Overdue Mail from John H!

Hey everyone, Drew back here. Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes; I had a nice birthday although I spent the majority of it at work. I've spoiled myself enough this summer where I didn't feel too obligated in taking my birthday off, and luckily I was off today to celebrate anyway.

About a month ago, I was randomly sent a care package from reader John H. John was one of the many who claimed a team in my big giveaway earlier this year, and ever since he and I have spoken sporadically about baseball and what not via email. Here are the highlights of what John sent along!

I will always take "vintage" Jets cards whenever given the chance. Although the 1980's and 1990's are not generally viewed as vintage, it has sure felt like forever since they have been of relevance. Sure, they appeared in the AFC Championship game twice in a row, but let's be real; they haven't been a significant threat in a long time. The days of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, and the rest of the Sack Exchange are long since gone, but hopefully Gang Green will improve in 2015 with all of their substantial defensive upgrades.

John sent along some Yankees as well, including a few Curtis Granderson cards I didn't have. I have always been on the fence with Grandy. I love him as a person, but I could never get on board with his home run/strikeout approach while he played in New York. His two 40 home run seasons are missed, sure, but I'll take what the Yankees are getting out of Gardner and Ellsbury (when healthy) any day over that. It's nice seeing him on the Mets now, because I can still somewhat root for him, but I don't get nearly as angry when he strikes out another 150 times a season.

We wrap up with some cool Jorge Posada cards. Posada was on my radar early on this summer when I finished reading his great autobiography, but ever since he's faded right back to how I've always viewed him. I gained a lot of respect for the Bronx backstop, but I can't help but always view him as the "Ringo" of the Core Four (John Lennon = Jeter, Paul McCartney = Rivera, George Harrison = Andy Pettitte; tell me if you see that as well or if I'm just crazy). Regardless, I'll always gladly take any cards of his that I can get my hands on!

Thank you so much John for the random act of kindness! I'm sorry I took so long to post it, but here it is now; better late than never!

See Ya!

Mailday - Welcomed PC Additions from John!

Hey guys, Drew back here. Yesterday, I shipped the remainder of the #FreeStuff packages, and the only teams remaining to claim are the Kansas City Royals, Washington Nationals, and Cleveland Indians. If you're interested, please comment or email me (yanks1996wsc@gmail.com) and I will get them out as soon as I can. I didn't ask for anything in return for the cards, as I was initially just trying to clear out a bin of doubles that was taking up space in my collection. However, one of my readers, John, claimed two teams and wanted to reciprocate for what I sent him. I received a package from him a few days ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many holes he filled in my PC's!

John started off with cards of some of my favorite Yankees. He actually added 2 new cards to my Robinson Cano PC, the 254th and 255th unique cards in the collection! I'm beginning to warm back up to Cano, but I'd prefer to stick with collecting his Yankees cards (though I'd take the Mariners ones too). I just wish Topps would realize that the facsimile autograph they put on his cards matched his actual autograph; it's not even close.

Next, he sent a bunch of cool older Johnny Damon cards! I don't have enough of his pre-Yankees cards, and after meeting him at a card show I've grown to like him more as a player and person. He still hasn't announced his retirement because he thinks he's still got the talent to play in the big leagues. I admire that.

Finally, John sent along a bunch of non-Yankee cards that fulfilled some of my smaller player PC's. Nick Swisher used to be one of my main collections, but collecting him got a little boring after a while and I've slowed down. Believe it or not, this was my first card of him in an Indians uniform. I really hope to see Hamilton recover from his recent relapse, because he's easily been one of my favorite players to watch growing up.

Thank you so much again John for all of the great cards! You really didn't have to!

See Ya!