A Rookie (baseball) Card Collector

First pack of 2012 series 1 cards.

2012-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

Didn't even know these were out yet . I ran in wal-mart on a whim though and got there just as a woman was unpacking boxes. She opened up a box and let me have a pack.. I really like the design of the cards. There are a number of inserts just like always.

I must not puke on Chipper.

2012-01-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Braves are doing their annual Caravan this week and next week,.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/community/caravan.jsp?loc=schedule

Sadly they are not coming to Evans GA this year where I have been going for the last two years. The next closest stop is in Columbia SC, which I hope to make, although I don’t know yet if we can make it. I hope so because Heyward is coming and I really, really want to meet him. Or well… get rushed through the line and get his autograph rather.

We are planning for Cumming though, which is the big stop with Chipper, McCann and Uggla. It is over three hours away and I want to get there at least three hours beforehand because I have a feeling the place will be a zoo. I just hope three hours will be enough. I will cry if I get turned away. Seriously bawl.

I just tend to get really, really nervous at these things. One year I was so sick to my stomach I ended up having to sit down on the ground so I didn't end up yaking.

Although I doubt they will let me, I am going to ask if I can shake Chipper's hand. I have gotten his autograph in person once before but I was a little disappointed because he never even looked up at me. I didn't even get to hand him my item to sign. You handed it to a girl who gave it to Chipper, and then he gave it back to another girl. I wanted to say something to him but I couldn't get a word out. My mom was still upset and has threatened to say how disappointed she was with him when we go this time. I'm scared I will get so nervous if he does look at me I will end up... getting sick on him. Sadly, I am only half kidding.

I also have a question to those Brave fans that had been to such events or any fans of bigger name players like Chipper. How were the lines? Is three hours enough time?

Baseball Card Shops in/near Atlanta?

2012-01-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

I was wondering if anyone could suggest any card shops in the Atlanta area. Preferably ones that you have been to yourself. I am determined to make it to one before the world ends this December. Three years running this blog and I have yet to set foot in a genuine card shop. THAT MUST CHANGE!

Or even to upcoming card shows. I haven't been to those either. I don't even know what they tend to be like or what to excpect. This to, must change.

Why I picked McCann Can Triple

2011-12-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

I might have told some of you this, or maybe not. My memory scares me sometimes. Anyhow, I was recently surfing youtube and came across a clip from a Brave game that lead to me choosing my username.

It happened a few years ago now and well... I will let you see.

Chipper just makes it that much better. It also happened to be his birthday. Chipper's that is.

So, where did you get your username from? Or blog name? Mine was because I was a rookie card collector.

Pack searchers or just damaged goods?

2011-12-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

So I was at Target and getting ready to check out with my mom when I decided to pick up a last minute pack of cards. It was mainly due to the fact that Freeman was on the pack and I wanted to save the wrapper. I also noticed that it felt a little... heavier than normal and could not help but get a little excited.

Then I noticed something else as I was at the check-out. The bottom of the pack had been opened. I had decided to get them anyways, thinking maybe it had come open on its own somehow. Well, my impatience got the best of me and I ended up sneaking a peek of the cards right there. Thank goodness I did.

The cards were badly wrinkled in the middle... every single one of them. The thick card turned out to be one of those cardboard inserts. That was not the worst part however.

The worst was seeing Chipper jones staring back at me all wrinkly and torn. I had finally managed to pick a pack with Chipper and the cards were battered as hell. ;_;

I didn't get the pack and we ended up levaing it with the cashier saying it was damaged. My quetsion is, did a pack searcher do this or could it have been done during when the cards where shipped? I was thinking that maybe they felt a thicker card like I had and wanted to make "sure" of what it was.

It really pisses me of someone would ruin cards like that if so. I admit to feeling packs in the past but never enough to damage them and I never opened the damn things. Not that that is right and I stopped, but jeez. ....I wanted my Chippah.

I don't really know how common this is really though. Have you ever seen a packsearcher yourself? What did you do?

I am an idiot...

2011-12-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

So a few weeks ago I was at walmart when (of course) I had to make a stop by the card section. Well, I nearly had a spastic fit when I found a pack of 2012 topps baseball cards. I was...

and also..

I was practically skipping though the store and all "OMGOMOGOMGOMG! I GOTTA TELL MAH BLOGGERS! OH MY GAWD, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE???!! " ..seriously. I was thinking all that and even mentioned to my mom about what I found.

Fifteen minutes of shopping later I took a longer look at the pack.

....

Yup it was 2011 update and highlights pack.

The importance of baseball cards and baseball blogging and a thanks.

2011-09-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

My last post was rather... depressing so I thought I would move on to another subject that I know all of us like. Baseball cards. This is a baseball card blog after all and you are baseball bloggers with baseball blogs of your own. We all like different teams and we all have different ways of collecting, but we all love those rectangular pieces of cardboard with men on then.

A lot of people outside the hobby tend to think of baseball cards being for children, something boys grow out of, just as they grow out of wanting to play cowboys and Indians. They see cards as a waste of time and money.

They could not be more wrong. Baseball cards are more than just a way to pass the time for me; they are a way of life that has changed my life. Some people find that laughable and don’t understand how someone can grow so attached to a piece of cardboard and here is why that is. I also want to let you all know just what you all mean to me and how much you have helped me.

Before I started blogging I had no idea of the community that made up the world of baseball collecting and just how deep it ran. I had no idea of trades haggled out through blog posts and e-mails and the amount of padded brown envelops the US postal service delivered. I had no idea of all the different kinds of people that blogged and traded. Young students and grandfathers people of all jobs and ages and backgrounds and ways of life. All of them brought together because of baseball cards.

Before I started blogging I was a very lonely person. I had no friends. I never really talked to anyone all that much and nothing ever came for me in the mail besides magazines and the occasional birthday, Easter or Christmas card from family.

I don’t know if I have said it before but I have Asperger’s, a mild form of Autism which affects my social skills. Asperger’s and my anxiety has made it hard for me to do a lot.. I was an odd duck with two left feet that marched to the beat of an entirely different marching band. I just never quite fit in anywhere.

Then I found my first baseball blog. I found a place where people shared my interests. I found a place where people read and where interested in things that I had to say. I found somewhere where I fit in.

I don’t know if you people understand just how important just having you read my blog is or having us work out a trade. I have a book where I paste all the notes you guys have given me over the past year. I also keep the return addresses from every person that’s sent me something. I love seeing addresses from Ney York to to Florida to Arizona and even Canada. Sometimes when I feel bad I will look through the books at all the notes that have been written and it makes me feel better.

I get to talk to people. Sure it is through e-mail, but sometimes that is the only interaction I get with people other than my family. I learned to be a little more outgoing by posting on someone's blog and asking fora trade. Yes, for me that is a little scary. I have trouble ordering in Mcdonalds's at times. I learned to be a little more comfortavle talking to people.

As to the cards themselves, I just love them. I feel so happy when I buy a new pack or look through a album. There is a great sense of accomplishment when I fill in another slot and there is no greater feeling than seeing a new chipper card that I did not have before.

So yea, to me those cardboard men are important. So are all of you even if you don't know it. So thanks everyone, even for those that haven't posted or traded with me. you have still helped me.

There is no crying in baseball.

2011-09-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

There is no crying in baseball. So why am I crying now? Oh yea, because I am an over emotional, baseball obsessed woman... that’s why.

I was looking so forward to the post season. I just knew they would be there and I would be watching. My neighbor mentioned something about possibly getting tickets. Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched though, they tell you. Well, cluck you.

The Braves just lost in the 13th. The Cardinals have already won their game.. ‘
And that was all she wrote. Game Over. Season Over. No More. What everyone thought was an utter certainty a few weeks ago has now slipped through their fingers.

The Braves are my life. I wear their shirts, have memorabila in my room, on my wall, on my computer, on my bed (comforter and pillows people -__- ) I read about them, watch them, listen to them. I collect their cards. I lose my voice cheering for them at games. I even dream about them. They are my team.

As I sit typing this, I am sniffling and the tears are rolling. I feel like I want to puke. I feel like screaming and throwing things. I feel numb. I feel like an idiot. There are so many things going on in the world and look at me, getting upset over a stupid ball game. I didn’t cry this much when my grandmother died, so why the hell am I doing it now?

There is always next year. There will be next year. They are still my team and they will always be. Go Braves.

Baseball cards for trade.

2011-09-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Uploaded a youtube video since uploading pictures will not work -_-. They are all 2011 cards and from Topps Linegae, Topps, Allen and Ginter, Topps Chrome, and one Topps sticker.

Make an offer below. I neeeeeeeeeeed basbeall stickers.. lots of em!

