Tuesday 30 June 2009

Trade with Adam from Thoughts and Sox


Here's one way to clear off a large number of cards from your wants list.
I won't list the cards that Adam from Thoughts and Sox sent recently as there is just far too many. He did include this 2008 Topps Jacoby Ellsbury gold foil. It looks like any normal run of the mill 2008 Topps card but the writing is in gold.
However, for some reason the card that was of great interest to my children was a 1987 Sportflics of Wade Boggs. Why am I surprised? The modern child has access to 10o's of TV stations, all the music in the world at their finger tips, an inexhaustive supply of video clips on you-tube and they were interested in a 'moving' card of Wade Boggs. Who would have thought that something as simple as this would hold their interest. Surely they had seen this sort of thing before-Yes they had, but they still found it mildly fascinating. I should drag out some of my 3D Star Wars cards that are tucked away in the loft somewhere. Now those are great cards.
Thanks Adam for the large brick of cards that I can clear off my wants list.

Sunday 28 June 2009

Trade with Justin from Is this a Wasteland?

Another great Jacoby Ellsbury card came this week from Justin at Is this a wasteland-No it's Tampa Bay Sports. I really liked the Topps Turkey set and it is nice to see that Topps kept the design as an insert. Justin also included some Red Sox from my wants list, including a slabbed 1989 Fleer Roger Clemens.
The selection from Largo, Florida included:

1988 Fleer #343 Mart Barrett
1989 Fleer #85 Roger Clemens
1989 Score #704 Wade Boggs
1990 Donruss Complete set Red Sox
1991 Studio #11 Wade Boggs
1991 Upper Deck #29/36 Ted Williams
1992 Score #78 Ellis Burks
2001 SPx #23 Nomar Garciaparra
2006 Fleer Ultra #194 Craig Breslow
2007 Topps Heritage #6 Jacoby Ellsbury
2008 Bowman #30 Manny Ramirez
2008 Bowman Chrome #79 Jason Varitek
2008 Bowman Chrome #85 Curt Schilling
2009 Bowman #22 David Ortiz
2009 Bowman #115 Jason Bay
2009 Bowman #194 Michael Bowden
2009 Topps Turkey #TR36 Jacoby Ellsbury
2009 Topps Town #TTT27 David Ortiz
2009 Topps Baseball Classic #BCS24 Dustin Pedroia

Thank you Justin, the Red Sox cards are greatly appreciated. The Topps Turkey card has become the favourite Jacoby card of my collection.

Saturday 27 June 2009

Trade with Rod from Padrographs

My efforts to secure some Jacoby Ellsbury cards took a turn for the better recently when Rod from Padrographs contacted to say he had two Jacoby cards-would I be interested? Yes! Definitely. What he didn't say was that he would include this signed Ellis Burks card. If you haven't already viewed Rod's blog he is a prolific and successful Through the Mail autograph collector. One card went out five times to five different players. I admire that sort of dedication. This was our first trade and I will go out on a limb and say not our last.
So what other Red Sox cards did Rod send from Portland Oregon ?(the home state of Jacoby Ellsbury, which in itself is pretty cool)
These:

1986 Topps #233 Steve Lyons
1986 Topps All star commemorative set #15 Wade Boggs
1987 Donruss highlights #44 Wade Boggs
1987 Fleer Stickers #12 Wade Boggs
1987 K-mart #23 Wade Boggs
1987 Sportflics #2 Wade Boggs
1987 Topps All star commemorative set #4 Wade Boggs
1988 Topps All star commemorative set #4 Wade Boggs
1989 Pacific cards #9 Mike Greenwell
1990 Upper Deck #555 Wade Boggs
1990 Collector -A-Books Wade Boggs
1992 Fleer Ultra #4/20 Wade Boggs
1992 Studio #137 Jeff Reardon
1992 Studio #139 Mo Vaughn
1992 Studio #140 Frank Viola
1992 Topps Gold #10 Wade Boggs Silver Winner
1992 Triple Play #211 Wade Boggs
1999 Topps #333 Tim Wakefield
2000 Topps #60 Pedro Martinez
2000 Topps #267 Carl Everett
2001 MLB playing card Fenway park?
2008 Donruss Elite #95 Tyler Yockey
2008 SP Authentic #AA-50 Josh Beckett
2008 Topps Stadium Club #55 Dustin Pedroia
2008 Topps Stadium Club #105 Chris Carter
2008 Topps Stadium Club #145 Clay Buchholz 594/599
2008 Triple Threads #8 Wade Boggs
2008 Triple Threads #12 Fred Lynn
2008 Triple Threads #56 Lars Anderson
2009 Topps #28 Mike Lowell
2009 Topps #173 Manny Delcarmen
2009 Topps Attax Jason Varitek
2009 Topps Ring of Honor #RH66 Jacoby Ellsbury
2009 Topps Finest #46 Jacoby Ellsbury 121/399

Thank you Rod for the cards and adding to my growing jacoby collection.

Thursday 25 June 2009

2009 Goudey Blaster


This blaster was part of the stash a fellow teacher bought back from a US holiday. I collected Goudey in 2008 and like the look of the cards but I would like to collect the Goodwin Champions this year whenever they come out.


There are 200 cards in the base set.
There are 20 short prints.
There are inserts: 40 Sports Royalty, 40 Heads up, 100 4in1's (red border), 61 Goudey Graphs, 82 Goudey memorbilia and 53 Sports Royalty Autographs.
There are parallels: 4in 1's- green, blue and black, mini base, shortprinted and heads-up green, blue and black.
Good luck collecting this set.

The packs:
Pack 1:
#38 Kosuke Fukudome Cubs
#42 Carlos Zambrano Cubs
#90 Mark Teixeira Yankees
#98 Scott Elbert Dodgers
#115 Denard Span Twins
#127 Carlos Beltran Mets
#258 Larry Bird mini
#715 20th Anniversary Supreme Court Justice


Pack 2:
#2 Max Scherzer D-backs
#54 Jay Bruce Reds
#110 Yovani Gallardo Brewers
#146 Jeff Bailey Athletics
#187 Carlos Pena Bay Rays
#194 Travis Snider Blue Jays
#35-20 4in1 blue
#35-32 4in1 Red

Pack 3:
#9 Jeff Francoeur Braves
#69 Curtis Granderson Tigers
#72 Miguel Cabrera Tigers
#141 Greg Smith Rockies
#143 Johnny Damon Yankees
#155 Ryan Howard Phillies
#246 Guy Lafleur Hockey
#710 20th Anniversary Wayne Gretsky

Pack 4:
#1 Adam Dunn Nationals
#25 Kevin Youkilis Red Sox
#93 Howie Kendrick Angels
#105 Alcides Escobar Brewers
#167 Chris Young Padres
#189 Josh Hamilton Rangers
#35-8 4in1 red
#35-89 4in1 green

Pack 5:
#21 Melvin Mora Orioles
#30 Jonathan Papelbon Red Sox
#67 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies
#85 Alex Gordon Royals
#107 Mat Gamel Brewers
#109 Miguel Montero D-backs
#151 Cole Hamels Phillies
#191 Michael Young Rangers

Pack 6:
#12 Tim Hudson Braves
#33 J.D.Drew Red Sox
#36 Wilkin Castillo Reds
#45 Gavin Floyd White Sox
#96 Matt Kemp Dodgers
#153 Chase Utley Phillies
#177 Ryan Ludwick Cardinals
#179 Rick Ankiel Cardinals

Pack 7:
#6 Dan Harden D-Backs
#14 Kelly Johnson Braves
#34 Curt Schilling Red Sox mini
#62 Travis Hafner Indians
#133 Phil Coke Yankees
#156 Greg Golson Rangers
#158 Shane Victorino Phillies
#35-20 4in1 red

Pack 8:
#26 Michael Bowden Red Sox
#50 Alexei Ramirez White Sox
#66 Garrett Atkins Rockies
#103 Takashi Saito Red Sox
#122 Delmon Young Twins
#182 B.J.Upton Rays
#199 Lastings Milledge Nationals
#298 Carlos Zamrano Cubs

I like blaster, they give you a decent smattering of the cards, the occasional one your after and enough to trade.
Six Red Sox from the 8 packs isn't too bad either.

Tuesday 23 June 2009

1980 Rickey Henderson Rookie Card

I am now the very proud owner of the most sought after card in the 1980 Topps set. This Rickey Henderson Rookie is now mine, all mine, Hahahahaha...
Sorry there was an immense rush of blood to my head.
I have made several attempt to purchase Mr Henderson in the past few years, obviously unsuccessfully and had pretty much given up. I convinced myself that it would be the last card I would need to complete the set. However when it showed up on e-bayUK of all places, I knew it belonged to me. For most of the time I was the winning bidder and a late-ish flurry from another bidder and for a short while I thought that another Rickey had slipped through my fingers. I remained calm and determined and eventually won.
Now I move my sights onto card #580 Nolan Ryan and 30 other 1980 Topps.

Sunday 21 June 2009

Trade with Dave from 'The Bench'

In December I document my unsuccessful attempts to make trades on the trading sites, 'Sports Cards Forum' and 'The Bench' One of the successful trade with Dave in Fresno helped me acquire a healthy selection of Baseball Heroes cards. I sent another unsolicited package of Twins cards to Dave expecting nothing in return, just the knowledge that the cards would be placed in a good home. Yesterday two packages arrived from Dave filled with more Baseball Heroes cards. Each one a parallel numbered card.
Dave sent:
#27 Josh Beckett light blue 44/49
#34 Wade Boggs light blue #14/49

#19 Mike Lowell Green 91/99
#23 Jonathan Papelbon blue 91/199
#24 Jacoby Ellsbury blue 136/199
#28 Daisuke Matsuzaka blue 134/199
#32 Carlton Fisk blue 128/199
#34 Wade Boggs blue 128/199
#176 Wade Boggs blue 95/199
#20 Jason Varitek Red 99/249
#22 Manny Ramirez red 162/249

2009 Topps Finest #4 Curt Schilling blue refractor 137/299
2009 Topps Finest #40 David Ortiz refractor #177/399
I have never seen any of these mildly hypnotic cards. '
'Look into my eyes, not around the eyes. Look straight into my eyes. Now you are under. You will buy more Topps products in the future. When I snap my fingers you will remember nothing except my last message'


2009 Goudey #19 Jed Lowrie
2009 Goudey #25 Kevin Youkilis
2009 Goudey #25 Kevin Youkilis mini
2009 Goudey #31 David Ortiz
2009 Goudey #35-100 Pedroia, Ortiz, Fisk, Beckett red border
2009 Goudey #202 Carlton Fisk
plus all the Baseball Heroes Red Sox base cards.

A welcome surprise and a great addition to the Red Sox collection. If your listening Dave-Thank you. I feel an unnerving urge to buy Topps cards.

Saturday 20 June 2009

2009 Topps Attax

FINALLY! I was able to get a hold of Topps Attax baseball cards from e-bayUK. Things like this often end up on e-bayUK through unwanted birthday gifts or relatives visiting the US. I was a big fan of the English versions of this, in the form of Match Attax Premiership football and Slam Attax Wrestling. It didn't appear to set the collecting world alight in the USA or it is probably old news. Topps did stick with a winning formal hugely successful here in the UK, so I was pleased.
Each of the starter boxes contained 2 code cards, 5 Foil cards and 34 base cards.
The foil cards were:
Dan Harden D-backs Hot Streak,
Brandon Phillips Reds Hot Streak,
Josh Hamilton Rangers Superstar,
Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox Superstar and
Nolan Ryan Astros Legend.The code cards were:
Jay Bruce Reds and Chipper Jones Braves

There was a healthy selection of Yankees, Bay Rays, Cubs and Angels. A smattering of the other clubs and one Red Sox Jed Lowrie.
Whether Topps choose to make baseball again is another thing altogether. Topps produce a Match Attax Extra half way through the football season and include different foils, but there is no information whether or not they will follow suit with Baseball Attax. There is however, already talk of next seasons Match Attax Premiership football.
As always, cards are up for trade.

Thursday 18 June 2009

1991 Donruss Series 2 Baseball


The second helping from Big B at Waxaholic, 1991 Donruss Series 2-The Green ones.
For information on this set look here.
The pack contains 15 picture cards and 3 puzzle pieces of Willie Stargell.

The pack:
#411 Will Clark All Star
#667 Chris Nabholz Expos
#407 Kevin Mitchell MVP Giants
#711 Carlos Hernandez Dodgers
#717 Wait Terrell Tigers
#725 Randy Tomlin Pirates
#410 Len Dykstra MVP Phillies
#427 Jeff Conine RR Royals
#430 Mo Vaughn RR Red Sox
#729 Rob Deer Tigers
#735 Ken Dayley Blue Jays
#740 Kevin Appier Royals
#745 Paul Sorrento Twins
#764 Julio Machado Brewers
#767 Scott Erickson Twins
plus 13, 14, 15 Puzzle pieces Willie's head.
One Red Sox card but what a card, Big Mo Vaughn Rated Rookie.
Thanks for the two packs Brian. Much appreciated.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

1991 O-Pee-Chee Premier Baseball

This pack came from Big B at Waxaholic. Produced in 1991 O-Pee-Chee in London, Canada
There are 132 cards in the set. No inserts or parallels. A nice simple set.
There are 7 cards in a pack.
The pack:
#21 Jack Clarke Red Sox
#46 Willie Fraser Blue Jays

#66 Todd Hundley Mets
#84 Jack Morris Twins

#80 Hensley Meulens Yankees
#95 Terry Pendelton Braves


A Red Sox and interestingly a 'Frappeur Designe'!

Tuesday 16 June 2009

2009 Topps Baseball Series 2

Here are the three packs of 2009 Topps that Ed from Roll out the Barrel sent in a recent trade.
Searching for a checklist to see what is different between Series 1 and 2 has proved fruitless.
So here are the packs.
Pack1:
#350 Dustin Pedroia Red Sox
#357 Huston Street Rockies
#365 Kevin Millwood Rangers
#369 Matt Harrison Rangers
#474 Franklin Gutierrez Mariners
#486 J.J. Putz Mets
#607 Jarrod Washburn Mariners
#609 Juan Rivera Angels
#636 Armando Galarraga Tigers
#642 Ken Macha Brewers
#TTT33 Carlos Lee Astros
#LG-SC Steve Carlton Phillies
Pack 2:
#332 Chone Figgins Angels
#379 Howie Kendrick Angels
#382 Willy Mo Pena Nationals
#412 Taylor Teagarden Rangers
#424 Jorge Campillo Braves
#445 Joe Nathan Twins
#498 Kyle Davies Royals
#545 Matt Garza Bay Rays
#548 John Danks White Sox
#579 Rocco Baldelli Red Sox
#576 Don Wakamatsu Mariners
#TTT45 Alex Rios Blue Jays
Pack 3:
#423 Melvin Mora Orioles
#453 Javier Valentin Reds
#469 Michael Cuddyer Twins
#510 Ryan Ludwick Cardinals
#520 Adrian Gonzalez Padres
#563 Francisco Cordero Reds
#588 Jorge DeLaRosa Rockies
#613 Kendry Morales Angels
#658 Rick Porcello Tigers
#TTT28 Jimmy Rollins Phillies
#LLG-16 Cy Young Cleveland Naps
#LGCB-CY Cy Young Cleveland Naps

Thanks Ed, 2 Red Sox from 3 packs and some decent inserts.

Anyone collection the Topps Town 3D cards?

Sunday 14 June 2009

2007 UD Masterpieces Blaster


I bought this Masterpieces blaster from e-bayUS in the hope of finishing off , or getting very close to completing, the 2007 set. I haven't pulled any of the parallels or inserts but on looking that these cards I realised why I wanted the whole base set. The names and images in the set. Upper Deck seemed to go all out for this year with some iconic pictures.
The details of 2007 Masterpieces can be found here.

Pack 1:
#3 Bobby Thomson New York Giants
#29 Ken Griffey Junior Reds
#54 Jackie Robinson/Yogi Berra
#80 Craig Biggio Astros
Pack 2:
#17 Sandy Koufax Dodgers
#56 Hanley Ramirez Marlins
#67 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals
#90 Curt Schilling Red Sox
Pack 3:
#12 Ryan Howard Phillies
#28 Carl Yastrzemski Red Sox
#43 Ichiro Mariners
#69 Chien -Ming Wang Yankees
Pack 4:
#18 Reggie Jackson Yankees
#20 Ty Cobb Tigers
#64 Jared Weaver Angels
#77 Phil Hughes Yankees
Pack 5:
#31 David Ortiz Red Sox
#38 Albert Pujols Cardinals
#51 Delmon Young Bay Rays
#57 Victor Martinez Indians
Pack 6:
#5 Carlton Fisk Red Sox
#49 Albert Pujols Cardinals
#70 David Wright Mets
#88 Chase Utley Philles
Pack 7:
#58 Cole Hamels Phillies
#62 Luis Aparicio White Sox
#75 Richard Nixon
#83 Billy Butler Royals
Pack 8:
#7 Don Larsen Yankees
#71 Ryan Howard Phillies
#84 Andy LaRoche Dodgers
#87 Roberto Clemente Pirates
Great set and a little bit closer to a complete set. See my progress 2007 Masterpieces.

Saturday 13 June 2009

Trade with Ed from Roll out the Barrel

It is always great to find a new trading buddy. I came across Ed's Roll out the Barrel blog and I was pleasantly surprised that find that he was not only a Brewers fan but I had some cards he needed from his wants list. Cue trade theme...
My side of the trade can be found here.
From Hartland Wisconsin, Ed sent the following Red Sox selection and a couple of packs too.
1987 Donruss #375 Tom Seaver
1988 Fleer #353 Rich Gedman
1988 Topps UK #15 Roger Clemens
1989 Bowman #28 Marty Barrett
1991 Bowman #126 Carlos Quintana
1992 Fleer #41 Daryl Irvine
1992 Fleer #47 Jody Reed
1992 Fleer #49 Mo Vaughn
1992 Score #318 Jack Clark
1992 Upper Deck #543 Tom Brunansky

2006 Fleer Ultra #22 Josh Beckett
2006 Fleer Ultra #26 J.D.Drew
2006 Topps #158 Mike Timlin
2006 Topps #514 Mark Loretta
2008 Goudey #26 Bobby Doerr
2008 Topps #YR22 Manny Ramirez
2008 Upper Deck #373 David Ortiz
2008 Upper Deck #434 David Ortiz
2008 Upper Deck #433 Jason Varitek
2009 Goudey #35-69 4in1 Jonathan Papelbon/Josh Beckett
2009 Topps #TR63 Josh Beckett
plus 3 packs of 2009 Topps Series 2, which will be cracked at Pursuit of Red Sox.

Fantastic stuff Ed. A great first trade. Thanks for the packs too. We love packs over here.