Show Review

I know I have no usable photos and no cards to show, but I have to write about the show at Maplewood Mall on the 12th. Once I got done spending about 20 minutes just waiting to get into the mall parking lot and finding a spot barely within walking distance, I entered the mall to find that the show wasn't in one area, but around the second-story rotunda. So every table I stopped to view I had to make sure that the constant shopper traffic could get by (and no, I'm not that big a guy). I spent about 15 minutes and got out. Hopefully the show this Saturday will make up for it.

Head To Head: Thrill Seekers Vs. Hot Numbers

Normally I'd put sets from competing companies against one another, but as a huge fan of the lenticular designs, I wanted to see which one of these would come out on top. If you want, vote on your favorite in the poll at the top-right of this page!

• Condition: Tie - Both sets are made virtually identical and the plastic-like material is awesome for those of us who are condition weary.
• Design: Hot Numbers - Although both are visually appealing, I like the depth and color of the Hot Numbers set. The Thrill Seeker design is pretty cool, but doesn't seem to translate as well to the 3-D effect.
• Star Ratio: Thrill Seekers - This category was tough. Both have Jordan, Barkley, Hill, Kidd, and O'Neal among others, so for me, it comes down to either Malone and Olajuwon (Hot Numbers) or Robinson and Miller (Thrill Seekers). I'd rather have the later.
• Photography: Hot Numbers - I like the near-full body photography of the Thrill Seekers but the players and images on the Hot Numbers are much, much more clear.
• Odds: Thrill Seekers - Thrill Seekers were inserted at a rate of one in 240 packs while Hot Numbers were inserted one in every 36.
• Result: Hot Numbers - The first modern-day, mainstream lenticular, Hot Numbers continues to be one of my favorites. What's even better is that Flair continued the theme in series two with the Play Makers inserts.

In The Mail This Week

I've been winning a lot of my $5 eBay auctions lately and these are the three I received in the mail last week. I couldn't wait to get the Mullin that's numbered "13/17". 13 was his Olympic jersey number and 17 was is Warriors jersey number. Now one of my best Mullin cards. The Duncan was my first purchase of a Panini product (numbered out of 150). I always liked the 02-03 Finest design and had yet to win a Hill from that set until now.

Head To Head: Jambalaya Vs. Noyz Boyz

This matchup is between the 97-98 E-X2001 Jambalaya set and the 98-99 SkyBox Thunder Noyz Boyz set. The Jambalaya set was groundbreaking when it was released at the end of the 1997-98 card season. The rarest of the insert sets coming from a premium set that still ranks as one of my all-time favorite base set designs. Colorful design with a 3-d background and great photography, no wonder it's value has stayed solid for a decade. The Noyz Boyz set had the same size and star power that the Jambalaya set had but with a slightly different foil background. This set came from a very unpopular base set that didn't go over well with collectors. Because of this, the Noyz Boyz set was easier to pull from packs, but since not nearly as many packs were opened, it's seems just as diffecult to come by as the Jambalaya cards.

• Condition: Jambalaya - Although both sets were printed on a plastic-like card stock, the Noyz Boyz set have those nasty sharp corners that are a problem when collectors attempted to slide them into card sleeves. The only fault to the Jambalaya design is an occasional centering problem.
• Design: Noyz Boyz - I like the colorful Jambalaya, but the vertical name in the background bothers me (I did like the change Upper Deck made to the newest Jambalaya issues).
• Star Ratio: Noyz Boyz - 13 of the 15 cards in both sets are the same players. The only difference between them is Jambalaya has Damon Stoudamire and Eddie Jones while Noyz Boyz has Ray Allen and Antoine Walker. This is a toughy. I'll give Noyz Boyz the paper-thin edge (lucky for Walker, Allen's name alone outweighs Stoudamire and Jones).
• Odds: Jambalaya - Jambalaya was inserted at a rate of one in 720 packs while Noyz Boyz was inserted one in every 300.
• Result: Jambalaya - I'll admit it. Given the choice between a Jordan Jambalaya and a Jordan Noyz Boyz. Jambalaya wins easy.