I have 8. 21, 36, 51, 53, 55. 61, 65, 75, 90, 97, 109, 119, 126, 142, 142, 147, 148, 161, 164, 170, 178, 188, 98, 201, 207 235, 236 258, 266, 272, 275, 280, 281 and 293.

Plus any Chippers and Braves.

Keep calling him Larry....

2011-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

...and he will keep on knocking em out.

Braves VS Mets

Chipper Jones Vs Mets.

The Braves are playing the first in a double header against the Mets today. Some chuckle head was yelling "RETIRE LARRY!" What does MR Larry Wayne do? Smack one into the second deck. You keep calling him Larry. Go on, keep it up.

If I broke a mirror, opened an umbrella inside, walked under a ladder and saw a black cat I would STILL be luckier than I am now.

2011-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

So after watching the Braves get swept I decided to pick a (blindly) random card and blog about it to get my mind off of it.

What card did I happen to pick?

I kid you not.

The U.S Postal Service and Baseball blogging....

2011-09-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a while.

There’s been talk on the news about how the U.S Postal Service is in trouble. There’s been talk about cutting out days and even speculation it could very well end if things are not done There was an article I just read about “Do we really need The U.S postal Service.” Talk like that scares me. Not only that, it upsets me.

I still like sending birthday card and I like getting them. Same with Christmas cards and other holidays I don’t want a Flipping E-card. I like getting something in the actual mail. I like something I can hold in my hands and put up and look at any time I feel the urge. I like seeing the hand written messages from family.

I also got to thinking about the baseball bloggers. I haven’t gotten a padded envelope in a long time, nor have I sent one and I miss that. I love looking in the mailbox and seeing a padded envelope amongst the bills and sales papers. I have a book of all the addresses from all the various bloggers. I also have the notes that you guys have sent, hand written ones.

What is going to happen to us, the bloggers that trade and send cards? It is such an essential part of a lot of our collections. You guys have been very helpful in getting me the cards I needed or wanted. My sets would be far from being finished without you lot.

What is more though than filling in the holes in my binder or marking another card of my want list is the... I duno what to call it. Just the excitement of seeing that envelope and the seeing other bloggers blog about the cards I sent. Just knowing I am helping someone, just as someone is helping me.

So what’s going happen if the mail service ends? I sure as hell don't want to find out

10,000 WINS

2011-07-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Braves have won thier 10,000th game. Do you know how big a number that is? If I tried counting to ten thosuannd It would take me a full day, . Or well I don't know the exact number. Let's count and find out...

1, 2, 3, 4..

...Enough on that.

They won thier first game in 1871 as the red Stockings in Boston. The last was in Atlanta in 2011 on July 15th. A kick ass 11-2 win over the Nationals. Bobby Cox helped to win 2,504 of those.

Only other two teams, or Franchises have done so.. the Giants and the Cubs.

Why Procrastinating is bad....

2011-06-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

...at least it wasn't a trade.

BALK, BALK, BALK, BALK, BAAAAAAAAAAAALK ,BA-BAWLK!

2011-06-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

BRAVES WIN AGAINST METS IN THE 10NTH ON A BALK BY D.J CARRASCO!

9-8

BALK FACTOIDS:

THE MLB records for balks is 90 by Steve Carlton.

Catchers can also commit balks if they don't stay in the cather's box untill the picther throws. They aren' enforced much though.

I have DOUBlES! (topps series 2)

2011-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

TOPPS SERIES 2, 2011.

DOUBLES!
335, 356, 362, 407, 422, 442, 445, 480, 485,499, 527, 559, 596, 598, 610, 611 616. 651,
Want em? You can have em.

Can you help me out?

I need....
+ 656, 654, 653, 652, 650, 647, 645, 642, 641, 640, 636, 635, 632, 630-627, 625, 624-620, 618, 615, 614, 612, 609, 608, 607, 605, 603, 602, 601, 597, 595-590. 588, 586, 582, 580, 579, 577-574, 571, 572, 570,668-66 558-553, 550, 549, 546, 545, 544, 542-537, 535, 533, 532, 526-521,528, 517, 515, 514, 513, 511-597, 505, 504, 503, 500, 498, 497, 495, 494, 491-487,485, 484, 483, 479, 478, 476, 474, 473, 472, 469, 468, 465-459, 456, 455, 452-449,447, 446, 440, 439, 437, 435, 433, 431-428, 426, 424, 423, 420, 419-414, 411, 410, 409, 408, 496-400, 988, 395-386, 484-481, 379, 375, 374, 372-369, 367, 366, 364, 363, 361, 360, 359, 558, 357, 353, 351, 350, 349, 346, 343, 342, 337, 336, 333, 360..

Watch, as I butcher names.

2011-06-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Videos upload fine it seems.

Two pack break of Topps 2011 series 2.

Well... this sucks

2011-06-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

I have tried for two days to upload pictures to my blog and it just will not work. -_- They are pictures of cards that I have scanned. I have tried on two computers and even tried taking a picture of the cards and uploading them. It loads and load and loads and then fails to upload. -.-

This pointless rant does have a purpose. I just wanted to say the blog is not forgotten. I am just having...issues I had a post all written and ready and I can not post it. Or I could, but it will fail without the images of the cards.

Bowman 2011

2011-05-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

SCANNER! I GOTZS IT!

SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Still trying to figure out how to use it. I scanned a card the other day, but have no earthly idea where it ended up. Chun Hsi Chen got cut off as you can see. I did see that before hand but was worried about making two scans. (Plusiwaslazy)

Happy I got a Brave.=) Dunno, if I am going to collect this set. (I still haven't sorted through all my 2011 series 1 cards.) I was just so excited when I saw a new product out.

Not a fan of the fake autograph thoug.h Not really that different from last year. ..I think. I dunno. I remeber the fake autopgraphs though, which fooled me for a moment when I opened them.

*RIPs open pack* OOOOOOOOOOOOO MY GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWD!

*a fee second later* ...oh.

Where I've been.

2011-05-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Dunno if anyone has noticed the lack of posts coming from my blog. I have had a virus on two computers apparently. This one is still supposed to be infected, but it seems to be working.... alright for the time being.

I had also been sick and.. lazy. Yes, lazy. I just couldn't get the energy to come up with a post that I thought anyone would want to read. I kept saying "I'll do it tomorrow." then tomorrow would come and I would repeat the process.

I don't wanna be lazy anymore. I miss getting packages in the mail. I miss reading other baseball blogs and having you guys read mine.

..Now I just need to come up with some card related posts. Or Brave related. Or even better... Brave baseball card related.

That ain't Chipper's autograph!

2011-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

So I went to vist my grandmother this past week fo Easter and she said I had a surprise from my aunt. It was a signed Chipper Jones Jersey! So of course I was all....

and then I saw it was a Red sox jersey and was all...

and then I saw the signature and was all..

Beacuse it was

and not...

Turns out she grabbed the wrong jersey. She even showed it to my grandmother and didn't realize it was the wrong jersey. It made me lol.

She is bringing the Chipper one next week when she comes back.

Happy (belated) Birthday Chipper Jones

2011-04-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Happy (belated) Birthday to you,

Happy (belated) Birthday to you

Happy (belated) Birthday Dear Chipper,

Happy (belated)Birth Day to You!

Yesterday he turned 39!

Of codes and stickers.

2011-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

....Or stickers and codes

So, I found a world cup sticker book at the dollar store. It looks just like this one here.

Only problem? There be no stickers. No stickers anywhere... and I want me some stickas.

Somebody has gotta half some still laying around. I'll trade you things for them, like cards. Yea, cards.

Annnnnnnnnnd codes cards.

I have 10. 10 like chippah, but I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed more. Surely there are those that have better use for them as deadly throwing rectangles. Instead of being a Ninja send em to me. I can give you cards instead. Other cards.

I would be very rich...

2011-04-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

If I made a device that could make your want list for you. ...and post them to your blog or website.

....Or am I the only one that finds making a want lists painstakingly boring and.. painstaking? Looking though 300 plus cards or more to find which ones are missing is the least fun for me in the whole card collecting world. That and sorting them in the right order to begin with.

I reaaaaaaaaaaaally need to sort through the topps 2011 cards I have, and the 2010Topps updates, and the 2011 Topps Heritage. (speaking of which, does anyone have the Brave manager card? I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant it!)

I have got to stop buying cards until I do. Of course I always tell myself that and then as soon as I hit the card isle my will power fades and a pack goes in the buggy.

Point to all this? I am a lazy horrible procrastinator who has zero will power.

1,500!

2011-04-15T07:59:00.001-07:00

On tuesday, Chpper got his 1,500 RB! This ranks him third in switch hitters, only behind his idols, Murray amdMantle. He also has 2,500 hits, which only Murray has done! ....That and at least 1, 500 RBI's

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CHIPPER!

Ramdon Brave Thursday.

2011-04-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to do this for a while, just been lazy ...and sick. Still sick, but I wanted to update the blog. May make this a weekly thing, I dunno.

Anyway, I have picked a random Brave card from my collection and will post a few facts about them. Today's card is a 1979 Topps card of first basman Bob Beall.

According to the card he played 128 games for the Braves. 20 of those where in a pervious season where it would took him two more years to reach the majors again.

Some more info dug uponlin also revals.....

He would go on to play 17 games for the Braves in 1979 and 32 for the Pirates in 1980. His avrage for those years was 231, which is likely why he played do few games.

He also played first base, left field and center field. He also made five errors at first but none in LF and CF.

I. WANT. MY. BALLGAME.

2011-04-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

I HATE BLACKOUT RULES! I HATE THEM! I HATE THEM! I HATE THEM!
/end tantrum

I have been excited all week to watch the first Braves Home game and what do I get.... Phillies @ Braves is blacked out on this channel. Sorry it also not viewable on any other channel. Sorry my ASS.

I can't even find it on the radio.

Guess that error contest!

2011-04-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

I've had this card for years now and I noticed the error years ago. You are likley going to have to be a Brave fan to get it though. This is the first error card I have gotten and one of the only really.

So first person to guess the error gets two packs of 2010 topps update cards.

It is time to come clean...

2011-04-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is really hard for me to say and the reaction I receive may not be good, but I am sick of staying silent. It is time to come clean to everyone.

I am a closet Met fan. I have been one since before I could remember, but I was just to ashamed to admit it. Down here it is Brave country and the Mets are something to be despised. I was always a bit scared to go against the grain and rebel, so to speak. While on the outside I was cheering for the Braves, inside I was wishing that the Mets could win. There are Met posters in my closet and I have a box full of Met cards, although the outside says Braves cards.

There, I have said it. I am a Met fan and I am no longer going to hide it. I will no longer be ashamed to cheer for my team.

APRIL FOOOOOOOOOOOOL'S

Take THAT (chipper) doubters!

2011-03-30T10:51:00.001-07:00

There where a lot of people doubting if Chipper wold even make it through spring training. A lot of comments where made about how he should retire and pack it up and how he will never be as good as he once was.

Well, I will let his spring training stats do the talking

407 batting average (leading the team)
15 RBIs (leading the team)
4 Home runs (leading the team)

and best of all ... No pain in his knee in the last few weeks!

I know spring training is not always and indication of how well a player will do in the regular season. I know he is not likely to have the stats he did in his younger years. But damn does it feel good to see him doing so well.

Now I will post some of my cards of Chipper.

Safe Chipper! (or it kind of looks like the pirates are heading to the dugout, but I still say he is safe, cause he's chipper.)

Hippee Chippe!

In the air after after just thrown a ball Chipper!

Big headed Chipper!

Posing Chipper.

Mooooooooooooooooore Chippa's!

Doing what they do best!

2011-03-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

...Getting the late inning run to win the game! They did it 25 times last year, and 13 of those where walk of wins.

They have done it again tonight, all thanks to Mauro Gomez , who belted a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 1oth to win the game

WHO? You are likely asking. Well, take a look at his picture. It just might be one you will be seeing in the future.

Even Gonzalez wasn't sure who he was as this was his first time seeing him as well. He played double A baseball most of last season and this was, in fact, his first at bat of the spring. Boy was it one to remember! LET'S GO BRAVES!

Up yours blackout rule!

2011-03-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

So, I saw that the Braves played at 6 PM today. Even better, they where on a channel I actually get. So I eagerly flip to the channel, only to be greeted with a black screen and a caption that reads ..."MLB preseason baseball is blacked out on this channel. Sorry...." It also informs me it is not viewable on any other channel. . As I know, this is the only game that this has happened.

...what?

...what?!

...WHAT?!

I understand the blackout rule. They block out the game in certain areas in hopes that people will go to the game and spend monies. Doesn't mean I like it. -_-

I'm sorry, but I want to go to whoever came up with that and knock them upside the head. If I could click my heels three times and be in Florida and wave my magic wand and have tickets appear, this might make the tinniest bit of sense. If I could be at the game, than I would. I can't however, WHICH IS WHY I AM WATCHING IT ON TV!

You aren't helping anyone by doing this.

and on another matter... Why haven't I been able to listen to more Brave games on the radio? 680 am carries Braves game, but thus far they only seem to be doing 1... in 6.

I miss Upper Deck

2011-03-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

I miss having products to pick from when I go to the store. I miss having to make a decison about which set I want to collect. Now it goes months and months without new products. The card isle is not longer the first place that I go when I use to make a be-line for it.

I like the cheaper sets they offered. The 100 card sets. Icons and Upper deck X. I like the varitey. It is, after all, the spice of life.

I think Topps needs competition. Something to make then push themselves for a better product. I think the law suit will end up biting them in the rear end. I like Topps, but I still that it was a boneheaded move to sue. Yea, a little late in expressing my opinion, but better late than never.

....At least I spend less on cards.

I have yet to complete a full set

2011-03-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

In the year and a half I have been a blogger and become a more determined and better informed collector, I have started many sets. Unfortunately.... not one of them is complete. A lot of them are close, in that I only need two or three cards, but those open slots in my binder mock me whenever I look at them. I feel... like a FAIIIIIIIILURE!

I am determined to change that however. This year I will find a way to complete a set, even if it is only one. I muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust!

My question to you set collectors is....

How long does it take you to complete a full set?

Where do you get the last few cards from?

How many sets are incomplete?

He's backl

2011-03-03T10:11:00.001-08:00

First Braves spring training came on TV and Chipper is at the hot corner! It feels so good to see #10 on the field again. This is his first game playing at third since he collapsed last after making the kind of play he's known for . He has been pitch hitting in some of the previous games and the knee has not been giving him any problems. He made two of the outs in the first by catching a pop up and throwing to first.

I just pray his knee does him good throughout spring training and the season. He said that he wants to play around 130 or so games and I hope he is able to. He hasn't been able to play 150 games since 2003 and while I know he will have to have a few days off now and again, I hope he is able to make his goal. No, I hope he is able to surpass it. This could be his last year and I want it to be a great one. I hope he gets one more world series ring to add to his collection.

Wouldn't it be great to have his first full season as a world series winner and his last?

Single pack video break of topps 2011

2011-02-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

I found apck I had not opened. Woo-hooo!

Is my CRAZY MAC to frightning?

2011-02-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmmmmmm? My mom said he looks demeted.

Braves Caravan!

2011-02-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

A week or so ago I posted that the Braves Caravan was coming to Evans. Well, I wernt and it was SUPER GREAT. You can tell it was SUPER GREAT because SUPER GREAT is in all caps.

I edned up being the first one in line. I was there for over three hours. Talked to a guy there most of the time who was the secodn in line. He had season tickets.

They where stricter this year. We where all given numbers and where told they could only sign one item and I coulld not get pictures with them. They even took my number which I wnated to keep and them gloat that I was number one.

I did take a picture OF them though.

and... and... here are there autographs!

I also got Fredi and Freddie to sign cards aswell. (I BROKE THE RULES! Shhhhhh..don't tell anyone.)I wished I would have had another card of Freddy though. Pen does not go good on shinny chrome.

I was so nervous in front of them. They where BRAVES and right in front of me. Genuine bonfied Brave players! I should have asked them to skae hands, like someone else did. Then I could have touched a Brave.

Why did I screw up my blog?

2011-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

I went to make one change and now I don't know how to get my blog to the way it was before. I should have justleft it be. It was fine.

To turn this into left of a whine rant. I'd like to know how much you change your blog desgin, if at all. Why or why not? What made you pick your current desgin?

Who wants my Topps 2011 inserts? (traded)

2011-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Al cards have been traded for. WOO, that was fast.

MY HIT

Minis

TOPPS 60

Old Players (dunno what these are called)

DIAMOND DUOS

THE LOST CATDS

HISTORY OF TOPPS

You have GOT to be kidding me -__-

2011-02-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

So, I was checking out you you tube to see if someone has posted any videos of any 2011 topps. I came across only one. It was made by the user name packsearchers.com That is like, I dunno... baseball blasphemy to call yourself that.

They actually quote...

"....if you'd like to learn how to find relics, autos, and other hot packs in this product and many more visit our website at www.PackSearchers.Com."

Great thing to teach newcomers and kids that don't know any better.-_-

They even post VIDEOS on learning the art of douchebaggery.

I checked out the website which you have to sign up for to be able to see/do anything. After signing up you are taken to a message board. You can only view one thread however.

They want you to pay to be able to see the other boards. You get to pay to learn how to a douche of the card collecting world. I bet the admin is making his mother proud that she gave him her basement to live in (No offense to any non pack searchers living in their parent's basement. You don't count).

I really, really, really, really, really, really, really hope that when a sap actually pays they are taken to a page that reads...

PACK SEARCHING IS STUPID
DON'T DO IT!

Jump in prices on 2011 topps series 1.

2011-01-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

I was just checking out blowout cards and saw that their price on a hobby box of series 1 2011 has jumped up twenty dollars as has their jumbo. Other sites seem to be following suit.

This makes me glad I pre-ordered a week or so ago. However, for those that did not, not so much. It would have certainly put my card buying on hold, at least concerning 2011 series 1 cards.

The jump in price appears to be because of the wrapper redemption Topps has announced which I am sure most of you have heard about. If you send in 36 hobby wrappers or 10 jumbo ones you get a 5 card set featuring current MLB players on 1952 black diamond design. Read more about it HERE.

Is that really worth the extra jump in price? I'm asking you guys, the seasoned vetrens of card collecting, versus me, the rookie. I figure a lot of people will be redeming these cards which will decrease the price of said cards.(I would assume) I would rather save my twenty and put it to any black diamond card I wanted, which is sure to appear on E-bay.

I will likely send in the wrappers just because, but I care more about putting together the base set.

I'M GONNA MEET THE MANAGER!

2011-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Tuesday at 4 pm at the Sports Academy in Evans Ga! The Braves are doing their caravan this year again and the players and personal listed are as follows for the one I plan on going to!

Jonny Venters
Matt Young
Freddie Freeman
Brandon Hicks
Fredi Gonzalez <- w00t

I am excited for them all though!

I have been the last two years they have had it and had a blast. Can't wait this year. The years before I got to go through the line twice, even three times. If I can this year I just may have a contest. I just wish I had someone to go with as I always end up going alone.

Read more about which players will be where HERE.

Just pre-ordered my first ever hobby box.

2011-01-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Of Topps 2011 series 1! I have collected all the sets starting from 2007 and up ...except for 2009 because I got pissed off at walmart (and my lack of paying attention) and bought a couple blasters of the black boarded cards before I realized my error.

Now I can get an early start on my set building and not have to wait until practically the next year to start collecting for the year before. In fact, I just got a 2008 upper deck masterpieces retail box last week.

...and it seems Topps has moved up the date of release to Feb 2 for 2011 series 1. :)

Also, I am curious how many people out there are set collectors.

I like collecting certain players and teams, but there is nothing like putting together a set. I love filling a hole in a nine page sleeve when I finally get the card I was looking for. I love being able to watch my set want list dwindle and get smaller and smaller. I love flipping through my binders and seeing all the filled pages. I love that I have something to do with my doubles if there are other fellow set collectors.

Go get them Angels! ...quick

2011-01-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Section 36 is giving away cards for free. FREE! The Angels are the only team left and I know there has got to be some Angel fans. Eeven if you don't, just give the blog a look-se.

GO HERE!

Want list help 2010 topp series 2 (willing to pay)

2011-01-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

The hobby box took out a chunk, but I still need help to complete the set and I will even pay 5 cents a card if we can't trade.

My needs

330, 334, 335, 337, 345, 347, 349, 350. 351, 354-358
360 363-368, 370, 375 376, 377, 378, 383, 384, 385,
392, 393, 395, 398, 399, 402, 405, 408, 413, 418, 421,
422, 423, 427, 429, 430, 435, 438-441, 445, 450-455,
461, 462, 463, 465, 467, 469, 471, 472, 475, 479 483,
490, 491, 493, 486, 498, 501, 502, 504, 505, 510,
514, 515, 516, 522-527, 531, 532, 534, 539, 540, 543,
544, 549, 551, 553, 556. 560, 561, 562, 564, 565,
567 571, 572, 573, 575, 576, 579, 580, 582, 583,
586, 591, 592, 595, 596. 599, 600, 604, 610, 611,
613 615, 619, 622-626, 634, 636, 637, 640, 541.
645, 646, 647, 60, 651, 655, 657, 658, 659, 661-?

WIN some cards.

2011-01-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

I needed something to kick off the new year, so I thought why not a contest.

The contest is easy. Or well.. maybe not so easy.

Simply guess what Christmas gift my mom got me and you will win various cards from your favorite team. MAYBE even a jersey or auto... if I have them. I can't promise the cards will be great or even that good but they are yours.

I'll even give hints

Hint 1: It has something to do with Chipper Jones
Hint 2 : It is NOT a baseball card
Hint 3: Think out of the BIN
hint: 4 Study my username really good

Contest last for a week. You get one guess per day. If two people wind up guessing the item, the first person who posted gets it. If nobody guesses I'll "Thrash" the contest and start a new one.

50 doubles in a hobby box?

2011-01-10T17:29:00.001-08:00

Is that normal? Or did I get a dud.

My mom bought a Series 2, 2010 hobby box as birthday gift and I winded up with a mess of doubles. I did get a rookie redemption and auto as the box promised however. It puts a dent in my set collection though.

I got a Heyward at least :) Very few Braves Sadly. Lot of Mets.

Seriously, Topps.. seriously?!

2011-01-10T15:15:00.001-08:00

and I thought the Pokey Reese 1998 card was bad. At least it was of a PERSON.

Baseball Video Games (DS)

2010-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Bit of a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any baseball games for the Dsi. I am getting one for Christmas and was eying the baseball related games and there are a lot to choose from. A lot of them did nor get good reviews at least not the ones I looked at.

I was just curious to see if any of you have tried playing any though. I'm more into the MLB ones where I can be the Braves and Chipper Jones. I doubt any or new enough to be Heyward sadly :(

Goodbye ChopTalk

2010-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

You have a had a good run. From 1994-2010, (minus a few minus between 2004 and 2005) you have provided a Brave fans from all over the country a way to keep in touch with their favorite team through the years and through the off season.

The December issue of ChopTalk marks the last printed issue ever of the official magazine of the Atlanta Braves. The only magazine of the Braves.

They just can't keep up with the cost anymore. Less subscribers mean less income and less income means ChopTalk just can't keep up. It sucks and I hate it and what is worse is there is nothing I can do about it.

You have a had a good run ChopTalk and you will be missed.

Well, at least he is a Brave ..or was.

2010-12-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

It seems my penny has run out of luck.

Found a penny, got an auto.

2010-12-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

So the other day I was out shopping with my aunts when I found a penny Lincoln side up and pocketed it. ..I'm poor and superstitious

The next stop was a dollar store where I bought two packs of cards and ended up finding a autograph in the upper deck X 2008 pack.

Then two days later I went to a dollar general and bought two more packs and in one of those I found a jersey card.

Now I am about to enter a code for the million card give away I got in single pack. Wish me luck!

The names have been drawn :)

2010-12-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Please log in to Elfster as soon as possible so you can e-mail me who you got. That way I can send you their address and you can get shopping!

Remember to shop early and keep the gift under $20 dollars. It can be anything sports card related or else baseball related. Or hell, sports related in general. Just no fruitcakes please

Also, please label on the package SS or secret Santa. At least if you aren't sending straight from online.

LAST DAY FOR SECRET SANTA SIGN UPS!

2010-12-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Thus far we have seven signed up including me. I have not gotten e-mails from two of you however. Or if I did it was eaten by hotmail's spam filter and I apologize.

I still need an e-mail from

wickedortega

and

paw75

There is still time to sign up!

Tomorrow be sure to log into Elfster to see who you got matched with and then e-mail me who you got so I can send you their address. More info will be posted Tomorrow.

2nd Annual Baseball Blogger Secret Santa!

2010-11-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, it is time to begin the baseball blogger secret Santa. Or the sign ups anyway. Later than I expected as I got busy trying to write a Novel for Nano.

If you remember last year, or those that participated, you where matched with a fellow blogger through Elfster and then you bought a baseball related gift and sent it to them.

Well, nothing has changed.

IT IS TIME FOR.....

THE 2nd ANNUAL BASEBALL BLOGGERS SECRET SANTA!

There are a few other things I need you to do if you wish to participate.

First go to HERE (Elftser) and sign up.

I then need you to e-mail me your mailing address, the e-mail you signed up with for the secret Santa for Elfster, as well as a link to your blog or website.

It would also be great if you posted here saying that you have joined.

As to why I am asking for your address, it is because you would end up having to ask the person when you mail the gift, thus ruining the SECRET part. I promise not to share with anyone but the person who gets your name.

When you get your person, you will need e-mail me their e-mail/name and I will give you the address. (this will take placer later)

As you can see a lot of steps involved. Mainly for me, but I have no life so it should be well. I don't see an easier way. If you do let me know. Again, I WANT to do this.

Here is what I need you to do now

STEP 1:sign up for Elftser

STEP 2: Send me an e-mail with your

E-MAIL ADDRESS (the one you will use for the secret santa)

MAILING ADDRESS

BLOG/website

USERNAME/ ( or the name you tend to use on blog)

STEP 3: POST HERE THAT YOU HAVE JOINED

This will stay open untill names have been drawn on December 5th. That should be enough time for folks to sign up. Please be sure to tell fellow bloggers as I'd like everyone that wanted to; to participate

If you have any questions please let me know.

REMINDERS!

Please don't sign up if you don't think you are going to commit to buying and shipping a gift. It isn't going to be fun for the person you have to get jiffed

The gift should be under 20 dollars and that includes shipping.

No wish list. Do some sluthing. Check their blog out. I am not saying you can't get them something off their wish list if they had it up on their blog, just don't create up for the sake of SS.

120 cards vs 80 cards

2010-11-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

and since two packs of those 80 cards are the black bordered ones that means 64 cards VS 120. At leats to those wanting to build a set.

I use to think that the blasters provided a better deal. However, I can get 10 lose packs with 12 cards each for the same price as a Blaster with 10 packs of cards with 8 cards in each pack. Topps 2010, series 1, I am talking about you!

What the heck its up with that? I don't get it. Why pay the same price for 40 less cards? Is it because of the OMFG patch card you can get?

...and enough with the inserts. 3 inserts in each pack is to damn many. I have enough of them to build a 12 story card tower. If you need/want any let me know. They are yours.

:(

2010-10-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am going to puke. I have been crying. I feel dejected. I don't even care that one of my favorite shows is on. No more Braves.

I don't care if it was just a game. The Braves where more than that to me. I wanted Bobby to go home with a world series ring. Damnit to hell.

Baseball blogger secret santa is coming back!

2010-10-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last year I decided to start a secret Santa for baseball or card bloggers.

Since people seemed to enjoy it, I am bringing it back! You can read more about it HERE.

In a nut shell, people would get assigned a person and would sleuth around (reading their blog, want list, etc) and get them something either related to baseball or else sports cards. They would then ship off said gift (provided with the address I give them) and that would be that. There was and sill will be a price limit of around 20 dollars, including shipping as this isn't something that is suppose to break the bank, just be a little something fun.

Likely it will kick off November 1st with sign ups. Kind of early I know, but doing things over the internet takes time. So if you are interested let me know and be sure to let others know. I'd love for it to get bigger every year.

Please let me know if you have ANY questions.

Take your digital and shove it!

2010-10-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

I am pissed. Actually I am beyond pissed. I am seething, raging, worried, frantic, upset, and disappointed.

It seems they are doing away with Chop Talk Magazine. Or rather they are a making it digital. For those of you that don't know Chop talk is a monthly magazine of the Atlanta Braves. I love it.

https://secure.mlb.com/atl/fan_forum/choptalk_survey_form.jsp

I have gotten the magazine for over fifteen years. It was a Christmas gift from my mom. I have yet to throw away a single copy. I just can't toss them out in the thrash. I love getting out old issues and flipping threw them. It is the only magazine I get or have gotten regularly.

I love getting Chop Talk in the mail. I love opening up the mail box and seeing Chipper or Heyward's or McCann's face on the front cover. I get excited the day that they send out issues and rush to check the mail every day after wards in anxious anticipation until it finally arrives. I love being able to take it with me wherever I go. I like the feel of paper and how it feels to turn the page. I like holding the magazine in my hands.

And what about those without a computer or the Internet? They still exist. Will they just be screwed? Oh well son, to bad, so sad, you gotta get with the times.

It seems more and more things are going digital these days. Newspapers, books, magazines... you name it. Not that I am saying these are a bad thing. I want a Kindle myself. It is easy and convenient. I have a choice though. I can choose to go out and buy the book or download it.

With the way things are going, in a few years, or maybe even decades, newspapers on printed paper will be a thing of the past. So will magazines and books. A relic, an antique, something your parents read.

That scares me. In fact it terrfies me. I like paper and ink and book bindings. I like pages that you can feel when you turn. I like dog earing pages and real bookmarks. I like books on bookshelves. I like spending houts browsing the shelves of a library or book store.

My cat has a message for Bobby!

2010-10-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

She growled the entire time at me. I didn't hurt her, she's just a witch with a B. She growls at me when I put her outside before she is ready, or when I move her to make the bed, or at our other cat when he gets to close.

...AND WE HAVE WON THE WILD CARD!

Game Day Pictures: Marlins VS Braves - 9/29/2010

2010-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

More pictures of my fourth Brave Game of 9/29/2010 Marlins VS the Braves. They swept them!

View from our seats. Best seats I've ever had.

Conrad doling some funny stretches.

Bobby Cox being awarded a custom painting. Chop talk readers had the chance of donating and getting thier name on the back of the picture. I wasn't able to, but I do have a poster of the picture on my wall.

Likely to be our starting first baseman next year. Came close to hitting a homer.

My only glimpse at B- Mac. He didn't get a chnace to hit sadly.

I took more of Heyward than anyone. Didn't really notice till afterwards. Only posting a few though.

I believe he was walked. Look how taller he is compared to Glen.

ACTION SHOT! To bad I cut of his hand.

I wanted a view of the stands as wel.

D-Lowe was AWESOME!

Conrad juts before his home run.

Conrad just after his after homerun

The pitcher from down under.

My mom loved Billy Wagner's introduction. They showed Wyat Earp played be Curt Russsell on the big screem. (We think that was how it was anyhow.)

Celebrating!

WOOO HOO! Haven't been to a game yet where they lost.

Braves Batting Practice Expierence (pictures galore)

2010-09-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the game. :) It was awesome. I had a great time and yelled and cheered so hard my throat was sore afterwards.

I got to take part in the Braves batting practice expierence . That is where you get to go on the field and watch them take batting practice. You have to stay behind a fence but you get to get to stand on the field and the players are at times less than a few feet away.

It said no autograhs on the tickets but that did not stop some players from coming over. I even got a picture and autopgraph from Brian Jordan!

Here are some more pictures.

Sometimes it is good to be a procrastinator...

2010-09-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

...Like when the Braves lower dugout seats to $24 after my mom paid over $60 to get us the same seats.

Ah well, at least we know we have the seats. I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I decided I will wear my red Chipper Jones shirt. My mom bought a Bobby Cox shirt to wear. I am going to take so many pictures it will not even be funny. The site will implode when I attempt to upload them all.

The Wild Card...

2010-09-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

Before today, I wasn't that familiar with the Wild Card. Ok, so I didn't really have a clue what it was. I've been hearing the Braves possibily being the NL wild card however so today I did a little research. Correct me if I am wrong.

Since there are only three divisions, the Wild card goes to the team out of all the divisions with the best record... minus the winning teams. Am I right? Thus far that is the Braves. I pray that kick ass against the Phillies and become the leaders of the NL east. They are three games behind thus far and they have six games to play

I am not sure I really agree with the wild card however. I think that there should be four divisions instead. The best teams out of each division should play each other. After all, it is about the best of the best. Not the best and the second best.

Four teams in each division would be ideal. That is all fine and well with the NL, but the AL only has fourteen teams. That would mean either there needed to be two more teams or for a team to move, which I don't really know is possible.

Or maybe I have no idea what the hell I am talking about.

The Bobby Cox Corn Maze...AKA THE MOST AWESOME MAZE EVER!

2010-09-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

READ MORE ABOUT IT HEEEEEERE

I wannna know how they did that. It is so awesome.

We talked about this already topps.

2010-09-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

I don't want two packs of black bordered cards when I buy a blaster of Topps 2010 series 2 at Wal-Mart. Target did this last year with the throw back backs, which I whined about in another post.

Just leave the borders alone. Please. If you want to do something special add two EXTRA packs. That would make me happy. or, or... JUST STICK WITH THE SAME DAMN BORDER!

I don't get why someone would consider this a good idea. Oh, lets make it harder for set collectors to complete a set. Huck Hyuck.

....Screw it, I'm saving for a hobby box.

EXTRA: Does anyone have an Series 1 cards? I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed some. I'll pay 10 cents a card even.

I did get a Chipper. A black bordered Chipper.

Go to Baskin Robins and get me a Brave hat!

2010-09-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I command you!

Baskin Robins is doing this special where you can get ice cream in a baseball hat. ICE CREAM in a BASEBALL HAT! What can be better? NOTHING! Unless Heyward was serving the ice cream.

SEE this really… odd commercial.

Of course by the time I finally got to go to one they had no Braves, neither did the other one I went to. Damn other people liking the Braves. Why can't I be from New York? Then they'd only get the cups to, I dunno... piss in or something.

They still didn’t stop me from getting one and thus far I have a Phillies, a Tampa Bay and a Marlins.

The store I went to yesterday only have three hats left Marlins, Nationals and the Rockies.

I bet they have the Braves where you live. At least if you are out of Braves country.

It is a good deal. You get ice cream and I get a hat. I’ll even pay you back the money. I just want a Brave hat. >__<

I also heard they sell the hats and at MLB games… is this true? They come with ice-cream I would assume, although I doubt you get to pick your hat as everyone would request the same team.

How do you throw a player on the bench out?!

2010-09-04T16:49:00.002-07:00

So I am visiting my dad and he has no TV. That means I am listening to the Braves on the radio. It isn't that bad really, I can easily picture the players in my mind and I like the announcers.

Except there are times when I really wish I had a working TV.

Apparently Chipper got tossed out. I thought they where joking at first. How does a player on the bench get tossed out? I guess he, well... he had to say something. I only turned the game on to the tail end of the game to see (I mean HEAR) them saying Chipper was tossed. O__O

I am glad to see him with the team. He said he had gotten stir crazy sitting on his couch watching the game.

EDIT: I JUST LOST THE GAME!!! I fiddled with the dial to get it to come in clearer and now I can't find it!

EDIT 2: Never mind, false alarm. I jiggled the clock radio and found it again ^__^

Note to self: DON'T TOUCH!

EDIT 3: ...and what is wrong with the moronic home plate umpire? he seems to be screwing up a lot of calls, judging by the announcers anyhow.

EDIT 4: and Ankiel makes a great catch to end the inning.

Enough edits. How many games do you listen to on the radio and do you generally enjoy it?

GOING TO A BRAVE GAME!!!!!!!! .

2010-08-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

EEEEEEEEEEEE!

My mom bought tickets to the September 29th game vs the Marlins!

GHG>KGJJGVJBK! I CAN'T WAIT!

She got us dugout seats. (Row 14, seats 103-104) Does anyone know what the view is like from said seats? I have never sat that close before. I feel like I could puke from excitement!

Anyone in the Atlanta Area plan on attending? I would be so cool to meet fellow fans.

I don't know what shirt I should wear! I have dozens to pick from.

Chippper?
Maddux?
Frenchy?
McCann?
Andruw Jones?

I also plan on getting a Heyward. Maybe a Conrad. ...Can you buy a Conrad at the Braves store?

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why I am such a big Chipper fan

2010-08-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

When I say I am a Chipper fan that is a understatement. I am a fanatical, tyrannical fan of the man. Some would even call it and unhealthy obsession. Not Kathy Bates in Misery obsessed. I am not going to tie him to the bed and break his legs, nor would I be the creepy stalker who digs through his garbage. I do have some self control and sanity. However, he is usually the first thing on my mind when I get up and the last thing on my mind when I got to bed.

I would like to explain WHY I am the way I am with him and why I took the news so hard last night. There are the logical reasons. He is a great player, he is a Brave and I admit it, he is a good looking. There is another main reason though that not many people will share with me. After a year of this blog and getting to know some of you I feel comfortable bringing this up.

I have Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the mild end of the autism spectrum. In a nut shell it means I have a lot of trouble socializing. I talked about my anxiety around people in a previous post The anxiety stems from this. I sometimes feel like a deaf mute trying to navigate through the world.

It is one of the main reasons for this blog, so I can communicate with others on my own terms. The social interaction I get from you people and trough conducting trades is often the only social interaction I get. It has been a lifesaver for me.

I was diagnosed when I was 17. Previously I had never even heard of the word.. My family knew that these was always something a little “off” with me though. I would trip over my own feet, loud noises would make me cover my hand over my ears, I couldn't stand tags in shirts. Most of the time school was a synonym for hell. I was picked on horribly and just couldn't seem to fit in. I had seen doctors before. One mentioned I just needed some “friends” and that I could outgrow said issues.

It didn't get better and they did not just go away. In the 11th grade I had been having thoughts of suicide. I ended up seeing a psychologist and on the very first meeting she asked my mom if she had every heard of Aspergers. It fit me to a T. Finally we had answers for why did the things I did.

There are often other issues that accompany Aspergers. One of them being a special interest. People with Aspergers often get fixated on a certain topic. It could be trains, or dinosaurs, or whatever. They find out all they can about said interest and often talk about it obsessively.

For me that is a a person, Chipper Jones. Don't get me wrong, I love the Braves and baseball. but Chipper is "special." I know I talk about him to much. I bring his name up constantly around the house. Multiple times a day in fact. If a day went by that I didn't mention his name, my mom would think there was something seriously wound with me She is sick to death of hearing about Chipper and yet I have a very hard time not bringing him up.

If there is a Chipper item I have to get it, if he is on the news I have to see him, if there is an article about him I have to clip it out. I get anxious when I can't do these things. When I was younger I would say I wanted to marry him. The thing that I talk about endlessly, will no longer be in my daily life. My dream come true would be to meet him. To shake his hand would mean the world to me.

Now that obsession is gone. It is like losing a limb almost. He has been my interest for fifteen years. I hope that he may come back next year, but he might not. I will still follow the Braves and watch the games. I am a fan and Chipper will not change that. It just will not be the same.

There is no crying in baseball.

2010-08-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Except for now. I can't believe I am crying over a damn baseball player. That is a a girl for you, ehhh?

Chipper is out for the rest of the season. Likely for his career if he retires this year, which I have a feeling he will. He is going to need surgery on his knee.

Goddammit. God fucking dammit. He was doing so well lately. His hitting had really come around.

I planned on seeing him play this year, possibly his least year. We have been talking about tickets and the best time to go just yesterday. Now that will never happen.

There will never be a player like Chipper. Not ever, He was one helluva ball player and one I know will be in the hall of fame. Not only that, but he cared about his team. You hardly ever see that kind of loyalty, where players go to whoever the highest bidder is.

Chipper negotiated his contract to help the team. How many people would do that? Not many. He even moved to left field to help out. He was the definition of a team player. he was the spokesman for the Braves and a mentor for the younger players. The only Brave left from the team of the 90's. He started as a Braves and will leave as one. That is a rare commmidity these days , when players bounce around from team to team like ping pong balls.

He was my all time favorite baseball player. I loved him ever since I was ten years old when I first picked him out. I have watched him him struggle and read about his hardships, some his own fault. I have clipped articles, collected memorabilia and cheered myself hoarse. I have wathced him mature not only as a ball player, but as a man. You will be missed Chipper.

Raw Dog!

2010-07-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

RAW DOG, BROOKS CONRAD STRIKES AGAIN!

(Chipper gave him the nickname Raw dog because of his tendency not to wear batting gloves. )

For the second time he is up with the bases loaded, he hits a grand slam!

I love this guy, I really, really do.

I don't anything will ever top his walk off home run against the Reds though, especially when he thought the ball was caught and started to head back to the dugout.

A great view from the stands,

Yea, I already blogged about it once, but it is to awesome to leave alone.

I want cards of him. Caaaaaards. I will trade you. Someone's gotta have some cards of him.

and holy Heck, someone sure does update fast!

Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiies!

2010-07-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Finally earning some money for some cards (what else would I buy?) . Not much, which is why I settled on a blaster of upper Deck 2009 which was %40 percent off. I bought this last week, but I'm a lazy and wanted to use the scanner to post pictures as pictures make everything better.

One jersey card inside you say!

There was no jersey card in my blaster. I feel cheated. I feel betrayed.

Below the large red 40 % sticker, was another sticker. An orange rectangular sticker! It was on every single Upper Deck Series 2 2009 product, which consited for three blasters and some double packs.

SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

ahem... seriously? Way to make money off the gullible.

The only card he is in, is a USA baseball which is only one of 20 jersey cards or one of 18 non jersey cards. A 1/20 chance isn't that bad if those are the only jersey cards that you can pull..... I mean 1/20 blasters though, not packs. ( I haven't pulled anything besides the USA in the past.) Dunno the odds are on the others as I suck at math. Upper deck doesn't list the odds of getting such and such card like Topps does.

They had Allen and Ginter products as well, but no sticker on those and I do believe they have a Strasburg (I think?)

I do like the base cards however which is why I bought two more blasters today. Plus I am a bit gullible and do hope to pull a Strasburg. Shhhhhhhhh, don't tell anyone though

I need to update more

2010-07-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

... Seriously.

It has been two weeks since I have last made a post and I don't like that. I also don't like posting for the sake of posting (which I guess this sort of is). It is one reason I don't comment on a lot of blogs. There are a lot out there that I read daily and I really enjoy doing so. I just don't like commenting if I can't somehow contribute .

On the other hand, I lot of bloggers update daily and even more than that and there posts are always a pleasure to read. I feel bad for being so... lazy. There are some reasons for that though. I am of course.. lazy as well. I readily admit that.

My camera is still broke. I have cards I'd like to upload, but can't. It makes me sad.

..and I haven't bought any cards in weeks. Well, one pack last Friday... but that has been it. I've been saving most of my money for a hobby box, or jumbo of topps series 2. I miss buying cards though. I miss standing in the card isle and oogling all the cards. I'm like a.. well... junkie.

... I just thought I was being cleaver with that last bit. Until I remembered I blog I frequent quite a bit (daily).... "Cardboard Junkie" Durrrr.

Anyhow, I plan on trying to post more. I never thought I would reach 56 followers. It is awesome and I thank you all. I want to give you something to read however and something that isn't crap.

I will be going away fora few days or up to a week though to visit my grandmother, but when I return, I hope to have an improved blog. Or one that doesn't go weeks without posts.

Wear Sunscreen

2010-06-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Chipper should have taken his advice. Look at his neckline.

This is 1993 Topps Stadium card. I have long since forgotten how I obtained it. You can find it on E-bay for 99 cents.

I don't care for the back of the card at all. Chipper looks misrable in the picture, not to mention badly suburned. I don't like the colors used or the image of the slove. The black font is another turn off as well as the way they have it placed on the card.

....

JHHJHJKK! It seems I can't upload the back of the card.

I couldn't upload the front either. I found it online.

I want to chuck the computer out a window.

...Anyone got this card and wouldn't mind uploading the back? Please.

Make sure your camera has enough memory (Video box break)

2010-06-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

.......or else it will cut off without you knowing.

I did record more when I saw what happened, but the second video would not transfer. Besides, that also got cut off as well. (despite the fact that I kept rambling away)

I managed to get most of it though. Sadly no Heyward or Strasburg, but I liked what I got. I also want advice on what to do for future breaks. Camera angles, lighting, speaking. What to do and not to do.

Would anyone want to trade for any of the below that aren't base or chrome? I kind of want to go after the set now.

Shoveling horse shit and hauling rocks in 102 F

2010-06-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wanna know why I was shoveling wet horse shit and hauling rocks oin 100 plus degree weather?

All for

BOWMAN!

.....damn me and my non existent will-power

Picked up the only blaster they had. Yup, I am nothing more than a sheep, a sheep that has been bitten by the Bowman bug and who is hoping she gets a Heyward or a Strasburg.

Also got a pack of 2010 SERIES 2. ..which they finally got in. It wasn't wal-mart where I hit the jackpot, but K-mart.

They had a huge gravity box full of packs that hadn't even been opened. A couple of double rack packs, cereal boxes and blasters.

I was like daaaaaamn. K-mart, mine at least, is not known for keeping up to date on all things baseball. I was usually lucky if they had last year's haul.

....and a note to k-mart, please don't have the only regrister you have open on the card isle. An old lady was giving me a wonky look as I was trying to peer past them at the cards.

Jumping on the Bowman Baaaaaaaaahnd Wagon.

2010-06-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Get it? Bahhhhhh as in what sheeps make, cause I am a sheep and got caught in the Bowman.

Picked up one pack at Wal-Mart. For once they actually had something new. No series 2, but plenty of loose bowman packs, double packs and blasters.

AND GUESS WHAT!!!!???!!

I got a Heyward and Strasburg in one pack!

....Actually I lied , I got neither.

Here is what I did get

Chrome: Bo Greenwell (Indians)
Chrome: Michael Wing(Angels)
1st Bowman: Neil Medchill (Yankees)
1st Bowman: Joe Serafin (White Sox)
Bowman Expectations: Ivan Rodriguez
Topps 100: Jared Mitchel (White Sox)
Victor Martinez (Red Sox)
Kenshin Kawakami (BRAVES)
Josh Beckett (Red Sox)
Aramis Ramirez (Cubs)

Beware the Jay Hey Train

2010-06-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Get out your number two pencils, because it is time for a pop quiz.

What happens when 5'11 and 180 pounds collides with 6'5 and 240 pounds?

A) whole lot of hurt.

B) like having run into you

C) like being ran over by

or

D) all the above

If you answered D you are correct.

Jason Heyward and Nate Mclouth where both going for a ball hit to right center field when they collided. Mclouth got knocked for a loop and went down HARD.

Scared the hell out of me when I saw it. He had to be taken out of the game. It seemed like forever before they got him in upright position. He walked out on his own thankfully. I don't know how bad he is hurt. Hopefully not much.

Thank you...(I forget)

2010-06-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

I got a package in the mail last week. It had a lot of Brave cards and some upper deck X cards as well.

There is only one problem, I forgot who it was from.

I wasn't expecting anything, or I was, I had forgotten. I threw away the box the cards came in when I was in cleaning spree, only realizing after wards that I needed to get a second look at the name to thank whoever it was. It also had a note which I have amanged to misplace as well.

So if you are that person, thank you for the cards! ..and tell me who you are.

I have no camera to post cards anymore either. I broked it. :(

You know you talk to much about the Braves, when...

2010-06-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

So last week I spent a night with my aunt. She raises my cousin's four year old daughter. We call her Rosie.

Anyhow, they (my aunt and grandmother) had mentioned that I would be spending the night and Rosie responds with....

"I don't get no Bobby Jones on my TV."

My five year old nephew used to to mix up Brian McCann and John McCain, back when he was running for president.

Me: "Who is running for President?"

Him: " Brian McCain."

.....You can't tell our political views at all.

and every person in a uniform he used to see was "Chipper."

When he was three and watching a football game he had said "There goes Chipper, running down the field."

What can I say, I like recuting Brave fans early on.

Upper deck 2010

2010-06-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have zero will power.

I told myself I would stick to one set.

Then I told myself I would stick to two sets.

Now I will tell myself to stick with just three sets. No more. I can't afford anymore. Hell, I can't afford the sets I am going after, but I ain't backing down now. I've already bought a blaster and two rack packs as well as a JUMBO pack. .....and soon to be another blaster.

WHAT I LIKE

I like the action shots of the player. There are some good crisp, clean shots. I like the little image of the player as well. It lets me get a better look at them as some of the shots don't always show their face. I also like how the back of the card is designed, with the info blurb on the side in a box and the basic info in another box. Makes it easier for me to read and neater.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE

The silver writing on the front should be white. I find it hard to read. The space between the upper deck series 2010 mubo jumbo at the bottom and the end of the stats. is to... glaring. Glaring is the wrong word, but I don't like all that space. They could have done something. Made the font a size larger or something.

I am nowhere near to completing the set. I don't even have the cards in order yet, let alone a want list, but I will work on that.

I was hoping that some of you collected this set as well so I could trade away my doubles . I haven't seen where many people have stated they are going after this set, so if you know anyone that does, let me know.

Get your rear in gear wal-mart!

2010-05-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Yup, another wal-mart rant!

Buuuuut this was a different wal-mart!

This evening I went into Wal-Mart eagerly expecting to find Topps series 2. After all they had come out (Wow, has it only been two days? I was going to say a week ago) Thursday, surely they would have them out and ready.

Nope. There was nary a pack in sight. Just the series 1 cards.

I circled the display four times, each time expecting the cards to miraculously appear. (they didn't) I even searched through the lose packs and looked behind blaster boxes to see if they where hidden, like the prize in the cracker jack box.

...which suck now. The prizes in Cracker Jack boxes suck. They are just pieces of paper with jokes or riddle son them. I WANT A DAMNED PLASTIC RING!

And there are hardily ever prizes in cereal anymore. I remember a few years back they put mini bobble heads of baseball players in cereal. ..I forget which kind, but they had a Chipper and I went through four boxes before I found him. Best prize in a cereal box ever!

Now it is all for stuff you have to send away for. Money grubbing bastards.

...oh yea, this is a rant about wal-mart. HURRY UP AND GET TOPPS SEIRES 2 CARDS! I waaaaaaaaaaaaant them.

Nitpicks.

2010-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Or more of a whine than a nitpick. I like the word nitpick though.

With Topps series 2 coming out (I always thought it was released mid season, as in mid baseball season. Another rookie mistake) I've been doing a little looking around at the previews blogs and sites have been showing of the cards.

I found a site that mentioned the inserts/base/etc being released. Here. I was all excited to see what cards of the "When They Where young" insert they where going to have. After scrolling up and down a few times however, I realized they where not mentioned. All the other inserts where there, just not that one..

Baaaaaaaaaaaah! The one insert I actively went after and it doesn't appear to be coming out in series 2. I can't find anything on Google as all it does is link me to series 1 cards.

...and I need to update my want list. I am lazy and a procrastinator though.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY!

2010-05-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today Bobby Cox Turns 69. I wish him a happy birthday!

To celebrate I leave you with a tribute to his many ejections.

Signs you spend to much time blogging.

2010-05-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

When you start having dreams about envelopes and cards.

I dreamed I got a brown envelope from a fellow blogger last night. I don't know who it was from. I want to say night owl for some reason though. The package had a small pack of cards. I don't remember the cards or even if I looked at them. What I do remember, was a hairband held them together.

There was a note that read, "Sorry I couldn't get you what you wanted." There was also money, which was rolled up with the note. It was 12 dollars. One ten dollar bill and two ones. Plus there was a roll of quarters.

My mom was also in the dream, as dream me was excited about the package and money and I had called her into my room.

The odd thing is, or odder, the blogger wanted me to spend the money on cat food. ...Our local bi-lo has this bin where you can donate pet food to a local shelter and they never seem to have a lot of cat food, just dog food.

The quarters ended up going into my baseball card fund, which was an empty hobby box of 09 Tickets to stardom. (which I still have on my desk. I also actually have a baseball card fund, but it is in a plastic coffee container)

I LOVE YOU CONRAD!!!!!!!

2010-05-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, BASES LOADED, DOWN 3...

BROOKS CONRAD GETS A WALK OFF GRAND SLAM TO WIN THE GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!

10-9! 10-9! 10-9! 10-9! 10-9! 10-9! 10-9! 10-9!

SEVEN RUN INNING!

Holy shit what an inning! 9-3 in the bottom of the ninth and we came back! I am ashamed to admit I didn't think it would happen. In fact, I was praying for a short inning just to end it all so at least I could see Chipper's huning special and have something good to watch.

BUT WE WON AND CHIPPER'S SHOW CAME ON ANYWAYS!

THE WHOLE THING!

Update your baseball shelf walmart!

2010-05-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have been to the card isle of our local Wal-mart weekly, sometimes more than that, and they never seem to update their baseball card isle or card isle in general. I have bought every single Heritage blaster they had, which was four. Every time I would go to get a new one there would also be one less. I bought the last one weeks ago and still have no new blasters.

I also bought the last upper deck series 1 blaster they had, which I think was the same amount they had a week ago. (Someone out there has to collect this set besides me)

and is there only one series this year? The whole lawsuit deal is icky and I generrally stay out of stupid legal things like that.

....Oh wait, I lie. They do update their gravity fed packs, but the blasters and double backs don't seem to ever grow, just shrink.

and why are they still selling topps 2009 blasters for 19.99? Shouldn't they be marked to half price?

Am I saying it right?

2010-05-13T18:40:00.001-07:00

Chicle that is. I think I said it Chick-ul. (This computer has no sound, nor the camera I recorded on) Did I say it right? Butcher it?

... why chicle anyhow? I thought it was National Circle when I first started reading about it. Shows you how much I pay attention.

Oh and yea.. the video sucks. Lighting sucks and I held the cards up to high... and I was rather rough with them.

Quit Plunking McCann!

2010-05-11T15:26:00.001-07:00

That is the fourth time in ten games he has been hit. Is it his stance, or what? His eyes are giving him trouble, but geez. I think all of the hits have been at night games. The last two anyhow. I just hope he doesn't get hurt.

Glad to see Heyward is back. Glad to see us winning. Not glad to see you know who injured again. I bet the one game I manage to attend this year will be with him hurt somehow.

I really want J.J to come back. Doesn't look like that will happen any time soon though K.K needs to... I don't know. I know he hasn't been given much run support, but 0-6?

I had planned on posting a two pack video break of National Chicle but blogger isn't cooperating and now my camera is broke. I can't upload the cards I wanted for the blaster blogger league.

...and this is turning into a bitch fest.

I need happy news. The Braves are winning. We are winning. 10-3! We won last night. Prado got a Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand slam. The pitchers are doing good, Tommy and Hudson anyhow. We will be back home soon. I got a Brave in my pack of Chicle. I.... am out of good news.

Late, but....

2010-05-03T18:32:00.001-07:00

Mother nature is a Met fan.

2010-04-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Six innings and the game was called due to rain. Tommy Hanson had a big old L by his name when it scrolled by on the bottom of ESPN. Even worse is how that one run got on the board. I will not say it out loud. Or type it out loud.

Tommy Hanson was kicking ass. ASS. Rear end, Tailbone, booty, backside. ...butt.

I didn't even know they could call the game off like that. I mean, they have in the past but usually it was the eight or ninth inning and they where ahead by a boatload of runs.

If it where for bad luck, the Braves would have none at all.

Here I was all excited to see Chipper back in the lineup.

I'm depressed and going to bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIPPER JONES!

2010-04-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy birth day to you,

Happy birthday dear injury prone baseman..... who injured himself again,

Happy birthday to you!

I even bought a cupcake to celebrate the day!

4 ERRORS! ... and the game isn't even over yet!

2010-04-23T18:39:00.001-07:00

two of them by Chipper.

What is wrong with the Braves tonight?! K.K is going to lose AGAIN. The guy needs more run support or less errors made.

Three runs that shouldn't have happened.

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

and it had to be against the Mets in New York.

I don't get it!

2010-04-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Topps opening day cards baffle me. I had originally thought that the cards featured pictures of the players from opening day of the last season. Granted it wouldn't make sense to call them Opening day 2010, when they where from opening day 2009. Unless they released the cards at the end of the season of 2009.

Boy, was I an idiot.

They are exactly like the regular base Topps Series one cards, just with the opening day logo in the upper left hand corner. Same design, same pictures, same info. The only difference is the number on the back and the logo. WHOOP DE DO! (that was sarcasm btw)

It's stupid. It's pointless. It is a waste of damn cards.

They don't even come OUT on opening day! What the fruitcake?! Seriously. That makes sense at least. It's sill stupid as shit, but it makes sense.

Can someone please tell me what the purpose of these cards are? Is there something I am missing?

My throat hurts.

2010-04-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Anyone care to guess why?

California, New York, Illinois....

2010-04-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

and now SOUTH CAROLINA!

What do those states have in common? It is where THIS

card has traveled thus far!

WickedLiquids from Trade Bait Got the awesome idea to send a baseball card from blogger to blogger and have them sign it. I got the card from TheBrooklynMet. You can read about it by clicking the Trade Bait link.

I have now signed it and am ready to send if off yet again. Maybe YOU will get the card one day soon.

Dammit! Dammit! GOSH DARN IT!

2010-04-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Injury prone third baseman is injured AGAIN!

3 games in and he is injured! Jeez Chipper >__<.

I can't believe I missed it. I kept flipping between it and Bones. I should have known something was up as McCann kept coming up when Chipper should have been and I simply thought I had just missed him.

He had BETTER BE BACK SOON!

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

We need him healthy. I don't remember last time he's played nearly a full season.

Yes, I need to calm down

Yes, I am overreacting.

The Brave me and the other me.

2010-04-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

It is odd. Most of the time I have a hard time ordering for myself in a resturaunt. I fear phones, answering and picking them up scares me. There mere thought of talking to someone I don't know, feels me with a near panic. Most of the time in a group setting I stay nearly mute. I don't like bringing attention to myself. I prefer to stay in the shadows, way in the shadows.

I have a social anxiety and anxiety in general. Most of the time I am a basket case. I find it hard to function in the real world, likely why I'm jobless and can't drive (You do not want me behind the wheel of a car)

Yet that all changes the moment I go to a Braves Game.

Sometime just takes over. I yell and scream and cheer and become ever so slightly obnoxious. I almost always lose my voice at games. Every Brave that comes up I stand up and cheer for. When Chipper comes up to bat I shout at him. C'MON CHIPPER!" LET'S GO CHIPPER!" I have booed before and booed loudly. It was at a umpire. When they score I stand and clap and scream and go WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I feel happy and elated, and at home. I don't even feel at home at home some of the time.

Just approaching the field from the car makes me estatic.

I wish there was a way to bring the two together. The loud and proud Brave fan, and the meek and meager other me. Slightly toned down of course. C'MON MCDONALD'S WORKER! LET'S GET THAT SANDWHICH MADE! YOU CAN DO IT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I HAVE FRIES! I HAVE FRIIIIIIIIIIIES!

When the game ends though, there goes the the loud and proud me and it doesn't come back until I attend another game.

..... If only there was a way to live at Turner Field.