1984 Fleer Update Kirby Puckett!

This was a white whale type of card for me that I hoped to land one day, and am very proud to own it now. Got a solid deal on it with the help of an eBay coupon code. I wanted a PSA-slabbed copy since I know there are known to be counterfeits of this one out there. It doesn't bother me that it's graded a 5, which isn't very good for a modern card, though I've given it a close look-over and am not sure what knocked it down. I guess the upper right corner is a tad discolored, but not bad at all. If that helped drop the price on an otherwise beautiful card, I'm totally cool with that.

This is his "one true rookie" since he didn't get a Topps or Donruss card until 1985. (..though being in an Update set, you could argue it's not actually a "true" rookie, but rather an "XRC".)

I'd like to eventually get the Roger Clemens as well as the rest of 1984 Fleer Update to complement the '84 Fleer set I built a few months ago. But I've got the big one out of the way now.

With the new arrival of Kirby, I feel like I've completed the trilogy of best 80s rookie cards. Objections welcomed. pic.twitter.com/KOxBHwBbwX

— Baseball Card Breakdown (@breakdowncards) July 21, 2018

I tweeted this out last night and got a lot of good responses. If we're talking "back in the day", you could make a strong case for the '85 McGwire Team USA card, perhaps the Canseco Rated Rookie, Mattingly rookies, and the "big 3" from 1983 Topps. But here in 2018, the only 80s rookie card I think would have a shot at challenging for the podium of "Top 3 rookie cards of the 80s" would be the '82 Topps Traded Ripken (which I'd like to score someday). But that's just my opinion. Fun to hear other takes on the matter, so feel free to chime in.

COMC pickups + Joy of a Completed Set: 1984 Fleer + joining TCDB

Just got in my first COMC order since last Black Friday. I probably should have waited till the "Spring Cleaning Sale Event" (or whatever) when they might offer free shipping, but I got impatient.

Frank Robinson's getting lots of face time on my blog lately, first with a '57 rookie card the other day, now a couple of legend variations from 2011.

More sweet legends variations, coincidentally three New York players here.

And yet more liquorfractors for my 2011 Topps parallel frankenset. Highlights for me here include the last Padres Cy Young winner, Jake Peavy, and fellow Grossmont College alum, Sean O'Sullivan. 44.86% complete now (576/1284).

Also snagged a half-dozen needs for my 2004 Topps Chrome black refractor parallel set. Can't get enough of these! 28.95% complete now.

Sometimes I search 1957 Topps by cheapest-first and see what needs I can pick up for a buck or less. These are all "filler grade" and I wouldn't mind upgrading them someday (though I'd be fine with an off-condition set), but I'm happy to check them off my wantlist. Regular readers of this blog are likely getting sick of seeing '57 Topps on here, but these will likely be the last of it for a while. Now up to 29.98% complete.. Just a card away from cracking 30%!

More from my COMC order coming soon, but let's end this post with a card generously sent to me by friendly reader Fred S...

This Rickey Henderson brings me to 100% complete on 1984 Fleer! It's a very nice looking set. I never had many cards from it in my collection, but always liked it. Feels great to own the complete set now. (Would love to compliment it with the '84 Fleer Update set, though that one might be tougher to complete thanks to Clemens and Puckett. Maybe someday!) And like '83 Topps before it, I completed this one entirely through trading, no purchases, which makes it a bit more special to me. Got it done pretty quickly, too. Night Owl got the build going just last August.

Big thanks for the generous PWE, Fred!
(He also included a 2017 Bowman Chrome Gavin Lux.) Check him out on the Trading Card Database, user CubinSTL and CubinSTLSets. One of these days I'll figure out how to use TCDB and dig up something to return the favor.

In fact, I just went ahead and registered (user defgav), and while I don't think I'll ever enter my entire collection to the site, I'll likely try to use it to work up some trade help for sets and whatnot. Any TCDB users have tips for me?

Chugging along with a big 57 rookie and some Twitter trades

The other day I celebrated getting a raise by picking up a 1957 Topps Roberto Clemente. And this was hot on the heels of splurging on a '57 Ted Williams with motivation from a 20% off eBay coupon code. The same day I got the Clemente, I threw a bid on a Frank Robinson rookie and ended up winning it for a solid price.

Love it! Not in perfect condition, but good enough shape to where I doubt I'll ever worry about upgrading it. The "Underrated Hall of Famer" Frank Robinson has always been a guy I liked and had a small PC going for, but never really collected him too hard. Who would have thought I'd eventually end up owning his rookie card. Pretty neat.

I'll likely cool it on picking up more big names for my '57 set for a while now, but I do have a bunch of commons on the way via a pending COMC order and a recently agreed-upon trade.

- - ---o

The other vintage set I'm focused on at the moment is '64 Topps, and I recently got some surprise help there through Nick Vossbrink, whom I became familiar with on Twitter (@vossbrink), though he's also a blogger (NJWV). He's got some interesting insights, so be sure to check his stuff out if you haven't yet. He's a Giants collector, and had some '64 dupes that needed a home. He also knows a lot about photography and printing, so he could probably give you a good explanation why these cards have varying orange/yellow tints.

Nick also hooked me up with this glorious Bill Madlock oddball. I little research reveals this card as part of the 1979 KNBR San Francisco Giants San Francisco Police set.

And here's the back, if you were curious. It's a bit taller than a standard card. Nice addition to my Mad Dog PC.

Thanks, Nick! Dropped a little thank-you package of cards in the mail for you today.

-  - - --o

Last thing to mention today is a 2-card PWE via Twitter.

Tim (@MaxxPower68) kindly got in touch with me regarding some of the last remaining '84 Fleer cards I needed. Even though I struck out finding a good return for him quite yet, he went ahead and sent Nolan and Gaylord my way for future trade considerations. Very nice.. Thanks, Tim! He's currently working on '84 Donruss (a set I hope to get cranking on soon) and is a big Rams fan, so consider reaching out to him if you've got some such cards to trade.

Anyways, now I'm only one last card away from completing '84 Fleer (Rickey), and I think I've got that on the way from a friendly reader named Fred (he says it was mailed today).. so I'm hoping that shows up soon and I can put this set to bed.

Think About You

Ah, the 80s.

It's funny how I never felt so good 
It's a feeling that I know I know I'll never forget
Oooh it was the best time I can remember

You said it, Axl.

I've got 3 sets from the 80s that are racing to the finish line thanks to generous trader buds.

Don Mattingly is probably the top card in 1984 Fleer, going by book, and I'm very grateful to Larry in Alabama for hooking me up with it, even though I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel for useful cards I can send back to him after our couple other recent trades. But yeah, this is a great card. I think it's my first Mattingly rookie ever. He's a guy I kinda collect thanks to being one of the Springfield Nine.

All I'm missing to finish off '84 Fleer now are Nolan, Rickey, Gaylord Perry's retirement tribute card, and of course, the legendary Milt Wilcox. (j/k; not sure why the Milt has been so elusive).

Larry also hit a couple big names left in my 1983 Topps set, with Ripken and Carew here.

Big thanks, Larry! I've got a stack of cards for you I need to drop in the mail ASAP.

- - - ----o

And I did a quick PWE trade with reader John H. to knock off a few more '83 Topps needs.

And a Gavin along for the ride.

My remaining '83 Topps needs as of this post:
71 Steve Carlton super-veteran
146 Don Sutton super-veteran
397 Pete Rose all-star
406 Steve Carlton all-star
792 Chris Chambliss

I think I might've exhausted all I can from friendly blog readers, and may now have to turn to Twitter if I want to complete these sets ('84 Fleer, '83 and '80 Topps) only by trading. I mean, I'm sure I could nab these final few cards cheap enough on Sportlots or someplace, but doing it through trades is more rewarding, right?

Anyways.. Thanks, John! I'll try to round up something to hit you back with shortly.

-  - - ----o

And last trade to mention today was a dual PWE blast from my buddy Matt at Sport Card Collectors.

A couple nice additions to the Billy Hamilton PC. The 2018 is one of those batting practice jersey SPs. And while I didn't care for 2017 Topps Fire much overall, I really like those shiny Golden Grabs insets.

Some other guys I collect.

And some assorted Padres from the past. Max Fried went to the Braves back in the Justin Upton trade. I think he's fighting for a spot in Atlanta's rotation this spring.

Thanks a lot, SCC! I'll shoot you back some NY Giants or whatnot soon.

Out Ta Get Me

Been hidin' out and layin' low with a nasty cold for the past few days, but now I'm playing catch-up with a jumbo trade recap post. Yep, my trader buds have been out ta get me closer to finishing up some classic sets.

Turrdog has hooked me up with some great cards in the past, but may have outdone himself this time. Along with the Gwynn I already had, this pair knocks off the Big 3 rookies in 1983 Topps.

And lots of starpower here, too.

And he crossed off a bunch of my remaining 1984 Fleer needs with these 10 HOFers.

Big thanks, Turrdog! I'll do my best to round up some thank-you cards soon.

-  - -- --o

Next up is GCA.

Another nice lot of '83 Topps needs.

Some guys I collect, with Dewys and a Puckett and Madlock (had the Madlock in the PC, but needed one for the '87 Fleer Update build).

But the real star of GCA's package was the onslaught of Bo Jackson cards. He's got a pretty legit Bo PC and was able to dig up a bunch of dupes I could use.

Great selection from various sets.

Thanks a lot, GCA! I'll hit you back with some cards right away.

-   - - ---o

Next up is good ol' mr. haverkamp lending a helping hand again.

Ripken and Rose were big ones to cross off the '84 Fleer list.

A bunch of good '83 Topps cards too. I'm really nearing the finish line with these 2 sets now! My updated wantlists can be found on this post.

Jim also found some '64 Topps needs for me. Slowly creeping up to 50% complete there.

And a Mad Dog. Had this in my '80 Topps set, but now here's one for the PC.

Thanks as always, mr haverkamp! Just let me know if I can ever return the favor!

-  - - ---o

Next up is a package from Paul at Scribbled Ink, who recently sent out a bunch of cards in conjunction with a contest he ran while pissed at Miguel Cabrera for pulling out of the Tigers preseason fan event.

Love the "1/1"! That shiny Hank is a beauty too. And the thrill of receiving Aaron Judge cards in trade hasn't worn off for me quite yet.

And a nice lot for my Marquis Grissom PC.

Also a couple cards for my '64 setbuild. Already had the Dalrymple, but needed the Boozer. Cheers!

Great stuff.. thanks, Paul!

-  -  - ---o

And here's a surprise mailing from Bru at Remember the Astrodome.

He sent me some Padres 8x10s from the late 80s, highlighted by Gwynn and Robby. (UPDATE: These are 1989 T&M oversized 8x10 cards.)

Thanks for thinking of me, Bru. I'll shoot some Astros your way soon.

- - ---o

Last package for today comes via the Lost Collector.

Solid assortment of 2018 Topps Padres. Didn't have any of these yet.

And some older Padres cards, highlighted by a Caminiti trio.

But the gem of the package was this manurelic (that Topps erroneously refers to as a patch) of young slugger Rhys Hoskins. My first "hit" of the guy, it's a blue parallel, numbered /99 on the back.

Thanks a lot for the trade, AJ!

-  - ---o

Bummer. Looks like there should have been one more mailing in this post, but the mystery sender skimped on the postage. Hopefully I end up with it sooner or later.

Take that one to heart! Thanks for stopping by.

1984 Fleer and 1983 Topps wantlists

I recently swung another trade with friendly reader Larry in Alabama, leaving me with very manageable lists of needs for 1983 Topps and 1984 Fleer.

1984 Fleer needs: (UPDATE: 1984 Fleer is now complete!!)
17 Cal Ripken (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
46 Pete Rose (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
48 Mike Schmidt (thanks, Turrdog!)
93 Milt Wilcox (thanks, Kyle D!)
131 Don Mattingly (thanks, Larry!)
143 Dave Winfield (thanks, Turrdog!)
215 Don Sutton (thanks, Turrdog!)
239 Nolan Ryan (thanks, Tim W.)
298 Dave Dravecky (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
392 Wade Boggs (thanks, Turrdog!)
439 Tom Burgmeier (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
447 Rickey Henderson (thanks, Fred!)
504 Ryne Sandberg (thanks, Turrdog!)
514 Doug DeCinces (thanks, Turrdog!)
520 Reggie Jackson (thanks, Turrdog!)
595 Tom Seaver (thanks, Turrdog!)
638 George Brett/Gaylord Perry HL (thanks, Turrdog!)
641 Gaylord Perry HL (thanks, Tim W.)
642 Steve Carlton HL (thanks, Turrdog!)

Definitely a do-able list left here, though some big names, with the Mattingly RC being the toughest one.


1983 Topps needs: (UPDATE: 1983 Topps is now complete!!)
30 Jim Rice (thanks, Turrdog!)
55 Mookie Wilson (thanks, Turrdog!)
60 Johnny Bench (thanks, Turrdog!)
70 Steve Carlton (thanks, Turrdog!)
71 Steve Carlton SV (thanks, Kyle D!)
83 Ryne Sandberg (thanks, Turrdog!)
100 Pete Rose (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
101 Pete Rose SV (thanks, Turrdog!)
125 Leon Durham (thanks, Turrdog!)
146 Don Sutton SV (thanks, Kyle D!)
163 Cal Ripken Jr. (thanks, Larry!)
180 Rickey Henderson (thanks, Matt Prigge!)
200 Rod Carew (thanks, Larry!)
201 Rod Carew SV (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
280 Bert Blyleven (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
350 Robin Yount (thanks, Turrdog!)
360 Nolan Ryan (thanks, Turrdog!)
371 Mike Richardt (thanks, John H!)
390 Reggie Jackson AS (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
393 Carlton Fisk AS (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
397 Pete Rose AS (thanks, Kyle D!)
401 Dale Murphy AS (thanks, Turrdog!)
406 Steve Carlton AS (thanks, Kyle D!)
421 Al Oliver SV (thanks, Turrdog!)
422 George Cappuzzello (thanks, Turrdog!)
463 Gaylord Perry (thanks, Turrdog!)
464 Gaylord Perry SV (thanks, Turrdog!)
498 Wade Boggs (thanks, Turrdog!)
566 Manny Sarmiento (thanks, GCA!)
610 Steve Garvey (thanks, Turrdog!)
652 Butch Hobson (thanks, GCA!)
699 Lee Smith (thanks, mr haverkamp!)
702 Reggie Jackson, Gorman Thomas, Dave Kingman LL (thanks, GCA!)
705 Steve Carlton, LaMarr Hoyt LL (thanks, GCA!)
771 Kent Hrbek, Bobby Castillo TL (thanks, John H!)
786 Ralph Houk (thanks, GCA!)
788 Dane Iorg (thanks, GCA!)
789 Bryan Clark (thanks, John H!)
792 Chris Chambliss (thanks, Kyle D!)

Still a healthy stack of missing '83s here, but a good starting place to officially count this as a set I'm working on. The big 3 rookies weren't included, though I happened to have an extra Gwynn, so can check that off, and I've got a Boggs RC in the Chickenman PC that I could reluctantly pull out if I must, so really the key need for me here is the Sandberg.

My plan is to not make spreadsheets for these sets, but rather I'll update this post crossing off cards as I get them. Please get in touch regarding a trade if you can help me out.
Thanks!

Had a fun holiday weekend at the coast. It was chilly, and the snowy drive through the mountains to get there was a little dicey, but otherwise great weekend. Annie got lots of quality playing in.

late night trade recap

Wrapping up another successful awareness week. Thanks to all of you who helped support the use of blue tape and pull tabs. Ours is a noble and just cause.

Let's crank out a trade recap post. First up is Night Owl. We've been trading back and forth for a while, and honestly I've forgotten when I get cards from him if he's getting me back for the last batch of cards I sent him, or starting a new cycle. But no matter, I'm happy to keep things going.

A couple sweet relics of Padres I collect. I assume that red Klesko warm-up jersey swatch must be from his time on the Braves, right? (edit: whoops, I missed the All-Star stuff. It's most likely from his All-Star Game warm-up jersey, as Night Owl pointed out in the comments.) That Khalil Greene might feature the tiniest bat chip I've ever seen in a card, but I'm still happy to add it to the PC.

Some Padre cards with foil stamps. I remember posting a comment on Greg's terrific blog offering to give the Gwynn a good home a while back, and here he is!

A few days ago, I posted a plea for traders to please stop sending me Wil Myers cards, but this package was already in the capable hands of the USPS by then, so he gets a pass.

"Knoxville! Knoxville! Knoxville!" I wanted that Sunsphere card because of the classic Simpsons episode where Bart and his buds take a road trip to visit it, years after the World's Fair. Also here are a couple Confortos I needed, plus a 2011 parallel.

A bunch more current guys I collect, mostly from 2017 Opening Day.

Beltre! I saw that faux Wheaties box card on Oscar's blog a few days ago and thought it was pretty cool, so I was very happy to find it among the stack.

1984 Fleer! I've got this set on my "maybe someday" list, and this is a nice starter lot for if/when I get serious about it. I believe Greg is also working on the set, so these must be some dupes he had available.

And finally a couple glowing cards.
See?....

Thanks, Greg! Very appreciated. I'll round up some cards for you soon.

Oh, since we're closing up Blue Tape & Pull-Tab Awareness Week, I guess we should take a look at his packaging:

The ol' team bag with a piece of blue tape over it. Billy from Cardboard History mentioned in the comments that folks taping a team bag is a big pet peeve of his (specifically when it's a new team bag with the adhesive strip that still has the covering over it). But I get it; sometimes, especially with a team bag that's already been used a few times, it's hard to trust that the sticky part will hold. So yeah, I give N.O. a thumbs-up here.

-  - -- - ---o

Next up is a trade with a new Twitter bud, @DJSeneseiNJ. I tweeted out my needs from Star Wars 40 and while I got some likes and retweets, he was the only person to answer the call and knock some numbers off my list.

He found a nice baker's dozen of needs for me, taking me to 17 left to complete the 200-card set.

[My current 2017 Topps Star Wars 40th Anniversary needs: 8, 15, 23, 29, 37, 42, 46, 49, 57, 58, 69, 80, 90, 108, 157, 180, 190]

Thanks, man!

He sent the cards in a little ziplock bag (from 100-count penny sleeve pack, perhaps?) with a blank card for protection and a piece of tape to keep it tight. No pull-tab, but I'll still give him an A- here.

- - - ----o

Finally, here's a surprise PWE from Kin of I Feel Like A Collector Again.

Card Saver in a PWE. Fine choice when you're just sending a card or two. Score; uncanceled 1¢ stamp! A "please don't bend" plea might not actually do a whole lot, but I guess it doesn't hurt. What kind of creeps me out is how did he know the extra 4 digits of my zip. Hell, *I* don't even know those extra 4 digits! LOL

It's a cool Chris Sale parallel and a blank little card that I didn't even notice at first.. Pleasantly surprised to discover it's another 2017 A&G Constellation mini!

Very nice!

And a glowing pic. I've now got 3 of the 10 of these things. Not bad. My 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter "Constellations" glow-in-the-dark mini inserts needs: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-6, C-7, C-8, C-10

Thanks, Kin! I'll find something to return the favor soon.

Thanks again to these kind traders, and to you for reading, and everyone who does their best to package cards is a courteous way!