26 Cent Summer

Who Knew A Trip to the Dentist Would Be the Highlight of My Day!

2012-02-23T20:22:00.001-08:00

Or at least the events after the trip were the highlight of my day. A week and a half ago I spent 38 straight hours awake. Not because I was busy working, but because a had a ridiculous toothache that only got worse when I laid down. Turns out I needed my first root canal. Not much fun, but definitely not even close to what people said it was going to be like. Actually, it was absolutely painless. I did get to sort through a lot of cards though instead of getting some sleep.

So today I head to my regular dentist to get a temporary crown put on that tooth. Turns out this is more painful than the whole root canal thing. Anyway, before I head back to work I decide to hit the Dollar General store in search of some cheap packs...fail! However, it just so happens that the other half of the building is a antique mall. Now you know where this is going.....

Upon looking at the first glass case I notice some baseball cards. Wow, a complete 1990 Score set for $20. I immediately asked the nice lady to open the case so I could get a closer look at......the 3 cards sitting next to the set. The first was a 1971 Frank Bertaina for $0.10. Sold! I am not collecting the 71 set. I am not even collecting Cardinals, but I will always spend a dime on a piece of 41 year old cardboard.

The other two cards are what actually caught my eye. Both 1973 Topps, the current obsession of my set collecting. I dig out my phone to search my blog to make sure that I need them. I really think the lady thought I was going to be checking prices or something because I got this strange look from her when I did this. The first card was a 1973 Bobby Winkles, manager of the California Angels (I really wish they would have kept the California name instead of becoming the LA Angels). I already have this card but I thought it would be a upgrade for what I currently had so I grabbed it for $0.45. Turns out the cards had a scratch across the face of it that you can see in the scan. While the corners are better than what I currently have, I am afraid this card is going to my doubles box. However, I discovered an oddity about one of the coaches on this card, that will warrant a later post.

The next card was a 1973 Dave Marshall #513 and I needed it. So I plunked down a couple quarters for this one so I could come home and mark off one more card on my 1973 Topps want list.

Dave Marshall would finish a 7 years major league career in 1973 with the San Diego Padres. I found the back of the card more intriguing for a couple of reasons. First, the write-up says he was able to hit 3 Grand Slammers during his NL career. It then goes on to specifically mention the first and second ones giving the date and opponent. I guess the third just wasn't that important as it is not mentioned at all. However, the cartoon on the back summarizes Dave's career with what every players dreads...."Dave is an effective pinch-hitter." At least he was able to have 7 years in the majors even if he wasn't an "effective everyday hitter." I miss those great cartoons.

So the trip to the dentist was not a total waste. Three pieces of 40 year old cardboard for $1.05, and the highlight of my day!

Royals Pitchers and Catchers Report Tomorrow - Time to Celebrate with....

2012-02-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

...the first showing of one of my favorite baseball movies and the philosophy of the great Lou Brown!

And it doesn't hurt to watch it while sorting through cards. Baseball season. Gotta love it!!!

“People ask me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”
—Rogers Hornsby

2012 Trade Post #7 - Blog Reader Jason

2012-02-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

I got an email from Jason regarding a Royals Team Set from the 2011 Topps Diamond Anniversary Set. He was willing to send them to me since he only wanted the Rangers cards. I was happy to oblige. When I got them in the mail the other day, they went straight into my Royals binder. Here is the first page of the set. Notice the Diamond Anniversary logo along with the "Factory Set Limited Edition" right above the player's name. Thanks Jason!

2000 Topps HD Help Needed - 4 Cards Left

2012-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal. I am trying to cross off most of my current want list this year. I just made a drastic dent in my 2000 Topps HD set and I am now down to needing 4 cards. The cards I need are:

45 - Tony Gwynn
76 - Sean Casey
78 - Juan Gonzalez
90 - David Walling

If you have any of these cards please help me get this set off my want list soon. Tell me what you collect and we can try to work out a trade. Thanks!

2012 Trade Post #6 - Nomo's Sushi Platter

2012-02-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

Michael at Nomo's Sushi Platter contacted be about a possible trade. The centerpieces of the trade were a Maury Wills jersey card in exchange for a spectacular Aaron Crow jersey/auto card. We will get to that later. Michael also sent along some cards on my want list including some 2011 Topps Heritage and 2011 Topps Year of Topps insert cards.

He also through in some additional Royals besides the Aaron Crow. These just happen to be 2 new cards of the top 2 young players in the organization that I hope will make a dramatic impact this year AND for many years to come: a 2012 Topps Gold Futures Mike Moustakas and a 2012 Topps 87 Mini Eric Hosmer. I welcome any cards of these two players. I must say the 1987 Minis look pretty sharp!

The centerpiece of this trade was my first relic/autograph card of anybody. I have to be honest in that I don't really chase relics and autographs, but I thought an Aaron Crow (the token 2011 Royal All Star who didn't play because he was sick....) would be pretty sick to own. When I opened up the package from Michael, this card sure didn't disappoint. A 2011 Topps Finest dual patch/autograph card!!! I think I might just be chasing relics and autos now for my collection. Here it is.

Thanks Michael for a great trade!

Card Wars, Episode One

2012-02-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had the privilege of being in Thorzul's first Card Wars Podcast. Bill has put up all of the card scans as well as the podcast for your viewing and listening pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did talking cards with two great collectors. Thanks again to Thorzul Will Rule for putting it on and The Cardboard Junkie for being the other participant.

Card Wars - The Battle is Over!

2012-02-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to put in a plug for Thorzul's Card Wars podcast that we recorded tonight. I had the privilege of being one of the first participants on the podcast with Dave from Cardboard Junkie. I will not give out any results and I will post more about this later. I had a great time, got to talk to two great collectors, and heard some great stories about their cards. I know Bill will be posting the podcast on his blog soon so everyone can check out the battle.

If you get a chance to participate in a future edition of the Card Wars, I would encourage all of you to jump in. You will have a great time. For more information, here is his original post on the idea over at Thorzul Will Rule.

Thanks again Bill and Dave!

Local Card Shop - The Baseball Card Store - Shawnee, KS

2012-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Living in north central Kansas does not lend itself to being able to go to your local card shop and pick up a pack of anything. In fact, I would just about consider our local Pamida as my LCS if it weren't for the extremely limited supply. If I look at all the card shops (or supposed card shops) within an hour of my house, I would find one that looks like it hasn't had new stock since the 1980s and it tends to my a gathering place for those 30 somethings guys that live with their parents and play Magic: The Gathering all day (**Not that there is anything wrong with that. I am not here to judge.**). I would also find another one in which the card shop looks like it was inhabited by a bunch of RC (remote-control NOT rookie card) enthusiasts. It is just hard to find a good card shop whose primary purpose is actually baseball cards. Now I suppose the economy has much to do with that, but nevertheless, it is extremely disappointing.

Anyway, yesterday I decided to get out and meet up with a good friend of mine to visit some card shops in the Kansas City area. I first decided to stop by a shop that I found this summer in Topeka only to find that the store front had a "For Lease" sign in the window. I was disappointed as I really enjoyed my visit with the owner there this summer. I was able to pick up a bunch of supplies that I needed. Unfortunately, being an hour and 45 minutes from my house didn't lend itself to frequent stops. Disappointed, we headed to Kansas City where my phone internet and GPS helped us locate a few stores in the area.

The first one (and the only one) we visited was The Baseball Card Store. Now you might think, that is a rather uninspiring name, but to me it is perfect. It tells me exactly what I am going to find. It doesn't have the word "collectables" or "hobby" in the name to hide the fact that their primary purpose isn't cards. I want baseball cards and I FOUND BASEBALL CARDS. The store is kind of hidden away in one of those 1990s suburban mini malls. Unfortunately, many of the store fronts appeared empty. However, the store was anything but.

We entered to find display cases of cards and walls full of boxes. I believe, the owner Scott and his son were the ones manning the store yesterday. We visited briefly, as I got right into sorting through some 2009-2010-2011 Topps boxes to fill my want list. An hour and a half later I came out with around 200 cards from my lists, a 2012 Topps Series I set, and a box of card pages. All of which were very reasonably priced. And the good news I overheard, was that the store had been busy all day! I hope this means that The Baseball Card Store is here to stay for a long time.

Since I will be heading to Kansas City this summer for Royals games and All Star Game, I plan on becoming a regular at the store. Even though I am about 3 hours away, this store has become my new LCS.

Store hours are Tues-Fri 12:30-6:00 and Sat 11:00-4:30.

2012 Trade Post #5 - Blog Reader James

2012-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

Another trade where I was able to knock off a number of my wants included this card of former Royal Willie Bloomquist. I love these action shots that are not your normal plays. I think Topps does a great job of catching this type of action and putting it on cardboard. Now the question that comes from this card has to be is the runner SAFE or OUT? And just who is the runner? From the looks of the card, I think the umpire is trying to beat Bloomquist to the bag!

Thanks James for reading 26 Cent Summer and contact me about a trade. I hope you enjoyed the cards.

2012 Trade Post #4 - Blog Reader Brendan (A Royal Trifecta)

2012-02-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by blog reader Brendan and we were able to settle on a trade that helped me tremendously with the 2011 Topps Update want list. I decided to take a Royals theme with my scans so I present to you a current Royal, a former Royal and a Royal killer.

Eric Hosmer had a great season for the Royals during his rookie season batting .293 with 19 homers and 78 r.b.i.'s. He finished 3rd in the A.L. Rookie of the Year voting behind Jeremy Hellickson and Mark Trumbo.

Former Royal Matt Stairs has played for 12 different teams during his career including 3 for the Royals from 2004-2006. Stairs ability to hit the long ball made him a quality left-handed pinch hitter. His 265 career home runs make him the all-time Canadian born leader and he also holds the record for most home runs by any player that has been on 10+ teams.

Finally, David Ortiz, the career leader in home runs by a designated hitter. I give you his home run from August 8, 2006 off Luke Hudson at Kauffman Stadium.

Thanks Brendan for a great trade!

To Buy or Not to Buy 2012 Topps - That is the Question

2012-02-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have always considered myself more of a set collector so I have enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and open and few packs/blasters for the products that I buy. So I didn't think there would be any reason not to head to Wal-Mart or Target and pick up so packs of 2012 Topps when they came out this week. I was actually ready to drive the 35 miles to the nearest store that night. However, I fought the urge and then something came over me. What if I didn't buy any packs of 2012 Topps? Would that go against everything I have done in the hobby? Would my wife be singing the Hallelujah Chorus when I passed up the card aisle?

After reading many blogs, I have seen a backlash to this year's set for many reasons that are I agree are valid. However, my decision has nothing to do with the negative feelings about Topps. I actually like the set although I am in agreement that the inserts may be a bit of a bore. But the photography is, perhaps, the best it has ever been. For the first time this year, I sat down and came up with some collecting goals this year. They were put down in this blog post. So I thought, could I still fulfill my goals without opening a pack of 2012 Topps. The answer was YES! But can I REALLY keep myself from doing that?

After the first of the year, I got the blog going again since I hadn't posted much since school had started. Teaching and coaching will sometimes put an end to that extra time I had. I went to a card show in Kansas City in the fall where I picked up a bunch of 1973 commons to go into that set I am building, and from there I began browsing eBay and picking up 20-30 cards here and there. I also made some trades where I started to really fill my 2009-2011 Topps want lists. The next thing I know I am more concerned with finishing some of the things that I have started and less interested in breaking into another new set only to have it fill space in my want lists. Now, I am not going to give up on 2012 Topps. I have the fullest intention of collecting the set as well as some of the variations, like the Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler ones. But I am bound and determined to keep 2012 Topps off my want list and get that thing down to just a handful of sets. I can do that if I can focus my attention (and $$$) on my other sets. My wife probably won't be happy that this action doesn't result in less spending on cards!

Sounds like a good doesn't it!!! But wait, what could be the negative from all of this. Most of my trades have been for the Topps inserts that I don't collect. I have been able to fill much of my base card needs by sending my unwanted inserts to some of you. If I don't buy packs, where will I get my trade bait? I guess the answer is "in the cards" that I currently have. We will see how this experiment goes. I know I can't quit pack opening completely, but I can delay it a bit. I fully intend to buy me some Topps Heritage when they come out in March. Until then, send me your trades. My items for trade list is updated here. If you don't find something you want, but you still have something on my want list, just ask. I am sure we could work something out.

Do that have a POA help group? Pack Openers Anonymous, anyone want to join me.

2012 Trade Post #3 - Potch Wheeler

2012-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

My 3rd trade post of the year is a great one for me. After working out the details, we both ended up attaching a little extra into the package. For me it was getting most of my 2011 Update wants taken care of and I hope Darren found some good 1983 Topps in his package. In the original deal we worked out I was able to finish off my 2011 Topps Series 1 set which I was glad to cross off the list. I also received some 2011 Series 2 cards, some Year of Topps inserts, some 2011 Heritage, and the always nice "Royals lot" that he includes.

Some of the Heritage that I received included 2 of the SPs which make up most of my wantlist now. I usually don't collect any subsets, but last year I decided on the Year of Topps set. He included a handful of cards that filled some of those wants as well. If you have anything from those two sets or others, please fill free to check out my Want List here as well as my Items for Trade here.

The rest is part of the "Royals lot" that Potch sent me with one exception. Just like the Heritage Dodger Matt Kemp above, I also got his Update card as well. Kemp had a phenomenal season last year for the Dodgers finishing 2nd in the MVP race. While we know who won it, and the subsequent failed test that followed, I still believe Kemp had the better season. Was he the "most valuable" to his team???? I don't know, but I really enjoyed watching Kemp play last season. I got to watch the Dodgers in person during Spring Training a couple of times and watching athletes like Kemp and Kershaw did not disappoint especially when they went on to have stellar season.

While Potch threw in some older Royals with the trade I have showcased the 2011 cards above. The two catchers, Brayan Pena and Matt Treanor, were basically platooning until rookie Salvador Perez came up. If Perez can continue where he left off, I would venture to say Pena will only be playing when Perez needs a rest. Jeff Francoeur, had a great season in right field. One of the few free agent signings in the last few years, that have paid off. Frenchy proved many of the critics wrong with his great defensive play and above average hitting. Finally, two Topps 60 cards of Billy Butler and rookie pitcher Danny Duffy. While Butler has maintained his consistency throughout his career as a great "doubles" hitter including hitting into many double plays, Duffy came into the rotation and struggled a little. Duffy has some great stuff and it still considered to be a mainstay in the Royals rotation for years to come, but I hope he can put together a stronger sophomore season and live up to the praise he has been given.

Thanks to Darren over at Potch Wheeler and The Cardboard Heroes. Another great trade with much more than I could ask for. Thanks for the generosity!

2012 Trade Post #2 - Arbitrary Crap

2012-02-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

As I continue to try to put together more trades for 2012, I ran across Martyn's blog Arbitrary Crap. Martyn was my first "foreign" trade as he resides in the United Kingdom. If you have ever wondered what exactly is the difference between the UK, Great Britian, and England then watch this short educational video on The United Kingdom Explained...

I had a few cards from the 2011 Topps 60 insert set that he has been putting together. In exchange, he sent me some cards to fill some of my wants with three 2011 sets. I got three cards from the Topps base set, 3 from the Heritage set, and 6 from the Year of Topps insert set. I usually just try to build the base set and use all the inserts for trading, but I decided last year to pick an insert set to try to complete. Martyn was able to fill some holes with some cool cards from that set. Here is part of my haul that I brought in...

Thanks Martyn for a great trade.

1973 Topps - Over the Halfway Point

2012-01-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

My last purchase has put my 1973 Topps set build over the halfway mark. And as another fellow blogger says, that means it can go to the binder. This haul came through an eBay purchase. I got a number of cards that I needed in the lot, which is becoming harder to do. It is becoming a "get more doubles, than needs" game now as I try to finish my birth year set.

This lot not only brought to me one of my favorite cards from the set, but in my entire collection as well. The #1 card from the set, the All-Time Home Run Leaders card with Ruth, Aaron, and Mays. With Aaron only 41 dingers away from tying Ruth, fans would have to wait until April 8, 1974 to see him surpass the record as he ended the 1973 campaign with 713. Like I have said in a previously, if you have not read Aaron's autobiography, I Had a Hammer, it is a must read about not only Aaron and the record, but also about history and civil rights. Along with the Ruth card, I was able to get another couple of Hall-of-Famers in Rollie Fingers (1992) and Willie McCovey (1986).

Another aspect of the 1973 set that I like is the manager cards. On some of these cards, which include the coaches on staff as well, some of the photos have been cropped so close that the ears are missing. Topps must have corrected some of these as there are different card variations for most of the managers. Included in this lot were two notable managers, Leo Durocher and Yogi Berra. Durocher would be in his last year as a major league manager finishing 3rd place with the Houston Astros and Berra would be managing his only NL Pennant winner with the New York Mets. Berra's Mets would eventually lose the World Series in 7 games to the Oakland Athletics.

This last purchase puts my 1973 Topps Set build up to 352 cards out of 660 cards for 53.3%. Most of the cards will be a little more difficult (and expensive) to acquire as most will be hard to find Series 5 High Numbers including the most coveted card in the set, the Mike Schmidt rookie. My 1973 Want List can be found here if you have anything on my list.

Cards At Work....Home Makeover Edition

2012-01-19T21:14:00.000-08:00

I have always been interested in putting together an organized place to work on my hobby and display some of my collection. Until we bought our current house, my collection was often spread throughout the house which is fine if you're single, but not if your spouse likes to keep the place free of clutter. My stuff now has a place of its own, but the organization is lacking as you can see in the picture below.

I have an old library checkout desk that I call "card central". Right now it is covered with boxes so there isn't much room to work. I have my computer in the middle and my scanner/printer to the right. A shelf above the desk displays some of my collection as well as keeping a place for items ready to be traded/shipped/sorted. On the wall you can see a present my wife bought me on our honeymoon, a autographed George Brett print.

One of my goals (and my wife's goal) is to finish renovating our house we bought more than a few years ago. My personal goal is to get my "baseball room" finished and get my collection organized. Perhaps, my priority is a little out of line with her priority. I will continue to post updates of my work in progress but I would be interested in seeing where you work on your collection and how you have some of it displayed. Put up some posts of your workspace and I will be sure to link to it on my blog. Just leave me a comment below.

2012 Trade Post #1 - Cards from the Quarry

2012-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Just got around to posting about my first trade of 2012. Johnny at Cards from the Quarry contacted me and we worked out a great trade to start out the new year. Cards that we both needed were exchanged, appreciation thrown around, nothing big. However, getting to know Johnny and why he collects, made the trade a great one. I enjoy getting to know a little bit about fellow bloggers and what interests them. Did you know that a Tennessee quarterback turned first basemen can make a Kentuckian a big Colorado baseball fan? Now you do. Got to admire a baseball fan that can support a team from a great distance while living so close to numerous other teams. Diehard!!!

Here is a little bit of what I received....

A few 2011 Topps base cards including Royals rookie Tim Collins, a bunch of cards to help continue to knockout my 2011 Heritage set, and a bunch of 2011 Year of Topps subset cards. I usually don't collect subsets, but decided to add this one to my headaches and enjoyments of collecting. The young Johnny Bench even looks like one of my World History students at school. I think I will take it tomorrow and see if a 15 year old knows who Johnny Bench is???

Thanks Johnny for a great trade. Glad to meet ya!

Royals unveil New Logo in the Year of the All Star Game

2012-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

In honor of the 2012 All Star Game coming to Kansas City, I will be highlighting some Royals All Star trivia along with some trivia from the 1973 All Star Game, the only other game to be held in Kansas City. Perhaps, I will even make this into some sort of contest....

Till then, I give you the new Royals marketing logo with the emphasis on our young players and hopefully winning ways (and hopefully, getting more than just the standard obligatory all star selection year in and year out). Enjoy the video clip that explains more about "Our Time".

The Best Baseball Christmas Present Ever.....

2012-01-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

So if you look at my blog you can guess that I am a big Kansas City Royals fan. Been one forever. Grew up about 3 hours from the stadium. Always looked forward to getting the new schedule and sitting down with my dad and figuring out which games we were going to. We usually made the trip a couple of times per year for at least 3-4 games.

Thought 1980 was the greatest year ever. Followed George Brett's pursuit of .400 with a passion as well as their 1st World Series appearance. Then thought 1985 was the greatest year ever. The lone Kansas City World Series Championship. Kept following them through high school and college. Even kept a daily updated chart during Brett's pursuit of 3000 hits.

After Brett retired my interest really took a hit. Not only was my favorite player gone, but the Royals were bad, really bad, for a really long time. Jump ahead to 2008, Royals still bad, but wife surprised me with a 13 game ticket package for the 2009 season. Now, I will say this, I got lucky. I married a baseball fan and someone that not only accepts my passion for baseball and card collecting but also participates as well.

Since both of us are teachers we share the same schedule, which is nice when planning what games we go to including our first ever trip to Spring Training in 2009. We continued that ticket package in 2010 and 2011 and went back to Spring Training last year. She says we can do Spring Training every other year! I guess I can accept that :)

Then the Best Christmas Present Ever.....from the Greatest Wife Ever.....yes, I am biased.

It gets better though, she just didn't agree to get 2 Tickets to the All Star Game in 2012, the first in Kansas City since 1973. (**My parents went to this and left me at home. I guess, me being 2 months old at the time had something to do with their poor decision!**). She also agreed to up our ticket package so we are guaranteed to get All Star Tickets. We are now the proud owners of 2 Half-Season Tickets to see the 2012 Kansas City Royals. Fortunately, the Royals are currently in the midst of a successful rebuilding stint that has seen many draft picks make it to the big leagues. With players like Hosmer and Moustakas leading the way, I can only hope that a future season in Kansas City will end like 1985. Thanks to the Best Wife in the World!

1st eTopps Card

2012-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

2005 eTopps CE5 - Tarred Home Run

I acquired my first eTopps card for my George Brett collection this week, a 2005 Classic Events card of the Pine Tar Home Run against the Yankees. I was able to pick this up on eBay over the holiday break very cheap. I have never paid much attention to eTopps. I know some people love them and some people hate them because of the Topps customer service experience. For me, it is a great card to add to my collection as a Christmas present to myself. If anybody know of a good site (non-Topps) that has more information about the eTopps program, please let me know. For example, will the serial number on the back tell me anything about the card and if so, where can I find out that information?

Goodbye to 2011, Hello to 2012

2012-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Now that the new year is here, it is time to offer some reflection on 2011 and set some goals for 2012. Keeping up with this blog was better, but not exactly like I had planned at the beginning of 2011. I hope that I can continue to keep posting throughout the year, although my school and coaching schedule often dictate my posting (or lack thereof). I started my EMAW series (for those Kansas State fans) and I hope to continue that this year. Like everything else, I just need to dedicate some time to get the posts done.

One thing that I did do more of in 2011 was making trades with some great bloggers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the cards we have exchanged and that made quite a dent into many of my needs. I hope to continue that but on a much more frequent basis.

I started my first vintage set last year which happens to be my birth year, 1973. Besides a few random cards I already had in my collection, I have made some pickups via card shows, trades, the Topps Giveaway, and eBay. I now have 43.5% of the set, and you can see my 1973 Topps Want List here. If you have read any of my posts, I am not concerned too much with the condition of my vintage sets so I will consider most conditions of cards. I personally think it is just cool to have the older cards in my possession.

My first year of collecting cards was in 1980, and it became the inspiration for 26 Cent Summer. I was able to finish that set through various sources, but it was my first set completed since starting this blog and I have many of you to thank for it. After finishing the 1980 Topps set, I switched to 1983. I am currently down to 13 cards left to completion that you can see on my 1983 Topps Want List here. Again, condition is not really a priority here.

Finally, I worked on the last few years of Topps sets. I could have these done if I were more active in trading, and I really don't go buy boxes of the stuff. I usually just pick up a few random packs and blasters here and there. In the recent past I have focused mainly on just the Topps Base set but I did venture into Heritage territory this year. I still have quite a few cards to go there especially with all the SP's. Again, here is my Want List page here. I really don't go after all of the subsets so you can check out my Items for Trade here.

So what is in store for 2012. I list for you my goals that I hope to see to completion by the end of the year (in order of importance to me).

1. Complete the 1973 Topps Set. 43.5% Complete.

2. Complete the 1983 Topps Set. 98.4% Complete.

3. Complete the 2000 Topps HD Set. 76% Complete.

4. Complete the 2009-2012 Topps Base Sets. 2009 was when I really got back into collecting somewhat seriously (to me anyway) so I would like to get these finished off.

5. Start working on 1 set per decade beginning with the 1970s. Of course, I have 1973 and 1983 started. I don't know what set I wills start with in the 1990s and 2000s. I will probably survey what I have before choosing one. I do know that upon completion of my 1973 and 1983 sets, I will move on to 1975 (George Brett rookie, check) and 1981 (the Hat set).

Good luck to all of you with your 2012 Collecting Goals. May you, your families, and your collections have a wonderful 2012.

Trade Post w/ Jason @ Hobbs' Knights

2011-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

A big thank you goes out to Jason at Hobbs' Knights for sending me some great cards in a number of different sets that I am working on!

He was able to knock out a few more of my 2011 Topps needs including one of the great young players in our game, Starlin Castro. Being a Cubs fan from the time that cable TV first came to our living room, I am hopeful that Castro will be the building block behind a Cubs resurrection rather than a trade piece to rebuild their depleted minor league system. Jason aslo included some 1973 Topps on top of what we agreed to. This has been a set that I recently started on and will be my first vintage set (when completed).

The 2009 Topps American Heritage set is one that I enjoy because of the historical topic. Being a history teacher and a baseball fan, I have appreciated Topps trying to put both of my interests into a few sets over the years. From Mr. Common Sense to Broadway Joe, I enjoy the backs of the cards as much as the fronts. Does anyone recall what major court case Thurgood Marshall won prior to being named to the Supreme Court bench? Hint: It centers around a Kansas case. Answer below.

Finally, some more of my 2011 Topps Heritage needs get erased with a couple of cards from players that I am currently watching as I type (although you are reading this a few days later!). Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli are trying to get the Rangers into the World Series. The score is 2-0 in the top of the 2nd of game 2. And finally, for my good friend and diehard Twins fan Wayne. I give you the Twin Terrors in most years, but probably more terrifying to Twins fans this year as both battled injuries throughout a long season. At least they let my Royals get out of the cellar!

Trivia Answer......Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, 1954.

Care Package from Potch - I MUST KILL THE QUEEN!

2011-10-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

I got a message the other day from Darren over at PotchWheelerCards stating that I would be receiving a little care package. It was anything but little and fulfilled a number of my needs and gave me a number of Royals to add to the collection.

Ever since I saw Reggie Jackson in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, I have equated Reggie's Angels days with that movie. Darren sent me over the 1983 Topps All Start card of Jackson to fulfill one of my needs from the 1983 Topps set. I am now down to 13 cards to finish it up. Enjoy the clip below.

He also included some 2010 and 2011 Topps plus a whole pile of Royals including some of my favorites like Willie Wilson, Kevin Seitzer, Kevin Appier, and Bret Saberhagen. Thanks again for the care package. It was just what I needed.

Trade Post

2011-10-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have been behind in my posting recently so I am working on getting caught up. First off is a trade post with blog reader Steve. This was our second trade and one in which I was able to fill quite a few of my needs from 2009, 2010, and 2011 Topps sets.

Included in the trade were a number of wants as well as some former and current Royals. The first couple of scans are from players that have had some playoff implications this year. The first is David Murphy of the Rangers. The second is a former Brewer so you might say what does he have to do with this year's playoffs. Lorenzo Cain was one piece of the trade that brought Zack Grienke to the Brewers from the Royals. We know what Grienke has done for the Brewers this year, and we know where the Royals finished this year (NOT in last as usual though!). Cain, however, did not see any time in Kansas City until the last week of the season. However, he did put up some very good numbers this year in AAA Omaha - .312/.380/.497 - 16 HR - 81 RBI - 16 SB. He will either be a piece of the Royals next year or may be used as trade bait for some starting pitching.

The other two may only be remembered by Royals fans and some my wonder why Ryan Braun is pictured on a Royals card....completely different Ryan Braun! However, Emil Brown will resonate some feelings by Royals fans albeit ones that I hope are now in the past. Emil was what Royals fan have been accustomed to, a average player brought in to fill gaps, on an otherwise terrible team. A place for average free agents to go to resurrect their career before moving on. I hope that is starting to change as the Royals minor league system has been built and we are now seeing the benefits of those high draft picks.

Royals - World Series Champions - 2014......let me dream!

1983 Topps Set Want List - Down to 14 Cards

2011-09-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am down to 14 cards on my 1983 Want List. If anyone has any of these and they would like to trade please let me know because I would love to work something out with you. Most of my remaining cards are mainly commons with three exceptions, one being the Boggs rookie. I could have swore I had that in my possession but it is M.I.A. Within the last year I have finished off my 1980 Topps set so I am hoping to finish this one off before Christmas.

1983 Topps Want List

21 Orioles Leaders
117 Alan Knicely
181 Terry Felton
186 Whitey Herzog Mgr
284 Jeff Lahti
379 Guy Sularz
390 Reggie Jackson (All Star)
498 Wade Boggs
526 Checklist
642 Checklist
651 Angels Leaders (Carew/Witt)
680 Andre Dawson
704 Stolen Base Leaders
735 Tommy John

Thorzul Helps with Three Years of Topps Wants

2011-07-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

Bill over at Thorzul Will Rule and I completed our first trade. He sent over some Topps cards from the last 3 years. I am going to highlight a few of the cards that I consider really cool. The first is a 2009 Josh Bard. In a previous post I stated that my favorite position on the field was behind the dish. Although the card doesn't depict Bard in action, I still like the catchers in full gear rather than with a bat in their hand. Bard pictured with the Padres is now a backup behind former Royal and current Mariner, Miguel Olivo.

The 2010 cards shown are that of reliever Scot Shields and 2B Mike Aviles. The shot of Shields should leave no doubt as to the strains put on a pitcher's arm. No wonder some of the ligaments just snap. Speaking of which, and I can say former Royal now, Mike Aviles came off Tommy John surgery during the 2009 season. As of today, Aviles is a member of the Red Sox being traded for a utility infielder and minor league pitcher. Aviles had struggled early in the season but recovered with a stint at AAA and was recently called back up only to be sent packing.

The 2011 highlights include 2 of my favorite action cards. The first is the Indians' Jason Donald getting the White Sox Alexei Ramirez in a rundown. Donald has played the whole season with the Indians' AAA team in Columbus but recently landed on the DL with a knee injury. The next card is that of Rangers' SS Elvis Andrus turning the double play as Giants' Cody Ross slides into second. Andrus is currently batting .281 with 110 hits for the A.L. Western Division leaders.

I have always appreciated good action photography on cards. Although Topps has struggled in the photography department over the years, they do appear to be getting better with their action shots. I want to thank Bill again for completing our first trade together.

Trade Bait for you Non-Sports Card Enthusiasts - Star Trek: The Next Generation

2011-07-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

I hesitated to post this on my blog, but I decided if someone else wants/needs these and I can get some of my want lists filled then what the heck. I must say that I have no idea how I acquired them. I know that I had two partial sets at one time and I gave one set to a friend of mine. So if you can give this batch of cards some T.L.C. then let's work something out. These cards come from the 1992 Impel Star Trek: The Next Generation set. Here is a sample of some of the cards.

I have looked through the cards and it is not a complete set. The 120 card set is missing cards 11, 29, 44, 49, 75, 82, and 113. I do have 14 doubles and one bonus card (#1D - Cast Picture but with French words). They are not in "mint" condition, but they are mostly in "excellent" shape. They have been in a plastic case since I acquired them. It bugs the heck out of me that I can't remember where I got them....but hopefully you will want them to come to you.

The Pursuit Continues - 2000 Upper Deck Legends - Legendary Jerseys

2011-07-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a couple of purchases I have acquired 2 more additions to my pursuit of the 2000 Upper Deck Legends subset, Legendary Jerseys, both of which happen to be Giants. The first purchase was a Bobby Bonds Jersey card that I bought for $1.04 + shipping. A pretty good deal if you ask me. I honestly don't remember much about Bobby as I grew up in his son's era. I was first acquainted with Bobby during his 1980 season with the Cardinals which would turn out to be his next to last. Even though he only played 14 years, he still hit a remarkable 332 homeruns and drove in over a thousands runs. He was a three time All-Star, 3 time Gold Glove winner, and finished in the top 5 for MVP voting twice. His best year was probably 1973 when he hit .283 with 39 homeruns and 96 runs batted in. He also led the league with 131 runs that year along with being named the All Star Game MVP. That game, played in the new Royals Stadium in Kansas City for the first and only time was one that I have heard stories about as my parents sat in the far corner of the upper deck. Fortunately, Kansas City gets to play host again for the 2012 game.

My second purchase was for 2 Willie McCovey Jersey cards. I hesitate to say purchase since I really came away with this one for free as I turned the second one around quickly on eBay and made my money back. Again, about the only thing I remember about McCovey was the end of his career. I do remember getting his 1980 Topps card that highlighted his 512th home run which set an all-time mark for National League lefties. According to the back of the card, that came on a 3 run pinch-hit homer to defeat the Pirates on June 9, 1979. McCovey finished his career with 521 homeruns and 1555 runs batted in. He would be inducted into Cooperstown in 1986 with 81.4% of the vote. He was the 1959 Rookie of the Year and the 1969 National League MVP. His best year was probably his MVP season when he led the league in home runs (45), RBI's (126), on-base % (.456), and slugging % (.656) while hitting .320.

This brings my set total up to 5 cards out of 52. The pursuit continues!

Trade with Potch Wheeler

2011-07-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Darren over a Potch Wheeler Cards came through in our second trade with some great cards. Some that have even inspired a new upcoming series here at 26 Cent Summer. He was able to fill some of my needs from a number of ongoing ventures including 2011 Heritage, 2011 Topps, and 2010 Topps Update.

First, my 2011 Heritage needs included 2 of the games best pitchers in Roy O and King Felix. While the Phillies are continuing to lead the NL East, the Mariners are currently stuck in a 13 game losing streak that even the Royals have avoided this year. Unfortunately, the Mariners still have a better record than my beloved Royals who are on their own streak...a winning streak of 3 games. There's always next year or the next or the next.......

My 2011 Topps needs include future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez who just happens to be comforting the emotions of Nationals phenom, Stephen Strassburg. Even though Pudge is in the twilight of his career, the Nationals surely got everything that wanted as a mentor for their young players. While this is a touching picture, I don't care for a player card that doesn't either show the players face or him in game action. Rather we get Pudge doing what he does best at this point of his career....counselling the younger players.

Finally, we have some Royals cards that were thrown in to top off a great trade. Two of my favorite Royals from the 70s and 80s in Willie Wilson and Dennis Leonard are here. For those that don't remember the Royals in their heyday, these two were part of a great core of players that led the Royals to numerous division titles, 2 American League championships, and 1 World Series title.

Wilson roamed the outfield at Kauffmann Stadium making great catches, but he is best known for his speed on the basepaths taking extra bases on ordinary hits and wreaking havoc with pitchers and catchers with his thievery. Wilson led the league in triples 5 times while regularly stealing over 30-40 bases a season with a high of 83 thefts in 1979.

Leonard ruled the mound with a team record 3 20-win seasons. He stills holds Royals records for complete games and shutouts. Perhaps, his best season was in 1977 when he finished with a 20-12 record and........listen to this........21 complete games in his 37 starts. He finished that season 4th in the Cy Young voting.

Finally, one of the cards that has inspired a new series here at 26 Cent Summer is this John Buck card. Now John Buck is not a great Royal. He was a below average catcher that the Royals received in a 2004 three team trade involving current trade deadline bait Carlos Beltran. However, he does play my favorite position on the diamond and this card will be featured again in the near future.

Thanks Darren for a great trade!

2011 Allen and Ginter Pack Break - Trade Bait

2011-07-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

So last night I broke down a bought a jumbo pack of 2011 Allen and Ginter at Wal Mart. I can now say that I have been there and done that. I have no intention of completing the set so if anyone needs any or all of the following, please let me know. My wantlist page is updated.

84 - Gregory Infante
87 - Colby Lewis
94 - Josh Rodriguez
103 - Andres Torres
167 - Adam LaRoche
173 - Mariano Rivera
181 - Mark Buehrle
193 - Jorge De La Rosa
310 - Matt Kemp

HH81 - Neil Walker
AOM13 - Eutherians
Black Mini 134 - Matt Cain

Big Fun Game with Napkin Doon

2011-07-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen his last blog post, go check it out here. Napkin Doon is putting together a Big Fun Game (white elephant gift exchange) and he is looking for entries.

EMAW #3 - Veryl Switzer

2011-07-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

(3rd in a series on great sports figures from Kansas State University - Every Man a Wildcat)

Veryl Switzer is a long-time KSU icon. He lettered in football and track from 1951-1953 before embarking on a professional football career. While at KSU, Switzer was an All Big 7 selection each year and was a 1st Team All-American in 1953 when he lead the nation in punt returns with a 31.0 average.

1954 Bowman #105

In 1954, Switzer was selected as the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He would lead the NFL in punt returns during his rookie season with a 12.8 average. He would continue to play for the Packers for another year before heading to the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. Following his military career, Switzer continued his professional career in the Canadian Football League first with the Calgary Stampeders and finally the Montreal Alouettes.

1955 Bowman #35

After working for the Chicago Board of Education following his football career, Switzer returned to KSU in a variety of capacities including Assistant Director of Athletics until his retirement in 1999. He has been inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, the KSU Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.

Now for your history lesson...Veryl Switzer was born in the town of Nicodemus, KS. Nicodemus is the oldest and only remaining all Black town west of the Mississippi. It was founded by a white town planner and a black preacher in 1877. Most of its founding members were freed slaves from Kentucky, known as Exodusters. The town would grow despite horrible living conditions (high winds and drought in a farming community), but when the railroad bypassed Nicodemus, the town began to dwindle. It is currently home to less than 40 individuals but it is a National Historic Site with a full-time park ranger and museum. Check out the National Parks Service website here.

Veryl Switzer in front of the St. Francis Hotel in Nicodemus. Switzer and his siblings
were born in this building that he currently owns and hopes to refurbish.

Another Pursuit - 2000 Upper Deck Legends - Legendary Jerseys

2011-07-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

So I have to thank Sewing Machine Guy for this one! When he started posting about his pursuit for the entire 73 card relic set from 2010 Topps Magic, I began thinking about what type of similar conquest I could look to tackle. So off I went to my boxes looking for the start of my new pursuit....and there it was. My first George Brett jersey card from the 2000 Upper Deck Legends set. Then I realized that I already had the Wade Boggs from that set, but where was it? Upon searching through more boxes I found it. Two down and 50 to go. But wait, there are three cards that are pant relics, do those count? That Gehrig will be impossible to get. What about that Koufax signed jersey card? Oh what the heck, throw them all in and I guess we will see where we go.

From the scan above you can see that I have added another card to the collection with a Frank Thomas purchase. I also have a couple of others on the way via eBay. How long will this take? Probably too long. However, it will give me something to chase when I get tired of the current set that I am working on, whatever that might be. I probably should focus on doing one thing at a time, but what fun is that!

Card Show Pickup - HUGE George Brett Bat Card

2011-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

As a lifelong Royal and George Brett fan I am always on the lookout for "new" items to add to the collection. While I was browsing at a table and sorting through some 1973 Topps at our local card show this past weekend, this card caught my wife's eye AND she thought I ought to get it. How great is that. Now in my earlier post I already said she bailed me out with the cash which I forgot so I guess you can see she got it for "our" collection. The 2003 Fleer Flair Great Sweet Swatch Classic is huge measuring 5" by 7 3/4". The picture doesn't do its size justice. To put it in perspective, the swatch is roughly the same size as the recent Topps Kimball Champions mini cards. They could have almost put the whole bat in there. It is numbered 295/320. I am happy to add it to my George Brett collection. If anyone knows what type of pack or how you acquired these large cards, please leave me a comment.

Trade List Updated and Chicago Trip

2011-06-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

My trade list page is updated with Topps Series 2 information including all inserts I am willing to trade (which is pretty much all the inserts I get). If you want something send me an email. I have my want list page updated also.

I will be in Chicago for a few days so I will get back in touch with you when I return on the 5th. A fellow teacher and I are heading up there to attend the National Education Association's Representative Assembly. Around 9000 teachers from across the country will be gathering to make decisions about what direction our organization is heading in the upcoming year. If any of you have paid attention to what has went on in Wisconsin and many other states with teacher's rights, you will know that our jobs are being challenged constantly. Unfortunately, this attack on teachers has spilled over to other groups including all public employees. Anyway, to some more upbeat events.

While in Chicago, we will be taking a couple of extra days to do a few baseball related events including a Cubs-Giants game, two White Sox-Royals games, and a Wrigley Field tour. If anyone knows of a good LCS in the Chicago area that is easy to get to let me know with a comment and address.

Until we return...happy trading!

Local Card Show Pick-Ups - Nice Save from The Wife!

2011-06-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

My wife and I met up with some great friends at the local mall this past weekend to have lunch and browse the local card show. Of course, this was plotted way in advance as a lunch with friends with card show benefits. My friend, Brian, a loyal Cleveland Indians fan and one helluva basketball official, just picked up the card collecting again after a brief stint with raising two teenage boys. Anyway, after a great lunch and great conversation, we found our way from the food court to the card show. I don't know how many tables constitute a "show", but if it is around 5 then I guess it was a show. Now if you throw out the Grandpa and Grandma Beanie Baby table, plus the non-sports guy selling sports pictures/plaques/team keychains table, and of course the replica car/more plaques/etc table, the "SHOW" was down to 2 tables with any resemblance of sports card knowledge. This show, which usually happens twice a year use to have around 20-25 tables of just sportscards. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed.

So after looking at one table where "Beckett" is proudly displayed on the table AND in the table owner's hand I quickly moved over to the next table and struck up a conversation with Rodney. I always like the guys who have things spread out nicely, with prices on everything, but have boxes behind the tables with the odds and ends that demand someone asking about. I also like the tables where before you can ask a question, you get a "hello how can I help you!" At most tables anymore I think that I need to announce "I have money, I am not a pain in the ass to your business, I want your cards!" Thanks Rodney for some great customer service. After asking about my latest two set fascinations, he set out to find what I was looking for.

From one of those boxes come a handful of 1973 Topps singles. Actually, they probably came from 10 different boxes but he looked through them and started picking the 1973 cards out so I could see what I needed. I was able to knock off 35 cards from my 1973 Want List. I picked up a Rico Petrocelli, whose MLB XM Radio show "Remember When" is one of my favorite things to listen to on Saturday mornings. I also picked up a "Royal" Lou Piniella and an Al Oliver. While I never pass up a Royal, I do remember growing up watching Oliver hurt the Royals in his brief stint with the Rangers. Oliver is one of those players that I don't believe gets enough credit. A lifetime .303 hitter with over 2700 hits, 500 doubles, and 200 home runs, he was as solid as they come.

Some of my other pickups included cards that captured some great action with the Kodak 110 Point and Shoot cameras. Topps must have been relegated to the upper deck to take some of these photos. Thank god Topps put names on their cards because other than that, you couldn't really tell who it was. However, I think Oscar Gamble's 'fro gave him away. I also picked up some of the manager cards including this one of the legendary Sparky Anderson, and also some great Boyhood Photo cards. I wonder if Gaylord Perry grew up thinking about how he could hide a bat with too much pine tar from umpires.

Now to give some props to my wife. Ready to go to the card show...check...want list...check...card sleeves...check...cash...oops! Thanks to my wife she saved the day (even though I must repay). I love the fact that my wife shares my joy of baseball and baseball cards even though she thinks I spend way too much money on them. She even picked out a George Brett card that caught her eye. I will share that in another post.

Better Late Than Never To Finish That Hem (err...trade) With Sewing Machine Guy

2011-06-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sad to say, that a while back I completed a trade with Larry, AKA Sewing Machine Guy, for some 2011 Topps Heritage that each of us needed, but I never got around to posting this until now. Needless to say, I think I got a great deal. One of my favorite cards was not even a part of the trade, as Larry included some Royals in the deal. Besides my current favorite Royal Billy Butler's 2007 UD Masterpiece card, and newly resurgent former prospect Alex Gordon's 2008 UD Masterpiece card, I was surprised with my very first card of one of the Royals top prospects, Mike Moustakas. "Moose's" 2009 Tristar Obak card was a sweet inclusion into the trade. Now if you follow the Royals....ok everyone stop laughing right there, there are a few of you...then you know that Moustakas has been called up to take the everyday 3rd base job. Moustakas has dominated every level of the minors and although he started this season pretty cold he caught fire after fellow Royal prospect and now Royal first baseman Eric Hosmer joined the big club. Both have done a very good job and all of the Royals fans are hoping to see many more cards of these fine two ballplayers in the Royal blue!

So the purpose of the trade was to swap some 2011 Heritage. I really don't know why I got involved with this year's Heritage set, but I bought a couple of packs, then a blaster, and another blaster, and the next thing you know........I am in deep. I was able to cross a few more cards off my want list including a couple of the great "floating heads" cards of the A.L. and N.L. Strikeout leaders as well as Phillie ace Cliff Lee. I don't know if I will ever get to completing this set as I have a couple of other sets taking priority over this one, but it's not like I have a deadline.

Thanks Larry for the great trade. I love the Singer playing card! You have inspired me to come up with a calling card for my blog.

Royals Hero - Paul Splittorff - 1946-2011

2011-05-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

1971 Topps Rookie Card, 1974 Topps, and 1976 Topps

Today, one of my favorite Royals, Paul Splittorff, passed away at the age of 64 from complications with oral cancer and melanoma. Splitt, as he was known by Royal faithful, worked on the Royals television network up until a couple weeks ago. Although he had been hampered by vocal issues over the last few years, he was a joy to listen to whether he was doing color on tv or co-hosting the post-game show.

Splittorff was drafted by the Royals in the 25th round of the 1968 draft. He would spend less then two seasons in the Royals minor leagues before being called up during the 1969 season. In his "rookie" season of 1970, Splitt would go 8-12 with a 3.83 E.R.A. He would go on to become the main lefty in the Royals rotation for over 10 seasons. During the 1973 season, he would become the first Royals to win 20 games with a 20-11 record and a 3.98 E.R.A. From 1972-1980, he would average 15 wins and 220 innings pitched. Over the course of 15 seasons, Splittorff would go 166-143 with 1057 strikeouts. He stills holds Royals records for wins, starts, and innings pitched, and was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1987.

"He wasn't blessed with a 100-mph fastball, he wasn't blessed with a Bert Blyleven curve, he wasn't blessed with a tremendous changeup, but he was blessed a good brain. He knew how to pitch," said teammate and Royal Hall of Famer George Brett. "He was blessed with a big heart and put it all on the line. He was always prepared; he was always in good shape."

Another Royal Hall of Famer and broadcast partner remebered his this way. "Paul [was] probably one of the more underrated guys on our team," White said. "He not only played for 15 years but he won some huge games for us. I have memories of him beating the Yankees in Game 3 of the 1980 playoffs to get us to our first World Series."

Throughout my 38 years Splittorff was with the Royals in some capacity each year. Upon retirement in 1984 he moved straight into broadcasting working Royals games along with Big 8 and Big 12 basketball. Whether it was mowing down the Yankees in the late 70s or telling us about the game from the booth, Splitt was a thrill to watch and listen to. Today, baseball lost a great man. Kansas City and Royals fans lost a great ambasssador. Splitt, you will be missed.

Trade Package of Michael Jordan Lookalikes and Former Royals

2011-04-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I am trying to complete a set I get more worried about filling the empty slots in the album rather than taking some time to look at the cards I get. Sure I am checking some numbers off the want list but I may never look at these cards again. So today as I was browsing through my trade package from Scott at Hand Collated I noticed something peculiar about the last three cards in the 2011 Topps stack he sent me. Along with the 2009 Jason Giambi, I think you will see what drew my attention. Do your best impression of Michael Jordan.....with the tongue out.

