tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14252940718759232922024-02-19T03:12:37.969-08:00Unabashed Interest A blog dedicated to the multiple interests of an already busy man, always on the look out for something new!jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-90284536191913424972014-11-03T09:28:00.001-08:002014-11-03T09:44:52.157-08:00Strange times and stranger placesGreetings all, <div><br></div><div>I know it's been a long while since I made a post here and I graciously thank all of you who haven't given up on it. </div><div><br></div><div>It's been an odd week for me, with grim bookends on either side. </div><div><br></div><div>Last Sunday my favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, lost one of their players. Twenty-two year-old Oscar Taveras had what many consider the brightest future in baseball in a considerably long time. A mythic talent with a swing that translated into pure joy and love for the game. </div><div>Oscar was killed in a single car accident while at home in the Dominican Republic. His eighteen year-old girlfriend was with him. </div><div>The out pouring of love and appreciation from all corners of Major League Baseball was touching and tragic all in the same whirlwind motion. </div><div><br></div><div>That is how the week started for me. </div><div><br></div><div>Then, last night, I got a message from my LCS owner. One of the shops most loved Magic: the Gathering players, Ben, had died. </div><div>Ben died in a single car accident, driving on the interstate that I travel to and from work on, six days at a time. </div><div>Ben was twenty-eight years old, and he was fighting a bought with cancer. Ben will forever be ingrained in my mind from a memory I have of the first time I met him: Ben didn't like foil cards. </div><div>As a collector who loves flashy cards (thank Topps Chrome), and crazy variations, this really stuck out to me. </div><div>It goes so much against all the other players I knew and know that I was stunned when Ben told me in his usual "off-the-cuff" manner. </div><div>I didn't know Ben nearly as well as others did, and now I'm left with regret over the times I didn't say more to him. The times I didn't pick his brain, cause the guy was pretty damn smart. </div><div>Ben will be remembered by the players in this community, and I'm sure they will have something in memorial at Friday Night Magic this week. I have work early on Saturday morning, so I will have to wait until I'm running the event next Monday to pass my condolences on to those who knew him best. </div><div><br></div><div>Both of these young men were still in the stages of living, of being liked, of being appreciated, of being part of a family. </div><div>Being twenty-six, a little over half-way between them, it's been a disconcerting time for me. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to kick the dust of this blog, just to get the wheels in my head turning again. </div><div>If you folks could help keep me accountable, I sure would appreciate it. </div><div><br></div><div>Rest in Peace, Ben and Oscar. </div><div>Thank you for all you did, and all you will inspire others to do. </div><div><br></div><div>-Ruffin</div><div><br></div>jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-52046539800679844042014-01-01T16:58:00.001-08:002014-01-01T16:58:48.962-08:00My Collecting Manifesto<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
I can really procrastinate when I set my mind to it!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
The following text was originally composed back in June (2013) and has lain dormant since. There have been the occasional edits, and I've sent it to some of my collecting friends for tips; but I keep pushing back my publication. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
So now, on the New Year, I figured now is as good a time as any:</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
<br />
I have found that collecting sports cards is kind of like reading books
or listening to music. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
There is so much variety out there that it would
be nearly impossible to read/listen/collect it all. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
You can wander aimlessly, dabbling in different genres/products, and that's how most people start in the hobby. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
Eventually, however, there has to be some direction in your collecting. If nothing
else, it helps with the bane of most collectors, organization. So I have
been working on developing my “collecting manifesto” to kind of help
with what I want to do with the hobby. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
(Note: All collections are focused on
the St. Louis Cardinals unless otherwise noted)</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5074">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5093">
1) Player Collections-<br />
I mainly PC Chris Carpenter with Yadier Molina as a smaller PC due to how expensive he's gotten. <br />
*HOF/notable players will have pages as well, but I will not usually go out of my way to track these down. <br />
(With HOF/Notable players, I will try to limit to 2 pages maximum, and avoid the same picture on different cards.) </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5094">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5094">
2) Team Sets-<br />
Currently, I have all the GQ sets up to date, and this is the only set
that I'm pursuing the minis for as well. I would like to add A&G
teams sets (I have one so far) and the biggest goal of them all: Topps
Flagship. Every year. That one is going to take some research and a long
time to complete, but why not?</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5095">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5095">
3) The Frankenset:<br />
I want to build a serial numbered set featuring Cardinals players exclusively. <br />
My only guidelines in this set are to not have the same card twice in the set, or to have the same player twice within two pages. <br />
I'm starting with 1-180, and then we'll make our way from there. (Maybe work 10 pages at a time?)</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5096">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5096">
4) “Odd ball collections”:</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5096">
*Gaming: Cardinals cards from Attax, MLB Showdown, and anything else I can find!<br />
*Cameos: Cards that are not of a Cardinals player, but that have a Cardinals player in the picture somewhere. <br />
*Dropping the bunt: Cards that feature a pitcher (from any team) in a bunting stance.
This may be expanded to “Pitchers at the Plate” at some point. I'm
beginning to notice there aren't that many cards of pitchers bunting…<br />
*Throwbacks: I feel this one is self explanatory. Players in throwback unis. Plain and simple.<br />
*Colored parallels: When it comes to Chrome products, I will mainly
strive for blue parallels. Unless I come across a lower numbered variety
for cheap. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. (Excluding the
emerald parallels of 2013 flagship. Love those. Gonna get the whole
set.)<br />
*MSU: I will have a binder set aside for Mississippi State university
team sets and alumni. Still trying to decide if each pro player will get
their own page. <br />
(They most likely will.) (Will also collect hits of MSU alumni.)<br />*Bowman: I'm still trying to figure out how to work these. Maybe just a prospects binder in general?</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5096">
*Chrome: I'm not entirely sure what to do with Chrome cards that don't fit in any of the non-Bowman categories.
Absolutely no clue what to do with them. <br />
*Multi-player: Cards that have more than one player on them, with at
least one player being a Cardinal. (These have designated pages based on
how many players are on the card.)</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5097">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5097">
4) “Hits”-<br />
Aside from “PC/HOF/Notable” I will try to not chase non-auto hit, unless that player doesn't have a Cardinals certified auto. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5097">
(Note: I will accept these in trades and will trade for them if
approached.)</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
I know there's a ton of stuff out there, but I just needed to sit down and really think about what I want to collect.
I know this isn't the sternest course, but I feel like it's better than nothing at all. </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1388621017307_5098">
-Ruffin </div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-89639776008492255352013-09-24T16:42:00.001-07:002013-09-24T16:42:33.614-07:00My view from the Upper Deck...Hey folks!<br />
Sorry I've been away for a while (seems to happen a lot, huh?), my collecting strategy has changed a bit.<br />
I wish I could do more pack busting, but it's way more rewarding for me to purchase singles for the time being.<br />
<br />
With that said, here are two of my more recent eBay purchases:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDkZHzYdwRCdney-BD6VyA9wnge1kbL3DCoefKbyO6pFQvsVRttR-YWKF5VWLjNzFd6PBAzXdTSeqqAmQaOdZd08eBihnUfdz15lNnGeotogHavBlbFWw6YqYXWUIBDCyaKFdgjqBBk/s1600/Skip06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDkZHzYdwRCdney-BD6VyA9wnge1kbL3DCoefKbyO6pFQvsVRttR-YWKF5VWLjNzFd6PBAzXdTSeqqAmQaOdZd08eBihnUfdz15lNnGeotogHavBlbFWw6YqYXWUIBDCyaKFdgjqBBk/s320/Skip06.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>2006 Ovation</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I was really glad to see this pop up on eBay. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The 3D texture is awesome, it's out of 99, and I'm always a fan of cards with BP jerseys. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I've posted before about how I hated to see Skip get traded. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Don't get me wrong, he'd have gotten ZERO playing time this year, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I just hated to see an 11-year member of the organization go. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AKrrBz-dBKTR_l61UzDh4b1mVqa27_tupVaS5Xq9tyRR0i4Up6ohcvKpEYiejypMK8Ox0cxflyezImKqnWkHGB2YduV96Gv4Cvxd2js4KGA3BJ-TpOZgAjj8ftersGjfO5de9LMfe1c/s1600/Dunc07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AKrrBz-dBKTR_l61UzDh4b1mVqa27_tupVaS5Xq9tyRR0i4Up6ohcvKpEYiejypMK8Ox0cxflyezImKqnWkHGB2YduV96Gv4Cvxd2js4KGA3BJ-TpOZgAjj8ftersGjfO5de9LMfe1c/s320/Dunc07.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>2007 Black</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>First off, let's have a moment to look at that patch on the bottom right. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Heck, both of those bottom patches are sweet. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>That's how 2007 UD Black was.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There are only two Cardinals in that set, not I just need the Scott Rolen... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>As a Cardinals fan, I feel there is a hierarchy of "patches". </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>At the top is any part of the birds, followed by any part of the bat, then any "commemorative" patch, and finally any part of a number or name. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Chris was part of the 2006 WS team and played for a few more clubs before returning to St. Louis as a popular radio personality.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know Upper Deck doesn't have a MLB license anymore, but cards like these make wish they did. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With cards like this, I do not care that the autos are on stickers. Would you?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With cards like this, I am proud to have them in my collection. Wouldn't you be?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With cards like this, who cares that these guys do not play for the team anymore? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know these are a very small sample of the products UD produced, but I've been feeling kinda "blah" with what Topps is offering (and often) these days. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No, this isn't a Topps rant, I just haven't been overly impressed with the offerings this year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, except for Tribute: WBC. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I guess I'm just weird that way. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-9713717775693877682013-08-22T17:31:00.001-07:002013-08-22T17:31:43.130-07:00Mail from 2x3 Heroes...A few months back, Jeff over at <a href="http://www.2x3heroes.com/" target="_blank">2 by 3 Heroes</a> published a post that
requested addresses from his followers so that he could send PWEs
containing cards of that person's favorite team(s). <br />
It was a few weeks after responding to that post that I received some mail from Jeff, and then I forgot to post about it…
(Sorry Jeff!)<br />
<br />
However, upon checking the mail the other day, I discovered another one!<br />
Here is what I got this time:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M99A34WnmlboxHw60Qp1fuvSP0ml-AeYaF0m8Dvx9KyLiEfWjo2o-6PGC8r8nd1B56tXYeLCX17Ale6UTkARbyX8d_bFWSI3N4ax85KgA5r_9dazqnMJTv-oWPW7gPKyb85xubKfnNo/s1600/2x3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M99A34WnmlboxHw60Qp1fuvSP0ml-AeYaF0m8Dvx9KyLiEfWjo2o-6PGC8r8nd1B56tXYeLCX17Ale6UTkARbyX8d_bFWSI3N4ax85KgA5r_9dazqnMJTv-oWPW7gPKyb85xubKfnNo/s400/2x3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Washington spent almost 10 years with various MiLB teams before spending about a month at the pro level. Since then he has played in Japan and non-professional leagues. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He'll go into my non-Topps rookies section. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm still trying to decide how many pages in my player binder to dedicate to Pujols. I feel this one makes the cut, however. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>As far as Ludwick goes... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Not really sure what to do with him. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Maybe a "Best of the Number" section...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGZSEQ3HJEn2pyhcawyB6my4Ecjg-VveQRQZIv9QO0xRZaobm180ZvCpSSshISamWrqs8Y96wN9APXApEyMGmd5Pwn4ue0gTMogwzkVLhVJEnb4XxvbIJ3WGZHvBR_7KdHOuBwyF17Vg/s1600/2x3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGZSEQ3HJEn2pyhcawyB6my4Ecjg-VveQRQZIv9QO0xRZaobm180ZvCpSSshISamWrqs8Y96wN9APXApEyMGmd5Pwn4ue0gTMogwzkVLhVJEnb4XxvbIJ3WGZHvBR_7KdHOuBwyF17Vg/s400/2x3-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ozzie, Yadi, and Ray will all make it to their respective pages/sections. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Great looking cards of Cards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cards that are on cards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cards of Cards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Inception. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, a big thanks to Jeff for the care package!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Glad to see see y'all have been doing well, my A&G post will be short and sweet when it happens. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-83001051976239905612013-07-25T09:57:00.001-07:002013-07-25T09:57:42.348-07:00Blogger Trade: NAPKIN DOON!A few months ago, I saw the blogger known as <a href="http://napkindoon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Napkin Doon</a> issuing out a call for some base cards from 2011 Gypsy Queen. I had given up on completing that particular base set (mere moments beforehand) and immediately informed him that I had the cards he needed.<br />
I got the cards together, took them to work with me so I could mail them on my way home, and then promptly misplaced the package. I still have no clue where in the Prime 9 of collecting hell that those cards disappeared to. So after digging through some boxes, I found duplicates and sent them off to a home where they would be loved, appreciated, and scanned for posterity.<br />
<br />
Doon then sent me a prize package, the contents therein I share with you now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvdYe0LhcYZyoSTDRJBVbH_Ib8IhYk1vcuECuRrcDGowonqI8k2Y5g05fNYjJxlh55Rl4Cr4NnlgvybhmontktjXxStP1eMiYyi6GePzieioTUG5jaj672SUuLiRByHyS6DvjMj7pOjM/s1600/2013+retails+parallels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvdYe0LhcYZyoSTDRJBVbH_Ib8IhYk1vcuECuRrcDGowonqI8k2Y5g05fNYjJxlh55Rl4Cr4NnlgvybhmontktjXxStP1eMiYyi6GePzieioTUG5jaj672SUuLiRByHyS6DvjMj7pOjM/s640/2013+retails+parallels.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>First up, some retail parallels from 2013 S1!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have to say, the Target reds look really sharp...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But Wal-Mart blue with the red "diamond" makes me think of those powder blue uniforms...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And really Topps? Fuentes?!?! C'mon now...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI1BB2lEWgOYwwJgTLZQNLE0VRq3yMIRtODmws_TyBvTiPeZ9iidJUl4IusohwW4xQc38duSGr9VxVJyTY1md4fvPBmiT2Va_Q0FUNpqc0Rb4_-MZOcsRd7TAuFHmVAkEBdLnDjGC-Vo/s1600/2013+Bowman+int%27l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI1BB2lEWgOYwwJgTLZQNLE0VRq3yMIRtODmws_TyBvTiPeZ9iidJUl4IusohwW4xQc38duSGr9VxVJyTY1md4fvPBmiT2Va_Q0FUNpqc0Rb4_-MZOcsRd7TAuFHmVAkEBdLnDjGC-Vo/s400/2013+Bowman+int%27l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Next, we have some international parallels from 2013 Bowman!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Have I mentioned that I LOVE these cards?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I don't think I have...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But I do!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>AND I DON"T KNOW WHY!!!!! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And finally, as Sir Doon is often known to do, there was a wax pack waiting to be cracked...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCAfYToP-x1GA5XCQIPY8h_DvRvXdPpBi4CwNyWicnea99gy2xYAwksvgFEjErp1WjAxJyPpcLfV7nShOQXIlWYbg80xg0qxLrarnXBQg9ZM1TYT-rbTtQamojmTK_8Sze_fWilfm3wk/s1600/Donruss+Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCAfYToP-x1GA5XCQIPY8h_DvRvXdPpBi4CwNyWicnea99gy2xYAwksvgFEjErp1WjAxJyPpcLfV7nShOQXIlWYbg80xg0qxLrarnXBQg9ZM1TYT-rbTtQamojmTK_8Sze_fWilfm3wk/s640/Donruss+Pack.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>1990 Donruss!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let's do this!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2fOcBM7HBG4u1HMZTpUXYad1Pzs1NrRVARt-A3-9LdUKps2id-28j2KL_o10SRK4fpiuhT3A_Tyj1LC-j-RM5WWLgFZq1DG9DlohW_E2r2kIkG1x0a8JCoI8JVEwcGgZpGNkc-dRFrw/s1600/Cardboard+Casualty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2fOcBM7HBG4u1HMZTpUXYad1Pzs1NrRVARt-A3-9LdUKps2id-28j2KL_o10SRK4fpiuhT3A_Tyj1LC-j-RM5WWLgFZq1DG9DlohW_E2r2kIkG1x0a8JCoI8JVEwcGgZpGNkc-dRFrw/s400/Cardboard+Casualty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I've got show my "cardboard casualty", which isn't as bad as some I've come across...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*I wonder if anyone is crazy enough to build an entire set of cards that are from the back of the pack?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I sure as heck am not going to descend into madness that way, no sir!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXISozF59_SkTbzU51OvvcHyONnOsMcvE3nJNooMXADoCcgPpxj8WNE33LavrjVCMSN3VqQ93L-P34rl5BsSbOA_Fu9Wyhi7E9dxYXBGSPBsTZxgbHCnDwQtmj7BioL9OyaHtLzUZ_M/s1600/90+Donruss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXISozF59_SkTbzU51OvvcHyONnOsMcvE3nJNooMXADoCcgPpxj8WNE33LavrjVCMSN3VqQ93L-P34rl5BsSbOA_Fu9Wyhi7E9dxYXBGSPBsTZxgbHCnDwQtmj7BioL9OyaHtLzUZ_M/s640/90+Donruss.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Finally the cards of note out of the pack!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Okay so half those are noteworthy, the two are a Cardinal the brother of guy that was ridiculous on the mound. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Also, does anyone collect player cards of coaches for their team? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You know, pitching coach, hitting coach, manager, etc.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm just wondering, cause I've considered it from time to time...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, a big THANK YOU to Mr. Doon for sending me this trade package!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by folks!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-81388061793250913762013-07-20T18:36:00.001-07:002013-07-20T18:36:55.397-07:00I love it when interests come together!Here's an item that showcases two of my interests, one of which you are already familiar with:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WCCIqVkhicms4_5qGeOrPS1liy2oamVio3MdazkAs6Ge748La8VmgowmwIWo_kwW1dyzgdNJQIPjDIFwdxkb9Ie1rQwtXbyvrcZaXmrlKWiF2aSVuimy5CYAhvh2HPgr7X-xj88Xdw4/s1600/Batman+Adventures+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WCCIqVkhicms4_5qGeOrPS1liy2oamVio3MdazkAs6Ge748La8VmgowmwIWo_kwW1dyzgdNJQIPjDIFwdxkb9Ie1rQwtXbyvrcZaXmrlKWiF2aSVuimy5CYAhvh2HPgr7X-xj88Xdw4/s640/Batman+Adventures+18.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Batman Adventures #18</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mike Mignola Variant Cover!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Mignola Trivia: Mike came up with the Mr. Freeze character design that was used in Batman: The Animated Series.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not only is this a really cool picture, the interior of the comic is in German!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really like foreign variants of comic books and cards, it's always neat to see what words or phrases you know look like in a language other than your native one. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, this is not my first foreign comic book, I picked up this a few years ago and hope to have it signed by Mr. Mignola at some point: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl7llw6X9mVUrwn0yWGo20D_Xvu00dViBDDSu920jtdzV1_borHldgH270EHZJ1CWnIUX14TcPqrf7-fKc-ow6DSECc_ORlOjUqTe5necFuro7yOlXNxqJbVuNKtutR4Kwb2EpsSVugU/s1600/Polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl7llw6X9mVUrwn0yWGo20D_Xvu00dViBDDSu920jtdzV1_borHldgH270EHZJ1CWnIUX14TcPqrf7-fKc-ow6DSECc_ORlOjUqTe5necFuro7yOlXNxqJbVuNKtutR4Kwb2EpsSVugU/s640/Polish.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hellboy: Almost Colossus (Part 1 of 2)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This one is in Polish! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, to fulfill a promise a made <strike>a few</strike> many months ago, here is the photobucket of my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20style=%22width:480px;text-align:right;%22%3E%3Cembed%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22360%22%20src=%22http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf%22%20flashvars=%22rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed558.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss29%2Fjamicfin%2FMike%2520Mignola%2520Collection%2Ffeed.rss%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20wmode=%22transparent%22%20/%3E%3Ca%20href=%22javascript:void(0);%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif%22%20style=%22border:none;%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://s558.photobucket.com/user/jamicfin/library/Mike%20Mignola%20Collection%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif%22%20style=%22border:none;%22%20alt=%22jamicfin&#039;s%20Mike%20Mignola%20Collection%20album%20on%20Photobucket%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E" target="_blank">Mike Mignola Collection</a>! I've still got plenty of books to get, and a little work to do on the album; so keep coming back to check it out! (Now if only the really nice people over at <a href="http://sportscardalbum.com/" target="_blank">Sports Card Album</a> would add a comic book section...)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*Seriously, if you haven't made a visit to <a href="http://sportscardalbum.com/" target="_blank">SCA</a>, then I strongly suggest you do so. They're making stuff happen over there!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by folks!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-RUffin</div>
<span id="goog_1908785002"></span><span id="goog_1908785003"></span>jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-67041015892429327882013-06-24T20:48:00.001-07:002013-06-24T20:48:32.795-07:00A fantastic mail day!Sorry to be gone so long folks, it's been a busy few weeks!<br />
<br />
That being said, today's mail day was quite good.<br />
<br />
First up, there's a birthday gift from my friend Andy over at <a href="http://thewaxfantastic.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Wax Fantastic</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznMKM8ycNZdNu510L_Ye_N2Ocl8Ti4h1SbJm8b7jZdaiHhXVthSf-24AuzHMx18-E_O5p9VkOK8yK0-VKX_8Xrr1Wh2B_SYDhpJAss2_7AQX6XPC3vA7-gS2gcQi8bQN4CUEiu8aZIHs/s1600/SS-AW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznMKM8ycNZdNu510L_Ye_N2Ocl8Ti4h1SbJm8b7jZdaiHhXVthSf-24AuzHMx18-E_O5p9VkOK8yK0-VKX_8Xrr1Wh2B_SYDhpJAss2_7AQX6XPC3vA7-gS2gcQi8bQN4CUEiu8aZIHs/s400/SS-AW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A sweet, shiny Wainwright relic?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>With a stitch on the left side?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>WHOOP!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now to showcase two eBay purchases...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo1xIkahxy1vUaT5W7wAVFHtUWuYdQjTzdCHKl9pIDcIf1OYUKhF4jB99nKtR2D_yTHHkdeVkKcWjlonXQ2u6d3PMb3J15y7MTLWLjf73GQ42H6Ibvuekk5q7kqMWM9HtlQeRtVsFi6o/s1600/2013-RM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo1xIkahxy1vUaT5W7wAVFHtUWuYdQjTzdCHKl9pIDcIf1OYUKhF4jB99nKtR2D_yTHHkdeVkKcWjlonXQ2u6d3PMb3J15y7MTLWLjf73GQ42H6Ibvuekk5q7kqMWM9HtlQeRtVsFi6o/s400/2013-RM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This was one BIN, for less than half of what most are asking for the Miller by itself. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, this next item was something I had been eying for a few weeks; and given recent developments, I had to go ahead and pick it up:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhryT-lVKXWFV1EA_kA9o1PysV1JmNw6rY8vCd3A0GNuGeJWKtO5BPLPVnmK8LKEhaIIler7cAZf0rhDIAnCyPic6TC3vw3sCklGDmeYIa7TjDzQwyBPM2Ai1agnRcQQXKCdUbZzEISo/s1600/2013MSUDNF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhryT-lVKXWFV1EA_kA9o1PysV1JmNw6rY8vCd3A0GNuGeJWKtO5BPLPVnmK8LKEhaIIler7cAZf0rhDIAnCyPic6TC3vw3sCklGDmeYIa7TjDzQwyBPM2Ai1agnRcQQXKCdUbZzEISo/s400/2013MSUDNF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A 2013 MSU team set!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgTLU7oMKVeokIA-ODdrQfo-tSyTG_fpo6i2N6jjC64zcTCJy941POBwQ3WsMyK3baHeDe-ZrRYdhfo5OtTebKiC-u8HoX6U6OS3LjaLxO4MNOSf4LQK-pLWAboPLsfuQYdc8aN7kWp4/s1600/2013MSUFGGR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgTLU7oMKVeokIA-ODdrQfo-tSyTG_fpo6i2N6jjC64zcTCJy941POBwQ3WsMyK3baHeDe-ZrRYdhfo5OtTebKiC-u8HoX6U6OS3LjaLxO4MNOSf4LQK-pLWAboPLsfuQYdc8aN7kWp4/s400/2013MSUFGGR.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> These are the four Bulldogs that got drafted this year:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Renfroe- Padres (1st)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Frazier- Pirates (6th)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Graveman- Blue Jays (8th)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Girodo- Blue Jays (9th)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This guy will be a senior next year, and I'm looking forward to see what he does:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuiMoppRF-zUzvPdmsRj5s8fXDTRL85RqAn49tg_rvaQ3zcd2Y_QsEVxK0TkLNu-N11iFib3r1nW-VzKu0BwfPeOfdXFWAZ1hFVixrp0bdUItejxhONstDqr-U_6e6d6cbhu12aFRans/s1600/2013MSUR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuiMoppRF-zUzvPdmsRj5s8fXDTRL85RqAn49tg_rvaQ3zcd2Y_QsEVxK0TkLNu-N11iFib3r1nW-VzKu0BwfPeOfdXFWAZ1hFVixrp0bdUItejxhONstDqr-U_6e6d6cbhu12aFRans/s400/2013MSUR.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> 6'5", 272 lbs. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rea was a highly recruited OL out of high school, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>he decided to play baseball instead. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This fella has made some amazing defensive plays in the CWS. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Seriously, his footwork is off the chain. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to say, it was great to see three packages in the mail chock-full of keepers. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope all of you have been well, I've been enjoying keeping up with the posts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ruffin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-20308642738365496572013-05-18T20:12:00.000-07:002013-05-18T20:12:19.877-07:00Hobby in a half-shell...First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who has brought me 1000+ page views!<br />
I'm grateful for y'all taking the time to stop by.<br />
<br />
Now, on to my first completed twitter trade!<br />
<br />
My twitter account had lain dormant for years, until I got back into it mainly to keep up with sports stuff.<br />
Very soon thereafter, I started following hobby related accounts.<br />
I'm not sure who followed who (first) but I met a fellow Cardinals fan from across the pond; Andy, author of <a href="http://thewaxfantastic.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Wax Fantastic</a>.(He's also an Orioles fan, but I'm alright with that)<br />
Andy does a great job of keeping up with product reviews, and if you're not following his blog...<br />
Well, I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
I sent some Cardinals his way (you can read the story <a href="http://thewaxfantastic.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/and-yet-more-cards-cards/" target="_blank">here</a>), he reciprocated with some cards of another variety:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ElFVYUjyqXVnfVk_xPHca9QR3FQ4YftdDZlY68-3gSsEPtuuXFwda3fOzMJeqHFboqVWco3IbuKiMGJz_YbGmp2K_jCL2byi2wvzx0AvgxCmLtUso-6m0G2gjbXlxguDY3wPLbmLto/s1600/TMNT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ElFVYUjyqXVnfVk_xPHca9QR3FQ4YftdDZlY68-3gSsEPtuuXFwda3fOzMJeqHFboqVWco3IbuKiMGJz_YbGmp2K_jCL2byi2wvzx0AvgxCmLtUso-6m0G2gjbXlxguDY3wPLbmLto/s640/TMNT2.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKf3K6elelJR6EGUjDNNNg4SdjP-WfgV3YacEzhN-646W-GP9wqMWObxzjwgZ9E_up7ZxUZe7VfGxrgWuyhU65rVHHa79wvD_l14DhH69DuODyKeWUdfvPwMhm2UL3hQ7L2HKoU2cwzg/s1600/TMNT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKf3K6elelJR6EGUjDNNNg4SdjP-WfgV3YacEzhN-646W-GP9wqMWObxzjwgZ9E_up7ZxUZe7VfGxrgWuyhU65rVHHa79wvD_l14DhH69DuODyKeWUdfvPwMhm2UL3hQ7L2HKoU2cwzg/s400/TMNT4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEGOFxZx7FUhhQRDF7gTm8hbBsm0RhkcH8gVPL5HvKiHNFTiv1KCMTqDv3dw4DNCIv-RFAYhtYFfrDsUoQn3cCHE0mUdebRHW2G3sZKmMhLDYW-oOX1s-SMa4bLT_tL7Im3n6xYaiuRE/s1600/TMNT5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEGOFxZx7FUhhQRDF7gTm8hbBsm0RhkcH8gVPL5HvKiHNFTiv1KCMTqDv3dw4DNCIv-RFAYhtYFfrDsUoQn3cCHE0mUdebRHW2G3sZKmMhLDYW-oOX1s-SMa4bLT_tL7Im3n6xYaiuRE/s400/TMNT5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I know you can't tell it from the scans, but all these cards are foil!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This 100-card set has foil parallels, and thanks to Andy; I'm only 9 cards away from completing that set!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
