TWIB: A Sad Pattern, Paper Rulers, More Pink, and TTM's

This Week in Blogging was designed to recap hobby related posts around our hobby blogosphere that stood out to me during the week.  It's been a great way for me to showcase fellow bloggers while incorporating cards from my own collection.  So far, I've gotta say it's been a pretty big success.  The interaction with other collectors in the comment section is usually strong and ultimately that's my favorite part of blogging.

On the downside... there is one pattern that has started to take shape.  It's actually a pattern many of you have pointed out in your posts.  It seems like every time we turn around we're reading about fans saying their goodbyes to favorite athletes or celebrities.

This will be the sixth post in the series... and it will include the fourth tribute to a baseball hall of famer who has passed away recently.  If you include Gale Sayers, it's the fifth tribute in six weeks.  I don't plan on switching up the format, since "death" is a part of "life" and this blog's goal is to document what is going on with me and the hobby, but hopefully this will be the last one for the near future...

#1:  Chairman of the Board

1977 TCMA Renata Galasso #25

Yesterday SumoMenkoMan texted me the sad news about Whitey Ford towards the beginning of my second period class.  I didn't immediately see the message, but when I had the opportunity to look I was deeply saddened and had to walk away from the computer to collect my thoughts.  Luckily the students didn't notice and I continued with my lesson.

Ford is one of only a handful of New York Yankees that I've gone out of my way to collect, which is why I'm planning a more elaborate tribute for him on Tuesday.  Please stay tuned.

#2:  The Logo

On Wednesday, CinciCuse Bill over at Bill's Baseball Card Blog wrote a post highlighting some of the greatest athletes to ever wear #44 on their jersey.  I thought it'd be a great time to show off this blog inspired purchase I made back in June:

1969-70 Topps Rulers #2

Back in 1969, Topps inserted these paper rulers into packs of their basketball cards.  I wasn't familiar with these inserts, but knew I wanted one for my collection after seeing the bright colors and cartoon drawings of the athlete.

Unfortunately... I can't find the original post that inspired this addition to my Los Angeles Lakers collection.

Update:  Jon (A Penny Sleeve For Your Thoughts) pointed out that it was CaptKirk42's post who opened my eyes to these rulers.  Thanks Jon and CaptKirk42!

#3:  Nah Nah Hey Hey Good Bye

1975 Topps #466

The A's did it again.  They failed to make it to the ALCS.  The San Diego Padres were bounced too.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Houston Astros move on to the next round.  Let's go Braves and Rays!

#4:  Pretty in Pink

Pink has overtaken the blogosphere and we owe it all to Collecting Cutch.  His mission is to raise awareness of breast cancer (leading cause of death for females in the United States) to card collectors and I'd say he's been pretty darn successful.

On Thursday, The Commish showed off his five favorite pink cards on his blog:  The Five Tool Collector.  His 1958 Topps Bobby Layne reminded me of my 1959 Topps Bart Starr:

1959 Topps #23

I know that I've shown this card off before, but I truly love it because it reminds me of my mother.

#5:  TTM Overload

1980 Topps #77

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be an athlete who receives TTM requests, I'd encourage you to read Rebel Coyote's post from last Sunday.

His post focused on a photograph of packages sent to Dave Stieb with autographs requests.  I've always wanted to own a signed copy of his 1980 Topps rookie card, but I won't be sending a TTM request to him anytime soon.

Well that's it for today.  Hope you enjoyed this edition of This Week in Blogging.  I couldn't really think of any questions for this post... however as usual... I always look forward to reading and responding to your comments.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!