tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22334412217183263752024-03-13T09:38:46.869-07:00Project PhilliesCards, opinions, and Phillies...not necessarily in that order.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-63703133597570662332013-10-18T19:12:00.000-07:002013-10-18T19:12:49.481-07:00Cards from the Dark Side...and Nebraska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, hey there, strangers! It's been awhile, but don't fret, I'm still here.<br />
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When I first started trading cards on the Internet many moons ago, I quickly found out that there are tons of amazing, generous traders out there in the world. When I started blogging about cards four-ish years ago, I found out that there is an even amazinger, generouser sub-group of people out there -- the card bloggers. Thanks to the Internet I've met some great traders and cool people. When I decided to reenter the blogosphere, part of the reason was because I missed interacting and trading with the other awesome bloggers.<br />
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One of the blogs I was super excited to see was still around is none other than that of <a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Night Owl</a>. He likes the Dodgers, but we can forgive him for that right? Anyway, I sent him a bunch of Dodgers I had laying around, including a manufactured Jackie Robinson patch card (seriously, though, I don't understand the purpose of the manu-patches, but that's a story for another day). And guess what!!! He sent me a nice stack of Phillies. So let's get to the show and tell...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps8d5b7a59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps8d5b7a59.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Triple Play #63 Ryan Howard</td></tr>
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This is the very first Triple Play card I own. Well, outside of the ones from the early to mid-90's. I'm very happy to add it to my collection; however, I'm not sure how I feel about these cards. It's a nice looking card and a creative way to get around the lack of MLB licensing, it's just... It's hard for me to think of it as a "Ryan Howard card" since it doesn't really have him on it. I don't know, maybe I'm just weird. I did learn that he became the fastest player to reach 200 home runs. So there's that. Moving on...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsc8ab6714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsc8ab6714.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Archives #47 Ryan Howard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpse89993a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpse89993a2.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Topps Heritage #56 Cliff Lee</td></tr>
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Have I ever told you how much I love retro cards? No? Well, I do. I absolutely adore this year's Archives set. So much that I decided to try to put the set together. Now, I am not a set collector by nature, so we'll see how far I actually get (again, a post for another day). Getting back on track, the addition of the Howard card above leaves me with 3 cards left to complete the team set: 28 Schmidt, 213 Samuel SP, and 240 Daulton SP. The 2012 Heritage set is another great looking set, in my opinion. Nice thick cardboard, too, which is always appreciated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps6ba47215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps6ba47215.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Topps Opening Day #108 Roy Oswalt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps26833683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps26833683.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Opening Day #57 Cliff Lee</td></tr>
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I don't think I've bought a single pack of Opening Day since 2003. It's nice to get a couple every now and then to fill in the holes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps7d7df88d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps7d7df88d.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Chasing History #CH-39 Jim Thome</td></tr>
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In addition to a bunch of 2013 Topps base that fit nicely into my team set, there was also this beautiful specimen commemorating Thome's left handed HR record. In 2003, he won the League HR title and also beat Chuck Klein's 1929 single season record for lefties by four.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps510c7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zps510c7212.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Target Red Border #625 Dom Brown</td></tr>
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Sometimes parallels work really well and sometimes they are really awful. Luckily the Target Red Border parallels that Topps have been doing work. At least for Phillies' cards I really love the look of the red borders.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsb257cdb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsb257cdb3.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces #69 Chase Utley</td></tr>
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Upper Deck Masterpieces is another set that I've always admired. I mean, come on, that's a damn nice looking card.<br />
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More retro goodness! This time from 2004 Fan Favorites, another set near and dear to my heart. Thanks again Night Owl! And keep an eye on the mailbox; I may have found a couple more interesting items for you...</div>
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I recently set up a trade on Sports Card Forum with a user named Shadowking86. Well, it turns out he runs a blog called <a href="http://redsoxfaninnebraska.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Sox Fan in Nebraska</a> and he is, you guessed it, a Red Sox fan in Nebraska! (Another offense that can be forgiven since he sent me some Phillies cards)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini A & G Back #143 Mike Schmidt</td></tr>
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The Man, the Myth, the Moustache. In mini format, no less. While my lack of Ginter love is pretty well know, even I have to admit that this is a pretty snazzy card.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsb2230c0d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsb2230c0d.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Gypsy Queen #189 Cliff Lee</td></tr>
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Gypsy Queen is a set I like considerably more than Allen & Ginter; however, I refuse to buy any more packs of it, since I've had terrible luck pulling Phillies cards out of it. Seriously, I think I've bought two blasters, a bunch of rack packs, and a ton of single packs and only pulled two Ryan Howard cards. Actually, I've had terrible Phillies pulling luck in general lately. Don't even get me started. </div>
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Thanks again for the trade, Brad! Hopefully, we can do it again soon. Go check out his blog; I'm in a group break that he's doing right now, so fingers crossed I'll have some more sweet cards to show off soon.</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-27777034180281153302013-10-06T11:01:00.002-07:002013-10-06T11:07:09.579-07:00Recently Acquired Phillies for Your Aesthetic EnjoymentSadly I sit here, all hope for the post season lost, sifting through cards. That's almost a lie; I couldn't tell you the exact moment I lost hope in a postseason, but it sure as heck wasn't too recent. Anyway, after two days of being sick, I think I've successfully infected every other person in the house. At this moment all other humans in the vicinity are taking a nap or watching cartoons, which means I should have about 15 minutes to update this poor excuse for a blog before someone needs something.<br />
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A few new cards have recently fallen into my possession. Really, you'd think it would be impossible to impulse buy via the internet. I mean, there is plenty of time with which to rethink a purchase. That being said, I am the Queen of internet impulse buying. That's how these cards came into my possession.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JKt8N9_CAQ/UlGdBprgbpI/AAAAAAAAARs/NAzOCaR42AY/s1600/2013ToppsSPs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JKt8N9_CAQ/UlGdBprgbpI/AAAAAAAAARs/NAzOCaR42AY/s320/2013ToppsSPs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps #26B Chase Utley SP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Amf11ZhDKhI/UlGdB2JyDZI/AAAAAAAAARw/JE0lJ0ino3M/s1600/2013ToppsSPs_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Amf11ZhDKhI/UlGdB2JyDZI/AAAAAAAAARw/JE0lJ0ino3M/s320/2013ToppsSPs_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps #6B Ryan Howard SP</td></tr>
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Can I just say that I hate this "short print variation" garbage? As a collector on a budget, it usually means more cards that won't see the light of my collection as I typically don't have the money to buy a bajillion boxes and packs of cards. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a person who is willing to trade these cards for one of my sad stacks of 1990 Donruss. Other times, I have to resort to trade sad stacks of money for these cards. That's what I did here, which means if anyone is still interested in 1990 Donruss, just let me know. On a lighter note, I love to see pictures of players signing for kids. It hits me right in the feels, ya know? Maybe because I know from my own kids how happy it makes them when someone takes the time to sign for them. Moving on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UytoY7hdyI/UlGfThcawdI/AAAAAAAAASA/wtnLb1lyrU4/s1600/13TSchmidtPatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UytoY7hdyI/UlGfThcawdI/AAAAAAAAASA/wtnLb1lyrU4/s320/13TSchmidtPatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Topps Commemorative Patch </td></tr>
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Another fad I just don't understand is Commemorative Patches. Yeah, it's cool looking, I like the retro patch. But really, what's the point? Oh well, any Schmidt's a good Schmidt, as they say (I don't think anyone has ever really said that, but they should).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zzc0xgIigU/UlGg82Jp1GI/AAAAAAAAASM/uwIy3J5jQ8k/s1600/12TStutesBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zzc0xgIigU/UlGg82Jp1GI/AAAAAAAAASM/uwIy3J5jQ8k/s320/12TStutesBlack.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Topps Black #259 Michael Stutes</td></tr>
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I don't have the same disregard for serial numbered cards as I do for SPs and commemorative patches. I adore numbered cards. I can't explain it, really. Anyway, Stutes is one of the aforementioned players that signed stuff for my kids when he was with Reading back in 2009. If I remember I'll try to dig one of those things up and add it to my ever growing "To Scan" stack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_47o6eFkfI/UlGjTlJQaqI/AAAAAAAAASY/hISD0hDAL-Y/s1600/fancycards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_47o6eFkfI/UlGjTlJQaqI/AAAAAAAAASY/hISD0hDAL-Y/s320/fancycards.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Topps Tribute Tribute to the Stars #TSR-RHO </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik5o_5Xbbms/UlGjTrDOxAI/AAAAAAAAASc/dqQy9cpd9ZM/s1600/fancycards_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik5o_5Xbbms/UlGjTrDOxAI/AAAAAAAAASc/dqQy9cpd9ZM/s320/fancycards_0001.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Topps Tier One Relic</td></tr>
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The last two cards are fancy cards from fancy packs, i.e. packs I can't afford, so don't buy. I'll be honest with you for a minute -- even though "game-used" cards (and I use that term loosely) are over produced and a dime a dozen, I still get excited every time one falls into my possession. These two also happen to be low numbered, which makes me sqee a little inside. However, I don't understand why the Howard is encapsulated in 3 inches of plastic. <br />
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Oh yeah, and if anyone's interested, I guess I'll root for the Pirates. Because Pennsylvania and all that.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-83200466839443937752013-09-25T19:18:00.002-07:002013-09-25T19:18:37.885-07:00In honor of the Marlin's 100th loss...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsf56e6a3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsf56e6a3e.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1996 Pacific Prisms Gold #P52 Lenny Dykstra</td></tr>
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I've come to terms with the fact that the Phils have clinched their first losing season since 2002. I'm okay with it, I swear. Honestly, I'm a pretty optimistic person; glass half full and all that. So while I might be crying into my Wheaties about the losing season, I do have at least one thing to smile about.<br />
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At least we didn't lose 100 games.<br />
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Last night we served those fish faces their 100th loss. I'll admit that it's a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing September.<br />
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So, while I was planning what to write about in this post (planning??? what is that????), I did a little research (research!). Way back in the dark ages of 1997, when the Marlins were from plain old Florida and not all fancy and from Miami, we traded some guy named Darren Daulton to them for Billy McMillon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsef0de37a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/amster82/Phillies%20PC/null_zpsef0de37a.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1994 Ultra Phillies Finest #3 Darren Daulton</td></tr>
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I wish I had a Billy McMillon card to show you, but alas, he seems to be missing from my collection. (Instead I included good ol' Lenny because in my mind Daulton and Dykstra go together like peanut butter and ladies) So far, I've catalogued 1,324 Phillies cards and not one single one of them is poor, old Billy. This lead me to do a little more research (seriously, I must be sick or something). Apparently, Billy has 13 cards from 97/98 that picture him as a Phillie. I still have a lot more cards to go through, but I somehow can predict that nary a one will show me Mr. McMillon's smiling mug (full disclosure: I have no idea whether or not he smiles on his cards; I've never seen one). I may have to break down and buy one just to say I have it. Otherwise, how can I sleep at night knowing my collection will never be complete until I obtain a 1998 Donruss Billy McMillon card?<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-75679032798338838002013-09-13T10:31:00.000-07:002013-09-13T10:32:53.112-07:00Updates, Mail, and Poorly Scanned PicturesWell, happy Friday! Today is my Friday off, so I thought it would be a good time to actually update the blog with some of the things that have been going on around these parts. Let's jump right into the good stuff before I start off on some unrelated tangent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWp3t9Nm8YE/UjNE4A45mnI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/c4labxOkgKE/s1600/08BDPP_GalvisAuto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWp3t9Nm8YE/UjNE4A45mnI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/c4labxOkgKE/s320/08BDPP_GalvisAuto.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Signs of the Future #FG Freddy Galvis</td></tr>
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This lovely specimen came to me via Sports Card Forum. I think I bought it for $5.50 dlvd. A steal, I tell ya. This scan does the card no justice; it is nice and shiny in real life. I love autographs. I love it even more when a player has nice penmanship. Must be the former teacher in me. Freddy here is definitely not the worst I've seen and not the best. I can make out actual letters, which is a plus. I imagine when you are signing pages and pages of stickers it gets a little tiring. It would be interesting to compare how the signature deteriorates from the first sticker signed to the last. (At least I think it would be. Maybe I'm just weird) Anyway, I enjoy that he added the little #13 at the end. It's the little things.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAiIpUePpQo/UjNHnSHJzGI/AAAAAAAAARY/K2B0d-OYpLs/s1600/Schmidt_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAiIpUePpQo/UjNHnSHJzGI/AAAAAAAAARY/K2B0d-OYpLs/s320/Schmidt_0002.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1981 Topps #540</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUXscKsArlY/UjNHmqpRzJI/AAAAAAAAARI/AtEqpsBDROQ/s1600/84AS_Schmidt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUXscKsArlY/UjNHmqpRzJI/AAAAAAAAARI/AtEqpsBDROQ/s320/84AS_Schmidt.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 Topps Glossy All-Star #4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skZyTlemwY4/UjNHm87NHpI/AAAAAAAAARE/cxKEGYMbInY/s1600/Schmidt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skZyTlemwY4/UjNHm87NHpI/AAAAAAAAARE/cxKEGYMbInY/s320/Schmidt.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1982 Donruss #585</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl1AVrnxIBY/UjNHnCk2n3I/AAAAAAAAARM/XTwQgr-ySlY/s1600/Schmidt_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl1AVrnxIBY/UjNHnCk2n3I/AAAAAAAAARM/XTwQgr-ySlY/s320/Schmidt_0001.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1994 Ted Williams Mike Schmidt #MS4 "The Promised Land"</td></tr>
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Moving on, here are four Mike Schmidt cards I picked up at the card show last weekend. The first 3 are pretty standard, you've all probably seen them a million and one times before. The last one is one that I had never come across before. So I used my awesome powers of Google-fu and looked it up. Turns out that this comes from a 9 card set highlighting Schmidt's career. They were inserted 1 per in 1994 Ted Williams jumbo packs. If anyone has any more of these cards, let me know.<br />
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Above are the random vintage cards I picked up at the aforementioned card show. I didn't pay more than a dollar for any of them, in fact most were a quarter or fifty cents. </div>
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Thank goodness that is over with. Now I can finally move these cards from my desk into their respective homes. As I get back into the swing of blogging, hopefully posts will happen more than once a week. I can't promise anything though. There is a lot of behind the scenes action going on here at them moment. I'm in the middle of reorganizing the cards to make it easier to see what I need and what I have. I'm working on wantlists and tradelists that will hopefully be at least partially posted this weekend. You know, all the normal stuff.</div>
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As always, if you have anything you think I might like, feel free to drop me a line at amster82@yahoo.com. Also before I forget, I think I fixed whatever was wrong with the comments, so if you tried to comment and couldn't I apologize.</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-85114971521481218122013-09-09T19:12:00.001-07:002013-09-09T19:14:12.139-07:00So, a girl walks into a card show...Ok, "girl" might be pushing it these days, but anyway. (I mean, I am of the female persuasion; however, I think I am fast encroaching on "lady" territory. Now, stop getting me off track or I'll never get this post written.)<br />
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Where was I? Ah, yes, card show. I did, in fact, walk into a card show this past weekend and walked out with a nice stack of cards nobody else wanted. First, you have to understand that I avoid any and all "high dollar" items. And by "high dollar" I obviously mean anything over a literal dollar. I sniff out quarter bins like a dog sniffs out stuff that dogs like to sniff. I'll gladly peruse through boxes of other people's junk.<br />
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To get straight to the point, here's some of the junk I found. I'll have to do a part deux of this post because I am too lazy to finish scanning tonight.<br />
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A lovely trifecta of 1981 Donruss cards featuring Mr. Pete Rose. I had no idea that Pete had this many cards in the ol' 81 set. I also have no idea what my scanner did to these cards, but the edges don't look so wonky in real life. I know you were probably worried. And, as an added bonus for you, a casual observation -- it's a good thing that Pete has all that beautiful flowing hair, because that batting helmet doesn't look like it would protect him in a pillow fight.<br />
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Moving on.<br />
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Say hello to Howard, Halladay, and Hamels (oh my!). First, up is Ryan Howard on a 2007 Topps Stars card. Even though I was still collecting back in 2007, this is the first one of these cards I've seen. Eh. Let's leave it at that; even I, queen of all cards shiny and gaudy, can't find it in me to think this card is all that aesthetically pleasing. Next up, is a double shot of the Doctor. A 2013 base card for my team set and my very first Gypsy Queen. Now, I've been pretty vocal in the past about my dislike of the Ginter sets, but the Gypsy Queen stuff is growing on me. Full disclosure, I have opened exactly zero packs of it and am basing my opinion solely on this one card. I also really enjoy that Roy is immortalized in a chicken-esque dance pose. Being from Pa. Dutch country and all, the chicken dance holds a special place in my heart. Rounding out the post is Cole Hamels on a Starquest card. A Gold Rare something something, no less. I don't know what that means (Geez, I've been saying that a lot lately), but it's slightly shiny and that could be a goldish background. Is it actually rare? Do I care enough to look up any information about this card? Not so much and it cost me a quarter. </div>
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Stay tuned for an unresearched, poorly written Part 2 Post. What's in store, you ask? Schmidt, Carlton, and some beat up vintage (non-Phillies! I am a sucker for any card that's marked $.25). </div>
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Stay golden (and rare).</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-88424376078395968972013-09-07T16:51:00.000-07:002013-09-07T16:53:04.479-07:00First Trade Since Being BackI am super happy to record my first trade since falling off the wagon - er, I mean, getting back into collecting again. This trade comes to me from a user named Mike on Sports Card Forum. (If you want to look me up there or be my friend or just stalk my sadly small number of posts, my name is PhilsFaninNY)<br />
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For the price of a couple 2013 Topps inserts I scored a couple Phillies for my collection.<br />
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Why, yes, that is a 2013 Topps Tyler Cloyd RC. It was just announced today that Cloyd would take Ethan Martin's spot in the rotation effective immediately. </div>
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These next two might look like the exact same card, but I would have to tell you that you are sadly mistaken. Well, not really. Technically, I guess they are the same card, but the one on the right is... wait for it... HOLOFOIL! I don't know what holofoil means other than it makes the card extra shiny and that makes me extra happy. You may remember from my initial tenure on this blog that shiny cards are my favorite. The shinier the better. That has not changed at all; in fact, the shiny love may have even gotten worse. </div>
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In other news, The Great Card Re-Organization of 2013 is still underway. I'm knee deep in cards and don't seem to be getting anywhere organizationally wise, but I'm having a blast sifting through all the boxes of cards I've neglected for the past 4 years. I promised the spouse that I would get rid of some, so if there is anything you're looking for let me know. I'm also working on updated wantlists and tradelists, so stay tuned for that, as well.</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-52067968328242986502013-09-04T10:49:00.000-07:002013-09-04T10:49:09.976-07:00I have a blog???Whoa, has it really been 4 years since I've posted here?<br />
