A Quest For The Chrome Rainbow: Matt Kemp Sepia

2013 Topps Chrome # 20, #'d 33/75

Well this certainly looks better in person then it does through the scan. This is my 1st sepia parallel from 2013 Topps Chrome, and my 1st sepia card period. It is another addition to my Matt Kemp PC, as well as my newest quest for all the Dodger parallels from 2013 Chrome. I picked up 5 more parallels off eBay last night, though all are retail parallels and didn't cost too much. I'll be sure to post about those as soon as they are in hand. 

I still don't think I will complete the entire rainbow for every player, but Matt Kemp is a must. I have 3/12 so far and will be keeping an eye out for more. In fact, completing this Kemp rainbow is so important to me that I will double the reward for anybody that can come up with any of the parallels I need. So, 50 points and two hits to whomever can pass on a #'d Kemp parallel to me, and 20 points for a non #'d parallel. (I still need the base too!). Of course, all of these points are in addition to whatever trade we can work out for the particular card, so help a fellow card enthusiast out. 

Matt Magill Gold and the Quest for a Topps Chrome Rainbow

2013 Topps Chrome #110, #'d 29/50

In a perfect world, I would own every parallel of every Dodger from 2013 Topps Chrome. But, this isn't a perfect world, and I simple do not have the funds available to complete that project. However, even with limited funds, I will do my best to complete that goal. There are 10 Dodgers in 2013 Topps Chrome, all with 12 different parallels if you don't include the super or printing plate, and some are obviously easier to attain than others. For example, this Gold Matt Magill could be shipped to my doorstep for about 3 dollars, whereas a Gold Puig would set me back 150 bucks.

My point is that I will probably never reach my goal of having every Dodger parallel from this set, but it is my goal to get as close as possible. That goal continues today with the Gold Matt Magill, #'d 29/50. I broke a box of Chrome yesterday, and this is probably the most valuable thing in there, to me at least. Darin Ruf and Didi Gregorious base autos were also included, which have both been added to my Trade Bait/Prize List. This is my first Gold Dodger from this set and my current collection is listed below. 25 points and a hit of your choice will be awarded to anybody that can help me out with any of the #'d parallels. 10 Points to anybody that can help out with any of the non-numbered parallels. As always, I am welcome to trading for what you have as well.

These are what I own

Refractor: Paco, Kemp
X-Fractor: Puig, Ryu
Purple: Gonzo
Black #'d /100: Kemp, Kershaw, Ryu
Sepia #'d /75: Kemp
Gold #'d /50: Magill
Red #'d /25: Paco

A Special Matt Kemp Mini and The Chavez Code

I picked this card up off eBay early last week, and it is by far the oddest card I have of Kemp's up to date. It comes from 2012 Topps, but was only given away to people at the National Sports Collectors Convention. I have never been to a sports card convention, and I honestly don't know how they work or what even goes on there. However, I do know that if they are giving away Matt Kemp cards I will be booking a flight to the next one. (I kid, I kid). Not only was this card only given to those who attended the convention, it is a mini! I bought this without knowing that distinct feature and was very surprised when I opened up the bubble mailer last weekend. I don't have that many Kemp mini's, so this card was a welcome surprise.

On to another subject now. The Chavez Code (aka The Point System) is now live! You can click and read more info on that through the Chavez Code page tab at the top of the page. I am light on 'hits' at the present time, though everything I have has a point value assigned to it. I'm looking for more suggestions on how to earn points, and what the points can be redeemed for. I'm very point happy and any good suggestions will result in some added points for you. 

The point list is also available on the right side of the page in the sidebar, directly beneath the Point Leaders. I am pretty sure the points are correct, though correct me if I am wrong. I have some people listed under their name, and some under their blog name. Please let me know what name you would like to go by for Chavez Code purposes. 

David Price #'d Refractor Contest

This contest is for a 2013 Topps Heritage David Price Refractor #'d 139/999. The winner will receive the card pictured. Contest ends 12/19/13 at 9pm PST. The rules will be explained below. Good luck!

To enter this contest, perform one of the two things below. You may perform both for a maximum of two entries per day.

• Comment on this post.
• Retweet one of my contest tweets on Twitter

You can comment on the post once a day, and everyday you comment will add an additional entry into the contest. I will occasionally tweet about the contest, and you can retweet those to enter as well. However, only one retweet per day will count towards the contest. The winner will be selected using Random.org, and will be notified via email and/or twitter. The winner will have one week to send me their mailing address. I will ship the card to the winner for free! 

The winner will also receive points based on the point system. That can be reviewed here. I will also ship the winner some extra cards as well. If you decide to enter the contest I'd appreciate a follow. (Who doesn't like to see big numbers?) Good Luck!

Mystery Contest #2 - OVER!

UPDATE: The contest was over before it began. Nate of Big 44 Sports Cards correctly guessed the mystery card. Enjoy your 2013 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor of Shin-Soo Choo, #'d 92/199. A new contest will be up shortly.

Because I had so much fun watching all of you struggle last time, I have decided to run another mystery contest. This one will be slightly harder and the clues won't be as easy. That is because you have to work to get the clues! Bahahahahah.

Based off of the contest from DodgerPenguin, participants will be forced to answer a question. Once somebody correctly answers the question, the clue will be revealed to all.

Clues are not only going to be available by correctly answering questions. Throughout this site, there will be multiple hidden clues. These hidden Easter eggs will be hidden (rather easily and obvious) throughout my home page and other pages. The clues that are hidden throughout the site are only available to those who find them. The clues will only apply to the name of the player. As a matter of fact, there is a clue hidden in this post.

To win the card you will need to correctly guess the Player and the Type of card. (Relic, Auto, or #'d) The questions will have nothing to do with the card I am giving away. Those that correctly answer the question will also be awarded a point.

Question 1: Who wore the #27 for the Dodgers before Matt Kemp?
Answer: James Loney. He wore it in 2006. Answered correctly by 2 people. Both will be awarded a point at the end of the contest.

HINT #1: This person does not play for the Dodgers.

Question 2: What was the expression commonly used when Eric Gagne when came in to close out games?

Answer: GAME OVER. Answered by Nate.

HINT #2: This player bats left-handed.

Question 3: The Dodgers once had caps that were not the standard blue and white. What year was this and what color were the hats?

Matt Kemp Cracked Ice Is Oh So Fine

2013 Panini Father's Day Studio '13 #14 

With a little help from Greg of Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle, I purchased this fantastic Cracked Ice of my boy Kemp for 4 bucks shipped. It is limited to 25 copies, yet there is no numbering on the card. I have not seen anything like this in my short time collecting and probably would not have bought it unless Greg steered me in the right direction. Another beauty is my expanding Matt Kemp PC.

Matthew at Dodger Penguin has started to run a contest of his own here. Be sure to check it out and subscribe to his blog. 

I am still searching for a name for my Points System. Greg suggested the Chavez Code. I love it, though I'd still like to see some more suggestions.Whoever submits the winning name will receive 10 points, so don't hold back.

I will begin to post some of the rewards for my point system this weekend. I have one last final tomorrow, then a few weeks off from school. I will also be posting a new contest sometime tonight or tomorrow. 

Trade With All The Way To The Backstop: A-Gon Love And More

I completed my second trade with Marcus over at All The Way To The Backstop. I worked on this trade and yesterday's trade with My Cardboard Habit at the same time, but did not want to post both on the same day. I got my package yesterday and Marcus sent some cool stuff.

Pictured are some of my favorites he sent my way. Marcus threw in 2013 Pinnacle of Hyun-Jin Ryu, a card I had not acquired. He also threw in some awesome Adrian Gonzalez stuff from his days back in San Diego. I especially enjoy the 2009 Allen and Ginter's National Pride, and the 2008 Topps Moments and Milestones, #'d 143/150. Marcus also added 2 new Matt Kemp cards to add to my PC, as well as a cool Kershaw from 2009 Topps T206. I was surprised to see the Shawn Green card included. Green was my favorite player growing up, and I may upload his PC soon. 

Not pictured are a few more A-Gon cards, including one of him in the Padres throwback browns. He also tossed in two Campanella's, both firsts for me, as well as a Jackie Robinson and a Dee Gordon. Marcus also took care of a large portion of my 2013 Topps Heritage needs, and surprisingly there were no duplicates between the Heritage he sent me and the Heritage Judson sent my way in yesterdays post. 

Thanks Marcus! I hope we can work out some more trades in the future. I'll be sure to let you know when I run across any cool Padre items. 

Greg Wins Again.....I Swear This Isn't Fixed!

Well, the Mystery Contest was up for approximately 33 hours until Greg from Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle correctly guessed the mystery player. Greg is a name that most readers of my blog should know, BECAUSE HE SEEMS TO WIN ALL THE CONTESTS. 

Only a few short hours before Greg submitted his winning guess, Matthew of Dodger Penguin, and I were discussing Greg's tendencies to win my contests. So naturally Greg won the freaking thing.

@DodgerPenguin @ArgyledPlaschke He seems to be a night person. I'm sure he'll find a way to win this contest haha
— Alex Markle (@ChavezRavining) December 10, 2013

The mystery card was this Mike Piazza relic from 2005 Donruss Prime Patches. It features Piazza as a member of both the Dodgers and the Mets. A team he should have never suited up for if it wasn't for poor ownership. (That seems to be a trend the Dodgers had for a short time) I never got to appreciate Piazza while he was with the Dodgers, though this homer he hit over the left field pavilion gives me chills. 

Enjoy the card Greg!

Trade with My Cardboard Habit: Judson Drops Some Beltre Bombs & Helps With My Set Needs

I completed my first overall trade with Judson of My Cardboard Habit. I approached Judson about a few of the Bryce Harper cards I had laying around. After a few emails back and forth, I got my care package in the mail today. 

Judson came through in a big way. I've been dying to add some Beltre hits to my PC, and these two beauties will hold me over for a while. Both come from 2013 Topps Tribute, and both are #'d /25. 

Judson also included a HUGE number of 2013 Heritage and 2013 Topps Chrome cards to help out my set needs. I will highlight another trade tomorrow in which I received a lot of my 2013 Heritage needs. So my set needs should be updated sometime in the next few days. He also helped out with my Topps Series 1&2 mini needs, which should be updated shortly. 

Thanks Judson! My first trade went down fantastic and I hope to do some more with you in the future!

1976 All-Star Steve Garvey

1976 Topps #150

What's so special about this 1976 Topps Steve Garvey you ask? Well, unfortunately it is the oldest card I have in my possession. Yes, a card from 1976 is the oldest piece of cardboard I own. I am not a huge collector of the old stuff, though not because I don't like it. There are actually two reasons my collection doesn't go farther back than '76. First, older cards tend to cost slightly more than I have the budget for. Secondly, I was only born in 1993 and the older cards have never have never been as easy to obtain as the newer stuff has. Yet, after viewing a number of great blogs I find myself coveting some older cardboard.

I got into collecting after going through some of my dad's old boxes full of junk wax from the late 80's and early 90's. After spending days at a time looking through some of that old stuff, I decided I should start my own collection. I did not know very much about the hobby and started out by clearing out every target in my area of 2012 Topps Series 2. I probably bought about 150 packs in about a month, and never pulled anything of value. I went in to my LCS down the street from my old house and found out about this great hobby. 

My interests have shifted back in forth between the Dodgers of today (Kershaw, Kemp), the stars from my childhood (Beltre, Green, Nomo, Gagne), and the legends throughout the years (Robisnson, Koufax, Drysdale, Wills). It has been a great ride so far, and I have discovered so many interesting things reading through blogs alone. I appreciate the dedication some of you have towards this great hobby, and I can only hope to have collections as great as yours someday.  That collection starts with this gorgeous Steve Garvey, 1974 NL MVP.