Saturday, August 4, 2018

Joe Sakic card #311 1998-99 Crown Royale Pivotal Players #5

  • Post #888 on this blog tonight, so I decided to go with the player that made me start this up.  
  • Love this  card, it's hard to believe that it's a Pacific design.  Especially for Crown Royale, which is usually one of Pacific's flashier products.
  • Market watch:  6 copies of this card currently on COMC, ranging from 63 cents to $1.10.  Maybe it's because this post is happening during the COMC summer sale, but this is surprisingly cheap for a Crown Royale card.
  • Career goal #311 came 10/15/97 vs. the Oilers.  It was the Avs 5th goal of the game, scored on the PP and helped them to a 6-2 win.  This kept their unbeaten streak going to 7 games at the start of the 97-98 season.  Curtis Joseph was in the nets for the Oilers that night.
- Robert

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Andrew McCutchen card #120 2018 Donruss Teal parallel #159


  • Once again I've caught up; all the McCutchen cards that I have for my collection have been posted to the blog.
  • Love the teal parallels, this one is serial #'d 14/199.
  • Market Watch:  Just one copy of this version on sale right now, listed at 95 cents (52% off for the summer sale).  If I didn't have one already I'd jump on that price.  There's a copy on ebay right now that's showing a BIN of $6.95. 
  • Still have yet to get a McCutchen card featuring him in a Giants uniform.  Maybe down the road I'll hunt for one of those.
- Robert

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Andrew McCutchen card #119 2011 Topps Chrome #8


  • It's funny what you can find when you dig through piles and piles of cards.  This was one of approximately 10 PC cards I found on a recent dig.
  • The 2011 set is probably my favorite design so far this decade.  It just appeals to me more than all of the other sets over the past 8 years.
  • Market watch:  21 copies currently on COMC, ranging from 44 cents to $1.05.  Not bad really, no cards with outlandish prices...
  • I'm sure Cutch is glad that July is gone.  .227 average with 2 HR and 7 RBI for the month isn't going to cut it...
- Robert

Monday, July 30, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #12 2004 Topps Draft Picks & Prospects #140

  • There are 6 players from the first round of the 2004 draft class still playing in the NFL.  Fitz is one, see if you can name the other 5.
  • 66 catches for Larry this year will give him 1300 for his career.  Only Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez have hit that milestone.  
  • Market Watch:  5 copies currently on COMC, all within a dollar of each other, which is surprising.  $4.05 to $4.99 is the range, which again is very affordable for a sure fire HOF candidate.
  • Love the look on Larry's face in this photo.  I'm sure he had it on many a catch at Pitt, almost willing the QB to get him the ball as he was behind another defender.
- Robert

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Andrew McCutchen card #118 2018 Donruss Holo Blue #159


  • Just watched a two jumbo box break with Colbey on twitter featuring the 2016 Optic product.  Saw a few Cutch cards come out there...
  • Originally thought the border was purple.  Eyes are playing tricks on me.
  • Market Watch:  3 copies currently on COMC, ranging from 84 cents to $1.10.  Not bad.
  • August is coming, time for Andrew to get hot.   Would love to see him go on a run and get his 1600th career hit before the 31st of August.  He needs 41.
- Robert

Friday, July 27, 2018

Joe Sakic card #310 1998-99 Pacific Aurora Championship Fever #13


  • I will say this.  I'm really happy with the new scanner.  I love how this card scanned.  The gold doesn't look terrible like it usually does.  
  • I always get Aurora and Omega confused.  Don't know why, just do.
  • There are 2 parallels that I need, red and silver (#'d to 250)
  • Market Watch:  5 copies of this card currently on COMC, between 70 and 99 cents.  That's pretty good if you ask me...
  • There's a Cel Fusions insert from this release that I still need.  1 listed at $5.  The other listed at $10.  Don't need it that bad.
- Robert

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Ichiro card #40 2008 Topps Trading card history #TCH24


  • Would love to know what the front of the card says.  I have a hard enough time reading English lately, let alone Japanese.
  • That being said, I think the red background really is a nice contrast to the Mariners blue.
  • Believe it or not.  This is the first card from the 2008 Topps base set to be posted on the blog.  
  • Market Watch:  A whopping 32 copies of this card on COMC right now, priced from 65 cents to $5.25 (wishful thinking).  I could see $1 for this card being very reasonable.
  • Career game #40 is Ichiro's 6th straight multi hit game, a 3 for 5 performance in a 5-1 win over the White Sox.  During the 6 multi hit game streak, Ichiro is 16 for 29 (.552) and has seen his season average climb from .338 to .371.  Oh, and the win is the 8th straight for the M's who see their season record climb to 31-9.
- Robert

Monday, July 23, 2018

Jim Thome card #295 2002 Donruss Originals #180


  • This is the 2nd of 3 Donruss Originals from 2002 that feature Jim.  I really like the "swoosh" design (well that's what it reminds me of anyhow), and have a couple of others in PCs that are similar to this.
  • Bio on the back:  Thome went deep in seven straight games from June 25 through July 3rd to come within one game of matching a major league record shared by three players.
  • Market Watch:  One copy of this card on COMC right now, priced at $2.50.  I have no idea what packs went for back in 2002, but I'm guessing that this is kind of pricey.
  • Career homer #295 was the 2nd of the game for Jim on 5/30/02 against the Tigers.  Jose Lima was the victim this time, a 3 run shot that put the game out of reach.  The Tribe won 11-7, making a winner of reliever David Riske, who struck out the side in the 6th.
- Robert

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #11 2004 Topps #360


  • Textbook catch, even if it's during a photo shoot.  Clearly Larry is looking the ball into his hands.
  • The card # on the back is almost impossible to read.  It's in a small gray box in the upper left corner with white numbers.   Had to get the magnifying glass with the light to read it.
  • Market watch:  Kind of surprised that there were only 2 copies on COMC.  One at $3.25, the other at $7.  
  • Career catch #11 was his first catch that didn't gain any yardage.  It was the last play of the first quarter against the Falcons in week 3 of 2004.   Brutal game as the Falcons won 6-3.
- Robert

Friday, July 20, 2018

Brett Lawrie card #78 2012 Topps Gold #462

  • Sheer accident.  Happened upon this card at a 5/$1 table at last weekend's card show.  That's always the way; when you're not looking for something it pops up.
  • Serial # 272/2012.  Was surprised to see that I don't have this card or its base card posted at all.
  • Market Watch:  4 copies currently on COMC, 3 of them at the $1.74/$1.75 level, for me that's about right.  Priciest copy is $3.99 which is a little high, but not outrageous.
  • Still can't believe it's been two years out of baseball already for Brett.  Still only 28, would love to see him get another chance.
- Robert

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Joe Sakic card #309 1998-99 Be A Player Playoff Highlights #H-10

  • Say goodbye:  Hoping that this is the last scan with my current scanner as a new one from Amazon is on its way (due tomorrow)
  • This is a very nice card; I couldn't tell you how long I've had it, but pulling it out of the binder today made me really appreciate it.  The die-cut Stanley Cup is fantastic.
  • Market Watch:  Interesting to say the least.  3 copies total currently on COMC.  1 at $1.74, 1 at $1.89 (both reasonable, if not a bit underpriced).  The 3rd is at $8.25, which compared to the other 2 is overpriced.  But without a price guide listing for BAP, can't say for sure.
  • Career goal #309 was scored 10/9/97 vs. the San Jose Sharks.  The goal led off the game and would help the Avs to a 3-2 win, bringing their record to 4-0-1 to start the season.  Mike Vernon was the victim that night.
 - Robert

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Mats Sundin card #3 1990-91 Upper Deck #365

  • For me, this is the Cadillac of Mats Sundin rookie cards.  It's one of the few cards from the 90-91 UD set that I actually have the card # memorized.
  • The photo reminds me of just how big hockey was for Quebec City; having the provincial flag next to the team flag tells me how deeply rooted the team was.  Until the $$ started getting out of control.
  • Market Watch:  This might be the card that ends up with the most copies on COMC in the market watch portion of my blog posts.  There are 189 copies right now on the site, ranging from 64 cents to $2.25.  I'm sure that there's probably thousands more out there somewhere.
  • Goal #3 came on 10/18/90 vs. the Flyers in the Spectrum.  It wasn't enough for the Nords as they lost 5-4.  Ken Wregget was the goalie for the Flyers that night.
- Robert

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

John Olerud card #1 1990 Bowman #510


  • 1 of 4 Rookie Cards that I own of John Olerud.  My collection of Olerud is around 40 cards right now, and John will probably be one of those players that I find on the sly, instead of actively hunting for each card of his.
  • Bowman:  simple, not flashy.  Perfect for the RC bargain hunter.
  • Market Watch:  15 copies currently on COMC, cheapest at 58 cents, most expensive at $1.25.  If Olerud started his career a few years earlier or later, these prices would be a steal.
  • Game #1:  John first at bat came in the 9th inning on 9/3/89 against the Minnesota Twins.   John hit an infield single off of German Gonzalez and scored his first career run.  It wasn't enough as the Jays lost to the Twins 9-4.
- Robert

Monday, July 16, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #10 2004 Score #373

  • Great shot of Larry concentrating as the ball heads right for his hands.  No doubt taken at one of those Rookie premiere photo shoots.
  • Bio on the back:  Dennis Green, coach of the Vikings relayed a story that a ball boy for the club will become a superstar in the NFL.  5 years later, Fitzgerald is drafted in the 1st round by the Cardinals.
  • Market Watch:  Only one copy of this card on COMC right now.  It is graded a PSA 8, and listed for $20.  
  • Career catch #10 was in his 3rd NFL game, played against the Atlanta Falcons.  It went for 6 yards and was his 6th straight catch below 10 yards.  
- Robert

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Keith Tkachuk card #1 1992-93 Pinnacle #222


  • Disappointed that I can't find a Tkachuk 91-92 UD RC to start this PC off with, but this isn't too bad as a replacement.
  • It's interesting that I just noticed that my 3 hockey PC's that aren't a goalie (Sakic, Sundin and Tkachuk) all scored 500 or more goals in the NHL.  With that kind of pedigree, I needn't grouse about how much I have to pay for their cards.
  • Market Watch:  7 copies currently on COMC, ranging from 90 cents to $1.24.  I'm glad that I've had this card for a couple of decades.
  • Goal #1 came in Keith's 5th career game, on the road against the Minnesota North Stars.  It was a PPG, but wasn't enough as the Jets lost to the North Stars 4-2.  Darcy Wakaluk was the first victim.
 - Robert

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Jim Thome card #294 2002 Donruss Originals #94


  • Was worried when I opened the binder and saw '82, '84 and '86 versions of Thome.  Thought there might be more.  Aside from Aqueous parallels, I'm happy.
  • Bio on the back:  Became the Tribe's all-time career home run leader against the Tigers on May 29, 2001 with his 243rd moon shot.   Jim passed Albert Belle for the franchise record.
  • Market Watch:  2 copies on COMC, one at 99 cents and the other at $1.25.  Not bad.  The copies I've seen on ebay are 99 cents for the most part as well.
  • Career home run #294 was hit 5/30/2002 against Detroit's Seth Greisinger.   It was a solo shot that upped the Indians lead to 6-1.  Jim hit a 2nd HR that same game, which I'll document next post.
- Robert

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Joe Sakic card #308 1993-94 Score The Franchise #17

  • One of the top 10 wanted cards for my player collections is knocked off the list thanks to Gavin.  
  • The Franchise indeed.  Joe played for 2 decades with the Nords/Avalanche.  1378 games played for the franchise will likely stand atop their record books for decades to come.  
  • Market Watch:  Two copies of this card currently on COMC, one at $8.05 and one at $11.50.  One copy on ebay at $5.49.  Thank you Gavin!!
  • Career goal #308 would be scored 10/7/97 vs. the Bruins in a 3-2 home win.  This would start a 7 game goal scoring streak for Joe.  The goalie for Boston on this night was Lord Byron Dafoe.
 - Robert

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Ichiro card #39 2008 Topps Moments & Milestones #63-30


  • More serial #'d madness for Ichiro.  Would have been nice to pick up the card that was serial # 30, but beggars can't be choosers.
  • Thanks to Al from the Hockey Kazi blog for becoming follower #20 on the blog.   Only took a little over 2 years to get there.   Still would like to do a giveaway if I can get some more followers here.   Spread the word...
  • Market Watch:  Currently no copies of the 30 hits card for sale on COMC.  
  • Career game #39 was the 7th straight win for the Mariners, a 7-2 victory over the White Sox.    Ichiro's hit streak would extend to 21 games, and this would be his 5th straight multi-hit game, a 2 for 4 performance with a double, a RBI and a walk.  The 5 straight multi-hit games has raised his average from .338 to .365 and the team has gone 16-5 during his hit streak.
- Robert

