Need A Refill

*sits down next to an empty cup of coffee, it's time for some Cards over.....*

Every morning, I start it out by weighing myself, taking a picture of the sunrise if it's epic and having a cup of coffee. It's the same routine every morning.

My other morning routines are running errands, cleaning up the house and appointments and whatever else may pop up. My time is usually very limited but sometimes in that gap I find time to sit down here and ramble on about sport cards and have some coffee.

In the past month or so, I haven't felt like rambling on about sport cards on here or blogging anywhere in general. I am in the same boat where a lot of sport card bloggers right now in not having motivation to blog or the creativity to do so. I guess after doing this for almost 11 years, it gets tiring and feels repetitive. 

*stares at empty mug*

The last couple of years, especially in the last year, I have had to make a ton of adjustments to my collecting. Rising prices, lack of sponsors, lack of traders, also running out of trade bait (what very little trade bait I have left I am not giving up for just anything) has had me changing every aspect of how I enjoy collecting and now that is changing how I spend my time collecting.

Blogging is taking a hit from that as I am finding my time being spent in other aspects of collecting instead. Hence, the lack of posts on here.

That's why I am telling you in advance that Sport Card Collectors will officially be ending at years end, not sure on Big Blue Cardboard and Cards Over Coffee....well...that's up in the air.

I don't want to call it over for me with blogging or blogging on here, so I will leave it with needing a refill. I need a fresh cup and maybe even a fresh start.

*mug is still empty*

I thought before I close today's post, that I would show off a couple of recent mail days. I haven't had many mail days of recent, but these are a couple of really solid ones.

First one came from blog reader Oren.

Oren always sends the good stuff with tackling every aspect of my collecting. This one was a set needs.

Will Allen numbrered rookie card.

90's insert from Goudey with an impossible last name to say 5 times fast.

Piazza insert.

 

I had Bieber fever...not really, probably a real fever for having this card on my want list for many years. But, now I have it.

I will admit I used to listen to a few Ford songs. I don't feel ashamed about doing so.

He also sent along with pack. Something I had never opened before.

Just like the wrapper says, it's Fantasy artwork. Kind of unique to own a few cards of, but not my full cup of tea.... or coffee.

Thanks again to Oren for our latest trade!

My next mail day just arrived yesterday.

It was from the always creative mind at Nine Pockets blog who creates some amazing customs.

This time, it was 8-bit stickers.

How cool is this NY Giants one???

If you guys are interested, he may have some extras left but may have some for sale as well.

Thanks Gregory! Keep up the great work. Hope to see some Christmas Vacation customs at Christmas time :) I know you have the talent to do so!

*takes one more stare at the empty mug*

I may be waiting on a refill to blog, but that doesn't mean I won't still be around. I will still be reading your blogs and commenting. Will be on Twitter @collect_sport, not as much, but a few check-ins a day. My email is always open for trading or just open in general at sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com. 

Thanks for reading today's post.

Have a great Friday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

90's On The 9th: 1999 Pacific Paramount End Zone Net-Fusions Terrell Davis

*sits down, takes a bite of bagel, sip of coffee and prepares for another new post on Cards Over Coffee*

I don't know about you, but since I started this series, months have been flying by. Which isn't the greatest even though it does get us closer to Christmas. 

However, it also ages us all faster and my daily body aches.

I guess it at least gets you to a new 90's On The 9th which I know you are excited about.

What does that also mean? It means it's time for me to showcase a new 90's card I have recently picked up. What can this mean for you? I invite you to do the same on your blog and social media as well. Let's make 90's On The 9th a thing.

I won't give up until you do!

*takes a sip*

Before I show off today's card, please finish recording your favorite song off the radio and take a sip of your Orbitz. I wouldn't want you to miss that song. We all know how long it takes before they play it again. Been there, done that.

*takes another sip*

Today's card was a unique insert for its time.

The insert features a swatch of faux endzone barrier netting and a player on the front. I thought at first these were made with the real netting,

 

but there is not guarantee or information that it is. Still a pretty cool insert and a very tough pull at 1:73 packs.

Thoughts on today's card welcomed in comments.

I hope to see some of you post your 90's On The 9th cards! Please use the hashtag, #90son9th when you post on Social Media. If you post on your blog, please add this blog into your post so more will join in.

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

Hope you all have a Wonderful Wednesday! 

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Slice Of American Pie: Michael Jackson Dies

*sits down with laptop and coffee in hand. gets ready for a new post on cards over coffee*

Where were you the day the King Of Pop died? Don't remember? I do.

Most celebrity deaths I don't remember where I was or what I was doing at the time I found out they had passed, but for some reason or another, Michael Jacksons had always stood out.

It wasn't like I was a diehard fan of his, there are a few songs I enjoy, but nothing I play on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis.

