Ask, and ye shall receive...

Recently, when Topps Update came out I decided not to buy any. I thought I would try and beg my fellow bloggers to send me their Mariners. This mission was a success. I guess because there was only 8 cards to get. I recently got a few from Play at the Plate. I also got an E-mail from Mark at Collector's Crack saying he was busting a box of Update and any extra Mariners were mine for a simple address. Sign me up for that kind of deal. Yesterday I get this in the mail:

Not only did Mark send me all 8 Mariners in Update, He also sent a full page hand written letter. Dude, that means alot to me when a trader takes the time to write you a note with your cards. I've received notes before, and I try to put a note in mine when I can, but this was way cool. Thanks again for the help Mark!! If anyone can send this man in the cold north some cards of his Brewers or Packers, he will return the favor to you ten-fold. I will do some searching and see what I can come up with for you Mark.

Murphy fest 2010

I recently got an e-mail from Charlie over at The Lifetime Topps Project. He said he could make a hit on the Prime 9 with a 1980 and 1983 Dale Murphy. He said he had also pulled a Tony Gwynn SP from 2010 Topps Update. With these cards a trade was born. Look who graced my mailbox yesterday:

Charlie didn't fail on the Tony either. This is an absolutely beautiful card:

Also inserted into this package was a stack of assorted Mariners needed for the super set. Some old some new.

 Every few cards continues to get me closer to someday collecting all the Mariners I need. Do you have some cards that can help? Please take a look here if you think you can. Anything helps. Thanks again to Charlie, and now I think I need to add the 1984 Topps Dale Murphy and the 1985 Topps Dale Murphy to the Prime 9.

Welcome home Mr. Murphy

I recently had been having a back and forth e-mail exchange with Steve of the Greatest 21 Days. He had said to me that he saw I had the 1980 and 1983 Topps Dale Murphys on the Prime 9(see sidebar) but didn't have a 1882 listed. He asked if I already had one, and I said no I just had those two up first because I always loved the design of those years. Well look what comes in the mail yesterday:

Also included were some 1988 Fleer Mariners I need for the Super Set, and a whole slew of Mariners minor league cards from his 1990 CMC set. There are Calgary Cannons, Williamsport Bills, and San Bernadino Spirit cards all in there. Nice to look back and see who made it and who didn't. Thank you again Steve. If anyone has any extra Murph's, any Willie Stargell, or David Ortiz(for my son) cards laying around that need a good home let me know and I would love to trade for them.

Giving Thanks

A while back I was the lucky winner of Play at the Plate's World Series contest. I feel bad that I won at the expense of his Rangers. He was a gracious person, even though I'm sure he was stricken with heartache to have a winner route against his team. He sent me out a couple of pacts of Topps Chrome. I don't collect them, but I did get this beauty for the Mariners collection:

A Mariners refractor card of a Rangers player in a Mariner uniform. I wish we were a better team last year so we would have had a chance at Cliff. Also Brian sent some more Gwynns for the collection. All more cards that I didn't own. Some I've never even seen or knew existed.

Thank you to Play at the Plate, and if you don't read his blog daily, you need to. He is a great writer with some very informative and thought provoking material. Thanks again Brian, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Some tasty 13 year old Gum

Jon over at Community Gum broke a box of 1997 Fleer awhile back. I wrote him inquiring about the Mariners from the break. He said for a few Cubs cards, they could be mine. Well, off went a few Cubs cards and low and behold I receive the 8 cards I need to put the Update set to bed, and a couple inserts too! Here they are in all their 1997 glory:

Thanks again Jon! If anyone else has 2010 Topps Update Mariners they want to part with, or any other cards I need for the Super Set just let me know and we can work it out.

"O" no another trade post

I wanted to show off a few cards I got from Ryan at "O" NO!!! Another Orioles Blog. He recently sent me a blind e-mail saying he a bunch of cards for the super set, and wondered if I was interested in a trade. I jumped at the chance to work a deal. He ended up sending about 100 cards I needed, and put a nice dent in some year's sets. I in turn sent him about the same number of Orioles cards he needed for his massive team set. Here are a few of the beauties he sent:

A few cards from Mariners of yesteryear

A couple from some current M's

And what a trade with me be without another Tony Gwynn card to add to the collection.

Thanks again Ryan, and you should have your cards today or tomorrow.

The tradewinds blow my way

I recently had an offer from Scott of Smed's Baseball Card Blog. He was willing to send me some more Mariners cards, and some needs from the Super set. Here are a couple highlights from his box of goodies.

A couple cards from some players we all know.

A couple cards from some players we never knew.

A few more Gwynn's to add to the PC.

One of the creepiest cards I needed for the Super Set.
Dude, please button up your shirt. Also, why did we trade for you? We got hosed in that deal. Are you kidding me, Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek for you?? All these years later, Woody Woodward you still SUCK!!

Thanks again Scott, and your boxes of cards should be there any day. Sorry for being late on the return.

Playing in the Sandlot

Recently, ...Joe of The Sandlot and I got together to make a little deal. I sent him a couple cards of his favorite players and some Mets. He in turn sent me a couple cards of my favorite players and some Mariners cards. The cards he sent of the favorite players were on the Prime 9 list.

 I'm not sure why the scanner gave this card a rainbow look

Since these cards are now safe at home with me, that means two new cards on the list. 1985 Donruss Gwynn's, and the 1978 Topps Stargell. Big thanks again to ...Joe and give him a read, he does some interesting writing.

Too Many Grander...Gwynns

I recently did a blog pimp for a newer blog by the name of Too Many Grandersons. Dennis is a man after my heart by being a Michigan Wolverine fan.

He sent me a code for the new Topps Gridiron Giveaway, and sent a long a few cards as a thank you. He did send some Saints football cards, but the treasure was in the Tony Gwynn cards. All in all there had to be about 75 Gwynn cards. Many of them were needed for the never ending quest to get new Gwynn cards. Here are just a few of the cards of beauty.

His package contained newer cards and some nice older cards too. If you want to read a newer blog on the block, but very well done, give him a read. Thanks for the great cards Dennis, and I'm putting something together for you to get out to you soon.

A Red-headed step child of a trade

I know the title sounds bad. It got you here though didn't it. I'm actually finally getting up some of the goodies I recently got in a trade with Cam from Reds and More... Cam was looking for team collectors, and how could I say no to some more M's cards. I sent him my Reds cards, and I received a great, expansive collection of cards, new and old.

Some cards had guys that were here a very short time. One was very good, the other not so much. Obviously the one card Cliff is photo shopped. Do you see the Indians player in the background with a gray uniform? That's not an M's uni.

A minor league card from a kid that had promise, and a couple of a kid that will be up soon to show his potential. This Pineda kid could be the real deal, watch for him in 2011.

A couple of new cards for the PC of the Big Aussie. This year has been a disaster for Ryan. I'm hoping for a bounce back year next year.

How could a trade be complete without a fancy card. A nice Sweet Spot Dual with King Felix.

Thanks again to Cam, and head over and give him a read. I think you will be happy that you spent some time on his blog.

Happy Birthday...

To ME!!  I recently did a trade with Steve of The Greatest 21 Days. He had gone to Cooperstown and bought a pack of 1984 Topps. One of the cards he pulled was a Tony Gwynn. As you may know if you've read my blog, I'm a huge Gwynn fan, and the 84 Topps is on the Prime 9. Steve was willing to send me it for a 84 Topps Andre Dawson. Unfortunately, I do not own one. I was able to send him a 84 Donruss, an 87 Topps Traded, and a couple other Dawsons for the Gwynn. His package arrived Saturday, but I waited until yesterday and opened it as a selfish birthday present. Now the 1984 Tony has come home to stay with me. This means a new card to add to the Prime 9, the 1985 Fleer Tony Gwynn. I won't ask for 1983's because I know people will want to hold on to those cards. Thanks again Steve, and if you like minor league stuff make sure to give his blog a read.

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.

Prime 9 gets a hit

A big thank you goes out to Jim at GCRL. I sent him an e-mail that I had a few cards off his Nefarious 9 collection and was willing to get them to him. He in turn rewarded me with some cards off my super set want list and two cards from my Prime 9. Look at those two cards of beauty. The rookie card of my favorite Mariner ever, and the highlight card from Tony Gwynn getting hit #3000. The Prime 9 will now have two new cards added to the list of the greatest cards I would love to own. Thanks again to you Jim. If you don't read his blog regularly, you should give it a look, he is good at what he does.

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!!!