Unfinished Cup:1997 Spx Basketball

If I had to put a ranking of my favorite base set designs of the 90's, someday I really hope to do that, 1997 Spx is EASY Top 5.

The die-cut design. The touch of foil and color. The hologram that smiles at you with a single turn. There isn't anything to hate about it.

That's why I have finished the football, NASCAR, baseball and almost hockey sets of it.

I am also ever so-so close to finishing up the basketball one after I was RAK'd a Kobe which is the hardest card in the set. I promised the person who sent that I would finally finish this up.

All that remains is,

19,24,29.30,32,34,37,38,42,43,and 47.

That's 11 cards out of 50. This one has been a slow build but being this close, I have to do this!!

Do you have any of my remaining needs? Comment below or hit me up at sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com . Thanks in advance!

Well, this makes three posts in three days and this is just the beginning. I have packed a lot of posts coming up and some new ones on Sport Card Collectors and Big Blue Cardboard too so make sure you are following those as well. There is a reason I am doing this and that will be revealed at some point.

Hope everyone has a great end of April! Hopefully all of those showers bring on May flowers!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

A Dantastic Mail Day

PWE trading continues to be the driving force in my collecting world.

In the real world, it's coffee.

*takes a sip of freshly brewed coffee*

When finances are tight, a stamp or two (sometimes three) is what gets me through and helps me bring in new cards.

My latest trade with @DanPortnov shows how well trading like this helps. Dan is easy going and easy to trade with as I have done multiple deals with him now. He's the kind of person I like trading with.

In my latest haul I got a few cards from each of my favorite and top PC's.

It has been a while since I have added some Griffeys, it's about time that I did.

 

Rookie year Ad Card. May not be flashy, but I don't have it.

(I don't think the hairdresser would be able to do this to my hair, #baldingpride , #baldpeoplematter)

Two generational talents, two players that couldn't stay healthy later in their careers. Can you imagine their numbers if they stayed healthy??!

The shiny stuff always gets me. Plus, I don't have a lot of newer Griffey stuff (hint, hint). Just in case anyone reading this has other Griffeys, you can see my needs HERE.

The next part of my trade brings in some Giants.

 

New NY Giants starting QB Russell Wilson. I am not one for college cards, but I will take them of players I collect. I have collected Russell before he was in NY.  Now that he is a Giant, I look forward to adding Giant cards of him.

Wandale Robinson should thrive even more with better quarterback play. First time in a long time I am excited about the loaded Giants QB room.

Bill Parcells is a legendary coach for many teams, but this is THE TEAM that matters most.

A new Nabers!

I think he fits perfectly with his friends right here.

I don't quite know about this vintage dog card, looks like it was cut out of something, but it's pretty cool even for a cat guy.

Dwier Brown played John Kinsella in Field Of Dreams, but I have also seen him across other movies (horror) and TV shows.

Okay. Here me out. I like these. Yes, I know it's just a swatch of newspaper, but it's cool and is a piece of history.

I also like how they show a little snippet of the item the swatch has been pulled from. I wished sport card companies did this.

Two more Pieces Of The Past document relics. The relics are unique, but the card design to me is well done. I like the layout and the shine.

Thanks to Dan for our latest trade and hope we can do another one soon.

Hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday.

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*

Unfinished Cup:1995-96 Flair Hardwood Leaders

I was 12 years old when I fell in love with Fleer 1995, a product hated by most collectors.

I collected baseball, football and basketball that included one of my favorite inserts of the three, Flair Hardwood Leaders.

They were issued one-per-pack but were some of the coolest cards I had seen at the time with its court floor background, thick cardstock and high gloss. It was like no other insert I had seen at the time.

I remember specifically going into Ames, buying a few packs every few weeks just to try and chase the set. I especially wanted the Jordan but didn't have any good luck. That had to wait until I was an adult.

With that being said, I am only four away from finally completing what I had started. I need the following cards,

12, 20, 21, 23

The final four will help me finish this set I have been chasing all of these years.

Do you have what I need? Comment below or send me an email at sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com

Thanks and hope everyone has a magnificent Monday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

2025 New Years Goals Check In #1

At the beginning of the year, I promised I would do some check-ins on my New Years hobby goals to keep myself accountable. 

Well, here we are.

So, let's see what they were and in red is where I am at currently.

• I need to sort out all of the cards I acquired or had taken out of binders in the last few months. Which is a fair amount. I am almost done with this. Just a few cards left!
• Put those cards away once they are sorted same as above!
• Start to finish some of the sets I started especially the 90's ones. I need to update all of the numbers and do some more unfinished cup posts on here to see if anyone can assist with those needs. Work in progress. I have numbers ready to add to a tab on here when I have time to do so along with some Unfinished Cup posts!
• The binder numbering project needs to be finished. I have another two shelves to finish at least. d This project is just numbering a binder and adding the contents to a notebook DONE!!
• Penny sleeve everything I haven't yet. This will take some serious time as I need to go back through some boxes to do this Need a TON more penny sleeves and need to finish sorting out what I have that way I can sleeve all at the same time.
• Binder my Eli Mannings that haven't been put away yet, fix the rest in the box Haven't begun this at all
• Clean up my card room. It's just a mess. I need it better organized to get to what I really need to get to. Somewhat began this. things are mostly put away, however, it's still not as organized as much as I hoped
• Do some giveaways as I haven't ever really done any on here. Haven't gotten to this yet either, maybe once I get to 100 followers on here
• Up my PWE trades especially among bloggers. If you are interested and have some non-sport, Ken Griffey Jr, Patrick Mahomes, Caitlin Clark, NY Giants, football rookies (can be vintage), 90's inserts/parallels from any sport,team, player and is 1995-1999 (shinier the better) and have a U.S. address, hit me up at sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com. Just mailed some out, but, haven't had many bloggers contact me and I also haven't had time to post some trade bait. that time is coming by the end of the year


For PC:
• Reach 1,300 Eli Mannings. This is a very lofty goal. I haven't even reached 1,200 yet. Still not to 1,200 yet!
• Add some of my most wanted non-sport autos such as Ed O'Neil, Tony Danza, and Jon Heder. Not yet :(
• Try to fill in Rodney Hampton gaps of 2023 products. Many still on eBay sitting there that need to find a way to my collection Some have been added, a long ways to go still!
• Add more to my "other" PC's to move me up the TCDB board. Allan Houston, Micheala Shiffrin, etc. Haven't done

For Blogging:
• Decide if I can fit blogging into my schedule and continue blogging still haven't done this fully yet. it's been really hard focusing on one blog as I want to do all three but barely have the time to handle one. I need to just pick one and stick with it, but for now there will be posts on and off on all three
• Come up with new creative content tried a couple new things, they didn't hit it off
• Take away the sipping breaks and behind the scenes content? this has been on and off this year like today's post
• New blog layout? still thinking on this one
• Come up with new segments still thinking on this one
• Reach 500,000 views at 366,000, a ways to go by year's end
• Reach 80 followers lost a follower..grrrrr. so at 71
• Blog my Giants cards on Big Blue Cardboard since they don't fare well here? Reader's thoughts? Also goes with #1 on this list with time. did a few posts, haven't decided what works best yet

There you have it, my 2025 New Years Goals check-in.

Some good, some bad and some need a lot of work. Just like my weight loss goal. Some loss, some pizza and need to add to the work out.

Have a great Sunday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

BLOG CROSSOVER EVENT 2: First Pitch

If you don't read Sport Card Collectors, you will have missed what today's post is all about. To recap quickly, I am doing a three-blog crossover event similar to how TV shows do theirs. 

Today's post is Part Two of a mail day from blog reader/friend Oren. Part One can ONLY be seen on Sport Card Collectors blog HERE and Part Three will be done on Big Blue Cardboard.

Now that I got that information out, onto your usually coffee drinking program.

*takes a sip*

I wished I had time to not only blog more, but to get my collection a little better sorted especially when it comes to my set chases.

Most I don't have want lists for and some have cards not even in the same place.

It's a mess....like the coffee I just spilled.

*gets up, grabs a napkin and cleans up the mess. throws away napkin, sits back down for rest of the post*

*takes sip of what remains*

One of the many sets I would like to complete are the Topps First Pitch sets. They were spread across a few years of Topps baseball, and I know I have quite a few spread across many non-sport card boxes.

My latest ones came in this mail day from Oren. I have no idea if I have these ones or not, so until I get them put together, I will keep taking any of them I can.

Donovan Bailey is a retired once World Record breaker Canadian Sprinter. Guess it explains why he is doing his First Pitch with the Blue Jays,

We all know that she loves rock and roll and so don't we. I was quite excited to add this Joan Jett one.

Luke Donald was once the world's number one golfer. He looks like in this picture that maybe he knows how to throw a baseball as well.

*takes final sip before closing up today's post*

I will add these three to the non-sport box for now until I can find the time to gather all of the ones I have to see what I need and make a list. In the meantime, I will continue to hoard any of the ones I acquire.

Part Three of this Blog Crossover Event is tomorrow! See how this mail day ends on Big Blue Cardboard right HERE.

Thanks again for reading and having some coffee with me.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Coffee Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Easter Egg

Happy Easter everyone!

My coffee is ready, and I am ready for a new post!

I know I am way behind the rest of you when it comes to breaking Series 1, but to keep up the tradition yearly for myself, here it is. 

Despite my decreasing interest in baseball cards.

But a tradition is a tradition.

*takes a sip, begins to.....crack?....then rip?*

There are 59 cards in every egg and each one comes with one special insert. The egg tins run for about $15 each.

59 cards in a tin is a lot to post and since many of you have seen plenty of Series 1 already and probably broke the yolk on some yourself,  I am just showing off the key cards in my break. Which is what most people come for anyways for any kind of break posts.

This was the highlight base card find for me, well besides some guy named Ohtani. There weren't any rookie card names I recognized.

There is one name that stands out on this list, yes, it's Judge if you had to ask. Beautiful parallel.

And here is a second one I pulled.

My third parallel is what I believe they call a Pastel. These look pretty cool too, if only they were shiny.....you all know me and shiny.

I won't even talk about this card; everyone knows I can't stand these types of inserts.

 

Call To The Hall. Kind of a lazy design.

And wow, a third Judge in this tin. Awesome! And this year's Stars Of The MLB design, superb. It's different than the last couple of years and really stands out.

And that's it. 

One thing I like most about these special edition cards such as holiday and this spring/Easter one are the parallels. Those are the main chase for me regardless of player.

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

I just wanted to finish up today's post with a moment to thank Jesus for everything in my life and for his resurrection. Today He Has Risen!

*says a prayer*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Netburners

*sits down, takes a sip, gets ready for a new post on Cards Over Coffee*

Good Morning Coffee Card peeps!

It's time for another one of those showoff posts and once again this one comes thanks to a trade again with blog reader/friend Oren.

This time our trade focused on 90's inserts which as everyone knows is my sweet spot in the hobby.

*takes a sip before showing off the cards*

Z-Force Boss inserts. It's a simple design, but I like it. Especially with the embossing touch as well.

1996-97 Metal wasn't at all my favorite design from the metal group. It's okay but reminds me of a truck bed liner.

Not that the subset design is bad. This should have been the base card design to.

But, it's Metal Universe that is at the top. It's why I am chasing all of the base sets.

Now onto why I called today's blog post, Netburners. A good portion of this mail day was an insert called that.

Netburners is a 36-card set that fell one-per-pack in packs of 1997 Press Pass. The design is pretty cool since we don't see a lot of die-cuts that look like this anymore. Some great names to find in this set as well such as Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady.

Let's check out the rest of them that Oren sent,

 

Will this be the next set I chase? Not sure. It could be as I have a pretty good start. But with so many sets to chase already that I need to focus on, this one would hit the backburner for a while.

Thanks for the trade Oren!

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

I believe the next post I do on here will be another mail day from Oren. It's the only incoming mail I have had to share other than some Giants cards that don't post well on here.

Hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

The Moment From a $200 Card To A $1 Card

*staring at you through the computer screen wondering why you haven't signed up yet for Fetch or Cashwalk apps*

*proceeds to drink coffee....then stares back at the screen at you* 

They say hangers are bangers so with some gift cards I earned using the Cashwalk app I got to try out this theory.

I was also in shock that I actually found Prizm football in stock at my Walmart.

I am not sure why I ever buy Prizm. I have always had terrible luck with it. My best luck comes with trading for singles I want, but call me Kenny Rogers as I like being a Gambler.

These boxes come with 20 cards with plenty of shiny and costs you roughly $25. Or in Cashwalk terms, five $5 gift cards.

So, I used all of the ones I saved up to try the box hoping for the best.

Was this it...did I hit the motherload? Was this going to be the first time ever Prizm hit it big for me? Did I actually win the gamble and hit a $200 card??

My heart was filled full of excitement. It was the kind of rush you get when you are speeding a little and happen to pass a cop car sitting in the U-turn making you wonder if they will turn their lights on or not.

Well, that thrill didn't last long. The moment went from a $200 card to a $1 card.

Guess the cop car didn't move.

However, finding this as one of the next cards wasn't too bad. It didn't make up for the price of the box, but wasn't a bad find either and probably my best ever Prizm pull.

This kind luck probably won't stop me from opening another down the road. But, will have to get to saving and unlocking gift cards first.

*takes a sip before closing up today's post with some information*

Well, not to sound like a broken record or an infomercial, I just wanted to remind you of the two apps I use to get gift cards. There is a third one I use to get Visa gift cards I will save for another day.

Hey!

Join me on Cashwalk (Walmart Gift cards and others)

This incredible walking app rewards you with coins for every step you take, making your daily walks fun and motivating.

Sign up using my referral link to instantly receive 500 bonus coins!

http://cashwalk.us/i/GEPAM

Let's get moving and start earning! (also earn extra when you watch ads which is what I do)


FETCH (eBay gift cards among tons of others)

FREE GIFT CARDS FOR SCANNING RECEIPTS YOU TOSS OUT!!
Fetch saves me money every time I shop. It gives me personalized offers from my favorite brands, and turns all my receipts into free gift cards. Sign up with code 8TB9M and get a first-receipt bonus. #FetchWithMe

https://referral.fetch.com/vvv3/referralsocial?code=8TB9M

Hope to see some, all, of you signing up and earning some points towards FREE gift cards soon! I swear by these apps!

Hope everyone has a great Monday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Box Ol' Grady

 Just when I finally get going deep into my sorting process.....

 

I get a Big Box Ol' Grady from blog reader Grady M.

What's in a Big Box Ol' Grady? Well, let me tell you. It's something.

 

Picture all of these packed full of your favorite team cards, shiny cards, non-sport, inserts, etc.

It always offers a little bit of everything and is as magical as it looks. I look forward to this mail day every time he sends one.

I always take one quick glance through, then do a deep sort later on. Since I am already in the middle of a big sort, I will tackle this box(es) once I am done with the current sort. It will be a while before I can show off some of the surprises within.

But I will.

Thanks again to Grady for this mail day.

Hope everyone has a great Saturday. I will be going to a maple syrup party then off to watch a girls AAU basketball game that features a few players I coached this season so hoping that will be a nice surprise for them.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

5 Things I Did In The Hobby Last Week

It's April and this is my first post of the month and the first post in a while.

*coffee is in front next to the laptop, takes a sip*

There are a variety of reasons for this.

I have been busy. I haven't felt like posting. I have been spending my free time in my collection instead. And just simply haven't felt motivated to.

But, today, I have a new post to catch you up on five things I did last week. 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.

1.

I started work on my inserts and putting them away.

All four sports are separated by team then added to a box like the box above.

This isn't actually a hard job between all of the sorting ones I do. However, I still need to go back and penny sleeve them all. The problem is not having penny sleeves or the finances to get anymore right now.

2.

I put away my newest Kerry Collins adds and put them in the Kerry box. This box is getting a little tight so I may need to upgrade it.

3.

 

I tweeted out updates on my 2013 Press Pass Parks And Recreation autograph chase and my Marvel Purple Achievement PMG's collection. I am always hoping someone has one that I need for trade. I had zero luck this time.

4.

This one I am still working on. My NY Giants collection. These are all new adds that need to be put by player, checked for doubles with the ones I already had then add an updated number of how many I added to the collection. Each player has an index card I update.

5.

FINALLY caught up on all trades! This has been at the back of my mind for a long time and keeps coming back to haunt me. I finally took one night, packed them all up and don't owe anyone anything else now.

SUCH A RELIEF.

Now to work on the next round of trades with stuff I have pulled aside and not ones that I owe. Looking at you Night Owl, Dennis, Jon (need to find a few more things for you still) and Oren! Watch your mailboxes over the next few weeks.

I would love to also add a trade bait tab to this blog to see what others I can make. Right now, I am strictly PWE trading. Can't afford to mail bubblers unless it's a big card that I desperately need. This is just a dream for now. Same thing with my set needs tab that I have been wanting to add for years now.

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

I have a few more posts coming up that I hope to tackle soon that way I don't leave you guys hanging too long. I do know I also have a ton more sorting to go that's going to take a lot of focused effort.

Hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*