(If you have some of these, and want to know which ones I need; check the "Wants" page in the top bar.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I was in college I got 100 booster packs for $25, and I've been working on trying to piece the set together ever since. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Via some forums, I made trades with other collectors in Spain and New Zealand! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I've added the UK to that list, my international stardom is growing! (Thanks Andy!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PS- For a record of hits I already have, there is a link on the right-hand side of the blog!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcq5_Yh1Ci3faYH1qP_6hdNYBzSuhHLUV73kwiQuYbnZsRl1dl6AoG9-3g0EOKdGrnJFP3OsHZEX3vPG-6g95UE-xABvWfdfcpLo1wXQh5F5I2xC_k32k4hs9JD3aUN9VpuN_RxPF9KU/s1600/TMNT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcq5_Yh1Ci3faYH1qP_6hdNYBzSuhHLUV73kwiQuYbnZsRl1dl6AoG9-3g0EOKdGrnJFP3OsHZEX3vPG-6g95UE-xABvWfdfcpLo1wXQh5F5I2xC_k32k4hs9JD3aUN9VpuN_RxPF9KU/s640/TMNT1.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Turtle Power!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-84878462353179616382013-05-01T13:31:00.001-07:002013-05-01T13:31:41.131-07:00Hey. You. Wanna win stuff? I think you do...So, I'm sure most of you have heard about these Fairfield Caches that can be found around the retail world.<br />
<br />Well, our friend Fuji is offering you a chance to win one that is geared to the team(s) you collect!<br />
<br />
How great is that?<br />
<br />
I tell ya, it's SUPER great!<br />
<br />
All you have to do is head over to his <a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/2013/04/one-contest-ends-another-begins_30.html" target="_blank">BLOG</a> (that's a link), and follow the instructions to enter!<br />
<br />
Have I mentioned that I really like that he's doing monthly contests this time around?<br />
Because I am.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
Staying unabashed and interested,<br />
-Ruffin jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-41625138664882527082013-04-28T19:23:00.000-07:002013-04-28T19:23:03.270-07:00Another trade completed...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichtpsuRAFRnb-39BtnukZlLG-KaRlJSzKc8rvDV79V0nJY5al4XfKaZ4XZAxqZhcSSZHXcCufLQHL1RsklmGHXF5AaGi2w_Uhibu-jUgl1MuZzhuvbXSCdygrMEhMYJQfs3FdFOnVleY/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichtpsuRAFRnb-39BtnukZlLG-KaRlJSzKc8rvDV79V0nJY5al4XfKaZ4XZAxqZhcSSZHXcCufLQHL1RsklmGHXF5AaGi2w_Uhibu-jUgl1MuZzhuvbXSCdygrMEhMYJQfs3FdFOnVleY/s400/photo(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's another trade recap, this time from Madding over at <a href="http://Cards on Cards" target="_blank">Cards on Cards</a>!<br />
<br />
I sent some 2013 emerald parallels of our favorite team his way, and in appreciation he sent the cards in the picture above. <br />
There were three different packs in the mailer, and a whole flock of Cardinals cards to add to the PC.<br />
Here are some of my favorites...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd1ttFwqeGVhp_X6W1u__dUS88_vomgYui20UFqS_VYpdT-8BB2UWCr7J3Uflx4qSoPBCgFAMmev4bsz0sstCRniVNSvfW1vLc4jvVy2Sighnf0XEB9G-ZOEzET_cjVjdQouvqObw_bY/s1600/Madding1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd1ttFwqeGVhp_X6W1u__dUS88_vomgYui20UFqS_VYpdT-8BB2UWCr7J3Uflx4qSoPBCgFAMmev4bsz0sstCRniVNSvfW1vLc4jvVy2Sighnf0XEB9G-ZOEzET_cjVjdQouvqObw_bY/s400/Madding1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I like the "picture-in-picture-in-picture" of Perez. How'd they do it?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm always a fan of the dark-blue BP jerseys. I miss them. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Is that a pitcher at bat? He's bunting? Sounds like a new section in the binder to me!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The "Runnin' Redbirds" card has been featured on Madding's blog. I've wanted it ever since I first saw it, and now I have a copy! HAHAHA!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh, and I really like the Busch Stadium card, I wish they'd do those more often. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Though with Topps' tendency to re-use pictures, we know how that'd turn out.)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ssyMJqAfENyPwVGbajkxYwMywiBANe3WGSnMh40OlH81PN5DuGpIz98DTXYOakTXXqjntVfimuhJkHxgRZXxx4wRy5GPQ7dujlY7VWrFYPX7_gH2JBaDiFzbZ4DVB6hPYvB9MC5-X1Q/s1600/Madding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ssyMJqAfENyPwVGbajkxYwMywiBANe3WGSnMh40OlH81PN5DuGpIz98DTXYOakTXXqjntVfimuhJkHxgRZXxx4wRy5GPQ7dujlY7VWrFYPX7_gH2JBaDiFzbZ4DVB6hPYvB9MC5-X1Q/s400/Madding2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Another pitcher laying down the bunt?! Oh, the PC lords doth smile on this day!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Psychedelic McGwires will always be welcome in my collection!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is my first (full-sized) LaRussa card. Looks like the start of a "manger" section of the binder!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPEkig1Fi4IpyNQc5sR-cYAGrWRsCpZHLkHYPtz5q7mvYf_anXVJyyz2y8SQ4riTDEa5JMu9x_TXBVViJwLjY4kHRvP_leN6TVhLpI5Z8s_KNVHIgy7A7EcfhVo20puT6M2nLoCI2024/s1600/Madding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPEkig1Fi4IpyNQc5sR-cYAGrWRsCpZHLkHYPtz5q7mvYf_anXVJyyz2y8SQ4riTDEa5JMu9x_TXBVViJwLjY4kHRvP_leN6TVhLpI5Z8s_KNVHIgy7A7EcfhVo20puT6M2nLoCI2024/s320/Madding3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The scratch-off reminds me of similar cards I'd find in my elementary school lunches.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Can't complain about die-cuts! Still, it makes me sad we won't see Crown Royale baseball for a while.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Pagnozzi was the catcher I remember most from my younger days, and this card is pretty neat. I gives some Busch II facts, and even recommends the best seat in the house!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A nice team picture to rounds out this presentation, I prefer the modern "action" team shots.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Especially since I think they could've cropped in on this one a little more...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was a much-appreciated haul, and it'll keep me busy sorting for quite a while!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-37764777702492977152013-04-18T18:51:00.001-07:002013-05-02T19:17:57.576-07:00Bring on (my) weekend!I've mentioned my work rotation before (6 on, 2 off), and as it falls today is my Friday.<br />
Thursdays is our dreaded meeting day, and today the meeting was about 10 minutes away from my LCS!<br />
Naturally, I had to stop by... <br />
<br />
I picked up a pack of Prizm, and managed to get a few cards for the PCs: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33fNFbNemspty22TxiIP95sS4hATMhFDyjRYrIqS_Uu_DB0iRGE0gvBfMxomGpMN_KGl8a6H6hMlXTcdHSfCTcybkZxRN9t5h2nZbbPkmTiIaRJYTUssJ41slO6zUJjKKldJ1xzI_-Lw/s1600/13Prizm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33fNFbNemspty22TxiIP95sS4hATMhFDyjRYrIqS_Uu_DB0iRGE0gvBfMxomGpMN_KGl8a6H6hMlXTcdHSfCTcybkZxRN9t5h2nZbbPkmTiIaRJYTUssJ41slO6zUJjKKldJ1xzI_-Lw/s400/13Prizm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm not really sure if that's a Rangers picture of Clark, looks like MSU to me.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>*Also, the catchers look a little better in this set due to less Photoshop use. </i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was informed that there was still an auto remaining in the box I pulled from, but I decided not to take the plunge. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also picked up some numbered cards out of the shop's eBay store:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78J4BzDQEtAx6oxfVKUCL1wGM9dx_1a_oDmsCjq0XtWMFKWUjl91sMpyOEvCCtzg9rpXvc2KjXGvJLWHnlLEA0M6aFIlkMdh1-Pj5VUdYUBWD9mKtGkhmdqCQhbNXt8G1W4bIKZZbA1I/s1600/05Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78J4BzDQEtAx6oxfVKUCL1wGM9dx_1a_oDmsCjq0XtWMFKWUjl91sMpyOEvCCtzg9rpXvc2KjXGvJLWHnlLEA0M6aFIlkMdh1-Pj5VUdYUBWD9mKtGkhmdqCQhbNXt8G1W4bIKZZbA1I/s400/05Leaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>These are numbered out of 35, 25, and 25 respectively. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I think these cards are neat, and I really like the Musial picture. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I don't have it on any other cards in my collection.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I find that refreshing. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, we have a card I've had my eye on for a while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one is a manu-patch from 2012 UD Football:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDO_GUYHyn9sZfFLrdULyIKXIGG1QES0D3eJYjrk8gUBdIn5wTZH_oekIxpt-LGZYfuCDUqtLfqIKqW_wTUuXDXLGCB896-a6rgjpl-nbPhi35D4gNz9JxAT38uYA6CPpPXmhLxs28NQ/s1600/12UDFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDO_GUYHyn9sZfFLrdULyIKXIGG1QES0D3eJYjrk8gUBdIn5wTZH_oekIxpt-LGZYfuCDUqtLfqIKqW_wTUuXDXLGCB896-a6rgjpl-nbPhi35D4gNz9JxAT38uYA6CPpPXmhLxs28NQ/s400/12UDFB.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>MSU really doesn't get a lot of love in football products, which is understandable... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>When I found out about this card, I had to get it!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>UD did a great job with these, adding dimension to the patch really makes it pop. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, a good LCS visit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the dreaded meeting wasn't that long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, for me anyway...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope y'all have a smooth Friday and an enjoyable weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as always, thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-83936672369222688492013-04-17T17:59:00.001-07:002013-04-17T17:59:12.466-07:00Updates Hey folks!<br />
Been a while hasn't it?<br />
Sorry for being a little quiet on this front, but there hasn't really been a whole heck of a lot going on.<br />
<br />
Well, collecting wise.<br />
<br />
My off days were rearranged so I could be off work for my son's first birthday.<br />
I usually use my off days for blog scans/outlines; so I've been a quiet watcher in the wings, driving up your view counts...<br />
<br />
I do want to show off my....<br />
<br />
HOLY CRAP! (Sorry, just saw a commercial for a Rocky Road Klondike Bar...)<br />
<i>Yes, that's the highlight of watching Burnett working on a shutout against the Cardinals. </i><br />
<br />
Sorry, my pickup from <a href="http://www.thedailydimwit.com/" target="_blank">The Dimwit's</a> case break:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCvEBTYG5HU0LhCfGdoa_RRfNcQtQ_d8jLvRPTyemGu1ZGls0_WgtRVOkjDJ0Pq1K3P8K9QQgevQP_1pLirAFIbb4tfu667Qj2M3LSqKSfBy6O0yOQrXWasY2K4pycgefxVdU8r2labw/s1600/13GQJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCvEBTYG5HU0LhCfGdoa_RRfNcQtQ_d8jLvRPTyemGu1ZGls0_WgtRVOkjDJ0Pq1K3P8K9QQgevQP_1pLirAFIbb4tfu667Qj2M3LSqKSfBy6O0yOQrXWasY2K4pycgefxVdU8r2labw/s400/13GQJay.jpg" width="280" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Man, is that a lazy auto or what?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>*Jay is the only Cardinal to have an auto in each GQ release </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I seriously can't complain though. ELEVEN teams went hitless in our case. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Topps seriously jacked up the collation in 2012 Gypsy Queen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously, THREE bat barrels in a single case?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's just sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not to mention duplicates in mini-boxes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, there were some things that disappointed me about this year's GQ. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I started really getting into collecting, GQ was the first set I sunk my teeth into; so it had a special place in my heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Given market trends, next year will probably be a "low order" set that will turn into "high demand". (Similar to the 2011 release.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That being said, I'm still working on completing a full master team set for the Cardinals. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aside from the Freese (SSSSSSSSSSP) I've got the base set rounded out, and I'm now working on base minis. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any extras laying around, I'm looking for: 34,82,103,105,264,289,279,307,322,343</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That updates my 2013 collecting goals to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Complete 2013 Topps emerald team set</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Complete 2013 Gypsy Queen base and mini team set </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Ruffin </div>
<br />
*Oh thank goodness, Beltran just broke up the no-hitter!jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-37663143069840859332013-04-03T08:55:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:55:24.294-07:00Really? Where have these been?!Well, Topps.<br />
I want an answer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvH4zhSBfJV3ztC1UWjsPY09jq82dUoDEkiZgrE1ELsgpWgkPE2E4YomcKC8wmNCjTFPc6VpLwzWjWzwE8bpXw4lFtnmLFSx7kO-7GnEtaMpZDUOKdWT2wDoqptrzkU4RGUPnfwcXHTE/s1600/Carpenter3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvH4zhSBfJV3ztC1UWjsPY09jq82dUoDEkiZgrE1ELsgpWgkPE2E4YomcKC8wmNCjTFPc6VpLwzWjWzwE8bpXw4lFtnmLFSx7kO-7GnEtaMpZDUOKdWT2wDoqptrzkU4RGUPnfwcXHTE/s640/Carpenter3.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
WHAT THE HECK?<br />
How long has Topps had these stickers?<br />
Where are the Triple Threads?<br />
Or the dual/triple autos in Gypsy Queen?<br />
This is his first certified auto in SEVEN years!<br />
And you make it a wrapper redemption?<br />
When he's not in the base set?<br />
This is ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Granted, my Carpenter auto looks nicer on the whole, but I'm very disappointed in Topps for doing this.<br />
A player of Carpenter's caliber deserves better treatment than this.<br />
<br />
Carrying on with my unabashed interest,<br />
-Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-44000443304541212492013-04-03T05:02:00.002-07:002013-04-03T05:02:43.199-07:002013 GQ Blaster in "three" pictures...Well, the Wal-Mart that is less than half a mile away from my apartment finally got some Gypsy Queen in.<br />
Fortunately, I had just enough cash to pick up a blaster!<br />
<br />
I had originally planned on posting this last night, but my Dad and I went to our first MSU baseball game in almost 17 years last night.<br />
The Bulldogs came to town for a contest against the South Alabama Jaguars (former stomping grounds of David Freese, Adam Lind, and Louis Gonzalez among others), at their stadium (Eddie) Stanky Field. <br />
<br />
The Jags scored first, but thanks to a few errors, and a <i>BALK</i>, of all things, the Bulldogs soon had a 4-1 lead. <br />
State made a few errors of their own, and the game was tied 4-4 in the 7th.<br />
