Spanky Buyback

2015 Leaf 25th Buyback Mike LaValliere Buyback Auto/40

If only this card would have had a "Spanky" inscription it would have easily made my top ten list.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this card hit eBay. LaValliere only had one certified auto that I knew of and it featured him in his White Sox uniform. I bought that card last year thinking it would be my only chance for a certified auto. 

The guy is the epitome of world class athlete, right? The physique of a Greek God and the looks of a Hollywood star!

In all seriousness it is always exciting to see a guy like LaValliere get some love from a new set. Say what you want about the Leaf buyback process, but it is super cool that they went out of there way to get some lesser known names to sign from the 1990 set. I hope that Jay Bell will get one soon.  

The card itself cost me more in shipping than auction price (around $4.25).  I know Van Slyke is in the set as well, but the card is going for a little more than I'm willing to pay right now. 

Yay Spanky! 

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Who's Your Favorite Little Rascal?

My wife was nice enough to give me a couple hours to sort some cards last night. Mainly this consists of me going through 5000ct boxes looking for cards to trade and separating out Pirates/WVU. As usual this process unveils some hidden gems.

2006 Fleer Greats of the Game Mike Spanky Lavalliere Auto

SPANKY!!!!!

Mike Lavalliere played before the relic/auto boom so as far as I know this is the only certified hit of the former Bucco backstop. While it is a tad bit disappointing that he is featured as a White Sox, the card is still awesome.

Maybe I should start a petition to make sure he gets featured as a Pirate in the Fan Favorites auto set. He played for four teams during his career, but by far his best years were in Pittsburgh. He proved to be a very valuable piece during the Pirates three playoff years in the early 90's platooning with Don Slaught.

This card has been in my collection for a long time so I can't quite remember how I acquired it. My guess would be COMC since it was boxed with a bunch of other cards that I know for sure were ordered from there.

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Spanky 1/1

2013 Leaf Memories Buy Back 1/1

I've been on a hot streak finding the Pirates out of this set.  Last month I showcased the Bob Walk 1/1 and I obtained a copy of the /5 version in a trade with Too Many Verlanders.  Several Pirates are in this set so it will be fun to hunt them down.

Mike Spanky LaValliere was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.  He was acquired when the Pirates traded Tony Pena to the Cardinals for Andy Van Slyke, Mike Dunne and LaValliere.  Needless to say that deal really worked out for the Bucs.  A defensive catcher LaValliere along with Don Slaught formed an effective platoon during the successful early 90's Pirate teams.  Obviously not an Adonis, it is easy to see why Spanky is a fitting nickname.  

Thanks for checking out the blog.  The Bucs beat the Cubs this afternoon so it is a good day!