A Whirlwind Couple of Hours at the Chicago Sun-Times Show

Because we had other plans today, (all right, my wife had planned to do something else today), I only spent a couple of hours at the Chicago Sun-Times show being held in Rosemont. But let me tell you, they were probably the most productive couple of hours I've spent at a show in quite a while. Granted, if I had more money, or more cards worth trading, I'd have gotten more cards, but I was able to come away with 23 cards I needed to reduce my want lists.

First, I have to thank the fine people at Evolution Sports Marketing/Never Enough Cards. They were the first people I sought out once the show hit. And, quite frankly, where I spent the most time and money. They had many of the SP's I needed from the 2009 Topps and U&H sets. Including:

• Nolan Ryan
• Mike Schmidt
• Juan Marichal
• Bo Jackson
• Paul Molitor
• Rogers Hornsby
• Tris Speaker
• Christy Mathewson
• Cy Young
• Nolan Ryan CAL
• Reggie Jackson CAL
• Willie McCovey
• Rickey Henderson
• Frank Robinson

They also managed to have two of the Topps Red Backs that I needed: #13 Chipper Jones & #14 Cal Ripken.

But the big kicker was that I was able to save some money (lots of it) by trading a few cards that I didn't need that they thought they'd be able to use, including the Topps Silk Jimmy Rollins, the Washington & Lee University Stamp, and my 2006 Topps Mickey Mantle Gold /257, amongst others to net me 16 cards from the "Cards Your Mother Threw Out" Original backs.

I did get one 2010 SP card. And it was the one I would have given up all the others for just to get: The 2010 Ryne Sandberg SP card.

Along with stops at a couple of other dealers that also had these cards, I was able to acquire 22 cards total, bringing down the number of cards I need down to 24 (of 58), enough so that I can actually write a proper list (by decade, on the want list section of the blog).

The show itself was typical of other Sun-Times shows from the past. With many dealers selling vintage cards (StormSurge, I have to apologize, but with less than two hours before I had to leave the show, I wasn't able to spend time looking for your needs. Don't worry, I have other places where I can find what you need), and the usual junk wax sellers, new card sellers, lots of relics sellers. It wasn't as packed as in years past (who knew that there would be snow on the first day of spring???), but it's been like that with the economy and all. If I had more time, I'd have spent more time browsing some of the other booths for things that would have caught my eye. But alas, time was of the essence, and I had to hurry.

I didn't even buy the big Beckett book at the show. That's how much of a rush I was in. Oh well, I'll check the bookstore near the bakery next time around.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S. I know I've been scanning the SP's to show them off, but we're in the midst of switching internet providers, so it's going to take a while before getting them on the blog. jba

Oh Thank Heaven for 7-Eleven. And Speaking of Eleven...

As I get older, I realize that my tastes have changed. To wit...at least once or twice a week before going to work, I would stop by the local 7-11, grab a taquito (or two), a bottle of Pepsi, or (if I had the cash), a bottle of Starbucks Frappucino. Lately, I've given up the Frap habit (too expensive for such a little amount of beverage), stopped buying the bottle of Pepsi, and have found myself buying the 7-Eleven Iced Mocha. That's good stuff.

(Hey JayBee, can we get back to the point??? Signed, your readers!!!)

Anyway, today, not only did I get my iced caffeine fix (which is funny, because I've been getting iced coffees even when it's 10 degrees out), and $10.00 worth of gas for my car, I bought a couple of packs of 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights. You see, at the register, there is a plastic card "display" that can hold up to eight different products worth of packs. You just select the packs from the bottom (similar to the displays at the local Target) and they get refilled at the top. So I bought two packs of U & H, just to give me something to look at during my lunch hour.

