tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57622900318122811922024-02-02T00:27:12.272-06:00bdj610's Topps Baseball Card BlogAnother in a long line of blogs devoted to baseball cards, specifically from the Topps Company, and the Hobby in general. Reviews on new and older sets, along with unbiased opinions, will be included.
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If you stumbled upon this blog and didn't find what you were looking for, please feel free to e-mail me at <a href="mailto:bdj610@hotmail.com">bdj610@hotmail.com</a>. I'd be happy to answer your questions.</p>James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.comBlogger2286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-83746544472472744082019-02-26T00:46:00.000-06:002019-02-26T01:19:05.135-06:00A Three Pack, Progress, and a Wantlist<i>Before I begin, I'd like to dedicate this blog post to my grandmothers, Leonor Anama (nee Filoteo) and Gloria Y. Nichols. Both were born in February, Leonor on February 24, and Gloria on February 25.</i><br />
<br />
My daughter and I traveled to the local big box store to do a quick shopping run. While she went through the clearance aisle, I sauntered over to the card section, thinking about what to buy. I thought of buying a couple of packs, but for what purpose?<br />
<br />
By now, I have a full set of the eponymous first series, and buying random packs wasn't as motivating. Same goes for blasters. Was the thrill already gone? I mean, yes it is now Heritage season, but I don't collect the brand. And short of the Pat Neshek tribute card to Lowell Palmer, I probably won't be starting on that set anytime soon.<br />
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But then, I saw...this:<br />
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And suddenly, I found what I wanted to buy for the evening. <br />
<br />
A three-pack of Series 1 with a bonus green parallel card. This one, with Sandy Koufax, came home with us along with the other things my daughter was looking for.<br />
<br />
I am also in the process of putting the cards and sets I have into a binder. It's a 3-inch binder, but I'm starting to think it's not going to fit everything. I get the sinking feeling that a 6-inch binder isn't going to fit this set when all is said and done. I have almost all the cards. I'm missing one card from the Superstars retail set because the seller didn't realize it and gave me an extra card of a player already in the set, but he's aware of it and when he gets back from vacation he will be sending me the missing card. I also have the 50-card Iconic Reprints set coming soon (I have something to say about this too, but I'm going to need the set to arrive first).<br />
<br />
In the meantime, until prices of the 150-card 150 Years of Baseball set go down to reasonable prices on the Bay (and this is before part 2 shows up in the next series), I have decided that I am going to build this set from scratch. Whether it be by buying lots or cards online or by trading. By now, I have enough base and insert cards, from a number of years, that I can trade to get my hands on the 67 cards I need to complete this set. Now, the big show coming to the convention down the street, the same one that is going to host the National in July/August, will take place in March. I just want to go to that show and take in the atmosphere. I would prefer to complete this set before then.<br />
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So, to the people who still manage to come to this humble, little blog. I need help. I am willing to trade for the 67 cards listed below. I've been known in the past to trade for everything I can find in a large want list just for one card. Base, insert, even autos or relics. It doesn't matter. If it's on your want list, and I have what you need (within reason...I still collect too you know), I will send all of it for whatever you can spare.<br />
<br />
Here is the list of cards I need:<br />
<br />
Greatest Moments<br />
150-1 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox<br />
150-2 Babe Ruth New York Yankees<br />
150-3 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees<br />
150-4 Roger Maris New York Yankees<br />
150-5 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles<br />
150-8 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers<br />
150-10 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers<br />
150-11 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles<br />
150-13 Babe Ruth New York Yankees<br />
150-16 Nolan Ryan Houston Astros<br />
150-18 Ichiro Seattle Mariners<br />
150-19 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates<br />
150-22 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles<br />
150-25 Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals<br />
150-26 Derek Jeter New York Yankees<br />
150-27 The Topps Company Brooklyn <br />
150-34 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox<br />
150-35 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves<br />
150-37 Bill Mazeroski Pittsburgh Pirates<br />
150-42 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox<br />
150-47 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
150-48 Ted Williams Boston Red Sox<br />
<br />
Greatest Players<br />
150-51 Babe Ruth New York Yankees<br />
150-55 Robin Yount Milwaukee Brewers<br />
150-56 Tom Glavine Atlanta Braves<br />
150-61 Roger Maris New York Yankees<br />
150-65 Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers<br />
150-68 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals<br />
150-73 Derek Jeter New York Yankees<br />
150-78 Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels<br />
150-79 Wade Boggs Boston Red Sox<br />
150-80 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox<br />
150-82 Tom Seaver New York Mets<br />
150-86 Pedro Martinez Boston Red Sox<br />
150-87 Juan Marichal San Francisco Giants<br />
150-88 Nolan Ryan Houston Astros<br />
150-91 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians<br />
150-98 Jim Palmer Baltimore Orioles<br />
150-99 Harmon Killebrew Minnesota Twins<br />
<br />
Greatest Seasons<br />
150-104 Ichiro Seattle Mariners<br />
150-106 Rickey Henderson New York Yankees<br />
150-107 Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox<br />
150-110 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals<br />
150-112 Pedro Martinez Boston Red Sox<br />
150-116 Carl Yastrzemski Boston Red Sox<br />
150-121 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
150-123 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
150-125 Randy Johnson Arizona Diamondbacks<br />
150-127 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs<br />
150-132 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels<br />
150-134 Nolan Ryan California Angels<br />
150-137 Mike Trout Los Angeles Angels<br />
150-140 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers<br />
150-141 Mike Piazza Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
150-142 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles<br />
150-143 Willie McCovey San Francisco Giants<br />
150-146 Babe Ruth New York Yankees<br />
150-149 Babe Ruth New York Yankees<br />
<br />
Email me at <a href="mailto:bdj610@hotmail.com">bdj610@hotmail.com</a>, send me a DM on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>, or leave a comment on the blog and let me know if you have any of the cards I need along with a want list of cards that you are looking for, and I will see what I can find for you.<br />
<br />
I'll even put the bonus Koufax card on the trading block.<br />
<br />
For now, I am just happy to have some packs to open.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-58694066684109513652019-02-18T22:00:00.000-06:002019-02-18T22:00:00.680-06:00Responding to Comments...Two Days LaterI should probably make more of an effort to post often. The comments I received were great and (ego...enough already...)<br />
<br />
After reading the comments on my last post, I think it would be best to respond to them. Here goes.<br />
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SumoMenkoMan: While it's not necessarily overkill in terms of the number of insert sets (12), having a couple of insert sets that consist of more than 100 cards (150 Years of Professional Baseball, 1984 Topps 35th, Superstars) is a bit absurd. Okay, it wouldn't be the first time that there are 100-card insert sets within a series. But in the past, a set that would consist of 150 cards would be split among three series (1, 2, Update). The 150 Years set is this year's version of Topps Salute. Why put all 150 cards in one series??! The set itself consists of three distinct subjects (moments, players, seasons). I wouldn't have minded the set split this way. Topps has done it so many times. Why not with this set??!<br />
<br />
bbcardz: Agreed. It's kind of misleading. Yes, there are more cards in a pack, but less packs in a box??! And you're still getting fewer cards in a box? It used to be that if you bought a jumbo box, you had a great shot at completing a set (or at worst, be short a card or two). Now? With the number of insert cards??!<br />
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Jeremya1um: We already emailed. Yes, I have the card:<br />
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It is yours. You already sent me your address, and I will let you know when it gets shipped (as soon as I can get to the post office...hopefully tomorrow...if not by Wednesday).<br />
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Fuji: I wouldn't spend $1500 on a master set, especially when it doesn't have ALL THE SETS!!! But hey, I don't judge either. You spend what you want. But I do agree, I miss those days too. Inserts are supposed to be that bonus "wow" card that comes in a pack. Sadly, with the focus on relics and autos, these have become as ignored as the base cards.<br />
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Base Card Hero: We'll see if box prices drop. Heritage is coming soon, and people tend to go nuts when THAT product comes out. I'm keeping tabs on the two sets I still need on the Bay. One looks promising, the other might just become the set I will have to build card by card...unless of course prices drop like I hope they do.<br />
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Bulldog: If you've never done a master set, there is nothing wrong with it. I think if you're a set collector, you need to at least try for one. If you have the patience, and there are lots of sources for you to do it (shows, shops, trading, etc) in your world, pick a year and go for it. Right now, I'd recommend something from 2012-2015. By now, demand should be down for cards from those years, and cards and sets should be selling at decent (lower) prices than the year they were created.<br />
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Phil: I know, right??! The last two years have been brutal. Yes, again, I know this isn't the first time that Topps didn't put the full stats on the back of the card. But still, it was shocking not to have all that information on the back.<br />
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Swing And A Pop Up: Thanks. If I pull it off, I'll make sure to post.<br />
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Have a good night.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-12731272408157472242019-02-16T23:45:00.001-06:002019-02-16T23:45:12.977-06:00Two Weeks Later...The official Opening Day of Baseball Card Season was Wednesday, January 30, 2019. <br />
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I would have been out there with the rest of the collecting world. Celebrating. Opening packs. Watching videos of box breaks. Reading Twitter feeds (you can follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>) to see the first cards they opened from a pack. Catching the Bay to see what master sets were initially going for. <br />
<br />
But I live in the Chicago area. And...the temperatures here reached -27 below Fahrenheit at one point. I wasn't going to go out. Heck, if the Chicago Public Schools decided to close for the day, you know it's trouble. In fact, it was so cold, and I'm sure you saw video of this, but they set the train tracks on fire.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tribwgntv.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/s104682408.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=400&h=225&crop=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://tribwgntv.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/s104682408.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=400&h=225&crop=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of WGN-TV. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The reason behind this is, according to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/chicago-affected-by-frost-quakes-as-polar-vortex-continues/news-story/c1cfea9b5a78a110d989378c5a9d9f6b">news.com.au</a>, "Snow and ice can clog the points used to keep the train rolling, so the gas-fuelled flames — which technically run alongside the tracks — keep the switch points warm so they don’t get clogged. It’s actually not uncommon for Metra to resort to the practice when the mercury drops below zero."<br />
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Okay, back to the point.<br />
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On Friday, February 2, after making the trek to work and logging in some hours at the office, I made my way to a card shop, Target, and Walmart (in that order) and bought a few packs from each location (okay, the Walmart didn't have them yet, but I had to check). So now, I was in the game. After dinner, I opened my first pack.<br />
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And what a way to begin 2019!!! My first card of 2019 is CARD #1 of the eponymous set, Ronald Acuña, Jr!!!<br />
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The 2018 National League Rookie of the Year, and winner of the Card #1 vote, is my first card for 2019. What else showed up in this 14-card pack?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>#9 Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, Cubs</li>
<li>#111 Reynaldo Lopez, P, White Sox</li>
<li>#237 Seth Lugo, P, Mets</li>
<li>#263 Always Sonny, Checklist 109-144</li>
<li>#317 Kevin Gausman, P, Braves</li>
<li>#65 Derek Dietrich Gold, OF/1B, Marlins</li>
<li>#294 Dynamic Duo, Checklist #73-108</li>
<li>#158 Byron Buxton, OF, Twins</li>
<li>#44 Jay Bruce, OF, Mets</li>
<li>#45 Nick Pivetta, P, Phillies</li>
<li>#207 Richard Bleier, P, Orioles</li>
<li>#234 Austin Hedges, C, Padres</li>
<li>#153, Hunter Strickland, P, Giants</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initial thoughts on this pack:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My second Cubs card is World Series hero Ben Zobrist. This makes this pack a winner. Third is a pitcher from that other team from Chicago, so that works out very well.</div>
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I am so happy that Topps listened to their customers as the card backs (very nice by the way) include COMPLETE YEAR STATISTICS!!! After two years of partial stats (nothing wrong with that...it's not as if it was a precedent and all...but still), we get complete MLB (and MiLB if it applies) statistics again. And for those who still wanted them, the Twitter and Instagram accounts for players who have them (Jay Bruce apparently has neither, so he gets a #TOPPSBASEBALL on his social media profile line).</div>
<div>
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<div>
Within the last two weeks, I have purchased five regular, two jumbo packs, & one hanger box, from Target, three regular packs from WalMart, and twelve Hobby packs. I have a lot of good insert cards (which I am willing to trade), a couple of Home Run Challenge cards, and one SP (Mookie Betts).</div>
<div>
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<div>
I also decided to take a different approach when it comes to acquiring a master set this year.</div>
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<div>
There are 12 insert sets with cards scattered in packs of 2019 Topps Series 1. Adding the 350 base set, there are 940 cards that comprise what I will consider a full master set.</div>
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<div>
On eBay, prices for auctions of master sets consisting of just the base plus seven Hobby insert sets (1984 Topps 35th Anniversary, Greatness Returns, Evolution, Revolution, Topps Now Top 10, Iconic Reprints, 150 Years) ranged from $499.99 to $1099.99 Buy It Now. The scary thing is that people were actually paying those prices. I get that regular Hobby and Jumbo boxes have less packs even if the number of cards per pack are up (you still get less cards overall). I get that the odds for insert cards are ridiculous. I also get that case breakers are having a hard time making full master sets. But this is overkill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, if you have the money and bought a 770 card set for over $1000, more power to you. Cheers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But you're still missing five retail-exclusive master sets!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There was one auction that I saw that had 10 insert sets included (the seven Hobby sets plus the 2 Spring Training sets and the 100-card Superstars) for $1499, and SOMEBODY BOUGHT THAT!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's well and good, but that auction doesn't have the Ronald Acuña and Gleyber Torres Highlight sets. Yes, the Walmart (Acuña) and Target (Torres) exclusives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, I'm going after all 12 sets, and as of this writing, I now have the 350-card set, plus the following complete insert sets:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1984 35th Anniversary set</li>
<li>Greatness Returns</li>
<li>Evolution</li>
<li>Revolution</li>
<li>Topps Now Top 10</li>
<li>Gleyber Torres Highlights</li>
<li>Cactus League Legends</li>
<li>Grapefruit League Greats</li>
</ul>
<div>
Plus I am waiting on these two sets:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Superstars of Baseball</li>
<li>Ronald Acuña Highlights</li>
</ul>
<div>
With shipping, I have spent a grand total of $622.11. I am pretty sure if I wait it out a bit, I can acquire all 12 for under $900. The 150-card 150 Years of Professional Baseball set has been going anywhere from $350-500 BIN (with auctions currently at over $150.00) and the 50-card Iconic Reprints set goes for $125-$220. I might have to wait a bit for demand to die down because many collectors will be focusing their energies and money on Heritage. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The prices on the Iconic Reprint set and for individual cards are, honestly, ridiculous. I mean, a number of these cards have been reprinted to death, and the last time Topps highlighted reprint cards of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, et.al, was in 2011. Regardless, I think I will play the patience route. Maybe wait until the Spring Collectibles show at the convention center down the street to build the sets.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the meantime, there are two sets that are on my collecting radar. The 2019 Gypsy Queen, and, as tentative checklists were posted this past week, the 32 Topps Team Sets. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is already getting to be a very interesting, if not expensive, year Hobby-wise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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But I am always up for the challenge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Sincerely,</div>
<div>
<br />JayBee Anama</div>
James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-37642870093414093582019-01-23T09:00:00.000-06:002019-01-26T22:27:03.129-06:00Hallbound...2019!!!The votes are in...<br />
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<ul><li><strong>Mariano Rivera 425 (100%);</strong></li>
<li><strong>Roy Halladay 363 (85.4%);</strong></li>
<li><strong>Edgar Martinez 363 (85.4%);</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mike Mussina 326 (76.7%);</strong></li>
<li><em>Curt Schilling 259 (60.9%);</em></li>
<li><em>Roger Clemens 253 (59.5%);</em></li>
<li><em>Barry Bonds 251 (59.1%);</em></li>
<li><em>Larry Walker 232 (54.6%);</em></li>
<li><em>Omar Vizquel 182 (42.8%);</em></li>
<li>Fred McGriff 169 (39.8%);</li>
<li><em>Manny Ramírez 97 (22.8%);</em></li>
<li><em>Jeff Kent 77 (18.1%);</em></li>
<li><em>Billy Wagner 71 (16.7%);</em></li>
<li><em>Todd Helton 70 (16.5%);</em></li>
<li><em>Scott Rolen 73 (17.2%);</em></li>
<li><em>Gary Sheffield 58 (13.6%);</em></li>
<li><em>Andy Pettitte 42 (9.9%);</em></li>
<li><em>Sammy Sosa 36 (8.5%);</em></li>
<li><em>Andruw Jones 32 (7.5%);</em></li>
<li>Michael Young 9 (2.1%);</li>
<li>Lance Berkman 5 (1.2%);</li>
<li>Miguel Tejada 5 (1.2%);</li>
<li>Roy Oswalt 4 (0.9%);</li>
<li>Plácido Polanco 2 (0.5%);</li>
<li>Rick Ankiel 0;</li>
<li>Jason Bay 0;</li>
<li>Freddy García 0;</li>
<li>Jon Garland 0;</li>
<li>Travis Hafner 0;</li>
<li>Ted Lilly 0;</li>
<li>Derek Lowe 0;</li>
<li>Darren Oliver 0;</li>
<li>Juan Pierre 0;</li>
<li>Vernon Wells 0;</li>
<li>Kevin Youkilis 0;</li>
</ul><br />
Congratulations to Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, Edgar Martinez, and Mike Mussina for being elected into the Hall of Fame. On this year's ballot, a player needed to receive 319 votes to reach or exceed the 75% needed for induction. Rivera becomes the first player ever inducted with a 100% of the voters selecting him...a perfect 425.<br />
<br />
The players whose names are <em>italicized</em> will appear on next year's ballot, having surpassed the five percent rule to stay on (22 votes). Larry Walker will be on his tenth and final ballot going into 2020. Fred McGriff's first go-through with the Veteran's Committee will be in 2023, when the Today's Era Committee re-convenes (this is the committee that elected both Lee Smith and Harold Baines for induction back in December).<br />
<br />
History dictates that the player with the most votes but not elected into the HOF will eventually be voted in, whether it be on the BBWAA ballot or one of the Veteran's Committees. If this trend continues, Curt Schilling will eventually be going to Cooperstown.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-46108611827000118382019-01-22T13:07:00.000-06:002019-01-22T13:08:17.559-06:00One (or More) of These Players Could Be Voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame When the announcement is made at 05:00 PM CST on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, to let the world know who has been inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame, I will be at home, again, getting ready to transition from one job to the next. But I'll still have the MLB Network on to watch the results live.<br />
<br />
With any luck, more than one person on this list of 35 players will be rewarded with the ultimate honor...enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. For the final time, here is the list of players (with years on ballot and % of ballots in the 2017 election) being considered:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ankieri01.shtml">Rick Ankiel</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bayja01.shtml">Jason Bay</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berkmla01.shtml">Lance Berkman</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondsba01.shtml">Barry Bonds</a>, 7th, 56.4%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemero02.shtml">Roger Clemens</a>, 7th, 57.3%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garcifr03.shtml">Freddy Garcia</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garlajo01.shtml">Jon Garland</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hafnetr01.shtml">Travis Hafner</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hallaro01.shtml">Roy Halladay</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heltoto01.shtml">Todd Helton</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jonesan01.shtml">Andruw Jones</a>, 2nd, 7.3%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kentje01.shtml">Jeff Kent</a>, 6th, 14.5%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lillyte01.shtml">Ted Lilly</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lowede01.shtml">Derek Lowe</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martied01.shtml">Edgar Martinez</a>, 10th, 70.4%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcgrifr01.shtml">Fred McGriff</a>, 10th, 23.2%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mussimi01.shtml">Mike Mussina</a>, 6th, 63.5%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/oliveda02.shtml">Darren Oliver</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/oswalro01.shtml">Roy Oswalt</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pettian01.shtml">Andy Pettitte</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pierrju01.shtml">Juan Pierre</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polanpl01.shtml">Placido Polanco</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirma02.shtml">Manny Ramirez</a>, 3rd, 22.0%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/riverma01.shtml">Mariano Rivera</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rolensc01.shtml">Scott Rolen</a>, 2nd, 10.2%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schilcu01.shtml">Curt Schilling</a>, 7th, 51.2%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sheffga01.shtml">Gary Sheffield</a>, 5th, 11.1%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sosasa01.shtml">Sammy Sosa</a>, 7th, 7.8%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tejadmi01.shtml">Miguel Tejada</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vizquom01.shtml">Omar Vizquel</a>, 2nd, 37.0%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wagnebi02.shtml">Billy Wagner</a>, 3nd, 10.2%</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/walkela01.shtml">Larry Walker</a>, 9th, 34.1%</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wellsve01.shtml">Vernon Wells</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/youklke01.shtml">Kevin Youkilis</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/youngmi02.shtml">Michael Young</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFAW9ZFoZhTxGcNQxFQfbPg4_ozk8imD97eac7YiHsyIlKjtr8ZsnjfByb4DO1_zPiXo54NwsoQyStXq_O8aeW0xsEBg6Rxg_NOgbKayEB-mfoFj-2ubs1Q1VHmjy4mDChmvcOOkLqWg/s1600/2019toppshofnominees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1516" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFAW9ZFoZhTxGcNQxFQfbPg4_ozk8imD97eac7YiHsyIlKjtr8ZsnjfByb4DO1_zPiXo54NwsoQyStXq_O8aeW0xsEBg6Rxg_NOgbKayEB-mfoFj-2ubs1Q1VHmjy4mDChmvcOOkLqWg/s400/2019toppshofnominees.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
Until the announcement is made (and I WILL be home when this happens), only the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the accounting firm that tabulated the votes knows who will join Lee Smith and Harold Baines in Cooperstown on Sunday, July 21, 2019. <br />
<br />
Good luck to everyone.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
ayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-7810412008324687562019-01-21T16:00:00.000-06:002019-01-21T16:00:03.987-06:00New Year Pack Break: 2018 Topps FireI had this pack with me the last couple of days, but never got around to opening it. But it's Monday, a bit late in the afternoon, and I forgot to pack a lunch. Braving the elements and the single-digit temperatures, I decided to make a run to the border and splurge on Taco Bell.<br />
<br />
I love Taco Bell. It's one of my favorite fast-food restaurants. Yes, I know there are taquerias closer to where I work, but I'm not going to walk in the cold for it, especially when time is limited. If it was a warm, sunny day (like last week), sure. But I heard the Naked Chicken Chalupa was back for a limited time, so along with a couple of Taco Supremes, and with regrets coming for sure later, I ordered one of those too.<br />
<br />
So before I question my life choices, this is an appropriate time for another pack break. This time, it's Topps' exclusive product that can only be found at Target, 2018 Topps Fire.<br />
<br />
The design is ridiculously busy, with the player in front of a background that looks like it is exploding behind him in red, white, and blue hues (points for patriotism, I guess). While I've seen a lot of images online, this is now a good time to see these cards up close. So what did I get in my pack of Fire???<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uHbwfxfubznLuS7aq2-MYTrln6DXy28pRIbZeUIXZ-8T7TDzlALsIDlbKD20yReO931iyP2skA2oY_N_U0jME8HItdh05VgBI81wlcLnqp5O79jCf5Yfon-Xl_Ceg_QB_YgRMoA_6BA/s1600/49766489_382486058978130_2907956789427306496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="577" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uHbwfxfubznLuS7aq2-MYTrln6DXy28pRIbZeUIXZ-8T7TDzlALsIDlbKD20yReO931iyP2skA2oY_N_U0jME8HItdh05VgBI81wlcLnqp5O79jCf5Yfon-Xl_Ceg_QB_YgRMoA_6BA/s400/49766489_382486058978130_2907956789427306496_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Whoops...wrong pack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQL2bjKLhm2vo5QJTC7DMIbVyeuAMGeXhKdzRJ3xWXc7xbFJB2W_6j4aQF0EIy5FIIX_6xBW9RCw_zGt7-Ul_5ekAiYUfcWmNlMW0xdHEFhjGk1niCAh511tVcxh-H1HPDMaEnZv_R30/s1600/49564107_732245163826027_1865975913573777408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQL2bjKLhm2vo5QJTC7DMIbVyeuAMGeXhKdzRJ3xWXc7xbFJB2W_6j4aQF0EIy5FIIX_6xBW9RCw_zGt7-Ul_5ekAiYUfcWmNlMW0xdHEFhjGk1niCAh511tVcxh-H1HPDMaEnZv_R30/s400/49564107_732245163826027_1865975913573777408_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Let's find out:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>#37 Rickey Henderson, Athletics</li>
<li>#48 Byron Buxton, Twins</li>
<li>#86 J. D. Davis, Astros</li>
<li>#114 Cody Bellinger, Dodgers</li>
<li>#32 Ryan McMahon, Rockies</li>
<li>#C-12 Billy Hamilton Cannons, Blue Chip Parallel, Reds</li>
<li>#19 Orlando Arcia Orange Parallel 294/299, Brewers</li>
<li>#HS-1 Shohei Ohtani Hot Starts, Blue Chip Parallel, Angels</li>
<li>#21 Jake Lamb Blue Parallel, Diamondbacks</li>
<li>#10 Ryne Sandberg, Cubs</li>
<li>#84 Mike Piazza, Mets</li>
<li>#188 Johnny Bench, Reds</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuEBzgJ8dMIog165sxSvETW-dxmxSHcfdB2s5ZnDzCjRQfWhmcUCN_RjtSLCDKNdHgIBXXQz_0rxye2mFUfZh7P8yLyq-O4PXxsXm8vo43RsAASRJxjVCVRH4obR6tsZlPrlSuliKXR0/s1600/49587733_272224613444665_175346579639631872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuEBzgJ8dMIog165sxSvETW-dxmxSHcfdB2s5ZnDzCjRQfWhmcUCN_RjtSLCDKNdHgIBXXQz_0rxye2mFUfZh7P8yLyq-O4PXxsXm8vo43RsAASRJxjVCVRH4obR6tsZlPrlSuliKXR0/s400/49587733_272224613444665_175346579639631872_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thoughts:<br />
<br />
The pack looks to have been split evenly into three categories: HOF's (Henderson, Sandberg, Piazza, Bench), current players (Buxton, Davis, Bellinger, McMahon), and inserts/parallels. At least I have a Cubs card in the pack, and it's of my favorite player EVER! So that's a win. And again, Shohei makes another appearance in a pack break. <br />
<br />
Full of food (food was good, probably could have gone without the chalupa, although that wasn't too bad) and an open pack of cards, I probably should head back to work.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-64346648266491064802019-01-15T01:26:00.000-06:002019-01-15T11:52:12.489-06:00Getting the Sports Card Blogroll Up to 2019 Standards...and Is Blogging Still a Thing??!A Twitter discussion happened a few days ago regarding the status of blogging, specifically blogging about the Hobby.<br />
<br />
Is it still viable? Is it still popular? Are people still doing this?<br />
<br />
Or as ALLTIMEGREATS.BLOG asked:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
What do you all think. Is sports card blogging dying? It’s dead? Or thriving?</div>
— ALLTIMEGREATS.BLOG (@VictorRomanSr) <a href="https://twitter.com/VictorRomanSr/status/1083845050449256449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<br />
Somehow, thanks to Mario, the man who writes Wax Heav...I mean <a href="https://completist.wordpress.com/">The Baseball Card Blog</a> (I hope you got Ben's blessing to use this name Mario), I wound up getting involved in the conversation:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
It’s not anywhere near as popular as it once was. Ask <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bdj610</a></div>
— Mario Alejandro (@TheWaxHeaven) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWaxHeaven/status/1083846242210365442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<br />
Night Owl wrote about this last week (he's has taken the mantle as the most prolific and popular blogger, with tons of readers and commenters). You want to read his take? <a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/2019/01/blogging-aint-dead-i-have-numbers.html">Here you go</a>!<br />
<br />
Nachos Grande, another long-time card blog, followed Night Owl's lead and did his own research, <a href="http://fanofreds.blogspot.com/2019/01/another-look-at-blogging-numbers.html">which you can read here</a>.<br />
<br />
(But before you read what they have to say, finish mine first...or go read their stuff and come back...PLEASE!!!)<br />
<br />
So I did a bit of research. I always made it a habit of keeping tabs of the number of blogs I added and removed over the years. When I created the <a href="https://bdj610bbcblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/because-i-love-reading-what-others-have.html">Sports Card Blogroll</a> on July 7, 2008, I started with 112 blogs. Many of these sites I found through the blogrolls of dayf the <a href="http://cardjunk.blogspot.com/">Cardboard Junkie</a> and Mario (again...thanks to his Sports Card Blog Directory).<br />
<br />
I promised I would figure out when the most blogs were ever on the Sports Card Blogroll. That would have been in July of 2012, when there was a whopping 387 blogs listed before I did my monthly maintenance.<br />
<br />
I haven't made any updates to the big Blogroll in a while, and I have to tell you, I'm really sad.<br />
<br />
Presently, there are 215 sites listed on the active roll. The following sites will be removed from the Blogroll tonight:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.number5typecollection.com/" target="_blank">Number 5 Type Collection</a></li>
<li><a href="http://onceacub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Once a Cub</a></li>
<li><a href="http://piratestreasureroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pirates Treasure Room</a></li>
<li><a href="https://supportingtheminnow.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">supportingtheminnow</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thecardboardreview.com/" target="_blank">the cardboard review.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://torontobluejayscollection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Toronto Blue Jays Collection</a></li>
<li><a href="https://offhiatusbaseball.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Off Hiatus Baseball Cards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://oriolescards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Orioles Card "O" the Day</a> (more about this shortly)</li>
<li><a href="http://1952topps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventures in 1952 Topps</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mlbcardvalues.com/" target="_blank">MLB Card Values</a></li>
<li><a href="http://century21topps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">21st-Century Topps Baseball</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thehomerunapple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Home Run Apple</a></li>
<li><a href="http://plaingrayswatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">plain gray swatch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://needmorecardboard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Need More Cardboard</a></li>
<li><a href="http://phungo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Phungo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://1978toppsbaseball.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">1978 Baseball</a></li>
<li><a href="https://chuckania.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hangin with Chuck</a></li>
<li><a href="http://infinitecardset.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Infinite Baseball Card Set</a> (more about this later)</li>
<li><a href="http://topps1971.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Topps 1971</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tonyssportspub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tony's Sports Pub</a></li>
<li><a href="http://greatsportsnamehalloffame.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Great Sports Name Hall of Fame</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cardboardhogs.com/" target="_blank">Cardboard Hogs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://metscardboard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mets Cardboard</a></li>
<li><a href="http://waxaholic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Waxaholic</a></li>
<li><a href="http://paulsttmblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paul's TTM Autograph Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mcautographsignings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MC's Autograph Signings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://theprowlcat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Prowling Cat</a></li>
<li><a href="http://averysimpleidea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inception Baseball: A Very Simple Idea</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hoopshobby.com/" target="_blank">HoopsHobby</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
That's 29 blogs that being removed (hold on...I will explain shortly). That brings the number of active blogs down to 186. That's more than 200 blogs down from six years ago (not the number of blogs that have ever been placed on the SCBR...you're looking at over 500 blogs that made it's way onto the active roster at one point in time).<br />
<br />
The Infinite Baseball Card Set blog was created by artist Gary Joseph Cieradkowski. The site combined his passions for baseball history and art (he did create a card set...beautiful cards...don't own any, but I do remember reading reviews). He has a new site now, <a href="https://studiogaryc.com/">Studio Gary C</a>, which combines all of his artwork, and I am going to add his baseball card section, which continues his Infinite Baseball Card Set project, and will move his old site to the Retired, but Relevant section of the Blogroll. (I better be getting that book Gary...or if not, I'll have to find it somewhere).<br />
