in a class (post) by himself

I know I could have made one looooooong post about the cards I received from Ryan at Ryans Memorabilia Blog but Ryne Sandberg deserves to be in a class (post) by himself.

The first card is his 2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces (my newest favorite set); a great Sandberg card, with his stats from 1990 on the back: showcasing his career high and league leading 40 HR to go along with 30 doubles, 100 RBI's, a .306 BA and leading the league in runs scored with 116 and total bases with 344.

Other Sandbergs in this package were: a grimace ( 1996 fleer checklist # U249), an MVP card (1991 Leaf #404) and a triple action photo of him turning a double play (1994 Topps # 300).

Thanks again Ryan . . . as Ryne Sandberg is always in a class by himself and deserves a post all to himself.

Cards from Ryan

I received a great assortment of Cubs cards from a new blogger named Ryan (check out his blog: ryans memorabilia blog.wordpress). He being an Orioles fan should see his package of "vintage" O's arrive shortly.

Included in this group is my first jersey card: Fred McGriff - Stars of 89 from the 2002 Upper Deck.

While I have heard about these cards (and the even newer"pants" cards) this is indeed my first official jersey in my collection. It is somewhat interesting to me to note what other bloggers have also noticed; that being that McGriff is shown as a Cub, the Cubs logo is on the back but the "Congratulations!" clearly states this: "authentic piece of jersey worn by Fred McGriff in an official Blue Jays MLB game". That's right a Blue Jay jersey is what I have.

Nonetheless, I like having my first jersey card - I will just have to keep it front side up and ignore the back.

Also included in this package was another first for me; a 1997 Pinnacle Mint Bronze card of Sammy Sosa 17 / 30. I do like this card, the contract between the color photo and black and white (or in this case bronze and white) really has a nice look. The look on Sosa's face reminds me of his courtroom look.

Ryan also sent me a few of my "new" favorite cards; 2008 UD Masterpieces. I am now on a mission to collect the entire Cubs set of these cards. I like the large picture, the heavy cardstock and the gold thin line border.

Thanks Ryan for sending me two firsts and two favorites. More of what Ryan sent will be featured in a future post.