Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sizemore, Perez - Let the injuries begin

Sizemore is out, not expected to return for at least a couple weeks. He misses the Spring Training return some folks thought he would make.  It looks like he won't be making Opening Day most likely either.

Chris Perez hurt himself during Spring Training, so he'll be out few at least a few weeks as well.

I am supposed to writing a seasonal outlook for BaseballDigest.com (well, a sister site anyway), and just when I think I've got it nailed down, the Tribe provides injury-induced editing.

This is *not* how I hoped the season would start.  Now, the Indians Nation has a LOT of praying and positive thoughts to do... More than usual.

Monday, February 20, 2012

It's Today! It's Today!


Pitchers and catchers report on field to begin Spring Training in Goodyear, AZ!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

ONE MORE DAY!

ONE MORE DAY!
INDIANS 2012 SPRING TRAINING
STARTS TOMORROW!

WAHOO!!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012

2011 Indians Information & Record Book on CD


Thanks to Mark, who never ceases to amaze me with the Indians-related doo-dads he finds, sent me a link to the 2011 Indians Media Guide on CD.  Of course, I bought it right away.  I had no idea what the CD would hold, so when it arrived the other day, I slipped the disc out of the sleeve and into the drive.

The disc contains one file.  Really? A whole CD for one PDF? Wow.  Well, the media guide contains 478 pages, and lots of full-color photos.

The document itself has player information, Indians historical info, and more.  There is a "history of Progressive Field," which only mentions the name "Jacobs Field" once, and that is just when the stadium changed its name TO Progressive.  So, anything related to the stadium BEFORE the insurance company bought the naming rights is still referred to as "Progressive."  I find that absolutely tasteless.

There is a nice tribute to Bob Feller and an extensive list of records, history, prospects, and current players (as of 2011, anyway).

I enjoyed the "History of Indians Names," which explains how the Tribe got their name and the heritage and tribute the "Indians" name means to the Native Americans for which the team honors.  I know this is a very sticky situation for some people, but the descendants of the Penotscot tribe have given their blessing on the team's name.  I know the Tribe has been slowly moving away from using the name more and more over years, but I think it is a great way to honor one of the greatest Native American players (and all of them as well) to keep the name.

I'm not real sure what I'm going to do with it yet, I mean in addition to adding it to the Tribecards collection. But, it does make for a unique member of the Tribecards family.

Thanks, Mark, for helping spend my collection money!

7 Days to spring training!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

8 Days until spring training!


Long Overdue Thanks to Baseball Dad

A while ago, I received a package in the mail from Jack, Baseball Dad, Harner.  He sent it after reading my posts about Travis Jackson - the HOFer born, raised , and buried just down the road from where I live.

Accept my apologies for the photo quality.  The "old" MacBook just doesn't take great pics indoors. Ah well.

The first card in the envelope was Mr. Jackson himself!  I was so excited, I showed my wife.  And, then I explained who he was, and the whole "Waldo, AR" connection.  She tolerates my hobby-habit better than many.  I wish someone would do a modern-day version of "The Conlon Collection."  An all-inclusive set of every player to have donned an MLB uniform would be awesome.


Next up is 1983 Donruss "Hall of Fame Heroes" card featuring Bob Lemon.  Believe it or not, I think I need this for my collection.  I haven't checked it against my database yet, but I don't remember having Lemon form this set.  Of course, with over 10,000 Indians cards, I do forget which ones I have from time to time...

Next up is a 1979 Topps Ron Pruitt.  Now, this one I *know* I have.  First of all, '79 was right in the thick of my initial collecting phase. Second, how do you forget you have this card?  In-your-face catcher shot.  The girls at Dinged Corners would be loving this one! And, they'll probably end up with it.

Next up, a 1999 Fleer Tradition Rookie Flashback Richie Sexson.  This was when Fleer wasn't owned by Upper Deck.  The card features embossing/relief work.  You lose that in the shot below.  I love the soft border on these and the photo is crisp with some blurring background.


The 2005 UD Classic set brought about a retro feel with a nostalgic twist to the featured players.  Jack sent me two of them: Lou Boudreau and Larry Doby.  Boudreau looks like he is kneeling in the on-deck circle or at least on the sideline watching practice.  Doby is posed in front of an empty section of stands.  It's actually a very weird picture since the world disappears at about his armpit.



Before Manny was "Manny," he was a Triber.  This 1993 Bowman is a very cool card with a shiny border that appears to change colors in the light.  I'm sure it's a reflector, refractor, foil-edge, something. Then again, maybe it's just a regular old Bowman.  I could look it up, but where is the fun in that for you, the reader? In actuality, it looks like an oil spill from Skyrim. Maybe I should stop playing that game for a while.



Carlos Baerga!  Here, he is featured in the 1996 Pinnacle ".300 Series" as card number 304.9  That must have been a fun set to pull together for Pinnacle. Can you imagine the company pitch?  "Hey, I think we should do a set where the card numbers are based on batting averages. And, pitching averages. And, well, OBP or whatever else we can assign an average to..."


The 2007 Topps Chrome David Dellucci really shines! I mean that literally, of course.  The back features white lettering.  I don't know if the Chrome set had both red letters and white, or just white. In any case, I like the Chrome sets, and Dellucci played three seasons with the Tribe and batted an average of .249 during his stint.



Rounding out the package from Baseball Dad: Pronk!  This time, he is featured on a 2008 UD Baseball Heroes card (Grey background).  In a double-header against the Angels, he went 7-for-8 with 5 HR, 5 runs and 11 RBIs.  Remembering the good ol' days...


Thanks to Baseball Dad for this surprise!  I am especially excited to add Jackson to my "non-Tribers" collection.  Very cool addition!  I'm looking forward to comparing the Indians cards against my collection, too.  I never know when a card shows up that I thought I already had - only to find out it is a new member of the Tribecards family!

Friday, February 3, 2012

2012 Topps Series One

I bought a pack of 2012 Topps Baseball Series One tonight. I have no idea why Photo Booth insists on recording the video in mirror-image mode, but there ya go... Enjoy.