What's in the box?

Anyone else stay up late watching Don West and Eddy Lewis sell sports cards and memorabilia over on Shop at Home?  If yes, how entertaining were those two?  If not, do yourself a favor and look them up on YouTube.  You won't regret it.

On Monday I mentioned that Ryan (SumoMenkoMan) sent me a large, heavy box last week... but hadn't had the opportunity to crack it open.  Well, I just opened it up a few hours ago... and it instantly reminded me of one of those sports card packages that West and Lewis would put together to tear those Social Security checks from all of those loving grandmothers out there looking to buy something cool and collectible for their grandchild.

See for yourself:

Okay.  So he didn't exactly send me a box of 1988 to 1992 Fleer factory sets or a 1,000ct. box of random cards that might contain a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle.

No.  This care package was way, way cooler.  He carefully packaged a little bit of everything into this box.  There were back issues of Tuff Stuff, unopened boxes,  unopened packs, autographs, super shiny singles, and even some bookmarks.

There was so much stuff, I've made the executive decision to write a few different posts featuring items from this box.  I definitely plan on opening up a couple of the boxes to celebrate my upcoming birthday and I look forward to reading (and possibly reviewing) the three Tuff Stuff issues from 1992.

As for today, I thought I'd take a closer look at a few singles he sent my way and imagine Don and Eddy commentating on each one.

Card #1:  1991 Silver Star Holograms #NNO

Eddy.  Eddy.  Eddy.  What the heck is this card?  And are you seeing the numbering on this beauty?  This is a one of a kind card Eddy!  One of a kind!  You will never find another copy of this card with the number 009804 stamped on it.  This card will easily put your grandchildren through college in a few short years.

Card #2:  1990 Holsum Bread #8

Oh my gosh Eddy!  Do you know how rare this card is?  Do you know how many loaves of bread you'd need to buy in order to guarantee yourself a Rickey Henderson?  It wouldn't surprise me if this is the only Holsum Rickey Henderson in existence.

Card #3:  2019 Archives Fan Favorites Autograph #FFA-JL

In each and every single one of these surprise packages, we're going to guarantee you an autographed card.  Are you sure you can promise that Don?  Do you have the authority?  Eddy.  I will sit here tonight and personally open each box and insert them if I have to. 

Card #4:  1996 Danbury Mint #46

Eddy.  How would you like to own a card made of 24kt gold?  If this card featured Bip Roberts, it would be worth at least $1000 based on just the value of gold alone.  However.  When you consider that this is Mickey F'n Cochrane... this card is easily worth twice that amount to the right collector. 

Card #5:  1994 Sport Shots Rancho Cucamonga Quakes #1

Okay.  Sit down folks.  I've saved the best for last.  Are you seated?  Eddy.  Are you ready to bust out your credit card?  Because what I'm about to show you is something so rare, so unique, and so weird... you won't even find it listed in Beckett.

This card features the last known dinosaur on the planet.  Just that fact alone makes this card worth hundreds of dollars.  But when you look at the back, you'll notice that Tremor offers you health tips.  If this isn't a priceless item... I don't know what is.

I cannot recommend this enough.  Don't buy one of these packages.  Buy ten and just sit back and watch these items soar in value.  Hey Don... how can Shop at Home afford to sell these packages at such amazing prices?  They can't Eddy.  We're losing money on every single one of these surprise boxes.  In fact, I'm sure we'll be out of a job and out of the hobby within a few years.

But if we're lucky, maybe we can sign on with a wrestling company or something.

Okay... enough of my impersonations.  Here's your question of the day...

Did you every watch Shop at Home?  Did you ever purchase anything from them?

Thanks Ryan for this awesome care package.  It sure took me back to the 90's when Don West and Eddy Lewis were the kings of late night television.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!

Why doesn't this guy just fade off into the sunset?

I don't hide my love for Don West.  In fact, I consider him a hobby hero.  The guy would entertain me and my buddy into the wee hours during the 90's.  In short... the guy was hilarious with hilarious with his overdramatic and exaggerated sports card and memorabilia claims.

