Time Travel Trading Update #104

 

 

The 400th Time Travel trade keeps inching closer and closer! I won't say where we are at now, but I fully expect to hit the landmark number in about 2 months, maybe 3. Whoever earns the honor of #400 will get to pick any other card in the Time Travel Trading stack for free! If you've had your eye on a card but didn't have an older card to trade in return, this might be your chance to possess it, but you gotta play to win! Will it be one of my monthly regulars? My "every-so-often" traders? Someone new? Who knows!

 

Let's see what new cards have joined the party this month! 

 

We'll kick things off with a new trade partner, Lee. He made a proposal on the TCDB for that nice Joe Namath insert, and sent back card #1 from the 1938 Churchman's Boxing Personalities set. 

 

I'm not a fan of boxing myself, but there is a few of these cards in the trade stack now, and they are rather fascinating, especially the write-ups on the back. Eventually I hope these will go to someone who like boxing and vintage cards!

 

Jeff (Wax Pack Wonders) is next on the list. Who doesn't love colorful cards?

The Guardians really need to go back to those fantastic 70's red uniforms as one of there main unis for the season.  

 

Bo (Baseball Cards Come To Life!) is our next featured trade partner, with a fun trio of cards for the stack.

That Warren Spahn card in particular is amazing. I'd never sen the set before, and what struck me as funny is that it's a 1987 reprint of a 1983 card set. Reprinting cards just 4 years after they initially came out? Even Fanatics couldn't get away with that nowadays!

 

Brendan (The View From The Third Floor) is one of the main reasons why this trade stack is approaching almost 900 cards! Every month we make a trade, and every trade he generously adds a few bonus cards to the stack. I'm thankful, cause he sends some great cards that often get interest from other traders.

 

Thanks to a thrift store purchase I made awhile back (which I still plan to whip up a post for), my latest trade with Tom (The Angels In Order) became the most I ever spent shipping cards to someone! Well worth it, and the cards were well protected! In return, a trio of lovely vintage:

  

Our last trade for today is from Greg (Night Owl Cards). His write-up of the trade eloquently expressed one of the things that makes the Time Travel Trading Project so great - I try to make it as stress-free as possible!  

No Red Sox or set needs required! Any older card is fine by me! 

 

Thanks to all of my trade partners for this past month. I appreciate every card sent! Keep the trades coming, trade #400 will be here before you know it! 

 

As always, these cards are all available in exchange for an older card. You can claim your cards below, or through the TCDB (Kep75). Let's make some trades! 

 

The Time Travel Trade Stack:

 

2022-23 Donruss (basketball)
#131 Kendrick Nunn
#151 Jae'Sean Tate
#188 Nassir Little

 

2021-22 Donruss - Magicians (basketball)

#7 Kevin Durant

 

2021-22 Donruss (soccer)
#183 Jose Macias (RR)    

 

2019 Topps Opening Day
#20 Jon Lester

2017-18 Donruss (basketball)
#75 Chandler Parsons

 

2017 Topps - MLB Award Winners

#CYA-1 Rick Porcello      

 

2015-16 Donruss (basketball)
#49 John Wall 

 

2013 Topps
#264 Roy Halladay (CL, REC)

 

2011 Topps Lineage
#186 Mel Ott

 

2010 Topps (football)
#249 David Garrard

 

2010 Topps Chrome (football)
#C141 T.J. Houshmandzadeh

 

2009 Donruss Americana (non-sport)
#50 Francesco Quinn

 

2008 Topps - Trading Card History
#TCH31 Chipper Jones

 

2008 Topps New York Yankees
#NYY8 Jason Giambi

 

2008 Topps (football)
#301 Larry Fitzgerald (PB)   

 

2007 Upper Deck MLB Rookie Card of the Month
#ROM-4 Ryan Braun 

 

2007 Playoff Prestige (football) 

#92 Marques Colston

 

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights
#UH172 Mike Piazza (SH)

 

2004 Bowman Chrome
#263 Jeff Allison (FY, RC)   

 

2004 Topps
#366 Frank Thomas (AS)

 

2003 Fleer Tradition
#126 Steve Cox 

 

2002 Flair
#57 Orlando Hernandez 

 

2002 Fleer Maximum

#82 Dante Bichette

 

2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes
#88 Andy Petitte

 

2001 Topps Post 500 Home Run Club
#6 Harmon Killebrew 

 

2000 BBM Diamond Heroes
#241 Hawks Checklist
#244 Marines Checklist

 

1999-00 Topps (basketball)
#16 Eric William 

 

1999 SkyBox Metal Universe (football)
#116 Tiki Barber

 

1999 Stadium Club
#214 Tony Saunders   

 

1998 Donruss
#22 Tony Gwynn

 

1998 Donruss - Diamond Kings
#6 Kenny Lofton (DK, SN10000, PR9500)

 

1998 Pinnacle Performers
#14 Hideo Nomo

1998 Upper Deck Pop Weaver (racing)
#PW3 Rusty Wallace  

 

1997 Pinnacle Inside
#111 Matt Williams

1997 Pinnacle X-Press
#64 Craig Biggio    

 

1997 Scoreboard Mickey Mantle
#71 Mickey Mantle Day (1965)

1996 Leaf

#10 Matt Lawton (RC)

 

1996 SP

#186 Hideo Nomo (CL)   

 

1995 Cardtoons
#7 Fowl Boggs

 

1995 Finest (football)
#124 Trent Dilfer     

 

1995 SkyBox Lois & Clark (non-sport)
#73 Be Mine!
#75 Do You Love Me?

 

1994-95 Finest (basketball)
#43 Rex Chapman  

1994 Finest
#413 Mark Portugal

 

1994 Panini Stickers
#207 Sean Berry
#208 Wil Cordero    

 

1994 Pinnacle Church's Hometown Stars
#5 Kirby Puckett
#21 Edgar Martinez
#26 Ozzie Smith

 

1994 Classic Four Sport (multi-sport)
#145 Chad Penney   

 

1993-94 Score (hockey)
#442 Mark Recchi (LBM)

 

1993 Fleer
#706 Marquis Grissom (LL) 

 

1993 Leaf
#367 Tim Laker (RC)

 

1993 Classic '93 Hockey Draft (hockey)
#40 Saku Koivu 

 

1993 Classic Four Sport (multi-sport)
#246 Mike Rathje

 

1992 Diet Pepsi
#9 Bryan Harvey

 

1992 Donruss - Bonus Cards
#BC6 Jeff Bagwell (ROY, VAR: no dot after INC)

#BC7 Colorado Rockies (VAR: no dot after INC)   

 

1992 Front Row Draft Picks
#46 Ed Christian   

 

1992 Megacards Babe Ruth
#5 22-9 Record in the Minors (YR)
#22 Bam Bams Nine in a Week (YR)
#41 First to Fan 1,000 Times (PH)
#56 Season - .545 On-Base Percentage (PH)
#106 The Babe's Best
#138 He Brought Children Joy
#138 He Brought Children Joy

 

1992 Pacific Nolan Ryan Texas Express II
#133 Nolan Ryan "2000th Strikeout"
#141 Nolan Ryan "Big Dollars"
#142 Nolan Ryan "Strong Houston Staff"  

 

1992 Panini Stickers
#201 Gilberto Reyes
#202 Andres Galarraga
#203 Delino DeShields
#204 Tim Wallach
#205 Spike Owen
#207 Marquis Grissom
#208 Ivan Calderon

 

1992 Pinnacle
#404 Bip Roberts 

 

1992 Post
#26 Tony Gwynn 

 

1992 Score

#245 Benny Santiago 

#500 Jose Canseco

#845 Kenny Lofton (RP)    

 

1992 Score - 90's Impact Players

#48 Mike Mussina

#77 Greg Maddux   

1992 Topps McDonald's Baseball's Best
#18 Will Clark

1992 JOGO - Missing Years (football)
#9A Mike Samples
#10A Ray Nettles
#11A Dickie Harris
#19A Steve Molnar
#21A Leon Bright
#22A Waddell Smith

 

1992 Topps Batman Returns (non-sport)
#51 Sabotaging the Batmobile
#61 Oswald Outwitted!

 

1991-92 O-Pee-Chee Premier (hockey)
#127 John Cullen

#147 Mike Gartner (ORIG6)
#174 Jeremy Roenick (ORIG6)

1991-92 Pinnacle French (hockey)
#252 Paul Ranheim

 

1991-92 Pro Set - Collectibles (hockey)
#CC5 Wayne Gretzky (LL)  

 

1991-92 Pro Set French (hockey)
#306 Brian Skrudland (AS)

 

1991-92 Pro Set Platinum (hockey)

#4 Andy Moog 

 

1991-92 Score Canadian English (hockey)
#349 Joe Sacco (TP, RC)  

 

1991-92 Fleer (basketball)
#92 Danny Manning

 

1991-92 Upper Deck (basketbal)

#31 Malone vs. Barkley (CC)

#47 Moses Malone (VAR)   

 

1991 Classic Best
#346 Steve Vondran   

 

1991 Donruss
#1 Dave Stieb (DK, VAR)
#18 Matt Williams (DK, VAR)

#43 Ray Langford (RR, VAR)

#650 Steve Balboni (VAR)  

1991 Donruss - Bonus Cards
#BC-9 Mark McGwrire (VAR)

 

1991 O-Pee-Chee Premier
#6 George Bell
#15 Hubie Brooks
#114 Luis Sojo 

 

1991 Score

#180 Sid Fernandez

#815 Ryne Sandberg (MOY)

#849 Cal Ripken Jr. (FRAN)
#892 Ken Griffey Jr. (DT) 

 

1991 Topps
#62 Lee Guetterman (VAR: dark logo)
#178 Dave Valle (VAR: dark logo)
#299 Scott Radinsky (ASR)
#511 Steve Balboni (VAR: dark logo)

#575 Robin Yount

#727 Mookie Wilson (VAR: dark logo) 

1991 Ultra
#130 Lou Whitaker  

 

1991 Upper Deck

#265 Sammy Sosa (UER)

#265 Sammy Sosa (UER)
#642 Kent Mercker

#743 Deion Sanders

 

1991 Fleer (football)

#305 Otis Anderson  

 

1991 Pro Set (football)

#387 Joe Montana (PB) 

 

1991 Pro Set Platinum (football)
#81 Lawrence Taylor

 

1991 Upper Deck (football)
#71 Mark Kelso
#99 Herschel Walker (CL)
#108 Burt Grossman
#131 Merril Hoge
#132 Rocky Proehl

 

1991 Impel WCW (wrestling)
#157 Missy Hyatt

1991 Impel Star Trek 25th Anniversary (non-sport)
#28 Symbiosis
#42 The Schizoid Man
#46 The Dauphin
#60 Home Soil
#62 11001001
#86 A Place for Families
#126 Commander William T. Riker

 

1990-91 Pro Set Super Bowl XXV Silver Anniversary (football)
#88 Nick Buoniconti

#134 Johnny Unitas  

 

1990-91 7th Inning Sketch QMJHL (hockey)
#205 Eric Bissonnette

1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier (hockey)
#46 Jody Hull (RC)

 

1990-91 Fleer (basketball)
#21 Kelly Tripucka
#21 Kelly Tripucka

#86 Ronald Harper (VAR)
#195 Jeff Malone  

 

1990-91 Hoops (basketball)

#69 Scottie Pippen

 

1990-91 Skybox (basketball)
#19 Kevin McHale

#93 Isiah Thomas 

 

1990 Donruss
#437 Dan Quisenberry (UER, VAR: Pack border, no dot after INC)

1990 Fleer

#296 Julio Franco (VAR) 

#622 Fernando Valenzuela (POD, VAR)  

 

1990 Pacific Legends
#34 Don Kessinger

 

1990 Pacific Senior League
#154 Wayne Nordhagen 

 

1990 Topps
#7 Rickey Henderson (RB)

#61 Deion Sanders (RC) 

#510 Doc Gooden  

#535 John Smoltz

#663 Fred Lynn (TBC)

#698 Omar Vizquel  

1990 Upper Deck

#50 Will Clark (SPCL, UER)

#684 Jack Armstrong

 

1990 Pro Set (football)
#668 Stan Humphries (RC)

 

1990 Score (football)
#327 Dalton Hilliard (GF)

#436 Chet Brooks (RC)

#440 Deron Cherry    

 

1990 Topps Traded (football)
#102T Howard Cross (RC)

 

1989-90 O-Pee-Chee (hockey)
#141 Mike Allison 

 

1989-90 Fleer (basketball)

#112 Ron Anderson (RC)

#119 Tom Chambers  

1989-90 Hoops (basketball)
#64 Armon Gilliam

 

1989 Classic
#176 Kirby Puckett 

1989 Donruss
#255 Mark Grace (VAR)

#588 Warren Spahn Puzzle (PUZ)
#588 Warren Spahn Puzzle (PUZ)
#613 Kevin Brown

 

1989 Fleer Baseball's Exciting Stars
#20 Tony Gwynn
#34 Kirby Puckett

   

1989 Score
#15 Cal Ripken Jr.
#20 Kirby Puckett
#149 Mike Schmidt

#507 Brian Holton (ERR)

 

1989 Star
#51 Rich Garces

#67 Steve Avery 

#77 Charles Nagy

#84 Steve Decker 

 

1989 Topps
#161 Gregg Olson (FRDP, RC)
#437 Andy Benes (FRDP, RC)

#573 Jim Abbott (FRDP, RC)

#628 Matt Williams

#648 Sandy Alomar Jr. (FS, RC, VAR)

#661 Dwight Gooden (TBC) 
#764 Robin Ventura (FRDP, RC)

#764 Robin Ventura (FRDP, RC)   

 

1989 Topps Ames 20/20 Club
#32 Dave Winfield

 

1989 Topps Bazooka Shining Stars
#13 Tony Gwynn  

1989 Pacific Cards & Comics Crossed Bats (unlicensed)
#6 Will Clark

 

1989 Pro Set (football)
#58 Boomer Esiason

 

1988 Card Collectors T-206 Reprint
#NNO Matty McIntyre

 

1988 Donruss 

#1 Mark McGwire (DK)

#161 Mitch Williams

#182 Ivan Calderon 

#384 Denny Walling
#441 Greg Gagne

#452 Guy Hoffman
#459 Jim Dwyer

#473 Dave Clark (VAR) 

1988 Donruss - Stan Musial Puzzle
#25-27 Stan Musial (PUZ)
#34-36 Stan Musial (PUZ)    

 

1988 Fleer
#1 Keith Atherton
#6 Randy Bush
#9 George Frazier
#58 Willie Hernandez
#59 Larry Herndon
#63 Bill Madlock

#348 Ellis Burks (RC)  

 

1988 Pacific Legends I

#33 Don Newcombe
#70 Vic Raschi  

#71 Chuck Connors

#71 Chuck Connors

 

1988 Score
#385 Tony Gwynn

#546 Todd Benzinger (RC)

#649 Speed And Power (Eric Davis/Tim Raines) (AS)  

#655 Juan Nieves (HL)

 

1988 Topps
#7 Benny Santiago (RB)

#70 Roger Clemens

#186 Rafael Palmeiro 

#574 Graig Nettles 

#662 Jim Rice (TBC)

#745 Bill Doran 

 

1988 Topps Toys "R" Us Rookies
#13 Mike Henneman

#30 Terry Steinbach  

 

1988 Topps Traded

#9T Bret Barberie (OLY, XRC)

 

1988 Topps (football)

#35 Mark Haynes
#40 Roger Craig  

#144 Brian Bosworth (SR, RC)

 

1988 Topps - 1000 Yard Club (football)
#8 Curt Warner  

 

1987-88 Topps (hockey)
#119 Kelly Hrudey  

1987 1983 ASA Collectors Kits Reprints
#2 Warren Spahn

1987 Donruss
#404 Bud Black

#655 Luis Aquino (RC)

 

1987 Fleer Baseball All-Stars
#21 Charlie Hough 

1987 Fleer Update
#U-36 Dan Gladden

 

1987 Fleer Update - Glossy
#U-69 Bill Madlock 

 

1987 Fleer Limited Edition
#16 Steve Garvey 

 

1987 Fleer Update
#U-108 Kevin Seitzer

 

1987 O-Pee-Chee
#353 Ernie Camacho 

 

1987 Sportflics
#127 Kirk McCaskill (VAR)
#148 John Candelaria (VAR) 

1987 Topps 

#139 Devon White (RC)

#619 Jerry Reed   

 

1987 Topps Traded
#93T Pat Pacillo
#116T Mike Stanley

 
1987 Zoot U.S. of ALF (non-sport)
#43 Texas - The Lone Star State

 

1986 Donruss

#287 Claudell Washington

#256 Curtis Wilkerson  

#595 Carlos Ponce (RC)

 

1986 Donruss Highlights
#1 Will Clark
#25 Fernando Valenzuela

#33 Ernie Lombardi
#50 Steve Sax

 

1986 Fleer
#117 Andre Robertson

#577 Curtis Wilkerson     

 

1986 Fleer - Fleer All-Star Team
#7 Rickey Henderson

 

1986 Fleer Baseball's Best Sluggers vs. Pitchers

#16 Orel Hershiser 

 

1986 Topps
#40 Ken Griffey

#214 Randy Bush 

#233 Steve Lyons 

#495 Mark Langston

#510 Wade Boggs
#765 Don Baylor   

 

1986 Topps Stickers
#18 1985 World Series (WS)
#45 Willie McGee
#166 Mike Davis
#257 Dan Quisenberry
#171/#312 Dwayne Murphy/Brian Fisher/Roger McDowell (FS)

 

1986 Topps Traded
#7T Steve Bedrosian
#68T Mickey Mahler

 

1986 True Value Super Stars
#6 Fernando Valenzuela 

1985 Donruss
#463 Doug Flynn

 

1985 Fleer
#639 500th Homer (Reggie Jackson) (SSS)  

 

1985 Fleer Update
#U-10 Hubie Brooks

 

1985 Topps
#403 Cory Snyder (OLY, RC)    

#444 Tony Phillips

#674 Atlee Hammaker 

#758 Ray Burris   

1985 Topps Drake's Big Hitters Plus Super Pitchers
#3 Don Baylor

 

1985 Topps (football)
#38 Bill Bates (RC)

#38 Bill Bates (RC)  

#53 Lions Team Leaders (TL)
#181 Darrell Green 

#241 Tom Jackson 

 

1984-85 Topps (hockey)
#3 Tom Fergus  

1984 Fleer
#210 Ben Oglivie

 

1984 Topps
#132 1983 Home Run Leaders (Schmidt/Rice) (LL)

#167 Marshall Edwards
#368 Hubie Brooks

 

1984 Topps Drake's Big Hitters
#19 Fred Lynn
#21 Gary Matthews
#32 Dave Winfield  

 

1983 Donruss
#22 Johnny Bench (DK)   

 

1983 Galasso T-206 Reprint
#NNO Carl Lundgren (VAR: American Beauty back)

 

1983 O-Pee-Chee
#179 Luis Tiant (SV)   

 

1983 Topps - 1983 All-Star Set Collector's Edition (Glossy Send-Ins)
#9 Buddy Bell

 

1983 Topps Drake's Big Hitters
#13 Steve Kemp

 

1983 Topps (football)
#52 Rafael Septien
#58 Billy Sims (TL) 

#109 George Rogers (TL)

#136 Wilbert Montgomery (TL) 

#140 Carl Hairston
#156 Roy Green (RC) 
#163 Jeff Moore (TL)

1983 Topps The A-Team (non-sport)

#53 Roll Out!

 

1982-85 Galasso Baseball Hobby Card Report T-206 Reprints

#NNO George Browne

#NNO George McQuillan

#NNO Dolly Stark    

 

1982 Fleer Stamps
#75 Tim Foli
#85 Dave Kingman
#111 Fernando Valenzuela/Tom Lasorda
 

1982 Topps

#1 Steve Carlton (HL)

#101 Mike Schmidt (IA)  

#305 Don Sutton

#412 Luis Leal

 

1982 Topps (football) 

#7 1981 AFC Championship

#21 Bills 1981 Team Leaders (TL)

#215 Mark Malone (RC) 

 

1981-82 Topps (hockey)
#51 Dale McCourt (TL)

 
1981 Donruss  

#8 Mark Fidrych

#33 Steve Carlton

#67 Keith Hernandez

#77 Gene Garber 

#124 Jerry Mumphrey

#157 Steve Henderson
#170 Fred Patek
#180 Rudy Law

#192 Darrell Evans 

#375 Don Robinson 

#386 Doc Medich  

#397 Elliott Maddux

#419 Derrel Thomas 

#428 Terry Kennedy
#439 Jorge Orta
#450 Scott Sanderson
#474 Sammy Stewart 

#475 Tim Stoddard

#485 Lenny Randle

#569 Danny Ainge (RC)

