My Most Wanted (2004 Topps Retired refractors)

I don't own the cards in this post, but I would like to.

White Whale watching. Specifically with 2004 Topps Retired, I wanted to see how many of the remaining (sweet) 16 refractor autos that I need could be found online (just in digital image form, not necessarily for sale). It's also an exercise to prove to myself that they exist. I've been collecting these cards since returning to the hobby circa 2012, and some of them I've never even seen in all this time. There should be 25 copies of each refractor out there.

Here's my list of needs:

Hank Aaron
Ernie Banks
Stan Musial
Duke Snider
Mike Schmidt
Paul Molitor
Bucky Dent
César Gerónimo
Orel Hershiser
Dave Parker
Alan Trammell
Darren Daulton
Wally Joyner
Jimmy Key
Jack McDowell
Graig Nettles

I found pictures of 9 of them:

That leaves 7 cards with no photographic evidence, though I was able to find old "sold" listings from back when the product was new:

Paul Molitor - one at $55 in 2004, and another in 2005 for $82.
Bucky Dent - one in 2004 (the Christmas Card, no less!) for $85.
Cesar Geronimo - $58 in 2005.
Orel Hershiser - two in 2004 around $50+.
Dave Parker - one in 2005 for $90.
Wally Joyner - one in 2006 for $52.
Jack McDowell - one in 2005 for $90.

So this research was successful in reasonably proving to me that all 16 cards I need exist. (Hey, Topps has been known to list cards on checklists that they don't actually put out-- or redemptions that never get made-- so it's a real concern when hunting down whales you've never actually seen.)

If anyone has any of these sixteen 2004 Topps Retired Signature Edition refractor autographs available, please let me know! Would love to try working out a trade or sale. Otherwise, I'll just keep on keeping an eye out on eBay.

ALL-TIME FANTASY WANTLIST TOP 10 AS OF TODAY'S DATE

[Editor's note: Drafting posts when I've got a good buzz and am sitting on my computer is actually a pretty good use of my time. Much safer than browsing eBay or emailing anyone. This post was written last night after a few drinks.]

Here's my Top 10 Dream Wantlist of cards I hope to obtain sometime before I die. In the slim chance you own one of these and are open to trade offers, please let me know.

10. 1952 Topps Dick Williams

The only Padre HOFer in the '52 Topps set, unfortunately for me a high number (AKA EXPENSIVE). I need this card someday. Preferably fuzzy-cornered & creased-to-hell.

9. 1967 Mantle

I almost have a have nice 1964-1969 run of Mantles (any condition). I think a poor copy '67 is a realistic goal to chase.

8. 1963 Mantle

Might as well try to extend the run! I've got a poor condition '57.. so 58 thru 63 are NNEEEDS. (Update: I've since gotten a '63 Mantle!)

7. ANY VINTAGE MUSIAL

Stan The Man. You hear? THE MAN! NEEEED!
(Update: I've since gotten his '62 Topps and '58 Topps AS.)

6. 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr RC

How do I not own this??! It's JUNK WAX after all! Great card.
(Update: I've got an '89 UD Griffey now. Thanks again, Tim!)

5. 1968 Ryan RC

NOLAN _FXCKING RYAN!!! (jerry FRXKING koosman)

4. 1960 Carl Yastrzemski RC

Yaz is a near-holy deity in the world of baseball. Owning his rookie card is a one-way ticket to collector-heaven, no questions asked. RUUUUKY CAAAAD
(Update: got this now!)

[NO IMAGE AVAILABLE; THOUGH IT does EXIST!]

3. 2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Dick Allen autograph
(Update: ggot it!)

The only modern card on this list. Man, this is a nice-looking card. I really hope to own it one day.

2. 1951 Bowman Mantle

Another Mantle.. his One True Rookie.

1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

And, of course.. The most iconic card of all time? Would love to own even a ripped up, dog-chewed, toddler-scribbled-on copy someday. In fact, I'd prefer a beat-to-hell copy.. that way I'd at least have some measure of reassurance that it wasn't counterfeit.


There you go.. There's my dream wantlist as of this date. Hopefully by this day next year I'll have checked one or two off of this list. Happy hunting!


[Editor, again: Hmm. In the sober light of day, I'm not sure my list would be quite the same. I'd probably drop some Mantles for the sake of variety. If we're talking total fantasy wishlist, I could probably throw on that one Honus Wagner card too.. some vintage Babe Ruth, maybe.. how could I leave Ted Williams off the list?! Ah, this is hard. Perhaps it was wise of me to just bust this out drunk rather than put too much thought into it.

So what are some cards on your dreamlist?]