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Let me repeat that for emphasis. 4 years???<br />
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Wow, so I guess I should make some sort of excuse for my terrible blogging habits. Um, I moved to Long Island. That's right, Met's country. With a smattering of Yankees fringe groups hanging around. I'll tell ya, it's painful. The cards got packed up in the move and just never got unpacked, I guess. A 4 year break from collecting; I thought was officially over the addiction. Well, a couple of weeks ago we started cleaning out the attic to get rid of stuff and I decided to pull down the boxes. That's exactly where I went wrong... Once I got my dirty mitts back on those cards I knew I couldn't part with them and the pack ripping, shiny card loving bug bit me again.<br />
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Which brings us to the present and this blog. I think I'll start posting again, if it's all right with all you non-existent readers. So, get ready for some cheap wax, junk cardboard, and Phillies fun (phun?). As always, if you have any Phillies cards that are burning a hole in your pocket or you're just sick of looking at, I will gladly give them a good home. And I might just have something special to stick in the mailbox for you.<br />
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It's good to be back. Even though those bums are in 4th place.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-31568437997395129422009-08-24T15:02:00.000-07:002009-08-24T15:09:35.407-07:00Computers are the devil...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SpMPjfu3f4I/AAAAAAAAANY/JiqZ8PB2w3s/s1600-h/waterboy3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SpMPjfu3f4I/AAAAAAAAANY/JiqZ8PB2w3s/s320/waterboy3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373655882871046018" border="0" /></a><br />Normally, you would never hear me utter those foul words. Normally I love computers. But not when my normally reliable computer cuts me off. Where's the love, I ask?!?<br /><br />Anyway, posts will be sporadic at best until I get my laptop back up and running. I am typing this on an old Compaq running Linux that I can't scan with. To anyone who has emailed me in the past couple of weeks, I promise I will get back to you...someday.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-77111066738373903922009-08-08T07:39:00.001-07:002009-08-08T07:43:15.330-07:00Pack Break: 2008 Upper Deck Sweet Spot<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>While at the local Wally World last night, I had the burning desire to open a pack of cards. Before I knew it I was standing in front of the card aisle checking out the selection. Much to my surprise, it must have been recently replenished since there was plenty to choose from, for once -- including something I had never seen there before -- packs of 08 Sweet Spot.<br/><br/>I had never opened any of this stuff before and it took me a moment to decide whether or not I wanted to drop $20 on one pack of cards. Obviously I decided to do it since you are reading this post. I realize how insane it is to drop that much on one pack of cards that may have yielded nothing but 8 base cards. I understand this, but such is life.<br/><br/>Base Cards:<br/><br/><img width='409' height='187' src='http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww20/phightinphils5/Breaks/2008%20Sweet%20Spot/08SS_Break_001.jpg' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><img width='411' height='191' src='http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww20/phightinphils5/Breaks/2008%20Sweet%20Spot/08SS_Break_002.jpg' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>"Hits":<br/><br/><img width='250' height='344' src='http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww20/phightinphils5/Breaks/2008%20Sweet%20Spot/08SS_Break_YSL.jpg' style='max-width: 800px;'/>    <img width='250' height='346' src='http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww20/phightinphils5/Breaks/2008%20Sweet%20Spot/08SS_Break_Hit.jpg' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>Overall, I think I would give this pack a 3/5. <br/><br/><b>Cons: </b>The high price point makes it unlikely I will buy any more of it (there's always that possibility though). I am so sick of the YSL cards and am pretty dissapointed that this was in a pack I paid that much money for. Game used relics don't excite me that much, unless it's a Phillies card. I would have much preferred to pull even a low-end autograph.<br/><br/><b>Pros: </b>At least I didn't end up with 8 base cards. The base cards are printed on decent stock and I like the design of them. Full bleed, nice photography, and the baseball stitching detailing is a nice touch. I didn't show the back, but it includes a little blurb about the player which I always appreciate. <br/><br/><b>Will I Buy More?: </b>I don't intend to unless Walmart marks them down, but it was a nice impulse buy while it lasted. If it was cheaper, I might have gone after the set base since it is small and nice looking. Pick it up if you can find it, but don't expect to get a huge thrill out of it unless you're really lucky.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=86b2215d-3f84-86c3-adcc-f19c46a23918' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-37675984778810222642009-08-07T13:06:00.001-07:002009-08-07T13:06:21.778-07:00Custom Card: 2010 UD XXX Nomar Garciaparra<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>So, playing off of this <a href='http://cardboardproblem.blogspot.com/2009/08/soozs-view-i-still-dont-like-it.html'>post</a> at a Cardboard Problem, I just had to throw my hat into this ring. I could not resist creating a card featuring a shirtless, not hatless but logoless player. The only sadness comes from the fact that it is not a night card (you can pretend it is, though) at Dodger Stadium. Enjoy it in all its license-less glory!<br/><center><br/><img width='419' height='298' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnyIphlfeJI/AAAAAAAAANM/qa53GOrt2uQ/%5BUNSET%5D.jpg?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/></center><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=c136bcc9-a698-8d2d-b13c-5104131da340' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-47713666715574933782009-08-06T05:17:00.001-07:002009-08-06T05:17:26.486-07:00Topps to be the "Official" card of MLB?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The ladies over at A Cardboard Problem scooped everyone. Apparently Topps will gain wxclusive production rights, which obviously knocks Upper Deck out of competition.<br/><br/>Read their post here:<br/><a href='http://cardboardproblem.blogspot.com/2009/08/breaking-news-topps-gets-exclusive.html'>A Cardboard Problem: Breaking News: Topps gets exclusive rights to MLB cards</a><br/><br/>Me? I'm not sure how I feel about this. As someone who still considers themselves fairly new to the world of collecting (I've been off and on since around 2003), I still get confused with new releases and what product to buy. I always end up dropping waaaay too much money on product I don't ever intend to actually commit to. So I can see how kids (and their parents) could be turned off by cards -- high price point, few cards in packs, so many products that it is confusing. Do I think it's a good/bad move? I don't know; truth is, no one will until it actually happens. We can speculate. All I know is that it will make it much easier to collect what I collect, which does make me a bit happier.<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ec755c3c-fe37-8b92-b5cf-d3c282606954' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-23339795881870645392009-08-05T05:57:00.000-07:002009-08-05T06:20:00.687-07:00These Cards Are Dreamy...