1998 HEADLINE: Blockbuster Trade Sends Mike Piazza To The Florida Marlins!!!

1998 HEADLINE: Blockbuster Trade Sends Mike Piazza To The Florida Marlins!!!

In 1998, the term ‘fire-sale’ and the Florida Marlins were linked like peanut butter and jelly. Coming off of a World Series championship the prior season, the Marlins management team was dumping all of the players and salaries that took them to the pinnacle just a few months prior.

And on this day in 1998, the Marlins made a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mike Piazza was traded by the Dodgers with Todd Ziele for Manuel Barrios, Bobby Bonilla, Jim Eisenriech, Charles Johnson, and Gary Sheffield.

Piazza’s stay in Miami was short-lived as he was dealt just 8 days later to the New York Mets.

Piazza’s time as a Marlins’ player included 5 games in which he tallied 5 hits and 5 RBI in 18 at-bats.

TTM SUCCESS: Miami Marlins 1-Day Hero, Adam Greenberg!!

TTM SUCCESS: Miami Marlins 1-Day Hero, Adam Greenberg!!

I sent just one baseball card out during Spring Training with the hopes of hauling in an autograph for my collection.

That card was sent to Adam Greenberg, formerly of the Miami Marlins.

We all know his story, and for one day Greenberg was the most relevant player in the sport.  As a Marlins fan, there was a lot of attention paid to Greenberg leading up to his appearance with the team and it was very hard to not get swept up in all of the excitement. 

I admire his determination and he can certainly teach many of today’s players about how quickly the dream of playing major league baseball can be taken from you.

Greenberg attended Spring Training with the Baltimore Orioles this year and he still has the goal of making the big leagues on a permanent roster.  I sent my card to him in the middle of Spring and it was returned to me the other day – signed!!

Have a look:

Thank you Adam, and best of luck to you with all of your future endeavors!!!

Happy Anniversary Al Leiter!!!

Happy Anniversary Al Leiter!!!

On this day in 1996, All Leiter threw a no-hitter for the Florida Marlins!!!

I happened to have been at this game, and it is by far the single greatest sporting event I have ever seen live in person. This game easily trumps being at the World Series, The NBA Conference Finals, and any other baseball, basketball, or wrestling event I have ever been to.

I thought it would be fun to go back and review that original post I wrote over a year ago when I told you about ‘The Greatest Baseball Game I Have Ever Been To’. And then being a bit of a risk taker, I sent the ticket stub from that game along with a baseball card and sent them to Al Leiter in hopes of getting him to sign them for me. That went pretty well too…

Thanks again Mr. Leiter. And Happy Anniversary!!!

Giancarlo Stanton 2012 Topps Archives – GOLD!!!

Giancarlo Stanton 2012 Topps Archives – GOLD!!!

I recently completed a trade with ’30-YOC’ reader Jared.  I sent a small stack of Red Sox cards to him and he returned the favor with a few Marlins for my collection.

Of the cards that I received, this one is the one that really stands out for me.

Why?

Because for some reason, I did not realize that the 2012 Archives set included Gold parallel versions in the set.  And after further review of the checklist, I know understand that every card in the base set has a Golden variation.

Here is the Gold Stanton:

And now it is time for me to seek out the other five Gold Marlins!!

Jared- Thank you for the great card, and the inspiration to bring the rest of them home (even if the others are not longer on the team)!!!

Mike Stanton 2011 Topps Finest

Mike Stanton 2011 Topps Finest

I continue to pick up card of Mike/Giancarlo Stanton as time/funds/priorities allow. 

For me, I am a fan.  And while he has certainly not gotten off to the start that I had wanted for his 2013 baseball season, I don’t necessarily think that he has been placed in a role to succeed.

Stanton has yet to develop the patience and plate discipline to be a dangerous hitter in major league baseball.  Sure, he has the power to be on the same level as an Adam Dunn – and he will get his share of home runs.  But, to be a true offensive weapon, he needs to better adjust to what is being thrown his way – take the walk, hit it the other way, play to what the defense is giving you.

I think that Stanton has the tools.  And I also think that having a hitter like Tino Martinez as your coach can only help you.

But, if the Marlins keep going with their current offensive approach, Stanton will be the player that suffers the most.

Hang in there kid!!

Giancarlo Stanton 2013 Topps Series 1 ‘Marlins Park’ Commemorative Patch

Giancarlo Stanton 2013 Topps Series 1 ‘Marlins Park’ Commemorative Patch

This is a pretty neat card, and I did not even know that it was available until I mis-keyed a search on Ebay’s home page.

In retrospect, I am glad that the error occurred.  Otherwise, I would not have found and bought this:

The card features a commemorative manufactured path of Marlins Park.  The patch is well made and it is a nice tribute to the new baseball stadium in Miami.

I paid less than $5.00 to bring this bad-boy home, and I will immediately add it to my 2013 Topps Series 1 Marlins team set.

YES!!!!

Baseball Card Show Purchase #9 – Mike Stanton 2012 Topps ‘Gold Futures’

Baseball Card Show Purchase #9 – Mike Stanton 2012 Topps ‘Gold Futures’

I’m always keeping my eyes open for cards of Mike/Giancarlo Stanton while at the card shows I attend.

There may be a more dense population of Stanton collectors in my area due to the proximity of the Marlins, but I am almost always able to rescue some cards of him from bargain bins if I search hard enough.

At Friday’s card show, I found just one.  So, I bought it.

The card comes from the 2012 Topps ‘Gold Futures’ set.  The card is kind of an in-between card: in between changes from Florida to Miami Marlins; and in between changes from Mike to Giancarlo Stanton.

Have a look:

One thing is for sure – The card is Sharp!!

From the Black border with Gold frame, the card has a very nice look to it.  And I really like the action shot they used too!

And The Jose Fernandez Era Officially Begins…

And The Jose Fernandez Era Officially Begins…

Go Get ‘Em Kid!!!

And, GO FISH!!!

Giancarlo Stanton 2012 Topps Chrome

Giancarlo Stanton 2012 Topps Chrome

I have a decent sized stack of 2012 Miami Marlins cards that are in desperate need of organization.  I’ve been lazy about it, but something tells me that with minimal effort and a computer by my side, I can possibly add 2-4 new team sets to my Marlins portfolio.

I don’t think that I have all of the cards needed for the 2012 Topps Chrome set just yet, but I scooped this card up of Giancarlo Stanton just in case.  And if it happens to be a double, I will gladly put it with the small collection of Stanton cards that I have.

Who knows, maybe a new player collection will be born soon… 

Ricky Nolasco To Start On ‘Opening Day’ For Miami Marlins

Ricky Nolasco To Start On ‘Opening Day’ For Miami Marlins

From Yahoo Sports

Miami Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco was named the team’s Opening Day starter on Thursday.

Nolasco, 30, struck out six Mets in 3 2/3 innings and has allowed just one unearned run in 5 2/3 innings this spring. He’s one of the remaining members of the rotation after Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays over the winter.

The Marlins are scheduled to open the season on the road April 1 against the Washington Nationals.

The righty posted a 12-13 record and a 4.48 ERA last season in 31 starts.