<br />
The Sports Card Blogroll Hall of Fame adds one new member to its ranks: Orioles Card "O" The Day. For over 10 years, Kevin, the writer of the Orioles baseball card blog, highlighted a card from his vast Orioles card collection, giving the reader a glimpse of the player, and his contributions to Orioles lore. From 2008-2014, he would post more than 300 times per year, the first four years posting EVERY DAY!!! While there is no reason why he stopped (we can all speculate...it's the ORIOLES after all) maybe he'll get back to it. I hope he's okay. But his last post was in May, 2018, and the site has reached more than six months of inactivity. As one of the pioneers in the Hobby Blogging Community, and one of the first team-centric Hobby bloggers, his Orioles Card "O" The Day will now be enshrined into the SCBR HOF.<br />
<br />
Yes, I will have to say that the popularity of blogging has been on the downside. But, as I stated in my contributions to the twitter discussion:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
While I think you are right with the opinion that the popularity is down, I think those that are still blogging about the Hobby now are the ones who are committed to the medium and enjoy it. We are really writing for ourselves, after all. People reading what we say is a bonus.</div>
— James B. Anama (@bdj610) <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610/status/1083889700341993472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
There are those who are still contributing on a daily basis: <a href="http://nightowlcards.blogspot.com/">Night Owl Cards</a> (who I will have to check his blogroll for sites that I don't have), <a href="http://wrigleywax.blogspot.com/">Wrigley Wax</a>, who writes about the cards in his Cubs collection, <a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/">The Chronicles of Fuji</a>, <a href="https://shlabotnikreport.wordpress.com/">The Shlabotnik Report</a>, and 182 others (including this humble, little blog). We're still around, and we're still posting about the Hobby. We may not be (okay, most of us might not be) making any money off blogging, but as I tweeted, we're really writing for ourselves. If people happen to read what we're saying, then it's a bonus.<br />
<br />
It (blogging) has become a Hobby in of itself. We all had our reasons to get into this. Some got into it to trade with others. Others wanted to share their opinions on the state of the Hobby (good or otherwise). Some wanted to stir the pot and the notoriety (good or otherwise) got them the exposure they wanted. Others just wanted to show off their collections and what the cards mean to the writer.<br />
<br />
As with many trends, blogging has hit its plateau. During the height of popularity, I had hoped that the SCBR would one day reach 500 blogs on the list at one time. It never made it there, but the Blogroll still stands as a way for people who want to read different viewpoints about the Hobby of Sports Card Collecting.<br />
<br />
On a final note, I do want to thank Sports Card News for bringing up the topic. And for indirectly giving me a nudge to get my site up-to-date.<br />
<br />
As always, if you or someone you know has a blog that is about the great Hobby of Sports Card Collecting, and you want it added to the Sports Card Blogroll, please send me an email at <a href="mailto:bdj610@hotmail.com">bdj610@hotmail.com</a>, send me a tweet (you can find me <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>), or leave a comment on the blog.<br />
<br />
You know, I meant to change the design of the site just to make it a bit more modern. I guess I better get to work.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-91427386570640512292019-01-06T03:27:00.000-06:002019-01-06T03:27:14.254-06:00New Year Pack Break: 2018 Topps GalleryToday was a great day to be the parent of a Special Olympian.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkTUBcOaZ3KqLIbpk_C4myn5W5K3G8sYbXDE1qbREiJq7DNZ5g7ShJI0AmJ0WiNK7TOY2lj2twS9FewLp4wTyxaydGD0Na5T8r3wdb_gJhZQ_XgEj8H5bpHvIY2p1MkJnYXiyx-roWXg/s1600/49633311_2330242860543656_1385569630944231424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="608" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkTUBcOaZ3KqLIbpk_C4myn5W5K3G8sYbXDE1qbREiJq7DNZ5g7ShJI0AmJ0WiNK7TOY2lj2twS9FewLp4wTyxaydGD0Na5T8r3wdb_gJhZQ_XgEj8H5bpHvIY2p1MkJnYXiyx-roWXg/s400/49633311_2330242860543656_1385569630944231424_n.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
Quick backstory:<br />
<br />
My son has been a part of Special Olympics, representing his high school since his sophomore year. As a soph, he took home a silver medal in ramp bowling, a silver medal in the 4x100 m snowshoe relay, and a gold medal in the 100 m showshoe race. As a junior, he earned gold medals in the sectional, regional, and state Olympics in ramp bowling (you had to win gold in the sectional to get to the regional, and then win gold in the regional to get to state finals).<br />
<br />
Today, he and his high school's Special Olympic team earned a combined 18 medals, 10 golds. My son and four of his mates will be heading to the state finals later in February to compete in the IL Winter Special Olympics.<br />
<br />
I am very proud of my son. I find it ironic. Many years ago, when he was little and we didn't know why his development was delayed compared to his sister, his doctor actually said, "Don't expect an Olympic athlete out of him." Guess he proved the doctor wrong, huh?<br />
<br />
So back to the point. I brought a pack of 2018 Topps Gallery with me, just in case we had some time to kill between races. Topps Gallery, or at least the last two years it has been put out into the market, has been a Walmart-exclusive product. This is similar to Topps Fire being a Target-exclusive item. I guess Topps figured out a way to expand their product catalog without hitting the Hobby wall of 17 products per year (I've lost count, but I'm pretty sure that this is correct). It's a beautifully designed set, with all of the cards looking like paintings that belong...well...you get the idea.<br />
<br />
So what was in this 12-card pack? Will I finally...FINALLY...get a Cubs card? Here goes:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyrrP2V7I_b1hP_mrTlQNEMBuaZWBpbyrOwjvrLPwwSa31XOXELUPVqiWg9USWiuRZExtmYyNtUP67zZoD5ES4OInRfA6DkKDtRb1Hfm-JdKBzD1TGuW-Mp7OBtX0yB7eUSTTv-jJJDs/s1600/49601304_291037071601318_4549445182029824000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="782" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyrrP2V7I_b1hP_mrTlQNEMBuaZWBpbyrOwjvrLPwwSa31XOXELUPVqiWg9USWiuRZExtmYyNtUP67zZoD5ES4OInRfA6DkKDtRb1Hfm-JdKBzD1TGuW-Mp7OBtX0yB7eUSTTv-jJJDs/s400/49601304_291037071601318_4549445182029824000_n.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>#102 Ian Happ, OF, Cubs</li>
<li>#74 Nick Pivetta, P, Phillies</li>
<li>#5 Christian Yelich, OF, Brewers</li>
<li>#38 Victor Robles, OF, Nationals</li>
<li>#51 Andrew McCutchen, OF, Giants</li>
<li>#116 Shohei Ohtani, P/DH, Angels</li>
<li>#H-18 Ozzie Albies Heritage, 2B, Braves</li>
<li>#123 Salvador Perez Canvas Parallel, C, Royals</li>
<li>#110 Evan Longoria Canvas Parallel, 3B, Giants</li>
<li>#46 Luis Severino, P, Yankees</li>
<li>#54 Christian Arroyo, SS, Rays</li>
<li>#84 Cal Ripken Jr., SS, Orioles</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Thoughts:<br />
<br />
First, finally, a Cubs card!!! And what a player to start the pack...the guy that started the 2018 season with a first-pitch home run.<br />
<br />
Second, OHTANI!!!<br />
<br />
A very good pack, in my opinion. Can't go wrong when you get both of the Giants' new acquisitions (even if McCutchen was traded off to the Yankees). What are the odds of getting two Christians in a pack (the MVP to boot). Got another Severino card, and then the Ripken at the end? Great pack.<br />
<br />
I might have to open something from Target to balance out. Maybe a pack of Fire.<br />
<br />
Decisions, decisions.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee Anama<br />
<br />James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-78676844114063867002019-01-04T02:10:00.001-06:002019-01-04T02:10:17.827-06:00New Year Pack Break: 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter's Work has been crazy busy as we headed into the New Year. I may have been with the food broker for a year, but I am still figuring things out and realizing that I still have a lot to learn about this side of the specialty foods industry. Now, this does not mean that I am having a hard time. Not in the least. But as head into year two of this journey, there will be more responsibility given to me, and I am looking forward to the challenge.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With that said, the focus on doing a pack break during my lunch break is going to be a bit of a challenge as it turns out that I didn't have one (or yesterday, depending on where in the world you're in). But in between shifts, which means upon returning home, changing into my pharmacy scrubs, and heading to the part-time gig, I did have a bit of time to do a quick pack break. And what better way to spend 5 minutes than to open one of the three packs of 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter's that I bought at a Target a while back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Need to make this quick. What was in this pack you ask?</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>#296 Taijuan Walker, P, Diamondbacks</li>
<li>#176 Claire Smith, Sportswriter</li>
<li>#268 Jose Berrios, P, Twins</li>
<li>#303 Hyun-Jin Ryu, P, Dodgers</li>
<li>#FLN-25 Corsica Flags of Lost Nations</li>
<li>#WGB-2 Bora Bora, Tahiti, World's Greatest Beaches</li>
</ul>
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<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Quick thoughts:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, no Cubs cards, and only three player cards (all pitchers). But to have a card of the first woman to win the Spink Award for journalism in Claire Smith is nice. Also, as a big fan of flags (go away Sheldon), the Corsica Flag is a nice one to have. The 25-card set is nice, and the tidbit of information about what was the country of Corsica, an island that was "won by France in 1769," offers a brief snippet of it's brief history.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a three-card bonus pack of parallel mini cards that came with the 3-pack of A&G. I'll probably open that later. I can already see what's in the pack, so that's not going to be a surprise. But at least I'll have something to open when I'm fresh out of packs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sincerely,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
JayBee Anama</div>
James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-14833852344852797422019-01-02T00:48:00.001-06:002019-01-07T23:15:23.648-06:00New Year Pack Break: 2018 Topps Series 1 Jumbo Walmart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Happy New Year everyone. We are at my sister's house right now celebrating our family Christmas. The belief, my mom always says, is that your can have Christmas with your respective families, but NEW YEARS IS MINE!!! It is going to be different now that my dad is gone, but he was certainly here in spirit as prayers were made with him on our minds. It won't be the same, but we will carry on.<br />
<br />
But in the spirit (see what I did there) of getting back into the swing of things on this humble, little blog, and before the food is served, what better time is there to do the pack break that I promised in my last post now. More people are coming in, and the tables are being spread where I am presently sitting (on the floor), so I am going to have to move to the couch.<br />
<br />
The first pack I am opening in 2019 is from the first product of 2018, Topps Series 1. This 36-card jumbo pack came from Walmart, and should include one exclusive Kris Bryant Highlight card. Which one is in here is anybody's guess. What is inside this pack? Well...<br />
<ul>
<li>#323 Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers</li>
<li>#290 Salvador Perez, C, Royals</li>
<li>#83 Howie Kendrick, OF, Nationals</li>
<li>#311 Yulieski Gurriel, 1B, Astros</li>
<li>#117 Kendrys Morales, DH, Blue Jays</li>
<li>#140 Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox</li>
<li>#198 Marcus Semien, SS, Athletics</li>
<li>#270 Jackie Bradley Jr., OF, Red Sox</li>
<li>#303 Luis Severino, P, Yankees</li>
<li>#273 Ozzie Albies, 2B, Braves</li>
<li>#139 Zach Davies NL League Leaders, Brewers</li>
<li>#114 Cody Bellinger NL League Leaders, Dodgers</li>
<li>#34 Luis Severino AL League Leaders, Yankees</li>
<li>#218 Khris Davis AL League Leaders, Athletics</li>
<li>#105 Daniel Murphy, 2B, Nationals</li>
<li>#305 Miguel Andujar, 3B, Yankees</li>
<li>#TS-91 Brandon Woodruff Topps Salute-Rookies, Brewers</li>
<li>#MLB-19 DJ LeMahieu NL Fielding Awards, Rockies</li>
<li>#83-63 Kenta Maeda 1983 35th Anniversary Blue Parallel, Dodgers</li>
<li>#LTM-CS Chris Sale Legends in the Making, Red Sox</li>
<li>#KB-17 Kris Bryant Highlights, Cubs</li>
<li>#167 Dansby Swanson, SS, Braves</li>
<li>#181 Garrett Cooper, 1B, Yankees</li>
<li>#271 Cam Gallagher, C, Royals</li>
<li>#307 Daniel Murphy NL League Leaders, Nationals</li>
<li>#156 Milwaukee Brewers Team Card</li>
<li>#48 Boston Red Sox Team Card</li>
<li>#219 J. P. Crawford, SS, Phillies</li>
<li>#191 Chris Archer, P, Rays</li>
<li>#243 James McCann, C, Tigers</li>
<li>#297 Kevin Kiermaier, OF, Royals</li>
<li>#232 Nate Jones, P, White Sox</li>
<li>#187 Chad Kuhl, P, Pirates</li>
<li>#310 Jason Kipnis, 2B, Indians</li>
<li>#47 Hunter Pence, OF, Giants</li>
<li>#17 Robbie Ray, P, Diamondbacks</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<br />
Initial thoughts:<br />
<br />
Lots of star power in this pack. Salvador Perez, Dansby Swanson AND Ozzie Albies, Mookie Betts AND Jackie Bradley Jr, 2 Daniel Murphy cards, 2 Luis Severino cards. This is a good pack, even without an auto or relic card. <br />
<br />
Other than the expected KB highlight card (and it was KB-17 to boot), there were no Cubs cards, although there was at least one White Sox card.<br />
<br />
I did start this post at my sister's. And I did actually open the above pack there. However, once the Karaoke started, I had to get out of the living room and wound up playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch for the rest of the night. The pictures were taken after I got home.<br />
<br />
But at least I have the pack breaks off to a flying start. Which pack am I going to open next? I don't know yet. It all depends on what I grab when I head back to work tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee Anama<br />
<br />James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-35682120796662281912019-01-01T02:28:00.004-06:002019-01-01T02:28:59.270-06:00It's the End of 2018, and It's Been Quite a Year!It's 27 minutes before the 2018 ends here in the Central Time Zone. I'm drinking sparkling white grape juice before I break open a shot of Bailey's with Coffee (or is that supposed to be the other way around). I look forward to what 2019 will bring, but am reflecting on what happened this past year.<br />
<br />
Lots of highs.<br />
<br />
I saw my daughter graduate high school, accomplish her goal of dancing the "senior dance" with the friends she grew up dancing with throughout her childhood, and begin life as a college student.<br />
<br />
I saw my son become a two-time gold medalist in Special Olympics, come out of his sister's shadow to become a leader of sorts in the frontline section of the marching band and with his peers in special education.<br />
<br />
My wife and I celebrated 20 years of martial bliss, and as we grown, the more my love for has as well.<br />
<br />
I found the courage to challenge myself in new situations professionally. Working for a food brokerage after years for food distributors and learning the pharmaceutical trade. Both fields have their own unique set of circumstances, and I do still have a lot to learn. But I am grateful the experiences and people I have met this year.<br />
<br />
Lots of lows.<br />
<br />
My dad passed away. Life for our family will never be the same. I still think of him daily.<br />
<br />
This blog has not seen much activity because of everything that has been going on.<br />
<br />
But regardless, 2018 was quite a year.<br />
<br />
Even with the inactivity on the blog, it was a good year Hobby wise.<br />
<br />
I mean, Topps' deal with MLB Properties as the exclusive baseball card company was extended (certainly people will disagree with that as a good thing, but it's a good thing for me).<br />
<br />
I achieved the annual goals of completing the eponymous set plus inserts, along with Allen & Ginter's and Gypsy Queen, the 32 team sets, and MiLB Pro Debut. That's another, oh 3,000 plus cards and then some.<br />
<br />
Last year, I bought a six-inch binder to hold 1,976 cards from 2017. I thought I'd do the same now.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
This six-inch binder holds the following sets from 2018 Topps:<br />
<ul>
<li>702 cards from Topps Series 1 and 2</li>
<li>300 cards from Topps Update Series</li>
<li>5 Topps Rookie Variation cards (from the factory set)</li>
<li>3 miscellaneous advertisement cards</li>
<li>4 Topps SP cards</li>
<li>10 Topps Now Top 10 cards</li>
<li>50 Superstar Sensation cards</li>
<li>50 MLB 2017 Award Winner cards</li>
<li>50 Instant Impact cards</li>
<li>50 Longball Legends cards</li>
<li>32 National Baseball Card Day cards</li>
<li>100 1983 Topps 35th Anniversary cards</li>
<li>24 1983 Topps 35th Anniversary Rookie cards</li>
<li>75 1983 Topps 35th Anniversary All-Star cards</li>
<li>50 1983 Topps Update 35th Anniversary cards</li>
<li>249 Topps Salute cards</li>
<li>30 Opening Day cards</li>
<li>50 Future Stars cards</li>
<li>90 Legends in the Making cards</li>
<li>30 Derek Jeter Highlights cards</li>
<li>30 Kris Bryant Highlights cards</li>
<li>30 Cody Bellinger Highlights cards</li>
<li>30 Aaron Judge Highlights cards</li>
<li>2 Topps Update Series SP cards</li>
<li>25 Don't Blink cards</li>
<li>50 An International Affair cards</li>
<li>10 Storybook Ending cards</li>
<li>30 Postseason Prominence cards</li>
<li>20 Hall of Fame Highlight cards</li>
<li>20 Bryce Harper Highlight cards</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<br />
Okay, so carry the 1, and....<br />
<br />
That's 2,201 cards, and wait...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Two thousand, two hundred, one cards.</b></span></div>
<br />
That's 225 more cards than 2017. Topps managed to add more cards in 2018 than they did the year before. No wonder these binders are getting heavier.<br />
<br />
Remember those packs that I bought during National Baseball Card Day? Well, first I wanted to do a pack break week (or two, depending), then life happened and I just decided to wait until later. Then, I had planned on doing a baseball card pack Advent Calendar back in December, then Peoria happened, and I just decided to scrap it. So maybe, just maybe as we ring in 2019, I'll try and open those packs to begin the new year as we wait until the 2019 Baseball Card season draws near. I'll open a pack at the New Year's party I'll be going to later today with the family. What I'll be opening is anybody's guess, including my own.<br />
