Love at First Sight

After a six or seven year hiatus, I jumped back into the hobby in 2008.  It wasn't one of those dip your toes into the water situations.  That year, I dove in head first and began purchasing everything from baseball to hockey.  It didn't take long for me to discover the Topps flagship design since it was used for their baseball, football, and basketball products.

The team name within the colored coordinated circles gives off a vintage feel that really stood out to me.

Simply put.  It was love at first sight.

I bought enough of these products to pull cool cards of Barack Obama, Russell Westbrook, and Matt Ryan.  However... I completely missed the boat on the two key baseball rookie cards:  Clayton Kershaw and Joey Votto.

The Kershaw has reached levels that I'm not comfortable paying, so it's highly unlikely I'll ever own his 2008 Topps Update card.  However a few months ago, I decided to finally cross the Votto off of my wantlist:

2008 Topps Chrome Refractor #196

I decided to go big and purchase the Chrome refractor version of his rookie card.

Although it wasn't a dollar bin purchase, I felt the $20 price tag was reasonable considering he's one of the most reliable hitters in the game.

I actually completely forgot about this card until I watched the highlight involving him, a bird, and a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers earlier in the week.

Although I don't have any plans on building a Joey Votto collection, I would like to buy an on-card autograph of his eventually.  The guy is already one of the greatest Canadians to play the sport.

Okay... it's your turn:

Who is your favorite Canadian athlete?

What's the most recent sports card design that you fell in love with immediately?

Happy Flashback Friday... and sayonara!

One Lucky Denny's Customer

If you're a fan of oddball issues, then you're probably a fan or at least familiar with Denny's holograms from the 90's.  From 1991 to 1997 hungry collectors were consuming Grand Slam breakfasts and getting their hands on packs of the popular cards.

In 1994, Upper Deck and Denny's teamed up to produce a 28 card set to honor a slugger from each MLB team.  There was also a special limited edition card produced of Reggie Jackson.  Each Denny's location was given a single copy of this card to used in a giveaway at the end of the promotion.

I wasn't able to pinpoint how many Denny's were around in 1994, but according to Wikipedia there are almost 1,600 diners currently in the States.  That means there were probably anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 of them back in the mid 90's.

These days when a card company makes 2,000 copies of one card, collectors treat it as if there were 2,000,000.  However... back in the day... 2,000 was pretty limited.  Maybe not exactly super rare... but definitely limited.

I've been looking for a copy of this card off and on for a few years... and after lots of patience... I found a eBay vendor willing to accept my $9 offer.  I realize that might sound like a lot of money for some Junk Wax Era insert... but when you factor in how long I've waited to add this card to my Oakland A's collection and the prices other vendors typically ask... I think I got a pretty good deal.

Happy Flashback Friday... and sayonara!

Bubble Gum and a Nice Piece of Aase

It's Flashback Friday, so let's take a trip back to 1985...

Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Topps gave kids something new to collect: Garbage Pail Kids.

Back to the Future was the highest grossing film.

The Nintendo Entertainment System made its way to North America.

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the hit single We Are The World to raise money for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States.

And I was a middle school student rocking out to that song on my Sony Walkman while sorting stacks of baseball cards that most certainly included 1985 Topps:

Fast forward to June 20th, 2015.  That's when I picked up five packs of 1985 Topps baseball at the Branham Flea Market for $4.

And this afternoon... I ripped open those packs and scanned the highlights.

Check them out...

Nicest Aase!

Grabbed this Aase out of the first pack I opened.  Definitely off to a strong start.

Best Giants Broadcasting Duo

Not a fan of the San Francisco Giants, but I've got to admit... I enjoy listening to Kruk and Kuip on the radio.

Easiest Quiz Question

Let's hope that Trebek never used this question on Jeopardy.  C'mon Topps.  Even a monkey could answer that question.

Coolest First Name

His stiffest competition was Barbaro.  Bottom line.  If I had a son... I'd name him Mookie before I'd call him Barbaro.

Most Interesting Card Back Fact

If any of you run into Mr. Oliver, can you please ask him about his cologne collection?

Greatest Leadoff Hitter

Rickey doesn't seem amused by this post.  Oh well... that's just Rickey being Rickey.

Largest Wax Stain

Winfield was the only non-subset hall of famer I pulled... and he happened to have the nastiest wax stain.  Talk about bad luck.

Most Valuable Rookie Card

This card was pretty hot back in 1985.  Langston was coming off a rookie year in which he led the American League in strikeouts.  He was also runner-up to his teammate Alvin Davis in the AL ROY voting.

Highest Graded Piece of Gum

Three of the packs contained cracked gum.  The fourth piece of gum was discolored.  But this piece was pristine.  Four sharp corners.  Nice edges.  Great color.  My guess is it would fetch a PSA 10 grade.

Sweetest Pair of Willies

If we were using these two cards to predict the outcome of tonight's ALCS game... I'd have to give the edge to Kansas City.  Comparing the two guys, Wilson beats out Upshaw in almost every statistical category.  And as I write this... the Royals happen to be leading 2-1 in the fifth inning.

I'm off to watch the rest of the game in hopes that Toronto will bounce back and possibly take it to a Game 7.

Happy Friday and sayonara!

Baseball Digest Inspired PC

Sixty years ago on September 25th, 1955... Al Kaline became the youngest player in MLB history to win a batting title.  Up until a few years ago, I knew very little about Mr. Tiger and his accomplishments.  Then in 2013, I read a great article in Baseball Digest about his career and was instantly inspired to pick up an autograph for my collection.  I ended up with thirteen.

On the anniversary of his special day, I figured I'd show them off and share some facts I learned from that article.

2005 Sweet Spot Classic Signatures #AK

#1:  Kaline made his MLB debut at the age of eighteen just a few days after graduating from high school.

2009 Sweet Spot Signatures Classic #AK

#2:  He spent his entire twenty-two season career with the Detroit Tigers.

2003 Diamond Kings Recollection Autographs #40

#3:  Bob Feller, Mel Ott, and Jim Hunter are the only other players in MLB history to be enshrined in Cooperstown without spending a day in the minor leagues.

2009 UD Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs #AK

#4:  Due to his height, his father who was a horse racing enthusiast considered having Kaline become a jockey.

2013 Topps Five Star Autographs #AK

#5:  Charlie Gehringer once coached Kaline when he was a kid and recommended him to the Tigers before becoming their general manager the following year.

2007 Sweet Spot Classic Signatures #AK

#6:  In 1951 he attended his first MLB game with his all-star team and was given the opportunity to walk through the New York Yankees locker room.  The highlight?  Seeing Joe DiMaggio.

2002 Topps Team Legends Autographs #AK

#7:  The day after he graduated high school, he passed up fourteen other big league clubs and signed with the Detroit Tigers.  He received a $15,000 bonus and $6,000/year for the next two years.

1998 Donruss Significant Signatures #ALKA

#8:  On September 16th, 1953... Kaline made his first MLB start against the Boston Red Sox.  Before the game, Detroit's manager Fred Hutchinson took him into the Red Sox dugout to meet Ted Williams.  The Splendid Splinter hung out and gave him a bunch of advice.  It paid off.  That day... he went out there and hit three singles, scored a run, and drove in another run.

2002 Sweet Spot Classic Signatures #AK

#9:  On July 7th, 1954... the Detroit Tigers hosted the Chicago White Sox.  That day Kaline threw out Fred Marsh at home plate from right field.  The next inning, he threw out Jim Rivera at third base.  And the inning after that he did it again.  This time Minnie Minosa was the victim.

2012 Topps Five Star Retired Autographs #AK

#10:  In 1955... Kaline started his batting title campaign with a fourteen game hitting streak.  In the home opener, he hit two triples.  A few days later he hit three home runs... two of which came in one inning.

2014 Tier One Acclaimed Autographs #AKL

#11:  He never won another batting title, but later in his career he helped the Tigers win a World Series title in 1968.

2014 Tier One Acclaimed Autographs #AKA

#12:  Kaline retired after the 1974 season and became a first ballot hall of famer in 1980.

2004 Donruss Leather and Lumber Cuts #LC2

#13:  He's still the Detroit Tigers' all-time leader in games played, base on balls, and home runs.  And if it weren't for some guy named Tyrus Raymond Cobb, Mr. Tiger would hold just about every important hitting record in franchise history.

Thank you Baseball Digest.  This wasn't the first time you guys inspired me to purchase a player's autograph.  And it definitely won't be the last.

Happy Friday and sayonara!

No Logo... No Problem!

I can't remember the first time I stumbled across a logo-less card, but it was probably one of those mid 80's oddball issues that I've grown to love and embrace over the years.

However... even back then, they were still considered second rate pieces of cardboard.

Just check out this Gibson...

1994 Nabisco All-Stars Legends #1

Is there a single person out there who believes Gibby looks better without a Cardinals' logo on his hat?

Probably not.  And if there are a few of you out there, you're definitely in the minority.  The fact is... I  would rather see a team's logo instead of a blank jersey or hat.

But if you're on a strict cardboard budget, then logo-less cardboard is a great alternative.  In honor of Flashback Friday, I present some very affordable HOFer autographs from the 90's:

1994 Nabisco All-Stars Legends #2

A few months ago, I was in the process of building my 1998 Donruss Signatures "Significant Signatures" set, when I came across this set on eBay.  I entered a small bidding war with two other collectors and when the dust settled, I emerged the victor with a $21.50 bid.

1994 Nabisco All-Stars Legends #3

Tack on $3.34 for shipping and I walked away paying less than $25 for four on-card, certified autographs of players enshrined in Cooperstown.

1994 Nabisco All-Stars Legends #4

Each of the cards were accompanied by these COA's from Nabisco:

Now I realize that these aren't for everyone.  Heck... logo-less cards are one of my biggest sports card pet peeves.  But the fact is... I love bargains.  And anytime I find certified on-card autographs of HOFers for around six bucks each, there's a good chance I'll pick them up.

What about you?

What are you thoughts on 90's Nabisco autographs and/or logo-less cardboard?

Happy Friday and sayonara!