Brad was moving. Hauling cards ain't easy. To lighten the burden, Brad offered up cards to any and every one. I wasn't familiar with his blog and not sure how I stumbled across this opportunity. Who says no to free anyway? Three days after the post, a fat mailer was on the way to my place. Brad sent nearly 100 cards, all Tigers. Elated was I. It was hard to choose a reasonable number to share.
There were the shiny and tiny:
Topps Lineage is a favorite of mine. The 75 styled minis make this a favorite release from 2011. Topps Chrome, Bowman Platinum and Upper Deck Spectrum add great color to this lot.
Vintage - UD style:
It's always a bit sad to see the manner in which Upper Deck chose to cut their own throat. These cards did not help their cause. I happen to like the black borders and design. In fact, I've liked them since 1971 - or since I discovered 71 Topps, I should say. Upper Deck released Vintage in 2002.
Courtesy of Google Images, 1971 Topps:
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| Really. How did the once flourishing Upper Deck Company think this would fly? No one at Topps would be paying attention?? |
Here's a fun card which somehow escaped my knowledge:
2003 Fleer Double Header: one half of Fernando Rodney unfolds to reveal a full-figured Barry Wesson. The card back lists stats for both boys.
A couple of hits:
At 16, Aussie Rikki Johnston signed with the Tigers, receiving a $400,000 signing bonus. This card is from 2000 Royal Rookies. According to Beckett's catalog, he disappears from all card releases after 2003. 4,950 hand-signed cards. Just what does that do to a pitcher's hand?
And finally these gems. I'd like to have a complete set of the Conlon Collection, color version. My first of these is a Cobb, my all-time favorite Tiger. That's one beautiful card!
I appreciate these and more so, our introduction. I needed a Phillies fanatic on my trader list. I owe you Brad. Thanks for your patience!
