Big update!
Tuesday December 12, 2006
Pulled in an amazing nine envelopes on Monday, one last week, and one today for a total of eleven. They are the following:
Dave Foley, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Larry Gura, TTM, 1981 Topps (2)
Alex Karras, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Bubba Smith, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
There should be plenty more coming in, too!
After Thanksgiving update
Monday December 4, 2006
Hey guys! Got quite a few cards back in the mail over the holiday. They are as follows:
Ross Baumgarten, TTM, 1981 Topps (2)
Archie Griffin, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Steve Kemp, TTM, 1981 Topps (2)
Dave Rader, TTM, 1981 Topps (2)
Bobby Richardson, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Bobby Shantz, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
I also updated 36 profiles with scans, mostly all 1996 Leaf Signature certified stuff. Sent out 23 in the mail today, hope to see them soon!
Final mail before Thanksgiving break
Sunday November 19, 2006
The last batch of mail to come in before I head home for the week is in. The mailman brought the following:
Joe Montana, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Herb Score, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Dennis Werth, TTM, 1981 Topps (2)
Happy Thanksgiving!
No mail? Updated page
Sunday November 12, 2006
Pretty disappointing weekend in terms of mail, as nothing came, not even my roomates' birthday present. I did, however, finally finish the team pages, adding each team's regular season address, their spring training address, and links to their ESPN page as well as Pro Sports Daily's pages. Hopefully, Monday brings some cool things in the mail.
Another card from a familiar Hall of Famer, progress on the 2005 Topps AA football set
Wednesday November 8, 2006
Today's mail brough some cool results. I picked up the following:
Sparky Anderson, TTM, 1989 Topps
Marty Lyons, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Always nice to find things in the mailbox on a rainy day.
Some new mail; NL Gold Glove squad announced
Monday November 6, 2006
Added some nice cards to the collection today :
Bob Lilly, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
NL Gold Glove line-up is as follows:
Greg Maddux, P, sixteenth
Brad Ausmus, C, third
Albert Puljos, 1B, first
Orlando Hudson, 2B, second
Scott Rolen, 3B, seventh
Omar Vizquel, SS, eleventh
Andruw Jones, OF, ninth
Carlos Beltran, OF, first
Mike Cameron, OF, third
Of the NL Gold Glovers, Vizquel's eleven puts him two behind position leader, Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Greg Maddux's sixteenth ties him for most all-time at any position with Jim Kaat.
Not much to note in sporting news, with the exception of a Bears loss and a Colts win. Ron Washington was named A's manager, as well.
Couple of surprises in the mail; AL Gold Glove squad announced
Thursday November 2, 2006
Got these two in the mail today:
This guy came in the mail, too, albeit a few days ago:
Ken Griffey Jr., certified, 2004 Sweet Spot Signatures
Major League Baseball announced the AL Gold Glove winners today, the line-up is as follows:
Kenny Rogers, P, fifth
Ivan Rodriguez, C, twelfth
Mark Texeira, 1B, second
Mark Grudzielanek, 2B, first
Derek Jeter, SS, third
Eric Chavez, 3B, sixth
Torii Hunter, OF, sixth
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, sixth
Vernon Wells, OF, third
Interesting notes about the Gold Glovers: Only two were not repeats from last year, Ivan Rodriguez, and first timer Mark Grudzielanek, while Chavez, Hunter, and Ichiro have all now won six-straight awards. Wild to see a Kansas City Royal on the list. The NL winners will be announced tomorrow. Credit: MLB.com .
