Surprise cards from All The Way To The Backstop

A few days ago, I got a surprise envelope from Marcus overat “All the Way to the Backstop.” Marcus sent me a handful of Yanks from 2012 Archives and Bowman.

I really like the Archives Mantle (I know, I know, another Topps Mantle). The white just makes it look so much different than others. I also noticed that the signature on the 1971 Rivera is different than his current autograph. It looks like perhaps it was his original Topps contract signature. His autograph now is a little more mature, yet still perfectly legible. 

The Betances 2012 Bowman will go straight to my Dellin PC.

Marcus, thanks for the Yanks!

Tino Tuesday #45: 1998 Topps #236

This is one of my favorite cards of Tino Martinez of my favorite moment of his career. In Game One of the 1998 World Series, with the game knotted at 5 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Mark Langston delivered the perfect 2-2 pitch to Tino Martinez. I admit, it probably should have been called strike three. But it wasn’t. The ump called it ball three. The next pitch, Tino sent the ball into the upper deck in right field. From that moment on, the series was pretty much over. The no-call was a back breaker so early in the series.

I’ll never forget watch the ball leave Tino's bat. I know exactly where I was watching from in my house…up on the landing from the dining room that looked down into the family room. See the fans go crazy and beer spray everywhere, and the jubilation of not only the crowd, but of Tino’s Yankee teammates. They were jumping around like kids.

Tino came out for a curtain call, and I remember just being so emotional and having goose bumps. When you see your hero do something of that magnitude, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. There are a few cards that mention this moment, but this card captures it perfectly. The swing. Both Tino and Carlos Hernandez watching the ball disappear. And on the back, the intensity that made Tino so loved.

The card itself was part of Series One, but had a different look than the base cards. I think that's kind of cool. Nowadays, everything looks like the regular base cards but with a little line of text under it, such as "Most games played has a Yankee." I like having a slightly different look for the World Series cards (or other season achievements).

A card you should own - a Griffey Jr RC

What's a cheap (under $5), cool card you feel every collector should add to their collection?

San Jose Fuji asked about a cheap card that everyone should own. I thought about this a lot because all collectors are different. What's cool to me may not be cool to someone else. What is a must-own card for me, someone else might not give a damn about.

So instead of focusing on a Yankees card or a beat up piece of vintage (which I probably would prefer), I suggest owning a RC of likely the greatest player any of us have ever seen...Ken Griffey Jr. Junior's year with the Mariners were amazing. He killed the Yankees, and I hated him. I respected him, but didn't like him. Hate or dislike isn't the right word. Feared him. I feared him every time he came to the plate.

Once he went to the Reds and his career slowed due to injuries, I found myself missing the old days when Griffey was a dominant player. It was sad to see a player who once moved so gracefully hobble around the bases or struggle to play consecutive days. You'd still see a glimpse or two every now and then. A mammoth HR here and there. But it wasn't like early Seattle Griffey.

He unfortunately got overshadowed by the Bonds and ARods and Pujols and Sosas, but Griffey was the star in the '90s, and everyone should own his RC. The Upper Deck may be too pricey, but a Fleer or Donruss will run you only a couple of bucks. It's worth it.

Happy Father's Day!

To all you dads out there, Happy Father's Day! Enjoy the day with your loved ones!

TTM Success: Bernie Allen

Yesterday I came home from work, and there was a white SASE waiting for me. Yes! I hadn't gotten one in awhile. I knew it was an old one because the stamp was a holiday ornament design. It was post-marked from Indiana, and I had no idea who it might be.

Turns out, it was Bernie Allen! The former Yankee signed my 1973 Topps in about six months time. He signed it in blue Sharpie, and it looks great.

Thanks, Mr. Allen!

Seeing Red

Gary Sanchez is such a good hitter that he makes opposing pitchers see red. I wonder if they seem him the way he looks in this card. It’s a 2011 Heritage Minors Red tint variation, numbered to 699.

I’ve been wanting it for a while, and a BIN of $1 + free shipping showed up, so I pounced. He’s only 19, but he’s hitting .299 with 10 HRs and 48 RBIs in A-ball. He’ll soon supplant Jesus Montero in Yankees fans’ hearts as the next big time catching prospect known more for his bat than his defense.

Trade with reader Zach

I always enjoy finding a new trading partner. Zach recently commented on an Adam Jones relic that I posted about from 2012 Archives. He offered up a 2011 A&G Nick Swisher bat relic. I don’t have any Swisher relics, so I accepted in an easy one for one deal.

Of course, Zach threw in a few other Yanks, including this 2012 Archive Michael Pineda. It’s my first Pineda in a Yanks uniform. I just wish he was pitching this year.

Thanks, Zach!