Questioning The Hobby

It's not what it sounds like.  I love collecting cards and autographs and will not give it up.  I am just looking for advice and tricking you to read this post sounded like a good idea.

I am sorry if my clever attempt to trick you leaves you wanting more deep thoughts on the hobby, I just want answers.

For the autograph guys:

Do you hand write or type TTM requests?
Do you hand address envelopes?
Do you use any site besides eBay to buy autographed cards? Trade?
Do you mention your collecting goals?
Do you reference your blog or are you straight fanboy?
What are your thoughts about personalizations?

Average Joe Collector:
Got any 2012 base cards of:

Luis Ayala
Dylan Bundy
Wei-Yin Chen
Miguel Gonzalez
LJ Hoes
Manny Machado
Nate Mclouth
Joe Saunders

What do you need for em?


I will go over my feelings on the subject a little later when I've heard a little feedback.

Blogging From Court

Nope, not a lawyer.  Not a Sheriff, Bailiff, or stenographer.  I am a juror.  Or should I say, "potential juror". 

I have not been selected yet, but have seen the inside of the oldest, dankest, smallest courtroom imaginable, for voir dire.  I am hoping that is the last time I see the inside of a courtroom today, and the next year. for that matter

In the five years I have lived in Baltimore City, I have been chosen for jury duty four times. 

Four.

The apathy in this city is staggering and until they started locking people up for missing jury duty, the rooms were barely filled.  What does this have to do with baseball, baseball cards and my blog?

Nothing really.  I just finished up my days work and don't have Wifey and The Kid, plying for my attention.  Maybe I will be able to do some player research, hit up the eBay and start crossing names off my list.  Hello blog-o-sphere.  I've missed you.

A little gratuitous Orioles 80's Mustache Magic:

Leo Hernandez Signed Photo

My boycott of eBay is over and I should have some interesting names in the next few weeks.

 

Spring Cleaning

I have been shipping off a few team lots (check a listing here) and in putting them together have found a few items without much of a place in my collection, or my home.  I wanted to give the blog-o-sphere a chance at them before the ol' bay.

John Montefusco Rawlings OMLB "The Count" "1975 NL ROY"

 

OK, so I had to schedule the post and got too itchy, so I posted the Montefusco on eBay.  If you want it, I will cancel the auction in a heartbeat

 

Al Bumbry Rawlings OMLB "#2" "1973 AL ROY"

 

My Newest Oriole Autograph

I knew nothing about T.J. McFarland before this years FanFest.  And I knew just slightly more after the event.  As a Rule-5 guy I thought he was a lock to make the roster and appear for the Birds.  T.J. decided to make it a little difficult.

A bad start to the Spring had many believing he would be left off the Opening Day roster and be sent packing.  He was not, and made his Oriole debut on April 6, 2013 vs the Minnesota Twins.  He looked spectacular, allowing zero runs and one hit while striking out five.

Welcome to the team T.J.

 

T.J. McFarland 2013 Orioles Postcard

Are You Ready For Opening Day?

I hope so.  My babysitter being off this week has allowed me to have a little stay-cation with "The Kid".  Also turns out we can watch opening day festivities in Tampa on the tube. 

A fortunate little side effect.  I am rocking my best orange and "The Kid" is rocking his jersey.

Last year he was in the womb for the first game, hopefully he will be content to watch a bit this afternoon.

Let's go O's.  I predict 88 wins this year and relevence in September.  Stoked.