But his partner in crime... Ken Goldin is another story.  Since he filed for bankruptcy and his company (Score Board) left tons of collectors waiting for unfulfilled redemptions back in the mid 90's, I've always considered him to be shady.

In my biased mind, Mr. West was sort of the village idiot, while Mr. Goldin was the sleazy car salesmen.  I was entertained by one and annoyed by the other.

Well... guess what?  Goldin is back...

And this time he's running an auction site, which happens to be selling the original document that banned Pete Rose from baseball back in 1989.  The document is signed by Rose, Fay Vincent, and Bart Giamatti... who passed away eight days after the signing.

If you're bored, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check out this video:

You'll get to hear Goldin's explanation on why it's "the single most significant document in the history of baseball."  Seriously... those are his words exactly.  Don't get me wrong... it's a pretty cool piece of history, but hardly the single most significant document in the history of baseball.

Have you ever watched Don West during his Shop at Home years?  What'd you think?

Like I said... I loved him.  But it's hard not to feel bad for some of those grandmothers who would call in to buy their grandchildren's Christmas presents.

Happy Tuesday and sayonara!

Depression & Don West

Whenever I'm feeling down and out, I turn to my college buddy and hobby hero... Mr. Don West. During the 90's, Don and I would hang out until the wee hours as he'd entertain me with his legendary sales pitches.

A few days ago, our lives crossed paths again. And I assure you... it couldn't have come at a better time. You see... my life sort of fell apart this weekend. Oh heck... there's no point in hiding it, since I'm sure all of you have heard by now...

The Green Bay Packers lost their first game of the season.

There... I said it. Now, it's time to move forward... and this video of my buddy Don helped me take the first step:

So did you watch it? In case you didn't... my buddy is selling some baseball cards and "at this price, you can't afford not to buy it." Here's his offer:

- One hundred baseball cards from the 70's for $34.90 ($29.95 + $4.95 shipping/handling).

- Each package is unique and randomly pulled from an assortment of killer '70s baseball cards!

- Cards in the video are an example of what might be found.

- Your cards may or may not arrive in plastic cases.

It's tempting right? I mean... don't take it from me... here are direct quotes from the man himself:

"Nothing that I've ever sold before, in the past compares to this moment right now."

"And I mean this from the bottom of my heart... BUY THIS... because this is the greatest deal ever offered on any kind of media in the history of the world and I'm not kidding."

"You'll feel so good about yourself".

"C'mon... It takes you back to when baseball was pure."

"Don't question this deal... just order it."

"Order now... and relive your dreams... and go back in time...we don't get that opportunity very often."

Alright... what do you think? Anyone else want to "relive your dreams"? Seriously... if I was a billionaire and money wasn't an issue, I'd consider buying one of these just so I could post a review. But the fact is... $34.95 can buy me a ton of 70's cards on COMC that I actually want.

So, if I have any readers who are wealthy, I implore you to head over to my Don's site... Wild West Deals and pick up one of these packages.

If not... I hope at the very least you were entertained by my buddy who's offering "the greatest deal offered on any kind of media in the history of the world."

Today's question is...

On a scale of 1 (he's worse than expired redemption cards) to 10 (best thing since on-card autographs)...

How entertaining do you find this guy?

Happy Hump Day and sayonara!

Hobby Hero #2 : Don West

Every once in awhile, the overwhelming stress of life gets me down (I'm exaggerating a little for dramatic affect). When it does, there's one person who can make things all better. No, it's not Mama Fuji. It's not even my best friend. My students? Yeah right. Nope, it's Mr. Don West.

Anyone who collected cards in the 90's and stayed up late to watch Shot at Home knows who I'm talking about. This guy is a hobby legend and one of the funniest entertainers on the planet. If you've never seen him and want a good laugh, check out this site that's dedicated to him: http://donwest.org You can also check out vintage Shop at Home clips on Youtube.
Now, he's not only on the internet... he's also in my PC:


Now all I need is an auto of the one and only... Mr. Ken Goldin: owner of Scoreboard Inc. & Don West's partner in crime.