One more...

Today I added another Brooklyn Dodger to my collection Marv Rackley....

Marv Rackley
More information on my Brooklyn Dodgers blog about Mr. Rackley.

Have a great day,
Seth

Very Nice.....

I had a very nice day today in the mail. I received several cards. I even got some back for my hockey set which always makes my day a little brighter.

Johnny Rutherford

Received these back from Mr. Rutherford. He was a great Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher. You can find more information on Mr. Rutherford on my Brooklyn Dodgers blog. 55 Sullivan Place. There you will find a full bio.

Johnny Schmitz

Johnny Schmitz is another Brooklyn Dodger and another pitcher to throw a no hitter that i have added to my collection. You will also be able to find a full bio on him in my other blog.

Brent Mayne

Brent Mayne was a solid backup catcher most of his career, but he now has his own catching school in California. He added his business card in case I ever dream of becoming a catcher. Happy to add Mr. Mayne to my collection

Mike Gartner
Marcel Pronovost

Serge Savard

All of these three cards came from Canada for me today. All three are important to my 2001 Fleer Greats of the Game set and put me at 43 percent complete. I am happy that I got Savard and Gartner back. Although they have descent track records sometimes they are hard to track down.

Allan Francis
2010 Allen & Ginter

Today I added Alan Francis who is a horse shoe throwing champion who is outstanding. He had a great career record. He also has a great career ringer percentage.

The No HIt Bro's Part 2

Sorry about no post yesterday. I didn't post because I didn't receive anything. Today I received two signed cards in the mail. Both were baseball returns. The first one I really enjoyed.

Don Ferrarese

I sent a team card of the Cleveland Indians to Mr. Ferrarese. I am excited to have my third signature on this card. I really liked this return because he was nice enough to write a short note back. Here is part of the letter that he wrote back to me.
"My favorite breaking ball was an overhand curve. A fan asked if my curve still broke off the table. I told him it still does, I roll it and it falls."
'This quote was from my question asking what was his favorite breaking ball. I really enjoyed that quote.

Ken Forsch
The No Hit Brother Duo

Today I added another multi signed card to my collection. Both of these brothers did throw no hitters in the Major Leagues. My only complaint is I wish that Ken would have used black sharpie like his brother, but I understand that maybe he didn't have one near, and that he did me a favorite by signing at all.

Enjoy...

Another Hockey Great

Peter Stastny
2001 Fleer Greats of the Game

I added another card for my set today. He signed my card from his home in 73 days. I was wondering if I was going to see this one back, but he came through and put me at 31 signed Fleer Greats of the Game Cards. That puts me at 36% for the set. i hope to continue my good luck with this set in the near future. Pretty soon I will need to start sending out to the players who charge.

Cliff Chambers

Today I received one card in the mail.

Cliff Chambers
1954 Bowman

Mr. Chambers signed a card for me from his home address. I really like how this older vintage card looks signed. I am happy to add such a gem to my collection. Cliff Chambers best accomplishment in his major league career would have to be the No-hitter that he through. Always great t have such a good piece of history in my collection.

Thanks for reading,
Seth

Buc HIll Aces

Today's mail included three cards that I had sent out to be signed. As well as some cards that I had bought, and another 50/50 that was completed. First I'll show you some scans of the cards that were bought. I am very excited about both of these cards. I have been looking for these players on cards for a long while now.
Hunter Pence

Carl Crawford























I feel I got a pretty good deal on both of these cards, and hey if you really want something and you get it...doesn't that make it worth it

From the 50/50 I received
Brooks Raley
Rebel Ridling
Ryan Flaherty
D.J. Lemahieu
David Patton
Here is a picture of one of the cards:

David Patton

Now on to today's mail

Darrin Fletcher

Koji Uehara
2010 Allen & Ginter
Buc Hill Aces
Multi-Signed Card
Bob Friend, Vern Law, Elroy Face

I am very happy to have this card finally complete. It didn't take long, but I have been very excited about it. These three players alone are just outstanding ball players. All great pitchers and all part of the World Series winning Pirates. My second complete multi-signed card.

Good Day,
Seth

Horseshoes and Archery

Well today I busted open a few boxes of the 2010 Allen & Ginter cards. I really like these cards as I mentioned. That was the first time that i had been able to open packs of cards in a long while. I forgot how fun it was. All together I got about 100 cards in the two boxes. I didn't hit anything big, but it was still fun. I did however get a few cards that I think I am going to try and get signed. These aren't normal sport starts but other stars in obscure sports or famous for other reasons. Below are a few scans of the people I am going to be sending too. Probably in the near future.


Francis is a Horseshoe champion and Sig Hansen is the captain from the show Deadliest CatchFlorine is the free climb champion and Oitker is an archery champion.

I also made a few purchases because they were dirt cheap. I purchased a 1990-1991 Topps hockey set and a 91-91 American Score Hockey set. I wouldn't officially say I am working on either of these sets but more just looking to get some more Hockey autographs through the mail. Who knows what will happen.

2001 Fleer Greats of the Game:
Right now I am very focused on this set. I am hoping I continue to make progress. I am hoping by the end of this calendar year to have over half done. I have been doing good at picking up some of the tougher ones. I will keep updating the progress on here as I continue to get more back.

Author Note:
Today as I opened up my packs of cards I felt like a little kid. Although the cards that I received were only were a few cents a piece it felt great. If you have a child or know a kid who enjoys baseball, hockey, or football go to your walmart, kmart or wherever you can find some buy them a two dollar pack of cards and make their day. I am not saying send them for autographs but more just let your kids enjoy leaning about the sport. Thats enough being sappy, but I feel like us adults get all caught up in finding a great card in a pack, and we lose focus on the fun we used to have as kids opening up packs and thinking it was awesome to get a Ken Griffey Card.

Good Night all.....

1 Dog

Today's mail contained two cards:

Bob Nystrom
2001 Fleer Greats of the Game

Received Mr. Nystrom back in a few months today. Another card for my set which is always good. Mr. Nystrom Set N.Y. Islanders record (since broken) with 25 penalty minutes in game on Nov. 14, 1973, at Detroit. He became first player in N.Y. Islanders history to record natural hat trick when he achieved feat on Jan. 31, 1974, in Los Angeles. He is tied for third on all-time NHL list with four overtime goals in Stanley Cup playoffs. All this and may more is why Mr. Nystrom is part of this great set.

Lance Johnson
1 Dog

His speed on the base paths, and his uniform number "1", earned him the endearing nickname "One Dog". "One Dog" is also the name of the record company he had during his MLB Career. I was excited when I saw Lance was starting to sign. Lance Johnson was the lead off hitter on my very first baseball game on N-64. I believe it was Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball. Well lance was the CF for the cubs that year, and of course playing a 162 game season on a video game you can put up some good numbers. I believe he hit .600 for me that year with a crazy amount of stolen bases. I made sure to mention that to him in my letter. Anyways he has a nice sig...and pretty cool inscription. I am very happy to add this to my collection.

"Fire" Trucks

The last two days provided a few returns to the mailbox that I am excited to tell you about. Two of the returns I am declaring some of my favorites of all time. You may remember from about a week ago in the post "The Older the Better" a card that was signed by Billy Pierce and I mentioned that I would be sending it off again to Mr. Bob Friend. Well he came through for me and I have added my first multi-signed card to my collection.

Bob Friend and Billy Pierce
Mound Aces

You can see why this one is definitely one of my favorite cards. Both players were great during their playing days, and both of the signatures look great on the card. I also like this card because it is a vintage card and as I explained before for some reason I really like the vintage cards.

Glenn Beckert

Glen Beckert was a regular for the cubs in the 60's and 70's at second base. He was a tough man to strike out and was a key player during their famous 1969 season. He was the double play partner of the Cubs shortstop Don Kessinger. All in all anytime I get a Cub great back in the mail I am a happy person.

Hak Ju Lee
Topps Debut

This is a card that I recently traded for. I really wanted to add him to my collection because he is suppose to be a superstar for the Cubs int he future. Its nice because if he doesn't pan out then I only wasted .44 cents on the autograph, and one my of cards that I have multiples of. Happy to have this young middle infielder though.

1959 Indians
Dick Brodowski

Another small project that I am working on is this team card. I just got it back from Dick Brodowski today. The card has already been signed by Gary Bell. Mr. Brodowski wrote me a short letter back. I had asked him a few questions about Ted Williams. He said, "Ted Williams hitting philosophy is easy. Whats his best pitch? Thats what I will be getting!" I love these returns from older players especially on vintage cards. This card is now off to Don Ferrarese Keep reading for the next return.

Virgil "Fire" Trucks
1954 Bowman

This is the card that today's blog title is about. Mr Trucks was nicknamed "Fire" Trucks by a sportswriter during his playing days. He signed my vintage 54 Bowman card with his signature Virgil "Fire" Trucks taking the time to add the the Fire in red. He also added a signed card of his own, and wrote me a nice letter. A great return from a tremendous player and person.

Thanks for reading.
Seth

The No HIt Bro's

Today was good day at the mailbox. Three cards waiting for me, and all I was very excited to get.

Bobby Shantz
1952 AL MVP

Shantz reached the peak of his career in 1952 going 24-7 for a fifth place team to win the MVP Award in a landslide. He led the AL in wins, winning percentage, and fewest walks per game, and finished third with a 2.48 ERA and 152 strikeouts, tied for third with five shutouts, second with 27 complete games, fourth with 255 innings, and fifth in fewest hits per game. (Thanks to Baseball Library)

Stu Miller

It was said that Miller threw at three speeds - slow, slower, and slowest; that "he threw a pitch that stopped"; and that "if you wait five minutes, the ball gets to you fairly fast." He got by on a variety of curveballs and by changing speeds on his changeup. With his herky-jerky windup, he baffled hitters in both leagues. With the Giants in 1958, he recorded a league-best 2.47 ERA, starting and relieving. He was the NL Fireman of the Year in 1961, when he registered league highs of 17 saves and 14 relief wins. Well-remembered for being literally blown off the mound by a gust of wind at Candlestick park in the '61 All-Star Game, he won the contest, striking out Mickey Mantle, Roy Sievers, and Elston Howard in succession.

Bob Forsch
Big League Brothers

I got this card signed by Bob Forsch who through two no hitters. I am now going to send this card to Ken to get signed who also hit a no hitter. This is the card that I was talking about in the title. I will have a scan of this completed card as soon as I get it back.

I am just letting you that I will be out of town tomorrow so their will be no post tomorrow. Once I get home you will get all the updates.

A few days off...

If you have read my blog recently then you know that I have been thinking that I was going to have a big day at the mailbox anytime. Well guess what Today was the big day. A total of 8 envelopes were waiting for me, and I couldn't wait to get home and open them. I am going to call 8 my record for a day as of now. I can't remember any other day in the past when I had received this many. So let me start showing them off.

Danny Cater

The strong, silent Texan signed as a shortstop with the Phillies, but played first, third, and the outfield in his 12-year ML career. He had an unusual batting stance, with his feet close together, and a smooth, lazy-looking swing. Some thought him lackadaisical; he felt his low-key style was responsible for his being traded five times. One of baseball's great worriers, teammates said Cater could quote all his stats after each at-bat. As Oakland's regular first baseman in 1968, he hit .290 to finish second to Carl Yastrzemski's .301 in an anemic AL batting race. Traded to the Yankees, he hit .301 in 1970 but had only 10 homers in two seasons, and he was shipped to Boston in 1972 for reliever Sparky Lyle . Lyle became a three-time All-Star; Cater hit an abysmal .237 that year. He rebounded in 1973 to hit .313 in 63 games. (thanks to baseball Library) A small not this card will be sent off to Bert campaneris next to be signed. Look for that scan in the future.

Johnny Bower
2001 Fleer Greats of the Game

His career would be hampered by poor eyesight, but despite that he remained a top-tier goaltender. He was known for his hard-nosed, scrappy playing style and would win another Stanley Cup in 1967 by tandeming with another Hall of Famer ( Terry Sawchuk). He is the 2nd oldest goalie to play in the Stanley Cup Final at age 42 years, 5 months, 13 days. . Bower claimed, "I wasn't all that glad to see the two-goalie system come in. I wanted to play as many games as I could." But Bower and Sawchuk shared the Vezina Trophy as best NHL netminder in 1964-65 . On April 6, 1969, at the age of 44 years, 4 months, and 29 days, Johnny became the oldest goaltender to play in a Stanley Cup playoff game. His last full season was 1968-69 . He played his final game on December 10, 1969, a 6-3 loss to Montreal, and on March 19, 1970, Johnny publicly announced his official retirement - four months after his forty-fifth birthday. When asked, in light of his retirement, if he might reveal his true age, he replied "If you don't know by now, you never will" (WIKI)

Mark Buehrle
2007 Allen & Ginter

Mark Buehrle is the current White Sox ace. You may remember him from his Perfect game a few years ago ore possibly his great play on opening day this year. Either way Mr. Buehrle is a great pitcher and I am happy to add this card to my collection.

Danny Darwin

Bill Glynn 1953 Topps

Glynn became Cleveland's first baseman when Luek Easter suffered a broken foot in 1953. He lost the job on June 1, 1954, when the Indians acquired Vic Wertz. However, in a July 5 game against Detroit, he hit three of his 10 ML home runs.

Marty Marion
1944 MVP

Marion was the premier defensive NL shortstop of his day, named to seven successive NL All-Star squads. With Marion at SS, the Cardinals won four pennants, three World Championships, and, from 1941 through 1949, never finished lower than second. Nicknamed "Slats" by Burt Shotton, who managed him in the minors, the 6'2" 170-lb Marion disproved the theory that shortstops had to be small men. His unusually long arms, which reached for ground balls like tentacles, prompted writers to dub him "The Octopus."

Marion was a consistent hitter who generally batted toward the bottom of the order. His 38 doubles led the NL in 1942. Deferred from military service because of a trick knee, he was the NL MVP in 1944, when he helped the Cardinals to a World Championship with his glove, winning his first of four fielding titles.

Red Kelly

Another one for my set, and also for the other set I am working on.

Vern Law
Buc Hill Aces
1959 Topps

Law was largely responsible for the Pirates' World Championship in 1960, when he captured the Cy Young Award with a 20-9 record and a league-high 18 complete games. Despite nursing a late-season sprained ankle, he won the first and fourth games of the Series and had a no-decision in the famed seventh game, won by the Pirates on Bill Mazeroski's ninth-inning homer.

Idaho Senator Herman Welker recommended favorite son Law to former classmate Bing Crosby, part owner of the Pirates. Signed by the Pirates in 1948, Law, a control pitcher with a classic, straight-up motion, reached Pittsburgh in 1950 but spent 1952 and 1953 in the military. He and Bob Friend anchored a young pitching staff on last-place teams in 1954, 1955, and 1957. But both blossomed in 1958 and the Pirates rose to second place. Though Friend slumped in 1959, Law went 18-9. Thanks to baseball Library. This card is all off to Elroy Face to complete the trifecta of signatures

There you are a summary of a great day in the mailbox. Enjoy.