Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Penny (Sleeves) on Christmas are a Great Surprise

Aloha, everybody, 

Hope you had a great Christmas holiday. I keep it simple and low key for Christmas, and this year, happily, was just that. 

I received a modest package from my buddy, Jon, the proprietor of A Penny Sleeve for Your Thoughts. Simple and low key may describe its outer appearance, but Christmas magic describes what was inside. Come along and check out my latest video, as we unwrap some cardboard goodies. 

Aloha! 





Sunday, December 23, 2018

Christmas Beer Review!

Aloha, everybody, 

Are you looking for a beer to take to the Christmas party... or a big bomber to appreciate all alone? 

This beer review presents the answer to both of those desires. It's Triple IPA from Lost Coast Brewery, up in Eureka, CA. 

Enjoy, and don't forget to like the video. Merry Christmas and aloha! 



Saturday, December 22, 2018

Yasiel Puig Trade is Part of the Master Plan, but Not the Plan Fans Want

Aloha, everybody, 

The Dodgers traded away Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer in what many believe is the first step of a Master Plan toward acquiring a huge free agent, such as Bryce Harper or A.J. Pollack. 
Oh, it’s a Master Plan, alright. It’s just not the one you’re imagining.
Aloha, and Merry Christmas, everybody! 


Friday, November 9, 2018

A Hard Day P2: Today Let's Review that Beer I had in Part 1

Aloha, everybody, 

Yesterday I posted a video to try and take a load off folks who wanted some time away from fighting and escaping fires. 

The fire threat has spread to alarming levels here. So in a humble shot at giving folks something to escape that for a few minutes, I present Hard Day Part 2.

Here I am reviewing that beer I was drinking in yesterday's Part 1video. "Dark Seas" from Mission Brewery, outta San Diego. It's a Russian Imperial Stout, and it rolls in at 9.8% ABV. 

It was one of a group of beers meant to celebrate the Dodgers' World Series Championship. Spoiler: THEY DIDN"T WIN!!!! So they are now "Cheer up" beers - and that's not a bad thing. 

Aloha! 


Thursday, November 8, 2018

On a Hard Day, This One's for Folks Needing a Break (Vintage inside)

Aloha, everybody, 

It's a hard day for Thousand Oaks, CA. Maybe for you too. 

In a humble bid to do what I can to ease today's pain, I offer a video showing off some vintage baseball, basketball and vintage hockey - because this is something concrete I can do. 

Hope this small video can help you take a break today when/if you need one. 

Aloha, and peace! 





Friday, October 26, 2018

Presenting the World's Greatest Sports Jersey; The Dick Mountain Timeshare

Aloha, everybody, 

Do you remember the great Fourth of July game at Dodger Stadium between the Dodgers and Pirates? 

During that game, after an incredible adventure around the bases, Rich Hill died at home plate. The keepers of the Dick Mountain Timeshare (of which I am happily a member) are keeping the Legend of Dick Mountain alive - and this is how we're doing it. 

Aloha! 


Thursday, October 25, 2018

Aloha, everybody, 

The Dodgers are in an 0-2 World Series hole. The naysayers among us believe it's all over but the strike outs - but I'm not one of those. 

Here are three reasons why I'm still optimistic about the chances for the Boys in Blue to get off the ground and fight their way to victory - 2018 Dodgers style! 

Aloha!




Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Breaking Down the Dodgers' Game 1 Loss & Some Positive Points

Aloha, everybody,

Just spreading the news about my World Series Game 1 Youtube video. In it, I break down the moments that led up to the Dodgers' loss, weigh them, and also drop a couple of reasons to remain positive about the Dodgers' chances in the series.

Aloha!


Friday, October 19, 2018

The Clutch Series: MY Take on the Dodgers NLCS Home Stand

Aloha, everybody, 

Whew! The Dodgers pulled off a very successful three-game home stand in the NLCS, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. 

This is my take on what took place, and what I saw as the keys to their success. Thanks for watching (in advance). 

Aloha! 


Thursday, October 11, 2018

Let's Rip a Box of Heritage High Numbers

Aloha, everybody,

Time for a box rip. 2018 Heritage High Number Baseball. Join me in ripping some packs and let's see what we see.

Aloha!


Sunday, October 7, 2018

PWE from The Lost Collector & Beer Review

Aloha, everyone, 

Here comes a PWE reveal from AJ, over at The Lost Collector, and a beer review featuring Old Stock Ale 2018 from North Coast Brewing, outta Fort Bragg, CA. 

Please bear with the fuzzy sound at the start of the video. It clears up at 2:24. I hope you'll watch and enjoy, despite that bug. 

Aloha! 


Wednesday, October 3, 2018

You Know What Grinds my Gears? Casual Racism on the Metro

Aloha, everybody, 

Spoiler: There is no baseball card or even baseball content today, aside from the fact this is something that happened while I was on my way to Game 163, the playoff game between the Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies. 

This is simply a recounting of my encounter with casual racism on the way to the ballgame. It reared its ugly head, and I dealt with it. 

Aloha!


Monday, October 1, 2018

I Like Beer! Let's Review Black Ball From To Ol Brewery in Denmark

Aloha, everybody, 

Here's the second in a series of three beer reviews featuring special guest beer reviewer, Leo. 

This one features an American-style porter from my favorite Danish brewers, To Ol Brewery. So far, I've loved everything I've tried from To Ol, so let's see how this beer plays out. 

Aloha! 


Sunday, September 30, 2018

Beer Review: The Oracle, Bell's Brewery

Aloha, everybody, 

I'm joined by my good friend Leo, in the first of a series of three beer reviews. Join us as we rate The Oracle, a double IPA from Bell's Brewery, outta Comstock, Michigan. 

Thanks for watching. Aloha!


Friday, September 28, 2018

I Like Beer - So Let's Review One!

Aloha, everybody, 

It's been a while, but I'm ready to get back in the saddle with beer reviews. 

This time it's Barrel Runner, a hopped ale, aged in rum barrels, from Founders Brewing, out of Grand Rapids, MI. 11.1 ABV. 

Aloha! 




Saturday, September 22, 2018

Dodgers Announce "Fernando Valenzuela Fix" - What a Crock

The Dodgers announced the "Legends of Dodgers Baseball", a way of recognizing great past Dodgers with plaques honoring their contributions to the team through its storied past. The inaugural class is Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey and Don Newcombe.

Folks ranging from the Dodgers' beat reporters to anyone with a Twitter account were praising this "solution to the Fernando Valenzuela retired number problem". I'm calling this a complete crock and an empty way of avoiding the true recognition that Fernando deserves from the organization - the retiring of Number 34.


Friday, August 31, 2018

Leftover Vintage Makes its Way from The National to my Hands

Aloha, everybody, 

My favorite dealer from my local card show went to the National and returned with a whole lotta vintage that was priced to sell. I was at the card show looking to buy. The perfect cardboard storm arose. 

Enjoy. Aloha! 


Friday, August 24, 2018

Opening a PWE from Cardboard Clubhouse

Aloha, everybody,

Here comes a PWE blast of Dodgers greats of the past from Adam, over at Cardboard Clubhouse. THANKS Adam, these guys are much appreciated.

Aloha!


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

An Awesome PWE from Baseball Every Night

Aloha, everybody,

It's been too long since I posted any cards here, so let's remedy that right now.
Today I'm opening a PWE from good ol' Peter over at Baseball Every Night.

THANKS for the great, great addition to my collection, Peter!

My next vid will feature a PWE from Cardboard Clubhouse, so stay tuned for that one.

Aloha!





Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Gems from the Brad's Blog Megabox & Preview of What's for You All

Aloha, everybody,

You may remember I recently showed off a megabox of cards that I received from Brad's Blog. I've sorted it out and identified the near and dear keeper cardboard and some stuff that I'm going to pass on to you out there, my fellow collectors.

