Movin' and a Shakin': Trades with Kerry from Cards on Cards and Brian from Texas

I just completed my 4th and 5th trades since starting First Day Issue and I have got to say, baseball card collecting has never been more fun for me. The town I live in is about an hour away from the nearest card shop (which is on the way to nowhere), so I have been limited to eBay and stores like Target, Shopko and Walmart during the course of my collecting career. Even worse than that though, is the fact I have never had anyone to share my love of the hobby with. Most of my friends growing up stopped collecting years ago and though I don't feel like an outsider at all, it has been nice to discover a group of people who have a similar love and passion for baseball cards. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by my blog and encouraged me (yes Nightowl, I'm looking at you) and to all those who have been willing to trade with me. What can I say, I'm finally having a good time!

Now on to the trades. The first group of cards came from Kerry who can be found at Cards on Cards (the man loves birds; he is both a Cardinals and Oregon Ducks fan). Kerry sent me a great assortment of M's and Griffeys, here are some of my favorites:

2008 Topps Finest Ichiro Black Refractor #81/99 (shiny Ichiro! Refractorized! Serially # to 99! Yes please!)

2007 UD Masterpieces Roy Halladay Captured on Canvas Jersey (I have a feeling Doc Halladay will 2-hit the Mariners tonight...but at least I like the guy)

2008 Topps Stadium Club Ken Griffey Jr. (No matter what uniform Junior wears, my love for him never wains...uh, I mean, I like how he plays the game.)

The second batch of Mariners, Griffeys, Ankiels, Halladays and Mauers came from Brian out of Texas. Brian is on the cusp of starting his own blog, let's keep prodding him until he does. Here's some of my favorites from Bry-Guy:

2001 SP Game Used Edition Edgar Martinez Jersey (If you're an M's fan it is impossible not to love this guy; a consumate professional with a knack for clutch hits. Future HOF??)

2001 SP Game Used Edition Rick Ankiel Jersey (A game-used card of my favorite pitcher turned hitter turned pitcher again if he keeps hitting .230. Great fielder though.)

1994 Collector's Choice Ken Griffey Jr. (Brian sent me about 10 Juniors I don't have, which is no easy task, and this was a runaway favorite. Great photo, almost Goodwin Champions-esque.)

Thanks to both Kerry and Brian for these great cards! I will be sending some Cardinals and Rangers out to both of you soon...stay tuned.