tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86479459900463034242024-03-16T03:08:32.318-04:00Beardy's Baseball Blogbeardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.comBlogger415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-77968435654765496942010-02-07T11:03:00.002-05:002010-02-07T11:07:15.497-05:00Don't Make Me...Keep posting links to my new site. Every time I do, our traffic spikes, so you all must want to read what I'm posting.<br /><br /><a href="http://mojobeardy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></a> it is again. Bookmark it. Blogroll it. It is my new permanent home. A new post just went up concerning the authenticity of the jumbo patches found in "2009" Ultimate. Check it out!beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-89262972503154307572010-02-06T09:45:00.000-05:002010-02-06T09:45:00.066-05:00The Good, The Bad & The ChicleWhat is a collector to do when he's trapped in a hotel during the worst blizzard to hit Baltimore in decades?<br /><br />Make a stupid pack break video, that's what.<br /><br />See it <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://mojobeardy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></a></span>.<br /><br />For those of you that haven't caught on yet, I am doing most of my posting these days over at my new blog, <a href="http://mojobeardy.wordpress.com/">The Mojo Beard</a>. Most likely, this site will stay active, but I won't be posting here on a regular basis. I have packed up my wit and my trade posts and moved over to wordpress. You can expect more of the same ol' beardy, despite the new location, along with some hopefully new and better content as well.<br /><br />If you haven't already done so, please check out the new site, and add us to your bookmarks/blogroll if you like what you see.<br /><br />Is it Spring (training) time yet?beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-83457023532821720082010-02-03T17:09:00.000-05:002010-02-03T17:10:23.485-05:00Topps Comes Through!With an unpossible redemption<br /><br />See it <a href="http://mojobeardy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></span></a>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-4689511816201846872010-02-02T22:14:00.002-05:002010-02-02T22:14:33.084-05:00I am a B.I.P Agent!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OueSaW9wnXYWsW0M0c6BT5NJFt92VQcmvIcLAXrPvI69-m-yYYsQC6QdwpkwrFLbxAfD1-X2xT9_vNJX7CQ7_XwxFB03J_3cpCZu_hH5bhD9LtWsQ-L0me9zsj31ocmhjfCBgluuGQw/s1600-h/Point+Break+Bip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OueSaW9wnXYWsW0M0c6BT5NJFt92VQcmvIcLAXrPvI69-m-yYYsQC6QdwpkwrFLbxAfD1-X2xT9_vNJX7CQ7_XwxFB03J_3cpCZu_hH5bhD9LtWsQ-L0me9zsj31ocmhjfCBgluuGQw/s400/Point+Break+Bip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433850303400250786" border="0" /></a>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-62054964548743669582010-02-02T19:31:00.000-05:002010-02-02T19:31:00.175-05:00Nobody Bips With The JesusJust for you <a href="http://thorzul.blogspot.com/">Thorzul</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpU3nEHGwrX9KfouuCR5Jhw65SVSEdCAy5AKRuwyT12AbA3P1O3uNUSf2yEtF8WfRL961dDjJaIDfE6lRvi5dn5XocGQXRVGpoB-3KvwqtsLqvELoUKTOlFPUmKlgoaSrwGyEfQgAPg/s1600-h/Nobody+Bips+with+the+jesus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpU3nEHGwrX9KfouuCR5Jhw65SVSEdCAy5AKRuwyT12AbA3P1O3uNUSf2yEtF8WfRL961dDjJaIDfE6lRvi5dn5XocGQXRVGpoB-3KvwqtsLqvELoUKTOlFPUmKlgoaSrwGyEfQgAPg/s400/Nobody+Bips+with+the+jesus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433762145233216242" border="0" /></a>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-75236794291495745862010-02-02T14:23:00.000-05:002010-02-02T14:23:00.621-05:00Beardy And The Upper Deck ConspiracyCan be read <a href="http://mojobeardy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></a>, at my new blog. It's a joint venture between Jay, formerly of The Mojo Hand, and myself. We've got big ideas, and hope to keep things as interesting as possible. Not to mention, 2 bloggers equals half the work and twice the awesomeness (right?).<br /><br />While you're there, add us to your blogrolls, and check out our Topps Pristine video break. It's four packs this time, 2 from '03 & 2 from '04. Did we pull anything awesome? Not really, but go watch it anyway.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-37076207503556644352010-01-31T18:31:00.000-05:002010-01-31T18:31:00.122-05:00Cards From Around The BlogosphereA bit of a shorty this week, since I am WAY behind on the scanning and the posting. If you sent me cards in the past few weeks, and haven't gotten anything in return yet, your cards should be shipping out no later than Wed. Hopefully I don't miss anyone. Typically, I am on top of this stuff, but life has bee stressful the past few weeks, and as a result my writing, or at least the frequency of it has suffered as a result. Sorry dudes!<br /><br />First up to bat are a couple of cards from Grant, the <a href="http://grantvegas247.blogspot.com/">Old School Pack Buster</a>. Grant and I have traded before, and he is a very generous trader. Along with a fat stack of random O's were the following 2 cards, both of which I really like:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 UD Goodwin Champions Brian Roberts black printing plate 1/1</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qt1j0ABXjMvgjDTTJDoAKDShFezUvRss1aFbqdTfFyENGld0vFIKxaPadrYEcHrXoP9UnF6Jks4nerP6nqK5ehHuexEq5H9TNTozHJeBESfCETMc-3LOCRyyP-SOOlxWlEuSCmFUZms/s1600-h/09+Goodwin+Champions+Brian+Roberts+black+plate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qt1j0ABXjMvgjDTTJDoAKDShFezUvRss1aFbqdTfFyENGld0vFIKxaPadrYEcHrXoP9UnF6Jks4nerP6nqK5ehHuexEq5H9TNTozHJeBESfCETMc-3LOCRyyP-SOOlxWlEuSCmFUZms/s320/09+Goodwin+Champions+Brian+Roberts+black+plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432497608341751906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This is now my 3rd one of one, and all 3 of them are printing plates. Brian Roberts wears #1, and this card is not only his jersey number, but the print run is also his jersey number. By eBay standards, this is a triple 1 of 1, which means it's value is infinite. The national debt could potentially be repaid with this card. I am now the most powerful man in the world thanks to the power of this card.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Topps 206 Adam Jones Old Mill back mini</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-88mr-2Ni92kR3jZpqsNAbR_cstM9VlF7LGiLaP9Mp6THBGxayFyxqGuA5pW3ax8QTOPigVzIZIDAgl_DAGMGqNuY7ycjqGbomXGhwCPvqcGw6nV3SOVSXRsukZ70Vl3Nyfn88fCFFuk/s1600-h/09+Topps+206+Adam+Jones+old+mill+back+mini.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-88mr-2Ni92kR3jZpqsNAbR_cstM9VlF7LGiLaP9Mp6THBGxayFyxqGuA5pW3ax8QTOPigVzIZIDAgl_DAGMGqNuY7ycjqGbomXGhwCPvqcGw6nV3SOVSXRsukZ70Vl3Nyfn88fCFFuk/s320/09+Topps+206+Adam+Jones+old+mill+back+mini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432497601274735954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Why do I never remember to scan the back of these things, when that's all that matters? I now have the regular and Old Mill back versions of this card. It would be cool to try and complete myself a little rainbow, but odds of finding the Magician back are slim to none, especially since there are only 8 of them. I've got a feeling Adam Jones is going to have a VERY big season this year.<br /><br /></span></div><br />Next up is a card from Mike, of <a href="http://jdswildcardz.blogspot.com/">JD's Wild Cardz</a>. I sent him a crummy Papelbon sticker auto (ewww!) and in return got this sweet Ichiro relic that is already on it's way to Bud, of <a href="http://firstdayissue.blogspot.com/">First Day Issue</a>, to satisfy a trade from a couple weeks back.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Topps 206 Ichiro Old Mill jersey relic</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEw67tl2jNkCtSfW9rxhDDYdbQI6HbDJAx_BjwMOvtGVtZkjAL7bfXMoCg-mqA7KyWtVx5dmlOEHt8G6bxU-SLlSuMzAree5UTdkAqZ1qvkVqP-9xkZOwpVMDenDnMQ2BnwmYH7aUU9Y/s1600-h/09+Topps+206+Ichiro+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEw67tl2jNkCtSfW9rxhDDYdbQI6HbDJAx_BjwMOvtGVtZkjAL7bfXMoCg-mqA7KyWtVx5dmlOEHt8G6bxU-SLlSuMzAree5UTdkAqZ1qvkVqP-9xkZOwpVMDenDnMQ2BnwmYH7aUU9Y/s400/09+Topps+206+Ichiro+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432497503302827554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last up are some cards from <a href="http://iamjoecollector.blogspot.com/">I Am Joe Collector's</a> group breaks. Along with my monthly Orioles slot, I also participated in his UD Premier Football break, and picked up a second monthly slot at a discount. The Athletics were offered up for $10, and I jumped all over it. As per usual, I didn't exactly "kill it" this month, but it surely could have been worse.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Topps 206 David Hernandez Piedmont autograph</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMwyfB88p2Nl1xM195zkXWu9uOD0PUpfTQo_42tdDDzQISlRa3xMYW7lfUqIYOxNzqmwx4ZrFgMxzzhBPWXDD73eeECdo6ov2eBsVlfBmuw345gsEGsnPogwGfxR2uq2j3hqRDDRs6Qg/s1600-h/09+Topps+206+David+Hernandez+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMwyfB88p2Nl1xM195zkXWu9uOD0PUpfTQo_42tdDDzQISlRa3xMYW7lfUqIYOxNzqmwx4ZrFgMxzzhBPWXDD73eeECdo6ov2eBsVlfBmuw345gsEGsnPogwGfxR2uq2j3hqRDDRs6Qg/s400/09+Topps+206+David+Hernandez+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431195983877208066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">It's a shame that Topps had to include a second auto set into 206 that uses those horrible rainbow stickers, especially since these framed mini, on-card autos look so damned good. Hernandez had a decent rookie campaign last season, and will either be the 5th starter, or possibly a long reliever this season. He has a plus fastball, and with another season or two of grooming, could be a decent if not good starter somewhere. </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2007 UD Exquisite Erik Bedard gold parallel #'d /75</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmt_-82X4wNwfvFPWNEfe73llPenQc4Mv2JtGdAgZbjNjReveC-hoRYF6BHXCMhv0WwnTlasgbQ4ySHQT1Q2yJx5KyIpFUef-6IYZ4r3KkIlGehMBCdic4zExfU15FD4SdMXp84NW2PI/s1600-h/07+Exquisite+Erik+Bedard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmt_-82X4wNwfvFPWNEfe73llPenQc4Mv2JtGdAgZbjNjReveC-hoRYF6BHXCMhv0WwnTlasgbQ4ySHQT1Q2yJx5KyIpFUef-6IYZ4r3KkIlGehMBCdic4zExfU15FD4SdMXp84NW2PI/s400/07+Exquisite+Erik+Bedard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431195977689419922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Wow, what a stupid card this is. It's about as thick as a patch card for essentially no reason at all. Why Bedard was in a product called Exquisite Rookies in 2007 is absolutely beyond me. I tthink his rookie season was 5 years earlier, in 2002.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2008 Upper Deck Premier Ed Reed Premier Stitchings silver manupatch #'d 8/30</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gkbLl1VJHvmIeYjkOlpx11aFbfUswDv8LQi8d_MMwQfbFXsrl2MaHgoqfrfoU9hXWFJapGYorZbPrVWP-w5H0DHhhL0kL0Mq-ScsFHcni1VYGF3UjBU10x_FPHxa1-RUMrx-4LbqZ1g/s1600-h/08+Premier+Ed+Reed+manupatch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gkbLl1VJHvmIeYjkOlpx11aFbfUswDv8LQi8d_MMwQfbFXsrl2MaHgoqfrfoU9hXWFJapGYorZbPrVWP-w5H0DHhhL0kL0Mq-ScsFHcni1VYGF3UjBU10x_FPHxa1-RUMrx-4LbqZ1g/s400/08+Premier+Ed+Reed+manupatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431195974540111394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Speaking of stupid cards.... This is the second Premier football break I've participated in, and the second crappy manupatch I've received as a result. At least it's a Raven this time. These cards would have been infinitely better with on-card autos at the bottom.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Topps 206 Jimmie Foxx short print</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg1xYthWgD3TsGLuNI0Gi6dj1PLVT9l0nkhGZAo8SfU7-zOkdq5melHtKRmK9GbItUDpUC5v4zagMWiGAJ6j48-lMgMY3N7k3LRueCKD5yFQYTbwr3Hi4XVUoHr6nB3GCg0sHnuWo2PM/s1600-h/09+Topps+206+Jimmie+Foxx+SP+back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg1xYthWgD3TsGLuNI0Gi6dj1PLVT9l0nkhGZAo8SfU7-zOkdq5melHtKRmK9GbItUDpUC5v4zagMWiGAJ6j48-lMgMY3N7k3LRueCKD5yFQYTbwr3Hi4XVUoHr6nB3GCg0sHnuWo2PM/s400/09+Topps+206+Jimmie+Foxx+SP+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431195970051928802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Look who finally remembered to scan the back. I got a whole bunch of Athletics base cards from this break, if anyone is interested, and I also received 2 copies of the card pictured above. Having already owned one prior to this break, I now have triples of this card. If anyone is interested, let me know.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Well, there you have it, this week's edition of cards from around the blogosphere. I'm hoping to post quite a bit over the next few days, and there will be another Pristine video break, along with a major announcement thrown in there somewhere. Stay tuned.<br /></div></div>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-25177934600386476092010-01-31T14:44:00.003-05:002010-01-31T15:17:29.245-05:00More eBay ShenanigansLook at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160399862844">THIS</a> card, then look at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Topps-Heritage-Brooks-Robinson-Nick-Markakis-60_W0QQitemZ120513574316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Football?hash=item1c0f2b35ac">THIS</a> card.<br /><br />I watched, and even bid on the hand-numbered version the first time it was listed, about 3 months ago. It was the first time I had ever seen that card, and I really wanted it. The fact that it was "hand-numbered" only made it more appealing. It ended up selling for $125, which was about $100 more than I was willing to pay. The day after that first auction, the card was re-listed by the winning bidder at $200, and Buy It Now.<br /><br />Fast forward to this morning.... I am trolling eBay, drooling over all the sweet new Markakii found in '09 Ultimate collection, and happen to stumble across TWO more Markakis/Brooks Heritage dual relics. Both of the new listings are NOT hand numbered, and most likely will NOT sell for $125.<br /><br />This is yet another reason to avoid eBay, and purchase your cards elsewhere. eBay does a horrible job policing it's listings, and there's quite a bit of counterfeit bullshit for sale these days.<br /><br />EDIT: It looks like Sooz may be right. She left a comment stating that perhaps just the gray swatches are numbered. I found <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Topps-Heritage-High-Markakis-Robinson-Dual-Relics_W0QQitemZ300390732020QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Baseball?hash=item45f0aed0f4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THIS</span></a> listing that backs up her claim. Why would Topps do that? Perhaps they are trying to make plain gray swatches more appealing?beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-37577331102671332482010-01-30T19:29:00.004-05:002010-01-30T19:46:49.551-05:00Longoria Rookie Auto For Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHIF5ytXmqcpELTv_xyoKSTICNvy9S46sz7cJVKTEflKMPg92CyWmsi6o2zEo42j6FPaNLLDQe5XPvwXrPn7DuP5YZ6RY75Yw4EtFMfo2XtaMTLPWc4VvJbiP5IEpKdZ8onDb9fzDnCQ/s1600-h/07+Bowman%27s+Best+Longoria+Auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHIF5ytXmqcpELTv_xyoKSTICNvy9S46sz7cJVKTEflKMPg92CyWmsi6o2zEo42j6FPaNLLDQe5XPvwXrPn7DuP5YZ6RY75Yw4EtFMfo2XtaMTLPWc4VvJbiP5IEpKdZ8onDb9fzDnCQ/s400/07+Bowman%27s+Best+Longoria+Auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432695860239321410" border="0" /></a><br />This is something I normally wouldn't do, but I need to generate some PayPal funds to purchase a Markakis jumbo patch from 2009 Ultimate. I don't want to sell this card, but would rather have a jumbo patch of my favorite player than an autograph of a young stud who plays for a rival.<br /><br />It's from 2007 Bowman's Best, and I acquired it from one of I Am Joe Collector's group breaks a few months ago. It is absolutely mint! I'm looking to get $50 for it, but am willing to accept offers as well. I apologize profusely for using my blog as a forum to whore out my collection, but I'm sure you all know how it is when you see a card you absolutely have to own.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-16114717530836127272010-01-30T17:58:00.003-05:002010-01-30T18:01:27.917-05:00Some People Are Real !@#$headsI just reported <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/nick-markakis-2007-allen-ginters-dick-perez-1-1_W0QQitemZ330400325974QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Baseball?hash=item4ced64e156#ht_500wt_920">THIS</a> as a fraudulent listing. I wonder how long it'll take for it to be pulled. Can you believe this dude (or dudette) is a "power seller"? The sad thing is that someone already bought one. I can't feel that bad for them though. $8 for a Dick Perez original? That definitely falls into the "too good to be true" category.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-53635342021861143812010-01-30T09:15:00.000-05:002010-01-30T09:15:00.059-05:00Trading With Myself.... Sort OfSince right around the beginning of this year, I have been selling some cards on <a href="http://www.checkoutmycards.com/">checkoutmycards</a>. While progress has been slow, I have managed $28.50 in sales so far, and this is how I spent it (including shipping).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1969 Topps Johnny Unitas</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g-vXA2OIvaqkHNOmke-rh0Jo-fjLIlzOfrpEnp1zM1dTf6WCBouLfjFtIAKURvwfPmYOwGaCk-5912mMLDQmYGCsPXSur466ixV5dTEvP9uDht1OSJDzq8Jv-b_5pQP5u8R_l5Q6a_4/s1600-h/69+Topps+Johnny+Unitas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g-vXA2OIvaqkHNOmke-rh0Jo-fjLIlzOfrpEnp1zM1dTf6WCBouLfjFtIAKURvwfPmYOwGaCk-5912mMLDQmYGCsPXSur466ixV5dTEvP9uDht1OSJDzq8Jv-b_5pQP5u8R_l5Q6a_4/s400/69+Topps+Johnny+Unitas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194827218888546" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Sheer perfection on cardboard. This is a great looking card of one of the games greatest quarterbacks. I was fortunate enough to meet Johnny U a few times, shortly before he passed, and he was a very kind man.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2006 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Derrick Mason autograph #5/99</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZARMX4E_G04HNe8ub2sWCsP3mmJYuZxeE-Twy6sR_ROdklcC-n-XT2kTUwiEyLRB_0Hm_dD4aoWqE9PQuFT7XuwgEqEYyJylQBTONIRRvC-zPv1CBx7IvzORYZhiVWv2OUdPD2Pg_hJg/s1600-h/05+UD+Ultimate+Derrick+Mason+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZARMX4E_G04HNe8ub2sWCsP3mmJYuZxeE-Twy6sR_ROdklcC-n-XT2kTUwiEyLRB_0Hm_dD4aoWqE9PQuFT7XuwgEqEYyJylQBTONIRRvC-zPv1CBx7IvzORYZhiVWv2OUdPD2Pg_hJg/s400/05+UD+Ultimate+Derrick+Mason+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194751311153938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Truly a signature that could not be contained by any stinkin' sticker. As you can see, Mason's scribblings venture outside of the signing area, but at least you can still see it. I heart on card autos.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2005 Fleer Patchworks Dontrelle Willis/Josh Beckett dual patch #21/25</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33keEjFg-Nsp4Oorz64XppQRD5o1MDUYl_mHTsRjin9sAXJjOcp1jipgVekt6-AenC6avgSjYulfalNnt5hPcwfIOu7pjmGPKtH5N6n0vyxxPHUe4Uf2UM8R3d3j4t-0BAocxYabfq4U/s1600-h/05+Fleer+Patchworks+Dontrelle+Willis+front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33keEjFg-Nsp4Oorz64XppQRD5o1MDUYl_mHTsRjin9sAXJjOcp1jipgVekt6-AenC6avgSjYulfalNnt5hPcwfIOu7pjmGPKtH5N6n0vyxxPHUe4Uf2UM8R3d3j4t-0BAocxYabfq4U/s400/05+Fleer+Patchworks+Dontrelle+Willis+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194744535658834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The D-Train on the front, with a great looking 4-color patch</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-watiQCydPMAV_TYiEiVJbaYSd9CCcm-8GHEuR3kuOofySDw4q0xRWp9Hmr_EqUE-dJz8thr0IE3WGmCZcH9m7K1VDUbOAYJ2QNW7S4DhWCGCPTadSsWSzmjHcib9doySsaj4L0GKl8/s1600-h/05+Fleer+Patchworks+Josh+Beckett+back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-watiQCydPMAV_TYiEiVJbaYSd9CCcm-8GHEuR3kuOofySDw4q0xRWp9Hmr_EqUE-dJz8thr0IE3WGmCZcH9m7K1VDUbOAYJ2QNW7S4DhWCGCPTadSsWSzmjHcib9doySsaj4L0GKl8/s400/05+Fleer+Patchworks+Josh+Beckett+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194741222981346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Beckett on the back, with a great looking 3 color patch. If this isn't the ultimate Marlins fan trade bait, I don't know what is.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br />2008 Topps Chrome Ichiro Trading Card History refractor</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WGIJQPBE0Cl_HMhM75kZevEgJOz-9oG-VxAAzMd3PON_ayPQLGADeDmdvfybdPbDTPJJ039hFojPA3-xlZlS3rAduV-csASKToXL6thizDaAkpF_S8HjdR-9WMbckEHSm-RqNR2CmdI/s1600-h/08+Topps+Chrome+Ichiro+trading+card+history+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WGIJQPBE0Cl_HMhM75kZevEgJOz-9oG-VxAAzMd3PON_ayPQLGADeDmdvfybdPbDTPJJ039hFojPA3-xlZlS3rAduV-csASKToXL6thizDaAkpF_S8HjdR-9WMbckEHSm-RqNR2CmdI/s400/08+Topps+Chrome+Ichiro+trading+card+history+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194735367990130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A card I have wanted since the first time I laid eyes on it. The Trading Card History subset was pretty solid, and the refractors are particularly awesome. I believe this card is based on a Japanese <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menko">Menko</a> design from the 1950's.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >2002 Bowman Chrome Reprints 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. refractor</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C2oR6ZRIfKolOvGITE2B7kT1mKjEjwOG4CWdB0ruR3nA__Ot4lxYQb_7NwFqm9EmyQTu06Zepvpe-J6qECtfF11OS_0puuSgz_9RtrEY-Pj5X5bxIZFBtQAKK0nV_m5rHaQakIiMtYY/s1600-h/02+Bowman+refracror+reprints+Griffey+jr+rookie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C2oR6ZRIfKolOvGITE2B7kT1mKjEjwOG4CWdB0ruR3nA__Ot4lxYQb_7NwFqm9EmyQTu06Zepvpe-J6qECtfF11OS_0puuSgz_9RtrEY-Pj5X5bxIZFBtQAKK0nV_m5rHaQakIiMtYY/s400/02+Bowman+refracror+reprints+Griffey+jr+rookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194732274422290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This will most likely serve as trade fodder for one of the 2 Mariners fans I owe cards to. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">All in all I think this is a stellar haul for $28 delivered. Lately a lot of people have been ranting about the excessive shipping costs on COMC, especially when compared to Sportlots & eBay. While shipping may not be cheap, in my opinion you are able to find better deals on checkoutmycards, especially on higher-end "hits", than you are on either of the other 2 sites. If I had purchased these cards individually on eBay, shipping would have easily exceeded $10, and may have been in the $15-$20 range. For instance, the other day, I picked up a Markakis/Adam Jones dual relic from Unique for $7.50. The card has a stated BV of $30 (ha!), routinely fetches over $10 on eBay, and would most likely cost a minimum of $2 to ship. I just saved almost $5 by picking this card up on COMC. Sportlots is another name that people often bring up. To be honest, I don't have that much experience with them, but I know that they do not give you the option to submit an offer for cards you want. You are stuck paying whatever the seller is asking, which in some instances, is simply too much. I've also found that a lot of listings on Sportlots don't include a scan or picture of the card. This might not be a big deal to some people, but if you're purchasing a patch card made by Upper Deck, don't you at least want to know if the edges are clean? They most likely aren't.<br /><br />Opinions are like Gellmans (no offense).... and everyone is entitled to think whatever they'd like, and obviously shop wherever they want to. For me, right now, that place is <a href="http://www.checkoutmycards.com/">checkoutmycards</a>.<br /></div></div>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-17944579234855275262010-01-29T08:34:00.001-05:002010-01-29T08:34:00.088-05:00Another Topps Pristine 2 Pack BreakI got these from the same seller as the <a href="http://beardysbaseballblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/topps-pristine-video-break.html">first break</a>, but decided against recording this one. It was probably for the best, as the pulls aren't near as exciting this time around. The EPA must have given Topps hell for all the wrappers this product generated. If you're not already familiar, these are packaged as a pack inside of a pack inside of a larger pack. Yes folks, THREE wrappers for one pack of cards. No wonder the Earth is rapidly warming (or cooling, depending on who you talk to).<br /><br />Last time we started with the 2003 pack, so this time around it's 2004 that will be first up to bat. After opening the larger outer wrapper, I found this card (and another pack):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shingo Takatsu uncirculated refractor #'d /499</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMxULl2dhdr8BDxWMjGxA5gbJyAM56QT07xCr4XKEoOTsAi4n5hf9ZvsjrQZ_1cfCxk3V8ilDM8q_vYZpIhFdZ_MSRsuLs6qLqsZwkBZkQO6310jYgIskYyNaH3Xu8M1WU1_Km5AaF2Q/s1600-h/Shingo+Takatsu+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMxULl2dhdr8BDxWMjGxA5gbJyAM56QT07xCr4XKEoOTsAi4n5hf9ZvsjrQZ_1cfCxk3V8ilDM8q_vYZpIhFdZ_MSRsuLs6qLqsZwkBZkQO6310jYgIskYyNaH3Xu8M1WU1_Km5AaF2Q/s400/Shingo+Takatsu+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196498610475106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I think this is of the uncommon variety, but it's hard to find solid info on this set.