Movie Review - The Buckle Up Birds

When I saw the ad on MASNSports.com for the Buckle Up Birds DVD, I was ecstatic.  A DVD chronicling the  meteoric rise of the Orioles and their improbable 2012 season?  Yes, PLEASE!  So, when I picked up the DVD at Fan Fest for $25, I couldn't wait to get back to Ryan's place and watch it.  Orioles fans won't be disappointed in reliving the moments of the awesome 2012 Season, except for the end.  The DVD ends the same each time, the O's lose to the Yankees in 5 games.  Boo.

My only wish would be for them to have some full games as part of the special features, such as the May 6, 2012 game where Chris Davis picked up the win in the 18th inning.  Or the September 6, 2012 game where the O's hit 3 home runs to beat the Yankees and tie for First Place.  Or the Wild Card play-in game.

If you are an Orioles fan and haven't picked up The Buckle Up Birds, what are you waiting for?

2013 Orioles Fan Fest - Miscellaneous Memorabilia Room

Ok, my 2013 Fan Fest stuff if winding down as this is my next to last post on the whole experience.  I picked up a couple miscellaneous items at Fan Fest from the memorabilia room pretty cheaply.  I got the above banner for only $10.  Where will I put it?  Ok, I admit, I didn't plan that far ahead, but hey, it was $10.  It has holes on each end so, I may buy some hooks and hang it on the wall in the Man Cave.  I might have to clear out some wall space.

I also picked up 2 game used baseballs for $10 a piece in hopes to trade to my buddy Michael.  I was disappointed that they didn't have listed where the baseballs came from this time around.  When I bought one last year, they had a list you could match the hologram to and it told you what game, play, etc the ball came from (hence, the reason I bought it, it was a fould ball hit by Nolan Reimold off of Jaime Garcia in an Interleague game).

2013 Orioles Fan Fest - Freebie Line

I was so busy waiting in autograph lines that I was afraid that I would miss out on the freebies given away in the freebie line at Fan Fest.  Luckily, Ryan brought along a friend who waited in the line for us so that we could go and get our respective autographs.  I was glad he went through the line for me because they were giving away Frank Robinson replica statues.  The original Frank Robinson statue day was way back in April, long before the bandwagoners came along in 'support' of the Orioles.  So, it looks like a TON of Frank statues were available.  Unlike Cal and Brooks day, of course.

Apparently, the original plan was to give away the Earl Weaver statues, but since he passed away the evening before Fan Fest, that idea was scrapped.  I think that was a good plan because I'm sure too many people would have gone through the line and grabbed up a bunch of them just to sell them on Ebay and cash in on his passing.  Good call, Orioles.  Just my opinion.

They were also giving away the WB Mason toy trucks, which is pretty cool.  I've always been a big Hot Wheels fan, so anytime I can get something I, er my son, can lay in the floor and play with is always a good thing.

I've almost wrapped up my Fan Fest experience.  I have a couple more posts I want to do on it and then I will be focusing on 2013 Series One, beginning some trades and Spring Training, among other things.

Fan Fest Memorabilia Room - Brandon Snyder Jersey

One of the coolest things I got from Fan Fest was this Brandon Snyder batting practice jersey for $50 in the memorabilia room.  Last year, I thought the memorabilia room was really cool, so I saved up some money with the hope that I could come across something really awesome.  I have always been a Brandon Snyder fan since I met him in Winston-Salem at a 2008 game between the Frederick Keys and the Winston-Salem Warthogs.  It was my first baseball game with my mom in probably 15+ years at the time and we took my son, my brother, sister and nieces.  Chris was only 2 at the time and was really fussy, but Brandon gave him a game used baseball that he signed.  He also introduced us to Matt Wieters, who had just joined the Keys.

I was really disappointed when Snyder was sent to the Texas Rangers for cash considerations last offseason, but that is part of baseball sometimes.  He played 40 games for the Rangers in 2012, hitting 3 home runs and batting .277.  Snyder was re-signed by the Rangers in December, so I'm hoping he gets a shot at making the team out of spring training.  Brandon Snyder has always been nice to me, and i really hope he sticks in the Majors!

