Happy New Year!

Interview with Negro Leaguer Carl Long

Things lately have been kind of...woof. It's a long story not worth getting into, if only to say ALL of the important things are going great. Overdue packages go out tomorrow or Thursday, scout's honor.

Anyway, I did something I've been meaning to do for quite awhile to distract myself a bit: edit video.

I'm not exactly a pro at this, but I'll imitate one from time to time. I had the chance to interview former Negro Leaguer Mr. Carl Long in Charleston last summer at a Riverdogs game, and I've been meaning to get this up. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks again, Mr. Long, for the interview at the ballpark!

FYI: I'm NOT the dude who didn't know Charlie Pride played in the Negro Leagues. 

Keep an eye out next week, I'll be giving away some cards Mr. Long auto'ed for me.

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Cal Ripken: There is some good in the world

I owe packages; they ARE coming! 

I got this spring training picture emailed to me two days ago. Work and the impending arrival of Blue have had me swamped, and the events of the past few days flummoxed me a bit, as they did all of us. For the record, flummoxed is becoming something of my natural state.

The guy in the middle is the infamous world traveler Flat Stanley. Cal knew who Flat Stanley was, which is pretty cool. The guy on the left could stand to lose a few pounds (particularly around the cheeks), but I think both he and the Iron Man are doing well considering what they were up to in the 1990s. 

Cal stood out there all day in the heat, then signed everything for everyone after the books were done and all the pictures taken. It's a simple act of undue kindness, but those things yet matter.

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

The Trucks Auto winner is....

OK, sorry this took me so long. With a pregnant wife I keep getting distracted.

But you aren't here for that. You want to know who won.

Well, who won?

All three people who posted!

I mentioned I had more than one. Strangely, I had exactly three, so all three get Trucks autos! Drop me your addresses. 

And apologies to Doc, to whom I still owe the Garfoose auto from the last giveaway (it'll be in the mail Wednesday!).

Spring Training: Day 2

Don't forget the Virgil Trucks Memorial Giveaway ends today!

On the second day of spring training I drug myself out of bed early and went over to the minor league practice fields. I used the wrong entrance and made it all the way inside before a security guard caught me. He was cool about the whole thing, and I dutifully left, parked my car in the right spot, and and re-entered via the right gate.

There might have been 6 fans present. I guess that's the glory of following a team with poor attendance, but it made the experience that much more awesome. I had intended to grab an auto or two of some of the Rays prospects but decided not to in favor of just taking in the scene. Guys doing drills (the catchers were already working when I showed up), guys running between stations, fans and others milling about.

I had some great conversations, first with a friend of Durham Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo who had come down to check things out. It's strange, but I'm a Bulls fan even before I'm a Rays fan, and it was interesting to meet someone whose interest in the proceedings was limited exclusively to the AAA team.

Next I had a longish chat with an agent who said he was there to take a client or two out to lunch. He seemed like a nice guy. He had stories about playing Legion ball with guys who went on to be Charleston Rainbows and pointed out that the family of one player (a client, I'm guessing) was in the adjacent bleacher watching their kid take batting practice.

Finally, I ran across former Bulls coach Bill Evers. I stopped him for a moment as he passed by and told him that I really appreciated his Bulls teams. More than a decade after the ruined season of 1994, his teams were the ones I watched when I fell back in love with the game. Sadly, despite being wildly successful in terms of W-L record Mr. Evers lost his gig due to the, um, player development.

Later on we attended the Rays 6-4 loss to the Twins. It was a spring game that actually went into extras, which was something of a treat. Roberto Hernández looked serviceable in the battle to be the #5 starter and the ML relief corps of Farnsworth, Wright, Peralta, and Mcgee was outstanding as they allowed 2 hits over 4 innings with 4 Ks. Luke Scott also hit a BOMB, which hopefully is a sign of good health and good things to come later on.

Before the game, of course, I tried to get an auto or two.

After two near-hits in Minneapolis and Baltimore, I finally landed a Matty Ice. It was signed with someone else's pen for the sake of efficiency.

The big "score" I guess was getting Longo's signature for the Topps Rookie AS project. Folks were saying he never signs anymore, particularly not for adults, so I got really lucky.

Rich Thompson signed a team card for me, and in fact signed ttm for me last year. He's got a really cool story and, truth be told, is one of the players who fairly or not has been saddled with the AAAA label. Here's to hoping he gets a legit shot at coming back up this year. As side note, I briefly confused him with Brandon Guyer. I swear those dudes were separated at birth.

Another team card, this one signed by Chris Gimenez. He's battling for the backup catcher spot and having a hell of a spring (OPS of .917) but still has options remaining while other guys don't. What else can you do but play?

Stephen Vogt came up to the big club last year and went hitless in 25 AB. He's got the skills, so it's just a matter of time. I'm hoping he doesn't go a decade between ML stints like Thompson, or goes 30 or so hitless ABs to begin his career like new Ray Kelly Johnson. 

And the craziest auto:

Cecil Fielder was in the house through the Adopt a Legend Program. He was one of THE guys when most of us were young, and getting his auto in person was pretty amazing. I told him his 51-HR 1990 season was one of the most exciting things for my friends and I when we were kids. He said he was mostly lucky. There's "luck," then there's "lucky x 50," which points to successful process.

The highlight of getting autos that day was talking baseball to a mother and her son up by the wall. They are Stone Crabs fans and the son even goes to kindergarden with one of the kids of a Rays player.  I was able to given them cards of said Rays player, plus several others, Longo included. Last week I sent them a 400-couunt box of Rays, which I hope they enjoy!

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Virgil Trucks Celebration Giveaway

With Mr. Trucks's passing, we all acknowledge that the world has lost someone who meant a good deal to a lot of people. 

If you ever wrote to Mr. Trucks you've probably seen one of these cards that celebrate his 2 no-hitters in 1952. If you haven't, here's your chance to own one.

Here's the deal: Mr. Trucks brought a lot of light into the world. Go out, do something, it doesn't have to be huge, that brings joy to someone around you. At some point in the next week leave a comment on this post and I'll random the responses on 4/1. No judging "best," "funniest," or whatever, no need even to say what you did. Just bring a smile to someone's face the way Mr. Trucks did for so many of us.

RIP Mr. Virgil Trucks

Not long after I started the blog I started getting into ttms. Like a lot of bloggers, one of the first gentlemen I wrote was Mr. Virgil Oliver "Fire" Trucks. As anyone who wrote him knows, he was a tremendous and frequent signer, often responded to you with a handwritten note, and always included two trademark stamps, one of a pitcher and another of a firetruck.

I saw on Twitter not long ago that Mr. Trucks passed away yesterday at 95.

What else can you say? If you read around the blogoshpere you'll find that Mr. Trucks brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. Like to William over at foul bunt. Like me when, in 2009, Mr. Trucks signed a whole bunch of cards for me to giveaway on the blog as a way to promote his book. It was one of the most amazing interactions I've ever had with one of my cardboard heroes.

Strangely, not too long ago while I was cleaning house I came across a few extra of these that he sent for me to giveaway. I thought I gave them all away long ago, but apparently not. To celebrate Mr. Trucks and his hobby legacy, starting tomorrow I'll give these last ones away.

I recognize the value and importance of mourning, but Mr. Trucks is one of those individuals who unselfishly brought joy into the world and through his own example taught us all that we should do likewise.

RIP Mr. Trucks.

Cards are Cool: Or, Why I Went Eric Cartman on Topps...

and embraced the hobby.

I've been thinking about this over the past few weeks in the wake of angst over Heritage and Topps's announcement today it wants to market to kids or some such. So, while I avoid grading, a quick two cents.

When I was a kid I was mostly a set collector. I had several player collections (Gooden, Bo Jackson, Fred McGriff) but that was about it. I'd get caught up in crazy RC stupidity from time to time like everyone else, but for the most part those were my interests.

Things got complicated when the number of sets grew geometrically. In 1987, for example, I had access to Topps, some Donruss, and NO Fleer. My world was limited, I paid too much for Goodens at the occasional show my parents would take me to, salivate over the Bo Jacksons, and that was that.

In 1988 I had access to EVERYTHING, Score showed up, and like most kids went wild and bought metric TONS of what in 2013 is garbage. Whatever, those were 50 cent packs, and chasing 4 sets allowed for weird, inter-set trading.

Then 1989 happened, with the birth of UD, the $1 pack (in my neck of the woods often much, much more), the Griffey, and Murphy reverse negative, the Jerome Walton, Jim Abbot, etc., and things changed. A LOT. This was a set that, by definition, I couldn't collect. I could hope for the players I collected, but that was it. I made do....

Until the next year, when Topps fired back with Stadium Club, and others followed suit.  A vortex of spiraling costs, the impossibility of even getting my favorite players, and girls effectively blunted my collecting in earnest. The 1994 strike buried it.

About 8 years later I found ebay and started to collect again little by little. Never having gotten too many autos as a kid, I relished the opportunity to buy certified autos. 2002 Heritage came out and I was back in. Only three years went by and then I wasn't. Even competing the 2002 set wasn't economically feasible for me, but I understand why those with the income would go after it. So I was discouraged again. Remember, since I was a kid I've always been primarily focused on sets.

2009 found me living next to a guy who collected in a way I'd never heard of or considered. Condition? Whatever. New sets? Almost strictly vintage. Graded? Who cares.

I started reading blogs and started one of my own. I ONLY work on vintage sets and ONLY collect players I follow. To quote Cartman, "I do what I want." I feel strongly that others should do likewise. It's all good.

In short, I keep the hobby fun for me and pay little to no attention to Topps, the monopoly, or the BS about attracting kids. The corporate side of the hobby abandoned kids 20 years ago. I grab trade bait now and again to flip to friends I've made through the blog, and it's cool to be in touch with people from all over with similar interests. I collect with my means, and if that means not reaching my goals (the first 2013 EJ plate sold for over $20!!!) so be it. Fun is the goal, and not much else.

And as for fun, at spring training I was standing next to a kid and his mom at the fence getting autos. I was able to give them cards of every player that walked by. I even broke up my 2012 Durham Bulls team set to give them a card of a player whose kid attends the same preschool as the little guy in question.

And I'll say this: seeing a little person light up when he/she recognizes his/her hero on a little piece of cardboard, THAT is fun and it costs next to nothing.

Spring Training Day 1: Ripken, Roberts, and Kalas, oh my

Thanks to everybody who signed up for "Here Comes Blue Contest #1." More are on the way!

From last Saturday until yesterday the Compa and I took a little trip to Port Charlotte, FL for Rays Spring Training. It has always been something we wanted to do, and with Blue on the way we decided it should be done. I had no expectations other than to relax a bit and see a few games, but even still I have to admit: it was absolutely amazing.

We were really fortunate for a number of reasons. First, we had crazy good tickets. Turns out Daddy Dean met a scout in the Rays system who, finding out we're Rays fans planning on going to FL, offered to get us tickets. Free tickets are great no matter what, but these were actual Rays tickets and we sat in the Rays section. That is, most of the folks around us were somehow tied to a player and/or the organization. Player wives, player girlfriends, player parents, player children, you name it. Overall a cool experience I'll come back to over the next few posts, but you make sure to leave any criticism for the drive home. I mean, you have a stake in the game as a fan, but sitting there brought home for me the stakes that these guys' loved ones have in every single play. They're pretty substantial.

I don't have too much to say about the game itself, a 6-2 loss to the hated Red Sox. It's not that I didn't watch (I did), but there were other events going on and, I'll admit, I was a bit fascinated to be up close and personal with the cultural aspects of players' families and loved ones you almost never get to see. This game showed Matt Moore has some work to do (3 ER in 3 and 2/3,) and the Rays bats were maddeningly silent against a ho-hum Sox staff.

The BIG event was that Cal Ripken Jr., owner of the Rays affiliate the Charlotte Stone Crabs, was in attendance and signing his young adult novel. Waiting in line to meet Cal consumed the 3rd to the 7th innings. He wasn't signing anything else, but I had no Jr. cards anyway. Personally, it was cool just to meet a living legend like the great "Iron Man."

