Jose Iglesias

Nice game used hat of future starting short stop for Red Sox.

I love the Portland Seadog Logo!!

Nice Michael Jordan Find at Sleepy Poet

My wonderful fiancee and I decided to head over to Sleepy Poet here in Charlotte. It is a huge antique mall, that usually I can find some little sports knick knack. There are some overpriced Nascar Die-Cast that have been there for about 4 years. Damn guy probably wonders why they don't sell, nothing sells for book value like that. While cruising around I stumbled across this.

For 6 bucks, hell I'll buy it. I have seen these on Ebay in this condition sell for about 45-50 bucks. So I listed it on a Ebay. Pick up some trade bait money. Pretty nice condition though, I was surprised. Pretty cool though. 

Strange Purchase.......Left Field Cards Series 1 "Bizzare Injuries"

Awhile back I was cruising the information superhighway and came across an article about a lady named Amelie Mancini and her strange hobby. I thought, man these cards are different, handmade and different. I had to have them. So I ordered them and they finally came last week. I think it is very cool that she has had such a successful run with these cards. She was on Cardboard Connection Radio awhile back as well.

When the pack came, I saw it was hand sewn and I did not want to open it.

This is what the back looks like. 

I think it was a fun idea and a nice addition to my eclectic collection. Pretty damn cool. You can check them out a www.leftfieldcards.com. 

More Diamond Die-Cuts

Here are some more redemptions from Topps Diamond Giveaway..........

Not too shabby. 

Incredible Q&A With Onyx Authenticated

I had the opportunity to interview Lance Fischer the President of Onyx Authenticated. I'm sure most of you know who Onyx is and how well their products are done. Just in case you don't know I recommend you check them out at www.onyxauthenticated.com. Also if you are interested in purchasing any of the hobby releases Dave and Adams is a great place to do it. So now here is the "Incredible" interview with Lance....

1. "Average Card Collector":  "How did Onyx start?"

Lance Fischer: "Onyx Authenticated started with two autograph collectors who loved the hobby.  Seeing that there was an opportunity to add more value, strengthen authenticity and add some ingenuity to the hobby... We jumped on it.  After a few years of building inventory, letting collectors know we exist and building player/ agent relationships, Onyx has started to gain momentum in the memorabilia arena."

2. "Average Card Collector": "Your competitors in this same area of the hobby use a plastic bag for the autograph balls. I personally love the wooden box? Where did the box come from?"

Lance Fischer: The "Box" was one of the drivers on why we started the business.  I really felt that presentation is a huge factor when someone makes a purchase, no matter the cost.  The wooden box gives a nice feel to the product and helps display the ball very nicely.  Plus, most everyone loves a nice wooden box and the display cube fits perfectly inside.

3. "Average Card Collector": "Onyx is one of the few companies to offer a rewards program. How does it work?"

Lance Fischer: "The rewards program is actually going to be phased out with the new website. Hard to believe, but there is minimal participation."

4. "Average Card Collector": "What is in the future for Onyx?"

Lance Fischer: New sports.  We will start to build our football inventory this spring/ summer and if all goes well, signings with this years draft class will occur.

5. "Average Card Collector": "The last and most important question. What do you collect?"

Lance Fischer: "Some high end collectibles, but mostly items that I've personally been associated with.  Some of the cooler items:  My sideline pass when I worked for the Florida State football team, Coach Bowden broke the all-time wins record (he signed it with an inscription),  a few FSU championship rings and some cool items from our exclusive players."

Special thanks to Lance for taking time out of his busy schedule and answering questions for me. I know I have busted a few boxes of Onyx, and hopefully you guys will do the same. Check it out at www.onyxauthenticated.com.

Topps Diamond Giveaway First Haul

It sucks that Topps will only let you get 10 of your redemptions per order. So you have to do multiple orders in order to get those hard earned Diamond Giveaway cards. So here is my first haul..

I personally like the Diamond Die-Cuts. I had no idea that they had the plastic on the card you had to remove. This would also be a future set I would like to build, when the cost goes down. Oh to dream. 

Pete Rose and Mike Schmidt. Not in bad shape.

The 62's are not in bad shape at all. All in all not bad for the 7 dollar shipping charges. I have another haul coming of nothing but the "Diamond Die-Cuts". So I am looking forward to those. I do like the fact that Topps does give a little back if with these "codes". 

Oh yeah. If you guys want to read an interesting interview, read this one. I like Brian Gray from Leaf. He has strong point of views and obviously is not afraid to share them. http://baseballnation.net/showthread.php?4405-Baseball-Nation-Interviews-Brian-Gray

Tebow Mania

Man Tebow mania is in full effect. You know what though, he deserves some congrats. Who knows what will happen next.

So I'll show some support for Tebow and John Fox. 

WWTD!

What Would Tebow Do!

His cards are exploding on EBAY too!

And The Winner Is...............

Fuji, you are the winner of my little contest. I am not going to post your winnings yet, I'll mail and let you show off these couple cards. Send me an email with your address and I will get in the mail. Thanks for all the comments and feedback everyone. I enjoy reading your thoughts and answers.

Duke University Collection

Well, I'm a little bored so why not do a blog post. I figure since my Dukies got beat by Temple last night, why not show off my small Duke Basketball Collection.
My love for Duke University Basketball is natural for me. My grandpa attended Duke University and I'm guessing his love for Duke and the basketball program was just hereditary.

Yes that is a UD Sweet Spot BAseball Auto, Dick Groat was an All American at Duke in basketball. He was also a hell of a baseball player (according to my dad). Tommy Amamker, "The Alaskan Assassin", Hurley, Danny Ferry. These were the best of the best. Surprisingly Laettner is not on here. His autos still sell pretty high. I thought everyone hated Laettner. Still need a good Grant Hill auto if anyone has for to trade or sell. 

Few jerseys and autos. 

Duhon was a decent player. Williams had his moments. 

Its a small collection, but I try to add to when I can. Thanks for looking!! 

2011 Leaf Muhammad Ali Metal.............And Some More Trade Bait

I had a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket. I got a box of 2011 Leaf Muhammad Ali Metal, and it is fantastic. Leaf has their stuff together with the Ali series. I love the "Prismatic" Parallels. Also the color photo on the silver background and border really pops out. Unfortunately I can't afford to buy more boxes, but maybe picking of the SP's will quench my thirst. Also they have a redemption program that ends the 31st of this month, so I sent my barcode in to get an extra pack of 5 Ali 70th Birthday Cards. Check out the pics below. Leaf has been surprising me everyday with more and more products. Has anyone bought the Pete Rose series from Leaf??

Also here is some trade bait below. #06/09 Famous Fabrics Ripken/Jordan/Thomas 1991 MVP Card. 

To Grade Or Not To Grade, That is the question......And The Giveaway Continues..

Last year Topps released a retail set of the USA baseball team and there was no auto inside. This year however they released the 2011 Team and included an auto in there and for only 9.99. Not a bad price. It is a nice set anyway and will be tucked away, but I the auto is a nice one. 

I can't believe from Topps, that in a retail set an On-Card Auto. Surprised the hell out of me. That leads to my question. This card looks good. I do not know that much about Troy Conyers, besides his bio...

#14 - Troy Conyers - LHP

Full name: Troy Conyers
Position: LHP
B/T: L/L
Height: 6-4
Weight: 225
DOB: 4/11/1994
Hometown: Lakeside, Calif.
High school: El Capitan (Vaqueros)
Grad year: 2012
Notes: Hit .493 with seven homers and 28 RBI this season offensively and went 8-2 with a 4.27 ERA in 42.5 innings on the mound, striking out 52 ... Went 3-1 with a 1.89 ERA on the varsity team as a freshman ... Earned 2009 and 2010 Scholar Athlete on Honor Roll ... Starting pitcher for the 2009 and 2010 CIF Championship games, winning both ... 2010 Pitcher of the Year for Grossmont Valley League ... 2010 First Team All-San Diego CIF ... 2010 Max Prep High School All-American First Team ... 2010 Cal-Hi Sports All-State First Team Underclassmen ... 2010 All-East County First Team ... Lists CC Sabathia as his favorite athlete because of their similar styles on the mound ... Troy is the son of Brent and Daria Conyers.

.....But is this a card worth grading. I know last year those who got their Dylan Bundy's graded made a killing. Is it worth a shot to flip and wait for the draft in the next couple years? Just throwing it out there. Kudos to Topps again for an on card auto.

Ah yes, the giveaway. If I get anymore posts on this article as well from different bloggers and readers they will be added to the contest as well. I will use random.org on Sunday, Jan 8th and announce the winner.