It's Been Too Long

Too long since I had a good nap for starters.  I can barely keep my eyes open as I sit here putting this little post together.  It's too late in the day for a nap.  If I stop now for a quick wink,  I'm a goner for the night.

Too much time has passed without sharing some great trade packages.  That's what's about to happen right here, right now.

Eamus Catuli!  Tom Olson once waiting another year, has since celebrated his Cubs World Series win.  This occurred well after after sending two different packages.  One contained 60 or so cards, the other was a box of 200 more delightful paper collectibles.  

The first featured two 90 Score Sandbergs - one is an error.  Gracie 94 UD ED and 95 Leaf Ltd Bat Patrol make an entrance into my collection.  SWELL Baseball Greats, 2013 Opening Day Stars, a dosing of Presidents and Cardtoons rounded out the first package.

Six weeks or so later, this surprise hit my mailbox:

Contents included a good helping of Sandberg and Grace, 93 Flair Tigers and the original framed cards of 96 Emotion EXL.

One of the original cardboard bugs

Holy Moly Tom Olson!  You rained some serious cardboard on me!  I am truly appreciative of your time and thoughtfulness!  You are my Sandberg and Grace connection.  I looked forward to more trade opportunities!

It's been too long - one year ago in fact - since there was a giveaway on this blog!  I am currently working to sort out my collection.  I shared a picture of my sorting process which includes a discard pile.  Adam Sanders of Cardboard Clubhouse commented on the post to suggest a contest for a box full of stuff from the pile.  I have to agree!   

So here's the first box - labeled 400 count!  Consider this a $40 dime box. There are lots from 2014 Panini Classic, 2014 Golden Age with minis,  2016 Diamond Kings,  2015 and 2016 Topps Archives and a handful of 2015 GQ minis. It also contains dupes from my collection, players I no longer collect, set dupes, commons etc.   My outcasts might be junk to one collector but another may find gold.  Here's a sneak peek:

If you want a chance at the box you must live in the United States and have a street address for UPS Ground Shipping.  You are required to comment to tell me why you are most deserving above all other readers.  I shall present your cases before the Great Randomizer.  She alone will determine your worthiness. The Randomizer will cycle three times before her decision is final.  Your opportunity to participate ends Saturday March 11 at 8.00pm EST.  [Any cycle jokes are cause for immediate execution disqualification as the Randomizer is subject to mood swings.]   

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Greetings, to be more specific.   Yes your calendar is correct.  One week into February on this hallowed Super Bowl Sunday, I am sharing cards received way back in 2015. True only five weeks have passed, but it seems a year ago. 

There's a good variety to share with you this evening. The first round is from Adam's Cardboard Clubhouse. The very name of his blog evokes what this hobby should be - and that is simply fun.  Except fun isn't as simple anymore. But I'm not here to rant over 2016 Topps. 

Reds' man Adam sent a fun greeting card complete with a note of thanks:

 

I can't remember the last time I received a thank you card from Topps much less one with a touch of gold inside!

 

Because I HAVEN'T!

 

Topps apparent lack of gratitude doesn't go unnoticed but  I  appreciate these 2015 Tigers from that Topps company, or rather from Adam.

 

1992 Upper Deck - great images front and back. Not a Topps card.



1980 SPPC  and 1987 Hygrade

Two cards from unlicensed companies; one a bit 75 Topps themed, much to my liking.

And finally this gem, in a different set of stripes, my favorite Yankee Yogi Berra.  I love this particular photo.  It happens to appear on one of my least favorite Topps designs.  Yogi makes this card look good.  Adam, thanks so much for sharing your cardboard with me!

 

There's another Adam, one who calls himself ARPsmith's Sportscard Obsession.  He sent a touch of the bug.  It's contagious, and beginning to make the rounds among baseball fans everywhere.

 

2015 Topps

 

Most unfortunately, the cure is not 2016 Topps!

Artist Proof, Purple Spectrum, Refractor/399 - the un-Topps 

 

2015 Donruss Jersey Kings and 2013 Tier One

 

It pains me to say it but Tier One is usually an attractive release.  It hurts more that it's not affordable for  the average collector.  The market is flooded with relics and autos while prices at retail are soaring. When will it end or, at the very least, level off?? 

Four new additions to my Caminiti PC. I love these and must point out that four of these are not Topps branded. The Pinnacle Museum with its early Dufex foil background is gorgeous!  Such a nice lot of cards!  Rewarded for simply sending Giants to Adam!  Thanks so much!!

Angus blogs at Dawg Day Cards, predominantly a football based site but full of good reading.  It seems only appropriate to share a few football cards on the big game day!

Library of Parliament Greeting Card

Fathead Stick um

 

I don't collect football cards at all.  My favorite seven year old boy does.  Angus was giving away stacks of cards so I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.  He was so generous to send the teams my little fella likes, including players like his fave Flacco!  Angus found some baseball to send as well:

 

 

 

There were two fun oddballs in the lot: 1991 Petro-Canada Standups.

 

Not long after I received this package, another envelope arrived.  It contained this gorgeous 1947-66 Exhibits Johnny Groth.  Exhibits are oversized and not for all collectors.  I happen to love them, keeping a special box for bigger cards.

Angus, thanks for your generosity!  I'll have something for you very soon!


The last thank you for this evening goes to Daniel,  It's Like Having My Own Card Shop:

A touch of spring in this classic yellow design from FLEER, completes the set!

 

1974 Topps Mr. Tiger

 

and a couple of relics for my PCs.  All I did was drop some D-backs on him.  That simple!  Looking forward to another trade this season!

The game just ended.  Congrats to Peyton Manning for a great finish to a more than respectable career.  I don't collect football anymore, haven't since 1999 or he'd be in my collection.  Football season is over!!! Yay!!!   Spring Training begins!