There was also a photo op which, to be honest, isn't my thing. But while I was in line waiting to get the book signed there was a woman holding a Flat Stanley who was asking if anyone would get his/her picture with Ripken and her granddaughter's Flat Stanley. I once took a Flat Stanley all over Europe and Asia for my Aunt and her elementary school class, so I immediately said I would. So, somewhere out there there exists a picture of me, Flat Stanley, and Cal Ripken, Jr., who seemed very cool about the whole thing. I gave her my email so I hope I get a copy!

I also managed to get a few autos before the game, but since it was Rays-Sox on a Sunday there were more people there than you might expect. I don't really like to bug guys in person, but I'll stand there and if they are signing, then great!

First was this cool 2009 Luke Scott. 

The photo is a Fenway Park classic, and I'd like to think it shows off a lighter side of Scott (better known for a boorish stance on that particular park and some, um, non-mainstream political views), Fenway Park, and the hobby itself. He's not even caught in an awkward moment but rather staring right back at the viewer. Very cool "breaking the fourth wall" stuff. 

Then the Tat-Man, Ryan Roberts laid sigs on his 2012 issues for me. First with the D-Backs,

then with the Rays:

I was actually at his Rays debut in Baltimore last year, and told him that he brought some real energy to the team. Of course, his presence meant my man EJ was closer to leaving town in the long term and Matsui leaving in the near term, but that's what happens. Both of these are cool cards in their own right with the first being a sweet "game winning run" shot and the second perhaps coming from Roberts' first HR as a Ray, which came in Baltimore. 

To put bookends around this long post, when we first took our seats in the park, the family seats, I looked over and who should be sitting right across from us but Todd Kalas, the roving reporter during Rays broadcasts. If you are WAY out of your team's territory like I am, announcers like Kalas acquire a larger-than-life quality as they are your media conduit to the team and the life of the park at every game you watch. Appropriately, I dorked out, went over to thank him for his work, and ask him to sign a team card, which he kindly did.

Finally, after a very cool, very full day, as we were leaving the stadium Compa noticed Cal Ripken Jr. signing. Apparently after the books were gone he started signing everything. I had no cards, but there was one thing the Compa and I had brought to Port Charlotte that we thought might merit a signature at some point. So she took it over.

Yup, Cal signed Blue's custom Rays onesie. 

Many thanks to all the folks that made that day so awesome. Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

And the winner is...

As picked by my father-in-law:

Wow!  Some great advice and insight to parenthood.  But you appointed a Dodger fan judge sooooo... Doc's advice with the West Coast late sports idea is my choice for No 1.

Doc, leave your choice of cards in the comments!

Look for a new contest late next week.

Pre-War TTMs: 70-year-old cards in plain white envelopes

First, winner of the "Here Comes Blue Garfoose Giveaway" will be announced Saturday.

When I first started collecting TTM autos a few years ago, for some reason I fixated on getting ttms from the oldest living players. That makes sense, I suppose, and if you follow me on twitter you know I recently scored a major success on that front, landing a ttm from the oldest living MLB player Corado Marrero. I had to go via someone who was traveling to Cuba, and the result was well worth the effort of figuring out a plan and seeing it through. I'll post more about that later.

My focus on the oldest living players led to a second quest, getting autos on the oldest cards I could manage. I realize there IS a 1937 Doerr out there but its non-standard size is kind if a turn off. It also costs even more than the 1938 Heads Up, if you can even find a copy for sale. But anyway, with no further ado.....

I loved the idea of the 1938 Heads Up cards when I was a kid, though I really couldn't understand the appeal of anything that wasn't Topps, THE official brand among my friends and I. Now that I'm older I think they're amazing for having been conceived of in the 30s, way ahead of their time.

Bobby Doerr is one of the VERY few HOFers who signs ttm, and he even signs for FREE, so I was fairly confident that I could make this happen so long as sticking a 75-year-old Goudey in a plain white envelope with a letter and another pwe SASE didn't give me convulsions. And yes, it nearly did. This was cost-prohibitive for several years but one finally popped up with a reasonable BIN and I went for it. 

Similar story with this 1939. I had a subject (Doerr), tracked this prohibitively expensive card for awhile, and didn't hesitate when someone underpriced it as a BIN. It was sent about two years prior to the '38, and you can see a difference in the signatures. For a man in his mid-90s, Doerr signs well either way! 

The 1940 Eddie Joost was the first of these I landed. In all honestly, the eureka moment of the entire mini-project came together when I saw someone (I think it was dayf back in 2009) post about this card. My next thought was, "You can still get a handful of pre-war cards signed ttm. Holy...." 

Of course, that's aside from the fact that the 1940 design is stunning, particularly with the pennant marking the Reds 1939 team. Overall, an absolute classic. 

Mr. Joost is one of the ballplayers we lost in 2011.

The 1941 edition features Mr. Al "Bronk" Brancato. Straight out of Philly, Brancato started playing for the Mack Men at the ripe old ago of 20. He personalized this and answered my questions.

Mr. Brancato passed away in 2012.

For comparison's sake, here are the backs, with the '38 looking really small.

And there you have it! Have a good one everybody and good night Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Last Day for the Contest

Last day for the "Here Comes Blue Contest"! Check it out over here.

That's My Boo: TTM from Down South

First, don't forget the Garfoose giveaway celebrating Blue's arrival over here. There are a few days left!

I've been saving this one for awhile, a ttm from Mr. Boo Ferriss. I watched for '49 Ferriss cards on ebay for a few months, but they were all prohibitively expensive. Then an internet search turned up this card and a several other fairly priced cards at Old Vintage Cards, so I pulled the trigger.

For those of you unfamiliar with Boo Ferriss, his first two years in the majors (1945 and '46) were perhaps the strongest start ever by a pitcher as he compiled a 46-16 record. That's NOT a typo, I said 46-16. He was an AS, an MVP candidate, even a solid hitter, but then a "shoulder twinge" essentially ended his playing days. Just like that, it was over. 

In his book (a good read), Ferriss states that an MRI he had later in life revealed he had a torn labrum. In other words, 1940s medical technology couldn't help what today is a routine injury. Not that the injury dampened his career in baseball or his life. On the contrary, Mr. Ferriss went on to become a legendary collegiate coach at Delta State University in Mississippi, and in the intro to Ferriss's book Delta State alum John Grisham (yes, THAT John Grisham) details how Ferriss "kindly" cut him from the Delta State baseball team long, long ago.

Mr. Ferriss is a prolific writer and responded to my questions. His love of the game at all levels comes through in his correspondence.

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Don't Forget the Contest!

If you haven't left a comment over here, go do so! (You don't have to be a parent to participate!)

The BIG Announcement and Garfoose Giveaway

I've hinted at it in emails but here it goes: the compa is 12 weeks pregnant! We refer to the little guy/gal as "Blueberry" in homage to Vida Blue (OK, maybe not really), and Blue's expected date of arrival is mid-September.

So, if I owe you a trade package that I haven't sent PLEASE check in. I'm increasingly excited/forgetful owing to the news, so it's nothing personal.

Anyway, I grabbed this to celebrate:

Being a literary sort, I thought a customized, signed, and Garfoosed copy of Out of My League would be an appropriate way to bring Blue into the world. If you aren't familiar with Dirk Hayhurst or his literary endeavors, I suggest you check them out. The above, The Bullpen Gospels, and the "cut chapters" from these, Wild Pitches, are well worth the read. His website and blog are also pretty cool. Seriously, literature and baseball together, what more could Blue want?

Well, as part of the auction I won I received these:

On left we have a signed A&G with Hayhurst dressed as the Garfoose, on the left a signed promo card for the book. I'll be giving these (and other cool things) away to celebrate! 

So, I'll have to get a judge but: to enter the first "Here Comes Blue Contest," leave a comment in the comments section and tell me your best advice for new fathers/mothers. It can be serious, it can be funny, whatever you like. Promote it on Twitter/your blogs, whatever you are cool with. Contest closes in one week.

The winner (whomever the judge selects!) gets his/her pick of the cards above. The other is then a prize in the next "Here Comes Blue Contest"!

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are! 

(Sadly, "Pumpsie Green" has already been eliminated from the pool of potential names)

Ebay Shenanigans: Ladies and Gents, It's a Draw

First, keep your eyes peeled for the BIG announcement tomorrow. There will be contests and prizes, and much coolness.

As for the ebay saga: I heard nothing from the buyer for three days. Not the promised pictures, not another message, nothing. But then when I woke up this morning there was a "buyer protection claim" filed against me. So I said, "F#$@ that," escalated the thing to customer service and went to work. The advertised response time was 72 hours, but this thing was solved in 4, specifically via an email that stated 1) ebay granted the buyer a FULL refund 2) ebay said NO ONE was at fault and 3) ebay said I did not have to reimburse the ebay or the buyer.

Of course, the buyer left negative feedback the moment I escalated it, but whatever. I'm glad I'll get no more messages like this:

hi i messaged you last week and i know ypu said i paid on the 7th and that this was shipped but now its the 21st and i still havent recieved the item ,?? its been two solid weeks ,you have to be kidding me.That is just ridiculous .

Again, I feel the frustration, but you've got to be kidding ME. The package was shipped the 11th, at that point it was the final day of the ebay-estimated delivery window, and the tracking number says it was misrouted. Wtf can I do once I've shipped it?!

Anyway, the resolution isn't terribly intellectually satisfying, but there it is none the less. I'm grateful it was resolved (and fairly with regard to yours truly, that's a win!), but on the other side of the coin this is rewarding bad behavior. I mean, what is that?

Ebay shenanigans at their finest.

Topps Rookie AS Project: 1970-73

Somehow I seem to have skipped 65-69, but I'll fix that soon. In the meantime, enjoy the early-70s!

1970 Mike Nagy

 1971 Bernie Carbo (post here)

 1972 Bill Buckner

 1973 Jack Brohamer (post here)

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Need a 2012 Topps Hellickson...

the one from the flagship with the Topps AS Rookie cup. I'll also take any cards of Rays prospects you have around. I'm going to spring training as a last hurrah before a big change.

Anyway, drop me a line if you have a spare Hellboy!

He's my brother and all: TTM from the O'Briens

While I was researching 1953 Pirates to send ttms to I came across Eddie and Johnny O'Brien. Other than being the first twins to play in an MLB game for the same team in the same game, the two also managed to lead their university basketball squad to a victory over the Harlem Globetrotters in 1952.  That's a pretty awesome feat in itself.

I remember the 2003 Heritage set had a Joe/Jake Mauer card, and I'm guessing it was based on this one. In addition to the '53, I sent this fellow to tag along. There's a lot that's cool here: twins, a double-play combo, the old-school Pirate, the double sigs, the long, looping "E" in "Ed."

It was my first "double auto," and thanks to Mssrs. O'Brien it turned out really well. Thank you, sirs!

Hava a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

When ebay goes wrong part x

I really get the basic premise of ebay: it's a national garage sale. You send people money, they send you stuff (or vice versa), it's pretty straight forward. And truth be told, for the most part it works.

Until, obviously, when it doesn't. I'm currently in ebay seller hell. Something was sold, it was shipped, that should have been that. But oh, no, no it wasn't. Three days after it shipped I got an email saying, "where the hell is my item?"

Wait, what?

So I replied, said it was shipped, and said I hoped it'd be there soon. As these things go, the postal service then routed the package via Timbuktu, which delayed the package by a week. Sure enough, another message: "where the hell is my item?"

Now, I get the frustration, but I'm already tempered by the previous communication. This is just someone looking to start something even on the best of days. I sent the tracking number, things should be simmering down now that the package has arrived.

But no, they're not. Now I'm being told the item "is not as described," but cannot have pictures of said item's defects. At this point I'm being threatened with "buyer protection options," because apparently I'm a complete pain in the ass to deal with. Despite my measured tone. Despite not yelling back. Ugh.

How does something so simple go so wrong?

Sid Bream Slides by: TTM from a Brave Great

When researching Sid Bream's career, I was surprised to find out he stole 50 bases over his 12 years in the bigs. The 40 CS by comparison was no surprise at all, save for the fact that the slow-footed Bream attempted a grand total of 90 stolen bases. In sum, I'm not at all sure what to make of that.

Any way you look at it, though, it is kind of odd that Bream will always be best remembered for scoring the winning run in the Braves 1992 NLCS victory over the Pirates. If you were a Braves fan in the late-80s, those NL titles in the early-90s were a glory to behold. And they did it with guys like Bream and another CCC favorite, the man who drove Bream in, Francisco Cabrera. Since I already have a Cabrera auto from 1990, before all of this, I decided it was time to give Bream a shot. He didn't disappoint.

Here's Mr. Bream on his first Braves card. Man, if we all knew then what the next few years had in store. 

For some reason I think of Bream as being a Dodger more so than a Pirate, but he was a Pirate nonetheless. You wonder if those fans have any regrets?

And here's another look at the Cabrera hit and the Bream slide. You can never get enough of that. 

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Buying Certified Autos Stinks: Finding the Fakes

Money is tight at the moment, but with the compa's permission I've dumped a lot of cards on ebay. I have a strange fantasy that I am going to purchase a Willie Mays or Hank Aaron auto to mark the passing of this particular semester. So with a good deal of trepidation I'm dipping my toe into the category of "people who pay too much for cards." And that's fine, it's a one-shot deal.

I enjoys autos and send out my share of ttms. I like hearing back from players but let's face it: taking the auto in the envelop at face value is based on the same leap of faith most of us take in assuming our parents are indeed our biological parents. You have no empirical proof of the fact, no photos, no video, and even if you did you take on faith that the baby in the picture is you. It's complicated, but it doesn't bother you too much if at all. TTM autos are like that: I have no proof Bobby Doerr signed my 1938 Goudey, but I sent it to his address and it came back signed. So yeah, I'll take that on good faith.

But certified autos? Blech. For example, you have certified Mays fakes. It's a long story I've posted about before. Then this Mays auto, which has been sold several times by the same seller. And if you think that's nuts, this low-numbered seller has flipped that same Mays 14 times! I read somewhere that card has a print run of 150. At best it's shill bidding. At worst...? What the heck happened at Fleer?

Then you have what appear to be sticker fakes. Gellman used to go off about these. But here's a Hank Aaron ending today, and the price as of 11 AM is definitely right. But wait: the auto is surprisingly clean for a 2008 Hank, it's completely on the sticker, AND a letter or two looks a little suspicious. After some sleauthing (looking up the checklist did NOTHING), I found this card. The auto is classic Hank Aaron from the last five or so years: labored, falling off the sticker. Then you check the back: yup, Donruss did the solid of printing the certificate of authenticity on there. You look again at the first card and oh, wait.....It's a fake.

Frustrating if nothing else, but it always sucks to see collectors screwing each other. It's why a) I love the blogosphere and b) I generally stick to my own ttms.

Have a good one and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

Random Wednesday Post: Catchers w/ Glasses Collection

As far as I can tell, the 1950s were a boon for a rare species, catchers who wore glasses. It's been a process, but I'm building a small collection of them. So far as I know, there were whopping three in that decade. I believe there have been a total of TWO since.

One if those guys from the 50s is today's entry, Tim Thompson, aka Charley Thompson.

This '58 Topps card belies the fact he only played in 4 games for the Tigers, all in 1958. Still, with those glasses he just daring someone to take a run at the plate.

Thanks for the auto, Mr. Thompson.

And good night Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

What's Up, Bro?: Jack Brohamer TTM

Some ttm love on a Monday.

I'm still working on the Topps Rookie Cups project, and recently heard back from 1973's entrant, Jack Brohamer. What's NOT to love about this card?

Where to begin? In classic 1973-style, you have to think for a second before you can identify the subject of the card as both men are given equal space in the shot. Oddly, Brohamer is recognizable only by the vague lettering of his jersey and the colors of his uni. As cards go, he's more anonymous that the other guy, whom I'm assuming to be Bobby Grich from the 1972 O's roster at Baseball Almanac. Comparatively, Grich is making a great play to nab Brohamer who looks caught out in "Rookie Screwed Up No Man's Land" near 2B, almost like he is an intruding presence on his own baseball card. As portraits go it's a strange and awkwardly painful askance view of a subject.

Not that this kept Brohamer from going on to rock some of the more outrageous chops from the era. In all he had a nine-year career with the Indians, White Sox, and Red Sox. When you look up Brohamer's name you'll find the words "light hitting" over and over (see, for example, Cardboard Gods), and a career slash of .245/.306/.327 (79 OPS+) would seem to back that up. However, it belies the fact that Brohamer owned HOFers Bert Blyleven (.295/.340/.568 w/ 4 HR) and Catfish Hunter (.275/.396/.550 w/ 3HR). Like they say: against some guys you just see the ball WELL.

The above '76 came courtesy of the Night Owl and finished off my set. I sent it to Mr. Brohamer without realizing I left him almost nothing to work will all told, I think it turned out well. Thanks, Mr. Brohamer!

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

2008 Flashback: DP Brings Us Home

Trying not to think about one of my favorite Rays getting DFA'ed, so we're going in a different direction.

I've always enjoyed posts where the author looks at a card and tries to figure out the game, time, and place where a given picture was taken. The games usually turn out to be a random Tuesday in June, but its a fun exercise to break the frame of the card itself and consider it as a snapshot, not of a season or a particular player, but of a precise moment in time. 

If you are a Rays fan, you'll recognize this card and this moment in time immediately: 

This unflattering portrait is the moment after David Price slammed his glove to the down after getting Jed Lowrie ground into the third out of the 9th in the 2008 ALCS. 

It's a strange card insofar as the moment depicted overtakes the player represented in importance. To "get" the card you have to know it's that particular moment, that Price came on in relief in the 8th with the bases loaded and overpowered JD Drew, then in the ninth walked Jason Bay before smoking Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek and inducing the series-clinching grounder. You have to know the Rays up until that point had pretty much stunk, and that this marked the moment they really arrived as the RAYS that everyone talks about as one of the better run franchises in the game. In a way, it bookends the cards here, where EJ runs into Cervelli and sets into motion all of the Spring Brawls that show the Rays aren't going to be pushed around any more. 

After 3 years the price on this came down enough (it's an alternate photo SP) I was able to score one without breaking the bank. It's like a little piece of Rays history.

Have a good one everybody and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!

