Miguel Cabrera Triple Crown MVP Mini Plaque - Game Used Jersey

Hey all!

I went to my first Detroit Tigers game on Friday, and picked up a nice item as a souvenir! First, the Tigers organization is definitely first-class, and going through Comerica Park is amazing. There were so many promotions, giveaways, etc. and I even got a "First Game" Certificate for free. Let's just say I CAN'T wait to go for another game! :)

But on to the item. I was online searching up some items the Tigers had for sale, which they likely had for sale in the D Shop. So a couple of items caught my eye, but a lot too pricey for me. So I decided to just bring $40 and pick myself up a surprise!

So at about the 5th inning, I head down to the main concourse and go in the D Shop. I was especially interested in the authentics they had for sale. Then, a rack of items really got me interested - it was some mini game used plaques for $20-$30! They had bat relic plaques of Alex Avila, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, and jersey relics as well. So, after a couple minutes of deciding, I picked out this beauty for $30.

The reason I chose this item, over the bat plaque and others, was because the plaque noted a couple major highlights from Miggy's AMAZING 2012 season. It also has a VERY nice action photo of I think one of his many home runs. I also got a pamphlet from the worker in the area which said I could go on MLB.COM to see the COA. Now I have to find a place to hang this awesome item!

NEXT UP: A box break of 2012-13 Rookie Anthology

TTM: Wei-Yin Chen

I'M BACK!!! And after exactly a month...

No reason, just because I felt the need to post after being so busy lately. I have also got a few BIG additions to my collection and PC (cough, cough, Fucale...) that I hope to share soon.

But here is what I got in the mail today: a small previously folded envelope with 2 USA stamps on it.

It was a really nice TTM return.

I opened it up, and saw my cardboard protector carefully placed inside with a card inside. Sweet, i sent off a bunch of TTMs a while back and haven't got many back.

 

Aw shoot. Not another sideways image. Sorry for this...

 

But what a SICK autograph from the Taiwanese pitcher. Love the autograph - so cool to see an autograph in a native language, like Nikolai Khabibulin's Cryllic auto!

 

Unfortunately,  I did not prep the card, so it smeared a bit on the protection, but that's OK. I also included a small sticker inside hoping for him to sign to make a custom card, but he did not. I don't blame him though - it was very small and at the bottom of the protection.

 

Thanks Mr. Chen for the autograph!

 

ALSO, I have decided to add Wei-Yin Chen to my PC list. So, if you have any of his cards, please LMK!

Blog Bat Around: What Would You Buy with $1,600 on eBay?

As a student, having an extra $1600 dollars to use on hockey cards is a dream come true. Of course, what are the chances that will ever happen? Not likely, but let's see what happens if it did.

One thing I want to buy is packs. Loads of them. Buying singles is really not the same as crinkling open a pack and looking inside to see what you just got.

So, without further ado...

2012-13 Heroes and Prospects 20-box Case - BIN $1300 (Free Shipping)



That's like $65 a box. I get to open 360 packs of one of my favourite sets, with the chance of getting some nice Fucale PC additions, and I can sell the hits I don't want to buy more off the 'bay! And expecially with my 2-pack H&P breaks from this year, I'm hoping that will continue! :)

2012-13 Heroes and Prospects Subway Super Series Patch /10 Silver Zachary Fucale - BIN $53 TOTAL $1353 



Nope... just the Fucale is included. Yes, I MAY have overpaid here, but the patch of now one (if not the) main PC guy for me is awesome. I want to focus on my Fucale PC now mostly, so if anyone has a card of him FT please let me know!

2012 Bowman Chrome Auto RC Avisail Garcia - BIN $25 (w/Shipping) $1378

This guy is one of my favourite baseball players, and has been called, "Miggy's twin" (Miguel Cabrera) Before he turns into a star, I'm gonna nab this card for my PC. Sweet!

2003-04 UD Pemier Collection Premier Signatures Wayne Gretzky BGS 9 - BIN $142 (w/Shipping) TOTAL $1520

I think it was because of the grading that got the card a price like this. If it was 9.5/10, I think it could get a $300+ price tag. A sick autographed card of the great one is awesome any day of the week!

2006-07 Ultimate Signatures BGS 8.5 Sidney Crosby - $80 shipped BIN, $1600 total

What's Wayne without Sid? Also, I have a Malkin auto... now I got Sid! Last pickup will be to the current, "great one". No brainer to finish off the $1600.

Thanks to Casey at Drop the Gloves! Hopefully this will inspire to start your own blog! Cheers!

TTM: Morgan Rielly (And a movie reccomendation)

I'm back everyone!

Sorry it has taken so long for a post. School has recently been very busy and it's tough to sneak a post in with a bunch of projects needing to be completed. PLUS I also had to deal with getting my extremely messy room organized for new furniture, basically emptying it out.

But anyways, mail has been slow for me the past couple of weeks. I had a FedEx truck drop off a new backboard from Spalding this morning as a replacement for a smashed one (Prob. just defected) so I'll be glad not having to try and swish every shot now. ;)

Anyways, I did get a TTM back today, it was one of many I sent out within the past 2-3 months.

This one is from Morgan Rielly, who I consider to be the Leaf's #1 prospect. I sent it to the Marlies right after his Moose Jaw season ended, and am glad it got to him, as I sent it before he was assigned to the team.

Sent: March 30th, 2013
Recieved: April 22nd, 2013

 

Recieved: 1 1/2 / 2

 

This may be the first - and only - time I classify getting HALF an autograph. As you can see, Mr. Rielly signed the card in a pen (musta ran out at the beginning because he went over it a few times) and added his Marlies #44. And, for some reason he signed the "M" on the decoy but did not seem to finish his autograph? First off, him using a pen is kind of strange - my stereotype is only retired players used pens for TTM's. Him adding his brand new #44 instead of Moose Jaw #4 (as on card) was also... different.  

 

But anyhow, a TTM IS a TTM. And of a top prospect... I'll take that any day of the week. Thanks Mr. Rielly!

ALSO: Yesterday I saw the movie 42. It is a very inspiring movie, very worthwhile. If you get the chance to see it, are bored a night and maybe have a few dollars to spare, definetely see it. It is a movie you can not NOT enjoy as a sports fan. Kudos.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH MY MAJOR PCs?

Really want to get some new cards of these guys.

My PC Players: (In order of importance)

Major:
HOCKEY - Zachary Fucale, Evgeni Malkin, Slater Koekkoek, Alexander Khokhlachev, and Jake Gardiner

BASEBALL - Trevor Bauer, Avisail Garcia, Ricky Romero, Moises Sierra, Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout

FOOTBALL - Matthew Stafford, Matt Barkley, Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick and Ryan Tannehill

BASKETBALL - Kyle Lowry, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul

Also, please let me know if you have a 2012 NHCD Canadian or USA set FT, a 2013 NHCD Jonathan Quick #16, and a 2012 NHCD Jonathan Toews #16.

Thanks!
beware_the_hockey_card_closet@hotmail.ca

DOUBLE MAIL DAY - Trades with Wax Stain Rookie and Cardboard Conundrum

Hey everyone,

I was greeted with an exciting mail day today. I had recieved 2 packages in the mail - one from Dave from Wax Stain Rookie, and another from Matt from Cardboard Conundrum. Both contained great cards... so let's get to the goods!

TRADE WITH WAX STAIN ROOKIE:

The deal was originally 2 for 2 (Hit for hit and NHCD for NHCD) But Dave threw in 2 extras! Thanks Dave!

\

 

That's a SWEET card of one of my PC players, Ryan Murray. If it were not for his injury and the lock out, he'd be in the NHL right now, ranked as the most NHL-ready player in the 2012 draft. I expressed interest in it ever since Dave pulled it, I'm really glad we finally could work something out!

 

I also was to recieve a NHCD card of Casey Cizikas to complete my second set. Not only did I get that, but I got a Boone Jenner H&P base and a Evgeni Malkin Victory Stars of the Game Insert.

Thanks for the GREAT trade Dave!

 

TRADE WITH CARDBOARD CONUNDRUM:

My second career trade with Matt was another HUGE one. This one even better than the first, though.

 

Shoot... scans not uploading. Sorry everyone... I guess I'll have to just name the cards.

 

2010-11 Donruss Magicians Jersey Chris Paul /299

2012 Crown Royale Sunday Soldiers Jersey Sam Bradford /99

2011 Plates and Patches Jersey Eli Manning /199

2010 Threads Rookie Collection Prime Jersey Mike Williams /50 (Ooops... though he was Mike Wallace)

2012 Topps Golden Moments Jersey Joey Votto

2012 Topps Tier One Auto Adam Lind /399

2012 Gypsy Queen Bat Madison Bumgarner (Pitcher's bat? BUNT!)

2012 Gypsy Queen Auto Jordan Zimmerman

2011 Gypsy Queen Jersey Prince Fielder

2009 UD Signature Stars Top Prospects Auto David Price

2011-12 Luxury Suite Jersey/Stick Jason Spezza

2012-13 Artifacts AutoFacts Evgeni Nabokov

2011-12 Between The Pipes Future Stars Auto Matheiu Corbeil

2011-12 Limited Brothers In Arms Jersey Nikolai Khabibulin/Devan Dubnyk

 

WOW! Now THATS an amazing lot of cards! Huge additions to my PC! Now I can see why it costed Matt so much to ship. Thanks Matt!

 

 

As Victor Martinez said on the Detroit Tiger's commercial, "I follow Prince, Miggy, Austin, Torii in the lineup..." "BOOM!"

 

That's right, An awesome finish to an awesome trade. My first Geno auto. Thanks so much Matt and Dave!

Trade with 2x3 Heroes

Hey everyone, I recently made a quick and easy 1st trade with Jeff from 2x3 Heroes. On A Pack To Be Named Later, I saw him pull a really nice Ovechkin hit from a pack of Artifacts.

So the trade was essentially this:

To Me:
2012/13 Artifacts Frozen Artifacts Alex Ovechkin

To Jeff:
Jeremy Roenick RC IP Autograph

But then Jeff asked me for what I collected. I sent him a couple of Black Hawks inserts, but he went way above and beyond. Not only did he send me an amazing mix of cards I collect, with only 2 doubles, but he sent me 50 - yes, FIFTY - extras. WOW! Included are 5 Malkins, 6 Stamkos and a bunch of other PC players.

 

And of course, the hit. It is quite a nice card, simple clean design, and obviously Ovie.

 

 

 

Thanks for the GREAT trade Jeff! Looking forward to more!

 

 

ALSO: Jarome Iginla has been traded to the Penguins!!! :D

 

RANDOM WORDS - What happens to Derrick Pouliot?

As most (or at least you Pens and Stars fans) know, the Pens have made 2 deals in the past 24 hours, both to aquire players who can do some damage now.

They have aquired Brendan Morrow, Douglas Murray and a 3rd round pick in total, for Joe Morrow, a 5th and 2 2nds.

At first, I was not impressed with the Brendan Morrow trade. Sure, he gives 110% each time, and is a heart and soul guy. But he is aging (34) and his best days are past him. He's having a tough season in Dallas.

I was not mad about the Pens getting Morrow, it was what they had to give up - another Morrow. Joe Morrow, their 2011 first round pick. Derrick Pouliot's Winter Hawks teammate. Top prospect.

Before the trade, they had a great group of D-men for the future. Letang, Brian Doumilin, Simon Despres, Scott Harrington, Robert Bortuzzo, Olli Maata, Pouliot, and Morrow.

I expected the D-men in the future be:

Letang - Despres
Pouliot - Morrow
Maata - Harrington

What really gets me is there is 2 set of junior players playing on the same team. Because of their expreience now, I am sure they would continue to click at the NHL level, which would benefit both.

They traded Jordan Staal to the Canes for Doumilin, Sutter and their 1st. They used that first to select Pouliot.

Well... that was the 7th overall pick. Derrick was ranked 10-15 picks later, so I thought the reason they picked him was to play with Joe Morrow.

So... with him gone, does that mean Derrick's time as a Pen is soon over?

TRADE: CanuckFan1 from Clouts N Chara

Hi everyone, I made a trade with a member on Clouts N Chara a few days ago. He was trying to complete his 2011-12 Contenders Calder Contenders Autograph Set /800 set (quite a feat), and I had aquired a few from Matt (Cardboard Conundrum) last year. So we worked out a quick and easy trade, one I think we were both pleased with. Let's get to the details.

To CanuckFan1 -
2011-12 Contenders Calder Contenders Autograph /800 Slava Voynov

To Me -
2012-13 Heroes and Prospects 3D Class of 2013 Ryan Hartman
2012-13 Heroes and Prospects Autograph Bo Horvat




For me, at first I wasn't sure if I wanted to let Slava go. He is one of the top offensive D-men in the league this year, and has already won the cup and showing extreme promise for such a young age. But on eBay, I saw that the same card sold for no more than a couple of dollars, so if I ever need it back, I could know I can pick one up. And I helped out another person with a set! :)

About the cards I aquired, you will think I am crazy about how I aquired the Horvat. I had the choice between Kerby Rychel auto, star of my HOMETOWN Windsor Spitfires, and projected higher than Horvat and projected first rounder this year, and the Horvat, who plays for the Spits ARCH RIVALS London Knights, the team every Spits fan hates. Don't get me wrong, London-Windsor series are always fun to watch, and it's a great Rivarly. But I picked a player from their team over a hometown star?

The reason - I already have TONS of Kerby autographs. I go to a lot of Skate-With-The-Spits after Sunday games, and nab TONS of graphs. I already have his autograph on a jersey, couple of cards, programs, pucks, etc. So instead, I got an autograph of my favourite Knight for some reason, Bo Horvat.

I also have always wanted a 3D card from this year's H&P. From reviews, they seem really cool, and cheap(er) to pick up. Sure, I would have prefered a Zachary Fucale or Bo Horvat, but Ryan Hartman was the only 3D he had.

I just noticed it seems like this whole trade was against Windsor and Kerby. First Horvat, now Ryan Hartman, who plays for another rival in the Plymouth Whalers. Also, during the Subway Super Series game, he had a fight with Kerby, and another one in their next meeting in the regular season. Sorry Windsor! :)

So anyways, this was a nice and easy trade. We could have probably picked up either end for less than $10 on eBay, but it's so much better to trade!!

Oh, and a shout out to a new blog, Card Bored Collector. It is a great blog, and the writer of it and me are already working on our first trade. Check it out, and add it to your blog roll!

Thanks for reading!

WHO KNEW? Mark Fraser is leading the NHL in +/-?

Wow. Checked to see the box score of the Leafs game last night (hat trick Kadri) and the NHL leading scorers. Mark Fraser is leading the league in +/- with +15. WOW. From an enforcer. A journeyman defenseman. A likely career bottom line pairing player, if he can crack the lineup.

Don't get me wrong. He's been playing great.

BUT ON THE LEAFS, WITH THEIR DEFENCE???

All I have to say is wow.