Help Me Out

Hey guys.  I'm in the process of consolidating a bunch of cards in an effort to make some room in here and also update my: Want List and Trade Bait pages.

I have been needing to sort my 1993-1996 Topps cards for a long time so I can finally figure out which cards I need so I can finally put these to rest.  In doing so, I have discovered a ton of cards that I would like to go through and sort so that I can send some out in my 'random mailers' or trade packages.  Part of this effort will result in a change to my 'trade bait' page.  I plan on putting a list on there of folks I usually trade with and what I typically pull for them, be it out of packs, box breaks, card shows, etc.

I know there are some bloggers who like certain types of cards, but I honestly get mixed up on who likes which type of card.  So, in an attempt to realize one of my New Year's card resolutions, I would love to get some comments and emails concerning these types of cards, teams, trades.  If you have emailed me in the last couple weeks about certain cards, please bear with me, as I am trying to get stuff together (and it is likely that I have emailed you back, but I can always use a reminder).  So here we go, here is a list from my memory on who/what I pull for folks.  If you want to get on this list, it is really easy, comment or email me.  I don't want much in return, maybe some Orioles or some stuff from the Want List.  Also, I used to pull Dodgers and Cubs cards for a few guys who are no longer trading, so those are open.  I also got a huge box of stuff from a friend from work.  There's a lot of 1990s overproduction era stuff in there; I could probably put a set together of 1990 Fleer if I wanted to (but I don't), plus there's a stack of 1985 Fleer and LOTS of 1987 Topps.  Anyone want to make some sets?  I was going to put some of it on Craigslist, but I really don't want a massage to go with the box...  Anyway,  here we go:

• Yankees - Drew, Schuyler, Pete
• Cardinals - Andrew, Weston
• Braves - James, and a few of my friends, Capt. Canuck
• Orioles - (Ones I have duplicates of) Ryan, and I probably need someone else to take some overproduction era ones...
• Red Sox - Scott
• Nationals - Scott
• Tigers - Dustin and Dustin
• Mariners - Dustin
• Rockies - Joe Average Collector
• Plays at the Plate - Play at the Plate
• Night Cards - Night Owl
• Barry Larkin - Nachos Grande
• Random Randomness - Nick
• Vlad Guerrero - Nick
• Cubs - ?
• Dodgers - GCRL, Spiegel83
• Hall of Famers - Nick, Schuyler, Dutch Card Guy
• Team USA - Schuyler
• Awesome Shots - Nick
• Hoyt Wilhelm - Nick
• Rookie Cup Cards - ?
• Blyleven - Dutch Card Guy
• Giants - ARPSmith
• Double Plays - GCRL
• Charlie Hough, Lee Lacy, et al - GCRL

If there are any other types of cards, teams, etc that ANY of you are interested in, even if you have never commented on my blog before, please let me know.  You can email me at wregenthal (at) hotmail (dot) com.  Thanks for the help guys.  Once I get this list populated, I'll put it on my trade bait page.  Also, I lowered the prices on some of the stuff I had on COMC, so remember to check it out.  I'd like to thank the Daily Dimwit for purchasing my Valverde Silk card.

Fan Fest Trade with Blog Reader Michael

I got a message a few weeks leading up to Fan Fest from a young man named Michael who is as big an Orioles fan as I am.  For someone as young as he is, he sure has a sweet collection of Orioles autos, all sweet spotted on OMLB baseballs.  We were able to agree to a trade (which is actually really tough, because, being such a big fan, it is hard for me to part with anything truly of value) which would send me a signed Darren O'Day baseball in exchange for two autograph vouchers.  I figured that would work out just fine, so he sent me the below baseball.  He also sent me a picture of the above Miguel Gonzalez signed mini bat, so I bought that off of him for $20.  Again, not a bad deal.

Michael and I met up at Fan Fest and exchanged our goods.  I really like both items and it was nice to be able to meet another die hard O's fan.  I especially wanted an O'Day signed ball, since he was lights out in the bullpen and (whats tougher than lights out?  Insert that term here) in the playoffs against the Yankees.  I'm hoping for another great season from O'Day this year.

Michael's a good guy who reads the blogs, but has yet to start one of his own.  Maybe he will, so we can all see some of the awesome stuff he has in his collection.  Thanks for the trade Michael, let's do it again soon!

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Autos - Nolan Reimold

Everyone who reads this blog knows that Nolan Reimold is my favorite current Oriole.  If you don't know that, you should check out some of my past posts, you're missing out!  Nolan was the main reason I bought autograph vouchers for the 4:40 session at Station 3.  I really wanted to talk to Nolan again and thank him for the batting gloves that he and his wife sent to me in exchange for the Bowie Baysox Bobblehead that I had at the time.  Those batting gloves are one of the centerpieces of my entire memorabilia collection.  So, I took the foul ball that I bought at last year's Fan Fest with me for Nolan to sign.  The ball was apparently a foul ball that Nolan hit off of the St. Louis Cardinals' Jaime Garcia during a July 2011 Interleague game.  I'm pretty sure Nolan hit a homer soon after he fouled off this ball.  Pretty cool, I think.  So, Nolan signed it for me on the sweet spot.

He also signed an official Carolina League ball for my son, Chris.  Chris dominated the conversation with Nolan, telling him that we had a picture of him hanging up in out house (which we do).  Chris then asked Nolan if he could have a signed card 'for his Daddy' to which Nolan asked him 'Is this your daddy?'  Chris just looked at him for a few seconds and said 'Ummmm...'  Kind of funny how quickly he forgot...

Anyway, I don't think I was able to get my 'thank you' out to Nolan in person.  I was too busy laughing about how Chris forgot for a moment who he was with.  Nolan was really great with Chris and that was really all I could ask for.  Now I have another thing to thank him for.

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Autos - Miguel Gonzalez

Before last season, if you would have old me that Miguel Gonzalez would finish the season with a 9-4 record and a 3.25 ERA, I would have asked you "Who?"  Yet, Gonzalez did just that.  He had a great season and was clutch in some big games, most notably against the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS, when he allowed one run over 7 innings.  The O's ended up losing that game when the diabolical Raul Ibanez homered twice against the might bullpen of the O's.

A close friend of the late Nick Adenhart, Gonzalez was given a glove used by Adenhart, which Gonzalez used this season.  Gonzalez had been a farm hand for the Angels and Red Sox, but had been plagued by injury and inconsistency.  He wasn't even a part of the Orioles' system until early March and did not receive an invitation to the Major League spring training.  Gonzalez started the year at AAA Norfolk and awaited his turn.  He got a break when he was called up and pitched effectively, first out of the bullpen and then as part of the rotation.

I'm hoping that Gonzalez is effective for a full season and can win maybe 14-15 games.  I think it is within the realm of possibility of he can stay healthy.  Gonzalez turned down  chance to pitch for Team Mexico in the WBC so he could get some reast and prepare for the 2013 season.

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Autos - Dylan Bundy

I already had a signed baseball of Dylan Bundy in my collection.  I got it last season at a Carolina Mudcats vs Frederick Keys game.  Bundy was really nice to Chris and I that day. 

At Fan Fest, I purchased an autograph voucher for the session that included Nolan Reimold, Jake Arrieta and Dylan Bundy.  You and I know that my reason for buying the voucher was to be able to chat with Nolan Reimold, who is a central figure of this blog.  I wasn't going to complain, however, at a chance to get something else signed by Baltimore's young phenom (Bundy).

So, I got Bundy on an Official MLB baseball to replace the generic ball I had signed last summer.  That ball will likely be taken to the next Raleigh Card Show and will be authenticated by JSA and either traded or sold.  We'll see.  My son, Chris also got an OMLB ball signed that will go into his collection.  He also asked Bundy if he could have a signed card (which Bundy gave him) and then asked "Can I have a signed card for my dad, too?  Bundy obliged that request as well.

Bundy was very quiet this time around when we met him, but he were near the end of the line for the autograph session and I'm sure he was probably wore out from all of the goings on at Fan Fest.  I didn't find him to be rude or anything, just quiet.  My past experience with him showed me that he was a good kid and sociable toward fans and I appreciated it, especially when it involves my son.

I sure hope Bundy can live up to the hype surrounding him.  The O's really need an Ace pitcher.  I haven't felt like they had a true ace since the days of Moose.  (Speaking of, when can we get Moose at Fan Fest?  I mean really!)

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Autos - Kevin Gausman

The first group of players I had an autograph voucher for at Fan Fest was the group of Taylor Teagarden, Jim Palmer and Kevin Gausman.  I purchased vouchers for this group for two reasons, nothing against Teagarden, but I wanted Gausman for my Orioles #1 picks and I wanted to get Palmer for a trade.

Kevin Gausman was the first pick for the Orioles (#4 overall) in last June's amateur draft.  He is second behind Dylan Bundy among the Orioles top pitching prospects.  He should start the season at AA Bowie.  He was really nice when we chatted with him at Fan Fest and was more than happy to sweet spot my ball.  I really hope he does well for the O's.

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Autos - Chris Davis

Check out the inscription.  That's right.  I had Chris Davis inscribe his pitching record on the baseball that he signed for me at Fan Fest on Saturday.  Davis is really funny.  This was evident during the fan forum Q&A when someone asked him how he felt when he was told that he would be pitching in that 17-inning game against the Red Sox.  He said "To be honest, I was pissed.  I was something like 0 for 8 and now you're going to make me take the loss, too?"  The 17-inning game against the Red Sox, to me, was the highlight of an improbable season.  When I asked him if he would please inscribe the ball with his pitching record and ERA he said "Of course I can, I'd be glad to."

Of course, that game might also be seen as the low point in a season of low points for the 2012 Boston Red Sox.  Oh well.  I enjoyed the heck out of it.  I'm so glad I have this ball now.  I doubt there are too many like it, but I'm sure others will want to do the same.  Any Orioles fan has to look back on that game and marvel at the fact that the O's pulled that one out.  Might just be one of the all-time memorable O's games for me now.

Davis played 139 games in 2012.  He had 139 hits, 33 homers and a .270 batting average.  It is likely that he will hit 30 or more home runs in 2013.  I told him as he was signing my ball that I would love it if he would hit 45 homers this season, to which he replied "Yeah, I'd like that too!"

2013 Orioles Fan Fest Thoughts

I'll be able to space them out for an undetermined amount of time, but here is the first of many posts about my trip to Baltimore this weekend for 2013 Orioles Fan Fest.  On the trip was myself, of course, my son Chris (seen above with his awesome toothless smile), my friend Ryan from "O No Another Orioles Blog", and his friend Scott and Scott's son Austin.

Fan Fest began on a somber note when we found out that former Orioles manager, Hall of Famer Earl Weaver, had passed away.  They showed a video tribute to him right before the Fan Forum Q&A.  I'll admit, I cried.  Chris clapped really hard for Earl when the video tribute was over and he turned to me and said "I'm sorry Earl Weaver died, Daddy."  He understood the importance of Earl, that's for sure.

Fan Fest was PACKED this year.  Autograph vouchers sold out in less than 45 minutes after they went on sale.  Manny Machado vouchers sold out in less than 5 minutes.  Craziness.  The crowd began to clear out soon after lunch time, though, so by the end of the day, it wasn't too bad.  The giveaway line was crazy the whole day, and all of the really good stuff in the memorabilia room was gone by the time we got there.

As far as the autograph sessions go, we met Jim Palmer for a second time.  Palmer was really nice to Chris and talked about left handed catchers with him.  Palmer seemed to be in pretty good spirits, even tough you know the loss of Earl had to be weighing on him.

Quickly becoming one of my favorite players, Chris Davis is seen here chatting with Chris about last year's Fan Fest, in which my Chris was picking his nose.  I yelled "Chris, stop picking your nose", to which Davis replied "I didn't think anyone saw that..."  Davis remembered that exchange.

Chris took some hacks at the air T-ball station again this year.  As always, he did very well.  He even Barry Bonds-ed the bat when he was done.  Well played, my son.  Haha.

We were fortunate to meet Dylan Bundy in the last autograph session.  He was really nice in the 5 seconds we were able to chat with him.

Here is Nolan Reimold signing Chris' Official Carolina League ball.  Chris had a ton of game used balls from that league that he has been picking up over the years, so he brought a bunch to have signed.  He ended up getting Nolan on one, and a group of other signers on another one.  I was able to introduce myself to Nolan and remind him that I was the guy who sent the Bowie Baysox bobblehead to him for Christmas in exchange for his Red Sox beating batting gloves.  Nolan chatted with Chris and I for a bit and we went on our way.  I really wanted to get a better photo-op with Nolan because I am still a little embarrassed by my appearance in our last photo together (I had just come from work to a Norfolk game and was a bit disheveled).  I think I'll be able to get another photo-op sometime soon, as Nolan is a really cool guy.  Man, I hope he busts out for about 35 homers, 110 RBIs ans a .330 batting average this year.  He deserves it.  Probably my favorite Oriole right now.

As I posted last night, we all went from the Convention Center to Camden Yards to pay our respects to Earl Weaver.  We first stopped by the retired numbers, where some folks had already laid flowers beside his retired number 4.

Earl's statue was the only thing lit up in the statue yard.  How lucky are we that the statue dedications were done last year and that all of the recipients were able to attend?  I'm so glad Earl was able to see his dedication.

Here is a look at the dark Camden Yards.  Laying dormant following the great season that it was witness to in 2012.  Hopefully, the place will be just as packed this upcoming year and will finally get to see a championship.

Finally, as we said goodbye to Earl, we departed the park and made our way back to our parking spot.  I enjoyed myself, yet again at Fan Fest.

So, here is a look at all of the stuff Chris and I picked up.  One of the signed balls is already committed to a trade with my good buddy, Drew.  Some other stuff is possible trade bait and a good portion of it will be assumed into my massive collection.  In all, I feel like we made out really well.  I can't wait until next year's Fan Fest.

A Sad Day for Baseball

I was at Orioles Fan Fest this morning when my wife sent me a text message "Sorry to hear about Earl Weaver."  My response to her was "Huh?  What are you talking about?"  It was then that I went by the MASN booth at Fan Fest and learned that the Orioles' legendary manager had passed away this morning while on a Carribean cruise.

After that moment, my son and I went to the Fan Forum and watched a tribute video about Earl and listened to Gary Thorne break the news to the capacity crowd at Fan Fest.  It was a really tough moment.  I shed some tears, that's for sure.

After we left Fan Fest today, we made our way to the retired numbers and paid our respects to Earl, then made our way to the statues that had just been dedicated last season and paid more respects to Earl.

Unfortunately, Earl Weaver's passing wasn't the only bit of terrible news for baseball today.  Baseball lost one of its all-time great players this evening.  Stan Musial passed away with his family by his side at the age of 92.  Oft overshadowed by the likes of Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams, Musial was one of the greatest hitters ever.  He is also regarded as the greatest Cardinal to ever play, and that distinction was cemented when Albert Pujols left St. Louis for Anaheim last offseason.

So, I am really sad this evening.  Baseball lost some legends.  I, as an Oriole fan, lost the first Oriole Hall of Famer.  Luckily, I was able to watch Earl at Brooks' statue unveiling last summer and I will always have that memory.

My prayers go out to both of their families.

January 17, 2013 Trip to the Card Shop

I posted yesterday that I went to the Greenville card shop to pick up some team bags for a project that Ryan and I are working on.  I discussed the two packs of 2012 Panini Golden Age that I got.  Well, I also got a couple packs of 2012 Bowman.  I picked up one pack of Bowman Chrome and pulled the above Blue Refractor auto of Jays prospect Jake Marisnick.  Pretty sweet card, if you ask me.

I also got one pack of 2012 Bowman Platinum and the highlight of the pack was the above Giancarlo Stanton.  There wasn't much else to speak of in the pack.  I'll probably hold onto the Stanton, though.  Everything else will likely go out in trades.

Thoughts on 2012 Panini Golden Age

I went to the local card shop today to pick up some team bags for a project Ryan and I will be working on this weekend and I just couldn't get out of there without buying some packs.  So, I picked up a pack of Bowman Platinum and Bowman Chrome.  I also was intrigued by a product I hadn't heard of before, 2012 Panini Golden Age.  I was a fan of Panini Cooperstown when it came out, so I figured I'd give this a shot and picked up 2 packs.

Golden Age features a retro theme (I feel like it is much like Topps 206 or Gypsy Queen) with an assortment of older ball players as well as other celebrities, etc.  Kind of Panini's answer to Allen and Ginter or UD Goodwin.  I was very happy when the last card in the second pack was Brooks Robinson.  So, right away, I had something to add to my PC.  Scored some points in my mind, haha.  The Brooks was the above Stand UP insert.  I love the sepia tone on the card.  Really sharp, and nice looking, in my opinion.

The above Dizzy Dean was a nice base card that I pulled.  I also pulled two mini cards, Eddie Cicotte (Croft Candies back) and Russell Johnson (who?) (Broad Leaf Tobacco back).  Always a good day when you pull a Dizzy Dean card.  I feel like there isn't enough Dean stuff.

Finally I got this moustache/chest hair card of Tom Selleck, er, I mean Thurman Munson.  He kind of looks like Magnum P. I. or John C. Reilly.  I always enjoy pulling a Munson card, though.

In my opinion, I think Panini is doing a great job with their products.  I loved Cooperstown and I definitely like Golden Age.  I'm not too big on the non-sports folks in the product, but again, this seems to be Panini's answer to Allen and Ginter or UD Goodwin.  Golden Age stacks up very well to Goodwin, that's for sure.  I've always been partial to Topps and A&G, but I do believe there is room in the MLB licensing wars for two brands and I would definitely not have a problem with Panini joining the fray.

Orioles Extend Showalter and Duquette

The Orioles haven't made much of a splash this offseason.  I'm strangely comfortable with it (gold star for the movie reference).  There really weren't a lot of moves they would have been able to do.  Tonight they announced possibly the most important announcement they could make - They have extended Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette through 2018.  AWESOME!  I am a big fan of Buck and am very happy this deal was completed.  There was no doubt that it would get done, but it did take a while.  Now the O's can concentrate on the rest of the offseason and get ready for Spring Training, which will be here in about 3 weeks!

2013 Collecting Goals

Yeah, I'm so un-original right now.  I ripped this idea off of Weston's blog.  You should head over there and give him a read.  I'm not kidding.

Anyway, I have thought of a few collecting goals for 2013.  We'll see if that happens.  Anyway, here goes.

• I'd like to add 10 more HOF signed baseballs to my collection by the close of the year.  I already started that this past weekend with the addition of Bill Dickey.  If I add 10 more, I will have 92 at the close of the year.  I think this is a really attainable goal.
• I would like to complete one of the sets I have on my want list.  That one might be tough to do, but we'll see.  The high numbers on those vintage sets really kick my butt.
• Let's try to add two new players to my PC.  One Oriole and one non-Oriole maybe.  Most Orioles are in my PC anyway, but with Brian Roberts on the decline, I do think it is time to focus on some other guys.
• I need to decide what I want to do about my TTMs.  Some of the first ones I got are looking really sad.  I have learned a lot about types of baseballs and pens to use over the 2 years I've sent off for TTMs.  I need to figure out a better way to preserve the autos on some of those crappy balls.  If anyone has any tips, I'm all ears.
• I want to branch out somewhat with my set collecting.  I think I may go after the 1961 Golden Press or 1961 Nu-Card scoops sets.  We'll see about that.
• I want to discover maybe 5 new blogs and add them to my sidebar.
• I want to be more active with trades.  I always enjoy meeting new trade partners, so I'm hoping I get some emails from new folks this year.  (I also want to hear from the folks I have already traded with too!).

 So, there you have it guys.  Thanks for the idea, Weston.  I'm looking forward to the emails!

Christmas From the Dime Box

I don't think I'm in the minority here when I say this, but I think Nick's blog 'Dime Boxes - The Low End Baseball Collector's Journey' is one of the best blogs out there.  If I could write half as well as he does, this blog would be pretty epic.  Oh well, I do what I can.  That being said, Nick is also a really awesome guy.  He sent me a Christmas package a few weeks ago that had a bunch of Orioles stuff and some cards for my PCs.  The above Frank Robinson is really nice.  I always enjoy some Donruss Diamond Kings.  It really is a 'Hall of Fame Heroes' but come on, you know it is a Diamond King.  I know it is a Diamond King.  Even Jeffrey Lebowski knows it is a Diamond King.

You can never go wrong with including some Bob Feller cards in any trade package directed towards me.  Feller is one of my all time favorites.  These Fleer Greats cards are pretty nice.  I have the Brooks Robinson from this set as well.

Finally, I got this really sharp looking Brooks Robinson from 2003 Fleer Fall Classic.  Tell me again how Fleer went out of business?  They had some really nice stuff.  What a shame.

Anyway, thanks again Nick for the awesome package!  I really appreciate it.  If you guys aren't following Nick's blog, please follow it and read it, you will definitely not be disappointed!

Christmas Mail From Weston

I was surprised with a nice Christmas package the other day from Weston over at Fantastic Catch.  Weston and I have traded a decent amount since he began blogging last February.  He sent me a nice stack of Orioles along with some Andrew McCutchen cards and a couple things for my son.  One of the coolest cards was the above Matt Wieters from 2012 Panini Triple Play.  Since Wieters isn't in any Topps stuff, his cards are hard to find.  I was really glad to see him in this stack from Weston.

Weston also sent me some Panini Cooperstown cards.  I really like this set.  I might have to find a box of these to bust.  Maybe after 2013 Series One Topps comes out.  I kind of like the above Frank Robinson card.  Yeah, I know, there isn't any photo of Frank to be seen, but I think that is ok.  The card reminds me of the Hall of Fame spotlight posts I was doing a couple years ago (does anyone miss them?).

Finally, here is another Panini Cooperstown, this time of Eddie Murray.  Pretty nice card.  They didn't have to cut off half of his head to hide the O's logo, either.

Thanks for the package, Weston!  Everyone should go follow Weston's blog, if you aren't already.  He posts pretty regularly, does box breaks, group breaks, etc.  I'm sure there is a ton on his blog that will interest you.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Bill Dickey

I am in Columbia, South Carolina at the moment, celebrating my younger brother's 30th birthday.  I always love making the LONG trip down here to hang out with him.  There are some really awesome vintage shops, record stores and antique shops.  Columbia is home of the Columbia Antique Mall that houses a shop called 'Chic Antiques.'  Conrad, the fellow who runs the shop is a friend of a friend (turns out to be a small world, afterall) and has a great many baseballs and baseball cards.  It was there that I found my 82nd Hall of Fame signed baseball, Bill Dickey.

Bill Dickey (b. 1907 - d. 1993) played in the majors from 1928 to 1943 and 1946, all for the New York Yankees.  Dickey had 1,969 hits, 202 home runs and a .313 batting average.  He was a 11-time All Star and finished as high as 2nd in the AL MVP voting in 1938 (he finished second to Jimmie Foxx).

Dickey won the World Series with the Yankees 7 times (1932, 1936 through 1939, 1941 and 1943).  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1954 when he received 80.2% of the vote (his 10th ballot).  He has his uniform number (#8) retired by the Yankees, which was the same number worn by Yogi Berra, and his #8 is also retired.