Blog Bat-Around: My one MLB appearance

The crowd at The Jake falls into a deafening silence. It pushes against my ears like two massive headphones from the seventies. The PA announcer breaks in, "Now batting for the Indians, Number 4, David Henderson. This is his Major League Debut."

A murmur begins behind home plate, a few random fans around the stadium clap slowly, as if unsure as to whether or not they should be clapping. Soon, a polite round of applause makes its way throughout the venue. It is as though I were Jack Nicklaus making a putt for par when I could have had an eagle. A breeze sweeps across the infield from third to second, kicking up swirls of dust. The fielders seem indifferent to my appearance at the plate.

I make my way from the on-deck circle to the plate without tripping over my own feet or, more likely, a blade of grass. I'm facing Cliff Lee or C.C. Sabathia or one of the myriad other former Tribers playing against the Indians this game. A smirk forms on the pitcher's mouth and he shakes his head, rolls his eyes, and gives a sigh. I adjust my helmet and put the bat back over my shoulder like I've been telling my own children to do for years. The pitcher winds up and I see his arm come over the top.

"STREEEEE-IIIIIKE!" the umpire yells from behind me. I can only assume from the sound of the catcher's glove that the ball actually left the pitcher's hand and traveled the distance to the glove behind and below me. I never saw it, that's for sure. I adjust my helmet again and take a few practice swings, as though showing the pitcher where I'd "like" the ball would make a hill of beans difference.

The pitcher winds and tosses another ball at me. I see this one, but the time my eyes tell my brain to tell my arms to swing, the ball is already on its way back from the catcher to the pitcher, the ump yelling out another, "STREEEE-IIIKE TWO!"

I take a step back out of the box, and tap the dirt from my cleats. Because even without moving an inch, I've managed to get dirt in the spikes. I think it's from trying to dig my own grave in the batter's box. I look at the pitcher as I get back in to the box and shrug my shoulders, hoping he understands that I'm just here to fulfill a dream of playing once, just once in the Bigs. He smiles and nods. I swing the bat to show him where I think I would like hit the ball. He nods again. Was that at me or the catcher? I don't know. The crowd behind me is booing and yelling things like, "What a bum! Get him outta there! Who is this guy anyway!?" There other things being yelled at me, too, but I'm not putting those down here.

All I ever wanted was to stand right where I'm standing, bat in hand, facing a professional ballplayer. I've made it, and no matter what anyone yells or says changes that now. I am the one at the plate, not them. I am the one blessed to be wearing the red, white and blue of an Indians uniform. I am the one whose name just boomed over the loudspeaker. I am the one hoping the pitcher doesn't suddenly decide I'd look better with one less head on my shoulders.

The pitcher shows me the ball, as if to say, "You see this? Watch it. Just keep your eye on it." He raises his eyebrows, asking if I understand. I smile and nod. I put the bat over my shoulder, bend my knees ever so slightly, point my toes at the plate, and dip my shoulder. He winds and comes over the top with what must be the slowest pitch ever thrown in MLB history, and I see it clearly. I raise my forward leg, step slightly toward the mound, and swing.

(Note: The above is fiction. It is my dream. And, what happens next makes no difference in my world. I've already had the best game of my life.)

1989 Major League Movie Cards - Another Update

Many of you that follow along regularly know that one of the hardest sets to come by in the Indians world is the 1989 Major League movie cards.  At this point, I know of THREE people that own the set of eleven cards.   I posted my first known evidence of the set back in January of 2010: http://www.tribecards.net/2010/01/major-league-movie-cards-found.html

 

One question I get about the set most often: What are they worth?

Well, the only time I have ever seen the set listed in a copy of 2003 Beckett Baseball Almanac:

Complete set (11 cards) - $15 (all prices are for Mint)

1 - Tom Berenger - 2.00

2 - Corbin Bernsen - 2.50

3 - James Gammon - 1.00

4 - Dennis Haysbert - 1.00

5 - Andy Romano - 1.00

6 - Chelcie Ross - 1.00

7 - Charlie Sheen - 2.50

8 - Wesley Snipes - 4.00

9 - Steve Yeager - 1.50
10 - Charlie Sheen, Haysbert, Berenger, Snipes - 2.00
11 - Romano, Gannon, Yeager - 1.00

As always, the listed "book value" has little to no bearing on actual value.  In the world of collectibles, something is always worth what someone else is willing to pay.

There have been several requests from folks that want to buy the set.  I am at the top of the list!  If you own the set (or happen to have multiple sets and are willing to part with one or more), feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email (davidinark/yahoo).  I'd love to talk about buying a set from you!

*Note: The values listed above are just from that Almanac and have no bearing on what I (or others) are willing to pay, so don't let those numbers hold you back.  In fact, we might be able to work out a Tribecards-Exclusive auction/bidding war!  Now, that would be fun!

Gypsy Queen Break Haul

Chris, over at FanOfReds, held a group break recently with a bunch of 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen packs.  Since the Indians were already spoken for, I chose the Twins, hoping to score a Thome.  I did!  And that's not all!

First up, we have a mini leather (07/10) Delmon Young.  This is one sweet card!  I love the leather feel to the card.  Are they really printed on leather? I have no idea, but it looks and feels cool.

Next up: The man: Jim Thome!  The back of his card reads, "Thome, Barry Bonds, Mickey Mantle, Mel Ott, Babe Ruth, Mike Schmidt and Ted Williams are the only hitters with 500 HRs plus 1500 runs, RBI and walks apiece."  That is some seriously good company to keep.  The other card is Denard Span.  Sorry, Twins fans, I don't know much about him.

The next three cards are Jason Kubel, Carl Pavano, and Joe Mauer.  I like the vintage look of these cards.  very cool treatment!

The last three are minis: Mauer, Pavano, and Span.



There were a couple doubles (a Thome and a Kubel) plus a few extra "buffer cards" for protection: 2000 Stadium Club Scott Williamson, 1991 Topps Charlie Hayes, and a 2008 "Work Hard, Get Cards" David Wright card.  The David Wright has one of those square security stickers covering much of the side with Wright on it.  Topps lost their message on that one!

I'm glad I decided at the last minute to jump into this break.  Though I could not choose the Tribe, I am very glad to have scored TWO Thome cards (though one will go in the giveaway box) and the leather mini. 

Thanks, Chris, for holding the break and busting some cool cards for me!

Your Once in a Lifetime Appearance?

I feel like starting up another blog bat-around!  I don't know if one is currently in place or not, so forgive me if I am stepping on toes.

This round is entitled, "My Once in Lifetime" and what I'd like to hear is your dream MLB appearance.  Let's pretend that for one game, maybe even for one at-bat and one fielding turn, YOU got to be in the majors, the Big Show, the Bigs.  What team's uniform would you like to wear? What number would you want? What position would you play? Who would you like to face (both at the plate and in the field against you)?  What do you think would *really* happen during your one shot?  What would you *like* to happen during your one shot?

As always, leave a comment on this post and I'll keep a running tab to everyone's posts at the end of this one.  Here is your chance to make, break, change, or be history!

Oh, and if you aren't a blogger, feel free to leave your "Once in a Lifetime" in the comments here!

Current entries:
Steve at White Sox Cards
Nathan at Canadian Cardboard
Paul's Random Stuff
(thanks for the heads-up on Steve's link, BTW!)

2011 Topps Value Box (Target Version)

Included in the Value Box from Target are five (5) packs of 2011 Topps Series One cards, two (2) packs of 2011 Topps Heritage Hobby packs, two (2) Diamond Giveaway code cards, a special Chrome Refractor made just for the value boxes, and a 2011 MLB Collector's Guide (with Target branding).

The Diamond Giveaway cards feature Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (one player on each card).  I am sending the Jeter to Sooz over at Card Bandits and Pujols to Erin.  I am not putting in the codes, either.  I'll let the women do that, and if they come up big winners, then all the better!

The Collector's Guide shows off one card from each year Topps has been making cards.  Most of the cards are (or seem to be in my estimation) rookie cards of the various players.  In 60 years of Topps, they couldn't include ONE Indians player's card? Gimme a break. Surely, they could have included a card from each team.  Oh well, can't please everyone, I guess.  After all, we're not talking Diamond Kings of the 80's, are we?  I digress (often, but you learn to live with it or walk away). 

The booklet also contains team schedules, which is kinda cool in a retro "pocket guide" kind of way.  Throughout the Guide, coupons for various products abound: One-A-Day for us aging collectors, $10 off MLB2K11, Scott's Turf Builder (for those of us wishing to build our own "Field of Dreams," I suppose), and others.  Of course, using the coupons means tearing them out of the guide.  And, thus Topps presents the very dilemma that drives many of its target audience (only slight pun intended) batty: keep the collectible, or collect the "prize?"  Dang it.

The "Special Chrome Refractor" was of Jackie Robinson:

I mentioned earlier that I would probably do a "Tribe or No Tribe" game with the packs, and so we begin!

The rules:
Trap cards = Reds (the *other* Ohio team) and the Braves (the *other* Native American-themed team)


+1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack, unless card fits into the following:

+2 points are awarded for each serial, relic or autographed card.
+1 point is awarded for any Thome card in a non-Indians uniform.
+2 points are given for each Indians card.

-1 point from the score for each trap card (even if serial/auto/relic).
-1/2 point is deducted for each card featuring more than one team or no team at all

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Pack #1 is 2011 Topps Series One:
(12 cards per pack, avg score would be 6.0 at 0.5 per card)

Aaron Hill (Blue Jays):  +0.5
Ted Lilly (Dodgers): +0.5, total = 1.0 (night card?)
Julio Borbon (Rangers): +0.5, total = 1.5
Emilio Bonifacio (Marlins): +0.5, total = 2.0
Chicago White Sox Team card: +0.5, total = 2.5 (definitely night card)

David Ortiz (Red Sox): +0.5, total = 3.0
Armando Galarraga (Tigers) Refractor: +0.5, total = 3.5 (yes, he got ripped off last year against the Tribe. we know)
60YOT 1998 All-Topps Catchers (Piazza, IRod, Kendall): -0.5, total = 3.0

Roy Halladay (Phillies) ToppsTown: +0.5, total = 3.5
Freddy Garcia (White Sox): +0.5, total = 4.0
Joey Votto (Reds - TRAP!): -1.0, total = 3.0
Jose Guillen (Giants): +0.5, total = 3.5

First pack scores 3.5, which is not good, especially with a trap and a multi-team in there. 

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Pack #2 is 2011 Topps Series One (since there are FIVE of these):
(12 cards per pack, avg score would be 6.0 at 0.5 per card)



Kyle Davies (Royals): +0.5
Josh Tomlin (Indians, TRIBER!): +2, total = 2.5
Jason Kubel (Twins): +0.5, total = 3.0
Luke Scott (Oriols): +0.5, total = 3.5

Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies): +0.5, total = 4.0
Nelson Cruz (Rangers): +0.5, total = 4.5
Diamond Giveaway (Halladay, Phillies): +0.5, total = 5.0
T60 Ryan Howard (Phillies): +0.5, total = 5.5

Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies) ToppsTown: +0.5, total = 6.0
Todd Helton (Rockies): +0.5, total = 6.5
Neil Walker (Pirates): +0.5, total = 7.0
Trevor Hoffman (Brewers): +0.5, total = 7.5

Nice!  No traps and scored a Triber to boot! Wahoo!  Total for this pack is a nice 7.5!

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Pack #3 is 2011 Topps Series One:
(12 cards per pack, avg score would be 6.0 at 0.5 per card)


Russell Branyan (Mariners): +0.5
Alex Rodriguez (Yankees): +0.5, total = 1.0
Jose Bautista (Blue Jays): +0.5, total = 1.5
Chris Sale (White Sox): +0.5, total = 2.0
Mark Trumbo (Angels): +0.5, total = 2.5
Pedro Ciriaco (Pirates): +0.5, total = 3.0
Ryan Dempster (Cubs): +0.5, total = 3.5
Jeff Keppinger (Astros): +0.5, total = 4.0
Diamond Duo (Utley/Rollins, Phillies): +0.5, total = 4.5
60YOT Whitey Ford (Yankees): +0.5, total = 5.0

Robinson Cano (Yankees) ToppsTown: +0.5, total = 5.5
Evan Meek (Pirates): +0.5, total = 6.0
Chris Narveson (Brewers): +0.5, total = 6.5

Well, this pack had 13 cards and scored 6.5.  It managed to walk the line - no Tribers and no traps.  The Duo card counts as a Phillies card because it features multiple players from the same team, in case you were wondering (and I know you were!).

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Pack #4 is 2011 Topps Heritage Hobby:
(9 cards per pack, avg score would be 4.5 at 0.5 per card)

Mike Stanton (Marlins): +0.5

Angel Pagan (Mets): +0.5, total = 1.0
Washington Nationals Team card: +0.5, total = 1.5
Barry Zito (Giants): +0.5, total = 2.0
Stephen Drew (Diamondbacks): +0.5, total = 2.5

JJ Hardy (Orioles): +0.5, total = 3.0
Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals): +0.5, total = 3.5
Andrew Romine (Angels): +0.5, total = 4.0
Marco Scutaro (Red Sox): +0.5, total = 4.5

Another perfectly par pack - 4.5 points on 9 cards.  We ran into no Indians and no traps.  We did manage to find a few well-knowns, though. That's always cool to the collector-kid in me.  i also like the "pitching vs other teams" stats on the back of the team card.  Nice touch.

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Pack #5 is 2011 Topps Series One:
(12 cards per pack, avg score would be 6.0 at 0.5 per card)


CJ Wilson (Rangers): +0.5
John Danks (White Sox): +0.5, total = 1.0
Pablo Sandoval (Giants): +0.5, total = 1.5
Chicago Cubs Team card: +0.5, total = 2.0

Zach Duke (Pirates): +0.5, total = 2.5
CC Sabathia (Yankees) Mini Champions card: +0.5, total = 3.0
60YOT Mike Piazza (Dodgers): +0.5, total = 3.5

Ryan Howard (Phillies) ToppsTown: +0.5, total = 4.0
Melvin Mora (Rockies): +0.5, total = 4.5

Jon Niese (Mets): +0.5, total = 5.0
Ian Desmond (Nationals): +0.5, total = 5.5
Barry Zito (Giants): +0.5, total = 6.0

Despite a couple of cool cards (Sabathia, Piazza), this pack eeks out an average score of 6.0.  I am certainly seeing a pattern here.  Luckily, that pattern has managed to avoid traps for the most part!  Now, if it would just pony up on some Tribers.  That would be nice.  (For the record, I am recording these "live" as it were, so I have no idea what's in the remaining packs, should I suddenly be blessed with Indians cards galore.  I just want it to be known.)

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Okay, pack #6 is a 2011 Topps Heritgae Hobby
(9 cards per pack, avg score would be 4.5 at 0.5 per card)


Joe Nathan (Twins): +0.5
Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): +0.5, total = 1.0
Chris Perez (Indians - TRIBE!): +2.0, total = 3.0 (Wahoo! Let the disclaimer rule!)

Brewers Team card: +0.5, total = 3.5

Boston Red Sox Heritage Chrome 57/62 (Ortiz/Perez): +2.0, total = 5.5 (that is one SWEET-looking card!)
Andre Ethier (Dodgers): +0.5, total = 6.0

Jonathon Niese (Mets): +0.5, total = 6.5

Joel Pineiro (Angels): +0.5, total = 7.0

Manny Acta (Indians - TRIBE!): +2.0, total = 9.0

So, I just happen to make my disclaimer just before opening a killer pack.  Well, I can only say that is how the wheels of justice work sometimes.  Now, I am no "name-it/claim-it" kind of person (or else I would have won the lottery and PCH already)!  I am pretty excited about this whole pack, really!  Well, okay, about a third of it, anyway.  Seriously, though, that Heritgae Chrome is a nice, thick card with a cool black border treatment.  I may hang on to that one for my non-Tribe collection.... Nah, have you ever known me to do that?  Well, not often anyway.

The grand total for pack #6 is 9.0 points!  That's a pretty sweet haul.

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The last pack in the Value Box is a 2011 Topps Series One:

(12 cards per pack, avg score would be 6.0 at 0.5 per card)

Carlos Carrasco (Indians - TRIBE!): +2.0 (Are you kidding me!? Awesome!)
Neftali Feliz (Rangers): +0.5, total = 2.5
Travis Hafner (Indians - TRIBE!): +2.0, total = 4.5 (Now, I am just laughing out loud. Really. I am!)

Pedro Alvarez (Pirates): +0.5, total = 5.0
Darren Ford (Giants): +0.5, total = 5.5
Ichiro (Mariners): +0.5, total = 6.0
Daniel Descalso (Cardinals): +0.5, total = 6.5
T60 Ryan Braun (Brewers): +0.5, total = 7.0
History of Topps (Shorin Family): -0.5, total = 6.5

Buster Posey (Giants) ToppsTown: +0.5, total = 7.0
Arthur Rhodes (Reds - TRAP!): -1.0, total = 6.0 (AUGH! Got me!)
Jay Bruce (Reds - TRAP!): -1.0, total = 5.0 (AUGH! Got me again!) (Well, I'm not laughing anymore)

I was on quite a roll there!  Then, once I was built up, I needed to be knocked back down again, I suppose.  Two Tribers and two traps in the same pack.  Well, as the old song goes, "You take the good.  You take the bad. You take them both, and there you have... a Topps pack break."  Okay, well, I derailed the train there at the end - in the song and in the pack.  Thanks to the traps and the non-team card, the total for the last pack is a below par 5.0 (and this is not golf, so below par = bad).

My overall opinion of the $14.99 box of cards?  Pretty favorable, actually.  Yes, getting more than a handful of Indians helps there, but the packs had a nice variety of players and inserts.  Not a bad deal.  Especially since the boss paid for it!