Another Mailday

A quick post today, as I just wanted to share a couple cards I received in the mail. 

First up, another addition for the Anthony Ranaudo PC:

This is the base version of Ranaudo's Jumbo Unity Relic/Auto, numbered to 99. Gotta love the jumbo white swatch Topps selected (that was sarcastic).

I also got this card for an absolute steal:

From 2015 Bowman's Best, this is the base auto of Dillon Tate. Tate was the number 4 overall pick in this past season's draft. He has a Chrome auto in '15 Draft, but it is running $15-$20. However, I saw this card pop up for a Buy It Now price of $2.95. I couldn't hit the BIN button fast enough.

Okay, that's it for tonight. Trying to get a million things accomplished. Hope everyone is well!

New Cards!!! (And Some That I Didn't Know I Had)

Today, I finally got a card that I've been waiting on for a while. I ordered it a bit before the massive snowstorm hit the East Coast. Naturally, that storm delayed mail. I could go into along tirade, but that is a blog post for another day (or for never).

Anyway, here's the card I was so anxious to get:

From the 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars insert set, this orange parallel is of one of my PC guys, Anthony Ranaudo. This particular card is the orange refractor parallel, numbered 18 or 25. The reason I was so excited to get it is because I paid a fraction of what these normally sell for. It's the little things that make us happy, right?

I also snagged this card:

2015 Topps Triple Threads Jumbo Unity Relic Sepia parallel, numbered 30 of 75. I am pretty sure I grabbed this one for less than $2.

But that isn't all. I have been trying to clean out the excess cards that I have. I have actually run across a few for my Ranaudo and Joey Gallo PCs that I didn't know that I had. Here they are: 

Nothing terribly special, but cards for the PCs nonetheless. Since I found them this year, I'm going to treat them as if I acquired them this year. My damn blog, my damn rules. Hahaha!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

"My Mom Threw Out My Cards"

It seems the origin of the greatest collecting horror stories begin with, "My mom threw my cards away..." This is semi-true for me. My mom didn't throw out my cards. I left my cards with my grandparents, because they are the ones that helped me collect when I first got into the hobby a long time ago.

However, my grandfather's mother did throw out his cards, the night he got married and moved out of the house. I've heard the story millions of times, but, in short, here it is for you: he gets married and he and my grandmother move to a small cabin at the back of the ranch (this is the late 50's - my family has always lived on this ranch). A couple of days later, he comes to his parents' house for breakfast before beginning work with his father training horses. He notices that his room is completely cleaned out, and his entire collection of cards - including some Mantles and Ruths - are gone, thrown in the garbage...which is already gone.

My heart breaks every time I think about it.

Why do I bring this up? Well, when I posted about my collecting goals for 2016, JayP, the great mind behind Cards My Mother Didn't Throw Out commented that he would like to help me out. And help out he did!

He sent a huge stack of cards that will be more than useful for my Rangers Team Set Project, but he also sent a few cards that nailed some spots in my player collections.

He included these four Rusty Greer beauties:

First of all, these are all awesome cards. However, how badass (pardon the language) is the last card?!?!?! It hails from 1998 Stadium Club. I can only hope that he caught that ball...being a road game, you know he got booed to high heaven if he did! Amazing shot!

There were also a couple other cards in the package that fit into a player collection I have been thinking about starting:

PUDGE! These from Stadium Club and Finest. Both cards are beauties, and there's just something awesome about older Chrome cards with the film still intact! 

Thanks again, JayP! I love the cards and can't wait until our next trade!!!

I Finally Decided Which Vintage Set To Work On

I've been taking some time trying to determine which vintage set I would like to tackle, and I'm pretty sure I've figured it out.

1969 Topps Baseball. 

After looking at endless amounts of data, it seems that 1969 isn't too big and it isn't too expensive. Yes, there are expensive cards in the set, but it doesn't seem to be as bad as other sets. It also helps that I had a handful of '69 cards that I purchased a couple years ago.

I started an eBay search for the set, and found a couple cheap additions that had also been graded by PSA. If you know anything about me, it's probably that I'm a sucker for slabs. So, for under $5 shipped, I added these two to the collection:

Card #24 Walt Alston. I already had a copy of this card, but like I said, I'm a sucker for slabs and this one was very affordable.

Card #319 Ken McMullen. I did not have this card. The really interesting thing about this card is the back:

Do you see it? The error, that is? The statistics headings are for a pitcher. This is just one of the many errors (both corrected and uncorrected) in the 1969 set, which is just another sign of character, if you ask me. 

So there ya go, my first additions to my quest to complete the 1969 Topps set. If you have any extras sitting around, let;s work out a trade!!! 

New PC Additions!

I'm not sure why, but I've been a fan of Anthony Ranaudo since the Rangers acquired him last year. Last month, I decided to start collecting him because a) he has a ton of cards already, and b) those cards are usually pretty cheap.

The first two Ranaudo cards of 2016 came to me today. I'm pretty stoked about them, because they are both pretty unique.

This is the printing plate of Ranaudo's 2015 Topps Archives 90's All Star insert. It's my first printing plate of Ranaudo. Pretty sweet, but it has nothing on the following card:

2015 Topps Museum Collection Patch Auto, numbered to 10. This is by far the coolest patch in my collection. The only way it could be better if it was a Rangers patch instead of the Red Sox. 

So there ya go - pretty brief, but I'm kind of in a hurry today. Hope everyone is well!

Mail Day!

I received my first cards of 2016 in the mail yesterday. It was a good day.

First up, I added to my 2010 Topps T206 American Caramel Framed Mini Auto project. I've been after this card since I began the project, but it always seemed to be priced in the $30-$40 range, far more than I was willing to pay. However, a couple days after Christmas, I saw it listed at .99 cents to begin the auction. A few days later and after a winning bid of $4.01, I became the proud owner of this guy:

Dodger legend Johnny Podres. His list of accomplishments includes many things, but perhaps the most impressive is his 2-0 shutout of the Yankees in the 1955 World Series, bringing Brooklyn their first (and only) World Series title. In the process, Podres became the first World Series Most Valuable Player.

If my mail day only had that card, it would be a good day. However, I also received a package from Topps, as one of my two remaining redemptions was fulfilled. You know I was excited for the Podres card, so imagine how I felt when I opened this guy up:

A 2015 Bowman Inception "Inception" auto of Joey Gallo!!!! These bad boys come one per case. When the product released in 2015, I bought a box at Duane's Sports Cards in Arlington (I was back home, staying with my dad in the hospital; I visited Duane's one day while my dad was undergoing surgery). While I didn't pull this card, I did pull a Luis Severino version:

Right off the top! Case hit! Luis Severino Inception auto! pic.twitter.com/rCop6YzLBM

— My Cardboard Habit (@cardboardhabit) July 26, 2015

I loved it. I watched eBay for months, waiting for a Gallo to be listed. After many failed attempts, I just happened to see a seller list the card for $8.99. I pounced! A large part of me was afraid that I was going to get an email from the seller saying that he had made a mistake in the listing process and refuse to send me the card, but those fears turned out to be unfounded. I received the redemption and entered it quickly, and then waited. And Waited. And waited. But it's here now, and I couldn't be happier! 

So there it is! An amazing mail day to start 2016! I hope everyone is well!

What I'm Looking Forward To In 2016

After lamenting about how much I disliked 2015, I suppose I should lay out my road map for 2016. Nobody wants to read a blog that is all complaining, right? Well, here are some of the things I would like to do in the coming year.

1. Get rid of excess cards. Beyond my personal collections and assorted trade bait, I have four 5,000 count boxes full of cards from assorted years and sets. I once hoped to list all of these for trade, but I haven't had anyone hit me up for base needs in a couple years. That's fine, but I just don't have room to keep cards that have no use to me. Living in a one-bedroom apartment with all of one closet makes storage an issue. I'm thinking of sending these to Signatures for Soldiers. This group works with athletes to get signed baseball cards and then sell said cards. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to Military Missions in Action, an organization that helps disabled service members and the disabled children of active duty service members. That's a cause that I can gladly get behind.

2. Organize and catalog my personal collections and trade bait. My Matt Harrison PC is kept in a bind, but my various other collections and projects are kept in boxes. I need to go in and scan everything that I have for documentation and then store it accordingly. I must get organized. I'm tired of my desk looking like this:

The same goes for the trade bait I am keeping. I have everything housed in a box with no real rhyme or reason. It can be difficult to find what I do have. I need to make sure everything is scanned and listed because I want to be more active in trading.

3. Be a better trade partner. I know that I have talked to a few people about certain cards that I have. I have not been very good about following up or following through. Though the last year has been rough, that's not a good excuse. So I want to devise a way to keep up with all potential trades. This one will require a little thought, but it must happen.

4. Comment more on your blogs. Believe it or not, I read a ton of blogs, even when I'm not posting. I literally check at least once a day. However, I haven't been the best at commenting. I want to change that. I know I feel good when readers comment, so I need to be better at returning the favor. I have been making more of an effort lately, and I hope a few of you have noticed.

5. Pick a pre-1970 Topps set and collect 15% of it. I've wanted to start working on a vintage set for a while. However, I simply can't choose which one I want! I know that I don't want a massive set (1972, I'm looking at you), but I don't know enough about vintage to really jump in. I want a set the has a good mix of well-known players, but also won't cost an arm and a leg. I hope that some of you that collect vintage can help me out and offer suggestions. I would greatly appreciate it!

So there are my Five Main Goals for 2016. I tried to make everything realistic. I'm not saying I don't like a good challenge, but with limited time and money, I want to set goals that can be accomplished. But those aren't the only goals I want to accomplish. Like last year, I have a few that are nice, but not Top 5 worthy. For instance:

- Acquire a card of Mickey Mantle from his playing days.

- Gain 10 new followers for my blog.

- Find five new trade partners.

- Add 100 new cards to my Texas Rangers team set project.

- Incorporate more TTM requests into my collecting life.

And these are just a few. I am trying to learn how to still enjoy the hobby when I'm not ripping into new packs. I think this is a good start and will help me appreciate the history of the hobby. 

So there you have it, my goals for the coming year. I hope we can trade soon!

Anthony Ranaudo PC

HYPERLINK indicates card that I already have.

NON-HYPERLINKED name indicates card I need.

2015

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Base

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Toys R Us Purple

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Gold /2015

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Factory Set Sparkle /179

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Snow Camo /99

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Black /64

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Pink /50

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Framed /20

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Clear /10

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Platinum /1

240 2015 Topps Series 1 Printing Plate /1

240 2015 Topps Limited

TR7 2015 Topps Rangers Team Set

US109 2015 Topps Update Base

US109 2015 Topps Update Rainbow Foil

US109 2015 Topps Update No Logo

US109 2015 Topps Update Gold /2015

US109 2015 Topps Update Snow Camo /99

US109 2015 Topps Update Black /64

US109 2015 Topps Update Pink /50

US109 2015 Topps Update Platinum /1

US109 2015 Topps Update Printing Plate /1

CHARA 2015 Topps Career High Auto Series 1

CHAAR 2015 Topps Career High Auto Series 2

240 2015 Topps Mini Base

240 2015 Topps Mini Black /10

240 2015 Topps Mini Red /5

240 2015 Topps Mini Gold /1

104 2015 Topps Opening Day Base

104 2015 Topps Opening Day Toys R Us Purple

104 2015 Topps Opening Day Blue Foil

104 2015 Topps Opening Day Black /1

104 2015 Topps Opening Day Printing Plate /1

15 2015 Topps Chrome Base

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Base

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Sepia

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Pink

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Prism

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Purple /250

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Blue /150

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Green /99

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Gold /50

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Orange /25

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Red /5

15 2015 Topps Chrome Superfractor /1

15 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor Printing Plate /1
FSC10 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars Base

FSC10 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars Refractor Gold /50

FSC10 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars Refractor Orange /25

FSC10 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars Refractor Red /5

FSC10 2015 Topps Chrome Future Stars Superfractor /1

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Base

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter 10^th Anniversary /10

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Glossy /1

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Base

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Black

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini A&G Back

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini No Number /50

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Red /40

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Flag Back /25

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Framed Silk /10

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Metal /3

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Wood /1

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Glossy /1

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Framed Printing Plate /1

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter X 10th Anniversary Base

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter X 10^th Anniversary Mini

36 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter X 10^th Anniversary Mini Silver

AGAARA 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Mini Auto

AGAARA 2015 Topps Allen & Ginter Framed Mini Auto Red Ink /10

60 2015 Topps Archives Base

60 2015 Topps Archives Silver /199

60 2015 Topps Archives Gold /50

60 2015 Topps Archives Black /1

60 2015 Topps Archives Printing Plate /1

90ASIAR 2015 Topps Archives ’90 Topps All Star Rookies Base

90ASIAR 2015 Topps Archives ’90 Topps All Star Rookies Gold /50

90ASIAR 2015 Topps Archives ’90 Topps All Star Rookies Black /1

90ASIAR 2015 Topps Archives ’90 Topps All Star Rookies Printing Plate /1

122 2015 Bowman Base

122 2015 Bowman Silver /499

122 2015 Bowman Purple /250

122 2015 Bowman Blue /150

122 2015 Bowman Green /99

122 2015 Bowman Gold /50

122 2015 Bowman Orange /25

122 2015 Bowman Red /5

122 2015 Bowman Black /1

122 2015 Bowman Silver Ice

122 2015 Bowman Purple Ice /50

122 2015 Bowman Red Ice /5

122 2015 Bowman White Ice /1

122 2015 Bowman Printing Plate /1

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Base

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor /499

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Purple /250

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Blue /150

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Green /99

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Gold /50

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Orange /25

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Red /5

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Superfractor /1

197 2015 Bowman Chrome Refractor Printing Plate /1

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Base

BCARAR 2015Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /499

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor Blue /150

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor Green /99

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor Gold /50

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor Orange /25

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor Red /5

BCARAR 2015 Bowman Chrome Auto Superfractor /1

48 2015 Topps Finest Base

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Base

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Prism

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Black

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Purple /250

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Blue /15

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Green /99

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Gold /50

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Orange /25

48 2015 Topps Finest Refractor Red /5

48 2015 Topps Finest Superfractor /1

48 2015 Topps Finest Printing Plate /1

FF3 2015 Topps Finest Firsts Base

FF3 2015 Topps Finest Firsts Refractor /25

FF3 2015 Topps Finest Firsts Refractor Red /5

FF3 2015 Topps Finest Firsts Superfractor /1

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Base

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Printing Plate /1

GQAAR 2015 Gypsy Queen Auto Base

GQAAR 2015 Gypsy Queen Auto Silver /50

GQAAR 2015 Gypsy Queen Auto Gold /25

GQAAR 2015 Gypsy Queen Auto Red /5

GQAAR 2015 Gypsy Queen Auto Black /1

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Base

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Silver /199

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Gold /9

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Red /50

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Black /5

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Leather /1

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Graphite /1

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Framed Clear /1

128 2015 Gypsy Queen Mini Framed Printing Plate /1

522 2015 Topps Heritage Base

522 2015 Topps Heritage Gum Stained Back

522 2015 Topps Heritage Blue Back

522 2015 Topps Heritage Black and White

522 2015 Topps Heritage Chrome Purple Refractor

522 2015 Topps Heritage Chrome Base /999

522 2015 Topps Heritage Chrome Refractor /566

522 2015 Topps Heritage Chrome Black Refractor /66

522 2015 Topps Heritage Chrome Gold Refractor /5

522 2015 Topps Heritage Mini

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Base

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Retail Foil

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Gum Stained Back

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Blue Back

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Purple Refractor

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Chrome Base /999

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Chrome Refractor /566

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Chrome Black Refractor /66

356 2015 Topps Heritage Anthony Ranaudo/Rusney Castillo Chrome Gold Refractor /5

AAARA 2015 Museum Collection Archival Auto Base /399

AAARA 2015 Museum Collection Archival Auto Sepia /5

AAARA 2015 Museum Collection Archival Auto Gold /5

MMJRAARA 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Base /10

MMJRAARA 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Gold /5

MMJRAARA 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Black /1

MMJRAARN 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Base /10

MMJRAARN 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Gold /5

MMJRAARN 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Black /1

MMJRAARO 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Base /10

MMJRAARO 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Gold /5

MMJRAARO 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Black /1

MMJRAARU 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Base /10

MMJRAARU 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Gold /5

MMJRAARU 2015 Museum Collection Momentous Materials Jumbo Relic Auto Black /1

SSDARA Museum Collection Signature Swatches Dual Relic Base /299

SSDARA Museum Collection Signature Swatches Dual Relic Gold /25

SSDARA Museum Collection Signature Swatches Dual Relic Emerald /5

SSTARO Museum Collection Signature Swatches Triple Relic Base /75

SSTARO Museum Collection Signature Swatches Triple Relic Auto Gold /25

SSTARO Museum Collection Signature Swatches Triple Relic Auto Emerald /5

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Base

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Gold

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Black /201

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Foilboard /25

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Black and White /17

5 2015 Topps Stadium Club Members Only /7

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Base

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Green /50

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Orange /25

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Red /5

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Supreme /1

SAARO 2015 Topps Supreme Auto Printing Plate /1

NGAARA 2015 Tier One New Guard Auto Base /399

NGAARA 2015 Tier One New Guard Auto Bronze Ink /25

NGAARA 2015 Tier One New Guard Auto Silver Ink /10

NGAARA 2015 Tier One New Guard Auto Red Ink /5

NGAARA 2015 Tier One New Guard Auto Gold Ink /1

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Base /189

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Green /99

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Orange /75

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Black /50

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Gold /25

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Purple /10

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Red /1

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Onyx /1

TAARA 2015 Tribute Framed Auto Printing Plate /1

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Base /99

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Sepia /75

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Emerald /50

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Black /35

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Ruby /1

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Wood /1

125 2015 Triple Threads Auto Printing Plate /1

UAJRAR 2015Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Base /99

UAJRAR 2015 Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Sepia /75

UAJRAR 2015 Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Emerald /50

UAJRAR 2015 Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Gold /25

UAJRAR 2015 Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Sapphire /10

UAJRAR 2015 Triple Threads Unity Relic Auto Ruby /1

2014

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Base

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor /500

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Blue /150

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Black /99

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Green /75

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Gold /50

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Orange /25

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Social Media /10

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Purple /10

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Red /5

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Bubbles /99

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Black Static /15

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Purple Bubbles /10

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Carbon Fiber /10

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Blue Wave /50

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Black Wave /50

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor Orange Wave /5

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Superfractor /1

BCAPAR 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Printing Plate /1

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Blue /250

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Purple /99

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Orange /50

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Gold /25

BMBRS5 2014Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Black /15

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Green /10

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Refractor Red /5

BMBRS5 2014 Bowman Chrome Bowman Scout Top 5 Mini Superfractor /1

BTP84 2014 Bowman Top 100 Prospects Base

BTP84 2014 Bowman Top 100 Prospects Die Cut Refractor /99

OIAR 2014 Bowman Oversized Silver Ice Auto /99

OIAR 2014 Bowman Oversized Purple Ice Auto /25

OIAR 2014 Bowman Oversized Red Ice Auto /10

OIAR 2014 Bowman Oversized White Ice Auto /1

APAR 2014 Bowman Inception Patch Auto Base /25

APAR 2014 Bowman Inception Patch Auto Orange /15

APAR 2014 Bowman Inception Patch Auto Red /10

APAR 2014 Bowman Inception Patch Auto Purple /5

APAR 2014 Bowman Inception Patch Auto Inception /1

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Base

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Pink /50

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Green /25

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Gold /10

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Blue /5

ARAR 2015 Bowman Inception Relic Auto Silver /1

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Base

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Gold /99

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Blue /75

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Pink /50

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Green /25

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Red /10

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Purple /5

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Inception /1

PAAR 2014 Bowman Inception Auto Printing Plate /1

191 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Base

191 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Lime Green

191 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Black /105

191 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Blue /1

191 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Printing Plate /1

MPAR 2014 Tops Heritage Minors Manufactured Cap Logo

CCPARA 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Clubhouse Collection Patches /15

2013

ARA 2013 Bowman Draft Future’s Game Relics Base /99

ARA 2013 Bowman Draft Future’s Game Relics Gold /10

ARA 2013 Bowman Draft Future’s Game Relics Red /5

ARA 2013 Bowman Draft Future’s Game Relics Black /1

124 2013 Topps Heritage Minors Base

124 2013 Topps Heritage Minors Venezuelan Back

124 2013 Topps Heritage Minors Black /96

124 2013 Topps Heritage Minors Blue /1

124 2013 Topps Heritage Minors Printing Plate /1

2012

96 2012 Topps Pro Debut Base

96 2012 Topps Pro Debut Gold /50

96 2012 Topps Pro Debut Printing Plate /1

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Base

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Xfractor

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Purple

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Green /399

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Blue /199

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Gold /50

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Red /25

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Refractor Atomic /5

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Superfractor /1

BPP93 2012 Bowman Platinum Printing Plate /1

2011

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Base

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Xfractor

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Purple /799

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor /500

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Blue /150

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Gold /50

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Orange /25

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Red /5

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Canary Diamond /1

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Superfractor /1

BCP181 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Printing Plate /1

7 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Base

7 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Refractor

7 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Futures Fractor

7 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Fusion Fractor /99

7 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Microfractor /25

BBP70 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Base

BBP70 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Refractor /99

BBP70 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Xfractor /25

BBP70 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Refractor Atomic /1

34 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Base

34 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Green Tint /620

34 2011 Tops Heritage Minors Black Border /62

34 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Printing Plate /1

229 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Short Print Base

229 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Black Border /62

229 2011 Topps Heritage Minors Printing Plate /1

How Did I Do? A Look Back On My '15 Goals

Like most everyone else, I laid out a few goals for 2015 in January of last year. This post is meant to look back on those goals and evaluate how I did. Let's take a look.

1. Limit box purchases to three. Well, this was an outright failure. I was doing okay until Ginter rolled around, and I bought six boxes of it by itself. I also ended up grabbing a couple boxes of Series 2 and Bowman Chrome, so I definitely did not achieve the desired effect there.

2. Host a 2015 Heritage break. This one was also a failure, but not for my lack of trying. I put it out there, but not enough people expressed interest. I was disappointed, but I get it. These breaks can cost more than people are willing to spend, and most people haven't participated in one of my breaks (because it has been a while since I've had one), so the trust isn't there. I get that too! I'm sad that it didn't work out, but I think that I learned my lesson and doubt I will attempt to host anymore breaks in the future.

3. Increase my followers by 10%. Mission accomplished! I was sitting at 90 followers, and now have 100 (though at one point I was at 101). It's nice to see I wasn't a complete failure in 2015!

4. Complete the 1982 or 1983 Kellogg's 3D Superstars set. This one didn't happen either. My desire to build sets took a major hit in 2015, for a couple reasons. First, I moved to a relatively small apartment and space is limited, so storage is difficult. Furthermore, I can't decide if I want to store the sets I do have in boxes or albums (which doesn't really matter right now because I have space for neither). Perhaps this was the driving force, but I also just lost interest in completing sets. Not sure what else to blame it on.

5. Make significant progress on my player collections. This one was a pass and fail. I grabbed quite a few cards for my Matt Harrison PC, which was emotional because Harry was traded to the Phillies. Unlike past PCs that were abandoned when the player would leave or was traded, I kept my Harrison PC. However, my others PCs were not so lucky. I lost interest in Luke Jackson and sold my PC for a nice chunk of change. Other players I thought I wanted to PC were quickly abandoned. 

Beyond these five, I had several smaller goals. I wanted to start a monthly newsletter (didn't happen, don't even remember what I wanted to talk about), add to my Bowman autograph project (this actually did happen, but I can't recall how many I picked up), update my blog design (nope), and add a certified Bryce Harper auto (did it...then sold it shortly thereafter and made a good chunk of change on it). 

So, if I had to give myself a grade, I have to say I failed. I'm okay with that, I think, because in the end, I enjoyed what I did do. What did I do, you ask? Well, let's look.

I successfully got a copy of each of my Top 5 Most Wanted.

I started a new subcollection of the 2010 Topps T206 American Caramel autograph set. 

Got back my first Black Label from Beckett (along with another 10 gold label)

Acquired some sweet Harry cards. 

And those are only a few things. So, in all, it was a somewhat successful year. I'm not going to complain much.

Check back tomorrow...I'll have some unattainable goals for 2016 to discuss!

Wrapping Up 2015

I know I'm a few days late with this, but it's time to put a bow on 2015. I went home for a couple weeks and decided to lay off social media, so this post didn't get put together before the end of the year.

2015 has by far been the worst year of my life. That's really saying something, because 2014 was pretty bad. But, that's life, and I made it through.

Anyway, I had five cards on my top 5 for 2015 and managed to pick up 4 before I went home for the holiday. I was a bit bummed that I didn't get the fifth.

Yesterday when I got home, I had a Christmas card from Brian of Play at the Plate. I always get excited when I receive something from him, because I know that as a Rangers collector, he's going to send me something I really like. 

He didn't disappoint.

The card had two pieces of cardboard inside. Here's the first:

I'm still working on my Greer PC, though at a snail's pace. This card is beautiful! I really like the older Leaf designs. They always seemed sleek and classy to me. This one is no different, and I'm glad to finally have a copy!

However, the second card is the one that really took the cake:

This is the 2008 Bowman Chrome Derek Holland base auto, otherwise known as card number 5 on my 2015 Top 5 Most Wanted List! I'm certain that I received it before January 1, so I am going to consider my 2015 list completed! 

Thanks Brian, I have some things to send your way soon!