Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Collecting ... in our Genes or is it ...

... a disease?

ive been pretty much bed ridden for the better part of the last week.  i was asked to babysit my godson and his sister Friday before last.  i think thats where the illness was transferred, these things happen with kids.  its always been that way for as long as i can remember.

the last few days ive been reading about a good number of people that i consider friends, card friends at the least i suppose, say that they are leaving/cutting back on "the hobby".  i cant say that i blame them, theyre reasonings are valid enough.  people come and go in this hobby all of the time.  some stay gone, most seem to return in one form or another.

Why is that?  is collecting something that we are born to do?  Some people never have the desire to collect anything.  nothing wrong with that either.  maybe its a generational thing.  Kids today have so many things "going for them" that maybe collecting "things" is just too foreign of a concept for them to grasp.

since ive got nothing to do but pass time while this illness passes, ive been watching a lot of Netflix.  specifically "The Wonder Years".   i watched this series when it aired originally (1988), but i was 17ish at the time.  i like it, but i can honestly say that i didnt truly "get it".  Now that i am 41, and watching it again for the first time since then, wow does it come across as an amazing show now that i am "of age" (i suppose).  i started season 5 (there are 6) last night, and will be a little sad when i finish watching it. 

Comic Books have garnered much more of my interest this year as a whole.  not sure why that is really, but it is what it is.  i still love cards and probably always will.  Im still on the fence about next years Topps Heritage Set.  Im worried that Topps is going to screw up the paper stock, like they did with the Heritage High # Set this year.  Yes, i know, such a "problem" to have Eric!  But it is what it is.  i suppose i could wind up collecting the set later on in the year when the price of the wax plummets (like it did this year)

i hope that you guys are having a better go at it then i am.

until next time,
Eric
ThoseBackPages


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thinking of giving up on the Topps Heritage Brand

i have collected every Topps Heritage Baseball Set from 2001 through this years 2012.

it's the one modern baseball card set that i am genuinely excited about.  i watched as other pissed on Topps shortly after the 2012 version was released back in March.  Not enough of this, too much of that, yada, yada, yada.   Some of the complainers were old, some new, more or less the same ol' same ol'

i stood up for the release.  i am a fan of the set it represents, 1963 Topps.  i bought my share, then bought some more.  i am less then 100 insert cards from finishing my 2012 Set.

i love heritage.  i love heritage because it reminds me of days gone by.  days when there were no "SUPER MOJO RARE MEGA-$$ HITS".  There were cards, gum and cards.  that was it.  Yes, things have changed.

i collect the heritage set each year.  i collect all the base cards (1-500) and then all the basic inserts.  i do not collect Chrome cards, fabric cards, bat cards, or cards with writing on them (aka autos).  i welcome those if i pull them from my packs.  they make for great trading bait.

i learned over the summer that there was going to be a Heritage High Number Set.  i was as excited as anyone that there would be such a release.  i learned that it would be in factory set form, and only available on-line. 

i was worried about set cost and expressed my concerns.  turns out i was right.  Yesterday Topps announced that the set would be released early next month with a SRP of $99.95.  yes, 100 dollars for a set of 100 base cards.  the "bonus" as they call it, is that there will be an "Autographed" card in every set.   As someone that doesnt have any interest in ink cards, its a kick in the junk that this "bonus" is driving the SRP through the roof.

i honestly don't know what to do.  it's easy enough to just give Topps $100.  But i feel they've done collectors totally wrong with this release. i feel enough so that i am thinking about calling it quits on the brand.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

My SAGA Trade Paperback Money Back Guarantee

If you've read my posts before, you know that i have returned to reading comics for the first time since the late 80's.  ive gone into why before, so wont be repeating myself here.

This one is about SAGA. If you've been reading Saga and love it, then i guess you don't need me to tell you how great it is, eh?

If you're a huge Star Wars Fan that grew up seeing them in the theater when they came out like myself, then there is no way that you will not like SAGA.  Unless of course, you don't care for reading, then it really doesn't matter, does it? :)

The first Trade Paperback, which includes Issue's 1 through 6 (which is the latest issue) is being released on October 10th of this year.  Reading the TPB will "catch you up" on everything that has been released so far.  Issue #8 is due out in November, so you'll be all set to jump in on the monthly roller coaster if you choose to do so going forward.

Here is my Money Back Guarantee.  Buy the Trade Paperback (cover price is only $9.99 for 160 pages!), read it, soak it in, love it, read it again.  Then thank Brian K. Vaughn for writing it, and Fiona Staples (@FionaStaples) for drawing such goodness on a monthly basis.  No need to thank me, as I'm just a fan :)

But if you don't like it, and feel that I mislead you and forced you to "waste" ten bucks, here's what I want you to do,on the first page of the Trade Paperback, do the following:

Write your @Twitter Handle or Blogger Handle.
Write in your own handwriting what you did not like about the book, why you're returning it.
Give me your autograph under the above.
Mail the Trade Paperback to me (message me, I will provide my address)

Upon receipt, I will PayPal you ten bucks.

It really is THAT good of a book people.  I don't say that lightly, and I have always been a person that backs what they feel with action.



Sunday, September 9, 2012

Walking Dead TV, Comic, and CGCs & Sports Card Transistion

Walking Dead is a Fever.  it really is.  it starts all nice and easily enough, but then it takes you over.

The TV show is very, very good.  i think it will get even better.  The Comic book is flat out fucking amazing.  there is little that is "the same" about the two.  the basic outline is the same, but there are limits as what can be done on TV, especially basic cable.

i feel that with the rising popularity of the TV Show, more people will gravitate towards the Comic.  im collecting CGCs with an eye towards the future.  i feel that there is room for them to grow, a lot of room.  Time will tell if i am right or not.  of course. ive been wrong about things like this before :)

ive lost a lot of interest in cards as of late.  i can about count on both hands how many slabs that id still like to own when it comes to post war rookies.  i'll always love and love to talk about cards and will do so with anyone whos interested in doing so, but the ones that ive been interested in winning gets smaller with each passing day it seems.


Saturday, August 18, 2012

2012 East Coast National Recap

i had taken off from work today as i was going to see Chicago play at Jones Beach tonight.
(The show was awesome, as was expected!)

So i had some free time early in the day and decided to check out the show.  i usually attend this show on Friday, as i prefer those hours to the weekend hours.  That being said, it may be the "norm" to have people line up outside for entry to the show on the weekends, but its not like that on Fridays.

i got in and noticed something right away.  the room was packed. not pack as in a lot of people, but packed as in the walking space in the aisles was considerably less then normal.  There was also no way there were 450 dealer tables.

Well, it is what it is, and it was time to have a look around.  Even a "bad" show is a good show, as it IS a show :)  after walking around for about three hours i hadnt picked up anything.  There were a couple of things that interested me, but overall pretty underwhelmed.

What i did see were a lot of customers walking around and seemingly happy to be there shopping.
there seemed to be a lot of Bryce Harper and Mike Trout low end rookie cards changing hands.  thats a good sign in my book.   of course, some people want then for "cheaper" no matter what the dealer offers.

well as my "time to leave" time approached, i had to make some decisions.  And here they are:

(My scanner is not working, and these pics suck and do NOT do the cards justice)

i fell in love with this card as soon as i saw it.  centering on this card is a PITA, it really is.
even though it's not a rookie card, i had to have it.




Next up ... somewhat of a return to an old focus.  those of you that have known me for some time realize that i tend to jump all over the place.  well, time to revisit an old friend ... BGS Gold.
i am going to try for true gems when given the opportunity, but it wont be a deal breaker like it had been back then.    The BIG Picture of this Focus is to go for Topps Rookie Cards of players of note (that i do not already have). 

Here are two that i picked up today ...










i also picked up a box of 2012 Topps Football Jumbos that i hope to open sooner rather then later :)

Thanks For The Read,
Eric





Monday, August 13, 2012

Damn, still cant believe .....

That the 2012 National has come and is now over for over a week.

seems like just last night i was hanging out with my newly found card friends.  How nice it was to just sit, hang out and talk about cards.  i know that sounds weird to those that do not have this gene known as collector.  But those that have done this for a long time know exactly what i am talking about. 

i was fortunate to make a bunch of new friends while at the show this year.  i hope we are all able to make it to Chicago next year.

things here are alright i suppose.  still looking for some key football rookie cards.  for baseball, im almost done with what ive been working on for the last 8 years.

i opened some of the 2012 Topps Mini Baseball.  Ripped two boxes.  Really fun rip.  highly recommended.

Monday, August 6, 2012

2012 National Recap

Eh, im going to post this later.  i need to gather my thoughts.  im pretty down about the show being over, having been looking forward to it all year.

2012 National day five

Today was the last day of the 2012 National.

im not going to lie, i am depressed as im typing this.  it just ALWAYS goes by so damn fast.  im not even kidding.  its now after 3am and i should be tired and asleep, but im not.  its pouring rain out and im typing away here.

while thinking about what to be on the hunt for today (while trying to fall asleep last night), i was giving serious thought to adding basketball to the mix.  i looked around at some Jordans, but decided that it just wasnt going to be, not now anyway.

What i wound up picking up today were some ..... wait for it ..... yes, what im about to type is not typed in error .... modern .... BGS RCs!  ::gasp::   yep, two of them even!  saved me some money on one, and the other is just not to be found in a PSA (actually, the other one is pretty damn hard as well)

also today i met another Twitter Card Friend, always a good thing in my book.

then it was more walking around, chatting, saying goodbye to those that were still around today.  Most everyone left early this morning to catch flights, so i said farewell to the last night.

All in all i wound up picking up 22 Slabs (20 PSA, 2 BGS) ... 7 baseball and 15 football.

Bet you never would have guessed that would be the ratio, eh? :)


2012 National day four

Day Four recap.

Not having access to my iPad, i am writing this from home, after the fact.  but thats the way it goes.

Day four was a good one as far as picking stuff up goes.  Since the last card that i "need" for my Post-War HOF RC Collection was being held "hostage", that meant that the fundage i saved up for it could be used for other things.  That meant that it was time to really delve into a new Focus.  Football HOF RC's

i was thinking about it a lot as i was trying to get to sleep after Firday nights events.  it was then that i decided to go ahead and really go "all in" on the new focus.  As soon as the doors opened, i went straight to one table (on purpose) and picked up four of the huge 80's rookies.  Very happy to have added them.  i also decided it was time to buy one of those 2012 Topps Mini Boxes that EVERYONE seemed to be ripping.  so i bought one (yay for free promos!)

i was able to hang out with some of the new friends i made.  it was a really great day overall.

2012 National day three

Day Three of this years National.

Well, the charger for my iPad died, So I'm typing this on my phone, so it may be shorter then I'd like, but it was such an awesome day that I want to get it written now.

So today was day three.

This morning I was able to land four PSA RCs and the card side of the day ended with another one.

But what made today amazing was the stuff away from the showroom floor.

Today was the PSA Luncheon.  What a great time that was. There was a great speaker, and also a really funny video.  The shindig lasted about two hours.

Then it was back to the show for more browsing and chatting. Did that for the rest of the day.

After the show was a get together for the net 54 crew.   A group of us went, and it was fun. The cheese was good.

About 8:15 we headed over to an exclusive party for Steiner Sports. It was at some happening place in the inner harbor. Lots of young people everywhere.   Once we got into the club, who do we see standing near the bar? Yep, the one and only Dwight Gooden! 

Having known that he was supposed to be there, I was prepared to tell him the story about my favorite card that I keep in my wallet.  For about the last three years ive kept a 1985 Topps #620 Dwight Gooden card in my wallet that i personally pulled out of a pack back in 1985.  It's my favorite card of all time, and the card that got me to where i am today as a collector.  I told Dwight my story and he was very nice and politely agreed to sign my card.  He even personalized it "To Eric, Best Wishes"  Man i couldnt believe it, i really couldnt.  i was like a flustered kid again, having just conversed with my childhood idol.

After all that took place, I was on cloud nine! waawaawewa!  Wow I'm still having it all sink in.   Barry Larkin was also there.  We pretty much all took pictures with both of them.  Everyone was having an amazing time.  We then stayed there a few more hours before it was time to head back to grab some shut eye for the evening

Thursday, August 2, 2012

2012 National Day Two

Day two of this years National.


The day started out well.  Woke up before my alarm went off.
What is it about being on vacation that make a person sleep even less then when they're at home? lol

I went for a little stroll as I waited for the show to open.  Took a walk down around Camden Yards.  The place is now 20 years old and it still looks amazing.  I also walked over to where Baba Ruth was born.  Then it was time to head in for day two.

Day two meant that it was a good time to make some purchases and not risk them being available later on.  I was quite successful in scoring things that I wanted to pick up.  

Then the rest of my day was spent talking with old and new friends that were at the show.  Then it was time for the Topps Panel.  This years was about the same as last years (but the food was better last year).  I did enjoy myself thought.

Then day two was a wrap.  A few of us were hanging around outside of the hotel to decide where to go for some dinner and such.   As we were waiting, two fellow collectors were walking by and in one of those "Wow moments", one of the guys recognized me from this very here blog! Right on, that was awesome.

We as a group decided to then head down to the "Inner Harbor" to see what we could see, and what there was as far as eating establishments.  Well, I have to be honest, the "Inner Harbor" was nothing short of unimpressive.  A few stores here and there, and get this, a freaking MALL! lol

We decided on an Irish Bar & Grill.  A good time was had by all.  Then it was time to head back and rest up for tomorrow.

So my day two was fantastic.  I am really having a good time and enjoying myself.  Anytime I can make new friends, AND talk about cards? #WINNING 

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

2012 National Day One



Day one of this years National has ended.

My trip west was a smooth one, not much to report, trains were on time, Amtrak was crowded, but comfortable and dint seem all that bad.  I will use them again.  I enjoyed my view of America as I rolled on down the tracks.

Got to the hotel and checked in, no problem.  Then I was time to check to see what was around here as far as grocery stores go.  Well,  that was a big big "fail". They don't seem to have any of those around here.  They have a CVS, a 7-11 and a knock off 7-11 that refuses to use plastic bags. WTF? right? lol

Well after checking out all three stores, i found that the knock off was the only one rolling diet cherry pepsi.  So that was the "winner". I picked up 6 20oz' and headed back to the hotel room to put. them intense fridge. As I was walking back, I. Got some strange looks, as I'm guessing it looked liked I was carrying a six-pack of beer on a Wednesday afternoon lol

Then it was time to head to the show to pick up my VIP bage and promo package.
On the way there I ran into a twitter fella I knew and we hung out until the doors opened.  The doors opened at 3:30 and it was time to "enjoy the show"

First place I went to was the Topps booth.  I wanted to sign up for tomorrows panel.  Well, the line for the promo giveaways was HUGE!   I just wanted to sign up, don't want to rip for promos.  Eventually they got a list together, I signed up, and was on my way.

Next stop was BBCE.  Made my first pickup of the show, a PSA 3.5 Wilhelm RC (NICE!).   Then of course, chewed the fat with those fine fellas.  Then it was time to start walking the floor.  

Wow, it sure is easy to forget how MASSIVE this show is.  Sheer volume is not one that can be put to words.  Wow.   I will admit to feeling a little overwhelmed, punch drunk even.  I. Stood there for a Knute, and took it all in.  Then it was the to get to business.

As a self admitted slab head, its easier for me to get through it all then those that are raw fans.  That being said, it still took me a couple of hours to give all the tables a once over.  There seem to be less slab sellers this year then I remembered there being last year.  Maybe it's just me.

Through it all, I was only able to make one more purchase today., a PSA 3 George Kell Leaf RC.  Happy to have it, price was decent.  

That pickup has my PSA Post War HOF RC want list down to five.

Before you knew it, the show hours for day one were over and it was time to head out.   I ran into some friends and we went to some burger and beer joint to consume some food and drink.

Overall today was a good day at the show.  Not Great, but good.  There are going to be a lot more people showing up tomorrow, and it will add to the enjoyment to get to see them again.

I hope to add some pickups as well.  Thinking about another Focus  ... yea, cause you know I don't have ENOUGH of those, eh? lol

Until next time,
Eric
ThoseBackPages





On the way there I ran into a twitter fella I knew and we hung out until the doors opened.  The doors opened at 3:30 and it was time to "enjoy the show"

First place I went to was the Topps booth.  I wanted to sign up for tomorrows panel.  Well, the line for the promo giveaways was HUGE!   I just wanted to sign up, don't want to rip for promos.  Eventually they got a list together, I signed up, and was on my way.

Next stop was BBCE.  Made my first pickup of the show, a PSA 3.5 Wilhelm RC (NICE!).   Then of course, chewed the fat with those fine fellas.  Then it was time to start walking the floor.  

Wow, it sure is easy to forget how MASSIVE this show is.  Sheer volume is not one that can be put to words.  Wow.   I will admit to feeling a little overwhelmed, punch drunk even.  I. Stood there for a Knute, and took it all in.  Then it was the to get to business.

As a self admitted slab head, its easier for me to get through it all then those that are raw fans.  That being said, it still took me a couple of hours to give all the tables a once over.  There seem to be less slab sellers this year then I remembered there being last year.  Maybe it's just me.

Through it all, I was only able to make one more purchase today., a PSA 3 George Kell Leaf RC.  Happy to have it, price was decent.  

That pickup has my PSA Post War HOF RC want list down to five.

Before you knew it, the show hours for day one were over and it was time to head out.   I ran into some friends and we went to some burger and beer joint to consume some food and drink.

Overall today was a good day at the show.  Not Great, but good.  There are going to be a lot more people showing up tomorrow, and it will add to the enjoyment to get to see them again.

I hope to add some pickups as well.  Thinking about another Focus  ... yea, cause you know I don't have ENOUGH of those, eh? lol

Until next time,
Eric
ThoseBackPagesbn

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Walking Dead Franchise

Oh, you've probably heard of at least the TV show at this point.  it's everywhere, and its going to be even MORE everywhere as October approaches.

For as good as the TV show is (and it is) the comick book for which it is (loosely) based is, no joke, 37 times better!  i know that is hard for some people to comprehend, but its so very true.

its much more violent and "real" i suppose.  its hard to describe, especially without letting spoilers slip! ha

i feel that as popular as the book is right now (and OH is it ever!), it's only going to get bigger in the coming year.  just a gut call on it.

Well, tomorrow The 2012 National starts

im pretty excited.  i have everything all set, just have to get on the amtrak tomorrow morning and make my way to Baltimore.

havnt totally decided what i'll be focusing on, other then trying to wrap up my Post War HOF RC PSA Collection.  im leaning towards picking up some Topps RCs from the other sports that ive yet to acquire.

also going to probably see if there are any dealers selling the Topps Heritage stuff that i need.  The down side to that is that im not much of a "grunt", never been a fan of digging through boxes.  im going to pretty much be there all five days, so im sure i will try at some point.

i hope that there's going to be a nice turnout. would be nice to see old friends and meet new ones face to face.  there really is nothing else like the national when it comes to card geekdom.




Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Best Superhero Comic you've never heard of.

That's right, im talking about the best Cape Book you've most likely never heard of.  Shame on YOU! ha.

ok, not that theres anything wrong with the fact that youve never heard of it, youre forgiven.  this time.

Picture if you will, it is the year 2003.  Superhero Comic Books as a whole have just been created.
Youve picked up a book that features a young man in high school.  he has all your run of the mill teenage boy problems and issues.  now picture that there are no "creative boundries" on that character.

if he wants to say "fuck you" then thats what he says.  no worry about what the mighty boss will say or think.  if he wants to have sex with his girlfriend, guess what? he will have it right there on the freaking page! go figure, right?

ok, ok.  you get the message im saying.

this comic im talking about is called "Invincible", written by Robert Kirkman (yea, the walking dead dude) and drawn by Ryan Ottley.  This book is what Spiderman would have been 50 years ago if they werent such different times.

Want to read a great superhero comic?  this is the one to read.  Issue #93 came out last week, so youve got some catching up to do, but it can be done!

be forewarned, it's very addictive stuff! :)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

6/5/12

Woke up today and realized that i am closer to 50 then 30. That's kind of humbling really.

Some memories never fade.  If that's good or bad is up to ones interpretation. June is a rough month for me as far as memories go.  Yes there are a few "good" ones, but the not-so-good ones seem to weigh heavier on my mind.

it was nine years ago this month that Michele lost her long battle with cancer.  she was only 33 years old.  she fought so hard, she was such a great woman.  i miss her more then words can express.

if you read this dreck that i type out, youve read it all before.  nothing new here, and thats ok by me.

ive been getting back into comic books this year.  its more about reading trade paperbacks, but its also in my nature to collect them.  nothing wrong with that.  i wonder if subconsciously it's about going back to a time in my life that was "good" or at least not so bad.

 During my daily walks i somethimes think of things that ill blog about.  it helps me pass the time and gets me through the walk.  sadly they are always better sounding in my mind and lose something by the time im ready to sit down and type them out.  this is one of those times.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

just feeling comatosed

lately i really feel nothing, just null. not really numb, just ..... nothing. re-learning about comics has held my interest for the better part of this month. im still chipping away at my 2012 Topps Heritage Set. traders are getting fewer and further between now that the product is well over two months old. Such a shame that that is now considered "old" in the card hobby.

