My Last 2013 Topps Break

So, this would be my third and last box of 2013 Topps that I have opened.  After three boxes, I have netted a grand total of ZERO autographs.  Oh well, the boxes are fun to open and it'll give me some singles that I can send for some TTM love.

Here's the rundown on what I got the last box:

• Harper and Trout - 1 Harper, 2 Trout
• Tons of Emerald
• A few gold serial numbered - No one special in that.
• Starlin Castro GU - This one was kind of cool because it was clearly part of his uniform pants and there was still dirt on the fabric.  I dig it when they are not washed.
• Mike Schmidt GU "The Greats" - This is serial numbered to 25.  I think it's a pretty good hit.  I'll likely trade it or sell it on the Bay since I am not really a Schmidt guy.
• A clutch of mini's
• And a David Price die-cut...which is awesome because I am such a Price nerd.

Anyway, that's the break.  Nothing much to report but at least I didn't get violated or reamed by Topps on this box.

Take care everyone!

So Far, Seattle...

Hultzen

Well, we are only a week or so into the Spring Training Season.  Every year, I send out 20 TTM requests to spring training sites.  Usually, these requests are to up-and-coming rookie players or long-shot stars (like Mo Rivera, etc...).

I sent out my twenty at the end of January and it looks like the Seattle Mariners might be one of the teams to target if you are big into TTM.  The first two of my returns for this spring have come from the Emerald City.  Hotshot Mariner youngsters, Mike Zunino and Danny Hultzen both signed both of the cards that I sent along (I never send more than 2...it's greedy).

Anyway, just thought I would give everyone a heads up about the Seattle Mariners.  Apparently, they love their mail...

*Update:  The Seattle success continues.  Today I received two signed cards from Alex Liddi, Mariner third baseman.  So, as it looks, I have my first three spring training success all from the Mariners.  Good stuff, Seattle.  

2013 Turkey Red

I know this is probably old news by now, but it looks like Topps will be releasing their ever-so-popular Turkey Red set again this year.  However, according to Topps, the release of Turkey Red will only be through their very own web-store (shoptopps.com).  So, with limited information, I will let you guys know what's up with the Turkey Red.

The price point for 2013 Turkey Red looks like it will be about twenty bucks.  Not bad for a box, I suppose.  However, there's a downside.

Each box is to contain:  One autograph card and ten base cards.  With a hundred count base set, now I'm no good at math, you would have to buy ten boxes and none of the cards could be dupes for you to get a complete set.  Doesn't seem fair to the set collectors.

The autograph checklist looks a little slim, too.  Sure, there's the possibility of pulling a Trout, Miguel Cabrera, or King Felix.  However, the rest of the list looks a little...pedestrian.  Where's the Pujols, Jeter, Ichiro?  None of the real "big time" pulls are in this version of Turkey Red.

The pictures look pretty good.  It's what you would expect from Turkey Red.  Similar design as in the past.  I love a vintage look so I'm kind of a sucker for this kind of thing.  Here's a few pics I stole from Beckett.com.

So, Turkey Red is making a limited comeback.  If you were ever a fan in the past, then rush out (or rush online, rather) and pick up a box or two.  For the price, it's not bad.  However, if you are a set collector you may want to stay away.  

Let's Throw Out Another Freebie!

In the spirit of giving, and of baseball season every-so-quickly creeping up on us, I'm going to throw out another free offer.

3 Of These

Here it is:  The first person to follow the blog, or leave a comment, or basically show that someone is reading this blog will get three packs of 1991 Topps Baseball.  I'll pay the shipping...no worries, there.  I know 1991 Topps wasn't a huge hit.  I loved it when I was a kid so I have serious attachment to the set.  But, at least you have a shot at a Chipper RC or a Bagwell RC.  Hey, it's something.  And...it's FREE.

Killer Photo On This Card!

*Edit:  Looks like Mike will be able to bust some 91 Topps
  packs soon.  Just need to have him email me his address...

Site Update...And Contributor Search

For all you TTM fiends out there, I have added and updated all the addresses for every major league team.  I also included, for your convenience, the Spring Training addresses for each team, as well.  I sure hope this helps in your mailing efforts.

Also, I am in the search for someone (or many someones) to contribute to the blog.  I'm looking for people who are interested in collecting baseball memorabilia, cards, autographs, vintage...basically, if it has to do with baseball then I am all for it.  The only thing I'm not really interested in putting on the blog are team updates, injury reports, and the like.  There are other, much better, sites out there for that kind of thing.

