Secret Santa

If you read many sports card blogs then I'm sure you may have seen over on A Penny Sleeve for your Thoughts agreed to run this year's Secret Santa card swap. Over the weekend I had many bubble mailers appear in the mailbox and one of them just happened to have the contents wrapped. Whomever my Secret Santa was chose not to reveal themselves, which is OK, and I really have no idea who it was. I do appreciate the gesture and I love the cards.

So, what did they send me? Well, let's take a look! First off I have to say the glittery silver paper used to wrap the cards reminded me so much of those Topps Diamond Anniversary parallel cards from a few years ago!

I ended up with a sampling of the 3 major teams I collect. Let's start with baseball. From top to bottom, left to right: 3 new Maddux cards - Finest, EX and a Topps insert. Followed by a Dan Uggla Topps insert. Bottom row had current players - Acuna and 3 different Albies. I'm pretty sure the only card I had in this lot was the Albies Topps RC.

Only two Carolina Panthers, but both are cards of Cam that I didn't own. I don't care what the critics say about Cam, he's my QB and stand behind him. Glad to add these to my Panthers collection.

Last but not least are 6 new Charlotte Hornets cards. I've been on a big Hornets kick of late so I was thrilled to see these included. I've been tempted to try a pack of Panini Essential cards, but so far I've held off. Seeing the cards in person, like the Dwayne Bacon RC (upper left corner), I really like what I see. If I had more people to send basketball cards to I may be more inclined to buy basketball cards, especially during the baseball off season. However I have too many cards as-is sitting there so I'll just stick to my bread & butter (baseball).

Thanks again goes to Jon to putting all of this together. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait until next year!

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!