Rockin' Robin! Tweet tweet

 On Listia, I stole this sweet 1962 Topps Robin Roberts. I got it for way too cheap. I had seen an oddball card or two with Roberts as a Yankee, but nothing from Topps. I just didn't know it existed.

Now, I believe if you look closely, you can still see red pinstripes, but they are pretty subtle. Topps also didn't do a crappy airbrush job on a cap. They simply showed Robins well-maintained mane.

Roberts never did pitch for the Yankees, but it's very unique to have this card of a Hall of Famer, on your team, who never actually played for your team. Any other instances of that happening? I'm sure there are, but none off the top of my head.

Three vintage HOFers from Cardboard Catastophes

A few weeks ago, I offered to send Jeff from Cardboard Catastrophes two cards for his 1973 Topps set quest. I didn't need anything in return, but Jeff insisted he send me a HOFer for my son's binder. Not necessary, but who am I to say no?

Jeff sent me WAAAAAY too much for the two '73s I sent. The first card was the one Jeff had mentioned in the email - a 1956 Warren Giles. He went in to the HOF as an executive, so I figured that was a cool card to put in the binder.

While Jeff should have stopped there, he didn't. He included a note that said, "Here are a few dupes I had for your son's HOF binder." Um, I'm not sure how many people have has dupes of this next card:

Yes, a 1956 Topps Robin Roberts. Holy crap! I was floored when I pull that from the package.

The last card to fall out was this sweet Rollie Fingers 1974 Topps. Three HOFers. Great additions to the binder. Thanks again, Jeff!

Trade Review: Trading with the "enemy" (Shane)

Usually the Yankees and Sox don't make trades. I think the last deal was in 1997...the Yankees reacquired Mike Stanley for the stretch run. In return, the Yanks sent the Red Sox Tony Armas Jr, who later was shipped to Montreal in the Pedro deal. Oy. Anyhow, luckily the stakes aren't as high with inter-blog trading as opposed to inter-division trading. Therefore, Shane of Off The Wall and I felt comfortable about making a swap. Just as the Sox have done to the Yanks this year, Shane kicked my butt in this trade.

First and foremost, he send this awesome Jorge Posada dual relic. See those two Pinstripes? Yeah, me too. Just a gorgeous card.

There was then a whole box of Yankee goodness.

I've highlighted a few of my favorites, but I enjoyed the whole box. There were so many unique cards and ones I didn't have...minor leaguers and oddballs and stars. It was a lot of fun to sort through. First off, a few oddballs. Did you know Robin Roberts pitched for the Yankees? Well, sort of. He was acquired after the 1961 season and spent the spring with the Yanks, but never pitched in a regular season game. He came in and just didn't throw well without explanation. I bet it was similar to what Phil Hughes went through earlier this season...showed up at Spring Training and his velocity was missing. The Yanks released a devastated Roberts on April 23, before the season had started. He signed on with the Orioles in May and pitched fairly well for the the next few seasons. I wish I had this card a few years ago and was able to get Roberts to sign it TTM, as he was a great signer before he passed. Still cool to have a card of him in a Yankee uniform.

Up next, an awesome John Elway Yankees card. I wonder how good at baseball he could have been? All Star? I bet. I scanned this Carl Evertt card just to show that he has always been a punk. Just look at him. I'll always hate him for breaking up Mike Mussina's perfect game at Fenway. Not so much for breaking it up, but coming back to the dugout like he was Joe Carter and had just hit a World Series clinching homer. He was a d-bag.

Some sweet Red Diamond Yanks! I believe these are the Target exclusive version. I didn't have any of these cards, and I really like them. I have a purple Cano I believe.

Last but not least, a really cool Alfonso Soriano die cut. I've always loves die cuts and I think this one is a beauty!

Shane, thanks for an awesome trade. I definitely owe you more Red Sox and I'll certainly set my next batch aside for you.