Mike Stanton 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Future Stars’

Mike Stanton 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Future Stars’

This is my first post featuring a baseball card of Mike Stanton since he made the National League All-Star team.

I call him Mike in this post because that is the name used on his 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen ‘Future Stars’ card.

Mike has been tearing up NL pitching all season long.  And even while he gets into mini-slumps, his power number and run producing are at a solid pace.  It is very possible that by the end of the season Stanton has numbers that come close to 40 home runs and 100 RBI.

If this young guy can learn how to become better and handling off-speed, and out of the strike zone, pitching, he will be an MVP candidate.

You heard it here first!

Edgar Renteria 2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes

Edgar Renteria 2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes

Yes, yet another ‘shout-out’ to one of my favorite sets from the 2000’s.

And while I have yet to declare my desire to scoop up the entire set of cards from this 2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes set, I am not at all interested in halting my desire to grab a few more either…

My most recent haul from this issue brought me a lot of cards of the guys that I vividly recall doing great things in the World Series.

Guys like Gary Carter.  And Livan Hernandez.  And Kirby Puckett as well.

And my latest addition?  Edgar Renteria!!!

Here is the card:

How sweet is that, huh??

Many recall Edgar’s more recent World Series success as he led the Giants to the 2010 title.  But for this fan and collector, Edgar Renteria is a Marlin.  And his hit in the 11th inning of Game 7 of the 1997 World Series is a baseball memory I will never forget!!!

Thanks for the memories Edgar!!!

Rod Carew 1985 Donruss

Rod Carew 1985 Donruss

I am not a big fan of the 1985 Donruss baseball design.  As a matter of fact, the mid-1980’s Donruss cards don’t do much for me at all…

However, I will admit that the 1985 Donruss design and color-scheme does work very well with the photograph that was used for the Rod Carew card.

Have a look:

Nice, right?

The Black border goes very well with the long sleeves of Carew’s undershirt.  and the Red striping is a nice compliment to the Red accents of Carew’s uniform and cap.

Three cheers for the photo editor!!!

My First Time – Dontrelle Willis – May 9, 2003

My First Time – Dontrelle Willis – May 9, 2003

The Setting – Miami, FL.  Pro Player Stadium.

From Willis – ‘I flew my mom and  a bunch of people out for the game.  I had to borrow money to do it.  Oakland to Miami on no notice is a real expensive flight’.

The Boxscore – Marlins 5, Rockies 4.  Willis pitches 6 innings allowing 7 hits and giving up 3 runs, while striking out 7.

Patience Pays Off – I Have Landed A 1984 Fleer Update Dwight Gooden Rookie Card!!!

Patience Pays Off – I Have Landed A 1984 Fleer Update Dwight Gooden Rookie Card!!!

I ‘completed’ my Dwight Gooden player collection back in April of this year.

My checklist consisted of each and every major brand release of Gooden wearing his Mets’ uniform that was issued during his playing days.

I started that collection in 2011, and I was very happy with how it came together by the time I was done.

However, I did stop one card short.  I had searched and shopped for Gooden’s famous 1984 Fleer Update rookie card for over a year when I called it ‘Quits’.  The card is more rare than other early-year Gooden cards, and I was simply not wanting to fork over the kind of dough that was needed to bring one home.

So, I called my Gooden collection ‘complete’ even though I was one card short.

About six weeks ago, I decided to try again.  So, I searched and shopped some more.  I bid on a few, and lost them all.

And then I scored!!!

And now, I am the very proud owner of a baseball card that has eluded me for close to 30 years.  Yes, I said 30!!!

My friends, I am now the owner of a 1984 Fleer Update Dwight Gooden rookie card.

Here it is:

🙂