O-Pee-Chee Blaster

A few weeks ago, I purchased a couple of packs of 2009 O-Pee-Chee at Target and then used the $2 off coupons on a blaster. I was really hoping to like the cards, but I didn’t get anything that blew me away. I didn’t get any auto or relics, which is fine. I don’t really expect to get much when I buy retail. I don’t know how to explain it. I was just left wanting more. One thing that I can’t stand is all of the studio photos that Upper Deck used. And some of the shots that they choose to feature on cards, have really made me scratch my head. Take these three cards for example.

Really? Really? Upper Deck couldn’t find any better picture to use than these? Wow! Okay so something about 2009 O-Pee-Chee did blow me away!

Book review: Vindicated by Jose Canseco

I recently finished reading Vindicated, by Jose Canseco. Let me start by saying that I am not a huge fan of Canseco, but I don’t dislike him either. Vindicated is the follow up to his 2005 best seller Juiced. I think I was hoping that Canseco would blow me away with some of the names that he named in this book, but I think that performance-enhancing drugs in sports is now so common that there are very few names that would blow me away, if I found out that they were using some sort of performance enhancing drug. I think that the biggest shock that I got from reading Vindicated was how much Jose Canseco hates Alex Rodriguez. In fact, on page 190, he writes: “So A-Rod, if you’re reading this book, and if I’m not getting through to you, let’s get clear on one thing: I hate your ------- guts.” Most of this hatred comes from the fact that Rodriguez apparently had a thing for Canseco’s wife. Anyways, I enjoyed the book and wish Jose the best.

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!

A Piece of History 500 Club - Jim Thome Bat Card

I remember when Upper Deck first introduced the A Piece of History 500 Club Bat cards featuring every member of the 500 Home Run Club. Since its initial release, several players have joined the 500 Home Run Club. Upper Deck has recently produced an A Piece of History 500 Club bat card for several players, including Jim Thome. I had been watching this card on ebay for a while and was even outbid once. I saw it at my local card shop about a week ago and was happy to spend $10 for this great looking card.

While I would love to collect all of the A Piece of History 500 Club cards, most are way out of my price range. I do however plan on collecting a bat card of every member of the 500 Home Run Club. So far I only have 6 of the 25 members. I have Thome, Griffey, Thomas, Sosa, Sheffield, and Jackson. If anyone has any bat cards of 500 Home Run Club members that they would be willing to trade, please let me know. Thanks!

TTM Success - Stan Musial

On July 1, 2009 I sent Stan Musial a letter and a card asking him for an autograph. On October 13, 2009 I recieved an envelope from Stan the Man. He had returned the card that I sent him unsigned, but included an autographed postcard. This was well worth the wait. Thanks Mr. Musial!

Doger Blue for Diamondback... Pink? Trade with Night Owl

I recently sent some Dodgers cards to Greg of Night Owl Cards and he returned the favor by sending me some Diamondbacks cards. As I was going through the cards to see which cards I would scan and post, I noticed a theme among several of the cards.

All of these cards feature players wearing pink to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, in its efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. For the past several seasons, on Mother's Day, Major League Baseball players have used pink bats and worn pink wristbands and the symbolic pink ribbon to support breast cancer awareness. I found it interesting that 5 of the Diamondback cards that Night Owl sent featured players wearing pink. Thanks Night Owl!

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Another card that Night Owl sent got me thinking about Upper Deck and how it will respond to Topps having exclusive rights to team logos and trademarks starting next year. Take a look at the card below. It is a 2009 Bowman Justin Upton card. I think Upper Deck could produce a card similar to this next year and be in compliance. Is it the greatest photo ever? No. Would I want a whole set of cards featuring players backs? No. But I think that Upper Deck can get creative and produce decent cards in 2010. I just don't want a bunch of cards that have obviously been photo shopped. Good luck Upper Deck!

Trade with My Past Time... I Love It!

I had sent some Dontrelle Willis cards to Alfredo of My Past Time... I Love It! and this week I recieved some D-Backs cards in return. Here are a few of the cards that I recieved. The cards that I scanned all happen to be part of retro based sets. It's amazing to me how popular these types of sets have gotten. Me personally, some I really like and some I really don't like. I really like Allen & Ginter and Heritage but I really don't like Goudey. I haven't made up my mind yet on the Goodwin Champions yet. Thanks Alfredo!