA9Y9GNeRuT92Jwd7hzRPTVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/87%2Band%2B91.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Round Five winner</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I hope you're enjoying these voting opportunities half as much as I am in offering them to you. It's fun to read your individual choices with reasons for your selections. If any of you are curious as to how I'm tracking your votes, here's a spreadsheet snippet:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y-RNFAn3DE/X3o--0xNUjI/AAAAAAAAGmk/HqvoFJihtdUEVOv9IyvHYWA1Kz8htj6fwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1297/sheet%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="1297" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y-RNFAn3DE/X3o--0xNUjI/AAAAAAAAGmk/HqvoFJihtdUEVOv9IyvHYWA1Kz8htj6fwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h213/sheet%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bo is leading the mail-in balloting! Winning candidates are highlighted in green. Votes are tabulated with auto-sum and highlighted in yellow:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj2i4B-_oJQ/X3o_3MquYrI/AAAAAAAAGms/CnY1ivjRMyc0BlzUoAUNnT2G_MJBAfFuACNcBGAsYHQ/s1328/snip%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="1328" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj2i4B-_oJQ/X3o_3MquYrI/AAAAAAAAGms/CnY1ivjRMyc0BlzUoAUNnT2G_MJBAfFuACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h134/snip%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After the final round, each voter's total number of votes will be auto-summed. This number will be used to determine how many times the voter's name is entered into the Randomizer. I am grateful for the copy/paste function! </div><div><br /></div><div>We've had 39 different voters so far. Two of these are foreign interference regulars. What's an election without it? I'm not an excel guru so this format works well for me. Keepin' it simple! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for supporting this blog. We have a month to go!!</div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-45659025222822112562020-09-29T12:29:00.000-04:002020-09-29T12:29:26.548-04:00The Wonderful World of Joe ShlabotnikWhat a wonderful world it must be at Joe's! Shelves full of cards, boxes and binders. Oh my! One can only imagine. I don't know that anyone has ever seen <b><a href="https://shlabotnikreport.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Shlabby's place</a></b> but I can attest to owning some outgoing contents. Discards, if you will. No. I did not dig through his trash cans. Is that really what you think of me?<br />
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Good ol' American Joe is certainly not trying to buy into the Cracked Bat Ballot Box but does have two mail-in ballots noted on my super spreader sheet. Cracked Bat favors multiple voting attempts. July brought a pwe and a fat little mailer. He picked a few cards off my want list; sent a couple I picked from his blog and tossed in some fun surprises.<br />
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From the gimmee list: 2017 Archives '59 Bazooka Harper, 2020 Heritage Bazooka Test Posey and Hostess 75 Rico and 79 Whitaker:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful wood</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gentle Giant</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Twinkies!</b></td></tr>
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I love me some big sticks - cracked or not. Black and white Conlons featuring some long gone heroes are perfect for my collection. Foxx, Lou and the Babe. Sometimes I feel I was born too late. Did I ever share my affinity for lounge music? The Rat Pack, Julie London.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq4OV_xDGrQxq3Wfjd_eqwDkCqEHraHFVVvlqrosAlalTm-ZtrcX8ThRdMyv5d1negv3_TOOGmmgPX2VNud2Davlvc47Ga_IGqnWI7ZeBxUYehpMPloaDLxrp0PMJLezHhhLLQFHcK38/s1600/Scan_20200801+%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq4OV_xDGrQxq3Wfjd_eqwDkCqEHraHFVVvlqrosAlalTm-ZtrcX8ThRdMyv5d1negv3_TOOGmmgPX2VNud2Davlvc47Ga_IGqnWI7ZeBxUYehpMPloaDLxrp0PMJLezHhhLLQFHcK38/s640/Scan_20200801+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I sent Joe some 2020 Big League assistance. He sent back part of a box. Wants me to cut out the card myself. Joe's never seen me with a pair of scissors. I will cut <strike>you</strike> me. One of us is obviously lazy. Responsibility, he says.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHMhHqUXjlli8gV2Zk_H3WER7gNqEmA7whoMjQKH2q9GRQ_Zp11pBXfReVeiGBqqADbEZ6jgFj_Y4Iat1pxx2176NLBloCxz_bBdhScvKzzH7TDVmzFwKMDh7NtbJrLtkzQrh_UhC5-U/s1600/n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="769" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHMhHqUXjlli8gV2Zk_H3WER7gNqEmA7whoMjQKH2q9GRQ_Zp11pBXfReVeiGBqqADbEZ6jgFj_Y4Iat1pxx2176NLBloCxz_bBdhScvKzzH7TDVmzFwKMDh7NtbJrLtkzQrh_UhC5-U/s400/n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Obligatory vintage was included. Say what????? You did not know this requirement? You risk having your ballot rejected without it. LOL. That's laugh out-loud <i>not </i> little old lady, wise guy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nLIYuqwmf6h4sl9HfvNwOJwhk_sXG94Tu8Q6VnGH5N-RpVJNDSr-8LZLqbNkKig4B_m-ipUMDq6v1_w0fpROO_FeLC0zJuk5zFCLfLIgEC1TEItJVOr3vhsCmk9Mg1oGOzp-7lR77GE/s1600/57+61++2017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nLIYuqwmf6h4sl9HfvNwOJwhk_sXG94Tu8Q6VnGH5N-RpVJNDSr-8LZLqbNkKig4B_m-ipUMDq6v1_w0fpROO_FeLC0zJuk5zFCLfLIgEC1TEItJVOr3vhsCmk9Mg1oGOzp-7lR77GE/s400/57+61++2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Steve had a kind face</b></td></tr>
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My first Permagraphics! From 1983, Larry Parrish - super star, super fun! The few cards I've seen have been scratched up. This is a clean example. Credit card style, plastic card with apparently no credit limit. The backside has a space for a signature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtJ6aJ9xyRKApBVzqcph4S4qIgSEcqmj4xhTevmAqKSXTeOU_QiVn8ewkMHVV7J_RalmCtI2gVPocz70LV_4EXW-wSR_ga1uqLRnCzXVYH4NYCcPJKPDhAmOho8eAZScuWtio83-7K1M/s1600/perma+back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1030" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtJ6aJ9xyRKApBVzqcph4S4qIgSEcqmj4xhTevmAqKSXTeOU_QiVn8ewkMHVV7J_RalmCtI2gVPocz70LV_4EXW-wSR_ga1uqLRnCzXVYH4NYCcPJKPDhAmOho8eAZScuWtio83-7K1M/s400/perma+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a card from a set I'd never heard of - 1979 Diamond Greats. Backs are blank. My first thought was TCMA but this is not the case. You can read up on these <b><a href="http://www.baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/1979_Diamond_Greats">here.</a></b> I love the simplicity! Team, position and career stats and a checklist 400 cards deep. <b><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Wallin-Diamond-Greats-baseball-cards-150-total-stars-minor-commons/402370745168?hash=item5daf2a5350:g:ANYAAOSwf2hfP1A~" target="_blank">Also not cheap</a></b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOgsDLxAQd54YqQeZ6EU65j_qK4vfeK_0PV6IZ6GuEQpRe3QqrbH5iCHycn4CxVkazPXlLu8eWq0omC5WArmBWTcy8DB1S5ZuszZWhXkOCb8chQFOg5_igschOW9yCMdugq-f0CMKt78/s1600/79+dg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="763" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOgsDLxAQd54YqQeZ6EU65j_qK4vfeK_0PV6IZ6GuEQpRe3QqrbH5iCHycn4CxVkazPXlLu8eWq0omC5WArmBWTcy8DB1S5ZuszZWhXkOCb8chQFOg5_igschOW9yCMdugq-f0CMKt78/s400/79+dg.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I WANT THEM ALL</b></td></tr>
