Fried Oreos. Oh And A Baseball Game Too.

The Doon Clan partook in our first Naturals game last night, an event I've been looking forward to for months.  I was excited for many reasons- a) it's pro baseball of course, b) it was my first chance to see Brett Eibner since his Razorback days, and c) it was cap night.

It's still a tad on the chilly side around here for baseball, but overall,  it was a perfect night for a game.  Brett Eibner was the DH and leadoff batter for the Naturals, but didn't do much of note.  I was disappointed that he wasn't in the field, because that guy can cover some ground in center.  The tickets we bought enabled us to sit at the picnic tables behind home plate, which is ideal when bringing along 2 little ones.  We can spread our food out on the table and the 3 year old can color or play with toys.

This was the bounty of the evening.  I'm pretty stoked about this cap, both in terms of looks and quality, especially for a stadium giveaway.  The sponsor logo is understated on the side and doesn't detract from the cap.  It was worth the price of admission on it's own.


And as great as the hat was, and the fact I was at a baseball game, neither of those was the highlight of the night.  There is a new concession stand at the park this season called "The Sweet Spot."  The menu, as you can imagine, is geared towards desserts.   Lots of desserts.  After reading the menu and composing myself, I picked this:

These are fried Oreos.  Fried Oreos.  That just sounds awesome.  And eating one.... well.... I'm sure I shouldn't rank it up there with the birth of my children, in terms of something bringing me pure joy, so I won't.  But it did.  There were four Oreos in the order, but my boy and I already put one away each before I had the presence of mind to take a picture of them.   I won't be able to do these justice with my puny words other than to say it was the single greatest culinary experience of my entire life, and I've had cheese curds in Wisconsin, Tacos Carbon in Mexico City, and pork ribs on my Big Green Egg.   I wonder if an order of these would work as a prize in the upcoming Big Fun Game?

 

Black Friday COMC Spoils Part 4: Woo Pig Sooie!

I pretty well hit all of my hot collecting areas with the COMC.com Black Friday sale:  Sets on my master checklist, Rangers- and a bunch of Adrian Beltre.  Everything I bought had a place in my collection.  No shopping binge of mine would be complete without some Razorbacks, and I found some superb additions to my Razorbacks album at the sale, starting with this gem:

I don't know if Brett Eibner will ever make it to AA.  I hope so, since I would then be able to watch him in person here in NW Arkansas.  He's got some major tools, and Baseball America rated his as the best outfield arm KC's minor league system.  He's got lots of power too, but I guess he's having trouble being consistent and hasn't been able to get past A ball, which isn't a good sign for a college player going on his 3rd year in Pro Ball.

Nevertheless, this card is awesome to me- autographed (sticker but who cares) and showing Brett in his Razorback uni.  And it was only a buck.

Joe Adams is starting to make a little noise in the NFL.  This card was a little over a buck, which made me giddy.  We Hog fans will always remember Joe for the below play though- perhaps the greatest individual effort in Razorback football history:

 

Speaking of greatest and Razorback football.  Darren McFadden has to be the greatest football Hog ever.  I still haven't ponied up for a D-Mac auto, but this sweet Topps Inception card will do for now.

Finally, I added this mesmerizing Ryan Mallett card.  I hope this guy gets a chance to play someday.  I don't know why they keep giving that Brady character ahead of him the start each week.  What's he ever done?

2 Brett Eibner Autos

One for each of my eyeballs to gaze upon...

This card was hidden away in the Bowman Platinum set without me realizing it until I stumbled across it on eBay recently.  I haven't seen anyone post about hitting this from any Platinum box breaks or wax openings.  I hope that is because no one has hit one yet, and not because they deem it unworthy of a post. 

I have openly pined after the stud former Razorback without shame and I geeked out after winning this lot of 2 autos on eBay recently for under $5 shipped.  And if any of you folks have this card available for trade, I'll take more.

Man Crush

Despite what the Mrs. thinks, I would not be star struck if I ever met a Major League player, unless it was Cliff Lee.  Or Tony Gwynn.  Maybe Mike Piazza.  Probably Darryl Strawberry.  Nelson Cruz?  Yeah, ok him too.  And yeah, definitely Michael Young and Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus.  Of course, Stan Musial.  Willie Mays?  Who wouldn't.  It goes without saying, Albert Pujols and Ichiro and Derek Jeter.  But no one else.  Except David Wright.  And Bob Gibson. 

I will concede however, I might get a little giddy if I ever ran into Brett Eibner.  Not only is he a highly rated prospect, he is the author of one of the great Razorback baseball moments of all time.  I vividly remember jumping off the couch when he hit the above home run a few years ago in the College World Series. 

I was also excited he was drafted by the Royals, meaning he will likely come through the AA affiliate in NW Arkansas at some point.  From what I hear, that may come sooner rather than later.  I wonder if we'll become friends and hang out...

So when his first trading cards came out I spied one I couldn't do without:

My wife asked if I was going to sleep with this card under my pillow.  I couldn't believe the gall.  Like I would do that...  Not until I get that sucker tucked away in a 130 pt. magnetic snap case, baby doll.  Remember the name baseball fans.  I think this guy is going to be a star.  And my future buddy.