<br /></span></div><br /><br />After opening the second, slightly smaller pack, I found this card (and yet another pack):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Manny Ramirez Going, Going, Gone bat relic<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRFQjzo897HQkkbezvZEYsy2SccabW7K4yRKR8Ih-5OK7eg3HzGmSt6AdJNUhioXSWQEAYBFJWzAzTtWiVWJSeqopPb2PjBJ7OHWyR2iSSOZdvXY0TPo3dR-u_O4QIiDxWaD6zRcK09A/s1600-h/04+Manny+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRFQjzo897HQkkbezvZEYsy2SccabW7K4yRKR8Ih-5OK7eg3HzGmSt6AdJNUhioXSWQEAYBFJWzAzTtWiVWJSeqopPb2PjBJ7OHWyR2iSSOZdvXY0TPo3dR-u_O4QIiDxWaD6zRcK09A/s400/04+Manny+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196493685743410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Ahh, the good old days, when Topps actually let you know your chunk of wood is in fact from a game-used bat. It was so long ago that Manny still had short hair.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Each pack also contains one numbered rookie card. For as old as this pack is, it certainly could have been worse. At least I got a guy who's still in the league.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Erick Aybar numbered rookie #'d /999</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpb4RTUz33xuZg4EaeGsRUJG_HCyIRL9O-Fk0j7SGMQ9VlLWCsYd8fuRZGpiQ7sQyeRKdLve-vhdBj-CphtoaJ6TXI1xp7-wGngmK-YrRVfw1m0V4Itw1xNu3DKeW56OEMOtLyd1v2T8/s1600-h/04+Eric+Aybar+1st+year.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpb4RTUz33xuZg4EaeGsRUJG_HCyIRL9O-Fk0j7SGMQ9VlLWCsYd8fuRZGpiQ7sQyeRKdLve-vhdBj-CphtoaJ6TXI1xp7-wGngmK-YrRVfw1m0V4Itw1xNu3DKeW56OEMOtLyd1v2T8/s400/04+Eric+Aybar+1st+year.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196483296226946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just like last time around, hidden in the innards of that final pack was an autograph. It's not Lance Berkman again, but it could definitely have been worse.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Ervin Santana Personal Endorsements autograph<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBKKvfq4nA6A-8direU2XjFRbC4xhKoNWOHhkXDWv-lWIJbDm-jwi9sgQzuw98nLfgOtdbsJO0oALvx6TnhVRBjSEKYM3FMuT4o0DzZ_0Gj7JkjIXGbNe14BjinYvC1VsWqIhQCBORQM/s1600-h/04+Ervin+Santana+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBKKvfq4nA6A-8direU2XjFRbC4xhKoNWOHhkXDWv-lWIJbDm-jwi9sgQzuw98nLfgOtdbsJO0oALvx6TnhVRBjSEKYM3FMuT4o0DzZ_0Gj7JkjIXGbNe14BjinYvC1VsWqIhQCBORQM/s400/04+Ervin+Santana+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196488649067202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I didn't say anything about it when I pulled the Berkman, but these are some UGLY cards.<br /></span></div><br /><br />So yeah, that was the '04 pack. Not too shabby, especially not for $10. Let's move right along to the '03 flavor, and see what that pack had to offer. After ripping the first wrapper, this puppy was found tucked away inside, along with another pack (naturally).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michel Hernandez uncommon refractor #'d /99</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWgQNLDl-mO08QJ_8cot5NbBdb_bSWT50a1os6MKtLx9PWYprqlD1VVUu3IfYni-iZRA0kgYVbo1FTRbkxODawvG7vFUTppF6OsqeJsOeo6Ea1id5NbrMOoVFOPyBD6QsxXEGgCHzaCo/s1600-h/Michel+Hernandez+black+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWgQNLDl-mO08QJ_8cot5NbBdb_bSWT50a1os6MKtLx9PWYprqlD1VVUu3IfYni-iZRA0kgYVbo1FTRbkxODawvG7vFUTppF6OsqeJsOeo6Ea1id5NbrMOoVFOPyBD6QsxXEGgCHzaCo/s400/Michel+Hernandez+black+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196320283792194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">If only it were someone else.... The Ryan Howard uncommon refractor books for like $200. Michel Hernandez might book for $2.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After opening the pack within the pack, this is the game-used card that greeted me... along with another stinkin pack!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pedro Martinez Pristine Borders jersey relic</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHe5a5eV9d69duQf9Z35UxAOBkZWe0T0zArv5MfacHhCtuYGyxqLFBX6OwmaEBl27NnMxjijfpOSvtpSWuUM5QjlVDmML0jKCnedaFjObaDhkkNYRxnZGj7gKMXSn080EsDmI5bQY4Q/s1600-h/03+Pedro+Martinez+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHe5a5eV9d69duQf9Z35UxAOBkZWe0T0zArv5MfacHhCtuYGyxqLFBX6OwmaEBl27NnMxjijfpOSvtpSWuUM5QjlVDmML0jKCnedaFjObaDhkkNYRxnZGj7gKMXSn080EsDmI5bQY4Q/s400/03+Pedro+Martinez+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196310562992162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hello old friend, wearing a Red Sox jersey, which is how I choose to remember you. The swatch is pretty tiny, but I can't really complain about pulling this card. It beats an Eric Chavez relic any day of the week.<br /><br /><br /></span></div>The pack inside the pack inside the pack wasn't super exciting, but it did have the following 2 base cards in it, which I thought were pretty nice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4gOpUNJvviSdjpcCIH2U93G5iHCfbpcMUHaDfmP7Myh_wxo2EXggAUukH4XILD3gfX9Qi5GaVE2aTLpfXLgru_YMPN7QgE90Az3CZnpwed0jby1x1CCTIkNMDzpvkMBd9Hj3ZGfYSQk/s1600-h/03+Willie+mays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4gOpUNJvviSdjpcCIH2U93G5iHCfbpcMUHaDfmP7Myh_wxo2EXggAUukH4XILD3gfX9Qi5GaVE2aTLpfXLgru_YMPN7QgE90Az3CZnpwed0jby1x1CCTIkNMDzpvkMBd9Hj3ZGfYSQk/s400/03+Willie+mays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196315465748258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">There are legends in this set? Awesome!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFV4pfD8AwAa2M9H7kFxNCIDlfg9LskXXNd2qtd_kFjTGD49tpX0Q2nuNIryq7hiwcukXgAph9d9uaZMFKs5Uq1pVJqAz_hyphenhyphenqVAGEXwn9cBr3mbgJyItGgEYXRI9yr5aNlrqAb7pBZ38/s1600-h/03+Ryan+Howard+rookie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFV4pfD8AwAa2M9H7kFxNCIDlfg9LskXXNd2qtd_kFjTGD49tpX0Q2nuNIryq7hiwcukXgAph9d9uaZMFKs5Uq1pVJqAz_hyphenhyphenqVAGEXwn9cBr3mbgJyItGgEYXRI9yr5aNlrqAb7pBZ38/s400/03+Ryan+Howard+rookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431196314707980994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Now all I need is the uncommon & gold refractors to build myself a little rainbow. Based on recent eBay sales & listings, this card is pretty valuable for just being of the regular base variety.<br /></span></div><br /><br />There you have it, 2 more packs of Pristine busted and scanned for all the world to see. I've actually got 2 more packs of each on the way (4 more packs total), and they will be busted on video, most likely over the weekend. The eBay seller from whom I purchased the first 4 packs offered me the rest of his inventory at a very reasonable price ($10/pack). It will be a bit of a group break, as Jay from The Mojo Hand and I are splitting the costs 50/50. We're going to try to do something fun with it, and hopefully end up with a nice little pack break video.<br /><br />What do you guys think of Pristine? Do you wish it was still around? Any ideas on why Topps chose to kill off the brand?beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-73645667249154573272010-01-27T12:25:00.002-05:002010-02-13T16:42:11.826-05:00Bipped Again! This Time It's PersonalYou're nice enough to send a guy a Jordan Zimmerman autograph, and this is what he sends in return. The nerve of some people! As I briefly mentioned last week, this Bipping is brought to you courtesy of Matt from <a href="http://heartbreakingcards.blogspot.com/">Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius</a>. I'm guessing that once the Jayhawks season is over, there probably isn't much to do in Lawrence, but that is surely no excuse to reach out and Bip someone.<br /><br />Matt started things off by sending me a 1995 Upper Deck Armando Benitez card....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKWCHpCbjpK04oEmSnGezVsXbZ2g6uKTrnA5TJyizv-aQadFR0iTomAZYUfZkkPi-PcAGUHvc3YN2W8OSg4Dl4FceAki8xKeAePBr-qyQ60YVJIQt_DoAR2ZWM3nAFQJI90VTFUnNYYY/s1600-h/95+UD+Benitez+rookie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKWCHpCbjpK04oEmSnGezVsXbZ2g6uKTrnA5TJyizv-aQadFR0iTomAZYUfZkkPi-PcAGUHvc3YN2W8OSg4Dl4FceAki8xKeAePBr-qyQ60YVJIQt_DoAR2ZWM3nAFQJI90VTFUnNYYY/s400/95+UD+Benitez+rookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193604537616642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">TIMES SIX!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGarWwgimkZ1p8pB5mDx1wyNlwSjdQNzu42W-CXZLQ6z2hh-2giWZakH8GT20zc0i9HRHe24ymFJFatE6E1qesJnb1tDKiLDxZ0WgizRgrfhxWXBa6hH8vV9TMeB5V0Xj80NO2orWrZ0/s1600-h/Benitez+Bip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGarWwgimkZ1p8pB5mDx1wyNlwSjdQNzu42W-CXZLQ6z2hh-2giWZakH8GT20zc0i9HRHe24ymFJFatE6E1qesJnb1tDKiLDxZ0WgizRgrfhxWXBa6hH8vV9TMeB5V0Xj80NO2orWrZ0/s400/Benitez+Bip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193597447930114" border="0" /></a><br />Followed by <span style="font-weight: bold;">FOUR</span> 1986 Topps Sammy Stewarts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQfsEfN5neShPcsCLKXCPHH2SU0AhaPrG2Cg8p-qFDSDxKtUzG9NTagiZdzJVcGxx70dZtouNbu5M5Dcz_eZpcvAEQJm_lg78VT_CfAeOL5_ZWKPNUXhDNk65S5gC4DVyMTvXxD1-6U/s1600-h/Sammy+Stewart+Bip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQfsEfN5neShPcsCLKXCPHH2SU0AhaPrG2Cg8p-qFDSDxKtUzG9NTagiZdzJVcGxx70dZtouNbu5M5Dcz_eZpcvAEQJm_lg78VT_CfAeOL5_ZWKPNUXhDNk65S5gC4DVyMTvXxD1-6U/s400/Sammy+Stewart+Bip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193488054613906" border="0" /></a>All of this was innocent enough, and didn't cut near as deep as my first Bipping, at the hands of GCRL. But then I saw it...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSVV8C2WG1c9Gw5V5jJMmets-UU0aiFnkSkVl_nxSCGUCeRgW1v9tEd-lkpu2cHHUjVsQZCxUYaWUhz9zmonuIYdjbF4ANP2fLxJ7u2qkDmS6DyN50PVz77PqZvUutqnr1qadMzGWTuo/s1600-h/Gregg+Olson+Bip+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSVV8C2WG1c9Gw5V5jJMmets-UU0aiFnkSkVl_nxSCGUCeRgW1v9tEd-lkpu2cHHUjVsQZCxUYaWUhz9zmonuIYdjbF4ANP2fLxJ7u2qkDmS6DyN50PVz77PqZvUutqnr1qadMzGWTuo/s400/Gregg+Olson+Bip+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193477860308434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This is "it"<br /></span></div><br />The dreaded double "g" spelling of Greg, which happens to be my name. Matt knows this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsZ2gPlV9Y9hNba9dExBeZHHMlKVZSGFZKEsS80Sa1ZX11EvTXDfVhlNVqPnUIphyphenhyphenVso0ra-9lSsR2ANj9troOfc0bvo6xp_IZ2TA7JxprRvxsuy3q6isxwJC1mlB0VmIOAeFr3GPphM/s1600-h/Gregg+Olson+Bip+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsZ2gPlV9Y9hNba9dExBeZHHMlKVZSGFZKEsS80Sa1ZX11EvTXDfVhlNVqPnUIphyphenhyphenVso0ra-9lSsR2ANj9troOfc0bvo6xp_IZ2TA7JxprRvxsuy3q6isxwJC1mlB0VmIOAeFr3GPphM/s400/Gregg+Olson+Bip+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193473993954594" border="0" /></a>Matt knows that I have written in the past about my dislike for the nonsensical double "g" butchering of my first name. He knew.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQjjQKIC4uGCK8CLPaBkX2CTaI-VwiUxbKstqtYwbxEl4yUVlgSxcXYS93vzZvd_WpGldwQLtGXtoOuDS564ekxZdaaJT1YPOyHiusf981Xfx5xHUIASHoGhjSdOPZW1TrQDfmSB7LQk/s1600-h/Gregg+Olson+Bip+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQjjQKIC4uGCK8CLPaBkX2CTaI-VwiUxbKstqtYwbxEl4yUVlgSxcXYS93vzZvd_WpGldwQLtGXtoOuDS564ekxZdaaJT1YPOyHiusf981Xfx5xHUIASHoGhjSdOPZW1TrQDfmSB7LQk/s400/Gregg+Olson+Bip+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193471083010498" border="0" /></a>He knew yet he sent the cards anyway. The balls on this friggin' guy!<br /><br /><br />I guess since this card was sent along as well, I can't be that mad. Another Brooks relic for the player collection. It's not actually a bat though, it's a piece of wood from a park bench that Brooks sat in one time. The back says "Congratulations, you have received a piece of wood".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2005 Donruss Champions Brooks Robinson relic</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicir5PREbPe7RYZOCx3_TZmErEEEYZ3vy6OuJoHM_3LglnU-qlRISMlaQ-kEG4vdwYzGfM_ish_BQa9jFa3rBAQrvXhPye7BYCzfQfuY6Muq4bSfhpOExiAqFhMHosQanlRgyfzmZRzto/s1600-h/05+Donruss+Champions+Brooks+Robinson+bat+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicir5PREbPe7RYZOCx3_TZmErEEEYZ3vy6OuJoHM_3LglnU-qlRISMlaQ-kEG4vdwYzGfM_ish_BQa9jFa3rBAQrvXhPye7BYCzfQfuY6Muq4bSfhpOExiAqFhMHosQanlRgyfzmZRzto/s400/05+Donruss+Champions+Brooks+Robinson+bat+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431193467255204066" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks for the cards Matt.... I guess. I want you to keep it in the back of your mind that maybe, just maybe, I will seek vengeance. Probably not, cause I'm lazy, but I could.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-73099485605874850942010-01-26T13:07:00.003-05:002010-01-26T13:07:00.053-05:00Trades From Across The BlogosphereExcuse my absence for the past couple of days. There's a lot going on on beardyland, and we may become homeowners in the next few weeks. Pretty overwhelming if you ask me. Anyway, back to the card stuff.<br /><br />Since there's always a whole lot of tradin' goin' on, I've decided this is going to become a weekly feature, cards allowing of course.<br /><br />First up is a card from Marck, the <a href="http://collectivetroll.blogspot.com/">Collective Troll</a>. He's got one of the best card blogs around, and is also an extremely generous collector. After seeing that he had been busting some '08 Ginter boxes, I dropped him an email to see if he had pulled any Ancient Icons mini cards, since it was a set I had been thinking about chasing. The card below was sent to me in exchange for absolutely nothing. That's right, FREE. I know the Troll likes Brian Roberts, and I happen to have a TON of B-Rob cards laying around. His generosity will surely not be overlooked.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2008 Allen & Ginter Ancient Icons minis Quetzalcoatl</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-JWBFGz7YPcuwD-tznoCe396yWDpNVtqQVm5-7JR17IVPkApqltLkQImcHAQSzIKGpWgk7TnnAhv7lINzSJNzwxEKCwThxIUD0aDg8oxz4vcs9VkhgXEfggmBPEf6fLk4E-3ISIOGhE/s1600-h/08+Ginter+Icons+Quetzalcoatl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-JWBFGz7YPcuwD-tznoCe396yWDpNVtqQVm5-7JR17IVPkApqltLkQImcHAQSzIKGpWgk7TnnAhv7lINzSJNzwxEKCwThxIUD0aDg8oxz4vcs9VkhgXEfggmBPEf6fLk4E-3ISIOGhE/s320/08+Ginter+Icons+Quetzalcoatl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929658432377266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This is what Homer saw after eating the hot peppers at the chili festival.<br /></span></div><br /><br />Next up are a few cards from Ron over at <a href="http://section-36.blogspot.com/">Section 36</a>. He had originally emailed me about a Ginter World Leader mini, but sent these great cards along as well. I deem our first trade a rousing success.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Topps 206 Aubrey Huff Cycle back mini #'d /99</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24mLdb8ikORxZEAsuTy2LpXKsYkpu9D4EMpgINiD3dJtBEx_0tdzNuGhUnyv6L6rw0bPLpLHkTv_l7V2gbM5eJB98t1zJF_yNEt2vn-HUS6qZIgt4axubHaGZLtsn6QniXP6SnIgqfI0/s1600-h/09+Topps+206+Aubrey+Huff+Cycle+back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24mLdb8ikORxZEAsuTy2LpXKsYkpu9D4EMpgINiD3dJtBEx_0tdzNuGhUnyv6L6rw0bPLpLHkTv_l7V2gbM5eJB98t1zJF_yNEt2vn-HUS6qZIgt4axubHaGZLtsn6QniXP6SnIgqfI0/s320/09+Topps+206+Aubrey+Huff+Cycle+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929656101171730" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Probably should have scanned the back of this one instead. Sorry guys.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2007 Upper Deck Erik Bedard Game Materials relic</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVajQmAuVOqC9ByBZ9cWf4e6GigTkERhWd9T6t_i5u6Zoj9qV9WCMfY4kpEBpJ9pO6LjjLRGeHo0ISWAR2Xh_6iPKa2mONL1oGXsdNFHto0V2e95ZpPg52E-XXNtuXhx-r1-G_0m2rtjw/s1600-h/07+UD+Erik+Bedard+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVajQmAuVOqC9ByBZ9cWf4e6GigTkERhWd9T6t_i5u6Zoj9qV9WCMfY4kpEBpJ9pO6LjjLRGeHo0ISWAR2Xh_6iPKa2mONL1oGXsdNFHto0V2e95ZpPg52E-XXNtuXhx-r1-G_0m2rtjw/s400/07+UD+Erik+Bedard+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929487855109922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Does anyone know what's going on with this guy right now? It's doubtful that anyone outside of Seattle or Baltimore gives a damn, but Bedard has gone AWOL. There are doubts he will even be able to pitch next season. Pishawww!<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2000 Topps Stars Brooks Robinson Spotlights</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3wqMrp9n797qDeNilkKwLsxPEoahqsVXOpYfJiGWQ33UfyRPgue5TrZdUuazpkXhZdG_LyOkLqp10XP-7oslTVfAo1Ok8_KZlpwQTJdKZngGZNHcoozopHswlv-Lezk_xZLaKbF8MLE/s1600-h/00+Topps+Stars+Spotlights+Brooks+Robinson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3wqMrp9n797qDeNilkKwLsxPEoahqsVXOpYfJiGWQ33UfyRPgue5TrZdUuazpkXhZdG_LyOkLqp10XP-7oslTVfAo1Ok8_KZlpwQTJdKZngGZNHcoozopHswlv-Lezk_xZLaKbF8MLE/s400/00+Topps+Stars+Spotlights+Brooks+Robinson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929480015944754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">If only he could take charge of his hairline like he could a dribbler down the third base line. This is a nice card, and a new one for the Brooks collection. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2001 Upper Deck Decade Eddie Murray Award Winners '78 ROY</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpsp7PN2AbOLLnwnZHZsgQn9BhqzrK0va4FP-2hGU0iH22vyo-jdK8DLKRGkAjNN8SNM6VQ7dXTlMB7vZ3cC-AxTIn__iikU0xMmZcbypPgBIsWvWFm40wYUpQkY_fL3eWRJddGODC8g/s1600-h/01+UD+Decade+Eddie+Murray.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpsp7PN2AbOLLnwnZHZsgQn9BhqzrK0va4FP-2hGU0iH22vyo-jdK8DLKRGkAjNN8SNM6VQ7dXTlMB7vZ3cC-AxTIn__iikU0xMmZcbypPgBIsWvWFm40wYUpQkY_fL3eWRJddGODC8g/s400/01+UD+Decade+Eddie+Murray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929309410224450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Has the ability to look badass even during an awkward backswing. You think he made contact?<br /></span></div><br /><br />Next up are some cards from Joe over at <a href="http://cobbandhalladay.blogspot.com/">Cobb & Halladay</a>. Since helping me complete the great Burke Kenny nona-fecta, Joe has become one of my favorite people to trade with, and I think this is our third or fourth completed trade.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2006 Playoff Contenders Haloti Ngata autograph</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJ5nxLHLMGhMuWOby3FzKOk6kZ8GDucuz4CDaYeSAE-YwPBV4gbHVqVN6W1fjYhkUn1D8SDGsCLwt6ioKlnerDfhCMdYUNjf-VkL6PGX7Yoips3jNHri3OJXyjlsOQ99cnYOuQyNxoQ/s1600-h/06+Playoff+Contenders+Haloti+Ngata+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJ5nxLHLMGhMuWOby3FzKOk6kZ8GDucuz4CDaYeSAE-YwPBV4gbHVqVN6W1fjYhkUn1D8SDGsCLwt6ioKlnerDfhCMdYUNjf-VkL6PGX7Yoips3jNHri3OJXyjlsOQ99cnYOuQyNxoQ/s400/06+Playoff+Contenders+Haloti+Ngata+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929307193541938" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Haloti sort of has chick handwriting. This is the second rookie auto I have of his, both of them are signed with #96, which must have been what he wore at Oregon. He's always worn #92 as a pro.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2008 Upper Deck SP Threads Dwayne Bowe/Eddie Royal dual relic #'d /199</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhLsOeWoUmRr8ObiLA1LsLMoUfPP1PX2ESojxMGbxbuW3hQgahoatTcNtIBUfk2TO_HKwjPErTyKpZx9M-STHdJxzY5KYXIO-lstdQISFZxVJr8nJ6b0A4Gde25P1HMGkuarSMEGQISM/s1600-h/08+SP+Threads+Dwayne+Bowe-Eddie+Royal+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhLsOeWoUmRr8ObiLA1LsLMoUfPP1PX2ESojxMGbxbuW3hQgahoatTcNtIBUfk2TO_HKwjPErTyKpZx9M-STHdJxzY5KYXIO-lstdQISFZxVJr8nJ6b0A4Gde25P1HMGkuarSMEGQISM/s400/08+SP+Threads+Dwayne+Bowe-Eddie+Royal+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929303728154642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">My first Dwayne Bowe relic! What the heck happened to Eddie Royal anyway? He set the fantasy football world on fire as a rookie, but didn't do diddly-poo this past season. I blame the system. At first I blamed Orton, but he actually had a pretty decent season.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2008 Upper Deck Team USA Brian Matusz National Team jersey</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEtkSLrisjZEWpmUUWaFLsiIdBM9mZTNYUe7nP9cayQ357akC_I036KoUtkgex8AlCUzojFYf8bWrQpCw2XOI7q6AcQWwS7c1mwCiA-cm-rmKLhfEygak81uQKb_jOekoeze1j0-rJI/s1600-h/08+UD+Team+USA+Jake+Arietta+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEtkSLrisjZEWpmUUWaFLsiIdBM9mZTNYUe7nP9cayQ357akC_I036KoUtkgex8AlCUzojFYf8bWrQpCw2XOI7q6AcQWwS7c1mwCiA-cm-rmKLhfEygak81uQKb_jOekoeze1j0-rJI/s400/08+UD+Team+USA+Jake+Arietta+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929298968551234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This guy is going to be one of a few of the O's young guns with a chance to really step up this season. With the lineup that Andy McPhail has put together, it'll only take one or two of the young arms to flourish for the Orioles to threaten the .500 mark this season. Mark it dude. Baby steps.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2008 Bowman Ray Rice refractor </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZU2G6dXjZ4pDOoDX4X4nWvEHV6fKakJM3tI0lRQuEgZqIBkyw9TmjNWHdGljl4j-E99YkxbANvW6mzXfgSv2e6bXkJyOo_cCDxVWbHFZC9J21Ed3TC03fnw87kN8XtwMH11pN1B8I94/s1600-h/08+BoChro+Ray+Rice+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZU2G6dXjZ4pDOoDX4X4nWvEHV6fKakJM3tI0lRQuEgZqIBkyw9TmjNWHdGljl4j-E99YkxbANvW6mzXfgSv2e6bXkJyOo_cCDxVWbHFZC9J21Ed3TC03fnw87kN8XtwMH11pN1B8I94/s400/08+BoChro+Ray+Rice+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429929293867906674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Another Ray Rice rookie for my player collection. You all know how I feel about Baltimore's other Ray by now, and I was pretty happy to get this card. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Well... that's that. Another great round of trades scanned, posted and commented upon for your viewing pleasure. Thanks to Marck, Ron & Joe for the great cards. If you haven't already gotten them, your cards should hit the mail in the next few days.<br /></div></div><br />Also a big thank you to <a href="http://baseballdad-mytribeblog.blogspot.com/">Baseball Dad</a> and <a href="http://i-am-the-average-joe.blogspot.com/">The Average Joe</a> for sending me some cards from my Goodwin Champions want list. I'm still a long way from finishing, but progress is progress.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-89929619758916006762010-01-23T16:25:00.001-05:002010-01-23T17:07:22.502-05:00Cards From Mr. ScottI meant to post this hours ago, but today has been pretty terrible so far, and I'm just getting around to it now. It all started this morning, at 6:07, when I woke up late for work. I was supposed to be in at 6. As I finally arrived at the office, 45 minutes late, without a shower, I witnessed a hate crime on my way in the door, as someone had defaced the sushi bar next door, and left some not so nice racial epithets scribbled on the front door. As if that wasn't bad enough, it's been insanely busy since I got here, and all I can think about is how much I'd rather be at Orioles Fan-Fest today, instead of being stuck at work. Saturday is typically the slowest day here, so typically that is when I catch up on posting. Not today. Not at all. At least not until just now.<br /><br />In retrospect, that might not be such a bad thing, especially since Mr. Scott of <a href="http://mrscotts.blogspot.com/">Mr. Scott's Baseball Cards</a>, sent me a couple of cards of a player who until a few hours ago was only a former Oriole. What was old is new again, and Miguel "B-12" Tejada is once again back in Charm City. This morning the Orioles and Tejada reached an agreement on a one-year deal, and he will most likely play 3rd base this time around.<br /><br />The only Yankees fan I like is the one who is currently sending me O's cards. This rule currently applies to Mr. Scott, and Mr. Scott only. I am only capable of setting aside my hatred on an individual case-by-case basis.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2005 Leaf Certified Materials Miguel Tejada "Certified Skills" relic</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF8yjbzUB1c0PSawLoVh74GZ0wX5xKkJsNV77MYnWjKO9Z6DMoovO7LP_API1eHueO2QwnIjQl5k4Xpt79PGLu6Xm4si4oA_ZE7yLG4qDLgj9GK_Xf7jXhRDOt71erQn9P-ba6mriFnI/s1600-h/05+Leaf+Certified+Materials+Miguel+Tejada+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF8yjbzUB1c0PSawLoVh74GZ0wX5xKkJsNV77MYnWjKO9Z6DMoovO7LP_API1eHueO2QwnIjQl5k4Xpt79PGLu6Xm4si4oA_ZE7yLG4qDLgj9GK_Xf7jXhRDOt71erQn9P-ba6mriFnI/s400/05+Leaf+Certified+Materials+Miguel+Tejada+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926386789234146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Well isn't this card fancy. While I do not like Tejada, I am sort of happy to see him back in town, especially so because he's only here on a one year deal, and most likely won't be a payroll crusher. We do need someone to play third base, and Tejada, even at his worst still puts up decent numbers. After the season Melvin Mora had, I doubt the bar is set very high to begin with.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2008 Topps Lou Montanez "Red Hot Rookie" refractor</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM4_fZqn6iU29UmZOos1e2OgCIdU2vLpG7sj-iwcy5r3dd7AsIaz3JWlv-QFBRwy8eKGVwnNHU7Tp0yFpn4-LvE0vYEShoFIbt7BMJl7NkYBakIHzbB30IHMSmfX2u0BcMF_k1Z6JyBc/s1600-h/08+Topps+Lou+Montanez+Red+Hot+Rookie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM4_fZqn6iU29UmZOos1e2OgCIdU2vLpG7sj-iwcy5r3dd7AsIaz3JWlv-QFBRwy8eKGVwnNHU7Tp0yFpn4-LvE0vYEShoFIbt7BMJl7NkYBakIHzbB30IHMSmfX2u0BcMF_k1Z6JyBc/s400/08+Topps+Lou+Montanez+Red+Hot+Rookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926380493594050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">What a great looking card! Nice action shot, loads of shine, and a ton of color. Too bad Topps took the cheap way out in '09 and didn't make the rookie redemption cards with refractor technology. It still took them like 8 months to produce them....<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2007 Bowman Chrome Miguel Tejada xfractor</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AGBsLy12nxwZqjSbjY5J3_zDAJ3fDR8Zbjvk07KvCfIQge24pUfTcUf4DHVXjvnTt-iJlF8fafTuOXiqIuTAa48JNS7vd9l7soaTWP4tqGDdDAlVth-bPCqqiXcRY0JtccSU-MIyMwo/s1600-h/07+BoChro+Miguel+Tejada.