The Bulldogs manged to score two more runs on a single by their first baseman, Wes Rhea. A save was recorded from sophmore Johnathan Holder (great last name for a closer, eh?) and the Bulldogs improved to 24-8 on the season.<br />
<br />Also brought my recent vintage acquisitions to show my dad, it's always nice to talk Cardinals baseball with him since he listened to a lot of games on the radio growing up.<br />
A lot of vintage players that I can only read about he talks about like they just hit the field last night.<br />
It's fun, and gives me even more motivation to track down some more vintage stuff!<br />
<br />
Oh, this is a post about a GQ blaster, isn't it?<br />
Sorry for the rambling, haha!<br />
Without further ado...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the minis:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8XIrWZXXq0B7kiE_vfgemO3IFjwt3GM5QR1iwLazOht4ez7I_ZrTX7NmrbDzbehOUi-UhJ7mUGeyYW6K8Hw_sfvMEnonNnUY9SJmmlkC1TJJvCbfisJEVA-CrKOz98sak5kk5rsLPpI/s1600/13GQMini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8XIrWZXXq0B7kiE_vfgemO3IFjwt3GM5QR1iwLazOht4ez7I_ZrTX7NmrbDzbehOUi-UhJ7mUGeyYW6K8Hw_sfvMEnonNnUY9SJmmlkC1TJJvCbfisJEVA-CrKOz98sak5kk5rsLPpI/s400/13GQMini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A decent assortment of players, in my opinion...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the inserts and SPs:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEAbMbhX60rs-z3vttbSLSF4k2Gcoyy7mOkwDmPIVu2zVNOeE2CwUtFIIBnd4FNGcjJo8vE8iJ4sIeIlTzwL5LdN8vCMcBTwbvCjM7VZRTHq0VapbAN9Yc35WLuIGCwmFe7EG6MjabEY/s1600/13GQInsert-SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEAbMbhX60rs-z3vttbSLSF4k2Gcoyy7mOkwDmPIVu2zVNOeE2CwUtFIIBnd4FNGcjJo8vE8iJ4sIeIlTzwL5LdN8vCMcBTwbvCjM7VZRTHq0VapbAN9Yc35WLuIGCwmFe7EG6MjabEY/s640/13GQInsert-SP.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Whoop! Cardinals SP!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dealing Aces/No-Hitters really do have a nice template to their design. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm not entirely sold on the yello card backs, though...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*The Ruiz "Collisions at the Plate" will be a nice addition to my </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Cardinals Cameo" collection!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally, I got a hit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg-JPvre8MmX0g6sMOOM6h43k2awNdE9hF66K7TYGP3ZZYKCtRQjeyTmzE_8aALYHTnaWj3ZAKJSexEWHE-VE1P2Y29fNqtLD_8Ir5PZItNH3mFmZJgniZmLzfLjADH1-USvxPyOW0lU/s1600/13GQButlerRelic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg-JPvre8MmX0g6sMOOM6h43k2awNdE9hF66K7TYGP3ZZYKCtRQjeyTmzE_8aALYHTnaWj3ZAKJSexEWHE-VE1P2Y29fNqtLD_8Ir5PZItNH3mFmZJgniZmLzfLjADH1-USvxPyOW0lU/s640/13GQButlerRelic.jpg" width="465" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Can't really complain on getting a 1:64 retail hit in 8 packs!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, not a bad blaster. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a few bucks left over from the game last night, so I may pick up a value pack or two today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the base card breakdown:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yankees, Diamondbacks-4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cardinals, Braves, Twins, Rockies, Nationals, Mariners, Phillies-2</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Athletics, BoSox, ChiSox, Reds, Dodgers, Padres, Rays-1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, that's all from me for now!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-19679698340348253962013-04-01T20:00:00.004-07:002013-04-01T20:00:54.443-07:00Went for one card, left with sixty-three...My LCS, has an eBay store.<br />
I have a saved search for when they list any Cardinals stuff.<br />
Sometimes, they don't put "Cardinals" in the item title.<br />
That's why I have a saved search for the store in general.<br />
So that I don't miss out on stuff like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiJCsMaVXdrIUJXicnw9UE_K8CtggyBzmLq_gFcdasQohe6U2TMgPA91ZnQiOzDWec4D7yPNXWzwOePHs8BfZLIJDL0B17uv-7nY0yl0FXLSAZwW5vThWKIVzaCD-6X1GGLRNcpwO-I/s1600/Molina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiJCsMaVXdrIUJXicnw9UE_K8CtggyBzmLq_gFcdasQohe6U2TMgPA91ZnQiOzDWec4D7yPNXWzwOePHs8BfZLIJDL0B17uv-7nY0yl0FXLSAZwW5vThWKIVzaCD-6X1GGLRNcpwO-I/s400/Molina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>2006 UD </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*My first (and probably only) Yadier Molina auto!</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I honestly can't say how happy I am to own this card. Yadi doesn't have a lot of certified autos, and I'm a big fan of the mask design. I'd still like to get one of his 2004 autos, or the 2006 Artifacts. That may have to wait a while though, seeing as his autos are climbing in value. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seeing as I had a few hours to spare, I decided to dig through some of the boxes they had lying around. I was hoping to maybe find some vintage stuff since that part of my collection has been sparse. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't say I was disappointed, first up was an entire 1979 Topps team set:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL6g2yl4WzpQisXNQuaoCap3u7giywpbNO0h9zOgbqHFoq4FCcnq7diUkG0vQ6tIBdW4a62d4Ks6cQnAw6lCJk5lhbLIjqDnaU3IesmqscFMFyVz2EnMsKA1cNTILnJj9nVRFzLVhqPg/s1600/79topps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL6g2yl4WzpQisXNQuaoCap3u7giywpbNO0h9zOgbqHFoq4FCcnq7diUkG0vQ6tIBdW4a62d4Ks6cQnAw6lCJk5lhbLIjqDnaU3IesmqscFMFyVz2EnMsKA1cNTILnJj9nVRFzLVhqPg/s640/79topps1.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktkjpkhw7ytd6Bwk6D2zueftyz200iyDrGx437h9m5nWePdvZNz6xGaFUR1I5X9UFwtB17IwdqaGq74I1Ndn5qY6-BlUz44bRweOxaGaJn5cRm_BGQUe7W9_4xYXAYUfLcaWiEhvm_AA/s1600/79topps2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktkjpkhw7ytd6Bwk6D2zueftyz200iyDrGx437h9m5nWePdvZNz6xGaFUR1I5X9UFwtB17IwdqaGq74I1Ndn5qY6-BlUz44bRweOxaGaJn5cRm_BGQUe7W9_4xYXAYUfLcaWiEhvm_AA/s640/79topps2.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6Y5uHjeOc97lAmbAJDGmCv7zc74wInkC7IMMVl1gl6bnwESR8_08n0OgaeY4oY_fDsrzpWNxxjtL2gssi2iffhATOC6KFVYhXE6VFp9xP6zy08JtAvJ_bOkmaJFtrsRDVe8cvYnOvHk/s1600/79topps3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6Y5uHjeOc97lAmbAJDGmCv7zc74wInkC7IMMVl1gl6bnwESR8_08n0OgaeY4oY_fDsrzpWNxxjtL2gssi2iffhATOC6KFVYhXE6VFp9xP6zy08JtAvJ_bOkmaJFtrsRDVe8cvYnOvHk/s640/79topps3.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh, and a 1951 Red Munger thrown in for good measure. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*And what is going on with Brock's helmet? You think someone would've said something...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, you might be thinking: "That's not 63 cards..."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Right you are! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's some more of my vintage acquisitions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghxQ3ipx_iw6Wd47zG536BiVfIWiEFHTrH2Bh_llQBArkQcaqj8WyHXQ5o3bVxy7IXe1Yqo9Swh_H4_A7Kgchl3Gw8unygfRMs-UoSaZ-K8qsJjoSapnM0vIda32aJUzwBteOxPwsnas/s1600/Vintage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghxQ3ipx_iw6Wd47zG536BiVfIWiEFHTrH2Bh_llQBArkQcaqj8WyHXQ5o3bVxy7IXe1Yqo9Swh_H4_A7Kgchl3Gw8unygfRMs-UoSaZ-K8qsJjoSapnM0vIda32aJUzwBteOxPwsnas/s640/Vintage1.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I really like that central column of Brock, Gibson, Torre...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Was really happy to come across the Cepeda and Carlton as well.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPWAV5NkkFIw9_fMDRHDjwz6XEonBB3G7eCTlmHxr5n2IoQLc3bhbb2URF8Ijg6C1HeH00b0xt62c4xVXGZ1GeXtgJcSWqRjRYaJ5rw6AXHE1oEjPs-XpdTw7a0c-hXOh9T9ttAWBXGk/s1600/Vintage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPWAV5NkkFIw9_fMDRHDjwz6XEonBB3G7eCTlmHxr5n2IoQLc3bhbb2URF8Ijg6C1HeH00b0xt62c4xVXGZ1GeXtgJcSWqRjRYaJ5rw6AXHE1oEjPs-XpdTw7a0c-hXOh9T9ttAWBXGk/s400/Vintage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yeah, McCarver is releasing his death-grip on the mic at the end of this year... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He was still a Cardinal though, that's why he's here. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Oh, does anyone know what year that Del Rice is from?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2Lba8v3Aism2G8HBtP2qtcekXlbiHZ6-T5lEhP_t_4sN_G4wECOIQ9pOpwKznLcEQ8ounr34XATLYcYbnxtpLMI0PyS3I7An-jDxSa-CO46tVQUnRZJWvqLRp6kB5z4cvNuXGL3h0w8/s1600/VintageInserts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2Lba8v3Aism2G8HBtP2qtcekXlbiHZ6-T5lEhP_t_4sN_G4wECOIQ9pOpwKznLcEQ8ounr34XATLYcYbnxtpLMI0PyS3I7An-jDxSa-CO46tVQUnRZJWvqLRp6kB5z4cvNuXGL3h0w8/s640/VintageInserts.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here are some nice multi-player cards. </i><br />
<i>My favorites are the Brock/Flood, '68 NL Pitching Leaders, and '60 NL HR Leaders.</i><br />
<i>Can you blame me?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's still not adding up, you say?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, I did pick up some numbered cards for the Cardinals PC...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJykRoDK0QXpk60WTzwFviNZbx7ztb_g1lh0KihcH9m2RsybJU7qraxE4eGK73j_nipt_YL04obHSYQXK0hiuRkK35nAel28AU5e10QhUPps4ccxrSiLqluG6NMdSiJICTn8qrYvBPHPU/s1600/Numbered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJykRoDK0QXpk60WTzwFviNZbx7ztb_g1lh0KihcH9m2RsybJU7qraxE4eGK73j_nipt_YL04obHSYQXK0hiuRkK35nAel28AU5e10QhUPps4ccxrSiLqluG6NMdSiJICTn8qrYvBPHPU/s640/Numbered.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hornsby looks like a beast in that photo, he's ready to do some damage!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm also a big fan of the Edmonds in the center of the bottom row. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I really like when there's a "game" element to baseball cards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And finally<i> </i>I picked up two numbered Palmeiros for my MSU PC...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFlOmkvy1rZn2HQ0SNgADY64-9C-W9Qm1WZd_r6q0x5m6u9g3L3bqVDlL-_mUa-SPRFXhgFGrpjeA0IPh54K1vES7KvOhPWsW-xDxCSaZT0lIzlrEbazdfROYbl5FY53zzXUtft0nHu4/s1600/Palmeiro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFlOmkvy1rZn2HQ0SNgADY64-9C-W9Qm1WZd_r6q0x5m6u9g3L3bqVDlL-_mUa-SPRFXhgFGrpjeA0IPh54K1vES7KvOhPWsW-xDxCSaZT0lIzlrEbazdfROYbl5FY53zzXUtft0nHu4/s400/Palmeiro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Palmeiro's legacy may not be the best, but he was a Bulldog. So he's in the binder. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, that's all 63 cards, hope you enjoyed them! (I know I did!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Opening Day, and I hope you made it through April Fool's Day unscathed!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-76543692190096463832013-03-24T14:15:00.000-07:002013-03-24T14:15:32.700-07:00More Mignola Madness!This post encompasses 7 days of events, but due to work, I'm just now getting around to this post.<br />
<br />
On Monday, I wrapped up the day at work and made the roughly 3 hour drive to Baton Rogue, LA. A few months back, one of my best college friends, Val, offered to buy the tickets to the Shinedown/Three Days Grace/P.O.D. concert that was scheduled there. I said "Hell, yes." (after clearing it with the wife), and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Great concert, full of energy, just plain awesome.<br />
<br />
My departure the next day was a little delayed (it was a rock concert, afterall), but I eventually made it to my college town of Hattiesburg, MS. where I met up with my buddy Drew. Drew works at one of a chain of stores that sell sports cards and memorabilia. We swung by his place of work where I was very tempted by some 2012 Gypsy Queen, but I was strong-willed e3nough to not sell the rest of my spare Magic cards to buy a box. (That and I have a spot in the Dimwit's break, hehe...). <br />
<br />
One of my main hopes while I was in town was to swing by the antique malls and see if they had any vintage or anything else I'd be interested in. I had no such luck, and I was beginning to think about those boxes of Gypsy Queen again...<br />
Then, I went by my pal Justin's comic book store. After spending a few minutes catching up on life, and the store's rearrangement (it's been almost 2.5 years since I've been), it was time to dig through some boxes.<br />
Here are my finds, and additions to my Mignola collection:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDyGE0OWi24ZZm2sDyI9fTR5RqeNpkFK4Nj_g52H-MyLA22L39hMkMGP2Tgw4lJM-rY51BZfc8az5QSuV-yuvOQcEdlZU7EQdNN9PrXO1lIJoEYIgYYQKuUTquF3JKc-MW9p0ucI4svY/s1600/Batman+427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDyGE0OWi24ZZm2sDyI9fTR5RqeNpkFK4Nj_g52H-MyLA22L39hMkMGP2Tgw4lJM-rY51BZfc8az5QSuV-yuvOQcEdlZU7EQdNN9PrXO1lIJoEYIgYYQKuUTquF3JKc-MW9p0ucI4svY/s640/Batman+427.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*I realize my other post indicated I had all 4 of this set. I only have two. My bad y'all!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEBi2qk8AsIYWHN4aOJVl44INUmkTmVXmRpw2D40TCFg-t1ZQQDPozTfp8CqSjHq46ausqbKexXmyi_MaEYDawNcbHD50FBYRM-UAOSIEhX1RbpjwIglqDT8LoGBnMjBxdjDTF9BJrHc/s1600/Hellboy+BoB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEBi2qk8AsIYWHN4aOJVl44INUmkTmVXmRpw2D40TCFg-t1ZQQDPozTfp8CqSjHq46ausqbKexXmyi_MaEYDawNcbHD50FBYRM-UAOSIEhX1RbpjwIglqDT8LoGBnMjBxdjDTF9BJrHc/s640/Hellboy+BoB.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> *I love Hellboy cross-overs. This one feature some talking, paranormal-investigating animals. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh, and a necromancer. Can't go wrong with that!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXfb3AvTa5Mu_4ybpF96FNcQnhAcB_uIu-MTRoBOfe6FEmO4CNTVLWKW8cJrSz4yOwwb8XQev1-n5tn1alQB-gh24vwNJm_SaX8FgaTKQO-E4Cftq8gfNFlCI3DMQQIwus098AAZqBxs/s1600/Hellboy+DFoE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXfb3AvTa5Mu_4ybpF96FNcQnhAcB_uIu-MTRoBOfe6FEmO4CNTVLWKW8cJrSz4yOwwb8XQev1-n5tn1alQB-gh24vwNJm_SaX8FgaTKQO-E4Cftq8gfNFlCI3DMQQIwus098AAZqBxs/s640/Hellboy+DFoE.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Mignola often collaborates with Corben, and the results never disappoint. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This issue features tales of a possessed, man-eating house, and what happens when you try to summon the aid of Horus in a temple of Sobek. Yay, mythology!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On a side note, I probably won't be posting much over the next few weeks. Aside from a spot in the Dimwit's case break, I don't see myself making any note worthy purchases for a bit. I'll be spending the time commenting on what the rest of you have to say and preparing some future posts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-74868430448127422292013-03-15T19:00:00.001-07:002013-03-15T19:00:20.373-07:00Milestone: First Fuji Trade!I recently accomplished (what I consider to be) a milestone in the blogging world, a trade with Fuji from <a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Fuji</a>! Hopefully he'll have what I sent by Monday!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
First up, an addition to my MSU collection, Jon Knott:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NH4KOq326UlkOlF9enoD6MbttC2XlH7XDBg5V85l61wLAju0EtfcJcVhmoCPKKBuoPruMGloL_IjuF4xQwf1rNUX_cnjOuhS2WsynVGikIY-KV3Kzvx-4UYN06SgQCoTAFpMZTVYv0I/s1600/Knott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NH4KOq326UlkOlF9enoD6MbttC2XlH7XDBg5V85l61wLAju0EtfcJcVhmoCPKKBuoPruMGloL_IjuF4xQwf1rNUX_cnjOuhS2WsynVGikIY-KV3Kzvx-4UYN06SgQCoTAFpMZTVYv0I/s320/Knott.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*<i>I love these cards! I don't know why, but they just seem really cool
to me. I'd like to see these types of cards make a comeback in MLB products.
Yet another UD licensing woe...</i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Sorry for the tape, wanted to make this post before it got too late.)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Knott was originally drafted by the Padres, signed a few years later with the Orioles (where he got most of his playing time on the pro level), then spent the last few years of his career with the Twins, Phillies, and Brewers<i> </i>organizations. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>** I think that is a really nice auto, I may have to start imitating that "J" when I sign stuff...</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next up was an Albert Pujols from 2011 Topps Attax:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEOFSuxfe4s8EiBY_mJ0Ii2TDCUCpVfxgsLPNUG9FXaDig6UWpbTSqJtEcIDlsfLWlcC4tzwboBwZ1RRkD9z_o4e6oX_hW2io4DLJJAMoYk96b1_r9nq7KGM1WdXr73Wm7j14PJG0QF4/s1600/AttaxPujols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEOFSuxfe4s8EiBY_mJ0Ii2TDCUCpVfxgsLPNUG9FXaDig6UWpbTSqJtEcIDlsfLWlcC4tzwboBwZ1RRkD9z_o4e6oX_hW2io4DLJJAMoYk96b1_r9nq7KGM1WdXr73Wm7j14PJG0QF4/s320/AttaxPujols.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
I don't really know how to play Attax, but I pick up the Cardinals singles whenever I come across them. There doesn't seem to be much strategy involved with the game, unlike my next part of the trade:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi62P8mREhz_a6pcjrSPJOzbkDgUnVkk8CoAUJkDg3qAgarTAKnbB-8V_JWYKf6cDUVPAqfCnl-VPNyEp-eIoG5vkaOCPrWAomhbjhhn80fd8unMKHthVgIUII1pbXsDwtDqF73qgpVMY/s1600/MLBS+FUJI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi62P8mREhz_a6pcjrSPJOzbkDgUnVkk8CoAUJkDg3qAgarTAKnbB-8V_JWYKf6cDUVPAqfCnl-VPNyEp-eIoG5vkaOCPrWAomhbjhhn80fd8unMKHthVgIUII1pbXsDwtDqF73qgpVMY/s400/MLBS+FUJI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b>MLB SHOWDOOOOOOOOOWN!</b></i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b><br /></b></i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a game I've really been interested in since it came out, and that was in 2000! There's actually some strategy involved in team building, there are stats that come into play, and even "salary caps". I'm planning on doing a post series on the various card games I've experienced, and this one will be my first topic. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, we come to the card that I was really hoping would be in the envelope:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7kh6o8Tz2advzyhFJb_Dh3GFT24wbogjQP-vWVTZZdG_cM8kXbVigTgD9rDGQctehNZkL34_yEwqbhwSkuF2Qf6QLl3joKX7I2uJvbocARa4bQcjc5mrmx4ukZGkxeuDNQQKzfzG6so/s1600/FUJI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7kh6o8Tz2advzyhFJb_Dh3GFT24wbogjQP-vWVTZZdG_cM8kXbVigTgD9rDGQctehNZkL34_yEwqbhwSkuF2Qf6QLl3joKX7I2uJvbocARa4bQcjc5mrmx4ukZGkxeuDNQQKzfzG6so/s320/FUJI.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>***Does the red ink make it a "Real One" auto #'d/64? I'll never tell!</i> </div>
The first time I saw a Fuji auto, was one in the possession of <a href="http://www.thedailydimwit.com/" target="_blank">The Dimwit</a>. It was my first trade with him, and I was curious about it. He said it was from a trade that he made with another blogger, and it wasn't too terribly long after that when I decided to start my own blog.<br />
This will hold a place of honor in my collection, thanks Fuji!<br />
<br />
That's all for me tonight folks, got to get some rest for what looks like a busy weekend at work...<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
Staying unabashed and interested,<br />
Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-59706882216622540102013-03-14T18:24:00.001-07:002013-03-14T18:28:36.466-07:00I'm gonna check the mail, hope I got me some cool stuff...(Title makes a little more sense sung to the tune of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes" target="_blank">Thrift Shop</a>". A little though, not a lot. [Language Warning, BTW] ) <br />
<br />
Today was my second day back from vacation and the transition was smoothed by the what came in the mail!<br />
<br />
First, I have an item from a "Claim It!" post courtesy of <a href="http://jaybarkerfan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">jaybarkerfan</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmglA-IaqUg-uWFtAaqxxucTzyv4AIlR2EtMOE3VsceGYNBf4Rd1j0PXopmUdANlsfb7AqEHOph0L4F5pe4XDTQM1aDCKzM_EHexxpDK99Xjj5aCfglkhlClwRyaQsQk9wxNuSZPVwHM/s1600/Sheafer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmglA-IaqUg-uWFtAaqxxucTzyv4AIlR2EtMOE3VsceGYNBf4Rd1j0PXopmUdANlsfb7AqEHOph0L4F5pe4XDTQM1aDCKzM_EHexxpDK99Xjj5aCfglkhlClwRyaQsQk9wxNuSZPVwHM/s400/Sheafer.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yes, it's crooked. It happens. You know it happens. Why are you still critiquing me about it?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sheaffer was a Cardinal that, honestly, I was in no way familiar with. Even the back of the card refers to him as "backup", though it mentions he was a potent hitter with runners in scoring position.<br />
He finished out his playing career in AAA-Memphis in 1997, then he was called to coach in 2003. He would coach in the minors for the Cardinals and the Astros. Currently, he manages the Rookie-Level team for the Rays. <br />
<br />
Now, for the real reason the scans are crooked...<br />
I've been using the app CamScanner for an easier way to get pictures for the blog, and then emailing them to myself, etc. I wanted to use the scanner for my latest eBay purchase, and what looks like my big single card purchase for the year:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcHfQvJOAQ8wL8UJE6JCPKwYf3x969QAFEK9nAw4qQeU2r0FzgpE-_bt99L_vLOZdfRH_g9kSUwgxlIOXqcxLCbhVHndz4T7iWQS6Ic9f5JGVPcoGyv4UXR81f9saM62m_FPyAuB-b5s/s1600/CARPENTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcHfQvJOAQ8wL8UJE6JCPKwYf3x969QAFEK9nAw4qQeU2r0FzgpE-_bt99L_vLOZdfRH_g9kSUwgxlIOXqcxLCbhVHndz4T7iWQS6Ic9f5JGVPcoGyv4UXR81f9saM62m_FPyAuB-b5s/s400/CARPENTER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>2006 UD Exquisite </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I noticed this card had been listed, I was worried it would become another <a href="http://unabashedinterest.blogspot.com/2012/12/missed-connections.html" target="_blank">Missed Connection</a>, but fortunately, this was not to be. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(For the longest time, I had been considering <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/chris-carpenter-cardinals-2006-artifacts-mlb-GU-apparel-autographs-04-30-auto-/360589060851?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item53f4c86af3&nma=true&si=8xEzrlFgp6maFcHOeN54cu%252FuXME%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557" target="_blank">THIS</a> Carpenter #'d/30) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't have any complaints about the one I own.Carpenter (Cardinal) autos are not easy to come by, and I wanted one that would look nice in my collection. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think I did alright...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i>*I don't think a mini-bio for Chris Carpenter is necessary. That's why there isn't one. </i><br />
**<i>On a side note, I'm sad that Carpenter and Molina are exclusively with Upper Deck, especially since UD probably won't ever have an MLB license ever again. Not to mention Molina autos are getting a little pricey and there's not a lot of options out there. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So here is my question:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Is there a player/team that you collect who has a tough auto to track down?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If so, tell me about it. It'd be nice to know I'm not alone, ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-44341963013301519032013-03-07T20:24:00.003-08:002013-03-14T18:32:18.731-07:00Something I've never done...<br />
<br />
Today I did something that I have never done before.<br />
I bought single comic book issues from Books-A-Million.<br />
<br />
My day started early with a doctor's appointment at 7:40 a.m. (actually me, my wife, and son would all end up at the doctor today). After that I got a lead on some tickets for when the (currently) 16-0 MSU Bulldogs come to town, and then I stopped by BAM to do some reading before lunch.<br />
First of all, they moved the comic book section. AGAIN. I have been making trips to this BAM since I was about 5 years-old, and I cannot count the times that one section has been relocated. I feel like they should send me updates on that crap. <br />
But I was surprised to see four <a href="http://www.bcwsupplies.com/products/comic-boxes/long-comic-book-cardboard-storage-box.htm" target="_blank">long boxes</a> chock full of comic books with the sign "<b><i><u>$1 Comics</u></i></b>".<br />
<br />
Oh. Sweet. Yes. Please.<br />
<br />
I love reading comics, but there's not a lot that I buy or collect. <br />
Unless it involves Mike Mignola. In that case, I want it. All.<br />
And I was very happy to find three(!!!) of his covers that I didn't already have:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8qGr6YczfPPmwYIOfyrWuURU8ifIvH2HnbuZ7uPyvpVaBQ1BaiBjPGcFhWR6E9Mh1oH2wjmjfvtVJk91LkMSCYtav5tC4wyYs98RmFNUENksqr2Wa4C3aANpEETCpSiQmpxDLPCTLek/s1600/WTP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8qGr6YczfPPmwYIOfyrWuURU8ifIvH2HnbuZ7uPyvpVaBQ1BaiBjPGcFhWR6E9Mh1oH2wjmjfvtVJk91LkMSCYtav5tC4wyYs98RmFNUENksqr2Wa4C3aANpEETCpSiQmpxDLPCTLek/s400/WTP.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu90Ko0eAnO-qY8cwp-s-FBRwG3BNpFB9OflDGHByI_sGwr8qOLHp93_3Ar5pz4oYF-apWS5YA0-1_dGuVFDTTPtwmFKTqMh21FJNxxURX0E2U6-AJH8EW0PVb4LSNdjiveP37g5nDvA/s1600/lobo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu90Ko0eAnO-qY8cwp-s-FBRwG3BNpFB9OflDGHByI_sGwr8qOLHp93_3Ar5pz4oYF-apWS5YA0-1_dGuVFDTTPtwmFKTqMh21FJNxxURX0E2U6-AJH8EW0PVb4LSNdjiveP37g5nDvA/s400/lobo.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6mqa6bfvXAaC7B6UQexkmHIylR4ICbfXjhQcpcXiX9nDk5SFqODLQsiteIblh5dPvYiiybamgJM8upyl5-rIa0_Kig-CGeacpYI6dvuJigMYi9Cflfx66CqIZuEjIIAl3ymWkALW2TI/s1600/american.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6mqa6bfvXAaC7B6UQexkmHIylR4ICbfXjhQcpcXiX9nDk5SFqODLQsiteIblh5dPvYiiybamgJM8upyl5-rIa0_Kig-CGeacpYI6dvuJigMYi9Cflfx66CqIZuEjIIAl3ymWkALW2TI/s400/american.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Tried reading this one to see what the cover was about, no help.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love finding these early 90s comics with Mignola covers because usually he didn't do the interior art or writing. So I don't really have to bother with cracking the book open to see what's going on. though if I'm interested enough (like with Murder Monkey up there), I'll take a gander to see if it'll enhance my appreciation for the art. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mignola's most famous cover work (prior to 1994) was Batman's "A Death in the Family" story-arch. Also known as the death of Jason Todd (Robin II):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4N7mtXkQtEiVJ0s4CJnULjWTjObmD8wyPIFFquZ9BjsxfqEL797qhdSVlcsQsIpQZl7V6glP-x18mznNWVynjzL5sSiaBk6Tu-JBcUlz7KBBhZ-awQYvoLphvNISudD3kNJUYNBBOSw/s1600/Batman_426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4N7mtXkQtEiVJ0s4CJnULjWTjObmD8wyPIFFquZ9BjsxfqEL797qhdSVlcsQsIpQZl7V6glP-x18mznNWVynjzL5sSiaBk6Tu-JBcUlz7KBBhZ-awQYvoLphvNISudD3kNJUYNBBOSw/s400/Batman_426.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59YtMzIX6z58R3JA5aeDQYmJG6m2kqsdrewFgMbWubhM146JCtTgEXwhz37vqvrHMhHJlLDO6ROXM2ztytTZbSELoQlnByzHLgik6MqPhBd4ZEJOe1y-XGPEVhA37CxrsMEDV1Tz5adc/s1600/Batman_427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59YtMzIX6z58R3JA5aeDQYmJG6m2kqsdrewFgMbWubhM146JCtTgEXwhz37vqvrHMhHJlLDO6ROXM2ztytTZbSELoQlnByzHLgik6MqPhBd4ZEJOe1y-XGPEVhA37CxrsMEDV1Tz5adc/s400/Batman_427.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL8hhgf0dLuD8xuvKTC0WBuiiaQRots9KDyzf-0E4SuxkYTWbUn1XNlS90UidMB7cQUjS9W7J3MPQIixmwCXkPMdSSqnVyWi8hmcvxoIiO8qXUp4z8NsBHPiMO_yzS6HGhyphenhyphensgMA3c_IM/s1600/mignola_batman428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL8hhgf0dLuD8xuvKTC0WBuiiaQRots9KDyzf-0E4SuxkYTWbUn1XNlS90UidMB7cQUjS9W7J3MPQIixmwCXkPMdSSqnVyWi8hmcvxoIiO8qXUp4z8NsBHPiMO_yzS6HGhyphenhyphensgMA3c_IM/s400/mignola_batman428.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqfpx3ZJnRZrJvq1NxtcNrBT2OHFALL3mh01trp70Ui9uGSwnAP38VdqEiRglwUJSVhRAnGdfXkssp77VJeYyTyZRflXANJCFILvCdGu6RzNOO7AvOjsd4zMLj9eriALa8vJSxhJ9yaw/s1600/batman+joker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqfpx3ZJnRZrJvq1NxtcNrBT2OHFALL3mh01trp70Ui9uGSwnAP38VdqEiRglwUJSVhRAnGdfXkssp77VJeYyTyZRflXANJCFILvCdGu6RzNOO7AvOjsd4zMLj9eriALa8vJSxhJ9yaw/s400/batman+joker.jpg" width="265" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Not sure why Blogger won't let me line these up, oh well.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, Mike Mignola's greatest accomplishment is the artist/creator/writer for my favorite comic character of all time:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV-o0EB3QZrCYqnQvL6_j7PMScu8p8Nh4VwSsWPzV-TbqEjE_gM2hAvFqEEr-caHb1XrWZHTyoc_0F79EDIyY_MinjgLmIF_M5gFozj8d2IwaOibGdEFd7jKGcVMt7IjaoZeQbJouDmQ/s1600/hellboy-photos-of-238206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV-o0EB3QZrCYqnQvL6_j7PMScu8p8Nh4VwSsWPzV-TbqEjE_gM2hAvFqEEr-caHb1XrWZHTyoc_0F79EDIyY_MinjgLmIF_M5gFozj8d2IwaOibGdEFd7jKGcVMt7IjaoZeQbJouDmQ/s640/hellboy-photos-of-238206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is not a lot of creator-controlled stuff out there, and Hellboy is one of the finest examples of such a comic. Seriously awesome stuff chock full of folklore and mythology, I highly recommend it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oh, and here's a cover for the Shadow that I particularly enjoy as well:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavE5zsC_BwbasgLUc5uVsiyh25IqQqRZyb6x2sYxxgyhN_iz-LHsSXd1GUW7fUGKdml2gfINqF9n01tu8CXmZ4wcHyD1OjI9lba1AAQIccHSzLDU41WDk4U_SyMabcgl2mGTLaioDuFk/s1600/Shadow_Strikes_(DC_Comics)_Vol_1_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavE5zsC_BwbasgLUc5uVsiyh25IqQqRZyb6x2sYxxgyhN_iz-LHsSXd1GUW7fUGKdml2gfINqF9n01tu8CXmZ4wcHyD1OjI9lba1AAQIccHSzLDU41WDk4U_SyMabcgl2mGTLaioDuFk/s640/Shadow_Strikes_(DC_Comics)_Vol_1_31.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I could seriously talk about this stuff for hours on end, but I'm going to wrap it up for now. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What about y'all? Anybody interested in comics out there? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1PfrHu9xiDtxcCi2k6FyPUCzgcs8yIbUX_P7wLXTV_BTFervaZoYk-Gz5PtsfYWX6CYn3PS0STGCFINmVPCqIG2KaC5uhS9h-IJqDv0_BlkooDtfz3n3H_PVj_WdRCWdFhDWA64VPuo/s1600/batman+joker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1TPSA00bY9ESUDTGURLMD4N2m9PTsk-6naznTPel4BdK59hyphenhyphenuKJqPMEQgGw0nErDIg5eFoFFKhoVhuLFtrcGnXLAP8IgBQkfrVmxJwiZBVVVStl2__19LB-dP3cnHYLu9g6WreSD6_8/s1600/Batman_426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-88344173993736154282013-03-04T09:46:00.001-08:002013-03-04T09:47:10.166-08:00What to do, what to do...The way that vacations play out at work is kind of weird.<br />
I get 3 a year (two 7s and a 10), and usually with the 7-day, you are off two days, work one (occasionally a Sunday), and then the vacation begins. With a 10 day, the middle work day is off.<br />
Seem complicated? Join the club!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm on my second of the two off-days. So the vacation is right around the corner!<br />
Currently, I am developing my vacation resolutions. You know, the usual stuff: learn a song on guitar or bass, pick a book to read, organize the cards I've got laying around, finish up my queue on Netflix, develop a series of posts with a theme, pre-scan cards so that it'll be easier to post...<br />
That's all I have so far, lol.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I hope to actually be able to participate in the new contest that Fuji has going on:<br />
<a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/2013/03/three-year-anniversary-contest.html" target="_blank">Fuji's 3-year Anniversary Contest</a><br />
On a side note, I'm glad he's breaking down the contests from not being all summer. I tried to participate with my "old" blog last summer, but a move kind of got me turned around and I need a break from cards and blogging.<br />
<br />
Also, I want to start having some interactions with my followers on here. I want to be better about pulling aside cards for trades, there are some great collectors on here, and I want to take advantage of that!<br />
<br />
I do have an "artifact" of sorts to share, before I wrap this up.<br />
While on my way out of the LCS after trade night, the owner called me to come back for a second. He said that someone dropped this off a few days before in case anyone wanted it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PPCkNLX2HotSr_td9949BlZiIluM9PmzqtOA4QrFQM6QjAFO0-QkjBo4T30f8w9ikYaYn1N3HS1pV4OwtzcWQc9tfMtwJgZmwVsD7PanBCeRATRq1IC-k-gRr-hTve-Bq9LoBHlOBWQ/s1600/50C927FB-6888-4F83-851B-B4BFD3B25288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PPCkNLX2HotSr_td9949BlZiIluM9PmzqtOA4QrFQM6QjAFO0-QkjBo4T30f8w9ikYaYn1N3HS1pV4OwtzcWQc9tfMtwJgZmwVsD7PanBCeRATRq1IC-k-gRr-hTve-Bq9LoBHlOBWQ/s640/50C927FB-6888-4F83-851B-B4BFD3B25288.JPG" width="387" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The entire St. Louis Globe-Democrat from October 22, 1982, the day after the Cardinals 9th World Series victory. It's hard to put into words how incredible it is to to get to look through something like this, it's a really cool experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I can't complain about original political cartoons from over 30 years ago:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6hcA3r2DYPD9T7QvQzbiLZjjDxBQQKFdeIs2u4yGSHpRdvNz6RcG3kQUSN22GSkQCQBeXQAwqwi1SqxN6LVJgCzUVcCWZfWWL-QKG7Qc_Gn4eHIUiTZz5QjQlbka81wf9kdSX4pMm_A/s1600/CBE21B86-C792-4CFB-AECD-D829D370DA54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6hcA3r2DYPD9T7QvQzbiLZjjDxBQQKFdeIs2u4yGSHpRdvNz6RcG3kQUSN22GSkQCQBeXQAwqwi1SqxN6LVJgCzUVcCWZfWWL-QKG7Qc_Gn4eHIUiTZz5QjQlbka81wf9kdSX4pMm_A/s640/CBE21B86-C792-4CFB-AECD-D829D370DA54.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
A big shout-out to the app CamScanner for making these pictures possible!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by folks!<br />
Staying unabashed and interested,<br />
-Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-32127660052646437312013-02-16T05:22:00.000-08:002013-02-16T05:22:03.629-08:00It's not easy being green...I have to admit, I'm a huge fan of the emerald parallels out of 2013 Topps.<br />
The fact that there are 18 Cardinals (until S2 and US), also appealed to me. I don't know why, but how cards are going to lay out on a page really influences how I may or may not try to complete a<br />
base/insert/parallel set. <br />
So, here is my latest pick up:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCHkUYg1f1wVXlsX-9qHyzqBD_0AqVn4jpTKZXgTPdIkgJKai9K-AwM9EbqOLUjGSoIHn5uZKBC-ZY4ixQh_ojaaFOhXpBEJLVnwJ3rRHBU0k_xzeESbODHWzce-Pq1VSZJ6vHOCsw9I/s1600/ebirds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCHkUYg1f1wVXlsX-9qHyzqBD_0AqVn4jpTKZXgTPdIkgJKai9K-AwM9EbqOLUjGSoIHn5uZKBC-ZY4ixQh_ojaaFOhXpBEJLVnwJ3rRHBU0k_xzeESbODHWzce-Pq1VSZJ6vHOCsw9I/s640/ebirds.png" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the photo from the eBay sale, if you are in any way familiar with my inability to scan multiple cards at one time, you understand.<br />
<br />
Currently, I am 3 cards away from completing the (S1) set:<br />
188 Brian Fuentes<br />
235 Jake Westbrook<br />
305 Shelby Miller<br />
<br />
On a sidebar: Why is Brian Fuentes in this set? He was a member of the organization for around a month, and wasn't a notable contributor. I'm sure there's something in his contract with Topps that obligated them to include him, but I think there are some better choices out there.<br />
<br />
Minus my almost-set, here are the extras I have for trade:<br />
4 Molina x2<br />
50 Wainright<br />
125 Holliday (Wild Card)<br />
130 Motte<br />
193 M. Carpenter<br />
207 Holliday<br />
224 Jay<br />
261 Rosenthal<br />
269 Cardinals x2<br />
321 Craig <br />
<br />
I've got trade night in a few weeks and I've got a spot in a case break coming up, so hopefully I'll be able to increase posting frequency!<br />
<br />
Staying unabashed and interested,<br />
Ruffin jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-62163191970910372202013-02-01T15:59:00.003-08:002013-02-01T15:59:20.500-08:00My favorite pack I've ever opened... (Plus a little more)Well, let me explain my parameters for "favorite" and "pack":<br />
Favorite = made me the most happy to open, generally Cardinals/MSU related<br />
Pack = single pack bought, not part of a box, or multi-pack purchase<br />
<br />
Now let me back up to my favorite box that I ever bought, if you will.<br />
It was a hobby box of 2011 Topps Update (regular). I had already busted a jumbo box and pulled a monster hit (of which I need to get the picture from my LCS if they still have it, lol) but one day I just wanted to open a 36-packer.<br />
My first hit in the box made me happy enough, but it's currently in trade discussions via Twitter... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU-cHeE7rKzbMqyxdzROMedTki4qT-CZ-dNpUo3zlS_XdhPtdk0tFsQ2Ds3SjPOwxpIC_f09Pvj6YS8k4zWjEvSH_kIrgUyqIHwZwIbp6Gb5rfyozFedSJvtTDKSMbR2x1IX0roPOUyc/s1600/HollidayBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU-cHeE7rKzbMqyxdzROMedTki4qT-CZ-dNpUo3zlS_XdhPtdk0tFsQ2Ds3SjPOwxpIC_f09Pvj6YS8k4zWjEvSH_kIrgUyqIHwZwIbp6Gb5rfyozFedSJvtTDKSMbR2x1IX0roPOUyc/s320/HollidayBlack.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
My second "hit" will be sticking in the keeper box for a long time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJj-hXZUOHFFU4tVm4ysJYQfdB5X3TwdH7hDoUk0MQJUMwQk6dUz_PSdX-h6_49_1_MvE1hxvPAuNrmF_mxC3ToErEbF-56jUOyAoLqGsTNninfdxEbMriwnw7ukcxaFyLZ29vDJ_eD8/s1600/HollidayBlue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJj-hXZUOHFFU4tVm4ysJYQfdB5X3TwdH7hDoUk0MQJUMwQk6dUz_PSdX-h6_49_1_MvE1hxvPAuNrmF_mxC3ToErEbF-56jUOyAoLqGsTNninfdxEbMriwnw7ukcxaFyLZ29vDJ_eD8/s320/HollidayBlue.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
I didn't scan the back, but would you believe it's #'d 7/60? I remember being pretty stoked about it, and I still am, haha!<br />
<br />
Now, onto my favorite pack that I've ever opened!<br />
I swung by my LCS today to drop off some video games for their resale department, so I could pick up some credit for trade night tomorrow. On my way out, I noticed the open jumbo box on the shelf was running kind of low, so I looked in and saw there were only 2 packs left.<br />
Normally, I'd stay away because I know I'm probably going to buy the second pack after I bust the first. But today, I figured "I can exercise some self control, right?"<br />
I picked up the packs (one in each hand), and the one in my left hand felt a little heavier than the other one.<br />
After cursing the shop owner for letting me get to that point (Sorry Nate!), I resigned myself to my fate.<br />
<br />
I saw a thicker card in the center of the pack, and I really tried to move it to the back without looking at it.<br />
I failed...but I wasn't disappointed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEpEPA1h3yahSpEjq8BzVopoSfs4UsmWJCUX-Mvg-t93WyEMecwMO_yH0F3xynu5ph3dH7aiM4l6S_qS_4cT3eeKGinOZSvpKNFpBjTL0x8dW-RxWuS4_tof11m57va5rD83Oa91oedc/s1600/MusialG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEpEPA1h3yahSpEjq8BzVopoSfs4UsmWJCUX-Mvg-t93WyEMecwMO_yH0F3xynu5ph3dH7aiM4l6S_qS_4cT3eeKGinOZSvpKNFpBjTL0x8dW-RxWuS4_tof11m57va5rD83Oa91oedc/s320/MusialG.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
And if that wasn't enough, I also ran across this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mS7ag7SbiB5iQ3aV1thHy5FF0UBLuWBSBii_o8fAptXpCKdOjy22BlOeyMSXrfoOAWEjVX4HLxBkloYTpkgSEyf1YSH5GukXIgjXJHms6ocatpKv7wllpg1kXrQgdYBC5QOn2S4f3dc/s1600/MusialC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mS7ag7SbiB5iQ3aV1thHy5FF0UBLuWBSBii_o8fAptXpCKdOjy22BlOeyMSXrfoOAWEjVX4HLxBkloYTpkgSEyf1YSH5GukXIgjXJHms6ocatpKv7wllpg1kXrQgdYBC5QOn2S4f3dc/s320/MusialC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And 5 more Cardinals!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1R9WUlHGTozCZ2PY9SW-sqTEU75SMVq-lXv4420yUs2dHkCQJny48W5kWmnGp_FGT32z-fZMzKDeIMhK7ZDxOVV4DkDOgMo4JHW5jFe08dfGeNBtrB1vVdOE2TWEnvIqZCCsSLoFjpg/s1600/13cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1R9WUlHGTozCZ2PY9SW-sqTEU75SMVq-lXv4420yUs2dHkCQJny48W5kWmnGp_FGT32z-fZMzKDeIMhK7ZDxOVV4DkDOgMo4JHW5jFe08dfGeNBtrB1vVdOE2TWEnvIqZCCsSLoFjpg/s400/13cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For those of you who want to know, here are my inserts]minis out of the pack:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIXlUmw7KAjEKcYBZgkWfv8spocTT2dcWp93b8D8oxtKR1dL8lCjKYPBW0fqL-y19nuH_AcEsYtmDun63TRqz-boOnOiWixIwr9J6bvA6nFe2qALw68L5iHSbS84EoucF8rkKqFfyeZw/s1600/13inp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIXlUmw7KAjEKcYBZgkWfv8spocTT2dcWp93b8D8oxtKR1dL8lCjKYPBW0fqL-y19nuH_AcEsYtmDun63TRqz-boOnOiWixIwr9J6bvA6nFe2qALw68L5iHSbS84EoucF8rkKqFfyeZw/s400/13inp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Still trying to master multi-card scans, sorry!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wish the emerald foils were more than 1:1 per jumbo and 1:6 per regular, Topps really did a good job on these! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The "calling cards" insert series, I find a bit lacking. Maybe it's just because I've only seen the Teixeira, and it was a bit disappointing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the other hand, the '72 Minis are NICE! Dickey has been a "fringe favorite" (aka non-Cardinal) of mine since I learned that he has <a href="http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/30/r-a-dickeys-well-named-arsenal/" target="_blank">the best bat names in the business</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I was surprised to get 5 Cardinals base cards in one jumbo pack, so here's a quick breakdown of the other teams/base in the pack (Not counting inserts)<br />
<br />
3: Reds, Giants (2 postseason cards)<br />
2: Dodgers, Cubs, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Phillies, Orioles, Braves, Mariners<br />
1: Rays, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros, Rockies, Royals, Brewers, White Sox, A's, Yankees, Nationals<br />
<br />
For those of you keeping count, there was also a 2012 NL RBI Leaders card. I was surprised to see that the top three were players from the Padres, Brewers, and Cubs. It intrigues me, I don't know why...<br />
<br />
That wraps up my jumbo pack, and almost wraps up this blog entry!<br />
<br />
I was browsing through the half-price box (on my second attempt to leave!), looking for some Bob Gibsons I had seen a few weeks ago. They were no longer there, this card was, and I was okay with it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYzzawncQLCwLMp4tCBWsljPBa2Uu3XvS2Ny9u4Il0XsLWH55NsMq69ilNQgI0X3rFkQn3L4kZPKF1t-TTHoKEzWn-mlk_GD3XQ8a60SYK6I8_XuddhcFq2VJabqn-tiWGCtZOqCYX5I/s1600/Musial61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYzzawncQLCwLMp4tCBWsljPBa2Uu3XvS2Ny9u4Il0XsLWH55NsMq69ilNQgI0X3rFkQn3L4kZPKF1t-TTHoKEzWn-mlk_GD3XQ8a60SYK6I8_XuddhcFq2VJabqn-tiWGCtZOqCYX5I/s320/Musial61.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
This 1961 Musial is now the oldest card in my collection, and I am very proud to own it!<br />
<br />
I'm still trying to decide on whether I'm getting a jumbo or regular box of S1. There is a pack raffle, so the regular would benefit me more, and I think the jumbo is a little more out of reach given my purchases today, haha!<br />
<br />
Anyway, thanks for stopping by!<br />
Staying unabashed and interested,<br />
-Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-76264569932691509982013-01-19T17:34:00.000-08:002013-01-19T17:34:50.770-08:00Stan "The Man" MusialToday started out pretty well.<br />
Work was decent, got a little busy towards the end of the shift, but wound up being up in sales against our goal. After work, I went by my LCS where <a href="http://www.thedailydimwit.com/" target="_blank">The Dimwit</a> (he's been on a football kick lately, if you haven't heard) and I helped our friend Bobby open some boxes of 2012 Topps Football.<br />
I then picked up my son, came home, and watched Chad Bumphis in a MVP performance in the Shrine Bowl. I was cranking up an episode of Doctor Who on Netflix when my phone went off.<br />
Stan Musial, the Cardinal Legend, had died.<br />
My grandfather got to see The Man play in Busch I, many years ago; and it's a story my father and I never get tired of hearing.<br />
I'm not sure how many more products will bear his signature after 2013
Topps Series One, but I wanted to share my piece of Cardinals history
that will forever be a source of pride in my personal collection:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRZP_2GWkt4wG_4jRiqcGOj-x8DBh6J53ga-k2HCK7AlVRMlE3xfZrMGY77jf_GLMLawrf2U8BHEQsB69SAExy9EBxjrx2b3mNdh-1RfqQWL7jdwym3Kkyua-5eJFM84rEy_AJElZuYg/s1600/Musial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRZP_2GWkt4wG_4jRiqcGOj-x8DBh6J53ga-k2HCK7AlVRMlE3xfZrMGY77jf_GLMLawrf2U8BHEQsB69SAExy9EBxjrx2b3mNdh-1RfqQWL7jdwym3Kkyua-5eJFM84rEy_AJElZuYg/s400/Musial1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc2jB7yqYjfAIMJQGioSywYlNexUgPY1qsbcBLTAKzbLV9OolPi71zr6NLLPiHwT-rWWtRv3BkfQJN79J3g0FDcQRRg1AWrq7O39QPJhIDDS7cHF6-rijP5s4QjyvWGt9Buhh1aFxR1c/s1600/Musial1+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc2jB7yqYjfAIMJQGioSywYlNexUgPY1qsbcBLTAKzbLV9OolPi71zr6NLLPiHwT-rWWtRv3BkfQJN79J3g0FDcQRRg1AWrq7O39QPJhIDDS7cHF6-rijP5s4QjyvWGt9Buhh1aFxR1c/s400/Musial1+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'll leave the eloquent memorials to the fine writers at the <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/" target="_blank">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>, but I for one, will certainly miss him.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by folks.<br />
Staying unabashed, and interested,<br />
-Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-77934470093153331632013-01-15T18:32:00.000-08:002013-01-15T18:33:17.007-08:00(Belated) Trade Night Swag, Crappy Correlation, and an eBay Victory......Well, trade night at my LCS was this past Saturday, and fellow attendee <a href="http://www.thedailydimwit.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Dimwit</a> has already recapped his experience AND posted a group break AND posted a mailday.<br />
Looks like I really fell behind on this one, haha!<br />
<br />
First up, here's what I received in my ongoing trade war with the Dimwit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB0BRZqBXAWLTmvmKfvAl25FK_c0vawK22JEsmyQ9aCV_8UgetIlyVhrjLAbofUcPVm4rw943kIgTWE45H9EoLA3MVsQgfwMtnxhyphenhyphenI0u6A62kmV2RGTuhGVhOl_sM2AoS3cwvKkEqSRM/s1600/Wisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB0BRZqBXAWLTmvmKfvAl25FK_c0vawK22JEsmyQ9aCV_8UgetIlyVhrjLAbofUcPVm4rw943kIgTWE45H9EoLA3MVsQgfwMtnxhyphenhyphenI0u6A62kmV2RGTuhGVhOl_sM2AoS3cwvKkEqSRM/s320/Wisdom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Redbirds took three (3!!!!!) 3rd basemen in the 2012 draft, and Wisdom was the "middle child". However, he is ranked as a "Top 20" prospect in the organization, after a strong offensive showing in Low-A and good defensive skill.<br />
One a side note-Was I just naive in thinking these weren't photo-shopped? I had no idea until I saw this on eBay...<br />
*I know his collegiate stuff is photo-shopped OUT, before anyone feels the need to make that point :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuGv-9KnJLi337TekxxC5TirRlag4dlnuEvndHIAlp_mD3Qvl2rp178jS7OhHrT9tgL50TL1q4SKOUmoEmwEyN3OapbQJ7aE1xkPKlRdjli-u2HJ-kTdlYhXplttgJEh8pFUZqXV1IvA/s1600/wisdom2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuGv-9KnJLi337TekxxC5TirRlag4dlnuEvndHIAlp_mD3Qvl2rp178jS7OhHrT9tgL50TL1q4SKOUmoEmwEyN3OapbQJ7aE1xkPKlRdjli-u2HJ-kTdlYhXplttgJEh8pFUZqXV1IvA/s320/wisdom2.png" width="213" /></a></div>
Moving on to the rest of trade night...<br />
I bought a jumbo pack of 2012 Update with some remaining store credit, and I wasn't too happy with what I saw:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cHkix1iSLwFq6Vh1rl1IXLmwoNquU1ruh2WlhqafVDbUE7eEa4pp1FRdbLGbe7ntRoPoZN4C5I3CiL-uRpCYbScF3mAx8_HoYFEorh7T5un9-ig1mi5qr5ZnGvpG1ZceWM6iYP66qXg/s1600/correlation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cHkix1iSLwFq6Vh1rl1IXLmwoNquU1ruh2WlhqafVDbUE7eEa4pp1FRdbLGbe7ntRoPoZN4C5I3CiL-uRpCYbScF3mAx8_HoYFEorh7T5un9-ig1mi5qr5ZnGvpG1ZceWM6iYP66qXg/s640/correlation.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS35QoYFN5ujP-VgmcnMjD0223WA1-WXu5_Vunw4vT5fGaqLVMMWflQPgfETMEY_-BRUI12_PemxQAK7xo3zzfiEdSd576aWhf6A1xuj00snjQxIIMAQ6v9625iRsa7ac6QtOZraknM8/s1600/correlation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS35QoYFN5ujP-VgmcnMjD0223WA1-WXu5_Vunw4vT5fGaqLVMMWflQPgfETMEY_-BRUI12_PemxQAK7xo3zzfiEdSd576aWhf6A1xuj00snjQxIIMAQ6v9625iRsa7ac6QtOZraknM8/s400/correlation2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Yeah, I got the same five cards, twice. At the beginning and the end of the pack.<br />
REALLY TOPPS!?!?! You couldn't give me a little better correlation?<br />
I guess the old adage applies now more than ever: You get what you pay for....<br />
<br />
I picked up one more card from another friend before I headed home for the evening:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpbgNKFJojHTDdBy-42RibcFKz_GOkqtq5nzLtfyb9hm-tr4wqiKfmvGpkTKxyFpn9TYCcbVy3iXUXLWyMfCfjdVu0FF17xELumpKCu5PNjtKHoKqP-Vgl-vESf689D0GGQmWkA4Lfvg/s1600/Ballard199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpbgNKFJojHTDdBy-42RibcFKz_GOkqtq5nzLtfyb9hm-tr4wqiKfmvGpkTKxyFpn9TYCcbVy3iXUXLWyMfCfjdVu0FF17xELumpKCu5PNjtKHoKqP-Vgl-vESf689D0GGQmWkA4Lfvg/s320/Ballard199.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
Ballard played at Mississippi State, and was the Colts leading rusher this season. I actually had the choice of two Ballard autos (pulled by the same guy), but this was the lower numbered one out of the more expensive product, so the choice was pretty easy!<br />
<br />
Speaking of low-numbered hits out of higher end products, I picked this up recently off eBay:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRqOK2ueQrCIdlQ-QVjKA943Tlce-zktpJoFuKMYFIPVnEuq7GHz1GQjrdvOafTxnnZ7y0fZBLDcjkNBbHfCndaI0otRdsPffw95Cn_uHpxllnwZEjZdCfABWdKgIpcuxysVYzAsCv_w/s1600/Cox25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRqOK2ueQrCIdlQ-QVjKA943Tlce-zktpJoFuKMYFIPVnEuq7GHz1GQjrdvOafTxnnZ7y0fZBLDcjkNBbHfCndaI0otRdsPffw95Cn_uHpxllnwZEjZdCfABWdKgIpcuxysVYzAsCv_w/s320/Cox25.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
I picked up this one (24/25) for a total of $9.26 (shipping included), I had lost out on one /50 just a few hours before that sold for $10 (with shipping). I call that a win. (I refuse to quote Charlie Sheen, won't do it!)<br />
<br />
Before I let y'all go, I do have slight prideful thing to mention about the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They are one of only eight FBS schools that will have an alumni guaranteed to win a Super Bowl ring this year! How cool is that? And to think that going into last week's playoff games the only team that didn't have a Bulldog was the Broncos...I was still rooting for Peyton, though.<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for stopping by!<br />
Staying unabashed, and interested,<br />
-Ruffinjamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425294071875923292.post-41498658993962097682013-01-01T19:01:00.003-08:002013-01-01T19:01:45.934-08:00First purchase of 2013...Due to a broken 3-hole punch at work, I was forced to make a supply run to the local Wal-Mart. While there, this box caught my eye, and I thought "Why not?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNTw3SPmAuaym6mh0b3FpvJFFKm1im_0e1fPbfVgh-Zj8t-TSTbk7xe9CYKATngqbBTSPxVKlduYwzt6AIgPmpp_xfpgj5cG3doJ_S58vPIBNNmIhKdW_chlbNed-fJDRhlBV5lZIujA/s1600/box3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNTw3SPmAuaym6mh0b3FpvJFFKm1im_0e1fPbfVgh-Zj8t-TSTbk7xe9CYKATngqbBTSPxVKlduYwzt6AIgPmpp_xfpgj5cG3doJ_S58vPIBNNmIhKdW_chlbNed-fJDRhlBV5lZIujA/s320/box3.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MWQyyU0XNnwfVG9Hw2DFART4rkauqomR9WKCHGmP4Ij4eiGZDGd6O42c2elVUbRLnHmPMZMLFoMUmlIhk_lkbbF2zekXYHpLQMM-_tfxACAmoNvtY5KrOLw8CwGlq3u3AniuojnLRIg/s1600/box1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MWQyyU0XNnwfVG9Hw2DFART4rkauqomR9WKCHGmP4Ij4eiGZDGd6O42c2elVUbRLnHmPMZMLFoMUmlIhk_lkbbF2zekXYHpLQMM-_tfxACAmoNvtY5KrOLw8CwGlq3u3AniuojnLRIg/s320/box1.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMsp_D_uZ_OIrLAYY6-DpQf1wvFoKcBCnGbWg8BQWBXDySMZsz3UAVrCeQu2UIdmBd6tUPCjvTc9-x57mQMIh2Nd2gPd_9Uk5UsFsuf3qaFeYXnuhoq_uLGoDd-Tc9kPchWI6Bsxqyg/s1600/box2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMsp_D_uZ_OIrLAYY6-DpQf1wvFoKcBCnGbWg8BQWBXDySMZsz3UAVrCeQu2UIdmBd6tUPCjvTc9-x57mQMIh2Nd2gPd_9Uk5UsFsuf3qaFeYXnuhoq_uLGoDd-Tc9kPchWI6Bsxqyg/s320/box2.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not really sure what the mini-bios were for, but there they are. In case you didn't know any of that stuff already. I guess those bios being on the side of a repack box is kind of like Spider-Man 3, not for the fans.<br />
Moving on...<br />
Here are the packs that were inside:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrqIuq_SCXGE4ok6AJ6RM0leQ3h-trT3EeVEYbspVNbt3uqJZ11u61MJnscDh-s7RnM00Qf-QlFaMg5AvjbMfn8Kq4z5rxt2iZNbq7TSNZGTSVclg7EeCKyRFqthqfv1J41kdILEE5rU/s1600/packs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrqIuq_SCXGE4ok6AJ6RM0leQ3h-trT3EeVEYbspVNbt3uqJZ11u61MJnscDh-s7RnM00Qf-QlFaMg5AvjbMfn8Kq4z5rxt2iZNbq7TSNZGTSVclg7EeCKyRFqthqfv1J41kdILEE5rU/s320/packs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBkHy8bMlizlO6MSG9n-TDLjODZykmNbwR1L8L4oJ_a5Fl0ahOCoeJdx6WG53RfZjXGmpuruxslr6muhmZlcmoDQCOZET_0g87aiJPseG67W-h6Q08jDDZ1fYCgW6Zas26a3N_Gba-K8/s1600/packs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBkHy8bMlizlO6MSG9n-TDLjODZykmNbwR1L8L4oJ_a5Fl0ahOCoeJdx6WG53RfZjXGmpuruxslr6muhmZlcmoDQCOZET_0g87aiJPseG67W-h6Q08jDDZ1fYCgW6Zas26a3N_Gba-K8/s320/packs2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not really an unexpected assortment, aside from the 2007 Future Stars and the 1994 Pinnacle Hobby (we'll definitely touch on that one!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZH3eB1zhKE_Pwf8nFN9XHPFH7CEbF9TycAiEznY0sC_D_MsQQT4aT0ypDqhkd1RDjTGF1JeRR_43N5nKBHqDlU_P5yZ5hibjAmc28m9GllvQriHbztg7YyHO2DE5GqBE5hqAs49dLNM/s1600/coghlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZH3eB1zhKE_Pwf8nFN9XHPFH7CEbF9TycAiEznY0sC_D_MsQQT4aT0ypDqhkd1RDjTGF1JeRR_43N5nKBHqDlU_P5yZ5hibjAmc28m9GllvQriHbztg7YyHO2DE5GqBE5hqAs49dLNM/s320/coghlan.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
Okay, so maybe I wasn't too thrilled with the 2010 Topps Attax, but the Coghlan was shiny, so it there really wasn't another choice in the pack. And who leaves the original price tag on in repacks?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSBnv74P0ZQIRl-ljPOeqHV-sSoVWui2VObwzAHUQt4gnfrE6Cjn9UlrSYyK1tipydgIBhGJx0bI8CPesXDbG79lNEkerjkjcFUoL9R5Od2V9Vj_m4vVf1vPHCRD7RooU-m4Jsey24k0/s1600/88donruss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSBnv74P0ZQIRl-ljPOeqHV-sSoVWui2VObwzAHUQt4gnfrE6Cjn9UlrSYyK1tipydgIBhGJx0bI8CPesXDbG79lNEkerjkjcFUoL9R5Od2V9Vj_m4vVf1vPHCRD7RooU-m4Jsey24k0/s400/88donruss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawfu-jDz1GYaulUQ8M70eJxcnTrNTOwwUwNccaupeKdkGIklYQy_VMFH87EgYU77aHoC5g87WLfNC0bMfZ8q6x9d3SuSQ1Fq0ngZ6LHgKlU0mNOsXL4KXs0HJKnaAPuvnNbpgUUJ5O8A/s1600/88donruss+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawfu-jDz1GYaulUQ8M70eJxcnTrNTOwwUwNccaupeKdkGIklYQy_VMFH87EgYU77aHoC5g87WLfNC0bMfZ8q6x9d3SuSQ1Fq0ngZ6LHgKlU0mNOsXL4KXs0HJKnaAPuvnNbpgUUJ5O8A/s320/88donruss+001.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, I got my '88 Donruss series 1&2 mixed up, but long story short, Bill Ripken was the only noteworthy card in his pack. Gooden, Murphy, and Fielder wasn't a bad mix, though not the best I got today...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuObjvpOqjp92yJEYxSaEIm-FtSKjnckiRa-4s1JEFXEMsIzsp-8Zc5_OWHRZd3-DjfNtJZhEqWRGmi-Vodt-Dh5QE7r3A-E3UYm-IzFpxjTHUMcvja5cBWeYBK-QQz61IzpLw9aPoJk/s1600/89topps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuObjvpOqjp92yJEYxSaEIm-FtSKjnckiRa-4s1JEFXEMsIzsp-8Zc5_OWHRZd3-DjfNtJZhEqWRGmi-Vodt-Dh5QE7r3A-E3UYm-IzFpxjTHUMcvja5cBWeYBK-QQz61IzpLw9aPoJk/s320/89topps1.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
Glavine and Carpenter? Two of the best pitchers ever? Wait...wrong Carpenter. I think there have been more players with the name C(h)ris Carpenter than any other name in baseball, 3-4? <br />
<br />
I like the look of the Mets team leaders card though, has a bit of a "modern" look to it. I think.<br />
Oh, and that's from the first pack of '89 Topps!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqMxS0RmFusQmdJCttaJM7oKR8CeL9ArwIvGcz_akuDEXlKwv16Z7uOWMBThXodun6pVCyHfUrZ8P7Ptx4JSqyh95mLjjyXOnW1GBGiMkM9XQ_U-JJW6f13HUAN8evwurU1nZgVM9ak4/s1600/89bowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqMxS0RmFusQmdJCttaJM7oKR8CeL9ArwIvGcz_akuDEXlKwv16Z7uOWMBThXodun6pVCyHfUrZ8P7Ptx4JSqyh95mLjjyXOnW1GBGiMkM9XQ_U-JJW6f13HUAN8evwurU1nZgVM9ak4/s320/89bowman.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
'89 Bowman wasn't too bad, Boggs and McGwire plus a Mantle reprint/contest entry form makes for a decent pack in my opinion. I was surprised that they were a tad bigger than the other cards from that year. Learn something new every day...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYBkgPHb8kKny2mx-5sUYNMku60sg25vgXk3_3DJPOM-SBt_QrpzuMPwRqDa8YPJaJyTmVFBdNy5NW91TWg2CkEFyLO5O2_yP0mwKXxPVu1liwFx8dVsFbtffnEXK8Hk-C1qBH_S1I2M/s1600/90fleer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYBkgPHb8kKny2mx-5sUYNMku60sg25vgXk3_3DJPOM-SBt_QrpzuMPwRqDa8YPJaJyTmVFBdNy5NW91TWg2CkEFyLO5O2_yP0mwKXxPVu1liwFx8dVsFbtffnEXK8Hk-C1qBH_S1I2M/s320/90fleer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
'90 Fleer had a Padres baseball quiz, a skinny Guillen, a bass-slappin' Guerrero, a hustlin' Pettis, and a Brantley who seems like he'd rather be elsewhere. Either that or he just passed gas. One of the two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-sJcgXjspp_RjN14te-IULiXH0cf37DNWdcDhH5ForneNWe4hqOizWTySYKEdm4cCBwGgKUi4M4YQ4Z28_T-lhpitpiSGB6uXTfYKUow4GrF-YFLje57crg-Bm_swNxpE6MHv0wNyqE/s1600/90score.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-sJcgXjspp_RjN14te-IULiXH0cf37DNWdcDhH5ForneNWe4hqOizWTySYKEdm4cCBwGgKUi4M4YQ4Z28_T-lhpitpiSGB6uXTfYKUow4GrF-YFLje57crg-Bm_swNxpE6MHv0wNyqE/s640/90score.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
That's a Joe Morgan motion card that came out of my '90 Score pack. Mr. Green's best season was 1997, and they misspelled his last name there. The Zeile rookie is there because, well, I'm a Cardinals fan. Sorry folks.<br />
Also, as a Mississippi State fan, the Thigpen was a nice pull; and it had a very interesting fact- Thigpen batted 4th in college, between Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark. Learning lots of new stuff today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylX7f3vw0BRkVCLb1J3jAYPt5LEvlqhzN9ySylLXhSbvpA403V6yk7LYgW18RKWN2Swl5yUn77E1TndBt6TBdo4NXA4_QX1pSX5vWAyWhvhu6dQIzBDm8t_V2BNK3rsOZ1CJtmomKRCU/s1600/90leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylX7f3vw0BRkVCLb1J3jAYPt5LEvlqhzN9ySylLXhSbvpA403V6yk7LYgW18RKWN2Swl5yUn77E1TndBt6TBdo4NXA4_QX1pSX5vWAyWhvhu6dQIzBDm8t_V2BNK3rsOZ1CJtmomKRCU/s640/90leaf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I like the rookie template in '90 Leaf, the Hough is a gold parallel, and the Rose features an action shot that I feel isn't seen very much in this era. At least by me anyway, I'm seeing some of these cards for the first time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Ckyifj8J-TKoRPADxQKXl8kMWdCkRzpCG6HEslgya_gEjTeZQVHvYE2pSbQRJN2atfREYGA8KZZyPobgU3AGs44njP3imaxbWmBAuMGqccNGewPRPyz3iziYGYN6R2D19PmIdHGL-0/s1600/92score.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Ckyifj8J-TKoRPADxQKXl8kMWdCkRzpCG6HEslgya_gEjTeZQVHvYE2pSbQRJN2atfREYGA8KZZyPobgU3AGs44njP3imaxbWmBAuMGqccNGewPRPyz3iziYGYN6R2D19PmIdHGL-0/s640/92score.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Ok, I know the '92 Score is crooked. But you try to scan cards with an 8-month old on your knee.<br />
Mattingly is self-explanatory, O'Brien seems a little smug about catching that ball, and Candaele looks like he's hovering. Not sure what's going on there to be honest, but it caught my eye, so there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahHeXHJCTvksxGH8wbWR0YMLDq0fNYHbdAg_RXC9dcse6N4I9-yJhIWnoRuXYVfuCTkzGm0_Gm5cF6cc-NPCyPnlJiDhKQhes-7xEz51dA_ZllR-_D5NtPidhKXJKYeXfcBwbkeTp4pQ/s1600/reyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahHeXHJCTvksxGH8wbWR0YMLDq0fNYHbdAg_RXC9dcse6N4I9-yJhIWnoRuXYVfuCTkzGm0_Gm5cF6cc-NPCyPnlJiDhKQhes-7xEz51dA_ZllR-_D5NtPidhKXJKYeXfcBwbkeTp4pQ/s320/reyes.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
Yep, this was the best card out of 2007 Future Stars. Going to be interesting to see how far Toronto goes this year...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPpl8jXPhmeX9BAUc2fJfVi0rZD8Vi2yp0MJhLgYujfo9hJdGy6cKeJu3BXS7deBGOlLw4133eQm_8lPil8MvDSLw0281cavEr90_w2soSZ-zVDMjSa2HVBTjx4GRJ6NQf4SXR2P5Zoo/s1600/91donrusss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPpl8jXPhmeX9BAUc2fJfVi0rZD8Vi2yp0MJhLgYujfo9hJdGy6cKeJu3BXS7deBGOlLw4133eQm_8lPil8MvDSLw0281cavEr90_w2soSZ-zVDMjSa2HVBTjx4GRJ6NQf4SXR2P5Zoo/s320/91donrusss2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cal insert and Rickey gettin' ready to hit that ball were the bright parts of '91 Donruss (S2)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcv9FVxWjEuDkEBZ5_l_td-SHOBrwVt2gp2Izlk6RdybbAKmInGK6QNlK4tYyRL-qYi2Wbc8BdEaH3wauS6XCE5Evdy1QAKzkHlqeQHFGcRTQphxtmi47hVAhPr_JZJDZSI-GL14-5w/s1600/94tsc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcv9FVxWjEuDkEBZ5_l_td-SHOBrwVt2gp2Izlk6RdybbAKmInGK6QNlK4tYyRL-qYi2Wbc8BdEaH3wauS6XCE5Evdy1QAKzkHlqeQHFGcRTQphxtmi47hVAhPr_JZJDZSI-GL14-5w/s320/94tsc.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
'94 Stadium Club didn't hold much, but here's Bruce Ruffin, because 1/3 of his name is 1/3 of my name too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vev6hT15cJHhZNyBIYvKKjLHYJb0d9KhpMsxhpz6wNENEFr5lPEfDGfRjCZyVcC-lE4onrWrGPkRc6_7al1T5uZ1qdHoH7f8OWYYtyTJv9rP7R43wJ9pW2Q72oWTfhU_dfJ9msabnus/s1600/89topps2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vev6hT15cJHhZNyBIYvKKjLHYJb0d9KhpMsxhpz6wNENEFr5lPEfDGfRjCZyVcC-lE4onrWrGPkRc6_7al1T5uZ1qdHoH7f8OWYYtyTJv9rP7R43wJ9pW2Q72oWTfhU_dfJ9msabnus/s640/89topps2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Holy Hall of Famers, Batman! My favorite pack I opened today, by far. Does suck that Mr. Rice was right by the gum though...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s_ExygkmhtPpx-W7QASHovKYReLwspucj8tAEZUn_Akrg6ewc68PRcRM8cR_UIJ_GZSM3-CZ4qQyOMchQRMyMxmqsvHKSKKUczvXWSvzev5GPjHYlJyUFZPxAVBJBzXChTCr2MGbTLE/s1600/94ph3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s_ExygkmhtPpx-W7QASHovKYReLwspucj8tAEZUn_Akrg6ewc68PRcRM8cR_UIJ_GZSM3-CZ4qQyOMchQRMyMxmqsvHKSKKUczvXWSvzev5GPjHYlJyUFZPxAVBJBzXChTCr2MGbTLE/s320/94ph3.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />It seems that I got a hot pack (according to the pack) of 1994 Pinnacle S2 Hobby. The Griffey is from an insert series (Ozzie Smith is in the same series, hate I missed that), and the insert cards fall 1:18 packs. Also had this in there:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjIb1HqDMbzshsyUApPLnkMbvqHOLXlnMduD1Rhwb3dNWOYWXb5-l5josiqXD8df2e4IdT7llxL0ZFbcaK1dTKWUWTdOqBxFzw_lkRXw0PB7L1IT8r6JXvnocLBTKpa4qoNuYuAZnyQc/s1600/94ph2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjIb1HqDMbzshsyUApPLnkMbvqHOLXlnMduD1Rhwb3dNWOYWXb5-l5josiqXD8df2e4IdT7llxL0ZFbcaK1dTKWUWTdOqBxFzw_lkRXw0PB7L1IT8r6JXvnocLBTKpa4qoNuYuAZnyQc/s320/94ph2.jpg" width="236" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9PUsNZWjUUcGT-KzDDaFWNJy01aRvsnizq0Mk78WISgBfxlLzKiMhDQeAcXQpmReAEH_Iv1kWjmuQNwWO3rIT5D4FX_k2nLa81XPpzHKbQIEaE1IrmhKVyI3jO5n3lbAvB-7khg8SXk/s1600/94ph1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9PUsNZWjUUcGT-KzDDaFWNJy01aRvsnizq0Mk78WISgBfxlLzKiMhDQeAcXQpmReAEH_Iv1kWjmuQNwWO3rIT5D4FX_k2nLa81XPpzHKbQIEaE1IrmhKVyI3jO5n3lbAvB-7khg8SXk/s320/94ph1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These dual-sided "Team Pinnacle" cards fall 1:90 packs, each one featuring an AL and NL player per position (hence the 9 cards set).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, I had a fun time busting these packs, and it was nice to get some older wax (kinda) for once, plus some cards I can actually add to my collection. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by y'all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Staying unabashed and interested, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Ruffin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />jamicfinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671385084008185873noreply@blogger.com1