Does Anyone Else Collect These?

When I began my collecting journey as a small child, my dad would take me to the local CVS (then-RevCo) to pick up a few packs after a good week in school. It all started with 1992 Score, a freaking huge set that I still haven't finished (hint, hint). Then a few '93 Topps, a lot of '94 Score, and then one of the oddest, coolest sets I've ever have the privilege of adding to my collection.

1994 FLEER EXTRA BASES!!!

Fleer Extra Bases is obviously an over-sized set which contains 400 base cards and 4 different insert sets. Each card measures 2 1/4 X 4 3/4. 

This set was just the beginning, in my humble opinion, of some great sets Fleer would produce in the mid- to late-1990s. We will leave those for another post, though.

Anyhow, I've been trying to track down boxes, packs, and singles from this set on and off for years. Since I will be investing a little less in most of the 2013 sets, I will have the funds to throw in this sets general direction. And with the discovery of Sportlots by my fellow bloggers, I now have the resources. (Note: Most I've found on eBay are way overpriced.)

I mean, really. Who in there right mind would want to have a set of these? Or in the least, that sweet Piazza in the center right there?

So, if you have any for trade, I will be glad to take those off your hands. If this is your first experience with the epic 1994 Fleer Extra Bases set, you're welcome. If it's not and you forgot about these, shame on you!

Oh and you're welcome, too. Haha!!!

Birthday Wishes

We here at the Home of the Toddfather would like to throw out a shout-out to my boy, Dan Uggla. Today, Dan is celebrating his 33rd birthday.

I first heard of Mr. Uggla when the Diamondbacks took over the affiliation for the hometown Tennessee Smokies, a Southern League Double-A team. In 2005, Dan's only year in Kodak, TN, Uggla played with the likes of Stephen Drew, Miguel Montero and one of my personal favorites Jamie D'Antona.

That year, Dan batted at a .297 clip with 21 diggers and 87 RBI. 

In 2006, the Marlins selected Dan in the Rule 5 Draft. Turns out it was a great move for Uggla as he finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Ryan Zimmerman and then-teammate Hanley Ramirez.

Dan would also go on to be selected to two All Star Games and win a Silver Slugger award in his five seasons in Miami.

One of those ASG appearances could go down as one of the worst player-showing in the history of the midsummer classic. The 2008 game in New Yankee Stadium was a disaster for Uggla. Check this line:

0-4, 3 SO, 1 GIDP, 3 E

After the 2010 season, Dan was traded to the Braves for Omar Infante and Mike Dunne. Dream come true for yours truly. Not since '05 was I able to watch Uggla regularly. Now, every time I turn on the Braves game, there he is. 

Call me weird. Call me a dork. But we all have those players we watched "grow up before our eyes" and like to see do well in the majors. Dan was one of the few for me. So again, happy birthday, Mr. Uggla!!! Wherever you are...

It Sucks Being Broke!!!

I may have to resort to my old summer job at the ballpark.

Getcha Buttscratcher Here!!!

So I don't have any new cards to post about. Instead to get my fix, I've been going through my doubles looking for something I may have missed before...And I found it.

I'm sure a bazillion people have posted or written about this card, but I haven't so, yeah.

Jose Offerman was "Stone Cold" Steve Austin before Austin was Austin. Gotta love that sweet Lou Thesz Press.

Or maybe it had been a long time since Offerman had seen Vince Coleman, a.k.a. the Met getting a face full of Mr. Offerman. Bro Hug!!!

Or maybe Coleman had beef with Dodgers then-second baseman Jody Reed and Offerman was just trying to keep Reed from getting beat to a pulp.

Or maybe this was a fight over former Dodger and Met (and Marlin, and Padre, and A) Mike Piazza. Take that Jose. Spinebuster!!!

Double A Style

Ok, I'm done.

Your Thoughts?

As I revealed earlier this month, I have increased my player collections substantially by creating what is now three binders:

1) Rockies Stars Past & Present

2) Favorite Players from Teams not in Colorado

3) Sweet Rookies, Oddballs and Throwback Unis

I've tossed around the idea of adding a couple more players to each of the first two binders. Of course, the decision is ultimately mine, but I would like some feedback from my readers and fellow bloggers.

The only Rocky currently under consideration is Tyler Colvin.

While with the Cubs, I watched Colvin personally when he was playing for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. TC batted .290 with 18 bombs and 72 RBI in his first season a mile high. I like his approach at bat and his willingness to play wherever Jim Tracy wanted him last season.

For my Best of the Rest binder, Jon Jay is up for discussion.

To be quite honest, I love watching Jay bat. I love the bat jumping up and down on his shoulder, the confidence he has getting the bat through the zone and the sheer power it generates. I may not be as much as Matt Kemp or even Carlos Beltran, but I'd watch Jay over those guys any day.

His sweet 2013 Topps didn't hurt either.

Finally, I don't know if anybody collects Dan Haren, but I may start.

I've had a strange obsession with ole Danny boy. Can't explain it, but it is what it is. In 10 years with St. Louis, Oakland, Arizona and Anaheim, Haren has 119 career wins with a 3.66 ERA. A lot of people hate on Haren because he's "injury-prone" and his control is sometimes questionable, but Dan has started 33+ games in seven of his ten season and has led the league in Strikeout to Walk ration three times.

There you have it. My three new candidates for binder-dom...or something like that. Please feel free to state your opinion. I'm also up for suggestions for all three. So, your thoughts?

Just to Say I Did

I'm going to show you the rest of my first order from Sportlots.

More Todd Heltons, of course. The 2007 Topps is actually the Hobby Edition Red Backs. Grabbed the 2010 Pro Debut Freeman, as well.

Minor side note: I love the look of the 2010 Pro Debut. May have to work on that set eventually.

2005 UD MVP = COMPLETE

2007 Topps Opening Day = COMPLETE

2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Hometown Heroes = ONE LEFT (#20)

Oh, so close!!!

Need Some 2013?

Ok, guys. I know I asked for help with the 2013 Flagship, which I still need a few, but I have some extras if anyone needs any help. Feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment if you need one or more. If you only need a couple, we can set up a PWE, so no worries there.

Here's what I've got:

4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 20, 21, 32, 34, 36, 37, 42, 47, 51, 52, 55, 57, 61, 64, 65, 68, 70,72, 73, 75, 76, 79, 80, 83, 89, 92, 94, 96, 102, 106, 113, 115, 120, 121, 123, 125, 126, 133, 138, 139, 146, 147, 149, 155, 159, 162, 163, 168, 169, 171, 180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 187, 189, 190, 192, 194, 195, 196, 197, 201, 209, 210, 211, 213, 214, 215, 216, 220, 224, 226, 238, 244, 248, 254, 260, 266, 277, 278, 279, 281, 287, 288, 291, 292, 297, 302, 304, 309, 310, 323, 325, 330

Chasing History - 7 (C. Santana; Holographic), 26 (Chipper; Gold), 30 (Dunn; Holographic)

Cut to the Chase - 21 (McCutchen)

So...what's your pleasure?

eBay = HALLELUJAH

I've been doing a lot of trolling on eBay lately. You know, looking for some 2013 inserts and, of course, Todd Helton. And, oh boy, do I have some great stuff to show you!

Say hello to my NEW little friend!!!

Words can honestly not describe how ecstatic I was to not only win this card, but the entire set and the Bazooka tin it came in. (Except maybe, OMG, OMG, OMG. But those are letter.) I was even more even excited to finally open the box and pulling the now most expensive card in my arsenal. (At least the one I've spend the most money on.)

And another one falls off my Top 5 Most Wanted List! I will be sending it off eventually to get it graded.

Next is a first here at HoTF. My first auto/patch card! Numbered 2/10!

I know I sound like a 15-year-old girl, but I love these cards.

Starting to come off my Rocky Mountain High, it is another installment of "Trying to Complete 2013 Series One". I found a seller doing the "you pick lot" thing. Those are great as long as they offer more than half the series.

Did have to buy Profar on its own, though. Can't win them all, I guess.

Couldn't leave out old Freddie. The McCutchens were a bonus.

Finally, Matt Cain rounds out the slew of recent eBay purchases. Die cut for under a dollar? Can't beat it.

So there you have it. Two awesome Heltons. Some 2013 love. I can dig it!