Show Review

I didn't expect much but it was on my way home from my job. Like I said before, I've been seeing the same vendors with the same cards for weeks now. I'm going to have to branch out and do a couple road trips pretty soon. I did find one vendor with some fresh cards. The first Hill Molten Metal is extremely difficult to find and would probably sell for more than I paid, but I'm keeping that one for my Hill collection. The Thomas Die Cut All-Star is also difficult to find and is part of one of the best insert sets ever. I always wanted a Jordan card with him wearing 45 and the Finest version will have some condition issues in the future (fading) (see earlier post). All three cards for $10 so technically I didn't go over my $5/card rule.

Show Review

After an early shift at my Saturday job I stopped by this Brooklyn Park Embassy Suites for it's nearly monthly card show. A little less impressive than the last time I visited. The ad in the newspaper stated "Tables Sold Out!", that's not much to say about 10/11 vendors (they should say how many vendors are attending because some of those vendors can really spread their stuff out. Almost all the tables were the same vendors/sellers and almost all the cards were the same. I might have to start waiting longer and longer in between these area shows just so I can see some new stuff when I do go. But I did find a card that I recently lost in an auction on Ebay not too long ago (it went over my $5 max). It was priced at $6, but I asked if he'd take $5. So overall, not a total waist of time.

This Week's Head to Head

Like most collectors I frequently change/modify my collecting goals; favorite player, favorite base set, favorite insert, etc. The first matchup is between the 92-93 Stadium Club Beam Team and the 93-94 Upper Deck SE Die Cut All-Stars. Condition: Beam Team - That popular die cutting and gold foil edge is the downfall of the All-Stars. I repeatedly see samples online (and in my own collection) that have both severe chipping issues on the top edges and bottom corners as well as centering issues that are more than apparent (as with the Beam Team cards, but I'd prefer off center to chipped anytime) Design: SE All-Stars - Beam Team is probably the best set Topps ever design (but that's not saying much), but, in my opinion, nobody beats Upper Deck on design. Great idea to represent the court diagram for the background. Star Ratio: Beam Team - Upper deck limited themselves buy formulating their set with 20 stars and 10 "future" stars leaving out a lot of fan favorites. Odds: Tie - Both were inserted one per box. Result: Beam Team

In The Mail Yesterday

Went a little above my self-imposed $5 budget ($5.13) on this but I had to have it. A 1999-00 Topps Finest Gold Refractor Chris Mullin. Sure, it's not one of his best action shots, but the overall design of the card and the overall scarcity more than makes up for it. I've always enjoyed parallel versions, mostly because of the difficulty of finding one particular player from 300+ others. Too bad the producers have flooded the market with blue, red, green, ultimate, platinum, gold, and silver versions of one card!

New Posting Soon

There's been a lot of new stuff but I haven't had a chance to update, but will start new postings soon. Check back.

In The Mail Yesterday

1998 Upper Deck Hardcourt Homecourt Advantage PLUS

I've always liked this set but it's unfortunate that it wasn't released until after the season was over. This meant that the rookies the previous year aren't labelled as official "RCs". But I still like the design and the gold (or PLUS) parallels are awesome. Numbered to 500 copies and having a wood feel, I couldn't pass up this Drexler. Again, under $5, this was an awesome deal.

Too Cool Not To Post

I was watching this one all week! Seldom seen, this card has a unique history (from the manufacturer anyway), according to Fleer, Precious Metal Gems was a parallel to the base set numbered to 100 copies. But the first ten that were produced had green foil (instead of the red foil that accounts for the other 90 copies). Evidently I wasn't the only one interested.

there were 31 bids and the final price climbed to $1,825.00!!!

In The Mail Yesterday

Bought these two off of Ebay last week and they were delivered super fast. The 00-01 Ultimate Collection (Duncan) I couldn't pass up for $1 (+$2 s&h), I've always loved the design and I'll pick up a star every time I can (if it's cheap enough). I also picked out the Stockton refractor to bring the total to $5. I thought it was a good buy. Not sure if I want to hold onto the Stockton or give it to a Stockton-collecting friend.

BGS Order Update

We braved some heavy weather on our way to pick up my BGS order, not to mention a less than business-like environment at the FedEx pick-up center. The staff seemed professional, but the pick-up desk/counter looked more like that check-out card table when you buy something at a garage sale. I was crossing my fingers that there weren't going to be any mix-ups. I knew the grades, but I still can't wait to see them. We stopped for breakfast and opened the box and it almost looked like there were four graded cards inside. I was surprised to see the new large-card slabs. "Slabs"? They should call these cases, 'cause there's a lot of room inside for each card. Like I wrote before, my string of 9/9.5s has ended with the UD Reserve patch card, but I'm not too disappointed. Especially with the other two. All three are the only copies graded, plus the SP Game Used patch is 21/75!

In The Mail Today

Okay, so he's not in the hall of fame. Yet. But this two-time olympian has always been one of my favorites. Plus I like refractors.

Panini Base Set Image

I was looking for an image of the Panini/Donruss product coming soon. This image is what I found.

Show Report

Not too many dealers at this show (7), but I did find the same dealer with that awesome dime box. No dime boxes this time, but he did have a quarter box and a $1 box. Still great deals. I bought $3 worth of quarter cards and and 2 $1 cards (some highlights are shown above). Looks like the dealer's attempting to get rid of some cards he's had for too long. I had no problem with it. Hopefully he'll have some new cards next time.

BGS Order Update

I finally got a confirmation email that my most recent BGS order is on the way. Here' what sent in;

1. 2005-06 SP Game Used Authentic Fabrics Patches Tim Duncan (#21/75)
   
2. 2006-07 UD Reserve Materials Patches Tim Duncan
   
3. 2007-08 Upper Deck UD Game Patch Tim Duncan

In case you didn't notice, I'm a Duncan fan. I'll post images when I receive the cards so you can see the grades, unfortunately my string of 9 or 9.5s has ended.

Also, look for a post tomorrow morning about a show I'm attending later this morning. I'll post images of any deals I find.

In The Mail Today

I couldn't pass this one up. One of the coolest (and cleanest) designs. The only issue with this issue is the full bleed design that practically invites chipping along the edges. Like this one, if I can pick up a big name for under $5, I'll take it.

Head 2 Head: Malone vs. Duncan

Games played: 25

Wins: Duncan 17, Malone 8

Rebounds: Duncan 282, Malone 248

Assists: Malone 99, Duncan 75

Blocks: Duncan 21, Malone 68

Points: Duncan 629, Malone 517

Winner: Duncan

Notes: On January 10th, 2000 Duncan scored 46 points against Malone. Okay, maybe not all of them against Malone, but it's still a huge game.

In The Mail Today

I'm not a Jordan fan but it's nearly impossible to not acknowledge his contribution to the history of basketball. I figured I might want to invest in one of the few (3) Jordan cards I will actually spend money on. This (pictured) being one of them. If I can find it for less than $5 I will buy it. The combination of the card layout, photography, and the hologram makes this one of my all-time favorite cards. I received this one today and I'm happy with my purchase. Funny how the Ebay policy of not allowing sellers to leave negative feedback about buyers has spurred more than a few instances of sellers waiting to leave feedback until the buyers do (as in this case). That's not how it's supposed to work.

Show Report

Jackpot!

Wasn't sure what to expect from a 10-12 table show at the Mermaid Event Center and Hotel with the very odd mermaid statue that adorns it. But I found a table with awesome deals. I learned never to underestimate the dime box. That's right each card was a dime. I found each of the cards on the bottom row of the image above for $.10 each. I even had to ask the seller to be sure. The deals were so good that I had to ask if he had any additional cards that he didn't already have out and he dropped another unpriced box on the table for me to sift through. I found one of my favorite cards (the Robinson jersey above) for $2.00!!! I guess one collector's trash...

In The Mail Today

Dream Teamers

Picked these two up online for under $5 (including shipping). Sure, there not flashy autographs or jersey cards, but they are relatively difficult to find. The first is a Platinum parallel version of the 95-96 Collector's Choice Chris Mullin (one of my personal favorites) with a Beckett value of $12.00. The second is a gold version of the Follow Your Dreams redemption of John Stockton (picked-up for a friend) with a Beckett value of at least $2.00 (since only the silver version is listed).

New Format

I've decided to change the format a bit. I'll still include the random news and opinions, but since a lot of collectors are attempting to cut back on their spending (including myself), I decided to write about hunting for awesome deals. I have imposed a spending limit $5 on my purchases. Surprisingly, there are a lot of great deals to be had online (Ebay and others) and at shows.

This is one of my all-time favorites that I recently picked-up online for under $3! And it's in great shape too (which is tough to find).

BGS Order On The Way

After waiting since Christmas for a good reason to finally send in this year's order, I've sent off three patch cards and am waiting for any news as to the grade they will receive. Unfortunately, I opted for the 45 day service, but I'll post any updates as I receive them. Stay tuned!

Then and Now: Fleer Team Leaders

Due to the perfect storm of condition sensitivity and limited availability, these cards were never popular until about a year after their release. Surprisingly their values remain strong and frequently sell for high book value and sometimes much more (especially for the tougher-to-find "common" players).

This Week's Worst

Topps Celebrity Cards

Possibly the worst of all of Topps decisions (and there's been plenty) is the one to include cards, parallels, memorabilia, and autograph cards of some of toda... um, yesterday's top... um B-list movie, film, and music stars. Imagine buying a box (as hard as that is) and opening the entire box and having your big pull being a 1/1 magenta printing plate of Duncan? No. Bryant? No. Howard? No. But Carmen Electra?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! As hard as it is to believe, some were actually submitted to get graded (see Today's Top 5).

If Money Didn't Mean Anything...

2005-06 Upper Deck Portraits Quad Kidd/Stockton/Nash/Billups

Limited to only 10 copies, this 8x10 card would be the centerpiece of any playmakers collection. These four point guards are the NBA's best ever, minus Cousy, Magic, Thomas... okay, so it might not be the best-of-the-best (see Today's Top 5), but it's still damn cool.

This Week's Best: Week 7

1995-96 Flair Hot Numbers

I'm a big fan of anything lenticular (3-D) and when these were released I was in college it was a big purchase (or gamble) to buy a pack at a whopping $5 per pack. A high price then, I wonder what they'd be selling for now? I was lucky enough to pull a Jason Kidd from the set and still think they are one of the best basketball insert sets of all-time. They have a timeless design that's still attractive and there's a decent player selection. Inserted at a rate of 1 in 36 packs, the 3-D effect would normally give anyone a headache if you look at them long enough, but the plastic process to produce the effect makes these good grading candidates (check out today's top 5), with over half of all that are submitted getting Gem Mint or higher grades. The set includes; Barkley, Hill, Jones, Jordan, Kemp, Kidd, Malone, Mourning, Mutombo, Olajuwon, O'Neal, Robinson, Rodman, Sprewell, and Webber.

Name That Name: Answer

Here's the answer to Sunday's question.

Name That Name: Question

I'll post the answer in a couple days.

Then and Now: 1993-94 Hoops Magic's All-Rookie Team

Back in college, I was lucky enough to pull the Webber issue from a pack from my local card shop (remember those?). It was THE rookie card from THE set of THE player of that year. Now you can find the card for super cheap online.

If Money Didn't Mean Anything...

1997-98 SkyBox Premium Autographics Grant Hill

There aren't a lot of Grant Hill autographs anyway (only 5 or 6 by my count, and nothing since 1999), but this would be my favorite. It's listed for $80, with the "Century Mark" edition for $160, but they routinely sell online anywhere between $45 and $95. 11 copies have been sent-in for grading with only 2 receiving a Gem-Mint (9.5) grade.

Show Reviews: Who Knew?!

Who knew that a show at an american legion would be one of the better shows I've attended in a long time (either that, or I've been going to a loooooong string of bad shows). No I didn't buy anything, but there was a lot of vendors that either I've never seen or haven't seen in a while. A friend of mine bought a couple Stocktons she's been hunting for, but nothing for me.

