Let's get in on this 2019 BBA thing.

Two posts in a row - holy crap. Now if I get one up tomorrow.....

One of the latest Blog Bat Arounds comes from Matt at Diamond Jesters. It's a 9 pocket page of the 2019 season in baseball cards. I have seen a few, and Night Owl's post is what prompted me to join in. For N.O., card #1 of the project, on his page, was a horizontal card, and he didn't want a single east/west card messing up the aesthetic with 8 cards going north/south. So Greg flipped the page and did 9 horizontal cards. Looks good.

For me though, I am going to set some personal rules in my page. First, all portrait. That will be tough when you hear rule #2. All cards must be cards I own. They can only come from my trade box or cards on my desk. And since I recently got all my 2019 White Sox cards sorted and put away, I won't have that team to pick from (one ChiSox card almost made it - we'll talk). Matt's guidelines didn't have the "you must own it" rule, but I wanted to actually place the cards in a page and scan - no photo shopping allowed. I must have physically touched the cards.

We're going to need you to come with us, pervert.

Let's look at my 2019 yearbook:

1 - Flagship: Right off the bat, this is the spot where my self imposed rule 2 became an issue.  Hernandez going high for the turn at second is a very good card. but in my dupes for Opening Day, I had this card:

That is what his 2019 flagship card looks like, but the flagship version is not in my dupes box, so I had to pick a second choice for the page. Hopefully it will turn up at a card show, cuz that Garver belongs in my Hidden Gems binder.

2 - Allen & Ginter: It's a nun. On a baseball card. With a glove and ball. Who packs more heat than you ever have.

3 - Gypsy Queen: I will never be embarrassed to show my love of GQ. With Ginter and Gypsy, my life is pretty complete. How great is that card? Rare to see a submarine pitcher any more, and Topps did some great framing on this card.

4 - Stadium Club: Here is where a White Sox card almost made the cut.

Throwback? Gleeful joy? It's a great card. But Juan Soto looks perfect on his card. Shooting from below, getting all that gorgeous stadium in the background, the light standard powered up, Soto's look over his shoulder. Clear winner.

5 - Big League: Topps could just drop Opening Day and have Big League replace it. It's a fun set with a few cards here and there standing out. Baseball and bubble gum. Like peanut butter and jelly.

6 - Diamond Kings: The only non Topps on the page, it's really the only Panini product I can tolerate. Unless I find Panini in a dime box, my only Panini retail purchase is a bit of Diamond Kings. Topps last gave any cardboard love to Crawford in 2002. Even though the fog in the corners cuts down a bit on the image, it's pretty. All DK's legend players look great.

7 - Greatest Moments insert: As you can guess, not a lot of insert cards in a dupe box. But quickly came upon this card of Bo. I'm assuming Topps manipulated the photo slightly, either dulling the background or cleaning Bo to make him stand out. Mr. Jackson pops on this card.

8 - Ballpark Evolution insert: Along with my love of GQ, if you put a baseball stadium on a card, I will love it forever. I need to get all the stadium clubs organized from this year's flagship, and I need to secure this entire insert set. Let's hope dime boxes are kind to me - I have 39 more to go.

9 - Archives: Spot 9 was a tough one for me. I wanted an Archives card on the page, but the only ones I really loved broke the no horizontal rule. I thought Topps did a great job with many of the subjects in the 1993 section (Ruth, Gehrig, Irvin, Wagner), I went with Mr Cub for one specific reason. Dig the centennial patch on his right sleeve. A simple copy of the Jerry Dior logo on the sleeves of the players that year.

While my 2019 is technically not finished (I have want lists, ya know), this sort of puts a fork into the year. 32 days until 2020 releases. Another year's set I won't collect.

BBA: Sign up the team

So the latest Blog Bat Around was suggested by Zippy over at Torren' Up Cards. If you have seen others, I won't get into too much detail. Just click the link if you want the ground rules. Let's just right into it.

Catcher:

From the start, I have a tough call with the backstop. But I am going to go with a guy that has 13 rings, 18 All Star appearances and 3 MVPs. There was none better during his era.

Honorable Mention: Gary Carter

First Base:

Going with Moose at first. Five World Series rings and an 8 time All Star - it's tough to put any of the other autos I have above him, even if their might be some room for argument.

Honorable Mentions: Paul Konerko, Frank Thomas, Pete Rose

Second Base:

This one is tough. There just isn't enough hard data to decide if the honorable mention could take this spot. Different eras and different leagues. If we Iguchi had a full MLB career, who knows. But I am going with the HOF member with 9 All Star appearances, even if the other has a WS ring.

Honorable Mention: Tadahito Iguchi

Shortstop:

Weakest position I have in the autograph binder, so let's go with BoSox fav Bucky "F***ing" Dent. He is a three time All Star with 2 World Series rings, nabbing the MVP award in one of those two fall classics.

Honorable Mentions: Alexei Ramirez, Ozzie Guillen

Third Base:

The only "not on card" auto in this post, since I own it, he has to got the spot. You would be hard pressed to find anyone that played 3rd base better. You can argue Schmidt's batting numbers, but position wise, Robinson set the bar everyone is trying to beat: 18 All Star appearances, 16 Gold Gloves, 2 World Series wins, an AL MVP and a World Series MVP, and a first ballot HOFer with 92% of the vote.

Honorable Mentions: Robin Ventura, Joe Crede

Outfield:

Two of these are no brainers for the readers. Kaline's HOF career with 18 All Star games, a World Series win and 10 Gold Gloves. Then you have Raines with seven mid summer appearances, 3 WS rings and 4 times stolen base leader. And when you see a few of the honorable mentions, you my question my selection of Harold Baines. But Harold deserves a spot in the hall (in my opinion) and would be the third player in the grass on my team. Six All Star appearances and a ring in 2005 - he gets the third spot.

Honorable Mentions: Minnie Minosa, Juan Pierre, Boog Powell, Aaron Rowand, Sandy Alomar

DH/PH:

He didn't make first base cuz I could put the Big Hurt here. Why are you even reading this? Of all the roster spots, this was the easiest.

Honorable Mentions: Harold Baines

Starting Pitcher:

Before I even post an image, let go with the Honorable Mentions, cuz holy shit - you try and pick from this list:

Steve Stone, Chris Sale, Jack McDowell, Ralph Branca, Curt Simmons, Clayton Kershaw, Mark Buehrle, Billy Pierce, Orlando Hernandez

Ultimately, I am going with Bullet Bob. Sure - his career is not much. Just 9 All Star games, 2 World Series rings with the MVP award in both, another MVP award in the regular season, 9 Gold Gloves, 2 Cy Young awards and a no hitter. BIG WHOOP! In the future, there is a chance Kershaw could take his spot in the rotation, but maybe not. I can really only think of a couple guys that would take this position that sign and can be easier autographs to acquire: Koafax or Ryan. But unless luck shines upon me, or one of your readers are generous (please don't be - I could never repay the kindness), Gibson will be my starter.

Middle Relief:

Yes, one of these was more a starter and the other a closer, but they did have some relief appearances, so that is my excuse to work them out of the pen. El Duque had a famous relief appearance during the 2005 playoffs, getting the ChiSox out of a bases loaded/no one out jam. Foulke was part of the famous White Flag trade and worked with Bobby Howry in closing out games in the 90s.

Honorable Mentions: Cliff Politte, Brandon McCarthy, Addison Reed, Erik Johnson, Gerry Staley. Alex Colome

Closer:

This spot is probably the easiest to debate, and some of the honorable mentions could get the nod. I'm going with Roberto, though. Of all the closer autographs, he has the most saves, and his stats are equal or better then the ones mentioned below. But I would put any of the players mentioned here on the mound in the 9th with confidence.

Honorable Mentions: Bobby Thigpen, Keith Foulke, Dustin Hermanson

So there you have my team. Ya know - I bet one of the readers of my post, or any of the others BBAs, has a Strat-O-Matic and can find out which blogger has the best autograph team. Someone with plenty of time and no life should really get on that.

BBA: what I do when I play with my cards

So how about I jump in on the latest Blog Bat Around, since I snagged the graphic

Night Owl posted about the projects he is working on, and then someone followed suit and now it's a bat around. Since I really have nothing to post (except for a dozen or so packages to scan/sort/write about), let's make it a little easier and write off the top of my head and talk about what goes on around here.

project zero: downloading images of Kate Upton

Project 1: White Sox

Mini, full, oversized, foil, refractor - don't matter. If it's a White Sox card, I want it. I should really keep track of the number of unique cards I have in the Sox box and other binders. One day when I have all the time in the world, I'll work on building a database of the cards. I am jealous of those of you that know the exact number of cards you have for your team collections.

Project 2: Blackhawks

Ditto as with the White Sox. Granted, this is currently small and barely filling a two row shoebox. In time....

Project 3: Player Collections

You can see the older players I collect on the Player Project link above. Along with Luis and Sherm here, my other current old timer projects include Nellie Fox and Bob Keegan (who is not on that list). I pick up other cheap vintage of players that were Sox as well, like Wilbur Wood, Dick Donovan, Turk Lown, Gary Peters, etc. Those may morph into other projects in the future. For current players, I mention them on my Want list: Paul Konerko, Aaron Rowand, Joe Crede, Adam Eaton, Ben Petrick and Tadahito Iguchi.

Project 3: Custom collections

I have a few unique collections: cards showing players in either a throwback uniform, making the turn at second of a double play, or in the act of bunting (in game or posed). I don't know if I ever explained why the three specialized collections, so...

Throwbacks - I have always been a fan of classic uniforms. Some are far better than others, but when a team visits an earlier look for them, it's a treat for the eyes. I like the White Sox are considered the team that brought the idea of a throwback uniform.

Double Play - When I started playing baseball, I played 3rd and pitched as a 9 and 10 year old. When I moved up, I was moved to center because the coach felt I had the most speed and range of anyone on the team. I spent the two seasons at that level in center, until the final game of my 2nd year. That game, the coach decided to have some fun with us and put players in positions they never played. I can remember the first inning of that game. If ESPN existed back then, all three outs of that first inning would have been on Top 10. First one was a quickly dropping pop up that the kid in left, who never played that position until that day, made a nice diving catch to snag. Next batter ripped a hot grounded down the 3rd base line. Another first time player at the position falls to snap up the rocket and throw the runner out at first. Final out of the inning, the batter shoots one just out of reach of the pitcher, heading up the middle. Me, first game ever at 2nd, ranges right, deftly backhands the big hop, put on my brakes and turn to throw out the runner. As we return to the dugout, the coach wonders why he never played us in those positions during the season. Drafted up to the next league, the coach who selected me stated I would be moving from center to 2nd. I asked if it was because of that play the previous year. "No", he replied. "You have no arm and it's the shortest throw in the game". Needless to say, for those 2 years, I sort of revolutionized the position in the league. Things I did on the field started to reflect in other teams at the position, and I was the starting second base all star both seasons I played. I think 2nd was the position I should have played my whole life. So anytime I see the turn at two, I always think of my "career" as a ball player.

Bunting - I like small ball. Sure, home runs are nice, but manufacturing runs is the way the game is to be played. I always took pride in my ability to lay down a good bunt, with the right speed and placement to get the job done, whether advancing a runner or catching the other team off guard to steal an infield hit. But the real joy of bunting goes back to that final game of the season I mentioned above. In one inning of that game, since we are all goofing off, we had some fun. Coach had the first guy bunt, since they were playing off the grass at third. Since the 3rd baseman didn't get the hit, the next guy also got the bunt sign and both runners beat out any throw. I was up third. No signal from the coach's box, but danged if the guy on the hot corner was still way too far back, so I laid one down and the bags were loaded. And the batter behind me - sure, why not. He also bunted. Run scored - bases still loaded. I am fairly certain batter #5 swung away, but four players bunting in a row, only two that actually received a bunt sign - that sticks with you.

Project 4: sets

The sets I build depends on how much I like the look of the cards. I know people bemoan Gypsy Queen, but I like it year and year. Especially 2015 GQ. Yes , I love 2015 Gypsy Queen. And I love Allen and Ginter, too. Other sets all depend how I feel about them. Maybe the full set. Maybe an insert set only. But I like to buy the cards to have them in my hand before I decide if I will construct the entire thing.

Project 5: Vintage set - 1964

I am still trying to complete the 2013 Heritage (damn inserts and SPs), but decided to take a crack at my first vintage build with the original 1964. I was having a good go, but then ran into a snag - financially and figuratively. Condition doesn't matter to me, but the seller I was snagging decent cards at a great price dried up, so now I am still trying to build on the cheap, but it's a grind. My plan for 2018 is to get focused back on the build and hope to be past the 85% mark. We shall see.

Project 6: Frankensets

I have two frankenset builds in progress: buyback and White Sox. I am much farther on the White Sox build, but it's getting tough finding cards for the missing holes. I am about 100 cards or so away from a run thru card 700. I have cards here and there above it, so maybe I run it higher? Maybe I should cut it off lower? The buyback set - slow go. Same finances issue as the '64 build. I am at 140 cards or so. It's not even in a binder it's such a pathetic looking build. Maybe when I crack 250 I'll start filling pages.

Project 7: 2005 Project

This is fairly simple to explain. It is just collecting the autograph of every player and coach from the Sox 2005 World Series team. I need to get some TTMs out for a few of the players that I know where they are and hopefully they will return. My big need is Man Soo Lee. He was the bull pen catcher for the team. Digging around, the last article I remember supposedly stated Mr Lee was an executive with the KBO. I just searched now and I see he carried the torch for the past Olympics. Otherwise, I a stumped trying to get a cards signed by him. If anyone has an inside track of his autograph on a 2.5x3.5 piece of cardboard, let's talk.

Project 8: secret

Yup - I am intentionally teasing something. It's not really awesome, but nothing I want to reveal right now.

And I think that's really about all. Anything else I collect really just falls into my lap, like autographs and relics.

Aren't you glad you read to the very end? Was it worth it?

How about now?

Blog Bat Around: Mmmmmm....bacon

Let's take a small little break from the scans I am far behind on, cuz really, what's another day - am I right? I decided to have a little fun with a recently blog bat around presented from Collecting Cutch. He spent a month bringing awareness to cancer, which was the most horrible month in the history of blogroll ever.

You know what I am talking about.

But a recent blog post talked about linking your favorite baseball player to Kevin Bacon. I have seen a few fun ones, so I decided to have a spin at it, but in my own unique way. As we know, Bacon is 2nd to appearing in the most films ever (to Nicolas Cage), so I decided to select a player that appeared in just a single ball game. The infamous Archibald "Moonlight" Graham. Let's see if I can connect Mr. Graham to Mr. Bacon without using Field Of Dreams. I am talking the actual Moonlight Graham. Here goes:

Moonlight Graham appeared in a single game: June 29, 1905. The pitcher that day:

Christy Mathewson, who was a member of the 1916 Reds with:

Hal Chase. Hal was a player on the 1936 Cardinals with:

Frankie Frisch, who later in his career was on the 1952 Yankees with:

Billy Martin. Eight years later, Billy was on the 1960 Reds with:

Vada Pinson. Vada finished his career with the 1975 Royals, joining a rookie named:

George Brett. George also got to play with a special rookie on the 1986 Royals:

Bo knows he was a member of the 1993 Central Division Champion White Sox with:

Frank broke into acting with a small part in the 1992 film Mr. Baseball starring:

Prior to his big break in Magnum PI, Tom had a very small role in the 1996 film Midway with:

CHIPs star Erik Estrada, who have a role in the 2000 film We Married Margo with the one and only:

Eleven steps. Maybe it can be shorter, but who cares - it was fun to figure out.

Stepping up to the plate: Blogger bat around

I still have plenty of mailings to scan, organize and thank publicly, and I need to get to those. But let me jump on the recent bat around posed by Chris at Nacho Grande about the most difficult set to complete.

If you spent any time on my Want lists (both A&G and regular), there are plenty of sets sitting on there for most of the 5 years of this blog, and any of them could get the title. But on many of those sets, it's not that they are difficult to complete, but that the building has stalled. Mostly for financial reasons, but also for time reasons. My 1964 Topps build is stalled because I have not had a chance to hit a card show in quite some time, stopping me from visiting one really good vintage seller and a couple pretty decent suppliers. My 2008 UD is just needing time on COMC, Sportlots or JustCommons to fill. Ditto for the numerous A&G mini sets (both insert and the 2010 minis), Gypsy Queen, Stadium Club, Cooperstown and even the 1977 Topps Star Wars sets. Sure, some of the prices can be a bit silly, but the cards are available. It's just the due diligence to actively search them out.

"So is it left at Piccadilly Square?"

The 2013 Heritage could almost fit the bill. There are a couple cards that sell for a crazy price I can't seem to fathom (looking at you any card with Mike Trout on it). But again, there are still other cards on my list that with time and effort, could be deleted from the want list. It's effort, but not crazy effort. It's more a changing of the mind set to know that my actions will definitely achieve results, instead of the gambler mindset. We all know what that is.

But when I thought a little more, a simple 5 card set jumped into my head, and I would have to put this as a difficult set to complete. "Five cards", you ask. Now we know there is something seriously wrong with you. How hard can a 5 card set be to complete? Are they made of gold and diamonds?

Not quite. But they brighten the outdoors.

2011 Allen and Ginter Flora of the World. I don't remember which card I first pulled from a blaster. I think it was the Alyssum at the bottom. I thought this was different and unique - cards you can plant and grow flowers from. I wonder if anyone actually did it. I would have if I had a dupe, but these were difficult pulls. Online it says one per hobby box. I can guarantee my one came from a blaster, so not sure how accurate those odds are.

Years back, though, it was hard to find these, and at a normal price point. I just checked ebay and some are listed pretty cheap. I remember finding 2 of them fast and inexpensively. The 4th took effort, but secured it at a price I could manage. It was the Mexican Hat card that proved elusive. Very few showed up online, and the couple that did were priced above the cost of a blaster. The usual drunken seller thoughts. I think it took a year, and a couple sniped losses, until I finally got my hands on one and I could put the set to rest.

Silly set? Sure. Small? You bet. Worth it? Totally. Difficult? I think so. Music video? Of course.