My First Post...

It's been a few weeks since I decided I would set up a baseball card related blog. In recent months, I've discovered a number of really well done pages that have expanded my appreciation of our great hobby. So, I thought if I took a chance and started writing(instead of just reading) that it would add to my enjoyment even further. I brainstormed ideas of what content to post and considered how often I'd realistically be able to write at all.  Thought I had it pretty well planned out, but I couldn't figure out how to 'break the ice'. First, I thought I'd write a brief introductory piece. Then, I thought I'd dive right in and just start talking about my collection. I couldn't settle on that perfect first post idea. Then I received an email from a current blogger to let me know he received my end of an introductory trade. That's when it hit me...I'd start my blog where my ideas to create one began in the first place.

One of the first blogs I stumbled upon while initially searching was Dime Boxes - The Low-End Baseball Card Collector's Journey. It was the title that first struck me. I'm a sucker for a good bargain bin, so I figured this would be a good place to start reading. After reading a few of Nick's posts, I was hooked. A little while back, he wrote a post talking about new introductions. While he was suggesting that veteran bloggers reach out to some newbies by sharing some cards, I sent him an email to introduce myself, thank him for the greatly entertaining posts, and ask if he was up for a new trading partner(even though I was sans blog). It turns out that I had found myself pulling cards that seemed to fit his tastes as I was going through the expanses of my collection. He was game, and we set the gears in motion to create trade packages to send each other. Nick sent some really great cards, as many fellow bloggers already know. Here's a recap of the highlights.

I am a sucker for baseball history. For some reason though, this insert set was new to me. Thankfully, Nick provided a great intro to Topps' More Tales Of The Game. It was nice to see this reminder of the 2002 All-Star Game which ended in a 7-7 tie. I watched that entire game.

These Superstar Celebrations are really well done. This one celebrates King Felix's perfect game against the Rays, the 23rd such game in MLB history. You can almost feel the emotion pouring out of this card.

I really dig the season highlights subsets in earlier Topps sets. I think they are terribly under utilized in today's hobby. These two World Series related issues are great. I really like the Lowell, and that says a LOT coming from a Yankee fan. Ultimately, my appreciation for the game and its history trumps my dislike for the BoSox. This is a rare occasion that I'm happy to add a Red Sox card to my collection.

Here are a few Yankees from the mix. How could you not love the Yankee Clipper, a clean shaven pic of a previous Captain, the '70's style of that Louisiana Lightning, and a nifty Lefty Gomez from Swell?

I'll end with this great Topps Chrome card depicting the standard post game celebration of the Sandman. Last, but not least a personal favorite of Wade Boggs signing for the fans. I met Wade Boggs once...but that's a story for another post.

Thanks to you Nick, for the inspiration, support, and kindness relating to my blogging endeavor and also for the great cardboard! I hope you enjoyed this trade as much as I did. Looking forward to many more!