30 Day Baseball Card Challenge

Thursday, March 13, 2014

An E-Xceptional Gwynn

2000 E-X E-Xceptional Red #14

Merriam-Webster defines "exceptional" as being unusually good or much better than average.  And that's exactly how I described this card when I pulled it out of my Check Out My Cards box.

At first glance, some might think this card was cool... but far from exceptional.  It has an awkward, mid-swing photo of Mr. Gwynn and there aren't any statistics on the back.  I mean... where's his autograph?  How about a piece of event worn stirrups?  Sure... it's serial numbered.  But 1,999 copies?  Is Fleer serious?  Don't they know that cards aren't rare unless they're numbered to less than five?

However... if you've ever held one of these inserts in your hands... that's when the magic happens.  It has a lenticular feel to it, so it has a 3D sort of appearance.  Just imagine a die-cut, early 2000's version of a Kellogg's cards from the 70's and 80's.

The best part?  The price.  I paid two bucks for this beauty.  Okay for those who bow down to Beckett values, you're probably saying I overpaid since it only books for $3.  But when a card is this E-Xceptional, who flippin' cares about book values?

Happy Thursday and sayonara!

6 comments:

Man said...

It is somewhat different and as you point out has an odd photo of TG but having not seen one in person your description has me curious. I am sure I can get a Cardinal from this set. On EBay now.

BobWalkthePlank said...

Cool cards!

Fuji said...

Good luck. There's a McGwire in that set.

Fuji said...

Thanks. I'm all about the cheap inserts from the 90's.

Comatoad said...

Hey, anytime you can have a unique Gwynn card in your hands is a great day! Very nice pick up. I'm going to have to look for this at tomorrow's card shop.

Fuji said...

Yeah. Now I want to find this card's brother and sister: Mr. Green and Ms. Blue. Good luck on your hunt.