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Let me tell you a little about Joe. He thinks he's funny. So glad I'm nothing like that. Joe tells me he has an old 70s Wacky sticker with my name on it.. Still waiting for him to send it. These fine Altuves came though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1imN1MYKBnIE2polZtg2fO6Swljcs1QbX3-Jdpqnkbe0shoc1QI7RFnmFHlngp3DNse25XMsnJjnRCIq2Lg9HJI8fhUTiW_kCSoH-igbn99WwhxysX_u6Xry7e9POjXI1wn59MgvhEq8/s1600/Scan_20200801+%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1imN1MYKBnIE2polZtg2fO6Swljcs1QbX3-Jdpqnkbe0shoc1QI7RFnmFHlngp3DNse25XMsnJjnRCIq2Lg9HJI8fhUTiW_kCSoH-igbn99WwhxysX_u6Xry7e9POjXI1wn59MgvhEq8/s640/Scan_20200801+%25288%2529.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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You've made it this point. Almost too much excitement for one post! But let me tell yah, this next one had me swinging from the disco ball:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57g0SVfR5QvL8FaH6-hgBVWWxslzbAR8hyphenhyphenyfJyrUf_QXmTYsWTgPjzVlsNoyh7yJagXRdY3a_KopiyVAAwDqOA29aKfv7NHpdEqWmnj3rSlNyAkgX-LDopbsfd16W_16806T1o7OYzNg/s1600/78+glam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="990" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57g0SVfR5QvL8FaH6-hgBVWWxslzbAR8hyphenhyphenyfJyrUf_QXmTYsWTgPjzVlsNoyh7yJagXRdY3a_KopiyVAAwDqOA29aKfv7NHpdEqWmnj3rSlNyAkgX-LDopbsfd16W_16806T1o7OYzNg/s320/78+glam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stare into the eyes of the Tiger. Closer. Put your nose on the screen. You. Will. Send. Me. 1978 Fleer Glam stickers. All. Of. Them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9VpH8EBnGE1FoMHPrympxs1CPmx3qibqsBD3fo0zs9QRmVhnJ9ENxvH0XtBm3eai9Gt12VRHWPXM8AKKqgi2Yx92748iXtcjnN1mpTm3SoNNC2QeDwZWQnaUuddCBjsiaPopyqOzh_8/s1600/SHLABOTNIK+CARTOON.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9VpH8EBnGE1FoMHPrympxs1CPmx3qibqsBD3fo0zs9QRmVhnJ9ENxvH0XtBm3eai9Gt12VRHWPXM8AKKqgi2Yx92748iXtcjnN1mpTm3SoNNC2QeDwZWQnaUuddCBjsiaPopyqOzh_8/s320/SHLABOTNIK+CARTOON.JPG" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you, Shlabby</b></td></tr>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*********************************************************</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's that time again! Round Five voting is here. We have another team effort this week. Candidate A is a Topps Traded duo from years 1987 <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/118/1987-Topps-Traded" target="_blank">[checklist]</a></b> and 1991 <a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/168/1991-Topps-Traded" target="_blank"><b>[checklist.]</b></a> 1987 Maddux extended rookie looks pretty sharp. Matt Williams also has an XRC in this set. 1991 is still sealed. Notable Rookies are Bagwell, Giambi, I Rodriguez and Kennie Steenstra. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CANDIDATE A:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugoolRVD7Dd3kT4DPSU1kAAyjJBeMFoS1cWxMr1qOdjqIvk-Irv6rUCP737t6TcDYzFApEcd4oBSakGqLZ36mDqh47-RC_nn1HF_keng3HmbURQu-oaQGqVSj65QoBAjx-zb6ZRdxTL4/s848/87+and+91.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="848" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugoolRVD7Dd3kT4DPSU1kAAyjJBeMFoS1cWxMr1qOdjqIvk-Irv6rUCP737t6TcDYzFApEcd4oBSakGqLZ36mDqh47-RC_nn1HF_keng3HmbURQu-oaQGqVSj65QoBAjx-zb6ZRdxTL4/w400-h331/87+and+91.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcHp3ayiIqcxxBbkHeI9mTnCAvX0h2rngJCqZ691c19dMnLIsW0R89vHbw5S9AEPuBphJRuWyAb7MXVs68GR4Yct3bUpng-gIH5Nu8wRfNCiXXTUV49TrgYEOzBZ7gq6-QgvmBsbc9_o/s496/keenie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="357" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcHp3ayiIqcxxBbkHeI9mTnCAvX0h2rngJCqZ691c19dMnLIsW0R89vHbw5S9AEPuBphJRuWyAb7MXVs68GR4Yct3bUpng-gIH5Nu8wRfNCiXXTUV49TrgYEOzBZ7gq6-QgvmBsbc9_o/w288-h400/keenie.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also competing for your love and acceptance: <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/ViewSet.cfm/sid/109/1986-Sportflics-Rookies" target="_blank">1986 Sportflics Rookies.</a> </b>Larkin, Bonds and Bo Jackson are popular cards from this set. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CANDIDATE B:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDRcwhooZbQf6zTWoECOuHID-_8O0JdlBGVmsA7u4kY1HqoXT5yY2eYzAqgYwTvlZoofft1RdkHS8pC5Ah4GuI1EQ1lh4ly3iABHnm7bS1hOYHa1ceuCjBQ3QFJdtNI8HUI5N6CMwxvg/s412/c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="412" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDRcwhooZbQf6zTWoECOuHID-_8O0JdlBGVmsA7u4kY1HqoXT5yY2eYzAqgYwTvlZoofft1RdkHS8pC5Ah4GuI1EQ1lh4ly3iABHnm7bS1hOYHa1ceuCjBQ3QFJdtNI8HUI5N6CMwxvg/w400-h371/c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp-Loyl2VZ519NiQVIYXuU1Hj_X9NjfMrO6FNHmTri1QBPOtsgvF2suZyfGPwx57l85zZegtNE1lJTW7glzXQACrbyZr9csrg2UQcmLvV9WlSLxkNRqYgOuxMkhtqT6XYFIWl_D2cWk0/s661/d.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp-Loyl2VZ519NiQVIYXuU1Hj_X9NjfMrO6FNHmTri1QBPOtsgvF2suZyfGPwx57l85zZegtNE1lJTW7glzXQACrbyZr9csrg2UQcmLvV9WlSLxkNRqYgOuxMkhtqT6XYFIWl_D2cWk0/s320/d.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiQyWhSC27X3l7Z0aCjXkYH3g3UB2OiDH5M8IjgAHYZSKboyX_Eauz47R3MScx0rLjHhpnLDmruyWGEyrukIiK0IpegiDkseSmUiWlWQVZUO9UstpkXwfqZqNS6qTZypN6rA63_ugfbU/s543/e.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="484" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiQyWhSC27X3l7Z0aCjXkYH3g3UB2OiDH5M8IjgAHYZSKboyX_Eauz47R3MScx0rLjHhpnLDmruyWGEyrukIiK0IpegiDkseSmUiWlWQVZUO9UstpkXwfqZqNS6qTZypN6rA63_ugfbU/s320/e.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8BGp1JIm0PARSnQSLRHwxvLlB6M_fxnSTduq0g6oXdWrRfYG8XdvHoUgkyWqUBolmKVhz4Ruyhqu9TBEqhg7r_0ZA2Ht_04f7uXLrkdoGaT8Fl_167uc2GtFvSA5uGnSeLi_a2VNHV0/s717/f.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8BGp1JIm0PARSnQSLRHwxvLlB6M_fxnSTduq0g6oXdWrRfYG8XdvHoUgkyWqUBolmKVhz4Ruyhqu9TBEqhg7r_0ZA2Ht_04f7uXLrkdoGaT8Fl_167uc2GtFvSA5uGnSeLi_a2VNHV0/s320/f.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Look over the checklists. What would you prefer to add to your collection? Review the rules and make your vote count!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y3X2lJXZQ3DOMpgRqtpyQX9wq60tgqx843pylWbjqT5eixxOSSmPqaew5WqkM27aZswHx63VSBXOt6WB0fNGJm0w05dgwqidr9olPmnEXEi-uayvIVDu9BFaGvDuV9WqdHFb5sRSoQI/s625/rules.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y3X2lJXZQ3DOMpgRqtpyQX9wq60tgqx843pylWbjqT5eixxOSSmPqaew5WqkM27aZswHx63VSBXOt6WB0fNGJm0w05dgwqidr9olPmnEXEi-uayvIVDu9BFaGvDuV9WqdHFb5sRSoQI/s16000/rules.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">PS - Elliptical Man, please email me at the address in labels. I have a PICK for you. :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-58663801859503878022020-09-18T22:25:00.003-04:002020-09-19T12:14:19.378-04:00GIO - 1970s Series 2 With a Side of Ballot Results<p>Three weeks ago, I showed off Gio's 70s Baseball <b><a href="https://acrackedbat.blogspot.com/2020/08/gio-has-something-topps-doesnt.html" target="_blank">Series One </a></b>release. These are some of my favorite cards from 2020. It's been a tough year for baseball in general. Retail shelves have remained mostly empty. Hobby boxes are scooped up too, almost as quickly. But these! They may be somewhat limited but not impossible to score. And maybe this series should be called Score but for the fact Score didn't give us baseball cards in the 70s. </p><p>Feast upon these 15 beauties and what could have been:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRfQFlwLeO1LTWKi8mMvKVSkqHFf3V8J53S2lkvKGr1nvi-aDFigz-96OonCegPUCn2Eq_cbrVWMAO2Gn73KY5ib8nq0hWQmoGm1-ZNHVC1k5jEqGB5qgKE4uP80PImo2DAm07NwcrSY/s2048/Scan_20200917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRfQFlwLeO1LTWKi8mMvKVSkqHFf3V8J53S2lkvKGr1nvi-aDFigz-96OonCegPUCn2Eq_cbrVWMAO2Gn73KY5ib8nq0hWQmoGm1-ZNHVC1k5jEqGB5qgKE4uP80PImo2DAm07NwcrSY/w640-h478/Scan_20200917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnk5Srh9KbYAjo1VgsxoLzhKasMqz4rARZd8_1ch2R5sfEPvLTuSAaR_qJKPaNYKenPEZlKyhV3u0DOqt1tGGss888sDvp5B-vBmXm3IRH_2dUdmwH4-ehUAxiqP-J1QjmourjK8iPa0/s2048/Scan_20200917+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1493" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnk5Srh9KbYAjo1VgsxoLzhKasMqz4rARZd8_1ch2R5sfEPvLTuSAaR_qJKPaNYKenPEZlKyhV3u0DOqt1tGGss888sDvp5B-vBmXm3IRH_2dUdmwH4-ehUAxiqP-J1QjmourjK8iPa0/w466-h640/Scan_20200917+%25283%2529.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdM0VocidQ85ZeG9EwNEcQMUMdIWHxwqeFUX-f0iLrwoU5-2UIpGhCVxOVZ9AW_VHh1vdr64VoSFlHpVNS76YhSjaqGJKC_XlwVU9rzBPgHYbOwtoww37jj136UFpXgQc9KVmUVJrFhE/s2048/Scan_20200917+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdM0VocidQ85ZeG9EwNEcQMUMdIWHxwqeFUX-f0iLrwoU5-2UIpGhCVxOVZ9AW_VHh1vdr64VoSFlHpVNS76YhSjaqGJKC_XlwVU9rzBPgHYbOwtoww37jj136UFpXgQc9KVmUVJrFhE/w476-h640/Scan_20200917+%25282%2529.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml-zl9q20cpxU6PXdJzwWha_wyOEeMgxThl9BnblBFXg6262smIJm5zlwKygQOOfTWnDUUrETn75XhJ59BDYfYvOnLvm2eMMRssJ497qgFUZ9eKNwiuX9hQb2NHglOZLPhM3UlKSsomY/s2048/Scan_20200917+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="2048" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml-zl9q20cpxU6PXdJzwWha_wyOEeMgxThl9BnblBFXg6262smIJm5zlwKygQOOfTWnDUUrETn75XhJ59BDYfYvOnLvm2eMMRssJ497qgFUZ9eKNwiuX9hQb2NHglOZLPhM3UlKSsomY/w640-h574/Scan_20200917+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Gio included another 'super' star with young Bench. It's my favorite card in the pack, with Mantle and Munson vying for second place. </p><p>As you well know by now, there is no second place in the Ballot Box contest. There is only one winner. Round four was hard on the Junk Candidates. At times, they seemed to muster some love but 1993 Donruss wasn't having any of that. Pushing Elite-ism, voters bought into its better-than-junk platform. But is it really any better? Sixteen voters said yes while eight had pity on the Topps/Score ticket. </p><p>Round four winner: Candidate B</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHNNQIqyyyR1GPyHSuA2v4IcEms_dIpkF02_a6IgIIDI895CWKcsGbbqyc8V9EW3wmY0rIEdg5lMbejyw8uQ10rfhp3fB33MmAGrNKIB-1BXNC9wPqHFSNqZhwx83FrcjQruNB5oPyZY/s710/box.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHNNQIqyyyR1GPyHSuA2v4IcEms_dIpkF02_a6IgIIDI895CWKcsGbbqyc8V9EW3wmY0rIEdg5lMbejyw8uQ10rfhp3fB33MmAGrNKIB-1BXNC9wPqHFSNqZhwx83FrcjQruNB5oPyZY/w250-h400/box.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><br /><p>If you read my first Gio 70s Series post, then you know I added a few cards to Pick Pockets. This time I'm parting with them here to my trade pals. Six cards are available -one per person. You will see seven but the Dodgers card is already set aside for Night Owl. If he declines, then it's up for grabs. Night Owl, let us know if you want to keep or pass on this card. </p><p><b>Please, only choose a card if you will keep it in your collection.</b> These little fellas belong in a caring home. Thank you for supporting this blog! Without further delay...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-qgDCCxrj_BH-3H0MX1w132QweZcg-6Q-OkQ1z_JEj81oVXYPMkYQwSMJLr6Kj-FpHXD-wzS-IqVlEhoSME2AzAHmLoFUWoS99WKCDbe2limfjRj6CZ2jNh3xQAVMqfcNCroz2e-YYE/s2048/Scan_20200917+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-qgDCCxrj_BH-3H0MX1w132QweZcg-6Q-OkQ1z_JEj81oVXYPMkYQwSMJLr6Kj-FpHXD-wzS-IqVlEhoSME2AzAHmLoFUWoS99WKCDbe2limfjRj6CZ2jNh3xQAVMqfcNCroz2e-YYE/w468-h640/Scan_20200917+%25285%2529.