One of the blogs I have followed the longest on this Roll has been dayf over at Cardboard Junkie. I have always found his posts and writing very humorous and very interesting to me. His Allen & Ginter project (the originals) is a very cool idea and should not be missed. You'll have to scroll all the way down on the right side of his blog, but he's got some nice scans of some pretty awesome vintage A&G. And thanks to him, I began my quest for an Allen & Ginter mini "Frankenstein" set only to want any and all mini Ginter cards.
Like many of the blogs out there, he's going after the 2011 Topps Diamond shiny cards so when I offered some Trade Bait that included an Albert Pujols, he came calling.
First up, he knocked off three more 2009 Topps Heritage cards off my needs list. These three cards came from the High Series and puts me closer to finishing that series. I still have a ways to go with the regular series including quite a few short print cards. I think out of all the Topps Heritage issues, the '60 version was one of their best if not THE best execution of the retro set concept. The design and colors are really strong. One of these days I'll get this set in pages.
Next up, I can cross off four cards on my 2010 Heritage set. Getting closer with this one but still need a number of shorts prints. I would think I would have an easier time acquiring the short prints as I don't find many collectors out there collecting this set due to it's "boringness" and "hatless" photos. Sooooo, I know your out there, drop me a line and I'll be more than happy to trade for these SPs! I think one things I do love about the set is the large photo area, nothing flashy, just as clean as the original.
And finally, even though I have barely made a dent in this set (as I returned that eBay lot because the condition was really rough), Junkie sent me five 1972 Topps cards including a semi-high in Ken Brett. Like another blogger told me just yesterday while discussing a trade, no matter how little you have made in-roads on a set like this, you gotta take any card you can get.
Thanks again dayf for the trade!!! I hope to find more shinys to send your way down the line and I have a number of oddball Braves cards (especially of Maddux) that I know could find a home down South. Hopefully, another trade will follow down the road.
One of baseball's toughest feats for a hitter, is hitting for the cycle. One of those few ball players to do so was Cleveland Indians first baseman, Tony Horton.
Trying to find a card of Tony Horton might be as tough as hitting for the cycle. Tony never appeared on a Topps card, even though he had made his Major League debut for the Boston Red Sox in 1964. He appears on a couple of regional issues and a Kellogg's card from the 1971 series.
So with that in mind, I decided to design a Topps Lost Card featuring Mr. Horton. He makes his Topps trading card debut in the 1971 Topps set, card number 753.
1970 was a curious season for Horton. He batted .269 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in a season full of ups and downs. On May 24 of that year in the second game of a doubleheader, he hit three home runs in an 8-7 loss to the New York Yankees; he reportedly was upset about not hitting a fourth. Exactly one month later against the Yankees, in the first game of another doubleheader, Horton fouled off a “folly floater” from Steve Hamilton. Horton asked for another "Folly Floater," and Hamilton again threw one, and again Horton popped it into foul territory behind home plate—this time into Thurman Munson's mitt for an out. An embarrassed Horton crawled back into the dugout.
On July 2, Horton hit for the cycle in a 10-9 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The end of Horton's playing career came unexpectedly on August 28, after he took himself out in the fifth inning of the second game of a doubleheader against the California Angels. A batting slump and constant booing from the Indians fans led to such emotional distress that Horton would attempt suicide that evening. He would receive treatment and recover, but the stress of professional baseball forced him to leave the game prematurely; he had played his last game three months shy of his 26th birthday. His manager, Alvin Dark, in his book When in Doubt, Fire the Manager, would call Horton’s sudden exit “the most sorrowful incident I was ever involved in, in my baseball career.”
In his very short career, Horton batted .268 with 76 home runs and 297 RBIs in 636 games played.
As an avid baseball historian, there isn't many facts or tidbits that I come across that I find myself saying: "Wow, I didn't know that."
So imagine coming across one such record/factoid that a Boston Red Sox player actually owned the other day when the Boston Globe ran a pictorial about Ray Allen (NBA 3-point record) and other Boston athletes owning places in sports record books.
Cox was heralded as a skilled hitter with a major league swing. He spent five years in the Boston minor league system, stepping up a class every year, that was hastened by a phenomenal season in 1977 with Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. In 95 games, he hit .334 with 14 home runs and 81 RBI, which was highligted by an All-Star selection, and helping Pawtucket to clinch the regular season championship. After the season he won both the Topps Minor League Player of the Year and the International League MVP awards, and was promoted to the big team.
Cox debuted with the Red Sox on September 18, on Brooks Robinson Night at Baltimore. Robinson had just retired, finishing a 23-year career with the Orioles, one of the longest major-league careers with one club. Spoiling Robinson's celebration, Cox went 4-for-4 in his first major league game, a 10–4 victory over Baltimore. After the game, reporters told Cox he had tied the American League record for most hits in a first game. Casey Stengel, Willie McCovey and Mack Jones also share the mark. Boston returned to Fenway Park to face the New York Yankees the next day. In his first at-bat against the Yankees, Cox hit a single to tie a record held by Cecil Travis with the Washington Senators. Travis set the record of five consecutive hits at the start of a major league career in 1933. Then, in his second at-bat Cox singled off Ed Figueroa. This assured him a place in major league history for his unique 6-for-6 hitting streak.
Cox ended 1977 with a .362 average (21-for-58), and drew considerable attention to himself. Before the 1978 season he was sent by Boston along with Bo Díaz, Mike Paxton, and Rick Wise to the Cleveland Indians in the same transaction that brought Dennis Eckersley and Fred Kendall to the Red Sox. After two years in Cleveland as a backup outfielder and playing all four infield positions, Cox joined the Seattle Mariners in 1980 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981, his last major league season.
In a five-season career, Cox was a .245 hitter with 10 home runs and 79 RBI in 272 games.
Currently, Cox works with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in raising money for worthy causes and charities.
Cox made his Topps debut with three others at #706 in the 1978 set. The feat made the back of his 1979 Topps card. His last card was in 1981's Donruss and Fleer sets.
A little while back, Johnny over at Cards from the Quarry emailed me about trading. Like myself, he had just got his blog up and running. He has been quite busy as he's had a number of trades on his site lately. Going his way was around 400 cards from various set needs along with a number of Rockies cards.
Coming back to the WALL was a first for my collection. A jersey relic/autograph card and numbered 25 of 50! This is my third jersey swatch card I have of Lester and first autograph. Lester's story is amazing one if you have never heard before. Coming into the 2011 season, many are predicting it could be a Cy Young type of year for the lefty. His last three years have been rock solid and is truly the ace of a pretty strong rotation that includes, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, John Lackey, and if you must, Dice-K.
I think the following line sums it up best:
He beat cancer.
He beat the Rox for the World Series.
He threw a no-hitter.
What's next... Hall of Fame?
Next up are three Red Sox cards I have never seen before and still not sure what set they come from. They are pretty cool and the only other card I have found on eBay is a Johnny Damon. They are some sort of 2006 Upper Deck product. In any case, these are cool and wonder is there is a Lester or Youkilis out there that I can add to my player collections.
Next up, the card that first started off our initial trade talks was a 2009 Topps Update Short Print variation card of Bo Jackson. While I may never obtain all these SP variations, I am always on the look out for them. Others I have are a Lou Gehrig (series 1), Robin Yount (series 2), and a Honus Wagner (Update series). If you have any, I've got a 2010 Topps Rickey Henderson SP variation to trade.
Next up, a couple of cards off from No-Hitters Club collection. A 1989 Topps Tom Browning and a 1992 Mark Williamson. On September 16, 1988, Browning, pitched a perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game was delayed two-and-a-half hours, but when it finally started, Tom Browning was at his best, throwing 102 pitches, 72 of which were strikes. The small crowd that patiently waited nearly three hours for a 10 p.m. start were treated to a magnificent pitchers' duel that featured Tim Belcher taking a no-hitter into the the sixth inning and Tom Browning completing the first ever Cincinnati Reds perfect game. The following season, Browning barely missed becoming the first Major League pitcher to pitch two perfect games, taking his second bid into the ninth inning on July 4, 1989 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. A lead-off single by Dickie Thon ended Browning's attempt.
On July 13, 1988, Mark Williamson was part of a combined no-hitter. Baltimore Orioles starter Bob Milacki and three relievers, Mike Flanagan, Williamson and Gregg Olson, combined for the O's first no-hitter since 1969 in a 2-0 victory at the Oakland Coliseum. Milacki pitched 6 innings and struck out three batters before giving ball to the bullpen. He was taken out of the game when he was hit by a line drive in the seventh inning. Flanagan came on to finish the seventh and them Williamson and Olson three 1-2-3 innings in the 8th and 9th innings to preserve the no-no.
And finally, we have three cards off of my other baseball feats collection, Players Have Hit for the Cycle. We've got a 1988 Topps Chris Speier, a 1989 Topps Gary Redus, and a 2010 Topps Chrome Troy Tulowitzki. On July 9, 1988 Chris Speier hit for the cycle as the Giants mauled the Cardinals, 21-2 at Candlestick Park. It marked the second time Speier had accomplished the feat and was almost 10 years to the day of his previous cycle for the Expos on July 20, 1978.
On August 25, 1989, Gary Redus' cycle came against the Reds, who were playing their first game since Pete Rose was banned from baseball for life. The Pirates racked up 17 hits and downed Cincinnati 12-3 at Riverfront Stadium.
On August 10, 2009, Tulo had five hits and drove in seven while hitting his cycle against the Cubs in a 11-5 win at Coors Field. Tulowitzki, who had a home run denied in the first video review at Coors Field, came to bat to lead off the seventh a triple shy of the franchise's fifth cycle and first in nine years.
Thanks again Johnny for the trade, I'm sure we'll trade again down the road and for those of you who haven't checked out his blog out yet, go take a look!
CONTEST THAT IS! Go check out what Crinkly Wrappers is offering to all!
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Won't get to post until later this afternoon or later tonight, but will throw a couple of items up for night reading. Need to do some freelance design today and also try to enjoy the almost 60 degree temperature we'll see in Massachusetts today.
Been a crazy day at work so really haven't had a chance to post at all today. Just wanted to thank reader Matt for the note he passed along:
Shane,
Got the package today. Needless to say I am very happy! Thanks for all the great cards and I'll keep checking your blog and your needs list.
-Matt
Matt had sent these cards about two weeks ago and going his way was a number of 2010 Allen and Ginter base cards, including several SPs and This Day in History Cards. I had picked these up at the local shop and maybe paid a buck for these if that. Matt also likes the Cubs and Pirates, so also tucked in a '70 Topps Hebner, a '76 SSPC Rick Monday, and some '78/79 OPC & Topps Cubs and Pirates cards. Thanks again Matt, I'm sure we'll trade again!
Target Red Diamonds Here!! Target Red Diamonds Here!! Get your Red Diamonds Here!!
Collecting the Gold Foils??? How about Trevor Hoffman's last card?? Numbered 1839/2011.
Now I know what you're thinking, why is Shane got a mini up for trade? Turns out, it's an extra I just got out of a pack. Love this set, but don't need two Pujols.
So take a look at my wants and leave a comment or shoot me an email.
So I managed to get to the local card store (DJ's Sportscards in Oxford, MA) last Friday to help fill out a couple of other blogger want lists in order to send off a couple of trade packages. After finding those needs, I decided to look for some 2009 Goodwin Champion minis for myself.
For one buck, I brought home 19 more minis for my set and who doesn't love the old Milwaukee Braves logo on McCann's card.
So decided to "dig" into the Topps Diamond this morning and with my three Digs, and unlocked these virtual rings. I guess the point of having these virtual rings is to keep buying packs and therefore keep collecting and unlocking your Diamond Giveaway cards. From there, you'll move up on the points scale and receive various prizes. I also have read that trading of cards and rings will not start until April 1st.
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At some point today, I'll finish posting what I didn't get to from yesterday, so be on the look out for that, plus later this week I'll showcase I sweet card I received in a trade with Cards from the Quarry. If you haven't already, go check out his blog! Like me, his blog is fairly new, and has really put out a lot of strong content.
George Foster did not have the Mets career many hoped for when they signed him. He did all right at times, just not as well as he did when he was on the Big Red Machine. He was never appreciated due to his quiet demeanor and lack of production but he toiled away. During the 1986 season, Foster began complaining over his lack of playing time, sighting it was racially-based. The Mets were not about to have their dream season fall apart over racial discord so they released him.
The Chicago White Sox picked him up off of waivers on August 15th of that year. He saw action in 15 games for them, his last being on September 6, 1986 before being released the following day. He played the outfield for 11 games and DH'd in three others. He had 11 hits in 51 at bats—two of those TRIPLES(!!), 2 runs, 1 HR, and 4 RBI.
Pictured above, is Foster's 1986 Topps Traded card. A Lost Card no more.
1969 #384 Larry Shepard
In his two seasons as skipper of the Bucs, he had a combined record of 164–155, finishing sixth in the ten-team National League in 1968 and third in the NL East in 1969. After his firing by the Pirates with seven games remaining in the ‘69 season, Shepard returned to the coaching ranks. He was the pitching coach of the fabled Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine” dynasty under Sparky Anderson from 1970 through 1978, and finished his career in uniform in a similar post with the 1979 San Francisco Giants.
1973 #496 Ray Lamb
Lamb is the only Los Angeles Dodger to wear #42 after Jackie Robinson before it was retired in 1972. I found this little tidbit interesting seeing that Robinson was elected into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962. Seems odd that after this milestone, they would hand is #42 to a minor league pitcher seven years later.
So just minutes ago, I entered my first code at www.diamondtopps.com ... the prefix was kB9 ... the cards was ...
... a 1996 Topps Javy Lopez [insert groan here]. Well not the way I was looking to start my collection. I have two more codes to enter, but will a little bit later. I had read recently that last years codes may have shown some sort of pattern depending on prefixes and when other decades had recently been unlocked. Did anyone else hear of this and what was your experiences in when you decided to unlock your codes.
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Later today on this blog, I'll showcase what I picked up at the local card shop, a "Card that Should Have Been", and I'll throw out some 2011 Topps Inserts for Trade Bait.
So Greg over at Plaschke Thy Sweater is Argyle hit me up in the comments field for the Trade Bait Utley patch from the 2011 Topps. While these retro logo patch cards are cool, I just have never been into collecting them. So instead of sitting in a box, I decided to throw it out as my first Trade Bait.
Taking a ride across country were some Ginter minis and a well-loved Reggie Smith.
First up, Reggie, pictured here as a Red Sox on his second year, 1968 Topps card. Greg, you were right, it's got a lot of character, but I like it. Wouldn't you like to be able to trace this card's path over the years. Think of how different life has changed in only 43 years. In 1973, Smith was limited to only 115 games, but still hit .303 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI and ended a streak of four straight years in which he had received votes in the MVP balloting.
Smith became expendable after the '73 season, as Boston had a slew of rookie outfielders coming up and needed starting pitching. Dwight Evans, Rick Miller, Fred Lynn, and Jim Rice had already reached the majors or were just on the cusp. Rise Wise and '75 World Series (game 6) hero Bernie Carbo came to Boston for Smith. It would mark the second time in 3 years that Wise had been traded.
For his 17-year career, Smith’s numbers were very impressive. He finished with a .287 batting average, 314 home runs, 1,092 RBI and 1,123 runs scored. Since retirement, Smith has served as a hitting coach. He was the hitting coach for Team USA at the 1988 Olympics and the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
Next in the package were a handful of Allen & Ginter minis and mini inserts. It's nice to be able to add some National Animals as I only had a few in hand. With all the minis I have landed lately, I need more tobacco sized sheets in a big way. I currently have been using these 20 pocket sheets (not UltraPro) but don't like how the don't quite cover the whole card, but they'll do for now. I also realize that with my budget, collecting the entire run of mini sets is really not feasible right now, but want more minis than what the "Frankenstein set" would limit me to at a 350 card set.
Thanks for dropping me a line Greg, I'm sure we'll trade again. With my first Trade Bait being a success, I will definitely throw another up this week. Stay tuned.
So Joe, a fellow Red Sox Nation member at Bound for Beantown dropped me a line not too long ago about doing a trade. Joe has recently got back into collecting and was eager to help me out on a number of fronts.
First up, three cards off my All-Time Red Sox Roster collection. Nick Green (kinda looks like Bradley Cooper), Paul Byrd, and Lars Anderson. Poor Lars finally got back on track last year only to now be block by Adrian Gonzalez. I don't see Lars reaching Boston again and think he'll be elsewhere come Spring Training's end.
Next up, some YYYYOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! Love this sweaty guy. Kevin has really turned himself into one of the game's top players. He was never your typical top prospect, toolsy guy. He came from University of Cincinnatti—not exactly a baseball powehouse—he's slow, and does not look the part of an athlete, but sure knows how to play the game. His swing was built for Fenway and have turned himself into a great fielder no matter which side of the corners he plays from. The "Greek God of Walks" looks good here in this batch of cards, including his 2003 Bowman rookie that I did not have.
In this batch, we have another rising Sox star in Clay Buchholz. A guy that other teams have coveted in trade talks over the years. Now along with Jon Lester, has given the Sox an excellent home-built, 1 and 1A top of the rotation for years to come. I didn't have too many of his cards, so this was a nice add, especially his All-Star jersey swatch.
Next up, some more BoSox including a Lester I didn't have in the '10 Upper Deck.
Joe also sent along a bunch of retro minis too!!! First in the lot was three, numbered to 99, T206 Cycle cards.
More Topps T206s from 2009 and 2010. As we now know, T206 is dead and will not return this year.
Next up, some Allen & Ginter minis. I have received a number of these lately and need to update my Frankenstein set wants. When I was at my local shop on Friday, he told me that he has not received any info regarding an 2011 Ginter offering. I wonder if Topps will push this later this year. Above are batches from the 2008, 2009, and 2010 sets.
And finally, we close with more retro minis from 2009 UD's Goodwin Champions. Will be building this set—love the artwork too much to not build it. A nice mix of SPs and black borders.
So thanks Joe!!! I need to put the final touches on your package and get that out to you this week. You definitely hit on all my likes with this trade.
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Coming up this week, I'll have my trade bait Utley patch recap coming on Monday, plus I'll show what I picked up at the local card store, will do another trade bait post, plus will show a card or two I designed for "Cards that Should Have Been." I won't be doing any TTM requests this Spring Training, but for those that do, good luck and this is the week to get those requests in the mail. The earlier the better as most teams don't really get their workout going till later this week.
So this shot is just a tease for the package I received yesterday from Joe over at Bound for Beantown. Will definitely upload more shots from this trade either today or tomorrow. Lots of Ginter, T206, and Goodwin minis to go along with a bunch of Youks and Buchholz cards!!!!
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Also, came across some fantastic baseball photography from Hy Peskin via the UniWatch blog. Awesome, awesome stuff!!!!!!!! Really, you need to take a look, especially if you are into vintage cards from the 50's and 60's. Absolutely stunning!!!
First up today on the trading front is a package I received from reader Matt. Matt contacted about a couple of weeks ago saying he had found my blog and thought he could fill in a couple of needs for me. Going his way later this week on some 2010 Allen & Ginter base and This Day in History cards along with some older Pirates and Cubbies.
First up is a bunch of 2010 Allen & Ginter minis that will go towards my frankenstein set. I am really getting to the point that I might consider going for the mini sets for all the years or just collect any mini I can and if I get build a set. If not, I'll have a hell of a Allen & Ginter mini collection.
I just can't bring myself to boot out a mini Washington Monument card for player X (when player X is a superstar). That's what I love about this set—it's more than just baseball, it's history and little factoids. Having visited my brother in DC a couple years ago, he explained why the monument was two different shades of color. Turns out, they had to stop construction during the Civil War, and when they resumed, the materials were of slightly different tone.
Ok, back to modern day, some here are some nice minis including the X-ray and a Red Sox.
Second group is some 2010 inserts that I needed for various sets. Thanks again Matt and I'll throw you a note letting you know when your package heads out. Hope we can do it again!
