TTM #121- OLD Return!

Hey guys, Drew back here! Wow, it's been too long. I know I promised to be right back at it this summer, but to be quite honest I haven't had much of anything to write about. I received this TTM success a few weeks ago, and was waiting to include it with other successes, but I've been knee deep in one of the bigger TTM droughts I've had in a long while. To assure you all that I'm still alive, take a look at one of the older successes I've had in a while.

Jamie Moyer: c/ Home, 4/4 in 16 Days

 

I know technically Jamie Moyer isn't exactly an old man, but in baseball terms he was as old as it got. Moyer had one of the longest careers in today's era of baseball, and last season he became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to record a win, at the age of 49! An article on Deadspin claims that Moyer had faced over 8% of hitters to ever have an at bat in the big leagues, which really shows the length of his career, which stemmed from 1986 to 2012. He was never a superstar, but he was a model of consistency and perseverance. He even underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 just to prepare to pitch one last time. 

 

 

Moyer not only signed his 1987 Topps rookie card, but he also signed the other 3 cards I sent to him: a 2005 Topps Gold Parallel I've had for a while, a 2008 Upper Deck, and a 2009 Allen & Ginter! The Upper Deck bubbled a little bit but generally they all came out great! Thanks Mr. Moyer!

See Ya!

Back to Back MVP Candidate eBay Pickup!

Hey everyone, Drew back here. Next week will finally wrap up the first quarter of this school year, and thus far, it has not been easy, as expected. The work load is pretty heavy, and with working out, learning to drive, and sleeping in my free time, I have had just about zero time to put towards my collection. However, once in a while when I get the chance to check eBay, I've treated myself to some nice stuff. This one was certainly one of them. Take a look:

Out of 2009 Allen & Ginter; here is a pretty sweet on card autograph of last year's National League MVP, Ryan Braun! I paid just under $30 for the card, and I feel like it was worth every penny, considering he had another MVP caliber season that could possible make him a back to back champion when the winner is announced. His 2011 MVP winning season was great, although he was questioned for performance enhancing drug use. This year, Braun proved that unless he's on some strange substance that slips through the testing systems, he's completely legit. He batted .319 with 41 home runs and 112 RBI for a worse Brewers team, so you could argue his 2012 campaign has been his best yet.

Anyway, it's a sharp card as are most all Ginter cards, and I'm glad I was able to add it, despite the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of his statistics. Until he's proven guilty, I like him.

See Ya!

TTM #39- INCREDIBLE SUCCESS!

Hey guys, Drew back here. Just a few days ago, I finally, and by finally, I mean over a year of waiting, got this TTM back! And it wasn't just any player... take a look:

Not one...

Not two...

But THREE autographed cards from Yankees All Star pitcher CC Sabathia! When I opened this envelope, he was by far the last person I thought it could've been from! Two of the cards didn't come out spectacular, but that Allen & Ginter looks incredible. And please, I don't need information about prepping chrome cards, this was a year ago, and in case you didn't know you could rub an eraser on chrome cards as well as many other tools.

Anyway, Sabathia must've recently caught up on his mail, and I'm sure he had an awful lot to catch up on! He's won 157 games in his 10 year career, with an ERA of 3.57 and 1787 strikeouts. He has become possibly the best workhorse in baseball, and is a true model of consistency. He won his 1st World Series in 2009 with the Yankees and hopefully can lead them to many more!

Thanks SO much CC! See Ya!

TTM #7

Hey guys, Drew back here. I got 2 more packages in today, well, one was a TTM, but anyway, I wanted to share it all with ya, it's from Spring Training and is of a pretty decent starting pitcher. Check it out:

Ian Snell! Ian was kind enough to sign the 3 cards I sent him last Tuesday, an 8 day return! Not bad! Ian (according to the back of the 2010 Upper Deck) has a record of 38-48 with a career 4.71 ERA. Not too bad, but not excellent either. Hopefully Mr. Snell has a nice comeback season after he was 7-10 with a 4.84 ERA. I'm on team Ian now, along with the 6 other guys that sent back for me so far. I'm on team Jeff King, Mike Mussina, Garret Anderson, Curtis Granderson, Yogi Berra, and Pat Neshek!!!

On a seperate note, check out the 08 A&G card. Notice it's kinda bent. THANKS POSTAL SERVICE LOVE YA TOO!!! In my opinion the 09 Allen & Ginter came out best. I've got I think 7 or 8 TTM's lurking about now, plus 2 I may never get back, Nick Swisher & Brad Smith.

See Ya!

TTM #6- A Survivor

Hey guys, Drew back here, and I'm pretty psyched, well, last Monday when I got this package. Let me tell you all a little story, so get comfortable and start reading, haha.

I sent 5 cards and an index card out to this player last year (Yes, I was greedy). The player is not a big name in baseball but is pretty good, and is very well known to you TTMers out there. I sent the cards to the team address, but, I forgot that this player was injured while I sent it, rehabbing in single A. So.... I basically thought I was screwed, especially since I sent it along with 2 others in September I think.

Sure enough, this guy must've brought his mail with him to Fort Lauderdale, cuz my cards came back, all signed!

PAT NESHEK!!! He signed every single thing I sent him, surprised he didn't sign the stinkin envelope, this guy is awesome! The 09 A&G came out pretty nice, the 08 Upper Deck looks sweet and so does the 09 Topps. The 08 Topps is ok, the picture wasn't that great in the first place. However, my favorite was this one...

I've seen him do this before, and I think that's why I sent it. Not only did Mr. Neshek sign the card, but he also inscribed it with his birthdate and hometown, because the card has to do with him being from Wisconsin. Sweet!

Lastly, he signed an index card for me. It got a little dinged up on the way here, so I'm gonna make a nice cut signature for it, but it may be difficult because he signed so big! The last thing I'll do is cut it to make it fit, so I'll do anything to make this cut work!

Thanks Pat so much for taking out the time to sign for me!!! You can check him out on his blog, link here. He collects cards and has a super PC of this Neshek guy, so if you have anything for his PC then send it to the Twins. See Ya!

PS: Sent 5 TTM's out today, 4 spring trainings. It may be a little late, but I'm tryin!

White Plains Card Show Review Part 1

Hey guys, Drew back here. I have been extremely busy lately, yesterday I had to go to church, watch the Jets move on (YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and I had a friend over (Rule #1- Don't post when friends are over). Anyway, I'm doing a short series on the show in White Plains for the next few days, so, part 1 is right here waiting for ya!

Part 1:
INTRODUCTION

Well, another awesome day to recap for ya. Very sunny day on Saturday in White Plains, and definitely a great day to spend a ton of money on cards! I had quite a bit of cash on me, and watch out when you have 300 tables full of cards! First I'll start with the stuff you all can care less about, the free pack of junk that kids get when you walk in (game used are 1 in 5 packs, I got one of those 4 boring ones), and the stuff I picked up for sets! So, first off a little list of those cards, then the video with some of the cards mentioned is at the end, here we go:

Free Mixed Pack:
- Bunch of 08-09 Basketball Cards (notables: Grant Hill, Rasheed Wallace, Stephon Marbury, Andrei Kirilenko, Elton Brand, Michael Redd, Derek Fisher, Joakim Noah, Tony Parker)
- 2008 Topps Grady Sizemore Home Run Derby Card
- 1 Pack of 2007 Upper Deck Football (Eric Moulds, Antonio Bryant, Star Rookies of some non star, Gridiron Debut RC Anthony Fasano, LaDainian Tomlinson 1,000 Yard Rushing Club)

Set Cards Needed:
- 2009 Allen & Ginter: 304 Yunel Escobar, 343 Doc Halladay, 347 Yovani Gallardo (Finished the set woooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!)
- 2009 Allen & Ginter Sketches: AGHS2 Ken Griffey Jr. (finished this too wooooooooo!!!!)
- 2008 Goudey: 3 Brandon Webb, 55 Larry Doby, 160 Matt Cain (need 1 card to finish this base set, Joe Mauer card #110, please contact me if you have it! yanks1996wsc@gmail.com)
- 2008 Goudey 201-230 Short Prints: 221 Reggie Jackson, 228 Bob Gibson, 230 Stan Musial
- 2008 Piece of History: 12 Cards, Best one was a Joey Votto RC, still need at least 25 cards for this set

Here's the video, nothing special in this post but did finish off the Allen & Ginter base set and sketch card set which means that

I'M DONE WITH 09 ALLEN & GINTER YAY!!!!

It was fun completing the set and I definitely think it was worth it (once I get a binder haha), so, another set down! Sadly, I may do the 2009 206 set but I'm thinking about it. Some cards in the set didn't come out great but some are nice. See Ya!

Awards Recap & Mailday

Hey guys, Drew back here, last night was a long one but it seems that everyone is happy with the outcome of our awards. We didn't get that many votes, so that part wasn't great, but for the most part everything went well. Thanks to all who voted and made it (somewhat) possible, and thanks to all the nominees for providing an awesome source of entertainment in my life. I think the awards went to some of the best in the business, even though they don't wanna admit it. So, thanks for everything guys, and now it is time to move on!

What better way to move on than posting some mail I got quite a while ago, from reader John. I've seen his name in trades a few times now, and he certainly impressed me! Due to all the holidays and awards I will have yours shipped Monday if you're reading. Also, I got 3 packages in from the Blowout Forum and Sports Card Forum. I made a mistake on the video saying only 2 from those sites but it's really 3, sorry about that. I've now made 5 trades on Blowout and 6 on SCF. Not bad. Check them out!

2009 Card Product Awards!!!!

Hey guys, so far, so good, here are your winners for the best products and cards of the year:

Card Company of the Year: Topps

Baseball Product of the Year: Topps Allen & Ginter

Football Product of the Year: Topps Mayo

Baseball Insert Set of the Year: Topps Propaganda Posters

Football Insert Set of the Year: SPX Shadow Box

Baseball Autographed Insert of the Year:

Allen & Ginter Framed Autos

Football Autographed Insert of the Year:

UD Philadelphia On Card Autos

Yeah, that was mine

Well, voting is officially over and I'm kinda glad, that was pretty brutal. The winners for the blog awards will posted at least starting at like 10:00, blog of the year will be announced at midnight! Alright, later! Happy New Year!

My Card Company Awards

Hey guys, Drew back here, I felt like sharing my thoughts on the 2009 products with you. Very soon the nominees for the blog awards will be announced, but for now, here are my standings on some of the awards based on card companies & products from 2009, baseball and football:

Card Company of the Year:

5. Other: Not really much other than the 4 big companies to pick.

4. Tristar: Obak was a big hit, and of course Projections is a big seller with the prospectors.

3. Panini/Donruss: These guys kinda came back, it looks like they have done well in football & basketball thus far.

2. Upper Deck: The folks at Upper Deck didn't have a stellar year like 2008 but some big products were released, Goodwin Champions, O-Pee-Chee, and I really like Ballpark Collection.

1. Topps: Let's just say that Topps outdid themselves this year, almost every product this year came out on top. Their flagship set was the best in forever, including Turkey Red and Legends of the Game inserts certainly helped that. Products like Allen & Ginter, Triple Threads, 206, Unique, Finest, Heritage, Topps Chrome, and I don't know about you but I liked Ticket to Stardom too! Other than Topps Attax, all the products were thought out really well and Topps deserves an A for effort this year!

Baseball Product of the Year:

5. O-Pee-Chee: This set didn't have big expectations, but going to Target to find a nice, well designed 1.59 pack made me happy. Some of the cards looked a little scary but I think it gets in my Top 5.

4. Upper Deck Ballpark Collection: One of the best high end products available, because you will get at least one good hit in the box, unlike taking chances at Triple Threads or Sterling. Although the players paired on the same card have no meaning to be with each other, I must say that it helps with player collectors, more cards of their player in the set. I haven't bought the product at all but have bought 2 Cano dual jerseys, a 6 swatch with Cano, a Swisher Auto jersey, and I traded with Beardy for a Swisher 8 swatch.

3. Topps 206: Although I have been at Target/hobby shop 1 time in the past like, 3 months, and haven't purchased any packs of this stuff, I bought a Cano jersey and it is really nice. The design is untouchable and although it has it's flaws, we can't expect perfection. The photography is hit or miss but the hit's look incredible. The SECOND best retro set this year for me.

2. Topps Chrome: Hopefully, at some point in the future I can complete this set. (Speaking of completion, I'm gonna have a set completed very soon) I haven't put up a wantlist yet, but haven't really bought enough yet to try. The design is sweet and although most of us hate the World Baseball Classic kindling, the refractors are SWEET! And on card autos, how can you go wrong?

1. Topps Allen & Ginter: One word to describe this product: Wow. This was by far the best release of this product so far, and Topps hit a walk off, grand slam, out of the park home run on this set. Beautiful photography and the design can not be denied. Add in a nice relic/autograph design plus the possibility for rip cards and red ink autos, and wood cards, wow.

Football Product of the Year (so far)

gotta go a little faster now...

5. Topps Mayo: Sweet old school design and great relics. Plus the inclusion of NFL legends makes the second year in a row release a hit. But, the reason it isn't higher is the horrible autograph design, but let's not talk about that now.

4. Absolute Memorabilia: The high end product everybody wants. Again, it's hit or miss, but it is way popular with the collectors and is a best seller, so why not.

3. Topps Flagship: Yeah, I should've put this in baseball too, but, the football design was pretty nice this year, glad they didn't use the same design as baseball, it would get old. Great job again Topps!

2. Upper Deck Philadelphia: Sweet set, bought one pack only so far, but pulled a D-Bowe auto, now in the hands of the bearded wonder. The design again is very cool and there are some very nice on card autos.

1. Topps Chrome: Now, this is how to make a product kiddies! I love the chromified design of the base, plus the great refractors, this is a hit!

Baseball Insert of the Year: Propaganda Posters, from Topps Updates and Highlights

Very unique set, I don't think it's ever been done before.

Football Insert of the Year: National Chicle, from Topps

Again, cool retro design, I think 2009 was the year of the retro(ness)

Baseball Autographed Set of the Year: Allen & Ginter framed autographs

Simply.... amazing

Football Autographed Set of the Year: Gridiron Gems from Gridiron Gear

These are case hits in this product, and the autograph pulls out, and they are really cool. I managed to pull one of Dexter Jackson in last year's version, and it is sweet!

Ok, those are the product awards we will be running. These may not be our nominees, they're just my votes. I'm gonna have some mail up from Saints of the Cheap Seats tomorrow or Tuesday, we'll see. See Ya!

Big Mailday!

Hey guys, Drew back here. I haven't posted much lately because I have been focused mainly on school, and really haven't had much time for cards. I'm looking to catch up on stuff for everyone that I owe, plus get some cards for my friend for his birthday, plus work on my own PC. I actually have become interested in other Yankees lately, especially due to some rumors that Swisher could get traded. I also want to get the Granderson rookie card since he was just added to the team. Honestly, I don't want the Yanks getting Halladay because I don't want guys like Swisher, Cabrera, Gardner, Cervelli, or Jesus Montero's jobs in jeopardy, and don't forget Hughes & Joba. So, anyway, here is some of the mail I've gotten recently. Some sweet stuff in there, be sure to check it out!

Smaller Wantlist:

Need these!!!!

2009 Allen & Ginter Sketch Card 2 (Griffey Jr.)
2007 UD Masterpieces Cards #16, 54, 67
Curtis Granderson RC
Any Cano/Swisher Topps 206/Topps Unique/Goodwin/Sp Authentic/Ticket to Stardoms

Let me know by email, yanks1996wsc@gmail.com

See Ya!

Goodwin Blaster and some packs

Expect a better review of Goodwin soon, as for the blaster, so so. I have a tradelist put up for them, but I may decide to keep the legends to get signed in the possible future. Most will be for trade, but I also am keeping the Yanks. All of the Allen & ginter are for trade, and the O-Pee-Chees are also for trade, but I may want to save the Pujols because I really like it. Lastly, all of the Bowman Chrome other than the Chien-Mien Wang are also for trade. See Ya!

2009 Allen & Ginter tradelist

Hey guys, today is the day to post trade lists for 2009 Allen & Ginter apparently. I'm next up, here is what I need to trade. Here is a link to my wantlist, where you can find cards I need from the base and short print set, National Prides, and Baseball Sketch cards. I might try for the Mythical creatures set after this, it looks pretty cool, or the Hoaxes, Hoodwinks, and Bamboozles set, that also is cool. Anyway, here is my tradelist. I'll include a few relics on here too, so be sure to check that out. Here we go:

BASE SET: Cards 1-350
Doubles: 7, 16, 25, 37, 40, 45, 47, 50, 51, 52, 58, 59, 65, 68, 70, 72, 75, 77, 78, 84, 86, 97, 100, 101, 103, 109, 115, 116, 134, 138, 143, 144, 149, 152, 155, 159, 160, 165, 170, 176, 179, 184, 192, 196, 200, 201, 205, 216, 223, 237, 238, 243, 248, 251, 253, 258, 260, 262, 271, 288, 293

National Prides: 1-75 Insert Set
NP52, NP53

Relics:
Bob Crowley Tie Card (I think it's a tie)
Carlos Beltran Jersey
Nate McClouth Jersey

Red= Just traded

There you have it! Everything is now open for trading. TAKE THEM ALL! See Ya!

Mail and battle wounds!

Hey guys, Drew back here. Last night I went to a friend's airsoft gun party, my 3rd so far. I don't have a gun yet so I'm borrowing other kids guns and they all suck so I'm basically screwed. I got shot 3 times, one swiped me and barely hit me on the shirt, and the other 2 was an accident. I was behind a huge hay bail and he was slowly moving up. Me with my $5 pistol I borrowed occasionally put a shot up and then he came around the corner, shot me in the stomach and accidentally pulled the trigger again and shot me right smack on the cheek. I'm left with these 2 nasty huge welts and scrapes all over my legs. Tough blow

Anyway, I got some mail in today courtesy of Chris from Baseball Card Nirvana. He is a new blogger, so make him feel happy and subscribe to his blog! We recently made a trade, after he left a comment saying he had cards I needed for my Allen & Ginter set. I sent off a few Cubs cards to him and when I got my package I got these:

I didn't know he would do this, so apparently I owe him a package! That is a beautiful baseball card, one of my favorites, I'm pretty sure my mom's favorite too. Plus 4 cards I needed for the set, I couldn't ask for more! Thanks Chris, and See Ya!

Mail from Nachos Grande!

Hey guys, Drew back here. I sent out my 4 trade packages today! Pretty crazy huh, that is the reason I haven't posted too often in the past few days, around 1 a day. The 1st package that came to me was coming from the fanofreds, after we completed a 15 for 15 set filling deal. Here are those cards:

First a nice note...


Then a Red Sox cheater


Then the great future Hall of Famer, Jim Thome


A couple National Prides, one of a druggie


Base to knock off the wantlist: Jason Wong (338), Rick Porcello RC (316), David Price RC (225), Frank Evans (57), Nick Markakis (31), Florence Nightingale (33), Kristin Armstrong (23), Clyde Parris (18), Jorge Posada (4), Matt Cain (8), Jacoby Ellsbury (11)

Thanks for the trade and enjoy your cards! See ya!

I got Cereal!

Hey guys, Drew back here, after going to stores preparing for school all day, I went to a card shop and Modells, and I picked up a Topps Series 2 Lou Gehrig Cereal box at Mo's and a pack of 09 Allen & Ginter at the shop. First up is the Allen & Ginter pack:

Roy Oswalt (235) Need it
Jason Motte RC (157 I think) Need it
Chien Ming Wang (27) Have it, For trade
Carl Crawford (251) Have it, for trade
A.J. Burnett (312) Have it, for trade
David Price Baseball Sketch (AGHS21) Need it
Johnny Damon Regular Mini (136) I'd rather keep it but if you really need it for a set I'll trade it
Dice-K National Pride (NP51 or 52, sorry, don't have the numbers with me)

Here are some pics:

The cereal box was a bargain indeed. I followed the word of collectors and bought it using a gift card at Modells, a Gehrig just cuz. I'll just list the notables, if you need anything just let me know, I'm not sure if I'll have what you need or not, but I have a good selection, here's some pictures of my favorites:

My favorite base of the bunch. Just a cool shot of Sheff. I also pulled a Swisher & Cano for the Yankees collection.


Lovely, the future of Yankee shortstops




Borrrrrrraaaaannnnnnnng!


Double, for trade, just holla


You want it? You got it!


And the big hit I was expecting was a.........


Gold Lou Gehrig!!!!

That is a beauty in every sort of the word. This was a great deal, I got only 5 or 6 doubles, and I was overall very impressed. Go Topps! See Ya!