tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55716539104825997362024-03-05T05:27:05.006-08:00The Flapless HelmetA Baseball Card BlogKicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-22780578544445791232022-02-23T21:37:00.000-08:002022-02-23T21:37:01.068-08:00Carlton Fisk 1973 Topps Autograph<p> A couple weeks ago I sent a card to Carlton Fisk for a signature.</p><p>The card is important to me. You may remember from my TTM tutorial that it is important NOT to send a card you would miss.</p><p>However, in the case of Mr. Fisk, he is willing to sign TTM for a specific fee and I decided to take a risk. <br /></p><p>I sent a letter of request, a donation to his charity, my 1973 Topps Carlton Fisk (which includes his statistics from the Pittsfield Red Sox who played in my hometown), a Staedtler Lumocolor blue pen, and a SASE. I sent this in a bubble mailer.</p><p>In my letter of request, I noted that I included the pen for his convenience and did not need it back. My hope was that he would, in fact, use the pen I included because it is a pen I like for autographs.</p><p>Across the board, it was a success. Mr. Fisk signed the card in the Staedtler Lumocolor blue pen I sent him. The approximate time from me sending to me receiving was 2.5 weeks.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF5wzk1jWp9aq09LCtb8P6R01bH7bRG9B1GQP56x2YmvYQpJdt9PoEW4eDPmjeTiYIiL2jOsSWUghdg_1TE1Li4GZzSEVIM7SZdyaE3QAIQ01QLxTB3X3uPtg9_bg0t3PklkHpQjLhiQR8tPBccg-w-HA0CJ8ggrVtL6wKSX8KXjklzxBayoJ_SE09uA=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="640" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF5wzk1jWp9aq09LCtb8P6R01bH7bRG9B1GQP56x2YmvYQpJdt9PoEW4eDPmjeTiYIiL2jOsSWUghdg_1TE1Li4GZzSEVIM7SZdyaE3QAIQ01QLxTB3X3uPtg9_bg0t3PklkHpQjLhiQR8tPBccg-w-HA0CJ8ggrVtL6wKSX8KXjklzxBayoJ_SE09uA=w377-h529" width="377" /></a></div>I am thrilled with this return, and it was well worth the money.<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-12654778212670965762022-01-22T21:33:00.001-08:002022-01-22T21:33:08.591-08:002021 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition Two Box Break<p>After my great four box success, I thought I would try two more.</p><p>I wasn't expecting 2 Hall-of-Famers but at least maybe something cool?<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0kivCckcf_OxQ8NsBPLyJe69ixXTbl8u6enVqtxUkCIzp9HsbZIxEgXbk_7eAr66brMuj5ArcTA8l2BFEBUDEfabMYtuiJm4kpFlEkfMLO_fQ7rpnbZjnnbCSiF5idkrCBenW331d0SIYehwOkJl67O49Vr8SsLrqD-vN-vAsN2kv1Ls5AAqupeYbrA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0kivCckcf_OxQ8NsBPLyJe69ixXTbl8u6enVqtxUkCIzp9HsbZIxEgXbk_7eAr66brMuj5ArcTA8l2BFEBUDEfabMYtuiJm4kpFlEkfMLO_fQ7rpnbZjnnbCSiF5idkrCBenW331d0SIYehwOkJl67O49Vr8SsLrqD-vN-vAsN2kv1Ls5AAqupeYbrA=w418-h306" width="418" /></a></div><p>Awesome!<br /><br />Maury Willis, /99... re-popularized the stolen base strategy, 3 rings as a Dodger, 7x ASG. Gold Glove Shortstop. This is on a Topps Collectors' Series 1985 buyback. <br /></p><p>And Jim Rice /51 on a gorgeous 1989 Topps Buyback. I loved 1989 for autographs. I have a small PC of Jim Rice cards which this will join. </p><p>More incentive to buy a case of one of these...<br /></p>Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-19555853927079542862022-01-08T19:51:00.003-08:002022-01-08T20:09:05.357-08:002021 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition 4 Box Break<p>Headed to my local card shop (Finnigan's in Albany) to buy some cards today. </p><p>I had hoped to find some boxes of Archives retired. There were none out but fortunately there was an unopened case. I grabbed four boxes. This is how I did:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krf-f5UiXAk" width="320" youtube-src-id="krf-f5UiXAk"></iframe></div><br /><p>I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the most luck I've ever had in a single day's worth of cards... perhaps the most luck I've had with cards altogether. 