Manny Ramirez Carries a Big Stick

I've had this in my scans folder for a long, long time. Actually, it has been in my scan folder since around the time I started the blog. I'm not sure why I decided to wait so long to post it, but here we are. 

I actually pulled this card from a pack of Topps, and it was quite obvious at the time that something would be in the pack. If you have handled one of these cards before, you know it is THICK. It also has a pretty decent weight to it, considering the metal bat Topps used to commemorate Manny's many Silver Slugger awards. 

It takes up a ton of space, but it is a great card to add to my Manny Ramirez PC. 

Patience is a Virtue

The last month or so has been crazy for me. The start of a new semester, a new job, and three weeks away from home can do that to a person though. I'm two weeks into my "new normal" schedule, but I am still trying to find ample time for blogging, watching baseball, and general tomfoolery. 

This has left me a little behind on posting. I usually write up a post on cards within 2-3 days of receiving them, but I'm about 2-3 weeks behind my typical schedule.

Though it isn't always my fault, sometimes eBay sellers just take a long time to ship.

I picked up this sweet Matt Kemp autograph for just under 7 bucks shipped on July 23rd. Keep in mind, that was still 8 days before I took my 3 week leave of absence. I was hoping to have this card in hand before I left, but the 31st rolled around and my mailbox was empty. A week later I asked my dad to bring some mail my way. He dropped off a few packages of cards, but still no Matt Kemp. I decided to message the seller on the 7th to see what was going on. I checked back two days later, but my inbox was empty. However, the shipping information was updated that same day. I finally received the card on the 12th, but never got an apology or any kind of response from the seller. 

tl;dr: The beautiful card took 20 days to get to my house.

Somehow, while I was mass leaving feedback for my recent purchases, I left positive feedback for this particular seller. I was planning on leaving a neutral, or at least asking for my shipping money back, but I didn't do that either. 

Quite frankly, I am just happy to finally have the card in hand. #'d 18/50, this beauty is my 9th Matt Kemp autograph, and my 172nd unique Kemp card. Hopefully the next one won't take so long to get here. 

Randomization Results

Might as well just copy and paste from the mass email I sent out. Well, a couple of changes. 

That was pretty crappy. 

I did not have a good understanding of how to use the streaming software.  I will definitely need to figure out how to properly use it when the box break rolls around next week. I NOW HAVE THE VIDEO! OMGGG!

Skip to the 4:15 mark to see the randomization, or just save the time and look at the results below. 

Anyways. I randomized both the list of names, and the list of teams 4 times. I then just matched up the spots. I have attached pictures of both the random list of names and teams. I will also list the teams everyone received below.  

Thanks again, and sorry for the bad broadcast. 

1. Caitlin - Rays
2. Tony - Phillies
3. Adam - Orioles
4. T.J - Indians
5. Judson - Marlins
6. Kyle - Rockies
7. Matthew - Twins
8. Brady - D-Backs
9. Brady - Royals
10. Matt - Reds
11. Justin - Yankees
12. Caitlin - A's 
13. Dikran - Padres
14. Matthew - Braves

I Walked the Plank

I recently completed my first trade with Matt of the fabulous Bob Walk the Plank.  Matt emailed me a few weeks ago and we quickly put together a deal. My haul was much greater than what I sent his way, so I will be sure to pay it back with our next trade. 

I'll go ahead and start with my favorite card from the deal. Coming from 2009 Topps Unique Baseball, this sweet Chad Billingsley auto is an awesome addition to my CBills PC. Billingsley has long been a favorite of mine, so I try to pick up his cards on the cheap whenever possible. I have had a post about Bills in the works for quite some time now, but maybe this will encourage me to get a move on it. 

While we are on the topic of autos, let's take a look at the one of the most recently released cards. Nolasco was featured on this odd looking card back in 2014 Topps Series One. Nolasco is no longer pitching for the Dodgers, making the move to Minnesota over the winter. He has not had much success up there, but he was a pivotal piece during the Dodgers postseason run last year. 

We'll move on to a pair of contrasting Kaz Ishii relics. The top one is pretty standard for mid-2000's relic cards; it features a basic design and a plain grey swatch. However, the bottom relic is a little bit off to me. This card was released in 2002, the same year Ishii came over from Japan. Perhaps the American flag in the back is only weird to me, but it probably wasn't the most thought out design by Fleer that year. 

Matt was also kind enough to send along this shiny #'d card of Dodgers broadcaster, Nomar Garciaparra. I do like me some shiny, but I also have a bit of a problem with this card. The insert set is called "Future Stars", yet Upper Deck decided to include a 34 year old Nomar. It's not a big deal to me, honestly, but I do wonder about these things from time to time. 

Matt also sent over a fantastic Eric Gagne relic, but it appears I either deleted the scan, or forgot to scan it completely. Either way, it was much appreciated. 

Thanks again for the trade Matt. I hope to do it again sometime soon. 

Box Break Randomization Time Announcement

I just wanted to drop by and give another update on the randomization process. I will be live streaming the randomization tomorrow night (Wednesday 8/27/14) at 9pm PST. Or, you know, around that time. It is a bit late, but it is the best I can do tomorrow considering my school and work schedule. I will send out an email with the link to see the broadcast shortly before going life, so just watch your inbox's in the evening. 

Enjoy some more cards from my favorite product of the year!

Topps Chrome Box Break Announcement

I just wanted to drop in and give a quick announcement on the Topps Chrome Box Break I am hosting here. I will probably be dropping another one or two posts on the break in the coming days, so be sure to check in or message me with any questions. 

I will be randomizing the remaining teams sometime between now and Thursday. I will record it using Ustream. This will give me a little practice using the program before the break, and it will allow you to see the randomizing with your own eyes. I plan on figuring out a time for the randomization tomorrow, but I will give notice on here and set up for live viewing online. 

Feel free to trade your teams. If something is agreed upon, I need both parties to notify me so I can make the change in my spreadsheet. 

The boxes will be coming in between Thursday and Friday (hopefully), so the box break is tentatively set for Friday evening. However, I want to make sure that this will be seen by as many people as possible, so let me know if that works for you. Should the boxes not arrive on time, or Friday doesn't work, we will move the break back to Sunday evening. I am unavailable because of work on Saturday, but I am sure we will figure it out.

Again, feel free to email/DM/Tweet at me with any questions. Until then, enjoy some of the new pictures released by Topps. 

Chavez Ravining Custom #4: Sandy Koufax

It was only a matter of time before I sat down to make a custom of one of the greatest Dodgers of all-time: Sandy Koufax. 

1962 Sandy Koufax CR Custom #4

I believe this card came out absolutely spectacular. It features a smiling Koufax on one of the better vintage designs. I adore this picture of Sandy. From the collar sticking out of the top of the jersey, to the green underside of the brim, this picture has it all. If I ever figure out a way to print these things, you bet this will be the first one I print. 

Beast Mode

It seems like it has been forever since I last wrote anything for the blog. Between work, class and #EverySimpsonsEver, I haven't really even had the time to open a few new packages that showed up in my mailbox.  This is my first semester going to class (and work) 5 days a week, not to mention I work on the weekends. Needless to say, it's been pretty busy around these parts lately. Though that hasn't stopped my pursuit for new cards. 

I've been trying for this card on eBay for quite some time now, but I was finally able to get it for a low price. For just under three bucks shipped, I was able to add this sweet 2012 short print to my ever growing Matt Kemp PC. 

I actually saw a student at my college walking around in the same t-shirt Matty is rocking just the other day. I happened to be on the phone with my mom at the time, so I didn't get the chance to ask him where he got it. I'm sure I could find a similar one after a quick Google search. #BEASTMODE 

2014 Topps Chrome Box Break Is Now Filled

My buddy Dikran decided to go ahead and claim the last spot, so the 2014 Topps Chrome Box Break is now full. Which means it is time to send your money my way. 

I am currently accepting payments through Paypal (email me if this is an issue), and my email address is alexmarkle@hotmail.com.

Please be sure to send the $25.00 per team as a gift. 

If you have questions regarding the break, or need to know the total for some reason, just shoot me an email. 

I want to get these boxes ordered asap, so I am hoping to have all payments in by this Friday night (8-22-14). However, that is not a "hard date" by any means, just email me if you need to work out payment arrangements. 

I will probably be sending out an email to everyone tonight or tomorrow as an extra reminder.  I will also be sending email updates on the break, times, rules, etc.. sometime soon. 

Thanks again!

Treat Yo Self

I took the advice of a character from one of my favorite television shows. With a little help from Greg, I was able to treat myself to this fabulous on card auto of Retta, better known as Donna Meagle on Parks and Rec.

It arrived only three days after I paid, which was definitely a surprise. Little did I know that the seller lives in the next city over. 

With this addition, I now have 7 out of 13 autos needed for the complete Parks and Rec auto set. I still have the bigger names to grab, but I may just buy a box and hope for the best. At the very least I will be able to trade or sell the dupes, or just send them over to Greg should he need them. I'm in no rush to complete the set, so it may be a few months before I take action and actually buy that box though. 

Lets take a look at my updated checklist. 

Amy Poehler (Leslie Knope)

Rob Lowe (Chris Traeger)

Aziz Ansari (Tom Haverford)

Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson)

Aubrey Plaza (April Ludgate)

Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich)

Retta (Donna Meagle)

Jay Jackson (Perd Hapley)

Mo Collins (Joan Callmezzo)

Megan Mullally (Tammy Swanson)

Paul Rudd (Bobby Newport)

Fred Armisen (Raul)

Parker Posey (Lindsay Carlisle Shay)