2012 Card Collecting Goals

2011 has come and gone and while it was an exciting year for my family and I (first year of little league with my oldest, bought a new home, and had another baby - our third) my card collecting sort of slowed down due to a lack of funds and time. To help me turn that around in 2012, I decided to set some goals. I did that in 2010 and while I didn't reach all the goals I set, it was nice to have them to strive for and I really made progress in my collection. So, in no particular order, here are my 2012 Card Collecting Goals.

1. TTM Autographs - 50 TTM autographs this year from at least 30 different people. One thing that I plan on doing differently this year in regards to my TTM requests is expanding to sports other than just baseball. ***COMPLETED***

2. 3000 Hit Club Bat Cards - Collect a bat card of 27 players in the 3000 Hit Club. I achieved my 2010 goal of a Bat Card of every member of the 500 Home Run Club and have decided to try for the 3000 Hit Club. Several players are members of both clubs (Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Eddie Murray, and Rafael Palmeiro) and I already have a Ty Cobb Bat Card, so I need 22 more.

3. Greatest Non Relic/Auto/Numbered/Parallel Insert Set of All-Time - I recently asked for suggestions for this and got some good ones. To clarify, this will be for baseball only. I plan to narrow the list down and select the greatest non relic/auto/numbered/parallel insert set of all-time and collect that entire set.

4. Cards Featuring Awards - In 2010 I started a collection of cards with players holding multiple bats, which I still add to. In 2012, I want to collect at least 50 cards featuring awards. This can be any award, Rookie of the Year, MVP, World Series trophy, etc., but the card must have a picture of the award on it, not just mention that the player won the award.

5. Dan Wilson Collection - Dan Wilson was a Major League catcher that played 13 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds and the Seattle Mariners. He is set an American League record for catchers with a .995 career fielding percentage and was an All-Star in 1996. My name happens to be Daniel Wilson, so I have always been drawn to collecting his cards, but haven't actively pursued his cards in years. I would like to complete a Trifecta (RC, Auto, and Game-Used) for him. I already have several different rookies, and a quick eBay search revealed several certified auto's but no game-used so that could prove difficult. ***COMPLETED***

6. Ryan Roberts Collection - Ryan Roberts had a breakout year in 2010 and is definitely a fan favorite here in Arizona. I met him at the All-Star Fan Fest and he is a super nice guy. Because he was not an everyday player until this year he actually has very few cards. He was included in the 2011 Topps Update Series and I collected as many of those parallels as possible. I haven't seen any of the 1/1's aside from two of the Printing Plates which I was able to get. I have a feeling that he will be included in a lot more product in 2012, so I definitely want to increase my collection of Ryan Roberts cards and so without knowing exactly how many cards he will have in 2012, I will set my goal at 25 unique Ryan Roberts cards for 2012. ***COMPLETED***

7. Brandon Webb Collection - In 2010 I set a goal to reach 200 unique Brandon Webb cards. After blowing out his arm on Opening Day in 2009 he has since signed with the Rangers but has not pitched in the Big Leagues. I'm not sure where he will end up in 2012. Right now I am at 196 different Brandon Webb cards in my collection, so I would like to reach 200 and see if I can add another 50 cards, bringing my Brandon Webb total to 250 unique cards by the end of 2012. ***COMPLETED***

8. Complete the 2004 Topps Derby Digs Jersey Relics Set - This set features pieces of jerseys worn during the 2003 Home Run Derby. I currently only have two cards from this set, Garret Anderson and Bret Boone so I still need Carlos Delgado, Jim Edmonds, Jason Giambi, Albert Pujols, and Richie Sexson to complete the entire set. ***COMPLETED***

9. Post Videos on My Blog and YouTube - Just this year I started watching YouTube videos of TTM successes, box breaks, eBay mail days, trades, etc. and have really enjoyed it. We got a web cam for Christmas so I want to start doing videos for my blog and YouTube in 2012.  ***COMPLETED***

10. Be More Active in the Blogging Community - I feel really fortunate to be part of this community and want to be more active in my posts, commenting on others posts, trading, etc. In 2011 I only had 96 posts compared to 231 in 2010. I would like to hit at least 300 posts in 2012. ***COMPLETED***

11. Vintage - I would like to add 10 solid vintage cards to my collection in 2012. In November I picked up a 1957 Topps Don Drysdale Rookie Card and it reminded me how much I love vintage cards. I have very few in my collection though. For me, when it comes to vintage cards, the condition is not all that important, in fact I think that a card that is 40+ years old should show some wear and tear.

12. Personal Collection - I would like to add 100 cards to my personal collection. These cards will include the 3000 Hit Club Bat cards, ttm autographs, the 10 solid vintage cards, 2004 Topps Derby Digs Jersey cards, in addition to relic, autos, numbered, rookie cards, etc. of either players I collect or Arizona Diamondbacks. ***COMPLETED***

13. Autographed Baseballs - I would like to get two baseballs autographed by star players this year. In 2010 I got Don Mattingly and in 2011 I got Don Newcombe to sign balls. Between D-Backs Fan Fest, Spring Training, the regular season, card shows/autograph signings, and the Fall League I would like to at least get two in person autographs of star players on baseballs. ***COMPLETED***

14. Organize My Collection - This will be a daunting task, but it needs to be done. I don't want any loose cards and I want to know where everything is at. Part of this will be deciding what to do with my Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza collections that I have from collecting growing up.

15. 1997 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Game Jersey - One Griffey card that I would love to have and keep is the 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey card. Along with Tony Gwynn and Rey Ordonez (which I already have), these were the first baseball jersey cards. I have wanted this card for a long time, but it rarely shows up on eBay and has always been out of my price range. I would like to figure out a way to get this card.

Hobby Question: What is the greatest non relic/auto/numbered/parallel insert set of all-time?

I'm working on a list of my own which includes the list below, but I wanted to hear from the blogosphere. In your opinion, what is the greatest non relic/auto/numbered/parallel insert set of all-time? Once I get a more complete list, I'll break each set down and rate them based on 5 categories (Set Name, Design, Player Selection, Innovation, and Impact on Collecting) and then crown the Greatest Non Relic/Auto/Numbered/Parallel Insert Set of All-Time!

Insert Sets
1) 1998 Topps Etch-A-Sketch
2) 1999 Ultra Damage Inc.
3) 1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase
4) 1994 Donruss Dominators
5) 2000 Topps Combos
6) 2001 Topps Combos
7) 1993 Studio Superstars on Canvas
8) 1993 Studio Heritage
9) 1996 Fleer Lumber Company
10) 1991 Score Cooperstown
11) 1999 Topps Gallery Heritage
12) 1994 Fleer Pro-Visions
13) 1994 Leaf Slideshow
14) 1994 Donruss Long-Ball Leaders
15) 1998 Topps Gallery of Heroes

eBay Pick-Up: 2010 Topps Triple Threads Chris Young Auto 37/99

I picked up this 2010 Topps Triple Threads Chris Young Auto 37/99 on eBay recently. The card features two orange jersey pieces and one bat piece along with Young's autograph. The back of the card does not mention the jersey, bat, or auto at all, which makes me wonder if the material and wood pieces are actually game used relics. In November I picked up a 2009 Topps Triple Threads card of Justin Upton that featured an orange jersey piece as well and I just can't think of the D-Backs ever having worn an orange jersey. It's possible that it's from an All-Star event or some minor league jersey, but it would be nice if Topps would let us know. Anyways, here's the Chris Young card.

Pack Break: 2011 Topps Chrome

For my Secret Santa gift exchange at work I got a rack pack of 2011 Topps Chrome. It was the package that has 3 packs of 2011 Topps Chrome and then a pack with 3 orange border parallels. Here are the contents. Everything is for trade except for the Crow and Hellickson. I am looking for 2011 Topps Chrome Diamondbacks in return. Let me know if you are interested. Crow was one of only two All-Stars this year that actually signed for me at the game and Helllickson won A.L. Rookie of the Year so his RC fits my Pookie Cards of Player who won Rookie of the Year collection.

Pack #1

Mike Morse #108, Buster Posey Vintage Chrome #VC1, Ivan DeJesus Jr. RC #190, Pedro Beato RC #199

 Pack #2

Andrew McCutchen #8, Tim Lincecum #15, Josh Johnson Refractor #43, Aaron Crown #220 RC

 Pack #3

Chipper Jones #2, John Buck XFractor #142, Jeremy Hellickson RC #200, Jordan Walden RC #183

Drew Stubbs #86, Clayton Kershaw #107, Eric Sogard #184

TTM Success: MVP and HOF

I got two ttm requests yesterday. First up is 1952 A.L. MVP, Bobby Shantz. Not sure exactly when I sent this request, but it was probably about a 7-10 days ago. Bobby was a 3 time all-star and 8 time Gold Glover. He also won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1958. Thanks Mr. Shantz.

Next up, Hall of Famer Jim Bunning. I got this request back in 19 days. Bunning is a 9 time All-Star who pitched both a no-hitter and a perfect game. When he retired in 1971 he was second on the all-time strikeouts list. He is currently number 17. After his baseball career, Mr. Bunning went into politics and served as a Representative and a Senator for the state of Kentucky from 1987 - 2010. Thank you Mr. Bunning!



TTM Success: Dick Groat

I sent Dick Groat a ttm autograph request a week or so ago (not sure on the exact date) and today I recieved my card back in the mail, autographed by the 1960 N.L. MVP, Dick Groat. I actually sent him a ttm request last year and got the same card signed with a 1960 N.L. MVP inscription, but when I came accross this card again recently, I just had to send to him again, because, lets face it. These cards were ment to be signed. In my letter I asked him what his favorite baseball memory was and he responded by writing on my letter and sending it back. I've included his response below. Thanks Mr. Groat!

An Amazing eBay Seller: wpcgarciaparra

I purchased two auctions from eBay seller wpcgarciaparra back on 11/14. One was a 3 card PSA Graded 2010 Topps Peak Performance Gerrardo Parra Autographed lot and the other was a 4 card PSA Graded 2010 Topps Peak Performance Chris Young Autographed lot. I won each auction for $7.95 and shipping was $3.95. I contacted the seller about combining shipping and he did, $4.25 for all 7 cards. The total for everything including shipping was $20.15, which I paid via PayPal right away. I then waited for the cards to arrive. I waited and waited, but by December 2nd they had still not arrived. I contacted the seller, wpcgarciaparra, and let him know that I had not received the cards. He got back to me right away and apologized saying that he had not been able to do anything eBay wise and that his grandson was supposed to have been handling things for him. He asked me for my address and assured me that they would be in the mail the coming Monday. He apologized again and said he would "make it right". Today a package arrived and when I opened it I not only found the 7 cards from the 2 auctions that I had won, but also a $20 bill and a note from wpcgarciaparra, again apologizing. I was shocked! The cards are amazing and he refunded me my money. Thank you wpcgarciaparra! You certainly made it right, and I'll definitely purchase from you again! I did not expect such great customer service from an eBay seller. He has some great stuff up on eBay right now, so go check him out here.

Football TTM Success: Kurt Warner

When it comes to football, I'm an Arizona Cardinals fan and Kurt Warner is one of the greatest Cardinals players of all-time. In my mind, he will be in the Hall of Fame one day. He's also an amazing family man and a good role model. I sent him a letter mid November requesting an autograph and recieved this in the mail today.

Card and autograph look awesome! Thanks Kurt!

eBay Pick-Up: 2011 Allen & Ginter Daniel Hudson Jersey

I picked up this 2011 Allen & Ginter Daniel Hudson Jersey card on eBay last week. Because I was purchasing mutliple auctions from the same seller (I'll show the other cards I purchased soon) it didn't cost anything extra for shipping, so I got this card for $3.00. I've wanted it for a while to go with the 2011 Allen & Ginter Daniel Hudson Auto (shown below) that I picked up back in July.