Super Bubblegum Sluggers

When it comes to Donruss baseball cards, they'll forever be associated by me as the company who teamed up with Dick Perez and produced amazing puzzles and Diamond Kings subsets for over a decade.

They also produced two separate pack released products: 1983 Donruss Hall of Fame Heroes and 1984 Donruss Champions.  Both of these sets feature beautiful paintings of baseball legends by Mr. Perez and are two of the coolest oddball sets from the 80's.

I always wondered why Donruss and Perez didn't continue producing sets, especially since the hobby was starting to boom during that era.

Well... a few months ago I found out that they did.

In 1985, Donruss produced a set of eight oversized cards featuring Perez's artwork.  Unlike the other two oddball issues, these cards were not issued in packs.  Collectors found them on the backs of Super Bubble and Color Bubbles bubble gum boxes.

Both brands featured the exact same checklist, artwork, and resemble the boxes of Bazooka bubble gum I'd buy at Long's Drug Store when I was a kid.  Here's a look at the entire set:

#1 The Sultan of Swat

#2 The Splendid Splinter

#3 The Iron Horse

#4 The Big Cat

#5 Stan the Man

#6 The Commerce Comet

#7 Hammerin' Hank

#8 The Judge

Since these were printed on boxes of bubble gum, these are a lot larger than your standard trading card.  They measure 3.5" x 6.5" and unfortunately there are no statistics printed on the back.  The only information provided is found on the front:  the player's name, their career slugging percentage, and the card number.

If you're interested in purchasing singles, you can find them on eBay for a couple of bucks.  I waited around and eventually picked up both of my sets for $28 delivered.  In terms of storage and display, they aren't very collector friendly.  I originally planned on cutting them out, but for the time being I've left them intact as complete boxes.

Okay... it's your turn.

Are you a fan of Perez's artwork?  Are these oversized cards, your cup of tea?  Would you keep them intact or cut them up?

Happy Wednesday and sayonara!

Mascot Madness!

Spring Break rocks!  It always has and always will.  I remember counting the days until Easter when I was a kid and little has changed over the past three decades.

As a kid... it marked a week of spring skiing in Tahoe.  As a college student... it marked a week of road trips and partying.  And as a teacher... it marks a much needed vacation from the classroom.

This year my break is extra special, because it coincides with the return of baseball and it couldn't have arrived at a better time.  I can't speak for other bloggers... but for me the new season breathes new life into my blog with fresh topics and ideas.

And most importantly... it signifies the return of another year of Topps Opening Day and one of my favorite insert sets:

Opening Day Mascots!

This is the sixth year in a row that Topps has produced this set... and the sixth year in a row they've included The Swinging Friar:

However... I'm assuming the executives at Topps weren't impressed with Oakland Athletics' epic collapse last fall, because they decided to leave Stomper off the checklist.  It's kind of a double whammy, because I was really looking forward to seeing him in this year's awesome design.

Oh well... can't complain too much, since I get to sleep in, relax and watch baseball, and hopefully... just maybe get around to sorting some baseball cards.

Happy Opening Day (or day after... depending on who you cheer for) and sayonara!

Captain Video and the Village People

What better way to kick off my Spring Break than to hang out with Captain Video and the Village People in Vegas.

The trip was sweet and short, but it was nice to hang out with Mama and Papa Fuji, play some video slots, and engulf myself with home cooked meals.

As for Tony... he had the opportunity to watch me gamble enough money to almost buy me a box of Topps Tribute.  No complaints though.  Can you really put a price on spending quality time with the two people who raised me to be what I am today?

Thanks Mom and Dad!  Happy Sunday and sayonara!

Cheap Cool Cards #43: 1961 Fleer Baseball

Are you a fan of vintage baseball cards?  Do you collect hall of famers?  Are you a penny-pinching, bargain bin hunting collector like myself?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then 1961 Fleer baseball cards might be for you.  A few years ago, I picked up this Mickey Cochrane off of COMC for $6:

If slabbed copies aren't your thing... you can buy raw copies on COMC for under $2:

$1.85

That's not bad for a fifty-four year old piece of cardboard featuring one of the greatest catchers of all-time.  To top it off... the set's design is solid.  The stars, stripes, and pennant on the front give this set an America's favorite pastime vibe, while the card backs feature a brief summary about the player and their career totals.  I also really like the way Fleer utilized a trophy cup to number their cards.

It's your turn folks...

What are your thoughts on 1961 Fleer baseball?  Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Happy Flashback Friday and sayonara!

The Not An Oxymoron Collection

Hi.  My name is Fuji and I'm a human being... which means I make mistakes.  Last night I misused the term "oxymoron", so right now I'm attempting to right my wrong in the least amount of time.  Okay... there's nothing to it, but to do it.

Back in the early to mid 90's, I was introduced to serial numbered cards and immediately developed a fascination with cards depicting unique serial numbers.  

Two decades later, I'm tracking down the first serial numbered card in a run (example: 001/399), as well as cards that are serial numbered with the player's jersey number.

So far I've managed to obtain the following:

2013 Five Star Rainbow Autograph #AG

This card actually killed two birds with one stone, since I also happen to collect autographs from 2013 Five Star as well.

2011 Certified Fabric of the Game Prime #59

I picked up this card earlier in the month at the GTSM Card Show for $3.  Like the Gonzalez, this particular card fits into two PC's since Bartkowski is a former Cal Bear.

2014 Topps Tribute Green #40 and 74

Last year a friend of mine broke a case of 2014 Topps Tribute and 2014 Topps Museum Collection.  He kept all of the hits and a few of the big name base cards, but sold me the rest of the base cards and numbered parallels for $20.  These two cards were part of that purchase.

2007-08 OPC Premier Silver Spectrum #117

I purchased this card a few years ago when Setoguchi was still considered a future star and probably paid way too much.  Regardless... this is still one of my favorite cards in my San Jose Sharks collection.

I also discovered a few more sitting in my insert binders...

2006 Playoff Prestige Prestigious Pros #PP35

2005 UD Hall of Fame Green #53

2004 Playoff Honors Game Day #GS7

2002 Topps Tribute Lasting Impressions #82

I'm pretty sure I have a few more of these floating around my collection, but for now... that's the Number 1's I have to share.

As for serial numbered cards with the player's jersey number... I know I have a Jerry Rice insert sitting somewhere at my parent's house.  And two weeks ago, I found this A-Rod to keep it company:

2003 UD Ultimate Collection Jersey #AR

Rodriguez currently wears #13 on his jersey, but during his years with Texas and Seattle, he wore #3.  Jersey Coast Collectibles had this on sale for $1.50, so I pulled the trigger and grabbed it.

I also managed to dig this card up as well...

2002 Elite Passing the Torch #PT17

Maybe I'll start collecting "final" serial numbered cards too.  I guess it just depends if I can find them at the right price.  So far I've manage to add these to my collection without paying too much of a premium.  In other words, I refuse to fall for those silly eBay One of One listings.

Happy Thursday sayonara!