Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Remember these?

Like a lot of collectors I've been using the baseball off season to recharge the proverbial battery, organize my card collection and spend some time doing other things.  During one of my recent "let's tackle this stack of cards" I ran across this frame that I forgot I had.

Sixshot013
2002 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia auto #006/150 - Jose Vidro
There was a short time that Vidro was part of my PC, but I never got behind him as much as I did other players like Rey Ordonez...however I must've bought this on eBay or whatever 10 or so years ago.  While the whole presentation is pretty cool, I just don't care to own it any longer.  I'm hoping there is a Vidro fan or even an Expos fan out there that will want to take this off my hands.  If you are interested please let me know and I'm sure we can come to some kind of trading terms.  I'm not looking for much - maybe just a normal jersey or bat relic or an auto of a Braves player or someone from my PC.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Verse

Colossians 2:6-7


New International Version

[Spiritual Fullness in Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

We had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you and your family did as well.  Now that the turkey has been put away (well most of it) we'll be in the sprint to Christmas.  Being the dad of two little girls I can't wait for Christmas.  My oldest, Livi, is now 3 and it starting to really understand what Christmas is all about.  Of course she is all excited about getting presents, but she is also excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Let's not forget the real reason of the season...it's one of the things I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.  Whether you're having family over at your home, traveling to be with your family, eating out or just flying solo...let's not take for granted all the blessings we have.  Enjoy some turkey, football and family.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Verse

Psalm 119:105


New International Version

נ Thy Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Friday, November 16, 2012

The pulse of Charlotte professional sports (Panthers & Bobcats)

Being a sports fan in Charlotte is tough...especially over the last few years.  2 years ago our NFL Carolina Panthers were a measly 2-14.  Sure that lead to picking #1 overall in 2011 which landed Cam Newton in town, but here were are with 7 games left in the NFL season and the Panthers are 2-7.  We have lost some really close games (Atlanta) and others have been down right embarrassing (Giants, Broncos).  All this losing has lead to a media frenzy of negativity towards the head coach Ron Rivera, but mostly towards Cam Newton himself.  Just last week the Denver Broncos mocked Cam and his Superman celebration not once or twice, but several times during the game.  It seems like when Cam isn't winning he doesn't care.  Looking across the field at the opponent's bench you could see Peyton Manning last week on one knee talking to his teammates about what they needed to do differently to put points on on the board.  What was Cam doing while the defense was on the field?  Towel over head - check.  Sitting all by himself on the bench - check.  Sulking - check.  Just this morning the Washington Redskins made Robert Griffin III a captain on the offense.  While I would still take Cam's abilities over RG3, I'd take RG3's maturity and leadership over Cam any day of the week.

Oh yeah, the Panthers also fired their GM Marty Hurney mid-season.  This lead to not being able to make any trades or jettison some of the stupid big dollar contracts Hurney signed some of our guys too.

So what do Panthers fans do now.  Do we root for a high draft pick?  New coach?  For a new GM to come in and clean house completely?  I personally have a hard time blaming all of this on coach Rivera and I can't pull for the team to lose the rest of the games just for a high draft pick.  The team has so many holes and needs that I don't really know where to start.  All I know is it's frustrating to listen to local sports radio let alone watch the games Sunday afternoon only to be constantly disappointed.

On the flip side we have the Charlotte Bobcats.  Owners of the NBA worst winning percentage last season.  One might think there isn't anything positive going on in Charlotte sports wise.  That's where the story gets better.  Michael Jordan finally realized his way of running an NBA team just wasn't working so he went out and stole GM Rich Cho from Oklahoma City to run his team.  Then they hired Mike Dunlop from Saint John's University to coach this young staff.  It also helped that the NBA draft ping pong balls fell in our favor and we ended up with the 2nd overall pick that turned into Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Jordan also made a good move by dropping "Bob" off the front of the home jerseys and removing almost all of the orange used - both on the jerseys and the courts.  Now the jerseys just say "Cats" and the orange has been replaced with shades of blue...ironically enough more of a Duke blue than Carolina blue.  I know it's a small move on the team's part, but after laying a rotten egg like the team did last year it was much appreciated by the fans trying to distance themselves from last year's horrible fiasco.

The 'Cats won a whole 7 games last year.  7 games into the new season and the team is 4-3.  They currently have a 3 game win streak - the first in the team's history.  Coach Dunlop has these guys hustling on both ends of the court and has brought back an excitement about NBA basketball in Charlotte that has been missing since the Hornets left for New Orleans.  Yes the season is young and I'm sure they'll hit that long losing streak at some point, but you can see the effort in the team - both in the front office and on the court.  People want to attend Bobcat games again.  People are standing up in their seats and cheering.  Even after a close loss in the first week of the season the team was greeted to a stand ovation as they walked off the court.  Why cheer a team that just lost?  Because they put forth the effort to win...something many did not see last year.

I really wish Panthers owner Jerry Richardson would look down the road and see what Jordan and his staff are doing and take a page from their playbook.  Richardson needs to hire a good GM and then hand over the reigns to him to find a head coach and coaching staff and start to re-build.  Cam Newton needs to have a conversation with Bobcat's point guard Kemba Walker about his dramatic turn around and positive attitude.

I'm not giving up on the Panthers.  I'm still proud to say I'm a fan.  Heck, just this week I got a bunch of new autograph and jersey cards of Panthers players.  I'm even happier to admit I'm a Bobcats fan.  While Charlotte won't be winning any championships in the next few seasons - on the field or court - there seems to be a glimmer of light on the local sports scene.  Both teams have hit rock bottom so the only place to go from here is up.

Now if only Charlotte could entice the Miami Marlins or another MLB team to relocate to town I'd be a happy camper.  The White Sox's AAA affiliate Charlotte Knights are building a new ball park in uptown Charlotte which should be fun...but it's still not the major leagues.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The beginning of a new PC: Ben Sheets

I was aware of Ben Sheets as a MLB player, but I hadn't really followed his career much.  In fact I didn't even know he had been out of baseball for a few years before the Braves signed him earlier this year.  How could one not get behind a guy like Sheets in 2012?  I'm not going to go hog wild buying up his cards, but when I came across a few autos of his online I couldn't resist.  As I continue to scan my backlogged cards I'll share more, but for now here are the first two purchases of his I made.

2002 Fleer Authentix Ripped auto
2002 Fleer Authentix
2005 Donruss Prime Patches Portraits auto #39/93
2005 Donruss Prime Patches #39/93




I love the pseudo ticket look of 2002 Fleer Authentix, but my favorite of the pair has to be the Donruss Prime Patches card.  Jersey, hat, shoe, pants and an auto.  Plus it's #'d out of 93.  Yeah it's a sticker auto, but at least Donruss embedded the sticker in the card.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

PC Addition: Brandon Beachy

When the internet exclusive 2012 Topps Mini was released I quickly grabbed Brandon Beachy's relic card.  Next up is a 1 of 1 yellow Printing Plate!  Hate he was injured this year, but man has it made some of his cards affordable!

2012 Topps Mini Printing Plate #1/1   2012 Topps Mini Printing Plate #1/1

Monday, November 12, 2012

So long Rossy

At some point over the weekend I saw a report from a Braves beat writer on Twitter that David Ross has turned down the offer made by the Braves and is headed up to Boston to join the Red Sox.  I know I'm not the only fan that is sadden and a little worried over this news.  Braves catcher Brian McCann is undergoing surgery this off season and whether he'll be ready in April is still up in the air.  The Braves have a prospect catcher, Christian Bethancourt, but whether or not he can make the jump from AA to the majors in 2013 is still up in the air.

2002 Upper Deck Diamond Connection RC #1893/1999   2002 Donruss RC

I came to really grow fond of David Ross and what he brought to the club.  I know he was a goof ball, smiling and laughing while sitting on the bench with his teammates.  I can't say this news totally surprises me as the Braves' Chip Carey has said many times throughout the course of the 2012 season that David Ross could easily be a starting catcher for any other team.  Now it looks like he's getting his chance...just not as a Brave.  At least he didn't sign with the Yankees!  My wife is from New England so I occasionally drop in to see how the Red Sox are doing...at least now I have a reason to watch a full game.  I still plan on picking up his cards going forward.  Perhaps this move will result in more cards?

2011 Topps Hope Diamond

Good luck in New England Rossy.  You'll be missed in the south, but this Braves fan will still be rooting you on.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sunday Verse

Isaiah 1:18


New International Version

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

It's been a pretty good week in the Hopper household and I'm looking forward to some family time, NFL football and finishing off the weekend w/ a new episode of The Walking Dead.  Have a great Sunday everyone!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Blogger Appreciation Affordable Group Break - 2003 Upper Deck Standing O!

The box of 2003 UD Standing O! didn't contain a lot of cards, but the round die-cut parallels more than make up for it.  I didn't realize going in these have some embossed texture on the front.  I wish every team landed one of these so you could see how cool these are.




Blogger Appreciation Affordable Group Break - 1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack

All the packs have been ripped and the cards separated by team.  This would be a fun set to put together, but I can tell it would take more than one box as the themed subsets aren't as plentiful as the base cards.  Below you'll find various cards from the subsets that son will make their way into you hands.








Friday, November 9, 2012

AGB - Payments Due!

Good news everyone...shipping will be set at $3.00 for every participant.  Below is the final list of teams claimed.  Please add $3.00 to your winning bid(s) and remit the payment ASAP via PayPal - colbeykatie at comporium.net

Angels - $2.00 / The Angels In Order
(PAID)
Astros - $.50 / The Dutch Card Guy (PAID)
Blue Jays - $1.00 / D a V e (PAID)
Brewers - $1.00 / cynicalbuddha (PAID)
Cardinals - $3.00 / madding
Cubs - $1.00 / rfmeier (PAID)
Diamondbacks - $.25 / AdamE
Dodgers - $.50 / Tim Byrd (PAID)
Expos/Nats - $.50 / Tim Byrd (PAID)
Giants - $1.00 / arpsmith (PAID)
Indians - $.25 / Baseball Dad (PAID)
Mariners - $.25 / Jeff Wilk (PAID)
Mets - $.25 / The Dutch Card Guy (PAID)
Orioles - $1.00 / ShadyTwine (PAID)
Phillies - $.50 / Brad's Blog
Pirates - $.25 / Baseball Dad (PAID)
Rangers - $.25 / Play at the Plate
Red Sox - $2.00 / AdamE
Reds - $.50 / Tim Byrd (PAID)
Rockies - $1.50 / Tim Byrd (PAID)
Twins - $1.00 / rfmeier (PAID)
White Sox - $2.00 / Jeff Wilk (PAID)
Yankees - $.25 / The Dutch Card Guy (PAID)

You don't need to mark the payment as a gift.  Please include your Blogger screen name along w/ the team(s) you won and a full mailing address - even if you think I have your address.  My goal is to get everything packed up this weekend and mailed on Monday morning.

If you have any questions please leave a comment or e-mail me.  Thanks again to everyone and I hope to resume my normal Affordable Group Breaks in 2013.

AGB Update

Thank you to everyone that placed a bid(s). Bidding is now closed and the packs will be opened this weekend. I'll just be sharing the subset cards from the UD Fun Pack box and the inserts from Standing O!  Stay tuned for the results.  Invoices with shipping charges to follow.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Affordable Group Break Preview Pack - 1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack

I bought a lot of cards in the mid 90's, but I never got around to buying any of Upper Deck's Fun Packs.  I may not be the only one in this boat so I decided to show off a few cards from the box that'll be part of this month's Affordable Group Break.



The basic cards feature a kid friendly look with bright colors.  I personally don't mind the design, but the large border does cut down on the actual photograph.  The card backs feature some sort of caricature or cartoon along with a little bio and 1993's stats.



One thing I like about these set are the subsets like this Head Line Stars.  The image of Greg Maddux is die-cut and it lifts up to reveal (in this case) Roger Clemens underneath.  The flap is glued down and I haven't bothered to remove the glue.



Another one of the subsets is called Profiles.  While the front of the card may look a little tacky, I like the back a lot more.  I can see how kids would've really liked reading the info on cards like these.

Remember if you like what you see here this is just one of the boxes in this month's Affordable Group Break.  Bidding on teams start at just $.25.  To place a bid or to learn more refer to the original post.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Blogger Appreciation Affordable Group Break

Yes!  You read the title right.  After a little down time my Affordable Group Breaks have returned!  To say thanks to all the people that have participated in past breaks this year I wanted to do something a little different with this being the last AGB of the year.

I have 2 boxes, shall we say, left over from previous AGBs.  Instead of setting a price and trying to cover my expenses I've decided to let everyone name their own price!  I know for a lot of people buying for themselves isn't high on their holiday shopping lists so here is a chance to get a few cards and possibly not pay much for them!  Or use the cards as a stocking stuffer for kids (or adults) you may know. 

First up let's look at the boxes being opened.  1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack and 2003 Upper Deck Standing O!  Yeah, I know there's a big gap in years, but both boxes oughta be fun to open.

Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

The box of '94 UD Fun Pack contains 36 packs (I think), 5 cards per pack.  Each pack contains one subset card like Fold-Outs, Heat Activated, Foil Stamped or Holographic cards.  Each pack also contains a scratch-off game piece to play a card version of baseball.  All your favorite mid 90's players are included such as Ken Griffey Jr., Bo Jackson, Barry Bonds, Fred McGriff, John Kruk and Frank Thomas (to name a few).

The box ' 03 UD Standing O! contains 24 packs, 4 cards per pack.  Inserts include World Premieres (1:4). Die-Cut parallels (shaped like baseballs! - 1:1), World Premieres Die-Cut (1:48) and Starring Role jersey cards (1:240).

Here's how this break will work.  I'll be offering up the teams in a bidding format.  Each team will be sold individually and bidding starts at only $.25.  Bid increments will be $.25.  No limit to how many teams you can bid on.  Shipping will be set at $3.00 with discounts if you win multiple teams.  Sound simple enough?  I'll open the bidding TODAY through THURSDAY, NOV. 8th - 7 PM EST.

To place a bid please leave a comment with the team(s) of your choice and your bid.  You can bid the minimum or just place your highest bid.  The amount you list in your comment will then be added to the list for everyone to see.  Example:  the current bid is $.25 and you bid $2.00.  Now the current bid is $2.00.  Understand?  Good!

One thing I ask is that all comments / bids be placed IN THIS THREAD!  Reason being is I want all the activity to be public for all to see.  I'll do my best to update the thread several times a day, but before you place your bid make sure to look over the previous comments.  Here we go!

Key:  Current Bid / High Bidder

Angels - $2.00 / The Angels In Order
Astros - $.50 / The Dutch Card Guy
Athletics
Blue Jays - $1.00 / D a V e
Braves - Cardboard Collections - no bidding, sorry
Brewers - $1.00 / cynicalbuddha
Cardinals - $3.00 / madding
Cubs - $1.00 / rfmeier
Diamondbacks - $.25 / AdamE
Dodgers - $.50 / Tim Byrd
Expos/Nats - $.50 / Tim Byrd
Giants - $1.00 / arpsmith
Indians - $.25 / Baseball Dad
Mariners - $.25 / Jeff Wilk
Marlins
Mets - $.25 / The Dutch Card Guy
Orioles - $1.00 / ShadyTwine
Padres
Phillies - $.50 / Brad's Blog
Pirates - $.25 / Baseball Dad
Rangers - $.25 / Play at the Plate
Red Sox - $2.00 / Adam3
Reds - $.50 / Tim Byrd
Rockies - $1.50 / Tim Byrd
Royals
Tigers
Twins - $1.00 / rfmeier
White Sox - $2.00 / Jeff Wilk
Yankees - $.25 / The Dutch Card Guy

Sunday Verse

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2 weeks in a row having to work at least part of the weekend.  Time to relax, reflect and spend some time with the family (and watch my Carolina Panthers lose again).  Have a great Sunday everyone!