24 is the new 21 don't you know...

We all know that if you've ever played Blackjack you don't want to go over 21 or you bust. I'm quite glad that the trade that came to me this week has a guy who's favorite player wore #24. One of the newer blog sensations is TJ who is a Junior Junkie. I recently sent him a small box with a couple of extra Griffey's I had laying around (you get a few cards of Ken when you are a Mariners collector). He in turn sent me a small flat rate box packed with all kinds of M's cards. The most important cards were definitely these 4 babies!

The last 3 cards I needed to finish off the 1991 Upper Deck Update cards. I really thought those three might be the death of me since they seem to be ones I don't see around very often. I was not surprised to find a 98 UD Griffey I needed too. Who wouldn't think that a Junior collector wouldn't come through with some of his cards. Also in the mammoth box was some cards of my favorite current Mariner in Kyle Seager. I don't know why, but this kid is one I really like and think he might have the chance to do some good stuff.

Not to be outdone, there was a few cards that hearken back to when I first became a Mariners fan. I found the team in the summer of 1982, when I came to the Seattle area with my grandmother when she moved here. It was a nice vacation from living in the desert in the 110 degree summers. There was rarely too many games on TV back then, but I would listen to Dave Niehaus on the radio and became a Mariners fan, and some of these guys were the first ones I got to know.

Not to be outdone by putting cards to knock down the Super Set, TJ included a couple of cards from my favorite Mariner still to this day. There is a reason why he is still known as Mr. Mariner. While I have no disrespect for his favorite guy in Ken, I still believe the Mariners need to do the right thing as an organization and retire #21 for Alvin as the first number to be retired. Alvin came in to the team after Ken Phelps broke his hand in the third game of the season. All Alvin did was become an All Star and win ROY in 1984 with teammate Mark Langston finishing second. We would be with Seattle through 1991, only to be released at play a season closer to home in Riverside, CA with the Angels. I have a special place for these Alvin's.

In about the middle of all the Mariner goodness was this beauty. While I'm not a guy who goes after autos, relics or any of that stuff, It always cool to get one just to say I have in my collection. This a pretty nice one of a guy that had promise but injuries have derailed him. Adam Moore was going to be the catching savior that Jeff Clement couldn't be. We've only really ever had one good catcher in Dan Wilson. Adam showed promise in the appearances he made, but after continuing to tear parts of his knees it all went downhill. What good is a catcher if his knees are shot? Adam was let go last year, and caught on with the Royals, but is in their camp this spring as an NRI.

If you have any cards of Ken, whether they be Seattle, Cincinnati, or White Sox send them down to Louisiana way. I also know that if you have cards of players that were born in the Bayou State or the Saints he would be happy to see those too. I might have to put together some Who Dat's for him since I have a stockpile of stuff from when my cousin was a Saint for 5 seasons. Gigantic thanks again to TJ and go see him and see if you can hook him up too...

Not to end the fun there, I was the victim of the highly common PWE Bombs that are sweeping the nation. I think everyone knows the sneakiness of Wes who runs Jaybarkerfan's Junk. You open your mailbox and BOOM! there are random cards you weren't expecting. I got an envelope that contained the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I would classify Mark Lowe and Sean Green as the good. Jeff Harris was bad, he just wasn't all that great and somebody had to be the bad guy. Sorry Jeff. I won't hide my disdain for this guy and will always call him the ugly stain on the M's franchise. The Orioles gave us a worthless Erik Bedard, and got some damn good players in return. I don't even know what happen to Erik, nor do I care. I just want Adam Jones back so we could have a good center fielder. We haven't had one since this guy on his old school looking card. But Mike has to share company with an old card in Mark Langston and his spring training mesh back hat.

Big thanks to Wes for some random M's from all over the board. Keep an eye on your mailbox because you never know where he might strike next. It could be you, or any other of the great bloggers and traders out there who get free cards at any time without warning!!

Completion, and coming soon...

First, I want to throw out a couple of thank yous to some guys for cards. The first goes out to Jeff of 2x3 Heroes. I put up the last post asking for someone to help me find a man in my life. Jeff stepped and brought me Kevin Millwood to complete me. OK, maybe he helped me complete the 2012 Topps I needed.

