SPELLBOUND !!!!

Kevin, infamous The Card Papoy certainly has the ability to surprise and dumbfound.  He's also good with card selection, packaging and shipping from Ben Franklin's favorite overseas hangout, France.  Any time I see a French postmark, I run through the house screaming.  It's only after realizing there's no ticking sound or very long fuse attached, I settle down with the scissors to open the mailer.  Any object sharp enough to cut paper will do.  Rocks do not  work.

 The first four cards are from 99 Upper Deck MVP. I beliebe this edition replaced the original Collector's Choice.   Did you know  Kapler originally wanted to be an actor?  When it didn't pan out, he decided baseball could get him the recognition he wanted and deserved?  Oh right! I am so sorry,  strike all that.  I'm thinking of Gabe Kaplan.  I feel so silly right now.  I was distracted by the eyes of Matt Anderson.   A top prospect in 1998,  Matt was called up by the Tigers and had a successful first year, going 5-1 with a 3.27 era over 42 games. A torn armpit muscle in 2002 signaled an early demise to his MLB career. The Rockies picked him up for awhile.  He played in the minors from 2005 - 2011.

What have we here? 1995 Kellogg's stickers in French breakfast cereal?  I would interpret but don't want to be a show-off.  The gist of  the article is that the Tigers kick White Sox butt. 

My favorite flagship Upper Deck - 1996.  While

unpacking cards stored away for a decade,  I found a complete set which will eventually go into a binder.  Keeping cards boxed certainly  takes up less space.  My new philosophy though, is to enjoy the cards.  I'm slowly putting my sets into binders.   This Bagwell will be added to his player collection and Lira to the team set.

2003 Upper Deck MVP Andres Torres 101/125.   I don't recall seeing this set.  Must have been  a big hit though with that splashy design.    From the same set, MVP Sportsnut Carlos Pena.  A scratch-off.  Oh no, I'm not falling for that again!

 

1995 Upper Deck was pretty nice too.  Simply designed, no foil overkill.  I spent a lot of money on cards in those days.  Not sure why I didn't purchase this.  Great looking Tigers here!  Robert Fick appears courtesy 2001 Upper Deck.  Love the Old English D! Another nice design.

 

 1996 Fleer was not for everyone but was one of my faves.  Designed with a matte finish, it's an excellent card for signatures. For those who wanted typical slick uv coating and holographic foil lettering, the Tiffany insert was available to meet their needs.  At one per pack with 600 cards needed for completion, it's easy to see why Tiffany has held its value.  Buckett lists the value at $75-150.

 

 This pretty little die-cut is a blue refractor from 2014 Bowman Platinum.  Miggy is numbered 46/49.  A very sweet card!  Most Bowman cards are gifted to me, not purchased. Tell me again,  why is it we don't like Bowman? 

 

 A little Victor Martinez 2008 A&G relic.  It's amazing what a little whining can do for you.  I believe I saw this on Kevin's blog recently.  I began spamming him for it and voila' - it's mine!

 

My first card from 2004 Donruss Classics.  Not too shabby and it's numbered  0976/1999.  So many great sets to discover, especially when I like very little of the new products available.  And what I do like is too pricey. 

 Another cool one from 2004 Donruss Leather and Lumber.  2335/2499  Baseball against the glove design could only be improved by real seams against real leather. The Rivals insert is swell!

Kevin likes vintage too and blessed my collection with some quality cardboard.  I love the Tiger logo on 1960 Topps Coaches.   A simply designed 1961 Bruce and 1964 Lary.  Every time I see anything 1961 Topps, I kick my own butt. I sold a lot of my cards back in 2002-2004.  Parting with my half completed, excellent condition 1961 set still haunts me.  While I still needed several high dollar cards, I did have Mathews, Maris, Yaz and Kaline. I think I'll go sit in a corner and rock...

1950 Bowman makes its first appearance in my collection. What a great little card!  These were issued five cards per pack for a nickel!!!   Of course...I want more. This is a gorgeous card in wonderful condition!   Thank you Kevin!  Such a great lot of cards!

 

                                                                    Neil Berry - 2nd Base

Lest you think Kevin left out one important item, I too was marked with a membership card. High Priest Papoy included this hypotic insert beckoning me into his cult of Beliebers. 

Join us, won't you?