Some Tricks and Some Treats

As a kid... Christmas was hands down my favorite holiday.  Seriously.  How can any other holiday compete with a two week vacation, egg nog, and stacks of presents waiting for you under a tree?

With that being said... Halloween was probably my second favorite holiday.  What little kid doesn't love dressing up, staying out extra late, hanging with their buddies, and filling a pillow case with candy?

Sadly... like many awesome things in life... eventually I outgrew the holiday.  Sure... I could have been one of those high school kids who refused to hang up my costume... but I'm thankful I did, because I inherited the job of passing out candy in my household in exchange for hand picked bags of candy.  No more Sweet Tarts, lollipops, Smarties, or that taffy wrapped in orange and black wax paper.

As an adult... Halloween has totally changed.  It's been over a decade since I've carved pumpkins and passed out candy.  I think most of the kids in my neighborhood head over to the local malls or up to the hills where the rich folk live.

But that's okay, because I don't have to spend money on candy anymore.  I also don't have to clean up rotting pumpkins.  And I don't have to answer the doorbell at 11 o'clock at night.

Instead... tonight I'm going to grab dinner with a friend, then head home, hang out, watch an episode or two of Stranger Things, while hopefully sorting some sports cards that have slowly been piling up in my office.

A few of those cards are from a pair of fellow card bloggers: Adam over at Cardboard Clubhouse. and Sir Night Owl.

In the spirit of Halloween, I figured I'd show off a few of the "tricks" and "treats" they donated to my collection.  I'll kick things off with cards from Adam's special Halloween package.

Treat #1:  1983 Fleer #639

Once upon a time, this card was one of the centerpieces to my collection.  In 1983, Rickey Henderson was still my favorite player and any piece of cardboard featuring him was treasured.


Treat #2:  1991-92 Pro Set #558

Twenty-five years ago, this card was one of the hottest cards in my area.  Falloon was considered a major building block for the San Jose Sharks franchise and local fans couldn't get enough of him.  I'm pretty sure we sold these for $2 to $3 each at the card shop I worked at.

Treat #3:  1991 Stadium Club Charter Members/Member's Only

1991 Stadium Club baseball is one of the greatest sets from the Junk Wax Era and the Charter Members and Member's Only sets are no exception.  Just look at that photography.  I'll be very happy to add these three cards to my Rickey Henderson oddball's and inserts binder later on tonight.

Trick #1:  1993 Stadium Club A's Team Set #8

Back in 1993, Topps produced special Stadium Club cards that were only available in factory sealed team sets.  Adam generously sent me a complete A's set, which included another awesome Rickey Henderson card for my collection.  The only problem will be deciding whether or not to keep it as part of the team set... or to add it with the other three Stadium Club oddballs to my binder.  Talk about a First World Problem.

Thanks Adam for all of the awesome A's and Sharks cards you sent my way.  If I can get my life together, I'll show you my appreciation with a Thanksgiving care package.  Otherwise... it might end up being a Christmas care package.

Okay... next up are a few singles from Night Owl's Super Trader package:

Treat #4:  2016 Allen & Ginter #350

I'm pretty sure that this is my first A & G card of the season... and it's surprisingly for my Steve Carlton collection. Most of you know that I collect the A's and Padres, but this card is cool, because I don't talk about my Lefty PC that much.  I grew up a huge Steve Carlton fan, because he was one of the best left handed pitchers of his era.  Unfortunately... I don't add singles to the collection nearly as much as I should.


Treat #5:  2016 Allen & Ginter Laureates of Peace Mini #LP1

This card might seem a little random to the casual reader, but I knew what collection it was going into as soon as I held it in my hand.  If you look carefully, you'll notice a nice chunk taken out of the bottom lefthand corner.  Most collectors would cringe at the sight... but I embrace it.

Trust me people... this card is not a "trick".  It's very much an awesome "treat" for my Damaged Card PC.


Trick #2:  1997 Topps Wheaties #NNO

I spent fifteen minutes trying to figure out what this card was!  Any card that requires me to do research must be classified as a "trick".  However... before I sound like an unappreciative spoiled little brat, let me say that I truly enjoy being a sports card detective.  

Bottom line... it's going to be one of the coolest McGwire cards in my binder.


Treat #6: 2013 Topps Chasing History Holo-Foil #CH28

I'll wrap up this post with this shiny Topps insert of my favorite athlete of all-time.  This is actually my third copy of this card.  The first copy always goes into my Tony Gwynn binders.  The second is thrown into the Gwynn section of my insert and oddballs binders.  And this one?  This one is going into a card stand that will be displayed on my desk at work... along with other shiny, cool cards that will hopefully attract the eyes of future generations of collectors.

Thank you Adam and Greg for the generous care packages.  You know the routine... I should have something headed your way in a month... or two.

Happy Halloween and sayonara!