Cards of Randomness #1

I have decided that this will be the most prolific of my themes on this site for awhile. As I catalog the random piles of cards that I get, I will do a little research into them, and share the anecdotes of players that may have been forgotten.

Two cards from 1982 Donruss:

My bad . . . I didn't know who Bobby Murcer was. What a career, not only was his bat amazing, near the end of his career he became a valuable PH, but his defense was stellar as well. In 1974 he led all major league outfielders with 21 runner's thrown out. He then went on to become, for almost two decades, a broadcaster for the Yankee's. Too further the cool factor, and I will definitely be on the look out for more cards of Mr. Murcer, he recorded two country-western tunes ("Skoal Dippin' Man" and "Bad Whiskey").

Now I think that is a good start to the "Cards of Randomness". Let's see what the next holds.

Lee Andrew May

Lee did not have nearly the career that Bobby did above. However, he was pretty bad-ass in his own right. He was a very consistent slugger, averaging 95 RBI's from 1967-1977. He settled into a DH role at the end of his career with first the Oriole's and then Royal's. His son is the hitting coach for the Indian's AAA affiliate.

Bobby wins.

It isn't a contest. Let the randomness ensue.

A Patch from Potch: The Cardinal Side of Things

I finally did it . . . a real trade. Look out world, Chef's slingin' cards.

Work has been busy with the changing of the seasons. Spring has come, ramps are on the pork belly, and asparagus is juicy as an apple. I am going to commit myself to blogging more, as baseball season too has begun. I will probably only buy two types of sets this year, Allen and Ginter and the Topps Flagship. So, if anyone has Cardinals or Royals from the other sets released this year, check out my "have's" page and let's see if we can help each other out.

Anyways, on to the cards from Potch. I sent him a bunch of 2012 Topps inserts that he needed, and in return he sent a slew of sweet Cardinal's and Royals. I am going to split the trade in two posts, one for the Redbirds and the other the Royals.

Let the parade of World Champions begin:

Okay, while Todd was technically not a World Champion, he did pitch in game seven of the World Series in 1987. Let that fact not distract you from the man's superlative mustache. Look at it and feast. Todd had a great start to his career for the Cardinal's, garnering Rookie of the Year and Rolaids Relief Man awards in 1986. If he hadn't had two back-to-back injuries I think he could have been one of the best of his era.

There he is. The long-necked fleet-footed center-fielder World Champion. This card is seven years after his amazing rookie and champion year. Game 3 of the Series, Willie smacks two homer's and makes a spectacular catch in the outfield. Man, it seems like the Cardinal's always have great speed in the outfield, and just consistently great management. Willie was a part of the "Whiteyball" era, good times to grow up in Missouri!

A great reprint from last year's 60 Years of Topps inserts. The back of the card says that for the first time in 15 years Topps left the player positions off the cards. Ozzie certainly didn't need the reminder, as he was the gold standard of shortstops at the time. He was an All Star this year, 2nd in MVP voting, a Gold Glover and a Silver Slugger. Right in the middle of 12 consecutive All Star seasons, just an unreal player. Long live the Wiz!

That's right . . . two Chris's for the price of one. I really like the Masterpieces card, this is my first of that insert set.  I hope his nerve irritation heals well, and Chris is able to pitch at the level he did last year. The battle between him and Halladay was epic. Carpenter's humble attitude and huge arm have endeared him to the St. Louis population, and all wait with baited breath for his return.

That's it for the Cardinals. Potch sent me a bunch more, perhaps they will find their way sprinkled into posts in the future.

Look for the Royals post tomorrow.

And once again, thanks Potch!!!

2012 Topps Series 1 Insert Review: Retired Rings

I love these cards. While I choose not to include them as my favorite, since they are just sooo special, they deserve the respect their design deserves.

I actually like this fake relic, a manufactured facade of some fantasy ring that just doesn't exist. It's okay. I live in a fantasy world allot (I happen to play allot of Magic the Gathering). The ring has a weight to it, an import denoted by density. The ring is placed nicely in the right 2/3 of the card. Well positioned, and its ratio to the over all card is correct to my eyes.

The photo on the left is, for every card, a nice capture of the featured player. I especially like the Reggie in his lemon yellow uniform.

I am attempting to collect all of these, and have one or two doubles. If you happen to need one, look at my list and let me know. If you happen to have one of the few I still need . . . help a brother out!

2012 Topps Series 1 Insert Review: Gold Futures

This is my favorite so far reviewed, and 2nd favorite overall. Just a super clean card. The black border lends the card a classy feel next to the gold detailing. I wish the logos weren't so large, and in some strange flag form. But its my only real knock on the insert series.

The featured players are a great mix. The guy above is going to have a huge year after he gets rid of this shoulder thing that is having him split time between DH and 1B.

Many of the young players are going to be exciting to watch this year. Starlin Castro is one of my favorites in this series as well. .I plan on catching many Wrigley games this year. You'll most often find me 1st base side.

I got a whole set extra. Just let me know what you need to complete your set.

My First Real Trade

I am very excited.

I have finally gotten the chance to complete a real trade. One where I actually sent a card, through the mail, to a mate that sent me one.

This is the card I sent:

Adam from thoughtsandsox.blogspot.com, must have read one of my "Plasticine" posts, and said he needed it for his collection. And, who am I to keep this knuckler from a friend. Into the mail you go sir, a fine career you had indeed.

This is what I got:

A sweet refractor. A Cardinal.

Sold.

Wakefield is out of here!!!

Anyone that wants to trade, as I get more cards, please check out my haves and wants list. I know its small now, but like a crystal in my garden, grow it will.

Thanks Adam.

2012 Topps Series 1 Insert Review: Golden Greats

While this certainly isn't my favorite design of the series, the subject matter of some of the cards saves it for me. Speaking strictly to the design, once again the weird brown-orangey border looks horrible. The large seal in the lower right reminds me of something from the federal reserve. Now, I realize this is the "gold" themed set, I just don't know why Topps chose to evoke this notion with stodgy design.

The plus is the sweet photos of Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken, Albert Pujols, and so many more. I will never have baseball cards by most of these people, and it is cool to get great looking photos of them in my collection. The "technicolor" effect on a few of them is over-done, but over-all it was fun to look at.

Grade: B-


I have a few extra for trade, and need a few to finish my set. Check out my Haves/Wants list to see if we can help each other.

2012 Topps Series 1 Insert Review: Classic Walk-off's

I am going to spare few words for these horrible looking cards. The best part is the blurred out section in the bottom right showing the team celebrations. When my favorite thing about a card is the most blurred out, tough to make out section, this is not good. Ugly card with a boring theme.

Boring:

Grade: D-