FREE CARDS!!!

FREE BASEBALL CARDS!  Is it really as simple as connecting with other collectors who are more than willing to share their spoils?  While surfing for baseball card info a few months ago, I stumbled upon the Night Owl blog .  One post read led to the next - which led to other card blogs and before I knew it a couple of entertaining hours had passed.  I was quite intrigued with so many trade posts sharing the day’s loot. 

Loot 

Tony of Off-hiatus initiated my second trade.  He emailed regarding my stash of 90s baseball cards.  Tony was more than willing to free up space in the box for new cards.  I was all-too- happy to accommodate!  Brewers for Tony meant Tigers for me!  When the bounty arrived, it came in two packages. Tony completed my Tigers Topps sets for 2007, 2012 and 2013 and 2008 Upper Deck!   He also included Tigers from the first Topps Total set in 2002.  (My first and only attempt at a Frankenset! Hmmm, maybe that had something to do with leaving the hobby for a while.)

I'd originally written a bit about most of the cards I'm sharing in this post.  I've learned the hard way to save my work continuously but yesterday this failed too. I can say though, all of these cards are new to my collection!  What a great selection of cards!  Let's start with Alan Trammell:

For info on this set, click here

1988 Donruss

1985 Topps All Star Set

Trammell spent all his career with the Tigers. He is still HOF eligible, continuing to make the ballot every year.  He was the 1984 WS MVP, a six time All-Star and four time Gold Glove winner.  Trammell has a lifetime average of .285 with 185 home runs and 2365 hits.

Prince Fielder - ever see him attempt a head-in slide into first base?  I did. It wasn't pretty.  Well ok, it was - pretty laughable. No doubt he's lovin' Texas BBQ these days.  Here are three very attractive versions of  2012 Bowman Platinum: ruby, emerald and base.

More shiny things:

2012 Topp Finest                               2012 Topps Gold Sparkle                                2012 Topps Chrome

I've missed Andy Dirks this year.  I only hope his back surgery wasn't a career ender!  He is a fan-friendly fellow and made a great impression on me. 

Now here's a fellow who could easily have ended a few careers with his signature spike-in-your-face greeting:

2010 Topps Tales of the Game

2010 Topps Vintage Legends

                                                                                            2010 Topps Peak Performance

Ty Cobb, an unhappy man but one of the games' greatest!  With 4191 hits, he held the all-time hits record until Gamblin' Rose (Pete) belted 4192.  Tyrus holds a record .367 BA, highest in MLB.  His spikes assisted him when stealing home 54 times. Cobb's dentures sold for $7475 at auction. What???  Shall we move on?

2011 Allen & Ginter's: A&G haven't been favorites for me. The lack of creativity is a major irritation between me and Topps.  I tend to prefer the vintage look on vintage cards with vintage players. When I spend hard earned dollars on cards, I only want baseball cards in the pack. I don't want to pull the World's Tallest Building or Palaces, Peacemakers and Bicycles...oh my. That said, this is an attractive batch of cards:

2013 Allen & Ginter's featuring two of my favorite Tigers, Cobb and Kaline:

                                                                   MINI MIGHTY MEN   

I am a sucker for the 70s.  Cards issued by Kelloggs are some of my favorites!  This colorful Yastrzemski was a grrrreat addition to the collection:               

                                                                                    Yazz Man

Hank Greenberg is featured on a commemorative card from 1985 Topps All Star Game set. With 85% of the votes, he became the first Jewish player elected to Cooperstown in 1956.   Cards for Cochrane and McLain are part of a 1984 issue by Renata Galasso, the world's largest hobby card dealer. (She said so herself, right on the back of the cards.) In the 70s, Galasso sold hand-collated Topps sets to pay her way through college. These two cards are attractive issues at the very least.  Glad to have them!

And now we've come to the final cards: 1981 Cramer Sports Promotions Baseball Legends. I've read Cramer eventually became Pacific Cards.  After some research, I found these cards listed in the Beckett catalog as 1980-1983 Pacific Legends.  I've never seen these cards before, and now own three!