But I still remember the day he passed.

It was a hot June day in 2009. My wife was mowing the lawn outside and I was taking care of some inside chores while the TV was on one of the news channels for background noise. That's when the news broke of his death. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It wasn't like he was old or that anyone was expecting it. I then remember running out to my wife and telling her on the lawnmower that the "King Of Pop" had passed away and how shocked she was as well.

I think when she was done mowing, we both sat down and ended up watching the news to hear more about what had happened to him.

This had always just stuck in my mind. I don't know why still.

*takes a sip before showing off the card in today's post*

Card front shows a memorial for Michael.

  

Card back with a small write up on Michael.

If you have any of these 2011 Topps American Pie cards in your collection and want to check and see if I need them for my set chase, CHECK IT OUT HERE to see my needs. 

Let me know your favorite Michael Jackson song in comments.

I hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

The Griffey Stack

*sits down with a huge stack of cards nearby, gets up, makes coffee and sits back down for a new Cards Over Coffee post*

Before I collected NY Giants cards, before I collected 90's inserts, before I collected non-sport cards, before I became known as the Rodney Hampton Super Collector, I was known as the Ken Griffey Jr guy. 

Well, at least locally when the hobby was alive here.

I used to trade for Ken, add any item that featured him on it (still have an Easy Cheese canister from 2000) and search for his cards at Card Shows.

But, since I joined the online game with collecting, my Griffey days went to the side. There are so many Griffey collectors online with such massive collections and so many bidding wars on his cards, that a little guy like myself wouldn't match up.

So, I don't really fully collect him anymore but that doesn't mean if a Junior card is offered in a trade to me, that I won't trade for it. Just ask Shane from Cheap Wax Wednesday fame whose latest mail day was loaded with Junior.

*takes a sip before moving onto today's cards*

There were so many Griffey's in this mail day that I can't show them all. It would take a miniseries on here to do it. Instead, I had the trouble of narrowing down the stack into my Top 5 favorites from it.

5. 2000 Fleer Mystique High Praise. Cool sky background with some shiny appeal has my attention.

4.1997 Fleer Team Leader. Die Cut, check. Griffey swing. Check. A smiley face. Check on me and him.

3. 1996 Ultra Power Plus. This insert line kicked around a long time for Ultra with a cool unique design every year. This one is condition sensitive and has micro etching technology.

2.2008 Upper Deck UD Premier Premier Remnants. Triple jersey card of the Hall Of Famer, which marks only my 6th jersey card of him.

 

1.2007 UD Masterpieces Stroke Of Genius. It has been years since I added a Junior autograph, mostly because there was never one for trade and the outrageous prices the pandemic drove them up to, but here is a new one. On Card autograph as well. Griffey autos are as sweet as his swing.

Thanks again to Shane for the Griffey's and our massive trade again.

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

I guess you can use the term, closet Griffey Collector when you talk about me collecting him. I don't advertise myself as one, but I don't deny it either.

It was nice to add all of these to my collection and hopefully at some point I can add up how many I have again. I know it's over 1,000 different, just not sure how many. For now, I will take Griffey's anytime I can and trade off my dupes for more.

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday.

In comments, let me know if you collect Griffey in any form

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Is It Christmas Now?

*coffee is ready, October is over, it's time for Christmas...cards....well...a new post on cards over coffee.*

*takes a sip*

October is over, does that mean it's Christmas now? Not that I am ignoring Thanksgiving and not that I am not thankful for everything in my life, but darn it, I love Christmas.

*takes a sip, pictures lights and decorations putting him in his happy place*

My last few trips to Walmart, I go roughly once a week, have been more exciting and not because of cards. It's because they have been setting up their Christmas section which I spend a lot more time strolling through than the card section.

Most of the time I am on the lookout for a new National Lampoons Christmas Vacation piece for my collection. From bobble heads to Christmas cards to Funko Pops to whatever features my favorite movie of all-time I will take it.

So far this year I have added this 2022 Hallmark Ornament featuring Cousin Eddy's famous RV and

This Christmas card I found at Dollar General this past weekend.

I am very excited to add both of these. I was hoping that one of the stores I visited would have the other ornaments I am missing from this year's edition. I have older ones I need still as well.

Along with collecting Christmas Vacation memorabilia, I also collect sport cards featuring Christmas. Santa Cards, Short Prints from Topps Holiday, Sweater cards, Santa Hat relics, etc. I will be posting some of my collection on Twitter daily in December so if you follow me there stay tuned. I will also be posting some new ones I acquired on Christmas on here as well.