Well, 1:00 pm finally arrives, and as I sit down and wait for my lunch to heat up in the microwave, I open the first of the two packs:

• Brian Buscher
• David Huff
• Russell Branyan
• Alex Gonzalez
• Mark Buehrle All-Star
• Orlando Hudson All-Star
• Ichiro Suzuki All-Star
• ToppsTown Justin Verlander Blue (code is expired)
• Reggie Jackson SP card
• Ken Griffey, Jr.
• Ken Griffey, Jr. Highlight
• Ronny Cedeño
• David Wright Students Work Hard, Get Cards...

Wait a minute. Back up the truck! (flipping back the last four cards)...

2009 Topps U & H Reggie Jackson #253c.
I can't believe I just pulled an actual SP card...and it's one I actually need!!!

I was just telling someone via e-mail that I have the lousiest luck pulling these SP cards from packs that I buy. Either I get a card that I already received in the mail earlier (the Jim Palmer card), or I send a pack of cards to England and the guy pulls the elusive 2008 Topps Red Sox w/Giuliani RED BORDER CARD. It had gotten so bad that even one of the winners of my contest pulled a Rickey Henderson SP card from the pack I BOUGHT AND MAILED TO HIM!!! So that's why I've been begging and pleading for the SP's via trade.

But to get this card...from the 7-Eleven of all places...I'm...wow!!! Forget opening the second pack now. (I just did, about 11 hours after my lunch break. Nothing much to write about...trust me).

And that brings the total of 2009 Topps U & H SP's that I have to eleven, and fourteen to go before the set is complete. To the person who offered to send me the Jackson OAK card for trade...thanks for the offer. I don't think I need it anymore.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

A Devil Ray's SP Card? You Bet! And Now I Have Ten.

Earlier in the week, smokinjoe from the Topps Message Board asked if I could reserve the last three 2010 Topps Gold Cards I have for him as he wanted to offer a card to me. I said I'd hold it for him, but did he need anything more from me as I didn't think I had enough for a trade. I didn't hear anything from him since. That was until yesterday.

A bubble envelope arrived in the mail from smokinjoe. And I was shocked. I didn't hear from the guy, thinking that the offer was dead. But this is what was inside:

2009 Topps U&H Wade Boggs #UH103b.
Needless to say, the three gold cards will be in the mail as soon as I can get envelopes (that would be Monday morning). The generosity of those in the Hobby blows me away. Whether you're a blogger, or a forum junkie, you have to admit that without this internet thingy, none of our collections could be where they are now. So thanks Joe.

That's ten down, and fifteen more to go to complete my 2009 U&H shortprint set. If anyone has any of the other fifteen cards (you'll find them on the sidebar...not too hard to find), please let me know what you have and what you need.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Long Overdue Thanks to a Couple of Friends of the Blog!

Two packages came in the mail a while back from two friends of the blog. And because of my "computer issues," I haven't had a chance to thank them...until now.

Friend of the blog, all around good guy, the guy that gave us the scoop on the 2010 Topps SP's, tdlindgren sent an SP card from 2009 Topps U & H. Up to this point, I only have six of the twenty-five cards. A long way to go before even considering this set complete. But an e-mail from him appeared in my inbox, stating, " I have an SP from 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights that I'm going to send to you."

2009 Topps U & H Jimmie Foxx #UH281.
I sent an e-mail to Tim stating that if I did ever get an SP card, even if I didn't already have it, it was his. And sure enough, I did get one (Babe Ruth). Also, I know you commented that you were looking for the Blue Back #15 (which also happens to be of the Babe). That was the one card that I got from my WalMart experiment. Tim, if you're still looking for those cards, please let me know.

Also, another friend of the blog daverysr58A, had a couple of SP's from U & H that I was looking for, and although he didn't update his wantlist, he did say that he would send a couple of SP's in exchange for some 2010 Topps cards. I received the cards:

2009 Topps U & H Honus Wagner #UH98. 2009 Topps U & H George Sisler #153.
I sent Don a few cards from his 2010 Topps Series 1 want list and a few inserts. But now I think I may have shorted the man. Don, when you get the package, and think there isn't enough, please go through the cards I have available and let me know if there is anything else you'd like, and it's yours.