Monday, July 9, 2018

Ichiro card #38 2008 Topps Moments & Milestones #63-13

  • This could be a deadly combination, the love that I have for serial #'d cards combined with one of my Player Collections.  238 of these cards is obtainable, right?
  • Bio on the back:  Ichiro has made the All Star team and had over 200 hits in each of his first seven seasons in MLB.   Incredible stuff.
  • Market Watch:   OK, some guy thinks he has the market cornered on this particular card on COMC.  He has both copies for sale, at $9.25 each!!   There are some crazy swings on this card in the COMC market.  
  • Career game #38:   After a 5-1 eastern swing, Ichiro and the Mariners return home to face the White Sox.  He goes 2 for 5 with a run and a RBI in the M's 4-3.  The team win streak is now 6, and Ichiro's hit streak extends to 20 games.  Ichiro is 36 for 99 during the streak with 6 doubles, 4 triples and 12 RBI so far.
- Robert

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #9 2004 Press Pass Big Numbers #BN-6

  • Quality control:   Surprised I wasn't called out about this morning's post.  Title of the post had an extra 'R' in Fitzgerald.  For some reason I can't type Larry's last name very well.
  • I've noticed that there are quite a few cards featuring Larry in his Panthers jersey over the course of his career.  
  • Market watch:  7 copies of this card on COMC right now, anywhere between $2.25 and $3.25.  Not bad for a rookie year die cut insert.
  • Catch #9 was his final grab against the Patriots, another 8 yard completion.  Was hoping that game 3 for Larry was better than game 2, but unfortunately it's more of the same.
- Robert

Larry Fitzgerald card #8 2004 Fleer Tradition #332


  • I don't know about you, but I'm sure that Fleer could have done a better job with this card.  
  • Parallels a plenty with this card; there are crystal, blue, green and draft day versions.  Haven't seen any of them yet.  
  • Market watch:  6 copies of this card on COMC, ranging from $5.25 to $8.25.  To be honest, after looking at this card my first thought was that it would be in the $3-$5 range.  When I checked ebay, that was the range that I found for the base RC.  
  • Career catch #8 was for 8 yards against the Patriots.  Larry was actually targeted 12 times in his 2nd career game; but only managed 5 catches vs. the Pats.   Tough day.
- Robert

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Joe Sakic card #307 1998-99 Black Diamond double diamond #23

  • Upper Deck changed things up, serial numbering their double and triple diamond cards.  This card is #'d 133/2000.
  • I need the gold triple diamond version btw, so if you see it for a reasonable price just let me know.
  • Market Watch:  No copies of this card on ebay (as of this writing).  3 copies on COMC, priced from $3.95 to $4.50, which honestly I don't find outrageous at all.  
  • Goal #307 finished off the 96-97 campaign; it was scored on 4/6/97 against the Coyotes in a 2-1 victory.  The goalie that night for Phoenix was Nikolai Khabibulin, the "Bulin Wall".
- Robert

Joe Sakic card #306 1998-99 Black Diamond #23


  • After a great release in 97-98, the Black Diamond set in 98-99 was a bit of a let down for me.  
  • Bio on the back:  "Joe has a 12 game assist streak to his credit, spanning from 2/27/94 to 3/24."  Not too shabby.
  • Market watch:  18 copies of this card on COMC, ranging from 50 cents to $1.50.  Reasonable.  The handful of copies on ebay were within the 99 cent to $1.50 range.
  • Goal #306 came against the Sharks on 4/4/97, part of a 3 point effort in a 7-6 OT loss.  Wade Flaherty was the victim that night.
 - Robert

Joe Sakic card #305 1998-99 Topps Mystery Finest #M20

  • 3 posts for today in honor of Joe's 49th birthday.  Happy Birthday Joe!
  • I like how this card looks, almost like a refractor, but without the refractor technology.  I had no idea that there was a bronze version of this card.   Guess I need it...
  • Market Watch:   One copy on COMC at $5.99.   That's cheap, because when I bought this card many years ago I'm pretty sure I paid $15 for it (the craziness of youth).  There's also one copy on ebay for $10.20.
  • Career goal #305 finished off the hat trick against the Pens on 3/14/97.  Joe would be goalless for the next 8 games.  
 - Robert

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Mats Sundin card #2 1990-91 Score American #398

  • I love this card featuring Sundin in his Swedish Tre Kronor uniform.  I'm not sure if I have any more cards picturing him in the blue and yellow.
  • Also interesting that he's wearing #19, instead of the customary #13 that he wore for his entire NHL career.
  • Market Watch:  Plenty of competition out there for this card, as there are 117 copies of this card currently on COMC.  The range is 59 cents to $1.50.  This is also another set that Beckett stopped listing.
  • Career goal #2 came in his 4th game, this time against the Maple Leafs.  It was part of a 4 point night as the Nords outscored the Leafs 8-5.  It would also be his first career PPG, and it came against Allan Bester.  
- Robert

Mats Sundin card #1 1990-91 Pro Set #636

  • It's been quite a while since I've shown a Pro Set card on this blog, and I thought what better way to get the Mats Sundin collection started than with this colorful version of one of his RCs.
  • This didn't make it in the series 1 release, instead coming in series 2, released in the latter half of the season.
  • Market Watch:  25 copies of this card currently on COMC, ranging from 83 cents to $2.75.  It's kind of hard to tell if the range is reasonable, since there are probably hundreds of thousands of this card out there if this is a good range.  Beckett doesn't even list Pro Set in their price guide anymore.
  • Career goal #1 is listed on the back of Mats' card, an opening night goal against the Hartford Whalers on 10/4/90.  The game ended in a 3-3 tie, with the victim of Mats' first goal being Peter Sidorkiewicz.
- Robert

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Jim Thome card #293 2002 Fleer Tradition #287

  • Kind of a blah design, enhanced only by the US Flag in the lower right hand corner.  Happy 4th of July by the way!!
  • No bio on the back.  Just a list of 10 years worth of stats.  I also did not know that there was a glossy version of this card #'d to 200 copies. 
  • Market Watch:  currently only one copy of this card for sale on COMC.  $3.25.   Yikes.
  • Career home run #293 would come 2 weeks after the previous one; it was hit 5/26/02 off of Toronto's Luke Prokopec.  It would break a scoreless tie in the 2nd, and help the Indians to a 3-1 victory over the Jays.  Bartolo Colon would toss a complete game 4 hitter, giving up only 1 unearned run for his 6th win of the year.
- Robert

Jim Thome card #292 2002 Post Cereal #17

  • Pretty nice card for a food issue.  The only way that you would know it's a Post card is by the small logo on the bottom of the back of the card, otherwise it's just another Topps release.
  • The design is actually pretty good as far as I'm concerned.  Something different from Topps.
  • Market Watch:  5 copies currently on COMC, ranging from $1 to $1.74.  Not bad.  Found 9 listings on ebay, all in the $1 to $2 range.   Didn't think there would be this many copies of this card for sale.
  • Career homer #292 was hit off of KC's Paul Byrd, 5/12/02.  It was a solo shot, but unfortunately it was also the only run that the Tribe would score in a 4-1 loss.  
 - Robert

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Ichiro card #37 2007 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH279

  • Is that a right cross I'm seeing from Chase Utley?  Of course it isn't, but it's an interesting looking photo as it appears that Ichiro is backing away from Utley.
  • The back is kind of boring, just comparing the stats of the 2 players from the 2006 season.  Of course by the time this was released 2007 was likely already done.
  • This is also the first card from 2007 Topps that I've featured on this blog.
  • Market watch:  7 copies of this card currently on COMC, anywhere from 88 cents to $1.25.  The only copy I could find on ebay was the gold parallel, listed at $3.25.
  • Career game #37.  Ichiro finishes off the sweep in Toronto with a 3 for 4 day, 3 runs scored, a double and a triple.  The 3 game sweep sees Ichiro hit .600 against the Jays, with an OPS of 1.647.  He came to Canada with a .338 average, and left with a .362.   Nice exchange rate!
- Robert

Ichiro card #36 2006 Fleer Ultra #80

  • Fantastic shot of Ichiro about to make contact with the baseball.  Swings don't get much better than his.
  • Bio on the back:  "...the superstar outfielder also established a Mariners record with 12 triples in 2005."   This kind of surprised me, as the M's have had quite a few speedy players in their 40+ year history.  
  • 5 copies of this card currently on COMC, ranging from 69 cents to 75 cents.   The Gold Medallion version also had a copy for 69 cents.  The key word in that 2nd sentence is "had".
  • Career game #36 was a pretty good one for Ichiro.  He went 4 for 6 with a 2B, 3B, a RBI and 3 runs scored as the Mariners beat their expansion cousins 11-7.  He raised his batting average 11 points to .351 and his OPS went up 36 points to .846.
- Robert

Monday, July 2, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #7 2004 Finest #100

  • The design reminds me of a bullseye.  If that refers to the Cardinals getting it right by drafting Fitz, it certainly fits.
  • Larry is one of 6 1st round picks from the 2003 draft to play in the 2017 season.  See if you can name the other 5 without looking it up.   I could only name the 3 QB's, not the DB or TE.
  • 3 copies of this card on COMC now, ranging from $10.25 to $14.99.  Not bad.
  • Catch #7 also came against the Patriots, an 6 yard grab in the 4th quarter.  I noticed when looking over the game stats for this game that the Cardinals really didn't pose much of a threat offensively against the Patriots.  
- Robert

Larry Fitzgerald card #6 2004 Bowman #125

  • For a photo that was probably taken in a rookie photo shoot, they sure made Larry stretch it out.
  • Bio on the back:  Hauled in at least one six-pointer in 16 straight games.  22 TD's in 2003.  Wow!
  • 6 copies of this card on COMC.  Lowest is $8, highest is $14.95.  Is it just me, or are Larry's RC's still under appreciated?  I would have thought with his career to date that his Rookie Cards would be more expensive.  Maybe my ignorance of the football card collecting market is showing here....
  • Career catch #6 is Larry's first career catch that didn't gain yardage.  Larry's consecutive streak of quarters in which he had at least one catch stopped at 5.  The catch was for no gain in the 3rd quarter of the 23-12 loss to the Patriots on 9-19.
- Robert

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Joe Sakic card #304 1998-99 UD MVP Silver Script #53

  • This card is the closest I come to owning a Joe Sakic autographed card.   His auto cards are very expensive (for me anyway) and it'll be a while before I invest in one.
  • Parallel universe:  Very easy to obtain this card (I believe I've had it since 98-99).  I'm still looking for the gold script (#'d to 100) and super script (#'d to 25) versions.  Yes, I do want them.
  • 2 copies of this card on COMC, $1.25 & $1.50 currently.   Not outrageous at all....
  • Sakic's 304th career goal was goal #2 of the hat trick I mentioned this morning.  Just another chance to get Ken Wregget's name on the blog again.
- Robert

Joe Sakic card #303 1998-99 UD MVP #53


  • Card detective:  This was an easy one.  #33 for the Blues in the 97-98 season was Scott Pellerin.  Stats are linked if you need a refresher.
  • Don't laugh too hard:  This set is one of my favorites from the 90's.  The price point was right, it had parallels (my weakness), and the photos were for the most part typical UD quality.
  • Just two copies on COMC, one at 98 cents and one at $1.25.   The ridiculousness from yesterday's posts has died off...
  • Goal #303 was the first of 3 on the night against the Penguins, 3/14/97.  The hat trick broke a 4 game goalless drought and helped the Avs to a 6-3 win.  Ken Wregget was the victim for all 3 goals.
- Robert

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Jim Thome card #291 2000 Pacific Crown Collection #83

  • I like this picture.  Jim preparing for an underhand toss to the pitcher.  It also looks as if he's floating off the ground because of the design.
  • Bio on the back:  "El 1999 marca la cuarta temporada consecutiva en qu Jim conecto al menos 30 cuadrangulares."  My Spanish is improving somewhat down here in the deep south, as I didn't need a translator to figure out that this said that 1999 was Jim's 4th straight 30 plus HR season.
  • One copy of this card currently on COMC.  $2.75.  Similar to this morning's post, this card will also sit for a very long time on the site.
  • Career home run #291 was hit 5/8/2002 off of Baltimore's Scott Erickson.  It was another 3 run bomb (both of his 3 run HRs scored the same 2 players), and pushed the Indians to a 5-0 lead.  The Indians would go on to win 6-2, once again evening their record at 17-17.
- Robert

Jim Thome card #290 1999 Victory #118

  • Sometimes, a good photo is a nice relaxed pose at the plate during spring training.
  • Haven't posted many cards from UD Victory sets on this blog (maybe a couple?)
  • 1 copy of this card currently on COMC.  $2.75.   I imagine it's going to sit in that owners in-box for a very long time.
  • Career home run #290 came off of Baltimore's Sean Douglass.  It was a 3 run shot that broke a scoreless tie (the 3rd of his last 4 HRs to do so) and propelled the Indians to a 9-4 win on the road.  Both teams finished the game with a 16-16 record.
- Robert

Friday, June 29, 2018

Andrew McCutchen card #117 2018 Topps Heritage Purple Refractor #THC-50

  • Must be the scanner:  The purple is much more vibrant in hand than on the scan.  Still looks great either way.
  • If these purple refractors were numbered, I'd be in trouble.  I'd want to chase them all down.   
  • COMC price range:  55 cents (cheap) at the low end, $2.25 at the high end (not too bad).  I'm just glad to have it in my hands.
  • Andrew is just 59 hits shy of 1500.  29 more extra base hits will give him 600 for his career.  There's a chance that he hits both milestones this season.   
- Robert

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Andrew McCutchen card #116 2018 Donruss name variation #159


