First 2Pac, then Michael Jackson, now Jeter? Christmas Gift!

Hey guys, Drew back here! It's been a very busy few weeks for me as I've been settling back into my house for the foreseeable future; sorting cards and memorabilia left and right to ease my temptation to do so when I need to be doing my schoolwork a week from now until May. However, I'm proud to say that I've been able to put up much more posts lately than I have really over the past year, so to keep up with that; I wanted to share a pretty cool gift I got for Christmas that I've never seen before. Behold, the Jeter hologram ball!

  

Well, maybe this isn't a hologram, but rather a limited edition Laser-Etched Glass Sculpture from the Hamilton Collection made to commemorate Derek Jeter's final season! My mom came across it shopping for Christmas gifts and thought it would be something neat to give me, given Jeter is my favorite baseball player of all time, and I really like it. If you can see in the picture on the left, inside the baseball seams stands a swinging Jeter with his autograph directly to his left. I have no clue how companies make things like this, but I bet the process is pretty cool.

The sculpture came with a Certificate of Authenticity as well as a small player biography that describes the biggest highlights of his illustrious career. I was definitely caught offguard when I got this, but it now sits right next to one of my smaller signed baseball displays in my room (not the one I posted recently) and fits the definition of unique for certain. Thank you again Mom and Dad for the special gift! 

A few quick notes before I go:

- If you haven't seen it already, go check out the "Better Know a Blogger" series on Nachos Grande. Today, he posted my interview, so if you're interested in learning more about myself and other bloggers in our community, I strongly recommend it.

- I recently completed all of my Google sheets for each of my player collections, to view them go to My Wantlist under Pages on top of my sidebar and then click any of the individual player's names that feature links and it should bring you directly to each player's spreadsheet! I'm hoping doing this might make it a little easier for people interested in working out trades in the future so you can all see what I have.

- I also finished off my Flickr albums of said PC players, and to view them just scroll a little down my sidebar to "My PC's" and click any of the players under "Baseball Players" to see pictures of my best cards of each player. I did this more as a showcase than anything else, but it could serve as a trade tool as well. I hope to soon have an updated album on Flickr of all my cards for trade. PS, if anyone is looking to do something similar, Flickr is a great, free site that holds a terabyte of photos.

See Ya!

Don't Panik: There's a New Joe Collector

Hey guys, Drew back here. I announced on my last post that I plan on going home after this semester back to my Card Cave and all the memorabilia sporting the walls (I even convinced my mom to hang my Willie Mays signed photo outside my room in the hallway... with mostly family photos nearby)! With that, I'll have a little more of an opportunity to keep up in the hobby, since I'll have all my resources with me. I'll be busier having to commute every day, but it'll be much easier to send some TTM requests out and be a little more involved. And with all that comes an announcement.

I will be collecting any and all Joe Panik cards from here on out, as he will replace Robinson Cano as my main PC! We don't often get to boast about homegrown professional sports players in my hometown, but this kid has been quite special for a long time. And we NEVER get to boast about local World Series champions, but now we do.

Panik come up through the Giants organization to replace the oft-injured Marco Scutaro. I actually had a chance to see him play in San Francisco, but unfortunately I went to one of the few games Scutaro was available for; thus no Panik. After getting adjusted for a few weeks, he took off and was a catalyst down the stretch for a streaky Giants team that needed people to step up. He batted .305 on the season in 287 at bats, and garnered some Rookie of the Year consideration for helping to get the Giants to the Wild Card Game. In such game, he collected 3 hits in 5 trips to the plate and the Giants advanced, and we all know how the rest of the story went. He didn't hit tremendously well in the playoffs from that point forward, but had some huge moments! He tripled in both the NLDS and World Series, homered off of Adam Wainwright in the 5th Game of the NLCS, and who can forget the incredible double play he and Brandon Crawford turned in Game 7? He's shown so much poise for a young player, and my friends at school mess with me for how excited I got seeing him play well.

Needless to say, we're all really proud of Joe at home. He played about a half hour away from my house in high school, and he ended up playing college ball at St. John's University in Queens; a school I considered to be my #2 option before committing elsewhere. I've purchased a Bowman rookie autograph of his in the past and gotten a few autographs TTM last season. I may not be as crazy as I was while collecting Cano, but I just wanted to inform you all that I'll be more than happy to take his cards off your hands!

As for Cano, I'll still be interested in adding some of his older Yankees cards I didn't have yet (his prices have gone down a little since being in Seattle, of course), but I won't be going out of my way. He's a great hitter, and I'm planning on stashing his stuff for when he makes the Hall of Fame one day (knock on wood), and just as he did to the Yankees; I may look to add a little extra profit due to his talent.

If you have anything of Panik's, comment below or email me. I won't be able to trade for a little while but I can keep some ideas aside if they do arise for when I do return home. Alright everyone, have a great day, See Ya!

A Very McCutchen Mailweek!

Hey guys, Drew back here! As you can see from the title, I recently decided that I'm going to PC Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates have been my second favorite team for a few years now, and Andrew is certainly a good reason why. He's already an MVP contender at the age of 26, and is a great role model on and off the field. It was a no brainer to add him to my list of favorite players!

In order to conserve a little money, in exchange for McCutchen, I've decided to un-PC Nick Swisher. I still love the guy, but chances are he won't be a Yankee anymore, so I thought it'd be wise to close that collection while he's still in New York. I'll still take his cards off your hands, but I won't be buying up on him as big as I used to.

I already owned one McCutchen autograph prior to the beginning of this collection- out of 2010 Bowman Platinum, but I recently picked up a few more things to jumpstart the chase. Check out the first official McCutch Mailday!

We begin with a bang! Out of 2010 Topps Triple Threads, the Rising Stars triple relic autograph numbered to 99 is now mine! This one wasn't exactly dirt cheap, but I really wanted to get something sweet to base this whole collection around. It's a real clean, slick card, and it shines quite a bit as well.

Next, out of 2012 Topps Heritage, a Clubhouse Collection relic! I'm not too big on relics, although I still am one card shy of completing the Topps Tier One relic set. When you start a collection of a player, however, relics are almost a necessity, and this will also push me towards the almighty trifecta. 

Lastly, for now, is this beautiful framed relic out of 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen! McCutch has two relics in the Gypsy Queen set, one framed, and one not framed, and I believe this is the nicer of the two. I'm not too crazy about the color of the border, but it certainly wasn't bad enough for me to pass it up at only 2 bucks shipped.

So, that'll do it for now! If anyone has some McCutchen cards for trade, leave a comment below! Thanks, and See Ya!

Don Mattingly PC!!!

Hey everyone, Drew back here. I figured it was about time to get started on the PC pages for the rest of the players I'm collecting on my sidebar, so we'll start with Donnie Baseball! Keep in mind I still will probably find plenty more laying around my house, but here's what I've managed to find so far of Mattingly:

DON MATTINGLY COLLECTION STANDS AT.......  

 188 DIFFERENT CARDS!!!

* Bold= Pictured Below Card

2009 UD SP Legendary Cuts #LM-DM2 Legendary Memorabilia Relic /100

2008 Donruss Threads #35

2008 Donruss Threads #BA-3 Baseball Americana Autograph /25

2008 UD Baseball Heroes #125

2008 UD Baseball Heroes #176 w/Wade Boggs

2008 UD Baseball Heroes #125 Retail Exclusive Relic

2008 UD Masterpieces #CC-DM Captured on Canvas Relic 

2008 UD SP Legendary Cuts #GEN-DT Generations Dual Relic w/Todd Helton

2008 UD Yankee Stadium Legacy #69 Box Set Edition

2008 UD Yankee Stadium Legacy #70 Box Set Edition
2008 UD Yankee Stadium Legacy #5201
2007 Topps Yankees Exclusive 50 Card Set #NYY27

2007 UD SP Legendary Cuts #103 Legendary Lineage SP /550

2007 UD Sweet Spot Classic #CM-MA Classic Memorabilia Relic

2006 Topps #WM34 Wal-Mart Exclusive

2005 UD Baseball Heroes #24

2005 UD Classics #MA-MA Classic Materials Relic

2005 UD SP Legendary Cuts #LE-MA Legendary Lineage Relic

2001 Topps Archives # 83

2001 Topps Archives #166 Reprint Autograph 

2000 UD Yankees Legends #62
1996 Fleer #189

1996 Pacific Collection #376

1995 Bazooka #47
1995 Donruss #55
1995 Donruss #220 Checklist
1995 Fleer #76
1995 Leaf #303
1995 Leaf Great Gloves #10

1995 Pinnacle #21
1995 Pinnacle #295 Swing Men
1995 Score #239
1995 Score Summit #21
1995 Score Summit #181 Bat Speed

1995 Sport Flix #13
1995 Studio #3

1995 Topps #399
1995 Topps Cyberstats #200
1995 Topps D #37
1995 Topps Embossed Gold #115
1995 Topps Stadium Club #381
1995 Topps Stadium Club #212 Best Seat in the House
1995 Upper Deck #210
1995 UD Collector's Choice #510

1995 UD Collector's Choice #240 Special Edition
1995 UD Collector's Choice #100 Traditional Threads

1995 UD Denny's #15
1995 UD SP #175

1994 Donruss #340
1994 Flair #84

1994 Post Collection #2
1994 Sportflics #MM9 Movers
1994 Topps #600
1994 Topps Stadium Club #195
1994 Upper Deck #290 Homefield Advantage
1994 UD Collectors Choice #192

1994 UD Collectors Choice #355 Team Checklist
1994 UD SP #198
1993 Fleer #281
1993 Fleer Ultra #244

1993 Hostess Baseball #28
1993 Leaf #237

1993 Metz Baking Company #14

1993 Score #470 Now & Then

1993 Topps #32

1993 Topps Gold #32
1993 Triple Play #120

1993 Upper Deck #134
1992 Donruss #596
1992 Donruss Triple Play #159

1992 Fleer "The Performer Collection" #16
1992 Leaf Heritage Series #BC-5
1992 Leaf Studio #216
1992 Post Collector Series #3
1992 Topps #300

1992 Topps #300 Gold Winner
1992 Upper Deck #356
1992 Upper Deck #47 Teammates w/Roberto Kelly
1991 Ballstreet #5
1991 Bowman #178
1991 Donruss #107
1991 Fleer #673
1991 Fleer Pro-Visions #11
1991 Fleer Ultra #239
1991 Leaf #425
1991 Leaf Studio #97
1991 O-Pee-Chee Premier #77
1991 Post Collector Series #29
1991 Score #23
1991 Score #856 "The Franchise"
1991 Score Super Star #23

1991 Topps #100
1991 Topps Cracker Jack #7
1991 Upper Deck #354
1990 Bowman Art Insert #5
1990 Ames All Stars #18
1990 Colla Collection #10
1990 Collect-A-Books #13
1990 Classic Yellow #T12
1990 Donruss #190
1990 Fleer #447
1990 Fleer #2 League Standouts
1990 Fleer #626 Players of the Decade
1990 Fleer #638 Super Star Specials w/Mark McGwire
1990 Hills Hit Men #3
1990 Kay-Bee Kings #18
1990 Post Collector Series #1
1990 Starting Lineup #NNO
1990 Starting Lineup #NNO "Rookie Year" Edition
1990 Topps #200
1990 Upper Deck #191
1990 Wonder Stars #6
1989 Bowman #176
1989 Classic #106
1989 Donruss #74
1989 Donruss #21 All Star
1989 Fleer #6 For the Record
1989 Score #100
1989 Score Superstar #10
1989 Score Yankees Set #1
1989 Topps #700
1989 Topps #397 AL All Star
1989 Topps Big #50
1989 Topps Coin #43
1989 Topps K-Mart #12 Dream Team
1989 Topps Sticker Back #2
1989 Topps Sticker Back #7 (Boggs Card-Mattingly on Back)
1989 Upper Deck #200
1988 Donruss #217
1988 Donruss #BC-21 MVP
1988 Donruss #26 Diamond Kings
1988 Fleer #214
1988 Fleer All Stars #28
1988 Fleer Award Winners #23
1988 Fleer League Leaders #25
1988 Kay-Bee Superstars of Baseball #16
1988 Score #650 Game Breakers w/Jack Clark
1988 Score #658 1987 Highlights
1988 Starbrite Superstars #16

1988 Topps #300

1988 Topps #386 All Star
1988 Topps Big #229
1988 Topps K-Mart #15 Memorable Moments
1988 Topps Sticker Back #35

1988 Topps UK Mini #45
1988 Topps Woolworth Baseball Highlights #4
1987 Boardwalk & Baseball Collector's Set #32
1987 Donruss #52
1987 Donruss #23 Highlights
1987 Donruss All Star Popouts #1B

1987 Fleer #638 Sluggers from the Left Side w/Darryl Strawberry
1987 Fleer Award Winners #24
1987 Fleer Baseballs Best #25
1987 Fleer Limited Edition #26
1987 Fleer Star Stickers #74
1987 Topps #500
1987 Topps #606 AL All Star
1987 Topps K-Mart #28 25th Anniversary
1987 Topps Tiffany #606 AL All Star
1986 Drake's Big Hitters #7
1986 Fleer Limited Edition #27
1986 Fleer Star Sticker #72
1986 Kay Bee Young Superstars of Baseball #19
1986 O-Pee-Chee #180

1986 Sportflics #75 Best In Baseball w/Wally Joyner & Eddie Murray
1986 Topps #180
1986 Topps #712 AL All Star
1984 Donruss #248 Rookie Card

1984 Fleer #131 Rookie Card
1984 Topps #8 Rookie Card

Again, I still have probably a good 30 more cards laying around in my basement, so I'll try to dig them up, but that's the basic main jist of things. I have to scan a few of the bold cards still and I'm having trouble identifying a few oddball cards from the late 80's but when I get to it I'll add them as well. If anyone has some Mattingly cards for trade, I'd certainly be interested in trading for them. Email me @ yanks1996wsc@gmail.com if you want to trade! Thanks everyone, See Ya!

IT's OFFICIAL! My PCS

Hey guys, I just announced my PCs. Here they are:

- Derek Jeter
- A-Roid
- Robinson Cano
- Paul O'Neeil
- Devin Harris (basketball)
- Any Yankees Players
- Any Jets Players

I haven't chose a football player yet, hoping to wait until the draft is over to see if I want to collect someone in particular. Thanks, See Ya!