Major update, 28 cards added
Wednesday November 1, 2006
Hey guys! Just added the cards I got off of eBay; here they are:
Gordon Amerson, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Kevin Brown, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Carlos Casamiro, certified, 2000 Royal Rookies Promo
Ramon Castro, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Davey Cogan, certified, 1997 Best
John Crowther, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Scott Elarton, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Ben Grieve, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Josh Hamilton, certified, 2000 SP Top Prospects Chirography
Russ Johnson, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies (2)
Sean Johnston, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Mike Kelly, certified, 1993 Classic Best (8)
Luis Lopez, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Travis Miller, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Trey Moore, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Phil Nevin, certified, 1993 Classic Best (2)
Paul Ottavinia, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Lonell Roberts, certified, 1997 Best
Matt Smith, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Jacob Viano, certified, 1997 Best
Matt Wagner, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Jerry Whittaker, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Steve Woodard, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Roger Worley, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Dmitri Young, certified, 1993 Classic Best (2)
Almost have their pages done; if they don't work now, check back tomorrow.
Happy Halloween! Huge lot arrives, free Chipotle?
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Halloween brought treats today as my 35 card certified autograph lot arrived today. Most are Major Leaguers in their minor league attire but there are a few who just who never made it, whose stories interest me more than those who have. If anyone needs a 1993 Classic Mike Kelly autograph, I have seven extra that I'm looking to trade. Yes, seven. Shoot me an eMail if interested.
In other news today, I got a free Chipotle burrito today by dressing up in tinfoil. It was good.
BCS poll came out this weekend, and I have to say that I'm surprised, but happy, at the placement of Louisville and West Virginia at #3 and #5 respectively. I still feel like Rutgers and Boise State should be higher in the polls; playing undefeated football is tough no matter who you play.
NBA opening night is tonight, with the Bulls v. Heat and Lakers v. Suns. Two good match-ups; I say Chicago eeks it out over Miami and the Suns beat up on the Lakers.
Look for scans of the new cards shortly!
USC drops a big one to OSU, Texas looks equally unimpressive
Saturday October 28, 2006
Big entertainment today came from the USC/Oregon State game, where the Beavers pulled one out over the number 2 team in the country. Look for USC to drop a few notches in the BCS. This further complicates the situation between Ohio State/Michigan; the winner gets in to the title game, but does the loser get in, too, if it's a close game?
One team that should not be in is Texas. The Longhorns staged a non-necessairy, come-from-behind victory over Texas Tech. It wouldn't surprise me if Tennessee or Florida leapfrogged the Longhorns after playing and defeating significantly more difficult opponents.
And sadly, the sports world has suffered two losses in the past two days. First, knuckleballer, and the Houston Astros' all-time wins leader, Joe Niekro passed away yesterday at the age of 61, after suffering from a brain aneurysm. Niekro won 144 games with Houston, including the one-game playoff in 1980 that earned them their first playoff birth. He was finally able to reach the World Series in 1987 after twenty-one seasons in the Majors with the Minnesota Twins.
And today, sadly, was the last day of Celtic legend Red Auerbach, who passed away of natural causes at age 89. Known for his trademark cigar, Auerbach led the Celtics to sixteen championships as head coach, and later general manager. He was still employed as Celtic team president.
And finally, yesterday, the Cards won their tenth World Series, putting them second place on the All-Time list, sixteen behind the New York Yankees. Congratulations to David Eckstein, the World Series MVP, who won what was possibly the loudest looking car I've ever seen in my life.
World Series Game 5 tonight, 1981 Vending Break, Scans Added
Friday October 27, 2006
Hey guys, made some updates to the site. First, I added pages for each team under the "Collection By Team" headings. I'm working on getting a small blurb up about each team, and I've linked them to great sources of info, i.e. the Baseball Hall of Fame and Baseball-Reference.com, as well as their official homepages. Added the following in the past couple days:
Bobby Abreu, certified, 1998 Donruss Signature
Adrian Brown, certified, 1998 Best
Roger Cedeno, certified, 1994 Signature Rookies
Todd Greene, certified, 1995 Best
Ryan Jaroncyk, certied, 1995 Classic 5-Sport
Matt Mantei, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
John Marzano, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Terry Mathews, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Mark McLemore, Certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Juan Melo, certified, 1999 Just Minors
Dave Mlicki, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Steve Montgomery, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Mike Mordecai, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Bob Natal, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Chris Nichting, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Charlie O'Brien, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Omar Oliveras, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Mark Parent, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Bob Patterson, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Jay Payton, certified, 1995 Classic 5-Sport
Yorkis Perez, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Hipolito Pichardo, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Eric Plunk, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Paul Quantrill, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Tom Quinlan, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Plus I just picked up a Griffey Jr. autograph from eBay; I'll ad a scan as soon as I am able.
Busted open a 1981 vending box, and it was a lot of fun. Pulled three Benches, two which will be sent in for grading, a sharp Raines that could grade a 10, as well as a few commons, two nice Jim Palmers, and a Goose Gossage that is particularly nice as well.
Game 5 tonight and I'm torn; I'd love to see Jeff Weaver win the clincher, but I love Sean Casey. Decisions, decisions.
Eagles lose, Phils to get A-Rod, Rolen?
Sunday October 15, 2006
Eagles lost a tough one today to the Saints, in a well played, well fought game. The loss brings their record to 4-2 heading into a Week 7 match-up against Bruce Gradkowski and the 1-4 Buccaneers.
The Philadelphia Inquirer printed two stories today, hinting that the Phillies were going to make a serious move to either reacquire Scott Rolen or pick up Alex Rodriguez straight up, one-for-one, for Pat Burrell. Neither story had any factual basis, and I'm honestly wondering how they are able to print something like that. These aren't rumors; these are just fantastic scenarios being made up by these "journalists" who seemingly have nothing better to write about.
Revamped the site quite a bit; almost have the search feature working and recently added some graphics in the "Collection by Team" sections. Am working on posting short mini-bios for each team, as well as some other things. Let me know how you like it.
Various 1996 Leaf Signatures added
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Have been bidding on a few eBay auctions and recently won a few auctions. In preperation, I have added a few placeholder pages for the cards. When they arrive, I will add scans.
Phils are out; one through the mail
Monday October 2, 2006
After a valiant effort, the Phils were unable to make it to the post-season this year. It was a fun run, all things considered.
Received:
Guess I'll just have to turn my attention to football and root for the Eagles now.
Let's Go Phils!
Thursday September 28, 2006
Following came through the mail:
Ozzie Newsome, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Chien Ming Wang, TTM, 2006 Topps (2)
Looks like they'll try and play tonight; hang in there fightins!
Weekend Update
Sunday September 24, 2006
Got some cool stuff on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday:
Sal Bando, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years, Index Card
Lew Burdette, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years, Index Card
Friday:
Jose Cruz, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years, Index Card
Fernando Valenzuela, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Phils are looking great this weekend with a sweep of the Fish; let's take one from Houston tomorrow!
Lots of Mail
Wednesday September 20, 2006
Not too much going on around campus. Had a guest speaker in Intro to Media Criticism today; pretty neat, gave out tickets to the Whitney Museum. I should really take advantage of all of the great cultural stuff in New York. I guess Yankee Stadium has been good enough for me.
Got the following in since Monday:
Monday:
Jim Fregosi, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years/Index Card
Jim McMahon, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Al Kaline, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Greg Luzinski, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Package from Home:
Jeff Francis, TTM, 2006 Topps (2)
Terry Francona, TTM, 1990 Upper Deck
Jonny Gomes, TTM, 2006 Topps (2)
Ben Julianel, TTM, 2006 Bowman Chrome
Carlos Torres, TTM, 2006 Bowman
Come on Phils! Big win last night; one game behind the Dodgers for the Wild Card. Beat those Cubbies!
What will Pete Rose do next?
Monday September 18, 2006
Pete Rose, the All-Time hit king, may have added a new hit to his repitoire; no, he hasn't added the long ball, but rather a solid thud to rock bottom. The man who famously denied betting on baseball for well over fourteen years while accepting a lifetime ban from A. Bartlett Giamatti now is selling autographed baseballs with the inscription "I'm Sorry I Bet On Baseball, Pete Rose." Granted, Rose himself is not selling them, but rather Robert Edwards Auctions as part of the Barry Halper estate, which was thought to have run dry. Had Rose been selling these directly, I would have dismissed this as a novelty act to make more money; however, I just find them extremely humorous.
According to this story, the balls are believed to have been part of a series that Rose was planning to release as part of a way to promote his autograph and add value to it in conjunction to his book. No word on where the rest of the 303 numbered balls are.
This isn't the first time an athlete has inscribed something odd onto an autograph; Mickey Mantle used to inscribe and add various vulgarities to signed baseballs, popularly adding "You son of a bitch!" to more than one autographed ball in his days.
Nothing in the mail this past Saturday, waiting for today. The Phils are playing some excellent ball; lets get another sweep!
-Ian
Big Update
Saturday September 16, 2006
Fun stuff coming in with classes starting up. Got the following through the mail since the last update:
Dick Anderson, TTM, Personalized 2005 Topps All-American
Garrett Anderson, TTM, 2006 Topps
Bert Campaneris, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
ElRoy Face, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years, 3x5 portrait
Vern Law, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Gil McDougald, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years, Index card
Robin Roberts, TTM,. 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Jim Thome, TTM, 2002 Donruss Classics
David Wright, TTM, Ticket Stub
And bought the following on eBay very cheaply, couldn't pass it up:
Sean Bergman, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Doug Bochtler, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Chris Hook, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Melvin Nieves, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Mark Petkovsek, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Jim Poole, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
William Van Landingham, certified, 1996 Leaf Signature
Lord knows you can't buy a WVL autograph without it being certified; just too many counterfits out there.
Many thanks,
First New York success, a few stragglers
Friday September 1, 2006
Had a few things come in within the past two days. I had a package come from my mom that had a few successes from last week while I was in PA including Rich Hill and Michael Collins, while today brought Sparky Anderson and football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers through the mail, straight to my door.
Sparky Anderson, TTM, 2002 Topps Archieves Best Years
Michael Collins, TTM, 2006 Bowman Chrome
Rich Hill, TTM, 2006 Topps (2)
Al Kaline, TTM, 2001 Fleer Greats of the Game
Clyde Lovellette, TTM, Personalized Index Card
Gale Sayers, TTM, 2005 Topps All-American
Thanks guys!
Two baseball Hall of Famers, One very special note
Saturday August 19, 2006
My last mail day in Ocala proved to be an exciting one. Out of the mailbox I first pulled the 2005 Topps Football All-American set I had won on eBay, to hopefully complete, all signed. Second, an envelope with no return address in my handwriting. I ripped it open and inside were two signed cards from a Hall of Famer, and a real great guy, George Kell. Next up was a strange looking envelope with Phillies stationary all over it. I thought perhaps Kobela may have gotten a picture there at the ballpark and sent it to me to tease me with the Phanatic or something, but no. This was even better. The contents inside were from Phillies broadcaster and 2002 Hall of Famer Harry Kalas, who not only signed my index card for my set, but also included a really cool postcard, which he personalized and signed, as well as a little note, revealing the secrets of broadcasting. Sorry Mitch Lyden, you've been replaced as my favorite signature.
Hope you enjoy!
Harry Kalas, TTM, Index Card/Postcard/Letter
George Kell, TTM, 2001 Fleer Greats of the Game (2)
Thanks guys!
Basketball Hall of Famers and an '80's baseball icon
Friday August 18, 2006
The past three days have netted five more 'graphs for my collection. Wednesday saw New York Knick hall of famer Harry Gallatin send back a personalized signed index card, while Thursday brought Ed Macauley and Bob Pettit, and today I found pre NBA star Bobby Kurland and baseball star Tim Raines in the mailbox. Thanks guys!
Harry Gallatin, TTM, Personalized Index Card
Bob Kurland, TTM, Personalized Index Card
Tim Raines, TTM, 1990 Upper Deck
Tomorrow is the last mail day here in Ocala. Then it's off to Allentown, then New York. Hoping to get some fun stuff.
