Crinkly Wrappers and 2011 Topps - Wrapping It Up

Bravo, Ted.

I can now answer my own question from a few posts ago -

"What is better, the anticipation of a last card or the completion of a set?"

Duh.

Completion of a set all the way and Ted from Crinkly Wrappers deserves a round of applause for completing my first set in 2012, the 2011 Topps Base Set (Series 1 and 2).   And he did so in great style with poetic symmetry:

• it was card #100 
• it features one of the greatest hitters in baseball
• this was the player's final year for the pictured team AND their World Series title year

Yep.   El Hombre.

Pardon the glare from the set-completion fireworks

100 - as in, 100%!!!!!!!!!!!

*I know - no Update.   There's no rain on this parade, though!

El Hombre at Crinkly Wrappers will have some 2012 parallels headed his way shortly for card #100 and the 2011 Heritage base cards he was able to scrounge up.

I can now seal up the box and place it with the cards I am saving for my son.   I am proud of the effort to piece this one together, bit by bit.   Yes, he has a factory-sealed set, too (damn you, Walmart sale price and shiny Mantle retro-card marketing ploy).   But now he can thumb through the whole set one day and look at each card if he wants to - knowing that his old man painstakingly chased down each one.   And so what if all the Yankees and Braves come in penny-sleeves.....isn't that the norm?

A Set Builder's Moment

Several of you fellow bloggers had a large part in this - so thank you to all who helped me along!   It feels good to finish one and it sets the tone for 2012.

Best of luck in your own pursuits and please let me know if I can help.   Thanks again, Ted, and...

Thanks for reading!

And Then There Was One

What's more exciting - the anticipation of a final card or the completion of the set?

Reader Adam has brought my 2011 Lineage NEEDS list to its knees by sending a great package of four of the final five cards from my checklist.   Adam is a Giants fan and I was able to piece together a few odds and ends from my collection.   My favorite from the four Lineage he sent?   Probably Mr. Cy Young:

 

Not only does Cy appear to utilize the same workout routine that I do but he also played for the Cleveland Spiders - and that's just cool.   Oh yes, according to the back of his Uno card (#106 from the set), he also holds the record for complete games at 749.

749 COMPLETE games.  

That's 6,741 innings in tidy little nine-inning bursts.   As Lee Corso would say in the fall, "Yo!"

Ear-Muffs, Kids!

Only one card remains - #175.  

I hadn't looked until now, let's see who it is!   Let's pause for a quick Bing search...........

Oh my....

It's one of my Yankees - CC Sabathia!   Ironically, he could probably work out with me and Cy.

Where 'ya at, CC?!

Thanks for the great trade, Adam, and thanks for reading!

A Package from the Roundtable of Hobbs' Knights - and a PC Announcement

I recently enjoyed a trade with Jason from Hobbs' Knights.   He took a look at my NEEDS lists and offered to help.   I was able to piece together a few things that fit into his collection and we got it done. 

Jason sent a lot of help for my set building quests.   His package included some 2012 Base, 2012 Golden Moments & Gold Standard inserts, 2011 Heritage Base, 1991 Fleer and even some 1981 NEEDS lists.   Variety is the spice of life, yes?!

Thank you for your time and effort to do some sifting on my behalf, Jason!

Highlights for the '12 base cards and some of my favorites:

"I hope Fab Freddie gives me a high five!"

                                                                                                                                

I loved the great view of Porcello's grip on this one



Is that Joe Cocker I hear in the background?

My 1st D-Rob of 2012!  And not the last...



Behold the WHIP - and, Topps attempts some Mo humor!


 Have I confessed my decision to make David Robertson my latest PC quest?   Well, consider this an announcement.

Ahem -  I am starting a player collection of David Robertson.  

I would like to take this time to wish David a swift recovery from his, um, foot injury that he suffered Wednesday evening while moving boxes at his apartment.   X-Rays were negative but he'll undergo an MRI soon to be on the safe side (Chien-Ming Wang suffered a disastrous Lisfranc foot injury in almost the same place and ended up missing the entire season).   My reaction to this news about my latest favorite player?

fear - "No!"  
realization - "Okay, doesn't sound bad."
relief - "Whew...I think he'll be alright."
hope - "Maybe this means he'll have a little more time to sign my TTM request?"
anger - "David Robertson has to move his own boxes?   Where's A.J. when you need him?!?"

All kidding aside, I hope he recovers quickly and makes that 8th inning appearance in Game #1 for the season (in lieu of that Soriano character).  

UPDATE: "Cause for conern" from Robertson's MRI, according to Girardi as of 4:30 EST today.   He will have more tests and I will have no nails left.   Say it ain't so, Joe......

Now, on with the review!   Ben Revere is jealous of Giancarlo/Mike Stanton; can you guess why?

Awesome Picture but - smallest Rookie Cup EVER?

Jason also threw in some inserts that I needed.   I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever complete the sets I've chosen (Gold Standard, Golden Moments and '87 Mini's).   I could very easily just buy the sets outright for a few bucks.   But what fun would that be?   Here they are and, yes, they're Yankees:

A lot of empty space......but it's still Joltin'!

Robbie!   Solid Gold, in my book.

What's better than helping me out with my 2012 NEEDS?   Crossing a few off of my 1981 Topps NEEDS list, that's what!   Here was my favorite card of the bunch, Sam Mejias, with a GREAT stat line on the back for 1979:

Hello, Sam.

Ever notice how many table-tennis enthusiasts there were?

That's right - in 1979, Sam made the most of his two at-bats by walloping a hit during one and eventually coming around to score.   1 for 2 means a slick average of .500!   Hey, Sam - it's quality over quantity, right?!   Right.   Play on, Sam.   The 1981 Topps NEEDS list should consider itself one .500 hitter shorter, now.

I'm also gratefully happy to say that Jason nudged me a little bit closer to completing 2011 Heritage as well.   One of the Heritage cards caught my eye for a couple of reasons.   First - this guy can now enjoy the "player formerly known as" joke like his buddy Roberto Heredia Fausto Carmona (hey, at least he only changed one name).   I shouldn't group them together, though.   Mike......er, Giancarlo is going to do some big things for the Fish down in Miami this year.   Reports out of camp are that the balls were FLYING during a BP session in their new stadium with the roof open - and flying even FURTHER with the roof closed!   Not only that but Vegas had Stanton at 8:1 odds to lead the Majors in HRs this year.   That is until the public put their money in the pot and the odds are now at 7:1.   Zoinks!

DUDE - Ben Revere has TOTAL Rookie Cup-envy!

             
Jason wasn't done yet - he also wanted to help me out with my few remaining 1991 Fleer needs.   My two favorites were:

Lemmer!

Bobby Bo and Barry!

Much thanks for the great trade and help with so many of my set pursuits, Jason.

Thanks for reading!

More Returns From Spring TTM1! (and some fist-pumping)

Back in '97 (good grief....that's when I graduated from high school.....BACK in '97?!?!?), Nine Inch Nails put out a pretty edgy song entitled, "The Perfect Drug".   It walked that wonderfully thin line of appropriateness that was so very enjoyable at that point in life.   I can't go rolling through my neighborhood with that song blaring out the windows anymore, but you better believe that if it ever streams across the Apple TV's Internet radio while my kids aren't around - I'll be reaching for the volume and doing some serious fist-pumping.

Not Just For Fridays, Anymore!

What was the point of that weird diversion?   Well, NIN's song could be a very applicable anthem for TTM requests when they return victoriously.   There's really nothing quite like the joy of seeing one of those envelopes or packages waiting for us.    You immediately start guessing who might have responded and then tear into the little reward that you put some effort into and, probably, a little bit of cash.   It's a gamble and a collector's high - but in the end, it's also just some good, clean fun that connects us with a person we admire or a game we enjoy.

And this past Monday delivered another round of goodness from my STTM1 adventure!   There were two little envelopes waiting for me on the counter with the familiar "TAMPA" USPS stamp on the front (naturally).   Let's see what we had!

Many of you might  know him as "General Palpatine"

My first baseball "Front Office" TTM request - New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Cashman.   He is certainly a polarizing individual in the lexicon of our sport and hobby, existing as an integral player in the ongoing operational and personnel decisions of the most expensive large-market teams in major league baseball.   Joining the organization in 1986 as an intern after finishing college (where he excelled as the lead off hitter for his school's baseball team), Brian worked his way up the ranks and found himself in the role he now fills by 1998.   Since his tenure as GM began, the Yanks have brought home six American League pennants and four World Series championships.

It hasn't been all butterflies and unicorns, though, as Cashman experienced tension with other Yankees executives over the years - fulfilling what almost seems to be a requirement for the job.   Despite differences that almost led to Brian leaving the team in 2005, the 2009 MLB Executive of the Year is now serving under a contract that will have him with the team through the end of the 2014 season.

Working to become a better fan and collector over the past year, I followed the organization's moves this past season with renewed interest.   The surprising Montero-Pineda deal was a reminder that there is a greater plan at work and even though I was disappointed to learn of Montero's departure, I applaud the executive office's gutsy nerve to think outside of the box.   We may not know the true Winners and Losers form the deal for several seasons, but it will sure be fun to watch!   I am sure Cashman had a part in that deal, along with the club's moves to add lefty slugger (I feel like I'm going out on a limb with that title, but what the heck) Raul Ibanez at a serious discount and even the long-term roll of the dice on Joba's TJ surgery rehab partner-in-crime, David Aardsma.  

Cashman was kind of enough to take the time to sign my Autograph Card and I love how he added the tiny inscription of "GM" to the side of his signature.   I think it's pretty sharp and I'm excited to have it in my collection, highlighting the often controversial yet necessary business side of our national pastime.   Thank you for the keepsake, Mr. Cashman, and good luck with our team as we move into a new season and drive for the post season!

From the front office to behind the plate, here's the other great return from Monday:

Like Luke Skywalker, he shall redeem his father's career with the Dark Side!

(I know - two Star Wars references in one post.   Bare with me, folks!)

Austin Romine is one of the Yankees' fine catching prospects.   In fact, the prospects for his chances to see more action in the near future may have become a little greater with Montero's off season departure (even though Jesus was never given much thought for his defensive capabilities!).   I had not yet picked up a baseball card for Austin when I sent out the TTM (I now have a few) but I think his signature looks great on the signature card shown above.

Mr. Romine came up to the Big's for some coffee last fall after making the move to Triple A on September 1st.   They always say "you're an injury away" and this was certainly the scenario for Austin  as unfortunate injuries befell both Russell Martin and Francisco Cervelli.   Needing immediate help, Joe Girardi reached for the Manager's Bat Phone to give Romine a call but, weirdly, the numbers he had didn't work.

Maybe Austin upgraded to an iPhone when he achieved AAA status?   Serious Organizational Phone Tree FAILURE.

Anyways, the story goes that Joe then enlisted the help of Romine's brother and Anaheim Angel, Andrew.   Andrew knew how to get in touch with his brother but when Girardi finally reached his young catcher, it was via Austin's girlfriend's phone while the two lovebirds were shopping in a Kentucky Walmart.

I read this on the Internet - so it's definitely true!

Regardless of the details, Austin joined the team on the west-coast swing and saw his first action as a major leaguer against his brother's Angels on September 11, 2011.   He picked up his first hit the following day.   Good stuff!

I'm excited about Austin's ability but I am a little worried about his back.   It gave him some trouble last August and now seems to have flared up again in spring workouts.   Forgive my nervousness, it is a result of being a Mattingly fan, I'm sure.   Skipper Girardi seems to have some strong confidence in the young fellow, though, and is hoping to have Austin back in a strong position to become an everyday catcher for the team or at least secure the back-up slot this season.   I'll certainly be rooting for him as he tries to earn his spot, along with this dude:    

FOUND: Joba's flat-brim inspiration!

Proud Papa

Sure, Austin's old man played for that terrible Chicken 'n Beer outfit from Massachusetts, but any father-son legacy aspect is always pretty cool!

Thanks for taking the time to sign my card, Austin, and best of luck to you as you chase your spot with the team.

Thanks for reading!

"That's How We Roll..."

Another generous member of my new fraternity went above and beyond the call of duty when he answered my S.O.S. call for help in completing my '91 Fleer base set. That's right, Captain Canuck, our favorite Waxaholic, snuck an entire box of cards off my bloated NEEDS list across the border - and I understand the proverbial postal dogsled completed this run in record time!

Hey, wait a second!   What are those?

Oh yes....can't wait to file and cross off those bad boys.   But, wait?!   What's that?   WAX PACKS - from my era.   What a nice surprise.   '90 Fleer and '91 Score to be exact:

I've been here before....

A lot of fun.   I couldn't wait to tear into them (as you might be able to tell, I couldn't even wait until I snapped that picture).   Here were the highlights from each one:

Frank and George!

This was also Mussina's 1st Driver's License picture.   Go Rickey, GO!

Fantastic fun.   Thank you, Canuck!

Asking for nothing specific in return beyond a "just take a look through my lists", he single handedly brought my '91 Fleer quest into its final leg. It should also be noted - his selfless, LONG DISTANCE shipment of those base cards undoubtedly exceeded the 'cost' of what any of us could probably pay for a COMPLETE '91 Fleer set off of Ebay or the local flea market. The effort was completely illogical, BUT - like the Captain quipped to one of Waxaholic's faithful Lieutenants after one of his posts -

"That's how we roll."

I concur, Cap'n.......this is how we roll and I am enjoying every second of it.   Collectors helping other collectors with their pursuits.   Card by card (or in this case, box by box).   Because the story and 'players' involved in the 20+ year completion of this '91 Fleer set will be so much more colorful than a non-competitive bid on some junk wax from the Bay of E.   Indeed, this is how we roll.

Thank you for your generosity!  Another example of what I love about this hobby.  There will be some cardboard headed north SOON.   The dogs just wanted to grab some BBQ before they turned around.

Thanks for reading!

Series 1 Help From 30YOC

Okay- time to stop basking in the glow of STTM1's first return....

Let's recap a recent, generous and much appreciated offering from Brian over at 30YOC! Brian sent some 2012 Topps Series 1 from my NEEDS list. Of course, "some" in his vocabulary means THREE team bags worth!

Even THESE will be 30 Years Old one day...

Here's the highlights:

The Yanks!

Why do I think of Full Metal Jacket when I look at this?

As my daughter would be saying, "MINE! MINE! MINE!"

The 2012 NEEDS/FOR TRADE lists have been updated - let me know if you're interested in swapping!

Thank you, Brian! And congratulations to 30YOC on recently celebrating its 6,000th post.

Yes......SIX THOUSAND! Hear, hear!

First Return for the 1st Annual Spring TTM Experiment

I knew it.

I just had a feeling that there would be one of those glorious little SASE's waiting for me on the counter when I got home from work today.   An inkling, perhaps?.....(cheesy pun TOTALLY intended)

And there it was...

Don't worry - I was the animal that caused THAT tear!

Who could it be?   Probably one of the lesser-known players, right?   Somebody who might have had a little more time, maybe a bit more patience or excitement about receiving TTM requests in the first few days of their first or second time at camp.

I let the cards inside gently slide out into my hands.

"My God..."  I whispered to no one in particular.   Here's what dropped out:

500 Saves is SO 100 Saves Ago

My Kind of Art

                



















Thank you, Mr. Rivera!

That's right - the most successful closer of all time spent a few moments to sign my cards.   This wasn't supposed to happen.   I focused most of my efforts on preparing requests for the more 'probable' responders off of the Bombers' and others' spring rosters.   I had sent to Rivera before, during the off season in late 2007.   I had mailed off a Game Program from Yankee Stadium that I had held on to since my first and still ONLY visit to the Bronx in 2000-ish.   Mo was on the cover - it was going to look AWESOME.

It never came back.

That's okay.   I knew Rivera was a 'big name' and that the volumes of mail he probably received would be working against me.   So it was that I finished his letter a few weeks ago, with that "...might as well, because you never know" eternal optimism that I seem to be cursed/blessed with.   The cards I chose were kind of random, as you can see.   My choices were slim as I hadn't been back in the hobby long enough to amass too many Mo's for the collection.   But I liked the layout, background and balance of the Peak Performance card from 2010.   It marked a pretty solid milestone and it would look pretty cool with a signature across the front.

Same thing for the Gypsy Queen green-border parallel.   I am normally indifferent to parallels but I was enamored with almost all aspects of the GQ release last year, these greenies included.   This Rivera was beautiful to me as an artsy rendition of his classic delivery with a border and background color scheme that just worked.   It too would look fairly solid with some ink across the middle......if I ever even saw these cards again, that is.

But here they are, and I think they turned out beautifully!   These are my first autographs of Mariano Rivera.

This might very well be Mo's last season in the game he has dominated so effortlessly.  Ironically, he might be handing the reigns of Yankee Closer to my latest favorite player and PC quest - David Robertson - or somebody else, at the end of this year.   So this might have been the last shot before years of potential chance run-ins at shows or auctions.   How poetic!

Thank you, Mr. Rivera.   Thank you for your contributions to the team I live and die with every season.   Thank you for your contributions to the game of baseball and all of those epic moments in your career that are memories for me.   Let's make a few more!

Okay....I'm done with my drama  :)

The first return for STTM1 is in the books, ladies and gentlemen!   Who will be next?

Stay tuned and thanks for reading!