<br />
Speaking of 2019, it's been a tradition here on this blog, so...<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Goodbye 2018!!!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvJa_8bYo64QTmXoBI4tnDxA1A9QHdRI8xKqMF7xO4LzyvKYwGIfelCekMLD6xk3T5aOIBxKfja-aM0XgQInRsN4MCxcpcLZgwXb2WO644JpZ77MZsKwrdaaeYTPyEakf8FaR-ejtD6Q/s1600/2018+Topps+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="529" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvJa_8bYo64QTmXoBI4tnDxA1A9QHdRI8xKqMF7xO4LzyvKYwGIfelCekMLD6xk3T5aOIBxKfja-aM0XgQInRsN4MCxcpcLZgwXb2WO644JpZ77MZsKwrdaaeYTPyEakf8FaR-ejtD6Q/s400/2018+Topps+Logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Hello 2019!!!</strong></span></div>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Goodbye 2018 Topps Design!!!</strong></span></div>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Hello 2019 Topps Design!!!</strong></span></div>
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<br />
It is now 2:27 am, over two hours since I first started writing (in between celebrating and about two more shots of Bailey's). May all your collections grow to new heights. Let's hope Topps makes it a bit easier on us insane set collectors. Thank you for letting me into your computers this past year (when I was able to at least). I hope to be able to share more of my collection with you in 2019!!!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-71837055578962235522018-11-12T23:07:00.002-06:002018-11-13T11:28:20.402-06:00RIP Stan Lee 1922-2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBPN3zt6r7E/VciQBxEjiyI/AAAAAAANxbw/O21bbHW1Eog/toppsallenandginter2011-274F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="366" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBPN3zt6r7E/VciQBxEjiyI/AAAAAAANxbw/O21bbHW1Eog/toppsallenandginter2011-274F.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
I swear, I am not going to turn this blog into an obituary column, although by my recent posts, it sure seems that way. I guess that's because I am getting older, and the people I looked up to and followed when I was younger are starting to leave us in the physical plane, and their legacies go on to immortality in our hearts and minds.<br />
<br />
Today, many who collect comics, watch movies, or are even remotely familiar with his name, mourn his passing. Stan Lee, the creator of many of the comic book characters that graced the pages of Marvel Comics, passed away today, at the age of 95. Many of the heroes he created at Marvel Comics were a total contrast to those from DC. All of them had their personal flaws, demons, angst, and readers really related to them. Maybe that's why Spider Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the rest, struck a chord with America, and the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure which of my parents was the comic book geek. They had quite a collection of both Marvel and DC comics when I was growing up. While my brother was a fan of DC, I was a fan of Marvel. In the Philippines, I remember playing the Marvel Super-Heroes card game, which was basically Old Maid with Marvel heroes and Doctor Doom as the "Old Maid." <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoGF_Z93NbK-3Q1A7pr02vZlTwQjFGYvREPytxqBi3qH3PQvPswGUIwQq7H_ZX5Dy6SmtbD3AS9KlC_dhHu8gpa7uATYMjDxFfFwMEJZCKBj-hMcBwSY47_rgPHfvxZU_gNb9P9GQWZ8/s1600/Marvel-Card-Game-Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoGF_Z93NbK-3Q1A7pr02vZlTwQjFGYvREPytxqBi3qH3PQvPswGUIwQq7H_ZX5Dy6SmtbD3AS9KlC_dhHu8gpa7uATYMjDxFfFwMEJZCKBj-hMcBwSY47_rgPHfvxZU_gNb9P9GQWZ8/s400/Marvel-Card-Game-Cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Greg Turner of Back to the Past. I do have these cards. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also remember collecting bottlecaps that featured both Marvel heroes AND villains, that you could collect and play, of all things, checkers. I had a complete set of these bottle caps, but I can't remember if there were 24 or 36 caps for the set. No, most likely, you won't find them on eBay. But I remember opening a lot of bottles of pop (can't remember if it was a Pepsi, Coke, or other bottle company that had these either).<br />
<br />
His bio is well known, and I am not going to copy what has already been said about the man on many other websites. My kids mostly recognize him as the guy who shows up in every Marvel movie, although he has been known to show up in a couple of DC properties (Teen Titans Go! to the Movies comes to mind). But for me, Stan will always, be THE MAN!<br />
<br />
Thank you for entertaining us, comic book fans, for decades. Your legacy will forever live on screen, whether it be in the cartoons, on TV, or in the movies. But more importantly, they will forever live in the pages of Marvel Comics.<br />
<br />
Excelsior!!!<br />
<br />
Now, Mr. Lee was also a veteran, serving with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II from 1942 to 1945. (something that I didn't know about the man until today). And although Veteran's Day was yesterday, today, it is observed. <br />
<br />
I post this every year (or almost every year). And although I missed doing it yesterday, I think I will post it again tonight.<br />
<br />
<i>This was written eight years ago, but the sentiments remain the same.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7B4xvmxtMZH-OltgICZqG7-TIeuYk6mzGdRwq4I-qrAL3R1ToGR4sUIdu-bCutNvm_PFT2dZAx2SRHKhVywTRck-80-9-AEZfs-aMXFFcaBYF588D7IG9CIAQVxh-qeOLwwi1Y06sy4/s1600-h/07tagflagusa.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354648389555778146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7B4xvmxtMZH-OltgICZqG7-TIeuYk6mzGdRwq4I-qrAL3R1ToGR4sUIdu-bCutNvm_PFT2dZAx2SRHKhVywTRck-80-9-AEZfs-aMXFFcaBYF588D7IG9CIAQVxh-qeOLwwi1Y06sy4/s400/07tagflagusa.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 228px;" /></a><br />
<em>November 11, 1919: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>On June 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day. (from</em> <a href="http://www.history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/vetsday/vetshist.html">The History of Veterans Day</a>)<br />
<br />
To the Men and Women who serve in the US Armed Forces:<br />
<br />
I will not pretend I know the infinite different reasons why you made the decision to join the US Military.<br />
<br />
I can only imagine what your basic training was like (I'm not even sure the movies do any justice).<br />
<br />
I will not pretend to know the feeling of being away from family, friends and all of the comforts of home, having been assigned to a foreign land, serving the interests of our country.<br />
<br />
I will not say that I necessarily agree with ALL of the reasons why our country has gone to war.<br />
<br />
I will not pretend to know what it is like out in the battlefields, not knowing if I was going to live to see another day.<br />
<br />
But I will say this.<br />
<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for your service to our country.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the sacrifices you made so that we can continue to live with the freedoms that we enjoy.<br />
<br />
Your courage is nothing if not inspiring. Your stories become tales of legend that deserve to be told again and again.<br />
<br />
For these, and countless other reasons, I give you my respect.<br />
<br />
And I give you thanks.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-24364388325175729112018-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:002019-01-15T09:46:51.666-06:00As Today is November 2, 2018November 2 is traditionally All Souls Day. It is the day where we celebrate the lives of family and friends who have passed away. Many will go to cemeteries and pray, some may even picnic on the grounds. It is not really a day of mourning, but a day of reflection. Remembering those who we strongly miss.<br />
<br />
Before I begin my annual tribute post, I want to thank everyone on and off this humble, little blog for all of the condolences, words of encouragement, thoughts, prayers, and even emails when my dad passed away last month. It's been hard to focus on cards or anything Hobby related because my dad has been in my thoughts a lot since he died. But I know he will always be a part of me and is going to watch me and the rest of my family from above.<br />
<br />
So I am going to start with honoring my dad, Leslie Filoteo Anama. I love you Dad. We miss you and will continue to honor your legacy from this day forward.<br />
<br />
Personally, I would like to honor my grandparents, Felix Anama, Leonor Filoteo Anama, Gloria Y. Nichols, Ruben S. Menguito, Sgt. Clinton H. Nichols. As well as countless great aunts and uncles too numerous to list.<br />
<br />
Today I want to remember the seven souls who died on January 8, 1993, at the Brown's Chicken in Palatine, Illinois: Michael C. Castro, Rico Solis, Thomas Mennes, Marcus Nellsen, Guadalupe Maldonado, Richard Ehlenfeldt, and Lynn Ehlenfeldt.<br />
<br />
I would like to remember the people I've met over the years who left us too soon: Lynn Swoboda, Shannon McNamara, Linda Beyer, Gail Leff, Lois Winesburgh, Mary Jo Scanlan, Nancy Huber, Joseph Nasca, Antoinette Nasca, Dan Doles, Chris Stufflestreet, Thomas Scanlon, Darrin Steffey, Katie (Olin) Wood, Erin (Ryals) Semerad, Leonard "LJ" Marek, Rob Swanson, Steve Hanson.<br />
<br />
On behalf of my wife, I would like to honor her grandparents, uncles, and especially, her mother (since I have not asked for my wife's permission to do so, I am not adding their names here).<br />
<br />
Finally, I would like to take a moment to remember the families, the loved ones who were left behind.<br />
<br />
Now that the personal side of the blog has been taken care of, I would also like to take time to remember 104 more people. Between 11/02/2017 and 11/01/2018, 100 people who can lay claim to playing major league baseball, 4 of whom had the honor of being a manager of a major league franchise (even for one game), passed away. Many lived long productive lives, even after their careers ended. Others, tragically, either passed away before their potential could be fully reached or before they could enjoy the fruits of their retirement.<br />
<br />
Today, I take time out of my humble little baseball card blog to remember (please note that I had missed three names last year, players who died between 10/22/2017-10/31/2017, and am including them within the list below).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=osteeda01">Darrell Osteen</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/22/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=richtal01">Al Richter</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/29/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=talbobo01">Bob Talbot</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/31/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=verblge01">Gene Verble</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/4/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stelmri01">Rick Stelmaszek</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/6/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hallaro01">Roy Halladay</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/7/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=princdo01">Don Prince</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/8/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=plessra01">Rance Pless</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/11/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=doerrbo01">Bobby Doerr</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/13/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=riverji01">Jim Rivera</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/13/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mooreto01">Tommy Moore</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/16/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=borkobo01">Bob Borkowski</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/18/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gonzami05">Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/23/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gernedi01">Dick Gernert</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">11/30/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fazioer01">Ernie Fazio</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/1/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stalltr01">Tracy Stallard</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/6/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jimenma01">Manny Jimenez</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/11/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=laryfr01">Frank Lary</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/13/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gallado01">Doug Gallagher</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/17/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dagrean01">Angelo Dagres</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/23/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kindaje01">Jerry Kindall</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/24/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=luploal01">Al Luplow</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">12/28/2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=picciro01">Rob Picciolo</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/3/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=youngdi01">Dick Young</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/7/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bailebo01">Bob Bailey</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ariasru01">Rudy Arias</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/12/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bartobo01">Bob Barton</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/15/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsbi04">Bill Johnson</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/20/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stubimo01">Moose Stubing</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/stubimo01.shtml">, MGR</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/20/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=carvama01">Marcos Carvajal</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=navarju01">Julio Navarro</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gamblos01">Oscar Gamble</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">1/31/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dietzro01">Roy Dietzel</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/3/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=choatdo01">Don Choate</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/4/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=peppela01">Laurin Pepper</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/4/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lumenra01">Ralph Lumenti</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/7/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moonwa01">Wally Moon</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=regalru01">Rudy Regalado</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/12/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=francti01">Tito Francona</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/13/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=breweto01">Tom Brewer</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/15/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hamilja01">Jack Hamilton</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">2/22/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stewasa01">Sammy Stewart</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/2/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=raydocu01">Curt Raydon</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/3/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stroust01">Steve Stroughter</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/6/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=charled01">Ed Charles</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/15/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schooje01">Jerry Schoonmaker</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/18/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lemaydi01">Dick LeMay</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/19/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=millela01">Larry Miller</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/21/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=scheica01">Carl Scheib</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mosesje01">Jerry Moses</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/26/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=staubru01">Rusty Staub</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/29/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=samcoed01">Ed Samcoff</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">3/29/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=okriele01">Len Okrie</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/12/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hottmke01">Ken Hottman</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/16/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hopejo01">John Hope</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/18/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=duffijo01">John Duffie</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/19/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=alusige01">George Alusik</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/20/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nelsoda01">Dave Nelson</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/22/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=racklma01">Marv Rackley</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ernagfr01">Frank Ernaga</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">4/30/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wrighro01">Roy Wright</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/5/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=staneal01">Al Stanek</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/8/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fletcto01">Tom Fletcher</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=quilifr01">Frank Quilici</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/quilifr01.shtml">, MGR</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/14/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/garcida99.shtml">Dave Garcia, MGR</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/21/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stevech01">Chuck Stevens</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/28/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barkera01">Ray Barker</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">5/29/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vandufr01">Fred Van Dusen</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/1/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kisonbr01">Bruce Kison</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/2/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=klinest01">Steve