  • I will be so glad to get a new scanner within the next week or 2.  This one I have now has just about had it...
  • I'm not actively seeking out new Cutch cards, but I do find one every now and then.  I picked this up on Twitter for a buck.
  • Panini didn't have to do a lot of airbrushing on this card.  The 3rd jersey only has the gold P and the players number on the front.  Quick and easy.
  • As of this writing, Andrew is just 64 hits to 1600.  Staying healthy and with reasonable production, he should hit #2000 sometime in 2021.
- Robert

Larry Fitzgerald card #5 2004 Bazooka #175

  • This card was part of a big lot of LFitz cards sent to me by Wes of Area 40 fame.  There must have been a dozen cards from his first or 2nd year, which made the lot even more tremendous.
  • There's no doubt that this is a rookie card.  Big, bold letters right on the front.  
  • I'm not sure what the print runs were back in 2004, but I'm surprised that this card can be found on COMC for $1.75.  Even the most expensive card of the 6 copies is just at $4.25.   Maybe it's the lack of interest in Larry, I don't know, but that seems quite cheap for an RC of the guy that's 3rd all time in catches.
  • Catch #5 was the first of 5 he had in his 2nd career game, which was against the Patriots.  It wound up being the longest catch of the day, 14 yards.
- Robert

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Jim Thome card #289 1998 Upper Deck UD3 #144

  • I like the design of the card, as it shows who the power corps were right on the front.  The bronze border didn't scan as well as it looks in hand though.
  • Bio on the back:  " Thome recorded an at-bats-to-HR ratio of 12.4, 2nd best in the AL."  I don't know for sure, but I'll guess that Griffey was 1st.
  • 3 copies of this card on COMC, anywhere from $2.69 to $4.25.  Pricey to say the least.
  • Career home run #289 came on 4/30/02 against Ramon Ortiz of the Angels.   It tied the game at 1, but it really was an afterthought as the Indians gave up 3 touchdowns to the halos, losing 21-2.  Ouch
- Robert

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Ichiro card #35 2004 Upper Deck Diamond Collection #77

  • I like the green on the border.  I think Topps had a green border a year or 2 previous that looked good as well.
  • 3 years, 662 hits.  I don't think we'll see anyone achieve that feat again, at least in my lifetime.
  • 44 cents for the cheapest copy of this card on COMC is a pretty good deal for an Ichiro card.
  • Game #35 in Toronto sees Ichiro go 2 for 5 to bring his average back to .340   Ichiro's hit streak is now 17 games and the M's have gone 12-5 during the streak.  Oh, and they beat the Jays 7-2 in the first of a 3 game set.
- Robert

Monday, June 18, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #4 2005 Donruss Elite Elite Teams Silver #ET-1

  • This card probably would have been better if the QB featured was Kurt Warner instead of Josh McCown.
  • Love how the card scanned here, almost like a refractor.
  • Serial #'d 150/1000.  Right up my alley.
  • Career catch #4 was the final catch of Larry's first game.  It was an 8 yard pass from Josh McCown; Larry wound up with 4 catches for 70 yards.  Rams won 17-10
- Robert

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Joe Sakic card #302 1998-99 SPx Top Prospects #15

  • Even in hand, this card for me is difficult to see.  Joe's name and team is on the left hand side and in small lettering.  I get the shiny part is nice, but the rest is just OK for me.
  • Gotta love mid-season releases, as the bio on the back mentions that Joe led the Avs in goals and shorthanded goals as 1998 came to an end.
  • There are 20 copies of this card currently on COMC, from 95 cents to $3.25.  That's a pretty broad range for a base card.
  • Goal #302 came on 3/3/97 against the Vancouver Canucks.  Joe scored just 1:28 into the game, and the Avs wouldn't look back as they beat Vancouver 5-1.  Kirk McLean was that night's victim.
- Robert

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Jim Thome card #288 1998 Fleer Tradition Vintage #16

  • I'll always love cards that pay homage to older sets.  Love the picture they used for Jim, eye black and his trademark high socks.  Doesn't get much more vintage than that.
  • Still getting caught up on posting the 10 Sportlots cards of Jim I bought a few weeks back.  Will finish those first before heading back to the 2002 cards.
  • I think I paid a quarter for this card, the 3 on COMC currently run anywhere from $1.65 to $3.25.  Yikes!
  • Career home run #288 was the 2nd straight that broke a scoreless tie.  He hit it 4/23/02 off of the White Sox' Todd Ritchie, but it was the only run that Cleveland would see that day, losing 5-1.
- Robert

Friday, June 15, 2018

Ichiro card #34 2008 Upper Deck Spectrum blue parallel card #85

  • Love the look of this card.  The blue in the design works well with the blue on the Mariners uniforms.
  • Bio on the back: "...drove in two runs and hit the event's first ever inside the park HR."  I've never been much for watching all star games, but I think I'm going to have to find that piece of footage on you tube.  Here you go  Inside the park
  • Shows how much I know.  I thought the blue version was the base.  Nope, that's the purple version.  Blue and green are the parallels (green #'d to 99 copies).
  • Game #34:  He increases his hit streak to 16 games, but his average over the past 2 days has dropped 11 points from .349 to .338.  Ichiro goes 1 for 5 and drives in a run as the M's win the series with a 5-2 victory over the Red Sox.   Off to Toronto for the next 3 games...
- Robert

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Larry Fitzgerald card #3 2005 Topps #207

  • Man that is a lot of white on the card.  Might have been better to find a card of Fitz in his red jersey instead.
  • Bio on the back:  "He's the type of player that when you take him out of the box, it says no assembly required."   Very high praise.  14 years later, he's still rolling.
  • Unbelievably, there are no copies of this card on COMC right now.  There are black and gold parallels available, but no base.
  • Catch #3:  3rd quarter of his first NFL game against the Rams.   10 yard completion from Josh McCown.  Larry has now caught a pass in each of his first 3 quarters as a pro.
- Robert

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Joe Sakic card #301 1998-99 Pacific Revolution #39


  • It's amazing what downloading some new scanner drivers will do to improve scan quality.  I had a new printer in my cart on the weekend, but changed my mind.
  • Not a bad design.  Not great, but not bad.  There's a red parallel out there, but I'm in no hurry to grab it.
  • This card on COMC is as cheap as 64 cents, and one copy is listed for $2.25.  
  • Career goal #301 was scored against the Oilers on 2/21/97.  It was scored with 1 second to go in the game to tie it at 3.  Joe would get an assist on the winning goal in OT scored by Mike Ricci.  Curtis Joseph would be the victim on this night.
- Robert

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Ichiro card #33 2009 OPC Black Parallel #544


  • Love the black bordered 2009 OPC's.  Still have a bunch them listed on my trade list at TCDB.
  • Bio on the back:  "the only player in MLB history to record over 200 hits in each of his first 8 years in the big leagues".  Incredible.
  • Cheap.  Only one of these listed on COMC right now, and at 99 cents I think that's pretty cheap.
  • Game #33 sees Ichiro's average drop 7 points to .342.  He goes 1 for 6 to improve his hit streak to 15 games as the M's double up the Red Sox 10-5.  The Mariner's are now 24-9 in Ichiro's rookie season.
- Robert

Monday, June 11, 2018

Jim Thome card #287 1997 Upper Deck Predictor #P13


  • While I applaud Upper Deck for its uniqueness in creating a lottery type scratcher with this card, it's kind of disappointing to never know if it would have won without defacing the card.
  • Just noticed in the background, the on-deck circles feature the Tigers and the Red Sox.  Maybe they could have included a game with Thome's Indians in the picture?  Just a thought...
  • Another cheap pickup from the Sportlots lot from a few weeks back.  Still a few more Thome cards to show off before I get back to the 2002 portion of the PC.
  • Career HR #287:  Jim hit this homer on 4/21/2002, off of Rick Reed of the Twins.  The 2-run shot broke a scoreless tie in the 4th, but it would be all the Indians get on that day as the Twins would win 4-2.  It would be the Tribe's 6th straight loss and drop them to 11-7.
- Robert

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Ichiro card #32 2008 Upper Deck Baseball Heroes Green Parallel #186


  • Take a guess at how many MLB hits are on this card.  If you guessed 8253, you would be correct.
  • Serial #'d 146/499.  Right up my alley picking up a serial numbered card for cheap.  I still have a few more to show in the coming weeks.
  • This is the first card in 839 posts on this blog that has featured a card from 2008.
  • Too bad that Manny's PED suspensions will likely deter HOF voters.  It would be great to say someday that there are 3 HOF'ers on this card.
  • Game #32:  After a travel day, the Mariners hit the east coast against the Red Sox and get hammered 12-4.  Ichiro extends his hitting streak to 14 games with a 2 for 5 performance.  During the 14 games, Ichiro hasn't drawn a base on balls, and struck out just 5 times in 69 ABs.
- Robert