Random Thoughts: Win Some, Lose Some

I'm not sure what it feels like to place first in any contest and don't recall ever being a first place anything. I was an above average student in high school and college but never ranked at the top of my class. I was someone others often turned to for help with their studies - math not included.  That was enough for me - enough to create the bitter spirit I've carried throughout life.

 

Example: this week, I joined the office pool for tonight's Powerball drawing thereby jinxing it for everyone else.  Sure it was selfish.  I knew there was no chance in this big, blue world that I could win.  Why should any of my co-workers have the opportunity?  WHY?  Life isn't fair as I am living proof!  HA on them.  They will all be at work Monday morning just like me - which makes ME feel good.

 

Last Sunday, I posted my first contest of the year. I neglected to mention how many times I would randomize the entries and which random number would take home the much-coveted Classic set.  The were 14 names added to the list which was then randomized twice. 

 

Behold:

 

 

Before randomizing, I recalled the few contests I entered this past year.  Almost every time, I found my name near or at the bottom of a list.  Based on this, my decision was to award the set to the name which fell next to the number..................ONE.  That's right I said ONE. 

 

But wait...

 

I was holding out on you when I offered this set up for grabs. What I didn't share was the fact that I had two - TWO - of these beautiful minor-league sets to give away.  It is only fitting that the loser takes home a prize too.  And by loser, I really only mean the name which fell fourteenth on the list.  Defgav is by no means a loser. 

 

Mark Hoyle and defgav, you will each receive this handsome and far from one-of-a-kind set.

 

 

So maybe I'm not a loser. Maybe my name just falls quite naturally, into last place.  I'll make an effort to enter more contests this year to test my theory.  In the meantime, I'll continue to offer more giveaways.  I'm still making room on my shelves for the fantastic cards so many of you generously send my way. 

 

It's almost time for the Powerball drawing.  I'm not one to spend cardboard cash on lotto tickets but if it keeps my coworkers employed...well, that's the least I can do.  In these days of rampant unemployment, I'm sure they'll thank me. 

 

Goals, Trades and Contests - OH MY!

Happy New Year!  I hope your holidays were peaceful, joyful and filled with good cheer!  I've been under the weather with no desire to even log on to the laptop.  It seems like only a couple months ago I bragged about being caught up with trade posts.  Pride goeth before a fall. By mid-December, I was buried by generosity from so many of you.  Posts will be forth-coming, and coming, and coming...

I've been pondering my hobby goals recently.  One thing that must change is how I send trade packages.  For example, this past month I shipped to three different gentlemen named Adam.   I'm honestly not sure if the contents reached their correct destination.  I know these were delivered...but to which Adam?  Did each Adam get the cards intended for him, or those of another Adam?   Only Adam knows.  I think I'll limit shipping to no more than five packages and one Adam at a time.

I'll also be updating my want list with specifics.  I still enjoy blind trades but also plan to offer a trade bait page to encourage a card for card exchange.  Plans are to have my want list and bait page updated by the end of 2016.  I like hard deadlines.

 Let's begin the trade portion of this post with an envelope filled with some homemade holiday cheer.  Baseball Card Breakdown's defgav spread some joy around and was kind enough to include me:

1993 Action Packed          2015 Pro Debut



2000 Gold Label
2015 Bowman Chrome auto

These are sweet new additions to my collection!  But there was another card, numbered 11/12.  Gavin has too much fun as this card reveals:

 I certainly laughed aloud at the sight.  LaMarr would be flattered to know he is still bringing joy to baseball fans - at least twelve of us anyway.  Gavin, you're too much!  Thank you!

SH from ATBATT spread PWE love around the card-o-sphere this Christmas.  I'm not sure how I was chosen as a recipient of his goodness but am grateful!  I collect Jackie Robinson and he had a few to share:

All nice additions to the JR pc!  I hope to repay your thoughtfulness with some Dodger Blue soon!  Thank you and Happy New Year!

 The Night Owl came calling as well.  Greg sent a nice selection of Tigers and a little JR too.  Here's a sampling:

 



Ron was serving 5-15 years for armed robbery before his baseball redemption.



NO wrote that he hoped these did the trick.  I'd say yes, these were a treat!  Thanks as always!!!

Only 20 trades or so left to share. At the rate I post, I should be caught up by mid-May. Any wagers?  No? How about a contest then?  Comment below and specifically mention you'd like a chance at this lovely sealed 1992 Classic Minor League Baseball Set:

Yes there are a LOT of young faces in this set who were never called up. There are also a few familiar faces: Jeter, Piazza, M  Ramirez, Damon, Delgado, Edmonds and more. High BV according to the omniscient Beckett is $25, with a breakdown value of $100.  You want a chance?  Two things: you must live in the USA and should comment specifically to say you want in on the Randomizer.  I'll end the contest sometime next Saturday afternoon, randomize twice and post the results a bit later in the evening.

 

Thanks for reading and sharing this hobby!  I enjoy collecting so much more now that we are friends!