1977 Topps Set Needs

1977 Topps Set Needs as of 2/3/2013, need 324

1. 1 Brett/Madlock -- League Leaders
2. 4 Lopes/North -- League Leaders
3. 5 Jones/Palmer -- League Leaders
4. 6 Ryan/Seaver -- League Leaders
5. 7 Denny/Fidrych -- League Leaders
6. 10 Reggie Jackson -- New York Yankees
7. 11 Rob Dressler -- San Francisco Giants
8. 14 Tommy Smith -- Seattle Mariners
9. 16 Bob Jones -- California Angels
10. 19 John D'Acquisto -- St. Louis Cardinals
11. 20 Graig Nettles -- New York Yankees
12. 21 Ken Forsch -- Houston Astros 
13. 24 Carl Morton -- Atlanta Braves 
14. 26 Ray Sadecki -- Milwaukee Brewers
15. 27 Bill Buckner -- Los Angeles Dodgers 
16. 29 Bucky Dent -- Chicago White Sox
17. 33 Wayne Garland -- Cleveland Indians
18. 34 Norm Sherry -- California Angels
19. 35 Rennie Stennett -- Pittsburgh Pirates
20. 37 Steve Hargan -- Toronto Blue Jays
21. 38 Craig Kusick -- Minnesota Twins
22. 39 Tom Griffin -- San Diego Padres
23. 40 Bobby Murcer -- San Francisco Giants
24. 41 Jim Kern -- Cleveland Indians
25. 42 Jose Cruz -- Houston Astros 
26. 45 Rawly Eastwick -- Cincinnati Reds
27. 46 Buck Martinez -- Kansas City Royals
28. 48 Tom Paciorek -- Atlanta Braves 
29. 49 Grant Jackson -- Seattle Mariners
30. 50 Ron Cey -- Los Angeles Dodgers
31. 51 Alex Grammas -- Milwaukee Brewers
32. 52 Ellis Valentine -- Montreal Expos 
33. 54 Sandy Alomar -- New York Yankees
34. 56 Rudy May -- Baltimore Orioles
35. 57 Marc Hill -- San Francisco Giants
36. 58 Chet Lemon -- Chicago White Sox
37. 59 Larry Christenson -- Philadelphia Phillies
38. 60 Jim Rice -- Boston Red Sox 
39. 63 Tito Fuentes -- San Diego Padres
40. 67 Joaquin Andujar -- Houston Astros 
41. 69 Jim Crawford -- Detroit Tigers 
42. 70 Johnny Bench -- Cincinnati Reds
43. 71 Dock Ellis -- New York Yankees
44. 72 Mike Anderson -- St. Louis Cardinals
45. 73 Charlie Williams -- San Francisco Giants
46. 78 Bob Davis -- San Diego Padres
47. 80 Andy Messersmith -- Atlanta Braves 
48. 81 Juan Beniquez -- Texas Rangers 
49. 83 Kevin Bell -- Chicago White Sox
50. 86 Pat Zachry -- Cincinnati Reds 
51. 90 Cesar Cedeno -- Houston Astros 
52. 95 Keith Hernandez -- St. Louis Cardinals
53. 96 Lou Piniella -- New York Yankees
54. 100 Joe Morgan -- Cincinnati Reds
55. 101 Dick Bosman -- Oakland Athletics
56. 103 Mike Bacsik -- Texas Rangers 
57. 105 Steve Yeager -- Los Angeles Dodgers
58. 108 Alan Foster -- San Diego Padres
59. 112 Bill Greif -- Montreal Expos 
60. 117 Frank White -- Kansas City Royals
61. 118 Rick Jones -- Seattle Mariners
62. 119 John Stearns -- New York Mets 
63. 120 Rod Carew -- Minnesota Twins
64. 126 Rod Gilbreath -- Atlanta Braves 
65. 128 Tommy John -- Los Angeles Dodgers
66. 132 Chip Lang -- Montreal Expos 
67. 133 Ralph Garr -- Chicago White Sox
68. 135 Mark Belanger -- Baltimore Orioles
69. 136 Jerry Mumphrey -- St. Louis Cardinals
70. 137 Jeff Terpko -- Texas Rangers 
71. 138 Bob Stinson -- Seattle Mariners
72. 139 Fred Norman -- Cincinnati Reds
73. 140 Mike Schmidt -- Philadelphia Phillies
74. 146 Dusty Baker -- Los Angeles Dodgers
75. 147 Jackie Brown -- Cleveland Indians
76. 148 Fran Healy -- New York Yankees
77. 150 Tom Seaver -- New York Mets 
78. 151 Johnnie LeMaster -- San Francisco Giants
79. 155 Joe Rudi -- California Angels
80. 156 Pete Mackanin -- Montreal Expos 
81. 157 Ken Brett -- Chicago White Sox
82. 159 Bernie Carbo -- Milwaukee Brewers
83. 162 Mike Cuellar -- Baltimore Orioles
84. 164 Tug McGraw -- Philadelphia Phillies
85. 168 Charlie Spikes -- Cleveland Indians
86. 170 Thurman Munson -- New York Yankees
87. 171 Ken Sanders -- Kansas City Royals
88. 172 John Milner -- New York Mets 
89. 173 Chuck Scrivener -- Detroit Tigers 
90. 174 Nelson Briles -- Texas Rangers 
91. 175 Butch Wynegar -- Minnesota Twins
92. 176 Bob Robertson -- Pittsburgh Pirates
93. 180 Dave Lopes -- Los Angeles Dodgers
94. 181 Ken McMullen -- Oakland Athletics
95. 183 Vern Rapp -- St. Louis Cardinals
96. 186 Doug Flynn -- Cincinnati Reds
97. 191 Doug Griffin -- Boston Red Sox 
98. 192 Clarence Gaston -- Atlanta Braves 
99. 194 Gary Matthews -- Atlanta Braves 
100. 195 Ed Figueroa -- New York Yankees
101. 197 Ed Ott -- Pittsburgh Pirates
102. 198 Wilbur Wood -- Chicago White Sox
103. 199 Pepe Frias -- Montreal Expos 
104. 200 Frank Tanana -- California Angels
105. 204 Jeff Newman -- Oakland Athletics
106. 205 Pete Falcone -- St. Louis Cardinals
107. 206 Boog Powell -- Cleveland Indians
108. 210 Fred Lynn -- Boston Red Sox 
109. 211 Joe Altobelli -- San Francisco Giants
110. 214 Darrell Porter -- Milwaukee Brewers
111. 219 Joe Coleman -- Chicago Cubs 
112. 222 Francisco Barrios -- Chicago White Sox
113. 224 Rusty Torres -- California Angels
114. 225 Bob Apodaca -- New York Mets 
115. 227 Joe Sambito -- Houston Astros 
116. 228 Gene Mauch -- Minnesota Twins
117. 231 George Brett RB -- Kansas City Royals
118. 234 Nolan Ryan RB -- California Angels
119. 236 Tom Buskey -- Cleveland Indians
120. 239 Bill Plummer -- Cincinnati Reds
121. 245 Rick Rhoden -- Los Angeles Dodgers
122. 246 Mike Vail -- New York Mets 
123. 248 Wilbur Howard -- Houston Astros 
124. 250 Bill Madlock -- Chicago Cubs 
125. 251 Tony Muser -- Baltimore Orioles
126. 252 Dale Murray -- Montreal Expos 
127. 255 George Scott -- Milwaukee Brewers
128. 259 Joe Frazier -- New York Mets 
129. 260 J.R. Richard -- Houston Astros 
130. 261 Phil Garner -- Oakland Athletics
131. 263 Mike Marshall -- Atlanta Braves 
132. 265 Mark Fidrych -- Detroit Tigers 
133. 266 Derrel Thomas -- San Francisco Giants
134. 267 Ray Fosse -- Cleveland Indians
135. 270 Dave Parker -- Pittsburgh Pirates
136. 271 Terry Forster -- Chicago White Sox
137. 274 Don Stanhouse -- Montreal Expos 
138. 276 A.L. Championship 
139. 277 N.L. Championship 
140. 280 Jim Hunter -- New York Yankees
141. 289 Gene Garber -- Philadelphia Phillies
142. 290 Amos Otis -- Kansas City Royals
143. 292 Rogelio Moret -- Atlanta Braves 
144. 293 Jack Brohamer -- Chicago White Sox
145. 295 Gary Carter -- Montreal Expos 
146. 297 Ken Reitz -- San Francisco Giants
147. 298 Charlie Hough -- Los Angeles Dodgers
148. 299 Otto Velez -- Toronto Blue Jays
149. 300 Jerry Koosman -- New York Mets 
150. 301 Toby Harrah -- Texas Rangers 
151. 305 Mickey Rivers -- New York Yankees
152. 307 Gary Sutherland -- Milwaukee Brewers
153. 309 Don Zimmer -- Boston Red Sox 
154. 312 Rob Belloir -- Atlanta Braves 
155. 317 Kurt Bevacqua -- Seattle Mariners
156. 320 Ken Griffey -- Cincinnati Reds
157. 322 Bill Russell -- Los Angeles Dodgers
158. 324 John Curtis -- San Francisco Giants
159. 329 Ron Hodges -- New York Mets 
160. 332 Elliott Maddox -- New York Yankees
161. 337 Ron Schueler -- Philadelphia Phillies
162. 338 Dave Duncan -- Chicago White Sox
163. 339 Adrian Devine -- Atlanta Braves 
164. 343 Ed Halicki -- San Francisco Giants
165. 344 Brian Downing -- Chicago White Sox
166. 345 Reggie Smith -- Los Angeles Dodgers
167. 346 Bill Singer -- Toronto Blue Jays
168. 347 George Foster -- Cincinnati Reds
169. 348 Brent Strom -- San Diego Padres 
170. 352 Mike Phillips -- New York Mets 
171. 355 Lou Brock -- St. Louis Cardinals
172. 356 Checklist 265-396 
173. 357 Tim McCarver -- Philadelphia Phillies
174. 358 Tom House -- Boston Red Sox 
175. 359 Willie Randolph -- New York Yankees
176. 361 Eduardo Rodriguez -- Milwaukee Brewers
177. 363 Dave Roberts -- Detroit Tigers 
178. 364 Vic Correll -- Atlanta Braves 
179. 367 Dave Hamilton -- Chicago White Sox
180. 369 Terry Humphrey -- California Angels
181. 372 Rick Folkers -- San Diego Padres
182. 373 Bert Campaneris -- Texas Rangers 
183. 376 Nino Espinosa -- New York Mets 
184. 377 Dave McKay -- Toronto Blue Jays
185. 378 Jim Umbarger -- Texas Rangers 
186. 380 Lee May -- Baltimore Orioles
187. 381 Bob Forsch -- St. Louis Cardinals
188. 384 Darrel Chaney -- Atlanta Braves 
189. 385 Dave LaRoche -- Cleveland Indians
190. 387 Billy Martin -- New York Yankees
191. 390 Dave Winfield -- San Diego Padres
192. 391 Dan Warthen -- Montreal Expos 
193. 393 John Lowenstein -- Cleveland Indians
194. 396 Tom Murphy -- Boston Red Sox 
195. 397 Larry Herndon -- San Francisco Giants
196. 400 Steve Garvey -- Los Angeles Dodgers
197. 402 Tommy Helms -- Oakland Athletics
198. 403 Tom Grieve -- Texas Rangers 
199. 405 Claudell Washington -- Oakland Athletics
200. 406 Tim Johnson -- Milwaukee Brewers
201. 407 Dave Freisleben -- San Diego Padres
202. 408 Cesar Tovar -- New York Yankees
203. 409 Pete Broberg -- Seattle Mariners
204. 410 Willie Montanez -- Atlanta Braves 
205. 411 Morgan/Bench -- World Series
206. 412 Johnny Bench -- World Series
207. 413 W.S. Summary -- World Series
208. 414 Tommy Harper -- Baltimore Orioles
209. 415 Jay Johnstone -- Philadelphia Phillies
210. 416 Chuck Hartenstein -- Toronto Blue Jays
211. 417 Wayne Garrett -- Montreal Expos 
212. 420 Rusty Staub -- Detroit Tigers 
213. 421 Doug Rau -- Los Angeles Dodgers
214. 423 Gary Lavelle -- San Francisco Giants
215. 424 Steve Brye -- Minnesota Twins
216. 425 Joe Torre -- New York Mets 
217. 426 Dick Drago -- California Angels
218. 427 Dave Rader -- St. Louis Cardinals
219. 428 Frank Lucchesi -- Texas Rangers 
220. 430 Fergie Jenkins -- Boston Red Sox 
221. 431 Dave Collins -- Seattle Mariners
222. 433 Nate Colbert -- Turn Back the Clock
223. 434 Carl Yastrzemski -- Turn Back the Clock 
224. 435 Maury Wills -- Turn Back the Clock 
225. 437 Ralph Kiner -- Turn Back the Clock 
226. 439 Gorman Thomas -- Milwaukee Brewers
227. 440 Jon Matlack -- New York Mets 
228. 441 Larvell Blanks -- Cleveland Indians
229. 442 Dave Bristol -- Atlanta Braves 
230. 443 Lamar Johnson -- Chicago White Sox
231. 449 Al Fitzmorris -- Cleveland Indians
232. 450 Pete Rose -- Cincinnati Reds
233. 451 Checklist 397-528 
234. 452 Mike Caldwell -- St. Louis Cardinals
235. 453 Pedro Garcia -- Detroit Tigers 
236. 460 Willie Stargell -- Pittsburgh Pirates
237. 461 Dick Tidrow -- New York Yankees
238. 462 Don Baylor -- California Angels
239. 466 Fred Holdsworth -- Baltimore Orioles
240. 467 Phillies Team -- Philadelphia Phillies
241. 470 Ted Simmons -- St. Louis Cardinals
242. 472 Ase/MClr/Ptrsn/Whrms -- Rookie Pitchers
243. 474 Blr/Grcia/Rynld/Tvrs -- Rookie Shortstops
244. 475 Btn/Cmp/McGrgr/Srmnt -- Rookie Pitchers
245. 479 Aslstn/Grs/Mjas/Wood -- Rookie Outfielders
246. 480 Carl Yastrzemski -- Boston Red Sox 
247. 483 Richie Zisk -- Pittsburgh Pirates
248. 485 Roy White -- New York Yankees
249. 487 Andsn/Gln/Hndsn/Trky -- Rookie Pitchers
250. 488 Clrk/Jone/Mzili/Thms -- Rookie Outfielders
251. 490 Almn/Klts/McMln/Wgnr -- Rookie Shortstops
252. 491 Dennis Martinez -- Rookie Pitchers
253. 498 Sal Bando -- Milwaukee Brewers
254. 499 Pablo Torrealba -- Atlanta Braves 
255. 502 Randy Hundley -- Chicago Cubs 
256. 504 Tom Lasorda -- Los Angeles Dodgers
257. 511 Bill Fahey -- Texas Rangers 
258. 513 Jerry Terrell -- Minnesota Twins
259. 516 Bake McBride -- St. Louis Cardinals
260. 517 Pete Vuckovich -- Toronto Blue Jays
261. 519 Don Kirkwood -- California Angels
262. 523 Rollie Fingers -- San Diego Padres
263. 524 Rowland Office -- Atlanta Braves 
264. 528 Bill Castro -- Milwaukee Brewers
265. 530 Rick Reuschel -- Chicago Cubs 
266. 533 Mickey Stanley -- Detroit Tigers 
267. 535 Cesar Geronimo -- Cincinnati Reds
268. 536 Vic Albury -- Minnesota Twins
269. 540 Bob Watson -- Houston Astros 
270. 542 Frank Duffy -- Cleveland Indians
271. 544 Gary Ross -- California Angels
272. 545 Bob Boone -- Philadelphia Phillies
273. 547 Willie McCovey -- San Francisco Giants
274. 549 Jerry Royster -- Atlanta Braves 
275. 552 Pepe Mangual -- New York Mets 
276. 554 Bruce Kimm -- Detroit Tigers 
277. 560 Dave Concepcion -- Cincinnati Reds
278. 562 Checklist 529-660 
279. 564 Alan Ashby -- Toronto Blue Jays
280. 565 Mickey Lolich -- New York Mets 
281. 573 Joe Ferguson -- St. Louis Cardinals
282. 575 Dick Ruthven -- Atlanta Braves 
283. 576 Fred Kendall -- San Diego Padres
284. 577 Jerry Augustine -- Milwaukee Brewers
285. 579 Don Carrithers -- Montreal Expos 
286. 586 Steve Renko -- Chicago Cubs 
287. 588 Dave Moates -- Texas Rangers 
288. 591 Chris Arnold -- San Francisco Giants
289. 592 Dan Briggs -- California Angels
290. 593 Dennis Blair -- Montreal Expos 
291. 594 Biff Pocoroba -- Atlanta Braves 
292. 597 Mariners Coaches -- Seattle Mariners
293. 598 Sparky Lyle -- New York Yankees
294. 600 Jim Palmer -- Baltimore Orioles
295. 601 Mike Lum -- Cincinnati Reds
296. 607 Larry Demery -- Pittsburgh Pirates
297. 608 Roy Howell -- Texas Rangers 
298. 609 Jim Barr -- San Francisco Giants
299. 610 Jose Cardenal -- Chicago Cubs 
300. 615 Phil Niekro -- Atlanta Braves 
301. 617 Bobby Darwin -- Boston Red Sox 
302. 620 Don Sutton -- Los Angeles Dodgers
303. 621 Ralph Houk -- Detroit Tigers 
304. 622 Jim Wohlford -- Kansas City Royals
305. 625 Ken Holtzman -- New York Yankees
306. 627 Bob Myrick -- New York Mets 
307. 628 Mario Guerrero -- California Angels
308. 630 Bert Blyleven -- Texas Rangers 
309. 631 Brett Brothers -- Big League Brothers
310. 637 Alex Johnson -- Detroit Tigers 
311. 640 Carlton Fisk -- Boston Red Sox 
312. 641 Dan Larson -- Houston Astros 
313. 642 Willie Crawford -- San Francisco Giants
314. 643 Mike Pazik -- Minnesota Twins
315. 645 Jerry Reuss -- Pittsburgh Pirates
316. 649 Dave Cash -- Montreal Expos 
317. 650 Nolan Ryan -- California Angels
318. 651 Von Joshua -- Milwaukee Brewers
319. 653 Diego Segui -- Seattle Mariners
320. 655 Tony Perez -- Cincinnati Reds
321. 657 Mick Kelleher -- Chicago Cubs 
322. 658 Marty Pattin -- Kansas City Royals
323. 660 Willie Horton -- Detroit Tigers