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AGBsLy12nxwZqjSbjY5J3_zDAJ3fDR8Zbjvk07KvCfIQge24pUfTcUf4DHVXjvnTt-iJlF8fafTuOXiqIuTAa48JNS7vd9l7soaTWP4tqGDdDAlVth-bPCqqiXcRY0JtccSU-MIyMwo/s400/07+BoChro+Miguel+Tejada.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926376254989170" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's still so busy here at work that I won't have time to write up a witty little editorial for each card. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2006 Bowman Chrome Brian Roberts xfractor</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjUajxLZqvdk-hMJcLC0hUs0ygk0Ar5ur8UxPxDA3WMRWLQ-IfyLlqmLnjpAeGxO4I12xJLv4VLuN0HIxpqLoWMDG_ZdduZNkFn0hvW3ZHkAAm2GbvPcxGzao7CcJ3AbT9dNstUYCj7M/s1600-h/06+BoChro+Brian+Roberts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjUajxLZqvdk-hMJcLC0hUs0ygk0Ar5ur8UxPxDA3WMRWLQ-IfyLlqmLnjpAeGxO4I12xJLv4VLuN0HIxpqLoWMDG_ZdduZNkFn0hvW3ZHkAAm2GbvPcxGzao7CcJ3AbT9dNstUYCj7M/s400/06+BoChro+Brian+Roberts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926237935034066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Do you think the Freemasons invented xfractors? Look at the angles.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1996 Flair Cal Ripken Jr. Promo</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuVz7HRu84zck0TRnWaQM_NSJ0ZrJitFtPJdQpAZELkxgiwT0PU5wTvW9Z4je-N8MXTsjyq3cHhSI1pV0l_SyY56090qlNCmv968b1Co4HcVeD2HkUfSGCCUD0VKWcy2hQ7oS4aLOs38/s1600-h/96+Flair+Cal+Ripken+Promo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuVz7HRu84zck0TRnWaQM_NSJ0ZrJitFtPJdQpAZELkxgiwT0PU5wTvW9Z4je-N8MXTsjyq3cHhSI1pV0l_SyY56090qlNCmv968b1Co4HcVeD2HkUfSGCCUD0VKWcy2hQ7oS4aLOs38/s400/96+Flair+Cal+Ripken+Promo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926231221798242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I wasn't collecting in '96, but the sheer beauty of these cards must have blown people's minds back then.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2008 Topps Finest Erik Bedard blue refractor</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiysqQM8w8FSH2hVM-cqJPi7FXpTYFU98jQN7GTHeem7kWBx33yoqUgZUXJBlqI1Zw3vuqPFhHlVM5phahPpqWkct0xcAABZdbDGjD-oocW-1P7UrlXUvRqG9vwjj-5vZmRmMQ4uZ4KA/s1600-h/08+Topps+Finest+Eric+Bedard+blue+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiysqQM8w8FSH2hVM-cqJPi7FXpTYFU98jQN7GTHeem7kWBx33yoqUgZUXJBlqI1Zw3vuqPFhHlVM5phahPpqWkct0xcAABZdbDGjD-oocW-1P7UrlXUvRqG9vwjj-5vZmRmMQ4uZ4KA/s400/08+Topps+Finest+Eric+Bedard+blue+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926229465393522" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">There has been some buzz about this guy possibly coming back to Baltimore as well.</span> </span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2008 Topps Finest Erik Bedard green refractor</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8KFm9NGhVCc4dC-FMc0PB89WCPtX0S1G1cLXOXudPnTeqLGrefj_SdtZsI_ZvNfKlE7ZfE2XiJvCK-KUT1Ox_62cSNXE-fZB9I84XiFB4w0xmMI2-sLL6VyWJEyPp2bvwUZXx20OQbI/s1600-h/08+Topps+Finest+Eric+Bedard+green+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8KFm9NGhVCc4dC-FMc0PB89WCPtX0S1G1cLXOXudPnTeqLGrefj_SdtZsI_ZvNfKlE7ZfE2XiJvCK-KUT1Ox_62cSNXE-fZB9I84XiFB4w0xmMI2-sLL6VyWJEyPp2bvwUZXx20OQbI/s400/08+Topps+Finest+Eric+Bedard+green+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926223714125410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I'd be ok with it if he was willing to pitch more than 5 innings an outing, and could stay healthy for an entire season. Oh, and he has to be nice to the media as well. I work with a guy who used to be a cameraman for the O's broadcast network, and he has quite a few stories of nasty run-ins with Bedard the recluse.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2002 Topps Archives Frank Robinson refractor reprints </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR7xM8VOeqoiXf_oz2qifYfUnUy6tOpjzq4UGNRoMSRISqtVKTKLmd9BInEmdYY-MZC5FmGztFLmbd9eNPYwAwf7Q5r9CznUEqeWFiUkiGTBum_lPbYWucIZiMiiOjjiaQTDdR7l4wOk/s1600-h/02+Topps+Archives+Frank+Robinson+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR7xM8VOeqoiXf_oz2qifYfUnUy6tOpjzq4UGNRoMSRISqtVKTKLmd9BInEmdYY-MZC5FmGztFLmbd9eNPYwAwf7Q5r9CznUEqeWFiUkiGTBum_lPbYWucIZiMiiOjjiaQTDdR7l4wOk/s400/02+Topps+Archives+Frank+Robinson+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429926213398337586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I've always been bothered by the fact that he is clearly wearing a Reds uniform in this photo. It bothers me so much that I don't own the original yet. Some things never change.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for the great cards Mr. Scott. Expect a return package chock full o' evil pinstripers some time next week.<br /></div></div><br />To any O's fans out there who made it to FanFest, please post some pics or something. I'm literally green with envy right now.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-70979627525641624602010-01-22T08:52:00.000-05:002010-01-22T08:52:00.274-05:00The Joy of a Completed PageNow if I could only find a card shop nearby that sells pages for these things... So far I am 0 for 3, which makes me good enough to play 3rd base for the O's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Esewftgr3S1a1Rdst34gQSkyPX9dckTSiqhoQalTjGWKhwFMuWOt05sqAkvzaXKyQaEiiQmmzbl4W12rZ1dgPom0WuRywfdIpUqcGGbFL0ckRZt3z8uhGXo7E9LUUz35d96a6xP8I0/s1600-h/09+Ginter+Creatures+Set"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Esewftgr3S1a1Rdst34gQSkyPX9dckTSiqhoQalTjGWKhwFMuWOt05sqAkvzaXKyQaEiiQmmzbl4W12rZ1dgPom0WuRywfdIpUqcGGbFL0ckRZt3z8uhGXo7E9LUUz35d96a6xP8I0/s400/09+Ginter+Creatures+Set" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429531440970855106" border="0" /></a><br />Another <span style="font-size:130%;">BIG</span> thank you to everyone who helped me complete this set. There is absolutely no way I could have done it without making trades all over the place.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br />Oh, and another thing... THIS IS POST #400!</span>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-1652497361073347582010-01-21T09:22:00.000-05:002010-01-21T09:22:00.478-05:00Topps Pristine Video BreakWelcome to my first video break. Going forward I promise not to be such a goober, and to actually hold the cards in front of the camera, and not off to the side. You know, so you can actually SEE them and stuff.<br /><br />Both of these sealed blister packs (one 2003 & one 2004) came from eBay, and were a ton of fun to bust. I understand why this product is no longer around, as it is very similar to Finest, but the cards are still very nice. One thing that makes no sense to me is the whole "uncirculated" thing. These things are inserted into packs. Doesn't that count as "circulation"? I understand that they come in nifty hard cases, sealed with Topps foil stickers for safety, but how does that make a card "uncirculated"?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Video:</span><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wrzS7qt2bNY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wrzS7qt2bNY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Goods:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2003:</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYyqqyu_4r4Et6vHuwkNB1WndV8t29Uvsp44gaX-Enzkx91ya62iAbdzAyE-SYC1hL17RARl0xQBi70LS5jbiHNRVx_LU78VPkMU9kta6veqip2i8g_HKBACQT1GJ56QaMjJilXamsl8/s1600-h/Ryan+Howard+rookie+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYyqqyu_4r4Et6vHuwkNB1WndV8t29Uvsp44gaX-Enzkx91ya62iAbdzAyE-SYC1hL17RARl0xQBi70LS5jbiHNRVx_LU78VPkMU9kta6veqip2i8g_HKBACQT1GJ56QaMjJilXamsl8/s400/Ryan+Howard+rookie+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965322207049650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Sweet! #'d to 1599. Not sure what this card is worth, but I know it's one of the better pulls in the '03 release.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHAgR7muwhVLc5cJM13tTrHrHXmjJCot9N9TPtt8nN_XKKLvKHfx0JD3fMweQPnaoWN2AbTcrx0vQREf-LuQYmoppJ7MT3JVQ9EMJIkT0QBj73OxwOfk-gPz_Xan2ViPROmsyfI4eNQM/s1600-h/Eric+Chavez+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHAgR7muwhVLc5cJM13tTrHrHXmjJCot9N9TPtt8nN_XKKLvKHfx0JD3fMweQPnaoWN2AbTcrx0vQREf-LuQYmoppJ7MT3JVQ9EMJIkT0QBj73OxwOfk-gPz_Xan2ViPROmsyfI4eNQM/s400/Eric+Chavez+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965332208333458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Chavez is one of those players who haunts me. This has to be at least the third Eric Chavez "hit" I've pulled since starting this blog.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY3FWafA-TUYYMP4cZc7eAuqUqpFTwM7a4-4WJz2b8IX2LL6tXWSdb08Ly8da2yaEnBStyi1ad3YwvZiKzQ2hlM5x3M97W8XCFsByf0slSCVgWsdpxo9fFLUuq0b9Z9Sezl593XBVjlQ/s1600-h/Jose+Contreras+numbered.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY3FWafA-TUYYMP4cZc7eAuqUqpFTwM7a4-4WJz2b8IX2LL6tXWSdb08Ly8da2yaEnBStyi1ad3YwvZiKzQ2hlM5x3M97W8XCFsByf0slSCVgWsdpxo9fFLUuq0b9Z9Sezl593XBVjlQ/s400/Jose+Contreras+numbered.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965325677785762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">#'d to 1999. Not sure why I scanned this card. Probably because it's numbered. That's about the only way a damn Yankee makes it onto this site.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2004:</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy29QuwApZDYJ-YCMgFAtYZ5Q-f38VfREvLgZeEdWzsA0V9qH27vsxoKceGHd2qKXtWryO6eluPizk2vOTVY8FJueBePiOTjAMffHLSrNVfrMOvmVGDmLlOB8NSXXwoykPkm8hDLXUqg8/s1600-h/Blake+Hawksworth+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy29QuwApZDYJ-YCMgFAtYZ5Q-f38VfREvLgZeEdWzsA0V9qH27vsxoKceGHd2qKXtWryO6eluPizk2vOTVY8FJueBePiOTjAMffHLSrNVfrMOvmVGDmLlOB8NSXXwoykPkm8hDLXUqg8/s400/Blake+Hawksworth+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965337722368898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Cards like this are what I was afraid of when purchasing these packs. You only get one shot at an "uncirculated" refractor, and most of them are of rookies & prospects. We all know how that game goes.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDl9g2OTYdTNwBFbY_rI3GhEzplJRN5oM_Mmk7ljOwhc03X0JHs9ZLd-ewYrKoOULkrgVpXcdgey44Ob7qdmiUI5MmxwTiSw0Wk4KTwiobwA0XL26XdS2qqAzZnfkv-FIuGjJ6Kou3bU/s1600-h/Mike+Piazza+bat+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDl9g2OTYdTNwBFbY_rI3GhEzplJRN5oM_Mmk7ljOwhc03X0JHs9ZLd-ewYrKoOULkrgVpXcdgey44Ob7qdmiUI5MmxwTiSw0Wk4KTwiobwA0XL26XdS2qqAzZnfkv-FIuGjJ6Kou3bU/s400/Mike+Piazza+bat+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965457255083954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I like bat relics, and I like Mike Piazza. Good times were had by all.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwBVcaKKPGDPo4THYDp73xTLV19GurpoFWLgYYCoV5FmSLmVCbc7C4akpbVX4mQ_KVCoAvS0nhV5EcPEIAq1kHvO5kaXlnn2CnHO1BnQBb5mOwJRSMrHLkkQAoW_rYESl7oq6squuDb8/s1600-h/Dustin+Nippert+numbered.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwBVcaKKPGDPo4THYDp73xTLV19GurpoFWLgYYCoV5FmSLmVCbc7C4akpbVX4mQ_KVCoAvS0nhV5EcPEIAq1kHvO5kaXlnn2CnHO1BnQBb5mOwJRSMrHLkkQAoW_rYESl7oq6squuDb8/s400/Dustin+Nippert+numbered.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965339258220514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">#'d to 1999 or something like that. It might be numbered to something lower, but I am at work right now, and can't check the back to be sure. I know it's not the "common" rookie variation, so it might be numbered to something slightly lower. Nippert is currently with the Texas Rangers, and enjoyed his best statistical season as a pro in 2009.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPT8849Qkj2_au_Z_T1q_WHH23wl5GZ7pK4kcKxpPd0QjtTY0V8hy_VHowTr95OHRZ5iVcTuZbCtwGEU6YaeT6qJqFCA4BI8ydFbItIANlD22HeqqUOYZHbhiWSWlRG6s31tJ0sj80o8/s1600-h/Lance+Berkman+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPT8849Qkj2_au_Z_T1q_WHH23wl5GZ7pK4kcKxpPd0QjtTY0V8hy_VHowTr95OHRZ5iVcTuZbCtwGEU6YaeT6qJqFCA4BI8ydFbItIANlD22HeqqUOYZHbhiWSWlRG6s31tJ0sj80o8/s400/Lance+Berkman+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428965462105259762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Certainly wasn't expecting to pull this "Big Puma" autograph. If you watched the video, you can see the look of surprise in mine eyes. This scan is plain crummy and the card looks a lot better in person. They tried to do the whole "etched metal" thing, and it looks much better when the card is in hand.</span><br /></div><br /><br />For only being a 2 pack break, there were some decent cards to be had here. I've got another pack of each on the way that I paid even less for. Hopefully, they aren't a letdown after pulling the Howard and Berkman cards.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-72819464526500927732010-01-20T13:30:00.002-05:002010-01-21T11:35:23.392-05:00Facing the MusicThanks to all <a href="http://thorzul.blogspot.com/2010/01/bipped-road-to-hell.html">the</a> <a href="http://cardjunk.blogspot.com/2010/01/bipped-agin.html">talk</a> of me being a coward for not taking my bipping like "a man", I decided it was time to open the mysterious and suspicious package sent to me by <a href="http://garveyceyrusselllopes.blogspot.com/">GCRL</a>. Since he has already revealed that my suspicions were correct about this package, me opening it is the equivalent of throwing yourself on a live grenade. The combat analogy brings up a good point in my defense against those branding me as "not a man". If this were 1968, and trading was 'Nam, and bipping season were the Tet Offensive, am I really a coward for not walking head-on into an ambush?<br /><br />All of that is null and void now that the package has been opened. I've got to admit, GCRL would have gotten me good, as this package was filled with multiple smug Oriole faces who seem to mock me even more than the limerick Jim customarily tucked safely into my stack of duplicates.<br /><br />First up is the cover boy himself, Mark Williamson. This is THE card that tipped me off about this package's possible contents. Who sends a 1989 Topps card of Mark Williamson, and tries to pass it off as legitimate trade bait? GCRL was kind enough to send 7 of them my way.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9srx_JkhtX5tgWO8r5EiWbnRS1b_5YSiEAtV_rNbBGewrxAFhGc-BX0g8K8UWza0PrEdOoo8mjNgF7waiYFaN2qrk524P7A0gvlrKq05-LHx3rOlwUu8d2g-irUDm6jzt01m5-8vY9nk/s1600-h/89+Topps+Mark+Williamson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9srx_JkhtX5tgWO8r5EiWbnRS1b_5YSiEAtV_rNbBGewrxAFhGc-BX0g8K8UWza0PrEdOoo8mjNgF7waiYFaN2qrk524P7A0gvlrKq05-LHx3rOlwUu8d2g-irUDm6jzt01m5-8vY9nk/s400/89+Topps+Mark+Williamson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428877427260723234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">His perfectly trimmed soup strainer and refusal to make eye contact subtly ask "Do you think he knows what's coming?"<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2720O4I_9NOjLwuY1hwbrUXHalrWRZhUOccvn7Euvw_H91tgmltzijCsrmvSck2G_469XfgTg7KLM_gQrmQAZna-cyLnHuGU_4HQ4Iqb1NNh2VK6dmxHgiGRI6CvqEFeggEw2DX1DqI/s1600-h/7+Mark+Williamson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2720O4I_9NOjLwuY1hwbrUXHalrWRZhUOccvn7Euvw_H91tgmltzijCsrmvSck2G_469XfgTg7KLM_gQrmQAZna-cyLnHuGU_4HQ4Iqb1NNh2VK6dmxHgiGRI6CvqEFeggEw2DX1DqI/s400/7+Mark+Williamson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874458375713986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then came "the note". Hmmm... blame <a href="http://thorzul.blogspot.com/">Thorzul</a>.... What's that there in the limerick? Hickey? No thanks, I'll pass GCRL. Hickeys are sooooo middle school (no offense Drew).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRTh1XDjIAxmuGDi0yqsJp98Ytz5Lld8By7TPqgqZLd2KUWPONR4mz7XRQE6iwewEVjiIr2kf_R_q-qb82dcR9VZe2Mldq-LUt3G1kiL0z-pIKe7ja4IF44poE1sr6rfP140HGuCKdw4/s1600-h/GCRL+Bip+Note.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRTh1XDjIAxmuGDi0yqsJp98Ytz5Lld8By7TPqgqZLd2KUWPONR4mz7XRQE6iwewEVjiIr2kf_R_q-qb82dcR9VZe2Mldq-LUt3G1kiL0z-pIKe7ja4IF44poE1sr6rfP140HGuCKdw4/s400/GCRL+Bip+Note.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428877820268622370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh! THAT Hickey.... from 1990 Upper Deck... times 12!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ5xGRcz9XXecyJ7GHW9icOhHHsj4KtIyf9SskJOnxl7ScwzVK-khDZuBrCz-Vyc9IRiOGq5-RYY5capt4INsGAN_hW956bvXini02k4kqzkmD8V0XI1RR9Xom575kYKlr2EUk4mlq2s/s1600-h/90+UD+Kevin+Hickey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ5xGRcz9XXecyJ7GHW9icOhHHsj4KtIyf9SskJOnxl7ScwzVK-khDZuBrCz-Vyc9IRiOGq5-RYY5capt4INsGAN_hW956bvXini02k4kqzkmD8V0XI1RR9Xom575kYKlr2EUk4mlq2s/s400/90+UD+Kevin+Hickey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428877421717555298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Staring at me mockingly, as if he knows that I know what's coming. As if to say "He'd better know now".<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloKlkxmGj589tu47p6FJTp8r-J7B7kV7GK0XSEdESn9MlNAeNvWyrXChh4ZhEICK8ggDm7lRqFKaphlspiONWPSCdEedA96YzfebC__epz2CT2orT8iFAd1MaxD6eS6hTXrsf7lsOqjI/s1600-h/12+Kevin+Hickey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloKlkxmGj589tu47p6FJTp8r-J7B7kV7GK0XSEdESn9MlNAeNvWyrXChh4ZhEICK8ggDm7lRqFKaphlspiONWPSCdEedA96YzfebC__epz2CT2orT8iFAd1MaxD6eS6hTXrsf7lsOqjI/s400/12+Kevin+Hickey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874468705603426" border="0" /></a><br />Just when I thought the worst was behind me, GCRL struck back with 4 1987 Topps Mike Young cards. Even though this was the weakest bip in terms of card quantity, seeing Mike Young's mug times 4 was definitely a self-confidence blow. It was almost as if I were Deebo, and he was standing over me shouting after Craig knocked me the bip out.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFbPE-N0NEZiJnPUG-DBoM9v6fXKqpsq-VViFP91q-4IyoA8KqVkAWuz1ly2wmVpFSuP6C3ZPHs9M6Q_-H3V403Ky0x4VG7UDp-HG7OKxXFwpc66Lq_iq2HGkdor8gbBLQUGKOGsHEgs/s1600-h/87+Topps+Mike+Young.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFbPE-N0NEZiJnPUG-DBoM9v6fXKqpsq-VViFP91q-4IyoA8KqVkAWuz1ly2wmVpFSuP6C3ZPHs9M6Q_-H3V403Ky0x4VG7UDp-HG7OKxXFwpc66Lq_iq2HGkdor8gbBLQUGKOGsHEgs/s400/87+Topps+Mike+Young.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428877421168235362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Be on the lookout ladies! There is a straight player in the house. Mike's expression closes out the conversation nicely, and to me this clearly says "He knows now". I've been bipped by a mutha-bippin' hustler!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwOpx2dDAPNDl_Qr16XWREMxt5iZGi3mZIBI5zNA8Nq-rHH4AcxDIHFak8l-sr3jAO3XGa74kym7Tw5sHaq6N7wblBXAMxUbHpzAnkFcpX2uIAfYVU9fqk0aDogVqhK1NgrAer0hMvzs/s1600-h/4+Mike+Young.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwOpx2dDAPNDl_Qr16XWREMxt5iZGi3mZIBI5zNA8Nq-rHH4AcxDIHFak8l-sr3jAO3XGa74kym7Tw5sHaq6N7wblBXAMxUbHpzAnkFcpX2uIAfYVU9fqk0aDogVqhK1NgrAer0hMvzs/s400/4+Mike+Young.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874469358792386" border="0" /></a></div><br />Luckily for me, GCRl was kind enough to actually send some cards of merit to ease the pain of his bipping. This post is already long enough, so I'll just show you a few.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1983 Donruss Bruce Sutter Diamond King</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg0sT3r5BihR5rkT4iRtHUp4_i2-E5HRzUxS_DNymVQirGK8ApZpItD2rSrfv6AD2RdZmricsljrh7E5MVY5ai-_sdSNEIqx-gnx-tq12FjHi3RA4DgL7mJueuRRY05nw-CzoRQMLAAM/s1600-h/83+Donruss+DK+Bruce+Sutter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg0sT3r5BihR5rkT4iRtHUp4_i2-E5HRzUxS_DNymVQirGK8ApZpItD2rSrfv6AD2RdZmricsljrh7E5MVY5ai-_sdSNEIqx-gnx-tq12FjHi3RA4DgL7mJueuRRY05nw-CzoRQMLAAM/s400/83+Donruss+DK+Bruce+Sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428883931416731570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A splendid card of one of the finest bearded wonders in the moden history of Major League Baseball. Looks like it's officially time to start a "beard binder".</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />1970 O-Pee-Chee Boog Powell Sporting News All-Star</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDImfAl_N44KU59s0UBMPtSxpiQppKLPivNjJm4wtELNR1733vToibPzJIq6kR2s3d4h2ckMg3t-jhoZrO26bPQZkR-JU9ZrXWhuOVvSllrleqoPSC-0IVZcnpUUMxYFsbB9CwTI1RnXw/s1600-h/70+Topps+All+Star+Boog+Powell+front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDImfAl_N44KU59s0UBMPtSxpiQppKLPivNjJm4wtELNR1733vToibPzJIq6kR2s3d4h2ckMg3t-jhoZrO26bPQZkR-JU9ZrXWhuOVvSllrleqoPSC-0IVZcnpUUMxYFsbB9CwTI1RnXw/s400/70+Topps+All+Star+Boog+Powell+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428883929957994722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico8B1iLtR1zyKyHB-K-Al5aNRXXCR60uu25wqMwXudoVQWl9ddNsLh9Z1qMdlKErp1AZ8hbRrxG5qetYA-mKCrXHc-tYGmAY_NOuB2xxuunOF_9W-uF6loex8fKfUa3aJAAz8wqjbV60/s1600-h/70+Topps+All+Star+Boog+Powell+back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico8B1iLtR1zyKyHB-K-Al5aNRXXCR60uu25wqMwXudoVQWl9ddNsLh9Z1qMdlKErp1AZ8hbRrxG5qetYA-mKCrXHc-tYGmAY_NOuB2xxuunOF_9W-uF6loex8fKfUa3aJAAz8wqjbV60/s400/70+Topps+All+Star+Boog+Powell+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428883925833595730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The front of this card is pretty cool, but the back is way better. I think this is the famous uncorrected Boog Powell error card featuring an illustration of Andy Rooney on the back.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nabisco Team Nabisco All-Stars Brooks Robinson</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe7d76V10yVyB_yXo6KuLH1Voe_LtlfuyUL8Oua_cG2gH2-KuD8bTEEMWrFBpjK1wjwaQwGcCELkgBg6-MoyFV-G8bpZEF8Vwwr0exHvc7syd5nmFZoP2wVfBCeaVFJ2rrFjGhAuVoiM/s1600-h/Nabisco+Team+All+Stars+Brooks+Robinson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe7d76V10yVyB_yXo6KuLH1Voe_LtlfuyUL8Oua_cG2gH2-KuD8bTEEMWrFBpjK1wjwaQwGcCELkgBg6-MoyFV-G8bpZEF8Vwwr0exHvc7syd5nmFZoP2wVfBCeaVFJ2rrFjGhAuVoiM/s400/Nabisco+Team+All+Stars+Brooks+Robinson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428883921473022882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Does anyone know what year these are from? From reading the back, it looks like these were possibly inserted into boxes of Triscuit crackers, so they can't be that old. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2006 Bazooka Brian Roberts Fielding Basics relic</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF19f7anIrlQD0X-5KxpL5fYKzT0KC4N1vEahwzCbBCWZ9YPhAxAZU7lNfQABU3ofXtiCDaO7OJJJCTHXUe2UJRT7WJ8M4c_a5LXvbIpH8CTca7hDpvf4EH8btYsrz55P3G366JaJLuw/s1600-h/06+Topps+Bazooka+Brian+Roberts+jersey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF19f7anIrlQD0X-5KxpL5fYKzT0KC4N1vEahwzCbBCWZ9YPhAxAZU7lNfQABU3ofXtiCDaO7OJJJCTHXUe2UJRT7WJ8M4c_a5LXvbIpH8CTca7hDpvf4EH8btYsrz55P3G366JaJLuw/s400/06+Topps+Bazooka+Brian+Roberts+jersey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428883916228707682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Along with Mike Mussina, I've officially started a Brian Roberts player collection as well. People send me a ton of his cards, so at this point, it seems like a no-brainer to welcome him into the collective fold. Since Roberts & Tejada were all the O's had in the mid-2000's, they each have a ton of Oriole cards. Yesterday I heard a rumor that the O's are considering bringing Tejada back as a third baseman. Even though he's a dirty cheater, if his contract is easy to handle. it might not be a bad move.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So there you have it. I took my medicine like a big boy, and was bipped for all the world to see. Even if I did see it coming, GCRL too the time to assemble these cards, and paid to ship it to Baltimore. The least I could do was open, and post it.<br /><br />Be on the lookout for "Beardy Gets Bipped" part 2, brought to you by Matt, from <a href="http://heartbreakingcards.blogspot.com/">Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius</a>.<br /></div></div>beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-1637062500701893112010-01-18T20:30:00.002-05:002010-01-18T20:30:00.165-05:002008 Allen & Ginter Ancient Icons Minis ChecklistSince I was actually able to complete the Creatures of Myth, Legend & Terror set, I figured why not give this one a shot as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7BRN9fJka3KeQKkzBR1YFcmwfnd3daqoWGBi6zHziAigLebezS03PG2qB0Vx2hsNL6crOkPRWY2SqDMFRoZ1eAK9sNk_H_fl8_lqIzlBCW7Y5Q-_wBUWXLmOkZXtEKD5V9iUVilMTyg/s1600-h/scan-2008AllenAndGinter-Gilgamesh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7BRN9fJka3KeQKkzBR1YFcmwfnd3daqoWGBi6zHziAigLebezS03PG2qB0Vx2hsNL6crOkPRWY2SqDMFRoZ1eAK9sNk_H_fl8_lqIzlBCW7Y5Q-_wBUWXLmOkZXtEKD5V9iUVilMTyg/s320/scan-2008AllenAndGinter-Gilgamesh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428226992291301698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Image courtesy (stolen) of </span><a href="http://fanofreds.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Nachos Grande</span></a><br /><br /></div><ul><li>A1 Gilgamesh </li><li>A3 Beowulf </li><li>A4 Poseidon </li><li>A5 The Sphinx </li><li>A6 Tutankhamen </li><li>A7 Alexander the Great </li><li>A9 Sun Tzu </li><li>A11 Isis </li><li>A12 Hercules </li><li>A14 Miyamoto Musashi </li><li>A15 Genghis Khan </li><li>A16 Zeus </li><li>A17 Achilles </li><li>A18 Confucius </li><li>A19 Attila the Hun </li></ul><br />As always, your help is greatly appreciated.<br /><br />There's also a new 1987 Topps Want list link posted on the sidebar. Check it out if you think you can help.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-65663467227432525432010-01-18T16:00:00.000-05:002010-01-18T16:17:08.003-05:00Making Up With Mike<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">What is a collector to do when someone offers them an autograph of a player they once loved, but now hate? I found myself in this exact situation last week when Brian, of <a href="http://playattheplatedude.blogspot.com/">Play at the Plate</a> offered up a Mike Mussina Orioles autograph as part of a trade we were working on. What I decided to do was bury the hatchet, and welcome Mike Mussina back into my collection. The reasoning behind my feelings was flawed to begin with, and all stemmed from Mike's decision to leave Baltimore after the 2000 season, so he could run off to New York and pitch for the much hated Yankees.