Cal Ripken Cardboard Appreciation #12

1995 Pinnacle Red Hot #RH1

The back of the card says:

No matter what happens in the '95 season, Cal is on a steady course to Cooperstown. A two-time AL MVP and a 12-time All-Star, he has hit more home runs than any other SS in history.

I wonder if the card back writer was referring to the streak being broken later in the '95 season? Also, do you think without the accolades of the Streak Cal makes the HOF anyways?

Smed's Spring Cleaning pt.4: Heapin' Helpin' of OPC

I should be returning today from my vacation. Hopefully there will be stack of bubble mailers sitting on the kitchen table for me to post about.

On another note, I should be posting a wantlist soon with my needs for the 2009 O-Pee-Chee set put out by Upper Deck. I have a bunch of extra black borders and even a couple mini black borders for trade like this very interesting shot of Jake Peavy:

It's just weird to see Smoltzie in a uniform other than the Red Sox:

This is a great action shot of Justin Upton from the D-backs. The expression on the lady's face is priceless:

Smed's Spring Cleaning pt.3: Many, Many, Minis!

I'm hooked on minis!

Smed's Spring Cleaning pt.2: Semi-Vintage Upgrades

I consider cards from 1974 through 1980 as semi vintage. We have semi-high numbers so why not semi vintage. During the mid to late 70s Topps ditched it's multiple series in favor of one big release. Here's some of the upgrades I got in my package:

Smed's Spring Cleaning pt.1: Orioles Star Power

Since I am on vacation this week, I'm going to show a bunch of the great cards that Scott at the great Smed's Baseball Card Blog sent me as part of his Spring Cleaning. There won't be a whole lot of words but a bunch of pictures of cards:

Eddie Murray 1988 Leaf. Nice classic looking card of Eddie ready to crush the ball.

1990 KMart Cal Ripken. I used to despise oddball Ripken cards. Now I'm finding that its an inexpensive way to add to my collection.

Brady Anderson showing off for the cameraman again.

Mike Mussina from the stretch with the Knuckle-curve grip

And Nick the stick in his sophomore campaign.

More to come!

Trade with Michael of Nomo's Sushi Platter

EDIT: For some reason Blogger ate my original post about the awesome package Michael at The soon to be relatively famous Nomo's Sushi Platter blog.

Somehow only 2 of the cards ended up on this post so I'll try to remember what I wrote! I already have filed away the other cards he sent and I've gotten a lot of packages lately so I can't really remember which is which.

I know I'm getting a lot closer to finishing of my Goudey quest. I think I am a lot closer on the 08 and 09 sets than I am 07. I'd love to finish out these sets before too long so if you have any please hit up my wantlist. This Juan Marichal is my most favorite of the stack that Michael sent me.

This is a really neat card with a pretty decent story behind it. I am very appreciative of this card now that I finally have it. I went to a card show back in March and distinctly remember seeing this card and wanting it but running out of money. I guess me running out of money happened for a reason! So I guess now that I don't have enough money to buy one of the new Camaros, somebody will trade me one, right? RIGHT???!!!???

Anyways, I really hope LJ can get his game together and end up in Baltimore soon because I'm growing tired of Brian Roberts and his injury per day. When he gets back from the DL, I hope he lines the inside of his jersey, hat, and helmet with bubble wrap so he doesn't get injured again.

Thanks Michael for the nice cards. I'm sorry that blogger ate my original post, because I'm sure this would be a much more entertaining trade recap!

Trade with D of Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes

D of Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes contacted me about a trade a while back and I was happy to oblige. He offered up some nice cards that I was happy to trade for. Here's the goods:

This is one of the Post cards that came in the cereal boxes in the early 90's. I remember eating a ton of cereal just to get the cards!

For some unknown reason, Aubrey Huff's cards elude me for some reason. It's not like his cards are that hard to come by I guess its just the luck of the draw. This one thankfully finishes off my O's team set of 2007 Upper Deck

D also sent me a nice stack of 09 OPC for my "trades only" set. This card of Endy Chavez getting ready to smash into the wall is my favorite of the stack.

Thanks for the nice trade, D! I look forward to trading with you again!

Trade with AJ the Lost Collector

AJ from the Lost Collector contacted me about the Cano mini framed jersey card I pulled from this years Gypsy Queen. Before I knew it, we had a trade going.

I'm going to show a card of new HOFer Robbie Alomar when he was with the O's. There has been a lot of debate on whether or not he belongs in Cooperstown but I personally think he does. It definitely opens up the doors for Jeff Kent and Craig Biggio.

The follwing Ripken insert is one that I have never seen any cards of. While it is off-center I still like it a lot. It's a Royal Court insert from 1998 Stadium Club if anyone is interested.

I really like this Ripken too. The card actually feels like real canvas so I guess it goes along with the Artistic Talents motif. The more and more I touch it, the surface sort of reminds me of the awesome UD Masterpieces sets.

Thanks to AJ for the awesome additions to my growing collection.