Tony, thank you again!  I appreciate the opportunity to prove myself a trust-worthy trading partner!  I'm  not sure when I'll have another stash of Brewers for you but have a pile in the making with your name on it!

Anyone else out there want free cards? I'm updating my trade list regularly. 

Food Issues

I began having trouble maintaining a healthy waistline in 1993. My metabolism has always been a bit low which added to the struggle.  I continued with regular activity and exercise but my diet began changing ever-so-slowly. As a very green collector, I had no idea cards could be found in grocery stores; hidden in cereal boxes, frozen foods and...sausage?

I stumbled upon these quite by accident, during a rare sausage purchase. Produced by MSA for Jimmy Dean and distributed in 3-card packs, right into the meat section of the local grocer.  This collecting newbie was excited to find my beloved Darren Daulton in a sausage roll!  He naturally belonged in a meat product!  It never occurred to me there might be a complete set.  I didn't care!  I purchased enough sausage over a short period of time to claim the extra ten cards via UPC redemption. Having eaten too much sausage, I certainly wouldn't be hungry for it anytime soon - if ever!  Breakfast meat behind me, I could breathe a bit easier while doing the weekly shopping.

I'd scribbled Red Baron frozen pizza on my grocery list. Reaching for my cheesy Red Baron, I noticed the Tombstone branded pizza.  I almost got away without creating another cycle of over-eating. Having the myopic vision of Mr. Magoo, how I noticed the baseball card on the Tombstone box is a mystery.

      1994:
      Also produced by MSA (a company who
      obviously has issues with my waistline) in a
      30 card set.  Only five pizza proof-of-purchase
      logos required to complete the set, I returned to
      buy four more. Done.  Tombstone was a decent
      frozen pizza back in the day.


When does it end????  Seriously, can't a girl have fried chicken without Church's waving their cards in my face?  I eat fried chicken maybe twice a year.  It quickly became the Chicken-Fried Summer of  1994. Church's Hometown Stars, a product of Pinnacle brand was issued in four card packs. Lucky me, additional packs could be purchased for .69 each.  A 28 card set wasn't enough for Pinnacle.  One of the four cards was gold foil stamped.

Regular issue                                   Gold foil issue

Pinnacle didn't forget the insert chase!  Using their Dufex technology, the 10 card set Show Stoppers was inserted one in every fourth pack.    

These are still favorites of mine, some of the most colorful cards I've seen.  When I'd finally completed the insert set, I also had countless base sets and two complete gold sets. Man I ate a lot of chicken that year!

I love all beef hot dogs but sometimes crave a coney from a (then local) favorite.

Completely unhealthy but delicious Sonic Footlong Coney Dog

I couldn't even have a hot dog from the safety of my own car.  In 1995, Sonic picked up where Church's left off...  For a combo meal purchase, I received a 3-card pack of Sonic Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball.  Twenty cards total, players in sepia tones and card trimmed in red, white and blue:

Still barely two years into collecting, this set was my introduction to true heroes of the game.  I knew  Babe Ruth but little of Paige, Kaline, Hodges, Minoso and the 15 other players (new and old) featured in this set. A nice set, simply designed and difficult to complete - I ate a lot of hot dogs that Summer!

1996 came and so did the 1996 Denny's Holograms.  I didn't realize Denny's had issued sets since 1991. With the recent introduction of holograms to sportscards, this year's set of 28 were expected to be their most popular release.  Of course, included was a ten card Grand Slam insert set - and Artists Proofs of these lovely inserts. With your meal order, two packs could be purchased.

My collecting friend and I worked nights and shared days off, so we went to Denny's around 2am twice a week for a month or so. The first night our waitress Cindy gave us a couple extra packs.  We'd chatted it up with her, having planned to befriend the lucky waitstaff assigned to our table. We left a $10 tip for pancake meals and planned to return the next night.  Cindy practically met us at the door. Each time she came by to check on us, she'd slip a few packs on the table. We found out a bit more about her too: single mom working two jobs to make it.  Well...she may have been working us too because we left another nice tip of $20.  For the next couple of weeks, she'd bring handfuls of packs to the table, dumping them from her apron.  My friend and I opened easily over 100 packs of those cards.  Never did we find one single insert.  Lots and lots of base cards....

Those are some fun collecting memories! Pounds collected then have been shed and gained, and shed and gained.  It's too bad though for today's collectors since the days of finding cards in cereal or pizza etc. are long gone.  I know there are a few rarities around, such as Mother's Cookies. Still I'm better off.  I clearly have serious food issues!

First Completed Trade

This is exciting for me!  I get such a kick outta sharing cards.  Recently I've taken to giving away handfuls of extras to young collectors.  (Well, they collect now anyway.) At four and six years of age, it's hard to have extra pocket money.  When they're ten, I doubt the hobby will be any more affordable for them.   But I digress...

The blogosphere's beloved Night Owl  (humble Dodgers fan and conveyer of  much wisdom) sent a sweet little package this past week.  I was fortunate to receive this gift before he began his traditional August hiatus.   Not always knowing what he wants or sometimes needs, Greg relies on his blog network to aid in set completion.  Earlier this Summer, I sent a care package to Greg. We are all busy people.  Taking time for a stranger speaks volumes, to me anyway.  Thanks N.O.!!!

In sharing these little prizes with you, please note I am new with this whole scanning thing.  I'm giving it a try in lieu of photos, as a time saver.  (At least it was suppose to save time.  Not working out that way.)

   

You may have already determined I'm a Tigers fan. If not, please take a moment to view this blog's background design.  I'll wait...

I do not live in Michigan - yet.  I was a local Rangers' fan for many years. Not a club with deep roots, I held on hoping to watch the team make history.  Year after year, one poor decision after another - Arod? - I allowed my loyalty to drift and became a player collector.  When Ivan left the club, I kept up  with him.  To see him in a Tiger uniform is more than sweet!  Pudge may have been 'roid tainted (hopefully by association only) but he still had one of the greatest arms  ever found on a backstop!  What Rangers fan didn't love seeing him make an out with a throw to the base, or a hard tag at the plate?  Ivan is still one of my faves.  I did not have any of the six cards shown.

Greg Maddux is the first pitcher I ever followed.  Thanks to TBS, I was able to watch a few games a week.  The 90's Braves had a phenomenal pitching staff. Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux were hard to beat, as long as the bats were producing.  Many a fan spent 7-9 frustrated innings waiting for the tie-breaking run to cross the plate for a Braves win. I did not have any cards showing Maddux in Dodger blue, nor did I have Tuiasosopo and Monroe.  Monroe was a fan friendly fellow. He signed a ball for me back in his AAA days.

 Dean looking sharp in Tiger duds.

I remember Dean from his days with the OKC 89ers.  He was plagued with injuries throughout his 14 year career. Not the best defensively, Dean had some pop in his bat and a .251 career average.  He's the assistant coach at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee according to the always reliable Wikipedia. This card is a nice addition to my Tigers collection.

 



 

I quit collecting when these two young men came onto the scene - most unfortunately, as their nicer RCs are a bit pricey.  Victor's most collectable issue is from 2001 Donruss Class of 2001 and numbered of 625. I must have picked up a pack of these because I have the Hafner RC.  I wish I'd had the opportunity to watch Martinez behind the plate but happy enough to see him as DH.  Cabrera - wow he looks all grown up!  Was he even 16 in that Marlin uniform?  I hope he has a few good years left in him, contract aside.  I'm paying attention now. Miggy is a great hitter.  His career average is currently around .320.   Both cards were needed.

 

 

I can add absolutely zero to all already written regarding this incredibly courageous  man's story. 

Love these cards - and also needed both! 


"I collect Workman's Comp."              "I'm on TV!"









This photo was not trimmed, nor is the card missing 3/4 of its borders.  The little Canon scanner that could, made the decision repeatedly shave off the edges of this card. Scanning 101 - course not completed.  Dave is a familiar face.  Les Cain is collecting $111 monthly from the Tigers for the remainder of his life.  I hope this amount has been adjusted for inflation, but likely not. I hope Les has had a good life.  I couldn't find information on any other career changes. Great card and a fave from the batch - needed.

 

The two remaining cards from N.O. were also needed and more than welcomed into my collection. While all have been great additions, these are by far the sweetest!

 

The three fine gentlemen pictured here were playing World Series ball when I was toddling around the house. As I get to know my Tigers, these fellows are becoming new favorites.

• Horton: .273 career avg;  325 hr;   1163 rbi.  
• Cash:     .271 career avg;  377 hr;   1103 rbi    
• Kaline:  .297 career avg;  299 hr;   1583 rbi

Classic baseball cards!  What a fun first trade!  Who's next? 

Night Owl -a good sport!

 

DUPED

As the unpacking continues, I've noticed a pattern. It appears I hit the hobby head-on and clueless in 93. It was my rookie year as a collector.  Looking over the list on the left, it is quite evident I had no idea what I was doing.  I became an instant Topps snob when I realized I could pick up a factory set. It appealed to the lazy side of my personality.  So lazy, it bubbles  beneath  the surface at all times.  I decided to assemble my first set, 1993 Donruss.  I knew nothing regarding collation or that it would be nearly impossible. I began with two 36 count boxes of Series 1.
                                                           
Silly me.  It's a big set with 396 cards in each series.
Of course, I'll need TEN boxes to complete a
series one set! And guess what?  After ten boxes,
I was still short a couple cards for one full set. Dupes
galore! (At this point, I still knew nothing of trading for what I needed.)  However, in the course of opening 360 packs, I discovered inserts. How cool...and not so much.  I'm a finisher and  now  obligated to these little insert sets.  Looking over insert ratios, it's hard to understand how I could only pull Diamond Kings and Spirit of the Game.

1993 Diamond King

Series Two, I'm not intimidated. This set-building episode was not going as planned. (I hadn't really planned anything.)  I don't recall how many boxes of  #2 were purchased, or perhaps I've blocked it from memory.  

I eventually found the cards needed to complete these sets.  I realized this was part of the hobby fun and decided to embrace the chase.  I'm not so sure there's an explanation for
1994.  By that time, I was hardcore collecting.   Referencing the list once more, we can see I attempted to build too many
sets.  (Only completed sets have been added to My Organizer.)

Naturally I felt obligated to Donruss after spending 1993 together.  The design was now full bleed and gorgeous. Of course you're forgiven Donny. No apology necessary.

1993 Donruss

1994 Donruss

However there is this
ONE little thing we
should discuss.  What
do you mean by SE?
Special Edition?  Oh yes
I can clearly see it's special, with
the foil on front and stamped on the reverse.  Parallel set you say?  Betrayed.  Yes, it will be completed too but there will be no 1995 for you Don. Duped again.

Cecil Fielder,  1994 Donruss Special Edition

Slow to learn a lesson, I finished seven main sets in 94 - along with a few insert sets.  1993 wasn't all bad.  I made a couple of nice decisions, completing first year issue Flair and SP (which I need to add to My Organizer.)   Moving forward, I would complete fewer sets and focus more on player collections. Too many card issues to choose from - variety is not always the spice of life. I enjoyed buying a few packs of most everything. As prices escalated, the fun dissipated. 12 years would pass before I bought another pack.
This time it was the new Godfather, Topps.

Nolan Ryan Career Salute

I doubt I'll purchase a lot of new stuff, though I'd be lying
if I said I wasn't interested in the upcoming return of $tadium Club. I love inserts but the hits  were never that important to me anyway.  These have  driven up prices.  As we know, players don't sign for free.  At the end of the 90s,  I discovered true vintage cards.  Tobacco era through 1979 - cards that hold my interest now.  100 years of cards to discover and collect. I kick myself for not scooping up boxes of Conlon Sporting News Collection in the mid 90s.  I saw these everywhere and wasn't interested.  While not vintage, these cards are an inexpensive introduction to baseball's colorful history.
 
I have a little (step) grandson now who'll be six in the Fall.  He just played his first Little League season. T-man loves baseball and recently discovered cards.  I need to make good collecting decisions because he will inherit all of it!  I only hope he can forgive me my rookie season. I struck out a lot!

UMPIRE  RON KULPA                                              

GOOGLE HEARTACHE

Looking through these boxes, I came across the player who contributed greatly to my growing addiction.  I'd always loved baseball, even as a kid.  I remember watching weekend games with my grandmother and my interest in one Bucky Dent.  Crush.  Well, I was a kid after all.  I outgrew it.

Bucky

Enter the 1993 World Series.  After my introduction to cards, my interest in the game itself was renewed.  Just in time to discover the Phillies...and Darren Daulton.  He certainly wasn't perfect.  Dutch fought demons during his playing years and a few since retirement.  He's shared a few spiritual ideas which seem a bit quirky but upon closer examination, harmless.  Darren's given back to his community continually and he remains a Philly favorite.  But I digress...

 

Darren - who was this guy? The chiseled features, great hair.  I suddenly couldn't get enough of his at bats.  I must have all of his cards.  But I was through collecting.  I'd completed my first and last set with UD 93 Then and Now.  Well, it will  be fun.  Just get his cards, and only his.  That's not fair to the rest of the Phils though.  Perhaps I'll do a team set too.  After all, he didn't get to the World Series alone.  Dang it Joe Carter! My Philly dreams crushed.  Who are you anyway?  This card says you're an Oklahoma boy.  I'm from Oklahoma too.  Cool!  I'll collect your cards and maybe those of other players from the OK state.     

The 1993 Homerun



Hello, my name is Cracked Bat and I have a cardboard problem. Yes, a problem.  I can't find Daulton's autographed insert card from the 1994 Ultra set!  What?  That's not a real problem?  What's hitting bottom?  Does that mean the last pack in a box? Leave? You want me to leave? Come back when I can take the program seriously?

Collectors are sometimes their own worst enemies...

 

 

Going through my Daulton binder, I felt the urge return to chase down the remaining cards needed to complete the collection.  It had been years since I'd looked Dutch up on the net. To the trusty Google search bar I went. CANCER??   Darren has brain cancer??  My heart sank and eyes welled a bit with tears.  This can't be true.  He had surgery a year ago for a tumor. The cancer found was diagnosed as a glioblastoma.  A difficult cancer to treat as these tumors have tentacles which can leave malignant traces even after a successful surgery. This article shares information on brain cancer and the many other MLB players who battled heroically and lost.  We do cry  too young  often, never do I hear too old.  Too old to die?  Too mean perhaps. I read the obits regularly and naturally notice strangers my age passing on from this life.  They will always be too young, even twenty years from now.  So yes, he is  too young.  I am too young. YOU are too young. Forever young - my theme song right now. 

A Message to Dutch: my best wishes for a full recovery and a thank you. After waiting many years, my opportunity to meet you came at a Devil Rays/Rangers game in the summer of 2001.  After saying you'd sign a ball for me after practice,  I waited in the 100+ degree heat by the visitors dugout for an hour.  You returned to sign that ball, spoke with me for a minute and walked away, much to the dismay of fans lined up behind me.  Thanks for your positive attitude, your commitment to community, and the joy you brought into my own life.                       
                         

June 2014

     



Oh,  by the way, I am collecting Bucky now.  Why do we cover ourselves in tattoos???  This   ------------------------->
is a much better look.