<center><a href="http://twitpic.com/c5d61" title="This card will be included in Topps Updates and Highlights on Twitpic" border="0"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/c5d61.jpg" alt="This card will be included in Topps Updates and Highlights on Twitpic" height="150" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://twitpic.com/c5cop" title="This card will be included in Topps Updates and Highlights on Twitpic" border="0"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/c5cop.jpg" alt="This card will be included in Topps Updates and Highlights on Twitpic" height="150" width="150" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />If you didn't already know, Topps has a Twitter account (find it <a href="http://twitter.com/toppscards">here</a>). Yesterday they tweeted these drool-worthy cards from the upcoming Updates & Highlights set. I hope these translate well into cards because the pictures look stupendous. And just to let everyone know -- I will officially be chasing this set.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-18965937814621602002009-08-05T04:35:00.000-07:002009-08-05T04:37:43.252-07:00Ch-ch-check it out at VOTC.Lots of contests going on lately at various blogs. The latest being over at <a href="http://www.voiceofthecollector.com/2009/08/contest-national-nscc-plunder.html">Voice of the Collector</a>. So head over and try to win yourself some sweet National swag!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-27503990888632837022009-08-02T08:49:00.001-07:002009-08-02T10:28:41.263-07:00The Post That Should Not BeI told myself I wouldn't do it. I made a promise, nay a vow, to myself that I would not do it.<br /><br />I did it.<br /><br />While perusing the aisles of the local Wal-Mart, I saw it. In all its Ginter-y glory. And like the fool which I am, I bought it.<br /><br />I won't bore you with scans of every card in every pack. I will show you the Phillies and the "hits." I think we've all seen enough Allen & Ginter after the Gint-a-Cuffs shenanigans. Anything non-Phillies is up for trade. Just shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:phightinphils5@verizon.net">phightinphils5@verizon.net</a>.<br /><br />Pack #1<br />#63 Andrew Miller<br />#164 Erik Bedard<br />#92 Joe Mauer<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#350 Jimmy Rollins</span><br />#222 Akinoi Iwamura Mini<br />#NP54 Carlos Zambrano National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIYWRHIoI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4umJmCb46nE/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Rollins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIYWRHIoI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4umJmCb46nE/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Rollins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365414851701580418" border="0" /></a>Pack #2<br />#281 Jake Peavy<br />#290 Cat Osterman<br />#178 Adam LaRoche<br />#282 Eric Chavez<br />#305 Javier Vazquez Mini Black Border<br />#NP53 Vladimir Guerrero National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXLsQd0bgI/AAAAAAAAAMc/r2H0mjtm80Y/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Mini_Black_Vazquez.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXLsQd0bgI/AAAAAAAAAMc/r2H0mjtm80Y/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Mini_Black_Vazquez.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365418492276534786" border="0" /></a>Pack #3<br />#154 Corey Hart<br />#203 Scott Kazmir<br />#125 Randy Johnson<br />#336 Ryan Ludwick<br />#HHB17 James Reavis Worlds Biggest Hoaxes, Hoodwinks, & Bamboozles Mini<br />#NP52 Daisuke Matsuzaka National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXL2A4tXyI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ela-KdG0UNI/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_HHB_Reavis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXL2A4tXyI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ela-KdG0UNI/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_HHB_Reavis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365418659893042978" border="0" /></a>Pack #4<br />#118 Scott Olsen<br />#122 Dontrelle Willis<br />#108 The Alamo<br />#41 Victor Martinez<br />#NH7 Juan Santamaria National Heroes (Costa Rica) Mini<br />#NP51 Albert Pujols National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIyMJ2leI/AAAAAAAAAMU/4v6So3ENelg/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NP_Pujols.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIyMJ2leI/AAAAAAAAAMU/4v6So3ENelg/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NP_Pujols.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365415295663379938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXME7JAfiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/IXzj2fPtQMs/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NH_Santamaria.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXME7JAfiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/IXzj2fPtQMs/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NH_Santamaria.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365418916048829986" border="0" /></a>Pack #5<br />#163 Matt Garza<br />#173 Francisco Rodriguez<br />#81 Willie Williams<br />#343 Doc Holliday<br />#89 Elvis Andrus Mini<br />#NP58 Derek Jeter National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIyC-NuEI/AAAAAAAAAMM/bRbm-f5RYuU/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NP_Jeter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIyC-NuEI/AAAAAAAAAMM/bRbm-f5RYuU/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_NP_Jeter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365415293198645314" border="0" /></a>Pack #6<br />#296 Bobby Abreu<br />#12 Jermaine Dye<br />#140 Loren Opstedahl (sheep shearing, really?)<br />#29 Jonathan Papelbon<br />#318 Delmon Young Mini A&G Back<br />#NP57 Victor Martinez National Pride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXMUGsZtrI/AAAAAAAAAM0/nNTo-FFBQAE/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Mini_AGBack_Young.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXMUGsZtrI/AAAAAAAAAM0/nNTo-FFBQAE/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Mini_AGBack_Young.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365419176848111282" border="0" /></a>Pack #7<br />#168 Adrian Gonzalez Mini A&G Back<br />#262 John Danks<br />#130 Johnny Damon<br />#96 Geronimo<br />#334 Pat the Bat<br />#NP56 Edinson Volquez<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXMoiu3RWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/NdAfK8KLRng/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Sketch_Lester.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXMoiu3RWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/NdAfK8KLRng/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Sketch_Lester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365419527972013410" border="0" /></a>Pack #8<br />#191 Hiroki Kuroda<br />#153 CC Sabathia<br />#17 Manny Ramirez<br />#AGHS15 Jon Lester Sketch Card<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#162 Shane Victorino Mini</span><br />#NP55 Kosuke Fukudome National Pride<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIY_zHGjI/AAAAAAAAAME/WNAoeo3e53s/s1600-h/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Victorino_Mini.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnXIY_zHGjI/AAAAAAAAAME/WNAoeo3e53s/s320/2009_Topps_AllenGinter_Victorino_Mini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365414862850038322" border="0" /></a>Overall, a nice break. Like most blasters, nothing too exciting and it's pretty much all trade bait. Email or comment if you want anything.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-6958751411433429292009-08-01T19:35:00.000-07:002009-08-01T19:47:09.494-07:00Trade With Hand Collated<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnT81y6-BCI/AAAAAAAAALs/oTkHnH1Ccik/s1600-h/2009_Topps_Legends_ofthe_Game_MS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnT81y6-BCI/AAAAAAAAALs/oTkHnH1Ccik/s320/2009_Topps_Legends_ofthe_Game_MS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365191057237476386" border="0" /></a><br />I'm still pretty behind in posting trades and Ebay purchases, but I'm still plugging away. Typically I would also show more than just one scan but the cards have already been integrated into the collection and I was plain old just too lazy to scan them in. So, with that being said, I present my trade with Scott from <a href="http://handcollated.wordpress.com/">Hand Collated.</a><br /><br />In addition to Mr. Schmidt, Scott also sent the following cards:<br /><br />1987 Topps: 355, 443, 553, 702<br /><br />1988 Topps: 38, 398, 406, 494, 572, 669, 731, 756<br /><br />1988 Donruss: 207<br /><br />2007 Topps: 504<br /><br />2007 Topps Red Back: 504<br /><br />2009 Topps Walmart: 44, 73<br /><br />2009 Topps Heritage: 140<br /><br />2009 Upper Deck: 291, 293, 298<br /><br />2009 Topps: 103, 191, 397, 650, RH51<br /><br />And a card of a hockey goalie that my daughter was super happy to receive and has since been put into her special box of cards.<br /><br />Thanks again, Scott, I've got some cards set aside to send out to you. And if you haven't already, check out <a href="http://handcollated.wordpress.com/">Hand Collated</a>.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-78275082358301840562009-07-29T14:22:00.000-07:002009-07-29T15:34:51.275-07:00Halladay Who?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnDN4PUltDI/AAAAAAAAALU/ldoLSqWKkkU/s1600-h/ben-francisco.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnDN4PUltDI/AAAAAAAAALU/ldoLSqWKkkU/s320/ben-francisco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364013522267518002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnDN39NXtjI/AAAAAAAAALM/fnzF9KhHuT0/s1600-h/cliff-lee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SnDN39NXtjI/AAAAAAAAALM/fnzF9KhHuT0/s320/cliff-lee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364013517405402674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you may have already heard, the Phillies have worked a deal with the Cleveland Indians for Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco (pending physicals, of course). Above images shamelessly lifted from <a href="http://www.homeruncards.com">Homerun Cards</a> because I am too lazy to look through boxes.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-58531145983867557272009-07-28T18:05:00.000-07:002009-07-28T18:37:04.220-07:00Cardboard Spotlight: 2008 SP Legendary Cuts Generations #GEN-MA<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(If there are actually people who read this blog on occasion, you may know that I had a sporadicly regular post called Card O' The Day. Well, I changed the name because obviously there were more days without a card than with. So now a Cardboard Spotlight will occur whenever I feel like it. Live and learn, I guess.)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm-iGZrv7_I/AAAAAAAAALE/zQmb-7VNMJA/s1600-h/CA072809.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm-iGZrv7_I/AAAAAAAAALE/zQmb-7VNMJA/s320/CA072809.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363683912078847986" border="0" /></a><br />I probably should have posted this card during the Phils - Cards series, but I procrastinate and I never got around to it until today.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Basic Info --<br />Year: </span>2008<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brand:</span> SP Legendary Cuts<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Subset:</span> Generations Dual Memorabilia<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Number:</span> GEN-MA<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How did I acquire this card?</span> I don't remember exact details, but I don't believe I traded for it. I'm pretty sure I bought it off of another collector through one of the forum sites, not Ebay.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why spotlight this card?</span> It's Mike Schmidt, duh. And that Pujols guy. I hear he's a pretty decent player, too. But, no really, it's Mike Schmidt and a minuscule piece of bat that is certified to have been used in an official MLB game. What's not to love? And it seemed fitting since the Phils recently rocked St. Louis' world.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anything else you should know?</span> Memorabilia cards were inserted 4 per box on average. A hobby box of this stuff will run you about $93.00 from <a href="http://www.dacardworld.com/sports-cards/2008-upper-deck-sp-legendary-cuts-baseball-hobby-box">Dave & Adam's Card World</a>. According to Beckett *gasp* this card is valued between $6 and $15; you can <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHMIDT-PULOLS-2008-SP-LEGENDARY-CUTS-DUAL-JERSEY_W0QQitemZ270432902046QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_SM_Sports_Cards?hash=item3ef70e9b9e&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116">pick one up</a> on Ebay, Buy It Now for $14.95.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-14823159864436265132009-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:002009-07-27T18:46:12.153-07:00Recently Acquired Cards, part 2I have a rapidly growing pile of cards sitting on my table that need to be accounted for, scanned, badly blogged about and put away. This would account for why I am actually posting 2 days in a row (yay, me!). Hopefully it's the start of a trend because even if no one actually reads my post it is very cathartic for me. No one in my house wants to hear about cards -- even my husband who does try his hardest to be interested. This is my outlet. Any way...<br /><br />Mr. <a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/">Night Ow</a>l himself sent me a nice stack of cards and all it cost me was some lousy Dodgers that were collecting dust here in Phillies country.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm41uQpwcaI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/VaGnjWo5S9w/s1600-h/NOtrade_90sJunk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm41uQpwcaI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/VaGnjWo5S9w/s320/NOtrade_90sJunk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363283275105202594" border="0" /></a>I love flashy 90's cards. They make me giggle in a little girl kind of way -- but I digress. Greg was nice enough to send me some stupendously shiny cards. I love the Burell ornament. I think I have one somewhere, but now I have one for my collection and one for my Christmas tree! This just might push my husband over the edge. The mid-90's Metal sets are so tacky that I can't help but love them to pieces.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm423HXYi0I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xzAVR-F8jyU/s1600-h/NOtrade_oldstuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm423HXYi0I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xzAVR-F8jyU/s320/NOtrade_oldstuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363284526742670146" border="0" /></a>More old stuff -- less shiny, but appreciated none-the-less. Looking at these cards, I just noticed that the Upper Deck Steve Jeltz has a fabulous mid-air moment on the back that the ladies over at Dinged Corners would be sure to appreciate. Another casual observation -- if you squinch your eyes and look at George Vukovich he bears a slight resemblance to Jack Black.<br />My first 2 Topps variations. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm44BiH7eBI/AAAAAAAAAKE/RxKDGAFYNig/s1600-h/NOtrade_09TTarget.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm44BiH7eBI/AAAAAAAAAKE/RxKDGAFYNig/s320/NOtrade_09TTarget.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363285805235927058" border="0" /></a>I believe this is the Target variation. If I may make a suggestion to Topps... I think they should print all their cards on this thicker stock. It makes for a much nicer card.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm44haQKZRI/AAAAAAAAAKM/BYF4AYnLtOY/s1600-h/NOtrade_09UD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm44haQKZRI/AAAAAAAAAKM/BYF4AYnLtOY/s320/NOtrade_09UD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363286352878789906" border="0" /></a>Some 2009 Upper Deck. Insert your own witty comment here, I got nothin'.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5WBtAuw-I/AAAAAAAAAKk/Kc3UEh6IuMk/s1600-h/NOtrade_09UDG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5WBtAuw-I/AAAAAAAAAKk/Kc3UEh6IuMk/s320/NOtrade_09UDG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363318793507357666" border="0" /></a>A couple of 09 Goudey. I still find these cards mildly unnerving. But any Schmidt is a good Schmidt, I always say. (Actually that is the first time I've ever said that and probably the last.