Hank Aaron 2011 Topps Lineage

Hank Aaron 2011 Topps Lineage

I told you that I was going to actively go after cards of Hank Aaron.  And I am really going to try to make sure that I hold on to that pact.

My latest haul of cards brings this Hank Aaron card from the 2011 Topps Lineage set.

I know that a lot of collectors, and bloggers, are not that fond of the Lineage product, but I am a fan!!

I love the vintage photography that Topps used for the legends that they included in the set. 

And this picture of Aaron in his Milwaukee Brewers uniform is perfect!!!

Have a look:

Kirby Puckett ‘Fab Five’ – Card #3 – 1992 Fleer

Kirby Puckett ‘Fab Five’ – Card #3 – 1992 Fleer

Now that my Kirby Puckett collection is complete, it is time to show of my favorite five cards from the set.

Card #3 – 1992 Fleer

I have shown off several cards from the 1992 Fleer set on this blog.  Many of them feature outstanding photography, and I really like the different nameplate that Fleer employed for this issue.

Have a look:

Jim Abbott 1990 Bowman – Little League Pose Time!!!

Jim Abbott 1990 Bowman

‘Alright Jim, you’re going to do it just like you did when you were eight years old.  I need you to kneel on your left knee, place your mitt in front of your left knee, and rest your left arm on your right thigh.’

‘Ok, hold it right there.  And Smile’.

Happy Birthday Jeff Conine!!!

Happy Birthday Jeff Conine!!!

Jeff Conine turns 46 years old today.

Jeff Conine has been affectionately given the tag of ‘Mr. Marlin’ by the team’s fans.  A testament to his playing days in South Florida, Conine’s performance and winning ways as a member of the Florida Marlins has solidified him as their most decorated player and one of it’s favorites.

A member of both World Series championship teams in 1997 and 2003, Conine was a key cog in the Marlins franchise for 8 seasons.  Today, Conine holds a position in the front office with the team and also does some television work for the local channel that covers ‘The Fish’.

For his birthday, I think it would be fitting to give Mr. Marlin the honor of the first retired jersey in franchise history.  I know that these types of honors are normally held for players of a Hall of Fame type caliber, but Conine is certainly the most accomplished Florida Marlins player(so far)!!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Marlin!!!

Hey Now, Look Who Picked Up An Ozzie Guillen Signed Baseball!!!

Hey Now, Look Who Picked Up An Ozzie Guillen Signed Baseball!!!

Since the day that he signed on to be the Miami Marlins manager, I knew that I wanted to add a signed baseball of Ozzie Guillen to my collection.

Guillen starred as the shortstop of the Chicago White Sox while I was living in Chicago.  And while I preferred the Cubs over the Sox, it was very hard to not notice and respect the work of the shortstop on the Sox.

I have followed Guillen’s career for more than 20 years.

I am proud to call him ‘My Skipper’.

As the 2012 baseball season approached, I was hoping to get a chance to meet Ozzie in person.  Ultimately, that mission failed. 

But, I had an autograph collecting pal attend a Season Ticket event a few weeks ago and he got an extra signed ball of Guillen at the event.

After a few rounds of negotiations, this is the latest signed ball for my collection: