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Friday, January 20, 2017

THE NO-TRADE CLAUSE

Knock, Knock.  Who’s there?  Anyone?


Many months have passed since last posting. I never thought my absence would be so extended.  I can't begin to say how much I've missed you guys!   I haven’t read more than a handful of posts since March or opened my email in almost as long.  Initially, work kept me from being here which wasn't unusual for March and April but soon summer was filled with overtime right into the fall and holidays.  During this time, trade packages kept coming.  I had a stack of at least 20 by the end of August.  This just added to my shame and frankly I felt quite intimidated by the sheer amount of cards multiplying like hares. September and October are the busiest months of the year at my office. I had high hopes for November and December but then repeated rounds of illness dashed those plans.



I had to make choices this year with the free time available so spent a good part of it at the new ballpark in my area - Jimmy John's Field.  I'd purchased a season ticket plan the first part of 2016 before realizing work would steal some of my fun.   Having only spent the previous summer here, I hadn't had the opportunity to explore my new world.  That time was for moving, unpacking, improvements and organization.   I'd like to tell you organization was accomplished.  I’d really like to.
Another long day at the office.
I have a room designated for quiet space with my books, desk and a closet for my card collection. This is the only room that has remained unfinished.  In fact, I have several monster boxes plus additional packed boxes of unsorted cards in another room.  Since throwing myself headlong into collecting again, I've managed to accumulate "five-digit" thousands of cards - probably an underestimate.  My collection had always been meticulously sorted.

Of these, the only cards sorted have been Tigers received in our many trades.  None of my player collections and sets are together. More shame.  I haven't had the time to truly enjoy the cards. There is no joy to be found when one has no idea what's owned or needed.
                                                                   

CARD SHAMING:
No idea what's
in these boxes.  All accumulated since 2012.  











My goal is to sort all of these cards.  It will probably take most of the year.  Of course, new releases are on the horizon.  I've committed to Flagship Jumbos and a couple boxes of GQ.  More sorting.  There's a card show this weekend.  Such a rare opportunity - should I go?  What's a few more unsorted cards at this point??  

Over the past weekend I was able to finish long overdue trade packages. I've been collecting these cards since spring.  I felt a weight of guilt lift from my shoulders when this project was completed. For those of you who have been patiently awaiting a return package, thank you.  




MLB has given us the no-trade clause which allows players to block trades to specific teams.  Ten years of service with five consecutive years on the same team allow a player to veto any trade.   I want to continue our trade relationships but know that I simply can't right now.  To read the many worthy blogs here, to share cards as I am reacquainted with my collection -  something else must go to make time for these moments.   You have all been so generous.  It is a hard thing to ask but please, hold off on sending anything for now.  Your trade packages deserve to be shared and I can't promise the time for doing so.  This is my no-trade clause.   With this in mind, I regretfully submit my resignation from Supertraders.  It isn't right to hold a spot in this ELITE group right now.  I am honored to have been included.  


To those of you who sent cards, I will share these over the next few posts.  There were too many cards for scanning once I began to attack the piles.  I grouped these by sender and relied on my phone camera.  Not my usual method but the only one which allows me to thank each of you before another year slips by. 

Without doubt, during the nine months spent away from here I’ve missed out on your life events, great cards and new bloggers.  I plan to catch up on my reading and meet a few new folks here.  I am so looking forward to it!  

37 comments:

  1. Nice to see you're still around! There have been a few resignations from the Supertraders group, so don't feel bad about that.

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    1. so good to be back. so much to catch up on! thanks Adam!

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  2. Great to see a new post. You've been missed.

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    1. thanks much! missed being here. i truly appreciate your comment!

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  3. Was wondering what ever became of A Cracked Bat?

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    1. still here, winning this race called 'life'! watch your mailbox!

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  4. Welcome back! Will be great to read new posts from you again.

    I've been in the same boat. Planning on posting again soon (and learning how to spell again too)... :-p

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    1. the boat floats! looking forward to your posting too! thanks for the welcome!

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  5. Weeee! More fun in the blogosphere! Just glad you're back. Don't care about the card sending.

