Awesome Pull - 2015 Gypsy Queen Dee Gordon 1/1

A few weeks ago, I picked up a couple packs of 2015 Gypsy Queen, not expecting to pull a lot, but when the mini card slid out from under the other cards in the pack, I got a nice surprise.  The card was no ordinary mini card, it was this 1/1 graphite parallel of Dee Gordon.

The card is incredibly thin.  I took it back into the shop and put it in a screwdown for tobacco cards, but the card still slid around inside the case.  So, the shop owner cut up one of his business cards to slide behind the card to give it a little more thickness, which worked.  The fact that he used the actual card itself to match up with the business card while he was cutting, well, the both of us were wide-eyed as those scissors came down.  After it was all said and done, I laughed and said, "You don't know how close you were, with one slip of the hand, to seeing a grown man cry."  He looked at me and said "You mean two grown men.."

Wendell is a good man, and I had all the faith in the world that he wouldn't mess up my card.

The card is awesome.  I really wish it was an Oriole, but Dee Gordon is having a fantastic year.  I don't often pull actual 1/1s, so this was an epic pull for me.  I've had people ask me to trade this, but I believe that I will hold onto it, at lease until I can get the Chris Davis (if at all possible).

July 18, 2010 Chattanooga Lookouts vs Carolina Mudcats

Continuing on my vacation, I subjected my cousin to another Minor League game. This time, we went to Zebulon, NC to a Carolina Mudcats game. Carolina was playing Chattanooga again, and since Max was unable to get his bat signed by Dee Gordon when we were in Chattanooga, we tried again... this time a little closer to home. So, the three of us braved the heat and went to the game and ended up having an awesome time.

Max was able to get his bat signed by Gordon, which was his main objective. He has had the bat for a few months now, since Chris got it for him at an earlier Mudcats vs Lookouts game.

Here are Max and I discussing how awesome we look in matching hats. Either that or we were discussing which player autographs we wanted to pursue next. I seriously don't think there is a person who I would rather watch a game with, than Max. We really enjoy talking about the game together, and our back and forth banter is definitely worth listening to. My cousin said that he found it to be very entertaining.

The mudcats were wearing special jerseys which were to be auctioned off to benefit cancer research. They looked like pink Houston Astros jerseys. I almost bought one, but I felt like the $90 opening bid was a little higher than I wanted to spend.

Here is Lookouts Pitcher (and Dodger Prospect) Chris Withrow running to first base. He got lit up while we were there. I think the heat played a role. Both Withrow and the Mudcats' pitcher struggled with command. The Mudcats' pitcher also barfed twice on the field before being lifted for a reliever. I wonder if anyone bid on his jersey...

We got a little tease before the game as Dee Gordon came over to sign Max's bat, only to be called over for pre-game drills. He promised to come back, and lived up on his promise. I was so happy that Max met his goal.

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The coolest part of the game, however, was when Andrew Lambo (another top Dodger prospect) jacked a home run that went over the wall and hit the visiting clubhouse roof. I told Max he should go see if he could get the ball. I went myself and was able to talk a groundskeeper into looking for it for me. Luckily, he found the ball and tossed it over the fence to me. Max was able to get Lambo to sign it (actually, I got it signed for him because he was getting his bat signed at the time). I'm sure Max will be putting his ball and bat up on either his blog or our memorabilia blog.

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We had a blast at this game, as usual. I think Five County Stadium is near the top of the list as far as being able to get signatures, so if you are in town and want to give it a shot, head by there and see how it works for you. I have been pretty lucky so far this season. The best part is that my best friend was able to get some cool stuff to add to his Dodger collection.

May 8, 2010 Carolina Mudcats vs. Chattanooga Lookouts

Chris and I decided to catch the Mudcats vs. Lookouts today since I wouldn't be at the card shop. Since the Lookouts are the AA affiliate of the Dodgers, I went on a mission to get as many Dodger Prospect autos for a certain Dodger fan that I know who happens to be my best friend... Yeah you know the guy :) I think we did pretty well.During the game, the mini mudcat came and sat beside Chris for an inning. This was pretty cool, except for the kid who came after and asked Chris and I to move. I told him sorry, we had tickets for our seats. Wasn't trying to be a jerk, but I was raised to not TELL someone to move out of their seats. Was kind of funny though.

I got a bunch of autographs. Initially, I was disappointed because I paid for field level seats, and there was a huge net blocking us from the players. We did find a place near the visiting clubhouse and got some awesome autographs. The above ball is Dustin Yount. Yes, he is the son of Robin Yount. Dustin has been in the minors for a LONG time. He is a former Orioles prospect. He was a really nice guy, though, taking the time to talk to Chris as he was signing.

Before we went to the game, I looked at the Lookouts roster and saw that Danny Darwin was their pitching coach. I thought to myself that it would be really cool if I got his auto. I succeeded. Pretty nice signature too.

I said before that I wa son a mission to hook Max up, really wanting to get him an autograph of the Dodgers' #1 prospect. I succeeded in that as well. Damn, I'm good. Haha. We got several other Lookouts players. Chris got them all on one ball and I went through 5 single balls.

This was our first trip to Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. We drive by the baseball water tower every weekend on the way to the shop. I am glad we went. It is a beautiful stadium. I am still partial to Grainger Stadium in Kinston, though.

A cool picture of Dustin Yount and Danny Darwin talking before the game.

Dustin Yount signing for some kids before he came and talked to Chris.

Dee Gordon signing my baseball. He was pretty nice as well.

Danny Darwin signing Chris' ball. I like catching some of the 80's stars who are now coaching.

The game was close until the bottom of the 8th when the Lookouts allowed an INSIDE THE PARK GRAND SLAM. That's right. I'm not kidding. Just WOW.

Any thoughts guys? I'm so happy I accomplished my mission to get a Gordon auto for Max. You'll probably be reading about it on his blog shortly.