<br /><br />Now that a decade has passed, I am able to look at the facts. Anyone would rather play for the Yankees than the Orioles, and as a professional, you have to go where the money is. If I was offered the same job I hold down now, in a new location, for a competing company, and they were offering me almost twice what I am currently making, you'd better believe I'd blow town in a hot minute, and never look back.<br /><br />When you really think about it, the only way Mussina really benefited by leaving Baltimore was monetarily. Perhaps he picked up a few more wins playing for a team that routinely has a beefy offensive lineup, and scores a lot of runs, but I speculate that his numbers would have been pretty similar if he simply stayed put right here in Bmore, where he was adored by the fans.<br /><br />Mussina still spent a little more than half of his career in Baltimore, and it's not like he won a World Series while pitching for the Stankees. How can I NOT feel bad for a guy who spent 8 seasons on a perennial contender, and didn't win a ring. That in itself wouldn't be so bad, but seeing his former team finally get one last season, the season he chose to retire had to hurt. Am I doing a good job at talking myself into burying the hatchet?<br /><br />Welcome back Mike! I can officially admit that you were not only once an Oriole, but one of the team's best players throughout the 90's. I will no longer grunt when coming across a card of yours while sorting through the Orioles box, and I promise not to use your cards as coasters, or draw mustaches on them from this day on.<br /><br /><br />Let's take a look at what Brian sent my way. First up is the card responsible for this sudden change of heart:<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2000 Fleer Focus Mike Mussina Fresh Ink autograph</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytt7u65bJgaFhTXAMz_5D4_1-NSCh0dWy8095ZeoncSQnQQRwBO3LRJb5Itut3x7OrdSU99viqmVzpNxP0Czz0gMgEbc_yWpXjLPDj7fUsB2pkakp0p5IlAMr5w75nOM8YfPshTVgYyA/s1600-h/Fleer+Focus+Mike+Mussina+auto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytt7u65bJgaFhTXAMz_5D4_1-NSCh0dWy8095ZeoncSQnQQRwBO3LRJb5Itut3x7OrdSU99viqmVzpNxP0Czz0gMgEbc_yWpXjLPDj7fUsB2pkakp0p5IlAMr5w75nOM8YfPshTVgYyA/s400/Fleer+Focus+Mike+Mussina+auto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426213166917977074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Believe it or not, this card wasn't even the centerpiece of this trade. The card below was the one I had to have.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2009 Topps Heritage Brooks Robinson "Flashback" Memorial Stadium relic</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DZXMp1NtBg_gZZAWfS9dAUUEKEys3sS1W1wzT_72N3p9Fx4Op5AxlBdI2wT2FaZa_GsDDtcansepVM0GTfYN36UPHdZKEY-BevZj_TY3VU5kSZK93pJJQmN_5zaVF4j9VT841l2png8/s1600-h/09+Topps+Heritage+Brooks+Stadium+Seat+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DZXMp1NtBg_gZZAWfS9dAUUEKEys3sS1W1wzT_72N3p9Fx4Op5AxlBdI2wT2FaZa_GsDDtcansepVM0GTfYN36UPHdZKEY-BevZj_TY3VU5kSZK93pJJQmN_5zaVF4j9VT841l2png8/s400/09+Topps+Heritage+Brooks+Stadium+Seat+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426213171952609090" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Another chunk of Memorial Stadium goodness. While my first baseball game may have been at Shea (shhh... don't tell), my second was taken in at Memorial Stadium, and this time I was old enough to sort of understand what was going on.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2008 Topps Stadium Club Dwayne Bowe gold photographer's proof #'d /50</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAo0pGnF0H0O3qo1d_qp5GlSsfMICv0P0NeoIdejPfA3KNWo6v6C2hGvDRgU7GjstseLeQ0hR3A2sQdQiDO6O0hCxY7hK8S2FexTYTOd4BVUrIAUYrsApw3mHji5VKsSyPl_aFPiHz24/s1600-h/08+Stadium+Club+Dwayne+Bowe+gold+proof.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAo0pGnF0H0O3qo1d_qp5GlSsfMICv0P0NeoIdejPfA3KNWo6v6C2hGvDRgU7GjstseLeQ0hR3A2sQdQiDO6O0hCxY7hK8S2FexTYTOd4BVUrIAUYrsApw3mHji5VKsSyPl_aFPiHz24/s400/08+Stadium+Club+Dwayne+Bowe+gold+proof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426213165594147458" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The only item on my Ravens off-season wish list is a big WR. This guy is my #1 choice. For some reason he seemed to be in the doghouse for most of the past season in KC, and rumor has it he is on the trading block. Get on that for me Ozzie!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2004 Topps Chrome Warren Harding Presidential Pastime refractor</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FL_hZIBXdmBdR_7XcAcOqe-zoiUmXbqdfP49V8CTZRWjXs2WBnMWALJV13kMqk0Ih1sEueXRe9VbP3AWh0mECM9f5oDr0yzLenSs58kTi8tv30KhBCYAT_z6EIdCHdr5E1q5DMlyE_4/s1600-h/Warren+Harding+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FL_hZIBXdmBdR_7XcAcOqe-zoiUmXbqdfP49V8CTZRWjXs2WBnMWALJV13kMqk0Ih1sEueXRe9VbP3AWh0mECM9f5oDr0yzLenSs58kTi8tv30KhBCYAT_z6EIdCHdr5E1q5DMlyE_4/s400/Warren+Harding+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426213160882644530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I've wanted this card since the day it was pulled, or at least the day that it was posted. Contrary to popular belief, and sometimes my own opinion, I like President cards, especially ones that actually have a baseball theme, which this set does. If anyone out there has any Presidential Pastime refractors, let's talk trade. I've got thoughts of going for the set, but it would probably take YEARS to complete.<br /></span></div><br /><br />Thanks for the great trade Brian. You are personally responsible for salvaging my relationship with Mike Mussina, which may or may not be a good thing.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-78375715129759880102010-01-17T20:52:00.002-05:002010-01-17T20:59:20.585-05:00Fear and Loathing In The MailboxI suspect that GCRL has tried to bip me, and I can't prove it without being bipped, but I think he's trying to get me man. In order to confirm this attempted bip, I would have to open the packages pictured below, thus making myself even more vulnerable to a possible bipping, which may in fact be the package's intent.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Somebody call the Bip Squad. There was no email from GCRL. No trade agreement in place. This was just a random package with the misfortune to have arrived in the heart of bipping season. As you can see from the photo below they don't have the most enticing of cards sitting on top. In the note that was attached CGRL stated that he was "sending me some O's in the hopes that I would send him some Dodgers instead of them always going to Night Owl". I gotta be honest, 1989 Topps is not exactly the way to my collecting heart, and something about this whole thing just reeks a bit. Knowing full well that there was already some dubious mail en-route to two of my favorite frenemies, <a href="http://thorzul.blogspot.com/">Thorzul</a> & <a href="http://achievercardblog.blogspot.com/">Motherscratcher</a>, there was no way I could open these cards and leave myself so defenseless. Karma was not about to bip me so quickly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYXG4LBhpCq8cB6txLCr5XHlHWVcBah8V9ibAWfdQ_pr9Y4twNGR67a7Q2rcgdKBVZaXghocfhARBEM42U7_lG9EEQncu7KsECbDlojeKFZIc0EMyh5XDALHW8Rsm83lBPXeR1O-twxk/s1600-h/Bipped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYXG4LBhpCq8cB6txLCr5XHlHWVcBah8V9ibAWfdQ_pr9Y4twNGR67a7Q2rcgdKBVZaXghocfhARBEM42U7_lG9EEQncu7KsECbDlojeKFZIc0EMyh5XDALHW8Rsm83lBPXeR1O-twxk/s400/Bipped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427890560393822674" border="0" /></a>Am I paranoid? Maybe. A fool? Well.... I'll leave that one up to you. Yesterday, after they had been sitting on my table for 3 days unopened, I decided to drop GCRL an email, to let him know that his suspicious package had arrived a few days ago, and that I was not about to open for fear that there was nothing but a limerick and pain inside. He was nice enough to reply, and confirm my worst fear.<br /><br />I have been Bipped, but am currently in denial about it. The cards are still unopened, but they've already penetrated the fortress walls. There is a crook in my kingdom. It's only a matter of time before I break down and wonder if there are 14 Larry Sheets' in there, or 7 Joe Orsulaks. My paranoia has gotten the best of me. Look at Mark Williamson's mustache staring at me. Mocking me. ME of all people! He has the nerve to mock me. You would do that, wouldn't you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT7axH4PNKqVkk5Us93xMA9nghUh_jCU506y0o1LzJ4KuRq3_Y0PGzB3vALcoSIGpp40dFOLeukwX_VZgEX0JWpamebeLpAidMJ8aAhw9GJ_5qrVjaY_HQbcXBCc_sy0FLQAeWQxtvVs/s1600-h/Williamson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT7axH4PNKqVkk5Us93xMA9nghUh_jCU506y0o1LzJ4KuRq3_Y0PGzB3vALcoSIGpp40dFOLeukwX_VZgEX0JWpamebeLpAidMJ8aAhw9GJ_5qrVjaY_HQbcXBCc_sy0FLQAeWQxtvVs/s400/Williamson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427891760841719202" border="0" /></a>The package with the Ravens cards in it doesn't look quite as sketchy, but I've got to stay strong here. Can't surrender to the temptation.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://delawarebaseball.com/gameused.html"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AWESOMEST THING EVER.*</span></span></a><br /><br />You'll never catch me!<br /><br />*Link courtesy of Jon, from <a href="http://rainoferror.blogspot.com/">Rain of Error</a>.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-81150641854645144112010-01-16T22:59:00.006-05:002010-01-16T23:23:40.773-05:00Let the Doldrums Begin!As the whole world just saw, the Baltimore Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs by Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens played a terrible game, and I am starting to have doubts about Joe Flacco's decision making. He hold on to the ball too long, and loves to throw deep passes into double coverage. He either has to be hurt, or there is a chance that maybe he won't be as good as everyone thought.<br /><br />I never expected the Ravens to make the playoffs after they fell to 5-5 back in November, so all in all it was a pretty good season. Ray Rice had his coronation season, and it looks like he's got a chance to become a legitimate NFL star. Between Flacco and Rice, the future of Ravens football should be exciting.<br /><br />These next few months are always the hardest for me in terms of my sports fanhood. Without the Ravens or Orioles to root for February feels like it has 82 days instead of only 28.<br /><br />March Madness can't get here soon enough.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii88my5xwS9oBylrbRxMHBjoKRdu0Q8qfCGL9x1FGAmHLTnEAH3tgKH9Vc7qs6Vu5le63xU4z6lW3ImJGXCPreLE2UBijsHm05NxYxYqMzd1okJ0PaxijAo1gjq899spDXnFKZok0oMrw/s1600-h/08+Bowman+Sterling+Joe+Flacco+blue+refractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii88my5xwS9oBylrbRxMHBjoKRdu0Q8qfCGL9x1FGAmHLTnEAH3tgKH9Vc7qs6Vu5le63xU4z6lW3ImJGXCPreLE2UBijsHm05NxYxYqMzd1okJ0PaxijAo1gjq899spDXnFKZok0oMrw/s400/08+Bowman+Sterling+Joe+Flacco+blue+refractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558339154658578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hey you! Stop throwing so many checkdowns to Ray Rice and look downfield.</span><br /></div><br />For now, I am pledging my allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys, also known as America's Team. Ever heard of them?beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-19687548203375215282010-01-16T21:38:00.002-05:002010-01-16T21:47:16.858-05:00DoomsdayWhy don't these announcers just get on their knees and suckle the cock that is Manning. They're already about 3 miles up his kiester anyway.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-24891569883641115252010-01-16T09:45:00.003-05:002010-01-16T09:59:47.263-05:00More Trades From Around The BlogosphereGet ready for another round of great cards from across the cardblogosphere! Bye Thorzul.<br /><br />First up are a couple of cards from the nocturnal nightmare, Greg, of <a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/">Night Owl Cards</a>. He has been the primary beneficiary of my Dodger pulling mojo, and as a result, he occasionally drops me a bubble mailer chock full o' Orioles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 O-Pee-Chee Materials Cuddyer/Francouer/Markakis</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMbaSllPqSp79LI-Nl0BNCtFQ_ITG_TK7VV1C6HuBiH3qQGQRBgzsNto5SGKvfVQZi9gIZqVt6BnxRQDVpzEKLrxjYz9VAXWJn4S_bejeFqCOgKWiIodZRooicABiOV65uhPSflBOJy4/s1600-h/09+OpeeChee+Markakis+triple+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMbaSllPqSp79LI-Nl0BNCtFQ_ITG_TK7VV1C6HuBiH3qQGQRBgzsNto5SGKvfVQZi9gIZqVt6BnxRQDVpzEKLrxjYz9VAXWJn4S_bejeFqCOgKWiIodZRooicABiOV65uhPSflBOJy4/s400/09+OpeeChee+Markakis+triple+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212806289508178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I must say these cards are really nice looking. The design is simple, and bright, bearing a slight resemblance to the Brady Bunch intro. O-Pee-Chee was a product that I did not purchase even a single pack of, but the Markakis relics always looked really cool to me. I'm so happy to have this card I won't even complain about the other 2 guys on it. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1987 Fleer Mini Cal Ripken Jr. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitknOBNXz53OQjLT-7oeYspxy_0g4V7nkfWFmeUcLRZGqksDfsBwJc8eEZIwwMA0XpoMnmVpY8v1OvWmoHl1DMhxlwV7dL-l-2r-z5CrpMK1wCOPP3KCJBb0U_vkCPktUP0P7cUpX7xik/s1600-h/87+Fleer+mini+Cal+Ripken+Jr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitknOBNXz53OQjLT-7oeYspxy_0g4V7nkfWFmeUcLRZGqksDfsBwJc8eEZIwwMA0XpoMnmVpY8v1OvWmoHl1DMhxlwV7dL-l-2r-z5CrpMK1wCOPP3KCJBb0U_vkCPktUP0P7cUpX7xik/s320/87+Fleer+mini+Cal+Ripken+Jr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212705556944514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I didn't even know Fleer made minis in '87. Granted, I was 6 years old at the time, but still. Also... not the greatest picture of the Iron Man. His expression is thought provoking to say the least. What's he looking at that is making him make that face? Eddie's afro? Jim Palmer in his danged undies? </span><br /></div><br />If you're anything like me, and didn't know these things were around, here is another image to give you some sort of an idea of scale.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVleSMOGYH5hIgZi1lhR1TiEX7owRBsnrWSY41NlVeEtgC7deM0gsfAJ0irNbpcmdSbEKfp1Hcn7D81kIEk3NI23_P5bJ7uZgC9S5RMypIS-3u_64NtR8KzYzybzk_JRv6i5ptRnF6c1E/s1600-h/87+Fleer+mini+Ripken+Scale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVleSMOGYH5hIgZi1lhR1TiEX7owRBsnrWSY41NlVeEtgC7deM0gsfAJ0irNbpcmdSbEKfp1Hcn7D81kIEk3NI23_P5bJ7uZgC9S5RMypIS-3u_64NtR8KzYzybzk_JRv6i5ptRnF6c1E/s400/87+Fleer+mini+Ripken+Scale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212807592569154" border="0" /></a><br />Next up are a few cards from local reader Todd, who emailed me last week saying that he had the last card needed to complete my '09 Allen & Ginter Creature mini set. It was a pretty easy trade to work out, and all Todd wanted in return was an O's relic, and a bunch of my Markakis and Brooks doubles.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2009 Allen & Ginter Creature Minis "Grendel"</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGVoQ_uIaWmqd4T1vCS7Vq10TWmA8PHp2P1dB3XffrSu_j4NfPYvU_rjK4qk7afUbd59xcbRk4DmDq7BLlEM-xkF1bc_jRJOURipKh_tVib35pOTvji5fbxKzsTz_ZYbDaECm1oZGySA/s1600-h/09+Ginter+Creatures+Grendel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGVoQ_uIaWmqd4T1vCS7Vq10TWmA8PHp2P1dB3XffrSu_j4NfPYvU_rjK4qk7afUbd59xcbRk4DmDq7BLlEM-xkF1bc_jRJOURipKh_tVib35pOTvji5fbxKzsTz_ZYbDaECm1oZGySA/s320/09+Ginter+Creatures+Grendel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212329274815922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I can officially say that the Creatures of Myth, Legend & Terror set has been completed. HUGE thanks to everyone out there who helped out via trade. Without you guys, I would have never been able to finish this set, especially considering they're only found one per box, and that's at best. Oh, I'd also like to thank God, for you know, being God. Isn't it mandatory to thank God?</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1987 7-11 Slurpee Coins Eddie Murray</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jx9AwmfvdURbQ6wR9CH6zGz7KIwKF-5fVNpiGcjxCF0TkMwm1zGNA09ebFL_1_3XtnLfygn_GG7AIFRVAyoYcR0AEFhAMXyOt6IO9l7_J98O-DE6Ygy3iXS8UDrE8c4vOoIP-233YXE/s1600-h/87+Eddie+Murray+Slurpee+coin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jx9AwmfvdURbQ6wR9CH6zGz7KIwKF-5fVNpiGcjxCF0TkMwm1zGNA09ebFL_1_3XtnLfygn_GG7AIFRVAyoYcR0AEFhAMXyOt6IO9l7_J98O-DE6Ygy3iXS8UDrE8c4vOoIP-233YXE/s200/87+Eddie+Murray+Slurpee+coin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212554685717266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I totally remember these things! Unlike Fleer minis, Slurpees are something that 8-year olds pay close attention to. I had one of these at some point in my childhood. There was more than one "coin" of each player as well, or at least I think there is. It's all coming back to me now! Not only did I have an Eddie coin, but there was a George Brett coin floating around my house as well. Ahhh.... memories.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2008 Allen & Ginter World Leader Minis Nicolas Sarkozy</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRDpIJ6lr_rveiqscGe2_Sp3iQv_zbpy0fY63ihav7GIM-wqRWfWdxLQSWgKpTFUlL0fxqpjRg_Gr0HQrPeLXivUhDlGQ1aNl6YpWszy788R6jnuDZjUbSR9CTwWKuYScq0BGVL7bV64/s1600-h/08+Ginter+Leaders+Sarkozy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRDpIJ6lr_rveiqscGe2_Sp3iQv_zbpy0fY63ihav7GIM-wqRWfWdxLQSWgKpTFUlL0fxqpjRg_Gr0HQrPeLXivUhDlGQ1aNl6YpWszy788R6jnuDZjUbSR9CTwWKuYScq0BGVL7bV64/s320/08+Ginter+Leaders+Sarkozy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212328200904354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Smarmy French bastards!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1993 Topps Finest Mike Mussina</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz24t6y5e3ZR7qARTQvKaOH8MeMJmVyZh7DX263BqETkBQKk-jWjz96Y3200-iCkMnwRdO3hV208t53jEdqMdRlH3NIDSwlTyh96SacS1-IiHtYWfmmRPIvFkAO2ZWRSlfwez59DL9bOA/s1600-h/93+Topps+Finest+Mike+Mussina.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz24t6y5e3ZR7qARTQvKaOH8MeMJmVyZh7DX263BqETkBQKk-jWjz96Y3200-iCkMnwRdO3hV208t53jEdqMdRlH3NIDSwlTyh96SacS1-IiHtYWfmmRPIvFkAO2ZWRSlfwez59DL9bOA/s400/93+Topps+Finest+Mike+Mussina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212210764811378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">If you've read this site for any extended period of time, you know that I have issues with Mike Mussina. The walls that exist between us are slowly being broken down, and I think there's a good chance he will be accepted back into the "circle of trust" shortly. It's been years Mike, and we've got a lot of catching up to do.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1969 Topps Dave McNally</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVsmrkzHNsFtrrIrP0juP2jcwoyMa1NZeqp4qweUIzVHKNxmfde5EzHLZtxZjwZeJtKUZs329dtXsDFaKaWYpSrWJjoC1n1zIPd-xav8XAksCa43lTcOnFEfW4bCPdQHoTSqFRz_v2yg/s1600-h/69+Topps+Dave+McNally.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVsmrkzHNsFtrrIrP0juP2jcwoyMa1NZeqp4qweUIzVHKNxmfde5EzHLZtxZjwZeJtKUZs329dtXsDFaKaWYpSrWJjoC1n1zIPd-xav8XAksCa43lTcOnFEfW4bCPdQHoTSqFRz_v2yg/s400/69+Topps+Dave+McNally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212212032521410" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A great card of a very "clutch" player. McNally has not only pitched a shutout in the '66 World Series (sorry Night Owl & GCRL), but also hit a grand slam to lead the Orioles to another World Series game victory in 1970. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />1975 Topps Rookie Infielders Cubbage/DeCinces/Sanders/Trillo</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggklEVVT2kfMJCnOvL5dnmu084D1Rs5ovCuN1NgwaGHMdyDlrTtAtsEedANvk-x0GhCoRfCs8GVhYVaguwr0F2KE7bQScpJNv3nT4Pl2mwMLbF-ctJAOZWtCt1ADNxGBmi5jmkG3ZBba4/s1600-h/77+Topps+Rookie+Infielders.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggklEVVT2kfMJCnOvL5dnmu084D1Rs5ovCuN1NgwaGHMdyDlrTtAtsEedANvk-x0GhCoRfCs8GVhYVaguwr0F2KE7bQScpJNv3nT4Pl2mwMLbF-ctJAOZWtCt1ADNxGBmi5jmkG3ZBba4/s400/77+Topps+Rookie+Infielders.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426212205726660914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Man, <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=2579">Reggie Sanders</a> had a long career.<br /></span></div><br /><br />Moving right along to a few cards from Bud, of the fabulous <a href="http://firstdayissue.blogspot.com/">First Day Issue</a>. Bud and I discussed this trade for a while before finally reaching an agreement. These two cards were sent for a couple of numbered Mariners refractors, and an Iciro relic to be named later.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2005 Upper Deck Epic Materials Willie McCovey jersey relic</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdrmPPwaUBpeqw92WIu1JETT109Cd2AW93tWcYeMEnGScmlR8OQrzqQGPZ4y1WQW-7gD0-tmTwoWbfZ3dtu1tjGS34ZOtaztOMyxBJskmUXVeacd_mlPB_9SNvcGCePRDtxmJD6Dugg4/s1600-h/05+UD+Epic+Willie+McCovey+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdrmPPwaUBpeqw92WIu1JETT109Cd2AW93tWcYeMEnGScmlR8OQrzqQGPZ4y1WQW-7gD0-tmTwoWbfZ3dtu1tjGS34ZOtaztOMyxBJskmUXVeacd_mlPB_9SNvcGCePRDtxmJD6Dugg4/s400/05+UD+Epic+Willie+McCovey+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426211987372852098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Obviously not an Orioles card, but what can I say? Color me a sucker for those old-timey gray wool swatches. The fact that it was, or at least claims to have been worn by a Hall of Famer, certainly doesn't hurt it's appeal either. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Memorabilia Series Cal Ripken Jr. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOGFsb3sUweVVz763RcTHVIB0fZgfEIEeWGg12a732GxTu84GLtvY8xPXbS0Fz6CWzQJ-YuOAUh4uyS8032bgbGJ_KMN4l11qHqu_pbonMsrMW8plRP7l0bPSAJapgbA8M88xKblIKU/s1600-h/09+UD+Goodwin+Champs+Cal+relic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOGFsb3sUweVVz763RcTHVIB0fZgfEIEeWGg12a732GxTu84GLtvY8xPXbS0Fz6CWzQJ-YuOAUh4uyS8032bgbGJ_KMN4l11qHqu_pbonMsrMW8plRP7l0bPSAJapgbA8M88xKblIKU/s400/09+UD+Goodwin+Champs+Cal+relic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426211982816325074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">One can never have too many Cal relics, can they? This card could admittedly look a little better. It's off-center, and the swatch is a plain shade of gray, but I like it anyway. I think Goodwin is going to be VERY cheap to pick up by the boxload later year, and with none of previews for next year looking that great, maybe I'll be able to finally finish off this set. Wouldn't mind hitting one of the redemptions either. Both the Landmarks and Entomolgy cards are pretty cool.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2005 Topps Rooke Cup Eddie Murray</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh5hL7EbUfW0hij7dLi4JGE32urT-XlZPO8sqBHu9eSj0qHJ91PA7RMkqlhdKcqYkkssjcLEzTUE0or30BG-bywNrAsEoxxhryHzGFbloXwFhY-z6VroKtQos6npto3-JydkN0F46LB4/s1600-h/05+Topps+Rookie+Cup+Eddie+Murray.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh5hL7EbUfW0hij7dLi4JGE32urT-XlZPO8sqBHu9eSj0qHJ91PA7RMkqlhdKcqYkkssjcLEzTUE0or30BG-bywNrAsEoxxhryHzGFbloXwFhY-z6VroKtQos6npto3-JydkN0F46LB4/s400/05+Topps+Rookie+Cup+Eddie+Murray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426211980770737506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Eddie Murray is a straight up bad mother, shut your mouth.<br /></span></div><br /><br />Last up to bat is just one of the many great cards sent to me by David, of the <a href="http://cardscape.blogspot.com/">2008 Allen & Ginter Cardscape</a>. This one card was selected because it's yet another Markakis that I didn't yet have. Thanks David!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2008 Topps Target Exclusive T205 Nick Markakis</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcyS0TeUtaepv8Kn6077X1YQW5_Z0Rlyai4GwdaLzB3q1Me7QVYwHZkeP_JVv_twdW0zabX4hVG6aIn7jyxosbnjhLkFFH6rxvfDSUdxLgCKovI-_ri_KA8GDgzRX9-QMcTJCqy2o3os/s1600-h/08+Topps+Target+205+Nick+Markakis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcyS0TeUtaepv8Kn6077X1YQW5_Z0Rlyai4GwdaLzB3q1Me7QVYwHZkeP_JVv_twdW0zabX4hVG6aIn7jyxosbnjhLkFFH6rxvfDSUdxLgCKovI-_ri_KA8GDgzRX9-QMcTJCqy2o3os/s400/08+Topps+Target+205+Nick+Markakis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426211756651064210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The refractor version of this card has been in my collection for a couple of years now, but for some reason the regular base version alluded me.<br /></span></div><br /><br />Big thanks to Night Owl, Todd, Bud & David for the trades. It was a pleasure and a privilege to deal with each and every one of you. Even you Bud.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647945990046303424.post-63493880284612253292010-01-15T21:08:00.003-05:002010-01-15T21:31:30.955-05:00I Need To Stop Buying So Many Cards!So I can save money to go <a href="http://www.nsccshow.com/index.shtml">HERE</a> and buy more cards!<br /><br />The National is coming to Baltimore, and to be honest, it could have chosen a better year to be in my hometown. With a wedding, honeymoon, and potential home purchase on the horizon, it's going to take hard work and dedication to save as much money as possible between now and August 4th.<br /><br />There are a TON of former Orioles signing, including Frank Robinson, and Eddie Murray. There isn't an Eddie autograph in my collection as of yet, so he will be the top signer on my want list.<br /><br />Willie Mays is going to be there too!<br /><br />There's no way I can miss out on being in the center of The Hobby universe. Especially when the universe is revolving around Baltimore. Only 200 days to go!<br /><br />That's it... I'm adding a countdown in the sidebar. Hopefully it'll serve as a reminder for me to start saving up.beardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18383850494363164578noreply@blogger.com8