Christmas In July

Earlier in the week, I received a padded envelope filled with cards from Brian a.k.a Collecting Cutch who happens to own one of the most insane player collections I've ever seen on a blog.  But don't take my word for it, head over to his blog right now and see for yourself.  You won't be disappointed.

Okay.  Now that you're back, let's get to the goodies Brian sent my way:

2004 Fleer National Pastime American Game Patch #AG-DW

Boom.  I was speechless when I saw this patch.  Brown and yellow are two of my least favorite colors, but when you put them together on this card they're breathtaking.  The fact that this patch was part of a jersey worn by one of three players who chose to wear a Padres hat on their hall of fame plaque makes it that much cooler.

This card is gonna be hard to follow up, but don't tell that to the Swinging Friar:

2019 Topps Opening Day Mascots Autographs #MA-SF

Was it signed by one of the people who dresses up as the Swinging Friar?  Or was it a San Diego Padres employee?  Maybe it's a Topps employee?  Who cares?  It's awesome!

Next up are a pair of cards for my Altuve collection:

2018 Topps Update Postseason Manufactured Patch #PSL-JA

2018 Chronicles Holo Silver #29

Here are some new additions to my Japanese Athlete PC:

Bandai Owner's League Cards

2018 BBM Grateful Days #19

And this awesome low #'d rookie card of Nerd Power:

2011 Topps Chrome Red Refractor #184 (#'d 2/25)

When Kurt Suzuki signed with the Minnesota Twins back in 2013, Sogard became my honorary favorite Oakland Athletic... especially after the whole "Face of the MLB" contest.  I went out and picked up a few of his autographed rookie cards.  This card isn't autographed, but it's now my best Sogard rookie card.

If you're familiar with Collecting Cutch, then you're familiar with this color:

2014 Topps Tribute Pink Autographs #TA-JC

Each October, Brian celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by showing off some pink McCutchen cards.

Canseco might not be the most popular guy among baseball enthusiasts... but he'll always be special to me.  Believe it or not... there was a time when I had more Canseco cards in my collection than Tony Gwynn cards.

Rounding out this post are a pair of customs created by Brian:

Don't worry Sport Card Collectors and Night Owl, Brian drew on a penny sleeve and not on the actual card.

Unfortunately... I can't say the same for this sweet piece of artwork:

2012 Topps 1987 Topps Mini "Santa Sketch Card" #TM-40

This painting is sweet!  It's one of the most interesting and creative Christmas cards I have ever received.

Thank you Brian for this super generous care package!  Stay tuned... I'm on a mission to find some Pirates for your collection.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!