So, if you are interested...shoot me an email and we can talk about your contributions.

Cheers!

BTW...Pitchers and catchers are reporting as we speak.  The season is just around the corner!

And...I Found Lasorda

In the same bookstore where I found Joe Torre, I found another manager.  This time, it was the book I Live For This! signed by the one and only Tom Lasorda.  I am still working on figuring whether or not this thing is authentic.  But, so far, it looks like it could be a winner.  There is more research and comparisons to be done before I can be sure this is a real Tommy.

If so, I can cross Mr. Lasorda off my list of Hall of Famer's to be procured.  Now, just a shitload more to go...

More soon.

Topps 2013 Baseball Released

So, the grandaddy of them all, Topps, has thrown out their offering for the upcoming season.  I actually like the fact that they release their Series 1 BEFORE the season.  I'm not sure why I like that...but, I do.

The cards, for a change, are mostly white...which, surprisingly looks fairly clean and neat.  This is an upgrade from the years when there would be a black card that would chip or mar very easily.  Here's a sample of a base card...Buster Posey.

Posey Base Card

Not bad, right?  Oh the inserts.  As usual, Topps 2013 will be shit for inserts.  Hell, Topps is almost always shit for inserts.  Of course there are your usual autographed, relic, and numbered parallel cards.  But, it looks like Topps is throwing in a silk parallel set, an "out of bounds" parallel (with players going out of bounds in the field of play), and some different colored parallel cards...including pink.  Here's a little sampling of the inserts shown on the Topps site.

Pink

Emerald

Sick Cal

Anyway, it looks like there will be a little something for everyone in the new Topps Baseball 2013.  Lots of parallels.  Very few autographs.  Over use of relic cards.  

New Topps.  Enjoy.

*Edit:  I just went through the Hobby Box I bought yesterday and there is actually more to like in this set than I initially anticipated.  I got a bunch of minis (including a Harper), a couple of out of bounds, a pink, a few gold, a stack of emerald, and some others.  No huge hits but the overall value looks like it will be pretty decent.  So, any initial snarkiness has been revoked.

This Just In...

Alex Rodriguez is linked to a performance enhancing drug scandal.  Again.  I for one...am SOOO shocked.

Melky Cabrera is linked to a performance enhancing drug scandal.  Shocked.

Yasmani Grandal is linked to a performance enhancing drug scandal.  Again...shocked.

I'm also very sarcastic.

The fact that there is a PED debate within baseball is very fucking boring to me.  I have become desensitized to the fact that athletes in every subject take substances to push their bodies further so they can become stronger and eventually make more money.  There had to be a point when the public just stopped caring about this stuff anymore.

I just assume that EVERYONE is on performance enhancing drugs.  It's easier that way.

Actually, I am so desensitized on the subject I am not going to even research it.  That's up to you all.  This is a collector's blog.  This is not collector's news.

Good day.

PS...I'm going to wait for A-Rod's memorabilia value to hit bottom so I can pick something up for cheap.

The Beauty of TTM

I don't know how many of you go ahead and try to get autographs through the mail.  It's something that I have done since I was a little kid and still do...I just never told anyone about it.  

Anyway, it's basically mailing something (a card, picture, magazine cover, whatever...) to an athlete with an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with a well written, thoughtful letter asking for an autograph.  It's simple and super-cheap.  This has always been an important factor because I have never had a bunch of money to spend.

I have gotten far too many autographs to count through the mail.  However, some very big names will surprise you and be receptive to the act.  Within the past couple of years I have received: Yogi Berra, Josh Hamilton, Cam Neely, Sparky Anderson, and CC Sabathia.  All for the price of a stamp...which, if you are good at math, is a pretty friggin good deal.  

The key is writing a good-ass letter.  Be original and thoughtful, don't curse, and don't be afraid to kiss a little ass.  A little flattery goes a very long way.

TTM is a great hobby for kids to get into.  If you are a parent, take note.  This hobby is cheap AND it gets your kids to actually write a letter.  You know, the act of physically taking a pen, pencil, or crayon and writing on paper...not typing (typing a TTM letter is LAME!).  Kids will actually be begging to be allowed to go get the mail.

Well, that's just a quick two cents on a cheap, fun part of the hobby.  Good luck to you all.