Valentines, Spring Flowers and a Broken Heart

How's that for a girly title? Come on guys, don't be afraid to show your softer side. It's healthy. There are many ways to win a woman's heart. Candy and flowers are sweet things but flowers die and candy meets its own end, sometimes quickly. Some ladies like a big spender. Me? I'm a simple gal. I like a thoughtful card and lots of 'em!

I opened my mailbox on February 14th to find yet another package from Johnny. He filled a fat little mailer with a hundred or so cards. Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like pink O-Pee-Chees!
A Whitman's Sampler of the contents:

Take a peek at their backsides. Blush. You'll learn why Mark was 'the Bird' and Parrish, 'The Bodyguard'.  Hint: not Whitney Houston. 

The position of 'receveur' is easily understood to mean catcher, one who receives the ball. 'Voltigeur' is translated a bit differently: as sharpshooter or light infantry in the French army or 'tumbler, leaper, vaulter' for which outfielders have a tendency. 

Another receveur, numbered of 25, a rainbow foil Stadium Club:

Here's a gem I'd waited months to get my hands on! I wouldn't mind having a couple more copies of this one. Look closely and you'll see 13 lost souls waiting for the gates to open. Most likely a special giveaway day. These have been known to draw the larger crowds. 

I'll take this opportunity to show a close-up of the cat prowling along the stadium roof line, upper left on the card. These photos were taken in 2018:

Not three weeks later, a bouquet of Forget-Me-Nots arrived, again from John. Filled with more cards, it was hard to choose a few to share. I went with another receveur, Mickey Tettleton. Mickey was named for THE Mick, both good ole' Oklahoma boys. 

Featuring 93 Stadium Club and 93 Fun Pack, top row; 95 Topps and 95 Stadium Club, bottom:

I'm still a fan of Fun Pack, another of my sets longing for completion. All the wild colors that came at the end of the 80s, wrapped right into the early 90s and onto these cards.  If I have any memories of those days, they are at least colorful. The bottom cards though, are some of what I've come to love most in my collection: those moments between innings, or at bats. Some shots are reflective, quiet; revealing the stillness of the game when players are 'in the moment.' The photographer certainly was. I find these images soothing.

Forget-Me-Nots

What else could John possibly send my way? By now, I should know better than to ask.  Johnny runs a little game on the side. Every Friday night, five contestants have a chance to choose a number or steal cards previously revealed. Player one usually loses their little prize. I went third. Normally, I pop-in to encourage other players to thievery. It's just the peace loving soul I am. I figured karma would show her face during my round but no one stole my 75 minis! John sent these along with a crisp 1976 Kelloggs! Sweet!

John is always looking for players. He currently needs two more for the fourth Friday this month. He asks only that you be available to play on your chosen Friday night.  John wants to begin and end the game within 2-3 hours. If you are up for it, run over there and comment to let him know.  

John, thank you as always! You're full of surprises!!

Much has been written this week about the passing of Al Kaline, our Mr. Tiger.  In my quest to meet all living Tigers from the 68 World Series team, Kaline eluded me. I was once only twenty feet from him but during the Q&A session, no autographs were allowed. My next opportunity was last year at a signing in a local mall but Little League took precedence. My then ten year old friend was playing an afternoon game and I rarely get an opportunity to support him. Now Kaline is gone. The 68 team is slowly moving towards permanent residence in our hearts and memories. 

I nabbed his rookie card last year.  An additional few of my favorites which to my knowledge, haven't been shared this week. Two of my favorite Topps designs, 58 and 72:

2019 Topps SSP from the 68 World Series:

and two from 1983 The Al Kaline Story:

Farewell Mr. Tiger.

First Completed Trade

This is exciting for me!  I get such a kick outta sharing cards.  Recently I've taken to giving away handfuls of extras to young collectors.  (Well, they collect now anyway.) At four and six years of age, it's hard to have extra pocket money.  When they're ten, I doubt the hobby will be any more affordable for them.   But I digress...

The blogosphere's beloved Night Owl  (humble Dodgers fan and conveyer of  much wisdom) sent a sweet little package this past week.  I was fortunate to receive this gift before he began his traditional August hiatus.   Not always knowing what he wants or sometimes needs, Greg relies on his blog network to aid in set completion.  Earlier this Summer, I sent a care package to Greg. We are all busy people.  Taking time for a stranger speaks volumes, to me anyway.  Thanks N.O.!!!

In sharing these little prizes with you, please note I am new with this whole scanning thing.  I'm giving it a try in lieu of photos, as a time saver.  (At least it was suppose to save time.  Not working out that way.)

   

You may have already determined I'm a Tigers fan. If not, please take a moment to view this blog's background design.  I'll wait...

I do not live in Michigan - yet.  I was a local Rangers' fan for many years. Not a club with deep roots, I held on hoping to watch the team make history.  Year after year, one poor decision after another - Arod? - I allowed my loyalty to drift and became a player collector.  When Ivan left the club, I kept up  with him.  To see him in a Tiger uniform is more than sweet!  Pudge may have been 'roid tainted (hopefully by association only) but he still had one of the greatest arms  ever found on a backstop!  What Rangers fan didn't love seeing him make an out with a throw to the base, or a hard tag at the plate?  Ivan is still one of my faves.  I did not have any of the six cards shown.

Greg Maddux is the first pitcher I ever followed.  Thanks to TBS, I was able to watch a few games a week.  The 90's Braves had a phenomenal pitching staff. Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux were hard to beat, as long as the bats were producing.  Many a fan spent 7-9 frustrated innings waiting for the tie-breaking run to cross the plate for a Braves win. I did not have any cards showing Maddux in Dodger blue, nor did I have Tuiasosopo and Monroe.  Monroe was a fan friendly fellow. He signed a ball for me back in his AAA days.

 Dean looking sharp in Tiger duds.

I remember Dean from his days with the OKC 89ers.  He was plagued with injuries throughout his 14 year career. Not the best defensively, Dean had some pop in his bat and a .251 career average.  He's the assistant coach at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee according to the always reliable Wikipedia. This card is a nice addition to my Tigers collection.

 



 

I quit collecting when these two young men came onto the scene - most unfortunately, as their nicer RCs are a bit pricey.  Victor's most collectable issue is from 2001 Donruss Class of 2001 and numbered of 625. I must have picked up a pack of these because I have the Hafner RC.  I wish I'd had the opportunity to watch Martinez behind the plate but happy enough to see him as DH.  Cabrera - wow he looks all grown up!  Was he even 16 in that Marlin uniform?  I hope he has a few good years left in him, contract aside.  I'm paying attention now. Miggy is a great hitter.  His career average is currently around .320.   Both cards were needed.

 

 

I can add absolutely zero to all already written regarding this incredibly courageous  man's story. 

Love these cards - and also needed both! 


"I collect Workman's Comp."              "I'm on TV!"









This photo was not trimmed, nor is the card missing 3/4 of its borders.  The little Canon scanner that could, made the decision repeatedly shave off the edges of this card. Scanning 101 - course not completed.  Dave is a familiar face.  Les Cain is collecting $111 monthly from the Tigers for the remainder of his life.  I hope this amount has been adjusted for inflation, but likely not. I hope Les has had a good life.  I couldn't find information on any other career changes. Great card and a fave from the batch - needed.

 

The two remaining cards from N.O. were also needed and more than welcomed into my collection. While all have been great additions, these are by far the sweetest!

 

The three fine gentlemen pictured here were playing World Series ball when I was toddling around the house. As I get to know my Tigers, these fellows are becoming new favorites.

• Horton: .273 career avg;  325 hr;   1163 rbi.  
• Cash:     .271 career avg;  377 hr;   1103 rbi    
• Kaline:  .297 career avg;  299 hr;   1583 rbi

Classic baseball cards!  What a fun first trade!  Who's next? 

Night Owl -a good sport!