Heaven Sent. Trade with Mario from Wax Heaven.

The blog Wax Heaven doesn't need the kudos of being named on this blog. It is the most read of all baseball card blogs. As Mario rounded the corner of 1million visitors, I had just past 3000. That tells you something about the difference. We may be at different ends of the blog spectrum and an ocean apart in geography but that didn't stop Mario from sending some unbelievable cards.
Firstly a 1933 Goudey of Bob Smith. Amazing. A sweet card that will take pride of place in my collection.

An A.J.Griffn 2009 Upper Deck Series 2 game used and autograph card.

A Chris Hernandez 2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Game Jersey

A Matt Riley 2000 Upper Deck SP Autograph and

A Manny Acosta 2009 Upper Deck Series 2 Gold numbered 52/99.

These are awesome cards Mario. Thanks for thinking of me and for your generosity.

One of the best days ever and 2009 Goudey

When I arrived at work this morning, I found laying on my desk on top of a pile of papers this jumbo pack of 2009 Goudey, a jumbo 2009 Upper Deck Series 1 and a jumbo 2009 Upper Deck Series 2.

I had just returned from a two week break and one of the teachers from school went on a holiday to Florida. I had know this since about January and pretty much reminded her daily to bring back 'anything baseball 2009'.

I was very excited to see these packs deliberately placed for easy recognition. As packs, any packs, are a rare commodity in the UK unless you purchase them from the US and get diddled on the postage (and more often than not on customs charges). So this fantastic looking pack blew me away.

I went to thank her and walked into her office. "I have something for you!" she said and revealed from a plastic bag a blaster of 2009 Goudey and blaster of 2009 Artifacts plus some US Simpsons stamps.

This is the best day ever!

Wow thanks. Thanks too for the cards on my table. Wait a minute. Not from you? Then Who?

To cut a long boring story short, unbeknownst to me another teacher also went on a holiday to the US. She had heard me harp on so much about baseball cards, when she saw these in a shop she thought I might like them. She wasn't wrong. I may be a pain in the arse but it does pay dividends.

Besides the cards being on my desk there was also a pile of telephone messages, letters and assorted random paper work that had accumulated in my absence. Unfortunately the cards had to wait. Well sort of. I opened this package of Goudey a little too over eagerly before I even went to thank to purchaser.

And who should rise from the bequest?

None other than Jacoby Ellsbury. This was going to be a wonderful day.

The other 15 cards from the pack were:

#2 Max Scherzer D-backs

#26 Michael Bowden Red Sox

#52 Brandon Phillips Reds

#50 Alexei Ramirez White Sox

#76 Josh Willingham Nationals

#86 Chone Figgins Angels

#88 Jered Weaver Angels

#107 Mat Gamel Brewers

#121 Kevin Slowey Twins

#133 Phil Coke Yankees

#143 Johnny Damon Yankees

#158 Shane Victorino Phillies

#167 Chris Young Padres

#181 Bob Gibson Cardinals

#191 Michael Young Rangers

plus #28 Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox

I collected the whole 2008 Goudey set and thought about collecting the 2009 set as well, however I think I will wait to see what the verdict on the Goodwins Champion set is and then decide.

Haven't had a chance to opened the other packs yet but will post them in Pursuit of Red Sox when I do.

As to the rest of the day? It all went in a Goudey blur.

Trade with Justin

Another day, another trade. Brilliant!
I sent a bunch of cards to Justin, a Tampa Bay Rays collector and today a package from Largo Florida!

Here's what was enclosed:
A pack of 2008 Goudey (a nice surprise to start off)
1982 Topps #25 Jerry Remy
1986 Topps #60 Dwight Evans
2003 Bowman #109 Pedro Martinez
2003 Upper Deck #23 Nomar Garciaparra
2006 Fleer Ultra #HRK5 David Ortiz
2007 Bowman #BDPP105 Jacoby Ellsbury
2007 Fleer #RS-JP Jonathan Papelbon
2007 Goudey #32 David Ortiz red back
2007 Goudey #47 J.D.Drew red back
2007 Topps #16 Jason Varitek
2007 Topps #142 Trot Nixon
2007 Topps #475 Kevin Youkilis
2008 Topps #360 David Ortiz
2008 A+G #62 Dustin Pedroia
2008 Upper Deck #773 Josh Beckett
2008 Upper Deck series 1 Starquest #18 Manny Ramirez

plus a bunch of Goudey's I need to complete the set.

Thanks for the great trade Justin.

2008 Goudey

A group of like minded collectors in the UK have been contributing to a Sports card forum for a number of months now.

http://www.sportscardsuk.com/Forum/index.php

There are UK collectors of baseball, basketball, football and hockey. Collectors of sports cards who are experienced seasoned vets and collectors new to the sports card arena.

But we have one thing in common, we enjoy collecting.

It was decided a while ago to arrange a 'Group box break'.

I joined in a break with Jo of 2008 Goudey.

After a blaster, a shared box and a few trades. I decided to collect the whole base-set. I am now 115 cards into the 250 card set, although I'm not sure about the Presidents.

The auto from the recent break was poor, there was no memorabilia card and no Yankee Stadium Legacy cards but I did get most of the Red Sox cards.

Jo, who collects just about anything but is concentrating on Tim Lincecum and Manny Ramirez cards.

Matt, who collects Yankee Stadium Legacy, Yankee memorabilia/autos and 2008 Goudey and myself decided to try another box in October.

We'll see if we get any closer to completing the set.