tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62732943247608251412024-03-12T18:32:52.762-04:00wait 'til next yearmy personal tribute to the "team that should have been", the 1969 Cubs; tidbits of my philosophy of life and baseball cardsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-13651065560391470612013-04-23T20:30:00.000-04:002013-04-23T20:55:36.282-04:00Jars Garden Cafe<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hz0s08iXQek/UXcmRBBkoJI/AAAAAAAAA80/XHIYKaI-o20/s1600/jars+jars+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hz0s08iXQek/UXcmRBBkoJI/AAAAAAAAA80/XHIYKaI-o20/s200/jars+jars+1.jpg" width="200" /></a>For those of you who have missed me, thank you. I have been very busy with life . . . The BIG news to announce is that I have opened a coffee shop / cafe in Bradenton Florida check it out if you can: <a href="http://www.jarsgardencafe.com/">www.jarsgardencafe.com</a><br />
<br />
Because it is the right business thing to do, I have also started a blog for the cafe <a href="http://jarsgardencafe.blogspot.com/">http://jarsgardencafe.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
<br />
I hope some of you who like coffee or food will follow Jars Garden Cafe. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0Bradenton, FL, USA27.4989278 -82.57481940000002427.3862403 -82.736180900000022 27.6116153 -82.413457900000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-21017915644156993422010-12-21T01:00:00.001-05:002010-12-21T01:00:02.105-05:00How to Impress a Lady<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Dealing Blackjack the other night the discussion at the table centered around drinking, vacations, couples, dating, marriage, divorce and the rules of the road surrounding each. Being newly single again (after 23 years of marriage) one of the guys at my table had some sound advice for me that I am going to pass on to all of you.</span></span></h3><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>During one of the moments as I was shuffling the eight decks of cards, this kind gentleman reached in his pocket and gave me a 3" x 5" card which was titled <b>"How to Impress a Lady"</b>, in an easy to read block style font, it read:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TQ--wR6tppI/AAAAAAAAA6c/S4ronMsXYWM/s1600/impress+a+girl.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TQ--wR6tppI/AAAAAAAAA6c/S4ronMsXYWM/s200/impress+a+girl.jpg" width="200" /></a>"Wine her, Dine her, Call her, Hug her, Support her, Hold her, Surprise her, Compliment her, Smile at her, Listen to her, Laugh with her, Cry with her, Romance her, Encourage her, Believe in her, Pray with her, Cuddle with her, Shop with her, Give her jewelry, Buy her flowers, Hold her hand, Write love letters to her, Go to the end of the Earth and back again for her." </span><span> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I now know where I went wrong, haha)</span></i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>He then said to turn the card over, I did such and it was titled <b>"How to Impress a Man"</b> and printed in a fancy script font it read: "Show up naked . . . Bring food . . . Don't block the TV".</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Thanks to this kind stranger, I have learned so much and am happy to pass these words of wisdom along to all of you. You never know where or when you may learn something important as I did the other night while dealing Blackjack. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">For those of you who may not know, my nighttime life is as a Las Vegas theme party planner / Casino dealer for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6273294324760825141" www.casinonights.org=""> Casino Nights </a>. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-25059927586936842012010-12-20T15:14:00.000-05:002010-12-20T15:14:14.522-05:00Toast Your TeamI received the ultimate gift from my daughter last night.<br />
<br />
Because in our house we celebrate both Chanuka and Christmas, the exchange of our immediate family gifts is usually on a day between the two holidays (though we usually leave at least one to be opened on Christmas morning).<br />
<br />
So, last night we had our Chanu-mas dinner and gift exchange. Naturally I did receive two packages of Pepperridge Farms Rapsberry Milano's (some family members actually read my blog), a bottle of Crown Royal (yes I have a dark side) and . . . drum roll please . . .<br />
<br />
This toaster which has the Chicago Cubs logo on the inside to brand each piece of my toast. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TQ-36Qqxj0I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/5VSmfFm11ew/s1600/Cubs+Toaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TQ-36Qqxj0I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/5VSmfFm11ew/s320/Cubs+Toaster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will taste better and my breakfast egg and cheese sandwiches will be blazing in the Cubs trademark too. <br />
<br />
My thought is that if the Cubs have a bad day, stink up the joint, lose a thriller, get shutout or worse yet be the victim of a no-hitter I can always burn a piece of toast beyond eat-a-bility. <br />
<br />
But, if the Cubbies have a good day, win in a walk off, pitch a no hitter or even shall I say make a run for the World Series (and actually get there ?!), I shall be toasting plenty of slices of bread in honor of their success.<br />
<br />
For now, thanks to my daughter, I can Toast the Cubs every day !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-33319678302618094192010-11-21T20:48:00.000-05:002010-11-21T20:48:05.412-05:00I have an addiction<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnInlpzjSI/AAAAAAAAA54/jNrYzbm4e3Y/s1600/alyssa+milano+robe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnInlpzjSI/AAAAAAAAA54/jNrYzbm4e3Y/s200/alyssa+milano+robe.jpg" width="152" /></a>ok before anyone gets too worried, it is NOT one of those addictions that are serious nor require medications, support groups or a ten step process, I wont be invited on the Dr. Phil, Oprah or Jerry Springer shows either.<br />
<br />
Now that I have set that record straight, my addiction is Raspberry Milano. Ok, one more clarification. It is NOT an infatuation with the one and only Alyssa Milano wearing a raspberry robe, though I could very easily be persuaded to be addicted to her. That would certainly be a more healthy addiction than the one I am about to confess to but she may not agree.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnKE1D7KaI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Y4XX7P2awZI/s1600/milano+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnKE1D7KaI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Y4XX7P2awZI/s1600/milano+cookies.jpg" /></a><br />
My (newest) addiction is one of the cookie sort, more accurately a Pepperidge Farm cookie called the Raspberry Milano. If you have not tried these, dont ! You too will become addicted very quickly. So I warn you - do not even try them ! <br />
<br />
The package begs us to "indulge in a little raspberry romance . . . " and continues to tell us to "embrace decadent cravings. Reward yourself. Open . . .Taste . . .Delight"<br />
<br />
With a package so enticing it is no wonder that I have this addiction. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnKMvEfHkI/AAAAAAAAA6E/uA-MJjqz3kA/s1600/milano+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOnKMvEfHkI/AAAAAAAAA6E/uA-MJjqz3kA/s200/milano+cookie.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you care to help me with my issue, go buy a package; at least then there will be one less for me to consume. If you dont care to help, leave them on the groceries shelves, I will be around your neighborhood soon enough to but them all and stock my entire home. <br />
<br />
If neither of those options appeal to you, just let Alyssa know. She might be the only cure to my addiction.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-43534006139336939332010-11-19T13:35:00.000-05:002010-11-19T13:35:35.381-05:00Something you probably did not know<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.casinonights.org/"> CASINO NIGHTS </a> is more than just your typical provider of Las Vegas style table games and professional dealers for your party.<br />
<br />
One thing that separates us from the crowd is our connection to so much more. Yes Casino Nights is actually part of <a href="http://www.apolloamusements.com/"> Apollo Amusements </a> and Gameroom SuperStores along with <a href="http://www.saturn5.biz/"> Saturn 5 </a> indoor amusement center in Bradenton Florida.<br />
<br />
This allows us to offer YOU the largest selection of video and pinball games, foosball, air hockey, ping pong and even billiards for rental. All of these can add major FUN at any of your upcoming events.<br />
<br />
If you only want to rent a few video games, have an air hockey or foos ball fun filled afternoon, reward your employees (or friends) with an evening of friendly competition without the "formality" of tuxedo wearing dealers, then calling <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.casinonights.org/"> Casino Nights </a> and renting these other FUN games is all you need.<br />
<br />
When you call 1-877/FLA-PLAY you get the full array of FUN for any sort of event you may want to plan. Ask for Steve or John and let us know you have read this blog for an extra discount.<br />
<br />
See, this is something you probably did not know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-19505995301712873752010-11-15T18:01:00.000-05:002010-11-15T18:01:03.890-05:00Fringe Benefit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOG7W5Clv8I/AAAAAAAAA5U/0lOgNH3-Hb0/s1600/Casino+Night+with+Amanda+Aug+2010+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TOG7W5Clv8I/AAAAAAAAA5U/0lOgNH3-Hb0/s200/Casino+Night+with+Amanda+Aug+2010+C.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>We all have fringe benefits at work, some are better than others.<br />
<br />
Check out my new blog post at <a href="http://casinonights-fl.blogspot.com/"> Casino Nights Blog </a> and see what I mean.<br />
<br />
This is a tease.<br />
<br />
I love my job ! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-47214839806905801292010-11-11T12:55:00.000-05:002010-11-11T12:55:28.787-05:00A new blogI have started a new blog . . . <a href ="http://casinonights-fl.blogsspot.com/"> CASINO NIGHTS BLOG </a> I hope some of you will follow along.<br />
<br />
This is my new life, a FUN life it is . . . baseball cards are my hobby (a forgotten sole as it has been a rough year or so). I shall return to spending more time (and money) on my hobby one day soon, but for now my new venture as an event planner / casino dealer must take top honors.<br />
<br />
If you have ever attended a casino night party, las vegas style event fund-raiser, poker tournament or have ever gone to a real casino to try your hand at "real" gambling then my new blog might be of interest. If not . . . I understand.<br />
<br />
Thank you ALL for your loyal readership, generosity (baseball card collectors are some of the most generous bloggers out there) and friendship (yes I do consider some of you friends).<br />
<br />
Here's the link to my website and new adventure . . . . <a href="http://www.casinonights.org/"> CASINO NIGHTS </a><br />
<br />
Thank you !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-1717361715987810302010-09-18T11:30:00.004-04:002010-09-18T11:49:15.625-04:00There's always next yearIt occurred sometime last week and I missed it. To be honest, it has actually occurred every year since 1908 at different times of the year so I sometimes just lose track of things. Not that I dont care but I do try (not) to "celebrate" this event. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TJTezYkcg6I/AAAAAAAAA3s/zRlwCFVBbpk/s1600/scan0003+%2816%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TJTezYkcg6I/AAAAAAAAA3s/zRlwCFVBbpk/s320/scan0003+%2816%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518280417785709474" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, you might have guessed it, the Chicago Cubs have been officially eliminated from the playoffs, let alone winning anything this year. In honor of this moment I have turned to a book that offers some levity to this situation, titled: "The Cubs Fan's Guide to Happiness" by George Ellis, circa 2007.<br /><br />With chapters such as; Beer will make it better (Chap 2) and At Least You're Not a Sox Fan (Chap 7) to the 15 Habits of Highly Happy Cubs Fan's the theme of being "frustrated" for 100+ years is evident throughout out these pages.<br /><br />So as the season winds down with some teams preparing for or pushing themselves for that last run at the playoffs and potential World Series celebration, other teams just go home ashamed of under-performing, I turn to a book. <br /><br />We however as the eternal optimist called a Cubs Fan, we simply chant "wait til next year".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-39350547705728340302010-08-28T17:56:00.006-04:002010-08-28T18:27:20.588-04:00The Tao of PoohI know this is supposed to be a baseball card blog, but it is <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> blog and I feel like posting a book review. To be perfectly honest, it really is not a book review. I am not a reader at all; nor am I a writer, an airplane pilot, doctor, lawyer, professional athlete or anything really worthy of anything. I am however a self-proclaimed Winnie the Pooh "aficionado".<br /><br />That's <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THmKIg4DwvI/AAAAAAAAA3U/LgjNn4xAdSY/s1600/the+tao+of+pooh+1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THmKIg4DwvI/AAAAAAAAA3U/LgjNn4xAdSY/s200/the+tao+of+pooh+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510587497933161202" border="0" /></a>right I like Winne the Pooh and all of his friends in the hundred acre wood forest. Winnie after all is the Bear with very little Brain and I can relate to that.<br /><br />The book I now have read several times (ok I know what you are thinking but it IS a book for "adults") is titled <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tao of Pooh</span> written by Benjamin Hoff. Hoff also wrote a second book called the Te of Piglet which is a natural continuation of the understanding of the connection between Taoism and Winnie the Pooh and his friends.<br /><br />Hoff takes us on a journey that each of us can relate to. In actuality we all possess personality qualities of Pooh and all his friends; some more dominant than others and in understanding the basis for each of those traits we find a better understanding of ourselves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THmKb3Sxu0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/Tnn41tDdyZc/s1600/the+tao+of+pooh+2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THmKb3Sxu0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/Tnn41tDdyZc/s200/the+tao+of+pooh+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510587830368320322" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the Chapters are titled: The How of Pooh, Spelling Tuesday, The Pooh Way and Nowhere and Nothing. Who can pass up a book with chapters like that.<br /><br />The back cover of the book sums it up perfectly; ". . . in which it is revealed that one of the world's great Taoist masters is not Chinese or a venerable philosopher, but is in fact none other that that effortlessly calm, still, reflective bear; A A Milne Winnie the Pooh".<br /><br />". . . while Eeyore frets . . and Piglet hesitates, Rabbit calculates, and Owl pontificates . . . Pooh just is". To the right is a poem written to help you find <span style="font-style: italic;">your way</span>.<br /><br />I recommend everyone finding a copy, reading this book and finding out how closely each of you resembles one of thee characters. For me I am a mixed up combination of Piglet, Rabbit and Pooh.<br /><br />Thanks to all for reading my blog and allowing me to review this book.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-73850257212389459872010-08-24T17:49:00.004-04:002010-08-24T18:22:11.942-04:00Happy Birthday Cal Ripken JrBorn in 1960 on August 24th, Cal Ripken Jr turns 50 today. The second "Iron Man" of major league baseball, Ripken deserves to have a special birthday.<br /><br />Ripken's baseball feats are almost endless. Not withstanding <span style="font-style: italic;">the record that never will be broken</span> of playing in 2632 consecutive games. The 1982 Rookie of the year who actually began his career as a third baseman was shifted to shortstop, played in 19, yes nineteen, consecutive all-star games, has one world series ring (1983), a member of the 3000 hit club and played his entire career in Baltimore, naturally having his # 8 uniform retired and inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame as a first ballot inductee in 2007. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THRDez_dAeI/AAAAAAAAA3M/HJ8tiaw8Ue8/s1600/ripken+jr+82+topps+rc.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/THRDez_dAeI/AAAAAAAAA3M/HJ8tiaw8Ue8/s200/ripken+jr+82+topps+rc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509102440812446178" border="0" /></a><br />This 1982 Topps Future Stars Card #21 was one of my very first "big" purchases in 1984 when I bought five of these. If my memory serves me correctly they were less than $ 5.00 each at the time. I have since donated (gave away) two of them over the years, holding onto three of them for no apparent reason. If anyone out there is interested in a trade for one of them - let me know. I am still more of a Cubs fan !<br /><br />Originally listed as a third baseman and sharing future star status with Bob Bonner and Jeff Schneider (each of whom had incredibly short stints in the major leagues), Ripken certainly made up for it.<br /><br />Happy 50th Birthday wishes go out to Ripken. Being a fellow 1960 baby, I feel slightly embarrassed in even having one thing in common with the "Iron Man".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-91408013305176201752010-08-16T11:19:00.005-04:002010-08-16T11:36:15.877-04:00a third time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TGlar-mJt8I/AAAAAAAAA3E/S350-ghHPH0/s1600/JMP+in+Paris+2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/TGlar-mJt8I/AAAAAAAAA3E/S350-ghHPH0/s200/JMP+in+Paris+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506031731021035458" border="0" /></a><br />For the third time in three years my beautiful daughter is off on an adventure. <br /><br />Two August's ago she embarked on the Rotary Youth Exchange program and headed to Finland <span style="font-style: italic;">(yes Finland)</span> for ten months. Upon returning home last summer she then went off to start her college life (freshman year) at Flagler College in St Augustine Florida. While both of those experiences were positive <span style="font-style: italic;">(and not so positive)</span> in many ways, my daughter was craving something different . . . again.<br /><br />Just the other day she left again, for Chicago, our old home town, to attend Columbia College and pursue her creative writing aspirations. I wish her the very best in everything, am so proud of her and look forward to visiting her and taking her to a Cubs game.<br /><br />Below you will find a song sung by Winnie the Pooh to Piglet that I have now sent my daughter three years in a row. Maybe this year it will inspire her to be "big" !<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You can be a guiding star,<br />If you make the most of Who You Are.<br />And the sensitivity,<br />That you are now discovering to see<br />Can be developed even more,<br />So you can find the hidden doors<br />To places no one’s been before.<br />And the pride you’ll feel inside<br />Is not the kind that makes you fall -<br />It’s the kind that recognizes<br />The bigness found in being Small</span></span><br />as Pooh sings about Piglet in The Te of Piglet pg 51Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-65812015632126832892010-08-10T12:59:00.004-04:002010-08-10T13:18:39.741-04:00Baseball "Lifer's"I recently came across a list that intrigued me. <br /><br />The list was of ALL current Major League Baseball Players that have been with the same team for ten years or more (thanks to ESPN). <br /><br />Here are the only eleven players currently that fit that category.<br /><br />Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves 16 <br />Mariano Rivera New York Yankees15 <br />Derek Jeter New York Yankees 15 <br />Jorge Posada New York Yankees 15 <br />Todd Helton Colorado Rockies 13 <br />Jason Varitek Boston Red Sox 13 <br />Eric Chavez Oakland Athletics 12<br />Vernon Wells Toronto Blue Jays 11 <br />Jimmy Rollins Philadelphia Phillies 10<br />Mark Buehrle Chicago White Sox 10 <br />Michael Young Texas Rangers 10 <br /><br />Not sure how that number compares to other years but it seemed rather small to me. <br />With my heart still being stuck in the era of the sixties and seventies I do wonder how this compares to other years ? Anyone out there able to calculate this for the year 1970 ? <br /><br />Three quarters (Santo, Kessinger, Banks) of the Chicago Cub infield were "lifer's" (that is from a long time ago)! It is a shame no Chicago Cub made this list this year ! Who will be the next Cub to play for Chicago for ten years ? <br /><br />While I understand that baseball has changed drastically over (in so many ways, both for the good and bad) the commitment and loyalty of the game (from the players and owners) is one thing I wish would change back to the days of yester-year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-43159419542610259312010-08-09T14:53:00.004-04:002010-08-09T15:26:52.461-04:00The Twenty Dollar BillA well-known speaker started off his seminar by:<br /><br />holding up a $20.00 bill.. In the room of 200, he asked,<br />' Who would like this $20 bill? '<br /><br />Hands started going up.<br /><br />He said, ' I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.<br />He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.<br /><br />He then asked, ' Who still wants it? '<br /><br />Still the hands were up in the air.<br /><br />Well, he replied, ' What if I do this? '<br /><br />And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.<br /><br />He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.<br /><br />' Now, who still wants it? '<br /><br />Still the hands went into the air.<br /><br />My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.<br /><br />No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value.<br /><br />It was still worth $20.<br /><br />Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.<br /><br />We feel as though we are worthless.<br />But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.<br /><br />Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.<br /><br />The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know,<br /><br />but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE.<br />You are special<br />-<br />Don't EVER forget it<br /><br />you may never know the lives it (this lesson) touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring.<br /><br />Count your blessings, not your problems...<br /><br />' And remember: amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-89490924367118047572009-09-17T18:34:00.007-04:002009-09-17T19:32:41.916-04:00welcome to the big leaguesToday in baseball history (1955 that is) Brooks Robinson made his major league debut. Getting two hits on his opening day was a teaser of what was to come. Those actually would be his only two hits in 1955 after appearing in only 6 games and 22 at bats, but his first two of 2848 career hits.<br /><br />His full time role would not officially start until 1958 playing in 145 games, and from 1960 until 1974 would appear in 15 consecutive all-star games and receive 16 consecutive gold glove awards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SrLFn58xLHI/AAAAAAAAA2w/jdiFi9kswio/s1600-h/Brooks+Robinson+1960.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SrLFn58xLHI/AAAAAAAAA2w/jdiFi9kswio/s200/Brooks+Robinson+1960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382581794022435954" border="0" /></a> Topps 1960 # 28; my birth year and a real "cool" card<br /><br />Brooks Robinson began his storied Oriole career today, September 17, 1955; played his entire 23 year career in Baltimore and ended his career in 1977.<br /><br />A career .267 batting average, 2848 hits, 1357 rbi's and 268 home runs is just the icing on the cake for this "vacuum" at 3rd base. Lee May nicknamed him "Mr Hoover" and it is well known that "while Brooks never had a candy bar named after him, in Baltimore, people named their children after him".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SrLFszjPZkI/AAAAAAAAA24/f2KEX763Pzk/s1600-h/Brooks+Robinson+1969.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SrLFszjPZkI/AAAAAAAAA24/f2KEX763Pzk/s200/Brooks+Robinson+1969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382581878204098114" border="0" /></a> Topps 1969 # 550; a "happy" smiling card<br /><br />The 1964 AL MVP, two time World Series Champion (1966, 1970), 1970 World Series MVP and Babe Ruth awardee, Robinson was inducted into MLB Hall of Fame in 1983 with 92%.<br /><br />I remember watching the Orioles back in the late 60's and early 70's, secretly cheering for them (not so secretly, as they were my favorite AL team back in the day). Being a Cubs fan meant being an anti-White Sox fan and the Orioles were going to beat the Mets in 1969, emphasis on were. They sure did have some great pitching and fielding back then.<br /><br />Brooks Robinson, a childhood "hero" of mine, started his career . . .today !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-12617894034818149262009-09-13T20:55:00.030-04:002009-09-13T22:05:20.387-04:006 in 30: better late than neverExactly one week ago <a href="http://www.dingedcorners.com/"> Dinged Corners </a> offered up a challenge that many of you tackled quickly. For me, since I am "slow", have been called "a dollar short and a day late" many a time in my past, and just got busy with cleaning, organizing, and redecorating my home (it is for sale now and today was the first Open House)I am just getting to this challenge today.<br /><br />But nonetheless here goes. The challenge was to pick a binder and find six cards in that binder that made you "happy" in 30 seconds. For those of you who did this, I don't have to tell you that 30 seconds goes quick.<br /><br />My first challenge was to pick what binder. I could have easily picked my almost complete Topps 1970 binder, or any of my Chicago Cubs binders or my newest binder with the 1995 Cardtoon set or even the 1991 binder I put together for my daughter. All of which would have made for finding six "happy" cards easy. No instead I choose a binder I don't look at much; a miscellaneous binder of stars and set out to find six "happy" cards quickly.<br /><br />For me, one of the first words I think of when someone says "happy" is smile. So I set out to quickly find six cards that had a smile. Here are my six "happy" (smiling) cards:<br /><br /><a style="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2Z6kKwN5I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/xoNxrFLwGeE/s1600-h/PICT2487.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2Z6kKwN5I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/xoNxrFLwGeE/s200/PICT2487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126361197852562" border="0" /></a><a style=""> <span>Bo Jackson; 1991 Upper Deck # 744<br /><br /></span></a><a style="" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZzIZkRQI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/65xzrBL2kYI/s1600-h/PICT2486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZzIZkRQI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/65xzrBL2kYI/s200/PICT2486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126233484707074" border="0" /></a><a style=""> <span>Kirby Puckett, 1993 Topps # 200<br /><br /></span></a><a style="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2Z_qpPcsI/AAAAAAAAA2g/8Jl26X2Lw9k/s1600-h/PICT2488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2Z_qpPcsI/AAAAAAAAA2g/8Jl26X2Lw9k/s200/PICT2488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126448835687106" border="0" /></a><a style=""> <span>Ken Griffey Sr., 1988 Donruss # 2</span></a><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span>02<br /><br /></span></a><a style="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZtBPvJdI/AAAAAAAAA2I/TevtlL0tNFk/s1600-h/PICT2485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZtBPvJdI/AAAAAAAAA2I/TevtlL0tNFk/s200/PICT2485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126128485213650" border="0" /></a><a style=""> <span>Frank Thomas, 1993 Leaf Hotshots # 77<br /><br /></span></a><a style="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZmdGagdI/AAAAAAAAA2A/ZxIObD7Hnjs/s1600-h/PICT2484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2ZmdGagdI/AAAAAAAAA2A/ZxIObD7Hnjs/s200/PICT2484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126015703220690" border="0" /></a>Barry Bonds, 1992 Upper Deck # 134<br /><a style="" com="" _f2clbxonp_u="" 1ymi="" aaaaaaaaa2o="" vpq9ci7eluw="" h="" jpg=""><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq2aEu-1yMI/AAAAAAAAA2o/VPq9ci7eLuw/s200/PICT2489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381126535899367618" border="0" /></a> <a style="" ozzie="" 1990="" post="" 6="" 0f="" 30="">Ozzie Smith, 1990 Post # 6 of 30<br /><br />So there you have it, my 6 in 30 "happy" cards . . . a nice challenge . . . better late than never.<br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-52407025102668959672009-09-13T16:46:00.006-04:002009-09-13T17:32:55.605-04:00When 500 HR meant somethingToday in baseball history two HOF'ers hit their 500th home run. Two of the greatest players of any era; Willie Mays and Frank Robinson.<br /><br />Mays hit his 500th in 1965 while Robinson hit his in 1971. Back in the day when hitting 500 home runs was a commodity for a select few both Mays and Robinson were tops in their class. <br />September 13th certainly does mark a special day in baseball lore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq1fW_QkUbI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RB7jOJ4olL0/s1600-h/600+Mays+1970.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq1fW_QkUbI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RB7jOJ4olL0/s320/600+Mays+1970.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381061978320294322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> Willie Mays Topps 1970, # 600: the eyes awaiting a home run pitch</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> (I know it is a photo from spring training but I still love those intense "eyes")</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq1fzpfIwTI/AAAAAAAAA14/UAybsrd28VM/s1600-h/Robinson+Frank+1967.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sq1fzpfIwTI/AAAAAAAAA14/UAybsrd28VM/s320/Robinson+Frank+1967.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381062470692028722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> Frank Robinson Topps 1967 #100: another shot of the "home run" eyes </span><br /><br />Ranking 4th (Mays with 660) and 7th (Robinson with 586) in career round trippers, I salute Mays and Robinson for reaching that 500 HR club on the same day, albeit six years apart.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-807513862573204562009-09-12T10:56:00.015-04:002009-09-13T00:02:31.413-04:00Someones "junk" is someone elses treasureSeveral months ago a most generous blogger John of <a href="http://pursuitof80s.blogspot.com/"> Pursuit of 80's </a> offered up a set he "did not like as much as he thought" and I because my thoughts are far less deep or poignant I asked and received this most unexpected treasure.<br /><br />John had acquired the 1995 CardToons set of cards (copy written date of 1993 though not released until 1995).<br /><br />For those not familiar with this set, it was a parody,simple as that. The base set of 95 cards spotlighted almost every star of the day in a caricature rendition with humor and sarcasm flowing freely. There were also several subsets printed including one aptly named Big Bang Bucks (showcasing the 20 highest salaried players on card currency) and Politics in Baseball ( an eleven card set focusing on the problems of baseball at the time).<br /><br />My personal favorite subset is the Field of Greed (a nine card set) which describes the history of baseball (at the time) labor problems. The most interesting thing about this subset is that when completed and aligned (or put in a nine-pocket page) they make a complete Field of Greed picture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ-mA0NgQI/AAAAAAAAA1I/h6nrvHZhfiM/s1600-h/DSCF1763.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ-mA0NgQI/AAAAAAAAA1I/h6nrvHZhfiM/s320/DSCF1763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380603740087484674" border="0" /></a><br />The complete set has a comical approach to our national pastime and its players; fronts and back are very cleverly stated (or at least in my opinion) and gives me a chuckle every time I look at these cards.