Well it's only been a few days since I busted some wax but I've decided to try my luck again. Passing by a Sports Authority by where I live I saw two blaster boxes of 2007 Bowman Heritage. And since it was only $10 I decided to see how it was. Here is what happened.
First box yielded two Mickey Mantle cards. One regular and one short print. A Joba Chamberlain rookie and a Corey Koskie game used bat. Along with some Rainbow cards.
Second box got me some more Rainbow cards. Some notable names were Philip Hughes and Alex Gordon. A Tim Lincecum rookie. And a Fernando Martinez Prospect card.
All in all it was alright. Nothing spectacular but not bad either. And since it was only $10 each I can't really complain.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
A trip to Cooperstown Hall of Fame reveals an A-Rod Auto
Here is a little story I like to share with everyone. A few days ago I decided to take a trip with my father to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. Being that we live in downtown New York it was a trip we had to plan. I had my doubts about going since it was a long drive plus overnight stay just to see a museum. But at the end I decided to go since I am an avid baseball fan.
The museum was awesome. Showing everything from Babe Ruth's jersey and bat to Dice-K's Japanese jersey. It was also a lifetime experience showing me the history of baseball as well.
To make a long story short. I passed over a few hobby shops after the visit. A few uneventful stores later I passed by a store called Legends are Forever. A pile of boxes to the side of the store attracted my attention. Upon further inspection I saw a few boxes I liked on clearance. It was one rack pack box of 2007 and two boxes of 2006 Topps series 2. I decided to get the two 2006 Topps since I was drawing a blank on the 2007 Topps.
It took me five hours to get home and by that time I was dead tired. Not wanting to stay up longer I decided to open one box and keep one for later. In the middle of the box I saw a nice green autographed card. Not knowing who it was yet I slowly pulled the card out. And there it was, an Alex Rodriguez Topps series 2 auto, short printed to 50. It took me awhile to recover and then I saw the odds on the rack pack, odds of Group A auto 1:60,000. What about the other box? It's still there waiting for me to open it.
This proves a few theories in life such as "Being in the right place at the right time". Nonetheless that one decision made my day, and probably a few days afterward too.
The museum was awesome. Showing everything from Babe Ruth's jersey and bat to Dice-K's Japanese jersey. It was also a lifetime experience showing me the history of baseball as well.
To make a long story short. I passed over a few hobby shops after the visit. A few uneventful stores later I passed by a store called Legends are Forever. A pile of boxes to the side of the store attracted my attention. Upon further inspection I saw a few boxes I liked on clearance. It was one rack pack box of 2007 and two boxes of 2006 Topps series 2. I decided to get the two 2006 Topps since I was drawing a blank on the 2007 Topps.
It took me five hours to get home and by that time I was dead tired. Not wanting to stay up longer I decided to open one box and keep one for later. In the middle of the box I saw a nice green autographed card. Not knowing who it was yet I slowly pulled the card out. And there it was, an Alex Rodriguez Topps series 2 auto, short printed to 50. It took me awhile to recover and then I saw the odds on the rack pack, odds of Group A auto 1:60,000. What about the other box? It's still there waiting for me to open it.
This proves a few theories in life such as "Being in the right place at the right time". Nonetheless that one decision made my day, and probably a few days afterward too.
And here is the card, in all it's glory.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Why can't Baseball Cards go Green?
We see it everywhere now, every company is going green and Eco friendly. So why can't baseball cards?
I'm saying this because I see countless sports cards of no name and scrub players been made in every product. Don't they need to use paper to make these cards? Don't they also need plastic and whatever else to create those flashy inserts? I have not heard of any company stating "We use 98% recycled products" on their baseball cards. Sure we see it on the boxes that holds the cards but they can do so much more.
Better yet why can't companies give us collectors the incentive of sending unwanted cards back so they can recycle it for future uses. Mostly products from the mid 80's and mid 90's are only good for fire fuel. And on top of that they should cut down on player selection in their products. Nobody wants a player that has a lifetime batting average of .180. No we are not fans of garbage players and we surely don't need something we don't care about to take up more space.
Just the other day I saw a Burger King using a panel that gives energy every time a car drives over it. So I'm going to ask again, why can't company like Topps, Upper Deck and whomever else that makes sports cards go green?
I'm saying this because I see countless sports cards of no name and scrub players been made in every product. Don't they need to use paper to make these cards? Don't they also need plastic and whatever else to create those flashy inserts? I have not heard of any company stating "We use 98% recycled products" on their baseball cards. Sure we see it on the boxes that holds the cards but they can do so much more.
Better yet why can't companies give us collectors the incentive of sending unwanted cards back so they can recycle it for future uses. Mostly products from the mid 80's and mid 90's are only good for fire fuel. And on top of that they should cut down on player selection in their products. Nobody wants a player that has a lifetime batting average of .180. No we are not fans of garbage players and we surely don't need something we don't care about to take up more space.
Just the other day I saw a Burger King using a panel that gives energy every time a car drives over it. So I'm going to ask again, why can't company like Topps, Upper Deck and whomever else that makes sports cards go green?
High end vs. Low end Cards
Here is a list of boxes to bust. Just don't expect it to be anything high end. I think I've learned my lesson in that. After busting countless boxes of high end stuff and pulling cards that resell for $10 and $15 I've decided to buy only the lower end boxes. Why you ask? Well think about it this way, say you spend $150 on a box of cards and pull a no name player that sells for $10. How does that make you feel? Want to lie down on the couch and talk about it?
Now say you spend $50 on a box of cards and pull a no name player that sells for $10. See the difference?
Sure there is always a chance that you might pull something great that sells for ten times the amount of a box. How rare is that? If I was going to be that lucky, I'd rather play the mega million everyday. The payout would be much much much more.
Now say you do pull a nice card out of a high end product. And it re sells for twice the amount of a box. ( I say twice because nowadays even a nice autographed card won't sell for much) You are basically getting your money back and another box with two base cards. But say you spend only $50 and get a card that sells for $100. Not only are you making your money back you will probably get 143 base cards including inserts. Get the big picture yet. You pay less but end up getting more.
Now I understand that not everybody is out to collect cards. Some people want to make money out of the hobby. But for the true collectors out there, think before you burn your money.
Now say you spend $50 on a box of cards and pull a no name player that sells for $10. See the difference?
Sure there is always a chance that you might pull something great that sells for ten times the amount of a box. How rare is that? If I was going to be that lucky, I'd rather play the mega million everyday. The payout would be much much much more.
Now say you do pull a nice card out of a high end product. And it re sells for twice the amount of a box. ( I say twice because nowadays even a nice autographed card won't sell for much) You are basically getting your money back and another box with two base cards. But say you spend only $50 and get a card that sells for $100. Not only are you making your money back you will probably get 143 base cards including inserts. Get the big picture yet. You pay less but end up getting more.
Now I understand that not everybody is out to collect cards. Some people want to make money out of the hobby. But for the true collectors out there, think before you burn your money.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Washington Nationals sign Stephen Strasburg
So Stephen Strasburg has signed with the Washington Nationals. I'm happy to see that this is finally over with. Now both the Nationals and Strasbrug could go on with their lives. Now on to reality, Strasburg made it seemed like it was so hard to accept a contract worth over $15 million for four years.
This is a quote from ESPN.com
"It feels awesome. I got a little nervous there for a while that it might not happen, but I feel very blessed," Strasburg told ESPN's Pedro Gomez. "I'm not sure of the plan right now. They said they'd bring me up for the media. They said to take my time to get ready. It's an amazing feeling. I really wasn't sure if it was going to happen, but I'm glad it did."
Yeah I bet he was real nervous counting his money with Scott Boras. Why can't an average joe like us have something like this fall on our laps? Imagine our boss saying "here is $3 million for the year for that superb prensentation".
I guess I just don't understand MLB baseball teams sometimes. I know they are hoping that Strasburg will make it big on his debut. And that he possibly helps the Nationals make that money back with tickets and jersey sales. But little do they notice that we as fans are sick of seeing this over and over again.
They throw all this money at an unproven player. Granted he did great in the Minor Leagues but last time I heard we are still going through a recession. Throwing all this money at one player is a huge risk for any team. Do teams learn from history? A few names come to mind when I see stuff like this happen, Todd Van Poppel, Matt Bush, Luke Hochevar and many others.
I hope the best for the Nationals and Strasburg. But I bet there are thousands of fans waiting to say "I told you so" to the Washington Nationals.
This is a quote from ESPN.com
"It feels awesome. I got a little nervous there for a while that it might not happen, but I feel very blessed," Strasburg told ESPN's Pedro Gomez. "I'm not sure of the plan right now. They said they'd bring me up for the media. They said to take my time to get ready. It's an amazing feeling. I really wasn't sure if it was going to happen, but I'm glad it did."
Yeah I bet he was real nervous counting his money with Scott Boras. Why can't an average joe like us have something like this fall on our laps? Imagine our boss saying "here is $3 million for the year for that superb prensentation".
I guess I just don't understand MLB baseball teams sometimes. I know they are hoping that Strasburg will make it big on his debut. And that he possibly helps the Nationals make that money back with tickets and jersey sales. But little do they notice that we as fans are sick of seeing this over and over again.
They throw all this money at an unproven player. Granted he did great in the Minor Leagues but last time I heard we are still going through a recession. Throwing all this money at one player is a huge risk for any team. Do teams learn from history? A few names come to mind when I see stuff like this happen, Todd Van Poppel, Matt Bush, Luke Hochevar and many others.
I hope the best for the Nationals and Strasburg. But I bet there are thousands of fans waiting to say "I told you so" to the Washington Nationals.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Evolution of Sports Whining
The Washington Nationals have picked Stephen Strasburg as their no. 1 pick. Now they are saying that he may not sign with the team. I would like to know the reason why he is not signing. Perhaps the money is not enough? Maybe he does not want to play for Washington? Or could it possibly be he would rather be working at the dollar store at the corner of the street?
Sport whiners, umm excuse me sport players can be so idiotic at times. I don't know who has more greed the players or their agents. Most players are screaming "I deserve more money" (Michael Craptree) or "I haven't touched a baseball yet but I'm the first pick so that 14 million dollars are not enough (Stephanie Strasburg or Scott Boars?)
But perhaps the most infamous athelete has to be Latrell Sprewell ( NBA) when he said "I can't feed my children with the paycheck I'm getting". I would like to see an athelete work at a sweatshop making the jerseys and hats. While getting paid $2 an hour with no bathroom breaks and see how they feel. You know the saying "you don't know what you have until you lose it"? Obviously atheletes don't know this phrase.
What I can't understand is, how can somebody make $7 million a year and say "I'm looking out for my family so I want to see who can offer me more money" The atheletes nowadays whine and cry more than they play. Yeah they are good, that's why they are still playing. But they also have to learn how to shut up and earn your money. Going up to the plate and earning $100,000 per swing (A-Roid) and then crying "It's too much stress" is not going to do it.
Personally I think atheletes should earn their money just like everyone else. Prove yourself first and then open your big mouth to demand more money.
Sport whiners, umm excuse me sport players can be so idiotic at times. I don't know who has more greed the players or their agents. Most players are screaming "I deserve more money" (Michael Craptree) or "I haven't touched a baseball yet but I'm the first pick so that 14 million dollars are not enough (Stephanie Strasburg or Scott Boars?)
But perhaps the most infamous athelete has to be Latrell Sprewell ( NBA) when he said "I can't feed my children with the paycheck I'm getting". I would like to see an athelete work at a sweatshop making the jerseys and hats. While getting paid $2 an hour with no bathroom breaks and see how they feel. You know the saying "you don't know what you have until you lose it"? Obviously atheletes don't know this phrase.
What I can't understand is, how can somebody make $7 million a year and say "I'm looking out for my family so I want to see who can offer me more money" The atheletes nowadays whine and cry more than they play. Yeah they are good, that's why they are still playing. But they also have to learn how to shut up and earn your money. Going up to the plate and earning $100,000 per swing (A-Roid) and then crying "It's too much stress" is not going to do it.
Personally I think atheletes should earn their money just like everyone else. Prove yourself first and then open your big mouth to demand more money.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Baseball Cards. Forward or Backwards?
We've all heard that MLB is giving Topps an exclusive contract to produce baseball cards. Stating that they believe Topps can change this hobby for the kids. So with all due respect lets take a look at the products they have made so far.
Bowman Chrome - Chock full of rookies that kids know nothing about. Who is Lars Anderson? I guarantee that most kids that's not heavily into card collecting already even knows who he is. This product is aimed at the adults looking to make money on the secondary market
Allen & Ginter - Right away look at the price tag, $70-$80. Definitely not aimed at the kids. Also the fact that they have autographs of non MLB players will turn kids away.
Topps - Bland, ugly and boring design. An eight year old can make better looking cards. Autographs are hard to pull and when you do pull one please keep that Justin Ruggiano ($0.99 no buyer) nicely protected.
Sterling - $195 a box. Nuff said
If you look back towards when Topps was the only company making baseball cards you can clearly see what they made. Off centered, bland, boring and overproduced baseball cards. Clearly they were aiming for the kids.
At least Upper Deck has made products aimed towards the younger collectors. UD Heroes. Upper Deck and among others. I say competition is good. It keeps other companies on it's toes and makes sure they are producing quality products.
Truth is the only thing that will make collecting fun for kids is the adults who collect baseball cards. They are the ones teaching the next generation the beauty of collecting sport cards.
I don't think this is a step forward. I think this is a step backwards for this hobby.
Bowman Chrome - Chock full of rookies that kids know nothing about. Who is Lars Anderson? I guarantee that most kids that's not heavily into card collecting already even knows who he is. This product is aimed at the adults looking to make money on the secondary market
Allen & Ginter - Right away look at the price tag, $70-$80. Definitely not aimed at the kids. Also the fact that they have autographs of non MLB players will turn kids away.
Topps - Bland, ugly and boring design. An eight year old can make better looking cards. Autographs are hard to pull and when you do pull one please keep that Justin Ruggiano ($0.99 no buyer) nicely protected.
Sterling - $195 a box. Nuff said
If you look back towards when Topps was the only company making baseball cards you can clearly see what they made. Off centered, bland, boring and overproduced baseball cards. Clearly they were aiming for the kids.
At least Upper Deck has made products aimed towards the younger collectors. UD Heroes. Upper Deck and among others. I say competition is good. It keeps other companies on it's toes and makes sure they are producing quality products.
Truth is the only thing that will make collecting fun for kids is the adults who collect baseball cards. They are the ones teaching the next generation the beauty of collecting sport cards.
I don't think this is a step forward. I think this is a step backwards for this hobby.
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