So gentlemen, thank you very much for the cards. It brings my wantlist for the U & H SP's down to 16 cards. Still a long way to go, but I'm getting there. Thanks again guys. Your generosity knows no bounds (and I have a long way to go before mine is as high as yours).

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

A Late Thank You to the Savages!!!

Glenn Savage, one of the winners of the big 2009 Topps Rookie All-Star Team Contest, sent in a bunch of 2009 ToppsTown cards for my kids and me to use (the expiration date to use the codes is 01/31/2010...or this Sunday!!!). Along with them, he sent three cards that I so desperately needed:


2009 Topps U & H Duke Snider #UH47.

2009 Topps U & H Nolan Ryan #UH232c.

2009 Topps U & H Johnny Mize #UH250c.

In exchange for these three SP's, I sent him a handful of cards that he needed from his want lists. So thank you very much Glenn for the cards.

That means of the 25 U & H SP's, I have...6. I am 19 short of finishing that set, and I still need 5 SP cards from series 2. Please look at the sidebar under Want list. If you have any of the SP's that I need to get 2009 in the books, please send me an e-mail. I have tons of cards (mostly from Topps base sets and inserts) that I'd be more than happy to part with in exchange.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Sneaking Away to Show Off My Presents

On Christmas Eve, an envelope came from friend of the blog Larry Littman. It was something unexpected, especially since the package that was long overdue was mailed awhile back. What was inside the package was completely unexpected, and for this, I am truly grateful.

2009 Topps U&H Babe Ruth SP #UH330c.
Totally unexpected, greatly appreciated. One less card to hunt down, and this would have been one that I would have had to cave in and buy if I ever saw it at a show. So Larry, again, thank you. Let me know when that package finally arrives. I am sorry that it didn't get to you sooner. But it will get there I'm sure.

Santa was also kind to this humble blogger this year, as his stocking was filled with two packs each of 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights (the 36-card retail fat packs) and 2009 Topps 206 (the 12-pack double packs). Highlights include a Babe Ruth Turkey Red #TR150, two Piedmont mini cards (Chris Dickerson #110, and Ryan Perry #87), one Tim Lincecum SP card, and two Topps 206 gold parallels (Luke Scott #152, and Andre Ethier #34). One thing about these parallel cards is that these look like two cards glued together. Looks tacky to be honest. I guess when I buy my full set (whenever that may be), I'll stick to the base set. Although, even with the older Topps 206 sets, they probably do look better in mini form than they do in the regular base card size.

But beggars can't be choosers, and I thank Santa for the wonderful gifts.

It's on to spend the rest of the day with family. Tonight, we'll be with my side of the family, celebrating. Tomorrow, we make the trip to Indiana to spend time with my wife's family. Wherever this day takes you, have a safe and Merry Christmas. Talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Maris in the Mail! Two SP's Down, 23 to Go!

Jeremy DeJong, the creative mind over at Jeremy's Custom Cards wrote a comment a couple of weeks ago, asking if I was interested in the Roger Maris SP card that he happened to have in his possession. Needless to say, absolutely I was interested. So, an e-mail was sent.

In his reply, all he wanted were current Tigers cards as he lives in Lakeland, FL, the Tigers spring training home. He also stated that he had one of the seven 2003 Topps Record Breakers Nolan Ryan No-Hitter cards that have been buried in my want lists for quite a long time.

So an envelope came in the mail today from Florida. Here's what was inside:

2009 Topps Roger Maris SP #UH48b.
A note included in the envelope read:

Hope you enjoy these. I don't really collect the S.P.'s, and I'm sure the card would be more appreciated in your collection.

Definitely will be appreciated Jeremy. Mr. DeJong also included this Nolan Ryan RB card:


Now I've been searching on and off for the seven cards that comprise this set. And while it's been on my want list for almost forever it seems, it wasn't one of the high priorities to finish. But this is a good start, and hopefully, eventually, I'll start searching for the other six (if anybody has any of the other six cards, this is card #5, please e-mail me.)

