Mail Day
Psuedo presents that I sent payments for before Christmas arrived in the mailbox yesterday: 2005 Bowman Draft Henry Sanchez Chrome refractor [$3.25 plus $3.00 s/h on Ebay], 2005 Prime Patches Miguel Tejada jumbo jersey #'d 193/330 [$1.75 plus $2.00 s/h on Ebay], 2005 Bowman Draft AFLAC Chrome redemption [$9.00 plus $1.50 s/h on Ebay] and another 2005 Bowman Draft AFLAC Chrome redemption [$9.99 plus $2.00 s/h on Ebay].
Sunday, December 18, 2005
2004 Topps Traded break
I knew Topps didn't have any nice hits in their 'base brand' products like Topps Traded, but with some money, I bit the bullet this past Saturday and picked up a box for $50.
I was hoping to pull some Howie Kendrick cards [base, gold, chrome, refractor] but ended up with a 'pitiful' break.
Regular traded set - 180/221 [with one Kendrick]
Gold parallel - 12 random [one featuring Felix Hernandez]
Chrome - a handful of chrome FY/DP and veterans with the best one out of the FY/DP bunch a Homer Bailey.
Chrome refractors - Juan Uribe and Dustan Mohr
GU/auto - Ramon Nivar bat [puke]
I knew Topps didn't have any nice hits in their 'base brand' products like Topps Traded, but with some money, I bit the bullet this past Saturday and picked up a box for $50.
I was hoping to pull some Howie Kendrick cards [base, gold, chrome, refractor] but ended up with a 'pitiful' break.
Regular traded set - 180/221 [with one Kendrick]
Gold parallel - 12 random [one featuring Felix Hernandez]
Chrome - a handful of chrome FY/DP and veterans with the best one out of the FY/DP bunch a Homer Bailey.
Chrome refractors - Juan Uribe and Dustan Mohr
GU/auto - Ramon Nivar bat [puke]
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Stuff I value
Contemporary Toppers [$150-$200] - certified autograph cards of icons, PSA/DNA certified autograph cuts of icons and other items.
Memorabilia - featuring single signed baseballs including Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench, Bill Mazeroski, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Carl Yastrzemski, Bob Gibson, Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, Lou Brock, George Brett, et al.
I’d like to pick up single signed baseballs for still living Baseball Hall of Famers (and probably those that will pass on the next five years). I want to prioritize guys I have not absolutely gotten or tough to wrestle an autograph from (high profile superstars, doesn’t sign memorabilia at golf tournaments). Otherwise I have to stick to what I have (8x10 flats, unofficial baseballs, scrap of paper) until I can upgrade to a single signed baseball.
Certified Autographs Cards - certified autographs of superstar players featuring single or multiple subjects (per card) and certified autograph cards that feature a patch or other material pieces.
'Traditional Rookie cards' - BGS/PSA graded [and some ungraded] rookie cards of players from the last 25 years and before.
Certified autographs cards - certified autographs of players consisting of non Hall of Fame players, award winners, and certified autograph cards from rising stars/prospects.
Rookie year parallels - looking for cards of better known top prospects, including refractor, serial numbered and autograph parallels.
Regional considerations:
California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels -
A.) Cards for autographs - varies; whenever available
B.) PSA/BGS graded rookie cards and rookie-year parallel cards of prominent stars past and present along with top prospects [position players].
C.) Cheaper premium cards - dual material, patch cards, certified autographs and selected rookie year parallels.
D.) High end premium cards - 1/1 button cards, super patch material cards, et al.
E.) Scrapbook collection - featuring common cards [base, numbered and other parallels, parallels] that I maybe able to display.
Turn back the clock sampler run - I’m planning to collect a run PSA graded Topps cards from 1952-1980. Ideally all cards will feature Hall of Famers, though that probably depends on condition [affordability] and availability.
Collecting topics - typically common cards categorized into of secondary classifications.
Material card bonanza - featuring a bat barrel or 'premium super patch' piece card of a superstar (Vladimir Guerrero) or an icon/legend; a popular HOFer and/or member of an exclusive statistical club.
Various material cards - patch cards, dual material pieces, et al.
Contemporary Toppers [$150-$200] - certified autograph cards of icons, PSA/DNA certified autograph cuts of icons and other items.
Memorabilia - featuring single signed baseballs including Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench, Bill Mazeroski, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Carl Yastrzemski, Bob Gibson, Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, Lou Brock, George Brett, et al.
I’d like to pick up single signed baseballs for still living Baseball Hall of Famers (and probably those that will pass on the next five years). I want to prioritize guys I have not absolutely gotten or tough to wrestle an autograph from (high profile superstars, doesn’t sign memorabilia at golf tournaments). Otherwise I have to stick to what I have (8x10 flats, unofficial baseballs, scrap of paper) until I can upgrade to a single signed baseball.
Certified Autographs Cards - certified autographs of superstar players featuring single or multiple subjects (per card) and certified autograph cards that feature a patch or other material pieces.
'Traditional Rookie cards' - BGS/PSA graded [and some ungraded] rookie cards of players from the last 25 years and before.
Certified autographs cards - certified autographs of players consisting of non Hall of Fame players, award winners, and certified autograph cards from rising stars/prospects.
Rookie year parallels - looking for cards of better known top prospects, including refractor, serial numbered and autograph parallels.
Regional considerations:
California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels -
A.) Cards for autographs - varies; whenever available
B.) PSA/BGS graded rookie cards and rookie-year parallel cards of prominent stars past and present along with top prospects [position players].
C.) Cheaper premium cards - dual material, patch cards, certified autographs and selected rookie year parallels.
D.) High end premium cards - 1/1 button cards, super patch material cards, et al.
E.) Scrapbook collection - featuring common cards [base, numbered and other parallels, parallels] that I maybe able to display.
Turn back the clock sampler run - I’m planning to collect a run PSA graded Topps cards from 1952-1980. Ideally all cards will feature Hall of Famers, though that probably depends on condition [affordability] and availability.
Collecting topics - typically common cards categorized into of secondary classifications.
Material card bonanza - featuring a bat barrel or 'premium super patch' piece card of a superstar (Vladimir Guerrero) or an icon/legend; a popular HOFer and/or member of an exclusive statistical club.
Various material cards - patch cards, dual material pieces, et al.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Mail Day
A 2005 Donruss Greats Roberto Clemente bat card [$12.50 plus $2.00 s/h on Ebay] arrived in the mail Monday.
Jersey and bat cards mean nothing in today's trading card collecting game.
Of course it looks like a Clemente bat card is a fairly common pull in 2005 Donruss/Playoff releases.
Still, this is Clemente and possessing a card with a sliver of a bat he used in a MLB game is just too cool.
Image is from the Ebay auction I won.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Mail Day
A 2005 Donruss Prime Patches Jim Edmonds 'jumbo' jersey card [$3.49 plus $2.50 s/h on Ebay] arrived in the mail Saturday.
There is something nice about having a card in your hand with a big swatch of a game-worn jersey - even though the material is only a one-color piece and not a patch of some sort.
Image is from the Ebay auction I won.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Imromptu card show trip
Bought a Casey Kotchman unlicensed head shot 8x10 photo for a $1.50 each - I wasn't paying attention at all and I didn't realize it was kind of mangled up. I guess there goes my $1.50 in the trash...also bought a Paul Konerko 1998 Studio 8x10 card for $1.50 as well - I guess the Konerko was in a little better shape.
There was booth with a guy selling wax...Bought a pack of top-loaders for $1...I was biding my time, knowing that I kind of hate to spend [my own] money, but had to pay the piper every so often [even as I have other items I'd like]. I impulsively tried my luck, even though I think I'd rather buy random retail packs, than from a card show booth [no matter how well the booth's display looks].
2005 Topps Update [x3/$4.50 total] - a handful of base cards including those featuring young players that I can get an get signed if I so desired. Three of them included Ricky Romero [Toronto Blue Jays/CSUF], Andrew McCutchen [Pittsburgh Pirates] and Cliff Pennington [Oakland Athletics].
I also got a Barry Bonds home run insert [HR #571].
2005 Bowman Draft [x3/$9 total] - I was hoping for something decent, but not expecting much. I did get a 'dreaded' Signs of the Future auto [of Angel Guzman - Chicago Cubs].
Bought a Casey Kotchman unlicensed head shot 8x10 photo for a $1.50 each - I wasn't paying attention at all and I didn't realize it was kind of mangled up. I guess there goes my $1.50 in the trash...also bought a Paul Konerko 1998 Studio 8x10 card for $1.50 as well - I guess the Konerko was in a little better shape.
There was booth with a guy selling wax...Bought a pack of top-loaders for $1...I was biding my time, knowing that I kind of hate to spend [my own] money, but had to pay the piper every so often [even as I have other items I'd like]. I impulsively tried my luck, even though I think I'd rather buy random retail packs, than from a card show booth [no matter how well the booth's display looks].
2005 Topps Update [x3/$4.50 total] - a handful of base cards including those featuring young players that I can get an get signed if I so desired. Three of them included Ricky Romero [Toronto Blue Jays/CSUF], Andrew McCutchen [Pittsburgh Pirates] and Cliff Pennington [Oakland Athletics].
I also got a Barry Bonds home run insert [HR #571].
2005 Bowman Draft [x3/$9 total] - I was hoping for something decent, but not expecting much. I did get a 'dreaded' Signs of the Future auto [of Angel Guzman - Chicago Cubs].
Mail DayTwo cards arrived in the mail on Saturday:
2005 Prime Patches jumbo jersey card of Vladimir Guerrero [$22.61 plus $2.99 s/h on Ebay] - nice looking card for my personal collection, though the three color [blue, white and red] material is part of the color scheme of the patch piece as opposed to perhaps a true 'super patch' card, where the colors consist of discernible patch material. So, the card is basically a one color swatch that happens to feature three colors. [Does that make any sense?]
2005 Prime patches jumbo material card of Vernon Wells [$0.99 plus $2.50 s/h on Ebay] - I was surprised at how thick the card stock was - this is really nice looking card [though a default pull these days - single color jersey swatch - ugh...] with just enough space on the jersey material to get autographed perhaps.
Images are from the Ebay auctions I won.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Grassroots collecting
I wish I could go pick up and bust some unopened boxes as a collecting ideal:
[2004 Topps Traded, 2005 Bowman, 2005 Donruss Throwback Threads, 2005 Donruss Zenith, 2005 Fleer Tradition 2005 Fleer Platinum, 2005 Topps Turkey Red, et al].
It doesn't take much to pique my interests as a baseball card collector, especially when it is the middle of winter and there is no real MLB baseball to follow. Part of collecting is the materialistic aspect of having cards in your hand [can be at any time during the year], part of it is following a sport during the season.
Still, there are so many trading card releases coming out - the caveat is making concessions because I can't collect everything. I want to gamble on some unopened boxes featuring cards that might be valuable - rookie-year parallels of pretty good prospects, but I don't want to be caught up in not being able to make a move [on a single card/box] because I've blown my wad before better shit has come out.
I want to make smart moves with such a small 'collecting budget.'
I'm not looking for significant pulls, but if I want to buy a product - it will be for the cards themselves and not some secondary, arbitrary reason like looking for base cards to get signed in-person or through the mail.
If I was to bust boxes on a regular basis, midlevel brands($60-$70) like 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Edition, 2004 Upper Deck SP Prospects, 2005 Bowman Chrome, Bowman Draft/late season releases, et al would be the most collectible products featuring opportunities to pull rookie-year autographs/parallels.
I think rookie-year parallels [such as refractor/numbered cards] have the most potential value as far more common pulls out of products featuring prospects and rookies [particularly position players as opposed to pitchers].
As far as other cards, I need to get low-end cards on the cheap. I think it would ideal to collect insert cards [featuring superstar players, Hall of Famers, et al] such as parallels and game used cards but they aren't too desireable because they are considered redundant, default pulls.
I need to defer to the others as far as the early hype is concerned [busting boxes of a new product] and make my own moves to add selected cards from the latest products in my collection.
I need to pick up singles with modest goals such as acquiring a particular player's rookie card without expectation of value. I want to 'represent,' even though at times, I may not have the most valuable card of a player.
I wish I could go pick up and bust some unopened boxes as a collecting ideal:
[2004 Topps Traded, 2005 Bowman, 2005 Donruss Throwback Threads, 2005 Donruss Zenith, 2005 Fleer Tradition 2005 Fleer Platinum, 2005 Topps Turkey Red, et al].
It doesn't take much to pique my interests as a baseball card collector, especially when it is the middle of winter and there is no real MLB baseball to follow. Part of collecting is the materialistic aspect of having cards in your hand [can be at any time during the year], part of it is following a sport during the season.
Still, there are so many trading card releases coming out - the caveat is making concessions because I can't collect everything. I want to gamble on some unopened boxes featuring cards that might be valuable - rookie-year parallels of pretty good prospects, but I don't want to be caught up in not being able to make a move [on a single card/box] because I've blown my wad before better shit has come out.
I want to make smart moves with such a small 'collecting budget.'
I'm not looking for significant pulls, but if I want to buy a product - it will be for the cards themselves and not some secondary, arbitrary reason like looking for base cards to get signed in-person or through the mail.
If I was to bust boxes on a regular basis, midlevel brands($60-$70) like 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Edition, 2004 Upper Deck SP Prospects, 2005 Bowman Chrome, Bowman Draft/late season releases, et al would be the most collectible products featuring opportunities to pull rookie-year autographs/parallels.
I think rookie-year parallels [such as refractor/numbered cards] have the most potential value as far more common pulls out of products featuring prospects and rookies [particularly position players as opposed to pitchers].
As far as other cards, I need to get low-end cards on the cheap. I think it would ideal to collect insert cards [featuring superstar players, Hall of Famers, et al] such as parallels and game used cards but they aren't too desireable because they are considered redundant, default pulls.
I need to defer to the others as far as the early hype is concerned [busting boxes of a new product] and make my own moves to add selected cards from the latest products in my collection.
I need to pick up singles with modest goals such as acquiring a particular player's rookie card without expectation of value. I want to 'represent,' even though at times, I may not have the most valuable card of a player.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Card show on a budget
What are your priorities at the card show, when you only have $10 and change to spend during your time?
If you can, you want to spend $4-$6 on one card [game used/autograph] of a fan favorite or prospect for example. Still, at a card show, it is hard to find something cheap and good when there are only a limited number of booths with so-called bargain bins you can sift through.
Also the price is usually a few bucks more than you’d be willing to pay on cards that are basically given away. If it there was a particular card you wanted, you may pay a small premium [if you consider the plight of the guy at the booth], but usually there is usually nothing compelling about many cards that you may see.
You maybe better of saving that $4-$6 to spend on collecting supplies such as plastic sheets, boxes, top loaders, et al. Maybe a few packs of cards as well.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, you end up settling for cheaper ‘fence busters’ found in the $1 and under bin. That maybe fun, but you need to be careful that what you pick up isn’t getting even more redundant because of the sheer number of cards you already have at home.
You have to be creative, knowing that when you have a nickel-and-dime budget, you aren’t going to pick something that is going to be particularly valuable – just something to bide your time.
What are your priorities at the card show, when you only have $10 and change to spend during your time?
If you can, you want to spend $4-$6 on one card [game used/autograph] of a fan favorite or prospect for example. Still, at a card show, it is hard to find something cheap and good when there are only a limited number of booths with so-called bargain bins you can sift through.
Also the price is usually a few bucks more than you’d be willing to pay on cards that are basically given away. If it there was a particular card you wanted, you may pay a small premium [if you consider the plight of the guy at the booth], but usually there is usually nothing compelling about many cards that you may see.
You maybe better of saving that $4-$6 to spend on collecting supplies such as plastic sheets, boxes, top loaders, et al. Maybe a few packs of cards as well.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, you end up settling for cheaper ‘fence busters’ found in the $1 and under bin. That maybe fun, but you need to be careful that what you pick up isn’t getting even more redundant because of the sheer number of cards you already have at home.
You have to be creative, knowing that when you have a nickel-and-dime budget, you aren’t going to pick something that is going to be particularly valuable – just something to bide your time.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Mail Day
2005 Upper Deck Team USA Ryan Zimmerman auto numbered 26 out of 595 [$15.92 plus $2.50 s/h from Ebay].
I put in a two second snipe and won this card, which is apparently the most common version of his certified autograph from the set.
