2018 National Pickup - 1955 Bowman Ernie Banks

I believe this is my last post regarding the 2018 National.  I succeeded this year where I have failed in all of the past years.  I got everything posted that I had set aside to post.

I decided to start the 1955 Bowman set so that I would have plenty of cards to look for while at the show.  With my 1969 Topps set winding down, I figured it would be good to go ahead and get rolling on 1955 Bowman and 1972 Topps.  With those two, I also have 1967 Topps and 1995 Topps going.  I plan on wiping out the last few 1995 Topps the next time I sit down to make a Sportlots purchase.

The 1955 Bowman set will be fun.  I have most of the big names already taken care of.  The umpires will be tricky, but that will be a large part of the challenge.

Here's to hoping I can get this one done soon, and not break the bank.

Thoughts on 2015 Topps Stadium Club

I would like to start off by wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July.  I am going to catch a baseball game and some fireworks tonight, if the weather holds out.

I busted a box of 2015 Topps Stadium Club last weekend and I was really impressed.  As always, the photos in Stadium Club were amazing.  My favorite card of the whole bunch was this one of the late Ernie Banks receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2013.  I feel like this is a fitting card for Banks, who passed away earlier this year.

There are quite a few great shots of Orioles in the set, like this Zach Britton from last year's playoffs.

Here is a great pie face card of Adam Jones.

Finally, here is an amazing shot of Oriole legend and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken doing what he always did best, signing autographs.  I ended up with two of these, so that takes care of putting something new into my Cal Ripken PC.

I may actually pursue the set this year.  I already have a good start, and these cards would look awesome in a binder.  While I don't like putting my sets in binders, this one would be worth it.  They would display far better in flippable sheets than stored in a box.

Mailday From Max - Chicago Sun-Times Ernie Banks Edition

When Ernie Banks passed away on January 23, 2015, the first person I thought of was my good friend, Max.  He lives in Chicago and is a die-hard Cubs fan.  I knew immediately that I should reach out to him, so, I texted him, then we got on Skype together to chat.  Naturally, he was devastated to learn of the Cubs legend's passing, so I did my best to "be there" for him.

During our conversation, it dawned on me that I really wanted a copy of a Chicago newspaper documenting Banks's passing.  I have a copy of the Winston-Salem Journal article from when Mickey Mantle passed away (since I was 15 at the time, and that's where I was living), that I recently found folded inside a magazine.  I thought it would be nice to have something from Chicago commemorating Banks's life, so I mentioned it to Max.  He remarked that he hadn't even thought to do that, so he grabbed a copy for himself as well.  He almost had an opportunity to go to the public memorial for Banks, but his dad had something come up at the last minute and they were unable to attend.

I really appreciate Max's picking this up for me, and getting it to me in really good shape.  It is tough to ship a newspaper, and he did a great job in shipping it.

Top 10 Wishlist Pickup - 1954 Topps Ernie Banks RC

Yeah, it might grade at a 1, and looks pretty rough, but I now am in possession of one of the rookie cards that I have been wanting for a long time.  I got this 1954 Topps Ernie Banks RC at the Columbia antique shop this past weekend.  I saw it among the vintage cards that he had, and at a pretty good price.  I was able to get Conrad to take the price down a little further, and pulled the trigger on the card.

I'm really happy to have found this card.  I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get one at a good price, but luckily, I was able to find this one.  I also was glad that I was able to get it from Conrad, because I enjoy supporting his business.  I might have been able to find one in this condition a bit cheaper on Ebay, but in the end, I like this one, and the price I paid.  That's all that matters.

Antique Shop Pickups - 1959 Topps Set Needs

I made quite a few purchases at the Columbia antique shop.  I'll break them up into a few posts, so keep an eye out for them.  This post will center around the set needs that I picked up for my 1959 Topps set.

This Al Kaline card is a little rough, but I like it nonetheless.  Kaline was one of the last big names that I needed, so I was happy to take it off of the list.

I didn't realize that I still needed Hoyt Wilhelm for the set.  This one is a nice card that I got for pretty cheap.  I'm pretty sure that I don't need any more Hall of Famers, but I probably should consult a checklist.  I've been wrong in the past.

Finally, here is a nice group card of the Cubs, including Ernie Banks.  I still need a few of these, and some of them carry a bit of a premium.

In all, I picked up 37 cards for my 1959 set.  This definitely pushes the set along for me.  I still need quite a few high numbers, but this set should be completed this year.  That is my goal, at least.

Rest in Peace, Ernie Banks

The world lost Ernie Banks last night at the age of 83, just days shy of his 84th birthday.  I had talked to my friend, Max a few days ago.  He was set to meet Banks at Cubs Fest, but Banks cancelled due to illness.  He was upset that he didn't get to meet him, and I was upset for him.  My good friend, Drew, met Mr. Banks a few years ago at the White Plains show, and had a memorable time.  I know it is something Drew will never forget.

Banks was one of my favorite non-Oriole Hall of Famers.  You never heard a bad thing about him.  He symbolized what is right about baseball.  Enjoying playing the game you love, regardless of playing a league record 2,528 games without reaching the post season.

I was happy that Banks was one of my biggest TTM successes.  It was also really cool that he appeared on stage with Pearl Jam during their concert at Wrigley Field in July 2013.  I have my ball signed by Banks which is inscribed "Pearl Jam Rocker - 7/19/13".  Also, since Pearl Jam records every concert and makes them available to fans, I have the bootleg saved on my computer.  Just the other day, I listened to Eddie introduce Banks to the rain-soaked crowd.  Banks speaks for a bit on the recording, which is really cool.

I'm sad to see Ernie Banks pass away, but I'm even sadder for the friends I have that were Banks and/or Cubs fans.  He was a legend in the sport, and he will be missed.  Where he is now, I hope the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day and hey, Let's play two...

Rest in peace, Ernie Banks.

Ebay Pickup - 1959 Topps Ernie Banks All Star

Continuing a string of 1959 Topps cards that I have picked up recently, I am showing this 1959 Topps Ernie Banks all star card that I got off of Ebay for $11.00.  The card has a little bit of scratching on it, but thankfully, it isn't too noticeable.  Also, the corners are a little soft.  I got a sweet deal on it, and I now need 90 cards to complete my set!

A Look At Some Recent Ebay Purchases

Usually, when I pick up single cards off of Ebay or COMC, they usually warrant single blog posts, but in an effort to catch up on my backlog of cards on my desk, I have lumped some recent Ebay purchases into one post.

A couple weeks ago, I filled up my little Ebay cart with a few cards that I knew I needed.  I saw a couple vintage cards for good prices, and also tried to knock out a few pieces to my Chris Davis 2014 Topps Chrome rainbow.

I got the above Ernie Banks from 1967 Topps at a really good price, $16.99.  Not bad, the card is in great shape.  I figured that I shouldn't let the card pass me by, especially since I knew that I needed it.

I picked up one other 1967, this Willie Stargell for $5.10.  Again, not a bad price at all.  You may be able to tell that the bottom right corner is dinged up, but I don't feel that it takes anything away from the card.

I added a few other cards to my cart that would fall into my Chris Davis PC, like the above 2014 Topps Turkey Red card.  I have yet to open a box of the online exclusive Turkey Red cards, but the two that I have (this and a Kevin Gausman auto) both look nice.

The original reason I was on EBay to begin with was because I wanted to grab a few 2014 Chrome cards of Davis.  This Topps Shelf insert is a really sharp card.  I like the colors on it.

Finally, I grabbed a few parallels of Davis, like the orange, blue and x-fractor.  The blue is the only numbered one out of this group, numbered 2/199.  I had also bought the purple and die cut in this lot, but my buddy Anders sent me those as well, so I have extras now.

COMC Pickup - 1959 Topps Ernie Banks Highlights

I had about $30 in store credit on my COMC account and I used it to buy 7 cards (two of which are headed out the door in a trade).  I plan on blogging each and every card from the purchase and I start with this 1959 Topps Highlights Ernie Banks card.  This is #469 of the set, so that knocks something off of my wishlist.

Banks has quite a few cards in the set and I already have his base card, so getting this one helps me out.  I still need his All Star card and his duos card.  I got this for $4.30.  I made offers on each and every card I got in this lot and each offer was accepted.  I was trying to stretch my budget on there and I feel like I did a pretty good job.  Stay tuned to see the rest of the cards I got, as well as a ton of trades that still need to be posted.

HOF Ball Upgrade - Ernie Banks Pearl Jam Rocker

I don't normally try to upgrade the baseballs that I have in my HOF collection.  They usually get purchased, blogged and then take their place in my china cabinet (or safety deposit box) for display.  I was looking at the Collect Auctions Dec. 5 auction and saw that they had an Ernie Banks signed baseball with the inscriptions: Pearl Jam Rocker; Wrigley Field; 7/19/13.

Pearl Jam played a sold out show at Wrigley Field on July 19, 2013.  They were met with a severe thunderstorm that couldn't hold the band down.  For the safety of the fans at the venue, they took a substantial break to let the rain subside.  During the rain delay, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks got onstage and addressed the crowd.  I actually have a digital download of the concert and Banks's speech is on it, which is really cool.

If you haven't noticed, I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan.  I've been a member of the Ten Club since late 2011.  This explains why my want list on my blog is titled "Wishlist".  How many of you figured that one out?  I'm so excited to add this ball to my collection.  I originally got Banks TTM for free (but had to wait 6 months for it) but this ball is so much better than that one.  It just fits me and in my mind is priceless.

 You can see Banks's signature looks awesome on the ball.  I'm glad he inscribed it with 'Pearl Jam Rocker' and the Date of the concert as well.  It is just something awesome.

1969 Topps Pickups From The Antique Shop

I finally was able to sit down and scan some 1969 Topps cards I got from the antique shop in Columbia last weekend.  I picked up 29 cards total and several of them were higher end cards.  I picked up this really cool Bobby Cox rookie.  Someone at the card shop in Winston-Salem had asked me to look for one for them, but they never were willing to pay to get it.  So, I never picked one up for them and completely forgot it was in this set.  Anyway, I'm happy to have it and it is in really good condition.

I saw this Earl Weaver (look how young he is!) and had to add it, too.  He began managing the Orioles halfway through the 1968 season, so this is also his rookie card.  Not bad!

I was especially happy about this card.  Ernie was on the tail end of his career here, but he still looks like he is happy to be playing ball.  I seriously would consider starting an Ernie Banks PC.  Off of the top of my head, I can think of some awesome cards that he has.  The fact that I was also able to get him to sign for free TTM is just a bonus.  Quick trivia question: What do Ernie Banks and I have in common?  Answer: We both attended a Pearl Jam concert in 2013.

Rounding out the Hall of Famers I picked up, I got this nice Joe Morgan.  The card is really sharp.  Morgan is a super nice guy and was amazing to Chris the few times he has met him.  I'll never forget that and I'm sure Chris never will either.

Some other notable cards I got were Orioles: Boog Powell and Elrod Hendricks; rookie cards: Graig Nettles and Amos Otis; and other notable names such as Tommie Aaron, Mayo Smith, Roy White (whom my buddy Drew has met) and Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson.

I think I did really well with these 1969s.  I definitely enjoy this set and can't wait to add more to my collection.

COMC Pickup - 1969 Topps Leaders

Here are a few more cards I got off of COMC.  I knocked some 1969 Topps off with these two leaders cards.  I like the Ernie Banks shot.  I don't recall that I have many Willie McCovey cards.  I think I need to change that.

Here is the AL Batting Leaders card that I got.  I looked at the back and thought it was kind of funny that Yastrzemski won the AL batting crown (and triple crown that year) with a .301 batting average.  Talk about the year of the pitcher!

Well, I'm just plugging away on the 1969 set.  I'm nowhere near close to completion, but I'm enjoying putting the set together so far.  I still need a bunch of big names like Mantle and Ryan.  Those will come in time, I'm sure.

April 7, 2012 Card Show - 1959 Topps Pickups

I meant to get these posted the other day, but a TTM and meeting a legend kind of pushed my blog posts back.  I sure didn't mind.  I'm pretty certain that none of you minded much either.  Anyway, as I come down from the high from yesterday, I wanted to show off some of the 16 1959 Topps cards I picked up at the Show this past weekend.

First up, is this awesome Ernie Banks.  This card is a really awesome card and is one that I have been looking forward to picking up ever since I started the 1959 set.  I love the green.  It really pops.

Here, we have Larry Doby's last Topps card from his career.  He is a Hall of Famer and was the first player to break the color barrier in the American League.

I had to get another 1959 Virgil Trucks since the one Drew got me for Christmas in 2010 is in my Virgil Trucks PC.  I didn't mind picking up another, as this one is pretty sharp, aside from being a bit off center.  My good buddy P.A. picked this one up for me while I was helping someone at my tables.  I gave him the $5 for it and I trusted his instincts as far as the type of condition I was looking for and P.A. didn't disappoint.  The 1959 Topps is also Virgil Trucks' last Topps regular issue card.

Here is a really nice Gil Hodges I got for a really good price.  The borders have grayed a bit, but in all, it is a really nice card.

I wanted to show this Harvey Kuenn, because, honestly, I can never get enough of the red '59s.  I just love them.  I'm really glad the Virgil Trucks was a red one.  Tood bad the Brooks Robinson isn't.  Oh well.

I got a bunch of the Sporting News Rookie Stars cards as well.  These are pretty cool.  I didn't get any huge names, just several to knock off the list.

Looks like I'm making some headway into the 1959 set.  Unless Frank Robinson comes to town tomorrow or a TTM arrives, stay tuned for the 1969s that I got.

TTM Success - Ernie Banks

I mailed to Ernie Banks during the first week of January this year and was surprised to find my mailer in my box (there were actually 2 in there, the second ball will be posted tomorrow). I'm really happy to get this one because it was my oldest pending TTM request.

Banks is my 37th Hall of Famer and my 20th TTM success. I'm so excited about this ball that words don't even describe it AND THERE WAS A SECOND SUCCESS AS WELL!!!!!

What a good mail day!

Thoughts on 2011 Topps

I had intended on having the results of my 3 jumbo boxes of 2011 Topps posted earlier (like, Friday), but because of my craptastic connection here at the apartment, I have only now been able to get the pictures loaded. So, here are my thoughts on 2011 Topps. I will post my 'by the numbers' breakdown later on (the way my connection has been going, it looks like it may be posted just in time for 2012 Series 1).

First off, I like the design. I'd be happy if Topps strayed from the plain white border once in a while, but the cards do look great. I pulled 2 of the Legends Short Print variations out of my 3 boxes, one being the above Yogi Berra.

My second Legends SP variation is Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks. Both of the legends cards look great. Some people are tired of these variations, but I enjoy them. I'd be happier if they were Brooks Robinson cards, but with Berra and Banks, I sure won't complain.

Speaking of Orioles, I got my first Adam Jones auto. I wouldn't have known it was his auto without the card telling me so... His signature just looks like a bunch of loops.

One of my favorite Orioles Prospects - Brandon Snyder. He looks to spend the season at AAA Norfolk due to the signing of Derrek Lee, but that may be a good thing for him. I think he could use more seasoning in the minors. I've met him in person several times and he is a really nice guy. I hope he puts up some good numbers and becomes the O's first baseman of the future.

Hey, look, someone tied all of the O's outfielders together. This is a really cool picture of all the O's outfielders. Most of the pictures in this set are amazing. There are a few that are suspect, but for the most part the photos are great.

Speaking of great shots, here is one of Russell Martin. I really like all the action in the shot and also the depth that is shown. I wish Topps put in this kind of effort with all of their products.

I got a couple decent relics, the best of which was this CC Sabathia jersey. I also got Daniel McCutcheon and Justin Upton relics.

Here is one of the not-so-amazing shots. Again, here is CC Sabathia, and CC's belly. It appears that his stomach takes up 25% of the card. Yeesh. Maybe if he was wearing pinstripes, they'd have a slimming effect?

Now we have the leather nameplate cards. I definitely don't like these as much as I liked the Hat Logo patches from last year, but these aren't as hideous as I've heard. I was excited that I pulled Lincecum. I like him, of course, but he has quickly become my son's favorite player as well ('cause he throws nasty, Daddy'). So, this card is definitely spoken for.

I got Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. My best friend is a Dodger fan. Card spoken for? Yep, you got that right.

Finally, I got the Pujols black variation. This is pretty cool, I guess. May try to sell it at the next card show. We'll have to see. I imagine that this will be a decently popular card. I'm hoping so at least.
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Anyway, there you have it, my 2011 Topps jumbo results. What do you guys think? Overall, I was satisfied, mainly because the photos are great. I wish I didn't have to wait for a new Roberts card until Series 2, but oh well. Patience is a virtue, or something like that.

1970 Topps Mailday

Because I felt like I had been neglecting some of my set building lately, I bought a few 1970 Topps off of Ebay. I took a look at the ones I needed and decided that I should try to knock a few of the remaining big names off of my list. All of the cards look great, they only appear off center because of my scanning program.
I picked up this sweet Ernie Banks for $15. Not bad, the back looks great, almost brand new, in my opinion. I was surprised that I still needed the Banks. Oh well, I have it now.

I kind of figured I didn't have the below Frank Robinson. Seeing as it is a high number, it made sense that I didn't have it yet. I was just biding my time until I saw a decent looking one at a reasonable price, and I got this one for $10. Definitely not bad.

I also picked up the below Willie Horton. He was a really good player in his day. I got him for $2.50.

Finally, I picked up a really sharp looking checklist. Unmarked, of course.

So, I knocked 4 more cards off of my list. I'm getting ever so close to completing this set. If it weren't for the high numbers, I'd have been able to afford to complete this a long time ago. Johnny Bench and Al Kaline are the two biggest names left.