Live From the Sun-Times Show in Chicago (okay, Rosemont...but Still...)

My son and I are sitting at one of the tables near the snack line at the Sun-Times show today. It's the last big show of the year held in Chicago (actually, we're in Rosemont, the same place they do the National). We're on a limited budget, and short of not finding any Wacky Packages for my son (we did get Series 8 Lego Mini Figures instead), I did find a total of nine cards to add to my collection. To wit (pictures coming live from the show thanks to my phone, typing on a laptop computer.  Man, do I feel all high-tech and stuff):

The final four cards from Golden Giveaway. Now I know some people were going to send their extras, and if you did, you will still get a thank you from me via cards. And if I owe you cards, let me apologize for not sending them yet. It's been very busy on the job hunting front lately, and it looks like the light might be at the end of the tunnel. Okay, I digress. Moving on.

Three 60 Years of Topps Original Backs Series 1 cards (Dennis Eckersley 1987, Mark Teixeira 2004, Johnny Cueto 2008)

Finally, two shortprints from 2011 Topps Update Series. A Joe DiMaggio for $7, and a Frank Thomas for $8. Weird enough that the Big Hurt is wearing the green and gold of Oakland instead of the silver and black, but then again, this is an SP from the Traded set.

The show is at it's usual Sunday pace. People are trying to sell as much as they can so they don't have to take much back with them. Many vintage sellers as always, and a few sellers of stuff I'm looking for. It was funny though when I was looking over the SP's at one dealer only to find that I had all but the Thomas card. I think I may have bought the rest from him too...maybe.

I like spending time at these shows even though I don't have much in funds. To see that the Hobby is alive and well here in Chicago makes me confident that the future of this Hobby, contrary to popular belief, will remain strong.

Shows like this prove that the Hobby is not dead, and I can't wait for when the National comes back to town next year.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

My Shot at Gold from Topps' Golden Giveaway

After sorting through whatever cards I have so far from 2012 Topps (searching for a Master set on the 'Bay now thanks to getting my taxes done...it's a good thing I waited too as prices are down...), I have three cards from the Golden Giveaway to use on the new website.  The card says www.topps.com/golden, but using http://golden.toppscards.com/ seems to work too.

Let's see what this baby can do:

GGC-2:  nW3rF7Nw

Okay, not a bad start...will get a checklist up and running soon.

GGC-6:  kzPz438qb

Tampa Bay Rays coin.  So there are teams this year too.  Last one:

GGC-7:  t3SBbd9Tf

Now we're talking.  That's two HOF coins and a team coin.  According to the site, unlocking three coins gets you a free code.  I have two HOF coins and one team coin.  But it seems you need three of one group of coins to redeem the code.  Drats.

So the hunt continues.  The good news is that friend of the blog and all around good guy Craig Parker just sent me a complete set of 10 code cards for free.  The bad news (if you want to call it that), is that I promised I wouldn't use the codes on the cards.  Why?  Because the first 100 people to unlock 200 coins (no idea if it's supposed to be "unique" coins or just any 200 coins) will get the full set of 100 Golden Moments cards.  I get the feeling that there is going to be a rare coin somewhere.  Good luck to you Craig, and to all who are up or the challenge.

I just want my master set. And with the 10 card Giveaway set out of the way, finding one in my price range should be easy, right???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama