The Elation of a Filled Up Sampler Album Sheet: 1965 Topps

I've mentioned my Sampler Album project before in several posts, so I've decided to start tracking the progress here on the blog.  As I complete pages for each year in the album, I'll write about it, and leave a link to the post in the "Sampler Album Project" page at the top of the blog.

Quickly, the Sampler Album project is simply an album that has a page dedicated to each Topps flagship set from 1951 to today.  I can't (and don't want) to try to try to build every set, and I thought this would be a nice efficient way to look over the history of Topps cards over the years.

The fun part of this project is that each page is never really "finished" until I have 9 cards for that page that I'm totally ecstatic about.  I'm sure there will always be a card out there for each year that could warrant a spot in the page over another. 

However, I have to say I'm pretty darn satisfied as it is with my 1965 page:

That card 3-6 run of Robinson, Mays, Koufax and Aaron is very strong and the other cards certainly aren't junk either.  Eventually I'd love to upgrade the Koufax since there is a pin hole in his hat and the corners are pretty worn.  The Aaron is in incredible condition, and has sentimental value as well since it was a gift from a family friend years ago when I first got in the hobby. 

Maybe I'll trade out the Piersall and Fox if I find a couple of other 1965s I like better, but for now, this page is set, and by far the best page in my sampler album.

Cleve's Christmas Auction Preview Part 5: Vintage Cards

Cleve's auctions always have a great selection of vintage cards, and the Christmas auction this Tuesday takes it to a whole 'nother level.  I showed a handful of Mickey Mantle and Dodger cards in previous posts, and here are some other sweet vintage cards that will be up for grabs:

 This Sport Kings Bobby Jones might be the most impressive card in the auction.  Look up the eBay auctions that are going on for it now and you'll see what I mean.  I'm going to be very interested in seeing what this goes for.  All I know is that it won't go home with me.

 This Yogi Berra card might though.  It sits just outside my Top 5 most wanted cards from the Christmas auction.  If it comes at a reasonable price, it's mine.

 I'd be thrilled with either of these graded 1961 cards....

 Or this Al Kaline....

 But I will abso-freaking-lutely freak the freak out if I wind up with this Hank Aaron rookie.  You will never hear the end of it either, dear readers.

 This is an actual autographed card of Dom Dimaggio.

I don't want to get my hopes up, but I feel good about my chances of getting at least one of the above cards.

For those of you interested in these, or any of the other cards from the Christmas auction (or any auction for that matter) Cleve does take write in bids.  You can reach him at:   479-927-0067 

On The 5th Day of Brycemas

My Harper Gave to Me:

5 Gol-den Kiiiiiings:

I hope and think Bryce Harper will do well.  I don’t think he’ll be as good as this guy:

Or Him:

Or Him:

Or Him:

Or Him:

My first vintage Koufax card ever!  Yes, there is a push pin hole at the top of his hat, but I love the 1965 set and this was the best shape of the card I was going to get if I wanted to be able to buy anything else with my Harper funds.  It’s good enough for me.

Checklist Chipaway: Topps HD Images of Excellence/ Ball Park Figures

I am realllly getting close to wrapping up Topps HD.  This brand was only issued for 2 years, so getting all of the cards is a pretty manageable task.  I’ll probably have to pass on the auto cards though.  Too pricey for your pal Napkin.

I’ve already completed the Cutting Edge and 20/20 sets, and was only 1 card away each on the Images of Excellence and Ballpark Figures Sets.  It took a while to get these last two at prices I wanted, but I happened to get them both within a 24 hour period.  They both came in the mail this week.

Images Of Excellence- Willie Mays being the final piece:

 Ballpark Figures- Mike Piazza being the final piece:

Let’s see what the Super Checklist has to say about these two:

Well done Napkin!