Look back: 2010

Is it just me or did this year go by too fast? Here we are at the end of 2010. I wanted to take a moment this morning to look back at the goals I posted last January in my "Look ahead: 2010" post. I'm proud to be able to say we completed them all!

• Progress: 350/990 - COMPLETED! We easily met this goal and currently have 363 signed 2008 Topps cards. Don't tell anyone but that number is unofficially even a little higher. I have a stack of cards sitting here on my desk that I need to scan and do a post for.


• 2008 Topps Opening Day - COMPLETED! I was hoping to have 10 signed Opening Day cards by the end of the year and we got 13!


• Custom Cards - COMPLETED! Custom Card Sunday kind of fizzled out mid-summer but not after I posted 20+ custom cards. I have a few more that I created but never made their way to the blog. I wouldn't be too surprised to see a resurgence sometime in 2011.


• Keep My Blog Alive - COMPLETED! We hit a dry spell in June when we only had 2 posts in three weeks but My 2008 Topps Set Blog came back strong in July and we averaged over 20 posts a month for the rest of the year.

All in all it was a good collecting year. I had a great time watching baseball and getting autographs during Spring Training and the Arizona Fall League with my dad & son. Can't wait for next year!

2008 Topps Chrome Refractors Lot # 2

Added a few more Refractors to our collection. Hopefully we can get a few of them signed. My favorite out of these nine is the Brandon Phillips Blue Refractor.

# UH 215 - Josh Hamilton

Got a nice Christmas present from the 2010 American League MVP. Josh Hamilton signed his All-Star card from the 08 Topps set for our collection. I was a surprised to get this one back after the monster year Josh had. I'm glad to know he hasn't forgotten about his fans. He's been one of my favorites since he played in the Arizona Fall League in 2001. Getting this card totally made my day.

# UH 215 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 363/990

# TR-AD - Adam Dunn - Relic Card

We recently added this Adam Dunn jersey card to our 08 Topps collection. We have at least six cards from this insert set. I'm pretty sure there's a seventh one around here somewhere too.

# TR-AD - Adam Dunn

# 530 - Ryan Zimmerman

2009 National League All-Star, Ryan Zimmerman signed a card for our set. We recently sent Ryan an autograph request along with a small donation to his charity, ziMS Foundation. Ryan's charity helps raise money for families effected by Multiple Sclerosis. If you're interested in organizing you're own charity events, visit socialworkdegree.org for some helpful resources. Pretty cool to get an autograph from a current star through the mail.

# 530 - Ryan Zimmerman

Progress: 362/990

# 307 - Shawn Hill

Our friend, Raiderdan, sent us a lot of signed 08 Topps cards this year. We're very thankful for all of his contributions to our set.

The latest card he sent over is of Washington Nationals pitcher, Shawn Hill. I thought Shawn has a pretty cool autograph. Glad to have this great looking card in our collection.

# 307 - Shawn Hill

Progress: 361/990

# UH 57 - Ramon Castro - Gold Border Parallel

Here's our second signed gold border parallel card. This one is of former New York Mets catcher, Ramon Castro.

# UH 57 - Ramon Castro - Gold Border Parallel

# HA-DB - Daric Barton - Certified Auto

Here's another card my dad bought for our collection. It's a certified autograph of Oakland A's first baseman, Daric Barton. These were inserts in Series 1 of the 08 Topps set. Thanks again, Dad!

# HA-DB - Daric Barton - Certified Auto

# 95 - Frank Thomas - Opening Day

My dad gave this one to me as a present for my son a few weeks ago. Frank Thomas was always one of my favorite players growing up. Another nice card for our collection. Thanks, Dad!

# 95 - Frank Thomas - Opening Day

# 309 - John Bowker

Another day, another signed 08 Topps card. This one is of former Giants infielder, John Bowker. John is now with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In other blog-related news, I just got the prize for our first contest. It was donated to us by the fine folks at Atlanta Sports Cards. I'm still debating on how I want to give it away. Right now I'm shooting for something simple beginning on New Year's day.

# 309 - John Bowker

Progress: 360/990

# UH 319 - Ruben Gotay

We got this Ruben Gotay card in a trade with a friend on SportsGraphing.com. Looks like Ruben signed it sideways.

# UH 319 - Ruben Gotay

Progress: 359/990

# UH 326 - Kevin Mench

Former Texas Rangers slugger, Kevin Mench spent most of 2010 with the Syracuse Chiefs. That's where a friend got this card signed for us. Kevin was called up near the end of the season and played in 27 games for the Washington Nationals.

# UH 326 - Kevin Mench

Progress: 358/990

# 232 - Ross Ohlendorf - Chrome Certified Auto

I liked the Brian Barton Chrome auto I picked up last week so much, I wanted to get another. I bought this Ross Ohlendorf off eBay for $2 and free shipping.

# 232 - Ross Ohlendorf ( Chrome Certified Auto )

# 19 - Robinson Tejada

A friend from SweetSpotGraphs.com was able to get us a few 08 Topps cards signed last season. His home team is the Kansas City Royals so all four cards are of players who were on the Royals at some point last year.

The final card is of former Texas Rangers reliever, Robinson Tejada. Tejada has been with the Royals since June 2008 when they claimed him off waivers from Texas.

# 19 - Robinson Tejada

Progress: 357/990

# 597 - Kyle Davies

A friend from SweetSpotGraphs.com was able to get us a few 08 Topps cards signed last season. His home team is the Kansas City Royals so all four cards are of players who were on the Royals at some point last year.

Next up is Royals starting pitcher, Kyle Davies.

# 597 - Kyle Davies

Progress: 356/990

# UH 109 - Alberto Callaspo

A friend from SweetSpotGraphs.com was able to get us a few 08 Topps cards signed last season. His home team is the Kansas City Royals so all four cards are of players who were on the Royals at some point last year.

The second card is of infielder, Alberto Callaspo. Alberto started 2010 with the Royals but was traded to the Angels in July.

# UH 109 - Alberto Callaspo

Progress: 355/990

# 474 - Yuniesky Betancourt

A friend from SweetSpotGraphs.com was able to get us a few 08 Topps cards signed last season. His home team is the Kansas City Royals so all four cards are of players who were on the Royals at some point last year.

First up is former Seattle Mariners infielder, Yuniesky Betancourt.

# 474 - Yuniesky Betancourt

Progress: 354/990

# 231 - Brian Barton - Chrome Certified Auto

It's been awhile since we've added any of the 08 Topps Chrome certified autographs to our collection. We recently picked up this card of St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, Brian Barton.

# 231 - Brian Barton ( Chrome Certified Auto )

# ODA-JAB - Jason Bartlett - Opening Day Certified Auto

These are probably the nicest certified autos from any of the 08 Topps sets. The Chromes aren't too bad either but I think I like these just a little better. Unfortunately the checklist doesn't really include any big names but on the bright side, we should be able to pick them up at a great price.

This Jason Bartlett is the first card from the Opening Day certified autographs set for our collection.

# ODA-JAB - Jason Bartlett ( Opening Day Certified Auto )

2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Set

Not excactly Black Friday shopping but I did purchase a complete set of 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition this week. The set includes one hundred cards of this year's top prospects. Not bad for only $10 shipped.

# 401 - Scott Hairston - Gold Border Parallel

Our Black Friday post reminded me that I still hadn't posted the first signed 08 Topps Gold Border Parallel card for our set. Back in Spring Training, Scott Hairston signed his regular 08 Topps card and his Gold Border Parallel for us.

# 401 - Scott Hairston - Gold Border Parallel

# 384 - Carlos Quentin - Black Border Parallel

Here at My 2008 Topps Set Blog we're celebrating Black Friday with 2008 Topps Black Border Parallel cards!

The final card of the day is of Chicago White Sox outfielder, Carlos Quentin.

# 384 - Carlos Quentin ( Black Border Parallel # 39/57 )

# 401 - Scott Hairston - Black Border Parallel

Here at My 2008 Topps Set Blog we're celebrating Black Friday with 2008 Topps Black Border Parallel cards!

Next is San Diego Padres outfielder, Scott Hairston.

# 401 - Scott Hairston ( Black Border Parallel # 20/57 )

# 502 - Alex Cora - Black Border Parallel

Here at My 2008 Topps Set Blog we're celebrating Black Friday with 2008 Topps Black Border Parallel cards!

First up is former Boston Red Sox infielder, Alex Cora.

# 502 - Alex Cora ( Black Border Parallel # 49/57 )

# UH 152 - Steve Trachsel

Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, Steve Trachsel signed a card for our set. I remember Steve's career best from the time he spent with the Chicago Cubs. He was a key component to the 1998 team that won the NL Wild Card.

# UH 152 - Steve Trachsel

Progress: 353/990

# UH 218 - Salomon Torres

Former Milwaukee Brewers reliever, Salomon Torres signed a card for our set from a recent TTM request. Along with our card, Salomon included some literature about Jehovah's Witnesses. If you'd like to learn more about who they are and what they believe please visit WatchTower.org.

# UH 218 - Salomon Torres

Progress: 352/990

2010 Arizona Fall League Recap - Part 2

Part of the fun of the Arizona Fall League is to see which coaches come to lead the six different teams. Over the past few years Hall of Famers, Ryne Sandberg and Eddie Murray have been part of the coaching staffs.

