2019 National VIP Free Signer - Ryan Klesko

The first free signer of the National was at the VIP party, Ryan Klesko.  He was listed as a "free signer", so anyone could get him once the show opened to the public after the VIP party.  I got him at the party, and probably could have gotten him on the rest of the cards that I brought, but I was too excited to look at everything at the show.  So, I just settled on the three cards that I had at the party.

I feel like the cards that I chose were all really good choices, and will look cool in my album.  I especially like the 2004 Heritage, as it is the same design as 1955 Topps.  The card on the left is a 1996 Topps Gallery and the one on the right is a 1996 Pinnacle.

Klesko (b. 1971) played in the majors from 1992 to 2007 for the Braves, Padres and Giants.  He had 1,564 hits, 278 home runs and a .279 batting average.  He was an All Star in 2001 and won the World Series with the Braves in 1995.

He appeared on the 2013 Hall of Fame ballot, but received no votes.  He was really nice when we met him, and seemed genuinely happy to be there.

TTM Success - Jeff Suppan

Here is a TTM success that I was really excited about, from Jeff Suppan.  I had some nice cards of him, and they all looked great when they came back.  I had been wanting a 2004 Heritage signed for a while, and finally got one with this Suppan.  I always have loved the 1955 design.

These two didn't scan too well, but they look good in person.  The 1998 Chrome looks especially nice.

Finally, I added a few other cards to the list, starting with 2007 and 2010 Topps.  I like the Pinnacle Performers, and I also needed a Ginter Code Card in my binder.

Suppan (b. 1975) played in the majors from 1995 to 2010 and 2012 for the Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Royals, Pirates, Cardinals, Brewers and Padres.  He had a career record of 140-146 with 1,390 strike outs and an ERA of 4.70.  He won the World Series with the Cardinals in 2006.

I mailed to Suppan on May 4 and got the cards back on July 20, for a 77-day TAT.

Facebook Trade With Zach - 2004 Topps Heritage

I completed a trade over Facebook the other day with a new collector, Zach.  Zach is young, but already has a nice collection.  He collects Mets, Reds and Tigers, so I offered him a few relics in exchange for a stack of 51 different 2004 Topps Heritage cards.  You might recognize the design.  I have intended to build the 2004 Heritage set for some time now, but haven't pulled the trigger.

Zach hooked me up with the cards very quickly.  He seems like a really good kid.  I helped him set up a blog, so give him a follow, why don't you?  Like I said, he collects Mets, Reds and Tigers.

This stack of cards puts me well on my way for this set.  The highlight of the set (for me at least) is the Nick Markakis RC.  I've got one in my Nick The Stick PC, so now I need another for the set!

Thanks for the trade, Zach!