This Week's Worst: Week 6

1998-99 SkyBox Premium That's Jam

The only comfort that could be provided to keep J. M. Smucker from completely rolling over in his grave, is that no one will admit to liking this set. Consisting of 15 of once-promising, young NBA stars, (most of which you couldn't remember what team they're on now, much less if they're still in the league) this theme was probably conceived by a once-promising, young Art Director (who no one could say what company they're employed with now, much less if they're still in the industry) who forgot about his marketing meeting that morning and had to come up with something. But there is one positive, the plastic stock is great for those grading hounds.

This Week's Best: Week 6

1998-99 SkyBox Molten Metal Fusion

This huge insert set (50 cards) features plenty of stars and a very cool die-cut design that follows that "less is more" motto. Inserted in packs that were very unique, the regular Fusion issue (left) had the first 30 cards inserted in packs, but the last 20 are serial numbered. There is also a "Titanium" version (right) that features the same ratio. But there was a printing problem. 15 of the 20 numbered cards from each set were printed wrong (essentially, the Fusions were numbered to the Titanium's numbering, and the Titaniums were numbered to the Fusion's numbering). Cool set with a cool story.

Name That Name: Answer

Here's the answer to yesterday's question. Tim Duncan has won 2 League MVPs, 4 championships, 3 Finals MVPs, has been to 11 All-Star games, is considered by many as the best power forward ever, and a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame.

Name That Name

This player has made the playoffs every year of his career. He is the seventh-highest payed player in the NBA, but has won as many championships as players 1-6, combined.

Then and Now: 2003-04 Exquisite Collection

With the quality of the inserts you might overlook the base set singles. But coming from a $500 pack it would've been smart to hold onto them (that's until the $1,000 packs come out). Now these singles (numbered to 225) are more pricier than other over-produced parallels with half their print-run. You can click on the image to enlarge.

If I Only Had The Money...

1996 NBA 50th Anniversary Autograph Lithograph

Sure the design isn't all that great, but for the NBA collector, this is the "holy grail" of any collection. Signed by 49 of the 50 players (minus Maravich who passed away in 1988) this lithograph was limited to 250 copies with the first 50 going to the players. A majority of the remaining 200 were distributed to league officials with the few remaining copies offered to the anyone willing to cough-up $25,000. But there was a cheaper option with an unsigned version numbered to 500 copies which sell for $50-$75 each.

This Week's Worst: Week 5

1997-98 SkyBox Silky Smooth

There's no better way to cover up a unimaginative card design better than... a spiderweb? With a decent player selection, SkyBox decided to massacre the set (and probably their printing budget) by die-cutting a basketball net over the disappointingly-basic design. Not only do condition problems plague the set, but it was inserted in every 360 packs. So you might get one out of the 10 boxes you bought. Sure, they carry a heavy price tag, but it's more likely for the set's rarity than the cards themselves (hopefully).

This Week's Best: Week 5

1999-00 Upper Deck HoloGrFX Shoetime

Released in the early days of memorabilia, this 19 card insert was the one bright spot in a very heavy retail set. The set features some of the few memorabilia cards of some big names like Iverson, Barkley, Ewing, and Pippen. Plus there were autographed copies of the Karl Malone and Michael Jordan cards. Not only did the full-bleed design cause condition (chipping) problems, but if you were lucky enough to pull one (1 in every 431 packs) you had issues locating a case that it would even fit into. Still the unique memorabilia and all the big names are enough to consider this set one of my favorites.

Name That Name: Answer

Bob Cousy played for the Boston Celtics and Cincinnati Royals, won the 1956-57 MVP, played in 13 all-star games, and ranks 14th (funny, his jersey number) in career assists.

Name That Name

This auto is from one of the NBA's best-ever point guards. It shouldn't be too much of a mystery since there aren't a lot of players that can claim that label. I'll post one of his cards tomorrow.

Then and Now: Ultra Award Winners

At this time, some of the big trends were Chris Webber, Anfernee Hardaway, and inserts that were inserted into found in either hobby or retail packs. At the time of release, these sets were often overlooked. But as time went on, "completests" went searching for their player's insert card that they couldn't find, and paying more for it when they finally found it. This drove-up prices and sellers started searching for those unique inserts only found in certain packs (because it obviously wasn't for the card's design).  Near the peak of it's popularity, the O'Neal version of the 1993-94 Ultra Award Winners set was selling between $35 and $60. Now you could probably find it in a $1 box (but still priced at $5-$12) at a show.

If I Only Had The Money...

1996 SPx Michael Jordan Autograph

This is one of the first (and, in my opinion, the best) certified Jordan autographs. A nearly impossible trade card to pull from packs (1 in 34,560 packs) and rumored to be given-out at his basketball camp, this holographic card that has a design that was perfect for an autograph and is valued at about $1,400. Still seems pricey in comparison to some of his current autograph issues which are now an Upper Deck staple (and you'd think nearly everyone should have at least one in their collection by now). But with a combination of time and Jordan-auto-overpopulation, one of these sold on Ebay recently for just under $300. There are two versions that are different only in an alternate card number (BAC and BAD).

This Week's Worst: Week 4

1997-98 Z-Force Fast Track

Meant to highlight some of the NBA's future stars, these 12 neon-yellow cards feature a unique characteristic that fortunately has never been reproduced. At the top and bottom of each card, the areas in black have a felt or slightly rough texture. What connection this mystery texture has to the set's theme, I don't know. But it might have made more sense with a rubber finish. But the combination of poor player selection (only 2 or 3 out of the 12 might make the Hall of Fame) and the odd texture makes this a classic worst.

This Week's Best: Week 4

1995-96 SkyBox Meltdown Exchange

As awesome as the regular Meltdown insert is, SkyBox decided to offer two of the cards with a lenticular (3-D) effect available only with two series 2 wrappers and $9.99. These are now a little tough to find since 1: When's the last time you read the back of the wrapper? and 2: $9.99 was a little much for one card you knew very little about. Sure, it would've been cool to get a Jordan or Robinson version, but it makes sense that it was only the company's spokespersons (at the time).

Who's Autograph Is This?!

This is the answer to yesterday's bad autograph.

Who's Autograph Is This?!

I'm not saying I have the greatest signature, but some of today's players have autos that are downright impossible to identify. I'll post the actual card that this disaster-of-a-signature came from tomorrow.

If I Only Had The Money...

2005-06 Upper Deck Portraits Timeless Tens

Okay, so they're on-sticker autographs and there's no Jordan autograph here, but with only 3 copies produced and the level of players on an 8 x 10, it would be difficult to pass up. One copy recently sold for $1,600. To some a small price to pay for Magic, Bird, Thomas, Dr. J, Russell, Kareem, Stockton, Rodman, Pippen, and Olajuwon, making up a virtual dream team autograph collection on one card.

This Week's Worst: Week 3

1997-98 Flair Wave of the Future

When you think of the 1997 NBA Draft you think of Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady, Chauncey Billups, and Keith Van Horn... okay maybe not him. But two of these players were NBA Finals MVPs. So you would think that you'd be able to find these players in a premium product's rookie insert set. Nope. Not only is the player selection severely lacking, but to make things worse, they decided to experiment (not unheard of for Fleer) with gel. These gel-filled cards would have been a creative spin on the "wave of the future" theme if the theme had anything to do with basketball. Just think of purchasing a box to look for a Legacy insert or a rookie card and pulling one of these and attempting to resist the urge to take a sharp instrument to it. More in frustration than curiosity.

This Week's Best: Week 3

2000 Upper Deck Legends Master Collection

One of the most difficult set to find, much less complete, is also one of my favorites. Not released in packs, this set was packaged in a wooden box (pre-Exquisite) and limited to only 200 individually numbered sets. The checklist is short on quantity but long on quality, including: Jordan, Russell, Magic, Bird, Erving, Chamberlain, West, Walton, Cousy, Havilcek, Baylor, Robertson, Frazier, Gervin, Maravich (shown), Thomas, Malone, and Barry. Each box contained a complete base set and a group of insert cards (jerseys, autographs, etc.). Good luck finding any of the cards from this set, I know I wouldn't want to part with them.