IT'S DONE!

*celebratory brew has been prepared, creamered and sitting by the laptop. it's time for some cards over coffee*

*takes a sip*

What started off as a goofy idea, turned out to be a full-blown chase.

In 2022, I opened up a decent amount of Score football and pulled a couple of Kenny Golladay parallels. I am not sure what came upon me when I did, but I decided I needed to chase the rainbow.

And not the Skittles one.

I knew this wasn't going to be an easy task with 26 parallels to chase in Score. Twenty...SIX. They put way too many parallels out there now and this is low number compared to some in 2023 and 2024 where it was upwards to 40 and more.

Despite knowing the challenges ahead, I still pushed myself to do it.

And now finally, after two long years of chasing, I finally found the final piece.

 

Which wasn't even the 1/1. It was this Stars parallel /399. I assumed a ton of these would pop up being numbered that high, but this was the only one in two years I saw.

So, I put it into the magnetic case I put the rest of them into so it can go into the BCW Interlocking card frame I have set up.

It felt so great to finally lock it into place after so long. I had to enjoy a nice cup of joe to go along with this moment.

And here is the big reveal. I should add four more frames to this and maybe snag some of the autographed versions of this card to fill in the other spots or maybe I should just leave it as is.

Let me know your thoughts on what I should fill in the empty spots with in comments.

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

There is no better feeling than accomplishing a big hobby project like this one. Rainbow chases are hard and not something I ever suggest trying unless you have a lot of patience.

For me, it was two-years of wondering if I started this project and it wouldn't be able to finish it. I am not sure if I could have handled that. Just glad it worked out in the end, and I didn't have to go down that road.

Thanks for reading and hope you all have a great weekend.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

It's My Birthday, I Will Post If I Want To!

Yes, it's my birthday.

Am I excited? Not really. 

I am more focused on Friday which is when I can finally get this painful stent out of me. I have been counting down to that day like it was Christmas which is my expected feeling for that day.

On top of that, you hit an age where your birthday just isn't that exciting anymore. I hit that over ten years ago.

I am just hopeful that after Friday, my year can finally turn around.

So far this has been my 2024,

• Broken bone in my shoulder to start the year
• My van got backed into leaving a dent on the side door
• My septic system backed into my house causing a big mess and a big bill.
• Kidney Stone stuck
• Kidney Stone surgery #1 to put in stent
• Kidney Stone surgery #2 to take out stent this week
• Hernia found, will need surgery
• Finances are bad
• And family sicknesses

And I am sure I am forgetting something or somethings.

I could use a break for once.

Guess for now I will take a coffee one...but need a bigger one at some point.

*takes a sip*

A lot has changed in my life of 41 years. 

There are no more Saturday morning cartoons with a big bowl of cereal. Playing outside until I knew to come home. Jamming to some great music and pretending I was the artist. Friday nights being spent at the video store renting movies with my parents and sometimes my friends. Also, renting video game machines and games at said video store. Pizza birthday parties. Cool toys to play with. Staying up all night (which I did once). And playing sports with friends and actually having and wanting friends.

All of this has been replaced with work, kidney stones, back pain, grunting while getting out of chair or sitting down in one, more work, electronic everything that you need to get by everyday life with-which isn't an upgrade as nothing lasts anymore that's electronic, even more work, trying to stay in shape, stress, anxiety, work again, early bedtime, multiple medications, falling asleep during a movie, neck pain when you sleep wrong, lots of doctor appointments, aches and pains when I shoot a basketball, not wanting to leave the house past 7pm and work.

But, the one thing that hasn't changed, is collecting cards.

Yes, over the years my preferences and collecting habits have changed, that comes along with finances as well, but the actual addiction of collecting has not.

One of my latest additions keeps me at 41 years old but also brings me back to my youth.

Ken Griffey Jr was my very first player collection and favorite player of the 90's. I watched any game I could when he played on TV and mocked his swing in the backyard playing against friends. He was the idol that every kid looked up to who watched baseball.

So, I collected him and collected him hard. I became to be known as the Griffey kid.

And when I saw a Griffey card I wanted, I went and did all I could to get it.

So now as a Griffey Adult, I try and do the same. Even though now as an adult it's more challenging to.

This 2022 Topps Chrome Cosmic Launched Into Orbit had me. I think its one of the better looking modern day inserts around.

 

There are two Griffey's in the set, one in his Reds uniform and one in his Mariners uniform. I usually would choose Seattle first, but the Reds one captured the Griffey swing so that caught my eye more. Though I will need to add the other another time and will add it to my want list.

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

I don't have a lot planned today, probably nothing really. Well, besides drinking coffee and I think my mother-in-law is making me a chocolate strawberry cake to go along with my coffee. This is a usual day.

Just hoping after this Friday I won't be having the usual 2024 day.

I hope all of you have a great Tuesday.

*Another Year Older Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Almost Burger Season

Well, that was another fast month. Still not fast enough when it comes to getting this kidney stent out, but still pretty fast.

*gets up to get coffee, comes back to laptop and takes a sip*

This month marked one of the biggest months this blog has ever seen. Views and comments were at all-time highs which makes me excited for the future of this blog after all of the work that I put in on here. I just hope the momentum continues every month after this one.

*takes a sip, tips the mug towards the screen as a thanks to all of you*

With February closing out today, this means one thing to me. It means that Spring is coming soon and spring for me means, getting my flowers prepped, garden ready, lawn cleaned up from winter debris and most importantly digging out my grill after it took the winter off.

There is nothing like that first smell of grilled food. I look like one of those cartoon characters floating through the air following the scent.

Just like when that morning brew first hits the air.

One of my first grilling choices is a burger. There is nothing like a grilled burger on a soft bun with all of the toppings. This is also why I will choose Burger King over McDonalds.

 

It's so good that Allen and Ginter included it in their Get That Bread insert. 

So I am gonna brag, I own a Burger rookie card. Maybe in a few weeks I can get my burger to sign it 😉😉😉

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

After February ends I usually am onto the countdown 

to March 19th, my birthday. Sadly, I could care less for my birthday right now as my countdown is more focused on the 22nd where the stent will be coming out.

That to me would be the greatest gift right now. Let's hope I can get in before then anyways as I would like to enjoy my first burger painless.

Enjoy the last day of February and I pray you all come back for more Cards Over Coffee in March.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

A Happy Ending

January has been a rough month for me personally, however this blog has been thriving this month I am happy to report. It's taken awhile, but hopefully this blog will only go up from here.

So, I have my coffee ready and hoping to end the month on a HAPPY note.

*takes a sip*

The problem with posting almost every day and not having a lot of funds is that I am running out of posts in my drafts.

I didn't have a lot of options to end this month on and figured it was time to use up one of my posts that's been sitting in drafts for more than a month.

So, I introduce you a happy ending, no not one of those you dirty minds, an adult Happy Meal ending to the month.

In December, McDonald's brought out a sequel to their very popular Adult Happy Meal they released in 2022. This time instead of the Cactus Plante Flea Market, they have brought in Kerwin Frost (I have no idea who that was until Googled), to help assist in this years design.

Instead of the throwback McDonald's characters of last years, I pulled a Grimace I still have, this time they brought back the McNugget buddies to redesign them.

When you order the meal, you can choose between a Big Mac or 10-piece nugget, get fries and the toy of course which is the reason why I bought the meal.

You whip open the box to see this. Then you eat the food before it gets cold because the only thing worse than eating cold McDonald's food is drinking cold coffee.

And like when I pull an insert in a card pack, I saved the toy for last to see....

Three pieces to put together. Fortunately, it doesn't require rocket science to build like some of their toys do occasionally. I can't handle that.

 

I pulled the Don Bernice who according to McDonald's website is an "experienced fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies in Frost Way". To me it's either Don King or my preschool teacher who I am leaning more towards it being. That has got to be Mrs. B who had me take a nap when I didn't want to. I can recognize that face she made.

And before you say this is a card blog, why post about McDonald's toys....

 

I present you the Don Bernice rookie card.

Got you there, didn't I?

It's a pretty cool collectible I plan to hold onto. I hope they come back with another Adult Happy Meal next year. I really dig this idea and nostalgia.

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

I just wanted to take a minute out to thank those of you who come by and read this blog when I post and for making this the best month on Cards Over Coffee. I hope you guys enjoy the hard work and time that I put into the blog and every post.

Hope you come ready with a fresh cup for the next post.

Have a great Wednesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

International Coffee Day

*sits down to celebrate this marvelous occasion with a cup of hot brew*

*takes a sip*

I sure hope you have a cup of coffee in hand, because this is the day to do so! Today is International Coffee Day. A day where you celebrate the greatest drink ever created.

 

Topps Allen&Ginter even agree when they included International Coffee Day on their It's Your Special Day checklist last year. 

I was able to add and know about this card existing thanks to my buddy Shane from Cheap Wax Wednesday fame. He sadly doesn't like coffee himself, which is a shame, so he passed this card along to someone who does.

I happily accepted it and will now celebrate with it. As I said, I may have missed National Coffee Day on Friday, but I am not missing today.

*takes a sip*

I am not sure how I will be celebrating today any different, maybe make a Dunkin' run instead of just drinking what I have at home, but I will definitely get my fill of my favorite beverage today.

This blogger also happily accepts any donations towards his coffee needs today :) I know you won't, but just in case my email is sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com. Hey, you have to try right?

In comments, let me know how you like your coffee or if you even like coffee or how you are celebrating today.

*takes a sip, gulp and smiles. tips mug towards you in celebration before closing*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Unfinished Cup:2022 Topps Chrome Heart Of The City

I have my coffee and I am ready for today's newest post.

I have been spending a lot of time trying to fill in set needs from sets I have started, but never finished. Though I haven't finished a lot of them, I have made some progress towards them.

One of those sets is 2022 Topps Chrome Heart Of The City.

These inserts fell 1:6 packs and features an impactful star player and the city he plays in.

I knew I wanted to chase the set once I added the Aaron Judge card to my PC. It looks spectacular and I like the design and idea for the set.

So, I added these ones as well,

But I am still 7 away from completing the 15-card set. One of the cards isn't featured because it hasn't arrived yet.

Here is what remains for my wants, the ones crossed out are obviously ones I already have.

HOC-1 Bryce Harper - Philadelphia Phillies

HOC-2 Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers

HOC-3 Barry Larkin - Cincinnati Reds

HOC-4 Pete Alonso - New York Mets

HOC-5 Freddie Freeman - Atlanta Braves

HOC-6 Juan Soto - Washington Nationals

HOC-7 Jose Ramirez - Cleveland Guardians

HOC-8 Josh Hader - Milwaukee Brewers

HOC-9 Tim Anderson - Chicago White Sox

HOC-10 Whit Merrifield - Kansas City Royals

HOC-11 Matt Olson - Oakland Athletics

HOC-12 Max Muncy - Los Angeles Dodgers

HOC-13 Aaron Judge - New York Yankees

HOC-14 Jose Altuve - Houston Astros

HOC-15 Rafael Devers - Boston Red Sox

If any of you have any of my remaining needs, please let me know in comments!

Also in comments, let me know your thoughts on this set.

Hope your weekend goes great! Have an amazing Saturday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Two Favorites In One

*sits down and has a cup in hand and a box of cards. not the kind you think of but its a box*

*takes a sip*

Growing up, I loved playing board games. Especially Monopoly.

I remember many weekends spent at my grandmother's apartment where I would arrive and she would have it all set up on the table for us. We would play and play and play until it got dark then wake up and do it all over again the next day. It was memories made I will never forget.

My passion for Monopoly went further than my grandmothers when I started playing it at my friend's houses when I would hang out. Forget Dungeons and Dragons, popular game among my friends in my youth, I want to land me some real estate in Boardwalk! They enjoyed it as well, until I won too much and the game and it's pieces would be tossed in the air like I was playing against the Incredible Hulk when he was angry. But, they still played.

As an adult, I still enjoy the game when I have an opponent to play against. My wife isn't a fan at all but not everybody is. Though they are missing out I say!

So when I found out that Panini was coming out with a Prizm Monopoly, you better believe my excitement level was at a ten. This was almost if not more exciting than when Dunkin' comes out with Pumpkin Spice coffee in the fall. Though it may be a tie, I love me some Pumpkin Spice coffee.

*takes a sip*

With no Targets around and my terrible financial situation this year, I knew I would have to turn to trading to land myself the game or the pieces.

For weeks on Twitter, I tweeted my want/need for the game, the cards and the pieces with no success. That's until @MattKan59344689 saw my need and offered me everything I needed except the cards. Which I was more than happy with, and he sent it out fast and even sent it UPS.

Here is what the game box looks like.

This is what you see when you open it.

 

The Game Money which are tokens.

Basketballs are the game pieces and come in a variety of colors.

Game cards. (this games version of Chance and Community Chest)

And finally, the game board. It appears the game is not based on buying teams, it appears it is based on buying the matchups. Interesting.

I had started to read the instructions and it didn't seem like too challenging of a game to pick up on. I have played other new variations of the game such as Monopoly Star Wars, Monopoly Builders, Video Game Monopoly, Monopoly Junior and so on. I knew I would figure it out once I got some of the cards.

Which took only a few more weeks to do when my friend Rick on Twitter had a RAK loaded with an almost complete base set sent my way.

Here is an example of some of the base cards.

With cards and game board officially together, I gave the game a go and enjoyed it. I still think the OG game is the way to go, but I don't mind mixing in one of these types of games occasionally. I look at this version as more of a collectible one as well so probably won't play it a lot.

I am really hoping to add a few of the card parallels as well such as Black Icons, Free Parking and other game board related parallels. Will add this to my THE TOP WANTS list which I have been adding more and more stuff to on a daily basis.

Thanks again to Rick and to @MattKan59344689 for fulfilling these wants this year!

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

*takes another sip and contemplates finding someone to play Monopoly with and brewing another cup to do so*

I still can't explain why I enjoy the game as much as I do, I just do. Maybe it's for the memories I have made with it, maybe it helps me use my brain in a different way with strategies to win, maybe it is simply just fun or maybe it's just nice to be able to have a stack of cash for once in my life. I think that last part comes more from being an adult. I will admit there were a couple of times I tossed the money in the air like Scrooge McDuck. 

Picking that up afterwards wasn't fun however. If you thought 52-card pickup was bad, try picking up over 200 paper dollar bills.

So now I pass some questions onto you,

What do you guys think about board games being combined with cards? What game would you like to see this next done with? Do you play Monopoly?

Have a great Wednesday.

Until next time...

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Neutral Zone

*takes a sip, sits down with a few cards the coffee and a donut for breakfast*

*sets all three items away from each other, didnt' want any accidents*

*takes a sip*

I know you guys are probably getting sick of seeing my latest NY Giants pickups, but for now, this is where I am sharing them. I am hoping though at some point when I have more time that there may be a possible Big Blue Cardboard revival as I have some new ideas and lots of cards to share there. So if you haven't followed that blog or added it to your blogrolll, please do.

In the meantime, let's check out my latest adds which are unique.

Every time a new product comes out, I always do a search to check out what Giants cards are in it. If I see something that catches my eye, I put it on the watchlist and hope that I can land it or others in the future.

This is exactly what I did when 2022 Panini Playbook hit the streets. For the most part, it's not a very interesting product as it's a lot of same ole, same ole. But, it did have an interesting insert set I hadn't seen before and that it had three Giants cards in it.

I was sold.

The insert was called Neutral Zone which takes you to the trenches and the line of scrimmage between two teams.

I don't think out of all of my collecting years I have ever seen an insert focus on this part of the game. It was unique that a company finally thought outside the box.

Each of the Giants cards in the set featured their defensive line against another offensive line. I think that's mainly because their dline has been so great over the years as opposed to their offensive line.

 

Here are the three cards. It was against the Jets, Eagles and Cowboys for the cards the Giants were featured on.

 

And all three together.

I hope more companies take a look at this and come up with something else new and creative. I am sure other sports have their own things companies haven't tackled yet. What about the chalk line for baseball and a ball rolling down and near it? or faceoff for hockey? 

Let me know in comments what youre thoughts are or what they should do next.

In the meantime, hope you are enjoying that cup of coffee.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

The Sequel Wasn't As Good

 *sits down, opened box and cards in and I ready to show this off. it's time for a new Cards Over Coffee*

I should have known.

I didn't stick with what I knew best, that a sequel never lives up to the original.

That goes with music, movies and even cards.

When I opened that first 2022 Stadium Club Chrome blaster box and hit two autographs and some other great cards, I should have known that it was going to be hard to beat. 

And it was.

I found a second blaster last week and without thinking, without hesitation of any kind, I tossed it into the shopping cart carefree.

I skipped out of Walmart like a little child who found his favorite toy and immediately opened the box in the car hoping for the same magic as the original box.

Except this blaster didn't have any kind of magic and was a letdown like most highly promoted sequels.

 

This was my best base card, not that anyone can complain about adding a Mike Trout.

My rookies. Kind of weak.

 

X-Factor parallels, the Musial is decent but meh on the rest.

So I guess buying a second box means pulling two of the same insert card, great. At least I know a Dodgers fan that would be happy with this I believe. Yes, Greg, I am talking to you.

And my last card,

I wanted to pull a Trophy Hunters, just didn't even get a player even close to who I wanted. It's a cool looking card.

And that was it. No autographs this time. Nothing that really stood out to me and most of this is available for trade as well.

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

I don't plan on opening up anymore of this product after the disappointing sequel.

In comments today, thoughts on my break and what movie sequel you felt lived up to the original. My favorite sequel, which I think outdid the first one was the new Jumanji movie series with the second one in Jumanji:The Next Level.

Also, my second cup of coffee this morning outdid the first. Which doesn't usually happen either.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Sluggin' It

*coffee is ready, I am ready, let's do a new Cards Over Coffee*

I have stated this multiple times, but I don't collect a lot of baseball cards anymore as I am mainly focused on football collecting these days.

Which is odd since baseball was a big part of my collecting when I first started in the hobby.

But, that doesn't mean that I still don't collect some.

I still add Ken Griffey Jr cards when I can. I still add 90's inserts whenever I see them. Aaron Judge and Derek Jeter cards are always welcomed and I recently dove in deep and added to my Jasson Dominguez PC.

Here are my latest additions of the Yankees slugger who is having a great Spring Training.

And my first autograph add of the slugger :)

 

It's Leaf, but hey, I have one and this one sparkles.

I may not be sluggin' it with baseball cards as much anymore, but I do enjoy my pickups more because of that since they are more specific than football that is everything.

Thoughts on my latest adds welcomed in comments and I would love to hear if there is a sport that you used to collect more of but have dropped off from since.

Hope you have a coffee filled Tuesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

How My 40th Went

"Every Day That Starts With A Cup Of Coffee Is A Good Day"- Me

And that's exactly how my 40th birthday kicked off yesterday with a trip to Dunkin'. I don't get any of those fancy drinks, especially being someone stuck on decaf, so I usually just get some mocha swirls which is good enough for me.

My trip then took an even better turn with more coffee and a local diner breakfast with a sample of everything. IT WAS SOOOO GOOD and way beyond filling. I actually didn't eat another meal for the day.

 

The trip almost went further, but then came the snow squalls where you couldn't see anything so the trip ended and I went home to open up some gifts from the Mrs.

First up, a new Giants hat. These are always welcomed in my eyes. There were also a couple of personalized non sport shirts too in the same bag but I kept this post to just sports for today.

Next up came the wax. A blaster box of each 2022 Donruss football and 2022(3?) Bowman Chrome U football which I busted immediately.

Here are the key results,

The Donruss didn't provide me with too much excitement. It was nice to add a couple new Giants to the collection.

Donruss 2002 throwback insert of Terrell Davis. I never mind adding a new TD for my collection.

Franchise Future of Amon-RA St.Brown who looks like a solid player for the Lions.

Production Line insert of Mark Andrews.

Now onto the Bowman Chrome where I had more success. Though I don't understand why Topps called this 2022 despite it having 2023 rookies. But, it's nice to see Bowman Chrome football again and now it has at least college logos again.

Anthony Richardson Bowman 1st. One of the top QB prospects in this year's draft.

Caleb Williams silver parallel. Another one of the Top QBs in this year's draft.

Cade McNamara Pink parallel. Can't go wrong with pulling the QB's in this years strong draft.

And finally, a really nice Purple Mini Diamond Parallel /399 of Will Levis. Another one of those QB's that should go in the Top 10 if not Top 5. These fall 1:98 packs.

I really like the Bowman Chrome and look forward to seeing this back when they get NFL logos.

And there was the end of the wax.

But, don't worry, my day wasn't quite over yet.

 

Later in the day my mother-in-law dropped off my homemade Carrot Cake and it was superb!

I only had a small piece since I was still getting hit hard with that breakfast, but a sample was so worth it.

And a sample right now as I sip my coffee and put up this post is just as great :)

Before I close up today's post, I wanted to thank all of you who reached out to me on Twitter, Facebook and on here and wished me a Happy Birthday. I appreciate all of the love.

In comments today, let me know your favorite kind of cake or your thoughts on the cards.

Have a great Monday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*