Card of the Week: 2001 Upper Deck Pinstripe Exclusives Joe Dimaggio/Ken Griffey Jr. Dual Jersey #20/50

I don't really know what I can say about this card other than that it will never be leaving my possession. I don't just mean I won't ever sell it; I mean that I will take it with me everywhere I go. I was thrilled to pick up this amazing card for a song ($60) and it instantly became one of the best cards in my Griffey collection. The dual pinstripes looks great and the DiMaggio jersey clearly shows its age (the seam at the bottom of the swatch really caps it off nicely). WOW! WOW! SHAMWOW! WOW! What else can I say?

Thanks for looking! Sorry for the non-existent posting. I recently got a new job (a great one at that) which is much more time demanding than my previous gig. I'll do my best to post from time to time and will be reading all of your blogs, even if I don't comment on them. Have a great week!

Card of the Week: 2010 Bowman Draft Stephen Strasburg RC Auto Variation #62/99

This card is my first and likely last foray into the world of Strasmania. I bought this card as redemption a few months ago in the hopes that the live card would be shortprinted. Sure enough, only 99 of the variation autos were produced, and demand spiked markedly after the announcement. I was thrilled when I heard the announcement, as I would be in possession of Strasburg's most rare rookies, but much less so when the card showed up in hand. Some people complained about the design of the card (including Strasburg's haircut) but that's really not what bothered me about this card. What bothered me is that card that came directly from Topps could show up in such crummy condition. Not only is the centering atrocious (70/30 on the front and 80/20 on the back) but the surface shows numerous dimples, scratches and other imperfections. I understand how a card can be damaged in the packing out process (not that I'm absolving Topps for their crappy QC) but a card that is sent directly to me...that's just inexcusable. I was hoping to save this card until Strasburg returned in September or next season but I was so disheartened by the condition of the card that I just sold it on eBay and used the profits to buy a nice Ken Griffey Jr. card (stay tuned for that) from Upper Deck. Thanks again Topps. This monopoly is working out well for everyone.

Card of the Week: 2002 Bowman Toby Hall Future's Game MVP Game-Used Base Autograph

I didn't envision a day when I would feature Toby Hall as the card of the week, but I also didn't imagine I would find a Toby Hall card quite as cool as this one, for as cheap as I got it ($3 including shipping). The card features an on-card autograph of Hall (who I always had a soft spot for because he's from Washington) and a multi-colored swatch for a base used in the 2001 Future's Game (of which Hall was the MVP). I couldn't find a picture of the base used in the game, so I don't know exactly where the swatch comes from, but there is something cool about avoiding the dreaded white swatch. Cards like this make me miss the days when manufacturers put more game-used items in cards than just jerseys. Hopefully, they will once again return to those halcyon days. Thanks for looking!

Card of the Week: 2004 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Super Patch Name Plate SP/15

I won this beauty in a hotly contested auction on eBay last week and couldn't wait to show it off. There's quite a few nice Griffey patches on eBay, but the majority of them are set at ridiculously high Buy It Nows, so I wasn't about to let this one get away when it came up for auction. The super patches from 2004 Upper Deck fell at 1:7,500 packs and this particular card is short printed to just 15 copies. Needless to say, it will be a centerpiece of my Griffey collection for a long time, and is a card that I hope to one day pass on to Bud Jr. Thanks for looking!

Stay tuned for another great Griffey pick-up coming soon!

Card of the Week: 2005 Donruss Leather & Lumber Jamie Moyer Auto #10/100

Although the sticker on this card can be seen from space, the card still holds a special place in my heart. Not only is an auto of one of the M's best pitchers and baseball's classiest guys (can't wait for his comeback in 2012) but to top it all off I pulled it from one pack of 2005 Donruss Leather and Lumber that I won from a friend in a bet. Coincidence? I think not...

COTW: 2010 National Chicle Whitey Ford Jersey

National Chicle was a dumpster fire for the most part (everyone remembers the Tim Wakefield "painting") but there were a few bright spots, not the least of which was this great looking relic of Yankee's all-time great Whitey Ford. I love that the jersey shows it's age and the pinstripe is a nice cherry on top. Pulling this card is nice motivation to go out and get a Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle game-used jersey...easier said than done of course. I hate the Yankees but I do love history. Thanks for looking!

Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Sterling Stan Musial Mystery Pack Gold #2/5

Since I would never buy a box of the colossal money bonfire that is Topps Sterling (if you like 10% ROI this is your set) I had to turn to eBay to pick up this slick looking card of one of my favorite players. The gold parallel looks great in person and is about as thick as most standard jersey cards. I scored a bit of a deal because the card was listed in the football rather than the baseball card section, and while I'm sure Stan the Man was talented enough to play any sport, he definitely played for the Cardinals and not the Rams. Very happy to add this card to my collection and I will certainly look to add some more Sterling to my collection. Thanks for looking!

Card of the Week: 2009 Topps Platinum Dwayne Bowe 3-Color Patch/Autograph #21/150

I actually pulled this from a blaster of Platinum last year but didn't post it because Dwayne Bowe was playing awful and I'm fairly lazy (at least when it comes to blogging). This season has been a completely different story as Dwayne Bowe has become a fantasy monster, scoring touchdowns in seven straight games including three against the Seahawks over the weekend. He's the major reason why my fantasy team (Vick's Vapor Rubs formerly known as Korn on the Kolb) has turned an 0-4 start into a 7-5 record and a shot at a first round bye in the make believe playoffs (depending on this weekend's outcome). The least I could do to thank Mr. Bowe for his contributions to my team is show off this great looking card:

Let's go Vick's Vapor Rubs!

Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Chrome Dexter "Run DMC" McCluster Rookie Autograph

I've busted a boatload of 2010 Topps Chrome Football retail this year and done awfully well. My top pulls include a Ndamukong Suh SP Variation (sold for $16), Sam Bradford X-Fractor (sold for $11) and a Dez Bryant Orange Refractor (sold for $7) in addition to a bevy of rookies and refractors (which will sell nicely as a lot). Sure I'm not making money, but anytime you can break close to even on retail is a victory, and I've got lots of nice cards for my PC to boot. Last week I grabbed a blaster and promised myself I would stop buying Chrome retail if I pulled an auto (like that would happen). Sure enough, I did, and a good one too. While Dexter McCluster is hurt right now, he flashed some exciting potential during his time on the field, and looks like a big part of the Chiefs turnaround. I was awfully happy with my Run DMC auto but it doesn't compare to what I pulled from my hobby box of Chrome--stay tuned for that!

2010 Topps Chrome Dexter McCluster Rookie Auto

Card of the Week: 2009 Bowman Sterling Alex White Cyan Printing Plate Auto #1/1

I had been trying to add a printing plate to my collection for quite some time but just never found the right player at a reasonable price until just a few weeks ago. I was thrilled to win this card for less than the cost of a blaster (why don't I spend more money on singles?) especially since Alex White looks like he might be in Cleveland as soon as 2011 (he went 10-10 with a 2.45 ERA in 2010 between Single and Double-A) and the card is autographed in addition to being a one-of-one. The printing plate is a lot lighter than I thought it would be considering it's made of metal. A very cool card and one that has a chance to take off if White makes a splash next season.

Back

Front

Thanks for the look!

Card of the Week: 2009 Topps Platinum Mark Sanchez White Refractor Rookie #477/499

A great looking refractor rookie card of one of my favorite players/personal friend and a rising star for the New York Jets:

2009 Topps Platinum Mark Sanchez White Refractor RC #477/499

Card of the Week: 2008 UD Heroes Ken Griffey Jr. Jersey Logo Patch #24/25 (Shamwow!!)

Trying to say anything about this card is worthless. It's beyond description...but feel free to tell me how cool it is.

Card of the Week: 2002 Donruss Rookie Year Materials Jersey Stan Musial #12/50

Stan Musial has always been my favorite "old-time" player (there's a great read on him in the newest Sports Illustrated) and I jumped at the chance to pick up this incredible card of one of the game's all-time (and criminally underrated) greats.

Not only is it the first Stan Musial jersey card in my collection, but the swatch is from Musial's rookie year of 1942. That's right, that little woolen square of fabric is over 68 years old! If it's possible, this card gets even cooler because Donruss showed a picture of the actual jersey from which the swatch was taken on the back. Why can't Topps do that?

Cardinals' fans can drool all they want, but this card is staying in my personal collection for a very long time. Did I mention that I got it for less than the price of a blaster? Hazaa!

Card of the Week: 2008 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Brad Hand Red Refractor Auto RC #1/5

Well, it looks like my O.C.D. finally got the best of me, and in one fell swoop I took this whole prospecting craze to the next level.

I took the plunge on this card last week while browsing eBay on a slow afternoon at work (always a bad idea). I've been hunting for an under the radar prospect to collect, and for no real reason, was drawn to Florida Marlins' farmhand Brad Hand (too many hands in one sentence). I put in an offer on the card that I didn't think the buyer would take, but lo and behold he did, and I found myself in possession of my lowest numbered card ever (#1/5).

Since that time, I've found myself closely following Hand's starts for the Jupiter Hammerheads (High Class A), despite the fact that he's still years away from the majors (still just 20-years-old). On the season, the young left-hander is 5-4 with a 3.10 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 87 innings. He's cut down on his walks and increased his strikeouts since last season and looks like a viable big league starter (and maybe an ace) down the line.

Will I be patient enough to hold onto the card until then? Only time will tell, but in the meanwhile, it's a great looking card and a fun way to spice up the collection.

Anyone else have an under the radar prospect they collect?

Card of the Week: 2010 eTopps Stephen Strasburg

After Stephen Strasburg's electrifying debut last night, it wasn't a difficult choice to select him for the card of the week, even if this card won't be in my possession for more than a few hours (with the prices these things are going for on eBay there was no way I could hang on to it). I only paid $7 for this card and even if my auction ends now I will have made a 400% profit.

This is the first and likely last eTopps card I've ever purchased. I've tried to buy a few cards there before only to get shut out, so I was happily surprised when I snagged a Strasburg. Hopefully I can use the profits from this to buy a nice Griffey, or maybe just a Bowman blaster for a chance at another Strasburg.

Card collecting is really cyclical, isn't it?

My New All-Time Favorite Non-Sports Card

I'm not the type of person who gets caught up in the hype of Hollyweird (my subscription to People was a gift--thank you very much) but there is one actress who always captures my attention and never fails to leave me speechless: Scarlett Johannson.

It's not so much the fact that she's a great actor (she's okay). It's more the fact that she is the most attractive creature on earth. I mean seriously, look at her. God must have spent a little more time on you...

Alright, back to the crux of the matter. I was thrilled to find out she was going to be in Iron Man 2 (worth seeing, but not as good as the first) and even more excited to find out that she would be prominently featured in the Upper Deck card set. It didn't take long for me to track down and purchase an authentic Scarlett Johannson movie-worn memorabilia card of her catsuit used to play the "Black Widow".

Is it a little weird? I guess, but no more weird than collecting pieces of a grown man's work attire. Until next time, feel free to oogle Scarlett.

The One Card I Wouldn't Trade for the World

Despite being an ardent Ken Griffey Jr. collector the most prized card in my collection is not one of the Kid; rather it's an autographed card of the greatest shortstop of our (and possibly any) generation--Cal Ripken Jr.

Growing up I played shortstop because of my slight build (I'm gigantic now) and thus aspired to be like baseball's Iron Man. I didn't model my swing after his (though judging from my high school stats, perhaps I should have) but Cal was someone I looked up to for his character on and off the field.

As luck would have it my parents got tickets for our family to watch the Mariners play the Orioles in Cal's final trip to Seattle during the 2001 season. I grabbed the best Ripken card I had at the time, a 2001 Topps Gold Label Gold Parallel #606/999, in hopes that I might grab an autograph of the Iron Man, though I certainly wasn't counting on it.

We got to the stadium early and lined up on the third base line for a chance to get face-to-face with greatness. My little brother and I were pretty far down the line and felt a bit bummed because it seemed like Cal would sign autos for the people closest to the dugout and he might not have time to get to us. But someone upstairs was looking out for me, and Cal started signing autographs about 10 feet up the line from us.

Before I knew it I was looking right into the steely blue eyes of Cal Ripken Jr. and he was autographing my baseball card. My mom said that she could see my face light up from across the stadium, and I believe her, because it was one of the greatest moments of my young life.

I don't remember who won the game that day (probably the M's) but I'll never forget my childhood idol taking the time to sign an autograph for me. Memories are what make collecting baseball cards worthwhile, and there are so many attached to this card that I wouldn't trade it for the world. Seriously.

Card of the Week: 2002 Topps Chrome Randy Johnson Black Refractor #1/50

Besides a few game-used and autographed cards this Randy Johnson was one of my first "big" hits I pulled from a pack of baseball cards and one of a handful of cards that I would never consider trading or selling.

I distinctly remember pulling this beauty from a pack of 2002 Topps Chrome that I got in a repack box from Target. Those boxes used to be loaded with great packs that were usually 1-2 years old and were of high quality sets like Topps Chrome and Fleer Authentix, rather than today's which all contain Topps Opening Day and 2007 Topps Updates and Highlights.

At the time I pulled this, it was the lowest numbered card I owned and was made even cooler by the fact that it was #1 out of 50. Some people roll their eyes at these eBay "one-of-ones" but I'll never complain about getting one out of a pack (and they do usually sell for more than an average numbered card). Being a Mariners' fan I was happy to pull a card of the Big Unit, even if he was pictured with the Diamondbacks.

Refractor plus Randy Johnson plus #1/50 equals one very cool card and one of my all-time favorites.

Card of the Week: 2003 UD Honor Roll Ken Griffey Jr. Leather of Distinction Game-Used Glove

Although much loathed by many members of the collecting community, eBay's Buy-It-Now feature netted me a 50-percent discount on this card; no small thing considering the rarity of this particular gem. 2003 Upper Deck Honor Roll inserted game-used fielding gloves and batting gloves into packs at some unworldly odds, with only between nine and 70 of each player's cards produced. I couldn't find the exact figures for the Griffey fielding glove (anyone else know?) but I was very happy to pick it up at the price I paid. Although it may seem like small peas, I also like that the black game-used swatch matches the glove that Griffey is wearing in the photo.

With the acquisition of a fielding glove, I am nearing completion of the National Griff-ography (every piece of Griffey memorabilia every produced). The main target moving forward will be his 2000 UD Ovation Game-Used Shoe Card limited to 400 copies. If anyone finds this card, I would be willing to pay handsomely for it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekends!

Card of the Week: 2006 Sweet Spot Update Ken Griffey Jr. World Baseball Classic Quad Jersey

Though not as difficult to track down as game-used hat or shoe pieces, Griffey WBC jerseys rarely show up on the secondary market and I was thrilled to pick this card up for less than $10 with shipping. In theory I also need to pick up a WBC jersey patch, but good luck finding one of those for less than an arm and a leg (last one sold for $130). Junior was terrific at the plate for the US in 2006's World Baseball Classic, hitting .524 with 3 HR's and 10 RBI's, and was named to the All-WBC Team.

Yet another Griffey to check off my list, still in hot pursuit of a game-used shoe and game-used fielding glove swatch. Let me know if you find one, I've got a handsome bounty attached to 'em. Have a great weekend!