 

1981 Fleer

#8 Larry Christenson   

#66 Denny Walling

#427 Steve Braun

#445 Al Holland (RC)
#450 Johnnie LeMaster  

#539 Terry Landrum (RC) 

#595 Maury Wills (MGR)

 
1981 Topps

#40 Tug McGraw

#121 Larry Harlow 

#372 Jay Johnstone  

#375 Dave Concepcion

#376 Ron Reed 

#598 George Vuckovich (RC)  

 

1981 Topps (football)

#32 Doug Williams

#58 Mike Renfro 

#131 Jim Smith
#142 Ken Fantetti
#171 Earnest Gray (SA)

#173 Jim Haslett (RC)
#237 Bob Parsons 

#408 Ron Jaworski (SA)

#423 Pat Thomas (RC)

#427 Pete Johnson

#432 Vikings Team Leaders (TL, CL)

#434 Tim Fox

#438 Mike Hartenstine

#458 Don Cockroft 

 

1980 Topps 
#65 Al Bumbry

#110 Fred Lynn (AS)    

#286 Darold Knowles

#645 Rick Burleson   

 

1980 Topps (football)
#8 Mike Williams
#11 Dan Melville (RC)
#12 Matt Robinson
#18 Charley Hannah (RC)
#22 Jon Keyworth
#24 Richard Osborne (RC)
#26 Doug Beaudoin
#29 Dick Ambrose

#30 Mike Reinfeldt (AP, RC)
#41 Mike Hartenstine
#83 Bobby Jackson
#84 Mike Bragg
#89 Don Cockroft

#97 Greg Coleman
#106 Sherman White
#126 John James

#142 Rusty Jackson
#166 Terry Hermeling
#172 Leonard Thompson (RC)

#177 Chuck Ramsey

#181 Duriel Harris
#194 Danny Buggs 
#199 Louie Giammona (RC)

#199 Louie Giammona (RC)

#201 Ed Newman (RC)
#214 George Starke (RC) 

#227 Max Runager (RC)   

#253 Jim Hart

#279 Johnny Evans

#281 Vern Den Herder 

#294 Fred Cook
#296 Wade Key 

 

1979 Kellogg's 3-D Super Stars
#25 Darrell Porter (COR, SP)

1979 Topps 

#3 1978 RBI Leaders (Rice/Foster)
#18 Tony Solaita
#33 Dave Rozema

#51 Ray Fosse

#75 Steve Yeager
#90 Bob Boone
#107 Jesus Alou  

#164 Mickey Lolich 

#177 Ron Reed 

#220 Cesar Geronimo
#239 Willie Horton 

#271 Rawly Eastwick 

#317 Jose Cardinal 

#336 Bobby Thompson (RC)  

#350 Garry Templeton

#411 All-Time Record Holders: Hits (George Sisler/Ty Cobb) (ATRH)  

#412 All-Time Record Holders: RBI (Hack Wilson/Hank Aaron) (ATRH)

#413 All-Time Record Holders: Home Runs (Maris/Aaron) (ATRH)
#414 All-Time Record Holders: Batting Average (Hornsby/Cobb) (ATRH)

#415 All-Time Record Holders: Stolen Bases (Brock) (ATRH) 

#416 All-Time Record Holders: Wins (Jack Chesbro/Cy Young) (ATRH)  

#418 All-Time Record Holders: ERA (Dutch Leonard/Walter Johnson) (ATRH)

#447 Manny Sanguillen

#577 Milwaukee Brewers (TC,CL)

#603 Rudy May
#612 Rick Honeycutt (RC)
#615 Ken Singleton
#630 Bake McBride
#642 Wilbur Howard 

#653 Warren Brusstar  

#656 Hosken Powell (RC)
#677 Larry Parrish
#688 Mike Willis

#690 Buddy Bell

 

1979 Topps (football)

#12 Bernard Jackson

#28 Morris Bradshaw (RC) 

#54 John Sanders 

#54 John Sanders 

#55 Gary Burley 

#56 Steve Nelson

#59 Rick Kane 

#61 Ted Fritsch

#72 Ted Albrecht
#73 Charlie Hall 

#85 Wilbert Montgomery (AP, RC)
#86 Butch Johnson  

#96 Garo Yepremian 

#97 Barty Smith

#100 Chuck Foreman

#101 Joe Klecko 

#101 Joe Klecko 

#107 Nick Mike-Mayer

#107 Nick Mike-Mayer  

#115 Ken Anderson

#117 Bucky Dilts 

#129 Norm Thompson

#140 Brad Van Pelt (AP)

#158 Mike Patrick

#191 Tony Galbreath 

#211 Jon Keyworth
#213 John Fitzgerald
#252 Robert Newhouse

#273 Steve Towle (RC) 

#286 Guy Morriss  

#315 Preston Pearson
#362 Scott Dierking

#378 Jeff Siemon

#382 Joe Fields
#389 Ed O'Neil (RC) 

#403 Mike Hogan
#424 Randy Logan

#479 Terry Nelson 
#493 Curtis Johnson

#519 Kevin Long (RC) 

1978 Topps  

#11 Rick Manning
#13 Art Howe (RC)

#21 Steve Kemp

#30 George Hendrick

#123 Manny Trillo

#137 Craig Kusick  

#145 Rick Monday

#146 Doyle Alexander

#190 John Candelaria 

#210 Jose Cardinal   

#248 Frank White

#265 Sal Bando   

#347 Terry Forster

#349 Rick Camp

#383 Mario Mendoza

#428 Joel Youngblood  

#480 Ron LeFlore

#533 Sandy Alomar

#562 Glenn Burke (RC) 

#630 Ron Cey (AS)   

#673 Steve Brye

#711 1978 Rookie Pitchers (Camper/Lamp/Mitchell/Thomas) (RC) 

 

1978 Topps (football)
#316 Greg Landry

#389 James Hunter (RC) 

#405 Craig Morton  

#427 Dexter Bussey 

#461 Sam Hunt
#467 Ray Jarvis

#515 Vikings Leaders (Foreman/White/Bryant/Eller) (TL, CL) 

 

1977 Dover Publications Classic Baseball Cards Reprints
#10 Lefty O'Doul
#18 Jimmie Dykes
#99 Hal Chase
#NNO Melvin Harder
#NNO Fred Merkle

 

1977 Topps

#79 Don Money   

#333 Paul Reuschel (RC)

#426 Dick Drago  

#617 Bobby Darwin 

#628 Mario Guerrero  

#631 George Brett / Ken Brett (BLB) 

 

1977 Topps (football)

#310 Monte Jackson (AP, RC)

#317 Paul Seymour

#413 Don Strock

#494 Otis Sistrunk

 

1976 SSPC
#515 John Ellis 

1976 Topps
#115 Ken Holtzman
#196 1975 AL RBI Leaders (Scott/Mayberry/Lynn) (LL) 

#303 Steve Foucault

#416 Tommy John 

#442 Hank Webb

#448 Tom Johnson 

#625 J.R. Richard

 