<br /><br />A couple of my favorites are naturally the "Scrubs" (ie Chicago Cubs) cards:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ-yh39QTI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/dYZAfsurgmQ/s1600-h/DSCF1769.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ-yh39QTI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/dYZAfsurgmQ/s200/DSCF1769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380603955119997234" border="0" /></a> Shawon (Tungsten Steel) Dunston<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_Dx4mV_I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/T_lsGmOMdS4/s1600-h/DSCF1766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_Dx4mV_I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/T_lsGmOMdS4/s200/DSCF1766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380604251475433458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_RdU7KwI/AAAAAAAAA1g/u04RqkDRUuM/s1600-h/DSCF1772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_RdU7KwI/AAAAAAAAA1g/u04RqkDRUuM/s200/DSCF1772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380604486475262722" border="0" /></a> Ernie (Mr. Club) Banks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_b977ZTI/AAAAAAAAA1o/6_SLBYKVrgA/s1600-h/DSCF1767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Squ_b977ZTI/AAAAAAAAA1o/6_SLBYKVrgA/s200/DSCF1767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380604667027481906" border="0" /></a>and if some remember this superstars' brief stint in baseball, Michael (Just Air) Jordan (sorry if the timing is perfect as he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame (yesterday) as the GOAT (greatest of all-time) for a sport I rarely follow.<br /><br />This 1995 Cardtoon set is fun, simple as that. Collecting baseball cards should be fun, simple as that. This set is now my "treasure". Thank you John !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-46184208963866165722009-09-11T10:10:00.008-04:002009-09-11T10:57:36.802-04:00We will always remember . . .We will always remember where we were eight years ago at 7:46 am . . . I certainly do and will never forget. That September day in 2001 that has changed our lives, country and world forever.<br /><br />To reflect just a bit on the personal side of things; I was President of the Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce participating in our usual Tuesday morning networking group <span style="font-style: italic;">(yes back in the day I lived in Illinois and was a business owner)</span>. Our executive director walked in and whispered in my ear about what she was just saw on tv <span style="font-style: italic;">(very similar yet far from the scope of how President Bush was informed at Emma E Booker Elementary School in Sarasota Florida)</span>.<br /><br />I excused myself from the group, walked to her small office and watched with horror on her nine inch portable television. Within moments, cell phones were ringing and about fifteen of us crammed into the space built for one watching in shock. There was silence among us, except for the few who stepped away to use their phones. Within a few short moments "chaos" occurred with our group - fear, shock, concern, horror.<br /><br />For about an hour our group slowly shrank in size, many going to schools to pick up their kids, some going home to family and others going to their office to start a "new day". I stayed behind until all were gone and then headed to my office well after nine o'clock. I drove the one mile with indescribable emotions and met my six employees in the front office. Our day was not about "work". We stayed together for another hour or so and by 11:00 my office was closed and I was in communication with so many families, businesses and "officials" of our town that my mind was all about "whats next", the loss of lives and "where do we go from here".<br /><br />Later that evening a networking event was to be held at a local restaurant and the Chamber of Commerce decided we should go ahead with it. I am today still so proud of the turnout and generosity of my fellow Chamber members and friends. We turned it into a fundraiser, handed out small American Flags <span style="font-style: italic;">(thank you to my still good friend Ron)</span> and networking turned into hugs and tears.<br /><br />I know this is a baseball card blog, so lets get to it. As an excuse, I was not collecting cards in 2001 <span style="font-style: italic;">(I had stepped away from the hobby in 1993)</span>, even though my collection from the 1960's and 70's and my flagship framed tribute to the 1969 Cubs were proudly displayed in my home.<br /><br />Several months ago, I did acquire one card from a blogger (sorry I forgot who) that is appropriate for today.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqpiWb6K-3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/lFmRNVuI0Io/s1600-h/PICT2483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqpiWb6K-3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/lFmRNVuI0Io/s320/PICT2483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380220842435869554" border="0" /></a>This great shot of a 30' by 50' American Flag (Topps # 357) being help by the players,coaches and personnel of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies on September 17, prior to their first game being played after the horror of 9-11. America - United We Stand.<br /><br />So today, as I write my 200th post, it is time to remember and never forget. It is a time to be thankful and grateful to those who serve and protect. It is a time to reflect on the lives that have been changed so drastically and be so proud of those who have stood tall and fought back.<br /><br />It is a time we will always remember . . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-88030105112214531882009-09-05T09:14:00.007-04:002009-09-05T09:39:19.219-04:00Happy Birthday Maz'September 5 marks the 73rd birthday of Bill Mazeroski - Happy Birthday Maz !<br /><br />Mazeroski was one of my favorite non-Cub players of my youth. I toiled around youth baseball at second base for about a year, before I became a pitcher, third baseman and finally a bench warmer. But Mazeroski was the star NL second baseman of the day and I tried to be him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqJojhxhSOI/AAAAAAAAA0w/3aRjcIoRotU/s1600-h/Mazeroski+1957.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqJojhxhSOI/AAAAAAAAA0w/3aRjcIoRotU/s320/Mazeroski+1957.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377975864604575970" border="0" /></a>Maz's Rookie Card, Topps 1957 # 24 was one of my first major star cards I remember cherishing and eventually put into a thick single screw plastic holder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqJopUKhCGI/AAAAAAAAA04/f0H3x2ChzDY/s1600-h/Maz+1960.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqJopUKhCGI/AAAAAAAAA04/f0H3x2ChzDY/s320/Maz+1960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377975964030535778" border="0" /></a>The 1960 card, Topps # 55, is really my all-time favorite for several reasons. First it is the year of my birth (yes 1960 is a looong time ago). The 1960 cards showcase the nice classic vertical style of cards and I like the contrast of background colors used for the two photos; blue sky in the color large head shot (got to love that bulging cheek) and the black and white half body shot with the yellow background (reminds me of day baseball when the sun shines). 1960 is also the year that Maz hit that most unlikely walk-off game seven ninth inning homerun to catapult the Pittsburgh Pirates to World Series Champions over the highly favored New York Yankees.<br /><br />So today I salute a boyhood "hero", World Series star, perennial all-star (7x) and 8x Gold Glove winner on his birthday - Happy 73rd Birthday Maz !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-53733785231080762452009-09-04T10:01:00.007-04:002009-09-04T10:27:15.948-04:00Lifes Balancing ActMany of us, especially in my age bracket <span style="font-style: italic;">(going to be 50 next year)</span>, have experienced (or suffered through in some cases) the challenge of balancing family, work, home and community into ones life. <br /><br />This balancing act of such has taken turns and shifts through the years and as I sit here in my quiet home (no wife, no child, no pets) fumbling through <span style="font-style: italic;">(actually the never ending task of sorting, organizing and storing of)</span> my baseball cards I came across this 1991 Topps #659 of Oscar Azocar card that seemed pertinent to this balancing act of life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqEiXekIeuI/AAAAAAAAA0o/BAZgqTw-pf8/s1600-h/miscellaneous+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/SqEiXekIeuI/AAAAAAAAA0o/BAZgqTw-pf8/s320/miscellaneous+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377617216794032866" border="0" /></a>While his career lasted all but 202 game, 439 at bats, a .226 BA over three seasons and two teams Yankees (1990) and the Padres (1991, 92), Azocars' skill of balancing seems remarkable.<br /><br /> Here's to lifes balancing act.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-68174027143404712462009-09-02T21:18:00.010-04:002009-09-02T22:02:50.558-04:00Just One ShyToday (Sept 2) marks the 37th anniversary of Chicago Cub Milt Pappas' razor thin close call with perfection (in 1972 for those math challenged). After retiring the first 26 batters in a row and reaching a 3-2 count on the 27th batter (Larry Stahl of the San Diego Padres) Pappas was one pitch shy of perfection. Unfortunately the call was a ball <span style="font-style: italic;">(lets not over react to a correct call made by then plate umpire Bruce Froemming)</span> and perfection was "ruined". Pappas did however retire the next batter to secure the no-hitter and an 8 - 0 victory at Wrigley Field. Still today, Pappas has the unique honor of being the only pitcher to have a perfect game "ruined" by a base on ball to the 27th batter.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp8gzkWma1I/AAAAAAAAA0g/MIm0ompDzIE/s1600-h/NO+73+Pappas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp8gzkWma1I/AAAAAAAAA0g/MIm0ompDzIE/s200/NO+73+Pappas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377052550407547730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{1973 #70 love those "earmuffs"}<br /></span></div><br />Pappas's career began in1957 with the Baltimore Orioles appearing in only 4 games, yet 1958 began a string of eleven years in a row of double digit victories. Prior to that infamous day in 1972, Pappas was probably best known for being traded to the Cincinnati Reds during the off season of 1965 for the "old" superstar Frank Robinson.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp8gks148CI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/5LrHkrg6UM8/s1600-h/Pappas+1958.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp8gks148CI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/5LrHkrg6UM8/s200/Pappas+1958.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377052294988230690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{1958 # 457 "oh so young"}</span><br /></div><br />Two and half years in Cincinnati and a couple of stints with the Atlanta Braves, Pappas was traded to the Chicago Cubs in June of 1970. Arguably, his finest year was in 1972 as Pappas compiled a 17-7 win-loss record and a top ten in the Cy Young award voting.<br /><br />Pappas finished his career in 1973 with a 209 - 164 record, 3186 innings pitched and a better than 2 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio (1728 to 858). With 110 wins as an Oriole, Pappas came within one win shy of achieving 100 wins in the NL as well. Pappas would have been just the eighth pitcher to achieve 100 wins in both leagues joining; Cy Young, Al Orth, Jim Bunning, Gaylord Perry, Nolan Ryan, Ferguson Jenkins and Dennis Martinez.<br /><br />Once again, Pappas was just one shy of being part of an exclusive club. So today I honor Milt Pappas and being just one shy . . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-30003920413184311712009-09-01T09:55:00.007-04:002009-09-01T10:33:18.521-04:00Trying againDear fellow bloggers, followers, baseball card junkies and baseball fans in general<br /><br />I am attempting a comeback. Being that this is my first post in almost three months I will take it slow and do my due diligence in returning to your nightly reading lineup. It has been a "summer to forget" in my part of the woods and it is now time for me to get back on the playing field. Ok enough of the baseball analogies, I am going to give my blog another shot.<br /><br />Just a bit of a recap of my personal life: my daughter returned from her year in Finland on May 24, and two weeks later my wife asked me for a divorce (and I agreed). We decided to put the house on the market and I would move out in 2 - 3 months (I thought we agreed). I packed up most of my "stuff" (including my baseball cards, binders, supplies etc) and within two weeks was "ready". Then my wife said she was "moving out" and out she went. I unpacked my "stuff" and she used my boxes and crates. She was gone by July 15 and I took the house off the market (never really had officially listed it). This past weekend I moved my beautiful daughter into her college dorm (she is attending Flagler College in St Augustine Florida and is an incoming freshman). My house is now empty, quiet and clean. No more dog, no more cat, no more wife, no more teenager. The house is too big for one so now I will try to sell it more vigorously. So that's my "brief" update of my summer . . .<br /><br />Now for my baseball update: at the time of my last post in June the Cubs were 29-26 trying to find their groove. They never found it and now sit at 65 - 64. Another "summer to forget" as well. Quite coincidentally the day of my previous post the Cubs beat the Astros 7 - 1 (yesterday the Cubs lost to the Astros 5 - 3).<br /><br />This pa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp0vn8ouOpI/AAAAAAAAA0M/IGDzOpZ4gHc/s1600-h/wait+til+next+year.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Sp0vn8ouOpI/AAAAAAAAA0M/IGDzOpZ4gHc/s200/wait+til+next+year.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376505893488573074" border="0" /></a>st weekend I started reading a George Will book titled Bunts. In a rather poignant way Will concludes his introduction like this: ". . . baseball is a work in progress. If you dont believe me, just remember, and heed, the fans familiar cry, Wait til Next year".<br /><br />A great big thank you to all of you who have expressed concern for me. I will try to get back to the basics of my blog (a personal salute to the Cubs of 1969 and baseball of that era), try to remember why I started this, try to get back into the trading mode and try to rekindle some blogger friendships I have ignored. I am going to try again . . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-74913522715721518382009-06-09T21:50:00.001-04:002009-06-09T21:57:51.935-04:00Fathers Day came earlyI received an early fathers day "gift" and wanted to share with everyone my newest addition. <span style="font-style: italic;">Before I continue I must say that this "present" was given to me by . . . drum roll please . . . well to be honest, I bought it myself. That's right, I bought myself an early fathers day "present"; why, just because.</span><br /><br />Here it is . . . weighing in at 6.2 pounds, 1848 pages worth of baseball cards; The 2008 Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, 17th edition, edited by Don Fluckinger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Si8SJgVOiFI/AAAAAAAAA0E/mnY9QF1iLQI/s1600-h/BBC+book.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2Clbxonp_U/Si8SJgVOiFI/AAAAAAAAA0E/mnY9QF1iLQI/s320/BBC+book.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345511237219158098" border="0" /></a>I have never bought a book that was this heavy nor had as many pages - except maybe my daughters huge SAT practice test book. My book will get opened much more.<br /><br />This book boasts "the hobby's biggest and best price guide". However, I did not buy this volume for the price guide but for the vast collection of cards, over 140 years worth. This book catalogs sets, individual cards, errors, reprints, coins, stamps, rookie cards, short prints, double prints among its many different designations.<br /><br />A 6 pound history lesson and for me an early fathers day "gift". Happy early Fathers Day to all you Dad's out there - may you be as nice to yourself as I have been for me. Thank you to me !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-56194279903210023412009-06-08T17:44:00.003-04:002009-06-08T18:05:23.211-04:00to tweet or not to tweetfor some unexplainable reason I have decided to join Twitter and become a twit. For those of you who think I just flipped my lid and have no clue what I am talking about, I am proud of you and you can stop reading this post now.<br /><br />For the two people left reading (ok maybe less than two if not only one or none) I can be found here: <a href="http://twitter.com/waittilnextyear/"> Wait til next year Twitter </a><br /><br />Twittering, or as they say "to tweet", is the craze these days. Real-time short messages from people and organizations all around the world telling of what is happening "now". My life is certainly not exciting enough to be followed by too many but if you do have an account I would like to follow you. <br /><br />Maybe I have lost my mind but with this blog, facebook and now twitter I think I have entered the 21st century of communication (albeit nine years late). Time for me to tweet.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273294324760825141.post-14879624896114913812009-06-07T21:03:00.003-04:002009-06-07T21:33:05.511-04:00They said this !I was going to title this post "who said this" and make a contest of sorts but I don't have any cards or really anything worthy of a winner so . . . the title stays as "they said this".<br /><br />Recently I stumbled upon this website <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/"> Brainy Quote </a> filled with interesting and sometimes humorous quotes and there is a whole category of sports quotes.<br /><br />Some of my baseball favorites:<br /><br />1) Other sports play once a week but this sport is with us every day. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Peter Ueberroth</span><br /><br />2) The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ernie Banks</span><br /><br />3) The triple is the most exciting play in baseball. Home runs win a lot of games, but I never understood why fans are so obsessed with them. <span style="font-style: italic;">Hank Aaron</span><br /><br />4) Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? <span style="font-style: italic;"> Jim Bouton</span><br /><br />5) One thing you learned as a Cubs fan; when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. <span style="font-style: italic;">Joe Garagiola </span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(note needed here: between Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola quotes, an entire blog could evolve)</span><br /><br />6) Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing. <span style="font-style: italic;">Warren Spahn</span><br /><br />7) I went through baseball as a "player to be named later". <span style="font-style: italic;"> Joe Garagiola</span><br /><br />8) The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out your glass. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Martin Mull</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(I just had to share this one with everyone)</span><br /><br />Check the site out <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/"> Brainy Quote </a> you might get a laugh or two. Maybe one day there will be a site of the greatest quotes by bloggers ?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15517404816789584250noreply@blogger.com1