The next would go to what I hope is a new reader in Michael. I recently saw a post on Wrigley Wax about a big old box of cards he got from reader named Michael. Michael was kind enough to send me the one card out of the Heritage high # set of Hisashi Iwakuma. While it's not a set I collect, I'm always open to new M's cards.

My last thanks goes out to my main Michigan man Dennis of Too Many Verlanders. While I was at odds with him for a few days while I was rooting for the Giants in the World Series, we never disagree on our love for the Wolverines. Dennis was cleaning out some cards, and I claimed his Mariners. In that stack I found two 1998, and one 1999 Fleer card to help shave down the Mariners Super Set. GO BLUE!!

The final thing to chew on, is the coming soon. Coming soon will be a new and updated wants list of each maker for the Super Set. I know that I am down to needing less than 200 cards from all 5 of the big company's base and traded sets over the years. I'm really hoping that after the holidays, I can work on getting this thing done, hopefully during Spring Training and before the season starts so I can focus on the 2013 cards. I know it can be done, because all you wonderful guys and ladies out ther have helped me so well before.

Woo Hoo Look at me!!

Not too long ago while doing the Finest Fleer reviews, I got a comment from Nick saying he had this 2007 Fleer card I needed.

Guess what showed up in the mail today? that's right the Travis Chick card I needed. Also in there were some other nice Mariners goodies including this beauty:

While I'm not a big relic, auto or fancy stuff kind of guy, this thing is sweet! That would be the All-Star Game that Ichiro hit an inside the park home run and won the MVP. Definitely a keeper! Thanks to Nick at For Cards Sake for sending me over the great cards, and I hope you enjoy the little bit I sent you.

Also of good news, was getting the news that thanks to the great randomizer, I did win this 1973 Topps Roberto Clemente card I coveted from Vintage Sportscards' Contest.

I don't know if it was a premonition that I would win, or just dumb luck. I can't to get my hands on this card in the mail. I have wanted one for many years due to the historic nature of it, but didn't want to pay the prices I saw for it. Thanks again to Chris for holding the contest, and I will make sure that Roberto is given his proper place in my collection.

Cards in my mailbox

Time to post a couple of trades I got in the mail. First off, I did a deal with blog reader Steve. He said he had cards I needed for the super set. After some dealing, we found out I don't have the cards he was looking for. I in turn sent him a small donation of currency. Normally I don't like to buy my cards, but whatever it takes to get a deal done. I did get some nice Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Upper Deck form Steve. Thanks again Steve.

Next came a small trade I made with Cam of Collectable Cards. I sent him a small pile of Astros and he Sent me what else, Mariners. Some were ugly: what can be said about 1991 Fleer.

Cam also sent a hit to the Prime 9. The 2010 UD Ryan Rowland-Smith is in my greedy little hands. Thanks for the deal Cam.

Thanks again to both guys for the trades. Any one that has Mariners cards you want to get rid of, feel free to get a hold of me. Thanks!!

Trades Galore!!

I know I've off the map for a few days, this has been one of those weeks. I've recently got three different trades in the mail, and thought I would share some of the beauty. First off came a trade from Roger at I don't know...3rd base. Roger saw my selfish plea for Series 2 cards. He sent me a package that had almost all the Mariners in Series 2. If anyone has an extra #377 Felix Hernandez, or #421 Doug Fister card, let me know.

Roger was also kind enough to send some extra series 2 cards to wet my appetite for trying to complete the set. He even sent me some "Yo Momma" cards. The best was the reprint of the '83 Topps of Mr. Padre. That will be going into the Gwynn collection. The Jackie Robinson went to my son. For his All-Star team this year, he went from #24 for Willie Mays to #42 to honor Jackie.  Thank you Roger, you made me a very happy Mariners fan. I will be getting some Tigers cards together for you, sorry for the delay.

Next up, came a trade from a reader of the blog, Ron. I sent Ron some of the left over inserts I had from my Series 1 cards, and a small stack of Mets and Yankees. He in turn sends me a 400 count box stuffed to the gills with M's! He sent me some cards to work down the super set. The box also contained all kinds of cards from all kind of years. That box was more than I could have asked for. Ron, you are very kind. Thank you so much.

Lastly, came a package from Ron who writes Section 36. This is a great blog from a Red Sox perspective. I'm hoping to make it to Fenway this year for my son's 12th birthday. He had on his blog a wantlist for some 79 and 81 Topps Red Sox. I was happy to oblige him with what I had. He in turn sent me a couple of older M's cards off the super set. He also sent a boat load of newer Fleer, and Upper Deck to help get the wantlist even smaller.