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5WlJMkUhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/edOqskk6GN0/s1600-h/NOtrade_09THer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5WlJMkUhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/edOqskk6GN0/s320/NOtrade_09THer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363319402368619026" border="0" /></a>Love these almost as much as the original 1960 set. Partly, I think, because of the nice thick stock. That's the second time this post I've mention cardboard quality -- most newer cards feel so flimsy and cheap. I don't like.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5XKdl3X5I/AAAAAAAAAK0/5JKrYsdd_hU/s1600-h/NOtrade_09Bow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5XKdl3X5I/AAAAAAAAAK0/5JKrYsdd_hU/s320/NOtrade_09Bow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363320043498594194" border="0" /></a>Shiny, gold, and Chase. In that order. 09 Bowman.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5XmjE8sXI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0BlJvTL_szc/s1600-h/NOtrade_09Pro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Sm5XmjE8sXI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0BlJvTL_szc/s320/NOtrade_09Pro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363320526007480690" border="0" /></a>And, finally, a couple for the minor league binder. I have had the pleasure of seeing Vance pitch in AA Reading this season. If I make it to another game, I just might try to get this one signed.<br /><br />Send some Dodgers Greg's way and stay tuned for more recently acquired cards.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-47834485166197506022009-07-26T15:48:00.000-07:002009-07-26T16:20:11.482-07:00Recently Acquired Cards, part 1I love when cards I have sitting in a box in the corner finally find a home that will love and appreciate them in ways I never could. This recently happened with a stack of Red Sox cards that I happened to have sitting around. In return, I received quite an assortment from Adam over at <a href="http://thoughtsandsox.blogspot.com/">Thoughts and Sox</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smzgo3ZE8xI/AAAAAAAAAJA/gScET05ZWv0/s1600-h/t%26strade_60T.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smzgo3ZE8xI/AAAAAAAAAJA/gScET05ZWv0/s320/t%26strade_60T.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362908248959939346" border="0" /></a>Like everyone who has eyes, I love the 1960 Topps set. I love it more when it has a Phillie on it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzhJtDozmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/fpsLW_x_oQ0/s1600-h/t%26strade_retro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzhJtDozmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/fpsLW_x_oQ0/s320/t%26strade_retro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362908813121343074" border="0" /></a>Keeping with the trend, he also sent some nice "retro" type cards. I like the OPC set, and the Bowman Heritage is a set I wish they would have continued, but Goudey is a bit scary. Mr. Rollins is not nearly as bad as some of the art I've seen though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smzh63gbBLI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LtPEjgbrUsA/s1600-h/t%26strade_97Bow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smzh63gbBLI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LtPEjgbrUsA/s320/t%26strade_97Bow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362909657740018866" border="0" /></a>Wow, a Bowman card from waaaay back in 1997. For the life of me I had no recollection of Ryan Brannan, so I turned to the ever faithful <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/index.shtml">Baseball Cube</a> for some info. Apparently Ryan spent 3 seasons in the Phil's farm system, making it as high as Scranton/Wilkes Barre (AAA). And now you know...and knowing is half the battle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjIcGKB8I/AAAAAAAAAJY/wWCAnCbmrcA/s1600-h/t%26strade_05T.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjIcGKB8I/AAAAAAAAAJY/wWCAnCbmrcA/s320/t%26strade_05T.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362910990411892674" border="0" /></a>Some 2005 Topps...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjWWbxy2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/AqzmcP13PhA/s1600-h/t%26strade_09UD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjWWbxy2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/AqzmcP13PhA/s320/t%26strade_09UD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362911229410134882" border="0" /></a>...and a couple 2009 Upper Deck.<br /><br />But wait, there's more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjpMfP_WI/AAAAAAAAAJo/hPZZk82jIlY/s1600-h/t%26strade_relics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmzjpMfP_WI/AAAAAAAAAJo/hPZZk82jIlY/s320/t%26strade_relics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362911553157856610" border="0" /></a>A nice jersey for my 2004 Cracker Jack set and, what I believe is, my very first Phillies patch card -- a magnificent piece from Mr. Jim Thome.<br /><br />Thanks again for the trade, Adam! And if any of you have spare Red Sox you want to part with, be sure to head over to <a href="http://thoughtsandsox.blogspot.com">Thoughts and Sox</a>.<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-4544557879441590512009-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:002009-07-26T15:44:12.325-07:001990 Phillies WantlistHere is a list of cards I need from the glorious year of 1990. If you happen to have any of these cards please contact me at <a href="mailto:phightinphils5@verizon.net">phightinphils5@verizon.net</a>.<br /><br />BOWMAN: 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 153 154 155 156 157 160 161 162<br /><br />AGFA: 20<br /><br />CLASSIC BLUE: 32A (Ricky Jordan ERR) 32B (Ricky Jordan COR) 80 98 113 127<br />CLASSIC UPDATE: T12 T18 T36<br />CLASSIC YELLOW: T3 T14 T62 T69<br /><br />DONRUSS: 21 44 75 193 251 278 312 369 430 548 549<br />DONRUSS AQUEOUS TEST: All<br />DONRUSS NL BEST: 8 20 32 44 49 57 62 69 81 93 106 118 140<br />DONRUSS BONUS MVPS: Complete<br />DONRUSS ROOKIES: 3 47<br /><br />FLEER: 565 650<br />FLEER CANADIAN: 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573<br />FLEER LEAGUE LEADERS: 21<br />FLEER SOARING STARS: 11<br />FLEER UPDATE: 41 42 43 44 45 46<br /><br />HOF STICKER BOOK: 44 55 78 94<br /><br />HOTTEST 50 PLAYERS STICKERS: 23<br />HOTTEST 50 ROOKIES STICKERS: 21<br /><br />KENNER STARTING LINEUP CARDS: 22A 22B (Dykstra RY) 42A 42B (Jordan RY)<br /><br />LEAF: 20 52 78 131 151 184 210 236 262 284 316 342 369 395 448 474 500 526<br /><br />O-PEE-CHEE: 74 129 216 384 515 542 662 686<br /><br />PANINI STICKERS: 197 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320<br /><br />PHILLIES TASTYKAKE: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36<br /><br />POST: 27<br /><br />PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL STICKERS: 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 615 634<br /><br />RED FOLEY STICKER BOOK: 28 129<br /><br />SCORE: 16 183 364 376 389 421 427 445 467 507 542 545 623 633a 633b 649 678<br />SCORE MCDONALDS: 14<br />SCORE RISING STARS: 12 31 75<br />SCORE ROOKIE DREAM TEAM: B2<br />SCORE ROOKIE/TRADED: 31T 59T 75T<br />SCORE YOUNG SUPERSTARS: (I) 38 (II) 4 35<br /><br />SPORTFLICS: 36 63 75 124 147 153 156<br /><br />TOPPS: 39 74 384 469 489 493 515 607 625<br />TOPPS BIG: 69 115 136 150 172 191 206 214 230 269 300<br />TOPPS DEBUT '89: 24 47 79<br />TOPPS DOUBLEHEADERS: 38 61<br />TOPPS MINI LEADERS: 69<br />TOPPS TRADED: 1T 41T 68 T<br /><br />UPPER DECK: 20 27 35 71 92 404 416 418 420 437 439 474 488 491 706 763 785Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-80063991318014431972009-07-26T13:10:00.000-07:002009-07-26T13:11:53.039-07:00Behind the Scenes ActionWorking on some behind the scenes stuff today...scanning cards, getting posts ready. Hopefully updating wantlists...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-2220646397079120482009-07-22T16:34:00.000-07:002009-07-22T16:43:05.612-07:00Clear off the shelves, Grandma finally kicked the bucket!Be forewarned -- this has nothing to do with baseball, cards, or anything related.