SEASON OF CHANGE: a collection in motion

Since the beginning of March, I've missed a lot of good reading around the blogs. Hey - at least I'm consistent, always missing a month or so at a time. I've been working longer hours so the time spent staring at three screens all day has allowed me the opportunity to consider the direction of my collection. I knew change was coming last fall, after months of Judge hoopla. Here we are again in the midst of an Ohtani hootenanny.  I seem to recall, when leaving the hobby in 2001, it was Pujols. Some rookie is hyped nearly every year. Well no longer!  Not in my court and not on my island!

Judge not

Other than new Tigers and the occasional Posey, I collect Altuve. How many Altuves? All I can afford to get my grubby tiger paws on.. Other than base, endless parallels, autos and relics, 2018 Gypsy Queen has no Altuves.  2018 Bowman- no Altuves although Springer and Correa made the cut.  Altuve was only the  2017 AL MVP so of course, I understand the apparent slight. I've resigned to making lists of wanted cards from new product. This will save millions [if not hundreds...] down the road with continued assistance of trade pals! Will I sometimes buy packs or a blaster? Of course! I need cards for you too. Like most of us, I love the sound of ripping wrappers.

My focus of acquisition has been moving towards vintage and mini-collections. My favorite dead guy - sorry - DEADBALL player is Ty Cobb. In fact, the Deadball Era is my favorite period in baseball, period.  I like guys that hit and steal without the homer pomp and circumstance. Lotto aside, I'll never afford his most valuable cards. 1961 Fleer is as old as it gets for now.  At least it was released during his lifetime. Maybe. He passed in July of 61.

Altuve is also a hitter and thief. While he added some over-the-wall drama last year, he is a dependable man on the bases. And he smiles- most of the time! Bonus points. These two men could not be more different but bring me the most joy when looking over their cards.

When I joined the blog family nearly four years ago, I was clueless about mini-collections. I thought there were bascially five types of collectors: new, vintage, team, player and set.  You taught me collecting diversity!  I now have my own mini-collections which feature historical events and music beginning with the late 60s and throughout the 70s, fun player names and shots along with bats and catchers in older gear. I've learned it's ok to collect what I like!

I've had quite a bit of help over the past few months in all these areas.  As I've spent less on new, pals have been filling my set needs. Hitting up my player collections too.  Thank yous are overdue.

      COURTESY OF BUBBA'S BANGING BATCH OF BASEBALL BITS

      Bubba helped me out with an insert set from 2017 A&G.  I was drawn to the design.

      He included cards from 2017 X [SWEET] minis and foils. I appreciate the help! 

      Ginter got only pocket change from me last year.

Cards from the black X set are tremendous!

   What A Days are the first large insert set I've completed in years!  These were set needs:

       COURTESY OF SCRIBBLED INK

       Fellow Tigers collector Phil sent a couple hundred cards including set help and Tigers.

       He included a few for my player collections. 

Ken Caminiti and Darren Daulton - guys who broke my heart, leaving us too soon.

 
       COURTESY OF IT'S LIKE HAVING MY OWN CARDSHOP
       Daniel dropped a pwe on me recently - filled with catchers in old style gear! Righteous!
     

83 and 84 Donruss - two of their best efforts!

Thanks to Matt, Phil and Daniel!  More thank yous ahead! 

A couple of posts back, I mentioned an upcoming first edition of Dupe, Dump or Dwindle. The post has been ready to go for a couple months but the timing hasn't been right. It will be up this week. I hope these upcoming card blasts find their way into your collection! Time to make room for vintage and catchers!

Thanks for reading!

The Devil and Daniel's Cardshop

I'm backed up. More than a personal problem, it's a trade post problem!  Here I am,  still celebrating summer with a package that dates back to August!

So what's the devil to do with my problem? Who doesn't want an netherworldly entity to blame for their problems? I'm certainly having a devil of a time finding the time to post anything at all.   It's too easy to credit Mr. Fallen for my poor time-management skills but I will when possible. It is certainly unfair to those awaiting some share time.