Second trade recap is from Chris over at The Call of Cardboard. This is my second trade with Chris, also a fellow Red Sox fan and collector. We seem to collect the same things, but manage to trade pretty easily. Going his way on some various 2010 Topps set and insert set needs, some 2009 Goudeys and a couple of Red Sox 70's oddball issues that I don't think he's ever seen before.
First up is a card I once pulled out of a pack in 2009 but traded it away, I think to Nachos Grande back in 2009. From Ginter's 2009 Creatures of Legend, Myth, and Terror, the Vampire. Love this series and wonder what Topps will bring to the table this year.
Next two shots are of some 2009 Goodwin Champion minis!!!! Man, I love these cards!!! Great color and a nice mix of action and posed artwork. I definitely need to make a list and hit that local card shop this weekend to tackle this mini set. The cards are plenty and cheap, cheap, cheap!!!! Thanks again Chris, I'm sure we'll be trading again soon!
Today is practically a holiday in Sox Nation as the trucks get loaded up with spring training gear and equipment to begin the trek southward to Florida. This event is covered by all five Boston TV stations as well as the radio outlets and newspapers in town.
Today means only one thing around these parts, spring training and "spring" is less than a week away!
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Later today on the blog, I'll showcase two trade packages that I received this weekend.
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Also, in case anyone missed last night's tweet from Beckett's Chris Olds, the 2011 Topps clamsell packs at Toy R' Us contain purple diamond insert cards. So for those of you collecting these diamond cards, Target has red, Walmart blue, and Toys R' Us purple.
Being a die hard Red Sox fan, one might think it would be hard trading with other Sox card collectors, but I find it pretty easy. I try to keep my Red Sox collection narrowed down to my All-Time Roster collection and then collect cards from my favorite Sox over the years. Guys like Rice, Mo Vaughn, Nomaaaah, Pedro, Varitek, Youk, Lester, and Buchholz. I don't need to have all of them, but pick up some here and there when I can.
Plain and simple, there is just too much out there and so I have an abundance of Red Sox cards that sit and collect dust. So when Adam from Thoughts and Sox emailed about trading, it was an easy match. Adam has an extensive list of Sox needs so I was able to hit across a wide variety of sets along with a number of other Sox oddball items not on his lists. I think close to 500+ cards when his way. After receiving the package below, and telling him how happy I was with the contents, he said he felt it wasn't enough. I told him not to worry and that making a dent into what I collect far out weighed what I traded away.
So with that, onto the package.
First up, some vintage 1971 Topps Red Sox!! Rico, Boomer, and Reggie. These three cards will be showcased again for a blog series that will roll out as we get closer to the start of the season. Three sharp looking cards of some Sox greats of the seventies.
While on the Red Sox theme, next up are four cards off my All-Time Sox roster collection.
How about some letterpatch and jersey relic Red Sox.
Adam also hit on my Heritage set needs knocking off another '60 and three cards off my '61 set.
Next up we minis, with a bunch of 2008 Allen & Ginters ...
Some 2010 Ginters ...
Ginter insert sets ... really love the flag series cards ...
And finally, some 2009 Topps T206s to boot!
So there you have it, a trade that worked out great for both Red Sox collectors and crossed off many numbers off of each others wantlists. Thank you again Adam and go Sox!!!!
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I also received a trade with reader Matt, but accidentally deleted my pics. I'll be sure to retake and post tomorrow.
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I also received my collection from the Topps Million Card Giveaway. I had been wondering what condition these would be, and was rather pleasantly surprised. All of the vintage '60s had nice, strong color and decent corners. Only two, a '68 and '69 had really soft corners. The various 70's cards were all strong Ex-Mt to Nr-Mt. I'll try to showcase a few of these in the next day or two.
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Gregory over at, Plaschke, The Sweater Is Argyle, nabbed the Utley patch card. Some 2010 Allen Ginters and insert set cards are heading to the east coast in exchange.
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And lastly, the Tooth Fairy brought me a little surprise. I had won last week a 2010 Allen & Ginter Creatures of Legend, Myth, and Joy and when I opened the envelope, these fell out.
Four minis that I didn't have for my T206 Frankenstein set and a bunch of T206 base cards, one of which a SP NNO variation Brian McCann. If anyone is collecting this set, or wants to trade for one of these, drop me a comment or email.