I'm happy to share the wealth with you all, and I know you out there will appreciate some of these cards that fall right into your collecting wheelhouses.

THANKS so much, Brad! Aloha!

Check it out (please remember to "Like"):


Saturday, August 4, 2018

Opening Packages from Bob Walk the Plank & Baseball Card Breakdown

Aloha, everybody,

I recently received a package from retired blogger Matt, from Bob Walk the Plank fame, and a PWE from still going strong, Gavin, representing Baseball Card Breakdown. There certainly was no breakdown in the quality of cardboard within both.

Check out this video as I receive my first uniform swatch with a chunk of jersey number and a verrrrrry sweet, very rare custom from Gavin. Enjoy!


Sunday, July 29, 2018

A Most Excellent Surprise PAckage From Mi Hermano & Beer Review

Aloha, everybody,

I got a surprise package from JBF, mi hermano in another estado (my brother in another state), and let me tell you...it was FANTASTIC!

Good ol' Wes always comes to rock and he's still batting batting 1.000

Also in today's video: I review Most Excellent IPA from The Dude's Brewing Company, a local brewer here in the LA area.

Thanks for watching (in advance) and BIG THANKS to mi hermano.

Aloha!


Friday, July 27, 2018

Went to the Shrine of the Eternals and an Autograph Convention Broke Out

Aloha, everybody,

Last Sunday I headed out to Pasadena for the 20th Induction Ceremony of the Shrine of the Eternals. The class of 2018 included Rusty Staub, Nancy Faust and Tommy John. There was also an appearance from the San Diego Chicken ( a former inductee as well).

It was a great day for baseball lovers such as myself, but the autograph collector inside of me grimaced at the mockery made by autograph hounds who took advantage of the celebrity and athlete's goodwill.

Hope you enjoy the video, and if you do watch, please do so on the Youtube site. Your views on Youtube help the channel generate buzz. Thanks and Aloha!


Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Scribbled Ink on a Package Means Great Cards Inside!

Aloha, everybody,

It's a hot summer night, so what better than watching a vid opening a package I received from Paul, over at Scribbled Ink. There are some very neat surprises inside.

I also rip a pack of 2018 Stadium Club. Thanks for watching and Aloha!


Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Militarization of Sports - Patriotism or Cashing In on War?

Aloha, everybody,

An article was published a few days ago about a couple of veterans who are speaking out against the militarization of sports and the commercializing that is coming along with that.

The state of perpetual war that we find ourselves in and this exploiting of veterans for profit is a topic that strikes close to my personal values, so I fired up the ol' video camera and delivered a few takes of my own.

Give a watch and don't forget to give a "Like" on the Youtube channel. Much appreciated.

Here's the original article: http://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2018/07/20/military-sports-astore-francona

Aloha!


Thursday, July 19, 2018

Too Many PWEs Becomes Just Enough Cards For Me

Aloha, everybody, 

Here's a quick video opening a couple of recent PWE's, one from Too Many Verlanders and the other from Tim Henson. 

THANKS, Dennis and Tim! Watch the video for the big reveal! 

Aloha! 


Monday, July 16, 2018

Today I Crack Open A Package From Julie

Aloha, everybody, 

A couple of weeks ago, I received a package with a return address, but no name on it. I set it aside to later make a video and thought nothing of it. 

A few days ago, I got an email from Julie over at A Cracked Bat, asking if I had received her package. She was a bit worried as she had sent several out, but no one had acknowledged receipt. Turns out the package I mentioned earlier was from her. 

I tell this story as a gentle reminder that when we can, we should let the other know their package or PWE has arrived safely. No need for a grand gesture, I'm sure a short note will do. I'll do exactly that and mention I've got PWEs from Scribbled Ink, T Henson, and a package from JBF. Videos with your stuff coming soon. 

Here's the video for the package from Julie, with a beer review for Booming Rollers IPA from Modern Times Brewing in San Diego, CA. 

Thanks for watching, and please remember to Like and Subscribe over at the Youtube link. 

Aloha! 




Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Brad's Blog Drops a Mega Box of Goodness at my Door

Aloha, everyone, 

In my latest video I open a gigantic box of cardboard courtesy of Brad's Blog. Wanna see what a zillion cards looks like? 

I also review International Relations IPA from Bootlegger's Brewery out of Fullerton, CA. 

Check it all out in the vid. Please remember to "Like" it. That helps my standings in the YouTube algorithms. Thanks in advance, and THANKS a ton, Brad! Get it? A ton.  Aloha! 


Thursday, June 28, 2018

I Was Stealth Zippy Zapped & Beer Review (The Dudes' Brewing)

Aloha, everybody, 

 It's happened once again - I've been Zippy Zapped - and let me tell ya, this one was a doozy. 

A few days back I received a surprise package from a "John Miller". I had no idea who it was, and set it aside to be opened in my next (this) YouTube video. Turns out JM was an alias for ZZ. My buddy Zippy Zappy stealthed me, and that was the smallest of the surprises in that little package that packed a huge punch. 

Watch and enjoy as I unveil several surprises: (SPOILERS FOLLOWING!)

The entire LA Dodgers 2017 Bowman Draft Team Set
A personally autographed LA Kings card Steve Duchesne. How awesome is that? As ZZ says, giving personal autos to fellow collectors is an underrated aspect of our hobby. What an incredible and unique surprise gift for a fellow collector! A special item indeed. 
A fantastic Hanshin Tigers flashback card of Jiro Ueda and his 568 strike outs submarine delivery.
Finally, an auto of the next great Dodgers pitcher, Mr. Buehler. 

Also included is a beer review of Grandma's Pecan British Style Brown from The Dudes' Brewing Company out of Torrance, CA. 

Enjoy (and please like and subscribe) 
Aloha! 



Tuesday, June 12, 2018

They Say Legends Never Die. I Hope Legendary Collectors Don't Really Retire

Aloha, everybody, 

Maybe you heard, the man who built a collecting and trading empire under the moniker of JBF has retired from the game. It's the end of an era. 

It's the flaming out of a torch the blogosphere thought would burn bright, like a thousand Willinghams, forever. 

Mi hermano is stepping down from brutal trading wars and year-long contests to savor the fruits of his many past victories and to complete some personal collecting chases that remain. 

Before stepping out of the spotlight, good ol' Wes dropped a few "Retirement Packages" into the mail. Of course he did, because that's the man's M.O. - generosity at all times. 

I mentioned this in the upcoming video, but in case you don't watch, I'll mention now that I'm the trader I am today because of Wes. He never knew it, but my Alabama brother was a cardboard mentor to me. He showed me that generosity is the life blood of trading FUN. 

My offerings are always humble, just what I can scrape together on a modest (and more often than not) nonexistent cardboard budget for trades. He never made me feel our trades were dependent on equal monetary values, and he never stopped sending things to me because my return packages didn't meet the heft of what he sent to me. 

Wes taught me that it was the act of sharing what someone else wanted, and not counting nickles, that mattered. My Cardboard Santa and Operation PWE campaigns can be directly traced to how Wes rolled. They are a cardboard legacy, if you will. 

Presentation speech completed, let's open the package Wes sent me, and review Azacca IPA, a beer from Founders Brewing, out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Aloah! 








Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Checking Out Some Vintage Topps, Oh-Pee-Chee, and a Beer Review

Aloha, everybody, 

Here's a video showing off some vintage Topps baseball and a bit of vintage Oh-Pee-Chee hockey that I picked up at the card show over the past couple of weeks. 

Also included is a beer review of an Imperial IPA from Lost Coast Brewing up in northern California. Enjoy!

Aloha!  