This is where I dabble in prospecting - a cursory pick up of a guy who isn't a secret anymore. Zimmerman is on the fast track - a guy who has actually had a cup of coffee with the Washington Nationals in 2005 after he was drafted and is expected to be their regular third baseman in 2006 after the team traded away Vinny Castilla.
The scan is not my actual card, but the one the seller used in the auction that I had won.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Mail Day
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux PSA-9 [$9.99 plus $3.50 s/h from Ebay].
It is funny that most the mainstream cards I clamored for back in the day aren't worth much anymore and I don't have to have a millionaire's budget to recapture my nostalgia.
I bought a copy of this card for $6 in the early '90s, but it was off-center. This one is a more attractive copy, though the value has softened over time. Still it is nice having a rookie card of one of the best pitchers of his generation, whether it is worth $50 or $5.
Check out that 'porn star' mustache on Maddux...
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux PSA-9 [$9.99 plus $3.50 s/h from Ebay].
It is funny that most the mainstream cards I clamored for back in the day aren't worth much anymore and I don't have to have a millionaire's budget to recapture my nostalgia.
I bought a copy of this card for $6 in the early '90s, but it was off-center. This one is a more attractive copy, though the value has softened over time. Still it is nice having a rookie card of one of the best pitchers of his generation, whether it is worth $50 or $5.
Check out that 'porn star' mustache on Maddux...
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
2005 Award Winners
Most Valuable Player
Alex Rodriguez (American League) - I think when you play for the New York Yankees, individual achievements mean nothing when you don't win a championship. Still ARod's anemic playoff stats don't matter. Love him or hate him for his contract, playing in New York or the slap, ARod was pretty darn good in 2005.
Albert Pujols (National League) - I would have liked to see Andruw Jones win, just so that the certified autograph I bought before the 2005 season started would mean something towards my award winners collection. I think Pujols was another sentimental [and probably deserving] favorite among the baseball writers voting after putting up such dominant numbers over the last five years and having nothing to show for his efforts. Derrek Lee was awesome, but his Chicago Cubs stunk it up in 2005.
Cy Young
Bartolo Colon (American League) - Even though he pulled up lame in the American League Division series for the Los Angeles Angeles, he was a horse all season long.
Chris Carpenter (National League) - I think the St.Louis Cardinals' ace was the sentimental favorite among the baseball writers voting after the injuries he suffered [and worked to come back from] before putting together some pretty numbers for the Cardinals over the last two seasons.
Rookie of the Year
Huston Street (American League) - Oakland Athletics' star rookie established himself as one of the league's top young relievers in his first season in 2005.
Ryan Howard (National League) - Suddenly I think it is going to be hard for the Philadelphia Phillies to justify trading Howard with him taking home the Rookie of the Year award. He may have more trade value, but there is a little more buzz to his name now. He isn't some other good, young player that maybe expendable. What happens between him and Jim Thome in 2006?
Most Valuable Player
Alex Rodriguez (American League) - I think when you play for the New York Yankees, individual achievements mean nothing when you don't win a championship. Still ARod's anemic playoff stats don't matter. Love him or hate him for his contract, playing in New York or the slap, ARod was pretty darn good in 2005.
Albert Pujols (National League) - I would have liked to see Andruw Jones win, just so that the certified autograph I bought before the 2005 season started would mean something towards my award winners collection. I think Pujols was another sentimental [and probably deserving] favorite among the baseball writers voting after putting up such dominant numbers over the last five years and having nothing to show for his efforts. Derrek Lee was awesome, but his Chicago Cubs stunk it up in 2005.
Cy Young
Bartolo Colon (American League) - Even though he pulled up lame in the American League Division series for the Los Angeles Angeles, he was a horse all season long.
Chris Carpenter (National League) - I think the St.Louis Cardinals' ace was the sentimental favorite among the baseball writers voting after the injuries he suffered [and worked to come back from] before putting together some pretty numbers for the Cardinals over the last two seasons.
Rookie of the Year
Huston Street (American League) - Oakland Athletics' star rookie established himself as one of the league's top young relievers in his first season in 2005.
Ryan Howard (National League) - Suddenly I think it is going to be hard for the Philadelphia Phillies to justify trading Howard with him taking home the Rookie of the Year award. He may have more trade value, but there is a little more buzz to his name now. He isn't some other good, young player that maybe expendable. What happens between him and Jim Thome in 2006?
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Active collection
I want to look at the items I've collected, display them and with the particular cards I've collected - get them autographed as opposed to just cram them somewhere to get out of the way.
Ideally I want cards that I pick up for my collection to have a purpose.
I make it a point to spend my money to pick up cards and non-card memorabilia items. I should make it a habit to learn how to enjoy them instead of moving onto the next fad.
I want to look at the items I've collected, display them and with the particular cards I've collected - get them autographed as opposed to just cram them somewhere to get out of the way.
Ideally I want cards that I pick up for my collection to have a purpose.
I make it a point to spend my money to pick up cards and non-card memorabilia items. I should make it a habit to learn how to enjoy them instead of moving onto the next fad.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Mail Day
A Ebay winning finally arrived in the form of a 1973 Kellogg's Al Kaline. It is probably worth what I paid for it [$1.52 and a SASE on Ebay].
While it isn't worth much, it has the novelty of being a 32 year old card - making it sorta, kinda of an antique - I just hope for my sake, it isn't trimmed.
Maybe I'll send it for a possible autograph request.
A Ebay winning finally arrived in the form of a 1973 Kellogg's Al Kaline. It is probably worth what I paid for it [$1.52 and a SASE on Ebay].
While it isn't worth much, it has the novelty of being a 32 year old card - making it sorta, kinda of an antique - I just hope for my sake, it isn't trimmed.
Maybe I'll send it for a possible autograph request.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Liberating retails pulls at the Target close to my school:
2004 Upper Deck II ($1.49) - lame Jason Giambi insert, lame Roger Clemens [checklist] - the best card as far as I was concerned was a Gil Meche base card worth half a nickel - you can see a blurred Ichiro cameo in the background.
2005 Bowman Chrome ($2.99) - Hernan Iribarren rookie card
2005 Topps Fan Favorites ($2.99) - Cal Ripken Jr. base card - but also cards of luminaries such as Jerome Walton [1989 National League Rookie of the Year], Jeff Brantley [ESPN], Ron Blomberg [first ever designated hitter], Jim Leyritz [New York Yankees] and Joaquin Andujar - I wouldn't want to pull these guys' [except for Ripken Jr. perhaps] cards during the time they played, why would I want to now?
2005 Topps Basketball ($1.99) - ugh, why did I pick up this pack of shiite?
And...
2005 Bowman's Best ($19.99 for a blister pack of two) - my auto [guaranteed in the blister marking] was a John Barratt with a 'notch' on the autograph sticker, numbered 422/974.
Briefly looking at his stats on baseballamerica.com, it looks like he was beaten up in the Cal League in 2005.
Looking at the back of his card, he is 5'9" - which makes him:
A.) A long shot to make any Major League roster
B.) A lefty specialist
I know if I just wanted 'some cards,' I could do things a little better than waste my time and energy on retail packs.
I feel so violated - but it is like, I'm the one who succumbed to the crap.
This is where I really hurt my collections.
2004 Upper Deck II ($1.49) - lame Jason Giambi insert, lame Roger Clemens [checklist] - the best card as far as I was concerned was a Gil Meche base card worth half a nickel - you can see a blurred Ichiro cameo in the background.
2005 Bowman Chrome ($2.99) - Hernan Iribarren rookie card
2005 Topps Fan Favorites ($2.99) - Cal Ripken Jr. base card - but also cards of luminaries such as Jerome Walton [1989 National League Rookie of the Year], Jeff Brantley [ESPN], Ron Blomberg [first ever designated hitter], Jim Leyritz [New York Yankees] and Joaquin Andujar - I wouldn't want to pull these guys' [except for Ripken Jr. perhaps] cards during the time they played, why would I want to now?
2005 Topps Basketball ($1.99) - ugh, why did I pick up this pack of shiite?
And...
2005 Bowman's Best ($19.99 for a blister pack of two) - my auto [guaranteed in the blister marking] was a John Barratt with a 'notch' on the autograph sticker, numbered 422/974.
Briefly looking at his stats on baseballamerica.com, it looks like he was beaten up in the Cal League in 2005.
Looking at the back of his card, he is 5'9" - which makes him:
A.) A long shot to make any Major League roster
B.) A lefty specialist
I know if I just wanted 'some cards,' I could do things a little better than waste my time and energy on retail packs.
I feel so violated - but it is like, I'm the one who succumbed to the crap.
This is where I really hurt my collections.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Wishlist:
• Roger Maris - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Ty Cobb - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Babe Ruth - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Lou Gehrig - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Roberto Clemente - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Jackie Robinson (Baseball) - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Tiger Woods (Golf) - Upper Deck certified autograph card
• Muhammad Ali (Boxing) - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Kobe Bryant (Basketball) - certified autograph card
• Brett Favre (Football) - certified auto i.e. 8x10 or mini-helmet
• Kevin Garnett (Basketball) - certified autograph card (full autograph)
* Eddie Murray (Baseball) - single signed baseball
• Roger Maris - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Ty Cobb - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Babe Ruth - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Lou Gehrig - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Roberto Clemente - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Jackie Robinson (Baseball) - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Tiger Woods (Golf) - Upper Deck certified autograph card
• Muhammad Ali (Boxing) - PSA/DNA certified auto
• Kobe Bryant (Basketball) - certified autograph card
• Brett Favre (Football) - certified auto i.e. 8x10 or mini-helmet
• Kevin Garnett (Basketball) - certified autograph card (full autograph)
* Eddie Murray (Baseball) - single signed baseball
Value Judgements
How much am I going to pay for certified autographs cards of today's breakout stars including Travis Hafner, Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Jason Bay, Bobby Crosby, Johan Santana, David Wright, et al.
What casual speculations can I make about these 'young stars' and where they will end up in their careers, so that I can evaluate their personal value?
Except for probably for Dunn, Cabrera, Wright and Santana, the other guys are not young enough to get an opportunity to put up milestone numbers or at least be on a Hall of Fame track. On the other hand, these guys are pretty good young players and if they stay healthy, they will enjoy relatively long careers.
In 10 years, will be I be happy that I bought a Santana certified autograph? How many wins will I assume he accumulates, so that I don't feel like such a dolt for buying to the hype right now? What if my sure things flame out? Will their certified autographs be worth anything then?
On the side, how much am I willing to pay for certified autographs of past and present superstars? I want to collect items that have some long term mainstream value, even if I’m only truly collecting for myself.
There is an idea to add 'instant bling' cards to my collection and picking certified autographs of superstars will add instant value to brag about perhaps. Instead of gambling on picking up unopened boxes of cards, there is always satisfaction in getting the card I want, instead of being one of the people who would rather bust a box, than pick up single cards.
For example:
1.) Kobe Bryant certified autograph card - see previous posts
2.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Albert Pujols auto - I have the opportunity, why not pick a nice certified autograph card of his?
3.) Lebron James certified autograph card - see previous posts
4.) 2005 Prime Cuts III Biography Willie Mays auto - his autographs on these nice cards look like a signature instead of an autograph signed [on a cut material?].
5.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Mike Piazza auto - was a superstar, but career has slowed down to where he may have more time and may not be as elusive to sign for pay as far as card companies are concerned.
6.) Alex Rodriguez certified autograph - maybe baseball's Kobe Bryant and a guy whose autographs I always want for my collection, though I already have several. I'm always looking for nicer ARod autographs, though on cards it maybe good enough to see him slack off on the quality as long as it is certified by a card company.
7.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Mike Schmidt auto - $35-40 for the best looking certified autograph cards in the planet, though I'd rather pick up a single-signed baseball for about twice as much.
8.) Derek Jeter certified autograph card - 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot
9.) Peyton Manning certified autograph - 2005 Upper Deck Potraits 8x10 or 2003 Upper Deck Sweet Spot auto
10.) Eli Manning certified autograph - 2005 Upper Deck Portraits 8x10; maybe get into his bandwagon as a future star.
11.) Brett Favre certified autograph - 8x10 or mini-helmet
12.) Michael Vick certified autograph - 8x10 or mini-helmet; one great injury away from being mediocre perhaps - but still a young rising star.
There are things I think about:
I think I have to temper my enthusiasm for picking up certified autograph cards of Bryant, James, Pujols, Rodriguez and Jeter. These players are still in their prime, but have signed so many cards already. They will likely continue to have deals with card companies, where they sign newer cards. Each new trading card product is the opportunity for the release of certified autograph card featuring these players.
Barring some kind of individual dominance [coupled with a dynasty - Bryant and Jeter not included], there will be more opportunities to pick up certified autographs of these players, where the values won't shoot up.
Also, if I have to spend $100-$200 on an autograph of a current superstar, I would much rather try and find something that is not a card. Maybe that isn't possible, but this is where the autograph collector in me shows up and not necessarily the trading card collector. More and more certified autographs are on stickers and not on the actual card. I typically prefer autographs signed on the actual card, unless it is on a unique cut material [or just a white surface as opposed to a holographic sticker or clear cut label]. I'd rather much have something like a baseball, mini-helmet or an 8x10, rather than what would be an oddball size autograph item with regard to how much I might be willing to spend.
11/6/05
Bowman AFLAC - sent my redemption card out
Donruss/Playoff Zenith - returned my damaged cards
How much am I going to pay for certified autographs cards of today's breakout stars including Travis Hafner, Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Jason Bay, Bobby Crosby, Johan Santana, David Wright, et al.
What casual speculations can I make about these 'young stars' and where they will end up in their careers, so that I can evaluate their personal value?
Except for probably for Dunn, Cabrera, Wright and Santana, the other guys are not young enough to get an opportunity to put up milestone numbers or at least be on a Hall of Fame track. On the other hand, these guys are pretty good young players and if they stay healthy, they will enjoy relatively long careers.
In 10 years, will be I be happy that I bought a Santana certified autograph? How many wins will I assume he accumulates, so that I don't feel like such a dolt for buying to the hype right now? What if my sure things flame out? Will their certified autographs be worth anything then?
On the side, how much am I willing to pay for certified autographs of past and present superstars? I want to collect items that have some long term mainstream value, even if I’m only truly collecting for myself.
There is an idea to add 'instant bling' cards to my collection and picking certified autographs of superstars will add instant value to brag about perhaps. Instead of gambling on picking up unopened boxes of cards, there is always satisfaction in getting the card I want, instead of being one of the people who would rather bust a box, than pick up single cards.
For example:
1.) Kobe Bryant certified autograph card - see previous posts
2.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Albert Pujols auto - I have the opportunity, why not pick a nice certified autograph card of his?
3.) Lebron James certified autograph card - see previous posts
4.) 2005 Prime Cuts III Biography Willie Mays auto - his autographs on these nice cards look like a signature instead of an autograph signed [on a cut material?].
5.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Mike Piazza auto - was a superstar, but career has slowed down to where he may have more time and may not be as elusive to sign for pay as far as card companies are concerned.
6.) Alex Rodriguez certified autograph - maybe baseball's Kobe Bryant and a guy whose autographs I always want for my collection, though I already have several. I'm always looking for nicer ARod autographs, though on cards it maybe good enough to see him slack off on the quality as long as it is certified by a card company.
7.) 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Mike Schmidt auto - $35-40 for the best looking certified autograph cards in the planet, though I'd rather pick up a single-signed baseball for about twice as much.
8.) Derek Jeter certified autograph card - 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot
9.) Peyton Manning certified autograph - 2005 Upper Deck Potraits 8x10 or 2003 Upper Deck Sweet Spot auto
10.) Eli Manning certified autograph - 2005 Upper Deck Portraits 8x10; maybe get into his bandwagon as a future star.
11.) Brett Favre certified autograph - 8x10 or mini-helmet
12.) Michael Vick certified autograph - 8x10 or mini-helmet; one great injury away from being mediocre perhaps - but still a young rising star.
There are things I think about:
I think I have to temper my enthusiasm for picking up certified autograph cards of Bryant, James, Pujols, Rodriguez and Jeter. These players are still in their prime, but have signed so many cards already. They will likely continue to have deals with card companies, where they sign newer cards. Each new trading card product is the opportunity for the release of certified autograph card featuring these players.
Barring some kind of individual dominance [coupled with a dynasty - Bryant and Jeter not included], there will be more opportunities to pick up certified autographs of these players, where the values won't shoot up.
Also, if I have to spend $100-$200 on an autograph of a current superstar, I would much rather try and find something that is not a card. Maybe that isn't possible, but this is where the autograph collector in me shows up and not necessarily the trading card collector. More and more certified autographs are on stickers and not on the actual card. I typically prefer autographs signed on the actual card, unless it is on a unique cut material [or just a white surface as opposed to a holographic sticker or clear cut label]. I'd rather much have something like a baseball, mini-helmet or an 8x10, rather than what would be an oddball size autograph item with regard to how much I might be willing to spend.
11/6/05
Bowman AFLAC - sent my redemption card out
Donruss/Playoff Zenith - returned my damaged cards
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Player Types I value
HOF icons - players etched in history and in the lore of baseball - Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Babe Ruth, et al.
Exclusive clubs - players etched in history, belonging to exclusive numerical clubs -George Brett, Eddie Murray, et al.
HOF legends - guys who made their mark on the game and enshrined to the Hall of Fame because of it.
Future HOF icons/legends - already have established their credentials as retired players or are still active players towards the end of their careers.
Superstars - players that are at the height of their popularity - Vladimir Guerrero, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez. Some players deemed superstars do not have the statistics (or particularly) or the longevity to ascend to being future HOF icons/legends, but it can be said that in the prime, they were at the top of the heap.
Award Winners - players etched in history as having individual seasons worthy of the MVP, Cy Young or Rookie of the Year awards.
Rising Stars and Prospects - typically regional players from my home team and top prospects everyone is bound to know.
Semi/minor stars - regional favorites from my home team as well as selected other players who have starred in Major League Baseball for 10-15 seasons.
HOF icons - players etched in history and in the lore of baseball - Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Babe Ruth, et al.
Exclusive clubs - players etched in history, belonging to exclusive numerical clubs -George Brett, Eddie Murray, et al.
HOF legends - guys who made their mark on the game and enshrined to the Hall of Fame because of it.
Future HOF icons/legends - already have established their credentials as retired players or are still active players towards the end of their careers.
Superstars - players that are at the height of their popularity - Vladimir Guerrero, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez. Some players deemed superstars do not have the statistics (or particularly) or the longevity to ascend to being future HOF icons/legends, but it can be said that in the prime, they were at the top of the heap.
Award Winners - players etched in history as having individual seasons worthy of the MVP, Cy Young or Rookie of the Year awards.
Rising Stars and Prospects - typically regional players from my home team and top prospects everyone is bound to know.
Semi/minor stars - regional favorites from my home team as well as selected other players who have starred in Major League Baseball for 10-15 seasons.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Top 10 Cards Wanted 1980-1995
1.) 1987 Fleer Glossy Barry Bonds - BGS/PSA 9
2.) 1995 Bowman's Best Vladimir Guerrero - BGS/PSA 9
3.) 1985 Fleer Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
4.) 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. - BGS/PSA 9
5.) 1985 Donruss Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
6.) 1982 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. - BGS/PSA 9
7.) 1983 Topps Ryne Sandberg - BGS/PSA 9
8.) 1983 Topps Wade Boggs - BGS/PSA 9
9.) 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
10.) 1986 Fleer Basketball Michael Jordan - BGS/PSA 8
1.) 1987 Fleer Glossy Barry Bonds - BGS/PSA 9
2.) 1995 Bowman's Best Vladimir Guerrero - BGS/PSA 9
3.) 1985 Fleer Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
4.) 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. - BGS/PSA 9
5.) 1985 Donruss Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
6.) 1982 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. - BGS/PSA 9
7.) 1983 Topps Ryne Sandberg - BGS/PSA 9
8.) 1983 Topps Wade Boggs - BGS/PSA 9
9.) 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens - BGS/PSA 9
10.) 1986 Fleer Basketball Michael Jordan - BGS/PSA 8
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
I'm looking for certified autographs of the two players. I'm not even a casual NBA fan, but these are the two initial guys I'd pay to watch [or pay to pick up their autographs].
Kobe Bryant
What is clear to me is his killer instinct on the court and as a casual fan the fact that when I see number '8' on the court, sticking it to some other team - nothing else matters. What happened in Colorado and the chain of events that tarnished his image as a golden child [the breakup of the Los Angeles Lakers] isn't something to scoff at.
On the other hand, as unpopular as Kobe supposed to be, as many fans boo him - he is really, really good and he is going to go down fighting, not be denied.
LeBron James
I'd like to get a certified autograph of his before he truly hits his prime and hope he is the focal point of a dynasty.
I'm looking for certified autographs of the two players. I'm not even a casual NBA fan, but these are the two initial guys I'd pay to watch [or pay to pick up their autographs].
Kobe Bryant
What is clear to me is his killer instinct on the court and as a casual fan the fact that when I see number '8' on the court, sticking it to some other team - nothing else matters. What happened in Colorado and the chain of events that tarnished his image as a golden child [the breakup of the Los Angeles Lakers] isn't something to scoff at.
On the other hand, as unpopular as Kobe supposed to be, as many fans boo him - he is really, really good and he is going to go down fighting, not be denied.
LeBron James
I'd like to get a certified autograph of his before he truly hits his prime and hope he is the focal point of a dynasty.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Mail Call:
A Hank Aaron Upper Deck Authenticated autograph baseball arrived quickly after I sent out payment last Saturday - for less than a pack of 2005 Prime Cuts III would cost or a box of super premium cards - I got an UDA certified autograph baseball of the current home run king.
I inspected the ball quickly and there is a special logo, featuring an inscription that is a little worn off. The autograph isn't as bold as it would ideally.
On the other hand, I've needed an Aaron autograph for my collection and it is 'in-hand' as I type.
*Also a 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Signatures Paul Molitor auto arrived in the mail -it was truly more of an impulsive purchase. It took a while to get this card because of logistics. While he is a Hall of Famer, he already has other Sweet Spot auto releases, which saps the value of his latest Sweet Spot autograph insert.
Still, he has over 3,000 hits and is considered the greatest designated hitter of all time - sorry Edgar Martinez.
Late at night after I picked this card up on Ebay, I watched Beyond the Glory on the DH and it was cool he was featured prominently for his accomplishments at the position.
This autograph was signed in black ink, which is kind of a negative, it is still a nice complementary addition to my personal Hall of Fame collection.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Collection Definition
My goal is to have some quality when it counts and have some quantity for fun.
My fear is going around in circles as far collecting baseball cards or collecting signed non-card memorabilia. I like all sorts of different cards valued from $1 to $100. Maybe I'm riding through fads that have no substance [or at least will leave me high and dry as far as value is concerned].
I want to have a definitive purpose, so I'm not sabotaging my efforts to pick up the next piece of item that is going to be in my collection. Many times, I like a little bit of everything and I'm swayed by delusions of grandeur, instead of reality that I may not be able to collect everything.
It is mind numbing to think that I may want this, I may want that - but I can't really afford all that...
Baseball Cards
I want to be able to account for every single card in my collection as a group, whether or not they are worth a nickel or a $100. I am looking for definition to my collection, as far as what I can classify as valuable and what I can classify as more for the 'true art' of collecting.
My philosophy maybe is to typically have no modern 'bling, bling' cards in my collection, which I would likely see as the lowest serial numbered, super-duper refractor autograph rookie year parallel/rookie card of an unproven prospect [or legitimate star like Albert Pujols].
At this point, there is no way for me to get in that game of prospecting. I prefer looking for a particular player's representative [if not definitive] rookie card graded PSA/BGS '9' condition.
Each month, I'd like to secure at least one rookie card of players from 1980-1999 and dabble in perhaps picking up rookie cards of prospects I like from the last five years [maybe the most common/or second most common versions; autographed if possible].
I need to look for 'solid value' purchases, where I'm getting something I like, but not spending willy-nilly.
Memorabilia
Every month should be an opportunity to add a signed baseball, photo or a signed mini-helmet. It would be great, if I got a game used jersey, bat, et al - but basically I want a keepsake that displays well and features an authentic autograph by an Hall of Fame icon, member of an exclusive statistical club, current superstar or rising star. I hope to get the guys I typically haven't gotten otherwise [for free].
My goal is to have some quality when it counts and have some quantity for fun.
My fear is going around in circles as far collecting baseball cards or collecting signed non-card memorabilia. I like all sorts of different cards valued from $1 to $100. Maybe I'm riding through fads that have no substance [or at least will leave me high and dry as far as value is concerned].
I want to have a definitive purpose, so I'm not sabotaging my efforts to pick up the next piece of item that is going to be in my collection. Many times, I like a little bit of everything and I'm swayed by delusions of grandeur, instead of reality that I may not be able to collect everything.
It is mind numbing to think that I may want this, I may want that - but I can't really afford all that...
Baseball Cards
I want to be able to account for every single card in my collection as a group, whether or not they are worth a nickel or a $100. I am looking for definition to my collection, as far as what I can classify as valuable and what I can classify as more for the 'true art' of collecting.
My philosophy maybe is to typically have no modern 'bling, bling' cards in my collection, which I would likely see as the lowest serial numbered, super-duper refractor autograph rookie year parallel/rookie card of an unproven prospect [or legitimate star like Albert Pujols].
At this point, there is no way for me to get in that game of prospecting. I prefer looking for a particular player's representative [if not definitive] rookie card graded PSA/BGS '9' condition.
Each month, I'd like to secure at least one rookie card of players from 1980-1999 and dabble in perhaps picking up rookie cards of prospects I like from the last five years [maybe the most common/or second most common versions; autographed if possible].
I need to look for 'solid value' purchases, where I'm getting something I like, but not spending willy-nilly.
Memorabilia
Every month should be an opportunity to add a signed baseball, photo or a signed mini-helmet. It would be great, if I got a game used jersey, bat, et al - but basically I want a keepsake that displays well and features an authentic autograph by an Hall of Fame icon, member of an exclusive statistical club, current superstar or rising star. I hope to get the guys I typically haven't gotten otherwise [for free].
Sunday, October 23, 2005
New York Yankees Scrapbook Collection
What I would want is kind of a set of cards to flip through at the most basic level, with a showcase of various prominent Yankees players over the years, featuring the cards I've collected. It is a type of collection, where a little bit of everything is needed to make this possible, if only on a small scale.
I think it would interesting what I could come up with my current collection and what I could add on the cheap. The core of the collection would be base cards, but also certified autographs, material cards, retro cards, et al.
I don't particularly care about value, just a visual representation of the organization that has won 26 championships.
Cheap Cards
I think baseball cards should be displayed. Maybe with so many other cards, I should make an effort to a display and showcase the more aesthetically pleasing (if not particularly) valuable cards; maybe jersey and patch cards displayed along with photographs and/or other items in a particular theme to have fun with what I've collected.
What I would want is kind of a set of cards to flip through at the most basic level, with a showcase of various prominent Yankees players over the years, featuring the cards I've collected. It is a type of collection, where a little bit of everything is needed to make this possible, if only on a small scale.
I think it would interesting what I could come up with my current collection and what I could add on the cheap. The core of the collection would be base cards, but also certified autographs, material cards, retro cards, et al.
I don't particularly care about value, just a visual representation of the organization that has won 26 championships.
Cheap Cards
I think baseball cards should be displayed. Maybe with so many other cards, I should make an effort to a display and showcase the more aesthetically pleasing (if not particularly) valuable cards; maybe jersey and patch cards displayed along with photographs and/or other items in a particular theme to have fun with what I've collected.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Mail Call
A 1960 Topps Willie Mays PSA 5 finally arrived in the mail- I won it in on Sept. 28 but held off on paying it until about two weeks later.
I was bored (in the newsroom) - so I was looking for an impulsive purchase on Ebay. I put in a bid in the last 30 seconds and withstood the other snipes. I don't know if this was a prudent purchase because the card looks 'beat up,' more like a '3' or a '4' and it doesn't look like it has good 'eye-appeal.'
I figure when you consider buying a low-end box or half a box of a premium baseball card product, then I'd rather have the Mays.
On the other hand, 'just to have the card' isn't a good enough reason to pick it up.
The surface of this particular card has some paper loss. I suppose this is a collectible card, though not something that would likely be considered by serious collectors.
If it is the novelty of images that you want, why bother with low-end vintage star cards, when you have modern cards featuring Hall of Famers of the '60s, '70s, et al.
Don't bother with having something just for the heck of it. If you want to have a Willie Mays card, get a modern retro card of Mays for several dollars and spend the money you will have saved on something that has been signed, something that isn't beaten up and maybe something that adds to your collection.
Nostalgia is for the birds.
Discerning eye and specialization in topics
At times, I think I want everything under the sun and I’m afraid that I’ll implode because I think I have so many interests, yet don’t have the means to pursue each seriously. I’m afraid that I’ll be accumulating stuff as opposed to adding items to my collection. I’m afraid that that I’ll overlook important details that will be lost in the fever to pick more stuff up.
As modern collectors, a discerning eye for what one purchases is important because purchases today maybe tomorrow's trash. One might be collecting for fun, but in 10-15 years, you don't want your collection to be worthless, especially if you put in a good amount of time and effort building it up today.
This isn't about collecting whatever you want for fun. It probably wouldn't hurt me to pick up a box of 1988 Donruss in order to go through it for fun, even though the brand is worthless.
On the other hand, not every product that comes out is going to be valuable, even in the near future. You don't have to buy a case of something, not every single card you see is worth picking up, not every prospect with a nice rookie year parallel autograph card is going to have a long and productive career. Temper your enthusiasm to believe the hype.
Also specialization in collecting anything is important. You don't exactly want to be collecting many things, but don't have one special subject to focus on. Also, collecting can be a complicated process because you have to familiarize yourself with many terms and levels of collecting lingo that basically have to do with your collection's value. If one doesn't have the knowledge or just doesn't care, then you go about things and later on find that you've blown your wad on nothing of significance.
Be aware of what you collect, so that you maybe picking up less things, but at the same time your collection has a bit more quality.
At times, I think I want everything under the sun and I’m afraid that I’ll implode because I think I have so many interests, yet don’t have the means to pursue each seriously. I’m afraid that I’ll be accumulating stuff as opposed to adding items to my collection. I’m afraid that that I’ll overlook important details that will be lost in the fever to pick more stuff up.
As modern collectors, a discerning eye for what one purchases is important because purchases today maybe tomorrow's trash. One might be collecting for fun, but in 10-15 years, you don't want your collection to be worthless, especially if you put in a good amount of time and effort building it up today.
This isn't about collecting whatever you want for fun. It probably wouldn't hurt me to pick up a box of 1988 Donruss in order to go through it for fun, even though the brand is worthless.
On the other hand, not every product that comes out is going to be valuable, even in the near future. You don't have to buy a case of something, not every single card you see is worth picking up, not every prospect with a nice rookie year parallel autograph card is going to have a long and productive career. Temper your enthusiasm to believe the hype.
Also specialization in collecting anything is important. You don't exactly want to be collecting many things, but don't have one special subject to focus on. Also, collecting can be a complicated process because you have to familiarize yourself with many terms and levels of collecting lingo that basically have to do with your collection's value. If one doesn't have the knowledge or just doesn't care, then you go about things and later on find that you've blown your wad on nothing of significance.
Be aware of what you collect, so that you maybe picking up less things, but at the same time your collection has a bit more quality.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
2005 Donruss Zenith Break
I'm ambivalent over buying unopened boxes. It is a hit and miss gamble. It becomes impractical if I don't pull anything of significance [out of a box] like I would expect.
With some money, I picked up a box of Zenith last Saturday at the bi-weekly cards show for $48.
Base cards - 69/250; minus Don Mattingly, which had a nicked corner
Museum collection (1:3) - Rocco Baldelli, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Nolan Ryan, Grady Sizemore and Dmitri Young.
Artist Proof (1:16) - Mark Teixeira
Gold AP (#'d 50) - Mike Young #'d 36/50 - damaged!
Z-Team (1:11) - Mark Mulder, Albert Pujols - damaged!
Mozaics (1:8) - Arizona Diamondbacks (Shawn Green, Troy Glaus and Luis Gonzalez) and Seattle Mariners (Adrian Beltre, Jeremy Reed and Richie Sexson).
Positions (1:21) - Catchers; Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Piazza and Victor Martinez
Spellbound (1:11) - Alex Rodriguez; 'E'
Red Hot (1:16) - Mark Prior
White Hot (1:65) - Ted Williams - damaged!
Team Zenith (1:31) - none
Roll Call Autographs (1:24) - none
Epix - Pat Burrell (117/350), Hideki Matsui (089/250), Scott Rolen (166/250) and Nolan Ryan (190/250).
Auto/GU - Dale Murphy auto (098/100), Cal Ripken Jr. bat/patch (04/25) and Bernie Williams jersey.
Summary: The three nice insert cards (Gold AP, Z-Team and White Hot) being damaged 'fresh out of the pack' was a bummer, but the Cal Ripken Jr. bat/patch #'d to 25 made this break a keeper. Overall, the base cards decent and the base card parallels are nice to look at. On the other hand, I don't really like the multiplayer insert cards (Mozaics, Positions) nor truly captivated by much of the non-parallel inserts (Z-Team and Epix).
I'm ambivalent over buying unopened boxes. It is a hit and miss gamble. It becomes impractical if I don't pull anything of significance [out of a box] like I would expect.
With some money, I picked up a box of Zenith last Saturday at the bi-weekly cards show for $48.
Base cards - 69/250; minus Don Mattingly, which had a nicked corner
Museum collection (1:3) - Rocco Baldelli, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Nolan Ryan, Grady Sizemore and Dmitri Young.
Artist Proof (1:16) - Mark Teixeira
Gold AP (#'d 50) - Mike Young #'d 36/50 - damaged!
Z-Team (1:11) - Mark Mulder, Albert Pujols - damaged!
Mozaics (1:8) - Arizona Diamondbacks (Shawn Green, Troy Glaus and Luis Gonzalez) and Seattle Mariners (Adrian Beltre, Jeremy Reed and Richie Sexson).
Positions (1:21) - Catchers; Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Piazza and Victor Martinez
Spellbound (1:11) - Alex Rodriguez; 'E'
Red Hot (1:16) - Mark Prior
White Hot (1:65) - Ted Williams - damaged!
Team Zenith (1:31) - none
Roll Call Autographs (1:24) - none
Epix - Pat Burrell (117/350), Hideki Matsui (089/250), Scott Rolen (166/250) and Nolan Ryan (190/250).
Auto/GU - Dale Murphy auto (098/100), Cal Ripken Jr. bat/patch (04/25) and Bernie Williams jersey.
Summary: The three nice insert cards (Gold AP, Z-Team and White Hot) being damaged 'fresh out of the pack' was a bummer, but the Cal Ripken Jr. bat/patch #'d to 25 made this break a keeper. Overall, the base cards decent and the base card parallels are nice to look at. On the other hand, I don't really like the multiplayer insert cards (Mozaics, Positions) nor truly captivated by much of the non-parallel inserts (Z-Team and Epix).
Saturday, October 08, 2005
A card that has arrived in my mailbox is a 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot David Wright - this is a nice card because this is Wright's first Sweet Spot autograph (on baseball leather).
I really like the design of the Sweet Spot autograph inserts and was looking for another young star's certified autograph to be included in the set.
Among hitters, Miguel Cabrera, Adam Dunn, Delmon Young, Rickie Weeks, Mark Teixeira, Victor Martinez are prospects/rising stars whose certified autographs (not exactly Sweet Spot autographs) I've picked up for my collection already (albeit second or third year certified autographs).
The Wright is another name to add to this personal collection of players I think are going to be real good over the next 10-15 years.
Hopefully the black ink stands the test of time and doesn't fade 'prematurely.'
Friday, October 07, 2005
My 1961 Topps PSA-5 Ed Mathews finally arrived that I purchased from Ebay.
44 years ago, the Mathews card maybe have been equivalent to a 2005 Topps Eric Chavez card today that is a little worn, a little off-center but has been graded.
On the other hand, for $8.50 shipped, how can I go wrong with this card featuring a Hall of Fame member and 500 home run club member? $8.50 doesn't buy you a pack of 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot.
It is like having an honest-to-goodness antique 'relic' from 1961 in my grasp.
The card may not featured an autograph or a piece of a bat or comparable 'game-used' material but I feel like I can have a vintage card in-hand (even in a slab) and sense the history packed into it just by looking at it.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
I'm awaiting my purchase of the year so far, a Mickey Mantle PSA/DNA authenticated and slabbed cut. It was a stroke of luck to be able to find this item for my personal collection. I'm excited because it represents a stepping stone to a possible Hall of Fame autograph collection.
PSA/DNA cuts i.e. 3x5's, Hall of Fame postcards, oddball sized cards maybe the way to build a collection of many (deceased) HOFers and other legendary stars (not in the Hall of Fame). I'll try and sniff around for particular ones that maybe tougher to get than others, yet still relatively affordable. For players still living and probably deceased HOFers who were alive through the 90's and were able to sign a lot of things, I probably would prefer a single signed baseball because it displays better.
The fad is now vintage - cards and autographs because while I'd like to bust a pack of 2005 Playoff Absolute ($40-$60) or a pack of Upper Deck HOFers ($100-$150), my conscience won't let me. Collecting vintage cards makes much more sense because for the most part, I'd rather know I'm getting something identifying to top my collection off as opposed to gambling on the random, speculative nature of modern cards.
The challenge will be making the vintage 'emphasis' viable and sticking with it enough to have an expertise.
I'm cheap, but if I can, I'll go after an item if I think it is worth it. Collecting vintage isn't something for guys who aren't willing to spend $5 on a random pack of modern cards.
Autographs are my priority always. Yet, I want a vintage card of an icon: Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson among others.
PSA/DNA cuts i.e. 3x5's, Hall of Fame postcards, oddball sized cards maybe the way to build a collection of many (deceased) HOFers and other legendary stars (not in the Hall of Fame). I'll try and sniff around for particular ones that maybe tougher to get than others, yet still relatively affordable. For players still living and probably deceased HOFers who were alive through the 90's and were able to sign a lot of things, I probably would prefer a single signed baseball because it displays better.
The fad is now vintage - cards and autographs because while I'd like to bust a pack of 2005 Playoff Absolute ($40-$60) or a pack of Upper Deck HOFers ($100-$150), my conscience won't let me. Collecting vintage cards makes much more sense because for the most part, I'd rather know I'm getting something identifying to top my collection off as opposed to gambling on the random, speculative nature of modern cards.
The challenge will be making the vintage 'emphasis' viable and sticking with it enough to have an expertise.
I'm cheap, but if I can, I'll go after an item if I think it is worth it. Collecting vintage isn't something for guys who aren't willing to spend $5 on a random pack of modern cards.
Autographs are my priority always. Yet, I want a vintage card of an icon: Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson among others.
Friday, July 01, 2005
My [Jeff] Cirillo success isn't an oddity, but maybe unique. He signed two out of four cards, returning the other two unsigned (including my 2001 Fleer Tradition 'set' card). I noticed that there were two distinct dots on the unsigned cards. I don't think this was due to the fact that he stacked the cards together, causing the other cards to stain.I've heard rumors about players marking cards that they return, but do not sign, to see if you would 'double up' them up with the same card and make another request. In recent months, I had read Florida Marlins reliever Todd Jones' column on Yahoo! Sports about the deal with autographs from a player's point of view. His column details how players would make little marks on the cards they return (unsigned) to see if you do end up making that multiple request.
I wonder if Cirillo took the time to dot the cards, so that he'd have a 'chuckle' in the remote instance I'd write to him with the same unsigned cards. Of course, it isn't like I have other Cirillo cards in my collection I could send him, but most likely I would have sent the unsigned 2001 Fleer Tradition again (since that is the card I really want signed).
Surprisingly, towards the end of June, I had SASEs (self addressed stamped envelopes) trickle in from baseball autograph requests I had made in previous months including Jack McDowell (6/30/05), Adam LaRoche, Hank Blalock (spring training) and Jeff Cirillo (spring training).
It wasn't like I haven't gotten those players' autographs before, but my mailbox was empty as far as getting back requests before the last week or so of June. I don't even know if I keep track of my requests anymore, since I've otherwise just settled to do what I can in-person.
Other successes mailed within the past month, included Curtis Granderson, Al Kaline and George Kell.
I got a 'return to sender' from Cecil Fielder, whose autograph I once got on a trading card back in the day (1996). I discarded the card when an 'experiment' to remove some ink from the card stock failed. I haven't gotten a Fielder autograph since and hopefully, the address affixed on the 'RTS' label is a useful one.
It wasn't like I haven't gotten those players' autographs before, but my mailbox was empty as far as getting back requests before the last week or so of June. I don't even know if I keep track of my requests anymore, since I've otherwise just settled to do what I can in-person.
Other successes mailed within the past month, included Curtis Granderson, Al Kaline and George Kell.
I got a 'return to sender' from Cecil Fielder, whose autograph I once got on a trading card back in the day (1996). I discarded the card when an 'experiment' to remove some ink from the card stock failed. I haven't gotten a Fielder autograph since and hopefully, the address affixed on the 'RTS' label is a useful one.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Accounting for autographs through scans – I want to showcase my most important autographs, even if not for web consumption. I figure, I’d start out this way, because I don’t want to showcase collection built around mostly autographs I’ve gotten by default.
Regional -8x10 sized photos and flats
Certified autographs - cards
TTM, In-Person and Uncertified cards and other selected items.
Personalized autographs
Novelties of my hobby – stories behind the stuff I’ve collected, maybe scans of unsigned cards, et al.
Regional -8x10 sized photos and flats
Certified autographs - cards
TTM, In-Person and Uncertified cards and other selected items.
Personalized autographs
Novelties of my hobby – stories behind the stuff I’ve collected, maybe scans of unsigned cards, et al.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
With a budget of the A's Billy Beane has through his tenure with the A's, I can't aspire to be a truly serious baseball card, autograph or sports memorabilia collector.
I'm collecting the most current of players, hanging on the most low-end, outdated ideals and it is a rigamarole of perpetual, adolescent collecting mediocrity.
With that said, whatever I'll collect is for leisure. If I didn't like it, then I'd find something else to bury my head in. The point is that, I just don't want to get burned on the nickels and dimes I'd spend on my collectibles. I want to collect safely, I want to collect items that will maintain an established value. Things don't work that way, everything loses value, but I hope to look for items in my budget that will always be relatively popular.
Collecting certified autographs of selected active and retired stars over the last 20 years maybe something I want to do. Players I'm looking at may be borderline HOFers or guys who just starred for their respective teams over much of their careers. I'm not looking to water down my collection, but I'm looking to view the last 20 years more reflectively and truly add some 'affordable depth' to my collection. Everyone has certain HOFers who have signed so many things, but some non HOF guys have been relatively tougher to get otherwise for the people who hound in-person or put requests in the mail. There maybe only a minority of collectors who understand that point and I'm hoping to take advantage for my own personal collection.
I'm collecting the most current of players, hanging on the most low-end, outdated ideals and it is a rigamarole of perpetual, adolescent collecting mediocrity.
With that said, whatever I'll collect is for leisure. If I didn't like it, then I'd find something else to bury my head in. The point is that, I just don't want to get burned on the nickels and dimes I'd spend on my collectibles. I want to collect safely, I want to collect items that will maintain an established value. Things don't work that way, everything loses value, but I hope to look for items in my budget that will always be relatively popular.
Collecting certified autographs of selected active and retired stars over the last 20 years maybe something I want to do. Players I'm looking at may be borderline HOFers or guys who just starred for their respective teams over much of their careers. I'm not looking to water down my collection, but I'm looking to view the last 20 years more reflectively and truly add some 'affordable depth' to my collection. Everyone has certain HOFers who have signed so many things, but some non HOF guys have been relatively tougher to get otherwise for the people who hound in-person or put requests in the mail. There maybe only a minority of collectors who understand that point and I'm hoping to take advantage for my own personal collection.
Monday, April 18, 2005
My philosophy is Moneyball as far as collecting cards are concerned.
Staying away from retail product is difficult, but I like think that I'd rather pick up something I consider as 'neat,' for that $10-$15 I'd spend for packs anywhere.
I like rookie cards, but don't get involved in buying up rookie year parallels, I unless I pull one in a pack.
I do not gamble with any boxes.
I like stars, superstars, HOFers and other favorites.
Vintage may as well be out of sight, out of mind though I believe it is important.
I worry that I'm just a cursory collecting, but then I realize it is all for leisure. The caveat is that making sure that I need to gauge value accurately, so that I don't go bust. I don't want to spend too much on cards that have no real future value.
Staying away from retail product is difficult, but I like think that I'd rather pick up something I consider as 'neat,' for that $10-$15 I'd spend for packs anywhere.
I like rookie cards, but don't get involved in buying up rookie year parallels, I unless I pull one in a pack.
I do not gamble with any boxes.
I like stars, superstars, HOFers and other favorites.
Vintage may as well be out of sight, out of mind though I believe it is important.
I worry that I'm just a cursory collecting, but then I realize it is all for leisure. The caveat is that making sure that I need to gauge value accurately, so that I don't go bust. I don't want to spend too much on cards that have no real future value.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
There is something missing with my spring training requests that I've already mailed out in the last month.
There are 'dead periods' where you feel like you should be receiving more Self Addressed Stamped Envelopess, than the one or two that trickle in every few days. You hope that your rightful mail doesn't get lost, but it probably happens more than I'd like to imagine. If I've seen a handful of successes reported from a player and I either haven't gotten my own success or it was a player that I feel I need to write to and subsequently did so, have I missed out already?
Where are my requests buried? As these days wane, you wonder how many more can you send out, without sacrificing even more cards? It gets irritating.
Get more envelopes and stamps. Type out more requests. When do I stop continuing to put together and mailing off spring training requests? I'm not going to call it work, but I put time in and my efforts aren't all that effective. It hasn't really been more than a month since I've sent autograph requests out, but I'm feeling the limitations of just trying to get stuff done in the mail.
Maybe I made a mistake. I forgot to put a stamp on my SASE. Maybe my requests are buried at the bottom of a pile, where players and maybe a coach/manager I wrote a request to only relent to sign only so much 'fan mail.'
Maybe I'm just impatient.
There are 'dead periods' where you feel like you should be receiving more Self Addressed Stamped Envelopess, than the one or two that trickle in every few days. You hope that your rightful mail doesn't get lost, but it probably happens more than I'd like to imagine. If I've seen a handful of successes reported from a player and I either haven't gotten my own success or it was a player that I feel I need to write to and subsequently did so, have I missed out already?
Where are my requests buried? As these days wane, you wonder how many more can you send out, without sacrificing even more cards? It gets irritating.
Get more envelopes and stamps. Type out more requests. When do I stop continuing to put together and mailing off spring training requests? I'm not going to call it work, but I put time in and my efforts aren't all that effective. It hasn't really been more than a month since I've sent autograph requests out, but I'm feeling the limitations of just trying to get stuff done in the mail.
Maybe I made a mistake. I forgot to put a stamp on my SASE. Maybe my requests are buried at the bottom of a pile, where players and maybe a coach/manager I wrote a request to only relent to sign only so much 'fan mail.'
Maybe I'm just impatient.
Monday, March 07, 2005
My computer crashed in mid February and it represents the third time within the year, I've lost important information such as my 'records' of autograph request sent in the mail. I keep telling myself that at least isn't the actual items, but makes me a little weary(though maybe not much more careful anyway) to input personal data about my hobby and my life.
I like to send cards away and get them back at a healthy pace. The work as far as autograph requests in the mail goes, is to put together requests and not merely done infront of the computer screen. I worry about accounting for the cards I've sent to particular players in order to see if they can get signed, but I've lost them anyway if I don't get them back. It is just I want to get a beat on things. If I've sent out some 'set cards,' that are long gone, I need to know what to replace. I need to know that I've already written to a player several times with no response. All that is gone and I don't know if I'd trust the next reincarnation of my PC to store personal data.
Who knows
I like to send cards away and get them back at a healthy pace. The work as far as autograph requests in the mail goes, is to put together requests and not merely done infront of the computer screen. I worry about accounting for the cards I've sent to particular players in order to see if they can get signed, but I've lost them anyway if I don't get them back. It is just I want to get a beat on things. If I've sent out some 'set cards,' that are long gone, I need to know what to replace. I need to know that I've already written to a player several times with no response. All that is gone and I don't know if I'd trust the next reincarnation of my PC to store personal data.
Who knows
Thursday, January 20, 2005
I like lurking for other websites, devoted to my interests. I honestly, don't like looking at other people's stuff, because I tend to get jealous of collections that are out of my league. I like seeing more of the stuff showcased with a 'regional feel' and stuff, I can think about being ideal for my own collection. I do appreciate the efforts of other 'collectors' who can show off a handful of pictures, in a 'low tech' manner.