Repack Haiku #218 (Junior Felix)

 First pitch: hit home run

Hit inside the park grand slam

Caught no-no's last out

 

1989 Upper Deck #743 Junior Felix (RC)

 

He hit the first pitch he saw as a Major Leaguer for a home run, and the next month he hit a very unusual grand slam. He also caught the final out of Dave Steib's no hitter.

Secret Santa 2018 Revealed!

Last year, I participated in my first blogger-community Secret Santa, which was held by Matt at Bob Walk The Plank. This year, Matt turned the reigns over to Jon at Penny Sleeves For Your Thoughts, and once again I signed up!

I received a package two weeks ago. The name and address looked familiar, and I was fairly certain it was with someone I had traded with before. Inside were some sweet cards, which I'll reveal momentarily, but otherwise the package contained no hint as to why it was in my hands. Did my Secret Santa refuse to reveal himself? Was this a random package of Christmas cheer from a former trade partner? An email to Jon confirmed that, yes, this was indeed my Secret Santa!

My Secret Santa is not a blogger, but a member of the Trading Card Database named Daniel, who goes by the handle vrooomed. Daniel is one of the more active members on the TCDB, and even runs the TCDB's fantasy baseball league. I have been on the receiving end of his generosity before. (He helped me complete a couple of sets!)

I must have been a good blogger this year, because my Secret Santa sent me some good stuff:

Starting out with some great Red Sox cards, mostly Bowman. The bottom row contains two refractors and a sweet Hanley Ramirez relic!

Daniel also provided a box of Topps Update! He picked a good one, as I needed all but 10 of the cards inside. Did I get any good hits?

Well, I was happy to get the International Affair insert for Raffy Devers, and the Julio Urias was a gold parallel serial numbered to 50. Also it wouldn't be Christmas without a rainbow foil of Jesus!

Thank you so very much Daniel!

Red (Suit) Alert! Secret Santa Is A Go!

Just a quick little PSA in case anyone is interested. Last year Matt from Bob Walk The Plank held a Secret Santa among the blogging community. I participated for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. Matt has gone into blogging retirement, and the mantle has been passed on to Jon at A Penny Sleeve For Your Thoughts. Sign-ups are this week, so head on over there for the chance to buy me something nice!

Today is also apparently Redhead Appreciation Day or something, so for your viewing pleasure may I present the fiery might of Craig Kimbrel's beard!

2018 Topps #242 Craig Kimbrel

Fear the beard!

Secret Santa Revealed!

Matt from the blog Bob Walk The Plank held a Secret Santa exchange with his fellow bloggers, and I jumped at the chance to join in. Last week I received my mystery gift.

My Secret Santa was none other than Tyler from Rekindling The Cardboard Flame, and I must have been a good little blogger this year because Santa came through in a big way!

Nothing like opening up a Christmas package and finding lots and lots of Red Sox cards!

Love those Card History inserts!

Including a complete Series 1 team set of 2008 Topps, which is awesome because I wasn't collecting when these came out!

Ooohhh! Pedroia ASR and ROY!

The big gift, however....

An autographed card of Luis Tiant! If I ever get a proper man-cave set up, this will look nice to the ball I have signed by him. (He's even signing a ball on the card!)

Thanks again Tyler! Merry Christmas to all!