Thursday, June 19, 2025

Life Comes Before Blogging

Life is tough. Life is choices. Life is busy. Life is what you make of it. Life is beautiful.

I have posted a few times this year how busy June through August was going to be and so far, it has proven to be as busy as I have thought.

When life becomes busy it means pushing other things aside and those things become a "if you have time" kind of thing.

Blogging is one of those.

And up to this point I haven't had a minute to think about blogging...or even cards.

Let's recap some of the stuff I have been up to.

*prepared a cup of coffee for this post*

In one of my posts before I pre-drafted some, I mentioned chaperoning an 8th grade trip to Boston and I did so and had a blast.

We left about 8 o'clock in the morning of Wednesday June 4th and beat the mad rush to get a Red Sox/Angels afternoon game. It's roughly a three-to-four-hour trip from the school.
 
We arrived just in time for the first inning to begin which we saw some early fireworks in the first inning when the Angels put up four runs then in the bottom of the inning the Red Sox stormed back with five of their own.


The top of the 2nd had the Angels putting up three more on the board before the game went quiet for a few innings.


By the ninth inning, we were watching a nine all tie. As a Yankees fan, I knew who I was rooting on in the 9th. However, it didn't quite go the way I wanted.

As Ceddanne Rafaela curled a game winning two-run home run around the Pesky Pole in the bottom of the ninth for a 11-9 win after the Angels led four different times in the game.

I will say it was an exciting game for sure, just not the outcome I had hoped. I have been to Fenway now three times and all three times the Red Sox have won. I may be their good luck magnet.

After that, we walked to the Prudential Center to check out the view and the mall.

Despite my fear of heights, I went to the top. But will admit, I didn't look down or around as we went up in the elevator.

It was pretty cool to see the city like that and when you are up there, you don't really realize how far up you are.

Until you take the elevator back down to the mall.
After the walking, before I could even imagine hitting a mall, I needed some coffee....of course. So, I went to this fancy coffee shop, not knowing that a Dunkin (I had a free one I could have used) and a Starbucks existed in the mall, and I overpaid for a not-so-great $8 large cup of drip coffee decaf.

At least my supper at Descendant Detroit Style pizza made up for that.

It may have been $15 for this slice of pizza, but let me tell you, it was probably the best slice I have ever had. And that says a lot, I have had a lot of pizza in my lifetime.

After shopping, I didn't buy anything,
We headed back to the hotel via subway.

Then woke up the next day to breakfast which I couldn't eat. I am not sure if it was the previous day of heat or what, but I felt like I was going to hurl. I actually had to toss all of this in the trash. (insert cry emoji)

But we hit the fresh air, and I felt like myself again despite it being 96 degrees outside.


And we found ourselves at the Museum Of Science. I hadn't been since I was in 6th grade but remember how much fun it was.

Saw my first 4D movie as well.

Which involved interactions from the seating such as being poked in the back when a hummingbird appeared, being sprayed at when in the ocean and bubbles appearing and feeling like something was crawling on you when bugs showed up. I had a blast and the motion sickness didn't kick in.

For lunch, despite how I felt that morning, I took a risk with a piece of Kielbasa and covered it with mustard, peppers and onions, it was amazing.

After that, we headed to the aquarium.

It was a blast there as well, not sure why my photos didn't upload.

After there, we found ourselves at Legal Seafoods. I don't do seafood, so a grilled chicken sandwich did me in. My sister-in-law also made an appearance while there since she lives minutes from it.

The evening didn't end there as we had one more stop....
To one of the most popular pastry shops in Boston.

I can see why after eating this Whoopie Pie the next day. DA BOMB.

The following day, we headed back, and the class got to stop to Olive Garden where I haven't been in 20+ years since there isn't one close by. I think closest is a couple hours away.
I don't like soup, but this Minestrone was soooooooooooo good.

As good as my chicken alfredo.

After this trip, it was just the beginning of things to come. I got home, got prepped for an 8th grade graduation, a high school graduation, family visiting from all over including my parents and that one actually included cards and tonight I am headed to a college graduation.

On top of that, I mowed the lawn twice, need to do more weed whacking and this all-in 80+ degree sunny muggy heat. This is why fall is my favorite time of year besides Christmas.

And this is only June of my summer.
I have also been taking care of this guy. Someone must have dropped him off and he found his way here. He is really friendly and loves attention, so I am trying to find him a home but been feeding him in the meantime. I have too many cats already inside to add another. I believe my Niece is interested.

And while family was visiting, we surprised my sister-in-law with a night out for her 40th birthday.

Had some great eats there as well. This was pulled pork mac and cheese.

The restaurant was on a lake, and I spotted this once it started to get dark and we were leaving.
A lit up cross on the opposite side. I think it was a sign from God letting me know everything is going to be okay during this busy time.

I am hoping to do more posts soon. I have some fun things to share, not too many as my mail days have been dwindled to about nothing, where are you Oren with my weekly trades??!

Hope everyone has been good and been keeping those coffee refills going. I will be back with new posts soon.

Life comes before blogging.

*takes a sip*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Friday, June 13, 2025

Some That Stood Out

A few months have passed since I got my big box mail day from reader Grady M, Box Ol' Grady, and I have yet to share any of my fun finds from the many mini boxes.

As I have said before, there isn't even enough cups of coffee in the world to share everything he sends. But, a cup today will be good enough to share a few eye keepers.

*coffee is hot and ready to go*

Let's start with these stand out Judges. They may be some of my favorite Judge cards I now have.
Topps Chrome All-Etch refractor.

2024 Topps Chrome 1989

Panini Crusade

Then these two hockey cards from 2023-24 Upper Deck Allure really stood out.

And upon research on these, I guess each player can build a colorful rainbow combination of different colors. For example, the Lafreniere also has a card the same color as the player above once you get to that part of the rainbow by laying the cards side by side.

Wonder if I should choose one of these players and build off from them.

Finally, I love nothing more than a creative flashback to the 90's, 2024 Stadium Club Triumvirates.

I was pretty stoked to have found these.

They look great!!

I considered trying to finish building both three-part team cards, but I think my time would be better spent getting the Yankees team one and the Ken Griffey Jr one.

So, if any of you have any of those cards available, hit me up for trade at sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com.

Thanks again to Grady for another great mail day. I can't wait to dig for treasure next time.

*takes a final sip before finishing up today's post*

I am still working on taking care of the cards from this mail day so if I come across anything else I think should be shared, it will be.

Thanks again for reading and have a great day.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Don't forget you can start to nominate cards for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame!! Cards don't have to be autographs, patch cards, super star cards. It can be whatever you think is Hall Worthy! Find details and current nominations HERE.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

The Unicorn Of Bloggers

The Unicorn; Informal definition, "the term unicorn is used to describe someone or something that is very rare and almost impossible to find".

I consider myself that when it comes to being a sports card blogger.

About 99% of the blogosphere is built up of baseball card collectors, a sport I don't dabble much into anymore other than Ken Griffey Jr, 90's inserts and a couple of NY Yankees players. I guess that makes me the other 1%.

So, when it comes to exchanging cards with fellow bloggers in the mail, things can get a bit more complicated since I don't have "that baseball team" like the other bloggers.

Despite the challenge, my latest mail day from Night Owl Cards showed that these types of exchanges can still take place despite me being that unicorn.

Just check out what he sent,

I think I made a comment about this Mondesi in one of his posts. Great 90's insert back when creativity was top shelf. These were found 1:30-1:36 packs depending on hobby or retail.

This is a nice tribute to the 1998 insert, I will take it. Volpe has also shown some bright spots.

I have the Griffey, the Frank Thomas and now own the Piazza. Such a cool looking insert. I am thinking it's set chase time. These fell 1:12 packs in 1997 Fleer.

I got quite a few of these from my father and surprisingly did not have this Piazza version. Each player has nine cards in the set.


Own The Game is a tribute to a past Topps insert line, they look really nice in hand. Nicer than the pictures I posted or ones I have seen online. I also won't ever turn away Aaron Judge cards. Love his story and his game.

Mining For Gold fell 1:12 packs of 1996 Metal Universe. It's shiny, gold nugget goodness.

I like inserts outside the usual; this is one of them. Once again, inserts in the 90's will always rule over today's stuff. These fell 1:8 packs.

 
I have always been a big Fleer Metal fan, this 1:8 insert falls into my category of a keeper.

Thanks again for the mail day Greg!

I was really happy with everything you sent and sorry for my unicorness (if this is even a word) which made your search a little harder.

I have more many Dodgers to send your way soon, just for a heads up.

Don't forget you can start to nominate cards for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame!! Cards don't have to be autographs, patch cards, super star cards. It can be whatever you think is Hall Worthy! Find details and current nominations HERE.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Completely Impractical

*takes a sip of hot brewed coffee, gets ready for the new post*

In 2015, Topps included four lifelong friends who do stupid things to compete to embarrass each other.

Those four were Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, James Murray and Joe Gatto.

These four make up the Impractical Jokers. A show that has been on television since 2011.

I personally didn't get into the show originally, despite multiple recommendations, until a couple of years ago and I loved it. I spent many days watching it on TV, watching reels as a distraction when I was on the treadmill, then spending time sharing the best moments/reels with others.  Yes, I am one of those guys.

Everyone needs a good laugh and what better way to do it then with the stupidity. As my wife knows with me.

*takes a sip, almost chokes then laughs to himself about some stupid things that had been done*

Like with anything that connects to my life or past, I try to find cardboard related to it. Topps included Impractical Jokers base, relic and autographed cards in its 2015 Allen and Ginter product,

In 2022, I was fortunate to had completed the four base cards (which since then I have misplaced and am frantically searching for them the past month) and now I have completed the four relic cards.

Brian Quinn

James Murray (I like the relic color)

 
Sal Vulcano

And I guess to fit the stupidity theme for the Impractical Jokers, Topps decided to not use the same layout design for Joe Gatto's relic.
I am glad to have it but will admit my hobby OCD is eating me alive with it not looking like the rest.

These took me a few months to hunt down and accomplish with Joe actually being the last one. He is the most valuable of the group and is actually my favorite one of the jokers.

(let's just ignore for now the recent accusations against a couple of the jokers and focus on the show aspect)

They have autographs in the product as well but those go for a ton, so I am not expected to chase those. I am happy with the relics and the base (if I can ever find them or find someone who has them for trade again) anyways.

I hope everyone has a funny day. Make someone laugh today even if it's something stupid you do or at the cost of laughing at yourself.

*final sip for the post*

Don't forget you can start to nominate cards for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame!! Cards don't have to be autographs, patch cards, super star cards. It can be whatever you think is Hall Worthy! Find details and current nominations HERE.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Sunday, June 1, 2025

5 Things I Did In The Hobby Last Week

It's June already and it begins a very busy stretch for me. So, posts won't be too often from here until the end of summer.

*insert sad face*

This week alone I have a car appointment tomorrow, hoping it won't cost a ton, a doctor appointment on Tuesday and then I am off to Boston on another 8th grade trip I will be chaperoning. I am not sure if it will be as much fun as the trip to DC I took a couple of years ago, but I do know we will be watching the Red Sox and Angels on Wednesday afternoon. As a Yankees fan, Go Mike Trout!!

And it only gets busier from here on out.....but I will have my trusty coffee by my side.

*it's too late for coffee tonight, but the countdown til morning is on*

I have only done two posts in this segment so far because I have been too busy to do this on a weekly basis, the last one was in April, but I wanted to let you know what this series is about if you don't remember or if you are a new reader.

This series is once again related to Elon Musk's email to government officials asking them about what five things they did.

Also, once again, this is not about politics. I just liked the idea.

*yawns, tries to get this post underway before falling asleep*

1.
I did a lot more social media posts across my planet of them. I started doing Rodney Hampton, Eli Manning updates along with small mail day posts on there since it's much faster to send out a social media message than putting up a big blog post.

If you want to catch up on stuff you missed out on, here is a list of all of my social media channels:
Cards Over Coffee YouTube Channel is for cards:

Cards Over Coffee - YouTube

Matt's World Of Fun YouTube Channel is for everything else:
Matt's World Of Fun! - YouTube

On top of this, I have two Facebook accounts, Cards Over Coffee and Sport Card Collectors,

Twitter/X: Coffee Card Guy

Instagram account: Coffee Card Guy

Bluesky as Cards Over Coffee

There you have that. Now go check me out on those!!

2.
I have put together some blog posts to publish on here this week and next, I didn't want to leave you guys hanging forever because I don't just want to put up quick posts anymore. I built this blog on a solid foundation and want to keep it there. I also made that promise after the 5th anniversary that I would never go back.

3.
I looked in my wallet and found my wallet card. He may be going to Boston with me this week, maybe even be included in some pictures. We will see.

4.
I finally sorted out my Grady M mail day into sections, now it's time to break it down from there and get it put away. There may also be a post on some of the fun finds later this week.

5.
PWE's! I spent Saturday night during the Knicks blowout packing them up. I have some being sent out for trades, RAK's (something I promised Jon from Penny Sleeves blog I would do) and future trades. Trying to stay ahead knowing what's coming up the next few months.

And there you have it. Five things I did in the hobby last week.

I don't think I will even get to five things this week or even next week with graduations and graduation parties going on and family visiting.

Hope everyone has a great, not as busy as I will be, week! Remember to take a sip for me!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Saturday, May 31, 2025

The 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame Nominees So Far

This year has been flying by, and I haven't really been able to post a ton because I have been busy, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been some Hall Of Fame type of cards that should have been nominated for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame.

And up to this point, only the following cards have made the list,

Nominated by Matt

 
Nominated by Ginko-5

 
Nominated by Matt, Jafronius, and Uncle Charlie

 
Nominated by Matt

 
Nominated by Me!!

With only five cards nominated so far, at this point they would all be in which doesn't leave us with the fun voting aspect since I accept five yearly into the hall.

I am hoping today's post will serve as a reminder to myself to add the following to every post going forward,

Don't forget you can start to nominate cards for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame!! Cards don't have to be autographs, patch cards, super star cards. It can be whatever you think is Hall Worthy! Find details and current nominations HERE.

And for the rest of you to add some nominations to the cards above. Also, let me know if I happened to have missed any nominations as well.

Thanks again to those who have added in some nominees and hope to see more going forward as well.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*