3 1/1's, 3 HOF'ers (possibly 4 depending on the election this year).<br />This might be the first product I buy a case of. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXzIE8beFYGzENb1_CJ9SLLV-5-DZnovGIY30Ufiki3nPAJVecSH0lVoCxOcZ-nPd206u1Q0hY_uA6PoxU_10nNNj8y8e7k82VR-q6K98XsHIqi4l2-jwd8nzvq0pMW6v-zHXLdmU_--RSLEh1ViOpa5l0rmQDMoqojKECUH3nRh9YVCSsxweG79p4CA=s1562" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1032" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXzIE8beFYGzENb1_CJ9SLLV-5-DZnovGIY30Ufiki3nPAJVecSH0lVoCxOcZ-nPd206u1Q0hY_uA6PoxU_10nNNj8y8e7k82VR-q6K98XsHIqi4l2-jwd8nzvq0pMW6v-zHXLdmU_--RSLEh1ViOpa5l0rmQDMoqojKECUH3nRh9YVCSsxweG79p4CA=w230-h349" width="230" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTc_xVy4airIydvAgTc2g_5pX6uWO704pSOGNKB6klKHToJxLa5jjOkOnTS7QWbyM6Iy_WfVyfzFQSNuRXuU_SIvYPM7lBPAb7hToi5NnyD0yziFTxKIKXn7LCIhxcOlvjI1wTyTxqvd0N1IbP4du-aWKtS7OHquKf95PpFXVjgiRIrhAOTTJ3ti8E1w=s1567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigEC2ebtGfNwvs5SPyfEcFsNGMBugUgUVJ-PwHTa4kzknlunFQbglYUztvBByHCHS_zqm9GjVgwPK96_JF4HGjpRchJ_vRI9drGTqtq96fQi9FX-gM3DY3xFWaP8V0zot9Fe8FoHh3kqM8miXWJvdPo0JNwrn5ER1JNUS3z46F_YbEqX3HtEhXgrNiXw=s1799" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigEC2ebtGfNwvs5SPyfEcFsNGMBugUgUVJ-PwHTa4kzknlunFQbglYUztvBByHCHS_zqm9GjVgwPK96_JF4HGjpRchJ_vRI9drGTqtq96fQi9FX-gM3DY3xFWaP8V0zot9Fe8FoHh3kqM8miXWJvdPo0JNwrn5ER1JNUS3z46F_YbEqX3HtEhXgrNiXw=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeiNdjFC-bPyrDeeB46VBvwB4laCpRUAVbXe0i9Dd2g8CZwsby40ZVn6AZKc9FWByGwSvJbvc-LNBJtVp9gsf7PL8cdw_FUUnpCWiG1y5VDjytKaJ0Dt7aJwGJAWB0SqJjawJOZEJvroUMvSfmNDvmZ51t5iMWQ8Oc5yn21u6vpkZcE0lDE6L4ASk9oQ=s1799" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeiNdjFC-bPyrDeeB46VBvwB4laCpRUAVbXe0i9Dd2g8CZwsby40ZVn6AZKc9FWByGwSvJbvc-LNBJtVp9gsf7PL8cdw_FUUnpCWiG1y5VDjytKaJ0Dt7aJwGJAWB0SqJjawJOZEJvroUMvSfmNDvmZ51t5iMWQ8Oc5yn21u6vpkZcE0lDE6L4ASk9oQ=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnHIG_t2r28yRQRc7e4lR4oNexNrk83Wbh4vHHwHRovmYFwuCWzP4dT5HK4ft8qkZatRgxV_X0P_fDSWJ10WDI6Qw5lFi6jzM9px3RBtbfTRPBDP1ls8A_xzn2PUsX7yyICI5JZKQI86QjYvGyJsKPFD4m33CkK3h2onD4zwxGVNc83gxjGM1O3wazQ=s1799" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnHIG_t2r28yRQRc7e4lR4oNexNrk83Wbh4vHHwHRovmYFwuCWzP4dT5HK4ft8qkZatRgxV_X0P_fDSWJ10WDI6Qw5lFi6jzM9px3RBtbfTRPBDP1ls8A_xzn2PUsX7yyICI5JZKQI86QjYvGyJsKPFD4m33CkK3h2onD4zwxGVNc83gxjGM1O3wazQ=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-40437171606761984102022-01-08T19:47:00.003-08:002022-01-08T19:47:24.144-08:00Through-The-Mail (TTM) Autograph Collecting: Do's and Dont's, and how to succeed<p>Remember writing fan mail to your favorite celebs as a kid, hoping you might get a response?</p><p>Well, in the world of autograph collecting, Through-The-Mail (or TTM) autograph collecting gives you the opportunity to get autographed items for little-to-no cost apart from some small overhead for envelopes, postage and cards.</p><p>In this post I am going to give some tips, tell some stories, and hopefully help you decide if you want to try building a TTM collection. </p><p>I have had exactly <b>152 TTM successes</b> since I started collecting. That means I have received back, signed, 152 signed cards. Of those 152 cards, <strong>18 are signatures of Hall-of-Famers </strong>in their respective sports or professions.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAnYEquuFpV1i9Sl0VspqfqPvPOyqEIi6a9TNKXBinHjvEOB5-5XXrT_COTN2T6WfhMnPGy7W6lhDuEd7rv9oL0Co1UTxkBL57nyRZup9WAIbGd3H2TOGA0ktVqw523WFIdKmG-fEVrPwa7VMoYh9rwg6QilVt3Dp8UuwOaLn7mEwp6s-TvkB0HfqugQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAnYEquuFpV1i9Sl0VspqfqPvPOyqEIi6a9TNKXBinHjvEOB5-5XXrT_COTN2T6WfhMnPGy7W6lhDuEd7rv9oL0Co1UTxkBL57nyRZup9WAIbGd3H2TOGA0ktVqw523WFIdKmG-fEVrPwa7VMoYh9rwg6QilVt3Dp8UuwOaLn7mEwp6s-TvkB0HfqugQ=w240-h320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty cool, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Do's/Dont's and</strong> <strong>Setting Expectations</strong></h1><p>So, as I mentioned, I have had 152 TTM successes. How many TTM failures have I had? Cards returned to sender, cards I never saw again, cards that were returned to sender, cards I never saw again, cards that were returned unsigned? </p><p><strong>Roughly 80%</strong> of the cards I send for signatures <strong>never make it back</strong> signed.</p><p>As I will talk about more later, there are resources you can use to determine who "good" signers are so that you can lower that number, but if you want to take a chance on someone (which I will also touch on) <strong>you have to be prepared to not get your cards back. </strong></p><p>In addition, the mail is the mail. Cards may not make it to their destination, or they may get wrangled en route. You have very little control over that, and even if you send a card Priority Mail with tracking to a person, there is a chance it won't make the First-Class return trip back.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong></strong></p><p>With that in mind, a few points regarding expectations:</p><p></p><li>DO send a letter of request. Hand written, polite, grateful for the opportunity, and compliment the subject.</li><li>DO send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. They aren't going to buy an envelope and postage to get you your card. </li><li>DO make sure the card will look good with an autograph. Embossed/patterned cards don't work so well.</li><li>DO be patient. I have had cards gone for 2 weeks and cards gone for 2 years. You never know how often a player gets around to signing. </li><li>DO NOT send tons of cards to one person! Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough. Personally, I have never sent more than one card. Sending someone 5 cards says "I want to put these on eBay" which brings me to my next point...</li><li>DO NOT flip your TTM autographs on eBay. TTM is a hobby for your collection, not to make money. You won't like how little you get for them anyway.</li><li>DO NOT send a card you value. "Junk Wax" from the 80's and 90's are great for TTM autographs. Do not send a card that already has another signature on it in hopes of getting the second person to sign the card. You should go to a card show to get the second signer to sign it. </li><li>DO NOT expect to get a return.</li><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSKupxrtaOHJoT37rGc3YtjN30Kjq6BA8qwYYosY-Ptz6Tv0tONJrzuDIEO7JNTs3zVSka-_vo2cQRtZxiyKfPjrpOJ0FCNhuxyzDvmV7JU2GzdNsntm29KalPMRzCW4bb448KiSXbuxKeqQES3Jnw1o-RxULUoEze9zvfogHuVW0SHxySdzaWWa_ZPA=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="743" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSKupxrtaOHJoT37rGc3YtjN30Kjq6BA8qwYYosY-Ptz6Tv0tONJrzuDIEO7JNTs3zVSka-_vo2cQRtZxiyKfPjrpOJ0FCNhuxyzDvmV7JU2GzdNsntm29KalPMRzCW4bb448KiSXbuxKeqQES3Jnw1o-RxULUoEze9zvfogHuVW0SHxySdzaWWa_ZPA=s320" width="264" /></a><br /></div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Who Should I Send To?</strong> <br /></h1><p>So, the folks over at the <a href="https://www.sportscardforum.com/scfttmm/ttmm/welcome/">Sports Card Forum</a> have curated a database of TTM successes, failures, wait times, and addresses. If you see that someone has signed a lot of cards recently, it's a good sign (but not a guarantee) that you may be successful. </p><p>But maybe your favorite person isn't on the list. Is it worth trying? In baseball, I have had success sending cards to spring training locations in March/April... in fact that's how I ended up with this card:</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRlbIH_SX1AZla4WHhFhhD1kE_SxboEIkvnqeWPcr8kF348Q_BUbVshJ5qqMrcdzrI1PWKcW1kkoxwZ818rquus6AzGd262WOV8ID8jh2ReCXjyECU5ke4EC0DYr4eQocjZGiN_r5-MLkXKE7woV7R8OoN62PC0eNZzfz0Sg6XlMY88-yApTyxsBoDMA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRlbIH_SX1AZla4WHhFhhD1kE_SxboEIkvnqeWPcr8kF348Q_BUbVshJ5qqMrcdzrI1PWKcW1kkoxwZ818rquus6AzGd262WOV8ID8jh2ReCXjyECU5ke4EC0DYr4eQocjZGiN_r5-MLkXKE7woV7R8OoN62PC0eNZzfz0Sg6XlMY88-yApTyxsBoDMA=s320" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sent this card to Cardinals trading camp.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>Ultimately, if you send to an office, training camp, studio, or other location you think the subject might be, there is always a chance you will succeed. It's the cost of some stamps, envelopes, and your cards. Just be mindful that it is a gamble with your card.</p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><strong>What does a good TTM request look like?</strong></h1><p style="text-align: left;">It's quite simple. Hand write an envelope to the location you are sending the card (stadium, office, home, etc) and in the envelope place a card, self-addressed stamped envelope, and a letter of request. You should put it in a top loader for safe travels.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To avoid glossy cards getting smudged after signature you can take some of the shine off before sending by wiping the card down with Gold Bond.</p><p style="text-align: left;">TTM collecting is about patience. If you are polite, work hard, and are willing to sacrifice a card in the process, It might be a way for you to start your collection. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpsY339DNQCT4kyhGwqtaYDtM25GV8MLACEAKXQGYPKhCrSw6WT2lrJqRSORpTsRIncJLdvTO4fD6Rx7UfbLX6qi6X-19U5-GYxggbcF6fZgAec_dfQ-bp1gAWjR85hUSn8KoeOU_kLu0UI8rQ3W52aEWCNuMzR3KHf455wj9QFI9U3enKwVS0DOm1Bw=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="641" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpsY339DNQCT4kyhGwqtaYDtM25GV8MLACEAKXQGYPKhCrSw6WT2lrJqRSORpTsRIncJLdvTO4fD6Rx7UfbLX6qi6X-19U5-GYxggbcF6fZgAec_dfQ-bp1gAWjR85hUSn8KoeOU_kLu0UI8rQ3W52aEWCNuMzR3KHf455wj9QFI9U3enKwVS0DOm1Bw=s320" width="228" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sent to this to the studio Regis (RIP) had been working out of at the time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-52537324927010210132022-01-08T19:35:00.003-08:002022-01-08T19:35:53.618-08:00I'm Back!<p>It's been a bit of a wild year.</p><p>Wild decade.</p><p>I lost a large portion of my collection to a flood.</p><p>I decided to restart my blog as I have been collecting again and I can't wait to share it with you!</p><p>-Sam<br /></p>Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-72897540388502209312015-06-22T19:47:00.000-07:002015-06-22T19:47:00.216-07:002004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams: Auto CollectionI ripped a pack from one of my favorite sets, 2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams over at <a href="http://apacktobenamedlater.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Pack To Be Named Later</a>. One of my favorite things about this set is how friendly the design is for autographs.<br />
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Here is my collection of autographs from this set... both pack-pulled certified autos, and autos I have gotten through the mail.<br />
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<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-65691364448724692212015-06-21T17:00:00.001-07:002015-06-21T17:00:46.619-07:002015 Bowman BaseballToday I'm going to do a quick review of 2015 Bowman Baseball. I broke a retail rack pack.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAHh0k5ykpDcnNVp2jJg8qplZsUpKaDzlnbFllABoVl8tgWiZkRmtd3ZV1GZmCC8EAslN8GU6lFqeIcS9gdrdkm2fpAg9e-IgVtSvzSQqlxZYGXX4qU2aW78rw-cpXWpnGXWRYaQWjsvc/s1600/2015bow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAHh0k5ykpDcnNVp2jJg8qplZsUpKaDzlnbFllABoVl8tgWiZkRmtd3ZV1GZmCC8EAslN8GU6lFqeIcS9gdrdkm2fpAg9e-IgVtSvzSQqlxZYGXX4qU2aW78rw-cpXWpnGXWRYaQWjsvc/s320/2015bow.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div>
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<br />
Bowman's brand lays their claim as "Home of the Rookie
Card" although I think "Home of a bunch of guys you will never see in an
MLB game" might be more accurate. Famous for the big prospect rushes...
Harper, Strasburg, etc. etc.<br />
<br />
Here are the highlights from my pack: <br />
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The "First Bowman Card" is a big part of these sets. Carlos Asuaje is in Portland playing for the Sea Dogs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHZgRfQ6yru-hKyeit76q-id4yNxxKhXMZezIxYaxg24eJScsVNEfJ-7XHXnSx8V5moTKcfiSaj9FKi4H4SWEP_tA5hcZMWMxNS4RdlB6HFhCMHg3zKq0VHyLKnSegq4VbS65uAvqdKB1/s1600/2015bow+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHZgRfQ6yru-hKyeit76q-id4yNxxKhXMZezIxYaxg24eJScsVNEfJ-7XHXnSx8V5moTKcfiSaj9FKi4H4SWEP_tA5hcZMWMxNS4RdlB6HFhCMHg3zKq0VHyLKnSegq4VbS65uAvqdKB1/s320/2015bow+2.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div>
Somehow this is Scott Schebler's first Bowman Card despite being in the Dodgers org. since 2010.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_oDlshGr2W2M0ndzExv03m7AXRcmLv-tEkODDyvWzlpjjIMrLeqJ8GusGJvBrZ1q4LmuC9Anr33qPgyN9oPSzd27o9FuwShGKy9BAIvcCEH8S7N2K0kxt38UEElq3co_kKgoSKMGnBGU/s1600/2015bow+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_oDlshGr2W2M0ndzExv03m7AXRcmLv-tEkODDyvWzlpjjIMrLeqJ8GusGJvBrZ1q4LmuC9Anr33qPgyN9oPSzd27o9FuwShGKy9BAIvcCEH8S7N2K0kxt38UEElq3co_kKgoSKMGnBGU/s320/2015bow+3.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>
Jose Valdez makes his first Bowman appearance at age 32 after being in pro baseball since 2000, originally in the Yankees organization.<br />
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Josh Bell is working his way through the Pirates organization.<br />
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This serial numbered parallel of Greg Bird (/250) highlights the #4 Yankee prospect. <br />
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Here are a couple of our base veteran cards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc9Zj664fgawmKeRcPNeNgNC6oS_ejct9CBV21982GX9MxwLvB8GzcrpID_9tsxwcFAZUd59nLu30k8YUuqtfJgkfinlL7sKLvQPTE0j0iC21cxkXONNoLau7dNng_ofbxpbvbmQrrjlT/s1600/2015bow+9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc9Zj664fgawmKeRcPNeNgNC6oS_ejct9CBV21982GX9MxwLvB8GzcrpID_9tsxwcFAZUd59nLu30k8YUuqtfJgkfinlL7sKLvQPTE0j0iC21cxkXONNoLau7dNng_ofbxpbvbmQrrjlT/s320/2015bow+9.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div>
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Despite being the "Home of the Rookie Card" this was my only Rookie Card in the pack of 22 cards. So far a career .220 big league hitter.<br /><br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-89273584533862429412015-06-18T23:19:00.001-07:002015-06-18T23:19:47.567-07:00Majestic MLB Alumni Association Jerseys - Charlie HoughEver try to use the custom jersey maker on MLBShop or Majestic to put a classic player on a jersey, and get your design rejected?<br />
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It used to be that you would have a few old-school players you could buy
on jerseys on each team. If you wanted anyone else, you would have to
buy from a third party who bought lettering kits and put them on
blank-backed jerseys. <br />
<br />
Well now, you can buy jerseys from Majestic with ANYONE* in the MLB Players Alumni Association.<br />
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The asterisk is because the list does not appear to include HOFers, and of course you have to buy a jersey for the team the player played on. You cannot put Fred Lynn on a Yankees jersey. <br />
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I wanted Charlie Hough, and I wanted him on a White Sox jersey, as that was the team he notched his 200th win with on August 5, 1992.<br />
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Awesome! The MLB Replica Jerseys from Majestic have come a long way in the past 10 years or so... the numbers and letters used to be pretty generic unless you bought Authentic (for $220 or so).<br />
These jerseys run about $110 and I think it is well worth it.<br />
<br />
You can pick these up direct from Majestic <a href="http://www.majesticathletic.com/MLB-Player-Alumni-Association/l/140" target="_blank">here.</a> If you don't feel like shelling out $110 you can also get player tees. Hopefully someday they will add more throwback styles to this line. <br />
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Go get the Rudy Seanez Braves Jersey you've always dreamed of!<br />
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Disclaimer- I DO NOT work for Majestic or have any dog in this fight. I just like old school baseball :D. <br />
<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-10718543705621587602015-06-18T22:49:00.005-07:002015-06-18T22:49:52.240-07:002015 Leaf Heroes on A Pack to Be Named LaterI did a review of 2015 Leaf Heroes over at <a href="http://apacktobenamedlater.blogspot.com/2015/06/2015-leaf-heroes-of-baseball.html" target="_blank">A Pack To Be Named Later</a>. Check it out!<br />
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<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-81349365900771840112015-06-11T15:57:00.004-07:002015-06-11T15:57:56.170-07:002015 Topps Archives Baseball Box Break Topps Archives has been one of my favorite sets in the past few years.<br />
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Stars of today and yesterday printed on classic designs. Each box is ripe with nostalgic and modern players. Rookie cards are plentiful. And each year there are usually a few cool insert sets.<br />
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The main draw for me, with Archives, is the on-card autographs. Unlike most modern card products that feature high loads of prospect and rookie autographs, Archives features players from the past. I've pulled everyone from Howard Johnson to Gary Carter in Archives from years past.<br />
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So, let's break the product:<br />
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Our base cards come in a number of varieties. In the top row, you see Jon Lester in the 1976 Topps design, Brooks Robinson in the 1983 design, and Henderson Alvarez in the 1957 design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YM9QjIIyMApG9apq_rL0DRecmDfOgcMc_Jqmcw9vSw3QLb8bDt9u1sVzYF4q-AeMcEZbCmf45Mj8o1V5bADoLZo8rRhBj2QD-Fyo_kkfa1FbHrtXRulvBGww94dLBGhl3MTZKdUN9yWP/s1600/Chronicles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YM9QjIIyMApG9apq_rL0DRecmDfOgcMc_Jqmcw9vSw3QLb8bDt9u1sVzYF4q-AeMcEZbCmf45Mj8o1V5bADoLZo8rRhBj2QD-Fyo_kkfa1FbHrtXRulvBGww94dLBGhl3MTZKdUN9yWP/s320/Chronicles.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
For inserts, we have the Topps 1968 game card variety (Mike Trout shown here), the 1990 Topps variety highlighting famous draft picks and rookies, and Presidential Chronicles, showing here Jimmy Carter and Herbert Hoover. I have to admit the Presidential Chronicals seem a little out of place in this set.<br />
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Next, we have our "hits". Here are our parallels:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD196kcMctfYE3KB8JjII1i9tz2gJUvaKhcBp_NUwhVviN8D0WE8cVooe105bx6ZGYcVF9dNPazWT0p5zMBfFUY8kJ2VXRWiFdlW4AQjWS4gBIh_lO9MlW04t4a-StmcEj0ui_wxUWnxK/s1600/Fister.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD196kcMctfYE3KB8JjII1i9tz2gJUvaKhcBp_NUwhVviN8D0WE8cVooe105bx6ZGYcVF9dNPazWT0p5zMBfFUY8kJ2VXRWiFdlW4AQjWS4gBIh_lO9MlW04t4a-StmcEj0ui_wxUWnxK/s320/Fister.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW3rC8ENCaJ123hJXGz7x3313BpU7okXly0TCXWNO0dfqT-1_pgqEMxaXtTT3YO6PSPr-6dD9RhMTz8mSu6qOg72fDnT6yyrmqTwry1irAxvvkuwS0zaRYD9O-UMVXlltdZd0rXv6BQw1/s1600/Gausman.