1st Bowman Card vs. RC

I bought a binder at an auction several months back and I've been going through it recently. I came across this 2010 1st Bowman Card of Aroldis Chapman.

I like this card and Chapman is a guy that is a must watch for me when he's in the game. I was glad it was in the binder. 

I don't have a ton of Chapman cards, but I try to pick up his cards when I find them in dime boxes. 

Aroldis Chapman is from Cuba and made his MLB debut in 2011 with the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched for the Reds from 2011 - 2015. Chapman had some off season trouble in 2015 that negated a trade to the Dodgers. Instead a few weeks later he was traded to the Yankees. He was traded to the Cubs in July of 2016 and was a part of the Chicago Cubs championship run. A few months later, Chapman signed a five year deal back with the Yankees.

The purpose of this post though is to discuss the 1st Bowman Card and the RC.

Here's Chapman's 2011 Topps RC. 

What do you think about the guidelines currently in place regarding the Rookie Card distinction? Are you a fan of the 1st Bowman Cards? How does it impact collect-ability and value? Do you even care? Do you like the RC logo being on cards?

Fan Pack 2011: Cincinnati Reds

I recieved a Fan Pack from the Cincinatti Reds this past week. Lots of Mr. Redlegs, stickers, and the color red. See for yourself.

http://vimatech.com/

Spring Training Autographs

This past Tuesday I took my oldest son (4 years old) over to the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training practice fields. I hadn't been to the practice fields before, so we first ended up watching the minor leaguers for a little while before walking over to where the major league players were. We watched them practice a little bit and my son ran up and down the metal bleachers. He wasn't very interested in anything else. Most of the players, when asked about an autograph, said that they would sign after batting practice. We had to leave before that, so I only got a couple of autographs. I got pitcher Daniel Ray Herrera and Manager Dusty Baker. I had them sign the cards that the Reds sent me when I requested a fan pack. It wasn't my best day for autographs but I left happy that I got to spend some time watching baseball with my son.

Indians vs. Reds (Fan Pack Style)

Last week I emailed several teams and requested a Fan Pack. I started with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds because I live about 2 minutes from their Spring Training Stadium and plan on seeing several games this year. I recieved Fan Packs from both teams on the same day.

Cleveland Indians

1. Official Goodyear Arizona Visitors Guide
2. Slider Mascot card
3. Pocket Schedule
4. 3 Activity Sheets (Trivia/Coloring page/Word Search)

Cincinnati Reds

1. 2009 Team Photo
2. Reds Mascot Car Magnet
3. Reds Mascot Sticker
4. Reds Lanyard
5. Reds/Goodyear Visor
6. Cincinnati Reds Bumper Sticker
7. 2009 Cincinnati Reds Baseball Card Team Set

Eric the Red (Eric Davis) Autograph

I live within walking distance of the new Spring Training stadium for the Cleaveland Indians and the Cincinatti Reds in Goodyear, Arizona. The Indians began using the stadium this past spring training and the Reds are going to be joining them in 2010. Last night, the Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex Phase II Grand Opening ceremony was held on the Cincinnati Reds practice fields. The ceremony last year for the Indians featured Hall Of Famer Bob Feller. I was excited about this event but I didn't know who, if anyone would be signing autographs. When we got to the practice fields we were given a program of the nights events and I was pleased to discover that former Reds star, Eric Davis would be on hand to sign autographs. Because I didn't know who would be there I had only brought blank Autograph Cards with me. However, they were providing 8x10's free of charge, so I had Eric sign an Autograph Card and an 8x10. The former All-Star and Gold Glover was extremly nice and very talkative. Thanks Mr. Davis!