tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35270711621643190872024-03-14T15:07:09.066-04:00The Lost CollectorI collected baseball cards from the late '80s through 2002. Then I went to college and when I came out, I was lost. There were too many brands, sets, choices, relics, autos, parallels, variations. It was a turn off. However, I slowly made my way back.
So here is my attempt to venture back into the hobby. I'll buy a few packs of cards here and there, comment on some cards I have, send out some TTMs, and follow the progress of my Topps Yankees Project.The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.comBlogger2473125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-71259115796726024012022-02-10T07:00:00.071-05:002022-02-10T20:44:02.050-05:00Thanks for the rideToday is my blog's 11th anniversary.<div><br /></div><div>It's also my last post.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been thinking about this for some time, but it has become increasingly clear to me over the past year that I need to close this chapter of my collecting life.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a much different person at a very different stage of my life than when I started this little venture, and I've felt myself growing more and more distant from running this blog over the last few years. New cards have come in, and it has started to feel like more of a hassle to scan and show them. This blog has always been a bit more of a show-and-tell, and I've always been fine with that. Some have a lot more to say and frown on 'show and tell', and that's all well and good. But the reason I started this blog was because I didn't really have anyone to show off my new cards and share what I got in the constant flow of bubble mailers stuffed into my Manhattan apartment's small PO box. In a sense, the blog served as critical outlet when I started collecting cards again. No longer did cards just arrive in the mail, get glanced at once, and then stored away in some box. It was a crucial step in my self-help journey to enjoy my '90s inserts just a little bit more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life has changed too. I started this blog four apartments ago, three jobs ago, two kids ago, one wife ago. A lot has happened to me over my eleven years on here! The most important years of my life. Marriage. Kids. Homeownership. Job switches and promotions. I was just a young pup when I started this, without obligations other than myself and with a hell of a lot less responsibility. Frankly, life is busier now, despite working 95% of the time from home. Work is more chaotic with a higher stakes role that needs more of my attention. My kids are playing multiple sports and require more rides, more practices, more games, and more of my time. And I choose them. Easy one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, lots of excuses above. One after another. But in the precious free time I have, scanning and writing a little thoughtless post about cards really isn't what I want to do. It's among the same reasons I no longer care to write TTM letters to strangers. In my free time, I'd rather spend it other ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not giving up collecting or put off by the current state of the hobby. Far from it. And I still plan to read the blogs that I most enjoy, as well as hang around on Twitter and on TCDB.</div><div><br /></div><div>And who knows, maybe I'll be back. Maybe I won't. Perhaps I'll drop in a post down the road if something extradorinaiy happens or if I just want to say hi. But I'm not counting on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog was a big part of my life for more than a quarter of it, which sounds weird to say. But the time has come to move on and not have the site hang over my head as something that needs to be maintained. I did it for eleven years, and I'll leave the blog turned on and active while it collects dust before Blogger decides one day to no longer keep these tiny sites running, which is bound to happen given Google's lack of investment in the product. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I do genuinely thank you for reading, for trading, for sending unexpected cards, for taking cards off my hands, and for making collecting far more interesting for the past eleven years. It was fun, and I hope you all continue to enjoy collecting the way you want to do it...for you, not for someone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the cranky Upper East Side card shop owner told me back in May of 2011, it's time for The Lost Collector to officially get lost. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take care, and thanks for the ride!</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-60759260505275667462022-02-03T07:59:00.004-05:002022-02-03T07:59:51.549-05:00The TTM envelopes still roll in<div style="text-align: left;">As this blog and my collecting habits have evolved over time, one thing that has really changed is my desire to send out TTM (through the mail) autograph requests.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have not sent out a request since 6/28/21. Before that, the last one was 2/15/21.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I collect and view the hobby a lot differently than I did 11 years ago when I started this blog. For the first five or six years, TTMs were a mainstay here. I have 415 posts tagged with TTM. I had some great returns, and great stories from those returns. I had projects and goals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the pandemic started, I felt uneasy about sending unsolicited mail to strangers. Was the virus on the mail? I know that was silly, but many of us were freaked out and knew very little how this thing was carried. I then saw some posts of MLB players with mounds of mail sent to their home, pleading fans not to send to their home address. I started to see this element of the hobby as a bit of an invasion of privacy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stopped sending to home addresses all together. It no longer felt right. In the event I did want to send to a particular player, I sent it to their stadium or spring training. Maybe that's not that much better, but it at least felt like a bit more justifiable to me if I was going to send a piece of mail.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite not sending out new requests, it's not uncommon for an old self-addressed stamped envelope to make it's way back to me. Just last week, a return came back from Yankees 2020 first round pick, Austin Wells:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixtT78xPszq6cKpqBPM5pKA2ToDgEbcbHrd05fk4HdTYCzIe0OeJTi_igFVVAPEaEVfP8szfqZ04XcjIRsHr6PC7dXTCxA07lJX7eEVPYtX0WjNoHBruSHJGvacqk6DzHhKSO3ilaAPTVxcfPIhdIhfmnk8FttEIEDc0Pinv4fT412Vi6TmQn3ltEHdg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2402" data-original-width="1722" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixtT78xPszq6cKpqBPM5pKA2ToDgEbcbHrd05fk4HdTYCzIe0OeJTi_igFVVAPEaEVfP8szfqZ04XcjIRsHr6PC7dXTCxA07lJX7eEVPYtX0WjNoHBruSHJGvacqk6DzHhKSO3ilaAPTVxcfPIhdIhfmnk8FttEIEDc0Pinv4fT412Vi6TmQn3ltEHdg=w229-h320" width="229" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was sent to spring training last February, for a 365-day turnaround. Annoyingly, the signature bubbled a bit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure a few more envelopes will make their way back to me over the years. But as for new requests, not many will be going out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-36121948831705567942022-02-01T08:24:00.000-05:002022-02-01T08:24:29.866-05:00Doon Swoon<div style="text-align: left;">Over the 11-year history of this blog, a guy like <a href="http://napkindoon.blogspot.com">Napkin Doon</a> has been here basically for all of it. I remember our first trade was in May, 2011. Previously, I had won a few cards of him from the Big Fun Game that he used to run, a Yankee swap type of blog contest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That first trade included a handful of Tino cards, and two autographs: Ramiro Pena and Mark Melancon. Names from the past! He also threw in a bunch of Flair cards of Paul O'Neill and Bernie Williams. I remember being surprised by the package because we had only agreed on a portion of the cards, but he sent them all to me. That's just the kind of guy he is!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As he has started to reduce the size of his collection a bit, he's been setting aside non-keepers for me, especially of guys like Jeter and Rivera. He sent me a big old box of cards just a few weeks ago, and the contents definitely delivered.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh35acFOTCphapOb21tKuj0WKy-gbEGTjyuItbKqgByq8daH3kPklPG-F56QUpxd_K93gVALQKr-rySwuymnlCdgvBExiV4tXDr-ZU38fwHiQ7wRrFJVhYxqbklXqOPQIETzOBkbYQRAlwEDztd07w49svmylkE0eaTk--1cWJDAPqHXWHT17hAG-_TGw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2306" data-original-width="3013" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh35acFOTCphapOb21tKuj0WKy-gbEGTjyuItbKqgByq8daH3kPklPG-F56QUpxd_K93gVALQKr-rySwuymnlCdgvBExiV4tXDr-ZU38fwHiQ7wRrFJVhYxqbklXqOPQIETzOBkbYQRAlwEDztd07w49svmylkE0eaTk--1cWJDAPqHXWHT17hAG-_TGw" width="314" /></a></div>See, that's a lot of cards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But it wasn't all cards. He sent me three packing peanut NFTs of Jeter, Gallo, and Odor. If anyone tries to steal this image of my NFTs, then I will be pressing charges.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUoEajY0kU5xXOSRtqjwqJ9fCHaSEYNw2iRnH0IWNCL2DGrNhOlavUfPdv_xU9VCTeXWL_SPHYT3z5T-ynMG1_hKOQGsCOfJngjVC1IVTmCEBUFUKtiefaCyemdffDWEA1xh-zBYzU4SLseNYAhU4HASC0jxf-t20mwx4V5fkd_Ml4P-ig-VU7oBaKkg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="3029" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUoEajY0kU5xXOSRtqjwqJ9fCHaSEYNw2iRnH0IWNCL2DGrNhOlavUfPdv_xU9VCTeXWL_SPHYT3z5T-ynMG1_hKOQGsCOfJngjVC1IVTmCEBUFUKtiefaCyemdffDWEA1xh-zBYzU4SLseNYAhU4HASC0jxf-t20mwx4V5fkd_Ml4P-ig-VU7oBaKkg" width="320" /></a></div>Right on top is my first Topps Holiday ornament. Fun cards. I mean, no Pacific ornament from back in the day, but I appreciate the concept.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLv2HMTOd1lpQyv6e_EhCnXqdS39b1REXfwtyWNcYVj0goWqeDStdVjtifHvl8jxrE0cpM8rBzowItm1XwWzTDX_J69uGGONxQeUqNj5MrC3OyOed0wl4FcmGglzWWheo_65L5KvmVqiXGRPGtlxhY8meWyAjZf2Wk6OMGbsO768VMnuQH2asj2zfxAQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1983" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLv2HMTOd1lpQyv6e_EhCnXqdS39b1REXfwtyWNcYVj0goWqeDStdVjtifHvl8jxrE0cpM8rBzowItm1XwWzTDX_J69uGGONxQeUqNj5MrC3OyOed0wl4FcmGglzWWheo_65L5KvmVqiXGRPGtlxhY8meWyAjZf2Wk6OMGbsO768VMnuQH2asj2zfxAQ=w303-h320" width="303" /></a></div>The next card I pulled out was a Dave Winfield Kellogg's 3D stars. I don't really get these cards. They've never done anything for me at all. At least it's not curled to all hell.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigVAjy_QmuN3nuecgMqjoZzbRlVMJskmXqJN6HTvyBGCUb_m4XSw32i5tZ9qwC1S6LMFW4ytK2gIqWb1NF0wQchwPD-1j1EW9HO5iPHHFZIMziR4nfu0L_Gsict1lOU9_MCeIDcOvvPO8niL_yufWDL7aBC5VANaDPeIk8xWb3fgLRgS2cq_tLuHCSjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2434" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigVAjy_QmuN3nuecgMqjoZzbRlVMJskmXqJN6HTvyBGCUb_m4XSw32i5tZ9qwC1S6LMFW4ytK2gIqWb1NF0wQchwPD-1j1EW9HO5iPHHFZIMziR4nfu0L_Gsict1lOU9_MCeIDcOvvPO8niL_yufWDL7aBC5VANaDPeIk8xWb3fgLRgS2cq_tLuHCSjw=w211-h320" width="211" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second card in the box might have been my favorite, a Bowman Platinum ice parallel of Yankees 2020 first rounder, Austin Wells. Well, that was my favorite until a Hope Diamond Curtis Granderson popped out! Numbered to 60, Topps just did so much right in 2011 with their parallels. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkNSfD6r8B5XCdf-2zZexe78je0Ri6_Ws2P-exG8SzZ0O6q1OpSBWNyriqfSg9q96Fh4iDtXdaNVmIcYFqT8M5N5JCMeYbJvQ7coeEkqC2mpGYk57V1rbIdEXaTDDIROw-IYvLdmdELu5GzcJv6AmmcMCB8942Htk-3m1XPoT3Ke87Y0lzZB85w3e_5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="1734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkNSfD6r8B5XCdf-2zZexe78je0Ri6_Ws2P-exG8SzZ0O6q1OpSBWNyriqfSg9q96Fh4iDtXdaNVmIcYFqT8M5N5JCMeYbJvQ7coeEkqC2mpGYk57V1rbIdEXaTDDIROw-IYvLdmdELu5GzcJv6AmmcMCB8942Htk-3m1XPoT3Ke87Y0lzZB85w3e_5g=w227-h320" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1HeNT9buV97XTxx70-bpl8U4L_M4TUNzwRJ9mmwqVNr1wD8Q3PFJ6sreMWmLBE-jY-Oxv5Qezc62J58bCpsMOSquz39X0_825g58g8WVkIkDhM7IJO_zTGScgHmfSlqjfnI_oGvHlNzeXPK2KFI3Ex1SxBVBuU1feJK6IEPwZpbAMhMKR5KK5xrNfhQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="1317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1HeNT9buV97XTxx70-bpl8U4L_M4TUNzwRJ9mmwqVNr1wD8Q3PFJ6sreMWmLBE-jY-Oxv5Qezc62J58bCpsMOSquz39X0_825g58g8WVkIkDhM7IJO_zTGScgHmfSlqjfnI_oGvHlNzeXPK2KFI3Ex1SxBVBuU1feJK6IEPwZpbAMhMKR5KK5xrNfhQ=w228-h320" width="228" /></a></div>Stacks of current Yankees included Gleyber, Judge, and Stanton.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzLce-erA5Uqu9UjrMEHyfGBTiphhVy8q5y42r_wkkk4c_FYVebFUJQuKUZkH8uqxd4TELxoJ5OCLpjMMFUcrZU47MInkU2wrlvZ4b5eCuenlT6hiQEDLux4bZVAa_pZHjaVpU_ZQSwV2yeMARvebGEgZ56_JtR_or3iJwfkDQuuWj7krdxzwXEInqdg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzLce-erA5Uqu9UjrMEHyfGBTiphhVy8q5y42r_wkkk4c_FYVebFUJQuKUZkH8uqxd4TELxoJ5OCLpjMMFUcrZU47MInkU2wrlvZ4b5eCuenlT6hiQEDLux4bZVAa_pZHjaVpU_ZQSwV2yeMARvebGEgZ56_JtR_or3iJwfkDQuuWj7krdxzwXEInqdg=w227-h320" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEk2ZHZfBXT-CZydUl_66OTKtWBqpXk0N_4hDd0-8XNxJi0_gpQr-VBIpB-zfpMI1Ie3JDaUq25ega5rQ-iL6dftXKF5pHrkbiQRRW8F1buyYRemdW58T56ktDSW8wgnztj47O7aGEEWCjOjRNEnLgXzGmdMi6cg41RilJzIkejVMJEUgQXBhPYTZS5Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="1416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEk2ZHZfBXT-CZydUl_66OTKtWBqpXk0N_4hDd0-8XNxJi0_gpQr-VBIpB-zfpMI1Ie3JDaUq25ega5rQ-iL6dftXKF5pHrkbiQRRW8F1buyYRemdW58T56ktDSW8wgnztj47O7aGEEWCjOjRNEnLgXzGmdMi6cg41RilJzIkejVMJEUgQXBhPYTZS5Q=w229-h320" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihFahLlw4t0ldohIrAmwzpcuul02iaQbBW_R7x8fj_2g0LHleCSEUI39HOnzTJ1hE3p0tRPcApU600bZZ9YcCSqxIsNPQ5lafcfmEwQ0uKUpbdTOB4xUM_FYOTV5mCvzwXRjLv0W9ZCwY0JCrdMKJLN1ji6b0Or7YHRtjfpCeUDN_655V35L2SToJaqQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2149" data-original-width="2280" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihFahLlw4t0ldohIrAmwzpcuul02iaQbBW_R7x8fj_2g0LHleCSEUI39HOnzTJ1hE3p0tRPcApU600bZZ9YcCSqxIsNPQ5lafcfmEwQ0uKUpbdTOB4xUM_FYOTV5mCvzwXRjLv0W9ZCwY0JCrdMKJLN1ji6b0Or7YHRtjfpCeUDN_655V35L2SToJaqQ=w320-h301" width="320" /></a></div>I'm not surprised Napkin had a lot of spare Alfonso Sorianos, as he was the centerpiece of the haul that brought Alex Rodriguez to NY. Doon probably thought he was going to get rich of this guy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZDXIe7gwxPq49MTn4ba-GfbS9jFshHylC3qC7U9sNDRdQShjavsmRZXyoPDejuEgMGGm-qxJtyaZN645f5nnG7WkdJut7FvcO7xrvLFLhZTjhHquWN4iVVMnh681mIhCiJyz2HV86xMUOqFmjCXBBpgy7XIq9Jd76OGrMyy-4PJ2wfv1P5bfA-jSs1w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2139" data-original-width="2318" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZDXIe7gwxPq49MTn4ba-GfbS9jFshHylC3qC7U9sNDRdQShjavsmRZXyoPDejuEgMGGm-qxJtyaZN645f5nnG7WkdJut7FvcO7xrvLFLhZTjhHquWN4iVVMnh681mIhCiJyz2HV86xMUOqFmjCXBBpgy7XIq9Jd76OGrMyy-4PJ2wfv1P5bfA-jSs1w=w320-h295" width="320" /></a></div>As for Yanks of the past, there were plenty of Rivera, and Mattingly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFMmR3mUzTSrT5Vr7EXwOk2-l_llYSGCA5uUWFzCMuJw_oD64HW3NzFZP5sPakxAPuAPlhB8wsppm8csfakQ0AT714QhIXzSlcqKb7gdEk9O_JFRvWUiG2Pc-pYMI-a6KgIfF-m8KgwGKbSqQ4dErdSppH07DMr0qr29WZpWWHb3WNNtn6huH32TrE6Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="2959" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFMmR3mUzTSrT5Vr7EXwOk2-l_llYSGCA5uUWFzCMuJw_oD64HW3NzFZP5sPakxAPuAPlhB8wsppm8csfakQ0AT714QhIXzSlcqKb7gdEk9O_JFRvWUiG2Pc-pYMI-a6KgIfF-m8KgwGKbSqQ4dErdSppH07DMr0qr29WZpWWHb3WNNtn6huH32TrE6Q=w320-h144" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLpokC4n6b7YPlWy8BI51uZHjI__LGHlI4VgTkRKAJs7pdjdAWheYxWSviBABT5vyc6KWQpuGEv-dXrrKycJKNURZ4nVysPcis_mmyuY4r7uIamZkicEWBBcSO3hgj7NvDk6P4Jr5tkS_3RZihTWlMP2xFlGUZDVzhOui5GcTYwBLIcpN--B_m6ZX1bQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1924" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLpokC4n6b7YPlWy8BI51uZHjI__LGHlI4VgTkRKAJs7pdjdAWheYxWSviBABT5vyc6KWQpuGEv-dXrrKycJKNURZ4nVysPcis_mmyuY4r7uIamZkicEWBBcSO3hgj7NvDk6P4Jr5tkS_3RZihTWlMP2xFlGUZDVzhOui5GcTYwBLIcpN--B_m6ZX1bQ=w320-h246" width="320" /></a></div>Poor Doon even decided to send me a few Rangers who called the Bronx home in 2021. Odor is no longer with the Yanks, but I now have an ungodly amount of his RCs. That's my first Gallo rookie, as well. I am betting he will once again hit .190 with 40 HRs. Baseball!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizKpj0p0SOhWviVPj9aa8ssZqXJ9iIhV2v03qUCic_MZdNdDwByEjfmj-MgVZho9cpGk5Q57PAaxkH5xk5D4t0_UXMcvMGpPHsj_yO6D9G7SWz2RUi1u-MyaZ0u0z73-oRzxC1F_bqfP5RV72Cmn6AQV7luaCbZMMPTMhL7SRkNyIoEt1VHmYXd2xm5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="2129" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizKpj0p0SOhWviVPj9aa8ssZqXJ9iIhV2v03qUCic_MZdNdDwByEjfmj-MgVZho9cpGk5Q57PAaxkH5xk5D4t0_UXMcvMGpPHsj_yO6D9G7SWz2RUi1u-MyaZ0u0z73-oRzxC1F_bqfP5RV72Cmn6AQV7luaCbZMMPTMhL7SRkNyIoEt1VHmYXd2xm5g=w320-h299" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGQShXFEFBXxkC8aJwbsST3Pu4sZTNqZN82AUbE5WLhIllS3HRiUyHH31KYgnJl-xc3WJwJhv39T3fhsNZy3FVS2KzOYwI1TTNalNsjODsFDCfsavhPcPJwSx9kQj8INlb1mJEefpOP15fUIClA-rnmkkEVvarU7Eub5P0qBV-PWHPKaruC_tq-CXYzA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="1750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGQShXFEFBXxkC8aJwbsST3Pu4sZTNqZN82AUbE5WLhIllS3HRiUyHH31KYgnJl-xc3WJwJhv39T3fhsNZy3FVS2KzOYwI1TTNalNsjODsFDCfsavhPcPJwSx9kQj8INlb1mJEefpOP15fUIClA-rnmkkEVvarU7Eub5P0qBV-PWHPKaruC_tq-CXYzA=w229-h320" width="229" /></a></div>The bottom of the box had some odd-sized Mattinglys to top - or bottom - it all off. Man, that crouched batting stance is so cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMyWGsAsBpVfNZgqU8Ft_VnQjeDdwwlltPXyRQAjgIReKzaLFTSAiA6aw6vI1jNy1iPvaCYrnFpwHeBiQRNdQ_GcfkoPU4tjzmXGvv-8hKM89jmHlsxAr7WHkiVioHoIJ0a0NMg39Z8U0wtrCPAEw3Zu9Lbi33YXKAg1FHG9B9J2a_dMvpLcLPCD3NCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3032" data-original-width="2237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMyWGsAsBpVfNZgqU8Ft_VnQjeDdwwlltPXyRQAjgIReKzaLFTSAiA6aw6vI1jNy1iPvaCYrnFpwHeBiQRNdQ_GcfkoPU4tjzmXGvv-8hKM89jmHlsxAr7WHkiVioHoIJ0a0NMg39Z8U0wtrCPAEw3Zu9Lbi33YXKAg1FHG9B9J2a_dMvpLcLPCD3NCg=w236-h320" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj57vexTzVAfx-j8NOJLCYQt3JND1oJuR8tVGjN1yQIHKn1P2hQ-kc18J1PY_bLqk9nH6tSbL3lVZNELoHldByNYWL9vJcpqqBOe44EQr6tfc0GJ4j7GAlwun2sOFpYIuieOp0g05a7tKeo78PJjjQodrx657b0fcij7PvbndzzIgZhDGApbZEWT3Yv7w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="2063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj57vexTzVAfx-j8NOJLCYQt3JND1oJuR8tVGjN1yQIHKn1P2hQ-kc18J1PY_bLqk9nH6tSbL3lVZNELoHldByNYWL9vJcpqqBOe44EQr6tfc0GJ4j7GAlwun2sOFpYIuieOp0g05a7tKeo78PJjjQodrx657b0fcij7PvbndzzIgZhDGApbZEWT3Yv7w=w255-h320" width="255" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the 45th post of mine where you're tagged, Nap. Thanks for all the fodder over the years.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-3564310098601074902022-01-30T07:00:00.001-05:002022-01-30T07:00:00.227-05:00Let's get greedyToday, the Cincinnati Bengals are playing to go to the Super Bowl.<div><br /></div><div>Let me write that one more time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, the Cincinnati Bengals are playing to go to the Super Bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div>While it's been a fun, exciting ride already, it's time to get a little greedy. I don't want this to be the end. I don't want this to be "well, it was cool to just be here." I mean, sure it is. But it's ok to be greedy and want the next win.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, the Bengals defense will have their hands full. The Kansas City Chiefs are in their fourth straight AFC title game, and have won the last two. Indeed, all roads go through KC.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's won't be easy. A motived Patrick Mahomes wanting to avenge a Week 17 loss to the Bengals. A Mahomes who is at the height of his game and wants a second ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leading the Bengals defense will be safety Jesse Bates. He started off the game last week with an interception on the very first pass of the game. He'll have his hands full today with Hill, Kelce, Pringle, and Hardman.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXQNIZUBShqm0L8kqqv4-lXQms7fKeNOJH_FqD2-nsTUOlTqA60wR7V8Vt2aH7SNDXfcPy24X6zjAqL5JdxLVsqkcwiBT2_9IzfPoFQEl7_5133v9nMZrioiY3AV_87Znvl7nkpq-KL7Ghz0gfiGhPG0jRA7wv2KclV96zwSu0f8mystN716xrPuOU_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2519" data-original-width="1811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXQNIZUBShqm0L8kqqv4-lXQms7fKeNOJH_FqD2-nsTUOlTqA60wR7V8Vt2aH7SNDXfcPy24X6zjAqL5JdxLVsqkcwiBT2_9IzfPoFQEl7_5133v9nMZrioiY3AV_87Znvl7nkpq-KL7Ghz0gfiGhPG0jRA7wv2KclV96zwSu0f8mystN716xrPuOU_A=w231-h320" width="231" /></a></div>Then there's Logan Wilson, a second-year LB out of Wyoming. His interception late in the 4th last week set the Bengals up for their game winning FG.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYfj6Hvx3xFtuGivICSiYlJCqxXuCMtAtmNiQ43it6AonHxo_FmzoJvWKytqeh2_uQcC5eocbL3cxndk152IG6eQCv7e7rI_BXsE4kndld1TzWxnPorjqRLNjBERtp4eJw8JoJLeL62zYsTsuN4TPYMNq2CLLLlX_xTV3hvcMjLpoz_ROFygo0ZT5x5Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYfj6Hvx3xFtuGivICSiYlJCqxXuCMtAtmNiQ43it6AonHxo_FmzoJvWKytqeh2_uQcC5eocbL3cxndk152IG6eQCv7e7rI_BXsE4kndld1TzWxnPorjqRLNjBERtp4eJw8JoJLeL62zYsTsuN4TPYMNq2CLLLlX_xTV3hvcMjLpoz_ROFygo0ZT5x5Q=w231-h320" width="231" /></a></div>What a tall task this will be today, but this guy is up for the challenge.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3kJ5Xr3oQbbMVOOsEmTLZkuJ0Bg6DfB0QkQkP3C1vJEp16BcjXj9ykztaktGPa1ekfbCddGU5E5ar6cW5Y-n9K6Ps6yruPzipz8ApxSX-v7THlfKB9oq9B34pninRKrA5jugWy4Pxlj-csLymjU0c2AJUcyJ1MTKTYNDPeCrwuHQG6_IKGAYglcI5Hw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="1543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3kJ5Xr3oQbbMVOOsEmTLZkuJ0Bg6DfB0QkQkP3C1vJEp16BcjXj9ykztaktGPa1ekfbCddGU5E5ar6cW5Y-n9K6Ps6yruPzipz8ApxSX-v7THlfKB9oq9B34pninRKrA5jugWy4Pxlj-csLymjU0c2AJUcyJ1MTKTYNDPeCrwuHQG6_IKGAYglcI5Hw=w227-h320" width="227" /></a></div></div><div>Let's get greedy, Joe.<br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-18871630149078679492022-01-29T09:07:00.006-05:002022-01-29T17:15:31.461-05:00Do you know the way to San Jose?<div style="text-align: left;">A few weeks back, I got a nice mailing from <a href="https://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com">San Jose Fuji</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure many feel the same, but to me Fuji is the ultimate blogger. Thoughtful posts, kind gestures, and always something nice to say.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For me, he's been a constant in my nearly eleven years with this blog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fuji sent me a nice rigid envelope of cards a few weeks back, highlighted by two Yankees relics from 2019 Topps Holiday:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDF5uR2cH3eD2Hr1iBegoHVU4Rpy8wUw9iHQquVh40y8d5UzfcZghUozaA5lz2xsQ0QbpYexEU1BKvUl7SVZm34ipAXhAQebUBjjnzrweLHSq3VPqoq7fpTp06noswcl5Vbjj464k-yZJMjrgqO3WI-XH9CjWCIvylRlaglPCOHzYClFy_U1Vq2GhuIw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2485" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDF5uR2cH3eD2Hr1iBegoHVU4Rpy8wUw9iHQquVh40y8d5UzfcZghUozaA5lz2xsQ0QbpYexEU1BKvUl7SVZm34ipAXhAQebUBjjnzrweLHSq3VPqoq7fpTp06noswcl5Vbjj464k-yZJMjrgqO3WI-XH9CjWCIvylRlaglPCOHzYClFy_U1Vq2GhuIw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGGhOHFCJg-M0dsiD3oHhcObBNMYXa7qomcF8xphyEct2SRIZ7PA-xY6yL1npprcLulWJSZx5OXWlAXXrym9AgkRx1NGP4ef_3hz5KrBihEe0Eiub6YxlH-38rK60gtNoO_yIVsvlkG7FA_ccT1czlY9fUDtcSxYL9j7tuJBmtQYzcRDTGBj9MtHAFWw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2655" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGGhOHFCJg-M0dsiD3oHhcObBNMYXa7qomcF8xphyEct2SRIZ7PA-xY6yL1npprcLulWJSZx5OXWlAXXrym9AgkRx1NGP4ef_3hz5KrBihEe0Eiub6YxlH-38rK60gtNoO_yIVsvlkG7FA_ccT1czlY9fUDtcSxYL9j7tuJBmtQYzcRDTGBj9MtHAFWw" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to think that's my first Aaron Hicks relic, but I'm not totally sure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Topps Holiday is always a fun set with fun relics, and I always seem to miss out on it. I don't have a Walmart nearby, and even if I did would I ever find boxes of these? I rely on TCDB for the singles, but Fuji certainly helps with the relics.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple Tinos were also included, include a fairy rare 1998 UD Authentic Sheer Dominance Gold (/2000).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtZN-BGtDMikxEQyQ2mBHSMi3x5EuH6thhcv9I9OSoWPi53kvmn4gFDjlLfLmYcAbpuZ6PhLmZ_GJOJw9whzmpIsKChQegjhcIR-GMZX9xPWgLg3QqDI3_rVYoT8tz0WcgKbVkmOSFTENVQswU8NMFBPv6ypvuYEBgvSXgL02JjEPXGrBrUw4uou5cyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="2467" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtZN-BGtDMikxEQyQ2mBHSMi3x5EuH6thhcv9I9OSoWPi53kvmn4gFDjlLfLmYcAbpuZ6PhLmZ_GJOJw9whzmpIsKChQegjhcIR-GMZX9xPWgLg3QqDI3_rVYoT8tz0WcgKbVkmOSFTENVQswU8NMFBPv6ypvuYEBgvSXgL02JjEPXGrBrUw4uou5cyQ=w320-h225" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly, can never go wrong with a triplet of HOFers, including Jeter, Mantle, and Rizzuto.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpb7Ifqy3n6fbwdo3AK3hFEJj1a5Kk-5XSaueVgJzaML2-YUtv8HbWHYXAK5KrUwuWf3TIMGrxDKzRVjHAWdKAfC3NvsVEhS3SyztCt2U5AdB0rn4daApk2GejBjWtxff9q3GKc8NrnO90EhqNWN99x6OutJZL5NN1q6pWc1p_3GMBBz-A48kLRcXsYg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="2053" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpb7Ifqy3n6fbwdo3AK3hFEJj1a5Kk-5XSaueVgJzaML2-YUtv8HbWHYXAK5KrUwuWf3TIMGrxDKzRVjHAWdKAfC3NvsVEhS3SyztCt2U5AdB0rn4daApk2GejBjWtxff9q3GKc8NrnO90EhqNWN99x6OutJZL5NN1q6pWc1p_3GMBBz-A48kLRcXsYg=w228-h320" width="228" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fuji, thanks so much for the 'blog friendship' over the years.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-6428189218492843302022-01-22T08:16:00.004-05:002022-01-22T08:16:57.960-05:00Boyd, another win would be niceI feel guilty wanting another Bengals Playoff win today.<div><br /></div><div>It was awesome to see the team finally get over the hump and win last week's Wild Card game. As a Bengals fan, I should be happy enough with that. But that was six days ago and well, let's go win another one today.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Bengals head to Nashville to play the AFC's top-seeded Titans. It'll be a tough game, especially with Derrick Henry set to return. I'd feel a lot more positive if he wasn't playing. But still, I'd rather the Bengals play them than the Chiefs or Bills...at least this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>One main reason the Bengals won last week was because of veteran WR Tyler Boyd. One of the few holdovers from the Marvin Lewis era, Boyd is extremely dependable. He caught a TD pass in last wake's game...you know, the one on that embarrassing inadvertent whistle. My homer goggles tell me it didn't make a difference and the ball was behind the WR and just about into his hands anyways, but I hated how controversial that became. Let me enjoy the win, controversy-free.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some games Boyd is targeted heavily, while others he is pretty quiet. It all depends on the game script, but I love seeing a guy like him finally get the chance on this stage. I have a few Boyd cards, but I really like these two:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-limu7Ji-L8U/YewDW1C0kDI/AAAAAAAAUy8/mGVsepNfnkcnoLEUkUL9lzxZvixRUZmeACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-21%2B21-36.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2380" data-original-width="1710" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-limu7Ji-L8U/YewDW1C0kDI/AAAAAAAAUy8/mGVsepNfnkcnoLEUkUL9lzxZvixRUZmeACNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2022-01-21%2B21-36.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I_9VD-DMShM/YewDWx9qPWI/AAAAAAAAUzA/RnOPEDkIw3I29ipjbdpidDGUKAL4SserACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-21%2B21-37.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2545" data-original-width="1820" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I_9VD-DMShM/YewDWx9qPWI/AAAAAAAAUzA/RnOPEDkIw3I29ipjbdpidDGUKAL4SserACNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2022-01-21%2B21-37.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>The 2021 Donruss is cool because I believe he is in his color rush uniform. It's a similar look to what the Bengals will roll out today, wearing all whites.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another guy who is unheralded but an important part of the offense is TE CJ Uzomah. He's generally a 3-4 catch a game guy, but always seems to come through with a big play. It's obvious Joe Burrow greatly trusts him, especially in the red zone.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EL_DR1DXVS0/YewDb8C4iTI/AAAAAAAAUzE/V3FKrGwDQ-gGY5j-6N-thXlhYBQ0x-vVACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-21%2B21-37%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="1358" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EL_DR1DXVS0/YewDb8C4iTI/AAAAAAAAUzE/V3FKrGwDQ-gGY5j-6N-thXlhYBQ0x-vVACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-21%2B21-37%2B1.JPEG" width="167" /></a></div></div><div>Can the Bengals advance to the AFC Championship today? I really hope so.<br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-23420662512524788552022-01-20T07:56:00.005-05:002022-01-20T07:56:57.076-05:00Look how far we haven't come<div style="text-align: left;">Last night, Sooz ran a #chadchat about '90s inserts. It was great to see the engagement and excitement, as many, including myself, find the '90s to be the greatest era of baseball cards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They aren't for everyone, and that's fine. Enjoy your own opinion. You won't change mine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But for me, give me a beautiful shiny card with a fun theme and some asymmetrical features any day over a vintage card of a guy at spring training in a fake pitching pose rocking a porn 'stache.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most common answer to "what made '90s inserts the best ever?" had a fairly common theme: creativity and innovation. While some don't feel innovation is needed at all in baseball cards, I find it staggering at the lack of progress over the last 30 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Think about cards from the late '60s to '90s, then think about the same time period from the '90s to the 2020s. We have stalled in our tracks, or in some cases, we've gone backwards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I attribute much of this to Topps and their lack of competition. With a few exceptions, inserts were never their thing. And now, they can save money by printing inserts on the same cardstock as base cards. They can give the illusion of shine without having to actual give the card shine. Mostly, they are lazy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They'd rather have 150 card insert sets spread across three series than they would a 10-card Hot Gloves set.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They'd rather just give us another 1987 homage or 70 card reprint sets we've seen a thousand times. To them, they'll call those an insert set and be done with it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just this past Tuesday, I had two separate insert cards roll up to my house. Neither were crazy Jordan/Kobe/Griffeys that costs hundred of bucks. But each was special to me and cards I had wanted for some time:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ytnzdDcGA8s/YelbdEhg5dI/AAAAAAAAUyM/5npuyIiooxgGnU_qjc9H9bOIhm3jmdORACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-20%2B07-51.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2446" height="221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ytnzdDcGA8s/YelbdEhg5dI/AAAAAAAAUyM/5npuyIiooxgGnU_qjc9H9bOIhm3jmdORACNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h221/2022-01-20%2B07-51.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Look at those beauties. It's a coincidence that they are diecut, which is not a requirement for a great insert. But boy at they pretty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hot Gloves were those cards I saw on the pages of card magazines and as a kid and dreamed one day I could have. Packs of Flair at CVS were out of the question. $4.99 for a pack in a little box? Nope. Grab a pack of Score for $.89 and be on our way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_oDL2hJMxw/YelbxmchLEI/AAAAAAAAUyU/sU01glwMhfcEy2uZDd9MaWEVvlkTEryQgCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-20%2B07-52.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="2001" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_oDL2hJMxw/YelbxmchLEI/AAAAAAAAUyU/sU01glwMhfcEy2uZDd9MaWEVvlkTEryQgCNcBGAsYHQ/w231-h320/2022-01-20%2B07-52.JPEG" width="231" /></a></div>Pacific was wacky and zany and felt like a brand you settled on, yet over time the efforts have become much more appreciated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqB5Y8hScvo/Yelb1X63MxI/AAAAAAAAUyY/odgoAYidLywH2foKS4OO5wRrbMiljemigCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-20%2B07-51%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2148" data-original-width="1492" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqB5Y8hScvo/Yelb1X63MxI/AAAAAAAAUyY/odgoAYidLywH2foKS4OO5wRrbMiljemigCNcBGAsYHQ/w223-h320/2022-01-20%2B07-51%2B1.JPEG" width="223" /></a></div>Was it the competition that drove this? Insane designers looking to give their brand an edge? Companies open to fun and not just "you get what you get" because we have no other choices?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's sad what Topps has done to inserts in their focus on parallels, autographs, SPs, and RCs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Long live the '90s, the undisputed greatest era of baseball cards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-18916718680718515122022-01-17T09:08:00.003-05:002022-01-17T09:08:33.069-05:00Black & white can also shineOver the past year, I've cooled a bit on seeking out prospect cards.<div><br /></div><div>I've always enjoyed following the Yankees minor leagues, but with so few prospects panning out, I'm often left with cards of guys who never made it or were dealt to other teams. While I don't collect these guys with the hopes of striking it rich, it does seem to take up unnecessary space in my collection. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, there are a few exciting young prospects in the Yankees system who do seem poised to actually do something other than serve as trade bait. Outside of Aaron Judge, the last decade run of Yankees first rounders has been awfully bad. Still, there are a few right now who are pretty exciting, including bat-first 2020 first rounder Austin Wells.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a very good 2021 and then a solid Arizona Fall League, his cards got a little noticed. Not Anthony Volpe levels, but still a little more than they had. I decided to see what current stuff he has out there, and saw a Bowman parallel I hasn't seen before:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aHRPd8qCxnc/YeV31-_P9hI/AAAAAAAAUxs/Oqhvq6MD_oUV9Ar5YnEp62n-AaOglC6YwCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-17%2B08-55.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="1889" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aHRPd8qCxnc/YeV31-_P9hI/AAAAAAAAUxs/Oqhvq6MD_oUV9Ar5YnEp62n-AaOglC6YwCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2022-01-17%2B08-55.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div>Pretty neat looking card, and I got it for a low price. While Bowman Chrome has approximately 400 parallels, "black and white mini diamond" refractors were new to me. Perhaps they have existed before, I don't know. The card looks pretty striking with the player's photo in black and white, surrounded by colorful mini diamonds. It's not rare or numbered, but I found it to be an attractive card and to me, that counts for something.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the same lot I also got the standard "mojo" refractor.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1ZPiY0gO2U/YeV36d-N5VI/AAAAAAAAUxw/mJxJmiNdpHonnxOZFQyjeml2TnlZznWagCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-17%2B08-56.