Kline</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/4/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tayloch02">Chuck Taylor</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/5/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=owenla01">Larry Owen</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/6/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schoere01">Red Schoendienst</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/schoere01.shtml">, MGR</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/6/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roebued01">Ed Roebuck</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/14/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=connobi01">Bill Connors</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/17/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=masondo01">Don Mason</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/19/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bartito01">Tony Bartirome</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/22/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kilkemi01">Mike Kilkenny</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">6/28/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gentrha01">Harvey Gentry</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/1/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=espossa01">Sammy Esposito</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clonito01">Tony Cloninger</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=eshelva01">Vaughn Eshelman</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lewisjo01">Johnny Lewis</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/28/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roberda02">Daryl Robertson</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">7/31/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=whitemy01">Myron White</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/4/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kennejo03">John Kennedy</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vanbroz01">Ozzie Van Brabant</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/18/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=landrjo01">Joe Landrum</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/19/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=edwardo01">Doc Edwards</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/edwardo01.shtml">, MGR</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/20/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stonede01">Dean Stone</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">8/21/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lanedi01">Dick Lane</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">9/5/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stuffpa01">Paul Stuffel</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">9/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=odelbi01">Billy O'Dell</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">9/12/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clarkph01">Phil Clark</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">9/14/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stangle01">Lee Stange</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">9/21/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pattima01">Marty Pattin</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/3/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=santijo01">Jose Santiago</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/9/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=eddydo01">Don Eddy</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/10/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stankjo01">Joe Stanka</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/15/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hillda01">Dave Hill</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/16/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=krencwa01">Wayne Krenchicki</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/16/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=valenbe01">Benny Valenzuela</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/24/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fischbi01">Bill Fischer</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/30/2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-font-charset: 0;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccovwi01">Willie McCovey</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">10/31/2018</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-1582833464424812922018-10-19T06:37:00.000-05:002018-10-19T06:42:59.798-05:00RIP Leslie Anama 1954-2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiXLs3UQR6kK2B3aNFCpnheAXRGCd2z_hTcDZJH5saerBKHowvtrKttG7l0KColMexXh85kk1U8fhUJ3iR3pE0WYk8VXP4PdgDZvppCcyQNp8_B-ruE3DjKtGKttFL4GfdItnhUPh3_U/s1600/ribbon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiXLs3UQR6kK2B3aNFCpnheAXRGCd2z_hTcDZJH5saerBKHowvtrKttG7l0KColMexXh85kk1U8fhUJ3iR3pE0WYk8VXP4PdgDZvppCcyQNp8_B-ruE3DjKtGKttFL4GfdItnhUPh3_U/s400/ribbon.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Stuart Scott accepted the Jimmy V award at the 2014 Espy Awards, he said this:<br />
<br />
"<i>When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So, live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.</i>"<br />
<br />
On February 13, 2017, I wrote a post about <a href="https://bdj610bbcblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/dad.html">my dad</a>, who was then beginning a fight to battle both colo-rectal and liver cancer. <br />
<br />
I received a phone call from my mother, at 5:59 am. Fifteen minutes earlier, my dad passed away from complications that came after battling both. He was in pain since last Friday, and we were told that he might not make it through the week. As the week progressed, his body was starting to let go. Today, his spirit finally did.<br />
<br />
I wrote this on Facebook on Monday regarding my dad. It took a lot of time to process what was going on, but I had finally put fingers to the keyboard. This is what I wrote:<br />
<br />
It's been a rough few days. I haven't had much time to gather my thoughts together until tonight. This will be a long post. Just to warn you, it's going to look like random thoughts and musings, but that's my writing style, and my thoughts come out faster than my typing wpm (words per minute).<br />
<br />
So I'm sure by now you've heard (at least if you're friends with me on FB, you've seen posts from my mother and siblings) that my dad, Leslie Filoteo Anama, is in what could be his final days left after a long, hard fought battle with colo-rectal and liver cancer, as well as all the illnesses that came along with it. It's never an easy comfort knowing that a parent, or someone of great influence in life, is preparing to leave this physical world. It was hard enough when my grandmother passed away ten years ago, but even harder now knowing it's my dad.<br />
<br />
My family has asked for prayers. Many friends, old and new, have visited my sister's house to pay their respects to him. Although i have been with him three out of the past four nights, tonight was truly the night I was able to spend a few minutes alone with him.<br />
<br />
The lyric from Mike and the Mechanics' "The Living Years" came to mind the other night:<br />
<br />
"I wasn't there that morning, when my father passed away. <br />
I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say."<br />
<br />
I wanted to make sure that tonight, if it was truly my final chance to be with him, that I did say my piece.<br />
<br />
I told him that I regretted not being there for him, even when I had the opportunity to do so, to go with him to the hospital for any of his therapies. I figured that with my sisters or those who lived closer going with him that it wasn't necessary for me to join in. That was a mistake on my part, and that will stay with me for the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
I told him that I did not have the outgoing personalities of my four siblings, keeping quiet or to myself even at our weekly family dinners. I know he knows that. But when I go to work at Walgreens, and I have to talk to people, and am outside my comfort zone (which is almost every time I talk to people), I channel his energy. He was always the host/emcee of his alumni activities, and I realized that my mannerisms change (positive changes) when I interact with customers. I guess it helps that he worked for Walgreens for many years too, along with other customer-service oriented jobs.<br />
<br />
I told him that I wished that I was half-the-father he was with me that I am with my children. I hoped that I made him proud as a dad to my kids because I tried to think what would he have done if he faced the situations I did with mine when they were younger. While I factored in what I "thought" he would do, in most cases, I had to make my own unique decisions. Did they always work? Let's say that while there are things I could have done better, I think my kids turned out all right.<br />
<br />
I told him that his legacy will live on, not just with his five children, but his six grandchildren as well. Each of them have certain qualities inherited from their "Lolo." Lynn has his sense of humor, outgoing personality, and one dimple when she smiles. Taylor has his sense of self-discipline along with mathematical acuity.<br />
<br />
I apologized for scaring him when I had my "blackout" moments. He knows what I mean, and I'm going to stop there.<br />
<br />
I told him that I know that I wasn't the perfect son. I made my fair share of mistakes, and yes, I caught hell from him for it. <br />
But no matter what, I am honored and am forever grateful to be his.<br />
<br />
I told him I'm going to miss those daily 8:30 am phone calls. He wanted to try to call each of his kids every day (M-F). Even if it was just for a minute in between stops while he was working at Sonesta to say hi, or an hour at home being fascinated that I was talking to him through a smartwatch (Dick Tracy references were abundant that day), it was great to talk to him, even for a little bit.<br />
<br />
I said thanks for welcoming Zebeda to our family. Thank you for being there for the births of Lynn and Taylor. Yes, I know that he was not actually there when it happened, but he came bringing pastries for the hospital staff that took care of Zeb and the kids. On behalf of my kids, I thanked him for coming to all of Lynn's dance shows, even if she was in one dance in the second act. I thanked him for coming to their band concerts, school activities and other random activities over the years. I thanked him for taking an active part in their lives.<br />
<br />
Finally, because I was asked, yes, I'm ready to "let go." I've said my goodbye. But just because I did, it doesn't mean it is easy for me. Even when we were apart for those years in the mid-80's, I always knew he was there, working hard to get us all together again. And he succeeded in doing so. And even after 20 years of living with my own family, living a few towns away, I knew we'd still be able to visit on an almost regular basis (weekly or otherwise). Now, I have to face a reality that he isn't going to be around, and it truly hurts.<br />
<br />
Yes, he will soon be leaving the physical world. But emotionally, spiritually, mentally, I know my dad will always be here. I said one final time that I love him, and always will. I thanked him for everything and said I'd make sure that we will continue on, sharing stories, jokes, and lessons that he imparted over the years.<br />
<br />
If you've made it to the end of this rambling post, thank you very much for taking time out of your day to read this. If you've responded to my mom and sibling's posts with thoughts, prayers, or even made a visit to the house, on behalf of my family, thank you.<br />
<br />
Dad, you fought like hell. Until the day that we see each other again...<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee Anama<br />
<br />James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-91426347022494895132018-09-11T10:46:00.001-05:002018-09-11T10:46:35.850-05:00Two Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-FourIt's almost an afterthought.<br />
<br />
I say almost because for many, the memories are still fresh in their minds. They're haunting. And I can only imagine that some still do not look forward to this day on the calendar.<br />
<br />
It's Tuesday. The same day it happened seventeen years ago. Most seniors in high school now weren't even born when it happened. For most of us, life has definitely moved on. We knew where we were when it happened. I was on my way to work, my wife and daughter were getting ready for another day at home...maybe going shopping. We had the news on as we normally did before switching to PBS kids when images of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center first appeared...then the second. Let's just say not much work was going to be done that day...and we were preparing for a food show.<br />
<br />
But I think about today. My daughter, just over a year old when it happened, starts college next week. I am typing this up while on break from orientation now. My son, now a junior in high school, wasn't even born.<br />
<br />
In school, they learn about the events of September 11, 2001. It's a history lesson for them. They learn about what happened based on what is written on a page, what they see on a video, what they read online. It is sad yes. The chain of events, the heightened awareness, security at the airport, the news, all of it, is normal to them.<br />
<br />
But prior to what happened seventeen years ago, it wasn't. <br />
<br />
We weren't always at war. We didn't need to take our shoes off at the airports. We didn't have to worry about our safety to that extreme. <br />
<br />
I wrote the words below in 2011. For that article, and when I re-ran the story since, I used the total number of people I had heard to have died due to the events of that day, not including those who heinously perpetrated the attacks. That number was 2,974. Depending on where you read it, it could have been 2,977. Tallies since then have brought the number up to 2,980. But regardless of the number, that's too many lives lost. <br />
<br />
Every year, I try to come back and honor the memories of the people for whom this country still mourns, and think how the events on that fateful day changed the course of American history, seventeen years since. By the time this posts goes live, it is nightfall...seventeen years after that the final plane crashed in a field somewhere in Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Loh_J8iciNaWzkjGsgW6c7m2PvdVeG6HbEN4avw9hfziDknrr6QvcZZmpK8V-bHLtol-Xkllroch-NAVnPxhu-f1kksqOghsM9QimC_UzRBCkV_AgFo2KAiATyemL83qGYM7QsjewdM/s1600-h/07tagusaflag.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380081005758204578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Loh_J8iciNaWzkjGsgW6c7m2PvdVeG6HbEN4avw9hfziDknrr6QvcZZmpK8V-bHLtol-Xkllroch-NAVnPxhu-f1kksqOghsM9QimC_UzRBCkV_AgFo2KAiATyemL83qGYM7QsjewdM/s400/07tagusaflag.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 226px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Two thousand nine hundred seventy-four.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">2,974.</span></strong><br />
<br />
That's the number of people who lost their lives when everything was finally taken into account. Countless lives were affected by this national tragedy. Even if you didn't know anybody on those planes, at the World Trade Center, or the Pentagon, you grieved along with those who did. You stood there in shock, in a daze, just glued to the television or radio. <br />
<br />
Our lives have not been the same since. My daughter, now eleven, asks what we (her parents) were doing that morning. "We were just going about our lives," was my reply. "We watched the morning news, getting ready for work, and couldn't believe what we were seeing on the screen." She was just over a year old. She couldn't have understood what was going on then. But she will learn that what she sees as "normal" now, really wasn't before that Tuesday morning.<br />
<br />
Two thousand nine hundred seventy-four. It is the number of reasons why we never forget what happened seventeen years ago today.<br />
<br />
<em>On this day, the seventeenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, my family and I send our prayers to those who lost loved ones that Tuesday morning. We pray, and will continue to pray for:</em><br />
<br />
<em>the children who lost their parents that day. </em><br />
<br />
<em>the children who would never meet their fathers because of the events of that day. </em><br />
<br />
<em>the firefighters and policemen and women who risk their lives doing their jobs, running into the face of dangers as many are running in the opposite direction. </em><br />
<br />
<em>those servicemen and women fighting for our freedoms away from home, whether or not we agree with the conflicts they battle. </em><br />
<br />
<em>for our leaders, regardless of their affiliation, that they make the right choices to keep the citizens of our country, and others, safe. </em><br />
<br />
<em>And finally, we pray for peace. Peace amongst ourselves as family, as a community, as a nation.</em><br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-73174285672867817372018-08-14T12:22:00.002-05:002018-08-14T17:07:30.719-05:00Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing 2019 Topps BaseballCoinciding to my return to semi-active card blogging, allow me to enjoy today's big news.<br />
<br />
It's the middle of August. That means the preview of next year's Topps baseball cards should be coming out just...about...NOW!!!<br />
<br />
The announcement just came out on Twitter. And as I'm listening to the big Chicago Bears football news, the Topps Company introduced its newest design for the eponymous set, the one that starts off the 2019 Baseball Card Season. <br />
<br />
Are you ready?<br />
<br />
Are you excited?<br />
<br />
I know I am.<br />
<br />
So what are we waiting for?<br />
<br />
Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the design for 2019 Topps Baseball:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtmf14XAWzWW8XfIv8fOIEJlhiugYiHyWG5BaFRSexA2uEgActfkN43XmwTE3TMrH3Cpt14FrZc9xPCE8wIWE1uIFaOWFFNsVupxuK-E1rysem121TlKe1bQVHr6O4662WOBnpkb_9Ac/s1600/19TBB1_Base_V_Judge-731x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtmf14XAWzWW8XfIv8fOIEJlhiugYiHyWG5BaFRSexA2uEgActfkN43XmwTE3TMrH3Cpt14FrZc9xPCE8wIWE1uIFaOWFFNsVupxuK-E1rysem121TlKe1bQVHr6O4662WOBnpkb_9Ac/s400/19TBB1_Base_V_Judge-731x1024.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, it's another Yankee (remember, last year's mock-up was of Clint Frazier). But take a look at the design elements. Another borderless card, but there is some semblance of a border with what's underneath the "retro" curved, team-colored stripes (think 1982). Don't know if the last name is going to be in foil lettering compared to the first name within the stripe.<br />
<br />
And look, for the first time in a while, we get two images, this one of Mookie Betts, showing what horizontally-oriented cards are going to look like.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe129_jAZyi0I49NftJLy7Euv5CYh174n1ciXvgYcKzQpwTPeLjJSJ3ZtC2uX5u3LCeNuZBv-RaHCusitEsx1KpBWA7ULK_q-TU0fCXg9tvsv0rDgOLhBw2XliXMVnMuHZw_5SM7JFng/s1600/19TBB1_Base_H_Betts-1024x731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1024" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe129_jAZyi0I49NftJLy7Euv5CYh174n1ciXvgYcKzQpwTPeLjJSJ3ZtC2uX5u3LCeNuZBv-RaHCusitEsx1KpBWA7ULK_q-TU0fCXg9tvsv0rDgOLhBw2XliXMVnMuHZw_5SM7JFng/s400/19TBB1_Base_H_Betts-1024x731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the Topps website, the <a href="https://www.topps.com/blog/2019-topps-baseball-design">article</a> says, "Parallel colors will be noted on the outside areas, behind the border and in the white areas on the edge of the card. Somehow I get the feeling that these will look similar to the 1990 dot elements used for the borders. But hey, we can speculate.<br />
<br />
This looks great on screen, and I can't wait to see how these look physically. Again, I wish they would show off the back of the cards too, but that would be wishful thinking. Besides, the company had to leave us in suspense somehow.<br />
<br />
But what do you think? Do you like the design? Hate it? Thoughts?<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-34485028031752441862018-08-13T20:25:00.002-05:002018-08-13T20:25:34.994-05:00Souvenirs From the National Baseball Card Day JourneyOnce again, thank you very much for following my journey on Saturday. I don't have much free time for myself now that I work two jobs and my weekends are spent at the pharmacy. Not complaining. The money is pretty good, just that the hours mean that I don't have much opportunities to do regular weekend things. So I really enjoyed myself, not just because of the trip, but because it allowed me time to see what goes on outside during the course of the day.<br />
<br />
So you're probably wondering (if you're wondering), what cards did I get from National Trading Card Day. From each of the three stores that I went to that did the promotion, I received one 5-card pack and the bonus. You already know that I have two Aaron Judge and one Rhys Hoskins bonus card. What was inside each of the packs? Results are below.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the pack from Chicagoland Sports in Buffalo Grove:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONDSWiON7fxOhwCJTV83fzBiQXs7H-bftyF6Kg8KBw-u2DP1wIgq3CMzyLwyx4SWex0fcaDpVwfLqk1_SGir6ys3vj5CICyTvfzgq457FpbeqYxo7gaqu5OqANKv3G78WKlJHs64fPqA/s1600/IMG_20180813_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="801" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONDSWiON7fxOhwCJTV83fzBiQXs7H-bftyF6Kg8KBw-u2DP1wIgq3CMzyLwyx4SWex0fcaDpVwfLqk1_SGir6ys3vj5CICyTvfzgq457FpbeqYxo7gaqu5OqANKv3G78WKlJHs64fPqA/s400/IMG_20180813_0003.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>#21 Cody Bellinger, 1B, Dodgers</li>
<li>#18 Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs</li>
<li>#14 Joey Gallo, 1B, Rangers</li>
<li>#7 Salvador Perez, C, Royals</li>
<li>#27 Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres</li>
</ul>
<br />
Thoughts: For a second there, I thought all of the players on the checklist were going to be first basemen. Nothing wrong with that. I have the Cubs card (Rizzo), so I am extremely happy for that (did you see last night's game??!) The backs of each card provide a nice bio for each player.<br />
<br />
The next pack was picked up at AU Sports in Niles:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97CFhb382LqdB0jqfKRvC0QCln2E0_zBtfsB23MDYuI3yrQsxTAlS8zJvtHsZGclMyahS0ZeE9HbGHTTe7tfzQpLHzTiAyiV5zFCcNCA25LmMghNQnuFSWRuxYAF-mHe-7Y5M6Y-g0JM/s1600/IMG_20180813_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97CFhb382LqdB0jqfKRvC0QCln2E0_zBtfsB23MDYuI3yrQsxTAlS8zJvtHsZGclMyahS0ZeE9HbGHTTe7tfzQpLHzTiAyiV5zFCcNCA25LmMghNQnuFSWRuxYAF-mHe-7Y5M6Y-g0JM/s400/IMG_20180813_0002.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>#5 Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers</li>
<li>#19 Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds</li>
<li>#21 Cody Bellinger, 1B, Dodgers</li>
<li>#18 Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs</li>
<li>#14 Joey Gallo, 1B, Rangers</li>
</ul>
<br />
Thoughts: This pack had even more first basemen in it, and three of the cards I already have. Remember the days you'd open enough packs of cards that you'd be able to determine patterns and based on what cards were in there you knew you were guaranteed a specific card behind it? Yes, as soon as I saw Cody Bellinger in the middle of the pack, I knew Rizzo and Gallo weren't far behind.<br />
<br />
Now the final pack, from Bleachers Sports Cards in Winnetka:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRUhYPyz0-Y8op6O9rCKEV11XLOalqnnE-_vldoZ9eVaI9pvkaapCDiTOYS0yqc_kxvC-upoAi3G2Rf9rEaoT4Wr5WRgkp3urQxB5Q1zqxO3MnduAoJ40i6a36JehlKIv5PbPDCVFgQE/s1600/IMG_20180813_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRUhYPyz0-Y8op6O9rCKEV11XLOalqnnE-_vldoZ9eVaI9pvkaapCDiTOYS0yqc_kxvC-upoAi3G2Rf9rEaoT4Wr5WRgkp3urQxB5Q1zqxO3MnduAoJ40i6a36JehlKIv5PbPDCVFgQE/s400/IMG_20180813_0001.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>#26 Josh Harrison, OF, Pirates</li>
<li>#10 Didi Gregorius, SS, Yankees</li>
<li>#3 Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox</li>
<li>#8 Shohei Ohtani, P/DH, Angels</li>
<li>#15 Marcus Stroman, P, Blue Jays</li>
</ul>
<br />
Thoughts: It's Showtime!!! My pack had Shohei Ohtani in it. My day is complete. Okay, so it's not autographed, but I never expect those with my luck. But he's the biggest name in the Hobby for the moment, so I'll call this a win.<br />
<br />
Each pack also included a promo card advertising the Silver Pack promotion that will be launched on October 17 when Topps Update Series goes live (or at least around that time). A free pack of Chrome cards will be provided with a purchase of Update. The back of the card has an ad for the 2018 holiday season where on November 16, with a $10.00 purchase, collectors will get a free pack of Holiday cards (possibly with snowflakes?)<br />
<br />
So of the 30 cards that comprise the set, I have a grand total of 12. Not a bad haul considering, and I haven't even opened any of the packs that I bought throughout the day.<br />
<br />
This site is now in its 10th year of existence. I know that I haven't been as active as I used to be. And I know I keep on promising to be more active, only to find that I'm not writing anything for months. I feel bad. This should have been a celebration, but I'm lucky if I have any readers left after multiple hiatuses. So I won't make any promises that I'll come back on a regular basis. I won't make promises that I have a lot to write about, but just haven't had the time (that's no excuse, I should be MAKING time).<br />
<br />
All I know is that this blog is not going to go away. It remains what I've always wanted it to be: a journal about my collection and my journey within the Hobby. If I have something worth writing about, I'll make sure to do so. <br />
<br />
Again, thank you for the comments on Twitter about my journey. And if you're still reading this humble, little blog, thank you for sticking around.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee Anama<br />
<br />
<br />James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-16481699642249834462018-08-11T09:29:00.000-05:002018-08-11T18:12:13.931-05:00National Baseball Trading Card Day 2018 Is Here!!!We interrupt the lack of activity on this humble little blog to announce that today is National Baseball Card Day.<br />
<br />
I will be traveling to about four to five different card shops in the Chicagoland area, or at least that's the hope today, to get some of the free packs that the shops will be giving out as part of the big promotion between Topps and the Hobby shops. Yes, I will be spending some money, as it would be really unfair to the shop's owners if I and thousands of other collectors show up just for the free stuff.<br />
<br />
I had fun doing this last year, and fortunately for me today, I have more time, a bit more money, and I am not working at the pharmacy today. I just finished looking at the list of stores in my area doing the promotion, there aren't that many doing it this year. I hope that it was just the store is missing the deadline to announce there taking part in this, and that they're not participating in it this time around.<br />
<br />
The first store I'll be going to opens at 10 AM. I have my Gatorades, my phone, my tablet, enough chargers, and I am ready to go.<br />
<br />
So join me as I go on my quest to visit as many card shops that I can throughout the day. Or, maybe go out and find some shops you haven't been to in a while, and take part in this Hobby holiday. Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a> for pictures of what I find at each location.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, have a great Baseball Card Day.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee Anama<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE : 5:41 PM CST.</b><br />
<br />
I've been home for a couple of hours now. Enjoying the air conditioning (it was in the mid-high 80's and when I was updating the blog, I was in the car most of the time...not the smartest move on my part), and just reflecting on the day.<br />
<br />
I've been watching the feeds on Twitter and just happy to see many collectors out there frequenting the Hobby shops. Even better? Seeing pictures of kids in the stores. They're the future of this Hobby. And this was the point of National Baseball Card Day. Get out there, open a couple of packs of cards, and create interest. It may not be like it was in the past (the heyday of the junk wax era), but the future is looking bright.<br />
<br />
So my final haul got me (total spent: $93.48, including the Beanie Baby):<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcTX8rWqcWOx5or2famd9L8ZWDgxIB2iHCHGMghGrhPKHE1YeiAoL9Kc2cwIc4BLIi6A9pcS8NzfgwfDE9CUwG-ExDTRCXo0g8Uo9h0uPPFRuDQ8THo-FkP_h7Vujr4ZpJbdpzGrfvoo/s1600/2018+NBCD+Haul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcTX8rWqcWOx5or2famd9L8ZWDgxIB2iHCHGMghGrhPKHE1YeiAoL9Kc2cwIc4BLIi6A9pcS8NzfgwfDE9CUwG-ExDTRCXo0g8Uo9h0uPPFRuDQ8THo-FkP_h7Vujr4ZpJbdpzGrfvoo/s400/2018+NBCD+Haul.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ten packs of cards from eight different products</li>
<li>Three packs of free cards from the Baseball Card Day giveaway</li>
<li>Both of the bonus Judge (2) and Hoskins cards</li>
<li>One Ernie Banks SP card</li>
<li>One box of sheets (really need them)</li>
<li>One Cubs World Series Beanie Baby</li>
</ul>
<div>
This was a great day. I now have content for pack break week, and probably some trade bait. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't have as much free time as I used to because of work and family obligations. So being able to go off for the day doing something I enjoy is rare. This was fun for me. I thank you for following me on my Hobby journey today. At least I know that people still read this humble, little blog. It is the hope that today brings a bit more inspiration for me to continue the blog, on what is now it's tenth year being up and running. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
jba</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: 2:26 PM CST.</b><br />
<br />
I decided to head north to Winnetka instead of into the city for my fourth stop of the tour. I have not been in this area for more than 10 years when we owned the bakery at the edge of the business district. Before we left Winnetka for good, the bakery, after a couple of moves, found its way next door to Bleachers Sports, a card shop that also doubled as a sports memorabilia framing shop. They've moved across the road 7 years ago, and are now going into their 25th year of operation.<br />
<br />
They were busy today. They even ran out of Judge cards. So this is what I got from them:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3_Z8zz5AftFsi9IR8hDiUzjnzjETwSIHs0pC2ZJeHuqJ_0VlwRI2R6V4F4tyr3DjtORunpiJ1pv7jAWmRYeWOiGMOaCwNOlfR29NThT2NTvhe1tatt4wEcyLzRDpXI8uZjEog_SStrk/s1600/IMG_20180811_142356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3_Z8zz5AftFsi9IR8hDiUzjnzjETwSIHs0pC2ZJeHuqJ_0VlwRI2R6V4F4tyr3DjtORunpiJ1pv7jAWmRYeWOiGMOaCwNOlfR29NThT2NTvhe1tatt4wEcyLzRDpXI8uZjEog_SStrk/s400/IMG_20180811_142356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a jumbo of Series 1 (to go with the series 2 pack from earlier), Topps Opening Day, and Big League Baseball. Pack Break Week should be fun.<br />
<br />
No, I didn't get the Beanie Baby from them. I did buy it, but I will explain in a minute.<br />
<br />
Because the store ran out of Judge cards, I was offered the Rhys Hoskins as a substitute. Now, the Hoskins card is supposed to be the giveaway for the next promotion that takes place 2 weeks from today. But what can you do when you run out of Judge cards? Worth the trip for $19.62.<br />
<br />
After visiting the old place and taking pictures from the outside, I stopped the Village Toy Store that is up the street from the card shop. I heard they were closed. So imagine my surprise to find out that not only are they still open, but they've been around for 70 years. When my kids were little, and we would visit the bakery, we visited this place frequently. The Beanie Baby has the 2016 World Series logo. I had to buy it. At $6.50? Why not.<br />
<br />
I think I am going to call it a day. I am tempted to go further north, or maybe head into one of the two shops in Chicago on the list. But I've seen the traffic on the highway on both sides and am thinking that I don't want to sit for that long. So I am homeward bound.<br />
<br />
Results of the entire journey to come when I get home.<br />
<br />
jba<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE : 12:59 PM CST.</b><br />
<br />
Just headed east to Morton Grove. Home of AU Sports. Love the place. One of the longest running shops in the Chicagoland area, they were not on the list of stores celebrating NBCD, but they do have the cards and are all out promoting. They said that they were having a steady stream of customers throughout the day, so they were happy. The guys in the shop were trying to stump each other with baseball trivia.<br />
<br />
The question :<br />
<br />
So Albert Pujols recently became the third player in MLB history to record 1000 hits in both the NL and AL for one team. Name the other 2? Not a hint, but the other two are in the HOF. Answer to come later, but I was able to come up with one of the player's names.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6W8JjF0jN6zdOHTUYOrVadfDREFlPlfXbho1sJTSl3WL7ZpMR8V4bu4onLdujqN1T-cfNoyY_JNR4-jV7R3o9IHJIP1NXvMHtUuLetGwUDxG8dTYfho9HSKwKSB5rhiq7zPgTYSYIaM/s1600/IMG_20180811_130741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6W8JjF0jN6zdOHTUYOrVadfDREFlPlfXbho1sJTSl3WL7ZpMR8V4bu4onLdujqN1T-cfNoyY_JNR4-jV7R3o9IHJIP1NXvMHtUuLetGwUDxG8dTYfho9HSKwKSB5rhiq7zPgTYSYIaM/s400/IMG_20180811_130741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I did buy a jumbo pack of 2018 Topps Series 2 for $13.00 to get my free pack of cards and Judge bonus. Thinking should I head south into Chicago, or go north to Winnetka next. Decisions, decisions. I guess we will find out together.<br />
<br />
jba<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: 11:59 AM CST.</b><br />
<br />
Sports and Game Cards in Niles took part in National Baseball Card Day last year. This year, is a different story. The young girl behind the counter was friendly, but unenthused about work. (Going on an old-man-rant now). When I was her age, I would have loved it to work at a card store like this, even if it was inside a shopping mall<br />
<br />
So even though there were no NBCD packs to be had, I did buy a box of sheet protectors and this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LvoEl0CaKgsSFGUpk8J3oT-hUOvWTxaC_NujVOuvKCIAPSTael9OoNF02caWTq2iNCXbMVMK7hBUcG7InAyUeGmXsSU_s5nyJmqPZob30ZiJ5s1FQ2T6GmizZWnDHpKukTepv6jHnuc/s1600/IMG_20180811_115908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LvoEl0CaKgsSFGUpk8J3oT-hUOvWTxaC_NujVOuvKCIAPSTael9OoNF02caWTq2iNCXbMVMK7hBUcG7InAyUeGmXsSU_s5nyJmqPZob30ZiJ5s1FQ2T6GmizZWnDHpKukTepv6jHnuc/s400/IMG_20180811_115908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One pack each of 2018 Topps Series 1, 2, and Pro Debut. I have all of the cards, of course, but these will be saved again for Pack Break Week (which will be held probably in the next couple of weeks...or whenever Update Series comes...still debating). Total spent: $27.90.<br />
<br />
Taking a quick lunch break then it is back on the road, heading east to Morton Grove.<br />
<br />
jba<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: 10:47 AM CST.</b><br />
<br />
This explains why the Palatine shop was not on the list...the store is no longer here. That is the sad reality of the Hobby. There are less stores nowadays. There could be a plethora (just watched The Three Amigos movie a while back) of reasons why this store is gone. Wasn't here very long (at least 2-3 years at most).<br />
<br />
So the journey continues.<br />
<br />
jba<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: 10:19 AM CST.</b><br />
<br />
I just left Chicagoland Sports Cards and Memorabilia in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. This was my first stop last year too. It was less crowded this time around than it was last year. I hope that this is not an ominous sign of things to come today. Maybe it's too early still and things will be busier here later.<br />
<br />
After speaking to the gentleman behind the counter, this is what I bought from the store:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxXhsU0De7de5dcsHzBdi89CpRMIT1CcPGHiuZuU2-IGFDNVgndyRnoGJUaUMENmrx9QX4apOXqToosCeWVDwEa-rhlYP4NJMc_4gYYL7v6D21wzj0yTA85a60NOtvYTIoKQx4SxMqfs/s1600/IMG_20180811_101953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxXhsU0De7de5dcsHzBdi89CpRMIT1CcPGHiuZuU2-IGFDNVgndyRnoGJUaUMENmrx9QX4apOXqToosCeWVDwEa-rhlYP4NJMc_4gYYL7v6D21wzj0yTA85a60NOtvYTIoKQx4SxMqfs/s400/IMG_20180811_101953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One pack each of Gypsy Queen, Allen & Ginter's, and Stadium Club, as well as a 2018 Topps Ernie Banks SP card. Not a bad haul for $25.30.<br />
<br />
Next stop is to my home town of Palatine. The store was not on the list for the promotion, but I will take a shot here anyway to see what they have. Will update soon.<br />
<br />
jba<br />
<br />
P.S.: The answers to the trivia question are Dave Winfield and Vladimir Guerrero. I came up with Vlady.James B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-57696368681285028702018-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:002018-04-01T08:00:21.933-05:00Where Are You Now Sensen Lin?You're not familiar with the name Sensen Lin?<br />
<br />
Well, according to LinkedIn, Mr. Lin is the Vice President, Assistant General Council for GIC, an investment management company based in Singapore. He has been with GIC since 2015. Prior to that, he worked as an associate for Ropes & Gray LLC, a global law firm with headquarters all over the world. He was first based in New York, then the Jing'an District in China.<br />
<br />
So you can pretty much believe he's done pretty well for himself.<br />
<br />
But by now, you have to be asking yourself, why am I talking about Sensen Lin? He's not a baseball player. He's never played in MLB. You won't find baseball cards of Lin anywhere. Or can you??!<br />
<br />
Yes, Sensen Lin does have one baseball card, and he's the subject of one of Topps' greatest practical jokes of all time...and it all happened 10 years ago.<br />
<br />
Before Mr. Lin climbed the ladder as a lawyer, he was a student at New York University. And a friend of his at the Topps Company had a brilliant idea for a practical joke. <a href="https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/04/07/law-blog-law-student-of-the-day-baseball-card-hoaxer-sensen-lin/">As Lin explains</a>:<br />
<br />
"They (Topps) put me in all these funky poses. I don’t know that much about baseball so I didn’t exactly know what I was doing. Turns out, the guys at Topps added some things. I wasn’t wearing that necklace and the glove in the picture is different. They also photoshopped in the background."<br />
<br />
The results became the focal point of one of greatest "gimmicks" ever inserted into packs of baseball cards:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mQYudqmrfj469Ih9bWJa3quD8YQ0AEXhrF075lnXmTmr0h2rLs4h3ajUtPmVg1RHFOuluyFoMBlxw6K4T2-5K1tIECYmSjd7FID-wbpS_GXRA7sCzNHNxhUwieQIIcy5HyLsthGXey8/s1600-h/08tuzuki.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319653967371855938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mQYudqmrfj469Ih9bWJa3quD8YQ0AEXhrF075lnXmTmr0h2rLs4h3ajUtPmVg1RHFOuluyFoMBlxw6K4T2-5K1tIECYmSjd7FID-wbpS_GXRA7sCzNHNxhUwieQIIcy5HyLsthGXey8/s400/08tuzuki.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 297px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I do plan on requesting a connection to Mr. Lin on LinkedIn.<br />
<br />
So Happy April Fool's Day. Please keep the pranks to a minimum.<br />
<br />
Also, Happy Easter. He Is Risen!!!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-87638299577390753732018-03-31T00:01:00.001-05:002018-03-31T00:01:21.988-05:00Let the Games Begin!!! Yesterday...After months of waiting...and waiting...and waiting...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxPG1Ih3_QO-N-zl9dVO9N5QJ7Q12hlg0-w1exzdXjr0Z6yzw_KUGW7g5b3AYKjjGQW3F7sxic2Rh22u7HClao7CBcfoCR4Ee6dhv-bc83ftic08WHnGXmCEwyP0nC0B5IOifQHZIExs/s1600/7620__mlb_opening_day-primary-2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="905" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxPG1Ih3_QO-N-zl9dVO9N5QJ7Q12hlg0-w1exzdXjr0Z6yzw_KUGW7g5b3AYKjjGQW3F7sxic2Rh22u7HClao7CBcfoCR4Ee6dhv-bc83ftic08WHnGXmCEwyP0nC0B5IOifQHZIExs/s400/7620__mlb_opening_day-primary-2018.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Baseball Season!!!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fliplinestudios/images/7/77/320pxbaseball.png/revision/latest?cb=20131004013421" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="320" height="298" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fliplinestudios/images/7/77/320pxbaseball.png/revision/latest?cb=20131004013421" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, so it happened yesterday. I had planned on writing this in the morning, but life happened.<br />
<br />
Twenty-six teams played yesterday (two games were postponed due to weather. I have my master set (including the Bryant and Jeter Tribute sets...nine insert sets total) waiting to go into sheets and a binder (a 3-inch for now...I'm sure I'll have to order a 6 before the end of the year...again!!!)<br />
<br />
The Cubs won (okay, it was against the Miami Starlin Castros and 24 other guys calling themselves Marlins...heck if Marlins Man Laurence Leavy has given up on them...) 8-4, with Ian Happ hitting the first pitch...first pitch (okay, so it was some guy whose only eponymous Topps card to date is from 2015...) of the season out of the yard.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, what better way to celebrate Opening Day than to review the insert set from 2018 Topps Series 1 called, appropriately, Opening Day. (Please note that this is not about the set called Opening Day, but the insert set called Opening Day).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6d1VTwI2ZDG-KU8WnVQaU4fFV32YK6XLbX6UYj9rvCzA_qFZpwmF3yKk92FVDwvBqMZjWDIb2C-PsIR2VO4NEjXOHxOKAkihEtS63rAZZtT7eSE2m4UP0dPtWC-oACW0fGmmcFTA-Co/s1600/IMG_20180330_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="793" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6d1VTwI2ZDG-KU8WnVQaU4fFV32YK6XLbX6UYj9rvCzA_qFZpwmF3yKk92FVDwvBqMZjWDIb2C-PsIR2VO4NEjXOHxOKAkihEtS63rAZZtT7eSE2m4UP0dPtWC-oACW0fGmmcFTA-Co/s400/IMG_20180330_0001.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how this set was designed. Pictures and graphics that look like they were projected onto tiles. Each team is represented here (well almost, Giancarlo Stanton, Andrew McCutchen, and Evan Longoria grace the checklist...and you get the idea). The backs of the cards gives a brief synopsis of what each subject did during a past Opening Day, whether it be in the majors or if the player started in the minors the year prior.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdx8HD39ihiDebwKN2yl7oiEe7KFSqL943xNEkZ1nbYBv6EZlYFm9pR3V8FXad1ZFTuzEChs28HCLlYSVU8fC414vJeo0NPXq2Dk-6ikrmCcVqachc9JNXZYDZasmmH1xvlTX020qerQ/s1600/IMG_20180330_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="798" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdx8HD39ihiDebwKN2yl7oiEe7KFSqL943xNEkZ1nbYBv6EZlYFm9pR3V8FXad1ZFTuzEChs28HCLlYSVU8fC414vJeo0NPXq2Dk-6ikrmCcVqachc9JNXZYDZasmmH1xvlTX020qerQ/s400/IMG_20180330_0002.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you can only find these cards in packs sold at retail stores, not necessarily exclusive to either WalMart or Target.<br />
<br />
As I finally finish this post, the Cubs lost to the Marlins in 17 innings (how's that speed-up-the-pace-of-play-thing going for you now @MLB?)<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-38581678603536851762018-03-21T09:00:00.000-05:002018-03-21T09:00:26.455-05:00Thank You Toys "R" Us! I Could Not Have Grown My Collection Without You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Logo_Toys_R_Us.svg/2000px-Logo_Toys_R_Us.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="800" height="120" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Logo_Toys_R_Us.svg/2000px-Logo_Toys_R_Us.svg.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Growing up, there was no place I loved going to more than Toys "R" Us! (No, I can't do the reverse R, so I'm not going to even try). For a kid, it was every theme park, museum, and wonderland rolled into one. I loved seeing toys, action figures, games and just wishing that one day I could buy them for me or any possible children I thought I'd have when I was older.<br />
<br />
Fast forward about 14 years. My wife and I had spent hours at a Babies "R" Us! looking for items that we were going to need for our soon-to-arrive-child. We did not know what our baby was going to be (it wound up being a girl), so we asked for bottles, utensils, diapers, all of the fixings.<br />
<br />
Fast forward about 5 years later. When I had time, I'd take my kids to the Toys "R" Us! They had their own interests in what kinds of toys they wanted, and when I had the money to do it, I was so happy because I fulfilled the wish I made for myself when I was much younger.<br />
<br />
But that did not mean that there wasn't stuff I wanted to buy at TRU. Why? Because TRU sold baseball cards. And I think you know where this is going. But hold on.<br />
<br />
The first real baseball card purchase I made at the world's greatest toy store was a wholly new baseball card product that happened to be called Topps Hot Button Baseball.<br />
<br />
Remember this?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebo5ey40YLD65A_KuODhfGHk6_VHjWTo6q4S3ljn5aI6M_h9ezuAmLlSpTLHxLAYfDb6TZvVIkhvfyiLOJB4MgvSx3zDgx8jzG4Pguf5j9NDzI-45qeeiR6iMXWnfupo60zvFGHh_d-8/s1600/HotButtonBaseball2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="747" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebo5ey40YLD65A_KuODhfGHk6_VHjWTo6q4S3ljn5aI6M_h9ezuAmLlSpTLHxLAYfDb6TZvVIkhvfyiLOJB4MgvSx3zDgx8jzG4Pguf5j9NDzI-45qeeiR6iMXWnfupo60zvFGHh_d-8/s400/HotButtonBaseball2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was an electronic game, with lights on both sides that would flash in random order on both sides. The cards in this set were transparent, and the idea was that you would put a batter card on one side, and a pitcher card on the other, and depending on where the lights stop (you press the Hot Button to start the lights, and press it again to stop the lights from flashing) determines what the play was going to be in the game between the two "players."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WpT4I-9Kg4OhL0dJvikAKdbADIc3uKtfjQQ3CXTgwkSU-j3V0xGL75hZhCu0o9SZ9hbad6l6dQwk2KrGC18HYrxzlJD43itvZV1N1A5TrsIHpxtd7-uG0OqLEvrn9QuWD6fn9yfXpik/s1600/HotButtonBaseball.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="749" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WpT4I-9Kg4OhL0dJvikAKdbADIc3uKtfjQQ3CXTgwkSU-j3V0xGL75hZhCu0o9SZ9hbad6l6dQwk2KrGC18HYrxzlJD43itvZV1N1A5TrsIHpxtd7-uG0OqLEvrn9QuWD6fn9yfXpik/s400/HotButtonBaseball.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved this game. You could play a game with the 20 cards that came with the device.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbjAtPC8Chyphenhyphen4lJHpRc17lh0N3-63A1NvGtVNJPiwYxr2qjfs3WDeHnVtpqK1fej9IbFx5Vhir2SPxkUuWyScfoREVg13CheUzmbTB9A3a7ElGBnU6uBV1Mxkh1adq9Vgawi95gnzlrG0/s1600/HotButtonBaseball3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="750" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbjAtPC8Chyphenhyphen4lJHpRc17lh0N3-63A1NvGtVNJPiwYxr2qjfs3WDeHnVtpqK1fej9IbFx5Vhir2SPxkUuWyScfoREVg13CheUzmbTB9A3a7ElGBnU6uBV1Mxkh1adq9Vgawi95gnzlrG0/s400/HotButtonBaseball3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But it said that there were booster packs with more players.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNfEmec1j4_Y7O-SjcPxrENm_k_3oqAt7DISlJ-gqTr2EAs6L2AGjaJnMqXZsUIYCX9NIBHezqfLj2bBsjIV3SdjbFRsvQZAnJftAZCdFN14AXAzFhusac2STGfFoH2Sz_DnVmWZt9u8/s1600/2005toppshotbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="207" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNfEmec1j4_Y7O-SjcPxrENm_k_3oqAt7DISlJ-gqTr2EAs6L2AGjaJnMqXZsUIYCX9NIBHezqfLj2bBsjIV3SdjbFRsvQZAnJftAZCdFN14AXAzFhusac2STGfFoH2Sz_DnVmWZt9u8/s400/2005toppshotbutton.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
And the hunt was on.<br />
<br />
I eventually wiped out the local Target of booster packs. I went to other TRU's. I wound up with a complete 140 card set and played the game with my then 5-year-old daughter, and a lot on my own, playing both teams. I even created scorecards, and spreadsheets, and even slips of papers that had card numbers so that I could pick random teams. I was insane.<br />
<br />
The original website is long gone, but thanks to the Wayback Machine, if you want to go on a nostalgia trip, click <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20050507122918/https://www.topps.com/HotButtonBaseball/HBB.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
For a number of years, player or team collectors seriously looking for colored parallel cards for their player rainbows (yes, it's a thing) had many places and packs to find whatever it is they were looking for. Target sold packs that had red parallel cards. Walmart had packs with blue parallel cards. Collectors could find orange parallel cards in factory sets. Yellow and green parallel cards could be found in retail packs or blister packs (depending on the year). Of course, you could find gold, pink, powder blue, camouflage, and other parallel cards in regular packs sold anywhere. But to get purple-bordered Topps parallel cards for their collections, one could only find them at TRU. That's right, you could only get the color at the end of the rainbow, purple at Toys "R" Us.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't collect parallels, but I do collect retail-exclusive inserts. And while TRU was never given exclusive insert sets, blister packs of 2011 Topps included purple Diamond Anniversary cards.<br />
<br />
Remember these?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXwTWwGr-pMT4yfLTDvNBVhmhSjYVkO_Uica8qDGmrPEaO877LNwjEEwUZ_L5basm1KYfNNa2PDnFk0rq5TByL1foPHY7RNQ44tuCp4WFf0z92AVD2O3DoeaWyM7Cs5s3iwaUPUDEGRg/s1600/2011tpurplediamond.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="455" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXwTWwGr-pMT4yfLTDvNBVhmhSjYVkO_Uica8qDGmrPEaO877LNwjEEwUZ_L5basm1KYfNNa2PDnFk0rq5TByL1foPHY7RNQ44tuCp4WFf0z92AVD2O3DoeaWyM7Cs5s3iwaUPUDEGRg/s400/2011tpurplediamond.png" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
There are ten cards in the Purple Diamond set that could only be found in two-pack blisters that were sold at TRU. I remember taking the kids to TRU one night in 2011. I let them run loose while I sat on the ground near the display, trying to peek through the back of the packs, just to see if I can figure out which card was included. I wound up being able to find all ten cards, buying 20 packs of 2011 Topps Series 1, all just to find these inserts. My then 11-year-old thought I was crazy, until I told her she could buy whatever she and her then 9-year-old brother wanted (within reason, of course). Two video games later, we left happy with our purchases.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZerD7wQC6uI3IokmuPR9JxJ7pyMIjPx3w7OmT7UXhPsP3WAfpBH76iLtG9U_tO9TITH1RDUFyx8wUaeJKN1XepI5nQuabDJqWSCEd61QREUheF-vDG45omBbuIxeXkrZnEpAUOrIbI8/s1600/IMG_20180320_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZerD7wQC6uI3IokmuPR9JxJ7pyMIjPx3w7OmT7UXhPsP3WAfpBH76iLtG9U_tO9TITH1RDUFyx8wUaeJKN1XepI5nQuabDJqWSCEd61QREUheF-vDG45omBbuIxeXkrZnEpAUOrIbI8/s400/IMG_20180320_0001.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that the kids are mid-to-late teenagers, we really haven't made many trips back since that night. Sure, when I was unemployed, to make myself feel better, I'd go to the store, just to see what was there. But to be a middle-aged guy by himself at a store like this, I'm sure employees were just watching me to make sure I'm not some kind of stalker/potential kidnapper.<br />
<br />
When I heard that TRU was going into bankruptcy, I was sad. Sure, thanks to websites (cough...Amazon...cough) (cough...eBay...cough), brick and mortar stores were losing customers. Even places like Walmart and Target were taking a large bite out of TRU's market. Now, Toys "R" Us will be gone, and all that are left are memories. Memories of when I was younger. Memories of when the kids were little. Memories of the day I discovered Hot Button Baseball.<br />
<br />
Thank you very much Toys "R" Us. My family and I will miss you dearly.<br />
<br />
At least until <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/20/news/companies/kb-toys-toys-r-us/index.html">KB Toys comes back later this year</a>...<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-71634954273682357612018-03-17T09:00:00.000-05:002018-03-17T09:00:14.833-05:00A Review of the Chicago Spring Spectacular. Éirinn go brách! Celebrating on the Road This Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After three years of spending St. Patrick's Day at home, enjoying corned beef with all of the fixings, and a nice glass of Irish Cream (or two...or more...), we're hitting the road, celebrating with family. But first, it's off to work I go, slinging prescriptions at the pharmacy.<br />
<br />
Speaking of...<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I went to the Chicago Sports Spectacular (that's what they're calling what used to be the Chicago Sun-Times Spring Sports Card Show). It's the first time ever that I would go on a Friday. If you followed me on Twitter (and if you aren't, feel free to do so, I am <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>), you may have read some of my experiences at the show.<br />
<br />
If you haven't, here is the summary:<br />
<br />
Fridays are a bit quieter, it seems. The place was not extremely crowded, but there were a lot of people (and kids...KIDS...for those who don't believe KIDS don't collect anymore). Most of the vendors were there, greeting customers and each other. For some, this is the first time they've seen each other since the National (or at least the Fall Chicago Sports Spectacular...or whatever it was called).<br />
<br />
Lots of vintage, as always, at this show. The big names were there selling modern stuff. And, of course, the same guy that sold me a Gypsy Queen set a couple of years back had what I was mainly looking for, a 2018 Topps Series 1 Master Set. After asking to see if he could knock the price down on the set (which he did), I bought the main set plus 5 Hobby inserts. I offered one of the four 2017 Hank Aaron Award Winner cards I had in my possession to thank him for the discount, and he picked one (Mike Trout...I still have the Harper, Bryant, and Cabrera cards).<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcqz2nXkAAHDY_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcqz2nXkAAHDY_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
I also bought myself a box of plastic sheets (need to put the cards in a binder somehow).<br />
<br />
But the highlight of the night, and what got most people's attention on Twitter was this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcycP2WkAYrit1.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcycP2WkAYrit1.jpg:large" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1989 Topps Hobby Box. 36 packs of cards and gum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They were offering $5.00 for this box...or were they offering to give me $5.00 for the box...I don't know exactly what the guy said. And after mulling it over (I had to sit down to think about it), I decided to pass. As much as I would have loved to do it (and many people on Twitter said I should buy it), I couldn't think of a single thing to do with the cards once I opened them. I might regret this decision later, but you know what? I'm okay with it, and maybe at another show I'll bite.<br />
<br />
After paying for my ticket, the seller handed me an envelope, containing a ticket for a free autograph from one of the signers at this evening's show. Based on the schedule, choices included Tom Browning (he of the perfect game in 1988), Ron Jaworski (QB from the Eagles/ESPN analyst), or someone else who had nothing to do on a Friday night. Now, I'm not an autograph guy, but I thought, why not? My ticket was for:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcYJHjWAAEH-ow.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcYJHjWAAEH-ow.jpg:large" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
My first thought was, "<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bahnsst01.shtml">Who's this guy</a>??!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bSi8CQ2YFyw/S2RQx03IiAI/AAAAAAAAVZ0/wRRLjD0Lrto/s300/topps1969-380F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="212" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bSi8CQ2YFyw/S2RQx03IiAI/AAAAAAAAVZ0/wRRLjD0Lrto/s400/topps1969-380F.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So Stan Bahnsen was a pitcher, played in the majors from 1966 through 1982, played for six teams, including the White Sox for four seasons, and was named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team in 1968. Now, I had nothing for him to sign, so I thought, "Should I buy a baseball or look for a card? Maybe I should just have him sign the ticket."<br />
<br />
But I never heard his name called the entire night I was at the show. I wondered why?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcxHcgWAAEqiy8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYcxHcgWAAEqiy8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_644977965"></span> Oh, that's why. He rescheduled. But the policy was no returns, no exchanges. So now I have a dead ticket. So I have one request<br />
<br />
Mr. Bahnsen (or someone who can pass this along to him), I'm sorry you couldn't make it out last night to the show. Have a great time today. I'll be at the Walgreens up the road from where you're going to be this today. After you're done signing, would you be able to make the trip north to my store? I'd like to meet you, and possibly redeem that autograph ticket.<br />
<br />
On to other topics:<br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
Today is St. Patrick's Day. It is the day that honors St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland. It also commemorates the arrival of Christianity to the Emerald Isle. In fact, it is said (thanks Wikipedia) that he used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG404U5QdBKEQb3KcLaNfYVViP4-a3sfu5bubWPyYJR7cobzUI5a_w3ufsZqG03uQnBXf6eCBOjfeR35dpkVnlD3AXmxb4KT64Eu5rreoFQunrEAKpXOT4I6rLh8ZvTufiylGXdAuLyg8/s1600-h/07tagireland.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449602687154216578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG404U5QdBKEQb3KcLaNfYVViP4-a3sfu5bubWPyYJR7cobzUI5a_w3ufsZqG03uQnBXf6eCBOjfeR35dpkVnlD3AXmxb4KT64Eu5rreoFQunrEAKpXOT4I6rLh8ZvTufiylGXdAuLyg8/s400/07tagireland.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 223px;" /></a><br />
If anybody says, "Top of the morning to you," to you today, make sure to respond in kind, "And the rest of the day to yourself."<br />
<br />
Public Service Announcement (as my wife just said that she found the Bailey's): As you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, please remember to celebrate responsibly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqGXO2EfXBX6sNS5ruKuncDoWrzbGOaw-ngdtrViJWCNnu4I2PppfdgHtRR1c5fj1DJbkSfSGBdK9kE8amByIk-ooKZhyQzeI9gnCCodCZOYrxZMe5G8-1OXZiyznWdSI1vaJsE2OoI0/s1600-h/Baileys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449604419035989250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqGXO2EfXBX6sNS5ruKuncDoWrzbGOaw-ngdtrViJWCNnu4I2PppfdgHtRR1c5fj1DJbkSfSGBdK9kE8amByIk-ooKZhyQzeI9gnCCodCZOYrxZMe5G8-1OXZiyznWdSI1vaJsE2OoI0/s400/Baileys.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally, a quick toast to everyone, Irish or just-for-the-day:<br />
<br />
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be at your back.<br />
May the Maury Show always be on your television (sorry, saw that this morning).<br />
May your cards collections grow to unmeasurable heights in both volume and value.<br />
May the quest for new cards be swift.<br />
May the journey of life treat you well today and always.<br />
And may a certain North Side baseball team win it all this year.<br />
If you catch my drift.<br />
<br />
Sláinte!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-63983197967207775232018-03-13T09:00:00.000-05:002018-03-13T09:00:11.719-05:00Updating the Sports Card Blogroll, Just In Time for 2018, and Other Things.Between working with a food broker and a pharmacy (yes, they let me work with drugs), there really hasn't been much time to relax. Not complaining, but I haven't had a day off since January 1. That's a good thing as it means a steady paycheck and I am able to pay bills and support my family.<br />
<br />
More importantly, it means I have disposable income to pay for my habit (that pesky thing called baseball cards). I am going to ask if I can hang out on Friday night at the convention center as the spring card show is this weekend. And, as it was my birthday yesterday, maybe I celebrate by buying a few cards (or something).<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I wanted to do a bit of catch up since I didn't post anything since I bought my first few packs of 2018 Topps Series 1.<br />
<br />
So I decided to take two Topps packs each from Target and Walmart and put them in a box. The first pack I picked was from Walmart. So the first card from that pack, the official Topps first card for 2018 (for me) is:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJz6xDktvMlNi91IPScJ9CvD4f1VDV14old6BSWQ-cQoVteG7PAz_eZ_DBIM7ZZMjWsCYlwsTO8_ObXkCjqCiYWnMDvFGGm_ZOgPKqKgQepYHPCaYzDX29OJ0e-TEuoyDQ_vQ529o72o/s1600/2018tnpivetta241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="803" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJz6xDktvMlNi91IPScJ9CvD4f1VDV14old6BSWQ-cQoVteG7PAz_eZ_DBIM7ZZMjWsCYlwsTO8_ObXkCjqCiYWnMDvFGGm_ZOgPKqKgQepYHPCaYzDX29OJ0e-TEuoyDQ_vQ529o72o/s400/2018tnpivetta241.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
Nick Pivetta, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Card #241.<br />
<br />
The first card from the Target card was of:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG2A8bWk0NhQkcCrpMRr7i1u-QsxI1ToM5Dm3qxzvADtOrKOOqy3HkHSj3fyZUDO1DS1x7JtzkNHoapMah2-Wa1upeVHMV0bq3uiVH7Cwp_KxxgHSgyUHHsuONIXI8xWKKOgUPwIGVwE/s1600/2018tjabreu280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="803" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG2A8bWk0NhQkcCrpMRr7i1u-QsxI1ToM5Dm3qxzvADtOrKOOqy3HkHSj3fyZUDO1DS1x7JtzkNHoapMah2-Wa1upeVHMV0bq3uiVH7Cwp_KxxgHSgyUHHsuONIXI8xWKKOgUPwIGVwE/s400/2018tjabreu280.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
Jose Abreu, the White Sox' first baseman, card #280.<br />
<br />
(<i>On an unrelated note, I'm going to miss my HP scanner, but I'm starting to get the hang of this scanner/printer...loving it</i>).<br />
<br />
On the insert front, I did get one SP, Dexter Fowler of the Cardinals. But after opening 10 regular packs, 4 jumbos and two blaster boxes, the best card came from the fourth pack that I opened for the year. From the second Target pack that I opened, I found this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRlXk3dZbmOoag8XstM47bU9N0FV12oCW2PgJl0uTeukSOuqntg5aG4zWNiCEu2KlOmBrjIgq-KX9mIp-pfzTXFl7JKlkiGEasbIoh2VUJ8e69OxHwIm62fZCI_jkektkkMY7q5LHJNQ/s1600/2018tcseagermlmcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1097" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRlXk3dZbmOoag8XstM47bU9N0FV12oCW2PgJl0uTeukSOuqntg5aG4zWNiCEu2KlOmBrjIgq-KX9mIp-pfzTXFl7JKlkiGEasbIoh2VUJ8e69OxHwIm62fZCI_jkektkkMY7q5LHJNQ/s400/2018tcseagermlmcs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A Corey Seager Major League Material Bat Card!!!<br />
<br />
This only means one of two things:<br />
<ul>
<li>I beat the pack searchers or they had not arrived yet.</li>
<li>They searched but missed a pack.</li>
</ul>
Either way, I'm happy with the pull as I rarely, if ever, get a card like this.<br />
<br />
Now, onto the other reason for posting tonight. It's time, once again, to update the Sports Card Blogroll.<br />
<br />
Yes, blogging seems to be a dying form of communicating. We've lost a number of bloggers to other social media platforms like Twitter (you can still follow me as I hang out there from time to time <a href="http://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>). But perusing the site at 280 characters, I'm discovering new voices, and have decided not only to give them a follow, but to add their sites to the big blogroll. And of course, new blogs tend to find other new blogs, and so on, and so on...<br />
<br />
But first, time to remove the blogs that have not had any activity in the past six months. The following blogs have been removed from the main blogroll:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://capewood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Capewood's Collections</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bleedinbrownandgold.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bleedin' Brown and Gold</a></li>
<li><a href="http://theherowhodidntwanttobe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Hero Who Didn't Want To Be: My Journey of Completing The Hank Greenberg Player Set</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sportcardblog90.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">That 90's Sport Card Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thecardbin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Card Bin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://justabitoffside.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Just A Bit Offside</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dansotherworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Other World</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dodgerpenguin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dodger Penguin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cootvealandthevealtones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coot Veal and the Vealtones</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fantasticcatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fantastic Catch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mybfcollectschipperjones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My BF collects Chipper Jones</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.uncledocscards.com/" target="_blank">Uncle Doc's Cards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thelostcardsfile.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TheLostCardsFile</a></li>
<li><a href="http://greatoriolesautographproject.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Great Orioles Autograph Project</a></li>
<li><a href="https://paulsrandomstuff.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Paul's Random Baseball Stuff</a></li>
<li><a href="http://just-in-justinsworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Justin's World</a></li>
<li><a href="http://longwayfromlambeau.blogspot.com/">Long Way from Lambeau</a></li>
</ul>
But as some blogs leave us, I am adding a few new blogs onto the site, including:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://baseballeverynight.blogspot.com/">Baseball Every Night</a></li>
<li><a href="https://aguyandhispavelburecollection.blogspot.ca/">A Guy and his Pavel Bure Collection</a></li>
<li><a href="https://jennyscardcollecting.wordpress.com/">Jenny's Card Collecting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://completist.wordpress.com/">Wax Heaven</a> (yes, boys and girls, Mario is back, and looks to be here to stay).</li>
<li><a href="http://statispro1984.blogspot.com/">Statis Pro 1984</a> (not really a baseball card blog, which explains why this site, up since 2012, has eluded me).</li>
</ul>
So there will be at least 206 blogs on the main blogroll when I'm done with the updating tonight. Would you like to add your blog to the site that has been keeping tabs of the Hobby Blogging Community for almost a decade (I can't believe it's almost 10 years)? Send me an email at <a href="mailto:bdj610@hotmail.com">bdj610@hotmail.com</a>, DM me on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a>), or just leave me comments.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-44610788629484575082018-03-12T20:00:00.000-05:002018-03-13T11:42:50.760-05:0042!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBz8Bidt6M0L7p9QQ0oZMobEcxBGnECkVj9bDaENXYzMPdV3OIURknww9RqwYuxzW9Wm3_gjkqB-AtRJC1C6VSkWvXkXtFz_wPwZcScOIeOApsbj3XZR2iuT6oJ_2PEZPL7Aq61honZk/s1600/IMG_20180312_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="815" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBz8Bidt6M0L7p9QQ0oZMobEcxBGnECkVj9bDaENXYzMPdV3OIURknww9RqwYuxzW9Wm3_gjkqB-AtRJC1C6VSkWvXkXtFz_wPwZcScOIeOApsbj3XZR2iuT6oJ_2PEZPL7Aq61honZk/s400/IMG_20180312_0001.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
On April 15, 1997, MLB announced that it was going to retire the uniform #42 for all 28 teams in MLB in honor of Jackie Robinson. This meant that the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the new expansion teams that would begin their inaugural seasons the following year, would not be able to use the #42 when they assign uniform numbers for any of their players, and they hadn't even started yet. Teams in the minors would not use the number either.<br />
<br />
There were, at the time, 13 active players who were assigned the number 42 at the time it was retired league wide, Some names, you know: Mariano Rivera, Mo Vaughn, Butch Huskey. Others, like Marc Sagmoen, was a rookie who was called up to the Rangers squad that day and didn't know that the number was going to be retired THAT NIGHT. He had already had an at bat when he was told to take his uniform off because, as he found out later, that his jersey was going to be shipped to Cooperstown. He only has 21 MLB games under his belt, with 1997 being his lone season in the big leagues. Although Sagmoen is now a policeman in the Seattle area, he has a link to history that not many can claim.<br />
<br />
Jackie Robinson is a legendary player who changed the course of baseball history by not only being the first African-American player to play in the majors, but by being a man who played the game with dignity and opened the doors for many players, not only here in the US, but around the world.<br />
<br />
But that's not why I'm writing this post.<br />
<br />
Today, I turn 42 years old. And as I work on the 2018 Topps set, I reflect on what I've done in my life so far. I have experienced both good times and times that were not so good. Some of the things I was able to do when I was younger, I have a hard time doing now. The quantities of food that I used to eat during my college days I can't stomach anymore (maybe that's a good thing). There are things that I've always wanted to do that I accept I will probably never do. And I'm okay with that.<br />
<br />
But through it all, I am happy.<br />
<br />
I am happy to have a family who I love dearly, a wonderful wife who supports me and I make sure to do the same no matter what, and two children who I couldn't be more proud of as they become young adults. I am happy that we are all in good health, a roof over our heads, and jobs (thankfully) to support us.<br />
<br />
I am happy that I can see my parents and siblings during our (almost) weekly dinners.<br />
<br />
I am happy to have that escape that is called The Hobby that I can go to when I can. It's fun to look back and reminisce about what I have done these past 42 years. But I look forward to the next part of my journey.<br />
<br />
Thank you for being a part of it.<br />
<br />
Finally, Happy 42nd Birthday <a href="http://bdj610bbcblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/happy-birthday-bryan-hebson.html">Bryan Hebson</a>!!!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762290031812281192.post-83326275951874205472018-02-04T00:40:00.002-06:002018-02-04T00:40:17.650-06:00So Which 2018 Topps Series 1 Packs Should I Open First??!January 31 was the start of the 2018 Baseball Card Season, and after two days of searching, (realistically, waiting for my paycheck) and watching all of the hits, sets, and cards that I am just dying to get my hands on myself, I finally had my opportunity to dive into the pool and buy some product of my very own. And I couldn't be happier.<br />
<br />
But now I have a bit of a quandary on my hands.<br />
<br />
You see, on Friday night, I went to Target and saw that they had 2018 Topps Series 1 packs on display by the registers.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGgES3NtZYQ40NUKEN3e5FpNoq3Uj_h1Zl4FLe70CUwL4jBaCS5myXxImbshRNrfhad79nMZ8IE3-fT6cKQrm4-_WwiCxLJK0uv5p-EFtzmjp_nkexmuqDzbT8LxsR0jae7vSqK7tXZQ/s1600/2018+Topps+Pack+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGgES3NtZYQ40NUKEN3e5FpNoq3Uj_h1Zl4FLe70CUwL4jBaCS5myXxImbshRNrfhad79nMZ8IE3-fT6cKQrm4-_WwiCxLJK0uv5p-EFtzmjp_nkexmuqDzbT8LxsR0jae7vSqK7tXZQ/s400/2018+Topps+Pack+1.png" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
So for $32.31, I bought the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Five 12-card retail packs</li>
<li>Two 36-card jumbo packs</li>
<li>One 72-card hanger pack</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4VIk_SnBnS9tMTUENp41tycz68ZvfmROJk7GKRGLdZoZ1OcgszseabQUHNXn44UF2zCbqzzxV5kLjvylarfr0V2xzSCZnJNiqFkDnQ25h7ucayA1FnJ5CLN8Y8I-YxXMGhurnfNz5c8/s1600/20180203_234955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4VIk_SnBnS9tMTUENp41tycz68ZvfmROJk7GKRGLdZoZ1OcgszseabQUHNXn44UF2zCbqzzxV5kLjvylarfr0V2xzSCZnJNiqFkDnQ25h7ucayA1FnJ5CLN8Y8I-YxXMGhurnfNz5c8/s400/20180203_234955.jpg" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<br />
And then I went to the Walmart across the street, just for kicks, and saw that they also had 2018 Topps Series 1 by the self-checkout.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ42uyZLv9Zu5-3KsZh2-XSySIeHx3WOppUBqeh_aPILN0W7IBpPRL6dR-l8vwCszAPqzny0u9x1nTo82MdHoPLurDRbV-m0KThPgtWuqEpOiTbNROLgWpnJ5LCxlUF90P-OgZyVtoMvU/s1600/2018+Topps+Pack+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ42uyZLv9Zu5-3KsZh2-XSySIeHx3WOppUBqeh_aPILN0W7IBpPRL6dR-l8vwCszAPqzny0u9x1nTo82MdHoPLurDRbV-m0KThPgtWuqEpOiTbNROLgWpnJ5LCxlUF90P-OgZyVtoMvU/s400/2018+Topps+Pack+2.png" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
And so, for $32.82, I bought:<br />
<ul>
<li>Five 12-card retail packs</li>
<li>Two 36-card jumbo packs</li>
<li>One 72-card hanger pack</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYyrpCzRMhstKoH3rdNQV6smwBeEMrcy72OryrNiVrov5NTbjUjdsYSbp-z6LhYbxwSJ1hKX_VbWNfVv0H-wya6aIRjhOxUgsXYPAjZ0SXrl_VG-rPOSkZKgUlnxU6fni4UTu8cRPVGY/s1600/20180203_234908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYyrpCzRMhstKoH3rdNQV6smwBeEMrcy72OryrNiVrov5NTbjUjdsYSbp-z6LhYbxwSJ1hKX_VbWNfVv0H-wya6aIRjhOxUgsXYPAjZ0SXrl_VG-rPOSkZKgUlnxU6fni4UTu8cRPVGY/s400/20180203_234908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First off, if anything, I'm really surprised. Target charged a penny more for the packs compared to Walmart ($1.99 vs. $1.98 for 12-pack, $4.99 vs. $4.98 for the 36, and $9.99 vs. $9.98 for the hanger). However, because the Target was in Lake County, and the Walmart was in Cook County (yes they were across the street, but the street is the border between two counties), I spent $0.49 less at Target. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I haven't opened any packs yet. I'll probably do a live pack break during the big game tomorrow. This will be the first time I get to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday night in about three years. I have no skin in the game, I don't really care who wins. So I'll probably focus more on a pack break for the blog.<br />
<br />
But which packs should I open first? <br />
<br />
Do I open the Walmart packs first? I mean, they're the only place to find those exclusive Kris Bryant Highlight cards.<br />
<br />
Or should I open the Target packs first? I did go to Target first of course.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to get some sleep. I'll be working in the pharmacy tomorrow. Hopefully it'll be quiet (it's snowing right now...maybe traffic will be light). <br />
<br />
Send me comments and let me know which packs I should open first. Maybe I'll post a Twitter poll or something (follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/bdj610">@bdj610</a> if you want to take part in it).<br />
<br />
I'm just looking forward to baseball season. And what better way to enjoy it then by celebrating with a few packs of baseball cards??!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JayBee AnamaJames B. Anamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399676656361520517noreply@blogger.com1