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW3rC8ENCaJ123hJXGz7x3313BpU7okXly0TCXWNO0dfqT-1_pgqEMxaXtTT3YO6PSPr-6dD9RhMTz8mSu6qOg72fDnT6yyrmqTwry1irAxvvkuwS0zaRYD9O-UMVXlltdZd0rXv6BQw1/s320/Gausman.jpeg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ntm_Ac6T581ulB39wvIeOeGowrwc6_gOO4CJ2xXpCIRa0PLInH4cLEZxaYTrdJfax79FX6vYBDfB822KjpwoFvY3_qDg0hcrEqar0FqhLBZ0rgN62NvuMSxmDjiDR_jSSsodkPnsChSS/s1600/Gonzalez.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ntm_Ac6T581ulB39wvIeOeGowrwc6_gOO4CJ2xXpCIRa0PLInH4cLEZxaYTrdJfax79FX6vYBDfB822KjpwoFvY3_qDg0hcrEqar0FqhLBZ0rgN62NvuMSxmDjiDR_jSSsodkPnsChSS/s320/Gonzalez.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div>
The first two silver bordered cards are serial numbered to 199, and the gold bordered Luis Gonzalez is serial numbered 50 of 50.<br />
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One of the fun elements of this year's Archives set is the inclusion of 10 Will Ferrell cards highlighting the 10 MLB teams he played on in this year's Spring Training. There are also serial numbered autographed Will Ferrell cards.<br />
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I have to admit, I would have been a little sad if I hadn't run into at least one Will Ferrell card in this box. I got the Padres version. Not an autograph but better than no Will Ferrell!<br />
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Another interesting hit series in Archives this year is the buyback Topps Original cards. I got this one:<br />
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<br />This is a vintage 1973 card, with an added Topps stamp. Mike Kilkenny's only noteworthy accomplishments are giving up Frank Robinson's 500th home run, and playing on four teams in the same season. Cool to see true vintage in a modern box, though.<br />
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Finally, my two fan-favorites autograph hits:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnx6f29GQKiddmMOsdvBO5TTtDtWyiolyxJ9XAT2p6ldB1BGhMmahyphenhyphenKPeo2oKfTI4U60fQ567QWlOHoXLyV_ER0tqotuYyDaJ0uPu9tLS8LQZj0SZV3BigdJsFwl_JYRtm4YlbtOZCuyp/s1600/Oliver.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnx6f29GQKiddmMOsdvBO5TTtDtWyiolyxJ9XAT2p6ldB1BGhMmahyphenhyphenKPeo2oKfTI4U60fQ567QWlOHoXLyV_ER0tqotuYyDaJ0uPu9tLS8LQZj0SZV3BigdJsFwl_JYRtm4YlbtOZCuyp/s320/Oliver.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div>
Joe Oliver (shown here in the 1989 Topps design) was a solid, reliable backstop in the 90's, with 100 career home runs. He got a ring with the Reds in 1990.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx4WkNZeiGqRjTQgKeJd4dD2ZRsDJKuRZHjRYGqhLfrsc20utf8a1bEfaWDU4Zi9y3mJ1r6Jv6D0cKLu6sqlRy2-aB2Sgu8_gDYBPHa8g8RDREFkWH7zkjUDM-8xyFkOEN63frpFqesYJ/s1600/Tekulve.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx4WkNZeiGqRjTQgKeJd4dD2ZRsDJKuRZHjRYGqhLfrsc20utf8a1bEfaWDU4Zi9y3mJ1r6Jv6D0cKLu6sqlRy2-aB2Sgu8_gDYBPHa8g8RDREFkWH7zkjUDM-8xyFkOEN63frpFqesYJ/s320/Tekulve.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div>
Kent Tekulve (shown here in the 1980 Topps design) is something of a Pirates legend, pitching in their 1979 World Series victory and making the 1980 All-Star Game. He had 184 saves and a dandy 2.85 ERA.<br />
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Pretty cool break! I'd open another. <br />
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<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-33484634891464291522015-06-10T18:16:00.002-07:002015-06-10T18:16:36.223-07:00The Knuckleball CollectionOne of my favorite collections is my Knuckleballer collection.<br />
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There is something I have always liked about the Knuckleball. It started with Tim Wakefield. Being a local Red Sox guy, I grew up being mesmerized by the Knuckleball movement.<br />
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I started following and collecting current and former knuckleball pitchers afterward. Here are the gems of my collection.<br />
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Starting things off is the legendary "Knucksie", Phil Niekro. One of the great ambassadors of the knuckleball... and probably the greatest Knuckleball pitcher of all time. This card is from Playoff Absolute's Absolutely Ink series, serial numbered to 25. <br />
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Phil's brother Joe was not quite as successful but still a fantastic Knuckleballer in his own right, winning 221 games. He tragically passed away in 2006. This is from the Upper Deck Yankees Classic Scripts series, and is an on-card auto.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Charlie Hough is probably my number 2 favorite Knuckleballer, after Wakefield. Charlie had so much character and threw such devastating pitches, while being a genuinely nice guy. The first card is a Topps reprint autograph numbered to 70, the second is a TTM success of mine. </div>
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Tom Candiotti, seen here wearing the famous Knuckleball #49, was a bit of a Journeyman in the 80's and 90s. He managed to compile 1,735 strikeouts despite a career losing record. This card is from 1996 Leaf Signature.<br />
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Steven Wright is one of two (I believe?) current major league Knuckleballers. He currently pitches for the Red Sox and wears #35, like Phil Niekro. This is a Bowman Sterling issue from his tenure with Cleveland.<br />
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The author of Ball Four, formerly shunned pitcher Jim Bouton has come back into favor with the Yankees organization, participating in old-timers events. He was a fixture at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield after his retirement. This autograph is from Tristar OBAK.<br />
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Tim Wakefield is my favorite Red Sox player of all time. His dazzling Knuckleball, the way he carried himself on the field, and his importance in the Red Sox success in the 2000s earned him a place in many fans' hearts. This card is the most I have ever paid for a loose single card. Tim's certified autos are very uncommon, particularly with low serial numbers and relics. This one is from Upper Deck Spectrum. <br />
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Topps Fan Favorites autographs brings us this Wilbur Wood auto'd reprint. Wilbur was a 3-time all-star for the White Sox in the 70's, making him one of only three Knuckleball pitchers to have multiple ASG appearances but not be in the Hall of Fame, the others being Bob Purkey and Dutch Leonard.<br />
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<br />R.A. Dickey is the most well-known current Knuckleballer, and the only Knuckleballer ever to win the Cy Young award. This awesome auto/relic comes from Topps Triple Threads (I can't believe I pulled it in a pack!?!?!?)<br />
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Finishing things up is the late Hoyt Wilhelm, HOFer and one of the first pitchers to be known as a star relief pitcher, something that was uncommon in his time. Hoyt notched 143 wins and 227 saves. <br /><br />
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<br />Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571653910482599736.post-48615726273606053832015-06-09T18:44:00.001-07:002015-06-09T18:44:58.586-07:00Welcome to the Flapless HelmetThis is my new baseball card blog. I used to write Wax Pack Geek and have moved my blogging over here.
Check out the about for more info. More to come soon. Kicky Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02476596441585653074noreply@blogger.com0