Finally, there was a third card in the envelope. It was an autographed card no less. I don't think there could be any value placed on this, and I'm pretty sure it's a rare card. It wasn't something I was looking for, but it will go into the binder along with all my 2009 Topps cards:


Jeremy, thank you very much for the cards. The background of your card looks similar to my basement. Bookshelf of cards, miscellaneous stuff on top of bookshelf. Baseball cards and other things scattered everywhere. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you found your way to my house to get the picture taken.

A bunch of Tigers cards will be on their way to you before the end of the week. I promise.

Two down, 23 to go. The quest continues.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S. For those wondering, the Bible quotation included with his autograph is Proverbs 3: verses 5-6, which reads (according to the New International Version):

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Amen. jba

The First of Hopefully 25 U & H Shortprints Has Arrived!!!

Out of the blue, I get an e-mail from reader and friend of the blog Larry Littman saying that he is getting a package together for me in the mail, including an SP from the Updates and Highlights set. Appreciating the generosity, I asked for a wantlist to see if I can return the favor. He sent me a wantlist, I went through all the cards, and before I could even get a chance to mail his stuff, his package arrived on Saturday morning.

The package was filled with inserts from all three series of Topps, including a good number of Topps Gold cards, about 8 Propaganda cards, ToppsTown cards (need the codes for the kids...thanks), a Jesus Guzman Topps Chrome Traded Rookie bonus card, a Honus Wagner gold refractor card (the exclusive insert found in Target Cereal boxes), a bunch of Legends of the Game inserts, a sampling of 2009 Topps Cubs cards (which my daughter nabbed and claimed as her own...), and this, which is still in the original holder (have not taken a screwdriver to it yet):

2009 Topps Johnny Mize #UH250b.
Larry, thank you very much for the cards. I do appreciate, and am humbled by your generosity. The cards you need are on their way via the USPS. Please let me know when you get them.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Would Anybody Like to Buy This for Me???

I'm not one to beg or grovel on this blog, but I saw this auction on the Bay today and, in totally reckless wishful thinking, thought I'd link the auction on here and see if anybody would be willing to buy this for me.

Topps Updates 25 Card SP Variation Set

It's only going for the ridiculously low BIN price of $339.99 (plus $9.95 shipping...)

Want to see what the cards look like???








It would save me the time and agony (and also the money since ideally you'd be buying this for me out of the kindness of your heart).

Please???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S. No, I'm not expecting anybody to buy this for me (unless you the readers really want to, that's fine...I would totally appreciate it). I'm just pointing out this option for anybody who has the dough and not the time and patience to build the set one card at a time. jba

Short Prints in 2009 Topps Updates & Highlights...Which Current Player was Paired with an SP???

Topps is honoring twenty-one legendary players in it's 2009 eponymous Updates and Highlights set with short-printed cards. All of the players selected are Hall of Famers (or in two cases, living legends...thanks PAB for setting me straight). And just like the SP's in series 1 and 2, the twenty-one legends are numbered as if they are part of the flagship set (as you will see below). The kicker is that four players will have two variation cards, and a pair of legends is sharing one card number. So, which active player is being paired up with the legend?

For those keeping score, here is the official 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights SP checklist:

• #UH47 Carlos Beltran, #UH47b Duke Snider.
• #UH48 Albert Pujols, #UH48b Roger Maris.
• #UH52 Kyle Blanks, #UH52b Bo Jackson.
• #UH65 Joe Mauer, #UH65b Paul Molitor
  
