Lacking Sports Card Self-Discipline

Last Saturday, when I got home from the Serramonte Mall Sports Card, Toys, and Collectibles Show... I came to the realization that I have a serious problem.  I'm unable to walk away from a bargain.

Two weeks ago, I picked up tons of cheap inserts, parallels, rookies, and base cards for my binders at the Sacramento card show.  So my game plan was to stick to quality over quantity this time around.

I failed.

Purchase #1:  A Monster Box Filled with Packs and Singles $58

As soon as I entered the mall, I immediately discovered the COMC guy who had tons of monster boxes filled with cards and wax packs for 10¢ each.  I spent over two hours sifting through his stuff and when I was finished, I had pulled 252 packs, 454 cards, and one box of 1989 Topps Stickers:

The packs ranged from a boatload of 80's Fleer Star Stickers to a small handful of Flintstones trading cards.

I also snagged a box of 1989 Topps Stickers for $2...

Now I just need to find myself an empty yearbook to stick them in.

I have no idea where to begin with the cards.  His boxes were filled with a little bit of everything, but I mainly targeted rookie cards, oddballs, vintage, 90's inserts, and 80's base cards of baseball hall of famers.

Here's a small sampling...

After sifting and sorting... I discovered that most of the cards I picked up were actually cards I already own, but that's okay.  All of my duplicates will go into care packages.

Card Show Intermission:  Collector Camaraderie

After killing two hours at the dime boxes, I made a trip to my car to lessen the load.  I went back into the mall and began making my rounds.  I ran into Brady (St. Louis Cardinals' Cardboard) and Mr. Haverkamp (cardboard blog supporter) who are regulars to this show.  Mr. H brought some 1956 Topps hall of famers to check out.  Unfortunately I had spent most of my budget by then.  Plus I wanted to make sure both of us did our homework before spending the big bucks.

Brady hooked me up with a fat stack of Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, and Japanese baseball players.

They ranged for oddballs I've never seen to sweet looking die-cut acetate cards that are super shiny.  Thanks Brady!  I really appreciate everything you gave me.  Hopefully there are a few St. Louis Cardinals that you can use in my package.

Purchase #2:  30¢ Autographs and Some Other Stuff $7

This might be one of my coolest card show purchases in recent years in terms of overall value.  While walking around the show, I passed up several cards I was interested in.  Then I stumbled across a guy with a bunch of toys and a small section of cards.

I was immediately drawn to this:

2014 Topps Opening Day Mascots #M12

Ummm... mascot autograph?  Yes, please!

He also had a team bag laying on his table filled with 1995 Action Packed Hall of Fame autographs:

I haven't been passionate about basketball for a few years, but certified hall of fame autographs for 30¢ each is just way too good of a deal to pass up.

After putting the mascot autograph and basketball autographs into a stack, the vendor came up and told me everything was half off the marked price.  Normally I wouldn't have spent $7 on this gold SPx parallel of Michael, but it's worth $3.50.

1996 SPx Gold #8

The last card I grabbed was an on-card autograph of John Taylor:

1991 Pro Line Portraits Autographs #256

Taylor played his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers and I grew up watching him week in and week out during football season.  He might not be the biggest name, but he's worth a buck.

To be honest, I would have been okay paying the full price of $14 for these thirteen cards.  The fact that it was half off definitely makes it one of my most memorable bargain bin finds.

This card show officially put me in the red in terms of my cardboard budget.  The good news is I just cashed in on my eBay credit card rewards and they're sending me three $100 gift cards.  I really need to restrain myself from spending it all in one month.  Ideally... I'll treat myself to one special card each month.  Or maybe... I'll use the money for something out side of sports memorabilia.  Yeah right.  Who am I kidding?

Happy Wednesday and sayonara!