This year brought former White Sox pitcher, Rich Dotson and former Baltimore Orioles catcher, Floyd Rayford along with a few other former players.

Most importantly the newly appointed Los Angeles Dodgers manager and New York Yankee legend, Don Mattingly served as the skipper for the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

I've been able to get Mr. Mattingly's autograph once before but only on cards. This time we had him sign a photo for my son.

2010 Arizona Fall League Recap - Part 1

Today is the final day of the 2010 Arizona Fall League. The championship game over at Scottsdale Stadium is underway. I honestly wasn't planning on going to the Fall League this year but about a week before the games started a season pass practically fell into my lap. Had a good time again this year. My dad, son, and I were able to go to a few games together too which is always great.

After a month and a half of games we ended up with a nice stack of new autographs. No, I wasn't able to get Bryce Harper. Honestly, I didn't try that hard.

I was also able to get some of the 2010 Topps Pro Debut cards signed. This was the first time I've been able to get any of the cards from this set signed since it was released well after Spring Training ended. Of course we had cards from other sets that were signed too but I didn't scan those.

Here's a list of the Pro Debut guys:

# 10 - Kyle Skipworth - Marlins
# 13 - Eric Hosmer - Royals
# 67 - Erik Davis - Padres
# 91 - Jason Stoffel - Giants
# 104 - Jordan Pacheco - Rockies
# 145 - Steve Lombardozzi - Nationals
# 154 - Tony Sanchez - Pirates
# 157 - Kirk Nieuwenhuis - Mets
# 163 - Ryan Lavarnway - Red Sox
# 167 - Grant Green - A's
# 171 - A.J. Pollack - Diamondbacks
# 177 - Jered Mitchell - White Sox
# 202 - Manuel Banuelos - Yankees
# 254 - Patrick Keating - Royals
# 281 - Danny Duffy - Royals
# 302 - David Cales - Cubs
# 319 - Michael Montgomery - Royals
# 337 - Austin Romine - Yankees
# 345 - Jordany Valdespin - Mets
# 349 - Xavier Avery - Orioles
# 366 - Michael Taylor - A's
# 353 - Devin Mesoraco - Reds
# 357 - Wynn Pelzer - Orioles
# 378 - Hunter Morris - Brewers
# 408 - Jerry Sands - Dodgers
# 417 - Derrick Robinson - Royals
# 436 - Brandon Belt - Giants
# 440 - Mike McDade - Blue Jays

All in all it was a great time. I'd like to thank each and every player who took the time to sign an autograph for us. Most everyone was extremely friendly which made this year even more enjoyable. Not sure if we'll be going again next year but I guess we have plenty of time to figure that out.

# 441 - Miguel Olivo

Everyone's favorite baseball autograph blogger, Zach from Autographed Cards, sent over a signed 08 Topps card of former Kansas City Royals backstop, Miguel Olivo.

Really nice card with a really nice signature. Thanks, Zach!

# 441 - Miguel Olivo

Progress: 351/990

Silk Collection: Ian Kinsler

Finally picked up my fourth Silk Collection card. This one is of one of our favorite players, Ian Kinsler. These are kind of cool because they're different and numbered to 50.

Ian was a big part of the Rangers run to the World Series. He's always been a nice guy. Hopefully we'll be able to do another post on this one soon after we get it signed.

# TR-AR - Aaron Rowand - Relic Card

These jersey cards were bonuses from the 08 Topps blasters. I picked up three off eBay recently for less than a buck a piece.

The third is of former Philadelphia Phillies and current San Francisco Giants outfielder, Aaron Rowand.

# TR-AR - Aaron Rowand

# 375 - Fausto Carmona

Blog reader Dan sent over three signed 08 Topps cards for our set.

The final card is of 2010 All-Star, Fausto Carmonoa. All three are awesome additons to our set. Thanks, Dan!

# 375 - Fausto Carmona

Progress: 350/990

# TR-CK - Casey Kotchman - Relic Card

These jersey cards were bonuses from the 08 Topps blasters. I picked up three off eBay recently for less than a buck a piece.

The second card is of former Los Angeles Angels first baseman, Casey Kotchman.

# TR-CK - Casey Kotchman

# 599 - Austin Kearns

Blog reader Dan sent over three signed 08 Topps cards for our set. Thanks, Dan!

The second is of former Washington Nationals outfielder, Austin Kearns.

# 599 - Austin Kearns

Progress: 349/990

# TR-EC - Eric Chavez - Relic Card

These jersey cards were bonuses from the 08 Topps blasters. I picked up three off eBay recently for less than a buck a piece.

The first is of long-time Oakland A's third baseman, Eric Chavez.

# TR-EC - Eric Chavez

# 332 - Jhonny Peralta

Blog reader Dan sent over three signed 08 Topps cards for our set. Thanks, Dan!

The first is a classic combos card signed by Jhonny Peralta.

# 332 - Jhonny Peralta

Progress: 348/990

2008 Topps Gold Border Lot # 2

In my pursuit of trying to pick up more of the gold border parallel cards from the 08 Topps set, I've recently acquired these 9 cards.

105 - Roger Clemens
209 - Andy Phillips
314 - Ian Kinsler
328 - Nyjer Morgan
437 - Brandon Wood
467 - Nick Blackburn
UH 58 - Scott Kazmir
UH 66 - Robinson Cancel
UH 283 - Alex Cintron

2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition

There are a few baseball card shops within a few miles of where I live but I rarely visit them. Maybe I'll stop by to pick up a storage box or some top loaders but I rarely find any actual cards to purchase. Usually their cases are full of overpriced certified autos or jersey cards. Stuff I might be interested in but not when I know I can pick it up for much cheaper on eBay. I guess what I'd like to see more of are 3200 ct boxes full of commons or semi-stars.

On today's trip, I actually made a purchase. In the 5 for a $1 box I found a bunch of 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition singles. I could tell they had been picked over but I still managed to find a stack of Rangers, Padres, and Mariners to take home. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few of these signed during Spring Training next year.

Here's who I got:

# 3 - Mike Olt - Rangers
# 12 - Drew Robinson - Rangers
# 30 - Cody Buckel - Rangers
# 38 - Jonathan Galvez - Padres
# 66 - Connor Powers - Padres
# 77 - Edinson Rincon - Padres
# 81 - Luke Jackson - Rangers
# 89 - Max Walla - Brewers
# 90 - Jurickson Profar - Rangers
# 91 - Zach Cates - Padres
# 93 - Marcus Littlewood - Mariners
# 97 - Seth Blair - Cardinals

# UH 255 - Brian Horwitz

Brian "The Rabbi" Horwitz signed a card for our set. Brian made his major league debut on May 30, 2008 for the San Francisco Giants. It just so happens that today is his 28th birthday. Happy Birthday, Brian!

# UH 255 - Brian Horwitz

Progress: 347/990

# 551 - Erick Threets

Former San Francisco Giants reliever, Erick Threets signed a card for our set. Erick ended the 2010 season with the Chicago White Sox organization.

# 551 - Erick Threets

Progress: 346/990

# 469 - Brian Bocock

Former San Francisco Giants infielder, Brian Bocock signed a card for our set. Brian spent most of 2010 with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs but did see some time in the big leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies.

# 469 - Brian Bocock

Progress: 345/990

# 113 - Kevin Frandsen

This card was signed the day that Kevin Frandsen on April 28th. The same day he was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox. Kevin was with the Pawtucket Red Sox at the time and was claimed off waivers by Los Angeles Angels the very next day.

# 113 - Kevin Frandsen

Progress: 344/990

Team Set: Chicago White Sox

Thanks to eBay I was able to pick up a few of the 14 card 2008 Topps team sets. The lot I won included a Chicago White Sox set.

# UH 171 - Brian Bixler

Former Pirates infielder, Brian Bixler signed a card for our set. Brian moved around a lot in 2010. To the best of my knowledge he is currently with the Washington Nationals organization.

# UH 171 - Brian Bixler

Progress: 343/990

# 15 - Jerry Manuel - Team Gift Set

This Jerry Manuel card came out of the 08 Topps New York Mets 55 card team gift set. I mailed it off to him a few months ago and was glad to get it back signed just before his time in New York came to an end.

# 15 - Jerry Manuel ( Mets Gift Set )

# 201 - Luis Mendoza - Chrome

Here's another card we got signed during Spring Training this year but didn't post right away. Luis Mendoza signed his 08 Topps Chrome card for us.

# 201 - Luis Mendoza ( Chrome )

2008 Topps K-Mart Rookie Card Variations

I stumbled upon these six cards on eBay. Initially I was a little baffled as to what they were. I had no idea gold bordered rookie variations existed. A quick Google search led me to one of my favorite blogs, bdj610's Topps Baseball Card Blog. I learned that they are part of a thirty card set that were exclusively offered through K-Mart blasters. Pretty cool.

# AS-JP - Jonathan Papelbon - Relic Card

Raiderdan from SweetSpotGraphs.com also sent us our second All-Star jersey card from the 08 Topps U&H set. This one is of Boston Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Another great card for our 08 Topps collection.

# AS-JP - Jonathan Papelbon