Friday, June 1, 2018

A Friday Video: Opening a Repack and Beer Review

Aloha, everybody, 

This time it's REALLY Friday, so let's check out a new ATBATT video on YouTube. 

This time I'm raging against the Ohtani machine and opening a humble repack. I often have good luck with these, and every now and then I pull an auto. 

I'm also reviewing a double red ale from Ninkasa Brewing in Eureka, Oregon. 

If you're not interested in watching a vid, just listen to the audio and pretend I'm podcasting :) 

Aloha! 


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Friday Youtube Video: Opening a Package from Johnny's Trading Spot & Beer Review

Aloha, everybody, 

It's Friday, so what better time to drop a Youtube video on y'all? Yeh, I'm moving toward more videos and less typing assignments. It also feels like an embrace of the 21st century. 

I hope you'll stick with me as I run through my video phase and try to find a happy medium between vlogging and old school written posts. 

Today we have a package from Johnny's Trading Spot and a beer review from Evans Brewing, out of Orange county, Irvine, CA. 

THANKS for the great package, John. Getback comin' your way soon. Aloha! 


Monday, May 21, 2018

A Video Package Reveal from Angels in Order and Beer Review

Aloha, everybody, 

I upped a version of this video earlier, but noticed it needed an edit or two, so here it is again, in final Director's Cut form. I present a video rip of a surprise-filled  trade package from Angels in Order. 

There's also a beer review of an IPA from Ex Voto Brewing out of Portland, Oregon. They have an interesting story of their own. 

Hope you tune in and enjoy. Aloha and THANKS Tom! 



Friday, May 18, 2018

Let's Open a Value Pak of Flagship Topps and Review a Beer

Aloha, everybody, 

So I've got a couple of value packs of cards and a few beers to review. Life is good! 

We'll start things off with a pack of 2018 Topps flagship and see what we can see. I've also got a beer from Denmark. A sour ale from To Ol Brewery. It's called "A ton of Black Currant" because it's brewed with a ton of black currant. 

Let's take a ride...

Aloha! 

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Sometimes I'm Too Cracked to Post, But Not Today

Aloha, everyone, 

I haven't posted in a while, but I've got some time tonight, so I'm going to drop a quickie about a nice lil' package that came to me from a nice lil' bloggin' gal named Julie, from A Cracked Bat

Julie started me off with a selection of 2018 Heritage Dodgers...


I'm settling on Heritage being my favorite set from 2018...


There was only one Topps Chrome card, but it was an attractive action shot of ex-Hated One, Brett Butler busting out of the box after one of his trademark bunt singles. 


Speaking of attractive cards, I really dig this 1969 Topps T.C.G. deckle-edge Tom Haller card. (It might be my favorite of the batch.) 


 Haller, also a former Giant, was a Dodger for four years, from 1968 thru 1971. He was a decent catcher, repping LA once as an All-Star. 

Here's a great 35th Anniversary shot of young Corey Seager running the bases after losing his batting helmet somewhere along the way. 

And now some crazy cards I didn't even know existed. From 1991 Fleer Extra Bases...


These come in around 3 x 5 1/2 inches. A very cool bunch featuring a couple of my favorite 90's Dodger pitchers, the Bulldog and Ramon Martinez. 


A nice assortment of Dodger Blue from across the decades. THANKS, Julie! I picked up a couple of things for you on my recent trips to the card show. Hope you'll like them. 

Aloha!

Monday, May 14, 2018

A Youtube Video: Will the Dodgers Fire Dave Roberts?

Aloha, everybody, 

After the disastrous weekend series in which the lowly Reds swept the even lowlier Dodgers, the dreaded question has begun to swirl: Will Dodgers manager Dave Roberts be fired?

I drop my take in this youtube video. Sorry, no beer review this time, but I anticipate a stand-alone beer review video over the next couple of days. Enjoy, and thanks for watching, in advance. 

PS: John Miller, your package arrived today. Will be opening after dinner. THANKS! 

Aloha! 


Saturday, May 5, 2018

I Got Penny Sleeves in this Trade (Cool Cardboard too)

Aloha, everybody, 

If you're not following A Penny Sleeve for Your Thoughts, well, you just aint doin' it right. Jon runs one of my favorite blogs. Quality writing, insight, and a good variety of cards and genres (unlike those of us who tend to blog about the same team 95% of the time). 

Jon and I don't make specific trades, we just gather cards and send when it seems there are enough. Lately, we've begun corresponding with each other about things large and small beyond the cardboard. I told Jon that I feel like the old days when authors, artists and friends would write long letters to each other. I really love it. 

Anyways, you're here for the cards, right? Let's check 'em out...


Some of you might be saying to yourselves, "Hey, my browser just switched over to Bob Walk the Plank. Nope you're still in ATBATT. Jon remembered I collect Hall of Famers, and he dropped this Honus Wagner with its marvelous photo on me. Besides, I dig these Fleer Greats sets as well.

Something else I chase are defunct teams like the Senators...


I have mixed feelings about Roger Craig because he later managed the hated Giants - seemingly forever. I never knew him as a Dodger, so even though he wears the Brooklyn flannels, my brain still registers him as the leader of the bad guys. 


More Killer cardboard, sir? Yes, please. Mucho more...


And gimme those career stats...

Good ol' Ossie here spent his entire career with the Senators, from player to All-Star to World Series champ to coach to manager. 


Did someone say I like baseball legends on cardboard? This'll do...



Now for some Dodgers. We'll go from a gorgeous old set...


...to a beautiful modern, acetate of The Tornado...


 World Series Hero Mickey Hatcher! Awesome


 Here come some more Konerkos. Some will say this card design is over the top, but I think it's just right. Even his cleats are getting in on the act. 

Did Konerko put his jersey on upside down? 

There we go, right side up again. 


 Speaking of ballplayers destined to be great - for another team!! Nonetheless, this card will look great in my binder.


Finally, Jon drops the extra spicy dose with some Kershaw swag! Nice! 


What a great batch of cards. THANKS, Jon. I really appreciate them. 

Shotouts to P-Town Tom and Tom Tessier for cards recently arrived. I'll get some posts up for you soon! THANKS :) 

Aloha! 

Friday, May 4, 2018

ICYMI: My Youtube Video Making the Case for the Dodgers to Retire Fernando's Number

Aloha, everybody, 

Tonight the Dodgers made franchise history by pitching a combined no-hitter behind young Walker Buehler and three other bullpen pitchers. 

The game was played against the San Diego Padres in Monterey, Mexico through five innings of an absolute downpour. It was amazing to watch. Fernando Valenzuela threw out the first pitch, and the Dodgers touted their former phenom for all he was worth. 

The event prompted me to make a video calling for the team to finally retire his number. I made the vid yesterday, and there's an included beer review for what it's worth. 

I hope you'll give a watch and hope further that you'll enjoy!

Aloha!  




Saturday, April 28, 2018

Blog Bat Around - All Autograph Team Part 2: Pitchers and Assorted Cogs

Aloha, everybody, 

Let's conclude the All Autograph Team (Starting Nine with DH are here) with the pitching staff and a couple of others tossed in for fun. 

Starting Left-Handed Pitcher:


I happened to show this beauty off on Twitter the other day; mentioned that my good luck brought this baby right out of a pack. 

Starting Right-Handed Pitcher: 



Bullpen: Kershaw and Podres




Oh yeh, the ATBATT all-auto team's got some pretty decent pitching. 

Pinch Hitter: Manny Mota




Bench: The Toy Cannon, LoDuca and The Butter and Eggs Man




Finally, what team is complete without a manager...and whom else would I choose?

Tommy Lasorda, autograph obtained walking around Dodger Stadium, back in the days Tommy was more mobile. 

There you have it folks. I'll stack my ATBATT All Autograph team against any other. We'll bet a bag of peanuts on it. 

Aloha! 







Tuesday, April 24, 2018

I Went to Walker Buehler's Debut Game. Wanna See Some Pics?

Aloha, everybody, 

I got invited to the ballgame last night to see the Dodger Stadium debut of Dodgers phenom Walker Buehler. The seats were just as awesome as the kid. 

The bonus was I got to see an incredible game by Kike Hernandez. He made two brilliant plays on the field, hit a home run and laid down a crucial eighth inning bunt single that directly led to the game winning run scoring. By the way, Buehler pitched five scoreless innings. What a game! 

Here are a few pics from my night at Chavez Ravine. Leading off is the kid, Buehler. His fastball is so fast, the ball's already in Grandal's mitt while the batter is still waiting for it to arrive. 




Here's Yasiel Puig giving the ump his opinion of the generous strike zone (which wasn't so wide for Buehler). 




The most excellent view from my seats! A special shoutout and THANKS to my friend Naomi for sharing her ticket with me. They were the best seats in the house. 

Chris Taylor in action. 



Hey! It's Tommy Lasorda! 



Buehler staring in at the signs. I think this was his last (or second to the last pitch of the night). Note the "Big K" scoreboard showing his five strikeouts. 



The kid bringing the heat. 


Here's me in my homemade Buehler jersey. It says Bradley under there. 




There's Nomah! See the schnozz? 



Here's Joc Pederson with his strange "pitch this" batting ritual. I sure hope the Dodgers' marketing team uses this pose for his bobblehead. 



Here's Kike Hernandez laying down his brilliant bunt single, which advanced Chris Taylor to third base. 



That was followed by Cody Bellinger's sac fly to bring home the winning run. 



The seats were fantastic, the Dodgers won, and I had an awesome time. THANKS, Naomi! 

Aloha! 

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Blog Bat Around - All Autograph Team

Aloha, everybody, 

My buddy Zippy Zappy started a Blog Bat Around that consists of a team lineup that's made from autographs. It doesn't matter if the auto is on cardboard or any other memorabilia (like a signed Penguin lamp, for example), the only caveat is: the auto has to be in our possession. 

While it sounds like a fun idea, I thought for sure I didn't have enough autos to put together a nine-man lineup, including relief pitchers and PH/DHs. Once I got into my binders, I was surprised that I had just enough to field an auto-team alongside those you all are putting up. However, I did have to place one player out of position, and you'll see how that played out soon enough. 

Without further ado, I give you the ATBATT All-Auto All-Stars:

Batting leadoff, and playing second base: Maury Wills



Maury is third on this triple-autographed card I received through trade - the other two are Manny Mota and pitcher Claude Osteen. 

Batting second, and playing right field: Tony Gwynn. 



I got this Gwynn auto TTM. I originally had two, but traded one away. 

Batting third, and playing center field: The Duke of Flatbush



The Duke came to me through trade with mi hermano, JBF. 

Batting cleanup, the DH: Paul Molitor 



Molitor is a TTM auto. 

Batting fifth, in left field: The Straw (He's out of position, but I don't have any left fielder autos, and I figure Daryl can handle LF better than Gwynn) 



My only Strawberry auto came to me in trade. 

Batting sixth, and at third base: The Penguin



While I don't have an autographed lamp, this traded Cey will do. 

Batting seventh, the backstop: The Boomer



I got this Yeager auto (and another) in person at a local pizza place. The second auto I sent off to the guy with the Penguin lamp.

Batting eighth, and at shortstop: Alan Trammell




I got two Trammells TTM. One is traded away. 

Batting ninth, and at first base: Big Mo



Mo Vaughn is a TTM auto. Isn't this a great one? I dig the way Big Mo wrote his name on that monster arm. 

We'll close the starting nine with that awesome auto and save the pitching staff, PH, and also-rans for Part Two. Stay tuned. 

Aloha!