Obsession

Adam of ARPSmith's Sportscard Obsession posted this week regarding a trade we made near the end of 2014.  He was feeling badly for taking so long to share the cards I'd sent, and for having yet to send a return package.  It's coincidental that I am sharing this post today.  Adam was next on my list.  I try to post trades in the order received.  Adam, it seems we all get behind occasionally.  Some of us -me- stay behind.  In my defense, I did take a nearly three week vacation at the end of the year.

This was the first of what I hope to be many trades with this Giants fan.  He started with a sampling of crisp 84 Fleer Tiger stars:

Then Adam kindly knocked a few cards off my list:

I need a good many for 2013 Hometown Heroes completion but only three cards to finish 2014 Stadium Club!  Jeter, Henderson and Eaton are the holdouts, if any of you kind gentlemen could accommodate my efforts. 

2004 Fleer Sweet Sigs Donnie Kelly 79/99.  I didn't realize how long Kelly had been playing ball. Drafted in 2000, he's been in and out of the minors most of his career.  2007-2008 saw him doing time with the Pirates where he made his MLB debut, and with the D'backs.   2009 saw him back to the Tiger organization.  Over time he played every position on the field, including an appearance on the mound during a loss to the Mets in 2011.  He threw five pitches to Scott Hairston who flew out to centerfield.  He is currently signed to a minor league deal with the Marlins.

2004 Leaf Certified Materials Eric Munson  26/100,  and oh so shiny!  No relation to Thurman, Eric could have used Mr. Munson's baseball genes.  Riding the minor/major carousel for nearly ten years, his most recent stint was with the Bridgeport Bluefish, Atlantic League Professional Baseball.

2009 Upper Deck Spectrum of the Mayor  19/99. Card back:  Congratulations! You have received a trading card with Magglio Ordonez Game-Used baseball memorabilia...certified to us as having been used in an official MLB game.  We hope you enjoy this piece of baseball history...Enjoy your memorabilia card!   Baseball history?  Ty Cobb's spikes are baseball history.  A pine-tarred bat - history.  Maris home run 61 - history... The history of baseball is storied and I don't think the Mayor is highlighted in any major points.  How can I enjoy this "history" when the placement of the patch on the card front keeps me from it?  I'll admire it from afar.  It is a good-looking card.

Bryan Holaday's on-card auto  2011 FIRST Bowman Chrome. He is currently backup backstop to Alex Avila, with potential to see real playing time this year. 

 

Bob Kennedy began his MLB career with the White Sox in 1939, at 18 years of age. He lost three seasons to military service, USMC.  He won a World Series with the Indians in 1948.  Bob only spent one year with the Tigers in 1956, playing his last with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957.  Career numbers:  .254  with 1176 hits,  63 homers,  514 rbi  and .958 fielding percentage.  Bob gave managing a try with the Cubs in 1963-1965 and Oakland A's in 1968 with an overall record of  264-278.  He died in 2005 at the age 84.   1957 Topps, taped and trimmed.  Still colorful after these many years, like me.  But I could use some trimming.

 

Adam included one more beauty:  1969 Topps Deckle Edge of Bill Freehan, one of my favorite Tigers.   11x  All Star, WS Champ 1968 and 5x  Gold Glover with career BA of .262,  200 hr and 758 rbi.  Bill was a lifetime Tiger, retiring in 1976.  Until 2002, Bill held the MLB record for highest career fielding percentage .993, and once held the record for putouts at 9941.  Currently 73,  he is battling Alzheimer's Disease. 

 

So there you have it Adam.  You DID send a colorful and appreciated batch of cards!  Thank you!  Wanna have another go?   I have a stack of homeless Giants.