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    1. I echo NO's sentiments. It's all about enjoying the hobby. Try not to let the cardboard become a weight upon your shoulders.
      Welcome back!

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    2. N.O. - thank you. I do care though, about the cards. Sent a little care package your way! I've missed reading your blog with its sarcastic witticisms. I always learn a little something and have a chuckle or two.

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    3. Thanks Tom - I thought of you during that WS! Gosh what a series it was! One for the ages!

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  6. Great to see a post from you again! Looking forward to many more as you complete your organizing and open new product.

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    1. Thanks much Daniel! It will be a challenge. I know there are a smattering of cards I picked up for trading mixed in with mine. I see more PWEs in the future and fewer packages. It will make trading much easier. Watch your mailbox!

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  7. Great news! So, so glad to see you back and posting again, Julie.

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    1. Nick, I'm so out of practice but looking forward to being around this great community of writers and collectors. Thanks so much!

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  8. I was happy to see this post this morning. Your blog has always been an entertaining read and I'm glad to see the activity. I unexpectedly had a few lengthy periods of inactivity on my blog towards the end of the year. Admittedly, it's so much better when you're writing because you want to and not because you feel obligated. Welcome back, I'm looking forward to reading about whatever 2017 has in store for your collection!

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    1. Tim, you are so correct. Writing should never be an obligation. While I never felt exactly this way, I did feel obligated to share trades. If someone takes time to send a package, I do feel somewhat of an obligation to post at least some of the cards. I fell so far behind and became a bit overwhelmed with it all. There was never enough time or I wasn't feeling well enough to sit in front of the laptop. it feels so good to share this with the community though. A bit like confession. Thanks so much for commenting! I'll be saving new Yanks for ya!

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  9. Glad to see you back on your blog. I completely understand how you feel when it comes to trade packages. On one hand it's so awesome to see the generosity floating around our blogosphere. However... I allowed so many to build up that eventually, I was overwhelmed with guilt. Plus I'm one of those people who wants to try to be equal and give back similar amounts of cardboard that I received. The problem was I ran out of trade bait way too quickly. Thankfully we are surrounded by collectors who are understanding. Looking forward to reading future posts.

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    1. Fuji, thank you! You do understand! Watch your mailbox and please, don't feel bad when the mailer arrives. I've owed you a little something for a while.

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    1. Thanks Mark! and thanks for your email! Love me some Helmar!

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  11. Thanks so much! I added you to my blog roll "The League" - Great stuff! I'll be reading!

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  12. Good to see you! Glad things are looking up.

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  13. You do know I'm waiving that no trade clause ? we can go to arbitration if you want, but you'll definitely be receiving a return package. Sorry

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    1. You are a hard head. ;) and most generous. wait til the package arrives. by now, you may have every single card in it!

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    1. yes, for the most part! thanks for stopping by!

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  15. Seeing all those boxes of cards makes me wish I hadn't donated 8 monster boxes of cards a couple of years ago, even if it was for a good cause!

    -kin (ifeellikeacollectoragain.blogspot.com)

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    1. Part of my recent 'clean up' involved giving a couple monster boxes to my local Salvation Army. I've found some great assortments there with some awesome 90s inserts and decent rookies. i always add a few cool cards to the donation box so the next collector has a hit or two for themselves. After pulling cards for trades, most all donated were my doubles from box breaks.

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  16. I too would like to register my happiness at your return to blogging! Yeah, trades are great but can get overwhelming to post about. That's the main reason I typically do a weekly/bi-weekly "trade roundup" rather than individual posts for each trade package/envelope that shows up. It might not be ideal, but sometimes a bunch of stuff comes in and buries you and makes blogging about it a chore.

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    1. Gavin - thanks much! I should reconsider how trades are shared on my blog. It can be a struggle because I feel you each deserve a thanks. I have gotten away from sharing every card though!

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  17. Just have fun Julie. No pressure at all! Such a thrill to see that you are back.

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    1. thanks much Matt! I've always appreciated your thoughtfulness! I probably put the pressure on myself. It's a little problem I have. ;)

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