COMC Pickup - 2010 Obak Matt Hobgood Auto

I took another item off of my wishlist with my recent COMC purchase in the above 2010 Obak Matt Hobgood auto.  I met Matt Hobgood back in 2010 when he was playing for Delmarva against the Greensboro Grasshoppers in Greensboro.  I tried to get his autograph after the players were coming off of the field, but I just missed Hobgood.  I left the stadium and noticed the team bus and tried to hang out there at the sidewalk.  Steven Bumbry, son of Oriole great, Al, was nice enough to remember that I had been trying to get Hobgood's autograph on a baseball, went on the bus and told Hobgood that I was trying to meet him.

Well, Matt came off of the bus and talked to me for a minute and signed my baseball for me.  He was only 18 or 19 at the time, but had the professionalism of a seasoned vet.  He is a really nice guy and I have prayed so hard that he have a successful MLB career.  He has struggled with a shoulder injury since he was drafted, but this season he appears to be healthy and is pitching well out of the bullpen for Delmarva.  I really hope he gets a promotion to Frederick so I can see him pitch against the Carolina Mudcats and maybe say hello again.

If I ever do another blog interview, he is definitely on my short list of potential subjects that I would like to interview.

Christmas Presents From An Awesome Friend - Part One

It's no secret that Drew and I have become pretty good friends over the past 2 years. I sent him some stuff for Christmas, which he posted here. Drew sent me some really awesome stuff that I really loved. I broke the stuff up into 2 posts, here is the first:
A 2008 UD Heroes Brian Roberts Red Auto. SWEET! I didn't have this one, so I was really excited to get it. I love red cards, I think. I've noticed how they pop when they are scanned and posted. This one is no different. Just stunning.

I didn't have this Topps 206 Frank Robinson either. I don't have near as many Frank Robinson cards as I do other legendary Orioles. I think he is definitely underrated as far as hall of famers. I don't know that he would be too happy if he saw the amount of surface area that Topps devoted to his forehead in this card. It is a nice card, though and Im happy to own it.

Drew reads my blog all of the time and he knows how much I appreciate a Cal Ripken card that I don't have. I definitely didn't have this one. I really like Obak and may still look into getting a box. We'll see.

A 1999 Scott Erickson. I really liked Erickson when the Os picked him up in the mid 90s. He was the #2 on a great O's 1,2,3 punch of Mike Mussina, Erickson and Jimmy Key. I have heard that he was less than forthcoming with reporters and such, but that's ok. I respected him as a player and don't have near as many of his cards as I should.

I always chuckle when I think of Earl Weaver. "Team speed? Jesus Christ...." I bet you he's saying "Yeah, he touched the rubber..." I wonder how many of you get THAT reference, haha.

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I just want to take the time to sincerely thank Drew. He's a really great guy who always writes an interesting blog. If you haven't already, head over there and check it out. Add him to your favorites list and follow him! It's great for someone so young to be as heavily involved in cards. The future of the hobby rests in his capable hands. Thanks Drew!