An International Post

This was a pretty stressful week in the classroom, but the World Baseball Classic is off and running... so there's balance in the force.

2006 Upper Deck Inaugural Images #II-30

Figured I'd focus on the positive and use the WBC as an excuse to show off some international stuff.

International Item #1:  Japanese Magazine Cards

These uncut sheets of cards feature characters from a 70's Japanese television show called Kamen Rider.  I wasn't able to find a year or magazine title, but I'm guessing they're from the 80's.  They were part of Ryan's advent calendar, so maybe his haiku will provide a hint:

Unfortunately... no specific details on these cards.  That's okay.  I like a good mystery.

International Item #2:  Three Countries, One Card

2007-08 In The Game O Canada Autographs #A-VS

Vicky Sunohara is a former Canadian hockey player who has won a ton of gold medals including a pair of Olympic gold medals (2002 and 2006) with Team Canada.

Up until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of her.  However Ralph over at Divas Hockey Ink published a post featuring her.  As soon as I saw her last name, I looked her up and discovered she's part Japanese and part Ukrainian.

I commented on his post that I might look for a copy for my Japanese athlete PC.  He ended up having an extra copy which he generously sent my way.

International Item #3:  Italian Stickers, Japanese Skaters

1979 Panini Hockey '79 Stickers

These forty-seven year old Panini stickers feature Japanese hockey players from possibly the 1978 Ice Hockey World Championships. were sent to me as part of Angus' (over at Dawg Day Cards) December care package.

1979 Panini Hockey '79 Stickers

I tried to pair these puzzle stickers up and scan them, but they kept sliding around on the glass.  Ended up using these 1948 Bowman card sleeves and a 9-pocket page to keep them in place.

And if you're confused about the Italian ties, these stickers were printed in Italy:

1979 Panini Hockey '79 Stickers #244

Angus made another contribution for this international post...

International Item #4:  Canadian Cardboard

I'm an O-Pee-Chee fanboy.  

1972 O-Pee-Chee #169

It wasn't always that way.

1972 O-Pee-Chee #170

Back in the 80's and 90's, I would have traded them for their Topps counterparts.

1978 O-Pee-Chee #177

These days, they're equals... companions... counterparts.

1981 O-Pee-Chee #261

Simply put.  They're both awesome and highly cherished pieces of cardboard.

1985 Leaf #28

The same thing applies to Donruss and Leaf.

I'm grateful that something clicked in my brain, encouraged me to openminded and give trading cards produced outside of our country a chance.

Thank you Angus, Ralph, and Ryan for all of these awesome additions to my collection!

And here is today's question of the day:

Are you watching or following the World Baseball classic?

If so...

Who do you think will win it all?

I've watched a few prediction videos and it seems like the vast majority are picking one of three teams:  USA, Dominican Republic, or Japan.  My brain is picking the loaded Team USA squad led by Judge, Witt, Skenes, and Skubal.  My heart bleeds Samurai Blue.  But my gut tells me the Dominican Republic's bats are going to power them to the 2026 title.

Whoever you pick... it's gonna be a fun and entertaining two weeks of baseball.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!