The Quest

The Baltimore Orioles have been in town since '54 and have had over 900 men don their uniform. My goal is to obtain a signed card of each player. If you have something I need, or see something you want, don't be shy, we can make a deal.

Collection Statistics

Total Players 877/977 = 89.25%
1991 Orioles Crown Set
Total Players 309/465 = 66.45%
Alive Players 274/369 = 74.25

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Not To Be Outdone

The football card Gods are striking back, vying for my affection. And they seem to be doing a good job. I have been active on the trading market and have pulled in a few guys, much to the chagrin of my brother (more on that later).

Their most recent gifts:

Gibran Hamdan 2003 Bowman's Best Autograph #144

Alright, I know what you are thinking, who is this guy? He is the only former Indiana Hoosier, Redskin, Seahawk, 49er, Seahawk (again), Dolphin, Bill, Amsterdam Admiral and Toronto Argonaut to be of Pakistani descent, that's who. He was drafted by the 'Skins in the 7th round in 2003, making his only NFL appearance in the final game of the season. He never found the field again in the NFL, except in Europe, where he was named the 2006 Most Valuable Offensive Player. Even with impressive numbers in Europe he struggled to keep a roster spot and recently retired from professional football.

Chip Lohmiller 1993 Topps #69

I remember him to be a good kicker but didn't know how good. He was a second round draft pick, mighty high for a kicker and lived up to it while in Washington. He was a pro-bowler in 1991, leading the league in scoring and outscored the entire Indianapolis Colts team that season, 149-143. He grew up in Minnesota, went to school at the University of Minnesota, won a Super Bowl title in the Metrodome in Minneapolis and now coaches high school football in Minnesota. I think the man like Minnesota.

Joe Theismann 1991 Pro Line Portraits #56

This may very well be my favorite card ever and not just because of the signature. Everything about this card screams of Theismann, from the smug look on his face to the sheer ridiculous nature of the picture. I'm not a Theismann hater, but having listened to the guy over the last 10-15 years I have picked up a little conceit in his voice. It makes me want to break out some sweat pants with elastic on the bottom, so stylish. From this day forward, this card will be the only image I think of when I hear his voice, and I will laugh every time.

My brother is currently undertaking the same project, or at least thinking about it and keeps giving me grief that I trade for autographs. He wants to send away TTM for all his signatures. I am not that patient, I want to get my number up. Sure TTM is cool and feels good but to me, they all count. I could see this getting ugly as our collections grow, so I posed the question of a joint collection.

Am I crazy? Does anyone have joint collections that work?