Monday, May 7, 2012

CGC Comics

Comics?  Eric, what the fu...?

Yea, comics. while i havnt bought any yet, ive been doing a lot of reading and thinking about comic books.

back in my early teen years, i was a comic book reader, pretty avid one.  really enjoyed them.  i was a marvel kid for the most part.
i wish i would have kept my books.  i got rid of literally all of them.  did not hang on to one. that being said, now as an old man, i dont have much desire to read comics.  its the collecting addict in me that has me wanting to pick up CGC Graded copies.  yes, you read that correctly.  Graded Comics.  CGC is the only grading service worth a damn when it comes to comic books.

i am in an interesting position now since i own not one comic.  i have a clean canvas, totally blank which i can "color" as i please with.
kind of like starting fresh, all over again.

ive put together a list of comics that i loved as a kid and bought when they were released, or could not afford at the time, but loved via staring at them on various comic book store "walls" (where the "money" books were always displayed) here is the list ...

Always drooled over...

Giant Sized Xmen #1
XMen #94
Amazing Spiderman #129
Hulk #181

Bought these when they were released ...

Amazing Spiderman #252
Secret Wars #8
Web Of Spiderman # 1
Secret Wars #1
XFactor #1
New Mutants #1

i THINK i'd ike to own these in CGC form.  what grade is the question.  i have to be honest that i am having a hard time deciphering how CGC goes about handing out their assigned grades.

They grade on a 10 point scale from 0.5 to 10.0, much like SGC does from what i can tell.  there is just so much more that seems to go into it though.

i have my eye on an 8.0 XMen 94.  and to look at the scan of it, it looks really nice, not all that much different from some 9.0's that ive seen.  the price differnence between the two is nearly double.






i wonder if this really is for me.  id really like to settle on a FOCUS (ring a bell?).  id really like to do so because with this literally fresh start, i can build from the ground up, something i wish i had the chance to do when it came to the card slabs

Friday, April 27, 2012

Tired. Literally, Mentally, you name it

Hi NEW Blogger universe.

Seems that a lot of things on the interwebs are changing this month.  Whos to tell if they are good or bad.

i see that this here blogger.com has changed their layout.  i have to ask ... if it aint broke, yada yada yada
also, my messageboard of choice, freedomcardboard.com has also decided to totally change their format.  i
have to admit that i dont like it.  yes, i am old.  yes, i am old fashioned like that. (holy hell i cannot spell
tonight!)  aain, if it aint broke, dont fix it.  but the powers that be on FCB have told me that it WAS broken
and needed fixin'.  well, it is their site and it is free, so what can you do.

well ive not written much here because i am tired.  i am tired because i have been working pretty much every day this
month and will continue to do so for the remainder of the minor league season for the most part.  want to get paid?
have to work for it, thats how it goes.

i also have not won all that much on eBay this month.  not having time and/or desire to look at the website will do
that to a collector.  ive won six auctions this month.  might be a career low for a month since i returned to this
habit back in 2005

been stuck in a collecting rut i suppose.  im still chasing the Topps Heritage Dragon, making some trades here and
there, but now that the release is over 6 weeks old, it might as well be 6 years old as far as wanting to trade
with people.  kind of sad it all is that in todays collecting world, products are so quickly "moved on" from.

remember collecting 30 years ago when we had three sets to collect for the whole year? miss those days.

im still working on my Post War HOF PSA Registry Set.  my wantlist is stuck at nine.  went to a show last sunday,
but wasnt able to find any.  i did walk out of there with two hobby boxes of 2012 THeritage because they were
$50 a box.  Hope to open them soon.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hello, time for a little update

work work work work work ... you get the pictured, eh?

yep, work is back in full swing and it's taking up a lot of my time. sure there are times when i am out for a walk that i think "wow, this (or that) is a good idea for a blog" but it never comes to fruition for some reason or another.

i am still (slowly) plugging away at my 2012 Heritage set. GQ will be out in a week, so the "H" Train has officially left "Popularity Station" and thats fine by me.

havnt even been looking at eBay all that much as of late. i did manage to win a Seaver '74 PSA 8 for my collection, happy about that.

picked up some 2012 Heritage Blisters at Target, and am now at 22% done on the Blister Exclusive Black Border set. just finished last years Black Border Set last month actually.

Speaking of work, sadly it seems that my desire for cheese has come to a stand still. Being out on LI all winter means that there is no real access to being able to consume real good cheese. Now that i am back in the city six days a week, i have access, but the drive to try new cheeses seems to have gone away. i still love the aged gouda, but dont want to have it every day for fear of growing tired of it.

my blood sugar numbers have been fine, clocking in around 80 upon waking.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sorry ive been absent lately

Have had a lot of things going on on my end.

did some yard work and am doing some house rearranging. Moved my living space into a bigger room. looks really good. pictures to be taken soon.

work starts up again on Thursday. looking forward to seeing everyone again as its been a long winter.

Ripped my case of 2012 Topps Heritage. Really enjoyed it. Hit two base autos, a Mathews Quarter (redemption) and a bunch of other nice stuff i am forgetting. im pretty close to finishing my master set. Im also adding the "Stick-ons" and thinking about the Blue and Red sets.

Hope all is well with you guys.

