Mailday From Ben

A while ago, I got a care package in the mail from my buddy, Ben.  In the package was a bunch of Orioles cards, many of which I needed in my collection.  The above 2012 Panini Cooperstown Induction Year card of Brooks Robinson is really nice, as it is made of a thin piece of wood.

I have the Walter Johnson version of this card, but definitely was pleased to have the Brooks added to my PC.  I knew it existed, but I hadn't gotten one until now.

Another nice card that Ben included was this 2014 Topps Chris Tillman pink parallel numbered 30/50.  I didn't have this one, either, and I don't have a whole lot of Tillman stuff.

I had sent Ben several Orioles rally towels from Fan Fest for him and his family, and apparently, they were a hit.  Ben is a really nice guy, and I'm glad we have connected over cards.  Thanks for the package, Ben!

A Package From Weston

I got a nice package from Weston over at "Fantastic Catch" recently.  He put in a bunch of Orioles and some Panini Cooperstown cards.  I really liked the 2009 O Pee Chee Chris Davis (above), which I didn't have for some reason.

Weston also included this Cal Ripken that I didn't have yet.  Speaking of Cal, he turned 53 today.  Wow, I'm feelig old.

Thanks for the package, Weston!  I really enjoyed the cards!

Christmas Mail From Weston

I was surprised with a nice Christmas package the other day from Weston over at Fantastic Catch.  Weston and I have traded a decent amount since he began blogging last February.  He sent me a nice stack of Orioles along with some Andrew McCutchen cards and a couple things for my son.  One of the coolest cards was the above Matt Wieters from 2012 Panini Triple Play.  Since Wieters isn't in any Topps stuff, his cards are hard to find.  I was really glad to see him in this stack from Weston.

Weston also sent me some Panini Cooperstown cards.  I really like this set.  I might have to find a box of these to bust.  Maybe after 2013 Series One Topps comes out.  I kind of like the above Frank Robinson card.  Yeah, I know, there isn't any photo of Frank to be seen, but I think that is ok.  The card reminds me of the Hall of Fame spotlight posts I was doing a couple years ago (does anyone miss them?).

Finally, here is another Panini Cooperstown, this time of Eddie Murray.  Pretty nice card.  They didn't have to cut off half of his head to hide the O's logo, either.

Thanks for the package, Weston!  Everyone should go follow Weston's blog, if you aren't already.  He posts pretty regularly, does box breaks, group breaks, etc.  I'm sure there is a ton on his blog that will interest you.

My Thoughts on 2012 Panini Cooperstown

I went to the LCS today after a bit of a layoff and grabbed a few packs to see what some of the new stuff looks like.  One thing I noticed was a box of 2012 Panini Cooperstown, so I figured, what the heck, I'll pick up a few packs and see what it is about.

I'm pretty much exclusively a Topps guy, especially since my decree earlier this year that I would no longer give any of my hard earned money to Upper Deck after some shady customer service encounters.  I have never had any issues with Panini, however, so I thought I'd give them a shot and I actually wasn't disappointed.  Albeit, they can't use MLB logos, the cards themselves look pretty nice.  I got the above Cal Ripken Induction Year card out of one of the packs.  It doesn't show Cal anywhere on the card, but it is still pretty cool.  It has a wood feel to it, which is nice.  I don't know how hard it is to get the card, but I was happy with it nonetheless.

This Luis Aparicio is a look at the base design for the set.  Pretty sharp looking card.  Again, you see no MLB logos, but I don't think it detracts from the card at all.  Just my opinion, though.  The proprietor of the card shop told me that he has seen a few HOF autos pulled, notably, Eckersley and Kaline.  I don't know if they have any cut signatures or anything like that, though.

In all, I think I definitely will be looking to grab a few more packs of this if they remain at the card shop the next time I go in there.  I suggest you also give them a try if you come across them at your LCS.