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="1509" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1ZPiY0gO2U/YeV36d-N5VI/AAAAAAAAUxw/mJxJmiNdpHonnxOZFQyjeml2TnlZznWagCNcBGAsYHQ/w224-h320/2022-01-17%2B08-56.JPEG" width="224" /></a></div>I hope Austin Wells turns out to be a good player for the Yankees. But even if not, I won't be left holding the bag. </div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-1962395352492186592022-01-15T08:10:00.001-05:002022-01-15T08:10:02.646-05:00January 6, 1991<div style="text-align: left;">January 6, 1991. The date the Cincinnati Bengals last won a Playoff game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the time I was seven years old and in first grade. Sadly, I have absolutely no memory of the game. I don't think I watched it or knew what was happening. I can confidently say that I have no conscious memories of the Bengals winning a NFL Playoff game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today at 4:30, they take on the Raiders with a chance to snap that 31 year drought. I won't be surprised with either outcome, sadly. The teams are evenly matched, although the Bengals are favored by 5.5 as of right now. I guess it's not <i>that</i> even, but still. I could see the Bengals dominating. I could see them laying a goose egg. I could see a tight battle that comes down to a late FG by one side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reason I feel different about this game versus the last seven Playoff games is because of Joe Burrow. He's an elite, franchise-altering QB. I like everything about him, frankly. Over the past few weeks, I've snagged a few RCs of his. Nothing big, just a few of the more common ones I wanted to have.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wVz-2y8-WM/YeLGyInTQnI/AAAAAAAAUxA/f62ClbcsEwUthYNi7cstVFJWGSz_A7vwACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B07-56.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2596" data-original-width="1881" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wVz-2y8-WM/YeLGyInTQnI/AAAAAAAAUxA/f62ClbcsEwUthYNi7cstVFJWGSz_A7vwACNcBGAsYHQ/w232-h320/2022-01-15%2B07-56.JPEG" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pG-v0spwkRU/YeLGyE9Mn3I/AAAAAAAAUxI/CvqDeW1xiX065iI41Qndwxz5JhEPYrigQCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B07-58.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2728" data-original-width="1955" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pG-v0spwkRU/YeLGyE9Mn3I/AAAAAAAAUxI/CvqDeW1xiX065iI41Qndwxz5JhEPYrigQCNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2022-01-15%2B07-58.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSsZWC6BFHc/YeLGyLURB8I/AAAAAAAAUxE/gmM-FkLNdKAbPJm4GB4NDeWGr3E8x3CIwCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B07-59.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="1931" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSsZWC6BFHc/YeLGyLURB8I/AAAAAAAAUxE/gmM-FkLNdKAbPJm4GB4NDeWGr3E8x3CIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h320/2022-01-15%2B07-59.JPEG" width="225" /></a></div>But a QB is only as good as his WRs, and his two best have made an impact as well. Ja'Marr Chase has been incredible, an exciting playmaker who proved to be the right draft pick, taken 5th overall. I pulled all of these from packs:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tw09WGFM7dg/YeLGb0UHIKI/AAAAAAAAUwo/Cnji3_g2AmEoq-4mYqPpZ6o719RNMm-zgCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-03%2B16-48.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tw09WGFM7dg/YeLGb0UHIKI/AAAAAAAAUwo/Cnji3_g2AmEoq-4mYqPpZ6o719RNMm-zgCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h320/2022-01-03%2B16-48.JPEG" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jk82ZB3abA/YeLGbw3mnLI/AAAAAAAAUww/AVgwnk2R7fwLRme-F59u5btHH48iCKiygCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-03%2B16-50.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2354" data-original-width="1682" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jk82ZB3abA/YeLGbw3mnLI/AAAAAAAAUww/AVgwnk2R7fwLRme-F59u5btHH48iCKiygCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2022-01-03%2B16-50.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_xd4Pj1DkI/YeLGb6W7SGI/AAAAAAAAUws/GEjJ3dmuSlAw0nVHmErh_FdlZ10ZGdyGwCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-03%2B16-52.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2618" data-original-width="1864" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_xd4Pj1DkI/YeLGb6W7SGI/AAAAAAAAUws/GEjJ3dmuSlAw0nVHmErh_FdlZ10ZGdyGwCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2022-01-03%2B16-52.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div>Not be overlooked, Tee Higgins is a high volume, dependable WR who has built up a great rapport with Burrow. Beau from One Million Cubs was selling a few of these on eBay, so I bought four RCs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJcu4N8ptCo/YeLG7gLRq3I/AAAAAAAAUxY/4XkJba0p3rYsRCxd76JXr6X3Q6XQDrn2ACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B07-59%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2715" data-original-width="1942" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJcu4N8ptCo/YeLG7gLRq3I/AAAAAAAAUxY/4XkJba0p3rYsRCxd76JXr6X3Q6XQDrn2ACNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2022-01-15%2B07-59%2B1.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cmsM9Fu7f08/YeLG7WfnrwI/AAAAAAAAUxM/GIcIKfzzP8EwgF5zx0CnAEGRpfyAv6pagCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B08-00%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1260" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cmsM9Fu7f08/YeLG7WfnrwI/AAAAAAAAUxM/GIcIKfzzP8EwgF5zx0CnAEGRpfyAv6pagCNcBGAsYHQ/w224-h320/2022-01-15%2B08-00%2B1.JPEG" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ntAEpOUGQE/YeLG7Q9Y-NI/AAAAAAAAUxU/5ozJSaAonZYIyA8-6qQ6rEnVinsnCnbSACNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B08-00.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="1955" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ntAEpOUGQE/YeLG7Q9Y-NI/AAAAAAAAUxU/5ozJSaAonZYIyA8-6qQ6rEnVinsnCnbSACNcBGAsYHQ/w227-h320/2022-01-15%2B08-00.JPEG" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAuB1Ho7Djk/YeLG7cx9ttI/AAAAAAAAUxQ/DDiL4goSfM8C-nhOWUvP9oZg7_75W5RrQCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-15%2B08-01.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="1657" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAuB1Ho7Djk/YeLG7cx9ttI/AAAAAAAAUxQ/DDiL4goSfM8C-nhOWUvP9oZg7_75W5RrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2022-01-15%2B08-01.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Will I see the Bengals win a Playoff game today? I hope.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if they don't, well, the future is still bright.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-78424133803325692062022-01-09T07:00:00.001-05:002022-01-09T07:00:00.232-05:00A real Bru-hahaRight around Christmas, <a href="http://marcbrubaker.com/category/collecting/remember-the-astrodome/">Marc aka Bru from the old school Remember The Astrodome</a> and I made a nice swap on TCDB. It's really nice having someone to send crummy Astros to, and in turn, get Yankees I want.<div><br /></div><div>It was around a 20 for 20 card swap, give or take. I helped him with a few Astros and set needs, he sent me some assorted Yankees from a bunch of brands. It was actually a really fun mixture of cards, especially because there were a bunch of Panini products I don't see a lot. I kind of hope Fanatics buys Panini as well, since they've been kicking Topps' butt with better designs and products the last few years. Although I guess it wouldn't be true competition if they all rolled up to the same mothership. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, seeing Donruss and Prizm with official marks would be cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, back to the variety. I was able to add five Gleybers to the collection, including a couple with the RC logo...which apparently doesn't really mean what it used to a few years ago.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6Rn8WzyCr8/YdpOzJwPAPI/AAAAAAAAUvU/OVu6nZNNNCEUjo_X8o2-T9Z6udufKAadwCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-35.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2121" data-original-width="1448" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6Rn8WzyCr8/YdpOzJwPAPI/AAAAAAAAUvU/OVu6nZNNNCEUjo_X8o2-T9Z6udufKAadwCNcBGAsYHQ/w219-h320/2022-01-08%2B21-35.JPEG" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJal1vtNRq8/YdpO2ZKvp7I/AAAAAAAAUvY/7fpEbxOoJFgqf223jBnY19vaUmv6wSrtQCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-37.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2823" data-original-width="2003" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJal1vtNRq8/YdpO2ZKvp7I/AAAAAAAAUvY/7fpEbxOoJFgqf223jBnY19vaUmv6wSrtQCNcBGAsYHQ/w227-h320/2022-01-08%2B21-37.JPEG" width="227" /></a></div>I also got my second card of Odor as a Yankees, and this one is pretty great at highlighting his fiery personality.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7wvfJgZlgk/YdpO676_P8I/AAAAAAAAUvc/q_y7VH8eVtEXxrNrt2n9ZdFBw_g_ks-ewCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-39.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="2036" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7wvfJgZlgk/YdpO676_P8I/AAAAAAAAUvc/q_y7VH8eVtEXxrNrt2n9ZdFBw_g_ks-ewCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2022-01-08%2B21-39.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div>I won't lie, I laughed when I saw this mugshot. What a dopey card.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btAjihg7Sxs/YdpO_YwtRCI/AAAAAAAAUvg/yC5hx0qob0s8_RjRvQSH647L5FPLTXC7wCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-39%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2712" data-original-width="1946" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btAjihg7Sxs/YdpO_YwtRCI/AAAAAAAAUvg/yC5hx0qob0s8_RjRvQSH647L5FPLTXC7wCNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2022-01-08%2B21-39%2B1.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>I still have hope for Clarke Schmidt being an impactful Yankees pitcher. It would be nice if a first rounder not named Judge panned out.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zvzIP8s7J2w/YdpPcpYrAdI/AAAAAAAAUvw/ecKfnzFWNWsw0f4ty2hZcY5o3zVMxq5bQCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-40.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1746" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zvzIP8s7J2w/YdpPcpYrAdI/AAAAAAAAUvw/ecKfnzFWNWsw0f4ty2hZcY5o3zVMxq5bQCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h225/2022-01-08%2B21-40.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>A few more Stantons. I need to do a count on his cards, but I must be approaching 175 or so. I like the Fire red foil a lot. Maybe my favorite card of the trade.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LxdskcxNmzg/YdpPgDxM8TI/AAAAAAAAUv0/TIXAbXDfDD46bSyGly7C_Hj9tJGnV4UnwCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-41.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="2909" height="186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LxdskcxNmzg/YdpPgDxM8TI/AAAAAAAAUv0/TIXAbXDfDD46bSyGly7C_Hj9tJGnV4UnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h186/2022-01-08%2B21-41.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div>And here are the rest of the goodies.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A8-4X0ulOME/YdpPk_wRDMI/AAAAAAAAUv4/3_9N83dovjIFkv0YvptdG6CVCO0hUj92gCNcBGAsYHQ/2022-01-08%2B21-42.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2928" data-original-width="2124" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A8-4X0ulOME/YdpPk_wRDMI/AAAAAAAAUv4/3_9N83dovjIFkv0YvptdG6CVCO0hUj92gCNcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/2022-01-08%2B21-42.JPEG" width="290" /></a></div></div><div>Marc, thanks for the trade, and please enjoy your time with the beautiful baby girl you just had.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-44951188763378133072021-12-27T09:40:00.005-05:002021-12-27T09:40:50.378-05:00A little post-Christmas red & green<div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone was able to have a safe and healthy Christmas. Mine was extremely quiet compared to what was planned. I was supposed to travel a few hours away to spend the holiday with my parents and siblings. However, a few tested positive for COVID-19 a few days prior, causing us to stay home and have a small little family Christmas. While it was nice and slow, I did miss being with my larger family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the big day, I didn't get any cards for Christmas, although to be fair, I didn't ask for any either. There's just nothing out there I really want or care to open right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't been buying or trading much the last few months. It's not uncommon for me lately to spend less than $10 a month on cards on Ebay. For example, in November I spent $6.66 total on cards on eBay, including shipping. It's kind of liberating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, in December my total jumped to $18.44, as I bought three cards during the month. Only one of them was a baseball card:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HE5F1Vz6mvY/YcnPO4DTcjI/AAAAAAAAUu0/9FGefYpo0bo2FhCOW8Hg4CgOvoChR85VACNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-27%2B09-34.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HE5F1Vz6mvY/YcnPO4DTcjI/AAAAAAAAUu0/9FGefYpo0bo2FhCOW8Hg4CgOvoChR85VACNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-12-27%2B09-34.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>A nice 2012 Elite Extra autograph of Ty Hensley with green ink. This card is numbered 05/10, and set me back $7.88 including shipping. While I probably paid more on shipping than on the card, it was a Hensley I didn't have, which don't pop up much any more. Therefore, I'm likely to overspend, even if I'm the only market for such a card.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The green autograph looks nice against the red background, forming an inadvertent Christmas-colored card. This card brings me to 126 unique Hensley cards. I'll always pick up his cards when a new one arises.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It'll be quiet around here over the next few weeks, so I'll take this moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-42199328028486926912021-12-23T09:16:00.004-05:002021-12-23T09:16:52.976-05:00Something stinks......but it's not these cards. <div><br /></div><div>Sure they have an odor to them. But that's because <a href="https://johnnnystradingspot.blogspot.com">Johnny's Trading Spot</a> sent them.</div><div><br /></div><div>No, no. It's not about Johnny. I assume he smells fine. In fact, he sent me my very first card of Roughned Odor as a Yankee. If you told me this guy would be a Yankee a few years ago, I thought that would have been cool. But last year he was a no-cost pickup. Fun player, not very effective. He has since been released by the Yanks, but I'll always have this card from Johnny.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oe_OpBED8IY/YcSEMJ2D3JI/AAAAAAAAUuU/nfgngGHyWPYgRq8UgvJmS9d58dT5mHJQwCNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-23%2B09-10.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="1764" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oe_OpBED8IY/YcSEMJ2D3JI/AAAAAAAAUuU/nfgngGHyWPYgRq8UgvJmS9d58dT5mHJQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-12-23%2B09-10.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>Speaking of firsts, Johnny also sent me my first non-on-demand Joey Gallo card. I like Gallo. He struggled quite a bit, but he's a cool player. Awesome power, good OFer. I think people get tired with the true three outcome-ness of his game, but I think he'll have a good second season in NY.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZL1nkKqW4jI/YcSEPwoJ5oI/AAAAAAAAUuY/kdUZoaNz0lwBRgJcuI7g0nflCGPigxq6QCNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-23%2B09-10%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="2122" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZL1nkKqW4jI/YcSEPwoJ5oI/AAAAAAAAUuY/kdUZoaNz0lwBRgJcuI7g0nflCGPigxq6QCNcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-12-23%2B09-10%2B1.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>Johnny also sent a few more Topps Holiday cards, which is welcome because I didn't open any of these and they are always one of my favorite releases of the year.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ro6R3oIyP5s/YcSEUaPUibI/AAAAAAAAUuc/KSizINCk7Swu_RxSvy6CnM7XJVdplUhBQCNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-23%2B09-11.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="3346" height="149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ro6R3oIyP5s/YcSEUaPUibI/AAAAAAAAUuc/KSizINCk7Swu_RxSvy6CnM7XJVdplUhBQCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h149/2021-12-23%2B09-11.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Thanks for the PWE, Johnny. I keep saying it, but I owe you some Braves and will send them soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the rest of ya, Merry Christmas!</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-44608730880763575992021-12-07T19:00:00.001-05:002021-12-07T19:00:00.249-05:00The upside down & a birthdayThis is my second day in a row posting. I feel like I'm living in the upside down! This isn't something that's happened since last spring. Don't get used to it!<div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the upside down, I recently purchased a new Tino Martinez card that has a few upside down qualities:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3KqWRfztxo/Ya9ZT6u4q4I/AAAAAAAAUtU/Yy71WWLrfXMfr6S5n_D3AbMQ4Dyd6YY8wCNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-07%2B07-45.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="1821" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3KqWRfztxo/Ya9ZT6u4q4I/AAAAAAAAUtU/Yy71WWLrfXMfr6S5n_D3AbMQ4Dyd6YY8wCNcBGAsYHQ/w227-h320/2021-12-07%2B07-45.JPEG" width="227" /></a></div></div><div>This is a weird printing error where Tino's name is nowhere to be found. The card state's Rich Amaral's name and team upside down, above Tino's head. The Studio logo is also upside down in the lower right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Normally I don't care about printing errors and don't chase them. Many people find miscuts and misprints and errors to be more fun or even more valuable. I have never really been in that camp, nor have I actively gone out of my way to pick them up.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I though this one was pretty cool, and for a buck or so, found it to be a unique addition to my Tino collection.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Tino, today is his 54th birthday! I have trouble remembering my family members' birthdays, yet every year December 7th shows up and I remember it's Tino's day. Did you know he was also acquired by the Yankees on December 7th, 1995? Must've been quite a day!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-63547785885308815302021-12-06T07:56:00.003-05:002021-12-06T07:56:33.788-05:00A TTM success trickles in<div style="text-align: left;">For the most part, I have stopped sending out TTM requests. While I enjoyed this aspect for the hobby for many years, I no longer feel the same about it like I once did for a multitude of reasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, I have hundreds of unanswered TTM requests still out in the world, and every so often one finds its way back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most recent was sent in February, 2020, a few weeks before the pandemic changed the landscape of the 2020 baseball season. I was already sending out fewer TTM requests due to absolutely dwindling response rates over the past few years, but that didn't stop me from sending a handful to spring training just to give it a whirl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Twenty two months later, former Yankee and most currently Red Sox Adam Ottavino returned two cards signed. Back when he was a Rockie, Adam used to sign with purple sharpie. It looks like he has traded that in for a more traditional blue marker.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RjtySvDsZGQ/Ya4G-91TG5I/AAAAAAAAUtA/yX90j3Dqljc8KRQFhl79U18EyYEzaHA2ACNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-06%2B07-48%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RjtySvDsZGQ/Ya4G-91TG5I/AAAAAAAAUtA/yX90j3Dqljc8KRQFhl79U18EyYEzaHA2ACNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-06%2B07-48%2B1.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QF0mb_pkoY/Ya4HCtgrQpI/AAAAAAAAUtE/1IdaKkDTqeotLeNJL4xaAkV_jpfzQL7VwCNcBGAsYHQ/2021-12-06%2B07-48.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QF0mb_pkoY/Ya4HCtgrQpI/AAAAAAAAUtE/1IdaKkDTqeotLeNJL4xaAkV_jpfzQL7VwCNcBGAsYHQ/w228-h320/2021-12-06%2B07-48.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both came out great. The Heritage is fairly cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ottavino was sent to the Red Sox for virtually nothing so that the Yankees had some wiggle room under their self-imposed fake salary cap. For the most part, he was a dependable arm for Boston. He appeared in 69 games, throwing 62 innings and striking out 71, and saving 11 games. I didn't agree that the Yanks should send a veteran reliever to their rival, but what do I know?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure another TTM or two will pop up in my mailbox at some point, but for now, it's always fun when a surprise return comes back.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-42115495114333867602021-11-21T19:00:00.002-05:002021-11-21T19:40:19.748-05:00Monsters IncAs the days of this blog wind down (more to come on that), I've still got a few things to show off here and there. <div><br /></div><div>Overall, I think Topps Project 70 is utterly exhausting. Sooz did a good job getting a pulse on these on recent CardChat, and between acts of plagiarism to Topps shutting it down for a few days with little communication, the project was overly ambitious and is now tired.</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, I fully expect a Project 2022 of some sort. This is Topps we're talking about.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Project 70 checklist has been overloaded with Yankees, Dodgers, Trout, Ohtani. Once in a while a random player is featured, but for the most part it hasn't been as expansive as initially hoped. I thought I might even get a Tino at some point, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while I appreciate the freedom the artists have to connect their designs to a certain year of Topps cards, many times it's hard to tell and even Topps' website doesn't list the year of correlation. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've only bought two so far. I did acquire an early Dock Ellis, and recently, my second arrived:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vJ7anieZFcA/YZpOVbF4JmI/AAAAAAAAUsg/YhkDtErPNS0A479ulTLh74osP3gIYgkbACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-11-21%2B08-47.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1347" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vJ7anieZFcA/YZpOVbF4JmI/AAAAAAAAUsg/YhkDtErPNS0A479ulTLh74osP3gIYgkbACLcBGAsYHQ/w216-h320/2021-11-21%2B08-47.JPEG" width="216" /></a></div></div><div>I do think Alex Pardee has been the star of Topps Project 70. His monster/alien/creature mashups have been a fun change and a lot more creative than some of the other photoshop filter efforts. While they may not be for everyone, after seeing his early Ronald Acuna, I always said that I'd buy any Yankee he decided to contribute.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, he chose Aaron Judge. The 1972 Topps design remains mainly unchanged, but we've got Judge exhibiting some cool monster-like features. I love the massive Judgian hand come at you. And apparently he's in some sort of bubble bath?</div><div><br /></div><div>His face looks like it's got a few layers of skin overlapping one another, and he has about a hundred teeth showing. Terrifying, indeed. Pitchers, beware.</div><div><br /></div><div>My only real regret is not buying this from Topps and even giving myself a chance at a foil parallel. I bought this during en eBay pre-sale to save a few bucks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cool card, tired project. That's probably the last one I'll buy...unless we get a Tino somewhere.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-34879636783883015072021-11-15T19:00:00.001-05:002021-11-15T19:00:00.234-05:00Greed<div style="text-align: left;">For someone who isn't too into the hobby right now, I sure acted greedy recently.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No, I didn't go clean out a retail shelf. I'm not that greedy. But during Wes' recent trade-a-thon on Twitter, I was admittedly more greedy than I should have been.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For those who don't know about Wes' annual event, he basically posts a bunch of cards on Twitter. The first person to respond "take" gets the card. Participants are limited to claiming five cards. Wes simply asks for a surprise package in return that he waits until Christmas to open. For this round, he asked for wrestling cards in return.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I claimed three cards this time around, and as mentioned, was a bit greedy in my claims. But I do feel that what I sent back was fair, for whenever he does open his package.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first card I claimed was an early Derek Jeter Upper Deck card. I didn't have this one, and figured it was a good one too claim. If nothing else popped up, I was happy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jCyyO8TdhTA/YZJbnopASGI/AAAAAAAAUro/aMBzIy_7k2onEkzJu2ohy89i6beHTFWGQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-11-15%2B08-04.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1829" height="226" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jCyyO8TdhTA/YZJbnopASGI/AAAAAAAAUro/aMBzIy_7k2onEkzJu2ohy89i6beHTFWGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h226/2021-11-15%2B08-04.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Something else did pop up. This:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wtfw7MJfb2Q/YZJbr0CwasI/AAAAAAAAUrs/VNdHzW0SLVAjx_GKfkCn7tcBYhgvWg8ywCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-11-15%2B08-05.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wtfw7MJfb2Q/YZJbr0CwasI/AAAAAAAAUrs/VNdHzW0SLVAjx_GKfkCn7tcBYhgvWg8ywCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-11-15%2B08-05.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Oops, I claimed it. This card isn't super rare and can be had for about the price of a blaster. But I still took it. It's one of those cards I've never gone out of my way to buy, and maybe wouldn't do it if not for Wes' event. It's place in cardboard lore is well established, and I felt like I should own one to put in my "money box"...aka the box my wife knows to look for in case something ever happens to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of cardboard lore going into the money box, this was my third and final greedy claim:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B8gkUhC3XMg/YZJbxQlEvZI/AAAAAAAAUrw/8lPMI9CAF0c9PNV-GgOxhSHapEzBaivmwCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-11-15%2B08-06.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1475" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B8gkUhC3XMg/YZJbxQlEvZI/AAAAAAAAUrw/8lPMI9CAF0c9PNV-GgOxhSHapEzBaivmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w231-h320/2021-11-15%2B08-06.JPEG" width="231" /></a></div>Whoops. Yeah, pure greed. And I felt guilty as I hit claim. This was a wantlist card for me for a long time though. I even had a saved eBay search for a PSA 8, but right when I was looking to buy one a year ago the prices when up quite a bit. I never trusted to buy a raw, so the saved search just sort of sat there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then it popped up on Wes' timeline and I pounced.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Afterward I felt little icky, and hope I didn't take the fun out of it for others. As mentioned, I do feel that my package to Wes will be reflective of the cards he sent me. While I don't know a ton about wrestling cards, I made sure to pick out a few for Wes that had a story behind them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks, Wes. And sorry for being a greedy bastard.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-64442461271803408862021-10-30T08:40:00.004-04:002021-10-30T08:40:34.155-04:00Atomic holds upPersonally, it feels like Chrome products have been lackluster the past few years. Pricy, hard to find, and when one does find it, it feels like a dud. Buyer's remorse happens almost instantly. There have even been a few Topps Chrome group breaks I have passed on because I just didn't feel like the product was worth it.<div><br /></div><div>That's not just Topps Chrome, either. Bowman Chrome seems to be in the same boat.</div><div><br /></div><div>But that's why we have eBay and the ability to go back and purchase cards from better years and better efforts. If today's shiny doesn't do it for you, there's always a surplus of something from the golden era of cardboard.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example, 24 years ago, Topps rolled out this:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibb2lA025aw/YX08uuXXvUI/AAAAAAAAUq8/rF1HrMQeYfc21c_O-TZQaIjWldH5YoKhACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-30%2B08-33.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1465" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibb2lA025aw/YX08uuXXvUI/AAAAAAAAUq8/rF1HrMQeYfc21c_O-TZQaIjWldH5YoKhACLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-10-30%2B08-33.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div>Atomic Refractors were still fairly new, but man, is this Bowman's Best nice. The background textures add a depth and dimension that makes the grid-like refractor pattern just pop off the card. It's crazy we had this in 1997, yet don't get much new in 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, this card set me back less than $2. I'd rather spend my money on that than today's unimagined Chrome products.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-13815913211390882452021-10-22T07:55:00.006-04:002021-10-22T07:55:59.617-04:00I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams<div style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite scenes in <i>The Shawshank Redemption</i> is within the last few minutes of the film. Red decides to cross the border to reunite with Andy breaking his parole in the process. One line always sticks out to me:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure why that line is memorable for me. I have connection or love for the Pacific Ocean. Sure, I've seen it and been in it a few times, but it looks just like he ocean over here on the East Coast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, that line once again popped into my head when my newest Tino Martinez card arrived, a 1998 Pacific Platinum Blue.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bg_UOI4oq5o/YXKmm6xw6YI/AAAAAAAAUqY/9wAIUD6rrvwJqyD8B0A03Jv3VKHAe0W8wCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-22%2B07-54.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bg_UOI4oq5o/YXKmm6xw6YI/AAAAAAAAUqY/9wAIUD6rrvwJqyD8B0A03Jv3VKHAe0W8wCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-22%2B07-54.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Nice card. The window behind Tino is translucent, and the blue is fairly striking in person. It's not a bright blue, but more of a Carolina-blue with some metallic flair to boot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pacific churned out some great cards, and Invincible was always one of those sub-brands that looked great each year. I look back with nothing but fondness on Pacific, and wish they were still making cards today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until then, even 20 years later, I'm still picking up cards from them that I didn't have, so I guess it's not all that bad.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-26949303091692756142021-10-11T11:40:00.005-04:002021-10-11T11:40:57.091-04:00Jeter and Mick...no, not that Mick<div style="text-align: left;">Similar to my blogging, my card-related pickups having really been coming to a halt. In both August and September, I sold more on eBay than I spent. Let's hear it for positive cash flow!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">October is likely trending in this direction as well. Candidly, there's just nothing I want right now. No product excites me, no player excites me, no potential pick up excites me. Maybe that'll change, and I hope it does.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That doesn't mean I don't have envelopes coming in every now and then. Once in a while, when it feels like the right thing to do, I'll still pick up a Topps NOW card. I never buy directly from Topps. While that takes me out of the running for parallels and such, it keeps me in the $5 per card range. Sometimes, that can even be steep, but I don't buy these like I once did back in 2017 when Aaron Judge had one come out every day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first I picked up was an easy choice: Derek Jeter holding his plaque from Cooperstown. I'm not sure how many more cards will feature Jeter in this fashion. There will be probably a 30-card Target set in next year's Series One or something. But still, it was a no-brainer for me to pick up a card featuring Jeter holding his likeness that will hang in Cooperstown forever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QpbvJIvFraM/YWRaRlnbSrI/AAAAAAAAUps/ke6QRv1MVAArKL05SydcUogYc6WSof0wACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-11%2B11-35.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2013" data-original-width="1416" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QpbvJIvFraM/YWRaRlnbSrI/AAAAAAAAUps/ke6QRv1MVAArKL05SydcUogYc6WSof0wACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h320/2021-10-11%2B11-35.JPEG" width="225" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next is a bit more of an off-the-path card for me, but I snagged a Mick Schumacher Topps NOW rookie card commemorating his appearance in the Belgian Grand Prix. I've actually bought a few F1 Topps Now card, including the first Lewis Hamilton last year...a card that cost me $5 at the time and now fetches toward $1K. It seemed logical to buy at the time since he's one of the most popular athletes in the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nvroe9yfynU/YWRahQCRZTI/AAAAAAAAUp0/ivPTbYifp8Q8ySWtWEab1DDzR8dvaw1dgCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-11%2B11-36.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nvroe9yfynU/YWRahQCRZTI/AAAAAAAAUp0/ivPTbYifp8Q8ySWtWEab1DDzR8dvaw1dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h226/2021-10-11%2B11-36.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Similarly, Mick's father, Michael Schumacher, was one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. He was just the subject of a Netflix documentary about his life on the track, which was an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes. I recommend it if you haven't seen it. It was definitely a puff piece, but reminded me of how great he truly was. Mick is young and has shown a good ability, so I figured it was wise to snag a RC.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know F1 cards have gotten very popular, although I don't plan on collecting or buying them frequently. Although I am a racing fan, I don't love F1. It's basically a glorified time trial and the cars are a bit too tech-advanced for me. It doesn't really feel like racing as much as it does space travel. I have a family member who races F4, and that's more my speed. Still, there is no denying how popular it is, and the drivers are some of the biggest international stars in the world. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two vastly different subjects, but from the same card concept. And to me, a decent way to spend $10.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-8906944304760295732021-10-05T08:10:00.004-04:002021-10-05T08:10:51.865-04:00A pink card for OctoberAs per October tradition, <a href="https://collectingcutch.blogspot.com/"><b>Collecting Cutch</b></a> is once again showing off pink cards to raise awareness for breast cancer.<div><br /></div><div>While he also shows some very attractive subject matter, I'm going to stick to cards here. My newest Tino Martinez card, as luck would have it, is nothing but pink:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wr8g6MSUhYw/YVxAPu3Xm4I/AAAAAAAAUpI/SMaCDQvZkj42Pj3-Vg53ilq9AEiL5IBRACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-10-05%2B07-36.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1449" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wr8g6MSUhYw/YVxAPu3Xm4I/AAAAAAAAUpI/SMaCDQvZkj42Pj3-Vg53ilq9AEiL5IBRACLcBGAsYHQ/w227-h320/2021-10-05%2B07-36.JPEG" width="227" /></a></div></div><div>This is from 2020 Topps Chrome Update. Obviously this was a disaster of a set, but with the inclusion of Tino Martinez, gave me many parallels and refractors to chase down. This is the pink refractor, not to be confused with the pink wave refractor.</div><div><br /></div><div>While my card-buying, collecting habits, and desire to run a blog all but vanish, once in a while I still surf eBay and this card was a minimal price, so I snagged it. I have a stack of about 20 Tinos I have yet to add my to my 'have' list, both on my blog and on TCDB. This is one of them, but I'll be sure to update that in the near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>My October posting will likely continue to be sporadic, but I strongly encourage you to go check out Collecting Cutch's blog for his excellent cause all month long.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-40106399487517805072021-09-18T08:47:00.000-04:002021-09-18T08:47:09.707-04:00Too Many TinosJust a short post today. It's been 10 days since I've done so, but I'm too busy to play with baseball cards and blogs right now. Pretty recurring theme. Maybe the end of the blog is near...<div><br /></div><div>Some of my favorite DMs or emails are when a fellow collector comes across a Tino they think I don't have. This happened a few weeks back when <a href="http://toomanycg.blogspot.com">Dennis of Too Many Verlanders</a> was going through a big lot he bought on Facebook. Usually the answer is "thanks, but I have it." But in this case, Dennis indeed found one I didn't have!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzIAurkJBE8/YUXfKJT9myI/AAAAAAAAUoY/BuDp7FOCmZE0agf7oHTWuKTXpgZeV39AACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-18%2B08-40.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1470" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzIAurkJBE8/YUXfKJT9myI/AAAAAAAAUoY/BuDp7FOCmZE0agf7oHTWuKTXpgZeV39AACLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-09-18%2B08-40.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div></div><div>There we go! Nice little 1997 Donruss Gold Press Proof. There's a little bit of a diecut to it too, which is easy to miss. I think 1997 Donruss holds up pretty well. It's not the best Donruss design, but far from the worst.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dennis also flanked the card with two gems.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nu8iZe9aK3U/YUXfOjUN6wI/AAAAAAAAUoc/o2U5TcV0D_Y7IKVZbLbLdNh-eKLBFYU-ACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-18%2B08-41.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1439" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nu8iZe9aK3U/YUXfOjUN6wI/AAAAAAAAUoc/o2U5TcV0D_Y7IKVZbLbLdNh-eKLBFYU-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h320/2021-09-18%2B08-41.JPEG" width="225" /></a></div></div><div>While I have tons of these, they are still so fun. What a great set.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for thinking of me, Dennis!<br /></div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-4523470830761077972021-09-08T06:00:00.012-04:002021-09-08T06:00:00.210-04:00Derek Jeter - The full Project 2020 rundown<div style="text-align: left;">After over a year of waiting, Derek Jeter will finally be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, I am traveling during this time and will probably miss most of the ceremony. I'm sure I'll catch the replay of his speech.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeter was a special player for me as a kid. I feel like we are up together. I was in the 6th grade when Jeter took over as the everyday shortstop on Opening Day of 1996. I was in seventh grade when the Yankees won the World Series later that season. I was in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade when they three-peated from 1998-2000. I was an annoying Luis Gonzalez single away from seeing the Yanks win the World Series every year I was in high school.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He wouldn't win another until 2009. By that time, I was a young professional living and working in NYC. College had come and gone, with Jeter still entrenched on the left side of the Yankees infield. I was at Game 6 of the 2009 World Series when the Yankees clinched the title. My date for the game was the woman who would soon become my wife.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Derek Jeter was the Yankees shortstop from the time I was in junior high through the time I was married with two kids. That's pretty insane, any way you look at it. So while it'll be trendy over these few days to knock him as being a overrated slap hitter or that he couldn't play defense, that's going to fall on deaf ears on this blog. It's rare to grow up with a player and have them being linked to nearly every baseball memory you have.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have that with Jeter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While he has always been a more secondary part of my collection compared to Tino Martinez, I have about 1,000 different Jeters, give or take. But in 2020, Jeter was the focus for me during Covid-fueled trading card boom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because I completed the Topps Project 2020 full run of Jeters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was expensive, but I don't regret it one bit. The funds were there. The retail cards weren't on the shelves. So this took the place of what I might have normally spent on cards. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All together, they create quite the masterpiece:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tk_ciSBJybY/YTUSxP6xWhI/AAAAAAAAUmQ/d9hf42YIrGk-TtxrNIol8FQyn6oj5LroACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-46.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1704" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tk_ciSBJybY/YTUSxP6xWhI/AAAAAAAAUmQ/d9hf42YIrGk-TtxrNIol8FQyn6oj5LroACLcBGAsYHQ/w333-h400/2021-09-05%2B13-46.JPEG" width="333" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just look at those! Maybe by themselves they don't equate to much, but when viewed as a collection, it's an incredibly unique piece.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the last couple days, I went back and looked at these for the first time in months. They had been stored away, but it was fun to go back and enjoy them with Project 2020 a distant memory. And while Project 70 is doing it's best to beat artist renderings of cards into the ground, these will always hold a special place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And do you know what? My tastes changed over time. Some I loved at the time, I found myself perhaps not feeling the same now. Some I barely remembered now really popped for some reason. So with that, here a few categories of the Project 2020 cards after I revisiting my collection:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Favorite card: Tyson Beck</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMDTObWp1gQ/YTUS4p6lSGI/AAAAAAAAUmU/oWbhz0D4jgAQ6Wvjkjj4fHaCW9yc8O2TQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-47.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1437" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMDTObWp1gQ/YTUS4p6lSGI/AAAAAAAAUmU/oWbhz0D4jgAQ6Wvjkjj4fHaCW9yc8O2TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w224-h320/2021-09-05%2B13-47.JPEG" width="224" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This one was always one of my favorites, but I feel it holds up. There's a lot going on, but I like how the full piece comes together. The iconic Draft Pick text from the back of the card is there. Jeter's RC image is there on the right, although he's holding Lady Liberty's torch. The colors are vibrant, the card is busy, yet captures Jeter well with his smile and his swing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Card that I like more now than before: Jacob Rochester</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ijkglngoiQ4/YTUTBAmokSI/AAAAAAAAUmg/AO0mkNc62Nw0-f6iKahlqnx2vffW2QLSACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-48.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1386" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ijkglngoiQ4/YTUTBAmokSI/AAAAAAAAUmg/AO0mkNc62Nw0-f6iKahlqnx2vffW2QLSACLcBGAsYHQ/w216-h320/2021-09-05%2B13-48.JPEG" width="216" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know why, but I kept coming back to this one. I think the sea foam green is what has attracted me to the card. I don't know if it'll ever be my favorite, but when I saw it I definitely felt more attracted to the simplicity of the design than I had remembered.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Least Favorite: Keith Shore</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkaITB7u-ew/YTUTNP-LfeI/AAAAAAAAUms/2t86iKEqSskHF-Uts_gjcqBNwz6SUVUfACLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-48%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkaITB7u-ew/YTUTNP-LfeI/AAAAAAAAUms/2t86iKEqSskHF-Uts_gjcqBNwz6SUVUfACLcBGAsYHQ/w216-h320/2021-09-05%2B13-48%2B1.JPEG" width="216" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oof. Moving on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Missed the mark the most: Oldmanalan</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A17YVGwoHKk/YTUTVgSvU5I/AAAAAAAAUm0/XhsfFgYWINMxp5JQWeTsd0H6rrAtymcGQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-48%2B2.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A17YVGwoHKk/YTUTVgSvU5I/AAAAAAAAUm0/XhsfFgYWINMxp5JQWeTsd0H6rrAtymcGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h320/2021-09-05%2B13-48%2B2.JPEG" width="213" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I shouldn't be THAT surprised by this, as this artist was often out to lunch on most of his cards. And while this was definitely not his worst card, I found it odd that he didn't use the image from Jeter's RC at all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Most surprising: Don C</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CV01cPdbvvw/YTUTahbaF6I/AAAAAAAAUm4/0JiV9QAz0Os6GtmkDp355ANzAhT9UTaPgCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B13-49.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CV01cPdbvvw/YTUTahbaF6I/AAAAAAAAUm4/0JiV9QAz0Os6GtmkDp355ANzAhT9UTaPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w216-h320/2021-09-05%2B13-49.JPEG" width="216" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was another polarizing card, but I liked it immediately and still do. It's obviously a homage to Seinfeld, where Jeter made an appearance on the show after the 1996 season. What was most surprising about it to me was how different it felt from Don C's other cards, which were a bit more artistic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could take a look at these again next year and feel completely different. Regardless, the full run is now a cornerstone of my entire card collection, and something I'm grateful I decided to follow through on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Congratulations to Derek Jeter!</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-31742335372527154012021-09-06T07:00:00.010-04:002021-09-06T08:56:48.207-04:00Fairfield Repacks change with the timesI've always like Fairfield repacks, more for their entertainment value than anything else. I would pick one up here and there from Walgreen's for $4.99. Would I get $5 worth of cards? Sometimes. Would I enjoy the way I spent my $5? Almost always.<div><br /></div><div>You're never going to strike gold with these things. Once in a while someone on Twitter will claim they got a Bryce Harper RC or something, but I don't believe most of that. Those types of posts are fake and just for likes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I never really considered myself to be a sucker when I bought these. I knew what I was getting. A year or two ago, you'd get 100 cards, an unopened pack, a few hall of famers, and maybe a little bit of trade bait. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now? Not so much.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in months, I came across one of these on Saturday at Walgreen's. There were three total, but I bought just one. Very non-flipper of me, eh? The packaging has undergone a few changes over the last few years. The preview window of the hero card is gone. I always liked that. It would help me choose which to buy.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub2BgTQY6lU/YTUZbbyGGpI/AAAAAAAAUnI/E9NcNge4LLQew4Yy3AR77NB0eFrpwOJ-wCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-01.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2646" data-original-width="1179" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub2BgTQY6lU/YTUZbbyGGpI/AAAAAAAAUnI/E9NcNge4LLQew4Yy3AR77NB0eFrpwOJ-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w179-h400/2021-09-05%2B15-01.JPEG" width="179" /></a></div></div><div>You know what else is gone? It doesn't say how many cards are in the box. It used to advertise 100 cards. Then sometime last year it dropped to 80. Now? No mention.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hits have gone from 1:4 to 1:8 over the last few years. The hits were never very good anyhow, but still fun to snag a random auto or relic at those odds.</div><div><br /></div><div>For years these were $4.99, but when I rang them up at the counter, they were $5.49. The $.49 isn't a big deal, but still, there's price increase of 10% off the bat.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I opened the box, the first thing I noticed? A lot of free space! The boxes are still big enough for 100 cards, but nooope. Guess how many?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q2iE7Brpvao/YTUZkUtTXII/AAAAAAAAUnM/xFjLUuWjruAlrfKm7HQMKSLNQfal7OCWwCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-03.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="2036" height="286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q2iE7Brpvao/YTUZkUtTXII/AAAAAAAAUnM/xFjLUuWjruAlrfKm7HQMKSLNQfal7OCWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h286/2021-09-05%2B15-03.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>80? Nope. 75? No.</div><div><br /></div><div>51 cards!</div><div><br /></div><div>That is a drastic decrease. Over the past year or two, these have gone from 100 cards to 51. Something tells me it's supposed to be 50 and I ended up with a bonus card by accident.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's an enormous drop, if you ask me.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjD49qgPVWM/YTUaBSko87I/AAAAAAAAUno/GBaOfZ3JXfwbcwAyxsy2Ajhlx-ZzOgMtQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-03%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1846" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjD49qgPVWM/YTUaBSko87I/AAAAAAAAUno/GBaOfZ3JXfwbcwAyxsy2Ajhlx-ZzOgMtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h310/2021-09-05%2B15-03%2B1.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>When you get 51 cards, do you know what else you get? More junk. I know, I know. These have always had junk. But I would say, what, maybe 50% was junk wax, and the rest were maybe cards from the last few years, or some oddballs?</div><div><br /></div><div>I only got two cards that I would call recent:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smLRHsFoX1s/YTUZxnXcaEI/AAAAAAAAUnU/ukMAG16vEQYnjPU8PmzSm4fyQEZY-CHJQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-04.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="2048" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smLRHsFoX1s/YTUZxnXcaEI/AAAAAAAAUnU/ukMAG16vEQYnjPU8PmzSm4fyQEZY-CHJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h223/2021-09-05%2B15-04.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Now to be fair, I was surprised to see a card from 1957 pop out. That is different. Usually the oldest card would be something from the late 70s. That was a welcome surprise. No creases, either!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tSzRHSWPyAM/YTUZ5oUdwlI/AAAAAAAAUnc/gTAsYt0NHgcfS-6hYEWOI0xdfDCo4MI2gCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-04%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1469" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tSzRHSWPyAM/YTUZ5oUdwlI/AAAAAAAAUnc/gTAsYt0NHgcfS-6hYEWOI0xdfDCo4MI2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/2021-09-05%2B15-04%2B1.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div></div><div>Outside of the three above, the other 48 cards were all junk wax. And there were ZERO oddballs.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfSYkKFyBDE/YTUZ9k-0eBI/AAAAAAAAUng/asvt84SbpXInx8kdHsnj2x1uJdYPes_uQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-06.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfSYkKFyBDE/YTUZ9k-0eBI/AAAAAAAAUng/asvt84SbpXInx8kdHsnj2x1uJdYPes_uQCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-06.JPEG" width="268" /></a></div></div><div>The pack was 2021 Opening Day, which shows that this was packed very recently. While I'd rather have this than a pack of 1990 Donruss, it still doesn't really make up for the emptiness that the box provided.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWYr6ZOaczk/YTUaL3yylJI/AAAAAAAAUnw/LTVSeEMAD78jHp4E9f1bXaF3CmGhw4Z6gCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-07.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1163" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWYr6ZOaczk/YTUaL3yylJI/AAAAAAAAUnw/LTVSeEMAD78jHp4E9f1bXaF3CmGhw4Z6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w181-h320/2021-09-05%2B15-07.JPEG" width="181" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beAe627ZB58/YTUaNg0-3dI/AAAAAAAAUn0/Iloor34TBt8K02mQYzv5DrhufOZtCoKxwCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-09-05%2B15-07%2B1.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1915" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beAe627ZB58/YTUaNg0-3dI/AAAAAAAAUn0/Iloor34TBt8K02mQYzv5DrhufOZtCoKxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h299/2021-09-05%2B15-07%2B1.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>So that's that. Again, I know these repacks are often fairly lackluster, but now this feels like it's on a completely new level of rip-off. If that's how all these are from now on, I won't be rolling the dice anymore with Fairfield repacks. I'll keep my $5, happily.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are a lot more 2021 than they are 2019, and that's sad.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-5034947114133731972021-09-01T07:00:00.001-04:002021-09-01T07:00:00.213-04:00The future, but now<div style="text-align: left;">Although I was out in Colorado for MLB All-Star Festivities, I decided not to attend the Futures Game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It wasn't for lack of interest. I just had better things to do in Denver that afternoon, including visiting one of my old college roommates.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the most surprising storylines of the game was that Jasson Dominguez was selected to the AL squad. At the time, he had less than 10 games to his credit, so it was definitely a leap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Still, it's an exhibition game, and he's one of the game's top prospects. Maybe some guys deserved it more, but to me, if baseball has a chance to showcase young players who might be household names one day, they should do it. The game means nothing, so bring your big guns and show them off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dominguez hit a 100mph+ rocket for an out, but otherwise the game was uneventful for him. Still, it gave him a chance to be around other top prospects, many who are right on the doorstep of the majors. Hopefully he noticed how they prepared for the game, and took some notes. One note I hope he didn't take was letting the NL win. We all know that doesn't happen in the big boys game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2v6Om7RJhCs/YS2C1S9ErxI/AAAAAAAAUl4/rKUpL9iOxwg7QAJTqHVn_q5Nt_Pjt-fqgCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-08-30%2B21-14.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2v6Om7RJhCs/YS2C1S9ErxI/AAAAAAAAUl4/rKUpL9iOxwg7QAJTqHVn_q5Nt_Pjt-fqgCLcBGAsYHQ/2021-08-30%2B21-14.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">As expected, Topps put out a few cards to commemorate the game via Topps Now. Dominguez received one, so I headed to eBay and scooped it up for half the price that it goes for on Topps website. Dominguez cards are still rare enough to me that I don't mind spending a couple bucks for them here and there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's not first Bowman Chrome, but it's still pretty cool.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527071162164319087.post-37760780404579987712021-08-30T07:00:00.001-04:002021-08-30T07:00:00.209-04:00Flying up the rankings<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtChmD27NfA/YSwiQb6b3dI/AAAAAAAAUlc/1CVtkJVw0f0gJ5IzKv0vNc8q_gUWt7PyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2021-08-29%2B20-07.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1473" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtChmD27NfA/YSwiQb6b3dI/AAAAAAAAUlc/1CVtkJVw0f0gJ5IzKv0vNc8q_gUWt7PyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021-08-29%2B20-07.JPEG" width="230" /></a></div></div>Prospect rankings can often be inconsistent and arbitrary. Many in the Top 100 at any given time won't have an impact in the Major Leagues.<div><br /></div><div>Still, wouldn't you rather your team have a few high-ranking prospects?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Yankees haven't gotten a ton out of their most recent first round draft picks. Outside of Aaron Judge, many either didn't make it, were traded, or are still finding their way in the minors. There have been short bursts of success, but by and large their picks have underwhelmed over the past decade. That happens when you frequently pick in the late 20s and don't have access to top five talent.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019, the Yankees selected a local product, high school short stop Anthony Volpe from Watchung, NJ. He was committed to Vanderbilt, but the Yanks signed him away. Many felt the pick was fine, maybe a slight reach, and perhaps not the most exciting prospect.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019, he played in a few games and his season was cut short by mono.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then 2020 was a throwaway year for lower level minor leaguers.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in 2021, the Yankees look like they may have struck gold with their 2019 first rounder. Volpe has been nothing short of amazing. In MLB Pipeline's most recent Top 100 mid-season rankings, Volpe comes in at number 15 overall. Even more impressive, he did this from not being ranked at the start of the season. That is a massive jump.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for good reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just 20 years old, he has played at A and A+ levels this year, hitting .302/.436/.609 with 21 HRs in 90 games. He has swiped 28 bases, and has walked about as much as he has K'd. He's doing all this at shortstop, while be a few years below the average age of his competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot can happen between A+ and AA and AAA. But for now, it appears the Yankees have something special brewing, and what a story it would be to see a local kid man SS for the Yankees. With all due respect to Andrew Velazquez, of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>Volpe cards used to be fairly easy to pluck on TCDB, but now not so much. Still, I managed to get quite a few before he burst onto the scene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSem0QF0nkI/YSwivO1iedI/AAAAAAAAUls/VTeIzlCG_f80TVJkKZqri3fSo4-mbVLIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1936/2021-08-29%2B20-07%2B1.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1378" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSem0QF0nkI/YSwivO1iedI/AAAAAAAAUls/VTeIzlCG_f80TVJkKZqri3fSo4-mbVLIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021-08-29%2B20-07%2B1.JPEG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ebx51-BFQ/YSwivNAniOI/AAAAAAAAUlo/Tuz9I_6dV5Y04O0ZeRcWRUi5iwyUk9TTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2021-08-29%2B20-09.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1531" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ebx51-BFQ/YSwivNAniOI/AAAAAAAAUlo/Tuz9I_6dV5Y04O0ZeRcWRUi5iwyUk9TTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021-08-29%2B20-09.JPEG" width="239" /></a></div><div>Here's to hoping he continues to flourish and climb the rankings as one of the best prospects in baseball.</div>The Lost Collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281282785351456790noreply@blogger.com6