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPPxBZxdiL1g-Vuinpnuo0DUD4eZvVlqwJtxyhrXvOJmFIZYhc3UzU_K7b52tKCNsXYs51EMzhNJ0F3Ajdqkp13nZWPEAYk6m-WSm3FQyQi_FoeLUUbNSdDhbYv1Zz1cyB9Osx84XNwQ/s1944/Scan_20200917+%25286%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1679" data-original-width="1944" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPPxBZxdiL1g-Vuinpnuo0DUD4eZvVlqwJtxyhrXvOJmFIZYhc3UzU_K7b52tKCNsXYs51EMzhNJ0F3Ajdqkp13nZWPEAYk6m-WSm3FQyQi_FoeLUUbNSdDhbYv1Zz1cyB9Osx84XNwQ/w640-h552/Scan_20200917+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-31926889058564705272020-09-13T13:06:00.000-04:002020-09-13T13:06:07.440-04:00A Wise Owl Who Gives a Hoot I don't trade often with <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Strigiformes&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS840US840&oq=Strigiformes&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Strigiformes</a></b> but when I do, it's <b><a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Night Owl</a></b>. Most owls are nocturnal raptors. Our writer/collector friend is likely not descended from a feathered family but I haven't seen him. My guess is no. If he were, I wouldn't cast judgement. I loved the movie <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS840US840&sxsrf=ALeKk02gdlQSa8yLGa2wc8pKLfDLgKz9og%3A1599960526214&ei=znVdX_a-DIHrtQbVuIXQCA&q=ladyhawke&gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TcwSsoxKTZg9OLMSUypzEgsz04FAEjABvQ&oq=ladyhawke&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgAMggILhCxAxCTAjICCAAyAggAMgIILjICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADoECAAQRzoKCC4Q6gIQJxCTAjoHCCMQ6gIQJzoHCC4Q6gIQJzoHCC4QJxCTAjoECC4QJzoLCC4QsQMQxwEQowI6BAguEEM6BQguELEDOggILhDHARCvAToECCMQJzoKCC4QxwEQrwEQJzoECAAQQzoFCAAQsQM6CAguEMcBEKMCOggIABCRAhCLAzoICC4QsQMQgwE6BQgAEJECOg4ILhCRAhCLAxCoAxCeAzoHCAAQFBCHAjoKCAAQFBCHAhCLAzoICC4QsQMQiwM6CAgAELEDEIsDOgsILhDHARCvARCLAzoOCC4QsQMQxwEQowIQiwM6BQgAEIsDULboCVjboQpgjLkKaAJwAXgEgAHoBogB6lCSAQY1LTIuMTKYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEKyAEIuAECwAEB&sclient=psy-ab" target="_blank">"Ladyhawke"</a></b> as a teen. Mr. Owl sent a fine cardboard assortment this summer, clearing cards off my wantlist. Set help, vintage and wax cartoons; all are equally appreciated!<br />
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Chipping away at 2010 History of the World Series:<br />
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This could be blasphemy to some hardcore A&G collectors - I am not a Ginter fan. Collective gasp. I haven't purchased more than a few blasters ever, never a hobby box and nothing in the past three years. There is however, an insert set most every year that appeals to me and I always enjoy player minis. These were all on my list: 2010 Cobb gold mini, 2017 What-a-Days and 2019 Ginter Greats.<br />
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Hey kiddos! Which one doesn't belong? Not that he wasn't great in his day, Orel was needed to fill a binder spot in my 1995 SP Championship October Legends subset. Greats has bats which sucked me right in. The WADs checklist is broad and design uber colorful. I likes 'em! I like vintage too - hoot doesn't?<br />
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1967, 1975 and 1956. The team card is outstanding!! Mickey and A-Rod are clean and colorful! Purple and pink are my fave color combo from 75 Topps.<br />
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1979 Cartoons! Is it any wonder <b><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/2/15/17016852/detroit-tigers-history-ron-leflore-former-all-star" target="_blank">LeFlore stole</a></b> 68 bases? Ron's led a difficult life. It would appear his struggles continue. When I read the first cartoon, the horrible person in me said "the ball is dead and so is Rusty." Rusty owned a couple of Manhattan restaurants later in life. The 73rd Street location held an annual rib-eating contest won in 1980 by <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/brooke-shields-wins-rib-contest-at-rusty-staubs-restaurant-news-photo/917900584" target="_blank">this young actress.</a></span></b><br />
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I was a shy, naive young teen in 79. Collecting then would have soothed my troubled soul. Introverted and afraid of the world, I had no idea baseball cards existed. This may be difficult for any lifetime collector to believe. It's never too late to have fun so here I am! </div>
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Thanks Night Owl! Oooo, you DO have feathers!</div>
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<b>ROUND FOUR VOTING BEGINS NOW!</b></div>
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Who among you loves 80s nostalgia? Who among you ever said their favorite sets of 1989 were Topps and Score? WHO? I'm honestly not sure where these sets land in popular majority.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Candidate A</b> is a shared ticket. Each suffers poor self-esteem, all these years later. Together, running mates Topps and Score hope to win your vote. They bring you warm memories of the Bash Brothers and Nolan Ryan. Topps' <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/134/1989-Topps" target="_blank">checklist is 792 cards</a></b> long. Score <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/132/1989-Score" target="_blank">660</a></b> cards! Who wouldn't want to own a <b><a href="https://www.tcdb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/132/cid/53147/1989-Score-346-Nelson-Santovenia" target="_blank">Nelson Santovenia</a></b> rookie card?</div>
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<b>CANDIDATE A </b> two boxes of wax pack glory:</div>
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<b>TOPPS BOX BOTTOM</b></div>
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Before you allow thoughts of sweet-smelling Topps gum to take over your senses and sweep you back to 1989, you may want to stop in 1993 for a look around. Donruss came to the game with white borders and sweet inserts. As years passed, base cards were buried in nickel boxes and inserts forgotten; replaced with shiny, prizm-y, refractory, fancy colored foils. Well people, <b><a href="http://baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/1993_Donruss" target="_blank">1993 is back</a></b>. If the simply designed base cards don't tickle you in the right places, maybe a <b><a href="http://baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/1993_Donruss#Inserts" target="_blank"> look at the inserts </a></b>will. Diamond Kings, Spirit of the Game and Elites are all possibilities. </div>
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<b>CANDIDATE B </b>needs no running mate. Series One:</div>
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One tough card! I no longer own Alomar but it took a full case to pull!</div>
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Diamond Kings need no introduction:<br />
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Spirit of the Game themed front/back:<br />
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Traditional rules recap:</div>
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Review the rules, make your choice and vote!</div>
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<b>1977 - Video Cheese</b></div>
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acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790787001049208.post-4928205727313378122020-09-06T21:52:00.002-04:002020-09-06T21:52:54.165-04:00Bo Stuffs the Ballot BoxIt's hard to avoid election talk. Concerns over absentee ballots and currently slowed mail service have a lot of us voicing our opinions. I'm here to tell you, someone is out there stuffing the ballot box. I've been the recipient of several bribe attempts recently, with three of these stuffed envelopes coming from our own Bo Rozny, <b><a href="http://borosny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Baseball Cards Come to Life!</a></b><br />
