Yazter...Yaster...Yastrzemski!!! Bless You!!!

I have made mention many times on this humble, little blog, that I have tons of cards that I have on boxes that I would be more than happy to trade or sell, with the hope of whittling down my want list. Charlie Mowry, the man who runs the Lifetime Topps project blog, sent an email offering a 2010 Topps Blue Back Ty Cobb card if I could help with his want lists. Last week I mailed out a decent package of cards, a number of 2014 inserts, the last card he needed for his 2013 Topps Update Series set, a few 2013 inserts that I could find immediately. On Friday, I received an email saying that the Cobb card he had was the wrong number (the one I didn't need), but he would send something better as a thank you for the package.

This is what he sent:

2011 Topps #25B Carl Yastrzemski SP

Jim Murray, a sports writer for the Los Angeles Times, said of Red Sox Hall of Famer, "You don't pronounce the name Yastrzemski, you sneeze it." And for a generation of Boston Red Sox fans, left field will always be Yaz' spot.

I have made no secret that I've been actively searching for the retired SP cards variation from 2009 through 2012 Topps. While I have all of the SP cards from 2009 cards and the five legend variations from 2012, I'm still on the hunt for 2010 and 2011 cards.

Ebay has been a great place to bring the number of cards I need from these sets down, but after going after (and succeeding in purchasing) whatever cards I needed that were under $10.00, I find that the supply has dried up, and now the lowest any of these cards I need start at $12.99.

I still have Mr. Mowry's want lists, and if and when I can get to the boxes, I will try and find more cards to send over to help him. If you want to send me your want lists, drop me a line at bdj610@hotmail.com and I will see what I can find in my boxes of cards and send them your way.

Thanks Charlie for Yaz.

Now if I could get my hands on the Carl Crawford Red Sox variation...

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

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

2012 Topps Series 2 Was Live This Week...and Not a Post from Me??!

Sorry for the lack of posts, especially during Topps Series 2 season. I've been so busy with my filling out my latest project, bdj610's All-Time All-Star Team Tournament that I haven't been doing much else online.

Am I excited that Series 2 is out?  Absolutely.

Am I thrilled that there finally is an updated checklist?  Yes!!!

Am I thrilled that Topps put back the HOF/legends SP's in series 2?  You bet!!!  (will get to this in a minute)

Have I gotten any cards yet?  (sob)  No, not yet.

Today would have been the perfect day to run to Target and grab a few packs, just so that I can at least join in the chase for that elusive #661 (the one that if I don't find, I'll wait patiently until factory sets arrive...I'm in no rush).  But alas, bills had to be paid (groan), and with this weekend being my daughter's dance recital, any extra funds will be going to all that goes with her show (food, tickets, after-show parties...)

Yes, money is tight, but it doesn't mean I can't be excited about Series 2.  If you didn't know by now, not including the Harper SP, there are 25 other short printed celebration/fun with mascots/pied-in-the-face cards that not only includes players whose regular cards are in series 2, but now also add onto the fun in series 1.  To wit, Derek Jeter's #30 card now not only shows him in a vertical leap that we all know was chosen by that guy who caught the #3000th hit, but now shows him celebrating with his teammates (maybe it was because of said hit...who knows?)  Also, the Rally Squirrel makes another appearance in Series 2, albeit as a stuffed animal instead of live rodent.  Here are the rest of the cards, if you need to know received the treatment.

Series 1 SP's in Series 2 (how weird sounding is that??!)

• #30b Derek Jeter (celebrating with teammates)
• #80b David Price (celebrating with a trophy)
• #85b Jason Heyward (throwback jersey)
• #158b Josh Reddick (with the rookie cup, batting...so now you have two ASRT cards of Reddick to go with a third that doesn't)
• #207b J. P. Arencibia (with the rookie cup, fielding...so now you have two ASRT cards of Arencibia to go with a third that doesn't...repetitive isn't it...)
• #273b David Freese (celebrating with fans, holding a squirrel doll)
• #280b Ryan Howard (looking out towards the field at Citizens Bank Park)
• #330b Matt Kemp (showing off the Beast Mode t-shirt).

