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.

Gee, Thanks Mom

One of the things about opening presents from my mom, you always have to watch out for the occasional gag gift.  This year was no different when I opened a present that contained a box of vinyl records.  Rolling my eyes as I pass by a "bagpipes and drums", Lawrence Welk, "Polka Favorites" and eliciting a WTF with the above Liberace album, I happened upon the actual prize inside the box.

This copy of Pearl Jam's "Lost Dogs" on vinyl.  This is a rare, hard-to-find album that my brother spotted at a used music store for an exorbitant price.  Luckily, now, I own it, and I can listen to Yellow Ledbetter (and Dirty Frank) on my record payer.  Score!

The best part is, the joke is on you, Mom.  I looked at the Liberace album and noticed that song #1 is the Theme from the Godfather.  WIN!

I'm not too sure about the Polka Favorites or Lawrence Welk, though.

Thanks for the Christmas presents, Mom, you know I love them all.  I do wish there was a Jimmie Foxx ball in there, though.  Maybe I scored enough points with Dad's gift, maybe he will buy me one for New Year's.

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.

A Kind of Trade With Scott

I just got back into town from the Charlotte, NC Pearl Jam show that occurred last night.  It was freaking amazing.  Just saying.  We did have a blast.  I wanted to get a post done today since I'm pretty wore out and I still have to carve up two pumpkins.

I got a nice trade package from my good friend, Scott, the other day.  He sent me some Orioles, mostly 2013 Update stuff, in exchange for me picking up a Mike Napoli auto off of Ebay that he had been watching.

Scott's a great guy, so anytime I can help him out, I usually try to do my best.  I'm sure he is recovering from last night's Red Sox victory.  That was the first World Series in forever that I haven't watched the last out on TV.  Eddie Vedder gave an update during the concert, and I checked my MLB At Bat app on the way to my wife's parents' house to get the final score.  She and I have been together for the final out of the World Series since Luis Gonzalez got the winning hit in the 2001 series.  It's all good, though.  I missed it for a worthy reason, the Pearl Jam show was AWESOME.