Steve's Notebook Blog

When I was 12 years old, I traded a couple 1991 Nolan Ryan cards to a friend for a 1969 Brooks Robinson.  It was a fair trade at the time, before everyone realized that baseball cards from the late 80′s and early 90′s were overproduced and practically worthless.  So the trade worked out in my favor and now almost 20 years later the 1969 Brooks Robinson is one of the cornerstones of my collection.

Since the card has some sentimental value and Brooks Robinson is still alive and well, I decided to send it to him to autograph it.  Here’s what I got back:

Now this is something I can pass on to my children when I die.  Brooks Robinson is a Hall of Famer, which means he will be remembered as long as baseball is played in America.

If you want your own Brooks Robinson autograph, check out his website over at BrooksRobinson.com

I recently pulled the most valuable baseball card I’ve ever pulled from a pack.  It was a redemption card, and I just received the redeemed card by certified mail today.  It’s a Gordon Beckham autographed card that has been selling on eBay for up to $125 recently.  They come one in every 100 boxes of 2009 Topps baseball cards.

So who is this Gordon Beckham player?  He’s a 23-year-old infielder for the Chicago White Sox, and a player many people believe will be their next star player.

I’m not going to keep the card though.  I’m going to sell it as soon as possible while it’s hot because I’ve been around long enough to see over-hyped players and over-hyped cards fizzle into oblivion.  For the kind of money this card has been selling for, I can get an autographed photo of a proven player and Hall of Famer… and still have money left over for a nice steak dinner.

I just received a baseball card display case that I ordered online at DisplayGifts.com today.  I’m impressed with the quality of the display.  I figure there’s no point in collecting something unless you can display it, and this does the job nicely.

Speaking of baseball cards, I received another through-the-mail autograph a couple days ago.  Brandon Allen is the Arizona Diamondbacks’ top first base prospect.  So far in Spring Training, he’s batting .344 with a couple home runs.

Amid piles of advertisements and junk in my mailbox today, I got one pleasant surprise.  Florida Marlins future star Cameron Maybin responded to my through-the-mail autograph request at his Spring Training address in Florida.  His autograph is one of the most impressive ones I’ve seen.  It’s really neat how the card shows his uniform number prominently, and Cameron added his uniform number to his autograph as well.

I sent out a batch of about a dozen autograph requests a couple weeks ago to the Spring Training addresses of some of the best young baseball prospects out there.  Dustin Ackley was the first one to return my card and he has a neat looking autograph.  I like how he personalized the card right above the horizon in the background.

Dustin Ackley was drafted last year out of the University of North Carolina, whose baseball team he led to the 2009 College Baseball World Series.  He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round, second pick overall (behind Stephen Strasburg).  He’ll start the 2010 baseball season with the AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.

Albert Pujols is probably the best baseball player of the decade who hasn’t been tainted by scandals. Check out my new Albert Pujols collection.

It was a battle between the best team in the league and the worst team in the league.  Last night however, Goliath won.  Not only did Goliath give David a sound thrashing, but he also beat him with a baseball bat while he was down.  It was kind of painful to watch, as the Washington Nationals were defeated on their home field 14-2.  And I was there…

It seemed like most of the audience consisted of Los Angeles Dodgers fans.  It’s a long way from California, so they were here looking for a dramatic display of power, and that’s exactly what they got.  The Dodgers scored 7 runs in the 4th inning and 6 in the 7th.  I stopped keeping count of their runs after the 4th inning.

The Nationals were already eliminated from playoff contention a few weeks ago, so I was at the game mainly to see the Dodgers in person before they go into the playoffs.  The Adam Dunn home run, coupled with the fireworks display that followed, was an awesome experience.  It was also pretty cool to see Chin-Lung Hu (胡金龍), the first Taiwanese infielder ever to play in the Major Leagues, make a plate appearance (and strike out).  Future Hall of Fame contender and 500-HR clubber Jim Thome also made a surprise appearance (and grounded out).  Then of course, there was Manny Being Manny, who drew boos at every plate appearance.

The box score for the game can be found here.  As I write this, the Nationals and Dodgers are playing game 2 of their 3-game series at Nationals Park and the score is tied 3-3 in the 8th inning.  Whether the Nationals win or lose tonight, I’ll look forward to seeing the Dodgers play in the playoffs next month on TV.

Anyone who has ever collected baseball cards might find today’s news interesting.  Topps is now the last baseball card company left producing official baseball cards.

Pinnacle went bankrupt in 1998.  Pacific exited the market in 2001.  Fleer went bankrupt in 2005.  Donruss lost its license in 2006.  And now Upper Deck has lost its license also.  That leaves only Topps, which has been producing baseball cards since the 1950s.

Good thing I only collect Topps.

Randy Johnson is one of the few players still playing baseball who was also playing when I was a kid in the late 80′s.  He’s an impressive 6’10″ intense beast of a pitcher, known for killing a bird with a baseball, pitching a perfect game, and having one of the best hair and mustache combos ever.

Well I tried to go watch him make history last night, but God said “no way” and brought down intense rain and lightning bolts to stop it.

I had another chance today, but I decided against it because it was raining all day, and the forecast called for more rain today through tomorrow.  Big mistake.

The rain cleared up and the game went on today.  Randy Johnson pitched a strong 6 innings allowing only 2 hits and 1 walk, and the rest is history.  Randy Johnson became only the 24th pitcher in the history of baseball to win 300 games tonight at Nationals Park, just a few miles away from my home, and I had tickets to the game.

The tickets are still valid to trade in to watch any game this season, so I’ll have to try to make it a good one… but it’s hard to top tonight’s game.

Jose is 6’4″, but he looked so small against 7’2″ Hong Man Choi.  He lasted about 2 minutes, but at least escaped with his life.

Another autograph came in the mail last week:

Neftali Feliz is the top prospect in the Texas Rangers organization (according to Baseball America).  This 21-year-old Dominican pitcher is currently pitching for the AAA Oklahoma City RedHawks, where he is striking batters out like crazy.

This week I received TTM autographs from two more future baseball stars – Nate Schierholtz and Brian Matusz.

Nate Schierholtz is a 25-year-old right fielder for the San Francisco Giants.  He played for Team USA in last year’s Olympic games in Beijing.

Brian Matusz was the 4th pick overall in last year’s draft.  He is currently playing for the Frederick Keys minor league baseball team in Maryland.

Former baseball superstar Jose Canseco has agreed to take on 7’2″ Korean giant Hong Man Choi in a mixed martial arts no holds barred fight later this month.  Remember last time Canseco did one of these, he was knocked out in the first round by the much smaller Vai Sikahema (click to see video).  This time, he’s taking on a professional kickboxer who’s much bigger than him.  Has Jose bit off more than he can chew?  Here’s some footage of Hong Man Choi so you can determine for yourself:

Yesterday I took my bro and dad to see everybody’s most beloved worst team in baseball, the Washington Nationals.  I’ve posted a full writeup and lots of pictures at my baseball blog.

I got Brett Carroll’s autograph in the mail today.  It’s smudged and the card is slightly damaged, but I’m not in this for reselling.  I’m just happy to have his autograph so someday when he becomes a big star I can admire this piece of memorabilia with my kids.

Also, I have to mention that he didn’t return my card using the self-addressed stamped envelope I sent him.  He actually hand-addressed and stamped official Florida Marlins stationary to mail it back to me.  That’s awesome.  It makes me think higher of him as a person.

I picked Brett Carroll for the autograph request because his stellar .314 batting average and 19 home runs with the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes in 2007 fits the profile of a future star in the Major Leagues.

Earlier this week, he took part in the pounding the Marlins unloaded on the Washington Nationals.  Brett played in all three games as a pinch hitter and outfielder, getting one hit and scoring a run.

Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball.  To make my day extra special, I came home to find Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones’ autograph in my mailbox.  Then as I’m admiring his autograph, he proceeds to go 3-for-3 with a triple to rout the New York Yankees.  How awesome is that?

Adam Jones is now the major league leader in batting average, even if it will only be for today.

…and these are two really good ones.

Matt Wieters – Catcher – Baltimore Orioles

Out of all the young players I sent cards to for autographs, I’d say Matt Wieters is the player most likely to succeed in the Major Leagues.  He was drafted 5th overall in the 2007 draft, and was Baseball America’s #1 prospect last year.  After a promising Spring Training workout in Florida, he will report to the AAA Norfolk Tides on Monday.

Joe Saunders – Starting Pitcher – Los Angeles Angels

At the start of Spring Training, I mailed out 16 autograph requests to current prospects, 7 requests to last year’s prospects, and 1 to a wild card.  The wild card was Joe Saunders.  He’s not exactly a prospect, since he already succeeded in the Major Leagues and played in last year’s All-Star game.

I made a request to Joe Saunders because he is a fellow Hokie.  In fact, he is the only former Virginia Tech student currently playing in the Major Leagues.  Joe was pitching for the Hokies 2000-2001, while I was also a student at VT.  I actually went to a couple VT baseball games during that time period, but I don’t remember any of the players’ names.

The card I got autographed from him is actually the same card that I scanned and posted as a Pull of the Week a couple months ago.

1999 Topps Ryan #1 Nolan Ryan (Finest) (Reprint)

It’s been a few weeks since I last did one of these posts, so consider this a “Pull of the Month”.  A couple weeks ago I pulled 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie card reprint.  This is easily the best card I’ve pulled out of a pack yet.

Nolan Ryan Finest Reprint cards came 1 in 72 packs of 1999 Topps.  There are 27 cards in a Topps Ryan set, so this specific card came 1 in every 1,944 packs (54 boxes).  It has a book value of around $20, but street value of more like $10.

I’d rather have the original rookie card, but the book value of the original is about $500 (ebay “street” value more like $200).

2006 Topps #311 Joe Saunders (Rookie)

Joe Saunders is currently a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  He has special significance locally (locally, as in Virginia) because he was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and attended Virginia Tech.  At Virginia Tech, he tied for the third most wins in school history.

He debuted in the Major Leagues in 2005, and made the All-Star team in 2008.  He ended 2008 with a 17-7 record for the Angels.

2002 Topps Gold #31 Kevin Tapani

This card is serial numbered 362 out of 2002.

Kevin Tapani pitched 1989-2001, mostly for the Twins and the Cubs.  This is his final Topps card, showing his entire career on the back.  His best season was probably 1998, when he went 19-9 for the Cubs.

His final career stats are:

143-125 W-L record

1482 Strikeouts

4.35 ERA

It’s nothing legendary, but a good career nonetheless.

1995 Topps #295 Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux just announced his retirement last month.  He is a living baseball legend whose achievements are similar to such baseball greats as Steve Carlton, Bob Feller, and Sandy Koufax.  We’ll see him in the Hall of Fame in five years when he becomes eligible.

“Pure pitching-wise, he’s the best I’ve ever seen.”, says Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox of the sensational Maddux.  From the end of the 1993 season into ‘94 Greg strung together 15 straight starts allowing 2 or fewer ER.“

2003 Topps Red Backs #TRB37 Carlos Delgado

A recent trend in baseball cards has been to issue new cards using old designs.  It’s an interesting concept that collectors generally seem to like.

This week’s Pull of the Week is a 2003 Carlos Delgado, in the style of 1951 Topps Red Backs.

2003 Topps Record Breakers #RB-TH Todd Helton

“In his epic 2000 season, Helton led the NL in hits (216), total bases (405), RBI (147), doubles (59), batting (.372) and slugging (.698).  Despite all that bashing, he also walked 103 times, leading to an NL-high and Rockies-record .463 on-base percentage.  In August, Todd hit .476 with a .548 OBP.“

2007 Topps Hit Parade #HP1 Barry Bonds

Steroids or not, there’s no denying that Barry Bonds has more home runs than anyone else.  Maybe they should make a separate league where every player is jacked up on steroids and performance enhancing drugs.  That might be interesting to watch.

1995 Topps #588 Cal Ripken

Cal Ripken, “Iron Man”, one of the most sought-after cards in the 1995 Topps set.  What makes him so great?

The back of the card says, “Cal is the majors’ all-time leading HR hitter among shortstops“.

And then all you have to do is look at the “G” column of stats on the back of his card (the left-most column, representing games played).  Red ink represents leading the league:

He didn’t miss a game since 1982.  His streak ended in 1998.

2000 Topps #238 Cal Ripken (Magic Moments)

The Cal Ripken Magic Moments card is one of the most sought-after cards in the 2000 Topps base set.  It comes in five variations: 400th Home Run, 2131st Consecutive Game, Consecutive Game Streak Ends, 1982 AL ROY, and 1991 MVP.  Obviously, I have the Consecutive Game Streak Ends variation.  From the back:

“Cal finally took a day off on Sept. 20, 1998, when, 30 minutes before the Orioles’ final home game of the season, he asked manager Ray Miller to remove him from the starting lineup.  Thus, when rookie Ryan Minor took over at third base, Ripken’s consecutive game streak ended at 2,632 games.  Four years and 501 games after he broke Lou Gehrig’s record in ‘95, it was the first time since May 29, 1982, that Cal did not play.  After sitting out, Ripken played in each of the club’s final seven games.”

2000 Topps #236 Mark McGwire Magic Moments

The theme for Topps baseball cards in 2000 was home run-hitting.  Topps released commemorative cards of Mark McGwire and Hank Aaron.  This was before the steroid scandals came to light and everyone thought McGwire was going to break Hank Aaron’s all-time record of 755 career home runs.

“Not slowing down after his historic 62nd home run, McGwire put the finishing touches on his magical campaign when he hit his mind-boggling 70th on September 27, 1998.  Having hit number 69 earlier in the Cardinals’ season finale, at home against Montreal, Big Mac stepped up with two men aboard in the seventh inning and smashed the first pitch from Carl Pavano 370 feet into the left field stands.  For the year, 39 of his home runs traveled at least 400 feet, covering a total distance of 5.6 miles.”

Of course, then came the steroid scandals.  McGwire’s power abruptly dissipated and he retired.  Then Barry Bonds began taking steroids and became the one to shatter both McGwire’s and Aaron’s home run records.

1998 Topps Clemente #3 Bob Clemente

This is a 1998 reprint of Roberto Clemente’s 1957 Topps card.  This is one of the more rare cards I’ve gotten.  Chances of getting this exact card in a pack is 1:342.

“Bob thrived on Major League pitching last season as he enjoyed the best year of his baseball career.  He placed third in N.L. Batting, running just behind his Pittsburgh teammate Bill Virdon.  These two flychasers teamed up to give the Pirates one of the best hitting outfields in the League.  Bob also demonstrated his timely hitting by posting a .300 Average in 10 pinch hit appearances.”

2008 Topps Year in Review #YR17 Dmitri Young

I was taken aback for a moment when I saw the VT cap on Dmitri Young.  I spent 8 years enrolled at Virginia Tech and I know one of the students who was shot that day.  I also currently live on the outskirts of Washington D.C., so this card hits close to home.

From the back of the card:

NATS HONOR SLAIN WITH VT CAPS

One day after the tragedy at Virginia Tech left 32 students and faculty slain, the Nationals lost to the Braves but won hearts by paying their respects.  The closest thing VT has to a “hometown” MLB team, Washington wore Hokies hats for the game.  One, donned by Chris Snelling, was sent to the Hall of Fame.

2002 Topps Gold #528 Kerry Robinson (serial #0653/2002)

Kerry Robinson was an outfielder who played in the major leagues 1998-2007.  During his 10-year major league career, he played for 5 different MLB teams and 10 different minor league teams.  During that time period, the only team he spent the entire season with was the AAA Columbus Clippers in 2000.

This card is serial numbered 0653/2002, which means there are only 2002 of this card in existance.  That’s pretty cool.  Too bad the player didn’t amount to much.