Daniel sent a nice lot of cards in August then followed it up with yet another in December, making my head spin.  [Insert Linda Blair joke here.]  The first package contained a crazy big batch of 92 Topps Micros.  These are fun little cards!  Not sure how I'm going to store them so for now they're team-bagged.  Who knew there were so many tiny Tigers?

Mr. Mischievous [not to be confused with said devil] sent another thoughtful package in December too, just because.  What can I say but thank you?

Who ordered the Piazza?

36 Piazzas in all.  I needed every single one of them.  How the devil did Daniel know this? Here are a few faves:

Daniel sent the base 03 Leaf along with the parallel 'Passing Through Time."   The front photos are the same but the parallel back features the front of his 1994 Leaf base card.

Looking a bit lot like 71 Topps, 2002 UD Vintage is easily one of my favorite Upper Deck designs. Topps didn't share these feelings.  I miss the competition.

The 2004 Leather and Lumber Rivals above is #d/2499.  Wow, what a rivalry too - most of us know about the incident from the 2000 World Series. If not, you can find it here.  I'm curious to know your thoughts - did Clemens throw the bat barrel at Piazza, or sincerely believe he was throwing the ball?

There were shiny blue foil parallels:

And yet another gem in this package.  From 2012 Tribute Retired Remnants #/99, Mr. Al Kaline:

This card has the WOW factor, gorgeous in-hand!   Daniel, it really is like having a card shop, shipped right to my door.  Thank you for the great trade!  You know we'll do it again!

In the meantime,  the devil continues to give me grief regarding the lack of space available to store cards I want to keep.  I made a nice little box for a giveaway but can't seem to drum up much interest.  This makes the cloven-hoofed heel wail at me with laughter.  I'm not advertising within post titles this year, shouting CONTEST HERE.  Not that it won't happen but readers should be rewarded.  Those who commented on my last post are duly noted and time runs nigh. I plan to stick it to the red guy.  He'll soon be looking for another gig.

Posting Issues

Yeah, I've had them.  Catching up isn't easy when you're months behind sharing the goodness of others.  And today, we are doing a little bit of that!  This post features first time trades with a few of our blogger friends.  Months have passed since receiving most of these cards. What better way to say thanks to these Firsters than allowing the scans to yellow with age!

Let me preface this trade with I don't collect hockey.   I was drawn to the Blackhawks Indian logo by chance, just a few months ago and couldn't put it out of my head.  It is quite simply - beautiful art! My Native American heritage at one time called me to collect the old Goudeys.  My stupidity allowed me to sell my collection of these beauties 15 years ago.  So how now, to have a bit of cardboard history in the way of the original Americans?   Baseball Cards Come To Life - Bo Rosny took care of the problem with these:

The color did not come through with my phone as I was between  scanners at the time.  These cards show off the logo!  At some point, I'll likely own a long sleeved-shirt or jersey for the winter months, which in MI is Sept-June.   Thanks Bo!!!

D'back Daniel dropped a mailer on me that included some set needs and a couple of parallels.  Who says no to this??

Highlights of Card Shop Goodness

Oooo, pretty cards include a 2015 Chrome Sepia McCann and 2016 Heritage Chrome Fulmer RC.  He's one of the few Tigers having a good year.  I say we lose this guy!  He's much too good for us. Sell Sell Sell while we Tank Tank Tank.   Daniel, you'll have a return package soon!

GCRL may have forgotten about the fat little envelope he sent me.  If not, he may think that I did. But here's proof of my appreciation:

Jim sent a great batch of Gibbys and attractive parallels! Oh the woes of F-Rod!  He and Miggy look much better on these cards than in their recent performances!  The F'er is gone but Miggy remains, along with  his salary.   Mig has shown signs of coming around only to commit another error, hit into a DP or strike out.  His frustration shows.  Many Tiger fans wonder if his struggles are injury related or perhaps stress caused by fear and uncertainty for the safety of his family in Venezuela.  Jim, there's a return in the works!  Thanks for your patience!

Along with March came a friendly pwe from Oscar - not the grouch - the other Oscar, All Trade Bait All the Time!  He sent an Aloha  with a nice grouping of Tigers:

My first JaCoby Jones RC!   He's a young fellow with some potential, traded from the Pirates for Joakim Soria, and from my home state of Oklahoma, in a little town just outside OKC,  Chickasha - Chik-ah-shay  that's how we Okies pronounce it.  In his first MLB plate appearance, JaCoby hit a three-run homer against the White Sox becoming the first Tiger rookie to hit an Opening Day homer since Kirk Gibson in 1980.   With that began the JaCoby fever of which many Tiger fans and card collectors still suffer .  I tend to steer away from prospecting therefore appreciate having this card sent to me!  Oscar,  Aloha!   You'll be hearing from me!

A more recent package was received as a thank you from Now and Zen's Doe.  I sent her a box of Cubs and White Sox as a welcome to the blogs.  {Fortunately, she collects these teams!}  There were no expectations for a return package but she filled that little box up and sent it back to me.  I found mostly Tigers along with a few hits on my PCs:

CAM and BIGGS

1994 Score with a Gold Rush parallel

2017 Opening Day

Doe had a few fun cards available which I'd mentioned liking.  She put all of them in the box - Posey and Altuve among the mascots! Thanks so much for the trade.  We'll do it again!

It feels good to share - or more specifically- to be organized enough to share these great trades.  This post had its own issues:

I must be held.  No Exceptions!

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! 

Snake Charmer

There's a snake in my boot!!  I've always wanted to say that.  Thanks to Daniel and his card shop,  snakes are no longer a problem!  I packed them all in a box and shipped them first class to his door!  In exchange for the reptilian cardboard,  he sent Tigers:

Armando is a First Day Issue, 2008 Stadium Club.

 

Prince in his too-large bubble helmet on 2013 Topps Update Gold  0097/2013

 

Carlos Pena - 2003 Upper Deck Classic Portraits.  I recall watching him in the minors.  He was playing first and flirting with girls on the first row.  I was a few rows back and delighted when he made an error.

Josh Rainwater - 2003 Bowman Draft Pick   I'm a black border fan despite the problems dark borders create.   Josh never made it out of the minors.  Card back says he aspires to control his own likeness in a baseball video game someday.  Perhaps the focus should've been on his pitching and making the bigs first.

 2012 Topps Career Day and Mound Dominance
 2015 Topps Highlights  2012 Topps Then & Now

 I realize I'm a bit late to the show - 10 years or so - but what was the consensus on white Topps Chrome from 2004?  These are my first.  The cardboard appears to be high quality, no curling or bowing but the Topps design certainly does nothing for me.



          2003 Upper Deck Game Face  and 40-Man....over 2200 pointless pieces of cardboard.



                                   2003 Upper Deck Vintage - yep...going back to their roots

2004 Donruss Leather and Lumber.  I want  to like this design.  It just isn't there.  The love must have been with the inserts and razzle dazzle relics.  I have to be in love with the base card to commit.

2005 Diamond Kings - well we've come along way from subset to inserts.  Too big for our pants, we have to be our own card issue.  And that is just what you have dear Diamond Kings...issues.  On the left we have a strikingly handsome Pudge Rodriguez, aura surrounds him.  Running low on paint or out of time, Mr. Gibson isn't treated with the same fanfare. Different artists you say?  Different pay scale I say. No aura for Gibby, he gets shadow puppets.

I wasn't around for 2007 Topps Chrome either but have heard all  about it. Senseless colors in each corner.   Had Topps used team colors we could have avoided the bitterness that erupts each time 2007 Topps is uttered.  It looks a bit more alluring against the white background, as shown on the Pudge refractor below.

2003  Fleer Rookies and Greats insert The Naturals  and  2010 Topps 206 featuring Mr. Tiger.

     1998 Leaf Rookies and Stars Homerun Derby  1055/2500 - one time a low numbered insert.

                   2009 Bowman Chrome refractor 123/150 -  one time a low numbered parallel.

 Wow Daniel!  I feel soooooooo much better now. Thanks for letting me take it out on the cards!  I really do like these  - I just enjoy sarcasm more!  Great trade and I hope to do it again!  I'm keeping all the Diamondbacks for you, boxed with a tight lid!

If you haven't read  It's Like Having My Own Card Shop then get over there!  Daniel is a snake charmer and will trade for yours!