2009 Topps World Baseball Classic Boxed Set

So a few weeks ago I came across a nice deal for a set of these cards and I just had to get them, especially since I like international competitions that involve pro athletes. I had no idea what players were going to be featured, so the sense of mystery made the set even more appealing. I have to say I was satisfied with the player selection as I went through the cards. The set contains great MLB players, such as Jeter, A-Rod, Morneau, Rollins, Ichiro, Wright, and Big Papi, as well as players who have not played for a MLB team yet, such as Yu Darvish. Overall, I have to give the set a thumbs up because of a combination of the set not being too pricey and a simple, yet appealing, design. So pick up a set if you get a chance.

I had a nice little mail day yesterday, and I thought I would share what cards I got with you all. I will usually pick up just about any memorabilia or autographed card that catches my eye and isn't too expensive, especially if it is of a Kings or Angels past or current player, or if it is a player I don't have a memorabilia card of yet. First up I got this:

I know he isn't as dominate as he once was, but Gagne used to be awesome and if he came in to pitch, you just knew that the Dodgers were not going to lose their game.

Next up is this card:

I really like the design of this card, especially Venezuelan flag engraved on the piece of bat. Vizquel has been one of the most consistent players for quite a while now. Will he be a HOFer? Only time will tell.

Fun at a local card show

Even though I love picking up cards on good ol' Ebay, I still love hitting up one of the two local card shows that go on every weekend. Yesterday, I went to a joint called Jimmy's USA. It isn't the biggest place in the world, but there are plenty of friendly vendors peddling their goods. I basically went to pick up some plastic pages for about two hundred of my daughter's Allen & Ginter mini cards, and of course, do a little bit of browsing for some cheap cards.
To my delight, I ended up coming across a couple of dealers with some decent cards for dirt cheap. From one dealer, I ended up picking up twelve cards of Nolan Ryan, Ricky Henderson, Cal Ripken Jr., and a few other stars of the past for the paltry sum of $1.00. They are going to end up looking good in my daughter's binder. I then ended up getting a nice deal on another dozen cards for buck, which included a bunch of cards of past Angels players, like Abbott, Erstad, and Salmon, as well as few other random cards. Even better, the same dealer had some old '90 and '91 Fleer baseball update sets for a buck a piece. I had no idea which players were in the sets, yet I had to have them. To my pleasant surprise, I ended up getting some pretty great rookie cards of Frank Thomas and Ivan Rodriguez, just to name a few, as well as some great players of the past, including Dale Murphy (a personal favorite), Dave Parker, Dave Winfield, Nolan Ryan, Cecil Fielder and Mark Langston to name a few. (If anyone wants a set, let me know and you can have one for a buck plus the shipping charges of course) Later on, I hope to get some pics up of some of my favorites that I picked up.

Why I'm Blogging

I am a card collector and I thought it would not be a bad idea to share some of thoughts on cards, packs I will be busting, my current collection, and whatever else comes to mind. I love to trade cards, so if you are of a like mind, we may end up becoming hobby buddies. I am a honest trader, seller and buyer, and I love dealing with others who share my ideals on integrity in the hobby. I hope this all goes well, and I cannot wait to hear from some of my readers.
Keep on trading, collecting and loving the hobby.
Mr. E Collector