tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85505232353388693232024-02-20T12:34:20.511-05:00Long Fly Ball To Because.......LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-38663907575171571342018-09-01T13:17:00.001-04:002018-09-01T13:38:59.987-04:00Until we meet again.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-73219395186090545762013-04-02T19:45:00.003-04:002013-04-02T19:45:52.659-04:00AND SO IT BEGINS………<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Tonight, in front of what is sure to be a loud, raucous and
joyfully expectant crowd, the Toronto Blue Jays officially begin their quest to
fulfill the expectations that have been heaped on them since pitchers and
catchers reported to Florida back in February. Tonight, a guaranteed sell-out
crowd will welcome with open arms the team that has ignited a buzz not felt north
of the border since the spring of 1993. All the preparation, all the
speculation and all the expectation comes to a head in a mere few hours.
Tonight, “it” begins.</div>
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In a trade that many compared to the ground-breaking reformation
of the Toronto Blue Jays back in December of 1990, when a young kid named
Alomar and a guy who had worn out his welcome in San Diego named Carter were
brought in, the face of a franchise was altered again back in November. A 12-player
deal that seemingly came out of nowhere catching everyone off-guard (including
the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig) turned what was
considered another bridesmaid in the American League East Division into a
serious, odds-on early World Series favourite.</div>
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At the heartbreaking core of the deal, if you were to ask Florida
Marlin fans, was the 29 year-old, 4 time All-Star and clear-cut anchor up the
middle at shortstop, Jose Reyes.</div>
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The immediate addition to the offensive speed of the Blue
Jays is what should be the biggest upside to Reyes. Being a fan of watching
teams win games on the base-paths I look forward to the season-long excitement
of a team that knows how and when to run.</div>
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While Reyes was the spotlight of the deal, there were a
couple other guys who came along for the ride that had a significant impact on
their chosen positions within the ranks of the Blue Jays. In 2012 the Blue Jays
starting pitching staff was a work in progress and looked like it would be a
few years before anyone needed to consider them even slightly threatening. If
nothing else, the stability brought to the 2013 starting line-up would make any
Jays fan breathe a little easier.</div>
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Josh Johnson has played his entire career for the Florida
Marlins, he has attended a couple All-Star games and has gone about his
business rather unassumingly, with a K to BB ratio that would make any manager
happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38wUzCT2KHXTbeUqw-S4JAdAcvAX7-_we8VqVTLvMi_xBvGyAUuaTAjySjCmPjC-v2RyYH2H7jvUc7mqb7Ppg_KbubxJwq2r25VQGvQm5UkBWk_zIEwni8nJt5IDAqC9x4_Pv1rYm3Lo/s1600/JaysHerJJo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38wUzCT2KHXTbeUqw-S4JAdAcvAX7-_we8VqVTLvMi_xBvGyAUuaTAjySjCmPjC-v2RyYH2H7jvUc7mqb7Ppg_KbubxJwq2r25VQGvQm5UkBWk_zIEwni8nJt5IDAqC9x4_Pv1rYm3Lo/s320/JaysHerJJo.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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When you look at your number 3 or 4 starter you want someone
you can count on to deliver consistency and reign in the walks. Johnson has
delivered that in the past and should continue to do so.</div>
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The other arm that Toronto acquired was a player I have
admired for quite some time, mostly what I have admired about Mark Buehrle was
his ability to eat up innings as a starter. Which, when it comes to pitching in
Toronto, is not such a bad trait to have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT_flQLSpzyC5nVvBuP93rh9cYwgPUzQBmdrto9-aGL7A4_ue6q7EYRoabi1r83mVBd0seeaX5qwLJENvxD-f1dw5zEoCA3F-7IYN2fIn7GWnhAMDcOOcWqZsI9LBbzDcMOqj0iMLzXM/s1600/JaysHerMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT_flQLSpzyC5nVvBuP93rh9cYwgPUzQBmdrto9-aGL7A4_ue6q7EYRoabi1r83mVBd0seeaX5qwLJENvxD-f1dw5zEoCA3F-7IYN2fIn7GWnhAMDcOOcWqZsI9LBbzDcMOqj0iMLzXM/s320/JaysHerMB.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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A 4-time All-Star and 4-time Golden Glove winner, who still
has a few years left to give, brings 13 years of experience and a veteran
leadership quality to a pitching staff that was clearly in way over its head
last year.</div>
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For most teams, such a blockbuster deal would have been
enough to bring optimism and chatter of contention to their fan base. However,
when it comes to Alex Anthopoulos there never seems to be a point where there
is “enough”. Roughly 1 month later the Toronto Blue Jays made headlines again
when they announced the acquisition of a reigning Cy Young champion. A player
whose career had been one of the best feel-good stories of 2012. A player whose
chosen pitch is guaranteed to make him and the Toronto Blue Jays a much talked
about entity in 2013.</div>
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On December 18<sup>th</sup>, the Toronto Blue Jays broke
more hearts (this time Mets fans) when they traded for knuckleballer R.A.Dickey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbeGkfanJjpsVmCLmo4ymqO-jxeorOpVvG14U9_cJpnrNoW17APp8QkFlsDxPSRZMrOdnqxVksx5yezpF7O3130AZmFfyl2DnTTEH_hI4wVVrBEwqjl9wLGT39-eKvKyTbDNuXj-IA4E/s1600/JaysHerRAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbeGkfanJjpsVmCLmo4ymqO-jxeorOpVvG14U9_cJpnrNoW17APp8QkFlsDxPSRZMrOdnqxVksx5yezpF7O3130AZmFfyl2DnTTEH_hI4wVVrBEwqjl9wLGT39-eKvKyTbDNuXj-IA4E/s320/JaysHerRAD.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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When it comes to pitchers who throw the knuckleball it is
definitely a career lengthening pitch. However, as the story goes, it is a
pitch that can leave you as quickly as it found you. According to those more
well versed in speculation than I, R.A. Dickey has a different ability with the
knuckleball than most, which will make being a fan of the Blue Jays an
enjoyable watch for 2013.</div>
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With all the good that has transpired this spring for the
Toronto Blue Jays this post would not be complete without a mention of one of
the more upsetting stories, personally. In the second half of 2012, everyone
witnessed the complete and utter breakdown of Ricky Romero, my favourite Blue
Jay by far. After starting the season 9-1 and looking like 2012 would be
another step towards true pitching Ace status, EVERYTHING went wrong. Ricky
finished the season 0-13. Speculation that he should have been shut down, that
he could not handle the weight of being the “staff ace” and that he simply “lost
his stuff” continued throughout the off-season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarLlfmVcW9Kce4r606n83Adwv2yI5lr6skOgotxxQbG-42mxDDGlvNqyDqoBEcchUtQb2CmKiEc1JKtrRPhSgWcpCvMWT_kSeRrfMCcDNci8D7yI4cCP4fCP1OMpvvZxs5ucAKh5O00Q/s1600/JaysHerRRo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarLlfmVcW9Kce4r606n83Adwv2yI5lr6skOgotxxQbG-42mxDDGlvNqyDqoBEcchUtQb2CmKiEc1JKtrRPhSgWcpCvMWT_kSeRrfMCcDNci8D7yI4cCP4fCP1OMpvvZxs5ucAKh5O00Q/s320/JaysHerRRo.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Rightly so, Ricky Romero failed to make the trek north with
the 2013 version of a team that inspired hope and speculation among fans.
Rightly so, Ricky Romero will be tasked with altering his mechanics and finding
the pitcher that he was from 2009 through the first half of 2012. I’m convinced
enough of this that I drafted Ricky Romero to my Fantasy Baseball roster. I’m
confident he will come back physically, mentally and emotionally stronger than
ever. I’m also confident he will come back to a team that will be contenders
all year long for the American League Championship.</div>
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Either way, this is has been a great spring to be a Toronto
Blue Jays fan, and this will be an even better season to be one as well.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-86258167624778591302013-03-29T12:13:00.002-04:002013-03-29T12:13:11.828-04:00402 Days<br />
402 days.<br />
<br />
I am appalled.<br />
<br />
402 days.<br />
<br />
Sickening.<br />
<br />
402 days since I have posted anything remotely interesting or worthwhile to this blog.<br />
<br />
Embarrassing.<br />
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Suffice it to say that today I pledge to resurrect this forum of expression and share with you, valued visitor, my thoughts on this great world we call the card collecting hobby.<br />
<br />
Where have I been? What have I been doing? What is next for LFB2B?<br />
<br />
All these questions will be answered in the coming days and months.<br />
<br />
Until then, I will leave you with an image of a card that was graciously acquired for me by Russ Cohen (aka @sportsology on Twitter) at the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore.<br />
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For me, the inscription on this card will serve as a reminder and inspiration to never again let it come to 402 days.<br />
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Cheers, LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-44862768890870112772012-02-21T22:13:00.000-05:002012-02-21T22:13:29.282-05:00Mail Day (aka Forgotten Spoils of The NPN)Today @UpperDeckSports surprised me by hiding out in my mailbox. I came home from work to find a brown padded envelope. The stamped return address on the envelope threw me off for a second because I have zero outstanding redemptions right now. However, once I tore into the package I pulled out this congratulatory letter;<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWegdz494ssUrZYCx2makKpgCpfRRBl1mWyiMZrXILjym5gkv1L1-d4inblwdRvx6T6jI4DXS9M9ccsyMCdI3HszFiVr_D2rkq2bdB-5q_XSSzsrBrSL62D9fO4trZ6s8pWf8qtCaNskU/s1600/NPNLetter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWegdz494ssUrZYCx2makKpgCpfRRBl1mWyiMZrXILjym5gkv1L1-d4inblwdRvx6T6jI4DXS9M9ccsyMCdI3HszFiVr_D2rkq2bdB-5q_XSSzsrBrSL62D9fO4trZ6s8pWf8qtCaNskU/s400/NPNLetter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711787809691994994" border="0" /></a><br />Now, admittedly I rarely take advantage of most "no purchase necessary" offers when it comes to contests. I tend to find them too much of a hassle. I seem to recall being spurred on to try an NPN entry into a card company's release by reading another blogger's success story. As usual I threw in an entry and never gave it another thought until today.<br /><br />Quite frankly, I had completely forgotten I had done it. In all fairness it WAS in 2010.<br /><br />After reading the above letter I was a bit excited to see what card I had lucked into.<br /><br />Autograph cards have become a bit more of an interest to me lately, much more so than relic cards. Every time I hit a show I thumb through the $1.00 boxes looking for interesting signatures or unique cards featuring unique subjects and their signatures. This card fits perfectly into that role.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiFTmYFkYpAhvgX-uZ6jDR1g0UaX2JGU1NC5LGwF6cTVywb8PwnoAruSOvfTczzUZj6Qqptgzn34qdHH-5psZHas3iWB0cYV7oDaJt1Z5pS6cTCGfi5KfiTGQzHSaz2K0Uu7bN4tzOtw/s1600/SCohenWOSauto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiFTmYFkYpAhvgX-uZ6jDR1g0UaX2JGU1NC5LGwF6cTVywb8PwnoAruSOvfTczzUZj6Qqptgzn34qdHH-5psZHas3iWB0cYV7oDaJt1Z5pS6cTCGfi5KfiTGQzHSaz2K0Uu7bN4tzOtw/s320/SCohenWOSauto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711789962557627842" border="0" /></a><br />I believe this is actually the second autograph I have of a figure skater. I never bought any of the 'World of Sports' release but the uniqueness of the autograph subjects in the product definitely sets it apart. The signature on this card is clean and legible and the little heart gives it a nice personal touch.<br /><br />2012 'World of Sports' releases soon and I doubt it will get any of my hard earned dollars. However, I will definitely look over the autograph list and see what is available.<br /><br />UD also included a base card of Dustin Coleman in my prize package.<br /><br />I guess the lesson here is that for the actual amount of time an NPN entry takes it may not be such a bad thing when it pays off. Thanks again to Upper Deck for the cards and rest assured I will do just as the letter suggests, I will continue to check out your NPN's.<br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-56718327593449540892012-02-20T23:23:00.000-05:002012-02-20T23:23:01.013-05:00Family Day/Presidents Day Goes Well With PIE!!!Here we are chasing down the remaining days of February and I have yet to post anything. Suffice it to say I have been busy but that hardly excuses me from negligence. In the coming days I do hope to have a few product review box breaks as I have been told they are on their way. I also plan on beginning to chronicle my collecting adventure for 2012.<br /><br />More on that at a later date.<br /><br />What brings us all here today is another installment of my quest to complete my patchwork collection of Topps 'American Pie'. When we last left I had received a generous helping from <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cardboardconnectionradio">Cardboard Connection Radio</a> listener, Lou. What I did not share with you was the stack of 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' cards that Lou sent that put a big dent in <a href="http://longflyball.blogspot.com/2011/12/american-pie-needs-can-you-help.html">my AP Wantlist</a>. I got wayyyy too excited about "Shiny Zappa" and all focus was lost.<br /><br />The 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' set is a 50-card set featuring an impressive checklist of Hollywood's greatest celebrities who are also featured in the base set. There is also a manufactured patch version of this set which has the star replaced with a stitched version of the star stuck into a cutout recess in the card. The manufactured cards are numbered out of 50. For ease of completion I simply chose to go with the regular cards.<br /><br />One of the nicest features on the back of the cards, besides the write-ups on the individuals, is that the date of the dedication ceremony and the address location in Hollywood of the star itself are printed as part of the "stats" under the name of the card subject. Nothing like making a trading card purposeful.<br /><br />The design of the front of the card is simple and effective. The star, as it appears on the 'Walk of Fame' is featured on the right half while a photo of the card subject takes of the left. My only issue with the card set is the lack of consistency in the photos. The use of black and white pictures makes the cards look much better than the photos featuring colour. I wish Topps had made every photo black and white. Other than that, 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' is a set that looks great paged in a binder.<br /><br />10 more cards were knocked off my HWoF wantlist thanks to Lou. I scanned them as two separate groups to attempt to show you what I mean by the B&W v. Colour photo use. As far as I am concerned every single one of these guys is light-years beyond in the "coolness" department than any celebrity walking the face of the earth today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk5ymd7XmSq32BAQRShmrV_X4zpxNjbIStem3ZSS6mFVRHBeaxT6YnsByWm7L_WoeaEECTlckN1t9dPRrns0c8r4USuUcH6BhrzK9qLJFoZRI_eyRMseqb7iCtLXlr9fyP7DolvDX1Qw/s1600/WOFgrp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk5ymd7XmSq32BAQRShmrV_X4zpxNjbIStem3ZSS6mFVRHBeaxT6YnsByWm7L_WoeaEECTlckN1t9dPRrns0c8r4USuUcH6BhrzK9qLJFoZRI_eyRMseqb7iCtLXlr9fyP7DolvDX1Qw/s400/WOFgrp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711315513872791202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">HWF-7 Dean Martin, HWF-18 Jimi Hendrix, HWF-21 John Wayne<br />HWF-30 Walt Disney, HWF-33 Orson Welles, HWF-39 Clark Gable</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Now, compare those with the colour photo used on the following four. I get that colour makes the picture more life-like but the classic black-and-white makes the cards look more "Hollywood" somehow. Maybe, I'm just weird.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkbFIXPJVEU-driA0Bfxoz5iZ5IxQzIEhKgVdEIcHw6OuNDvUQeZ-xyK97AT2WjBSKVqDodzI52LlVNwmdFjchm_N-KZxIHp3P5O2e6Ars6MIKnKL6w35_pFviGQKYmxQIsPxZDkGq6c/s1600/WOFgrpC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkbFIXPJVEU-driA0Bfxoz5iZ5IxQzIEhKgVdEIcHw6OuNDvUQeZ-xyK97AT2WjBSKVqDodzI52LlVNwmdFjchm_N-KZxIHp3P5O2e6Ars6MIKnKL6w35_pFviGQKYmxQIsPxZDkGq6c/s400/WOFgrpC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711321268935534674" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">HWF-4 Cary Grant, HWF-5 Christopher Reeve, HEF-9 Elizabeth Taylor, HWF-13 Gene Roddenberry</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Minor issues aside this set fit perfectly with the whole "pop culture" aspect of 'American Pie' and it looks great paged into a binder. Thanks to Lou my AP binder looks alot less empty now.<br /><br />Another donation of Pie came to me via the command center in Fairfax, Virginia otherwise known as the domain of the curator of <a href="http://blog.stalegum.com/">'Stale Gum'</a>, Chris Harris. Any time you get a package from Chris you have to open it with care as the potential to be "bipped" always exists. Thankfully, this Canadian was spared. However, what was inside really made my day.<br /><br />I'm winding down in the number of base cards I need and besides the Frank Zappa/MTV card there is only one other card from this set that I truly MUST have, and wouldn't you know it Chris sent it my way....<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GABBA GABBA WE ACCEPT YOU, WE ACCEPT YOU, ONE OF US!!</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP5OWuzvCkjp5ODdufbTm5pqea3QBIvtC02rbSUFIV-7zBFb46e3530gd9rJp5HpZei6wHiUZSVb68SnzpdL8XeN9HGtsDljxbotYe5u5ShFhWEUpSAAtn_AoVfZee9jkKxZrGXMr-gI/s1600/ramones.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP5OWuzvCkjp5ODdufbTm5pqea3QBIvtC02rbSUFIV-7zBFb46e3530gd9rJp5HpZei6wHiUZSVb68SnzpdL8XeN9HGtsDljxbotYe5u5ShFhWEUpSAAtn_AoVfZee9jkKxZrGXMr-gI/s320/ramones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711330651030740274" border="0" /></a><br />Perhaps someday we might even see a Topps product that incorporates a Joey Ramone cut signature into it. If that were to happen it would cause a serious dent in my bank account, just saying.<br /><br />One of my other enjoyments in the sporting world is horse racing. I grew up with my father enjoying horse racing and it is one of the enjoyments he has passed along to me. When I saw that Secretariate had a card in American Pie I new it was going to be part of my patchwork set. This is a beautiful card of a beautiful and amazing horse.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddSuiRbhWYvPkZC6AvyuL6OLWgFF1gX1J6dIIrnbP_SAINJNK_zkrR-7Y9Ii4hqgdAGJWqjmtF_tpz02R0FTjqX59IZoHaQ-X0Dz8HGHson0UXdua8z1Qy7oRV89f6nqmksoqYNFDukw/s1600/Secretariat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddSuiRbhWYvPkZC6AvyuL6OLWgFF1gX1J6dIIrnbP_SAINJNK_zkrR-7Y9Ii4hqgdAGJWqjmtF_tpz02R0FTjqX59IZoHaQ-X0Dz8HGHson0UXdua8z1Qy7oRV89f6nqmksoqYNFDukw/s320/Secretariat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711415895470653234" border="0" /></a><br />In an effort to make my completion of my 'American Pie' collection a bit of a challenge I have decided to tray and collect both parallels of each of the base cards I am seeking. Chris was kind enough to send along a handful of shiny goodness to help the cause.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iC3fkHrXedu9weq4Q-m6sXSny8l9CMyulMaNtJltAAGgGUCHW9g-9yC6whtlwXysFN6cLVvaoOvINKyk2-e5EepQt5hXpDcBP1svygOJ-6ZjXdoAwwQlsMaHutptSxMuTCBxP4vzC6I/s1600/APPara0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iC3fkHrXedu9weq4Q-m6sXSny8l9CMyulMaNtJltAAGgGUCHW9g-9yC6whtlwXysFN6cLVvaoOvINKyk2-e5EepQt5hXpDcBP1svygOJ-6ZjXdoAwwQlsMaHutptSxMuTCBxP4vzC6I/s400/APPara0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711425970829652530" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dr.Seuss, Jack Kerouac and Pong</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FWRwevA_y9ezxfVAwYZwuawjJ9Ys1eYVIE6zYmRBW53SYeNGw14cZyabTYS8Oscbzv2-z9c-kdOsSBfKnb-HrQOYhr8lna4QU7uCVk4im83QxWKprgBB-tFZYRYuq42NzM4zbBAVjOo/s1600/APPara0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FWRwevA_y9ezxfVAwYZwuawjJ9Ys1eYVIE6zYmRBW53SYeNGw14cZyabTYS8Oscbzv2-z9c-kdOsSBfKnb-HrQOYhr8lna4QU7uCVk4im83QxWKprgBB-tFZYRYuq42NzM4zbBAVjOo/s400/APPara0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711429314144437314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Miracle on Ice, Mr. Rogers and Genomes</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Perhaps the most challenging part of this collection will be the "spotlight" parallels which are serial numbered to a relatively meager 76 copies. The first one in my collection accompanied its shiny partner in this package. Card #99 features the godfather of 'The Godfather', Mario Puzo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBdgJZWQnNQfdDcPE9ONtbBSLqn3zT36yrJDA5rmWbPo4pmEWu18C5nkgEuVPlJXBCmzCCjrGgwjELKMr_D_sVwweyG-US3aj_GHAY30fhCakksqMhGtbG1WeuVl3iS2iuFMTp2PzmXc/s1600/MPuzo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBdgJZWQnNQfdDcPE9ONtbBSLqn3zT36yrJDA5rmWbPo4pmEWu18C5nkgEuVPlJXBCmzCCjrGgwjELKMr_D_sVwweyG-US3aj_GHAY30fhCakksqMhGtbG1WeuVl3iS2iuFMTp2PzmXc/s320/MPuzo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711431990102085250" border="0" /></a><br />Chris also saw fit to knock another card off of my 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' wantlist as well. As the host of one of the greatest television shows of all time his place in pop culture was set. To go on and host an even more interesting yet less popular show in the 60's, Rod Serling was a part of my growing up and will always define "hip", for me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFX4E-i9Nb_UvruUSTprmt4u3HcocsGrorPAbGGFCBm2onlAKX-mQV0QaPHRLpBRhPITOGNrpyixAHYgZGAk4vPe6-Pc0RW1wj7gRdIR57_kUBxFdUSYnAcv8LfgDWMDQZdhGzgbHGXk/s1600/RSerlingHWoF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFX4E-i9Nb_UvruUSTprmt4u3HcocsGrorPAbGGFCBm2onlAKX-mQV0QaPHRLpBRhPITOGNrpyixAHYgZGAk4vPe6-Pc0RW1wj7gRdIR57_kUBxFdUSYnAcv8LfgDWMDQZdhGzgbHGXk/s320/RSerlingHWoF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711434184981028306" border="0" /></a><br />'Night Gallery' was one of the first shows that I "discovered" as a young television watcher and I can remember sneaking into the basement to watch episodes on an old black and white television we liberated from my grandmother.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9pToHSFdwk" allowfullscreen="" width="420" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br />In a rather short period the generosity of fellow collectors has helped me eliminate a majority of my Topps 'American Pie' wantlist. If you have any of the cards listed in my original post that I still need, and you have no use for them, please send them north and I will gladly change them into something you want.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to check out yet another post devoted to PIE and stay tuned for several box breaks coming soon to the blog.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-45816290750726972652012-01-31T22:09:00.000-05:002012-01-31T22:09:48.948-05:00Mail Day (aka MOAR PYE!!!!)Now, I realize that the entire collecting collective is collectively collecting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Topps</span> Series 1 flagship baseball, At this very moment the world is looking for Albert as an Angel and some rodent.<br /><br />I am here to sober you all up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMOqvGuhV_feaucLbRtqKhoH89z8BT9_8qMrsEcvvxD6bvNcCdxi6Z94obiL25p8xSMisX97EVFkCuES3lGG3cchkbVk9w_NCHbM7rTF8r5N86ig7K_8DKs8sTIGGkzQGZTMYXKmiOhQ/s1600/pixiegeldofdrunk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMOqvGuhV_feaucLbRtqKhoH89z8BT9_8qMrsEcvvxD6bvNcCdxi6Z94obiL25p8xSMisX97EVFkCuES3lGG3cchkbVk9w_NCHbM7rTF8r5N86ig7K_8DKs8sTIGGkzQGZTMYXKmiOhQ/s320/pixiegeldofdrunk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703997346605726018" border="0" /></a><br />I am here to slap you in the face and wake you the hell up!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy9gpjbHrR8z41Xwhyphenhyphenf6chv0vQz9iAu-aD4YvtuynQ33FID4dAT-aDYkfR9oUlVF3K14bqHtFBpDUOTGt1hKihYnaMZab0Ca4Km9lyBOZCiMOBtUqoaUy_n60brHJKW9XZhdEHKODNUg/s1600/smack_in_face_slap_computer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy9gpjbHrR8z41Xwhyphenhyphenf6chv0vQz9iAu-aD4YvtuynQ33FID4dAT-aDYkfR9oUlVF3K14bqHtFBpDUOTGt1hKihYnaMZab0Ca4Km9lyBOZCiMOBtUqoaUy_n60brHJKW9XZhdEHKODNUg/s200/smack_in_face_slap_computer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703997785153165570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">HEY!!!!!!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloQQhCaW1q62Hbev4PbIDv95hOXYpysOejJL2diB7NHyBz3pJ_xbdIDRnLs9_sbp0SeljZLvLlctlvsPrF5HlBIA6zCeX05ik8C6MUW6kg7Z6Lwy-mU5LflWXRZ6i2kp-ZvhLlOJU9q4/s1600/yelling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloQQhCaW1q62Hbev4PbIDv95hOXYpysOejJL2diB7NHyBz3pJ_xbdIDRnLs9_sbp0SeljZLvLlctlvsPrF5HlBIA6zCeX05ik8C6MUW6kg7Z6Lwy-mU5LflWXRZ6i2kp-ZvhLlOJU9q4/s400/yelling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703998089327786978" border="0" /></a><br />Let us not forget that not too long ago the darling of the hobby world was a little release known as......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k9owT-RMqpwb6osfFvN3XhHxLbodEvJY0L6OCXmn6tgSIfzzRuWPaxIvywLBvHhJXH2YE08yQ_E02mLE1aoUhbwJCXoE4GOG6-9ck5h_lRIn-XtSjQ2EKV1WvaLjUoZOfwEQ-8HyIDo/s1600/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k9owT-RMqpwb6osfFvN3XhHxLbodEvJY0L6OCXmn6tgSIfzzRuWPaxIvywLBvHhJXH2YE08yQ_E02mLE1aoUhbwJCXoE4GOG6-9ck5h_lRIn-XtSjQ2EKV1WvaLjUoZOfwEQ-8HyIDo/s400/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703990316057930130" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah!! Remember her?!?!<br /><br />Remember how we were all hanging out together and saying how cool she was?!?<br /><br />Remember!!??!!<br /><br />Well, I do!! And you know what? She's STILL cool!! She's STILL awesome!!! She's STILL my friend!!<br /><br />Thanks to Lou who is a regular listener to Wednesday Night Card Talk show that I am a part of on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cardboardconnectionradio">Cardboard Connection Radio</a>, I am now the proud owner of the one card I knew I had to have when I first saw it. The one card that has been on my mind since I ripped my first of 4 blasters of this stuff. Now, as I said, thanks to Lou I can proudly proclaim.......<br /><br /><br />........AHEM.........<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HAZ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DEH</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SHYNEE</span> ZAPPA <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CAHD</span>!!!!!!! </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJno0Eln9pgW4TdbksRyOk7R_3gIZ-MXcX7xMlVIPflm1c2WdYFklzA1_LbWVFD6KGKsohI9a8aavnRljDDbGMVpvYjhRvOItteJneBiGDKkn_UcsBQFtx4MqrsJgMYjoYYrM29nc-ChY/s1600/FZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJno0Eln9pgW4TdbksRyOk7R_3gIZ-MXcX7xMlVIPflm1c2WdYFklzA1_LbWVFD6KGKsohI9a8aavnRljDDbGMVpvYjhRvOItteJneBiGDKkn_UcsBQFtx4MqrsJgMYjoYYrM29nc-ChY/s400/FZ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703992840073115058" border="0" /></a><br />Very rarely have I ever acquired a parallel version of a card before I have acquired the base version. Thanks Lou, you have no idea how much this card means to me.<br /><br />After some research I have found the source of this photo. It is from the live MTV simulcast of the Frank Zappa Halloween Concert at the Palladium in 1981. Nina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Blackwood</span> (pictured on the card) and Sam Copper hosted. Even better a search of YouTube turned up the concert (was there any doubt??) and Frank being Frank.<br /><br />Enjoy!!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2KayGfQf2pI" allowfullscreen="" width="420" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Lou also sent me a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bucketload</span> of 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' cards that fit perfectly into the empty spaces of my 'American Pie' binder pages.<br /><br />Thanks Lou!!<br /><br />I am glad you shared this opportunity with me to revisit a sorely and rather abruptly neglected beauty in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Topps</span> 'American Pie'. If you have a chance please check out <a href="http://longflyball.blogspot.com/2011/12/american-pie-needs-can-you-help.html">my original AP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wantlist</span> post</a> and see if there is anything you are not using that perhaps I might be able to. I can also do the same with my spares.<br /><br />See??<br /><br />This trading stuff works!!<br /><br />Of course, like all of you I am now off to tear into some 2012 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Topps</span> Series 1 baseball that miraculously made it to Canada on "opening day".<br /><br />Happy squirrel hunting!!<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br /></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-77339711520331117162012-01-21T19:03:00.000-05:002012-01-21T19:03:14.371-05:00The Joy Of The Completed Page - Ginter StyleAs part of the lot I received recently from 'Check Out My Cards' there was one card whose purpose served that which all collectors strive towards and also allowed me to move on to other pursuits. Nothing feeds the completest in me more than having a binder page without a blank space between the cards. Also, there is no better feeling than putting a set to bed and marking it complete on your checklist.<br /><br />This card......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcbTB4a9VJbBAbP7HmkMrNGWrvemPE1sm9ZMcHJT06apWA1OfLagba9rVQl62LZB8drFK4r0BU7OFl_Z03ZoxNCRBG5B2UMGIBJHtd5ar00wSkKyOMgFunDz9sBiqjeVttnF8TB2zn7I/s1600/virgil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcbTB4a9VJbBAbP7HmkMrNGWrvemPE1sm9ZMcHJT06apWA1OfLagba9rVQl62LZB8drFK4r0BU7OFl_Z03ZoxNCRBG5B2UMGIBJHtd5ar00wSkKyOMgFunDz9sBiqjeVttnF8TB2zn7I/s200/virgil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700235036424052066" border="0" /></a><br />completed both tasks.<br /><br />The 2010 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Topps</span> Allen & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ginter</span> 'World's Wordsmiths' insert set is a 15-card set highlighting the most influential and famous writers throughout history. From Homer to Victor Hugo collectors are exposed to some definite literary heavyweights. My favorite card from this set features one of my favorite authors whose museum will be a definite agenda item during my visit to the 2012 National in Baltimore this summer.<br /><br />Any time you can combine culture and cards I am in favor of it. Hopefully, in some subsequent release of A&G <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Topps</span> will see fit to honor some of the greatest Science Fiction writers in a similar set.<br /><br />Until then, enjoy the 'World's Wordsmiths' set in all its completed page glory.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS5g14907NFgUvIv9TIEQsL9zjkEHQIZdGVueBT0z3sdmCLiQNNQC3DZKhBbI6GqjgZ_i3Lga7TvdzILG5QXSnBoMDOQurTs4R4lY4grqvPm1pwdIBq-Mga8eaF4aUMU3ZrHI0hUul3E/s1600/WWordsmithspage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS5g14907NFgUvIv9TIEQsL9zjkEHQIZdGVueBT0z3sdmCLiQNNQC3DZKhBbI6GqjgZ_i3Lga7TvdzILG5QXSnBoMDOQurTs4R4lY4grqvPm1pwdIBq-Mga8eaF4aUMU3ZrHI0hUul3E/s400/WWordsmithspage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700239623743536386" border="0" /></a><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-73455311920714364412012-01-19T22:18:00.000-05:002012-01-19T22:18:18.357-05:00Another Helping of Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEj1VysEJTIDiINCEbl_hNZNWtDpkbEccnaNV4IanhN77a6OxzTFFBOJFApojTJu0JWa3INr-PZDKC7ZZYvUg2RB6H9BcPw8y1pyx6a05z7k23cx0YzDJJi2UkvcxZBgBzkhLn80l-zM/s1600/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEj1VysEJTIDiINCEbl_hNZNWtDpkbEccnaNV4IanhN77a6OxzTFFBOJFApojTJu0JWa3INr-PZDKC7ZZYvUg2RB6H9BcPw8y1pyx6a05z7k23cx0YzDJJi2UkvcxZBgBzkhLn80l-zM/s200/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699547602557337442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />When I first posted my wantlist for Topps American Pie there were two rather quick respondents to my request. The second of which showed up in the mail this week from my fellow host of <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cardboardconnectionradio">Wednesday Night Cardboard Connection Radio</a>, Rob Bertrand, better known to all as <a href="http://www.voiceofthecollector.com/">The Voice of The Collector</a>. Rob absolutely killed my wantlist as I am now down to needing/wanting only 5 base cards. However, one card that is proving to be far too elusive is the one that features Francesco Vincent Zappa.<br /><br />I NEEDZ ME SUM ZAPPA!!!<br /><br />Most of the images from American Pie have been seen several times over so I will not bore you with scan after scan of the cards I received. But, I will show you two of the cards I am happiest to have in my possession.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B9LLTjWqCghX9Wj-cfqlLKm_v-JvlbUxGxsezrUgjpFqXphVH3ubRFBPKr-yMxGEKBDmAyOJk3oNQg50bpMc1-p_4dwJMpvZI0RC_ldPRWqyZBYpWryUcJXyBIYdWsRqWwPXAZv89WE/s1600/jrobinson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B9LLTjWqCghX9Wj-cfqlLKm_v-JvlbUxGxsezrUgjpFqXphVH3ubRFBPKr-yMxGEKBDmAyOJk3oNQg50bpMc1-p_4dwJMpvZI0RC_ldPRWqyZBYpWryUcJXyBIYdWsRqWwPXAZv89WE/s200/jrobinson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699538267969268994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #8 - Jackie Robinson</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVmQ7yruc9m3K5A1Nu6Q3p5AGoB3l3x_Tjugy3RL5CKFJUkeMEBN8olut4qYALy1Vas3VndvEKrm_l41W7BpTgNOzJ5Lnpliz8O1YYt18CYpNeWYPb4Rkepig-MJQ5tN0lHJ0VLz6PqI/s1600/gcarlin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVmQ7yruc9m3K5A1Nu6Q3p5AGoB3l3x_Tjugy3RL5CKFJUkeMEBN8olut4qYALy1Vas3VndvEKrm_l41W7BpTgNOzJ5Lnpliz8O1YYt18CYpNeWYPb4Rkepig-MJQ5tN0lHJ0VLz6PqI/s200/gcarlin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699538595636290434" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #109 - George Carlin</span></div><br />My main focus of collection for 'American Pie' is the Hollywood Walk of Fame 50-card insert set. Rob sent along 8 cards to help shrink my wantlist for those cards as well. The coolest part of this set is that the street location of the star in Hollywood is printed on the back along with a short but concise biography of the subject on the front. A nice touch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHENs-r7QxyZxMb4VchXpGnO6haZV_QIftyo2PjZjqi2CyhhARgG50ROAWre-6DTEwuh17r4vVXdKpY-fHqLgFT9ovaiD3SheRdWXQliCQzCqzVbBIX1IttJpbptnuyfjKnrg6_dMOPE/s1600/HWoFapie1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHENs-r7QxyZxMb4VchXpGnO6haZV_QIftyo2PjZjqi2CyhhARgG50ROAWre-6DTEwuh17r4vVXdKpY-fHqLgFT9ovaiD3SheRdWXQliCQzCqzVbBIX1IttJpbptnuyfjKnrg6_dMOPE/s320/HWoFapie1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699543317877110194" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">#HWF-47 Leslie Nielsen, #HWF-42 Fred Astaire<br />#HWF-44 Harry Houdini, #HWF-40 Douglas Fairbanks</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The black and white photos really work on these cards and give them the old time look that fits the historic nature of the set. Harry Houdini is one of 9 Walk of Fame stars to have their one-word stage name grace their star. I love trivial facts like that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbvVVjubVwLDdQ33YMXsTSMMehD7Xs1vHs6zUEyuyp28o5gSHSZhkDgprAyYzZ3wSEZRFKwTtxpGv4XNZ46MUW7-4JNn3RIQrzEb7EjFnuSkguQtBD0KLBoFkcFt6UqHyF4-UQx1ZXNM/s1600/HWoFapie2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbvVVjubVwLDdQ33YMXsTSMMehD7Xs1vHs6zUEyuyp28o5gSHSZhkDgprAyYzZ3wSEZRFKwTtxpGv4XNZ46MUW7-4JNn3RIQrzEb7EjFnuSkguQtBD0KLBoFkcFt6UqHyF4-UQx1ZXNM/s320/HWoFapie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699544902635078802" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">#HWF-34 Spencer Tracy, #HWF-26 Marlon Brando<br />#HWF-33 Orson Welles, #HWF-16 Humphrey Bogart</span><br /></div><br />If you have not picked up a blaster of 'American Pie' yet I would suggest you do so. Not just to enjoy the product and the cards you get but also you may be able to help me finish up my set as well. That would not be such a bad thing, would it?<br /><br />Thanks Rob for the trade and getting me closer to the finish line.<br /><br />Follow Rob on Twitter @VOTC and give little old me a follow too @LongFlyBall<br /><br />If anyone else is trying to complete 'American Pie' hit me up with your wantlist and I might be able to help you out. Thanks for stopping by.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br /></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-27294033332920971292012-01-14T15:14:00.000-05:002012-01-14T15:14:53.066-05:00Mail Day (aka Check Out MY Cards - Framed Autograph Edition)I recently took advantage of a great deal on shipping from the fine folks over at <a href="http://www.checkoutmycards.com/">CheckOutMyCards.com</a> and emptied out most of the cards I had sitting in my account. Over the next little while I thought I would take the opportunity to share what exactly came my way.<br /><br />When Topps released the Anniversary T-206 collection in 2009 it was right around the time I was first immersing my self back into the hobby and the though of collecting a tobacco card sized set really grabbed my attention. I also liked the look of the framed autograph cards, so, I dedicated myself to completing the 30-card set.<br /><br />At first I tried to gather the cards from anywhere and everywhere which made it feel much more like a task than a pastime. I decided to try and take a step back and make it more about the pursuit and less about the completion. Hence why it is 2012 and I am still working on the set.<br /><br />Well, thanks to COMC I am 5 cards closer to completion and I have yet to pay a price for any of these cards that I feel is unacceptable. THAT is the true goal here. I think this set is going to look really nice in pages once complete. The latest additions to be removed from the wantlist are;<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofdrrC2R7brjCVRNCdlMjW3SSTHQlBNEld5iik6kad4YlGP3T2qLCYTbckFlEYrSiKdEfw3GlLmt1IUmY-_PxKBpacoGC4eFES2AaeVkOTJUOt41kHsGkfrdVeCOrWYuze8Uze6QhYdY/s1600/grp1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofdrrC2R7brjCVRNCdlMjW3SSTHQlBNEld5iik6kad4YlGP3T2qLCYTbckFlEYrSiKdEfw3GlLmt1IUmY-_PxKBpacoGC4eFES2AaeVkOTJUOt41kHsGkfrdVeCOrWYuze8Uze6QhYdY/s320/grp1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697573887186882178" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">#FMA-6 Glen Perkins & #FMA-21 Jason Motte</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlIUM94rgaE03Woh3OL0UqwQ0KsaU3orjMl4TSJYqLiM8HT58O5EGP-K-fLCdCpOQ063SAyH1PLNXX7TOAEczgvKRD67u4D2VW0hWZb3O42DI1vs3nXUR409zDSs5y6o-QyWZuvElqFU/s1600/grp2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlIUM94rgaE03Woh3OL0UqwQ0KsaU3orjMl4TSJYqLiM8HT58O5EGP-K-fLCdCpOQ063SAyH1PLNXX7TOAEczgvKRD67u4D2VW0hWZb3O42DI1vs3nXUR409zDSs5y6o-QyWZuvElqFU/s320/grp2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697574017757895506" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">#FMA-13 Shairon Martis & #FMA-26 Rich Hill</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u7FdZ02kwGM57x66Ods2Rx_G7UURajE82EDzQFxS-as8RdDNPzgBOhH6q-v3SVUEEy-PtQyUxOMLPaxCfn9cIPeJABH3nkCil3Qvc97BXENcUKaHxIUAaMf8jiytLlEzoSPJX26k2cU/s1600/mgamelt206.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u7FdZ02kwGM57x66Ods2Rx_G7UURajE82EDzQFxS-as8RdDNPzgBOhH6q-v3SVUEEy-PtQyUxOMLPaxCfn9cIPeJABH3nkCil3Qvc97BXENcUKaHxIUAaMf8jiytLlEzoSPJX26k2cU/s200/mgamelt206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697574306945023090" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">#FMA-15 Mat Gamel</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Unfortunately these additions still leave me short of that wonderful milestone that a collector can celebrate, the joy of a completed page. The closest I am on that is a centre-square vacancy awaiting one Mr. Justin Masterson.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS4mYtPwpaoMplPyBUcI-upAM2Fra2O0ZXO_mqTzQE1Vl-w5gYdcXfw1-z9TYuPAPYmgTHnB2h21TBLMWQ7mUp1aJI0qxE_589oTqjInkibwmEjlm1zGUfsbj_g9CRg7rgy1eLK9JqZ4/s1600/incomppage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 490px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS4mYtPwpaoMplPyBUcI-upAM2Fra2O0ZXO_mqTzQE1Vl-w5gYdcXfw1-z9TYuPAPYmgTHnB2h21TBLMWQ7mUp1aJI0qxE_589oTqjInkibwmEjlm1zGUfsbj_g9CRg7rgy1eLK9JqZ4/s400/incomppage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697581345932409986" border="0" /></a><br />If you happen to have any of these laying around gathering dust I would happily give them a home in a protective page alongside their brethren. I am over 60% complete now and I can see the finish line off in the distance. Here is a list of missing persons belonging to my T-206 Framed Autograph binder.....<br /><br /><br />FMA - 1 Gordon Beckham<br />FMA - 2 Koji Uehara<br />FMA - 7 Jordan Zimmermann<br />FMA - 8 Daniel Schlereth<br />FMA - 9 Chris Volstad<br />FMA - 11 Nick Evans<br />FMA - 12 Fernando Martinez<br />FMA - 16 Michael Bowden<br />FMA - 18 Chris Young<br />FMA - 23 Justin Masterson<br />FMA - 28 Curtis Granderson<br /><br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to stop by the blog and checking out my cards.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-37971360783014731592012-01-10T21:30:00.001-05:002012-01-10T21:31:32.037-05:00First Helping of Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Qbnn-_9vZH7O-hhq5P7k8r55hIcHmeDdqEU9wMq8sZ8_VUdwZH0gzDqeYkrNzE_ER_yexIdLe2Qi9GF_9cg2zxmFAkNMZz5EBjA5DXQ9EZCkJRJk8OUQmaMG8GZ4IZC7Rvn5GbKkO0/s1600/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Qbnn-_9vZH7O-hhq5P7k8r55hIcHmeDdqEU9wMq8sZ8_VUdwZH0gzDqeYkrNzE_ER_yexIdLe2Qi9GF_9cg2zxmFAkNMZz5EBjA5DXQ9EZCkJRJk8OUQmaMG8GZ4IZC7Rvn5GbKkO0/s200/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696195563751124066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first envelope has arrived from a very kind Nick, has made its way to my greedy little hands and it goes to knock a few cards off my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Topps</span> American Pie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wantlist</span>. As I stated in the last post, I am not building the base set but I am gathering certain cards that have significance for me. The set I am building is the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' insert set and thanks to Nick I can look for 1 less of them now too.<br /><br />Let's get right to the contents of the envelope and a pair of cards featuring one of the coolest actors that has ever lived. I think every Canadian who grew up in southern Ontario in the 70's holds a special place in their heart for Vincent Price and owes a HUGE debt to Ted Barris for putting him there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkOq0JzICP7VTKGjxNhVtbyE2IYt84rP1aIis5BSrbEBO6O1S6sgW4SFpE3I0gNivkFtsPhfvj9ifowwLB7Stq44ba_FDg7tWGO7jXpSkVNmsslPThA0ziQ8PqasZG8Pm9onxFhl1dY0/s1600/vpriceWOF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkOq0JzICP7VTKGjxNhVtbyE2IYt84rP1aIis5BSrbEBO6O1S6sgW4SFpE3I0gNivkFtsPhfvj9ifowwLB7Stq44ba_FDg7tWGO7jXpSkVNmsslPThA0ziQ8PqasZG8Pm9onxFhl1dY0/s320/vpriceWOF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696190613810517778" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNFHx6ZFjzAkrZghrFhM-h7XNr73F_9_mFkEwUfWA_CsuagfNKrxxUztMhFzTaP_-8Xv88TiBtj5bwDhAy6j6A0bMqmILjZcOw8aAbmDxm_2jLmmDslXpDbFHHKsacZfHtuyI1aorWBg/s1600/vprice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNFHx6ZFjzAkrZghrFhM-h7XNr73F_9_mFkEwUfWA_CsuagfNKrxxUztMhFzTaP_-8Xv88TiBtj5bwDhAy6j6A0bMqmILjZcOw8aAbmDxm_2jLmmDslXpDbFHHKsacZfHtuyI1aorWBg/s320/vprice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696190736725798962" border="0" /></a><br />I read a great deal, far less than I used to but I am struggling to get back to the levels I was at a year or two ago. Call it a "New Year's Resolution" if you will. I am impressed at the literary subjects that are peppered throughout 'American Pie'. Hopefully it spurs some people to find out just what these books and authors are about. I know I will be revisiting Harper Lee's 'To Kill A Mockingbird' this year, as well as perhaps taking on 'The Godfather' as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMddwBzrBdtHCVvy2t6VoEamiU1yLcl8gXNbZhIhGsG6RuwHkRpkS0QRRwjtXqe-JLhTzg9IbLy0cFYZQiWn-pU3voQa2IQuP0xdOXLxivEaAyyzLxjoM3DCeCNPSAemvSmZsGZXn4Kk/s1600/TKAM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMddwBzrBdtHCVvy2t6VoEamiU1yLcl8gXNbZhIhGsG6RuwHkRpkS0QRRwjtXqe-JLhTzg9IbLy0cFYZQiWn-pU3voQa2IQuP0xdOXLxivEaAyyzLxjoM3DCeCNPSAemvSmZsGZXn4Kk/s320/TKAM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696191944875088194" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE4HlLCUzfcNuYw6QMJmnezM89P19ZpZGtg2Hjf4JbpY_M_OZAfRoC6Zwonn1IPGon-zrHlZSN1Nbj50LyVRbarkFA6jdAZW1zMOkipOpBNeLsgeZrXqB8_yzIOqD8GgyglcZh3ZTI68/s1600/mpuzzo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE4HlLCUzfcNuYw6QMJmnezM89P19ZpZGtg2Hjf4JbpY_M_OZAfRoC6Zwonn1IPGon-zrHlZSN1Nbj50LyVRbarkFA6jdAZW1zMOkipOpBNeLsgeZrXqB8_yzIOqD8GgyglcZh3ZTI68/s320/mpuzzo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696192066629118882" border="0" /></a><br />Someday I would also like to own a Harper Lee autograph. Scarcity is definitely an issue but if a card company were to include her in a release you can bet I'd be a part of the chase.<br /><br />If you were a child of the 70's then I defy you not to have a special place for this guy and his creatures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxSqUlZa25iyW7VALWpwOhUpI4drnHpEpM8MPcZ5Ki_X0Wv0ehFus8GxVqpYcUHZAznBMJbn7-M8j8fyL99BMQjKT6jmvmFh0rmG3LfR2DMWhr1c5M3ukjcXnkbOS_Rb_np7r3L0C5C0/s1600/jhenson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxSqUlZa25iyW7VALWpwOhUpI4drnHpEpM8MPcZ5Ki_X0Wv0ehFus8GxVqpYcUHZAznBMJbn7-M8j8fyL99BMQjKT6jmvmFh0rmG3LfR2DMWhr1c5M3ukjcXnkbOS_Rb_np7r3L0C5C0/s320/jhenson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696192775679307570" border="0" /></a><br />While I do consider myself a Beatles fan, I mean really who does not like The Beatles, I am disappointed that there is very little if any cardboard representations of my favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Beatle</span>, George Harrison. Yes, he was the quiet one and sometimes the forgotten one, but as far as I am concerned he was the most talented one. This guy, however, runs a close #2.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__mKYimZZ1kqOnjOEzAvzH8Yqh_-HOxxdWVXK6PlDkWIDaE1ZyijTASYIzBU_yLm4KJ3af0cI48JjAMnsIyd8f5YNg3D9EyDPeexdTIoK71qaOxXSYbTRdnhm1M_PHqTZfLHgOsZM1N4/s1600/jlennon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__mKYimZZ1kqOnjOEzAvzH8Yqh_-HOxxdWVXK6PlDkWIDaE1ZyijTASYIzBU_yLm4KJ3af0cI48JjAMnsIyd8f5YNg3D9EyDPeexdTIoK71qaOxXSYbTRdnhm1M_PHqTZfLHgOsZM1N4/s320/jlennon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696193470666640850" border="0" /></a><br />Last, but definitely not least, is the greatest author you could do every child a favor and introduce them to. Every Christmas I look forward to 3 specials and his is one of them. It has aired practically every year since its release in 1966 and hopefully it continues to air long after I am gone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zd3NdrygFjDOhonQsAgNsibfBID8l1lKw-EDH2yDHZnJTbd7Gy0IqoKmnLJgCgU4TpWzlG5JJMDwIPZVa3jzeiU5VnVABA_kmdLBnnlt2BIUFaGoh1AvYwvJhr70s4yPttv0vVDQ5jE/s1600/dsuess.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zd3NdrygFjDOhonQsAgNsibfBID8l1lKw-EDH2yDHZnJTbd7Gy0IqoKmnLJgCgU4TpWzlG5JJMDwIPZVa3jzeiU5VnVABA_kmdLBnnlt2BIUFaGoh1AvYwvJhr70s4yPttv0vVDQ5jE/s320/dsuess.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696193967667805538" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you very much to Nick for these cards and please take the time to go check out his blog <a href="http://baseballdimebox.blogspot.com/">'Dime Boxes'</a> dedicated to one of the most addictive and rewarding experiences I had introduced to me at the 2011 National.<br /><br />As well, please take a look at my initial 'American Pie' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wantlist</span> post and if you can help me out I would greatly appreciate it. The base cards are almost gone but the parallels and inserts are going to be a challenge worthy endeavor.<br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-26597843704180675612011-12-30T23:10:00.012-05:002012-02-20T23:44:18.976-05:00'American Pie' Needs - Can You Help?Topps 'American Pie' has been on shelves for awhile now and the decision whether or not to complete the set has been rattling around in my head over the holidays. At first it seemed like a fun thing to occupy my time until Series 1 flagship baseball is released but I have recently changed my mind.<br /><br />I decided to go through the checklist and pick out the cards I would really want and go after them. Of course, I will be trying to gather their parallels as well but base seems to be first in order. As well, the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' insert set has grown on me so I decided to focus on that.<br /><br />If you have any of the cards listed below please send me an email or leave a comment below and I would be happy to work out a trade with you. The ones listed in <span style="color:red;"> red </span> are pending trades but some of them I would be happy to own doubles of anyway.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to check this list out, I appreciate it......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l4mcQzjApOZ9q7tFvKaElTMJkcXNIFMPqmBD1bKxnMnM7wgPAAd5_2Tttuu4CpQVm3ETwBcEKliDlRcCksCIG-49E-A3yFnyNMs2UHgrd-otLBRDnE-rYkap5s-Y3b7yvNlBc5I68hs/s1600/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l4mcQzjApOZ9q7tFvKaElTMJkcXNIFMPqmBD1bKxnMnM7wgPAAd5_2Tttuu4CpQVm3ETwBcEKliDlRcCksCIG-49E-A3yFnyNMs2UHgrd-otLBRDnE-rYkap5s-Y3b7yvNlBc5I68hs/s200/2011ToppsAmericanPie.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692123932036410066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Base Cards<br /><br /><span style="color:red;">#141 - MTV</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Foil Parallel<br /><br />3, 6, 8, 9, 20, 24, 25, 31, 39, 48, 51, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 73, 77, 79, 88, 89, 91, 94,<br />100, 103, 104, 108, 109, 114, 121, 123, 125, 128, 134, 145, 162, 170,<br /><br /><br />Spotlight Parallel #/76<br /><br />3, 6, 8, 9, 20, 24, 25, 31, 39, 48, 51, 59, 62, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 73, 77, 79, 88, 89, 91, 94,<br />100, 103, 104, 108, 109, 111, 114, 121, 123, 125, 128, 134, 137, 141, 145, 154, 162, 170, 185<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZsVI6fsGNhxf7hGxKM632UjreJOlIyuSHSGDx9Z2ccpTxpO2FkQWP3i5SBm-6LD769waHReDg6RekHI-nq3gB5MwjvKt9-jIN1Ru6LNfWjWSvoh4ospPvvv9lZKjPjd1JpB4z4xldyw/s1600/groucho.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZsVI6fsGNhxf7hGxKM632UjreJOlIyuSHSGDx9Z2ccpTxpO2FkQWP3i5SBm-6LD769waHReDg6RekHI-nq3gB5MwjvKt9-jIN1Ru6LNfWjWSvoh4ospPvvv9lZKjPjd1JpB4z4xldyw/s200/groucho.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692132307187079602" border="0" /></a><br />Hollywood Walk of Fame<br /><br />HWF-1, HWF-2, HWF-6, HWF-8, HWF-11, HWF-12, HWF-14, HWF-15, HWF-17, HWF-19, HWF-20, HWF-22, HWF-23, HWF-25, HWF-28, HWF-31, HWF-36, HWF-37, HWF-38, <span style="color:red;">HWF-41</span>, <span style="color:red;">HWF-43</span>, HWF-46, HWF-49, HWF-50<br /><br /><br />If you have a needs list please let me know and I will go through what I have to help you finish your sets.<br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-6295718860430017212011-11-29T10:18:00.000-05:002011-11-29T10:18:00.203-05:00Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey - Canvas Exclusive Checklist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IP4qSVcpi68qr_OZAdI1FosifXn1HcYZncZwHCyu-tKIObGuKbFwqtmgnrzPE4EWrahUXIAGfH2Lvtt0J_Mt-EbO8mENpiO-SKAykM9Ujg5qMt8GtevpKsN6QEasEs3uPtS_hq5QCqw/s1600/218-339-thickbox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IP4qSVcpi68qr_OZAdI1FosifXn1HcYZncZwHCyu-tKIObGuKbFwqtmgnrzPE4EWrahUXIAGfH2Lvtt0J_Mt-EbO8mENpiO-SKAykM9Ujg5qMt8GtevpKsN6QEasEs3uPtS_hq5QCqw/s400/218-339-thickbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680256588254376082" border="0" /></a><br />There are 20 players who appear in the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UD</span> Canvas' insert set that do not appear on the Series 1 base set checklist. While it is highly unlikely they will be omitted from Series 2, I figured why not post a list to help those who need it.<br /><br />Here you are.....<br /><br />C2 - Bobby Ryan<br />C6 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tuukka</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rask</span><br />C7 - Patrice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bergeron</span><br />C11 - Thomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vanek</span><br />C22 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jussi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jokinen</span><br />C24 - Patrick Kane<br />C27 - Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Duchene</span><br />C30 - Steve Mason<br />C36 - Pavel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Datsyuk</span><br />C41 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Anze</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kopitar</span><br />C43 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Niklas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Backstrom</span><br />C45 - Tomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Plekanec</span><br />C47 - Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cammalleri</span><br />C53 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ilya</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kovalchuk</span><br />C57 - Marian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Gaborik</span><br />C58 - Sean Avery<br />C62 - Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Hartnell</span><br />C77 - Vincent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lecavalier</span><br />C83 - Alexandre Burrows<br />C86 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Nicklas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Backstrom</span><br /><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-87527645340193290512011-11-28T12:40:00.005-05:002011-11-28T12:52:20.233-05:00It Is Cyber Monday and The World Has Gone Nuts!!Waking up to news that <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/959358-nhl-breaking-news-bruce-boudreau-and-paul-maurice-fired-as-head-coaches">coaches in the NHL are losing their jobs</a> and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111128&content_id=26046052&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MLB</span> Executives are being handed their walking papers</a>, what exactly is there to be thankful for a mere 72 hours removed from turkey dinner?<br /><br />Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Topps</span> snuck this little nugget into my e-mail this morning.......<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BAM</span>!!</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cViDQ0cDFDDOTWQr0YghCMf2psw7TYW4TyrvELSAQWZgvAjvcqgx5-_Vj8S2OP9Z7jM2K-YLJqOmHEd4wsLU8MZ3rqZaR18WGa_fmNr3T9m8jUC1_D-CNiQ_aPbojTfZ-ZCcp_T0L0c/s1600/12GQBB_2042_Auto_Griffey.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cViDQ0cDFDDOTWQr0YghCMf2psw7TYW4TyrvELSAQWZgvAjvcqgx5-_Vj8S2OP9Z7jM2K-YLJqOmHEd4wsLU8MZ3rqZaR18WGa_fmNr3T9m8jUC1_D-CNiQ_aPbojTfZ-ZCcp_T0L0c/s400/12GQBB_2042_Auto_Griffey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680103986954204306" border="0" /></a><br />I am not one to get excited over <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mock ups</span> but, I can tell you this, I will be waiting for Spring 2012 when collectors will be able to get their hands on the very first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Topps</span> certified autograph cards of Ken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Griffey</span> Jr.<br /><br />Nice move <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Topps</span>!!<br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br /></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-60803989828086752992011-11-28T10:05:00.005-05:002011-11-28T10:15:33.576-05:00Photoshop Phun Over At Beckett.comSomeone forgot to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lockdown</span> the computers in Dallas and the gremlins got in to play. As far as I am concerned this card need never happen.....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK6SirZosB0p4C6qM4TxwkJNV-yBZlotQe-SHWbIqeAxA2NTg-reSqeFua3JGgzZMVM-HRO5nD_n6AKt6wCmDqjM6oEPwKyOQEUaulF7sMhEeOpmP54MMBSOMUXzmCU_56qHwELs-Ac0/s1600/pujols-bluejays.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK6SirZosB0p4C6qM4TxwkJNV-yBZlotQe-SHWbIqeAxA2NTg-reSqeFua3JGgzZMVM-HRO5nD_n6AKt6wCmDqjM6oEPwKyOQEUaulF7sMhEeOpmP54MMBSOMUXzmCU_56qHwELs-Ac0/s320/pujols-bluejays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680063438417009074" border="0" /></a><br />As much fun as it would be watching pitchers sweat Jose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bautista</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pujols</span>, something tells me I would rather have Adam Lind in the lineup over A-Poo. Besides, the guy cannot even wear the right hat?!?!<br /><br />Seriously?!?!<br /><br />But that is just me.<br /><br />Take a trip over to <a href="http://www.beckett.com/news/2011/11/pujolsfakes/">the Beckett Blog</a> and see how Albert might look dressed for your favorite team.<br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-24129964415485038142011-11-27T22:51:00.002-05:002011-11-27T23:29:14.987-05:00Box Break.......sort of... - 2011-12 Upper Deck Series 1 HockeyAfter a rather quiet 2 or 3 months of collecting I am happy that it is about time I post something hobby related to the blog. Now that the NHL season is heating up Upper Deck moves to the forefront of of the minds of collectors. Their flagship product that fails to disappoint year in and year out has hit shelves and is ready to impress once again.<br /><br />As the title of this entry suggests, the normal form taken of breaking a Hobby box and showing it off takes a bit of a twist here, for good reason. One of the staples of Upper Deck hockey has been their 'Young Guns' Rookie cards. The anticipation and expectation collectors have for the hottest rookies in the NHL and their debut on cardboard is unparalleled in the hobby. With that in mind it made much more sense for me to break 3 Retail tins of Series 1 instead of 1 Hobby box.<br /><br />I'll explain.<br /><br />The insertion ratio between Hobby boxes and Retail tins is exactly the same. 'Young Guns' are inserted 1:4 packs. With a little bit of vigorous searching I found that I could purchase 3 Retail tins for roughly the same price as 1 Hobby box. Retail tins contain 12 packs with 8 cards per pack, Hobby boxes contain 24 packs with 8 cards per pack. In the end the collector gets 9 'Young Guns' from retail as opposed to 6 from a single box. Simple.<br /><br />One of the other "bonuses" I discovered was that there were other ratios that were exactly the same between Hobby boxes and Retail tins, including 2 of the inserts sets I have decided to chase. That being said, there are Hobby "exclusive" inserts that one forfeits the opportunity of pulling when it comes to Retail, so, there is a trade off for sure. I will cover the breakdowns and ratios as we move along.<br /><br />As with any Box Break here we need music. We have to have music. Cue the music!!<br /><br /><br />Soundtrack - <a href="http://fitzandthetantrums.com/music/">Fitz and The Tantrums</a> - Pickin' Up The Pieces<br /><br />2010-11 Upper Deck Hockey - Series 1<br /><br />Tin Breakdown - 12 packs per tin<br />Pack Breakdown - 8 cards per pack<br /><br />The checklist for this product is simple, as it should be for any flagship. Cards 1-200 feature veterans and current players from all 30 NHL teams that make up the base set. Cards 201-250 are the 'Young Guns' Rookie Cards.<br /><br />Easy, simple and uncomplicated. Collectors like that.<br /><br />Base Set cards - 187/200 (93.5%)<br />Doubles - 67<br /><br />Upper Deck hockey is and always has been defined by the photography on its cards. The 2011-12 installment continues that tradition. There are certain elements that come to be expected with persistence as a product line ages. To keep delivering on those every year and also having them remain fresh is quite the challenge. Simply put, there are some beautiful photographs on these cards and Upper Deck succeeds again. My 2 favorites are full of colour and shy away from the traditional photos we have come to expect.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEu-_W5av4GF2hgPcc4KO_b6vIZuFdcOUCnsnpnNMJ4qhs9GjWwoQLlcG5dnz6NAbtaOIQQ-okbcjVR8aVIaKJ-S4fWHPasAyl4OsBmoMUroS84jrxrl1jespL4xhnahahg5kqj9L-44/s1600/scan0029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEu-_W5av4GF2hgPcc4KO_b6vIZuFdcOUCnsnpnNMJ4qhs9GjWwoQLlcG5dnz6NAbtaOIQQ-okbcjVR8aVIaKJ-S4fWHPasAyl4OsBmoMUroS84jrxrl1jespL4xhnahahg5kqj9L-44/s320/scan0029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679316256590440546" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #113 - Drew Doughty (LA Kings)</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrZUPmX_Wz1Xu_gsv0B8Wl8rPgmqiW6kjvlKry4rHhfOAQVMtpLTMTcqfsIIGwGae4ijQ5SQ_3BCqcw5uBYBUWf9J-ATT4wWGGgZR9JCJM59Ai3zwCZyfUXgsAdr9p9NMenvI5LGfYwI/s1600/scan0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrZUPmX_Wz1Xu_gsv0B8Wl8rPgmqiW6kjvlKry4rHhfOAQVMtpLTMTcqfsIIGwGae4ijQ5SQ_3BCqcw5uBYBUWf9J-ATT4wWGGgZR9JCJM59Ai3zwCZyfUXgsAdr9p9NMenvI5LGfYwI/s320/scan0030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679316562752473490" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #50 Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)</span></div><br />As for the rest of the cards there are other non-traditional photos that make thumbing through this set truly enjoyable. Some catch your eye from the moment you see them and others require a double and sometimes triple take.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMGJ2cPwsza90Lw1_VpS5SJJ-VH40WSN-j1XpuliFRvErJ_lZuX8zJ3i-Re_biq4hCYp57Gyl1IIXqEhyZAs0_Vo8wRvj08pVH_4lcRdMhTax3UP1EsS8d3h4fsKjly6T7J_WqlcfCXc/s1600/scan0031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMGJ2cPwsza90Lw1_VpS5SJJ-VH40WSN-j1XpuliFRvErJ_lZuX8zJ3i-Re_biq4hCYp57Gyl1IIXqEhyZAs0_Vo8wRvj08pVH_4lcRdMhTax3UP1EsS8d3h4fsKjly6T7J_WqlcfCXc/s320/scan0031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679781903459612626" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #197 Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNBTQh7-J3ZX1l5p2I0os0sVcnmCvj9CISo5Gb4BKiPPLJQf2R-QzvH6xlG9Lm-PcqD8MlzWwy7WYC-jusS2M0xVms_yHCmRjHoT-rgcK3FCnM6gaOD2UyCvkPvfrMhqrn130G6EuFoc/s1600/scan0034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNBTQh7-J3ZX1l5p2I0os0sVcnmCvj9CISo5Gb4BKiPPLJQf2R-QzvH6xlG9Lm-PcqD8MlzWwy7WYC-jusS2M0xVms_yHCmRjHoT-rgcK3FCnM6gaOD2UyCvkPvfrMhqrn130G6EuFoc/s320/scan0034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679782384763664706" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #64 Braydon Coburn (Philadelphia Flyers)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5omgIWkjdTgz2NQfYOcnbBe6riESusQDiI4PanyoEtW1sQ8YWZ10f9pYnXNPvmVKwj6ElQ2dpQEQa6pCQE_DUp9k6wOaqAl7iacaa6TkF87hzIPkjE7lTCDlqcVieh14DMfbN1jiWqo/s1600/scan0033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5omgIWkjdTgz2NQfYOcnbBe6riESusQDiI4PanyoEtW1sQ8YWZ10f9pYnXNPvmVKwj6ElQ2dpQEQa6pCQE_DUp9k6wOaqAl7iacaa6TkF87hzIPkjE7lTCDlqcVieh14DMfbN1jiWqo/s320/scan0033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679782868755981842" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #81 Michael Grabner (N.Y. Islanders)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnAf3Li7-btSh38LQisCPDAoMAzL6ZDKLuBG5l7nZ-RvmLI8y0L4UJ1u4IA_gIcKzmz1kbByZghe76JFRLBgVR-C0ksYip2De6MiNxZ4LPjv745kcnMS9Ix9MnACRjh4sDX0RMlpKU4k/s1600/scan0032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnAf3Li7-btSh38LQisCPDAoMAzL6ZDKLuBG5l7nZ-RvmLI8y0L4UJ1u4IA_gIcKzmz1kbByZghe76JFRLBgVR-C0ksYip2De6MiNxZ4LPjv745kcnMS9Ix9MnACRjh4sDX0RMlpKU4k/s320/scan0032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679783352563176146" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #44 Logan Couture (San Jose Sharks)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Dy0BXZzTE0Fna7CUVAtfH8zPIxXZjvKXSla5PlK8e2pWLj-Hdn3tuOEbVZjaW17MM0xlQSWE3OdNsjD8vLyyuDvcBgRamU7U7ABQKyG8VNXVEGawNjbQCPrC29C0WlQvRG7Y89qPVI/s1600/scan0035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Dy0BXZzTE0Fna7CUVAtfH8zPIxXZjvKXSla5PlK8e2pWLj-Hdn3tuOEbVZjaW17MM0xlQSWE3OdNsjD8vLyyuDvcBgRamU7U7ABQKyG8VNXVEGawNjbQCPrC29C0WlQvRG7Y89qPVI/s320/scan0035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679783713594729746" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #8 Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)</span><br /></div><br />Other photos completely miss. There are certain situations that do not translate well to cardboard. One type of photo that needs to disappear from the hobby is the inside-the-net camera. These are not interesting, these are not innovative and they fail to capture anything about the game. They are annoying fish-eye lensed wastes. Press scrums, forget them PLEASE?!? As a Phaneuf collector, this card is plain bad.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhT6ncXeb_x16DovkD4Fhhfv-zh0eZ5SOb3qyRR6tSWdWRBk8RU9osAntr8bw8Yu1j9oZY-IP9IlO7ickWnJRi2i_Rn3M2fTmOxDEVAByAAfELRRnXY8w_aYxRKA6DDN0deXJt-3z54g/s1600/scan0041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhT6ncXeb_x16DovkD4Fhhfv-zh0eZ5SOb3qyRR6tSWdWRBk8RU9osAntr8bw8Yu1j9oZY-IP9IlO7ickWnJRi2i_Rn3M2fTmOxDEVAByAAfELRRnXY8w_aYxRKA6DDN0deXJt-3z54g/s320/scan0041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679793153690657458" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #9 Mike Knuble (Washington Capitals)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM-gD8iugKgHejWhES5gJvGbhrjinTNezH7qngohHVKYjwzg3jQiyxnBDURMGco8hDnKByo8wy5OKxj_-yQ7h1ZzmzhfpTce3a5OKYKc15xxXIxvojgR9o4Lt_WZ3MHWa8ja8LCJzh84/s1600/scan0040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM-gD8iugKgHejWhES5gJvGbhrjinTNezH7qngohHVKYjwzg3jQiyxnBDURMGco8hDnKByo8wy5OKxj_-yQ7h1ZzmzhfpTce3a5OKYKc15xxXIxvojgR9o4Lt_WZ3MHWa8ja8LCJzh84/s320/scan0040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679793534909338162" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #48 Kristopher Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEx8eYHLnyhiegvQEVpcvTg-poB9UZF-AsdasRXJlw7Yw6sLV-Sr27qGskfLychwEv5z3dCQR7TDLxywmvjYhPB5iU7-9J3JVY8U8M-BT1OT_4Y2U9IWzLmzCV7iV1P89uwelzcL6a-pY/s1600/scan0039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEx8eYHLnyhiegvQEVpcvTg-poB9UZF-AsdasRXJlw7Yw6sLV-Sr27qGskfLychwEv5z3dCQR7TDLxywmvjYhPB5iU7-9J3JVY8U8M-BT1OT_4Y2U9IWzLmzCV7iV1P89uwelzcL6a-pY/s320/scan0039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679793874122499986" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #61 Daniel Briere (Philadelphia Flyers)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrRLiy1woQ0OFcvkPEjz4pXMFWJAdrslhXFC54k3ZoT7esEZeXs5Hb2hGZb_TMUFsYq_DYiLj7WG3S41HYl4YZlmsthaFoKeSB8E5NX_AwGcCavX8a3YemkznvhWa2xQQOLR365MlzCc/s1600/scan0038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrRLiy1woQ0OFcvkPEjz4pXMFWJAdrslhXFC54k3ZoT7esEZeXs5Hb2hGZb_TMUFsYq_DYiLj7WG3S41HYl4YZlmsthaFoKeSB8E5NX_AwGcCavX8a3YemkznvhWa2xQQOLR365MlzCc/s320/scan0038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679794217459913362" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #20 Dion Phaneuf (Toronto Maple Leafs)</span><br /></div><br />The other plus that needs to be mentioned here is the inclusion of photos with players in their team's third jerseys. While worn for a relatively few number of games these jerseys are, in some cases, better looking than the regular jerseys. Thumbs-up to Upper Deck for including these jerseys quite prominently in Series 1.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzyUMOoJnUiyZWPOXi8XioyIpr3-7a4PYcaqaG3zHyQvxSL1Ir8vCN0A_P3qLF8iqjpXSoU-w1rPbu4WDCzH8MqZToB8db4tkWda7vE4e2cV2lnbqLEPgYJOrs3yPTORBD7bBJ-cqscA/s1600/scan0044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzyUMOoJnUiyZWPOXi8XioyIpr3-7a4PYcaqaG3zHyQvxSL1Ir8vCN0A_P3qLF8iqjpXSoU-w1rPbu4WDCzH8MqZToB8db4tkWda7vE4e2cV2lnbqLEPgYJOrs3yPTORBD7bBJ-cqscA/s320/scan0044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679794831838894098" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #146 Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun4CggnO9SEYyeHLjLMIkiM3_omc8bLS2-QthyntAX9xHksQYt-aeUXLpARd4sTCrrxXxzlK1tdpmwx57J9mMhvINzaD20m84BG1s2AozXoccsV7Fz-EqbAftQDJv0jH_YOmP3cTiokc/s1600/scan0043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun4CggnO9SEYyeHLjLMIkiM3_omc8bLS2-QthyntAX9xHksQYt-aeUXLpARd4sTCrrxXxzlK1tdpmwx57J9mMhvINzaD20m84BG1s2AozXoccsV7Fz-EqbAftQDJv0jH_YOmP3cTiokc/s320/scan0043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679795164010314002" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #174 Mikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRls64G7Isstj7q6d0bNYPzuUOfONICczQxUJ17eu0taOFxjqyhbgAp1Izs4mn0NrGpiiS4Mjy-1FphXwQmrp-maWDXvTUBhyphenhyphen3zcN2M30-ty1TXeADGaYUJm6HJl8-1vNFSfJCbmEgCe4/s1600/scan0042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRls64G7Isstj7q6d0bNYPzuUOfONICczQxUJ17eu0taOFxjqyhbgAp1Izs4mn0NrGpiiS4Mjy-1FphXwQmrp-maWDXvTUBhyphenhyphen3zcN2M30-ty1TXeADGaYUJm6HJl8-1vNFSfJCbmEgCe4/s320/scan0042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679795488757713458" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #36 Chris Stewart (St.Louis Blues)</span><br /></div><br />The backs of these cards are exactly how they should be. No clutter, statistics are front and centre. A little write-up/personal trivia on each player and a logo. PERFECT!! As an added bonus the head-shot of the player used on the back of the card is from a completely different photo. These are the small touches that make a product enjoyable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdGOkAD1tgovKy9der3ZVpl6SxlEIoRFDjdhtpmOjgh5jjnkiKL6PUyydExY4tpIiftPmwjfmc8k9WDOT4Me0Ug4Hr6FXCIxte1qxvKR7Ko5NmEWxnUxCI27G4en2ZSTr7TH0TjJdLRI/s1600/scan0045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdGOkAD1tgovKy9der3ZVpl6SxlEIoRFDjdhtpmOjgh5jjnkiKL6PUyydExY4tpIiftPmwjfmc8k9WDOT4Me0Ug4Hr6FXCIxte1qxvKR7Ko5NmEWxnUxCI27G4en2ZSTr7TH0TjJdLRI/s320/scan0045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679796669521872434" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #161 Patrick Sharp (Chicago Blackhawks)</span><br /></div><br />I mentioned earlier that the insert ratios between Hobby and Retail are similar in a number of inserts available in Series 1. If these are the cards you are chasing then Retail makes much more sense economically than Hobby. First, here is a look at the inserts and their ratios available in both releases.<br /><br />Young Guns (1:4)<br />UD Canvas (1:6)<br />UD Canvas Young Guns (1:48)<br />1950's Hockey Heroes (1:12)<br />1950's Hockey Heroes Header card (1:600)<br />All-World Team (1:12)<br />All-World Team SP (1:120)<br /><br />Without a doubt it is the 'Young Guns' Rookie cards that drive this product. I hardly believe that to be a surprise to anyone or an overstatement. For this single reason I believe the Retail tins to be vastly superior to the Hobby boxes. For the price of 1 Hobby box I was able to get 3 Retail tins and as a consequence I was able to get 3 more 'Young Guns' than I could normally expect. While I was shutout on the big names I will definitely return to the tins in hopes of catch a RNH Young Guns Rookie.<br /><br />Here are the 'Young Guns' I did come away with....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tin #1<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthrwsSQjaBoRWHfsRmguEBFF_zHREnMqNDBQaYQOeOlgzSrpPxLZHWsQ-oio-iEN-QomfBD6LV-lizUud_J-1nlzmSCBdpxRfTibpYh_NaFudZw2QSAg2QWRMJk9pVLmwXix_YcYyrp8/s1600/yggrp1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthrwsSQjaBoRWHfsRmguEBFF_zHREnMqNDBQaYQOeOlgzSrpPxLZHWsQ-oio-iEN-QomfBD6LV-lizUud_J-1nlzmSCBdpxRfTibpYh_NaFudZw2QSAg2QWRMJk9pVLmwXix_YcYyrp8/s400/yggrp1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679815696520341282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #238 Harri Sateri (San Jose Sharks), Card #212 Cam Atkinson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Card #219 Aaron Palushaj (Montreal Canadiens)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tin #2<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTZzjrVOs2kPZsqkQbHXw2uooZ2VbKHGYmQc5Q9U5g4bmUXY2og-EX6Znl0XelRRv5C-JbRY4C2x_3Q1HSjYL7NRCJmpgIn1lY3hkas_sT0lIa-vze1qkvGzOBLTzDTn6fy9-wX_l99U/s1600/yggrp2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTZzjrVOs2kPZsqkQbHXw2uooZ2VbKHGYmQc5Q9U5g4bmUXY2og-EX6Znl0XelRRv5C-JbRY4C2x_3Q1HSjYL7NRCJmpgIn1lY3hkas_sT0lIa-vze1qkvGzOBLTzDTn6fy9-wX_l99U/s400/yggrp2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679817757657900818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #210 John Moore (Columbus Blue Jackets), Card #247 Carl Klingberg (Winnipeg Jets), Card #219 Aaron Palushaj (Montreal Canadiens)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Tin #3<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFDsi8VVYk-jQhA89pxe8L43ymrs-EmZBjoLdh88rccoGdK8ioQ_bfoTnHcr1x8z6ql9KbzZsGea1gUbSElj3nXCN8JsK0PpNrwcPMyL_t2gcPMQhTgCWukDehEPwpp6BjWjHm0RsLrU/s1600/yggrp3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFDsi8VVYk-jQhA89pxe8L43ymrs-EmZBjoLdh88rccoGdK8ioQ_bfoTnHcr1x8z6ql9KbzZsGea1gUbSElj3nXCN8JsK0PpNrwcPMyL_t2gcPMQhTgCWukDehEPwpp6BjWjHm0RsLrU/s400/yggrp3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679819153679632562" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #211 David Savard (Columbus Blue Jackets), Card #236 Erik Gustafsson (Philadelphia Flyers), Card #233 Stephane Da Costa (Ottawa Senators)</span><br /></div><br />There are 2 inserts that vary between Hobby and Retail, although they really are not enough to significantly sway the purchase decision. The Upper Deck Game Jersey inserts fall 1:24 in Retail which is 1 every other tin. In Hobby they fall 1:13 packs. The EA Ultimate Team insert set cards fall 1:8 packs in Retail with Hobby being a scarce 1:24 pack ratio.<br /><br />Jersey cards have never been an incentive for me to purchase a product and have never been a set that I would consider chasing. That being said, the Lacavalier 2-colour jersey swatch was a nice hit out of a Retail product. If companies would just make these swatches larger then when a collector hits one it might make them feel like they are getting something significant for their money.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Upper Deck Jerseys</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xoKqhTXLmzOmDd8wtohxRN24hpZ3mbtRI03C9ifMKN5D7OtCo5AcLWXwTD4NYzqkKm4hYZ6T0MNhyphenhyphenVN4q2nFlPVLtdSaiDPCzolLGW8a24R5KM9Pjp7zwJ3JVHbRew3ZdBnCshqVJms/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xoKqhTXLmzOmDd8wtohxRN24hpZ3mbtRI03C9ifMKN5D7OtCo5AcLWXwTD4NYzqkKm4hYZ6T0MNhyphenhyphenVN4q2nFlPVLtdSaiDPCzolLGW8a24R5KM9Pjp7zwJ3JVHbRew3ZdBnCshqVJms/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679820403493811138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #GJ-AS Alexander Semin (Washington Capitals)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQECIveSm5m2luvXUgRQULOe9djKYFWQrZrta5otCHF-tvWN4UEfGHxAfgMjcIjTXAPGpdnkJqo6cxzCvZb-W35SuUyy88FoxGpRHsHFC8D9n4TKaVw_Q1o2PyxUYjjaNqXm_GrQQk34/s1600/scan0028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQECIveSm5m2luvXUgRQULOe9djKYFWQrZrta5otCHF-tvWN4UEfGHxAfgMjcIjTXAPGpdnkJqo6cxzCvZb-W35SuUyy88FoxGpRHsHFC8D9n4TKaVw_Q1o2PyxUYjjaNqXm_GrQQk34/s320/scan0028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679820755084738882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #GJ-VL Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EA Ultimate Team</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNoyL5cXwD2RBRkFXdiv2oLLBx9IH3L5Dmi50VoU3yxZ_at6FuTvbF8LLruupt_36k2QjlwUIw-RDMufv5Rwr5B2mHayYpeXURQLOAn8vE0w95g6guzsekQ5LbsaYr-HPTHzyB1c4Q9o/s1600/eaultteamgrp.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNoyL5cXwD2RBRkFXdiv2oLLBx9IH3L5Dmi50VoU3yxZ_at6FuTvbF8LLruupt_36k2QjlwUIw-RDMufv5Rwr5B2mHayYpeXURQLOAn8vE0w95g6guzsekQ5LbsaYr-HPTHzyB1c4Q9o/s400/eaultteamgrp.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679823380354168946" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #EA15 Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings) (x2), Card #EA4 Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks), Card #EA14 Jarret Stoll (Los Angeles Kings)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpGZVPIy5sX_nQVGoEID6GdgBFwqc_65l1zCgu6fmkrqu9MxQRrfrR6vDCfR6tn_FL95UhffF_lwyQGqBVfQPzYRAaTM6L5zVKA6hNKDaGrCc6tHct_ICiJAUyefzzX63b0teokmeEgo/s1600/scan0008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpGZVPIy5sX_nQVGoEID6GdgBFwqc_65l1zCgu6fmkrqu9MxQRrfrR6vDCfR6tn_FL95UhffF_lwyQGqBVfQPzYRAaTM6L5zVKA6hNKDaGrCc6tHct_ICiJAUyefzzX63b0teokmeEgo/s320/scan0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679824263795201330" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #EA9 Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks)</span><br /></div><br />With the EA Ultimate Team cards I really do not see these cards making too big a splash amongst collectors. Rarely do people seem to scramble to obtain cards that are essentially a cross-promotion advertisement for video games. According to the checklist found <a href="http://www.sportscardradio.com/index.php/product-previews-a-reviews/1083-2011-12-upper-deck-series-1-hockey-checklist">here</a> the Corey Perry is a short-print.<br /><br />The 'All-World Team' insert set is a 40-card set showcasing the best players in the NHL and their country of origin. Any time I see insert sets like these my first thought is "filler". If you want to produce an insert set with the top players in the NHL then be a little more creative about it. Country-of-origin sub-sets have been done to death, all the way back to 1992-93 Parkhurst even. Cards #31-40 in this Upper Deck Series 1 insert set are short-printed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSwhPo4y-Iuw-FWHm3rCOePwhnj6r-ENmUfvRPyJj-YyaZDCnA0UiQiIxXZLsUBQMvkYjMNenuftprY6XlfogUhkKqjTuBcBVvv-CsSD4QZKX3TPKzduS9Qk-fhDngk-878rLl-jJN2c/s1600/scan0007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSwhPo4y-Iuw-FWHm3rCOePwhnj6r-ENmUfvRPyJj-YyaZDCnA0UiQiIxXZLsUBQMvkYjMNenuftprY6XlfogUhkKqjTuBcBVvv-CsSD4QZKX3TPKzduS9Qk-fhDngk-878rLl-jJN2c/s320/scan0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679829361257653794" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #AW7 David Krejci (Boston Bruins)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ3b7OH-RF1WnxFX60qGyEwx7muO495S9TBrTgdVHgyHlNXsm-v3EQ5NpAZBeLGbDWW6kXDCf1kA_Xi-m4yzm2s9Cmdi2x_X8LueOaZ09j_o1jCCQ7ja-eTh1Jpp8vIW8nC1b9vRwLzE/s1600/scan0013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ3b7OH-RF1WnxFX60qGyEwx7muO495S9TBrTgdVHgyHlNXsm-v3EQ5NpAZBeLGbDWW6kXDCf1kA_Xi-m4yzm2s9Cmdi2x_X8LueOaZ09j_o1jCCQ7ja-eTh1Jpp8vIW8nC1b9vRwLzE/s320/scan0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679829749062135074" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #AW12 Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8TfzgHz3p_6UyLXSbTZdqqXApm_5ouyakwP4PaitXbAJReo5uawm0vzeom9GZ9-8P0DmKmfipwdo8TGAFqJMmkidooFMuq52lw0W9Bv8o4sjw-hVwf4z2sschvQBtKY2BJdcmnu6QeA/s1600/scan0022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8TfzgHz3p_6UyLXSbTZdqqXApm_5ouyakwP4PaitXbAJReo5uawm0vzeom9GZ9-8P0DmKmfipwdo8TGAFqJMmkidooFMuq52lw0W9Bv8o4sjw-hVwf4z2sschvQBtKY2BJdcmnu6QeA/s320/scan0022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679830175390828946" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #AW4 Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens)</span><br /></div><br />Insert sets like 'All-World Team' bother me as a player collector because all it succeeds in doing is raising the price on a relatively insignificant card of a player I collect by making it an insert. Add to that the inflation that short-printing certain players brings and you have a waste of cardboard. Thanks Upper Deck.<br /><br />Now we get to the 2 insert sets that I thoroughly enjoy with this product, with 1 of them being a set that I will unabashedly profess my undying devotion to.<br /><br />In their very first year in the industry Upper Deck introduced an insert set to collectors that has been one of the best ideas ever to hit the hobby. Their 'Heroes' set always seemed focused on an individual who was considered an Icon in their respective sport. In the 2011-12 Series 1 Hockey release we are presented with a 12-card 'Hockey Heroes' set focusing on players from the 1950's. There is a 13th card to the set but it is an extremely tough pull. Seeded 1:600 packs it features Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and Andy Bathgate and is the header card/checklist for the rest of the set. The card is a hand-painted Art card similar to the Presidential series released in Goodwin Champions earlier this year. I imagine my set will remain incomplete for some time without this final header card but that IS part of the "joy" of collecting.<br /><br />Here are the 3 Hockey Heroes I pulled....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-wcLv14zJwiFwruqlkryE9eRjtSGUpbHSeCx8x5CeskUXC4srnXATfunDscR0sJoUe6EYvka39C0MFnCqNOvtsrK6B6v1CS5QIciji3sBvhSs0U_PjnRoZcm8Rd4GaxZomEWGZP_gjM/s1600/scan0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-wcLv14zJwiFwruqlkryE9eRjtSGUpbHSeCx8x5CeskUXC4srnXATfunDscR0sJoUe6EYvka39C0MFnCqNOvtsrK6B6v1CS5QIciji3sBvhSs0U_PjnRoZcm8Rd4GaxZomEWGZP_gjM/s320/scan0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679850213951298882" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #HH1 Johnny Bower</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID8KLSG6S5k2vWf5rP-Ng1mYUWSvc8foJEMxs3fgwc98x35Z7k2iCZhOekpMXpw4m_CJFkb-bgP_4R3QvNAxz6ttZAUu23RZ0bpieTZsm8LNKugkPiAcQ7vana_SKs0W6wlXkEb8LqS0/s1600/scan0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID8KLSG6S5k2vWf5rP-Ng1mYUWSvc8foJEMxs3fgwc98x35Z7k2iCZhOekpMXpw4m_CJFkb-bgP_4R3QvNAxz6ttZAUu23RZ0bpieTZsm8LNKugkPiAcQ7vana_SKs0W6wlXkEb8LqS0/s320/scan0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679850546837843410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #HH3 Andy Bathgate</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCri0gTrFPIUG7_UjAJGXVTkJU_8aQG0ggdykePr5TCo9807KE9cOlw4DNYoLDSUkzb47ZLYTGPHqp8HZ4pgtHd6MpMWjjQJHbmKrFslTTsGAvWNJUU14_BaI7V3qLNgbxd35tp-Nv4xI/s1600/scan0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCri0gTrFPIUG7_UjAJGXVTkJU_8aQG0ggdykePr5TCo9807KE9cOlw4DNYoLDSUkzb47ZLYTGPHqp8HZ4pgtHd6MpMWjjQJHbmKrFslTTsGAvWNJUU14_BaI7V3qLNgbxd35tp-Nv4xI/s320/scan0009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679850795065784306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #HH9 Gordie Howe</span><br /></div><br />I really like the matching of the sepia tone of the background of the photos and the black and white sharpness of the player being featured. This is a set that feeds the historian part of me as well as keeping players from days gone by from looking out of place on new card releases. The "look and feel" of these cards is what Topps missed with their veteran variations in their baseball product.<br /><br />There is also an autographed version of the 1950's Heroes set with each card being hand-numbered out of 15, including the Howe/Hull/Bathgate Header card. I would love to see someone try and complete that set.<br /><br />Last, but definitely not least, we get to the single solitary reason why I am buying Upper Deck Hockey this year. When I first read about these cards on the sell sheets I was excited to see them released. I have fallen in love with the 2008-09 Masterpieces Hockey release and am working on several projects involving that set. The canvas look to cards is one of my all-time favorites.<br /><br />When I saw a canvas set was slated for Series 1 I knew I would be chasing down this set. Quite honestly I expected a full parallel set. What collectors were presented with was something better.<br /><br />'UD Canvas' is a 120-card set made up of 90 veterans, of which 69 players have a base card in Series 1, and a select 30 of the 50 Young Guns Rookies. What makes this set so intriguing is that Upper Deck has done some serious work and included entirely different photographs for each card. While not perfect, this inclusion has me excited enough to chase the set. In fact, I am over 1/3 complete already.<br /><br />Have a look at the 6 'UD Canvas' cards I pulled from this break....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTiwPFgS_ObMYWnWTSnj4Zbcjwgq7m8t3p7mlYOMYB_nfM4IrpoewAy-8hT_ZPOd6FAuos_rLQ6dvHEXORFlOtEOAkO70X7TrJ8yNlFLNzeaDo_S_3fDiNJYS0NsZ9nBsJ1zR7q6qNWE/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTiwPFgS_ObMYWnWTSnj4Zbcjwgq7m8t3p7mlYOMYB_nfM4IrpoewAy-8hT_ZPOd6FAuos_rLQ6dvHEXORFlOtEOAkO70X7TrJ8yNlFLNzeaDo_S_3fDiNJYS0NsZ9nBsJ1zR7q6qNWE/s320/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679872399854158402" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C90 Checklist</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6NcFnI9nsb_CHiLn0M-LREMoIKr4WbEcj8BQutSGgNUPsLbfLOXvPBADE6Tai4M7j5YqNSkSde_xaY43BERpi41F26J2BYN1uYXLlQ9h-xn9PAKNjEYn5USYl5Ib9ZyWOWK3FbpCPtw/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6NcFnI9nsb_CHiLn0M-LREMoIKr4WbEcj8BQutSGgNUPsLbfLOXvPBADE6Tai4M7j5YqNSkSde_xaY43BERpi41F26J2BYN1uYXLlQ9h-xn9PAKNjEYn5USYl5Ib9ZyWOWK3FbpCPtw/s320/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679872698696356258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C77 Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPSRf71SzK8lWYf75x133hspGj1C3zX7z7Swg31sWzTsYeniUjrL8fGq0Tz_wLz9_gNfa_CZv7yNpz5-NeFagCN64IoACqplwzSIg5SqFBLEQsZS0u4hNezALY-kkEsvEbP4mhkiz7Fw/s1600/scan0014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPSRf71SzK8lWYf75x133hspGj1C3zX7z7Swg31sWzTsYeniUjrL8fGq0Tz_wLz9_gNfa_CZv7yNpz5-NeFagCN64IoACqplwzSIg5SqFBLEQsZS0u4hNezALY-kkEsvEbP4mhkiz7Fw/s320/scan0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873178644168370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C50 Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUmVQUhmoH6sD3Os_wsFQwiYnalYLOwEyRX0I8Gx1kQPpKf45Z55isyKd89tdvEMgNKbwlml8mWuDWWDDNUKqDa81xSN2lbwuELWnJPz3L9Vh566g5mNBF5HjzVn34vtuylISjN2vb3o/s1600/scan0015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUmVQUhmoH6sD3Os_wsFQwiYnalYLOwEyRX0I8Gx1kQPpKf45Z55isyKd89tdvEMgNKbwlml8mWuDWWDDNUKqDa81xSN2lbwuELWnJPz3L9Vh566g5mNBF5HjzVn34vtuylISjN2vb3o/s320/scan0015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873437184451026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C17 Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary Flames)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXhD_clfrF7h8DhcA_pmUKR8TsbXH_RbjcUHfoJJ0Y6sPaVjJjl3A2cvdD-aUqneluE6tv_98BmZ8l4L7gCkjjK5FhSAh0gd4e5-WGzV-wcDelup_6v2om7kUz1uS28vGtfOriPEOWaQ/s1600/scan0023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXhD_clfrF7h8DhcA_pmUKR8TsbXH_RbjcUHfoJJ0Y6sPaVjJjl3A2cvdD-aUqneluE6tv_98BmZ8l4L7gCkjjK5FhSAh0gd4e5-WGzV-wcDelup_6v2om7kUz1uS28vGtfOriPEOWaQ/s320/scan0023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873803809970386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C11 Thomas Vanek (Buffalo Sabres)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9Y3awOgi5L_3atCuWb7Pt0eGx3IvgU5m1qV3JJQEmSOiKFrat5OaNNXOsj6AuY3nrnJAvS87TI9pKLsHyHvG7t0qrTYpUTkjLWUM8IXF137D9Ypq3V1-gkEc5STmweUotvja0FTHPdc/s1600/scan0024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9Y3awOgi5L_3atCuWb7Pt0eGx3IvgU5m1qV3JJQEmSOiKFrat5OaNNXOsj6AuY3nrnJAvS87TI9pKLsHyHvG7t0qrTYpUTkjLWUM8IXF137D9Ypq3V1-gkEc5STmweUotvja0FTHPdc/s320/scan0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679874063241313906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #C87 Mike Green (Washington Capitals)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The colours in the photos really stand out on this type of card and the complete lack of foil is a godsend. Even the backs of the cards are completely different design from the base cards. I absolutely love this set. I am okay with the fact it is an insert/chase set. I do not mind having to purchase several tins to build my set. Upper Deck has a winner with 'UD Canvas'<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier the design and photos on the Canvas cards are entirely different from the cards in the base set. This matters to collectors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ryan Miller - Base card<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrzKL3RFf_yjCm4wdD28MFmtvl9UkLmSsRbvRhgg6Q9KvRnBFbWTd_bcHE3M0Z-j_XnzKAxgKsftrz1EByyBOXPHPUtEhSyxvWShaTh8QoECspJsvNj1RYNIk2f9QnWNxWxK2V6O6qnI/s1600/rmbase.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrzKL3RFf_yjCm4wdD28MFmtvl9UkLmSsRbvRhgg6Q9KvRnBFbWTd_bcHE3M0Z-j_XnzKAxgKsftrz1EByyBOXPHPUtEhSyxvWShaTh8QoECspJsvNj1RYNIk2f9QnWNxWxK2V6O6qnI/s400/rmbase.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679878455007779522" border="0" /></a><br />Ryan Miller - Canvas card<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtSNkX-Q1kxrIgqCi4xG1X4ozYLwJDOxWBW1PVWmNCNvRsZLG1SbCFevX-cmJu20Skk5UWhG79kLNYr0WwW5gl80nQItdgW8oh7tYI6nLglvL13RmFxACBlyNtb7NDl8AvGjLJLCbz6s/s1600/rmcan.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtSNkX-Q1kxrIgqCi4xG1X4ozYLwJDOxWBW1PVWmNCNvRsZLG1SbCFevX-cmJu20Skk5UWhG79kLNYr0WwW5gl80nQItdgW8oh7tYI6nLglvL13RmFxACBlyNtb7NDl8AvGjLJLCbz6s/s400/rmcan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679878591132948674" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /></div></div>Right about here is where the similarities between the Retail and the Hobby release end. There are a number of Hobby-Exclusive inserts that one can hope to acquire, however, the insert ratios make them a bit too hard to pull to even begin to challenge for the economical win that is Retail.<br /><br />Hobby box inserts include;<br /><br />Base Set Parallel (1:48) made up of;<br /><br />Base Set 'Exclusive' Parallel #/100<br />Base Set 'Exclusive Spectrum' Parallel #/10<br /><br />Acetate Die-Cuts (1:288) consisting of;<br /><br />Clear Cut Honoured Members #/100<br />Clear Cut Foundations #/25<br />Clear Cut Leaders #/10<br /><br />As I mentioned before, while not exclusives, the Upper Deck Memorabilia cards are an easier find in Hobby boxes, falling roughly 2 per box, but the price of Retail makes up for that. Out of 3 tins I pulled 2 Jersey cards. The important difference with Hobby is that you have a shot at Patch cards #/15 and Autograph cards inserted at a ratio of 1:288 packs.<br /><br />There is one Retail exclusive that adds another "bonus", if you will, to buying the tins. Each tin comes with a "topper" postcard commemorating the 2011 Winter Classic played between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Each card in this 14-card set comes nicely preserved in a clear plastic protector so there is really no need to take it out. Once again, great forethought on the part of Upper Deck. I like when the cards I buy are protected until they get to me.<br /><br />Here are my 3 Winter Classic cards.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcjeF6nJqDYuezkKlLz0ZUJXxTCWDQExVa8z38f8qQUCor_RX8ZnSoOtp5a-LIDEnxCY0BeqMosOBz-ownIkppOCBmdctuwrHlMLZi2MFag-jEftqJZ6G6koOtujL_CA8-032yeANT5o/s1600/scan0053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcjeF6nJqDYuezkKlLz0ZUJXxTCWDQExVa8z38f8qQUCor_RX8ZnSoOtp5a-LIDEnxCY0BeqMosOBz-ownIkppOCBmdctuwrHlMLZi2MFag-jEftqJZ6G6koOtujL_CA8-032yeANT5o/s320/scan0053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679884515805264562" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Card #WC5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03MaglOkPypow71DYc2NazUaCkG0RJ9lES1wG8vL5iOkRHSNI_dsap_Hx2BcGDknaOxsd1nKN6QlGaSEjMFoE85XVf5A2gVT9d62x6eUKwZuJgX-Zf6N4MLLCQj7zfvglnbe98HwhFpQ/s1600/scan0054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03MaglOkPypow71DYc2NazUaCkG0RJ9lES1wG8vL5iOkRHSNI_dsap_Hx2BcGDknaOxsd1nKN6QlGaSEjMFoE85XVf5A2gVT9d62x6eUKwZuJgX-Zf6N4MLLCQj7zfvglnbe98HwhFpQ/s320/scan0054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679884903733457234" border="0" /></a>Card #WC6<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB04aoBGFOD5ZSCVRjLZNcVJZd0ey5fOx5HsHtEKtkvLbW6bPkkKVnHpLttAfrdl7dHe1nmaueWo1pbyejndtFPUgZcQRAXmWHFRSpZfyLWN9DAkPv67-qM_Akqcl9Gvtcd97DcGbhz8/s1600/scan0055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB04aoBGFOD5ZSCVRjLZNcVJZd0ey5fOx5HsHtEKtkvLbW6bPkkKVnHpLttAfrdl7dHe1nmaueWo1pbyejndtFPUgZcQRAXmWHFRSpZfyLWN9DAkPv67-qM_Akqcl9Gvtcd97DcGbhz8/s320/scan0055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679885299222682722" border="0" /></a><br />Card #WC14<br /></div><br />I am not sure I am a fan of the over-sized cards. Perhaps the lack of convenient storage options is what keeps me from liking these cards. I did collect the Wayne Gretzky over-sized set from 2008-09 Retail O-Pee-Chee but I do curse Upper Deck every time I have to find a place to store them.<br /><br />All things considered the most anticipated Hockey set to be released every year is the Upper Deck flagship. While there are a couple insert sets that are completely useless and serve as nothing more than bloat, it hardly detracts from the overall satisfaction with this product.<br /><br />Everything one has come to expect from Upper Deck's signature offering is here; awesome photography, a great attention to detail in card design and an excellent Rookie Card selection. There are a few minor details that keep this product from being absolutely perfect, however, Upper Deck definitely rewards collectors with Series 1 Hockey.<br /><br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to check out this break and thanks for your patience in waiting for my lazy arse to post something new to the blog. I promise I will not be taking such a long break any more.<br /><br />As always, for your listening pleasure and to play us home, here is a YouTube clip from the artist responsible for this particular break. Music-to-rip-by, Fitz and The Tantrums.....BTW, this song has one HELL of a hook......<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t7jVuyxM8KI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-83013152179658091332011-08-17T17:33:00.002-04:002011-08-17T17:54:18.534-04:00Regional Issue Sets = Crack For A Team CollectorBeing a card collector means regularly shelling out your hard earned cash for a little 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 pulp and paper representation of your favorite player. Sometimes you carry the quest a little further and try to collect every card in a set. There is even a faction of the hobby that honours their favorite team by building a set that contains each card issued for each player on said team.
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<br />Usually this is enough to satisfy the collector.
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<br />Obsessive collectors try to find releases of their favorite players or teams that exist beyond the realm of the contemporary release. With a little bit of research and a constant ear to the ground you can find many regional and special releases of cards whose pursuit can keep you busy well into the fall and winter seasons.
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<br />In the early 1980's and throughout the 1990's the Toronto Blue Jays grew in popularity, not only across Canada but specifically in their home province of Ontario. The Blue Jays received their fair share of regional releases during this time. None of those releases were more popular than the ones issued in conjunction with the Ontario Fire Chiefs Association or the Public Fire Safety Council. Sadly these sets disappeared in the late 1990's.
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<br />Well, guess what?!?!?!
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<br />THEY"RE BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSHz9RrF4t2nvWpjQuq56PtepKo5hefpfpkn-V6caD4-2MT7N4nhVK3APVcWrFG_kj_OGoLN3WookqSCB4r8W_jV5K-UR8dGivvsR0IecaEoN_xwc3pS1wEULGIZWy6UNFxy1JyKp_X4/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSHz9RrF4t2nvWpjQuq56PtepKo5hefpfpkn-V6caD4-2MT7N4nhVK3APVcWrFG_kj_OGoLN3WookqSCB4r8W_jV5K-UR8dGivvsR0IecaEoN_xwc3pS1wEULGIZWy6UNFxy1JyKp_X4/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641929569111105762" border="0" /></a>
<br />That's right!! Toronto Blue Jays Fire Safety sets are alive and well in 2011 and, with special thanks to my lovely wife, they are a part of my continuing collection. She sent a text to me today that she had stopped by the local Fire Prevention offices here in Brantford and picked it up for me. There are <a href="http://www.swingintosafety.ca/community">several hundred Firehouses across Ontario</a> that are participating in the <a href="http://swingintosafety.ca/">'Swing into Summer Safety'</a> education program who are making these sets available. I could not wait to get home and have a look at something that has been missing from my collection for over a decade.
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<br />The set size is as you would expect, individual cards for each player on the 25-man roster. What makes this set extra special is that all seven coaches have a card as well. Even the team mascot makes an appearance. This is a fun set meant to deliver just that, fun. The card design is simple and easy. All the colours match the team colours and the facsimile autograph on the front gives this set a classy enough look to display nicely paged in a binder.
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<br />The backs of the cards prominently feature a Fire Safety tip given a baseball themed twist at the top of the card. A head shot of the player photo from the front of the card along with the regular bio information and a single line of stats encompassing the entire career stats of each player is in the middle of the card back. Finally, a snippet of info regarding one of the career highlights of each player rounds out the card back.
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<br />Here is the back of the Ricky Romero card.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xvCVPB8Pf_8WY9pEYbjC9qmOxNx6qTKWle4wfqyJEdxyNIbtv0qfcOFwKbGOEdLv8xuijm01D0XQdUvFb_rfb66vwLzDYvp-N1YKWeJY4bsBYsocA00oHxqcfMqLhga2kqw46LsorY8/s1600/scan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xvCVPB8Pf_8WY9pEYbjC9qmOxNx6qTKWle4wfqyJEdxyNIbtv0qfcOFwKbGOEdLv8xuijm01D0XQdUvFb_rfb66vwLzDYvp-N1YKWeJY4bsBYsocA00oHxqcfMqLhga2kqw46LsorY8/s320/scan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641940107405707458" border="0" /></a>
<br />Enough writing on my part. Scroll down past this and enjoy the set in all its scanned glory. No gimmicks, no parallels, no bloat, just Blue Jays. EPIC FTW!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkDrBhye0NHICPB0FYhGv6FaJiclOGrJXRd1CEv3-BR1CuIM1jazHzyk2dAv1czJ8wmVlpCKIS9cBsHzmrv4VEJJMRSAM2WPZKu7Uud1mAV5VgGw-NNouNUwt4dXTJQaHIt-2v7s-Mes/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkDrBhye0NHICPB0FYhGv6FaJiclOGrJXRd1CEv3-BR1CuIM1jazHzyk2dAv1czJ8wmVlpCKIS9cBsHzmrv4VEJJMRSAM2WPZKu7Uud1mAV5VgGw-NNouNUwt4dXTJQaHIt-2v7s-Mes/s400/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641938172215011842" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uSoJ0s8K4OQOha3_iWiwCN0LSU2uHfXPWQYSjFqrteDvWxzGi0q0PqhIwSgn9jukp8Drf9wZrylYfqMC8tydRTaskfAviMY8ggW4j3JQNv_rlaJnqyb7W_4v0tmQUKzxlAbF0co2IzI/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uSoJ0s8K4OQOha3_iWiwCN0LSU2uHfXPWQYSjFqrteDvWxzGi0q0PqhIwSgn9jukp8Drf9wZrylYfqMC8tydRTaskfAviMY8ggW4j3JQNv_rlaJnqyb7W_4v0tmQUKzxlAbF0co2IzI/s400/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641938674772545218" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYRiX61sWMAVziyFUfxavwujjGLKFN9j3NH0WGTKhOOn_MIJ02OrqSfxO9TwpNJueTqEDqtIBSLRRnQm2dkcqrIlOEvDVDS9HAk1rmj6HGFHTqNIWoiVPE-AZ0H6UMqKBRsIcN2WlB14/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYRiX61sWMAVziyFUfxavwujjGLKFN9j3NH0WGTKhOOn_MIJ02OrqSfxO9TwpNJueTqEDqtIBSLRRnQm2dkcqrIlOEvDVDS9HAk1rmj6HGFHTqNIWoiVPE-AZ0H6UMqKBRsIcN2WlB14/s400/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641938899272616050" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6ixiRXypfRuso2B5JvpSdRuXS-GMxYtM6mxeO6PMEl14FuMvxZRII5cldLZW1ZJfRmwN8wVBzRTk_yVonZgDMvyhlKJ9karQX7T2DulD2NJ7Huz4odUjm2MqbUiojgVbOKewe8G98g/s1600/scan0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6ixiRXypfRuso2B5JvpSdRuXS-GMxYtM6mxeO6PMEl14FuMvxZRII5cldLZW1ZJfRmwN8wVBzRTk_yVonZgDMvyhlKJ9karQX7T2DulD2NJ7Huz4odUjm2MqbUiojgVbOKewe8G98g/s400/scan0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641939221088499282" border="0" /></a>
<br />Thanks again to my awesome, lovely wife for getting it into my hands. It may not be a Topps Baseball Sticker Album and a handful of stickers, but in this case it is the best next thing!! I like the addition of the Dough Dude rookie card, makes me laugh.
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<br />As I was writing this post I thought it would not be complete without a specific embedded video.
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<br />Enjoy!!
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<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XXT-fq1unLk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe>
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<br />Cheers,
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<br />LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-34289513027400695052011-08-14T09:59:00.000-04:002011-08-14T09:59:00.562-04:00My 2011 National Experience - A $1 Well SpentOne of the more enticing and exciting aspects of The National I was looking forward to was the fabled "Quarter Boxes" that I have long heard about but have never had the joy of experiencing first hand. I have seen the videos and heard the stories of numerous wonders discovered in these beasts. As a matter of fact, I even saw with my own two eyes one of the <a href="http://blog.stalegum.com/2011/08/top-10-national-pick-ups-8-75-for-25.html">wonders of the 2011 National Quarter Box hunt</a> that was claimed by Chris Harris over at <a href="http://blog.stalegum.com/">Stale Gum.</a>
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<br />Sadly, for this NSCC Rookie, there was simply far too much to see and do at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center that I never truly had the time to troll these deposits of wondrous discovery with the proper focus and respect they deserve. I did get to spend around 40 minutes on Sunday morning at the table of one dealer. I came away with out $20 worth of singles and inserts that will complete some sets and spark the quest for completion of others.
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<br />Out of the total money spent I have decided to show off what I feel to be the best $1.00 I spent on my maiden voyage into the abyss that is "The Quarter Box".
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<br />The first card goes toward my completion of my 1979 Topps Toronto Blue Jays Team set. Garth Iorg is hardly the feature of this card but it IS one of those great Topps-isms that place a player you need on a card with a player that "makes" the card. By no means is it unattainable on the regular market but when you can take home a Rookie Card of perhaps one of the most consistent players ever and one half of arguably the best infield combination ever for a quarter, you do it.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquHlKNhBjxdBMCI2heu9AYoBKn8cOAtImIzBd1lgoTOOwdavNjNX21mieWCqp9faqV3H794dAYe6I79_uv-CcVJX2PRU7sEAdY5QUlVYYwmYbQRlGibxOeZwlbuMXKbK9vVYXr49HT_0/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquHlKNhBjxdBMCI2heu9AYoBKn8cOAtImIzBd1lgoTOOwdavNjNX21mieWCqp9faqV3H794dAYe6I79_uv-CcVJX2PRU7sEAdY5QUlVYYwmYbQRlGibxOeZwlbuMXKbK9vVYXr49HT_0/s320/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640445506336034786" border="0" /></a>
<br />Being a Canadian this next card made absolute sense when I first saw it. When I saw it again I thought; "Why Not?". When I saw it for a third time I new it was meant to be. That is right, I brought home not one.....
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640444466292224514" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">.....NOT TWO.....</span>
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<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640444466292224514" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">.....BUT THREE!!!!!</span>
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<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamMLMOgEotqztjQyAi_Uvn-c1fF4N5-kh2SVr9ZUim93V1J3ykynGxS9jIPDiN3aVVakVUKVEcJTIvczHySbF7m0ScGN7lNdSg6aGvebGV9wVxmY4I3Ph7gD2JA7bVLjEX2xvPEzAxT0/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640444466292224514" border="0" /></a>
<br />Yes, three copies of Tim Raines' 1981 Topps Rookie Card. If you have to ask then I will never be able to explain it to you.
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<br />My plan for 2012 in Baltimore is already taking shape and I plan to venture back to these Quarter Boxes for sure. This time, I will be better prepared and have much greater respect for these behemoths of the hobby.
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<br />Cheers,
<br />LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-17488474342605711222011-08-13T09:56:00.000-04:002011-08-13T09:57:01.261-04:00My 2011 National Experience - TRISTAR/TNALike most of the fellow bloggers we all follow, this past week for me has been spent sorting through and recording the spoils from the recently completed National Sports Collectors Convention (#NSCC). Aside from having the opportunity to personally meet and greet a significant number of individuals I converse with daily on Twitter and taking in a Cubs game, the event I was most looking forward to was the TRISTAR/TNA Meet & Greet. <p class="MsoNormal">For the price of a single box of <a href="http://www.impactwrestlingcards.com/">TRISTAR ‘TNA Signature Impact Wrestling’</a> cards you could purchase 1 of 400 packages that included an autograph ticket and photo opportunity ticket for each of the four TNA Impact wrestlers in attendance for The National, Mr. Anderson, Kurt Angle, Tara and the 16-time World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. For a life-long wrestling fan this opportunity was a no-brainer and as it turns out I was hardly the only one who this thought occurred to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The entire focus of my Saturday was to make sure that I spent as much time as necessary soaking in the presence and company of these four entertainers/athletes/warriors/superstars/wrestlers. Whatever you choose to call them this was my opportunity to personally thank them for what they do to themselves strictly for my enjoyment and entertainment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday began with a surprise, of sorts, in that <a href="http://www.blowoutcards.com/">Blowoutcards</a> was offering an unannounced special price on the ‘TNA Signature Impact Wrestling’ boxes. For about 25% off the initial offering price of the package I (impulsively??) decided to pick up another box and thus another autograph/photo package.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As an added “bonus” to this package, upon redemption at the TRISTAR booth you received an additional autograph card from another TNA/Impact wrestler along with a collection of TRISTAR Obak 2011 National exclusive cards. Seeing as I bought two packages I received two bonus autographs. Mine were featured a Magnus autograph from the 2010 ‘TNA Icons’ release and a Jacqueline from the 2009 ‘TNA Knockouts’ release.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTTr4bhyphenhyphenWCZrgXzBDuv1gz0lwZw5rFNDd1JCNcRR7O88OQFIxTBnE8nsT24EOoeL1hyphenhyphenJ4LHNwDgDry6zvJJUG_PR9k2BMS7VR1TfS60u3rYNu7xGq3n7SCmIyhc4bxIqG9h1a91HyF38/s1600/scan0002a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTTr4bhyphenhyphenWCZrgXzBDuv1gz0lwZw5rFNDd1JCNcRR7O88OQFIxTBnE8nsT24EOoeL1hyphenhyphenJ4LHNwDgDry6zvJJUG_PR9k2BMS7VR1TfS60u3rYNu7xGq3n7SCmIyhc4bxIqG9h1a91HyF38/s320/scan0002a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640328918528559922" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ONiofGNFopR9vBLG6a99DcocQV-FJSEMk64FGdjY35loB37BGkGLZSEPlBneq1Cg1gKfvmGi1tjH6Kt0FEUiMBexEdaEpAt-GPGvc_rtQWX5YhpGu4Vi17hmCFd1rELHrYKwVXncY2s/s1600/scan0001a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ONiofGNFopR9vBLG6a99DcocQV-FJSEMk64FGdjY35loB37BGkGLZSEPlBneq1Cg1gKfvmGi1tjH6Kt0FEUiMBexEdaEpAt-GPGvc_rtQWX5YhpGu4Vi17hmCFd1rELHrYKwVXncY2s/s320/scan0001a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640329081328769266" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Along with a couple of the regular 2011 Obak cards TRISTAR was giving away at The National this year there were Obak cards exclusive to this package. Numbered TNA-1, TNA-2 and TNA-3 the cards pictured Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson and Tara. Surprisingly these made for opportune autograph material, amazing how that happened. On a personal note here, if anyone who purchased the package managed to pull a TNA-4 card featuring Ric Flair please let me know. I have no idea if they even exist but it would make sense to me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMOVkDkiWw6wwGQXH7qk7g3Xj_cn8PlhxBZNyGwJ4KibKvYLjgdxTCbH0zJ4AG-U6om7d7Sr55G2SIo8Zf3bJvGw3y1T1wiaxVTxvbqALguyZA4bEBxVayoy25vgms7NZHmULuSffzCw/s1600/scan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMOVkDkiWw6wwGQXH7qk7g3Xj_cn8PlhxBZNyGwJ4KibKvYLjgdxTCbH0zJ4AG-U6om7d7Sr55G2SIo8Zf3bJvGw3y1T1wiaxVTxvbqALguyZA4bEBxVayoy25vgms7NZHmULuSffzCw/s400/scan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640329996744091074" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each box of ‘TNA Signature Impact Wrestling’ cards provides “7 guaranteed hits” along with “1 multi-autographed card guaranteed in every box”. One of the guaranteed hits is a relic card with the possibility of a multi-swatch card. Add to the mix there are 3 different boxes to choose from, featuring Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan or Sting also containing exclusive content and you start to understand the enjoyment loaded into this product. Depending on the box you pick you will get 1 of 9 short printed/limited edition cards featuring the subject depicted on your chosen box. I had one Sting and 1 Ric Flair box. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of the 6 autographs I pulled out of the two boxes, 5 made their way home with me. I traded one away for a companion piece to an oversized event worn relic card I pulled. All autos are numbered to 99, 25, 5 or 1 and all things considered I was quite happy with the autographs I hit. I managed a gold parallel dual auto numbered out of 25 featuring Gunner and Murphy. It does not really show on the scan of the card but the foil on the card is gold coloured. The auto I was happiest to get was from Samoa Joe, who is rumoured to be on his way to the WWE once his contract with TNA/Impact expires. The weakest auto com from the no longer employed Orlando Jordan.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1KEA3k_ZDJhksdmy3YuaiPUvfGkLrDSWZH98JMkAYYLZI9SG4AwbCv6qLsCca9FI27ZndAi2v7RtAykDzP9Fh0aRRnXD-xhYF28l1om5qPCgH7dRwlA_IhTalZtVo3vw32-kV6PmLDQ/s1600/scan0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1KEA3k_ZDJhksdmy3YuaiPUvfGkLrDSWZH98JMkAYYLZI9SG4AwbCv6qLsCca9FI27ZndAi2v7RtAykDzP9Fh0aRRnXD-xhYF28l1om5qPCgH7dRwlA_IhTalZtVo3vw32-kV6PmLDQ/s320/scan0009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640330381693288082" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hDJG7K2zORlPbK52DwjPxAkOrrNEojNoCKBqnA8pnmhoLX6H1e4_VvG_vM3_YvrqB8jd3SIb-Ay_U2cJqsXC9Pvy8gBwXbrPVjJHMJBFuH8tT7wTlVntRp0spzzlmAQvxQo5HPuUymE/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hDJG7K2zORlPbK52DwjPxAkOrrNEojNoCKBqnA8pnmhoLX6H1e4_VvG_vM3_YvrqB8jd3SIb-Ay_U2cJqsXC9Pvy8gBwXbrPVjJHMJBFuH8tT7wTlVntRp0spzzlmAQvxQo5HPuUymE/s320/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640330565855322482" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGLW0hpfiQK-Gs2LM2En55RnWGBoM_-DK1vUsI6jSMhleIq54BkRM1Q7ZYQwxXBKnFLoIiZkfjAnVAchXKgTz5WKoeipiABQykbSEdANnPiYG3OhoWkwt70C1anf9J7pPtMAJfusLhn8/s1600/scan0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGLW0hpfiQK-Gs2LM2En55RnWGBoM_-DK1vUsI6jSMhleIq54BkRM1Q7ZYQwxXBKnFLoIiZkfjAnVAchXKgTz5WKoeipiABQykbSEdANnPiYG3OhoWkwt70C1anf9J7pPtMAJfusLhn8/s320/scan0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640330763685338002" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7woklm7VXckSDsFuUS0ygmE0_aYjIkuYw_W8UC7xoGlDwW0mJlC6tiORMq0uq0lnXF8E-dy9zYbA3cal9EbtDgFCbKOSaExQ2ClVD-lHz0E8-7eqIAJwCsGtAVWdKqI-bBIi_4cEw9g/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7woklm7VXckSDsFuUS0ygmE0_aYjIkuYw_W8UC7xoGlDwW0mJlC6tiORMq0uq0lnXF8E-dy9zYbA3cal9EbtDgFCbKOSaExQ2ClVD-lHz0E8-7eqIAJwCsGtAVWdKqI-bBIi_4cEw9g/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640330927470695378" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oActqD93R6W_pWR3eoEGEXwypf9SsE1xdjpQEZ4bGZF6WIdBYcyFmPMe19P88SDWoyyRNc7iSn4Jy0bbPM56s9AyRV04NXTJBb32MFNnvctBIC-HJCaOWpHN9b5vJl1zxgM6ys89KTg/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oActqD93R6W_pWR3eoEGEXwypf9SsE1xdjpQEZ4bGZF6WIdBYcyFmPMe19P88SDWoyyRNc7iSn4Jy0bbPM56s9AyRV04NXTJBb32MFNnvctBIC-HJCaOWpHN9b5vJl1zxgM6ys89KTg/s320/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640331121338152514" border="0" /></a>The 6<sup>th</sup> autograph I pulled was of TNA Knockout Christy Hemme which quickly found its way into the collection of Rob Bertrand (@VOTC) from <a href="http://www.cardboardconnection.com/">Cardboard Connection Radio.</a> (@CardboardRadio) Rob in turn gave me an excellent companion piece to the oversized relic I pulled of Rob Van Dam. An added yet spectacular bonus to the relic cards is that the swatch comes from a t-shirt that the wrestler is ACTUALLY WEARING ON THE CARD PHOTO, Imagine that?!?!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLmcYauNkJ59cshsI2LNIERW0NmjuRf83ENC1eFJTWhBr4zVJkhrDTfvsLI_pR4GPL1LcI_huxkazmlnbwAEeJDIvKeW6zNzIrYv0KX6ing-qWmzGrTsAYaio_A4gERUJaqFqqDmB9vQ/s1600/scan0008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLmcYauNkJ59cshsI2LNIERW0NmjuRf83ENC1eFJTWhBr4zVJkhrDTfvsLI_pR4GPL1LcI_huxkazmlnbwAEeJDIvKeW6zNzIrYv0KX6ing-qWmzGrTsAYaio_A4gERUJaqFqqDmB9vQ/s320/scan0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640332564748055314" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7xWkMrVr7yCedycbzusHF0GxP6cLm-Eja8ADiEfDvbQYqxSBBsnQ6rLMPZNbd2d8wV8MMjTGak2igZ7f3RkJCqTXvX9Io2_7Ox_VudZ81kIBjSiRkw5wpR2663D463QKkI-CZ1qma7c/s1600/scan0011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7xWkMrVr7yCedycbzusHF0GxP6cLm-Eja8ADiEfDvbQYqxSBBsnQ6rLMPZNbd2d8wV8MMjTGak2igZ7f3RkJCqTXvX9Io2_7Ox_VudZ81kIBjSiRkw5wpR2663D463QKkI-CZ1qma7c/s320/scan0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640332737501716306" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks Rob.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With boxes ripped the time came for the payoff to this awesome package. Originally scheduled to begin at noon, it was announced that the autograph signings and photo opportunities would be bumped up an hour to 11:00am. While not a big deal for those already at the show I am sure this threw a bit of a wrench into the plans of those who were planning on showing at the scheduled time. First up was the photo op with one half of the current TNA Knockout Tag-team Champions, Tara. Perhaps more widely recognized for her Victoria persona in WWE, Tara was one of the reasons why I jumped at this package. In my estimation she possesses one of the best finishing moves in wrestling today and I have been a fan of her for quite some time.
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<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Having purchased two packages I took full advantage of two photo opportunities. One cool surprise was that Tara brought her Tag Title Championship belt along for the photo shoot, a nice added touch IMHO. I was especially happy when she suggested the second photo be staged the way it was, I think it turned out great. Tara even thanked me for “selling it”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg6QyS3MEMMIEugIRfq1auXEek0KPzpqEBJP8zm2-7LEKtKz-vzoi3ZrT1tlQS-Vu1aU88TpfY3yEJAIRoac8LY-HEd_h5g2jFDT7G05At2ecH7Ve3DVYRiWEcQdUJhrZXEr8Tpk6iT4/s1600/TNATara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg6QyS3MEMMIEugIRfq1auXEek0KPzpqEBJP8zm2-7LEKtKz-vzoi3ZrT1tlQS-Vu1aU88TpfY3yEJAIRoac8LY-HEd_h5g2jFDT7G05At2ecH7Ve3DVYRiWEcQdUJhrZXEr8Tpk6iT4/s320/TNATara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640334419277904226" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ey4Yy-wXkgTddV64DHBNtglPrJgsradmVZDBDRQ8q4x3Pu2vUWkfENtMktn5veykJlFdkDZGdpl8r2vTyOQEVYZ2HxPdkLd5FkhBCKfuDDeuU48zMul6DBKOZoRfwdlBunggEEEJyY/s1600/TNATara2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ey4Yy-wXkgTddV64DHBNtglPrJgsradmVZDBDRQ8q4x3Pu2vUWkfENtMktn5veykJlFdkDZGdpl8r2vTyOQEVYZ2HxPdkLd5FkhBCKfuDDeuU48zMul6DBKOZoRfwdlBunggEEEJyY/s320/TNATara2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640334616127851858" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The next two photos were with Mr. Anderson and Kurt Angle. Both are incredibly gracious guys and I have come to enjoy their work more since they moved from WWE to TNA/Impact. Anderson has a great twist on the classic “heel-as-a-face” storyline going, especially with his collection of fans known as ‘Anderson’s Assholes’. What Kurt has put himself through to solidify his persona is short of legendary. I had the opportunity to tell him so and thank him for some of the more incredible “spots” I have ever witnessed, including a moonsault from the top of a steel cage.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0WboMQFpmoKv8c-DMcVQoBmRwJUWqY56hluko8T6q1keCENvVp4EqmDwC9jiLzxKUu9mCzzw1IxxTdPigiFssfkcpsQngK9o7AVZoGLWXJ3SNbsn3HBNDALHwae3nsVEomuutIgXQ4E/s1600/TNAAnderson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0WboMQFpmoKv8c-DMcVQoBmRwJUWqY56hluko8T6q1keCENvVp4EqmDwC9jiLzxKUu9mCzzw1IxxTdPigiFssfkcpsQngK9o7AVZoGLWXJ3SNbsn3HBNDALHwae3nsVEomuutIgXQ4E/s320/TNAAnderson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640335715291447714" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uf3VpUHqRR4NLmVXmapgNE3mcQLTdSvj8qEHND10WMBRHrp14gPBkuq3G5wDpF_H-Cs7kqCeqU53VFrFLcEJiRV8uh-wQBsQVRF0EUyt6FoLmzgBA1hWdkPjsTI7V7apUFWaIOUAsbw/s1600/TNAAngle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uf3VpUHqRR4NLmVXmapgNE3mcQLTdSvj8qEHND10WMBRHrp14gPBkuq3G5wDpF_H-Cs7kqCeqU53VFrFLcEJiRV8uh-wQBsQVRF0EUyt6FoLmzgBA1hWdkPjsTI7V7apUFWaIOUAsbw/s320/TNAAngle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640335923156751554" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">I had 2 extra photo opportunity tickets, one for Anderson and one for Angle, and with Marie from <a href="http://www.acardboardproblem.com/">‘A Cardboard Problem’</a> nowhere in sight (I KNOW you would have wanted the Angle opportunity), I decided to give them away to a couple of younger fans who were just hanging around watching the fuss. I hope they enjoyed having their photo taken alongside one of their favorite wrestlers as much as I did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, the BIG moment came and it was time to “walk that aisle” with the 16-time “Limousine ridin’, jet flying, kiss stealin’, wheelin’ and dealin’ son-of-a-gun…..WOOOOO!!”, Ric Flair. For me, this opportunity stands as a once in a lifetime chance and I still found myself “marking out” when my turn came. When I was a scrawny 110lb, 4-foot-6, 14-year-old, Ric Flair and Roddy Piper taught me how to walk and talk like I was 10-feet tall. Having the opportunity to tell Flair that was a true “moment” for me. The chance to shake the hand of an Icon in the wrestling business was a real honour. To be able to flash one of the most iconic symbols in Professional Wrestling alongside the man who made it famous was totally surreal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_3leFa7onMEeWGA2Ao43pWYu8PqnsNedAvVe-t1YP-Yg3zbFCOqruZTwb13Xm003DtsxH6ftPbmLaHmwTiCa_KdspEN0vxRvS91qi0ubvd1O91dv7tcMXsH7eitkW7I5jJU9Diwhgwo/s1600/TNAFlair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_3leFa7onMEeWGA2Ao43pWYu8PqnsNedAvVe-t1YP-Yg3zbFCOqruZTwb13Xm003DtsxH6ftPbmLaHmwTiCa_KdspEN0vxRvS91qi0ubvd1O91dv7tcMXsH7eitkW7I5jJU9Diwhgwo/s320/TNAFlair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640336271883258082" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDajcTilU7qGkZuzS0GyQV0OEdWo_YRiiYQ1Eq6DJa8QvaacLs3Hi2eal_H8bMiu-UO-J9HzqprdN3OywurujHZWbT0HgJKiPD8a0jgezUjot9tgrcDjT1E2gaQCKXYNPT62SPk_RWrE/s1600/TNAFlair2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDajcTilU7qGkZuzS0GyQV0OEdWo_YRiiYQ1Eq6DJa8QvaacLs3Hi2eal_H8bMiu-UO-J9HzqprdN3OywurujHZWbT0HgJKiPD8a0jgezUjot9tgrcDjT1E2gaQCKXYNPT62SPk_RWrE/s320/TNAFlair2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640336438581750946" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Saturday was indeed the day that I looked forward to the most out of the entire 5 days of The National. I have the photographic reminders of a great time had which I will always cherish. However, this was only the half of it. In the next post I will cover the autograph portion of my day along with some of the rather questionable decisions made by TRISTAR in hosting an event like this. As usual, a 100% satisfaction rate was impossible to attain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Until then,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cheers, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-23359893804479065872011-07-09T12:20:00.005-04:002011-07-09T12:44:22.324-04:002011 Allen & Ginter is rolling out........As of Saturday morning, thanks to the warning alarm sounded by <a href="http://blog.stalegum.com/">Stale Gum,</a> it looks as though ambitious collectors can now get their hands on 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter cards via eBay. There are already some interesting cards to be discovered including <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/2011-TOPPS-ALLEN-GINTER-ASCENT-MAN-CHOANOFLAGELLATES-/110712867564?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item19c7004aec">full bleed photos.</a> My personal favorite so far is the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/2011-TOPPS-ALLEN-GINTER-MINI-UNIVITED-5-AMITYVILLE-/110712863798?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item19c7003c36">Amityville House</a> mini from the<br />'Univited Guests' mini insert set.<br /><br />In an e-mail release from Topps this past Thursday they provided a listing of the non-sport autographs available in A&G this year. The one that stands out to me is the inclusion of WWE's Shawn Michaels. I may have to actually chase that one in order to build my 'Montreal Screw-job' Collection.<br /><br />My choice for autograph card most likely to be made fun of RIDICULOUSLY is Matt Guy - The King of Cornhole. I am also happy to see a 'Travel Channel' personality make the cut, but it is bittersweet that it was not the one I was hoping for. C'mon Topps, maybe in 2012 you can give Adam Richman from <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Man_V_Food">'Man vs. Food'</a> the enshrinement he deserves.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ANTICIPATION FOR ALLEN & GINTER HEATS UP</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">With 2011 Allen & Ginter set to release next week, collectors are anticipating one of the most intriguing non-baseball autograph checklists the hobby has ever seen. From the greatest pound-for-pound fighter ever Manny Pacquiao and World Cup star Hope Solo to Annika Sorenstam, Cheryl Burke and John McEnroe, this year’s Allen & Ginter packs a powerful punch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Following is a list of this year’s non-baseball autographs in Allen & Ginter.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Aimee Mullins - Paralympic Champion / World Record Holder</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ana Julaton - Women's Boxing Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Annika Sorenstam - Women's Golf Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cheryl Burke - 2-Time Champion, Dancing with the Stars</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chrissie Wellington - Champion Triathlete and Iron Man World Record Holder</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chuck Woolery - Game Show Host</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Daniel Boulud - Award-Winning French Chef</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Diana Taurasi - Champion Women's Basketball Guard/Forward</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dick Vitale - Basketball Broadcaster</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Evan Lysacek - Winter Games Men's Figure Skating Gold Medalist</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Geno Auriemma - Champion Women's College Basketball Coach</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Guy Fieri - Food Network TV Star & Host of Minute to Win It</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Heather Mitts - Champion Women's Soccer Defender</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hope Solo - Champion Women's Soccer Goalkeeper</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jim Nantz - Sports Broadcaster</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jo Frost - Host of Supernanny</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">John McEnroe - Men's Tennis Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kristi Yamaguchi - Winter Games Figure Skating Gold Medalist</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kyle Petty - NASCAR Driver</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lou Holtz - Champion College Football Coach & Broadcaster</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Manny Pacquiao - World Champion Boxer</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Marc Forgione - Restauranteur & Winner of The Next Iron Chef</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Micky Ward - Champion Boxer & Subject of The Fighter</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Nancy Lopez - Women's Golf Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Peter Gammons - Award-Winning Baseball Writer & Broadcaster</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Picabo Street - Winter Games Alpine Skiing Gold Medalist</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rudy Ruettiger - College Football Player & Inspirational Speaker</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sanya Richards - Summer Games Track & Field Gold Medalist</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Stan Lee - Founder of Marvel Comics</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sue Bird - Champion Women's Basketball Guard</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tim Howard - Champion Men's Soccer Goalkeeper</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Timothy Shieff - Freerunning & Parkour Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Eric Jackson = Freestyle Kayaking Champion</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jake LaMotta - Champion Boxer & Subject of Raging Bull</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wee Man - World's Smallest Stunt Man</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mat Hoffman - Champion of BMX Biking and Extreme Sports</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Matt Guy - 2011 ACO World Championships "King of Cornhole" Tournament Winner</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dirk Hayhurst - Author of The Bullpen Gospels</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Al Gore & Keith Olbermann</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ron Turcotte - Champion Race Horse Jockey</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Larry Holmes - Champion Boxer</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rafer Johnson - Champion Decathlete</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Shawn Michaels - Professional Wrestler</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angelo Dundee - Boxing Trainer and Cornerman</span><br /><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-61589321107585165062011-06-04T22:48:00.002-04:002011-06-04T22:51:36.833-04:00N.H.L. Stanley Cup - SpeechlessThis is by far my favorite commercial right now, Especially Teemu Selanne.<br /><br />Watch this and then tell me Europeans do not care about winning The Cup.<br />Whatever.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JSd8CqBEbcY" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-42084919194928815482011-06-04T09:22:00.000-04:002011-06-04T09:23:03.876-04:00Street Hockey & Music - How Canadian Can You Get??Yesterday marked the start of the 4th annual 'Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament' in my hometown of Brantford, Ontario.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIxnkZPGHcOgIFTTGw_D885XP6FXEL-awcuo6HKhsfT5RPJTMZIFMc0bCG6LPSLoQH-8X_EC0ruNqKyoeYOXBR-z71Q7dNgwI8jyfba9UU4G7hiPWRBCTqaTJBjKCZ8oxEkRSpbxsIR0/s1600/header.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 60px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIxnkZPGHcOgIFTTGw_D885XP6FXEL-awcuo6HKhsfT5RPJTMZIFMc0bCG6LPSLoQH-8X_EC0ruNqKyoeYOXBR-z71Q7dNgwI8jyfba9UU4G7hiPWRBCTqaTJBjKCZ8oxEkRSpbxsIR0/s400/header.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614354384204248306" border="0" /></a><br />In 3 short years the tournament has grown from its grassroots to a Guinness World Record sized event. Last year's tournament saw a total of 205 teams along with 2096 participants. A dose of credit for the record goes to Kevin Smith and his unending support of the tournament. For two years he brought a national spotlight to this small town tournament. However, the one person without whom the tournament would have never achieved the level of popularity it has and who is also the tournament's namesake, is Walter Gretzky.<br /><br />This is year is no exception as the name "Walter Gretzky" has manage to further expand the tournament into something more than an event exclusively for Ball Hockey enthusiasts. This years marks the introduction of 'Hockeyfest Village'. Displays from the Hockey Hall of Fame will be on hand for visitors to view as well as many other hockey related attractions.<br /><br />For Autograph hounds the biggest draw will be 24 individuals making their way to 'Hockeyfest Village' for a unique and extremely fan-friendly experience. Over Saturday and Sunday people attending the tournament can purchase a special autograph book for $5.00 that will give them access to over two dozen N.H.L. and International Hockey stars. I will be making my way there as soon as this article gets posted.<br /><br />Here is the schedule for the weekend;<br /><br /><div class="module-inner"><div class="module-inner2"> <h3 style="visibility: visible;"><span>Saturday</span> - 11:00am - 12:30 pm:</h3> <p>Tom Fergus<br />Dan Daoust<br />Darcy Tucker<br />Zac Dalpe<br />Todd Harvey<br />Theo Fleury</p> <h3 style="visibility: visible;"><span>Saturday</span> - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</h3> <p>Gary Leeman<br />Stan Jonathan<br />Dale Hawerchuk<br />Zac Dalpe<br />Todd Harvey<br />Jay Wells<br />Theo Fleury</p> <h3 style="visibility: visible;"><span>Sunday</span> - 11:00am - 12:30 pm</h3> <p>Billy Derlago<br />Rene Robert<br />Danny Gare<br />Curtis Joseph<br />Gilbert Dionne<br />Tim Brent<br /><br /></p><h3 style="visibility: visible;"><span>Sunday</span> - 2:00pm - 3:30 pm</h3> <p>Rick Vaive<br />Gilbert Dionne<br />Sami Jo Small<br />Billy Bridges<br />Tim Brent</p><p><br /></p><p>So, if you happen to be in the Brantford area and are a fan of great fun, and want to gather a boatload of autos for $5.00 then bring yourself to the 4th annual 'Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament'. You will NOT be disappointed.</p><p>Keep an eye out for yours truly, I'll maybe even buy you a beer.</p><p><br /></p><p>Cheers,<br /></p><p></p></div></div>LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-81783293052152697672011-05-26T10:00:00.001-04:002011-05-26T10:02:08.483-04:00On This Day - May 26th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo4c06LZPNYtr37MazVQHY9xGXX7x_vD80du8ZlM0_m5oOnE1DCtMIJwSwihBeSpL2cMAEJu67MeXuzAw5MhyphenhyphenvQge6twwqdcjMlalcV4w8zruAEHofEF-QrafV1DB1m9_lSMHN2GbR7Y/s1600/otdbanner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo4c06LZPNYtr37MazVQHY9xGXX7x_vD80du8ZlM0_m5oOnE1DCtMIJwSwihBeSpL2cMAEJu67MeXuzAw5MhyphenhyphenvQge6twwqdcjMlalcV4w8zruAEHofEF-QrafV1DB1m9_lSMHN2GbR7Y/s400/otdbanner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610998488909609698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OTD</span> - <strong>1959</strong> - In another of Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Veeck's</span> stunts, 3-feet 7 inch Eddie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gaedel</span> returns to a major league field along with three other midgets. Arriving by helicopter and dressed as Martians, the quartet shakes hands with Nellie Fox and Luis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aparicio</span> near second base on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Comiskey</span> Park's infield and gives them toy ray guns as the PA announcer informs fans the crowd the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ETs</span> have arrived to help the somewhat short keystone combo in their struggle with giant earthlings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PozDRGa9CuSuHjAGK9OZGp07XcFgDqGlPsctLgWsqn87IhvAa9ftl4mYjrMMU-YBoaEYGdV1Aeva7xp4sWPGKZ8ha3hAkbzYyfwoUWH_jcaSuhkDWU2DzOaFG44POsE8ALUCEDAI-Nk/s1600/Eddie+Gaedel+2006+Legendary+Cuts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PozDRGa9CuSuHjAGK9OZGp07XcFgDqGlPsctLgWsqn87IhvAa9ftl4mYjrMMU-YBoaEYGdV1Aeva7xp4sWPGKZ8ha3hAkbzYyfwoUWH_jcaSuhkDWU2DzOaFG44POsE8ALUCEDAI-Nk/s320/Eddie+Gaedel+2006+Legendary+Cuts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611009781888545154" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OTD</span> - <strong>1964</strong> - In front of a meager crowd of 2,503 fans at Wrigley Field, the visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mets</span> pummel the Cubs, 19-1. New York's 25-year old first baseman Dick Smith, batting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">leadoff</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">becomes</span> the first player in franchise history to collect five hits in a game.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiFRah6MAe_zrDTzt2TXmTySJoFe4ybtC5L4eGMLl8xNufQNBJDnjgg-zyMIY-oMlUNSbo5HM1F2C2Fw0YngMFS-v5Ccyjt7Brp_6YHt8wcJKCnWc8nB7vVBuFi4yuUtLftzD2ZoF2ws/s1600/Smith+Dick+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiFRah6MAe_zrDTzt2TXmTySJoFe4ybtC5L4eGMLl8xNufQNBJDnjgg-zyMIY-oMlUNSbo5HM1F2C2Fw0YngMFS-v5Ccyjt7Brp_6YHt8wcJKCnWc8nB7vVBuFi4yuUtLftzD2ZoF2ws/s320/Smith+Dick+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611010248451282178" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">OTD</span> - <strong>1993</strong> - Jose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Canseco</span> can't be accused of not using his head by anyone in Cleveland. The Texas right fielder drifts back to line up a long drive by Carlos Martinez and, when he turns his head to take a look at the wall, the ball skims off his glove, hits his head and bounces over the fence for a home run.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdHfIPwnli0WGwuEDeMPMYZUc_6zz5G3Xuay9w1NczHj2EGFKf9gRKOxRKbJW7qY6k6lm8TSMEkOlE01T4l_Y33151g0WExxYCV94t8BaE8mPxkCYOomkizDCXh2kUli9QvmMIkxExE/s1600/2011-goodwin-champions-autograph-jose-canseco.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdHfIPwnli0WGwuEDeMPMYZUc_6zz5G3Xuay9w1NczHj2EGFKf9gRKOxRKbJW7qY6k6lm8TSMEkOlE01T4l_Y33151g0WExxYCV94t8BaE8mPxkCYOomkizDCXh2kUli9QvmMIkxExE/s320/2011-goodwin-champions-autograph-jose-canseco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611011974308183426" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">OTD</span> - <strong>1997</strong> - Two inside-the-park home runs are hit in a span of five minutes on Memorial Day in Pittsburgh. First, Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa touches them all in the top of the sixth inning, then Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Womack</span> flies around the bases in 13 seconds in the bottom of the inning. The Cubs hold off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bucs</span>, 2-1, but it is the first time in 21 years that two N.L. players hit inside-the-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">parkers</span> in the same game.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYZG7ZpI4NQY82lC1dzdOOFZevQUVHEIB5VPTDUNwZJFtQ6_JMbWdPU_G4Z6UzeC5oXd2XEFdU7d0Q46v1TfiHdre6vwzCgqUHoWM_gaj6G4AsMNbXVmiBYqpLuha84xV4dN8faPJls/s1600/KPMk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYZG7ZpI4NQY82lC1dzdOOFZevQUVHEIB5VPTDUNwZJFtQ6_JMbWdPU_G4Z6UzeC5oXd2XEFdU7d0Q46v1TfiHdre6vwzCgqUHoWM_gaj6G4AsMNbXVmiBYqpLuha84xV4dN8faPJls/s320/KPMk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611017699429981042" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhdkxrfHAIA7z3yUd7BFkcLYxgxY53ZVwP9enDzDH_CAkxNgo2OYh1F8H8HCz4wdQRQ0EImk3gTG3GGk8uUsrAu3bQURk5fnhk90XMn2rHrxxRuI9LWhRmJz_TFisSSQKOpaKAnlYSkE/s1600/womack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhdkxrfHAIA7z3yUd7BFkcLYxgxY53ZVwP9enDzDH_CAkxNgo2OYh1F8H8HCz4wdQRQ0EImk3gTG3GGk8uUsrAu3bQURk5fnhk90XMn2rHrxxRuI9LWhRmJz_TFisSSQKOpaKAnlYSkE/s320/womack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611018058761334402" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">OTD</span> - <strong>2004</strong> - In the second game of a twin bill at US Cellular Field, Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Catalanotto</span> becomes the first Blue Jay in franchise history to collect six hits in one game. The left fielder’s double and five singles contribute to Toronto’s 10-6 victory over the White <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sox</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTD1VxFgbSQcsqtlLvrZPnBisDh9r0r1Db-QxJ4UnDcnmA2jyItK7GQrgUD-R2n3HNTkb6oasvaBwh_NDY4AxfYpcvj8cMSk21c0_MPM4CCk8-qLaUh19KbzQkGMlTAOgBFBcMt9zcH8/s1600/51P0Wda2ugL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTD1VxFgbSQcsqtlLvrZPnBisDh9r0r1Db-QxJ4UnDcnmA2jyItK7GQrgUD-R2n3HNTkb6oasvaBwh_NDY4AxfYpcvj8cMSk21c0_MPM4CCk8-qLaUh19KbzQkGMlTAOgBFBcMt9zcH8/s320/51P0Wda2ugL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611019833652938418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-36786176796689518802011-05-25T10:00:00.000-04:002011-05-25T10:00:10.848-04:00On This Day - May 25th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLEqBCfKw5VW_6lEni1HFHMqQxPn6xQ3dvp0gv51Xfvm3U2mshyphenhyphenOqQ_h9yrASY99B8KhPFjUSeg3NOG8DjL76d7e6W1kcpKo_29mlDdxIJgZw3dT_I3Ph-xNbXTgJ5HsNvkvBLSoXZKA/s1600/otdbanner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLEqBCfKw5VW_6lEni1HFHMqQxPn6xQ3dvp0gv51Xfvm3U2mshyphenhyphenOqQ_h9yrASY99B8KhPFjUSeg3NOG8DjL76d7e6W1kcpKo_29mlDdxIJgZw3dT_I3Ph-xNbXTgJ5HsNvkvBLSoXZKA/s400/otdbanner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610632094615979122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />OTD - <strong>1923</strong> - Crossing the plate for the 1,741 time, Ty Cobb surpasses Honus Wagner's for most runs score in a career. The 'Georgia Peach' will tally 2,245 runs during his 24-year tenure in the major leagues, a mark which will not be equaled until 2001 when Rickey Henderson breaks the record.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Vj76eQJ2rnwYDwCs95gAC4CKqMSn5i_yNiYJ8vDXH9yjAJMbhF4_rSUcgKyV1iR1HHRbzdo1I9cXuPtpKKxkGsGQ-aJ0Vjohl-k2x72elX1LBoKndImKSgoQXP-ttFMpLakWkT7_tQ/s1600/TyCobb-CrackerJack-1914.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Vj76eQJ2rnwYDwCs95gAC4CKqMSn5i_yNiYJ8vDXH9yjAJMbhF4_rSUcgKyV1iR1HHRbzdo1I9cXuPtpKKxkGsGQ-aJ0Vjohl-k2x72elX1LBoKndImKSgoQXP-ttFMpLakWkT7_tQ/s200/TyCobb-CrackerJack-1914.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610638623990172610" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1941</strong> - Ted Williams raises his batting average over .400 for the first time during the season. His run to be the first since Bill Terry in 1930 to exceed the magic number will be marked in newspapers throughout the season, although it will often give way to the batting streak by Joe DiMaggio.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCWRC36uV9qc2AYwe8RQ4pC-A71EsLlkCuKm3yVpcwQYIg6hh52phCmyjT7f_uNEYnNCAhB6FW4wS8FFuUI0zJ5AJoNjHjVJ0AP6dCLn-vRd0VUOGWUNHSJ4gbPW18zUn3v7x9fEv_CY/s1600/0000013103_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCWRC36uV9qc2AYwe8RQ4pC-A71EsLlkCuKm3yVpcwQYIg6hh52phCmyjT7f_uNEYnNCAhB6FW4wS8FFuUI0zJ5AJoNjHjVJ0AP6dCLn-vRd0VUOGWUNHSJ4gbPW18zUn3v7x9fEv_CY/s320/0000013103_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610637668122409650" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1951</strong> - The much-heralded Giants rookie Willie Mays makes his major league debut against the Phillies at Shibe Park. The 20-year old outfielder, who hit .477 in the minor leagues with the Minneapolis Millers in 35 games before being called up, goes hitless in five trips to the plate, but makes two outstanding defensive plays to contribute to New York’s 8-5 victory<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIqe7K2HcIgzvvvQNHPNSklcfs3gCVCNgZKrR0noXSpg_70MHotQRjsNyKWACuDm-JgyMu94btYllbxjUWmOuPR_mYrEVIptAsMabQIMPJZdw52HV-0V9zBi6Bn0YC4-cE-G8kC_TqZM/s1600/107_1_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIqe7K2HcIgzvvvQNHPNSklcfs3gCVCNgZKrR0noXSpg_70MHotQRjsNyKWACuDm-JgyMu94btYllbxjUWmOuPR_mYrEVIptAsMabQIMPJZdw52HV-0V9zBi6Bn0YC4-cE-G8kC_TqZM/s320/107_1_6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610636197225723666" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1981</strong> - Carl Yastrzemski plays in his 3,000th major league game, scoring the winning run in Boston's 8-7 triumph over Cleveland. Yaz joins Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, and Hank Aaron as the only major leaguers to appear in 3,000 games.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdzmxitvE67gaclNpk4t_MeCeF7rJRfI8pXQXZu09AViiGX0F7d78lTQpNUy8eNTNWt0lEgHnN9tn9u_fBEkAbcv7wAJ6yzvvHUEVRQiZiGqsG1gOmXMWp0xcUsnWgN_9FlimG46w7PM/s1600/99+81F+STICKER++YAZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdzmxitvE67gaclNpk4t_MeCeF7rJRfI8pXQXZu09AViiGX0F7d78lTQpNUy8eNTNWt0lEgHnN9tn9u_fBEkAbcv7wAJ6yzvvHUEVRQiZiGqsG1gOmXMWp0xcUsnWgN_9FlimG46w7PM/s320/99+81F+STICKER++YAZ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610633700197748018" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>2006</strong> - At Tokyo's Jingu Stadium, Californian-borned Rick Guttormson becomes the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in interleague play in Japan. The former Padres minor league pitcher of the year holds the Golden Eagles hitless as the Yakult Swallows beat Rakuten, 6-0.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfQhutW0uRbbRl92ytUGNPpAMhYmDZDuqXrCcu-exqGXsUTJFt9biJqOCMYKZrHrcBTbxsamwrlK4Srl6cB_OdVOscYjKsbqQeI0YOyVasqM5cu2uLG5uNXZ0j527p5IbJhSzX6-K7rY/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521jQE1J2OUVy-BNeBg%2521MKig%257E%257E_3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfQhutW0uRbbRl92ytUGNPpAMhYmDZDuqXrCcu-exqGXsUTJFt9biJqOCMYKZrHrcBTbxsamwrlK4Srl6cB_OdVOscYjKsbqQeI0YOyVasqM5cu2uLG5uNXZ0j527p5IbJhSzX6-K7rY/s320/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521jQE1J2OUVy-BNeBg%2521MKig%257E%257E_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610633301825890946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-5236913307216618972011-05-24T19:47:00.002-04:002011-05-24T20:27:28.180-04:00Box Break - 2010 Panini Threads Football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR181BeLmP_aIhTECwED-am_KVpIn_1UPQF_0FHs81_oPj-_mYXoF2TjjZA_j4yVn2rfCwVQDje9jIS2bWc4AgLY-AqyXZqri1tvuJ7oceYqsekA9ZjkY35DSspLJ_DxnWsgJ7Vl0zmA/s1600/box.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR181BeLmP_aIhTECwED-am_KVpIn_1UPQF_0FHs81_oPj-_mYXoF2TjjZA_j4yVn2rfCwVQDje9jIS2bWc4AgLY-AqyXZqri1tvuJ7oceYqsekA9ZjkY35DSspLJ_DxnWsgJ7Vl0zmA/s320/box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610433569682758626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Quite a long time ago I was lucky enough to score a box of 2010 Panini Threads Football from the always too generous folks over at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cardcornerclubradio">Card Corner Club Radio.</a> Simply listening to their show and lazing back with the laptop got me a free box. How can that not make for a great Friday night spent? I promised them that I would post the break on my blog. I expected to be doing this much sooner than now, but, better late than never I suppose.<br /><br />With the current state of my card collecting table it was an impossibility to do a video break. So, this will have to suffice. First things first though.<br /><br /><br />Soundtrack - <a href="http://www.thesheepdogs.com/">The Sheepdogs</a> - Learn and Burn<br /><br /><br />2010 Panini Threads Football<br /><br />Box Breakdown - 24 packs per box<br />Pack Breakdown - 8 cards per pack<br /><br />Right off the bat I like this product simply for the weight of the box, it "feels" like a healthy purchase. Lately boxes of cards have not been giving the impression that they are money well spent. Delivering 192 cards this product definitely changes that perception. As with a number of Panini releases this set is broken into 3 parts with varying degrees of difficulty to pull one. Cards 1 through 150 constitute the "base" set and are labelled "Commons" on the checklist. Cards 151 through 200 are the 'Rookie Class' autographed manu-patch cards and cards 201 to 300 are, I am assuming here, Rookies that did not warrant a manu-patch, they are simply called 'Rookies' on the checklist.<br /><br />Base Set cards - 150/150 (100%) (Always a great thing!!!!)<br />Doubles - 21<br /><br />The common theme that seems to permeate every conversation when it comes to critiquing a card design is that collectors want "something different". Well, Panini Threads definitely does that with its base cards. All 150 base cards feature a landscape layout for the photo with the player name and team running vertically up the left side of the card. The disappointment for me with this set is the lack of colour on the front of the card that would distinguish, at a quick glance, the team represented. Also missing on the front is a team logo.<br /><br />I have never considered myself a fan of football cards or sets and after looking throughout this set I think I have discovered why. With Baseball and Hockey the action of the game seems to be captured in the photographs used on cards. Football, for some reason unknown to me, does not seem to be able to capture what makes it exciting and translate that to cardboard. Out of 150 cards there were really only 3 that even remotely looked like a "great shot" or captured the essence of the game, even with that said the Manning card looks like every other Manning card.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan_7FPSCKYTFIq_lnsiHtlxtjLFItpL7VCOMuXlZMMDAzS8vCUg_Gy9OWfMFmZMuukpDbNKVNQohb4Na3m_aWlqIAShdn-O3vxC6AqQaf8svyoW1t0kBWWhvpoAcOfgqt_sQl1Xc7Pwk/s1600/scan0020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan_7FPSCKYTFIq_lnsiHtlxtjLFItpL7VCOMuXlZMMDAzS8vCUg_Gy9OWfMFmZMuukpDbNKVNQohb4Na3m_aWlqIAShdn-O3vxC6AqQaf8svyoW1t0kBWWhvpoAcOfgqt_sQl1Xc7Pwk/s320/scan0020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610413683544010946" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91nzgOcxxuNDoRwGusiIIbP1uwC5iNcay7ChBrb80fkiagJRBuGrUFKR5pV4y76Dmg6XY5awnsc2rarJGXLCvfeOg8Un7Ql-kPuyTIVgwd-7PCiM0lgnTqPgSfRjvyz8ql0ctwqTXE1c/s1600/scan0022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91nzgOcxxuNDoRwGusiIIbP1uwC5iNcay7ChBrb80fkiagJRBuGrUFKR5pV4y76Dmg6XY5awnsc2rarJGXLCvfeOg8Un7Ql-kPuyTIVgwd-7PCiM0lgnTqPgSfRjvyz8ql0ctwqTXE1c/s320/scan0022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610413832447277826" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxcl0NPNZX_0aEXWVSDGYmscXDcP65oeB1Ux2HKvKxJu6pwYUED3jcCAcaFC72lFdd9HEWCntynJ8tWc_qUMSUK1depbpN6C7YVpd6m5f-9jpPghf0_YsdKSaT5W8RHzmeciRL2JeoEc/s1600/scan0021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxcl0NPNZX_0aEXWVSDGYmscXDcP65oeB1Ux2HKvKxJu6pwYUED3jcCAcaFC72lFdd9HEWCntynJ8tWc_qUMSUK1depbpN6C7YVpd6m5f-9jpPghf0_YsdKSaT5W8RHzmeciRL2JeoEc/s320/scan0021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610413977527748162" border="0" /></a><br />Far too many cards in this set featured photos from practices or scrimmages. The LaDanian Tomlinson card is especially weak featuring his own teammate trying to "tackle" him. Altogether I counted 10 cards featuring these types of photos. It may not seem much but photography should be the number one concern for ANY set.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8DxHpc9Nm-kKUuEqcc7lkpGCgp-BtgyBUW-h441I_z3PM4V1WProK76LbUuBw12VY8W-svfx_ufR-NqXhLpw8Qvntn8pd5PbXOq2QPJl1HZnwKihDsqVDMsnA330BL58-FzkETxFLqU/s1600/scan0006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8DxHpc9Nm-kKUuEqcc7lkpGCgp-BtgyBUW-h441I_z3PM4V1WProK76LbUuBw12VY8W-svfx_ufR-NqXhLpw8Qvntn8pd5PbXOq2QPJl1HZnwKihDsqVDMsnA330BL58-FzkETxFLqU/s320/scan0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610413358894759954" border="0" /></a><br />Like I mentioned earlier there are plenty of Rookie cards in this set with varying degrees of difficulty to acquire. Base Rookies (read as non-autographed, non-manu-patch cards) appear to fall 1 every 4 packs and total 100 cards. These are Rookies beyond the much sought after names that appear in the autographed manu-patch collection of 50. This is where the set tends to bloat a little. Here are the six I pulled.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0EaWk9RCoUBOclLBEG8F9Om6_kXisK82Sf7P48SBqalPp_I8vB7-6oD6L-EIQ4kAaVm_T3k_fKEuaJ6z_ENZaYU14ddGFX-09TZ7jp6IdY5iBCAHcf90vppW07_sev1Y1OOLVaTiJKY/s1600/dpgrp1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0EaWk9RCoUBOclLBEG8F9Om6_kXisK82Sf7P48SBqalPp_I8vB7-6oD6L-EIQ4kAaVm_T3k_fKEuaJ6z_ENZaYU14ddGFX-09TZ7jp6IdY5iBCAHcf90vppW07_sev1Y1OOLVaTiJKY/s400/dpgrp1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610431409865444642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #206 - Anthony Dixon, card #222 - David Gettis, card #233 - Garrett Graham</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT9-HCJ1PyWBiWZ2vKNa8BPnUkzqTinifHpQ9ZzZ24-QfelngiioN27-eqK2cBIJFuDA4-j5ogPFkdk61nV3CbMTCimqVBKQ7uk2Rgp39T4H_EO-ac5FWMqPVdFGYvVv1Jb1fF2XrQJs/s1600/dpgrp2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT9-HCJ1PyWBiWZ2vKNa8BPnUkzqTinifHpQ9ZzZ24-QfelngiioN27-eqK2cBIJFuDA4-j5ogPFkdk61nV3CbMTCimqVBKQ7uk2Rgp39T4H_EO-ac5FWMqPVdFGYvVv1Jb1fF2XrQJs/s400/dpgrp2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610432449042069106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Card #248 - Joique Bell, card #264 - Mike Neal, card #290 - Timothy Toone</span></div><br />Parallels as with any Panini issue are plentiful in this release, there are 6 in total for the Base Set,<br /><br />Silver Century Proofs - #/250<br />Gold Century Proofs - #/100<br />Platinum Century Proofs - #/25<br />Autographed Parallels - #/499 and lower<br />Jersey Parallels - #/299 and lower<br />Prime Jersey Parallels - #/50 and lower<br /><br />I pulled 3 Silver parallels and 1 Gold, sadly none were Bengals. However, one was from the SP Rookie cards and the other 3 were QBs. Not bad in the end.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJRjLb4Ekn3qwau1fjgncfnyNIzyZFh8HR0oNoHDKKzy5r0xiJoyCg_Dh_8FNWb05i_1CAyM3K18Etlr14pSKGyNRxVsNeqvuEiteA-L91HwGIw0ptIE_nY1vjpAu9WJ-j5Lli46oHw/s1600/scan0012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJRjLb4Ekn3qwau1fjgncfnyNIzyZFh8HR0oNoHDKKzy5r0xiJoyCg_Dh_8FNWb05i_1CAyM3K18Etlr14pSKGyNRxVsNeqvuEiteA-L91HwGIw0ptIE_nY1vjpAu9WJ-j5Lli46oHw/s320/scan0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610124343356061026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Silver Parallel Serial #116/250 card #246 - Joe Webb</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs3RO1AM2FXaSBcsq__tft4wC0m_1e1QoHKuCuktylFyTSkaGATSqTyOiPFz4t1kXCxEBx4grcx51SSe3kBkBqoQPhWfM_ROk7jC7LsvbnzK3V6FfkZgObRrSgl9HxDhBd4r7THn8shQ/s1600/scan0013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs3RO1AM2FXaSBcsq__tft4wC0m_1e1QoHKuCuktylFyTSkaGATSqTyOiPFz4t1kXCxEBx4grcx51SSe3kBkBqoQPhWfM_ROk7jC7LsvbnzK3V6FfkZgObRrSgl9HxDhBd4r7THn8shQ/s320/scan0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610124919033889058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Silver Parallel Serial #161/250 card #45 - Kyle Orton</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEGl8DohTcUUWIXmTOiFYDaG1ko1fQ-0mv0jAA5hq3sZXHy4vmZaoUCOeOigZjEbQ-M_2JhzKxRz9SsI2Ry6YE9Plot7UYxEHnSwS_1MJed4q7KkNwa1Mb0l5hfusFbfxDdkIbKOWrOQ/s1600/scan0011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEGl8DohTcUUWIXmTOiFYDaG1ko1fQ-0mv0jAA5hq3sZXHy4vmZaoUCOeOigZjEbQ-M_2JhzKxRz9SsI2Ry6YE9Plot7UYxEHnSwS_1MJed4q7KkNwa1Mb0l5hfusFbfxDdkIbKOWrOQ/s320/scan0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610125783148716434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Silver Parallel Serial #037/250 card #76 - Chad Henne</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozxTGqKoimUDDGpZAhvlJ74p3UNih_yh1sDDkV1gRrBYSR727ZMRI_xgoX9PA_xmE98zJw5aMkHOTmuoKaRdUldgpOEnO26HWJ98IdZ4eUFf3e6nHPyiSIn2On3XGuX0-93Fxcc6uq6A/s1600/scan0014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozxTGqKoimUDDGpZAhvlJ74p3UNih_yh1sDDkV1gRrBYSR727ZMRI_xgoX9PA_xmE98zJw5aMkHOTmuoKaRdUldgpOEnO26HWJ98IdZ4eUFf3e6nHPyiSIn2On3XGuX0-93Fxcc6uq6A/s320/scan0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610126514063970226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Gold Parallel Serial #032/100 card #48 - Matthew Stafford</span></div><br />When it comes to insert cards there are plenty to choose from in Panini Threads and one especially that I really, REALLY like. There are 6 insert sets that have a non-relic or non-signature base along with plenty of parallels.<br /><br />'Century Legends' features 15 of the greatest players in NFL history and has 3 parallels;<br />Century Legends Proof - #/100<br />Century Legends Materials - #/299 and lower<br />Century Legends Prime Materials - #50/ and lower<br /><br />'Century Stars' features 25 of today's current NFL stars and has 3 parallels;<br />Century Stars Proof - #/100<br />Century Stars Materials - #/299 and lower<br />Century Stars Prime Materials - #/ and lower<br /><br />'Triple Threat' focuses on the best 1-2-3-punch of 10 NFL teams with 3 parallels;<br />Triple Threat Proof - #/100<br />Triple Threat Materials - #/299 and lower<br />Triple Threat Prime Materials - #50/ and lower<br /><br />'Generations' is a 15-card set that takes a current player and matches him up with a player from the franchise's past. this set has 3 parallels as well;<br />Generations Proof - #/100<br />Generations Materials - #/299 and lower<br />Generations Prime Materials - #50/ and lower<br /><br />'All Rookie Team' is a 5-card set showcasing the Top 5 rookies of 2009 with 4 parallels;<br />All Rookie Team Threads #/299 and lower<br />All Rookie Team Threads Prime #/50 and lower<br />All Rookie Team Threads Signatures #/50 and lower<br />All Rookie Team Threads Prime Signatures #/25 and lower<br /><br />'Pro Gridiron Kings' covers 50 of the NFL's greatest players and features a total of 9 parallels. 4 are different coloured frame variations and 5 are a mixture of jerseys, patches and signatures;<br />Red Frame #/100<br />Blue Frame #/50<br />Green Frame #/25<br />Black Frame #/10<br />Jersey #/299 and lower<br />Prime Patch #/50 and lower<br />Autograph #/299 and lower<br />Autograph Jersey #/25 and lower<br />Autograph Prime Patch #/10 and lower<br /><br />By far my favorite insert is the 'Pro Gridiron Kings', as it is printed on a canvas card stock best described as reminiscent to the Upper Deck Masterpieces collection set, except more glossy. Of course the one insert set I choose to like has the greatest number of parallels. I pulled one from this box and it was a base that features Daryle Lamonica.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0PtVVrdc0bxwaIXLQdl7BKSi47VzhEZkE16KPbZpPT7MDYPw3wS9JKQg8FQeV5HQMoeHeYOgINoBCgdUWvVyhSAjYAQ2R4R4IaWK6hpWQ4udjiClUvLjbfR4dkQHIgxicn4WLty1V5o/s1600/scan0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0PtVVrdc0bxwaIXLQdl7BKSi47VzhEZkE16KPbZpPT7MDYPw3wS9JKQg8FQeV5HQMoeHeYOgINoBCgdUWvVyhSAjYAQ2R4R4IaWK6hpWQ4udjiClUvLjbfR4dkQHIgxicn4WLty1V5o/s320/scan0009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610119822597876786" border="0" /></a><br />I also pulled 4 cards from the 'Century Stars' set, 3 base and 1 Proof parallel. This is a set I could take or leave (probably leave) when it comes to design. My first impression is, too dark. I like the use of team colours in the bottom left corner and the banner. However, nothing really grabs me about this set. Even the 25 card checklist could have been parred down to 20 or 15. Disappointing that this is the insert set I pulled the most cards from.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsurALcxZ3SZZgyQik-A3of3Y-Wq1uatQ36RaqMHlvXEKQKRx7P2qpL0-ij6Vc6diwIUnemFzcPUd0MFUO3opjRuehwWFyZStibUBK54ZU_eXvtn_EIaD5aWnNCMyiMqZs-dJu0rDKSw/s1600/scan0005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsurALcxZ3SZZgyQik-A3of3Y-Wq1uatQ36RaqMHlvXEKQKRx7P2qpL0-ij6Vc6diwIUnemFzcPUd0MFUO3opjRuehwWFyZStibUBK54ZU_eXvtn_EIaD5aWnNCMyiMqZs-dJu0rDKSw/s320/scan0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610121548592566578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Stars' card #7 - Drew Brees</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX-KozXhyltSRwKXoEPL09Ph0VRyW3bX1sxCNJsSeDAHjymEe8xY2jacJxBWAQ6u8GWxc1TRWs-cWyIcL4SeSqdzZlcfzW2t7jp6z2fPW0c-fGs5qr28kCI_l9Ag55VZm6FtBfLAQlM/s1600/scan0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX-KozXhyltSRwKXoEPL09Ph0VRyW3bX1sxCNJsSeDAHjymEe8xY2jacJxBWAQ6u8GWxc1TRWs-cWyIcL4SeSqdzZlcfzW2t7jp6z2fPW0c-fGs5qr28kCI_l9Ag55VZm6FtBfLAQlM/s320/scan0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610121919955110866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Stars' card #8 - Eli Manning</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93NGwIwXvTJTT1CfN7p7Zy1bX6LnmLIrrbMkpPREDfuLSo8RJwa_5BD9TRSNzVY69asA2Xs5ntJeA5ST266mjwas60btlRttug-bO_btVer-v92mvlVSdxnMKRoANBcQmbJHCOUkN_P4/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93NGwIwXvTJTT1CfN7p7Zy1bX6LnmLIrrbMkpPREDfuLSo8RJwa_5BD9TRSNzVY69asA2Xs5ntJeA5ST266mjwas60btlRttug-bO_btVer-v92mvlVSdxnMKRoANBcQmbJHCOUkN_P4/s320/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610122309396645154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Stars' card #9 - Frank Gore</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMgJvQsYLnTBMXxBZDcnCb49rHR33L1CT3ggJ-8r24j0Pu7na2VZvykRdinvD-37mWMpTZ19lfhSPMVn0K6aFhGmVunEnYmNV-9jmeRmrgYjCddQYMJKp2h6kBZzz0BSCWIy_g64EQU/s1600/scan0015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMgJvQsYLnTBMXxBZDcnCb49rHR33L1CT3ggJ-8r24j0Pu7na2VZvykRdinvD-37mWMpTZ19lfhSPMVn0K6aFhGmVunEnYmNV-9jmeRmrgYjCddQYMJKp2h6kBZzz0BSCWIy_g64EQU/s320/scan0015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610122654329812914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Stars' Proof Parallel card #18 - Michael Turner </span><span style="font-size:78%;">(Serial #088/100)</span></div><br />The 'Generations' set reminds me too much of the Topps 'Legendary Lineage' cards. I get what manufacturers are trying to do here but the design and layout needs to be revisited by someone. I pulled 2 cards from this set that San Diego fans or Minnesota fans would be happy with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b0KsBA281Oal6qD_BhnVwiY3M_ToiKzB6iRbLfgXRGN6SsJu5e_-kIyPcDnzfFKrgMWM3wXAfnGiwlfQcQoxlfGl5m_4bCV0-A2-ZOXirKeQ-noyMD6l_C-8uQhajBNvJko-FBWmwf4/s1600/scan0007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b0KsBA281Oal6qD_BhnVwiY3M_ToiKzB6iRbLfgXRGN6SsJu5e_-kIyPcDnzfFKrgMWM3wXAfnGiwlfQcQoxlfGl5m_4bCV0-A2-ZOXirKeQ-noyMD6l_C-8uQhajBNvJko-FBWmwf4/s320/scan0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610120267234555234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Generations' card #4 - Cris Carter/Sidney Rice</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtqp_8EhLS1f2gdsYeReDc13E2ZN31DGVi40Kx1dSFc7eD5GDHlPv8pZtF9UW-BOQBS-axPhbiKBMX5LAZqxJ9t3xvYFcs6uhyphenhyphenSepMuFDbCE8DT8YOTc7YFiZuva32SI9XY7jS1AFfQ4/s1600/scan0008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtqp_8EhLS1f2gdsYeReDc13E2ZN31DGVi40Kx1dSFc7eD5GDHlPv8pZtF9UW-BOQBS-axPhbiKBMX5LAZqxJ9t3xvYFcs6uhyphenhyphenSepMuFDbCE8DT8YOTc7YFiZuva32SI9XY7jS1AFfQ4/s320/scan0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610120814348425634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Generations' card #5 - Junior Seau/Shawne Merriman</span></div><br />The other insert set I might try and build is 'Century Legends'. It is small enough at 15 cards and the checklist is worthy of a set. The design is much better than the 'Century Stars' card with the only thing missing being a team logo on the white space on the right side of the card. I managed to pull two big-time Quarterbacks from this box.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjeBkQ2U0m7DGmnGAEk4vmgYGoXHrLgX7RTrYv6daX1RMqAOCoPdGkktZUEuTTsotPuZgLXN8m1mNZhhr2UHWN1__balY51RrZLxrwOwrnucs_QT5-aAZkuhkQRXjiuiS0cGoFF_QmqU/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjeBkQ2U0m7DGmnGAEk4vmgYGoXHrLgX7RTrYv6daX1RMqAOCoPdGkktZUEuTTsotPuZgLXN8m1mNZhhr2UHWN1__balY51RrZLxrwOwrnucs_QT5-aAZkuhkQRXjiuiS0cGoFF_QmqU/s320/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610118906824837330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Legends' card #14 - Terry Bradshaw</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3llPgiwhcby2RrgWGUe4agL6V9RRyWhZmVYwWYmZqC8izT0cif4HiYD9SAr49vELEFYpzYf0ocu2IS-QkWK4XEqs0hQa_SyQxy7dC2yNEcgL9X8o38wOG9GjXmDt7VxQvdfz0arGXqgU/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3llPgiwhcby2RrgWGUe4agL6V9RRyWhZmVYwWYmZqC8izT0cif4HiYD9SAr49vELEFYpzYf0ocu2IS-QkWK4XEqs0hQa_SyQxy7dC2yNEcgL9X8o38wOG9GjXmDt7VxQvdfz0arGXqgU/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610119384383443410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">'Century Legends' card #15 - Dan Fouts</span></div><br />Lastly, I pulled 1 base insert of the 'Triple Threat' insert set. This card is one that did not need to happen. This set feels like Panini just needed to fill out the release roster by packing out a base card version. This set would be much more desirable as a Prime Patch release ONLY. The card appears designed for just that, which is not a problem, it makes an amazing looking patch card. Unfortunately it does not work as a base insert.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FIAW-eC3zVUNxbL2xCgmkh_cqwfG5gr8dfdcCuz8wX9QNe0uV_s6dPZcG3lElsNNRpUvKf8cwW1wz_9aKHJBYSeQmPKH1ZsbRHs3yb_Al_LyfZAo1BXV-fpNon1ffxwRAWfNsqjhmuQ/s1600/scan0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FIAW-eC3zVUNxbL2xCgmkh_cqwfG5gr8dfdcCuz8wX9QNe0uV_s6dPZcG3lElsNNRpUvKf8cwW1wz_9aKHJBYSeQmPKH1ZsbRHs3yb_Al_LyfZAo1BXV-fpNon1ffxwRAWfNsqjhmuQ/s320/scan0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610118401157480354" border="0" /></a><br />Now we come to the guaranteed hits in the box. According to the sell sheet you will pull 4 autographed or game-used cards per box. Looking at the checklist there are plenty of different cards to fit this bill. Some of the inserts and parallels have already been covered, here are the rest of the jersey/patch/autographed cards available to be hit in 2010 Panini Threads;<br /><br />Game Day Jerseys 25-card set with 3 parallels;<br />Signatures #/50 and lower<br />Prime Patch #/50 and lower<br />Prime Patch Signatures #/25 and lower<br /><br />Rookie Collection Materials is a 35-card set featuring, you guessed it, Rookies. This set also has 3 parallels;<br />Signatures #/50 and lower<br />Prime Patch #/25 and lower<br />Prime Patch Signatures #/25 and lower<br /><br />Rookie Collection also comes in Combo versions, the Dual is a 15-card set with a parallel and the Quad is a 5-card set with a parallel;<br />Rookie Collection Dual Prime #/25 and lower<br />Rookie Collection Quad Prime #/25 and lower<br /><br />Franchise Fabrics features mostly Quarterbacks but is essentially a 20-card set dedicated to some of the NFL's top tier players. This set has 5 parallels;<br />Franchise Fabrics Patch #/50 and lower<br />Franchise Fabrics Signatures #/25 and lower<br />Franchise Fabrics Patch Signatures #/10 and lower<br />Franchise Tags #/10 and lower<br />Franchise Tags Signatures #/5 and lower<br /><br />The Rookie Signatures insert set comes in three tiers. The Combos feature dual signatures and is a 10-card set. The Triple Signatures set is also a 10-card set and the Rookie Signature Quads is a 5-card set.<br /><br />So, without any further stalling, here are the 4 guaranteed hits from the box I broke.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Autographed Parallel #299/499 Bryan Bulaga 'Rookie'</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8rxbc_5ADACSPXTnIyTeScYKqQfV3Wjr6R0_yK7PK0jHk8I-odJsCQayp1NhKQOxGwzCJumCfd8xwRG8jdbkarPoJEpzBG1MfLQ6mJkXCMueAGAzMXYF0NsPku2-lckW4NA2uKLcXHM/s1600/scan0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8rxbc_5ADACSPXTnIyTeScYKqQfV3Wjr6R0_yK7PK0jHk8I-odJsCQayp1NhKQOxGwzCJumCfd8xwRG8jdbkarPoJEpzBG1MfLQ6mJkXCMueAGAzMXYF0NsPku2-lckW4NA2uKLcXHM/s320/scan0016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610117637754886962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Rookie Collection Jersey #270/299 Card#21 Jonathan Dwyer</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7HjtELC_Ghm6LBIzw9Zi07IFmGPXUDcWukLG17835Kq14Y06eBbv7hv_a52wY4GjIBQHlsY9v_c4KvyFQ23Ej_HwKMKwN5RNHSiHwC-sctLbPXWOVajyWQStcCZg5zIO8VKzn_TrrRY/s1600/scan0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7HjtELC_Ghm6LBIzw9Zi07IFmGPXUDcWukLG17835Kq14Y06eBbv7hv_a52wY4GjIBQHlsY9v_c4KvyFQ23Ej_HwKMKwN5RNHSiHwC-sctLbPXWOVajyWQStcCZg5zIO8VKzn_TrrRY/s320/scan0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610117346081086754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Rookie Collection Quad-Jersey #022/299 Card#3<br />Demaryus Thomas/Dez Bryant/Dexter McCluster/Arrelious Benn</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ2XzB5JkU9af_iqUDJ1yasWk7TXjLvWvvDrbuigx3J7uAZOtKviWy3sDn6oGtDhCtRRDpHfGrIaXRW0HBCguUZo1nrcrE4E_UO9IPxfMCelppMtKPl7huuBAcWq4ilfnccN0sc89T7c/s1600/scan0017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ2XzB5JkU9af_iqUDJ1yasWk7TXjLvWvvDrbuigx3J7uAZOtKviWy3sDn6oGtDhCtRRDpHfGrIaXRW0HBCguUZo1nrcrE4E_UO9IPxfMCelppMtKPl7huuBAcWq4ilfnccN0sc89T7c/s320/scan0017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610116652684218642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Rookie Class Autographed/Manu-patch #180/280 C.J.Spiller</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNrr7HG3zgGqbudBUtwuWcSrcHrtplLBVHG2xy8Tv1m-g-j2LwYGCCmmx7jlo-AAeabw8Iym1g4NQB5u2w-GFKJw5jGWct8ZMRG80frdPRZ0Nhx6jn3M4HDhA9nAT7u5oWuk7yx5XtaQ/s1600/scan0018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNrr7HG3zgGqbudBUtwuWcSrcHrtplLBVHG2xy8Tv1m-g-j2LwYGCCmmx7jlo-AAeabw8Iym1g4NQB5u2w-GFKJw5jGWct8ZMRG80frdPRZ0Nhx6jn3M4HDhA9nAT7u5oWuk7yx5XtaQ/s320/scan0018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610117975665090674" border="0" /></a><br />There are a few too many non-essential rookies making up this set and the checklist could probably have been trimmed to 250 cards, either that or the Base Set could have included more current players. The inclusion of all the rookies with a healthy dose of current players makes it difficult to give this set an identity. Is it for everyday collectors or is it for speculators?<br /><br />Overall I enjoyed 2010 Panini Threads but it did nothing to peak my interest in Football releases. There seems to be something lacking in this Football card release that keeps it from capturing the excitement of Hockey or Baseball. While the box more than delivered on expectations with a complete base set and some well designed inserts and I would definitely recommend it to Football card collectors.<br /><br />Thanks to the kind and generous folks at Card Corner Club Radio for the prize and make sure to tune in every Friday night for one of the most entertaining and informative shows concerning our Hobby.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to check out this latest Box Break and keep checking back for more. We end it here as usual with the "music-to-rip-by" for this edition, good ol' Canadian boys The Sheepdogs.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DvCq2hmlasM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550523235338869323.post-16016430786569222272011-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:002011-05-24T10:00:03.763-04:00On This Day - May 24th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrYUZruWutIu-4QCglxZfC9qJrlNHXDSUycAVbi9IUxtZzVTmkz5giOnR9T3dpvRNDV-g_bWVML103LGjFZJQcuz0_v-tvO6wqG7ZEwFDZz7aqXC3gbQVRgVsu16pPwurs8MYaH0d2Go/s1600/otdbanner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrYUZruWutIu-4QCglxZfC9qJrlNHXDSUycAVbi9IUxtZzVTmkz5giOnR9T3dpvRNDV-g_bWVML103LGjFZJQcuz0_v-tvO6wqG7ZEwFDZz7aqXC3gbQVRgVsu16pPwurs8MYaH0d2Go/s400/otdbanner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610262751667906994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />OTD - <strong>1909</strong> - After beating the Cardinals a record 24 consecutive times, Giants' legend Christy Mathewson finally loses to the Redbirds, 3-1. The winning streak spanned five years starting in May of 1904.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u_7_iJcp69b7hNGGv0yqdYEaKkhzkD2IAmCgfqnKY__WAiCAETcJcoTcwJCfgJkVUZ1l5XrhZqQm29oikYeleiuU53h1ewT05-wd6ZjP4B9MtUCa9qSY2PsfArl6z3vmY39FxL6z8V8/s1600/43483_01_lg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u_7_iJcp69b7hNGGv0yqdYEaKkhzkD2IAmCgfqnKY__WAiCAETcJcoTcwJCfgJkVUZ1l5XrhZqQm29oikYeleiuU53h1ewT05-wd6ZjP4B9MtUCa9qSY2PsfArl6z3vmY39FxL6z8V8/s200/43483_01_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610267020886958050" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1935</strong> - The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies in the first major league night game, winning 2-1. On the initiative of Larry MacPhail, President Franklin D. Roosevelt throws the switch at the White House to turn on the lights. The Reds will play seven night games, one each against the other N.L. teams. Ben Chapman is on base seven times in the game, a major league record, on two doubles and five walks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDWoPOP6wP-boMCSCnulbOR81v2VgNC71GqHNUktTNgd0Vg68iBUYM99lPbzyX2s3bHMjj4aCnIi1Z3MEkYw2_zCBFulop3SFKvHU9k-tJfA5XxgIZ1MLOJuUS7Tlx-yTxIJoWDhCKAY/s1600/untitled.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDWoPOP6wP-boMCSCnulbOR81v2VgNC71GqHNUktTNgd0Vg68iBUYM99lPbzyX2s3bHMjj4aCnIi1Z3MEkYw2_zCBFulop3SFKvHU9k-tJfA5XxgIZ1MLOJuUS7Tlx-yTxIJoWDhCKAY/s320/untitled.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610267541209505698" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1964</strong> - Harmon Killebrew tags the longest homer ever hit in Baltimore's Memorial Stadium. The Twins left fielder's 471-foot shot, which clears the hedge in left center field, is hit off Milt Pappas in the eighth inning of 7-6 loss to the Orioles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zV299sTkjrnOvEzez7o5WpYe2K-wGuwGX44xkge7py07exZ1hvGU2OcGlnoCxX28k7hKx34m9kaAUum3-TLPepyrAQjyxjNW97JZUETrGW9ZcYBxbazb-NupPpUG2vEeDWXld-jJEF4/s1600/harmon+killebrew+card.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zV299sTkjrnOvEzez7o5WpYe2K-wGuwGX44xkge7py07exZ1hvGU2OcGlnoCxX28k7hKx34m9kaAUum3-TLPepyrAQjyxjNW97JZUETrGW9ZcYBxbazb-NupPpUG2vEeDWXld-jJEF4/s320/harmon+killebrew+card.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610268924875918610" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>1995</strong> - Tossing a scoreless ninth inning in the A's 5-2 win over Baltimore, Dennis Eckersley records his 300th career save. The Oakland right-hander becomes the sixth reliever in major league history to reach the milestone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4sKD79k-_EXcucPsSdmKy53OFmBpZPLj4XcPVb1B335yH8PHMnSCZ4b8Frv0Rm2ELQwIWUB3QRyzmUmMQXWEaksuwoM7lX9tFx8bVLKAAaRGuEhi7FsUmRiToZA4_h1lhIgXmS2SkLU/s1600/gu-eckersley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4sKD79k-_EXcucPsSdmKy53OFmBpZPLj4XcPVb1B335yH8PHMnSCZ4b8Frv0Rm2ELQwIWUB3QRyzmUmMQXWEaksuwoM7lX9tFx8bVLKAAaRGuEhi7FsUmRiToZA4_h1lhIgXmS2SkLU/s320/gu-eckersley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610271312263873042" border="0" /></a><br />OTD - <strong>2006</strong> - Swinging on the first pitch in his first major league at-bat, Adam Wainwright homers in the fifth inning of the Cardinals 10-4 win over San Francisco at AT&T Park. The 24-year old right-hander also tosses three innings in relief to record his second career victory.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7KoLXB82KKhqYwteIo69MqC4MoC4FTTL-kLIpKUjrkxa3twYRKyZhSfcFLrxyJO_fwHaT7ZiL7LQ7bkoaWs_s76aDJr9fWBAY488UYzY6wz9l2lMao9YjHaWRUeRpu20U7N8Y6686TI/s1600/adam-wainwright-baseball-card-2006-topps-bowman-214-st-louis-cardinals-rookie-card_45691ec56a389df47b51adef98ba2b82.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7KoLXB82KKhqYwteIo69MqC4MoC4FTTL-kLIpKUjrkxa3twYRKyZhSfcFLrxyJO_fwHaT7ZiL7LQ7bkoaWs_s76aDJr9fWBAY488UYzY6wz9l2lMao9YjHaWRUeRpu20U7N8Y6686TI/s320/adam-wainwright-baseball-card-2006-topps-bowman-214-st-louis-cardinals-rookie-card_45691ec56a389df47b51adef98ba2b82.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610272579388438818" border="0" /></a><br />Cheers,LongFlyBallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793306032906630764noreply@blogger.com0