Sometimes Angels Work Through Packages From Texas

Aloha everybody,

Last night the Dodgers and Phillies played a marathon 4 1/2 hour game that ended with the Dodgers on top, 10-7. Whew!  

Looking at that score you  might think it was an epic slugfest filled with excitement. Nope. It was pretty much baseball torture as the final innings dragged on and on....and on. Watching that game would have convinced even the most anti-pitch-clock, baseball purist that somebody needed to call for a clock on those final pitchers. 

Speaking of epic, I recently received a package o' Dodger cards from an Angels fan who lives way out in Texas, so far away from his team, Tom from The Angels, In Order. I sent Tom a little ol' PWE, and he sent me a Texas-sized package of cards in return. Here are some of the highlights...

Nomahhh leads off in sparkling home whites.
 

 I love this "eyes on the ball" shot of Jeff Kent. Great photo of a professional hitter at work. 
 

 Eddie Murray cards are always welcome, as are cards with lurking ivy from the friendly confines. Eddie always managed to look like his batting helmets were too small.

  
These are my first Toys r Us cards. Nice additions. 

 Welcome to the jungle, Monsieur Gagne. 

 I'm not a big fan of Holly, but I'm pretty sure I had this same shirt back in the day. 

 Rafi hung up the spikes this season. Baseball's gonna miss his hustle. 

Here come a few oldies but goodies (cards and players)...

 Lovin' this Red Turn 2 Turner card. The gold frame really complements his red hair and beard. 

I especially love that D-back on his knees bowing to Dodgers awesomeness. All your pools are belong to us! 

 Mondy taping up is a nice change of pace photo, but I really appreciate the Jackie Robinson 50th anniversary patch. Maybe I should get one of those off the bay one day.

 

Finally, a great Piazza card. Very cool because it's new for my collection, I love the "barely there" mustache, and the rookie number 60, before Piazza became number 31. 

Thanks for the great cards, Tom. They're great additions to my collection.  

Aloha!  

It Doesn't Hoyt To Have This Giant In My Collection

Aloha everybody,

I've been away for a bit, but my love for our hobby hasn't ebbed - I've just been away with other things. I've got some free time tonight, so I figured why not update ATBATT and reconnect with my old blogger and collecting buddies. 

About a month ago, Gavin from Baseball Card Breakdown held a contest - perhaps it was Twitter exclusive?  At any rate, I was lucky enough to win a PWE full of cards. 

Let's check out mah winnins....

Ordinarily, I would prefer not to have Giants in my collection, but I'll make exceptions - and one of those exceptions is for knuckleballers.That goes double for cards showing off that trademark knuckleball grip.

This card is a real beauty with its olive green complemented by shiny gold leaf framing and text. The photo shows Hoyt in a NY uniform, but lists him as a SF Giant. It's two variations of Giants...yechhhhh - but is that the Polo Grounds in the background?  I secretly dig this card.

In another card with a great old-time photo I got Hoyt releasing one of his patented knucklers. 

I don't know how Gavin knew to send me one of these Hall of Records inserts, but he made a great choice as I already have a couple others. I think I'm going to have to actively chase this insert set and complete it. 
 

Although this contest was centered around Hoyt, Gavin was cool enough to include cards from other players I collect. Check em out..

It's always great when I get a new Rickey card. 

And you can't go wrong by including cards of this sentimental favorite of mine...

 Gary Carter used to go to the Fullerton Boys and Girls Club when he was young, and he never forgot them. Right out of college I worked for the Fullerton Club, and Gary supported the club with money, sporting goods and memorabilia for fundraising auctions. He truly was an All-Star to me. 

Gavin knows I collect Dodgers, so he included some of the Boys in Blue...

The Dodgers have had plenty of great closers, but I feel Saito is totally overlooked as one of them. Everybody remembers the fireballers, but Saito had such great movement on his pitches, I never saw so many guys go down looking. I absolutely LOVED watching Saito pitch. Great card.
 

I love cards with Nomahhhhhh!!! 

You know who else I love cards of? PIAAAAAZZZZAAAAA!!!

This PWE was the bomb. Cool winnings from a cool dude, indeed. 
Thanks. Gavin! 

Aloha!