Had to look it up, but "Beast Mode," according to the Urban Dictionary is "A hype, energetic, outgoing, wilding out state of mind."  If I had to fathom a guess, I would think that means when baseball players, and all athletes for that matter, push themselves further and harder during their workouts than normal, probably as their pre-season or regular season gets closer.  Here are the pics:

On to Series 2 SP's in Series 2 (makes no sense, just typing that for consistency):

• #331c Albert Pujols (yes, "c", at press conference)
• #350b Evan Longoria (signing autographs)
• #398b Buster Posey (riding the trolleys in SF)
• #430b Felix Hernandez as Larry Bernandez (will explain this one in a minute)
• #462b Brett Lawrie Pie in the Face
• #497b Andrew McCutchen (wearing Homestead Grays...the Parrot makes another appearance)
• #537b Ichiro Suzuki (wearing his trademark shades)
• #540b Dustin Pedroia (with the US flag in the background as he's tossing the ball...Patriotic)
• #600b Clayton Kershaw (wearing Brooklyn Dodgers jersey)
• #639b Justin Verlander (holding two balls...commemorating his two no-hitters)
• #650b Prince Fielder (signing autographs)
• #660b Yu Darvish (throwing left handed, he apparently does this in practice...nothing new it seems)
• #661a Bryce Harper (yeah, we know all about this one...consider this one shortprinted in lesser quantities than the others...then again, a factory set card will come soon)

King Felix as Larry Bernandez is a tribute to the Mariners ever popular tickets commercials.  The subplot is that the King wanted to pitch MORE than he would otherwise be allowed to do, so Larry Bernandez tried out for the team.  The marketing stunt proved so successful, hence Bernandez' own bobblehead night.

Now, just like the series 1 variations, I'm not going to be running amok on the Bay looking for them.  I'm more interested in these:

• #30c Joe DiMaggio
• #273b Stan Musial
• #330b Willie Mays
• #331d Babe Ruth (yes, now there's a fourth #331 card)
• #497b Roberto Clemente

Now that's more like it.  Here are cards I'm going to put on my wantlist.  With only 5 cards (the cream of the crop of HOF's no doubt), this should be an interesting set to go after (among other things).

I will wait patiently on the Bay hoping that master sets will come down in price after the hysteria.  In the mean time, maybe I will run to Target and get at least a couple of packs to tide me over. 

Who knows?  I might actually get something good.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2011 Topps Update Series is Now Live! So Who Are the SP Legends in This Set?

If you've been paying attention to the Bay, you would know that 2011 Topps Update Series has now arrived, even though it was supposed to be released today (10/5/2011).  So while waiting for master sets to show up on the auction site, I thought it would be a good idea to look around and see what players were given the SP treatment.

Leave it to eBay powersellers brentandbecca to have all the answers in one convenient location.

They presently have two auctions up for a complete set of all 25 cards, each with a BIN of $439.99 (you could start the bidding at $379.99, but we'll see how far that will take you), and all 25 cards are picture in all their glory.

So to save time, hassle, and agony, here are the 25 players whose cards will be mixed in with the regular 330 at short printed levels:

• #US4 Carlton Fisk
• #US10 Hank Aaron
• #US18 Joe DiMaggio
• #US21 Willie McCovey
• #US31 Paul O'Neill
• #US38 Roger Maris
• #US42 Frank Thomas
• #US50 Nolan Ryan
• #US58 Bert Blyleven
• #US59 Rickey Henderson
• #US85 Tom Seaver
• #US138 Paul Molitor
• #US140 Sandy Koufax
• #US154 Babe Ruth
• #US195 Larry Walker
• #US207 Frank Robinson
• #US229 Roberto Alomar
• #US230 Al Kaline
• #US238 Darryl Strawberry
• #US249 Ozzie Smith
• #US258 Monte Irvin
• #US260 Ty Cobb
• #US278 Tris Speaker
• #US291 Andre Dawson
• #US309 Jimmie Foxx

Would you like to see pictures?  Of course you do:

Thoughts:  It pains me to see Frank Thomas in any other uniform besides the White Sox.  I know that these are supposed to show players on other teams.  But it still hurts (pun intended).  Nice to see Andre Dawson in a Cubs uniform. It's the SP debut for DiMaggio, O'Neill, Strawberry, and Walker.  Also, why aren't the baseballs where the team logos are placed "aged"?

Happy hunting.  I'll be looking for these too.  So if you find any in your packs, and don't need them, please let me know.  I'll give them a nice home.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Trading Away A SP Card. Why Would I Do Such a Savage Thing???

