A Not so Secret Santa

Shout out to Adam from Cardboard Clubhouse for being a good sport.  I essentially made him buy me something in order to even out the Secret Santa.  In hindsight I probably should have just recruited another person, but instead just threw myself into the fun.  Poor Adam drew the short straw and received my name.  In hindsight it seemed a little weird telling someone to go buy me something.  Either way Adam agreed and sent me some nice cardboard. Maybe I should just start emailing random people and telling them they should send me cards.

Adam sent a bunch of nice Steelers cards my way.  When I was buying Steelers cards on a regular basis Bettis was probably second to only Hines Ward in my collection.  I love when I can receive Steelers cards via trade (or Secret Santa!) because I would venture to say they are among the most expensive teams to collect.  A rabid fanbase and legitimate superstars create the perfect storm.

 Ugh.....Excuse the quality of some of these scans as I've had to use some phone apps in order to keep the blog from falling behind.  My main scanner is hooked to my desktop computer that is currently not working. For single cards these apps work really well.  For big posts I need to practice some more.

The Steelers have done a good job over the years on what players to give long term deals.  The one notable mess up was Rod Woodson.  He had several really good post Steeler years.

 Prestige is a very nice set. I always liked their numbered parallels.

 I'm not sure if this era of Finest Football is as popular as its baseball counterpart, but still cool nonetheless.

 More Bus!

 One of the best cards I've ever seen pulled in person was from Gridiron Kings.  I was in a card shop and saw the owner pull a Unitas auto.  It was pretty cool.  I'm a sucker for canvas cards so no matter if it is the football or baseball version, I love it.

 XFL superstar Tommy Maddox!

 Sometimes less is more with cards.  Such is the case with Donruss hockey.

 Gravedigger!!!

 International sex symbol John Candy Man Candelaria.

 I'm a sucker for team cards.  Even the new ones I love.  This also mixes nicely with my love of manager cards.

 Collectors Choice was a major part of my youth.  Money is tight as a kid so you needed sets with good bang for your buck.  Collectors Choice was a choice of mine more often than not.  Looking back on it as an adult it was probably even a bit underrated because UD had some great photo choices.

When I think athlete Mike Lavalliere often comes to mind.....

 My favorite card is the blatant screw up by Topps on the Gregory Polanco card on the bottom row middle card.  The picture is actually Aramis Ramirez.  The funny thing is they did it on a couple of sets.  Quality Control!

 I probably buy just enough football because of my WVU collection to form an opinion on some of the sets that are out there.  For me the best looking and bang for you buck set is regular Donruss.

 Sparkly Cutch!

 I'm a sucker for any Pirate related Wakefield release.

You should always end a post with a bang! The batter has no idea how over matched he is.

Thanks for being a good sport Adam.  You definitely took one for the team.  Thanks for sending so many great cards.

Ho Ho Ho