Getting Back in the Saddle - A Double Dose of #Supertraders

First, I want to apologize for my unplanned absence over the past few weeks. Through a Facebook card group I learned about a situation that a fellow collector is going through. In short, his very young daughter needs a heart transplant. As many of you who have read this blog are aware, I have three daughters of my own and the struggle of this online, card collecting acquaintance really hit close to home for me. So most of the time I would have normally spent writing on here over the past few weeks was instead devoted to participating in a fundraiser on said FB group, messaging my support to that entire family, and wrestling with some of the brainstormed ideas on how I could help a little more that have flooded into my head. In the long run, I think I've settled on writing a more detailed post about this and probably busting out a tactic that I really hesitate to use in this space. Sorry for being cryptic, there will be more details in the next day or two. 

Today, I want to turn my attention to two really great trade packages I received a little while back from fellow Supertrader group members. First up, was a jam packed envelope from Adam K. from Infield Fly Rule. There were two team bags bursting at the seams, full of Rays.

First up, minis! This is the last year that I liked the way Topps did the Future Stars logo. It was modern with a touch of the old school design. It would have been better had it been foil-less, but the foiled, blocky font that they've been using of late is just not interesting to me at all. Btw, I've loved Archer from back in his Durham days. The photo on the Cobb has also been one of my faves since the first time I saw it.

 

A trio of Matty Moore RCs are my favorites from this scan though I really dig the Kazmir SC 1st Day Issue too.

We finish up the highlights of the package from Adam with a little bit of shiny, a few more RCs, and a short trip to Toppstown. I'm conflicted when I look at the Hamilton Finest. On the one hand, it reminds me of his younger days when he was full of potential. I so hoped to see him play in a Bulls uni, but then his career was derailed. I love that he was able to make a comeback and become one of the best players in the league for a short time. I'll always remember he show he put on at Yankee Stadium in the HR Derby a few years back. On the other hand, looking at that early career card naturally makes me wonder 'what if'. Anyway, huge thanks to Adam. I've got a rather large stack of Rockies to package up and send your way.

Next up was my first trade package from the Junior Junkie. It too was a jam packed envelope filled with Rays cardboard.

Check out all of the shiny in here! I almost went blind from the glare during the scanning process! As much as I like those X-fractors, the purple refractors really frame the Rays players quite well.

Wade in a Rays jersey is a section of my collection that is sorely lacking. Though you can't read the name, the bottom left corner is the purple parallel of prospect Patrick Leonard who happens to be on the Bulls roster this season. I can foresee a bit of ink in that card's future. The Cantu is my first white Bowman parallel and is #/240. Lastly, who doesn't love the Stadium Club Triumvirates? Thanks Junior Junkie! Mariners will be headed to your neck of the woods really soon! Thanks for reading(whoever is still left out there).