The way the NHL currently breaks down the teams is the greatest. Having two guys be captains select teams in a draft format is the best. It gives you squads that can be a ton of fun, and who doesn’t like seeing the potential for teammates to face off against one another.

I wish the NBA would do something similar. Then again that is pretty much how we got the current Miami Heat squad.

-K-

It’s not the easiest to read but it’s skillfully presented. It has a great stylish look.

You can tell he takes his time.

It helps that the guy with such a nice auto is such a badass.Based on his reputation I would have expected something a little less refined, like a smudged happy face covered in blood or something.

-K-

Topps recent preview images of their newest giveaway for Topps series 1

I like it, but it looks kinda familier…

…where have I seen it before?

Just saying.

-K-

I picked this guy up for less than $30 a few years ago, not a bad get.

-K-

As a grizzled older and jaded collector I am part of the hobby that has to immediately think of the value of any card I bust. Don’t lie and tell me you don’t think about it, we all do.

These guys are like my son and his buddies, getting cards alone is the goal. When asked his favorite card my son answers “hockey”. If you ask me I have to qualify it with my favorite auto, relic, rookie or my favorite I pulled myself versus my favorite ebay pick up. For him it is simple, it’s just hockey.

-K-

Anyway

This got me thinking. If Eli wins another ring does he move into the number 1 Giants QB spot?

I say No. That spot belongs to one guy and one guy only.

I don’t want to brag but a few facts about this card:

- It is his rookie card
- It is all mine

Booyah

The Hoss took over for an injured Phil Simms in mid December 1990 and took the Giants on a crazy run that ended with a Super Bowl win. Plus he has a hall of fame caliber mustache.

That aint no ironic hipster growth, that is a no joke ‘stache.

Up until he took over he had thrown just over 100 yards in his 7 years as a back up.

Even though his rookie season was 1984 his first card didn’t show up until 1990. In an age where even 7th rounders get a handful of cards it’s crazy to imagine waiting 7 years for a dude to show up on cardboard.

-K-

After 17 season, 4 World Series titles and a mess of other achievements #20 is calling it quits.

His production has dropped and last season it became obvious the old man’s service were no longer needed by the Yankees.

He could have found some swings as a DH for another team but he decided to just bow out. A pretty classy move. It will help his legacy for sure. I don’t fault guys that hang on a few extra years though but I do like a dude that plays his entire career in one uniform.

He had a great run, the aforementioned rings, as well as playing in two other fall classics. He was also a 5 time all-star.

Most importantly he and fellow Yankees Jeter and Mo were the face of the late ’90s early ’00s Yankees. Love them or hate them you must admit they had a hell of a run.

He also picked up 5 silver sluggers. All in all not too bad for a 24th rounder.

His numbers were solid for a catcher and that combined with his place on 4 world championship squads gives him a solid shot at the Hall. It may not be fair but pinstripes has it’s privileges.

I always liked Jorge and hate to see him go. I have a decent chunk of his cards, my favorite being this guy.

-K-

It’s part of group of cards going up for auction from a private collection.

I am not the biggest Rose fan, in fact he seems like a bit of a jerk, but you can’t deny the coolness factor of this card. I placed it #3 on my all time greatest Topps list. It is such an epic and timeless card. This example in particular is amazing. look at those corners and color. Sweetness.

I would love to have this card simpley because of it’s significance to baseball and the hobby.

I bet it sells for well over $50, easy.

-K-

Two of these guys I traded for but one came straight from the redemption code. Easily the best card I have landed straight from a redemption code from either of Topps giveaways. A certain sure fire HOFer.

A little on the rough side but still pretty darn cool.

It is one of few cards worth a damn from the late ’80s. ’89 Topps is one of my favorite designs all time.

The next card came from a trade for some random early ’60s commons. It is from another one of my favorite designs.

1988 holds a special place in my families collecting history. I was collecting cards before ’88 but that was the year it become a family obsession. I have great memories of opening ’88 Topps packs with my dad, brother and sister. My mom just kinda watched.

At the time vets like Strawberry, Mattingly, Puckett and Bonds were the guys that got us excited. Now Ken here is one of the few cards worth more than a couple of dimes from the set. A pretty cool get.

The final card is a no-brainer.

Boo-yah. I traded a couple of 1974 commons for this guy, a steal.

I love Herbie and the 1984 design. I miss the old road unis. A win all around.

I have a few more cards in my account. Unless I can trade them for something worthwhile they will most likely stay there until the promotion expires.

I am a fan of these redemption and hope Topps can keep doing them.

-K-

He will be hitting homeruns against the Twins sad rotation for the next 9 years.

Surprisingly I have very few Prince Fielder rookies.

I just noticed that the the Bowman Heritage and Turkey Red cards have very similar photos. I miss both those sets.

Prince signed a 9 year deal worth a zillion dollars.

I am not happy that the Twins have to face off against Cecil’s little boy on a regular basis. The Tigers have put together quite the squad, man alive.

I bet Dennis is happy.

-K-