Contest Results Reveal a Lack of Love for Mark McGwire

or perhaps no interest in ornaments?  I enjoy giving away a bit of everything, baseball related that is.  There will be more ornaments, various MLB related souvenirs, programs, magazines, books and cards.  Cards are probably the most popular items as that is the focus for most of us as collectors.   I originally planned to give this ornament to the Randomized winner who placed fifth on the list.  There were only four real entries relating to ornament ownership.  I randomized these names five times and the ornament will go to the  blogger who placed first on this list instead. 

 

A couple of the entrants offered unique ways to display the Hall Mark.  Jeff Jones said to sign him up just for the shin guard.  He may or may not shoot Mark off the fence with his Red Ryder come Christmas.  Jared Willden offered Mark refugee status with a long wait outside until he was properly vetted.  Our winner Adam, will hang this on the tree alongside a Nashville Predators ornament.

 



There was one late entry this afternoon, from Justin's World. I hope to see them again around the blogs but the contest was closed at that point.

 

Over the past week, I dropped 15 packages in the mail.  It felt so good to be sharing cards again.  Since moving in June, I've been recreating life in Michigan.  While this move has had its challenges, I'm happier than I ever thought possible.  The open space and fresh air has done wonders for my mind and spirit.  I've wanted to share a few pictures of my new world.

My road:

Backyard:

I'm an animal lover and have been surprised by the wildlife here. Woodchucks, skunks, opossum, chipmunks and squirrels.  Bats and owls. The deer are precious to me.  They came daily to graze and enjoy apples from the trees.  Life is good and I am blessed.  Thanks for allowing me to share a part of my world with you.

Into the Hall - Mark?

Mark McGwire: his likely destiny - to roam empty halls with Pete Rose.  Perhaps you could offer him refuge on your Christmas Tree or on some other worthy display?  Tis the season of giving!  Please, take it off my hands. Why make me beg? 

Interested in owning this charming new-in-the-box ornament from 2000 Hallmark Keepsakes?  If you have a US mailing address, comment to share where you'll proudly display Mark this holiday season.  Randomization will take place sometime next Saturday with lucky number five taking home the prize.

Infield Fly with a side of Fuji - and the Holiday Claw

It feels so good to be catching up on life!  Even with a week off, I still managed to neglect the blog.  Although I was  tending to several blog-related activities...  I packaged and mailed card stacks to twelve bloggers, with three more going out next week. 

I hope you each had a special Thanksgiving Day, spent with friends and/or family - or maybe just a peaceful day at home...or work. Well the possibilities are numerous.  Perhaps I should just share two recent trade packages and pay a visit to the Holiday Claw!

Infield Fly Rule's Adam K. sent a fun package filled with a hundred or so cards, taking care of player collections and those Tiger boys. 

Eleven Tiger 2014 Topps Minis were included.  I love the size of these cards!  They simply feel good to hold, touch, caress...

                 Here are four alongside a full-size 1996 Collector's Choice.

 

I look at these 1992 Donruss cards scanned against a soft blue background and find myself liking them.  As soon as I turn one over, I realize how lucky I was to begin collecting in 1993!  TMI.

 

Piazza, Puckett and Ripken.  Kirby, I miss you.

How much money did Triple Play save using a cartoonist?  Thankful though I am to have these cards. I do prefer that others spend their hard earned money on them, even if it's a dime at a time.

Well Brad.  It's safe to say you got off to a rocky start as manager.  Maybe next year, eh?

Two great plays from Stadium Club.  Hand on hip, glove on knee, foot flat on bag.  I think you're out son.  Fryman on the fly, another out.

Adam has a knack for seeing more on a card than many of us do.  Me especially. My eyesight isn't the best anyway but I've always been keen on details, or so I thought.  He sees Tigers in places I never thought to check. Safe to say there are no plans in my future for a safari.

Then there's this one:

I looked and looked and decided Adam was sending subliminal messages.  I checked the front one last time.  There it was. 

 

Yep, my thumb was on it the whole time.  Seems The Parrett had a good laugh at my expense. The Chicken points in my direction while he shares the joke with Fielder.   Hey Cecil - that chair's gonna give out on ya.  Yeah, I'll get the last laugh.

1993 Topps Jayhawk Owens.    J Owens - that is a very cool card indeed.  Bearing no resemblance whatsoever to me, but a keeper!!!

Adam, thank you!  I had fun with these and know we'll do it again!

SIDEDISHING

The Chronicles of Fuji sent four top-loaded cards of Victor Martinez in his Indian head-dressing. While I enjoy Vic as a Tiger, cards from his Cleveland days are my favorites.  I missed his playing years there completely as they began at the time I stopped collecting.

2008 A Piece of History

2007 Elements

2005 Studio Diamond Cuts   87/300 - note the patched tribute to Larry Doby on his jersey

2005 Skybox Autographics - SWEET



Mark Fujimoto

Such a fun first trade!  I sent one card, pulled from a Panini box.  Mark sent a great thank you!

 

Bloggers like Adam and Mark keep it fun!  I've received much joy trading with so many of you.  To say thank you, I've begun having giveaways fairly regularly.  It's time for some Holiday fun.  To the Claw we go.....

 

 

 

The prize has been chosen!

 

 

 

 

Image borrowed from the invisible world of the internet, with no one to credit.  Thanks to you out there as I'm too lazy to do the photo shoot myself.  This is a NIB 2000 Hallmark Keepsake of Mark McGwire.  I have a soft spot for this guy but not his ornament  or  cardboard.  Comment and share what you will to do with or to this ornament. You will be included in the Randomizer.  Here's the fine print: you must live in the United States.  HOLY COW is that simple?!?!

 

Sometime next Saturday, the Randomizer will choose the new owner.  If you are lucky number five on the list, it's yours! 

Until then, have a great week - and thanks for stopping by!