Take Care,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Fruits of my "labor"

Back in January at The White Plains Show, i handed PSA a "bulk order" for grading purposes. Today i received my grades! i am very pleased with the results. Those of you that have read my blog will recognize some of the cards as they were pulled over the course of the last few months :)

1 1 19924515 MINT 9 1990 BOWMAN 382 GEORGE BRETT Card A friend of mine gave me this card, so i subbed it
2 1 19924516 MINT 9 1993 PINNACLE 131 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by myself this winter
3 1 19924517 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1993 PINNACLE 294 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by me this winter
4 1 19924518 MINT 9 1991 MOO TOWN SNACKERS 19 GEORGE BRETT Card A friend of mine gave me this card
5 1 19924519 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1993 OMAHA ROYALS 25th ANNIVERSARY TEAM GEORGE BRETT A friend of mine gave me this card. i THINK its the first to be graded as i do not see it in the pop report
6 1 19924520 MINT 9 1986 FLEER ALL-STARS 3 GEORGE BRETT Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
7 1 19924521 MINT 9 1993 STUDIO 25 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by myself this winter
8 1 19924522 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1993 STUDIO HERITAGE 1 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by myself this winter
9 1 19924523 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1994 DONRUSS ANNIVERSARY 3 GEORGE BRETT Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
10 1 19924524 MINT 9 1992 DONRUSS 143 GEORGE BRETT CardPack pulled by myself this winter
11 1 19924525 EXCELLENT-MINT 6 1991 DONRUSS HIGHLIGHTS BC-19 GEORGE BRETT CardPack pulled by myself this winter
12 1 19924526 GEM MINT 10 1987 LEAF 122 MIKE SCHMIDT Card Pack pulled by myself at the hotel room at last years National
13 1 19924527 MINT 9 1988 SPORTFLICS 35 MIKE SCHMIDT Card All Sportflics in this submission were from factory set breaks
14 1 19924528 MINT 9 1987 SPORTFLICS 30 MIKE SCHMIDT Card
15 1 19924529 GEM MINT 10 1986 SPORTFLICS 44 MIKE SCHMIDT Card
16 1 19924530 MINT 9 1989 SPORTFLICS 21 MIKE SCHMIDT Card
17 1 19924531 GEM MINT 10 1988 SPORTFLICS 28 GARY CARTER Card
18 1 19924532 GEM MINT 10 1987 SPORTFLICS 133 KEITH HERNANDEZ Card
19 1 19924533 GEM MINT 10 1988 SPORTFLICS 31 KEITH HERNANDEZ Card
20 1 19924534 MINT 9 1986 SPORTFLICS 91 GRAIG NETTLES Card
21 1 19924535 NEAR MINT-MINT+ 8.5 1991 DONRUSS ELITE 2 GEORGE BRETT Card eBay purchase. LOVE this card, tough to grade
22 1 19924536 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1986 SPORTFLICS 1 GEORGE BRETT Card
23 1 19924537 GEM MINT 10 1988 SPORTFLICS 150 GEORGE BRETT Card
24 1 19924538 GEM MINT 10 1989 SPORTFLICS 64 GEORGE BRETT Card
25 1 19924539 GEM MINT 10 1990 SPORTFLICS 214 GEORGE BRETT Card
26 1 19924540 MINT 9 1988 CLASSIC TRAVEL UPDATE II 248 GEORGE BRETT UPDATE II-BLUE Card broke a set for this card
27 1 19924541 GEM MINT 10 1989 O-PEE-CHEE STICKERS 1 GEORGE BRETT R.DARLING-100/M.BARRETT-257 Card eBay purchase
28 1 19924542 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1985 TOPPS STICKERS 268 GEORGE BRETT CardeBay purchase
29 1 19924543 MINT 9 1985 TOPPS STICKERS 188 GEORGE BRETT FOIL CardeBay purchase
30 1 19924544 MINT 9 1992 DONRUSS TRIPLE PLAY 115 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by me this winter
31 1 19924545 MINT 9 1993 FLEER FINAL EDITION DIAMOND TRIBUTE 2 GEORGE BRETT Card broke a set for this card
32 1 19924546 GEM MINT 10 1993 LEAF HEADING FOR THE HALL 7 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by me this winter
33 1 19924547 GEM MINT 10 1993 LEAF 146 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by me this winter
34 1 19924548 MINT 9 1992 STADIUM CLUB MEMBERS ONLY GEORGE BRETT MEMBERS ONLY Card A friend of mine gave me this card
35 1 19924549 GEM MINT 10 1992 STADIUM CLUB MEMBERS ONLY GEORGE BRETT MEMBERS ONLY-3,000 HITS Card A friend of mine gave me this card
36 1 19924550 MINT 9 1993 UPPER DECK ON DECK D6 GEORGE BRETT Card A friend of mine gave me this card
37 1 19924551 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1993 UPPER DECK SEASON HIGHLIGHTS HI7 GEORGE BRETT Card A friend of mine gave me this card
38 1 19924552 NEAR MINT-MINT+ 8.5 1992 UPPER DECK FANFEST ALL-STAR GAME 16 GEORGE BRETT GOLD Card COMC purchase
39 1 19924553 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1994 UPPER DECK ALL-TIME HEROES 20 GEORGE BRETT 125th ANNIVERSARY Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
40 1 19924554 GEM MINT 10 1994 TOPPS PRE-PRODUCTION 397 GEORGE BRETT VERTICAL Card Raw eBay purchase
41 1 19924555 MINT 9 1992 SCORE 489 GARY CARTER Card broke a set for this card
42 1 19924556 GEM MINT 10 1991 SCORE TRADED 26T GARY CARTER Card broke a set for this card
43 1 19924557 GEM MINT 10 1986 LEAF 63 GARY CARTER Card Pack pulled by myself at the hotel room at last years National
44 1 19924558 GEM MINT 10 1990 UPPER DECK 777 KEITH HERNANDEZ Card broke a set for this card
45 1 19924559 MINT 9 1990 TOPPS TRADED TIFFANY 39T KEITH HERNANDEZ Card broke a set for this card, first one graded
46 1 19924560 GEM MINT 10 1991 SCORE 89 KEITH HERNANDEZ Card broke a set for this card
47 1 19924561 GEM MINT 10 1989 TOPPS SENIOR LEAGUE 25 GRAIG NETTLES Card broke a set for this card, first one graded
48 1 19924562 NEAR MINT 7 1977 BURGER KING YANKEES 2 THURMAN MUNSON Card eBay pickup
49 1 19924563 MINT 9 1991 STUDIO 182 GARY CARTER Card Pack pulled by myself this winter
50 1 19924564 MINT 9 1991 STUDIO 62 GEORGE BRETT Card Pack pulled by myself this winter
51 1 19924565 GEM MINT 10 2002 FINEST 14 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
52 1 19924566 NEAR MINT-MINT+ 8.5 1996 STADIUM CLUB 123 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
53 1 19924567 MINT 9 2003 ULTRA 2 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
54 1 19924568 GEM MINT 10 2005 DONRUSS 269 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
55 1 19924569 MINT 9 1998 DONRUSS 100 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
56 1 19924570 MINT 9 1998 SCORE 22 DEREK JETER Card Purchased Raw at White Plains Show
57 1 19924571 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1999 FLEER VINTAGE 61 5 DEREK JETER Purchased Raw at White Plains Show

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

1991 Upper Deck Low Wax Box Rip

1991 Upper Deck Low Wax Box Rip

i picked this box up a few months ago at a show for $10. Cheap wax is just too good to pass up at shows!

This was Upper Decks first baseball release for the 1991 season. After the huge success of their 1990 "High Number" Series
that featured randomly inserted Non and Autographed "Heroes" cards of Reggie Jackson, they continued the same subset
in this release featuring Nolan Ryan in both signed, and unsigned copies of "Heroes" cards

The box was an OK time to open. i dont like how Upper Deck had the cards in a mish-mosh order in the packs. Cards upside down,
mixed with backwards, and correct leads to a frustrating pack ripping experience.

i did not score a Nolan Ryan Auto (as they are approximately 1:10,000 (yes, ten THOUSAND) packs.

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Here are some of the better cards that were in the box:

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i did enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane as i did open my share of these back in 1991

Thanks for the read,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Sunday, February 19, 2012

2000 Topps Series Two Jumbo Wax Rip

Picked up this box from www.bbcexchange.com
Cost $19 for 12 packs of 40 cards.

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Came with a "Jumbo" box topper to boot!

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The packs suffered from some "stickage" for being enclosed for 12 years i suppose.

Here are the "hits"

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Overall it was an "OK" break. Perhaps do to a smaller(er) base set, there was a lot of repetition of names, and the pack sequence was also repetitive, cutting into the "fun factor" of ripping this box. But for $19, i cannot really complain.

Thanks for the read,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Is Derek Jeter the last ...

Legendary Home Grown Yankee?

Yes, i am a Mets fan. No, unlike a lot of my friends, i do not hate the Yankees. When i was a kid, the Yankees sucked. It was that fairly small time when living in New York City meant Mets Baseball. Life was good.

But that's a story that ive told before, probably more then once.

Anywho. Topic at hand.

When i was a little kid, a few things really stick out from that time period.

Elvis dying. My Mother and her best friend were huge fans, i remember how upset they were.

John Lennon Murdered. My Father is a huge Beatles fan, so therefore so am i.

Thurman Munson dying. im a Mets fan, but remember how sad people around me were when he died.

Thurman Munson started his Yankees Career in 1969, the year after Mickey Mantle hung 'em up. Mantle replaced Joe D, the lineage goes back through the Yankees History.

After Munson died, the Yankees were without a mega-home grown star until 1982 when Mattingly was given a cup of coffee.

Mattingly carried the torch from then until Derek Jeter took hold of it.

That was 1995

1995 was 17 years ago (wow. think about that for a minute my fellow over 40ers)'

ive been a baseball fan since 1978. Yes i love the Mets, but i love Baseball.

Derek Jeter is a touch more then 3 years younger then i am. His best days are behind him on the diamond. Nothing wrong with that, we all get old.

But heres the thing, whos going to take the torch from him?

Some say Cano. But Cano turns 30 this year and has much to accomplish to be the next in the LONG line of home grown Yankee Greats. i dont think he can do it, to quote Yoda "He's too old"

for the last few years i was sold that Jesus Montero was going to be the one, the "savior" so to speak that would keep the lineage alive. Well, he was traded this winter. So no Jesus Saves will be occuring in the bronx.

Its strange to say it, but i think we're entering a time period that is not very familiar to anyone that has followed baseball for a long period of time. A time of the Yankees not having that home grown superstar.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Rolling back the years ... 1998 Ultra 2 Wax Rip!

i decided to break away from what i normally rip. i wanted to open something cheap with long odds of possibly hitting a "hit" card.

This Retail Box of 1998 Ultra Series 2 fit the bill. Cost: $11

20 packs per box, 7 cards per pack ...
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Inserts in Ultra Packs have been "one per" since back in 1993 i think it was.

