The Joy Of The Completed Page(s) - T206 Style

When Topps first announced the 100th Anniversary release of T-206 in 2009 I decided that I was going to take a crack at collecting the mini parallel set. Seeing as this was the first parallel set that I was going to chase, I figured I would make it as relatively easy as possible and go for the set that was most plentiful.


I know this is hardly a new concept from Topps but I was not in to collecting in 2002 so I was kind of happy Topps rehashed this design for 2009. The watercolour paint looking background coupled with the majority of unique-to-this-release photos make this set attractive.


Well, here it is 2011 and I can finally post the first complete pages of the set. As it stands I am only 21 cards away from completion but the singles have been falling in a way that page completion has been non-existent to this point.


The 300-card mini set is a complete parallel to the full-size base cards along with the 50-card short printed photo variation set. Of course, I am working on those as well. Ever since returning to the hobby in 2008 the retro-style tobacco cards have really caught my attention. While Allen & Ginter may be the standard bearer of the mini parallel I have not been drawn to them as much as I have the 2009 T-206's.


Most of the cards from this set have come from purchasing lots. Needless to say I have gathered up quite a few duplicates, but, I have come to find this is something that is to be expected when trying to complete a set like this. One of the things I have enjoyed the most is tracking where these cards have come from. eBay Sellers and fellow bloggers from all over have helped me build this set to near completion.


I also wanted to take the time to specifically thank Greg from NearlyMint for helping me acquire a few US-Only auctions off of eBay that went a long way to helping complete this set. If you have any of these cards kicking around gathering dust please have a look at my T-206 Wantlist and see if you can help me out. I would greatly appreciate it.


Cheers,

What Took Them So Long

You knew

it was only

a matter

of time


Cheers,

You Tell Me

By no means am I going to sit here and say I am a staunch expert on authenticating signatures. All I know is what I see and what makes sense to me.

Sometimes it is better to keep it short and simple, other times when it is said better by others it is better to defer. Today I defer to Cookie Monster.



Exhibit #1

Exhibit #2

Exhibit #3

Exhibit #4

Finally, you decided and compare to Exhibit #5

As I said, I am no expert. I am simply asking what you think and letting the cookie crumble, as it were.

I think I will go with the muppet.

Cheers,

Mail Day (aka eBay Scribblers)

As you may or may not be aware, one of the tasks I have assigned to myself is to gather all 30 mini-framed autographs from the 2009 Topps T-206 100th Anniversary set. I am trying to limit myself to strictly doing this via trade as buying what I need seems to kind of defeat the purpose of the quest.

However.

When an opportunity to gather a mitt full of what I need for a relatively decent price presents itself, I would be a fool not to jump on it. Hence the reason for this post. I managed to add 7 more of the desired cards to the collection, which is now sitting at a satisfactory count of 10 right now.

Today the mailman delivered Josh Outman (OAK), Ryan Perry (DET), Luke Montz (WAS), Kila Ka'aihue (KC), James Parr (ATL), Scott Elbert (LAD) and Clayton Kershaw (LAD)


Now, Parr and Elbert are doubles which helps with potential trades, but it still made for a great deal even with the two doubles. Also included in the envelope, which was never mentioned as part of the auction as far as I know, was a serial numbered 'Cycle' back mini of C.C. Sabathia numbered 44/99.


C.C. is available for trade as well if anyone is interested. Just drop me a line.

When I first thought about trying for this set I balked at it a few times. Now having more of these cards in my possession and seeing them in hand I am glad I chose to attempt it. It is definitely enjoyable chasing down singles and negotiating trades. If you can help me out I would be glad to hear from you.


P.S. - Kudos to the eBay seller for Fort Knox-ing these puppies for shipping!!!


Cheers,

Ebay Finds/Mail Day (aka Topps Delivers)

When I first started seeing scans of 2010 Series 1 Topps I became a bit concerned. Then as time went on and I saw more and more scans I became more and more concerned. Finally, when I got around to busting a jumbo box and put together the set I became really concerned.

I could not remember back to a flagship release from Topps where my personal sub-set collection of cards was not admitting a handful of new members. Players depicted playing "small ball" have always been a part of the hobby. I have enjoyed spending countless hours sorting through boxes and boxes of singles looking for that piece of photographic beauty. I was disheartened to think that Topps had let me down this time.

That all changed when I was trolling eBay looking for some cheaply priced relic cards and happened upon this.....


I just KNEW Topps would be there for me, I just KNEW it could not possibly happen that somehow, somewhere a photog had not snapped a shot of a frackin' bunt!!

Now I can rest until Series 2. Now, I can be happy for a while.

I am a sad, pathetic human being.

I know that.

And, I am okay with that.

Thanks Topps, thanks eBay and thanks, most of all, to Mr. Mailman.


Cheers,

Ebay A&G Find

I figured I would spend tonight watching what 2009 A&G cards were being posted for auction on eBay. While surfing through the offers I noticed several cards of a particular player I collect all ending around the same time. I decided to roll the dice and see if I could come up with a winner.

Just received the e-mail notification that I had indeed lucked out. A whole ninety-nine cents got me this card to add to my collection.


While I do appreciate the vast array of cards that eBay offers collectors to acquire, I cannot help but be discouraged at the sometimes undervalued price people get away with paying, myself included. I guess this is how a market driven system needs to work.


EDIT - I see over at Wrigley Wax they have had a similar experience tonight. Great minds must think alike.


Cheers,

Mail Day - Purchases from the 'bay

Several envelopes have come home to roost in the past little while so I figured I would get caught up with posting them in one swipe. All of these are purchases I have recently made off of ebay. I still want to have a look at Checkoutmycards.com because I have read nothing but glowing reviews. I just need to find some time. Anybody have any?

The first bundle comes from New Hyde Park, NY. I bought a few stray packs of Upper Deck Series 2 baseball and one of the cards I pulled made me want to rekindle my appreciation for promotional cards. I have always liked promo cards and the thought of this set being a nice chase hooked me in. I added six more to my collection.


Speaking of promo cards, this little addition came from McKeesport, PA. I still haven't fully decided if I want to do the set or not. If anyone has the Jackie Robinson and wants to trade me then you will make my decision easier. A cool card and a constant reminder of what is to come this fall.


Finally, I know some people see these as "gimmicky" and not worth their time. However, I have decided that they must be part of the set if I am going to build one properly. I am such a lemming. If you have any of the Topps SP's send me an e-mail and we can work something out. These two came at a fairly decent price too.


As a side note on the Topps SPs, I have since pulled the Brooks Robinson from one of the box breaks I did so he will be going up on the trading block. I have a list of the Series 1 and 2 SPs I need on the right-hand side if any Orioles fans or SP builders want to propose something for it, let me know.

Cheers,