Dr. K

One of the best guys out there, @YanksandBeans, recently sent me a surprise PWE with one card in it last week. I sent him one with a Charlie Hayes auto, and he may have felt the need to even the score, which he didn’t need to do. I was happy to send along a dupe to him.

I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say, I was pretty damn thrilled to add the above Dwight Gooden autograph to my collection!

I didn’t have any Doc Gooden autos, so this on-card beauty was very welcomed. Doc was obviously a polarizing figure, but he really contributed to the Yankees 1996 run. I actually remember in 1996 (I was 12 at the time), driving somewhere with my friend and his dad. I remember two things his Dad asked me in the card, knowing I was a big Yankees fan (and so was here):

1. Why do you suppose the Yankees needed to trade for Luis Sojo?
2. Boy, where would the Yankees be without Doc Gooden?

Overall, his numbers weren’t spectacular, but he really kept the Yankees afloat with valuable innings. David Cone was lost for much of the year with his aneurysm, and Gooden filled in admirably.

His numbers were poor at the beginning of the season (despite his no-hitter) and he tired down the stretch, but in those hot summer months, he gave the team a huge boost that is easy to overlook. In fact, in three starts from July 23-Aug 2, he threw 24 innings and only gave up 2 ERs, including a complete game shutout of the Royals on August 2. On August 12, his ERA sat at a tidy 3.88 (keep in mind offensive numbers during these years). He was reliable, effective, and ended up tossing 170 innings the year after he was suspended from the game.

While he was left off of the post-season roster, Doc helped that 1996 team win a World Series as much as anyone.

Nick, thank you for the awesome card!

ThanksandBeans

Last month, I got a nice little package from my pal Nick aka YanksandBeans over at The Cardboard Dugout.

For those unfamiliar, Nick used to blog quite a bit, posting epic box breaks. They were epic in the sense of how entertaining they were. Usually box breaks are super boring, but I'd watch all of Nick's because they were just that good. If you have 10 spare minutes, check out his blog and watch and old break. I bet you won't stop at just one.

Nick also joined a fantasy baseball league I'm in this past year. He took over a crappy team with a bare cupboard and did a nice job. Most importantly, he played hard. He'll be set up much better next year with some keepers and a high draft choice.

Anyhow, Nick sent one Big Mike that I needed. I didn't think I needed it until I checked my "have" list, and realized that I only had the 2011 Finest Refractor and not the base card. Derrrrp. Glad I checked!

He also sent a nice stack of Yankee legends!

Nick, I appreciate the gesture. Thank you, my friend.

What about Dads? We need presents too!

As mentioned, a few weeks ago, my wife and I welcomed baby #2 to the world. I got a ton of messages of congrats from all of you, which I really appreciated. Thank you!

Last week, while taking time off from work to help with the baby, I got an envelop from Nick aka Yanks and Beans of The Cardboard Dugout. Upon opening it, the Michael Pineda auto above fell out.

Wow! Nick also included a note, saying that when he had his daughter, his wife and baby got all the presents. It wasn't fair, and here's a gift for Dad. Too cool.

Nick, I can't thank you enough. This means a lot. If you haven't yet, head over to The Cardboard Dugout. You won't find funnier box breaks.