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmejvVJmbGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/38BGj04Yc6s/s1600-h/item_20061018095308.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmejvVJmbGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/38BGj04Yc6s/s320/item_20061018095308.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361433914934455394" border="0" /></a>This is bizarre and morbid, yet oddly intriguing all at the same time. Furniture that doubles as burial equipment (or should that be the other way around?). Apparently this is a concept that the funeral industry is marketing as a way to lessen the high cost of a funeral. I almost have no words for this. (Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.casketfurniture.com">Casketfurniture.com</a>)Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-5239103243138586282009-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:002009-07-23T20:11:49.759-07:00Recent TTM Successes, part 2My first TTM successes post was all OPC-centric. Today let's focus on some good ole' 2009 Topps cards. Again, clean design, nice photography; these cards are much glossier than the OPC and required a rubdown before being sent out. I prefer the baby powder method as it has rarely failed me in the past. (Yes, I am that anal retentive about cards I send out to get signed)<br /><br />For the most part this batch of signatures were fairly legible, so I will try to keep my penmanship comments to a minimum.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jake Westbrook c/o Indians</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmkkfejobzI/AAAAAAAAAIo/-4wsME33lfw/s1600-h/westbrook.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmkkfejobzI/AAAAAAAAAIo/-4wsME33lfw/s320/westbrook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361856954558345010" border="0" /></a><br />Jake returned this card to me in exactly 2 weeks. Ok, I can't help myself...it looks to me like he wrote "Tulu Wuthl". Does anyone else see this?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Koji Uehara c/o Orioles</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smkl8xdhYUI/AAAAAAAAAIw/jaSfTWLWZ4s/s1600-h/koji.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smkl8xdhYUI/AAAAAAAAAIw/jaSfTWLWZ4s/s320/koji.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361858557360824642" border="0" /></a>And 4 days later saw the return of Koji. I feel like he should put at least 1 exclamation point after his signature. I also like that he only signs his first name. Like Cher. Or Maddona. Koji!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Harrison c/o Rangers</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmkkJAuVHQI/AAAAAAAAAIg/XPskoNVOkxI/s1600-h/harrison.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmkkJAuVHQI/AAAAAAAAAIg/XPskoNVOkxI/s320/harrison.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361856568593030402" border="0" /></a>The same day as Koji!, Mr. Harrison also appeared in my mailbox. I have no snide comments for Matt. It's a decent, readable signature and looks nice on the card. Color me commentless.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jered Weaver c/o Angels</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smkl85cuJsI/AAAAAAAAAI4/1cg6WCYXIJg/s1600-h/weaver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/Smkl85cuJsI/AAAAAAAAAI4/1cg6WCYXIJg/s320/weaver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361858559504950978" border="0" /></a>Hmmm, while the photograph defies the laws of gravity, the signature defies the laws of chirography. Ponder on that for awhile.<br /><br />And so ends another installment of my recent TTM successes. Overall, 2009 Topps looks pretty nice signed, especially in blue, but that's just my personal preference. Stay tuned for more to come.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-61707463062028055152009-07-21T16:21:00.000-07:002009-07-21T16:41:09.133-07:00Card O' The Day: 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft #77 J.A. Happ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZSB8r-AOI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/QaOiz8xTB9M/s1600-h/happ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZSB8r-AOI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/QaOiz8xTB9M/s320/happ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361062599855046882" border="0" /></a><br />J.A. Happ is having one hell of a season. Currently 7-0 with a 2.86 ERA for the season, he is 5-0 with a 2.74 ERA as a starter. A few more good starts and he could be a contender for ROY. He could also become a Blue Jay, but that's just random speculation which I don't like to do. Bleh.<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy this gem of a rookie card. And in case you were wondering, his name is pronounced "Jay." Random bits of information...it's what I'm best at.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233441221718326375.post-35157804337249724122009-07-21T14:21:00.000-07:002009-07-21T16:11:54.194-07:00Recent TTM Successes, part 1You may or may not know that I also collect TTM autographs. I am very sporadic in this pursuit though. I usually start out the season strong and by this point I hardly send out anything. I've recently sent a few things out here and there and a few older items have been trickling in. I've been a lazy blogger and haven't been posting, so get ready for a couple post dedicated to recent TTM successes I've received.<br /><br />When I first saw the 2009 OPC cards, I thought how nice they would be for TTM requests -- not only are they non-glossy and cleanly designed, they feature a wide array of players not always seen in other sets. I sent off a bunch and have gotten 4 back so far.<br /><br />(While I always appreciate a card being returned to me -- I understand that players are busy and they don't have to sign anything -- but, if I may, suggest a manditory MLB penmanship course.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cla Meredith c/o San Diego Padres</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZLIEupC4I/AAAAAAAAAIA/8IFurXGY1Ps/s1600-h/meredith.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZLIEupC4I/AAAAAAAAAIA/8IFurXGY1Ps/s320/meredith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361055008511560578" border="0" /></a>Cla's signature is not unattractive, it just looks nothing like his actual name. Here's what I see: "lu M+W". Although, to make up for it, Cla returned this card very speedily -- a little under 2 weeks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Wheeler c/o Tampa Bay Rays</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZKiaWC9aI/AAAAAAAAAH4/juX8KnUCplU/s1600-h/wheeler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZKiaWC9aI/AAAAAAAAAH4/juX8KnUCplU/s320/wheeler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361054361478952354" border="0" /></a>I'm pretty sure this is some sort of code. I see: "a music note W 8 8".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon Garland c/o Arizona Diamondbacks</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZKDPPobqI/AAAAAAAAAHw/nbjs2jhDM-o/s1600-h/garland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZKDPPobqI/AAAAAAAAAHw/nbjs2jhDM-o/s320/garland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361053825923313314" border="0" /></a>Ok, this resembles a name. I am pretty impressed; I see: "J Gld". Those are all letters in his name -- way to go, Jon!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Inglett c/o Las Vegas 51s</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZJSxtqGrI/AAAAAAAAAHo/62EK9MBZCMw/s1600-h/inglett.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dxs5G-w2qWs/SmZJSxtqGrI/AAAAAAAAAHo/62EK9MBZCMw/s320/inglett.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361052993362467506" border="0" /></a>Joe doodled on my card, I think. That symbol at the end looks to me like a heart with an arrow through it.<br /><br />Well, no matter what the signature looks like, in general the OPC cards look great signed and I'm super happy to get them back at all.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01527659933761861947noreply@blogger.com0