TTM Success - Bud Norris

A private signing popped up with a former Oriole that I wanted to add to the autograph album, Bud Norris. I wanted him on an Orioles card, so I chose this 2015 Topps.  I like this set, and it was an easy choice.

Norris (b. 1985) played in the majors from 2009 to 2018 for the Astros, Orioles, Padres, Braves, Dodgers, Angels and Cardinals. He had a record of 67-90 with 1,153 strike outs and a 4.45 ERA.

I mailed to the signing on September 22 and got the card back on December 4, for a 73-day TAT.  I paid a fee of $20.00.

Instagram Trade With Dan

I completed a trade on Instagram recently with a guy named Dan where I sent him one of the National exclusive cards that I got last year and in return, he sent some 2013 Topps emerald parallels.  I have picked up a few of the parallels lately, but I am still a long ways away from completing the set.

Doing the trade with Dan was really easy, as well.  It was nice that he had some of these that I needed.  I'm still very much committed to this set and I think it will look really cool once it is complete.  I plan on displaying it in an album, much like my 2015 Stadium Club set.

Instagram Trade With Anthony

As I continue meeting new people on Instagram, I have been able to relieve myself of quite a few cards and pick up some good Orioles in the process.  I met a guy on Instagram (his screen name is @whitesoxfan79) who is a Paul Konerko and White Sox collector.  I was able to send him a 200ct box full of Konerkos and White Sox, which, according to Anthony, was really awesome.

I got a bunch of Orioles from Anthony, including the above oversized 2000 Topps Cal Ripken.  I'm pretty sure I didn't have it already.  Even if I did, I really like the card.  I don't remember much about building that sat, to be honest.  I know I have it and I know it is completed.  I might ought to look through it sometime and check out the rookies, Hall of Famers, etc.  That is one of my favorite parts of looking at old sets, seeing the big names that were around at that time.

Another card that was in the package was this Bud Norris chrome from 2013 Update.  I felt like Norris did a great job this season, even though he was less than stellar in his ALCS start against the Royals.  He did very well against the Tigers in the ALDS and I think he will only build off of this season and be even more successful next year.  If that's the case, then the Orioles should be in good shape.

Thanks for the trade, Anthony!

Christmas and More Birthday From Michael

I got two boxes in the mail recently from my good friend, Michael.  He had to get me some stuff he promised for my birthday, a few Christmas items and a couple pieces of memorabilia that I bought off of him.

In the box, he included a ton of his own game used baseballs from various games which he has played, along with some game worn shoes.  He also sent some old batting gloves he wasn't using anymore.

He included a stack of books, including some brand new Goosebumps books for my son, Chris, which Chris loves.  We've been working hard on getting him interested in reading, and he really has taken a liking to Goosebumps.  Thanks for these, Michael!

I purchased from him, a couple signed baseballs by some Orioles, Tsuyoshi Wada and Bud Norris.  The Wada was an unfortunate purchase on my part, since I got him back in August, thinking he would be serviceable for the O's, but he never made a start.  Norris, on the other hand, should be a decent pickup for the birds.  We'll see.

The biggest piece is a grand slam ball by Brian Roberts that Michael caught at the August 23, 2013 game against the A's.  Roberts belted a Grand Slam off of the A's Dan Straily and the ball happened to bounce onto the flag court, then out into the mezzanine where Michael was standing.  I had to trade him some pretty good stuff to get it, but I have it now and it is pretty sweet.  The final addition to my Roberts collection (until he retires and is inducted into the Orioles hall of fame).

Thanks for all of the cool stuff, Michael, I really appreciate it!  See you at Fan Fest!