It's Your Fault!

I've stated several times since I've dusted off this blog that I was done set building (outside of maybe GQ and A&G). I wasn't planning on buying any packs of 2015 Topps Series 1. I was just going to live vicariously through other blogs with the pretty scans and witty dialogue.

But no, everyone had to keep talking about how marvelous the front and backs of these new 2015 Topps are. You just had to keep posting scan after scan of your retail and hobby hits. You just couldn't stop, could you. Just the other day I found myself standing in the check out lane at my local Walmart with a rack pack of 2015 Series 1 in hand. Yes, this is all your fault!

One of the first cards that really stood out in the pack was this World Series card of NC native, Madison Bumgarner. While not a fan of the Giants, it was fun watching him pitch in the Series. Glad my man Tim Hudson also got a ring.

Not a single Braves base card in the pack to be found, bummer. At least I got two cards for my other PCs.

Parallels. 2014 seemed to have too many. I still haven't counted how many exist this go around, but at least the annual gold parallels look nice this year. The Rainbow Foil...I could do without those.

If I'm being honest, these inserts look like crap. Especially these 1st Home Run cards. Silver foil or gold foil, they still look horrible. So glad I'm not building insert sets again.

Bingo! Nice design, check. Braves player, double check.

And to round out the pack a 2nd gold parallel. This time it's a keeper.

I still haven't decided what I'm going to do with these cards, outside of a few. I do have to admit that you are right. These do look nice. So much nicer than 2014. I still can't put my finger on it (pun intended) of why I like this design so much, but rest assured if I buy any more packs I'm still blaming you.

Catching up w/ scanning some "new" cards

The problem with card collecting is it can easily snowball on you if you don't stay up to date.  Seeing that I've been away from actively blogging and cards in general, I've got a huge catalog of cards to scan and put into my own databases.  These cards aren't necessarily new, but I've yet to share them prior to today.  I've got cards for my Tim Hudson and Brandon Beachy PCs, Atlanta Braves, a few Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Bobcats plus a few NC State basketball autos to round everything out.

 

 

 

  

 

PC Addition: Daniel Nava

At some point in 2010 I decided to add Daniel Nava to my list of players to collect.  Outside of some Bowman cards I didn't have much to chase.  2011 and 2012 and he was just about completely absent from most Topps checklists, so imagine my surprise when I saw he was going to be included in 2013 Topps Series 1.  

I'm hoping chasing his rainbow will be a little easier and less expensive than completing Tim Hudson's rainbow.  This $1.45 lot I picked up is my start of the process.  Anyone care to wish me luck?

Secret Santa Delivers!

A few weeks ago I noticed that the blog (and fellow Braves fan) A Rookie (baseball) Card Collector was hosting a Secret Santa program.  I've participated in similar programs in past years on the HISS Tank G.I. Joe forums and it was a lot of fun - so I threw my hat in.  Well today I got a little present from my Secret Santa and I couldn't be happier!

To put it mildly I had a traumatic day w/ a family emergency (that turned out well) so not only was I relieved when I got home I was happy to see the large bubble mailer in the mail box.  I did receive a few questions from my Secret Santa regarding what I collect and which teams I follow.  I listed the Braves (of course!) along w/ the Carolina Panthers and a few particular players.  I had no idea what I would get and it really didn't matter.  I may not get any cards for Christmas from my family so it was nice that someone went out of their way to find something I like.  And let me go on record and say my Santa did a FANTASTIC job!  What did I get you may be wondering?

My nephew will be the recipient of this card.  Until he is older to enjoy it I'm sure my brother-in-law will like it.  His parents gave him the middle name of Fenway after all!

I love these National Chicle relic cards.  I picked up the Dale Murphy bat relic earlier this year, but never got around to Chipper.

I was really tempted to pick up one of these boxes @ Target that had this Chrome Refractor RC and another behind it.  Glad I waited now!

The card in that value box of 2010 Topps football that I really wanted.  Now it seems if the Panthers continue their abysmal season without another win Andrew Luck will be the next Panthers QB.  Sorry Clausen - I think you deserve another shot.

Another rookie Panthers QB.  I've picked up several (cheap) Pike autograph RCs, but not many base RCs so this is perfect.  Shiny too!

Yet another Panthers rookie QB - however they are trying to convert him to a WR or a return man.  So far it ain't lookin' pretty, but the guy does have talent.  It's just hard for anyone to stand out on a destined 1-15 team!

...and the crown jewel so the speak of the package!  This dual relic comes from 2010 Panini Absolute (which I haven't bought any of this year) and is numbered 32/50!

I can't think my Secret Santa enough.  He was very gracious w/ his gifts and made excellent choices.  He did reveal himself to me and gave me his e-mail so you can bet he'll be getting an e-mail from me thanking him up and down!