Ron also saw my desire to collect a few players. He saw that I have an affinity for "Pops" Stargell. He sent these four beauties to add to the collection of Pirates black and gold beauty. Thank you Ron for the cards, I hope the Sox cards help. I will let you know if we make it to Fenway, I'll love to say hi to you.

All in all, these three fine gentlemen helped knock 96 cards off the wantlist and put some other Mariners beauties, and player collection cards in my book. THANK YOU GUYS!!

Noah was a Mariner, right?

Noah had an ark that sailed with animals. That would make him a Mariner in a round about way, right? I did a deal long ago with blog reader Noah. I sent him some Mets cards and in turn he sent me Mariners cards needed for the super set. We were both happy. Then, out of nowhere a box shows up in my mailbox. It's from Noah again with more Mariners cards I can use. This was a totally unexpected gesture. I very much appreciate the extra cards Noah. You definitely went above and beyond. I have a new found affection for that Mets fan. The cards he sent were from all makers and all kinds of years.

The coolest card, by far was this one though. Does the tie-dye jersey not just scream minor league rookie ball. The Everett AquaSox have been known to do some strange things.

Thanks again Noah! I'm not sure I know how to say thanks enough or re-pay you.

Owl droppings are old school!

A thank you goes out to the Night Owl! Not only did he send me the six cards I needed to finish off Series 1, but he also sends just about every 1984 Fleer Mariners card I needed for the super set!!

I don't know even how to say thank you enough. Those cards are just as cool as cool can be. I love to go through some of the old school stuff and see names I forgot. I will have to see if I can hook you up with some more Dodger goodies. Thanks again to the Night Owl!!

Baseball cards come to my mailbox!

I recently got another hit on the super set wantlist. Bo over at Baseball Cards Come To Life sent me an e-mail saying he had a bunch of cards to help the list. In all he sent me 107 cards I needed for the set. Here are 9 of some of the coolest cards:

The card that I thought was most interesting was the Randy Johnson card that I showed the back of. It was the one time he wore #34 to honor Nolan Ryan after he retired when his arm gave out at the Kingdome. Just wanted to let Bo know that his cards went out today. The package is small, but I will send more when I have some time to search through cards for him. My son's baseball is taking up life five nights a week. What we do for our kids. If you don't read Bo's work, you should. He brings a comical and informative look at some of baseball's greatest cards. Thanks again for the cards Bo!

A Clear Cut Dog Face trade

I wanted to send out a couple of thank yous to recent traders. Not too long ago I got an e-mail from Jason at Clear Cut Cards. He sent me this nice looking Johjima card and a few UD cards for the super set. Not a big Johjima fan, but it is a nice looking card.

Also in the mail recently was a trade I received from Tim at the Real DFG. He was looking for any cards that were Pittsburgh related. I was more than happy to send him some Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins cards. In return, I got the box that I originally sent to him filled with Mariners and Sharks cards.

Thanks again to both you guys. Hope you enjoy your cards and I look forward to future trades.

Birthday cards from Padrographs

Yesterday was a very important birthday. It wasn't mine, but the great Mr. Padre turned 50 yesterday. Last week I received a package from Rod at Padrographs. He is streamlining his collection and had extra Tony Gwynns that he was willing to send to me. In all I got about 50 new cards that I didn't own. I big thank you to Rod, and a big Happy Birthday to Mr. Gwynn. Look at some of these cards, aren't they just great! Thank you Rod!

Big thank yous to many!!

I have been holding on to this post for a couple days, but it is a good one. I have recently gotten about five trades in the mail and I am so thankful for all of them.

First off, I want to thank the Collective Troll. We exchanged e-mails and he said he had a couple of Phil Bradley autos, and an Alvin Davis auto that he would send me for being an M's fan. I got these in the mail from him, and I sent him whatever Rays cards I had laying around. Thanks Troll, you are top-notch!


Also, one of his readers Noah sent me an unsolicited e-mail saying that he had some Mariners cards if I would like them. I decided to send him a package of Mets cards from many different years. In turn, he sends me this box of cards, that not only contains almost all my needs for the 89 Fleer cards, but also this beauty of Doug Fister. Thanks again, Noah!


Next on the thank you list would be Greg at Night Owl Cards. We agreed to exchange some Dodgers for him and of course Mariners for me. He comes through with this little dandy of cards.


Also hidden the bubble mailer was this cool thing I had never seen, but really like it!


The next person on the list would be Rob at Texas Rangers Cards. We decided to exchange Rangers for M's. I sent him a box of assorted Rangers cards from all kinds of years, and he send me this box of beauty.


These cards are all current or former major league guys. They are from the AA Jacksonville Suns, AAA Calgary Cannons, and A Wisconsin TimberRattlers. Way too cool! Thanks Rob!

Last, and by far not least is a stack of cards from Community Gum. They recently bought a huge box of 81-85 Fleer. I said that I would love to get any Mariners cards out of that for the massive Super Set. I received this stack of 81, 82, and 83 Fleers to add to the collection. Definitely way too cool. Thanks Andy!


In the end, this is what I was able to figure will be added to the Super Set. Thanks again to all the readers and fellow bloggers for making me feel so welcome. I am humbled by your generosity. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

I need more time in the day...

Just so everyone knows, I have received some trade packages in the mail. Once I can find a few extra minutes proper pictures and thank yous will go out to everyone that has been willing to send me their junk wax. I'm still looking for more junk, but I need to finish the wantlist and get it in order for more trades. If you have any Donruss, Fleer, Score, or Upper Deck Mariners you don't want, shoot me an e-mail and I'm sure we can work something out.

Also, I would like to thank MLB for rescinding Cliff Lee's 5 game suspension. He scheduled to get his first start on May 2nd against the Rangers. GO M's!!

Trades in the mailbox

I recently got two packages in the mail, and I have to say that the people of this small world of bloggers are the best. First off, I had a trade going with the Moose of the GSNHOF. He was looking for the last card to complete a set of 89 Topps. I had it, but he got it somewhere else first. But I was able to help him nearly finish the Traded set and sent a whole bunch of 95 Topps he needed. That package should be to you Monday or Tuesday. He in turn sent me all kinds of Mariners from all years that weren't Topps cards(Start of a new project, with a big wantlist coming).

Second, I would like to send a big thanks to Chris of the Project '62. After I asked you guys if I should add the Pilots to the Mariners super set, he was nice enough to send me 8 cards from the 69 Pilots and 10 cards from the 70 Pilots set(another part of the new project). I am getting some more extra Cubs stuff together and it will be out to you in the next couple days. I am so thankful of the generosity of all you guys and ladies out there. Thank you again!!

Mail Call!

I have been piling up a few trades and need to post some pictures. Not long ago, I sent an e-mail about some 88 Topps to Ed at Roll out the Barrel. I sent him a bunch of 88's and some Brewers card for his team sets. He in turn sent me some of my needs from 2010 Topps series 1.

Thanks to Ed, I'm getting close to finishing Series 1. Maybe I can get it done before Opening Day. He also decided to send some extra Mariners cards from different years.

Here is probably my favorite of the bunch:

What a nice Topps Chrome of the next Cy Young award winner, Felix Hernandez.
I wonder if I will get called by the feds for copyright infringement for posting and owning this card Ed sent me:

UH-OH! 2010 Upper Deck!!

I also recently had a trade with Mike at BA Benny's Baseball Card Buffet. He was looking for some of the different insert sets from series 1. I was willing to send him a bunch that I had since I prefer the base cards and not all the inserts. He sent me the last three Mariners cards I needed for the binder to have the collection up to date.

Mike also was a generous person by sending a stack of Mariners cards.

Amongst the stack was some prospect love:

I think Carlos Truinfel and Greg Halman both have a future in the Majors. I surely hope that future is with the M's.

Mike also showed some old school Mariners love. These were the days I first started to like the team, and was ridiculed horribly for loving such a loser team. Last but not least, I got a comment from Howard in Georgia. He had two of my 2010's I needed, Bedard and Beltre. He offered to send them to me for nothing in return. I appreciate the generosity very much.I want to thank all the people that I've made trades with, and all the people that have followed and/or looked at my blog. I thought I would end up writing to myself.

I also want to extend a thanks to JayBee that runs the SportsCard Blogroll. I feel so honored to be on the list with so many other great blogs. I hope I can be half as good as some that are on there. Enjoy the day!