• #UH71 Chase Utley, #UH71b Rogers Hornsby, #UH71c Ryne Sandberg.
• #UH98 Hanley Ramirez, #UH98b Honus Wagner.
• #UH103 Evan Longoria, #UH103b Wade Boggs.
• #UH148 Jason Bay, #UH148b Tris Speaker.
• #UH150 Raul Ibañez, #UH150b Ty Cobb.
• #UH153 Ichiro Suzuki, #UH153b George Sisler.
• #UH186 Zack Greinke, #UH186b Christy Mathewson.
• #UH198 Roy Halladay, #UH198b Cy Young.
• #UH232 Tim Lincecum, #UH232b Nolan Ryan CAL, #UH232c Nolan Ryan NYM.
• #UH250 Mark Teixeira, #UH250b Johnny Mize NYY, #UH250c Johnny Mize NYG.
• #UH253 Prince Fielder, #UH253b Reggie Jackson CAL, #UH253c Reggie Jackson OAK.
• #UH260 Ryan Howard, #UH260b Willie McCovey.
• #UH281 Kevin Youkilis, #UH281b Jimmie Fox.
• #UH318 Carl Crawford, #UH318b Rickey Henderson.
• #UH325 Torii Hunter, #UH325b Frank Robinson
• #UH330 Ken Griffey, Jr., #UH330b Babe Ruth Braves, #UH330c Babe Ruth Red Sox.

Pictures of all 25 cards can be seen here. These cards look fantastic, but the chase is probably going to stretch into next year (at this rate). Nothing on eBay (yet) showing big-time gimmicks or unannounced SP cards (yet).

I am now looking for 30 SP cards, five from series 2 (you should all be able to rattle them off in your sleep, Ryan, Ripken, Frank Robinson, Marichal, Schmidt), and the 25 above. I keep telling myself, "Patience. You don't need to rush. Take your time." I don't know if I need to stop listening to myself or if I need therapy.

The chase is on.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The SP Floodgates Have Now Opened!!!

Funny thing about that friend of the blog, and all around good guy, tdlindgren. I recently happened upon a comment he left a while back asking if this years Updates and Highlights would include more SP's of players already honored, but in different uniforms, like Babe Ruth in a Boston Braves uni or Ryne Sandberg in a Phillies uniform.

Well guess what??!

Another friend of the blog, The Drizz, commented that 2009 Topps U & H cards are showing up on eBay, especially the SP cards. So I took a look. Needless to say, and if you've been collecting these as I have, we have our work cut out for us.

Enclosed are some scans from an eBayer who must have opened tons and tons of product, as he has on auction almost every card imaginable, including 25 SP cards. Many subjects have already appeared in either series 1 or 2, and there are new players added to the mix. However, there are some players on the checklist below that might appear in more than one uniform, meaning that there could be more than one SP card for a player. What you are about to see below should be the final list:









In alphabetical order (because I don't have the official card numbers yet), and after perusing eBay's listings again, the checklist seems to be:

Wade Boggs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Ty Cobb, Philadelphia Athletics
Jimmie Foxx, Boston Red Sox
Rickey Henderson, New York Yankees
Rogers Hornsby, Chicago Cubs
Bo Jackson, Chicago White Sox
Reggie Jackson, Oakland A's
Reggie Jackson, California Angels
Roger Maris, St. Louis Cardinals
Christy Mathewson, Cincinnati Reds
Willie McCovey, San Diego Padres
Johnny Mize, New York Giants
Johnny Mize, New York Yankees
Paul Molitor, Minnesota Twins
Frank Robinson, California Angels
Babe Ruth, Boston Red Sox
Babe Ruth, Boston Braves
Nolan Ryan, New York Mets
Nolan Ryan, California Angels
Ryne Sandberg, Philadelphia Phillies
George Sisler, Boston Braves
Duke Snider, New York Mets
Tris Speaker, Boston Red Sox
Honus Wagner, Louisville Colonels
Cy Young, Boston Rustlers

There is an auction on the bay right now for 24 of these cards (minus the Sisler) for the low Buy it Now price of $479.99 (regular bidding starts at $379.99). For those who can stomach the price, this one's for you.

For the rest of us who plan on going after this set one card at a time, you have your assignments...

Let's get to work. And remember, if you find any of these short printed cards, and would like to find them a good home, please e-mail bdj610@hotmail.com and let me know what you have. Thanks.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama