The Big Game

Today is one of the greatest days in college football. In Washington DC today, they will play the 112th game in this great rivalry. It is the Army-Navy game.

There is no losers in the end of this game except in the standings. All of these young men that play the game, and all the men and ladies in the stands deserve high praise. You may not know one name on either roster, but if this game doesn't get you excited, you're crazy. Navy is looking to extend their win streak to 10 games this year over Army. Which side do find yourself tending to root for? Are you with the Black Knights

Or do you you believe in the power of Fear the Goat

I personally know where my loyalty has stood in this rivalry for many years. Having a friend's son graduate from one of these academies a few years just helped increase my love for the school. I hope to be hearing plenty of Anchors Aweigh and I will be behind the Midshipmen again today.

Put up or SHUT up

As we all know, the baseball world got a bit of a shock yesterday. Some unknown named Albert Pujols got a 10 year $254 million dollar deal from the Angels. They also got C.J. Wilson which will help their rotation put not as much as some pitchers.  Now that the Rangers are still strong, and the Angels just got a whole lot better, it's time for the Mariners to do it, or we will get left behind in the division for a long time.
Marketing idea for the Mariners for next year:

The King's Court make a return next year,

And we add the Prince's Porch. I'm not the biggest fan of his, but the kid can play. He would help bring fans back to a struggling franchise. I think he would be a start this year, and once we save 18 million next year on an older RF we can go after some more talent in the off season next year. I have faith in Jackie Z, let's make it happen management.

King's court and Prince's Porch
in 2012!!

Let us NEVER forget

It was on this day 70 years ago, we lost our innocence. Let's never forget those who fought for us and those who paid the ultimate price for us.

December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy.

Retro Mariner Sunday 12/4/11

Why not revive a series that we haven't done for awhile? Since it is the off season and we all are dreaming of baseball again, let's relive the good times.

The Mariners would see the playoffs for the second time as AL West champions in 1997. Late in August of 197, one of Ken Griffey Jr.'s 37 different left fielders would come to Seattle in a trade. On August 20th the Minnesota Twins sent 32 year old Roberto Kelly to the Mariners for two PTBNL. Those two would eventually be Joe Mays and Jeromy Palki. Roberto would come to the Majors 10 years earlier with the Yankees. After five years in New York it was off to Cincinnati, Atlanta, Montreal, the Dodgers, and Minnesota. Roberto would hit .298 for the M's in September 1997, to help make a playoff push.

The Mariners would lose to the Baltimore Orioles in 4 games in the ALDS, but Kelly would be in all four games and hit .308 going 4 for 13 with 3 doubles. Roberto would take free agency after the 1997 season and move to Texas for two years before finishing back with the Yankees in 2000. After signing with the Rockies in 2001 and spending the year at AAA Colorado Springs, Roberto would spend 2002 and 2003 in Mexico City playing for the Diablos Rojos(Red Devils) of the Mexican League. Kelly would call it quits at age 39 and spend the 2004 year at home in Panama.



courtesy of http://clydes-stalecards.blogspot.com/

 Roberto came back tot he game in 2005, and would spend three years as the manager of the Augusta GreenJackets in the Giants system. In 2008 the Giants would bring Kelly to the big club as the first base coach. He also work as the base running coach for the Giants. Roberto would earn a World Series ring with the Giants in 2010. While it has been 15 years since Mr. Kelly came to Seattle for a short time, he is remembered for helping us get to the playoffs in 1997.

Owl Droppings

I came home yesterday to a small but much appreciated package in my mailbox. Thankfully it wasn't on my doorstep for me to step in. We all know about Greg from Night Owl Cards. He is one of the best bloggers about cards, is a die hard Dodgers fan, and is a very generous giver of cards. When I opened it up I felt like Brendan Ryan, and wanted to congratulate somebody like Adam Kennedy here.

The nice thing about those two cards is that finishes 2011 for me. Also in the little bubble, I was PINEDA'd!! As a Mariners fan I think that is a good thing. Even though his second half kind of fell off, you can see the potential in this kid for years to come. I think he and Felix are good building blocks to start around.

Also in there was a sad reminder of the tragedy that struck the Mariners family not too long ago. Two new cards of former Greg Halman. It is sad that he was taken over something so petty.

Big thanks again to one of the kings of the card world in the Night Owl. If you want cards or have cards to give you need to get in contact with him. I know everybody reads his works, how could you not? Thanks Owl!

(Not so) Hot Stove League

While we all know it is early in the off season, we need something. True, there have been a few managers come and go and some small movement of players. I like to dream big, but when it comes to my team, I'm very realistic. So many Mariners fans seem to dream big every year. This year is no different. Everyone seems to think that with Jack Zduriencik's past history we can land this guy.

I say there is no way he is coming to Seattle. If he came here he would become an overpriced DH. That's not to say his isn't a good hitter, but is any DH worth 20-25 million a year?Some lunatics have even said that we should and could bring this guy to Seattle (I say when pigs fly).

One guy that I would like to kick the tires on for the Mariners is a shortstop. I don't think there is anybody of great desire in the system for the future. I don't know what the price range is for him, or much about his past. Might look good as a DP combo with Dustin Ackley.

The Mariners have made one move bringing in John Jaso in a trade for Josh Lueke. I think it will be an upgrade behind the plate from Miguel Olivo.

Where is your team in the off season? Who would you dream of signing, or who do you think your team can realistically get for next year?

Division Enemies=Trading Friends

Have you ever noticed that fans of teams in your division make great traders? I have had great experiences in the past with Rangers fans. The Angels are a team I have a soft spot in my heart for. Their #1 blogger is Tom from The Angels, In Order. He does pretty historical and in depth work on the Angels. He sent me a few cards to help out on the Mariners Super Set.

The Peguero gets me one closer to finishing 2011. The two Donruss cards finish the 1982 and 1992 sets. I'm finding that the more I chip away at this thing, it seems like myself and no one else was collecting in the mid to late 1990's. Most of my wants seems to be in that era.

Tom also sent these that will be going into the boxes of different Mariners cards. I like the two players with coneections to the ownership in Japan. The gutierrez is my first Lineage card since I don't really buy much other than flagship stuff. I can't figure out why the A-Rod has a hole in it, is that where the steroid syringe goes into his butt cheek? I think it's cool to see a pitcher like Salkeld with a bat in his hands. I don't like to see pitchers hit though, both leagues need to use the DH. Jay Buhner is wearing the face mask and glasses so nobody will reconize him in New York.


Big thanks again to you Tom. Keep up the great work on the Angels. I wonder if Athletics fans make good trade partners? Does anybody know of some active A's traders? Hello Oakland fans are you out there?

Hail to the Victors! A cup full of Apples!

While I have to spend most of my day at work today, my mind will be on football. The game I will miss seeing live will be this one:

I think you all know by now where my loyalties lie. If you don't, let me help you with this one. I like two colors in this game, and they AIN'T scarlet and gray, they are Maize&Blue!!

The other game is should be home in time for. It is a Washington home game, but it's being played at Seahawks Stadium.

When it comes to this game and any other sports in Washington, I bleed Purple and Gold baby! Go Dawgs!!

I hope if your team is playing today, they win. If your team is Ohio State or Washington State, then I hope you get spanked.

Eye Catchers part 2

I realized later in the day yesterday that I cut the first anniversaries post short due to having to leave for work. I need to send a big thanks to Dodgerbobble for reminding me about some other noteworthy ones for 2012. Let's start with the logo for his team first.

The Dodgers will be celebrating their 50th year at dodger stadium this coming year. The Dodgers spent their first four years at the Memorial Coliseum after moving to LA from Brooklyn in 1958. The 1962 season would see the Dodgers move to their new home in Chavez Ravine. It's been many years since I've been, but it is still a cool stadium.

Next, we have a team that has a ballpark that set a precedent for most teams to rebuild stadiums. The pioneer in the retro ballpark craze is Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. It was the first, opening in 1992.

The Orioles decided to not only celebrate the park, but also went back to some sweet looking uniforms for next year. I personally am excited to see the cartoon bird come back to the O's.

The Royals have done a lot of work to Kaufmann Stadium. I miss being able to see the fountains in the outfield like you use to. I know they are still there and visible, but not like before. The 2012 All Star Game will be played in Kansas City this year. The Roylas will be wearing this to commemerate the game in their city.

The last one, whether you love or hate the team, you have to definitely celebrate. 2012 will mark the 100th birthday of the famed Fenway Park in Boston. Having gone there in 2009, I have to say it is a pretty awesome stadium. It is amazing that a ballpark can make it that long and not be too far off from what the original was.

Can anybody think of any other celebrations, anniversaries, or mile stones that I missed? Is there some uniforms changes that teams are doing that we should look at?

Does it catch your eye?

As card collectors we all must have a passion for sports. Our biggest passion is the little pieces of cardboard that hold pictures of our favorite teams or players. Are you like me and also like the looks and logos of teams and events? A few baseball teams next year have BIG and not so big anniversaries. First, let's start with my local and favorite baseball team.

This is what the Mariners have decided to go with for their 35th anniversary logo in 2012. While it will look nice on their uniforms, in my opinion it is very simple. It will work though.

 I don't know if their expansion brothers in Toronto will do a 35th logo this year or not yet. Although they have gone back to a logo similar to the orginal.

The team in the Big Apple is turning 50 this year. I like the return of the skyline in their 50th logo. I think it is awesome that they went with the gold ball stitching. The only thing missing is the small NY on the building in the background. I guess they made up for it with a bigger NY on the bottom.

The one logo that I'm really loving is the newest member of the AL West. The Astros got it right for their 50th season in Houston. I like how the incorprated the old workmark from 60's and the flying ball from the late 60's. Also you can see the tequila sunrise rainbow in the background. They also put thier modern day star at the bottom. I think it is awesome that they will be doing flashback Fridays wearing the uniforms of the past. I hope to see some of those games on TV next year.

So what do you think? Do you care about asthetics and the looks and logos of yours and other teams? What are some of your favorite looks and logos??

Sad Monday Morning

I was shocked and saddened to wake up this morning and turn on the local news. Normally I just turn it on to see what the weather holds in store for work during the day. This morning, less than 5 minutes into the newscast they say they are working on a developing story. Reports out of Rotterdam, Netherlands say that 24 year old Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death. His 22 year old brother is currently being held as a suspect. While it is early, and no one knows all the facts yet, it is a sad story to say the least.

I'm not too sure how Greg was going to fit into the Mariners left field plans for next year, but I'm sure there might have been a chance he would have probably been with the big club and platooned in left in 2012. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that all of us here that love the Mariners will have them in our thoughts and prayers.

Seattle's Most Wanted

OK, maybe not the city of Seattle's, but my big ol' Mariners collection's most wanted. Why would I say that a star with a name like Kennedy Ryan is most wanted?? I only need them to finish off 2011 and continue the slow work on years past. Do you own BASE versions of these cards you want to part with??

US28 Adam Kennedy

US167 Brendan Ryan

 

Also, feel free to help out with some of the sets from the past if you would like. I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday's college football. My Wolverines came up big against Nebraska, but the Huskies layed a stinker against the Beavers. Apple Cup is this weekend, just beat the damn Cougars!! I see the losing streak to the Suckeyes coming to an end in Columbus on Saturday. Go BLUE!!

There's treasure in the Ivy

As we all know, I recently updated all my wantlists. I even tried to separate them out by maker to simplify. One of the bloggers who was willing to help was Paul from Wrigley Wax.

Paul is one of the many bloggers that I strive to be like someday. There are some guys that are legendary, and they know who they are. They post all the time, have great content, and are helpful with trades. While what Paul sent isn't much, it's of great importance to me. These four 1969 Pilots cards mean I need six more cards from '69, and six more from '70 complete the Pilots cards.

Anybody out there that does vintage, you know who you are, can you help? I really want to knock down all these Pilots and Mariners wants by the start of next season. With the continued help of the blog community, I know I can achieve it.

To the two bloggers out there that I know for sure will appreciate this, today is a big day. The mighty Maize and Blue take on Nebraska. We need to win this game to ride the momentum in to Columbus and kick Ohio State's butt. I know that Dennis of Too Many Grandersons, and Jeff of My Sports Obsession will agrre with me on two words today:

GO BLUE!!!

Praying for Pilots

Before the Mariners came into existence for one year in Seattle there was the Pilots. While they weren't a very good team, they have their place in Seattle sports history. While in their existance, Topps made cards for them in their only year of 1969, and they had cards for the 1970 set, thinking the team would be here and not on the way to Milwaukee after Spring Training. In those two years, there were 56 cards for the Pilots. I have 56 of those cards so far. I now own all 56 Pilots cards!!!

Updated 12/9/12

Current 56/56(100%)

Question before buying

I realize lately I have been neglecting my duties as a good blogger. With working too many hours at work the blog has taken a back seat.

I recently upgraded to an iPhone. It was time after owning the same Blackberry for over 4 years. While I have been having fun finding sports related apps, there isn't much for us. There are basically no apps for card collectors. I did find one app called iBaseball Cards. I'm a little hesitant to pay the $0.99 for it if it isn't any good. I was wondering if any of you fellow collectors out there have bought it, and what do you think of it. Thanks for the help everybody.