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Piazza Insert in a Malrins Uniform! NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE!

The "Top 30" Inserts are one per pack, a Retail exclusive

This box certainly did NOT disappoint...

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and of course, the base cards are shinny and glossy!

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This box was an absolute BLAST to open! Inserts in every pack and fantastic base card photos in every pack!

At just over 50 cents a pack, this was a really fun rip.

i cannot recommend this box enough. its very refreshing to rip something this old, have some nice looking cards, and have fun while doing so!

Thanks for the read,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Friday, February 3, 2012

2012 Topps Target Rip!!!

Well, like any good addict, i had to get my 2012 Topps Flagship Fix On, now didnt i? lol

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My first pack of 2012 cards:

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It was a small rip and i liked it. The card stock seems to be better then last years. The pictures also seem to be crisper. i didnt land any of the "cool" gimmick cards, but that isnt all that surprising for me, now is it? lol

Here are what they call "The Hits"

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the '87 minis are cool. i really like the "Heritage" like card stock they used on the. also, hellova lotta yankees in there!

Thanks For The Read,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

P.S. 2012 Topps Heritage Next month!! woot woot!!!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

"2011 Topps Value Box" Rip

Today wasnt a particularly good day. i didnt sleep well last night. my hands and feet are pretty cold right now, i better test my sugars... ok, yep, just as i thought, a tad low, 68

anywho, Was at Target this afternoon and they had one of these on the shelf:

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from pretty much everything ive read, they are supposed to be "loaded"
Five packs of Topps Update, one pack of Bowman Chrome "(Hobby) and one faust Bryce Harper refractor of three possible colors.

My Harper Refractor was the "regular" one as far as i can tell.

My Bowman Chrome pack did have an auto in it:
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too bad he's 26 years old this month lol

First pack of Topps Update was cool ...

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only one additional code card. heres the group picture ...

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So there you have it. More crap i dont need :)

THANKS TOPPS!

Friday, January 27, 2012

It's been two years since my diagnosis

hard to imagine its been two years since i was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. still hard to type that out. each day is a daily struggle. some days are better then others.

i am fortunate (i suppose?) that i have what they call strong will power. i do not eat what i am not supposed to. i saw a picture of Paula Dean eating a rather large cheeseburger with bun and fries. i dont think i could eat that if you paid me to. strange to read i know, especially if youve know me for a period of time, back from my old life.

not sure there is much to this particular posting, but i felt like typing something about my two year "anniversary"

Friday, January 20, 2012

1/20/12 - White Plains Show Recap

This weekend there was a show in White Plains. The Show runs today through Sunday. The "big draw" for this show is a fairly rare signing appearance by Mike Pizza tomorrow. Also, PSA was accepting submissions.

Being that i had cards to hand into to PSA i was planning on attending. Then when they announced that Piazza would be signing, i figured the dealer turnout would be strong. Well, i was wrong! lol

The show was lacking in the dealer department. i wonder if the impending "snow storm" had anything to do with it. Oh well, that happens and i was not going to let it get me down. i love going to shows and can occupy my time there in different ways.

This show was about looking for some raw stuff to hand in with the order that i was giving to PSA anyway. i spent most of my time at the show looking for raw cards to submit, and then looking some more, and some more. i came away with seven additional cards, and a lot more respect for those that self-submit. Its this happening at shows that makes me more and more happy to buy already graded (when available that is)

My first stop was at the dealer that has a "$1 table". His stuff rarely dissapoints, and today was pretty good at his table:

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Then is was time to seach for some "junk wax" Surprisingly there was a LOT less available then there is normally. that was a bummer. i did pick these up:

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I was able to pick up just three slabs on the day. The usual PSA dealers werent there, and the ones that had PSA for sale had them priced pretty high.

Overall i wish there was more to report about this show. Of course i had a good time, but it could/should have been a lot better.

Thanks for the read,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Ripping for George Brett Submissions - 1991 Studio Wax Box

Welcome to my latest installment of "Ripping for George Brett Submissions"

1991 Donruss Studio. 48 Packs. $10 from www.bbcexchange.com

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These cards are in pretty rough shape right outta the pack. thin paper stock and rough condition is going to make grading these fair tough it would seem. my box had two Bretts in it, one has a shot at a 9 the other one does not. Thems the breaks.

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i had a good time ripping this box, and at the price point its tough to beat!

on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being Best) i give this rip: 8

Until Next Time,
Eric
ThoseBackPages

Monday, January 16, 2012

Cold, Crisp Day. Clear Skies ... and here's that "Rainy Day"

Just wasnt having a good day today. So in an attempt to make me feel better, i decided it was time to rip my vintage stash of O-Pee-Chee Baseball Wax Packs

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so i lined them up as pictured above. Today i opened 1977 to 1981. i will open 1983 to 1986 another day.

i will let the scans do the talking...

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Some winners, some not-so-winners.

it was nice to have HOF power in each pack of the '77s (even if two of the packs ran the same sequence). Typical of O-Pee-Chee, CENTERING was literally all over the place within each pack. crazy to thumb through a pack and see the drastic shift in centering from card to card.

i was hoping to pull some cards to hand in at the show this Friday. i MIGHT sub the Brett, but struck out on Schmidt Nettles Munson Keith Hernandez Gary Carter Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver

Still was a rush to open wax from all those years ago

Them's the breaks or so they say.