Catching Up!

Jared of Catching Up With Collecting, sent a great package full of cards I did not yet have.  How he was able to determine this, I'm not yet sure. I absolutely need to work on updating my list, now that cards are flowing in due to the generosity of so many of YOU!  Jared's blog is a good read if you haven't had the opportunity.

Jared sent cards from four decades including Topps, Upper Deck, TCMA, Panini, Boardwalk/Baseball and other fun oddities.

 

There were more than 60 cards in the package and a lot of ooohs and aaaaahs while opening. Yesterday I shared a well-loved 2nd year Kaline which really took me by surprise upon arrival.  Unless the postman drops it in the box, I'll not own an anywhere-near-mint rookie Kaline.  Love knows no age:

                         Mothers threw out thousands of cards back in the day -2010 Topps 

More Kalines! I find the design of 2011 Topps Lineage quite pleasing. I could be in trouble now. I think I may need a set.  Thanks a lot Jared.  2012 Topps Archives 3-D didn't scan well.  It's a groovy card though! Very Kellogg's. After investigating this insert set I also need Ruth, Mantle and Clemente.  More thanks...Jared.    2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's.  Luckily, I own this set. These two cards can go into the player collection!  While the photography isn't the best in Decades, I was sold on the 70s theme.  I also like the incorporation of Topps designs by Upper Deck.  No doubt the fly on the wall heard a bit of blasphemy in Topps' executive offices when this set debuted.

 

 

 Ty Cobbs.  Good-looking Gypsy Queen!  Black borders are always a winner for me. But what's this 2007 UD Masterpiece?  I quit collecting around 2002 and missed out on too many great issues.  Out of my budget at the time but still a gorgeous card.  Thanks to COMC, I just stocked up on a few of my favorites!  Jared, seriously.

Time for a mini-moment.  Wow. Don't you feel better too? Don't let the MONO logo frighten you.  Just a crazy name for Turkish smokes. Rocky Colavito green and blue backs with a Hindu Cobb.  Also two Cobbs and a Greenberg from Topps.  Three classy little pieces of cardboard!

 

Domino's Pizza, cheesy cardboard goodness.  Pizza, not the card. The card is awesome! Issued in 1988 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the World Series Champions.  I hope to see the Tigers win a WS in my lifetime.  They'd better hurry it up a bit.   1979 TCMA 1950s Fred Hutchinson. Nice-looking card. I will not look into this set.  Just won't do it. Nice try Jared.  1987 Boardwalk and Baseball. Dang it, I looked. The 33 card set was produced by Topps for the B/W Theme Park in Florida. Apparently the set came in a blue collector box. No pitchers in this set - only Top Run Makers.

 

                                   Sapphire gem! 343/499    313/325 Shimmering beauty!

                                                              Cooperstown Lumberjacks

 

I have a very real weakness for old-timers. While Panini isn't for many, I do enjoy some of their issues.  2013 Cooperstown  is one of these. I know it's coming.  This one will go on my want list. I've already begun building the 2012 set.  Thank you Jared, for including these cards!  Love them!

 

I hope Jared will forgive the time it took to get these posted. I've a bit of catching up to do. Looking forward to more trading with Catching up with Collecting! These cards definitely do work with my collection!

 

Lost and Found

Hellooooooooo!  I've missed you!  All of you!  Life is slowly returning to whatever normal is for me. I've been working far too much, leaving zero time for us.  You and me.  Forgive me.  I allowed my job to take priority over writing and sharing cards with you. Honestly, I could read your blogs, write and sort baseball cards 8-10 hours a day and never be bored!  Those of you who manage to blog daily make me jealous.  I envy you.

 

 

I know some of you may feel this way too.  For me, it's therapeutic. Before my position became ridiculously mismanaged, I had time for lunch breaks - a relaxing hour spent reading or writing.  I've taken to hiding in a conference room when I do attempt lunch.  Usually within 10 minutes I'm found out and lunch is over.  I expect this pattern to continue through February or March.  In March, it comes to an end.  Big changes coming at the office! It will be a share-worthy occasion.

Since my last post,  I've received several emails awaiting a response. Thank you for your patience!  I'll reply within the next couple of days. I've also received fabulous packages from Adam, Jared, Nick, Kevin, and Robert.   Their generosity is mind-blowing!  (But truthfully, a light breeze is enough to send mine a-flutter...) I'll be posting these packages over the next week. This cracked edition features three flashy cards from Robert beginning with:

2004 Topps  0089/2004

Joel Zumaya had a very short MLB career as a reliever.  He debuted in 2006 with the Tigers.  Over the next four years he managed a 13-12 W/L record with an ERA of 3.05 and 210 Ks.  Joel once set a fastball record of 104.8 mph.  He got through the first year injury free, although sidelined during the playoffs. Seems he played a bit too much Guitar Hero. Several injuries later, his career was over. He retired in February 2014.

 

 

Max Scherzer, looking pretty in pink! Sweet card numbered 33/50.  2013 Topps AL Wins leaders: Scherzer 21, Colon 18 and Moore 17.  I hope the Tigers find a way to keep this guy!  I can't bear the thought of Max in Yankee pinstripes!

This second year Kaline is rapidly approaching its 50th birthday.  Topps was five years old with this 1955 issue.  While the card has worn corners, the four borders are still very clear and the color is bright!  The front shows no major creasing and is pretty well centered.  Great piece of cardboard history!  Thanks Robert, for this gem and the other nice cards you were so generous to send!

On Friday, I managed to get a package off to France. Kevin - it's on the way!  The Royals will go out tomorrow. Phil, I'm not always this slow!  I'm hoping to begin other trades soon.  I'm far behind on a specific want/need list.  I can safely say for non-Tigers on my list, all cards from 2003-2009 are needed. 

Here's an early Happy Halloween to you!  This little T206 treat brings Hannibal Lecter to mind every time I see it!  Wearing an apron, ready for a meal:

He's coming for you!

UNRAVELLED

Tigers - threads unravelled.  I hope the off-season is spent shoring up the bullpen and finding a way to keep Scherzer! There's always next year...right?  Win or lose, I expect at the very least to catch more games in person! 

 

I'm a bit behind on posting after spending the weekend in Oklahoma City. It's most fortunate having so many new trading partners to cheer me up in this bluest of times.  Please forgive me the time between posts.  I promise to do better!

A couple of days ago, I received some very cool booty from our Pirate Matey, Matthew.  


2001 Private Stock

Juan Gonzalez was a favorite for me when I began following the game in 93.  He was an RBI King in his glory days of the 90s.  I was a big Rangers fan when he was traded to Detroit. By then, he'd lost much of his charm.  I felt bad for Tigers fans who thought they were getting a star player.  I recall he was having trouble with a big toe. He played in only 115 games that year.  Juan was quoted as saying the Tigers would have to bring in the fences if they wanted to sign him as a free agent. He spent the next year as an Indian. Then as Texas is wont to do, they brought the old fan favorite back to the team for two years. He was hurt half of this time, unable to play. Juan will probably always be tainted, thanks to tattletale Jose.



2005 Donruss Champions

Magglio Ordonez: Maggs - fans affectionately called him. I wasn't paying close attention to him when he came up with the White Sox.  He managed to play with only two teams: White Sox 97-04 and Tigers 05-11.  He put up great career numbers: .309 avg., 2156 hits, 294 homers and 1236 rbi.  In 2007, Maggs won the AL Batting Title with a .363 average - the first Tiger to do so since Norm Cash won in 1961.  He retired at the end of the 2011 season.  From what I've read he was elected a municipality mayor in Venezuela.  Ordonez ran on the ticket of Hugo Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela.  I wonder if he's divided his fortune to share among the people...

2006 Topps Co-Signers

 Mickey, a fellow Okie named after The Mick. I could never get past the wad of chew. So gross! I will try tho.  He began as an A in 1984, played for the Orioles 88-90, Tigers 91-94 and finally as I knew him - a Ranger 95-97.   A switch-hitter with a career BA of .241 and little pop in his bat for 245 homers (which he credits to Froot Loops.)  ??? Ok. Sure.  He was good behind the plate, retiring with a .991 fielding percentage.   

Frank began his career with the Angels in 73 and pitched for six teams. He was a Tiger from 85-92.  In his best years, he owned a fastball which regularly clocked at 100 plus mph.  This pitch wore out his arm so he added a couple of slow off-speed pitches to the mix, earning him the nickname the great tantalizer.  Frank would throw an 88mph fastball along with breaking balls which frustrated batters quite effectively.  ESPN often referred to Tanana as the guy who threw 90 in the 70s and 70 in the 90s.

Mickey Tettleton and Frank Tanana - I didn't know them as Tigers but am sure they don't know me at all so we're even-steven.  Matthew, thanks for these more than fantastic cards!

If you've read this far then behold, another round of Triple Thread offerings: base and numbered.

BASE

BASE

GOLD /99                    EMERALD/250

AMETHYST/325

AMETHYST/325

My Tigers' season is over, unravelled.  Threads yanked out by the beaks of those pretty Orioles. These Triple Threads are sharp, new cards which can be had with a comment below or email to: a cracked bat  at  gmail dot commmmm.  Thank you for reading and welcoming me into this fantastic community!

Hanging by a Thread

Post Season blues.  I shouldn't be bummed. My Tigers aren't dead yet, although playing like they've been slightly poisoned. Getting beaten up by fourth place teams and hanging by a thread with a post-season berth.  The Tigers. 

What could possibly cheer me up?  Sharing some 2014 Triple Threads with you!  Literally.  If you see a card you're interested in - leave a comment. I'll be posting more of these for trade later on.  This edition of Cracked Bat offers some base, cardboard #/325 and a handful of patch.

I grabbed a couple of nice lots off eBay.  After seeing new pricing, I'm thrilled for being able to pick these up inexpensively.  My collection grew a bit with Tigers and retired players from my list. I like the look of 2014 Threads.  The patch cards have a smooth matte finish.  Really sharp! 96 Fleer was one of my fave issues in the 90s. Matte's not for everyone.

Prince Fielder eats like a King!  Good grief!  His future cards will be postcard size issues if he doesn't lay off the chips n dip!  I'm sure this photo is cropped from a close-up.  I apologize.

Bo Jackson.  I never understood his popularity. Was it all hype?  I borrowed this chart from the resource of geniuses -Wikipedia:

Mr. Two Sport couldn't give his all to THE game
due to football interests.  No, let's not be forced to choose.  Perhaps we can make some bling by
playing both games at a mediocre level.  Funny thing tho - Reggie Jackson hit .262 and struck out a LOT over 21 years time and hit on average, the same number of HRs a year as Good Ol' Bo in his three best years. Reggie is a true HOFer! We can only wonder about Bo.  He may be the only one who knows.



Strasburg 011/325      Bumgarner 065/325   Harper  322/325

Amethyst Triple Threads #d/325.   Nice product.  I can't afford to bust these or any of the top tier offerings of Topps. One box with three cards, or one box with a card...not for the average collector.  I did  pre-buy Stadium Club.  The first full box of cards I've purchased since 2002.   $95 for 72 cards and guaranteed hits. I'm a base card collector.  A nice insert, signature or relic won't be turned down but I want a nice base set.



   Maddux  130/325                                                                  Cespedes 004/325

I have a decent Maddux collection, perhaps 200 cards or so.  Far from complete. I'm listing my duplicates on Zistle soon, along with ALL of the Arod and McGwire I still have.  Most of my steroid cards are gone, banned from my collection.  I hope to use Zistle as a trading tool for my blog friends to peruse at their leisure, mouse in one hand - cool, refreshing beverage in the other. I do this for YOU.  It has absolutely nothing to do with any perceived need to organize and make new lists.

 To be honest, I don't know too much about these four men.  Ok, I know NOTHING about them. But what great-looking cards!  I could look up their stats etc but at this point in my post, the lazy bug has kicked in.  It's past dinner time.  I should take an evening walk, a shower and a nap before bedtime.

Lest I forget: THE TONY, Greg, Adam, Jared, Robert and Nick - little packages for each of you hitting the mail tomorrow. 

Thanks for reading!  I'm outta here!

STICK UM UP

1997 Collector's Choice Stick Ums - a brightly colored 30 card set. The Big B Online says these interactive reusable stickers could be used to create mini baseball scenes.  What would we do without the insightful reflections of Buckett?  But I digress...

Tony - THE TONY - recently offered some of these little charmers to his readers.  The kid in me couldn't resist the opportunity to add a couple of these to my player collections.

   

Cal Ripken Jr - class act, standout guy. Everything that could be written or said about this man has been, yet I keep typing...  He is one of the first players I paid attention to when I fell in love with the game.  The only thing he ever did to disappoint me was retire.  I doubt I'll ever have a majority of his cards but this gem is one more off the list!

Ken Caminiti (d. 2004)   I've always been a bit drawn to him.  Steroids, drugs, and alcohol - Ken was a troubled man. I can't pretend to know the struggles of the addicted. Yes he cheated the game.  He also cheated himself out of many good, living years.  I do keep a few of his cards around.  He had beautiful eyes.

Jeff Bagwell - lifetime Astro. Lifetime numbers:.297 average; 2314 hits; 449 homers. My only trip to the Astrodome in 2001 witnessed his first career grand slam.  I'd like to see him in the Hall.                                                                                                                                                                        

Mike Piazza -  His was one of the first player collection I began in 93.  One of his more memorable moments at the plate came on Sept 21, 2001, shortly after the 9/11 tragedy. The Mets were battling the Braves for playoff rights, trailing by 5.5 games.  Mike hit a mammoth home run in the bottom of the 8th inning. The Mets went ahead 3-2, winning the game. Although the Mets didn't make the playoffs, this brief moment in time gave the hometown crowd a much needed emotional release and cause for celebration.
.

I really like the colorful style of the 2014 Finest release.  This scan doesn't reveal the metallic glory of Miggy's follow-thru.  What a great card!  I may attempt to pick up the set on eBay if I can find a good deal.

The final two cards are super-sweet manufactured patches. Here are two Commemorative Patches from 2010 Topps:

                 The switch hitting second Baseman for the Cardinals, HOFer Red Schoendienst!

Bob Feller: career pitcher with the Indians.  266-162 W/L   3.25 ERA and over 2500 K's !! Entered the HOF on the first ballot with 93.8% of votes.  I love this arrowhead patch!  I don't know who's wearing the bigger smile - Feller or the Indian Scout!

Thank you again Tony, for another fun trade!

SNACK TIME

Hot dog, you ask?  No.  In the mood for something sweet today.  Let's take a little trip back to 1987 for some air-brushed fun:  M&M's Star Lineup, 24 cards issued in 12 two-card panels.  I believe these were found in large M&M bags, one panel per package.  These cards are clean so either the candy coating doesn't stain or cards were wrapped.  I'm unable to find more detailed information.

The Sportscard Bible offers this:

The cards were printed in perforated pairs which measure approximately 5" by 3 1/2"  The players are shown without team logos. (I would not have known this. Duh.) The cards were designed and produced by MSA, Mike Schechter Associates. (The guys who brought us cards in sausage and pizza packaging. MSA = NMF ...not my friends.)   The values for panels intact would be valued at 25 percent more than the sum of the two individual players. (Yeah throw in some math on my day off.)

Wally does NOT look 25 here.

Tony is supplementing his income with after hours construction work.

Mike's card is terrible.  His poorly edited hat
appears much too small, cut and pasted to his
head. Fun fun fun!

Ryno - I'll say nothing tacky about my fave Cub.
But this shot...well there are worse backgrounds.
See next card.

The ugly sweater behind Wade's shoulder distracts enough, we don't notice the missing Red Sox logo.

Jack, dropped off in the middle of nowhere for his photo opp.

Young, round-faced Clemens in his school-boy

cap. Touching.

Harold's cap is outlined in red to match the brim. Such fakery!  

Featuring Dale Murphy's Adams-Apple and another great photo-shoot location!

In a dark and moody moment, Jose ponders his future. Perhaps, he thinks to himself. Perhaps I'll write a book.

A glassy-eyed Donny Baseball, up early for his

yearbook picture. Showing off his favorite carved up hat!

Gary Carter - a World Series winning smile.

Cal is looking a bit jaundiced after a last place 86 Season. 

In 1988, George Brett will finally make it to first base.

Panini and Friends take notice: this pairing is a good example of card design w/o logos.  Hide the hat, or take it off.

Sweet Kirby. Lots of space where your hat once was. Eraser happy editor.

Joe.  1993. Still unforgiven.

Mike Witt had a career year in 86 with 18 wins and 2.84 ERA.  He lost his stuff in 1987 and the career descent began. Was this off-centered shot an omen?

Mike Scott - 1986 Cy Young winner, 18 wins and 2.22 ERA.  David Soul was his hero. Will someday appear in B-movie Looking For Starsky.

Fernando went 21-11 with a 3.14 ERA in 1986. League Leader in wins, complete games and innings pitched. Lost Cy Young to David Soul Mike Scott.

Garvey spent his last five years playing with the Padres in this ugly hat. Where is that eraser?? 

Steve - looking good in his logoless blue lid. TV cameo king from the Simpsons to Sean Hannity.  One more reason I don't watch much tv...

Nolan Ryan - where's the beef?  5714 Strike Outs and & No Hitters.

<---- BEEF!

Tony Gwynn - stole five bases in one game in 1986 and won his first Gold Glove.  Not long gone from us. Hats off to you!

The Wizard...played the last half of 86 with a torn rotator cuff. Tuff Stuff!  

Well, there you have it.  From the little candies that melt in your mouth and not on your cards!

The PWE: Lessons in proper usage

I have mixed feelings regarding the plain white envelope.  It's a perfect mode of transportation for bill payment or an old fashioned HWL (hand written letter.) I've received a few eBay wins in PWE form.  One could expect a single card to arrive safely. But five cards?   Unsleeved cards in taped-down top-loaders = one PWE??  Yes shipping was free. The seller had great feedback too.

I worked for the USPS for 15 years. I understand automation. Stamping hand cancel on an envelope has been pretty ineffective for 30 years or more now.  A possible exception would be to use the service window at the post office.  But once the letter is added to the mail flow, machines do the sorting. I don't blame the postal service.  I fault the packaging.  From the many blogs I read here regularly, PWEs are quite efficient for trading with minimal mishap. Fortunately the cards arrived at their new home, happy the journey was over. 

TWO Top loaders in ONE flimsy envelope

May I present... five 2006 Fleer Greats of the Game:

                                                    Murcer, one the few Yanks I've admired.

                                                                       This bird has flown  

   

                                                       Berra - also known for his catch phrases

                                                             Horton: recently non-deceased

                                        

     Freehan's Law: Never beat yourself

These cards have green borders.  The scanner wasn't feeling well and chose them and this moment to express ...BLECH!  Yogi front and Murcer back suffered some tape damage. SUPER pet peeve!  Please tape a soft-sleeve over the loader.  It's not rocket science. Tape is sticky because it's TAPE!  

Any words of advice out there from PWE experts?  The USPS sincerely regrets any damages.