Favorite Cards of 2013 - Part 1

I started thinking about this series of posts a while back and even had all the cards identified a couple weeks back. But, I have been remiss in actually doing anything with it due to a variety of reasons.  So, instead of one post per card, I am going to break it down into three posts only.

So, in reverse order, here are 12 through 9:

12.  2012 Topps Archive 3D Babe Ruth

I got this card from the mysterious Napkin Doon.  It seems like your typical 3D insert, but what I like about it is that only background moves when you tilt it back and forth.

11. 1971 Topps #709 (Dusty Baker and Don Baylor RC)

In addition to being the rookie card of two stars of the 1970s, it is a high number card, leading it to a book value of $80.  This was the last big ticket card I needed towards completing the 1971 set.

10. 1960 Fleer Ed Barrow

This card of a rather avuncular Ed Barrow is the most unlikely entry on this list.  But, as the architect behind the Yankee dynasty of the first half of the 20th Century, surely he is a noteworthy person?  And before you answer, consider that the Hall of Fame agrees with me.

9. 2013 Topps Archive 72 Mini Lou Gehrig

I got this card from Night Owl.  This card tickles me to no end. Not only is it The Yankee Clipper, one of the best ballplayers ever, but it is done in the fun 1972 Topps design. I am looking forward to building '72 Topps.

So, there are the first four.   Stay tuned for four more tomorrow.

What I am listening to: "Long I Ride" by Robbie Fulks

Not All is Doon and Gloom

After a long week, I came home Friday night to find a bubble mailer from the mysteriously named Napkin Doon waiting for me.  I am not sure why he sent me these, but I do appreciate it.  There was some nice cards included.

Let's look, shall we?

Ahh, the ubiquitous Mickey Mantle's that Topps sees fit to include in every set.  I am not a big fan of the way Topps manipulates the photos in Gypsy Queen.  By desaturating the color and adding grain, the subject's uniforms seem to look as if they had never been washed.  You can see what I mean in the Moonshots card.  The base card below it was much better done and is quite sharp looking.  If all of the images in GQ were like that Mantle I would be favorably inclined to build the set.

This, I believe is an 3D insert from last year's Archive set.  This is a really nice card.  Most of the 3D cards I am familiar with, when you tilt them back and forth, the entire image moves.  On this card, only the background does.  The image of Ruth stays static.  Very cool. So cool that this card will be placed in my MOJO!!1!11!1!! binder.  Speaking of my Mojo binder, the star of the package from Nap will also be assigned an honored place:

Well, it will be assigned an honored space if I can find a sheet it fits into.  This Jorge Posada jersey relic would go quite nicely next to a Mariano Rivera relic card I have, except that it is as thick as 6-8 standard cards. So, I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with it.  I really like that the fabric swatch actually includes a pinstripe.  Most jersey relics are single color and boring.  This is probably just about one of the nicest relic cards I have.

As many of you probably read Nap's blog, you know he has taken to sending out unopened packs and, sure enough, I got three!

I may just have to write about busting these open.

What I am listening to:  "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia