Looking Back on 2017

I didn't have a post-op breakdown of 2017 put together in my queue prior to the new year, so I guess now is as good a time as any to look back. Here were my goals and my analysis of how I did.

1. Get my hands on a 1969 Mickey Mantle

Nope, didn't happen. One of my resolutions that didn't make it to paper was to not force myself to work on sets or collections. I did that in the past and it really took the joy out of collecting for me. That being said, I didn't force the '69 set in 2017. When I felt like snagging a card or two or found a deal I couldn't pass up, I went for it. I also accepted set needs in trade packages. But I didn't force anything. A Mantle that I could afford never crossed my path and that's okay. 

2. Finish organizing my collection

Sort of happened. I got about three-quarters of the way through organizing my collection and then found the Trading Card Database. This site is by far, the most detailed and in-depth organization website I have found. Therefore, I am in the process of get my collection organized there.

3. Start and complete the 2012 Topps Heritage base set

Nope, didn't happen. Never got there, for the same reason that I didn't get my hands on a 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle.

4. Add 50 new cards to my Rusty Greer player collection

This definitely happened. Beyond all of the trade packages and small purchases here and there, I bought a 75-card Greer lot on eBay back in January. In all, I'm willing to be that I snagged a hundred and fifty Greer cards during the year.

5. Find a new way to digitally share my growing Rangers cardboard collection

Check! As I mentioned, the Trading Card Database has become my go-to for organization. It is also perfectly suited for sharing my collection. I still have a lot of cards to add to the database (mostly scans).

So there it is. Two-and-a-half goals completed, two-and-a-half failed. However, it doesn't matter that I didn't complete all of the goals. In 2017, I really just wanted to enjoy my collection more than I did in 2016. Though I had some serious down moments in 2017, it was fun.

Now, let's look at some of my favorites from 2017!

Favorite Card

This was kind of a given, right?

Favorite Set

2017 Topps Heritage

Favorite Insert Set

It's a tie among 2017 Allen & Ginter inserts!

Sporting Fish & Fishing Lures

World's Dudes

Best Pull of 2017

2017 Topps Heritage Mike Trout Clubhouse Collection Auto Relic

Runners-Up for Best Pull:

2017 Gypsy Queen Marcus Stroman Auto/Relic Booklet

2017 Clearly Authentic Aaron Judge Rookie Redemption

2017 Heritage High Number Addison Russell Clubhouse Collection Auto Relic

Best TTM Return

1972 Bobby Valentine

Best Photo Not to Appear on a Card

No Caption Needed!!!!!