1975 Hostess
#140 George Hendrick 

 

1975 Topps

#11 Bill Melton
#53 Dave Giusti

#166 Woodie Fryman

#170 Bert Campaneris (AS)

#189 1951 MVPs (Berra/Campanella) (MVP) 
#227 Bob Watson

#283 Steve Foucault

#597 Winston Llenas  

 

1975 Topps (football)
#47 Bivian Lee
#101 Bob Windsor

#200 Larry Brown 

 

1974 Topps  
#23 Craig Robinson (RC)

#84 Rick Wise  

#99 Brewers Field Leaders (MGR, CO)

#113 Dick Drago  

#157 Vic Harris   

#184 Texas Rangers (TC)

#185 Jose Cardinal  

#192 Mario Guerrero

#199 Mike Kekich

#199 Mike Kekich 

#210 Bill Singer
#216 Ray Sadecki

#237 Ken Brett 

#237 Ken Brett

#247 Rick Miller 

#305 Tito Fuentes

#317 Richie Zisk 

#322 Ernie McAnally

#345 Bill North

#347 Sandy Alomar 

#410 Pedro Borbon 

#412 Chuck Taylor

#412 Chuck Taylor 

#435 Dave Concepcion 

#466 Dick Billings 

#470 1973 A.L. Playoffs (ALCS) 

#511 Toby Harrah
#522 J.R. Richard   

#583 Marty Pattin

#604 1974 Rookie Infielders (Hughes/Knox/Thornton/White) (RC)

#631 Steve Barber
#646 George Foster 

#656 Adrian Garrett

 

1974 Topps - Team Checklists
#NNO Milwaukee Brewers (CL, VAR) 

 

1974 Topps - Traded
#43T Jim Wynn

#73T Mike Marshall  

#73T Mike Marshall

#73T Mike Marshall 

#123T Nelson Briles

#151T Diego Segui 

#485T Felipe Alou  

#648T Terry Crowley
#649T Fernando Gonzalez

 

1974 Topps (football)
#44 Randy Jackson
#57 Milt Sunde
#72 Ron East
#80 John Niland 

1973 Topps

#32 Fred Norman 

#156 Cesar Geronimo

#232 Ken Singleton 

#243 California Angels (TC)

#275 Tony Perez 

 

1972 Topps  

#6 Fred Scherman 

#26 Andy Etchebarren

#39 Bob Barton 

#53 Bud Harrelson

#55 Clyde Wright

#56 Rich Chiles (RC)
#57 Bob Oliver  

#94 1971 AL Pitching Leaders
#96 1971 AL Strikeout Leaders
#163 Tug McGraw
#175 Tom Haller

#194 Fred Norman
#209 Joe Rudi 
#231 Casey Cox 

#233 Jay Johnstone

#257 Tigers 1972 Rookie Stars (Foor/Hosley/Jata) (RS, RC) 

#267 Dave Concepcion

#320 Steve Blass

#344 Dave McNally (BP)
#363 Ron Klimkowski 

#372 Royals 1972 Rookie Stars (Clemons/Montgomery) (RS, RC)
#392 Pirates 1972 Rookie Stars (Cambria/Zisk) (RS, RC)
#476 Lee Richard (RC) 

 

1972 Topps (football)
#11 Bobby Joe Green

 

1971 Topps

#4 Vic Davalillo
#6 Ed Spiezio
#7 Jim Holt (RC) 

#39 Tigers 1971 Rookie Stars (LaGrow/Lamont) (RS, RC)
#60 Dick Bosman 

#78 Jim Spencer

#90 Joe Pepitone 

#99 Mark Belanger 

#105 Tony Conigliaro

#108 John Cumberland
#120 Willie Horton
#152 Angels 1971 Rookie Stars (Allen/Llenas) (RS, RC) 
#161 Coins Checklist (CL, VAR) 

#208 Billy Martin (MGR)  

#268 Philadelphia Philles (TC)
#377 Greg Garrett
#433 Skip Lockwood

 

1971 Topps (football)
#8 Walt Garrison (RC)

#86 Edgar Chandler (RC)   

#187 Austin Denney (RC)

 

1970 Topps
#2 Diego Segui

#3 Darrel Chaney

#12 John Hiller

#13 Jack Hiatt

#18 Carlos May  

#18 Carlos May

#18 Carlos May 

#19 John Boccabella

#28 Billy Wilson

#29 Sandy Alomar  

#30 Matty Alou

#31 Marty Pattin 

#34 Willie Crawford

#39 Mike Nagy (ASR, RC)

#47 Bob Miller

#52 Bruce Dal Canton

#56 Phillies 1970 Rookie Stars (RS, RC)

#57 Pat Kelly

#57 Pat Kelly

#59 Dick Ellsworth

#60 Jim Wynn

#74 Angels 1970 Rookie Stars (Washburn/Wolf) (RS, RC) 

#77 Frank Linzy

#85 Max Alvis

#86 Lum Harris (MGR)

#87 Steve Renko (RC)

#89 Juan Rios

#91 Rich Morales

#95 Earl Wilson 

#102 Joe Rudi 

#108 Tom Burgmeier 

#115 Alex Johnson

#117 Don Young 

#122 George Stone    

#122 George Stone

#123 Don Gutteridge (MGR)

#125 Deron Johnson

#126 Marty Martinez 

#127 Joe Coleman 

#130 Ollie Brown

#132 Jim McGlothlin 

#153 Gary Gentry 

#164 Ty Cline

#203 Rudy May

#245 Leo Cardenas  

#266 Wally Bunker

#274 Gerry Arigo

#274 Gerry Arigo

#276 Ron Hunt  

#276 Ron Hunt

#277 Paul Doyle (RC) 

#283 Angel Bravo (RC)

#284 Jack Baldschun

#319 Clayton Dalrymple

#332 Bobby Wine 

#338 Paul Schaal 

#372 Dave Giusti

#377 Bill Butler (ASR) 

#404 Rich Reese

#418 John Donaldson 

#495 Dave Morehead
#513 Preston Gomez (MGR)  

#514 Steve Hovley (RC)

 

1969-70 Topps (hockey)
#21 Phil Goyette

 

1969 Topps
#14 Al McBean

#19 Ken Suarez

#42 Tommy Harper

#64 Bill Monbouquette   

#74 Preston Gomez (MGR)   

#129 Bill McCool 

#183 Don Shaw

#195 John Odom

#297 Deron Johnson 

#317 Bruce Look (RC)
#383 Casey Cox

#408 Nate Colbert 

1969 Topps (football)
#115 Randy Johnson

 

1969 Topps - Four-in-One Singles (football)
#NNO Ralph Baker
#NNO John Bramlett
#NNO Billy Martin
#NNO Bob Talamini 

 

1968 Topps

#14 Jerry McNertney

#52 Hawk Taylor 

#53 Gene Alley 

#81 Larry Jackson  

#81 Larry Jackson

#121 Jimmie Hall

#217 Turk Farrell   

#224 Jim Aker

#229 Fred Klages

#245 Tony Gonzalez  

#292 Art Shamsky

#493 Jim McGlothlin  

 

1967-68 Topps (hockey)
#30 Reg Fleming

1967 Topps

#21 Dave Bristol (MGR) 

#24 Bob Allen 

#54 Dick Green 

#58 Paul Schaal (VAR: normal bat)   

#84 Tommie Sisk

#224 Walt Bond   

#301 Jesse Gonder

#494 Bill Rigney (MGR) 
#498 Larry Dierker

1966 Topps
#10 Tony Cloninger

#12 John Tsitouris
#13 Lou Johnson

#16 Larry Brown

#38 Ron Nischwitz
#42 Aubrey Gatewood
#46 Howie Koplitz

#57 Jim Lefebvre

#196 Don Pavletich

#333 Senators 1966 Rookie Stars (Coleman/French) (RC, RS)
#378 Dick Tracewski

 

1965 Topps

#17 Johnny Romano

#83 George Thomas   

#316 Cincinnati Reds (TC)

 

1964 Ed-U-Cards Washington Senators Baseball Card Game
#NNO Ball

1964 Topps 

#20 Bob Friend

#63 Johnny Orsino  

#99 Al Stanek (RC) 

 

1963 Topps
#26 Ray Moore

#94 Bob Schmidt  

#94 Bob Schmidt

 

1962 Topps

#38 Gene Stephens

#124 Bill Pleis (RC)

#435 Larry Sherry 

 

1961 Post Cereal (F278-33)
#15 Bobby Shantz

 

1961 Topps

#5 Johnny Romano
#14 Don Mossi

#22 Clem Labine
#24 Ken Johnson

#32 Ray Sadecki

#32 Ray Sadecki

#53 Russ Nixon 

#64 Alex Grammas
#113 Mike Fornieles 

#125 Steve Barber 

#132 Al Lopez (MGR)

#187 Billy Klaus 

#208 Larry Osborne

#212 Haywood Sullivan
#445 Frank Malzone 

 

1960 Topps   

#3 Joe Adcock 

#69 Billy Goodman

#80 Johnny Antonelli 

#131 Ed Hobaugh (RC, RS)

#131 Ed Hobaugh (RC, RS)

#139 Carl Mathias (RC, RS) 

#154 Jim Davenport

#166 Chuck Essegian  

#182 Glen Hobbie 

#191 Johnny Klippstein 

#201 Larry Osborne

#269 Gene Green

#367 Bill Tuttle  

#411 Ed Bailey (VAR: white back)

1959 Topps

#79 Harry Chiti  

#95 Carl Willey

#132 Don Lee (RS)

#133 Bob Lillis (RS, RC)  

#152 Johnny Klippstein

#168 Carroll Hardy  

#245 Ned Garver (VAR; grey/darker back)

#283 Russ Heman (RC, VAR: white back)

#363 Bobby Avila  

#385 Sherm Lollar

#405 Roy McMillan

1958 Topps

#92 Clint Courtney (VAR: white letters)  

#103 Jerry Lynch

#220 Tom Brewer 

#237 Bill Wight

#394 Jim Grant (RC) 

#441 Jim Marshall (RC) 

1957 Topps

#226 Preston Ward

#234 Dick Cole   

#357 Earl Torgeson

 

1955 Bowman

#122 Al Corwin

 

1955 Topps

#12 Jake Thies (RC)
#14 Jim Finigan (RC)
#32 Ed McGhee
#48 Bob Kennedy
#49 J.W. Porter
#55 Rip Repulski
#59 Gair Allie
#66 Ron Jackson (RC)
#68 Jim Davis (RC)

#101 Johnny Gray (RC)  

 

1954 Bowman
#73 Don Mueller

#123 Toby Atwell 

 
1954 Bowman Power For Peace (non-sport)
#91 USS Coral Sea (CVB43)

 

1953 Topps
#206 Ed Bailey (RC)

 

1952 Topps Look 'n See (R714-16) (non-sport)

#92 Louis Daguerre  

 

1952 Topps Wings Friend or Foe (R707-4) (non-sport)
#129 PO-1W Lockheed

 

1951 Bowman
#299 Clyde King (RC)  

 

1951 Topps Red Backs
#13 Dale Mitchell
#51 Eddie Robinson  

 

1951 Bowman (football)
#118 Frank Reagan

  

1950 Bowman
#141 Joe Coleman (RC)
#224 Jack Banta (COR, RC)  

 

1950 Topps Freedom's War (R709-2) (non-sport)
#197 Victory Medal 

1948 Bowman
#15 Eddie Joost

1948 Bowman (football)
#28 Paul Governali (RC) 

 

1939 Wills's Garden Flowers by Richard Sudell (non-sport)
#38 Petunia

#46 Sweet Sultan

1938 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America Tenth Series (J9-6) (non-sport)
#2 Black-throated Green Warbler

 

1938 Churchman's Boxing Personalities (boxing)
#1 Lou Ambers 

#45 Ted Broadribb

#46 Sam Russell
#47 Johnny Sharpe

#48 Arthur J. Elvin 

1937-38  Diamond Matchbooks Tan 6 (hockey)
#NNO Glenn Brydson

 

1936 Godfrey Phillips Screen Stars Embossed (Series B) (non-sport)
#4 Robert Taylor  

#33 Kay Francis

 

1935 Church & Dwight Useful Birds of America Eighth Series (J9-4) (non-sport)
#10 California Jay

 

1935 Stephen Mitchell & Son "A Gallery of 1934" (non-sport)
#47 Lord Trenchard 

1933 Church & Dwight Useful Birds of America Fifth Series (J9-1) (non-sport)
#5 Indigo Bunting  

 

1930 All-Fair Authors Card Game (non-sport)
#13 Louisa May Alcott 

1928 Player's Flags of the League of Nations (non-sport)
#42 Roumania

 

1925 Sports Records (multi-sport)

#37 Whippet Racing

 

1924 Imperial Tobacco Co. of Canada (ITC) Dogs Series (non-sport)
#4 Otter-Hound

 

1924 Lambert & Butler Wonders of Nature (non-sport)
#25 Army-Worms and Fly 

1922 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America Third Series (J7) (non-sport)
#7 Prothonotary Warbler

1915 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America First Series (J5) (non-sport)
#1 Quail

 

1910 Champions (T218) (multi-sport)

#NNO Jim Stewart 

 

1890 N245 Sweet Caporal Actors & Actresses (non-sport)

#NNO Frankie Raymond

The Time Travel Trading Project is simple in concept. I started out with a random pack of 2018 Topps Series 1 baseball cards. My aim was to trade every card in that pack for something older. Each card I receive in turn is then made available for trade, with the goal to get the oldest card I can get.

Number of trades completed: 387
Unique trading partners: 90

Number of cards mailed out: 2,049
Year of oldest card mailed out: 1910-11

Number of cards received: 2,940
Year of oldest card received: 1890

 

Repack Haiku #421 (Kevin Bass)

First N.L. player

To switch-hit bombs in one game

Twice in a season

 

1992 Ultra #284 Kevin Bass

 

Bass accomplished the feat during the 1987 season. The switch hitter launched home runs from both sides of the plate against the Giants on August 3rd and then a month later against the Cubs on September 2nd.

Source: SABR Bio Project - Kevin Bass

1990 Upper Deck Pack War

One of the purchases at the card show I went to recently was three packs of 1990 Upper Deck. For whatever reason, I never opened up much Upper Deck growing up, so this is probably one of the few instances I had to open them. I thought it would be fun to do another pack war.

 

To recap, I award 3 points for every Hall of Fame player, plus 1 point for every All-Star Game selection and major award won. I also give every Red Sox card a bonus point, while subtracting a point for every Yankee card I come across. Whichever pack has the most total points wins! 

 

Pack #1

 

Neal Heaton - 1 point (All-Star)

Eric Hetzel - 1 point (Red Sox)

Dale Murphy - 18 points (2x MVP, 7x All-Star, 5x Gold Glove, 4x Silver Slugger)

Dave Parker - 17 points (HOF, MVP, 7x All-Star, 3x Gold Glove, 3x Silver Slugger) 

Dan Plesac - 3 points (3x All-Star)

 

Pat Borders, Mark Carreon, Tony Castillo, John Cerutti, Chris Hammond, Carlos Martinez, Alejandro Pena, Dennis Powell, Dick Schofield, Jeff Wetherby, Houston Astros sticker - 0 points

 

Points scored: 40 

Raise your hand if you knew Neal Heaton was once an All-Star! I for sure didn't (thanks baseball-reference.com!) We're starting off with a solid pack highlighted by the newly enshrined Hall of Famer Dave Parker, and Dale Murphy, a guy who looks like he should be in when you compare him to Parker.

 

Pack #2

 

Roberto Alomar - 29 points (HOF, 12x All-Star, 10x Gold Glove, 4x Silver Slugger)

Wilson Alvarez - 1 point (All-Star )

Jesse Barfield - 3 points (All-Star, 2x Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, -1 for being a Yankee)

Kelly Gruber  - 4 points (2x All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger)

Reggie Jackson - 20 points (HOF, MVP, 14x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger) 

Edgar Martinez - 15 points (HOF, 7x All-Star, 5x Silver Slugger)

Lance Parrish - 17 points (8x All-Star, 3x Gold Glove, 6x Silver Slugger)

Willie Randolph - 7 points (6x All-Star, Silver Slugger)

Mike Smithson - 1 point (Red Sox)

 

John Costello, Mike Gallego, Candy Maldonado, Rob Nelson, Jeff Robinson, Kevin Tapani, San Diego Padres sticker - 0 points

 

Points scored: 97 

Raise your hand if you knew Wilson Alvarez was an All-Star too! It's going to be hard to beat a pack with 3 Hall of Famers in it! The Reggie Jackson insert was especially a fun card to pull. 

 

Pack #3

 

Will Clark - 9 points (6x All-Star, Gold Glove, 2x Silver Slugger)

Shawon Dunston - 2 points (2x All-Star)

Tim Leary - 0 points (Silver Slugger,  -1 for being a Yankee)

Ramon Martinez - 1 point (All-Star) 

Mickey Pena - 1 point (Red Sox) 

Pascual Perez - 1 point (All-Star)

Mike Scott - 4 points (Cy Young Award, 3x All-Star)

Jerome Walton - 1 point (ROY  Award)

 

Geronimo Berroa, Tim Birtsas, Sid Bream, Chip Hale, Chad Kreuter, Pete O'Brien, Steve Olin, Minnesota Twins sticker - 0 points

 

Points scored: 19 points 

 

Raise your hand if you knew Tim Leary won a Silver Slugger Award! Not bad for someone who hit .269 with an OPS of .599 and a whopping 9 RBI! Too bad his lone point got negated because he's in pinstripes. This was the weakest pack of the bunch, with the only really noteworthy card being an All-Star card of Will Clark.

 

Pack #2 wins in a landslide! 

 

 

Repack Haiku #420 (Al Leiter)

First pitcher ever

To defeat all thirty teams

In the Major Leagues

 

1989 Donruss #315 Al Leiter

 

When Leiter defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30, 2002 he became the first pitcher in history to earn the win against all 30 MLB teams. This feat has only been accomplished 25 times so far.

My First Card Show In Over 30 Years!

The hobby environment in my little corner of the world has started to grow! Earlier this year, a new card shop opened up about 2 miles from my house. I've only had a chance to visit it once (Very nice space, but more high end than a little old collector like me would spend significant time/money in.) Anyway, through their Facebook posts I learned of a larger local group dedicated to the hobby, and earlier this summer, there was an announcement I never thought I'd see. A card show was coming to my area! 

 

Of course I had to attend! 

 

As the day approached, I felt the excitement build. I have not gone to an honest to goodness card show since high school. I didn't know what to expect, other than there was expected to be about 40 tables. How much of it was going to be high end graded stuff I'd never spend money on? How much would be Pokemon and other non-baseball collectables? Would there be dime or quarter boxes? I really had no idea.  

 

Finally, the day came, a beautiful Saturday morning. I made the drive up to what the locals call "The Expo" and was greeted with a rather amusing sign: 

 

Now that's a party!

 

There was also a flea market going on, and time did not permit me to embrace my inner Fuji and see what wonders awaited. Perhaps next time. Besides, I was a man on a mission! The card show was in one of the smaller buildings, and by the time I got there things were already going full blast and very well attended. I walked in and stopped at the welcome table by the door. I entered the free raffle (didn't win) and spent a little time chatting with the event's organizer, thanking him for putting this all together. He said he's hoping to be able to do these show every few months - fingers crossed!

 

As I said there were about 40 tables all about, and my strategy was to do a simple walk-through lap first and get a lay of who had what and who was worthy of my time and money. There were some legitimate card shops present, some coming down from a few hours away, but also there were a good number of collectors who were just selling off parts of their collection. About half of what I saw were graded cards, and there were a handful of tables dedicated to collectable card gaming. All in all, there were maybe about 6-8 tables that fit my particular goals for the day. 

 

I eventually made 4 purchases...

 

Purchase #1

 

One of the larger tables was of course in the back. The guy brought a good mix of stuff, both low end and high-end. In the far right corner of his table he had a box of cards 4/$1. I did a quick look through the Red Sox cards and found a short print I had to snatch up before someone else did! I picked out another 3 cards, and decided to come back and really dig through what he had before I left. 

 

That Williams is one of my favorite pickups for the day. Did you know he was such a prolific fly fisherman that he's in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame as well? I'm also glad to grab a couple of the current team's young players, as well a new Pedro (even though I'm not fond of that yellowish background..)

 

Purchase #2

 

In my initial pass-through, I noticed another smaller table where there were cards on the cheap, but I had to wait until there was less of a crowd before I could check it out. I'm glad I did, because he was selling a card 8/$1! This guy was just selling from his collection, trying to get rid of some things he didn't need/want. He also had a box of cards that were free for any of the kids to take, which earned him Diamond Jesters street cred.

 

I actually got a couple cards free, as I had initially miscounted and handed him 17 cards instead of 16, and also one of the cards had another card tucked in behind it in the penny sleeve. The guy was very nice, laid back and the vendor I enjoyed conversing with the most.

 

Purchase #3

 

The smallest table there was another guy who was basically selling from his collection. What made him stand out was that he had a spinner where you can pay $1 and get whatever it landed on (pack of cards, card from his $1 box, card from his $3 box, etc...) The cheapest thing he had was $1 anyway, so why not take a chance and spin? I earned my money back by winning a card of my choice from his $1 box.

 

Truth be told, he didn't have much in that box that would fit my collection - mostly football and basketball. There was among the few baseball this Laughlin World Series card. Even though I already own it, it was pretty much the clear choice! 

 

Purchase #4

 

After checking around all the other tables without any real temptation, I decided to end my day by going back to the first dealer. I spent a lot more time at his tables and the various boxes of cards he had available. One of those boxes was full of vintage stars, and I found a couple of rookie cards that were well within my price range: 

 

Subconsciously, I think I was ashamed for myself to have a limited number of Dick Allen cards, (most of which used the same sideways portrait at that!) Picking up a well loved copy of his rookie card made me feel better!

 

 

Speaking of well-loved, I found these two great cards in his box of $1 cards. I'm super excited to add a vintage All-Star card of the great Yaz. Tony C was a fun find too!

 

I of course had to go back to the quarter box! This time I searched through teams other than the Red Sox for some cards that piqued my interest. Not pictured are some cards I found with the intent of sending off to another blogger as a long overdue thank you. The Santa Clause seemed like something I should have on hand for a future holiday post, while 2005 Upper Deck Classics is a set I enjoy and will pick up an odd card now and again. The Ted Williams should be self explanatory by now.

 

It seemed wrong to go to a card show and not get a pack to rip, so I topped off my purchase with a trio of 1990 Upper Deck. Did I pull a Reggie Jackson auto? I'll save the contents of these for another post. After spending singles here and there all morning, this purchase set me back a very reasonable $20. Low budget collecting for the win!

 

All in all, this card show was a lot of fun! A few thoughts...

• Growing up, one of my favorite things about going to a card show was buying a box, then going home, ripping 30+ packs of cards and coming away with at least 90% of the set. You can't do that anymore. Boxes are too expensive for kids, and fewer people care about building sets - including the manufacturers who would rather cram 10,000 inserts and parallels down our collective throats.  
• Going back to the lost art of set building, it just isn't worth it for vendors to haul boxes of minor players for people to finish their sets. That saddens me.
• From the "We are not the same" department: while I was joyfully picking though quarter boxes, there was a guy next to me trying to sell a card to the vendor for $800. The vendor politely declined, and the gent took his little gangster case of cards elsewhere. I get how the thrill of pulling a card worth hundreds of dollars excites a lot of people in this hobby, but I seen more than my fair share of Wally Joyner and Gregg Jefferies rookie cards. I've know how the speculation game often ends.
• Everyone there, vendors and collectors alike, were all very much polite and well behaved. It wasn't the largest building on the grounds, but it never felt crowded. I never had to wait more than a few minutes for my turn at any table. Made for a much more pleasurable experience.
• I'm convinced more than ever that professional grading has ensured that some of the classic cards I missed out in my childhood will probably be forever out of my price range. I saw both the Upper Deck Griffey rookie and  Billy Ripken F-Face card there, and the price for graded copies seemed insane to me. 

Although it won't be good for my wallet, I'm looking forward to seeing how the hobby as a whole continues to grow down here in central VA. Here's hoping some more card shows are in my future!

 ***Update!***

 

 

Looks like there will be another card show in my future! 

Happy 100th birthday Marv Levy!

It's a special last minute post to wish legendary Buffalo Bills coach and NFL Hall of Famer Marv Levy a happy 100th birthday!

Levy, of course, was the man who led the Bills to 4 straight Super Bowls, and one of the most beloved and respected in Western New York.

Back in 2004, Marv released his book, "Where Else Would You Rather Be?". As part of his promotional tour, he stopped my the local book store in Fredonia, NY (where the Bills used to have their summer training camps). It was there when I got to meet him and get a signed copy of his book.

I never noticed my picture being taken. It wasn't until months later when I visited the store again that I saw their back wall was covered in photos that the employees took from that event. I think they took a picture of everyone in line that night. I looked, and sure enough there I was watching Mr. Levy inscribe my book. The pics were there for the patrons to take, so I grabbed my pic and it's been with the book ever since.

It's amazing whenever any person reaches a century in age, and fans everywhere are blessed this wise man is still with us. Happy birthday Marv Levy, and thanks for the memories!

Top 5 Hall Of Fame Tribute: Ryne Sandberg

As a cancer survivor, it always makes me a little more introspective whenever I hear of someone else dying from it. Just a day after the Hall of Fame welcomed 5 new members, it lost one when Cubs great Ryne Sandberg passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. As I usually do, here are 5 of my favorite Ryne Sandberg cards from my collection.

 

1987 Fleer

#639 Former MVP's

(Parker/Sandberg) (SSS)

 

To be honest, I wouldn't count this as a favorite of mine, but I had to include it since we lost both of these great men recently. I was all prepared to write how these two were division rivals during the late 80's, but I had completely forgotten that at the time Cincinati was in the NL West back when their were only 2 divisions in each league. That seem so weird to me now...

 

1990 Fleer

#625 Ryne Sandberg (POD)

 

How many players can say they have a game named after them? Sandberg became a household name on June 23, 1984 when he launched a game-tying home run in the 9th inning against fellow Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, then tied the game again in the 10th with yet another home run against Sutter! The "Ryne Sandberg Game" was the pinnacle of an MVP season for Ryno.

 

1990 Upper Deck

#324 Ryne Sandberg

 One of the best defensive second basemen of all time, his 9 Gold Gloves are second only to Roberto Alomar. All those Gold Gloves came consecutively from 1983 to 1991. Looking through my collection, I was surprised to find not many of his cards showcased his defensive mastery. This card is far and away one of his best!

 

1991 Score

#815 Ryne Sandberg (MOY)

 

It's hard to believe that actually retired twice in his career. The first time was in 1994, but he back and played in 1996 and 1997 before retiring for good. When he did retire, he held the record for most home runs by a second baseman as well as the highest fielding percentage at that position. An MVP Award, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, and a 10-time All-Star, Sandberg is also one of just 5 players to have both a 50 steal season and a 40 home run season.

 

1992 Score

#442 Ryne Sandberg (DT) 

It's mind-boggling that despite all these accolades, it took Sandberg 3 tries before getting elected to the Hall of Fame! Even when he did in 2005, it was with just 76.2% of the votes. Ryne Sandberg is one of the greatest 2nd Baseman of all-time, and excelled like no one else at his position in hitting, running, and fielding!

 

Rest In Peace, Mr. Sandberg! Your legacy will never be forgotten!