A couple of other cards that caught my attention were some former Royals. David DeJesus was one of my favorite players the last couple of years, but after a trade to Oakland all that I am left with is the DeJesus t-shirt that I happened to be wearing today. The other player was perhaps, the biggest waste of cash that the Royals have ever spent in free agency...and that is saying a lot considering our spending over the last two decades. Kansas City fans were finally freed of the Jose Guillen debacle of the last couple of years when he went to the Giants at the end of the season. While he still had some pop in the bat, the strikeouts and the atrocious defense were enough to make any fan turn on a player. Now we know that the remaining pop in the old bat was courtesy of a little HGH bought as a gift from his wife.

I guess I just need to take a little time to see what I am getting. You never know what will catch your eye. Thanks again Scott for a great trade.

2000 Topps HD Trade Package...but I still need 24 more...any help?

2011-04-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

I got home today and in the mail were the cards of a recent trade with Ron from New Jersey. I traded some 2010 Topps Inserts for 3 2000 Topps HD cards. A while back I dug through an old box and found these cards again. This was the first "high end" box that I ever got to open thanks to a birthday present from my wife. From Ron I received the Travis Lee, Randy Johnson, and Jose Canseco cards. As you can see the photos on both sides are amazing with very high quality images. This brings my want list down to 24 cards. I never did buy any other packs of Topps HD back then so I am looking to finish this set off 11 years later via trades. So if any of you have any 2000 Topps HD laying around check out my want list and let me know what you have. Thanks Ron for getting me a little bit closer to the end!

Harold from Delaware is the Man! - Blog Namesake Set Completed

2011-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

After starting this blog just over a year ago hoping to complete the first set that I ever started, I can now say that it is COMPLETE! Harold from Delaware sent me the remaining 25 cards that I needed along with plenty of 2011 Topps and some Royals cards. Upon entering into the card blog sphere and the trading that ensued, I have completed many trades but none sweeter than this one. 26 Cent Summer was started as a way to honor the 1980 Topps set that I started back when I was 6. I had no idea that the first pack of cards that my dad bought me would lead to a lifelong hobby, nor did I know that it would take 31 years to complete that first set. What a feeling it is!

Here are some of the cards that Harold sent me to complete my 1980 Topps set and also some Royals he sent along the way, including my current favorite player, Billy Butler.

And finally, here is the first page of my notebook that contains the COMPLETE 1980 Topps Set. I not only want to thank Harold, but also Matt, Jeremy, and Darren who helped me complete the namesake set of 26 Cent Summer with some great trades over the last year.

Score Book #1 - Opening Day - Royals vs. Angels

2011-04-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated with keeping score at baseball games. I think that started as my love for statistics was created with me entering the baseball card hobby and thoroughly going over the back of every card. Until I purchased Total Baseball and the Baseball Encyclopedia (and before I had internet access) baseball cards were my source of player statistics and the weird trivia provided by the old Topps cartoons.

Last week, I was able to attend my 3rd straight Opening Day and my 4th overall. While the Royals once again lost, I am happy to report that tonight they moved to 4-1 on their 4th straight walk-off win. I can always dream that this will be the year although I know it won't have a good chance of happening until some of the game's best prospects in baseball get called up. We are hopeful that the best farm system in baseball will equate to the Royals making the playoffs by 2013 or 2014. By that time I will have waited almost 30 years for them to get back there. Here is a copy of my scorebook from Opening Day. If any of you regularly keep score at games you attend, I would love to hear about it along with why you do it.

Royals - 3/31/11

Angels 3/31/11

Another Trade with Nachos Grande via Trade Stack Claim

2011-04-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

I took a short hiatus from the blog world for a little rest and relaxation baseball style. My wife and I were able to head to Phoenix and catch a little spring training baseball during our school's spring break. We went to 5 games (a 6th was rained out) including 3 Royals games. We were also able to see quite a bit of baseball's top farm system as we attended 3 minor league practices. If any of you baseball fans have not had the chance to head Arizona or Florida, you need to find some time. It is a great experience and one that you can't get during the season. While down there we were able to see games at the new Diamondbacks facility along with the Royals, Mariners, Indians, and Dodgers camps. Upon returning from our trip we were able to catch the Royals-Angels on Opening Day and then again on Saturday. I am proud to say that the Royals are currently in 1st place in the AL Central after 4 straight walk-off wins. While I would love to see that continue, realistically I know the success will probably be short-lived. While I won't ever give up on them, I can definitely say it more fun when they're winning.

Anyway to the trade. When Chris over at Nachos Grande posted statistics from his trade stacks, one notable team that was missing were the Royals. I told him he should definitely get some Royals cards in the stacks and the very next stack started with a 1985 George Brett All Star. After giving him a hard time about his lack of Royals in the past I felt that I better be a good trader and grab that stack. I waited for a couple of days as he put some other cards onto the stack including Chipper Jones, Matt Williams, Andrew McCutchen, and W.E.B. Dubois. While the Brett card sealed the deal for me, the Dubois card closed it as the history teacher in me said that I couldn't pass that up. I have really enjoyed the Topps American Heritage sets so the stack became mine. On top of that he sent me some additional Royals cards for my collection including one of recently retired Royal favorite Mike Sweeney. Thanks Chris!

Gran nachos y grandes tarjetas de béisbol es igual a gran comercio!

2011-03-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

I guess we will see if Google Translate actually works, but it should be "Great nachos and great baseball cards equals great trade!" Anyway, Chris from Nachos Grande sent me some 2010 Topps from my want list in exchange for some 2009 American Heritage and 2009 Topps Target Retro. I was able to get quite a few cards off my list as I continue to complete some recent sets. Thanks Chris for a "comercio grande".

Trade with "Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius"

2011-03-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Matt over at Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius sent me a huge amount of 2011 Topps and some 2009 American Heritage in exchange for some 2010 Allen & Ginter's Inserts and 2011 Topps Inserts. I now need less than 100 cards to complete my 2011 Topps Series 1 set. This trade is exactly why I love card blogging and trading with fellow bloggers. It is not about $$$, but about set building and helping someone out with what they need in exchange for your needs.

The 2011 Topps included some stars but also some Royals, which I know Matt and I appreciate. One notable current Royals that is shown as a Brewer is Jeremy Jeffress. Jeffress was a piece of the Zack Greinke trade. He looks to figure into the Royals future bullpen plans with a fastball that tops 100 mph.

As a history teacher I can appreciate the American Heritage cards a great deal. I love the idea of putting America's historical figures on trading cards highlighting their achievements to our past. Topps has thought a lot of this as well when you consider the number of non-sports subjects in sets like this and Allen & Ginter.

Thanks Matt! This was a great trade.

I forgot I had those.....

2011-03-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today, while going through a 5000 count box of cards I ran across some of the first "high end" cards that I ever collected. I remember that my wife bought me a box of them for my birthday and I opened them thinking how impressive the picture quality was. It was basically the same feeling I had when Topps Stadium Club first came out, but these were much cooler. When I gave up on collecting in 2002 I pretty much forgot about these until today. I came across my 2nd favorite player, Mark Grace, while going through this set. Even though I grew up in Kansas, when we first got cable TV (and all 13 channels that came with it!) I spent my summers watching the Cubs on WGN every afternoon.

I also scanned in the Derek Jeter Ballpark Figures insert. Although I am definitely not a Yankee fan I can appreciate what Jeter has meant to the Yankees during the last 16 years. I was not real impressed with this insert set compared to the base set. I guess having ballpark attendance figures on the back of the card was kind of a letdown.

This was also one of my first "box breaks" as I usually just bought a few packs at a time. I was able to put together 73/100 base cards while collecting 3 inserts also. Considering there were 20 packs of 4 cards each, I guess Topps decided to count the 4 checklists I pulledd as "cards" even though they are on regular card stock. Anyway, I have updated my want list to include the remaining 2000 Topps HD cards needed to complete my set. I would love to get this set and my 1980 Topps set finished off in the next couple of months.

EMAW #2 - Keith Thomas

2011-03-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

1953 Topps #129

Most people around northcentral Kansas would not know the name Keith Thomas. However, most would probably say they have been to Kite's, a bar in Manhattan's Aggiville District. Keith "Kite" Thomas is the namesake of that bar, one of Aggieville's most historic bars, and one that was recently name the #1 College Sports Bar in the Nation.

"Kite" Thomas was born in 1923 in Kansas City, KS. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he came to Manhattan, KS and played basketball and baseball at Kansas State University. His collegiate baseball career would only last one year (1947) when he was signed as a free agent by scout Lee McPhail for the New York Yankees. (Would anybody care to guess why a Royals fan would care about Lee McPhail? Answer at the bottom.) Thomas went on to play 5 seasons in the minor leagues before being drafted by the Philadelphia Athletics in the Rule V draft away from the New York Yankees. He would go on to make his major league debut on April 19, 1952. He would continue to play with the Athletics until he was selected off waivers by the Washington Senators on June 30, 1953. Thomas would play his last major league game on September 27, 1953 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox and sent to the minors. He retired from baseball the next year.

Thomas would end up playing in 137 games over his 2 major league seasons. He batted .233 with 52 hits, 7 home runs, and 32 runs batted in. His best professional season came in 1950 with Beaumont (TX) when he had 156 hits, 109 runs, 42 doubles, 8 triples, 16 home runs, 111 runs batted in, and batted .283 in 149 games.

In 1954 he would move back to Manhattan and open the now famous Kite's Bar. The tavern was said to dispense more beer than any other in Kansas during the 1950s. He would continue to operate the bar until he sold it in 1969. He would eventually end up owning over 37 Pizza Hut restaurants in the eastern Carolinas. Keith "Kite" Thomas passed away on January 7, 1995 at the age of 71 in Rocky Point, NC. Keith Thomas is on the Kansas State University All-Century Baseball Team.

(**Lee McPhail would serve as President of the American League from 1974-1984. He would overturn the controversial call in the infamous Pine Tar Game which would eventually allow the Royals to defeat the Yankees.**)

**This is the second player in the EMAW Series, a look at the history of Kansas State University players on cardboard. EMAW stands for Every Man a Wildcat, a popular phrase amongst Wildcat fans.**

Trade with "No Ones Going To Read This"

2011-03-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today, I received a package I had been anxiously awaiting from Jeremy over at No Ones Going to Read This. I sent some inserts to him in exchange for some cards that have reduced my want list for my 1980 Topps, 2009 Topps, and 2010 Topps Sets. He also sent along some Royals cards and a card that I will feature in my new EMAW Series at a later date.

I was able to get my 1980 Topps Set wantlist down to 19 cards thanks to cards like Floyd Bannister and Reggie Smith. Bannister had a good career but some may be more familiar with his son Brian, who I have watched pitched for the Royals the last couple of years. Brian is currently continuing his career over in Japan. Smith is one of those players that I don't believe gets enough credit. In a career that spanned 17 years with the Red Sox, Cardinals, Dodgers, and Giants, he hit 314 home runs and collected over 2000 hits with a career .287 average. He played in 4 World Series finally winning one in 1981 for the Dodgers.

I was also able to knock a good number of cards off my 2009 and 2010 wantlists. One of my favorite names in baseball, Marco Scutaro, was included with his 2010 Topps card. My wife says the next dog we get she is going to name Scutaro. I actually think it has a good ring to it.

Then to top it off, Jeremy included some Royals cards and one Kansas City Blues cards from the Obak Tristar Set. This is the first card that I have from that set. The old Kansas City Blues were one of the best minor league teams back in the day as they were a farm team for the New York Yankees. In some ways, you can say the Kansas City Royals are also a farm team for any MLB that has money to spend. Maybe the future will change that with the current #1 farm system in baseball. "Moose" Skowron hit 31 home runs with 134 RBIs to win the 1952 Minor League Player of the Year Award. The Royals include the 2007 Goudey Alex Gordon, the "next George Brett", that unfortunately has never lived up to the hype, and Reggie Sanders, a former Royal rent-a-player. I also received three 2009 Allen & Ginter's mini cards of my current favorite player Billy Butler, my wife's favorite former Royal and current Athletic Coco Crisp (love the name!) and recently retired Gil Meche. Meche was one of the Royals recent infamous free agent signings that we overspent on and never got much in return. Meche has a couple decent years but battled injuries before retiring prior to this season and WALKING AWAY from $12.5 million. I am glad my team didn't have to spend that $12.5 million for a bullpen arm this year, but how can you walk away from that much cash!!!

Thanks a lot Jeremy for this great trade!

This Day in Baseball Card History - ???

2011-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to take a card and try to figure out when, where, and at what point of the game the photo was taken. I saw another blogger do this a few weeks ago so I thought I would try it with one of the cards from my favorite player, George Brett. The card in question is the 1994 Topps George Brett.

THE CLUES
Royals Stadium is the location. The game is a Royals-Brewers game. The score is 4-1 in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The count is 2 balls, 2 strikes and this ball was put into play. Brett is also 0 for 1 with 1 RBI on the day. It is a day game and the time is 2:21. We also know the bottom of the Royals order is Hiatt, Gagne, Wilson with Haney pitching. With the famous Royals crown scoreboard in the background this should be easy!

THE STORY
With a little investigation of the Royals Schedule we can narrow it down to a couple of home series with the Brewers. Based on the current score and the final scores of those games we can narrow it down the exact day. This was Brett's second at-bat of the day. In his first at-bat he hit a sacrifice fly that scored one of three Royals runs in the 1st inning. In the bottom of the 2nd inning Brett worked a 2-2 count before grounding out in his last at-bat of the day. The Royals would go on to win the game 8-7 and push their record to 30-24. Others on the card include Brewers pitcher Jaime Navarro, catcher Joe Kmak, 2nd base umpire Dave Phillips, and home plate umpire Rocky Roe.

THE DAY
Sunday, June 6, 1993

Thanks to www.baseball-boxscores.com for providing the official box score for the game.

2011 Topps Inserts to Trade

2011-02-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

I have added an "Items to Trade" page. Right now, it only has the 2011 Topps Insert cards that I am willing to part with. I will trade for any of the base cards on my "Wantlist" page which includes 1980, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Topps as well as the 2009 American Heritage and AH Heroes Sets.

EMAW #1 - Elden Aucker

2011-02-26T23:25:00.000-08:00

Elden Auker graduated from Kansas State University in 1932. Nicknamed “Big Six” because of his All Big Six League selections in football, basketball, and baseball, he signed his first professional contract with the Detroit Tigers for $450 even though he was offered a $6000 contract with the Chicago Bears football team. After being hurt playing football at Kansas State, Auker developed his trademark underhand pitching delivery that caused havoc with major league hitters. He spent the majority of his ten year major league career with the Tigers while also spending time with the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Browns. Auker finished with a career record of 131-101 and a 4.42 E.R.A. He played in the 1934 and 1935 World Series for the Tigers. In 1934, Auker pitched a complete game victory in game 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He also started game 7 but suffered the defeat after being knocked out of the game in the 3^rd inning. Auker then received a no decision after starting game 3 of the 1935 Series against the Chicago Cubs.

1939 Play Ball #4

Auker was, perhaps, best known in his later years as being the last remaining pitcher to face Babe Ruth, strking him out on 4 pitches in 1933. He also defeated the legendary Satchell Paige 2-1, stopping a 33 game Kansas City Monarchs winning streak while playing summer ball in 1931. In his retirement, Auker and Ted Williams became close friends while living in Florida. Williams and Auker would discuss pitching and hitting with Williams trying to get under Auker’s skin proclaiming, “Goddammit Elden, pitchers are dumb, dumb, dumb.” Still, Auker considered Williams to be the finest hitter ever to play the game.

Elden Aucker was elected to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1969 and was the first member of the Kansas State University Hall of Fame. Former university president James McCain called him the greatest all-around athlete in Kansas State University history. Aucker’s baseball and life stories can be found in his autobiography, Sleeper Cars and Flannel Uniforms.

EMAW Series - Coming Soon

2011-02-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

So what the heck is an EMAW? And what is it doing on a baseball card blog? First of all, EMAW is an acronym for Every Man A Wildcat. It has come to be a symbol of fans from my alma mater, Kansas State University. After reading a number of card blogs with many posts that are significant to those particular blogs, I decided that it was time for 26 Cent Summer to have something of its own. Therefore, I will soon introduce to the blogging world the EMAW Series, a set of posts chronicling the players that have been an important part of Kansas State University athletics. While this series will not be limited to baseball, I will focus on those former players that have made their way into the cardboard world. I hope to include a mix of older and new K-Staters as this series progresses. So may the blogging world beware, EMAW is coming to you!

1st Trade of the Year

2011-02-25T22:18:00.000-08:00

Just got home and found the first package of the year from my first trade of the year. The 2010 Topps Update cards came courtesy of Julie from Things Are Funner Here. She is a huge Phillies fan, especially the Big Three of Halladay, Lee, and Oswalt. I sent her a few recent Phillies cards in return. Be sure to head over to her blog as she just rolled out a new design. Thanks Julie!

1980 Topps Set Want List Updated

2011-02-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

After sorting through my recent eBay purchase of over 900 1980 Topps cards I have narrowed my want list down to 26 cards from 100. I guess spending $15.00 to get 74 cards checked off the list was worthwhile. What is even better is that I can now go through my binder and replace some of my worn cards with ones in better condition. While I honestly don't care what condition they are in, I will go ahead and upgrade as many as I ca. I consider this eBay purchase to be one of my best. I got many cards I didn't have plus I now am able to help others that may be working on this set so if that is you leave me a message.

One of the cards that I needed included 1997 Hall of Famer Phil Niekro. The knuckleballer finished with over 300 career wins and over 3000 strikeouts. Bobby Murcer once said, "trying to hit him is like trying to eat Jell-O with chopsticks.

Another card I needed is of Los Angeles Dodger shortstop Bill Russell. Russell was one of my favorite non-Royal players when I was growing up since I played shortstop in Little League. Bill is also a fellow Kansan, hailing from Pittsburg. Bill was a 3-time All-Star and 2-time World Champion but may be most notable for taking over as the Dodger manager in 1996 until 1998 when he was let go along with GM Fred Claire. This all followed the trade of Mike Piazza to the Florida Marlins which neither Russell nor Claire new anything about.

1st Card Purchase of the Spring

2011-02-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

When eBay first started I quickly became addicted. I love auctions but I hate sitting around waiting for the one thing you want. I became a fan of sitting in my living room and only looking for the stuff I wanted. That enthusiasm soon waned when people began charging extravagant prices for shipping and soon the fun was lost. Occasionally, I will still get on and check to see if I can grab any bargains. After having not purchased anything over the last year, I finally found something that should go a long way to filling some of my needs. On top of that, the shipping charges were actually less than what the package cost to ship. Happy Valentine's Day to me!

900 Cards from 1980 Topps Baseball for $15.00. This was the first year that I collected cards and the reason for the name of this blog. I will soon be updating my want list and that will ultimately tell me if I did get a bargain. Regardless, getting to go through 900 cards from that set is worth the money that I spent and that is the joy of collecting.

Million Card Giveaway is Finished and Spring Training Trip is One the Way.

2011-02-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

Now that the Million Card Giveaway is put to rest, I thought I would get back to this blog with a post of my three oldest cards. One of which I unlocked myself and two of which I received in a trade for my 1977 Reggie Jackson. Since I already have the Jackson in my collection I figured that I might as well as some 50s cards to the collection.

My 1954 Topps Tom Wright came courtesy of that trade. Tom had a 9 year major league career from 1948 until 1956. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1942 and made his major league debut with them in 1948. He also played for the St. Louis Browns and the Chicago White Sox. He was a career .255 hitter with 6 home runs and 99 runs batted in.

My 1955 Ed McGhee was the second card in that trade. Ed broke in with the Chicago White Sox in 1950. He did not appear in another major league game until 1953 with the Philadelphia Athletics. He rejoined the Chicago White Sox in the middle of the 1954 season before finishing his major league career in 1955. He was a career .246 hitter with 3 home runs and 43 runs batted in.

While I had not heard of the previous two players, I had heard of Wayne Terwilliger prior to me unlocking his card. Wayne signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1948 and made his major league debut during the 1949 season. He went on to have a successful major league career with the Cubs as well as the Brooklyn Dodgers, Washington Senators, New York Giants, and Kansas City Athletics. To current baseball fans he is probably most well known as a major league coach, most notably for handling the first base duties for the Minnesota Twins during their 1987 and 1991 World Series seasons. Wayne is still in baseball as a coach for the independent Fort Worth Cats.

Now that baseball season is upon us, I hope to do a better job of keeping this blog updated. The old excuse of work getting in the way would be true in my case, but honestly, this just got put on the pile and forgotten. As I plan our trip to Phoenix for 2011 Spring Training, I am planning to use this blog to update everyone about the trip. So if anyone has suggestions for can't miss places in the Phoenix area, just put them in the comments section.

Million Card Giveaway #6

2010-04-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I redeemed my 6th card in Topps Million Card Giveaway. I was the winner of a 1962 Chuck Essegian. My 2nd card in the lovely wood-grain border set. Chuck was a utility infielder with the Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, Orioles, Athletics, and Indians. He was a career .255 hitter with 47 HR and 150 RBI. In the 1959 World Series he set a record with 2 pinch hit home runs against the Chicago White Sox. He is also one of only two players to appear in both the Rose Bowl and the World Series. He played running back for Stanford in the 1952 Rose Bowl and played for the Dodgers in the 1959 World Series.

So far my most notable winner has been the 1977 Reggie Jackson.

My M.C.G. Collection also includes a 1987 Paul Molitor, a 1966 Jim Grant, a 1962 Jimmy Piersall, and a 1991 Gene Harris. Still waiting on that 1952 Mantle!

1971 Dell Today's 1971 Team Stamps

2010-04-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Matt from Heartbreaking Cards for identifying this set for me. It is the 1971 Dell Today's 1971 Team Stamps.

I discovered there were 25 albums in the complete set, each with 2 pages of 12 player stamps each. The set that I have comes from their All-Star album. The stamps were perforated for easy separation, but once separated there were no spaces in the album to put the stamps. The cards were unnumbered. I still have no idea why these stamps were laminated and if they were sold that way. Another mystery remains to be solved. Thanks again Matt!

Identify These Cards Please!

2010-04-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

About 15 years ago I attended an auction that offered quite a collection of sportscards for sale. I ended up purchasing a couple of boxes not really knowing what I was getting. I found some interesting cards yesterday from that purchase that I could never identify. If anybody can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

There were 24 cards in the box. The cards are roughly 2 1/4" x 3 1/4". The fronts have player pictures with signatures. They have dashed lines around the outer edge to appear that they have been cut apart and then professionally laminated.

The backs include the player name and team followed by a brief paragraph detailing many statistics and awards from mainly 1970. The team logo appears in the background.

Player Checklist: Pete Rose, Roberto Clemente, Willie Horton, Luis Aparicio, Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Tom Seaver, Willie Mays, Harmon Killebrew, Denny McLain, Rusty Staub, Brooks Robinson, Alex Johnson, Reggie Jackson, Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron, Sam McDowell, Al Kaline, Boog Powell, Carl Yastrzemski, Rico Carty, Frank Howard, Bob Gibson, and Johnny Bench.

1980 Topps Needed

2010-04-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for starting this blog was my introduction to card collecting in 1980. Tonight, I dug through boxes to locate those cards. Apparently, I had put them into a binder some time ago so making the list of wants was much easier. It was fun to take the time and look through the set and see what started me on this mad craze and now the chase to finally see it to its completion. Upon opening the binder I was quickly reminded of my start in collecting. After I began to amass my stack of cards, my mother decided they needed to be put somewhere. (No, she didn't throw them out!) So she decided make me some bulletin boards and gave me thumbtacks. You got to love moms. As you can see, this resulted in this Willie McCovey with the pinhole in the upper left corner. Not to be outdone, by grandmother decided that my cousin and I needed to keep track of our cards so they wouldn't get mixed up. She didn't quite understand that we often went home with different cards than we came with, but she still made us put our names on the back. I autographed quite a few cards that summer.

As I continued to go through the cards, I came across a great action shot of Gary Carter. This type of shot was unusual for 1980 as most of the pictures were stills or batting stances. I wonder if the runner was safe or out???

Anyway, my 1980 Topps needs are located on my Want List page. Please let me know what you have to trade and we can work something out. Mint condition is definitely not expected. They would look out of place next to these.

Cards You Won't Find in a Player Checklist

2010-04-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

As a George Brett collector, I tried to keep up with all of his cards during his playing days. Since retirement, that has been virtually impossible. However, there are always cards out there for the player collector that will almost certainly never come up in a search of that player's cards. Toward the end of Brett's career I never would have imagined to look anywhere but on his own cards. In 1993 I came across a card in a pack of Score Select that caught my eye. It was not because Roberto Alomar might become a Hall-of-Famer, nor was it because I was a Blue Jays fan. Take a look at Alomar turning the 6-4-3 double play....

I would also never have thought to look at any non-baseball set either until I saw....anybody care to offer a guess???

The New Season

2010-04-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

Even if you don't follow the Royals, you know, I know, everyone knows what is in store for this team. What's great about Opening Day is that we get to look at our teams as if they are perfect. The Royals and the every other team start anew. They are the same. Same record, same excitement, same hopes and dreams. It is the one perfect day of the year. I can go to the ballpark just like 750,000 other people across the United States with the belief that my team has a chance to win it all, and on this day you get to see the best go against the best. Greinke vs. Verlander. It should be a great matchup. Let's just hope my dream gets to hang on for one more day. At least I know the brat and beer will be perfect!

Most Recent Addition to the Brett Collection

2010-03-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

With the start of this blog and the start of summer, I hope to be adding more cards to my George Brett Collection. Growing up a Royals fan, Brett was just starting what would be a Hall of Fame career when I was old enough to follow the team. When I started collecting in 1980 my main focus was to obtain more cards than my friends. It seemed that every chance we got we were going to the store to pick up a new pack. Once I entered college and got back into collecting, I realized my collection would need to be much more focused and since Brett was winding down his career I decided to try to obtain every one of his cards (X3). Why settle for one when you can have three of them and it would look much more impressive to have pages with a whole row of the same card. That was fine until the most dreaded event happened....retirement. Of course, that was when the hobby was beginning to explode with inserts and parallels. While I have obtained just about all of his cards from his career, I haven't even broken through with the cards that have came after his retirement. While this keeps my chase alive, it is frustrating to know that my goal is impossible to attain. However, we keep trying and every chance I get to obtain a few more, I will pick them up. On a recent trip to Dallas, I ran across Nick's Sportscards. This is one of the nicest, friendliest shops I have been too. It was great to be able to walk into a store and be surrounded by sportscards instead of people playing some fantasy card game. Most of the shops within an hour of where I live have either went out of business, consider sportscards a secondary business, or are just plain trashy. I was able to pick up a few cards to add to my collection and this is my favorite purchase from Nick's, a 2008 Donruss Threads.

Tickets are Here

2010-03-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our Royals tickets arrived in the mail this past week, the sign that Opening Day will soon be here. My wife gave me a wonderful gift a couple of years ago for Christmas of a 10 game pack to the Royals games. While season tickets would be great, we live 3 hours away so they are not very practical. We do enjoy going to KC and the games so 10 games is just about right.

We also received our Twins tickets yesterday for a series at the new Target Field. We are exciting to be heading up north with some good friends of ours to enjoy Minneapolis and the Royals-Twins games.

It finally looks as if winter is over as we hit 77 degrees today. We are hoping for great weather on Monday for Opening Day at the K. My favorite quote about spring is a great one from Rogers Hornsby, "People ask me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Well, spring is here and we can't wait.

2009 Topps - Return to Set Collecting.

2010-03-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Even though I have been collecting cards on and off since 1980, there was a moment after I graduated from Kansas State University in which I just didn't buy any cards. About four or five years ago I started buying packs here and there. For the first time last year, I actually started buying cards with the intent of putting sets together. Even though I have not completed the 2009 Topps set, I will try to piece that together this summer while also trying to complete other sets. The cards that I need can be found on my "Want List" page. You will notice that I am trying to put together the 2009 American Heritage and 2009 American Heritage Heroes sets. While I normally don't do non-sport cards, I really like these sets since I am an American history teacher.

The Summer of 1980

2010-03-23T23:52:00.001-07:00

The summer of 100 degree heat, the chase for .400 by George Brett, and the Royals winning the pennant. I have great memories of this summer as I began collecting baseball cards. I remember heading to the grocery store every Saturday morning and begging my mom to buy me a pack of cards, and then whenever I was able to put together at least 26 cents I would hop on my bike and head there myself. You might wonder why 26 cents? Well, I learned the hard way that just because the sticker says 25 cents that doesn't mean that a quarter is all you need. The first time I went to the grocery store by myself I had to go back home and find that damn penny to pay for sales tax. The 1980 Topps set is my favorite because of that summer, and I hope that the summer of 2010 will give me time to go back and finish putting that set together 30 years later.