I Am Gary...

Hey everyone, long time no talk, again. I'm going to quit making excuses for whenever I lack the motivation to blog. In all honesty, I've lost a lot of the drive I once had for writing posts and being especially involved in the blogging community. It's not you guys, it's me; I swear. Things have been busier than ever since I returned from Florence at the end of May, and the time I would usually spend writing posts is now allotted towards resting up for another day's work.

I've done a lot of things outside of work this summer though too. I went to 3 Yankees games, one of which was at Fenway Park against Boston. I saw Coldplay at Metlife Center and The Lumineers at a local festival. I added several new records to my growing vinyl collection, went to a card show, rode some rollercoasters at Six Flags, and spent a lot of quality time with friends and family. A good portion of this will be covered sooner or later.

On top of it all, I've watched a lot of baseball. The Yankees have been invigorated with energy ever since the Trade Deadline and the release of Alex Rodriguez, and it has almost become must-see TV. I normally keep tabs on most games while watching shows on Netflix religiously, but these past two months have gone the opposite direction. The difference maker, as most of you appear to know by now; has been Gary Sánchez. "The Kraken", as famously dubbed by Brian Cashman; has been a lethal weapon of mass destruction since being called up for the third (and final) time on August 2nd.

2010 Bowman Gary Sanchez Refractor Auto /500

Sánchez has been a Baby Bomber for seven years now, and was regarded as a Top 100 Prospect by Baseball America for five of those seven. He succeeded in the shadow of former top prospect Jesus Montero until the Michael Pineda trade officially made him the future of Yankee backstops.

I've been collecting all throughout that time, and I didn't own an autograph of Sánchez's... until August 6th, 4 days after the call up. A dealer had listed four or five of his Bowman refractor autographs to try and make a profit. He may have profited, but he has to be kicking himself after the tear "El Gary" has been on. This card currently sells between $250 and $300, but I had it for $40 shipped. Essentially, I played the long con for seven years and made one of the greatest eBay snipes of all time (yeah, I said it).

Sure, I hear all you nay-sayers who think this is all a hoax. Obviously, yes, the guy won't be hitting a Ted Williams-esque .400 for his entire career. But we as Yankee fans have every right and reason to be thrilled with the prospect of having an All Star caliber catcher for the first time since Jorge Posada was in his prime. Not only has his bat played a vocal part in this late bid for a Wild Card spot, but he already seems to be emerging as a leader in the clubhouse. He wants to win, and win now. And he is doing everything in his power to help the team do just that.

New Yorkers never quit. Neither will we @Yankees. Please keep coming out to support. Thank you. #YankeesDontQuit #IamGary

— Gary Sanchez (@ElGarySanchez) August 27, 2016

I love it.

For once, you're right about something John Sterling. Gary is scary.

PS: This card just recently was sent out (along with a few others) as part of a BGS Group Submission. I will be sure to share the results when they come back, unless of course they all grade terribly. I don't want you all to think I'm as blind as a bat.

Not Missing Out This Time

Hey everyone, Drew back here! I've been having a pretty nice, relaxing week away from the world before I get ready to embark on my second year of college. Last night my family scoped out Atlantic City in preparation for when my Dad and I will be attending the National next year. We saw a performance from America's Got Talent participant and hypnotist Wayne Hoffman. I was shocked by his act, and he truly did blow my mind. If he ever comes to a town near you, I would recommend you check it out.

About two weeks ago, I was feeling quite jealous of all my blog friends being at sports collector heaven, and decided to treat myself. Rather than buying more for my PC's, I wanted to take a risk. Hopefully, this risk will have a high reward.

Out of 2014 Bowman Platinum, I added a gorgeous on card autograph of not only the Twins top prospect, but widely regarded as the best prospect in all of baseball, Byron Buxton. Buxton made his MLB debut earlier in 2015 although he clearly wasn't ready to take on the show just yet. At 21 years old, most superstar prospects still have room to grow before reaching their full potential. After all, not everyone is Mike Trout. He has a great swing, and appears to possess five tool talent.

Mike Trout was actually a lot of the reasoning behind this pickup. I remember passing up on cheap Trout autographs on eBay back when he was emerging through the minor leagues, and I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity. Not only could this card rise substantially in value if Buxton does become what he's said to become, but it is one of his nicest cards as well. Bowman really hit the nail on the head with this card, and I'm going to be hard-pressed to move it even if he does well.

What do you all think of Byron Buxton? Is he worthy of being the #1 prospect?

See Ya!

October/November TTM Mailbag!

Hey guys, Drew back here! It sure has been a while since I've posted anything relevant to my collection, but I've really been busy trying to make the best of my senior year of high school. I finally see what is so enjoyable about high school, and unfortunately that has a lot to do with the recent decline of this blog. However, I still have been fairly active in the hobby, and I'd like to show off my TTM successes I've received since the middle of October. Enjoy!

Bert Campaneris: 1/1 in 59 Days (Received October 12th)

Campaneris is the newest autograph addition to my 1988 Pacific Legends mini set! "Campy" was a 6 time All Star and was known for being a speedy, versatile all around athlete. He was a key part of Oakland's dynasty in the 1970's, leading off and acting as a spark plug for the 1972, '73, and '74 champion Athletics teams! His 649 stolen bases rank him 14th all time in steals, and as a fun fact: Campaneris was the first player to play all 9 positions in a single game. On September 8th, 1965, he did it all, even including pitching with both hands depending on the handedness of the batter. He isn't of Hall of Fame caliber, but if there were a Hall of Very Good, he'd receive a lot of recognition!

Patrick Corbin: 1/1 in 68 Days (Received October 21st)

Patrick Corbin had a breakout season in 2013 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he was named an All Star for the first time in his very young career. At the All Star break, he was 11-1 with a 2.35 ERA, and although his second half wasn't as dominant, he completed his first full season with a 14-8 record and a 3.41 ERA. I was really happy to see this one come back, as he nicely signed and inscribed his #46 on a 2013 Topps Heritage!

Grant Balfour: 2/2 in 68 Days (Received October 21st)

Grant Balfour became one of my favorite relievers in baseball this past season, as he simply dominated for my fantasy team. Known to show off his "Balfour Rage", Grant is one of the top remaining closers on the free agent market right now and I wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees add him to their arsenal. I don't think David Robertson is a bonified closer, but I can see him continuing to set up and eventually pass the ball on to this guy to finish off opponents. He was named an All Star for the first time in his career this year, and he set the Oakland record for consecutive saves, more than Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley and Rollie Fingers. He signed both cards I sent him beautifully and bold in blue sharpie, and I couldn't be more pleased with this return. 

Archie Bradley: 1/1 in 103 Days (Received November 25th)

I didn't see this one coming at all when I got it back about a week ago. Archie Bradley is one of the game's top pitching prospects, and is living up to the expectations he had been given after being drafted 7th overall in 2011. He went 12-5 with a 1.97 ERA in 21 starts for Arizona's AA squad, and is now considered the top prospect in a highly touted Arizona farm system! He signed his Bowman card for me, and hopefully I'll be a lucky man to have this when he makes his mark on baseball! 

Edwin Jackson: 2/2 in 210 Days (Received November 29th)

Edwin Jackson has been an erratic pitcher throughout his career, but he has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound in his past and for what reason I'm glad to see the cards above back in my possession now bearing his autograph. He has a sloppy autograph, but it sort of fits his career. He's pitched for 8 teams in 11 years and now is under contract with the Cubs, for whom he went 8-18 with last year with an ERA upwards of 5. He's been inconsistent, sure, but he's shown that he has a higher ceiling he could never really maintain. He threw a no hitter against the Rays in 2009, but walked 8 batters in the game, therefore not making it as impressive as it could've been. Either way, I'm still excited to have these back!

Well I hope you all enjoyed what I had to show off, because that's all for now. Until next time, see ya!

Huge TTM Catchup!

Hey guys, Drew back here! It's starting to become that time again in which schoolwork begins to take over some of the time I normally would spend on my hobby. However, that doesn't necessarily mean I've been completely out of it, as you'll see over the next few weeks. Take a look at some of the through the mail successes I've received over the past few months!

Richie Shaffer: 1/1 in 15 Days (Received on August 29th)

The Rays selected Shaffer with their 1st round pick in 2012, and so far he's played fairly well in his professional career. This year he batted .254 with 11 home runs in 122 games played for High A-Charlotte. I mainly mailed to him because he played for the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2012 and I got to watch him play a few times. He signed a 2012 Bowman and it came out pretty nice!

Taylor Guerrieri: 1/1 in 20 Days (Received on September 3rd)

Keeping with the ex-Renegades theme, I next received a signed card from 2011 Bowman by fellow Rays prospect Taylor Guerrieri! He signed my blue parallel numbered out of 499, inscribing it "Good luck with Ball Drew!" It's cool to see a player actually responding to part of what I wrote in my letter! Unfortunately, Taylor underwent Tommy John Surgery this summer, so he'll miss most of next season. However, prior to the surgery he was ranked as one of the Rays best prospects, so hopefully he'll come back strong!

Joc Pederson: 1/1 in 24 Days (Received on September 7th)

The worst part about being Dodgers top prospect Joc Pederson right now is that there simply isn't a spot for him on the roster! He's spent a few years in their farm system since he was drafted in the 2010 draft, but all that time has served him well. In 2013, he batted .277 with 22 home runs and 58 RBI, along with 31 steals! The kid has a lot of potential, and hopefully he'll get a chance to show it off in the majors in the next year or two! In the meantime, he signed a 2012 Bowman for my collection!

Sal Bando: 2/2 in 7 Days (Received on September 7th)

As we now travel from the future back to the past, former Oakland A and 3 time World Series champion Sal Bando signed 2 cards for me! Bando was more known for his postseason heroics, but he had a very solid career to go along with them. He made 4 All Star teams and hit 242 home runs throughout his 16 years in the big leagues. He signed a 1988 Pacific to go towards my growing collection of autographed cards from that set, along with a 1969 Topps card that I hope to have signed by Cater and Campaneris at some point as well. 

Jeff Reardon: 3/3 in 9 Days (Received on September 9th)

Jeff Reardon is one of the more underrated closers in history, and for that reason I knew he would be a solid TTM request! Not only was Reardon a 4 time All Star, but he also finished with 367 saves, which currently has him ranked 7th all time! In 1992, Reardon became MLB's All Time Saves leader, only to eventually be passed by Lee Smith the next season. He signed 3 cards for my collection which all turned out great!

Ron Teasley: 3/2 in 7 Days (Received September 23rd)

The next player to receive my Negro League TTM project was former New York Cuban Ron Teasley! Teasley played just one season of pro baseball, but also spent some time in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization! He signed my picture nicely, inscribing "NY Cubans 1948 and joining Mahlon Duckett! He also signed a 2010 Allen & Ginter and generously threw in a small signed printed photo.

Vida Blue: 2/2 in 26 Days (Received on September 26th)

Before I complain, let me say that I believe Vida Blue is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball history. He was one of the hardest throwing left handed pitchers ever, and although his career was marked with ups and downs, his "ups" can rank with just about any pitcher in baseball history (example: 1971- 24-8 W/L, 1.82 ERA, 301 K's)! I was ecstatic to see these come back in the mail, but a little confused once I saw the autographs. Being a self proclaimed autograph expert, I knew that Vida never signs with just his first name. Every autograph I've seen of his has included his full name, and I did send him $5 for the autographs. I'm a little confused by this still, and I'm not sure of the legitimacy of the autographs, but there's really nothing I can do at this point.

Alex Meyer: 1/1 in 37 Days (Received on October 7th)

Meyer went into the 2013 season as the Twins top pitching prospect, and despite a trip on the disabled list, he lived up to those expectations. He was traded to Minnesota as the big piece in the return package for Denard Span, and it appears that the trade has a good chance to work in Minnesota's favor! He signed my 2013 Bowman card for me in ballpoint pen but I'm not upset about it at all since it still looks great!

Jesse Biddle: 1/1 in 54 Days (Received on October 7th)

That same day, I also received my card back signed from Phillies prospect Jesse Biddle! Biddle was highly touted as well going into 2013, but seemed to regress more than the Phillies would have liked thanks to some control issues. He still managed to have a 3.64 ERA, but even that isn't all that impressive. However, he has all of the tools to come back strong and make a run at the big leagues, and I'll be rooting for him all the way there!

Jim Johnson: 1/1 in 56 Days (Received October 9th)

Lastly (for now), I just got this sweet Heritage card back from Orioles closer Jim Johnson! Johnson made the All Star team in 2012 and went on to lead the league in saves, but he ended up taking a slight step back in 2013. Either way, he's now saved over 50 games in back to back seasons, which seems to be getting more and more difficult to do.

I want to thank all of the preceding players for signing all that I had sent out! There is one more success I did not show here that will eventually receive its own post, and I ended up getting a RTS from Greg Luzinski via his Bonita Springs address. On that note, be on the lookout for an upcoming card show recap among a few other things!

See Ya!

Happy Spring Training! Yankees Prospect Mailday!

Hey guys, Drew back here! Today is one of the greatest days of the year: the first day of Spring Training baseball! In honor of this special day for so many young prospects that finally get the chance to show the pros what they've got; I have a few sweet prospect autographs of one of my favorite Yankee prospects to show off! I've been picking up a lot of 2012 Yankees 1st round pick Ty Hensley's cards on eBay lately; all for relatively cheap prices. I watched some footage of him pitching, and I was very impressed with his tools. However, I'd still say he's got about a 50/50 shot of being a solid major league starting pitcher. I decided to take the risk though, and I may add him to my list of PC's!

The first autograph of Hensley's I picked up was his regular Bowman Chrome auto, which was kind of an accidental pickup. When I saw this auction, the scan made the card look like a refractor, and I didn't read into the details enough to notice that it was just the regular autograph. Nonetheless, I think it's cool that Hensley makes an attempt to sign his full name on every card, even though the letters are a little sloppy. 

I ended up buying his Bowman Sterling refractor autograph a few days later, because the price of shipping cost more than the price of the card! For such a low price; I couldn't pass it up, and it sure is a beautiful card in person. 

I already have a few more sweet Hensley cards to show off, but I figured I'd start with a few autos to kick this new PC off with a bang! If anyone has any card of his for trade, please let me know! Thanks everyone, and Happy Spring Training to you all!

See Ya!