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With three elections rounds and three envelopes, Bo is leading with six votes. Voting is about to ramp up too because I have stuff to move. I don't foresee Bo missing an opportunity to cast his A or B vote!<br />
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I'm not a difficult bribe either. Card from my wantlist are like cash. Here are a few of the bills I found in these envelopes. Set help for 2011 Lineage and 2013 Topps 72 Minis! These were listed on my Send Help tab. Bo pays attention! In case I wasn't aware Bo was hitting up my wantlist, he included the Ripken as a big fat hint.<br />
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Three of my favorite HOFers! While I'm not actively pursuing cards for these PCs, new additions to their collections are always welcome! 1995 Stadium Club and 1993 SP were two of my favorite rips in the 90s. SP was one of my first set builds. I still think it's one of the more beautiful sets from that decade.<br />
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2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes - I love the red white and blueness of the design and the generous use of foil. Backs feature a World Series game stat. Hard to beat the checklist too. With 180 cards, it would appear I have a looong way to go. These three bring my total to 27 cards. I'm only interested in the first 90 so it's nearly 1/3 complete!<br />
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I'm also dabbling in subsets. You would think some much easier to complete than others. I've been battling to find 1991 Score Dream Team cards. Score!?!? I still need the Alomar, card 887. All 90s Score Dream Teams and Studio Heritage are going into a small binder together. I can't begin to guess how many of the DTs I gave away in Salvation Army donations.<br />
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I like the overall design of 76 & 79 Topps but only want a few special cards from each year. These include The Sporting News All-Time All Stars and All-Time Record Holders subsets. Is this too much to ask? Bo didn't think so. As I'm writing this, Lou Brock has just passed at 81 years of age. Rest in Peace, Lou. Thank you for the memories of a wild 1968 World Series!<br />
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Cards near and dear to my heart - OKC 89ers!<br />
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A sweet vintage Blackhawk from 76-77 Topps! I like this design. The team name is bold and bright against the white background. WHITE. Topps just can't let a good thing be.<br />
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Bo, thank you for the mail-in votes!! It's fun adding these totals to my spreadsheet! Good luck on Election Day!<br />
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Folks, remember your name will be added to the Great Randomizer equivalent to the number of times you voted. Every vote counts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>CANDIDATE A</b></td></tr>
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Our most recent candidates A) 2019 Optic and B) Contenders Draft Picks were not the match I'd hoped. Shiny Optic won this round 12-6. What this means is only 18 people voted. Hate to see folks missing opportunities but it does increase the odds that a regular reader will take home the Ballot Box!<br />
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I'm gathering new candidates for the next round. Do I hear the sound of ripping in a winner's future?<br />
<br />acrackedbathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056658025780679689noreply@blogger.com22