The Beach Haul

Being on vacation didn't mean taking a break from collecting...just blogging apparently. I did visit a hobby shop in North Charleston. This was not my first time, so I knew what to expect when I walked through the doors to Hooked on Cards. Check out what I came away with. First, this nice looking 2008 Upper Deck Gold Todd Helton to added to the PC. In 2008, Helton missed 80 games on the DL and was the first time he failed to play at least 140 games on a season since becoming a Rockies regular. Bad year, but still a great card.

2008 Upper Deck Gold Todd Helton

I couldn't possibly forget the Freddie Freeman PC I start just a few weeks ago. These 2011 Topps cards make a great addition. Freeman may have grounded into the Braves' season ending double play in his impressive rookie campaign, but that doesn't make these cards any less collectible for me. He did make up for it this year by jacking the playoff-clinching walk-off home run against the Marlins this year.

2011 Diamond Duos and Gypsy Queen Future Stars Freddie Freeman

Speaking of Braves, I didn't have this Jason Heyward for my 2012 Gold Futures set. I completed the Series 1 portion thinking Topps wouldn't add to it in Series 2. Boy did they show me. Now I'm working my way back to complete status.

2012 Gold Futures Jason Heyward

Yeah, I know my girlfriend collects Joe Mauer, but I needed this one. She'll have to wait until next time around. It's difficult for me to find these 2011 Chrome Vintage Chrome anywhere but eBay, so I had to jump at the chance. Don't worry, I did get Ashley some other Mauers. I couldn't leave her hanging like that.

2011 Chrome Vintage Chrome Joe Mauer

Finally, I stumbled upon this gem. A 2010 Topps Legendary Lineage Larry Walker/Justin Morneau. Being a Rockies fan, I had to have it for a whole quarter. Then I got to thinking about the similarities between the two. Both hit for power and average. Both left handed. Both proud Canadians. Both MVPs (1997 & 2006). Crazy, right?

2010 Legendary Lineage Larry Walker/Justin Morneau

Well, anyway. If you made it through all that, thank you. If not, I don't blame you, but I could resist to share my favorite finds from Costal Carolina.

It's Been a Great Week

It's been awhile since my last post, but I do have a good excuse. It's called VACATION!!! You see, back in July, my boss told me, "Tim, you have a bunch of vacation days. You need to try to take a week of it in September." She was right. I had a bunch of vacation days, and for those of you thinking, "Just let them roll over for next year." I wish I could, my friends, but they do not at this company. And they only pay out three days of unused vacay. I decided the week before my birthday would be a perfect opportunity to go to one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth...Isle of Palms, SC. If you don't know where that is, shame on you, and see the map below.

The girlfriend and I packed up and headed there Monday morning and came home Friday afternoon. Hands down, one of the best vacations I've ever taken. Haven't been there? You should very soon. Anyway, for my birthday, Ashley treated me to a nice dinner and surprised me with two awesome presents!!! No tie, no socks. She got my most coveted card of all. A PSA Graded 10 Todd Helton Topps Traded Team USA! I couldn't have been more giddy. And yes, I said giddy. On top of that, she got a 2011 A&G Matt Cain Orange Patch Relic. Check them out.

To say that I was a happy man was an understatement. She did a great job and showed me another reason I keep her around. A great destination + an awesome girlfriend + amazing baseball cards = an OUTSTANDING VACATION!

Look What I Got Today

After a tiring day of "training" at work today, I came home to a box. What was in that box you ask? Oh, just the first two boxes of the break!!! Check it out.

There are two days left to claim ten spots. If you or anyone you know might be interested, drop me a line. I'd love to have you in the break. So, to borrow an old saying, "Come on down..." Except, well, you know. You're not the next contestant on the Price Is Right. But it the next best thing, right?

A First in the Life of Tim

Remember back to your childhood of your child's childhood, if you will. All the baby's first were written down in a little book. First tooth, first step, first word. Well, it's time to add another first in the book of Tim. Along with hosting my first group break, which still has spots available by the way, I have added my first trade package from overseas! All thanks to The Dutch Card Guy. As soon as I found his blog, I knew we had to trade, and that we did. Jeroen sent me a slew of goodies including some Rockies, some 2007 Fleer to help my set, and some 2012 Archive to FINISH my set (base at least). But this is the crown jewel of what Dutchy sent.

A 2011 Topps Finest Orange Dan Uggla. This beautiful card as you can see is numbered 50/99. What a great addition to the Uggla page! And how wonderful to receive on the same day he hit the first inning three-run bomb to power the Braves to a victory. So thanks to The Dutch Card Guy for adding to the book of Tim firsts.

It's ON!!!

Things are looking brighter and brighter for the First Ever Toddfather Group Break. As of this post, 20 of 30 teams are filled...AND THE BOXES ARE ORDERED!!! Since the Update set does not come out until October 3, which happens to be one day after my birthday, I will probably wait until I received that box to commence in the breaking. Like I said, there are still ten spots available, so jump on them. Tell you friends. Heck, tell you enemies. The more the merrier is my philosophy. I will be closing the break this Friday at midnight when I start my vacation at midnight. The success of this break will determine if there is a Second Ever Toddfather Group Break.

Getting Closer

Things are starting to come together for the First Ever Toddfather Group Break. Fifteen spots are full. I only need one more to ensure the break will commence. There are still great teams available, so don't miss out on a great group of cards!

eBay Mail Call

You know it's a great day when you get home from work with five packages of goodies to open. The mecca of this being what I found in the biggest box.

                   

Help me in welcoming the newest addition to my Helton PC. A Topps Online Exclusive Mini Silver numbered to...Oh what does that say. Oh yeah, four out of FIVE!!! Super card and got it for a more than reasonable price.

My other packages you ask? Just nine more Chrome Purple. The highlight of those being the Cespedes rookie. Paid more than I should, but I knew I'd have to on a few of these when I took on the project.

Check out this bonus cards I got with the packages. Six 2010 Chrome, 2012 Chrome Jose Reyes, and 2012 Online Exclusive Mini Derek Lowe.

Finally, a gift for my awesome girlfriend. She puts up with my obsession and obviously picked up a little bit of the bug herself. She has started a mini player collection of Mr. Head and Shoulders, so of course I had to oblige. In case you were wondering, I already have the Mauer for my set, but don't tell her that.

Just a Reminder, Then a Trip the Clubhouse

For those thinking about participating in the First Ever Toddfather Group Break, there are still spots available. Eleven spots are filled. Only five more to guarantee a break will ensue. You can check out which teams are left by clicking HERE.

Now let's get to the real reason I'm posting tonight. I just completed another trade with one of my favorite dudes in the blogosphere. I got in touch with Brother Mark over at This Way to the Clubhouse about a week ago with a trade. Some Mets for some Rockies. Could it be bigger than Benny Agbayani and Todd Zeile to Colorado for Alex Ochoa, Craig House and Ross Gload? Most definitely!!! Here are the highlights.

From 1997 Topps Stadium Club, this Patent Leather card of the "Big Cat" Andres Galarraga is freaking sweet. Never seen one before, but glad I own one now.

Another insert from that '97 Stadium Club, it's Firebrand. I kinda miss the late '90s inserts like this. Fun fact: 1997 was Galarraga's last year with the Rockies before moving on to Atlanta. The Big Cat's move opened the door for none other than Mr. Todd Helton.

With the numerous Rockies I received from Mark, he was also generous enough to help out my newest player collection Freddie Freeman. 2012 Heritage here. I like Freddie's stern face.

Finally, a 2011 Topps Opening Day Blue rookie Freeman. All the cards, great as always. Just what I've come to expect from a trip to the Clubhouse.

First Ever Toddfather Group Break

I have decided to try something different. The Home of the Toddfather will be hosting its first ever Group Break! We will be breaking, drum roll please...

2012 Topps Chrome

2012 Topps Pro Debut

2012 Topps Update

It's going to be a great group of cards. Prices will be flat per team. $9 for one team, $12 for two. Cards with more than one player from different teams will go to the team that has the player listed first on the card. Any "hit" from a team not chosen or not of a specific team will be distributed to buyers whose teams did not have hits. I'm looking for at least 16 teams claimed to go on with the break. Hit me up if you want to participate. Anyone and everyone is welcome...as long as the money's good, of course. Here's the list as it stands.

Braves - Home of the Toddfather PAID

Marlins

Mets - This Way to the Clubhouse

Nationals - This Way to the Clubhouse

Phillies

Astros

Brewers

Cardinals - Fantastic Catch

Cubs - My Sports Obsession PAID

Pirates

Reds - Classic Card Collector PAID
Diamondbacks - Classic Card Collector PAID

Dodgers - The Angels, In Order PAID

Giants - ARPSmith's Sportscard Obsession

Padres - All the Way to the Backstop

Rockies - Home of the Toddfather PAID

Blue Jays - Sportscards from Dollar Store PAID

Orioles - Screaming Line Drive PAID

Rays

Red Sox

Yankees - Fantastic Catch

Indians - Sportscards from Dollar Store PAID

Royals

Tigers - Dutch Card Guy PAID

Twins - Home of the Toddfather PAID

White Sox - My Sports Obsession PAID

A's - O No! Another Orioles Blog PAID

Angels - The Angels, In Order PAID

Mariners - O No! Another Orioles Blog PAID

Rangers - Screaming Line Drive PAID

Trade with Ted

A few weeks ago, I came in contact with Ted from Crinkly Wrappers, a man with some exotic collections. I had some things to fit right in with those parameters, so Ted and I struck up a trade. In return, Ted sent me this.

This huge stack is a combination of Rockies and 2012 Archives. Ted almost single-handedly completed what was left of my Archives set. These Rockies were also a great addition for me with a few highlighted here.

Check out that awesome Tulo Triple Threads Jersey numbered to 36. Love that. My other favorite is that UD Spectrum Car-Go. What a great card! Not to mention, Ted added the Pierzynski Chrome Purple. So thanks a million, Ted, for your generous trade.

Luck in Hotlanta

Well, even though my Rockies were shutout in consecutive games during my stay in Atlanta, I did get to escape reality for awhile and visit a very nice card shop in Kennesaw, a shocking five minutes from my hotel. The place was Champion Sportscards, and here's what I found.

Found a few cards for my player collections. Being just outside of Atlanta, pickings were slim for Freeman and Uggla, but I was able to add to my Helton hoard. I've been looking for one of those Pacific Ornament cards from 2001 for years. Finally found one for a great price.

Check out those 2012 Bowman cards. I actually went back the next day and purchased 75, yes 75, more for just $7.

Along with those 75, I also got my hands on this 2011 Playoff Contenders Dante Bichette, Jr. Love this card of the offspring of the original Blake Street Bomber.

I ended my run by adding to my 2011 Lineage insert and parallels. Great cards. If around the Atlanta area, check out Champion Sportscards. Great stuff and a great guy running the show.

Atlanta Here I Come

With the Colorado visiting Atlanta this week, it's time for me to make my annual trip to see the Rockies. With that said, I need some help, friends, especially in the Atlanta are. My girlfriend and I will be staying in Kennesaw for a couple days, and I'm looking for a nice card shop to visit. I've been to Atlanta several times, but have never found a card store to check out. Of course, I can find a few on Google Maps, but it doesn't normally show them all. So, if anyone knows of any, has heard of any, or owns any, please let me know. Help me drag home some loot from Hotlanta!

Added to the Want List...Drum Roll Please

Alright, guys. It has been long awaited I'm sure. (Crickets sounding) Or maybe not, but my 2012 Topps Chrome Purple Want List is up and ready to go. Please, if you have any you are willing to spare for a trade, I'm ready to wheel and deal. Shockingly, only one Rockie in the collection so far. Definitely have to fix that. Bring on the trades, my friends. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.