A while back, I wrote that I bought a Target 4-pack of 2011 Topps Series 2.  And one of the cards in the pack was this beautiful short print. 

2011 Topps Jim Palmer SP #393

Now, I have the most rotten luck when it comes to finding packs with SP cards.  So to even get one is an accomplishment.  Now, friend of the blog Glenn Savage sent me an e-mail wondering if I was willing to part with it.  Seeing that he is from Maryland, and he's been so generous with all the cards he's traded to me, I couldn't say no.  He listed what he was willing to offer, and I told him what I would want in exchange.

The package came yesterday.  Included was a Topps Gold card of Dodger pitcher Jonathan Broxton, an Andre Dawson 60 Years of Topps Original Back (1985), and this...

2011 Topps Christy Mathewson SP #102

Yes sir, a Christy Mathewson SP card.  A short-printed card of a HOF pitcher for a short-printed card of a HOF pitcher.  Seems like a fair exchange to me.

Also included in the package that came in the mail yesterday were seven Series 2 Diamond Giveaway cards.  All used.  I just needed the code cards for my collection (darn the fact that they are numbered).  I am only missing TDG12 and the set is done.  Now, all I want is the card, used code or not.

I am also sending him a couple of other cards that I think he will enjoy.  Thanks again, Glenn.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2011 Topps Series 2 is Now Live...as of Last Week Anyway...

Here is anoher post that should have been put up last week.  My apologies for not getting it out sooner.

But in any event, as you probably all know, 2011 Topps Series 2 is now live, and all of our favorite casebreakers have been busy putting everything they found on the Bay.  This is always a fun time for me because I get to see what all the SP cards look like, without having to break the bank to get them right away (if you notice, I still have not finished the 2009 SP's yet, and I have a ways to go with the 2010 and 2011 versions...in due time hopefully...)

So after perusing the bay and setting up to keep tabs on a few auctions, I thought that now would be a good time to display pictures of the 25 legends/retired players/HOF's that are interspersed within packs of Series 2 Topps.

660 Brooks Robinson
650 Frank Robinson
645 Bob Gibson
626 Nolan Ryan
410 Reggie Jackson

405 Ryne Sandberg
425 Johnny Mize
480 Roberto Alomar

490 Duke Snider
651 Eddie Murray
375 Andre Dawson
570 Bert Blyleven
516 Tom Seaver
450 Mickey Mantle

393 Jim Palmer
460 Robin Roberts
630 Joe Morgan
355 Bob Feller
435 Pee Wee Reese
510 Hank Aaron

600 John Smoltz
530 Sandy Koufax
590 Juan Marichal
505 Greg Maddux
640 Eddie Mathews

Lots of Braves (Aaron, Maddux, Mathews, Smoltz) and Orioles (Both Brooks and Frank Robinson, Palmer, and Murray).  Canadian team fans will love seeing both Dawson and Alomar depicted as an Expo and a Blue Jay respectively.  Creepy thing about both Aaron's and Mathews "A" is that it's white.  For some reason, I thought that the ink was not printing on the A, but it's there, in white above a faded baseball used for the logo.

So the want list has now been updated with the above 25 cards.  If anyone has these cards and are willing to part with them, please let me know.

Otherwise...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The Rest of the Legends Shortprints. Twenty-Four and Counting.

Perusing the Bay earlier this week, I found 19 of the SP's. Here is the checklist that I posted on Wednesday:

• #5 Lou Gehrig
• #20 Honus Wagner
• #25 Carl Yastrzemski
• #44 Rogers Hornsby
• #80 Jackie Robinson
• #90 Yogi Berra
• #93 Frank Thomas
• #100 Stan Musial
• #102 Christy Mathewson
• #135 Dale Murphy
• #198 Johnny Bench
• #200 Ty Cobb
• #209 Roy Campanella
• #219 Thurman Munson
• #247 Ernie Banks
• #250 Mel Ott
• #271 Babe Ruth
• #315 Jimmie Foxx
• #330 Phil Rizzuto

Here are some more you can add to the pile:

• #50 Mike Schimidt
• #150 Hank Greenberg
• #199 Ozzie Smith
• #293 Harmon Killebrew
• #300 Walter Johnson

Wait...that's 24. So what's the 25th SP card?

The Legends SP's are Starting to Appear on the Bay!

I love this time of year. Yes, I'm still snowbound (did a lot of shoveling though), so I've taken some time today to peruse the Bay and yes, Virginia, there are legends in the SP's this year.

So far, here is what has been found. Remember, there are supposed to be 25 of these cards (not including the Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez Red Sox cards):

• #5 Lou Gehrig
• #20 Honus Wagner
• #25 Carl Yastrzemski
• #44 Rogers Hornsby
• #80 Jackie Robinson
• #90 Yogi Berra
• #93 Frank Thomas
• #100 Stan Musial
• #102 Christy Mathewson
• #135 Dale Murphy
• #198 Johnny Bench
• #200 Ty Cobb
• #209 Roy Campanella
• #219 Thurman Munson
• #247 Ernie Banks
• #250 Mel Ott
• #271 Babe Ruth
• #315 Jimmie Foxx
• #330 Phil Rizzuto

This is just a partial list (19 cards found so far). When I find the full list (and some better pictures), I will add them to the post. In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures:







Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Whoops!!! Missed One.

I mentioned last night that there were 21 SP's. Today, not only was it noted that there were five more Pie in the Face cards, but also another Stephen Strasburg SP. And if you've scoured the Bay and found 30 Mickey Mouse cards (one for each team...celebrating the All-Star Game this summer in Anaheim), those come one per case if it's to be believed.

Anyway, there was one more SP card that I didn't find last night and it was brought to my attention this morning.


2010 Topps Update Series Boston Americans #US220.

That makes seven teams and 15 legends for a grand spanking total of 22. There were supposed to be ten teams. Nobody's found the other three...yet. If they are found, I'll post the scans here.

And to thewritersjourney who commented about Bench's SP card with the wrong logo. I don't think the Reds ever used a "C" with that shape. I get a sinking feeling that Topps may have inserted the Cubs' "C" logo instead of the Reds' "C" logo (the Reds use a more oval shaped letter C right???)

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2010 Topps Update Series on the Bay!!! Take A Look at the SP's!!!

Singles, autos, relics, inserts, and full master sets of 2010 Topps Update Series are starting to trickle in on the Bay. And so I know what I want to go after once I get my complete set, enclosed are pictures of the 21 SP Legend Variation cards found in the Update series. Among the cards being discovered right now is probably my number one want from the Update series.


A 2010 Topps ANDRE DAWSON SP CARD!!! #US85B.

There are 21 SP's to chase, including:


Group shot of Willie McCovey #US15, Rickey Henderson #US276, Brooks Robinson #US225, Bruce Sutter #US175, Dave Winfield #US214, and Reggie Jackson #US50. These pictures are awesome...don't you think???


Group shot of Andre Dawson #US85, Steve Carlton #US45, Tony Gwynn #US203, Bo Jackson #US318, Jim Palmer #US185, and Bob Gibson #661.


Group shot of Franchise History cards of the New York Giants #US58, St, Louis Browns #US200, Washington Senators #US320, Cleveland Naps #US330, and Philadelphia Athletics #US25.


Group shot of Johnny Bench #US330, Brooklyn Dodgers #US260, and Babe Ruth #US317.

Robin Roberts #US100.

The cards look great. And together, there are 6 Legendary Teams to go with 15 legendary players. And when I get my master set, then I'll start hunting. I'm still way behind with the legend SP's in 2010 Topps, so this just makes the wantlist grow larger.

Let the games begin.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S. Oops. Found a 22nd Legend SP. jba

2010 Topps Baseball Series 2 is on the Bay!!!

As casebreakers are rushing to put singles, inserts, and sets of the brand new 2010 Topps Baseball Series 2 product (which is supposed to be out tomorrow), a lot of interesting things have been found so far...including:

• Five new Pie in the Face variations, none of whom are Yankees.
• The 20 SP cards are not ten numbers apart as originally described.
• Has anybody noticed that there are no "When they were Young" cards in series 2??? I thought this was supposed to be a 54 card (18 per series) set...

Beckett has images of all five Pie in the Face cards:

225 David Price
353 Jason Heyward
435 Nelson Cruz
467 Mitch Talbot
509 Ike Davis


And as for the 20 SP's:

331 Eddie Mathews
354 Johnny Mize
369 Jimmie Foxx
370 Mel Ott
377 Tom Seaver
400 Frank Robinson
403 Ozzie Smith
409 Richie Ashburn
476 Thurman Munson
479 Dizzy Dean
489 Roy Campanella
532 Dale Murphy
549 Pee Wee Reese
559 Eddie Murray
569 Tris Speaker
590 Ernie Banks
600 Honus Wagner
615 Nolan Ryan
650 Ty Cobb
652 Mickey Mantle


Whether these still are limited to 3000 cards remain to be seen. It only means that it will be extremely harder (and possibly more expensive) to trade or obtain these cards. There is already an auction for all 20 cards for the unbelievably low BIN price of $379.99. Master sets are going anywhere between $99-150 on the bay, depending on if you want 613 cards or 623 (with the 10 MCG code cards).

As this blog has in past years, when information becomes available, we will be listing the ten rookies selected for the 2010 Topps Red Hot Rookies program.

Let the games continue. Happy Hunting!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Where in the Heck Have I Been This Week???

For those that were wondering (okay, wondering might not be the right word...but that's the best one I could come up with right now) where I've been this past week, and why the Random Card of the Day segments didn't appear until last night, it's because it's been pretty busy both at home and at work, so keeping up with the blogging was put on the back burner. I hope now that I'm caught up with the daily posts that I can get back to normal.

I have so much to write about, especially about Topps Attax' special "Battle of the Ages" set (think of the Pokémon themed decks). I saw it at the Meijer last week, but didn't think much about it then. Then earlier this week, the boys and girls at the number one source in the Hobby wrote about it, saying that if you thought your 2010 Topps Attax set was complete, guess again, and waxed poetic about this "retired greats vs. new stars" concept. Needless to say, my curiousity got the best of me, and I bought the set. I will have much more to write about it this weekend.

Onto to other matters. I've been getting a number of e-mails requesting to add their blogs to the big Sports Card Blogroll (and in a couple of cases, bringing back a couple of blogs that were previously removed). I am sorry for not getting to them sooner. And until last night, I was pretty lax about adding new sites to the roll. I have since added 11 new blogs to the big blogroll, bringing the total of "active" blogs back up to 304. I will, however, be doing the usual maintenance and removing blogs with six months of inactivity, so the number will go down again. My big concern is that with the "lull" that's been going on all over the Hobby blogosphere that there might not be as many new blogs coming down the pipeline, and that's not a good thing.

I have also, slowly, begun buying packs here and there of 2010 Topps 1 again. And even though I already have all the cards, I was able to whittle down my want list of Blue Backs (the ones found exclusively at Wal-Mart and Meijer) a bit, finding two cards. Friend of the blog Matthew Edwards sent me the following two cards in the mail (the first such mailday of cards in a long, long time):

2010 Topps Cards Your Mother Threw Out Original Back Nolan Ryan 1978

2010 Topps George Sisler SP #125.
Thank you Matthew for the help. I do have your wantlists printed, and when I get the chance, I will let you know what I plan on sending to you. I apologize for the long delay, but know that I got the cards, and I am truly thankful.

So now I still need 15 of the 2010 SP's and 23 of the CYMTO Original Back cards. The list is on the sidebar. Please look and see if you have anything.

And finally, 2010 Topps Series 2 is coming next week. Beckett has a number of scans of the cards they got from their little box break. So that was a bit to see what the cards are going to look like. I'm excited, but I still haven't bought my 30 team sets yet (will get to that...I want to have all the cards ready before the All-Star Break!!!) Lots to buy, so little time.

Here's to a busy next couple of weeks and months for this humble, little blog.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Why Am I Not Surprised??? Twelve Pie Cards??! Go Figure.

Thanks again to Trader Crack'sfor breaking the story.

When the first Yankees "Pie in the Face" variation card (I think it was Teixeira) popped up on eBay, I thought it was just a one time thing. Then a second one showed up. Then a third. Then a fourth, Francisco Cervelli, showed up with a card number that meant it was for series 2.

It made me wonder What??!

Then three more cards showed up on the Bay. So after those cards showed up, I did a bit of research. It turns out that the PITF's were a new thing for the Yankees, thanks to pitcher A. J. Burnett. The Yankee player responsible for the game ending winning hit (not necessarily a home run) would get pied. The Yankees had 15 of these walk of wins in 2009. I listed the "victims" on an earlier post.

But now today, it's been confirmed that Topps inserted 12...that's right...TWELVE...of these PITF cards. The checklist (no card numbers as the others have not been found yet, but with dates of said celebration included):

Alex Rodriguez-5/16/09
Johnny Damon-5/17/09
Jorge Posada-7/4/09
Hideki Matsui-7/20/09
Alex Rodriguez-8/7/09 (so he got pied twice, and gets two cards to show for it)
Robinson Cano-8/12/09
Robinson Cano-8/28/09 (so he got pied twice, and gets two cards to show for it)
Nick Swisher-9/8/09
Francisco Cervelli-9/16/09
Juan Miranda-9/29/09
Mark Teixeira-10/9/09
Jerry Hairston, Jr.-10/17/09

So wait...no Girardi? No Luis Castillo Mets variation? Where is card #15??? Who cares??!

Again, I'm not going to bother attempting to collect these. It wouldn't be the first time I've decided not to go after short printed cards in a Topps set, and it most likely won't be the last. So Yankee fans, GO NUTS!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

It Is Official!!! There Are 20 Legends SP's in 2010 Topps Series 1

On the far right, you'll see the last SP card found...Whitey Ford!!!

Ebay case breakers brentandbecca have opened up all their boxes, sorted out the cards, and have come up with a final tally of SP cards. And for a mere $379.99 via Buy it Now, all 20 cards can be yours!!!

The final checklist for the legends SP's in series 1:

• #1b Hank Greenberg
• #20b Warren Spahn
• #50b Cy Young
• #56b Whitey Ford
• #80b Christy Mathewson
• #85b Jackie Robinson
• #90b Rogers Hornsby
• #94b Carlton Fisk
• #95b Rickey Henderson
• #100b Stan Musial
• #110b Willie Stargell
• #116b Robin Yount
• #125b George Sisler
• #130b Reggie Jackson
• #165b Joe Morgan
• #175b Roger Maris
• #200b Walter Johnson
• #250b Lou Gehrig
• #294b Babe Ruth
• #300b Ryne Sandberg

Then you have one uniform variation (similar to the 2009 CC Sabathia card)

• #222b Curtis Granderson NYY

And then finally four Pie in the Face cards:

• #65b Nick Swisher PITF
• #120b Jorge Posada PITF
• #250c Mark Teixeira PITF
• #422 Francisco Cervelli PITF

And you now have 25 SP cards to chase in 2010 Topps. Whew.

Topps included 25 short prints in 2009 Topps U & H, so it should be safe to call the SP set in series 1 done at 25 cards. For me, my priorities will be tracking down the 20 legends and Granderson. The PITF's will be something to consider if I'm able to get all 21 of the cards I want.

Okay ladies and gentlemen, we know what's out there, we know what to look for. Good luck.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

How About We Separate the Pies from the Legends???

In an update to the previous post, hofmichael of the FCB has confirmed that Hornsby is card #90 and Sandberg is card #300.

And just recently, a Hank Greenberg card #1 was spotted on the Bay.

Can't miss him, he's on the top, middle card.

Why am I asking to separate the Yankees "Pie in the Face" cards from the Legends SP's?

Because according to hofmichael, there is a variation to card #120 of Jorge Posada...with Pie in the Face.

So let's get down to business. As it stands, we know of 24 Short printed cards. Of which, 19 are of legends:

#1b Hank Greenberg
#20b Warren Spahn
#50b Cy Young
#80b Christy Mathewson
#85b Jackie Robinson
#90b Rogers Hornsby
#94b Carlton Fisk
#95b Rickey Henderson
#100b Stan Musial
#110b Willie Stargell
#116b Robin Yount
#125b George Sisler
#130b Reggie Jackson
#165b Joe Morgan
#175b Roger Maris
#200b Walter Johnson
#250b Lou Gehrig
#294b Babe Ruth
#300b Ryne Sandberg

One is a uniform variation (similar to the 2009 CC Sabathia card)
#222b Curtis Granderson NYY

And the other four are "Pie in the Face" (or PITF) cards
#65b Nick Swisher PITF
#120b Jorge Posada PITF
#250c Mark Teixeira PITF
#422 Francisco Cervelli PITF

According to the NY Times, this "Pie in the Face" thing is new thing that started this year, thanks to A. J. Burnett. And this was done 15 times!!! Other Yankees who've been pied include:

Robinson Cano
Alex Rodriguez
Juan Miranda
Jerry Hairston
Johnny Damon
Melky Cabrera
Hideki Matsui
Joe Girardi
and
Luis Castillo (not a Met, but at this point, you never know).

I don't think I'm going to go after the Pie in the Face set (this opinion subject to change). But by all means, especially Yankees fans...GO NUTS!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

And Then There Were 22...

Friend of the blog, frequent commenter, all around good guy, and now official eBay auction reported tdlindgren (unpaid position Tim, sorry...) has just found two more SP cards in 2010 Topps

The first is of Rogers Hornsby.


The second is of Ryne Sandberg.


That brings the total of discovered SP's in 2010 Topps to 22 (18 legends, 1 uniform variation, 3 pies in the face).

Now I definitely want the Sandberg. If I don't get any other SP's from anybody in this set, I want the Sandberg!!!

Period.

End of Story!!!

If and when you can spare them, Tim, can you relay the card #'s for both cards?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Midnight Madness with Reggie Jackson and the 20th SP Card.

Los Gatos posted this little message on the Topps Message Boards:

"I pulled a Reggie Jackson SP (Angels) tonight from a Target pack. Card #130. The regular 130 is Vladimir Guerrero."

If this is correct, then we now have 20 SP cards within the base Topps set for 2010 to look for. Seventeen cards are of legends, three are Yankees "Pie-in-the-face" cards. As of this moment, here is the SP checklist:

• #20b Warren Spahn
• #50b Cy Young
• #65b Nick Swisher "Pie in the Face"
• #80b Christy Mathewson
• #85b Jackie Robinson
• #94b Carlton Fisk
• #95b Rickey Henderson
• #100b Stan Musial
• #110b Willie Stargell
• #116b Robin Yount
• #125b George Sisler
• #130b Reggie Jackson
• #165b Joe Morgan
• #175b Roger Maris
• #200b Walter Johnson
• #222b Curtis Granderson NYY
• #250b Mark Teixeira "Pie in the Face"
• #250c Lou Gehrig
• #294b Babe Ruth
• #422 Francisco Cervelli "Pie in the Face"

And the beat goes on.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

More Pie Shots in 2010 Topps...And Rickey Henderson Too.

It looks like Mark Teixeira isn't the only one getting a card with pie on it.

Reports today include Nick Swisher getting the same treatment. For those keeping score at home, his card number is #65.

And also, from the number one source in the hobby...Francisco Cervalli. Pictures are above (thanks to Field Level View). Card #422...


WHAT??!
And finally, from Sooz of A Cardboard Problem, and the gentleman who runs Rickey Henderson Collectibles, word of a 2010 Topps Rickey Henderson SP card has surfaced. Picture of the front is above as well. Card #95.


That brings our tally to nineteen SP cards, three of which are Yankee Pie Faces. I'm not too sure if I want to get any of them, but that #422 might be of interest.

Will there be more?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Curtis Granderson...A Yankee???

Friend of the blog The Drizz added an eBay auction link to the comments section of one of my posts, and it looks like he has found a Curtis Granderson card #222 in a Yankees uniform. Which might not necessarily be a big deal. I mean if they can get Akinori Iwamura in a Pirates uniform (he played for the Rays last year), then why not Granderson in a Yankee uni?


That's why.

Nice huh? Not only did they photoshop the Yankees uni onto Granderson's body, they used the same picture (although the Yankee's card is horizontal, and you can see more of the picture than on the Tiger's card). Now this is more akin to the CC card I was talking about in the Teixeira post.

Somewhere, Detroit fans (and the guy at Grand Cards) are weeping.

That's 16 SP's. Sixteen, glorious short prints (ah ah ah...cue lightning sound effect).

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Last One for the Night...I Promise. Joe Morgan Has Been Found!!!

The Big Red Machine now has some representation on the SP Wantlist.


Add Joe Morgan to your SP Checklist as card #165. This brings the number of SP's found to 15 cards total.

I'm going to stop now. I need to get to bed. If anyone finds anymore, send a comment or an e-mail. But as of tonight, the checklist stands this way:

• #20 Warren Spahn
• #50 Cy Young
• #80 Christy Mathewson
• #85 Jackie Robinson
• #94 Carlton Fisk
• #100 Stan Musial
• #110 Willie Stargell
• #116 Robin Yount
• #125 George Sisler
• #165 Joe Morgan
• #175 Roger Maris
• #200 Walter Johnson
• #250b Mark Teixeira "Pie in the Face"
• #250c Lou Gehrig
• #294 Babe Ruth

Good night all.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama