TTM Success - Danny Espinosa

Some really nice cards came back signed TTM from Danny Espinosa a few months ago.  The above 2013 Topps Opening Day foil really looks great.  I couldn't believe that I found the card when I needed it, but I did.

The 2015 Topps I sent Espinosa also turned out well.

Espinosa (b. 1987) played in the majors from 2010 to 2017 for the Nationals, Angels, Mariners and Rays.  He had 644 hits, 98 home runs and a .221 batting average.  He finished 6th in the 201 NL Rookie of the Year voting.

I mailed to Espinosa on August 27 and got the cards back on February 16, for a 173-day TAT.

Signed Aramis Ramirez Cards From Max

My good friend, Max, helped with a private signing with Aramis Ramirez where I sent him a ton of cards.  Max sent me a few back signed, and they all look great.  The above 1998 Topps New Breed was the one that I really wanted back, and it looks amazing.  I vaguely remembered I had it, and was so glad to find it when Max asked for Ramirez.  That made the whole thing worthwhile.  I am so glad he asked me for the help with the signing.

I really enjoy when Max asks me to look for certain players.  I am able to clear out some room in my boxes and help him with his signings.  Sometimes, I throw some money his way, as well, in order to see some of the cards come back signed and add them to my albums.  Ramirez isn't someone I'd come in contact with, so I definitely wanted to get a few cards back.

Ramirez (b. 1978) played in the majors from 1998 to 2015 for the Pirates, Cubs and Brewers.  He had 2,303 hits, 386 home runs and a .283 batting average.  He was an All Star 3 times (2005, 2008 and 2013).  He won the Silver Slugger Award in 2011.  His best finish in the MVP race was 9th (NL) in 2012.

Thanks for the signed cards and the huge box of other stuff you sent my way, Max!

Christmas Gift From Jack

I got a surprise Christmas care package recently from an Instagram follower named Jack.  I have chatted with him and his cousin, Nathan here and there.  They're both really good people, but I was still surprised that Jack thought enough of me to send me something for Christmas.

Inside the package was a bunch of Orioles parallels, like the above Zach Britton gold from 2015 Topps.  This one is numbered 1952/2015.

Another card in the package was this 2014 Topps Chris Davis gold parallel numbered 142/2014.  I'm still very excited that Davis will be coming back to the O'd for this season and beyond.  I'm really interested in seeing how his career will play out.

This 2013 Topps Opening Day Davis blue parallel also looks really nice.  This is numbered 219/2013.

Like I said, I was surprised to be getting anything from Jack.  He is a really nice guy, and I need to do some more trading with him and his cousin.  Thanks so much for the care package, Jack!

Orioles Mail From Andrew

I got a nice package in the mail the other day from my very good friend, Andrew.  I send him care packages of cards all the time and he does the same for me.  We don't even do trades anymore, since we just send each other stuff we think the other would like.

In the package was a bunch of Orioles stuff that I needed for various PCs and two 2013 Topps Chrome cards that I needed for my set.

I really appreciate the cards, Andrew!  Thanks so much!

COMC Pickup - 2013 Topps Opening Day Chris Davis Blue Parallel

I got so close on this one.  Really.  The serial number on the back is 0018 of 2013.  One more and it would have been Davis's jersey number.  Does it really matter to me?  No, not really.  I do have a few cards that are numbered to a player's jersey number.  One of my greatest pack pulls was a quad jersey of Cal Ripken numbered 8.25.  Not bad.  Any 1/1 I get of Brian Roberts is numbered to his jersey number.  Also one of my Brooks Robinson patches is numbered 5/50.  So, maybe it is a little bit of a deal, but not too big of one.

Anyway, here is a really nice Chris Davis blue parallel out of 2013 Opening Day.  Yet another card to check off of my extensive rainbow list.  Too many to count, but I do have quite a few.

Tomorrow is the big day when I find out if Davis came in second or third in the MVP voting.  Some all-time greats never were voted MVP, so I have to keep things in perspective.  I am rooting for him, of course.  We'll see tomorrow after 6.  I'll likely be listening on the radio on my way home from a site.  Would be nice to see it on TV, but work comes first.

A Package From Andrew

I got a nice package in the mail from my good friend, Andrew, over at Andrew's Baseball Cards.  He sent me some Tim Lincecum cards for my son as well as some Orioles for me.  He also included the above Jaime Garcia Emerald for my set that I am trying to complete.

I don't know how I missed this Adam Jones from Opening Day.  It's a pretty cool card; with the pie face and all.  I remember when the pie face cards were the SP theme.  I think that was 2010?  I remember I had the Ike Davis.  I'm glad I sold that one when I did.

So, thanks for the package, Andrew!  You'll have some Cardinals headed your way pretty soon, so keep a look out.

Happy Opening Day

The look on Jonathan Papelbon's face describes how I feel.  Opening Night was last night, followed (mostly) by Opening Day today.  I watched the Astros - Rangers game in its entirety yesterday and plan on catching a game or two tonight.  I was disappointed when I found out that I have to wait until tomorrow to watch the Orioles open their season against the Rays.  The game is at 3PM, so I will still be at work.  Darn.  Anyway, I hope you all enjoy Opening Day!