A Collector's Remorse

I've done it - I've finally come to a point here I regret trading something away. In this case, however, it's a lot of somethings.

Recently, I sent a whole bunch of 2013 Heritage away in a trade. While looking through what I had to find what the other person needed, I started to think about how much I like everything about that set. The '64 design is classic in my eyes - very clean, organized and great color. After I sent off the cards, I really started feeling like I want to put that set together.

So there it is. I'm going to attempt to build that set. I'm not certain how set I am on collecting the short prints, but I think the base set is feasible.

Now, if I have sent you any 2013 Heritage, please don't take this post as me saying I want them back or I regret sending them to you. On the contrary, I really enjoy helping others with their set needs. It is probably my favorite part of this blogging process and I was happy to send these cards out to y'all.

That being said, if you have any of the cards I need, I would happily take them off your hands!

This set also makes me want to attempt building the '64 set. That might be put on my long-term collecting goals list. IS anyone out there currently working on this set? If so, how difficult has it been for you?

Thanks again for all that y'all do!

A Follow-Up On My PC Grading Desire

I mentioned a couple days ago that I was considering having some of my player collection cards graded so that I could get them slabbed for protection and identification purposes. I initially looked at PSA and Beckett, as those were the two most common names I saw when looking at graded cards.

Earlier today, however, I came across GMA Grading Services. This service operates very similar PSA and Beckett, but with two major differences: a five-day turnaround (rather than a month) and each gard is graded for only $2.

I must say, I got a little excited for that. That would make this endeavor much, much more economical for me.

But then I did just a quick Google search to read some of the feedback. It isn't the greatest, to say the least. To be fair, most of the comments were posted by people who had never used GMA for any grading, but a couple comments were by users. One of the biggest complaints was that cards were over-graded. One user even said that of 40 cards sent in, 33 came back with a "10" Gem Mint grade.

My question for you is multifaceted. First, have you ever heard of GMA before, and if so, was it generally positive or negative? Have you ever used GMA for anything? Is it your opinion that if I were to move forward with some of the grading, that I use PSA or Beckett?

Nothing against the opinions that I read, but I value the opinions of those I know (you all) over those I don't. So thanks in advance for your thoughts!

EDITOR'S UPDATE - I've also come across SGC Grading...any thoughts on this company?

The Daily List - December 10, 2013

1. Topps has graciously let me know that one of my redemption has been shipped. It was sent out via FedEx last Thursday and is scheduled to arrive later today (probably tomorrow). It's a start!
2. Want to see a stupid yet hilarious Christmas video from the Texas Rangers featuring Elvis Andrus and Derek Holland?
3. Sports Collector Daily lets us know that it was on this date in 1971 that the Mets traded Nolan Ryan to the Angels. That worked out well for then.
4. Lastly, Christmas is a time for giving. WestJet made holiday travels very special for some of their flyers. Watch this video to see how and what went down. It's okay if it gets you a little bit!

The Daily List - December 9, 2013

1. I've already talked about Beckett once today, but I'm going to bring them up again. Does anyone use Beckett Organize to keep their collections organized? If not, are there any other programs/apps/web sites that you use to keep it together? I have nothing, and I need to find a way to keep everything together (digitally) to stay sane.
2. When does one's collection go from "collection" to "super collection"? Thinking that I might try to get the "supercollector" status with my Anthony Rendon PC someday. He's a young player and I'm getting in at the beginning of his career, so cards are (relatively) inexpensive.
3. Even the Library of Congress loves Allen & Ginter.
4. I haven't received a TTM in quite some time. I received one today, and I must say, it is glorious. It comes from former Rangers pitcher Craig McMurtry. The photo is amazing - McMurtry is in the post-pitch fielding stance, and he is rocking some AWESOME glasses and mustache. The signature is beautiful. Unlike today's stars, he actually took time to write out his name legibly in the signature. Thank you Mr. McMurtry!

You May All Hate Me

As I mentioned before, I was iced in all weekend. No way of getting out to buy some new cards or do anything, for that matter, I started working on a way to better organize my player collections. My OCD tendencies kicked in and I began to have a mental breakdown over the lack of order in my PC box.

Then, I figured out what to do to make everything organized and orderly.

First, I beg you to read the entire thing before condemning me to card collector hell.

Like I said, I need uniformity and order to calm my nerves. What better way to do this than to have my PC cards graded? I don't care about the grade - it's the slab I'm looking for. This orders everything, puts every card in its own encapsulation and gives the card information at the top. Everything I need to satisfy my OCD tendencies is right there.

I know many of you hate graded cards. I even came across an article from Fuji earlier this year in my search for grading information condemning Beckett Grading Services for their "Collector's Club" grading scale (it's ridiculous).

But, for me, the idea gives me comfort. I know some of you love the feel of a card and being able to thumb through it. Me...not so much. I'm one of the people who wants everything to be in pristine condition* so that when I want to look at it 20 years from now, it looks brand new.

(*I blame this partially on my grandfather who, before he passed, collected coins. He would only add uncirculated coins to his collection, and I believe this wore off on me!)

I know that some of you would argue that I can purchase one-snaps for my cards rather than getting the cards graded. I thought this would be a plausible answer to my problem, as well. Unfortunately, I don't like them for some reason. I honestly can't put my finger on why I don't like them, I just know that I don't.

So, here I stand before you, begging your mercy and pleading with you not to kick me out of your card collecting fraternity for wanting graded cards. Please understand that it's an OCD thing for me!

Icemageddon - Has Hell Frozen Over?!?!

Beginning this past Thursday night, winter storm "Cleon" blew into North Texas and squeezed its icy grip on everyone in the area, myself included. And since I live out in the "country," I am low on the list of roads to get cleared. As it stands, i have more than four inches of ice - ice, not snow - in my yard and on the road. 

In other words, I'm stranded. 

Just to be clear, I don't have internet at my house. I'm usually working so late, I just depend on the internet at my office or my cell phone's data package. 

So I'm pretty damn bored. 

I haven't been able to go check my mailbox. I haven't been able to go buy new packs. I can't organize my collection any more. I literally have nothing to do within the hobby. 

I feel lost and alone, like the universe is punishing me. 

Anyway, I really have nothing to say. I just didn't want you to worry about me. Thanks for the concern that I am absolutely certain you all feel for me. 

The Daily List - December 4, 2013

1. I've mentioned him once, but I want to mention him again - if you haven't given Alex over at Chavez Ravining a read, you should do it. The guy has some great info and is an amazing trade partner. He has single-handedly crushed my 2013 Topps Flagship needs (minus one card). So go give him a read and a follow, then work out a deal with him. You will be much better off for doing it.
2. As my time back in the hobby passes, I find my tastes changing. While I once wanted every Ranger card I could get my hands on, now I see that my tastes have narrowed greatly. For instance, with the inevitability of Nelson Cruz moving to another team drawing closer, I realize that I'm only interested in cards in which he is wearing a Rangers uniform. Furthermore, for some of my lesser interest, i.e. Ian Kinsler, my interest in their cards dissipates altogether. Therefore, I'm left with cards like this one that I feel compelled to move. Although I do really like this one.                                                                                                                            
   
3. I noticed last night that my Rendon collection is growing steadily, especially in the autograph department. 
   
4. A couple weeks ago, Brad over at Brad's Blog sent me a ridiculous package that far exceeded what I sent him. Like Alex, Brad is a damn good trade partner, so if you aren't already following his blog, go do it now. And Brad, I finally have a nice little surprise for you! Be expecting it soon...