No Trades Left Behind - final edition PLUS THE CLAW

Is it possible to be caught up?  If I can post this before the next mail delivery, then YES! 

Earlier this month, I shared some great cards and announced the most recent prize winner.  Cynical Buddha, your cheesy 90s set shipped yesterday.  In the meantime there are a few more trade partners to thank, in no particular order. 
 

Playah at the Plate, Brian sent a welcome package which arrived at my new address before I did.  He included a number of 2008 Upper Deck Documentary cards - some are shown here.  I do appreciate these cards which are from an issue I didn't purchase, nor ever intend to purchase even at a tremendously discounted price.  For all of the many good things from Upper Deck, there were an appalling number of releases.  This may be the bane of them all!  With a 4890 card BASE set, Upper Deck attempted to document every single game of the 2008 season.  I'm not sure I'd want to meet the persons who completed this set, all likely serial killers.

 

A few cards from Pacific, a company who could not compete for my 90's collecting dollars:

. 

Nice Chrome additions:

 

 

Blue and green parallels:

Brian, thanks so much for thinking of me!  I'll round up some Rangers and send 'em your way!  Hope you are safe from the current flooding in DFW!

P-town Tom, always waiting til next year - well, maybe next year.  I was rooting for those fellas!  A young Cub team will surely give us another reason to believe in 2016.  Tom sent a nice lot of cards my way too:

Kinsler grinding his palm down:

 

 AUTOS AND RELICS!

That last card #/99 features Ordonez - and a World Series bound Granderson - from a nicely designed 2008 Upper Deck's A Piece of History. It bears a strong resemblance to recent Triple Threads issues.

Tom included breakfast cards - always the most important of the day:

 

A deckling of Willie Horton from 1969 Topps.  Sah-weet!   Tom included a nice note welcoming me to the Midwest.  Thanks so much!!


Matthew not a scurvy dog Scott dropped a pwe in the mail recently containing these fellas:

Knebel is knice itself but Matt included Fan Favorites, always-on-card autos of  Fryman and Tettleton.  Totally awesome from Bob Walk the Plank - thank you!


And finally, John Miller from Johnny's Trading Spot also sent a welcome package:

I always do what I'm told...

Playing Hardball with Higginson and Stuck on Sparky - both Fleer fun!

Gold?  GOLD!



Studio produced many gorgeous issues over the years but blew it in 1995.  A charge card design? 

There's gold in them thar Topps! Black gold. Maybe even a little fools gold for those who completed these parallel sets.  

I completed my first parallel set with 94 Donruss.  Did someone say fool?  Ok, I completed two sets. Now that's off my chest... Confessing my foolishness always makes me feel a bit better about myself.

As you can see, John sent a big helping of Fielders my way, putting a large dent in my pc.  Several of these are cool oddball issues. What is it with Fielder and food?  Probably a contract including sausage and cereal for life.

1993 SP featured an early die cut insert with Platinum Power, inserted on average one in nine packs.  These were super hot cards upon release.  Pricey enough that I never attempted to complete the set.  High BV now is $12 on the most popular of the 20 card set.

If these cards weren't sweet enough, John managed to send one more item - personalized for me:

The current VP and Asst GM for the White Sox personalized an older photo with a trophy signature.  John, I'm not sure how you pulled this off but this is one of the most unique items I've received from a trade pal. Perhaps a little card show magic?  You went all out for this auto and I more than appreciate the time you took.  This gem will always be special!  Thank you again - and a stack of Braves will be looking for a new home very soon.

 

Wow - there it is.  Whoop!!  If I've forgotten anyone at all, please let me know.  Cards were coming in while I was packing to move, during the move, and while unpacking.  It became rather difficult to keep up.  I want to share the generosity of all my blog pals with others out there. 

NOW FOR THE PLUS!
This leads us to the giveaway portion of my post:

THE CLAW HAS CHOSEN....

 

If you want a chance to win Mark T the B'head you must be resident of the USA and comment  below to enter.  Schmoozing is always good  ;)  but not required.   Wow, isn't that just easy?  Sometime next Saturday Oct 31st, I'll randomize FOUR times and the new owner will be announced.

 

Thanks for reading! 

Unibiased and Dependable - or No Trades Left Behind, third edition

Yes the game of catch-up continues.  If all goes according to plan, only one more post will be necessary for sharing the colorful cardboard contents of mail received over the past few months.  Then I can write with carefree whimsy from my list of blog post ideas! 

From Highly Subjective and Completely Arbitrary came this introductory package of Tiger cards.  Brian reached out to say hello:

I'm a fan of 2015 Tier One.  The black and gold combo is stunning.  The olde English D really shows itself off, just not so well in the scan.  Great design but not in my budget.   2015 Buck Farmer Finest refractor auto.  Bucky is approaching 25 years of age.  It's show time - or no time in the Show. 

Above we have 2008 SPX Joel Zumaya auto, 2001 Private Stock Juan Gonzalez bat chip and 2005 Champions Magglio Ordonez. Of these three fellas, I'm most familiar with Juan Gone-zalez.  He was a big part of my collection in the early 90s.  We broke up when he became a Tiger, oddly enough.  He brought nothing to the team.  The fans here were welcoming and excited to have Juan in Detroit.  He was to wrapped in his own reflection to notice - or care.

2013 Chrome auto RC Bruce-Duck-Rondon.  I say duck because when he's on the mound...you're on the ground.  A little wild at times, other times on the DL.  2008 AG Pudge.  Ivan Rodriguez - a favorite player on any team. 

1959 Topps Johnny Groth, a sweet piece of cardboard history!  Look at that centering, will ya? Coloring, corners - it's a thing of beauty!  1949 Bowman RC George Vico isn't looking to shabby either!

1956 Topps Frank House with a play at the plate.  Who among us would find such action boring?  I demand you speak up!   As cool as this card front is...check out the back:

the classic cartoon!  This is one feature that can't be duplicated.  Even Topps today with cartoon backs, wouldn't touch this magic from the 50s. 

Thank you Brian, for these cards.  Old and new and in-between, all appreciated!  It seems you've waited quite patiently for a return package.  A lot of that going on of lately.  I'm stuffing a mailer this weekend.

And now we come to the contest portion of our blog reading.  Last week, I announced a cheesy giveaway.   If you didn't read or scroll through the post in its entirety, you missed it. There were only six entries which were Randomized tonight.

Cynical Buddha, you are the cheesiest! or is it most cheesy?  Congrats Mark! Let me know if you've moved in the past few months. Thanks to all who read, and to those who entered.  I'll dig through my box of disposable baseball and cardboard memorabilia to find the next prize, to be given away...next time?? Will it be an indecipherably autographed baseball?  Team sets?  Oversized cards?  Bobble-head?  The Claw knows.

It's Always Something (or No Trades Left Behind - Second Edition)

 Something is always coming between us. Recently, it was work.  The big tax 9/15 deadline. How can our relationship flourish if we don't communicate, if I am not fully present on this page - and yours?  There is progress to note: packages are hitting the mail box!  Yes, it really did happen! Three out in the past week!  Naturally, only after packing and sealing these up did I find the cards I've been searching for - for over two weeks - in the last place I looked.  You may ask - why would she keep looking for them afterwards???  Because I am cracked! 

The last time we met here I shared a few overdue trades.  Well, guess what?  More overdue sharing! Our first featured guest is the ambulance chasing Tony, Off Hiatus. A little harsh you say? Hush. Who asked you. < --- No question mark.

                                                            A complete set of 77 Topps

                                                      COOL 1987 LEAF (Canadian Donruss...)

A lot of minis from 86 Fleer along with a 2012 GQ mini for size comparison:

Kelloggs cards are always welcome here.

2013 Topps Cut to the Chase inserts have been some of the prettiest I've seen in a very long time - likely since the 90s.  Beauties!

The Mark Grace and Alan Trammell below are the two cards that began this trade with Tony.  He received a few packages from back home full of magazines, books and memorabilia long forgotten. Mom did NOT throw them out!  One of these items was a Sports Collectors Digest from 1990 with these cards inside:

I love oddball issues and welcome these to my collection of special cards.  Oddball = special = me.  I am especially odd.

Tony was one of my first trading partners.  He has been more than thoughtful, dropping all of these great cards in the mail as a kind of house-warming gift.  He sent many more than shown here.  It was a wonderful surprise!  Thanks Tony!

Nick, our friend from the world of Dimeboxes sent a fat package too!  Here's a sampling of the awesomeness contained within:

Similar to 1987 Donruss in all but color. 1987 Donruss Opening Day cards have a maroon border instead of black. I didn't have any of these cards! Willie Hernandez spoke from within his papered borders asking to be scanned alongside these unique collectibles for he too, is special.  Willie is cut from an 86 wax box!

Nick remembered my love for the old guys and included vintage and unique cardboard:

Top: 1956 Topps, 1981 Galasso   Bottom: 1985 Woolworth's Topps, 1988 Sporting News

2012 Cooperstown Ballparks- love it!  I'm assembling this insert set so this is greatly appreciated! and I can't say no to a 75 mini!  Shown below is the backside of Brad Ausmus (stop it) aka a colorful 2000 Ultra reverse... Also a Sleeth making an appearance on an auto 2004 Topps Chrome. His signature is a bit hard to make out, just below his elbow.  1994 Collector's Choice Kirk Gibson and Chad Kreuter.  I had hundreds of 94 CC years ago.  I was a card snob and gave them away.  Now I love the design.  What an idiot! 

The back of Gibby's CC.  Such a playful side of Kirk here, rarely seen on the field.  For those wanting the full reveal, Brad's Ultra front side is shown for your viewing pleasure.

Nick, thanks for these sweet selections from your dime boxes!  It was a fun package!!!

Readers, if you've stuck with me this far, you deserve a chance to win a tacky prize! 

1992 Score Rising Stars.  Still sealed, plastic is slightly yellowed.  A lovely edition to your collection of worthless cards from the 90s!  It is a bit unique actually.  I don't own any of these cards. None in my collections anywhere.  If you win and decide to bust and share, I'd love to have the Tigers.   Comment and mention you'd like a chance in the Randomizer.  Three times around and a winner will be chosen! We'll do it Saturday the 3rd, sometime later in the afternoon. 

 Giveaways will continue here at Cracked Bat.  You'll never know what's next unless you check in!  

Have a super week!



No Trades Left Behind - first edition

So I took the summer off, though unintentionally. During my absence, my trader friends were kind to think of me, often sending little and/or fat packages to my new home.  It's more than past time I shared some of the many cards received. 

Mark Hoyle, notorious non-blogger and heckuva trader, sent one of his famous PWEs before I left Texas.  It was packed before I could scan and share.  Mark has a serious stash of old cardboard and sent a few Tigers:



1963

1964 - love that Freehan!

 While all are sweet cards, this little charmer won me over!  An unlicked? unused? unstuck? Norm Cash stamp from 1969 Topps.  Thanks Mark!  I know it's taken awhile to share and you've been more than patient while awaiting a return package.

Cubbie loving P-Town Tom - Waiting Til Next Year - dropped a little PWE in the mail too. I'd commented on a Sandberg card he received.  He must have had a dupe because Tom wasted no time sending it.  The card was special to me as Ryne is listed as an Oklahoma City 89er. 

    2001 Upper Deck Minors Centennial                               2015 Panini Prizm base

I'm an Okie who spent some time at that old ball park on the fairgrounds.  I don't recall seeing Sandberg play unfortunately.  I went to the games back in those days for the concerts....Oak Ridge Boys, The Monkees, Hermans' Hermits...to name a few.  But let's pretend I didn't just fess up to that.  89er Stadium is long gone, paved over for more fairground parking.  

I wish I could tell you there was nothing else in the PWE from Tom...

Yes, it's time for Pass the Bieber.  Tom, blaming Zippy?  Will the Bieber madness ever end?  Who will be the first to step up and say I will be the change. Bieber stops here with me.  Must we go to the Bieber source, begging for mercy? merci?  which translates loosely into uncle, thank you. ???   What is a mind so twisted capable of???  So many unanswered questions. 

Shall we explore further, this madness?  It's origin?

Kevin Papoy



Behold. The great mastermind behind the Biebering.  A man so generous, Kevin dedicates time and Euros to be your personal shopper.  He searches far and wide and mostly eBay to find the perfect cardboard to share with his friends across the deep blue.  Recently le Papoy thrust a bulging mailer into the hands of a French postal clerk.  I found this package crammed into my roadside mail depository, tired from the long journey. 

                                                            1964 Topps                 1966 Topps

2013 Heritage Chrome/999  and refractor/544

2006 Turkey Red

Pretty little Verlanders

Ovation baseball put out a nice product.  I love the texture on these cards!  2015 Diamond Kings have been my favorite release so far this year. A lot of color and texture on these cards too.  I'm working to complete the base set.

Kevin added a few of my fave players to the mix. A player stew of sorts. 

2015 Tier One - a design I like but can't afford to add more than a card here and there.  Sweet addition!

Did I mention Kevin's generosity?  He picked up some good-looking autos and fancy patches specifically for me.  His thoughtfulness should wipe away any suspicions I have regarding his motivations.  A Bieber mind cult?  Surely not.  The Bieber cards are used as filler only, to protect the prizes inside on their long voyage across the seas. 

        Burn the Bieber?  or Repurpose?   Choose wisely.

The Ransomizer and First Contest Results

The results are in and the Ransomizer says....  What? 

Nothing like a typo to make things interesting. The Ransomizer.  A web site built to customize your next ransom note.  Who hasn't needed this help?  I know my creativity is lacking at times.

There were 11 official entries for  our 2000 Topps Factory set.   These contestants commented on the original post  with their intentions should they be the lucky recipient of this classic Topps set. Ahem...    Without further delay, The Randomizer shuffled three times and revealed our first ever Cracked Bat winner!!!!

The Randomizer included an IP address along with results which was deleted for privacy purposes.

Congratulations to our friend Matt at Bob Walk the Plank!   Matt wrote he would keep it sealed up and put it with the rest of his completed sets as his wife gives him a death stare for adding more "clutter."   I'm sure she will be pleased with the contest results Matt!

Over this holiday weekend, I'll select another item to throw to the wolves, unless of course someone out there would like to enter and beat the them to it.  Thanks to all who joined in the fun or commented!  I've missed meeting up with y'all - still a bit Texan.  Looking forward to making new acquaintances too, so come back now - you hear?