So get yourselves ready, it's almost fully Christmas season and I will be ready...with coffee in hand of course. Not that I don't mind some hot cocoa around the holidays, but coffee still rules the day.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

In comments today, let me know when you start celebrating Christmas and decorating, etc. Also, I am curious if any of you collect Christmas related cards as well.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

The King Of Horror

*dusts off the laptop, the screen, the cards but not the coffee mug as that never collects dusts. sits down and gets ready for a new post on Cards Over Coffee*

BOO!

Did I scare you? I know it's been 17 days since you have seen a new post on here and then I pop up behind you with a new one and on Halloween to boot. You must be frightened.

If that didn't spook you, maybe you were more scared that I disappeared from blogging on here in general. 

You can't get rid of me that easy. Though I was almost at the point of disposing the body of this blog. GWAHAHAHAHAHAHA *evil laugh, lightning flashing, not like Dr. Evils laugh*

But, here I am and here you are. Hopefully you have a full cup of coffee and ready to read about cards...and aren't too spooked.

*takes a sip*

I mentioned on here in a previous post that RL Stine was an inspiration for me with writing in general, but there was another that inspired me as well. He is known as the King Of Horror, Mr. Stephen King.

*takes a sip*

Growing up I watched a ton of horror movies including most, if not all, of his. Though some were not as great as others, I still enjoyed his creativity and ideas. That led me on a horror writing journey in the 5th grade.

Yes, 5th grade. 

No, I wasn't one of those creepy kids dressed in black that sat in the corner that you avoided, I was normal. Except in my head.....at that time. My mind was always racing with the next writing idea and my goal at that point in life was to be a horror writer combining both RL Stine and Stephen King's talent.

Fast forward to my early 20's, I was still into watching, reading and writing horror stories. I even found myself collecting every Stephen King book that he had already written or was just releasing. It was a really fun chase at the time.

As I got into my later 20's however, I lost interest and quit watching, reading and writing horror. I sold off my King book collection and began getting deeper into collecting cards instead.

My 5th grade dream of being a horror writer had ended, but I was good with that as my card hobby was keeping me busy.

*takes a sip*

Even though I wasn't into horror anymore, in 2017 I found out that Upper Deck included some Stephen King cards in its Goodwin Champions product and knew I needed a few for my Nostalgic PC. What I really wanted from it was a couple of the base cards, the relic card and the autograph card.

The base was pretty affordable, the relic card was in-between and the autograph card I would have had to sell a body part for. Not sure which one, most ache, are worn out, or have some issue with them. Might have taken more than one to do it. Who needs a heart or one leg anyways?

So, I added the card instead to my list of needs so I wouldn't forget about them, but did anyways. Luckily for me, I have friends in places and one of those friends saw my list of needs and supplied it in their Christmas mailing to me last year.

My buddy Wes from the one-time Area 40/JBF blog, sent me a box of goodies at Christmas time and inside of the box was this Stephen King relic. I assume this is a shirt swatch.

 

Since the back doesn't tell you other than it being used in a special writing event. Which is a lot cooler than today's NFL rookie relics that we don't even know were worn by the rookies or not or when they were.

Thanks to Wes for this addition. It will be added to my Nostalgic box of goodies.

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

I thought before I finish up this post I would list off a few of my favorite King films,

The Stand, IT (original), Pet Semetary 1&2 (originals), The Shining and Misery to name a few.

In comments today, thoughts on my card, thoughts on adding writers to card products, and your favorite Stephen King book and/or movie.

Have a great, safe Halloween out there.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out...but not forever*

Musical Memories (an Incredible Random Acts Of Kindness)

Today's post starts out with a message I received on Twitter from @MrKDub

This hobby community is built on the amazing backs of awesome people, like yourself, doing amazing things, not for themselves, but for others! We are so appreciative of the effort and work that you put into making this community what it is. The group below wanted to say thank you for your efforts and hard work, we hope this item finds a special place in your collection. Never any pressure, but it is always fun when we can join in and be a part, so if you would be willing to open it live, always fun, but no pressure to do so, bottom line, know that we appreciate who you are and what you do for this hobby community. Let this small token of appreciation be a constant reminder for that. Your friends in #TheHobby ,
@KurtSchwanda
@MrKdub
@thepointsports1
@nearmintzki
@bmw3679
@benfuqua
@eshecker
@KellysKards1768
@DReynolds5294
@papayontrading
@BettsKetts
@QuadosCorner2
@WillieJ3nkins
@Rowdy421
@Brent3323
@dandreaeady
@K37troyer
@s10blazer99
@GarrettAdair19
@MK_breaks
@millerjs241
@jeremynyr
@steelcitygoon84
@allset24
@KellysKards1768
@BentleyTock
@90sNicheFBCards
@keckscards
@IraKates
@jfortner88
@mcfarm21
@CollectorJoe15
@KimJFlanders
@Andyscards85
@HiveCards
@LastSecondSnags
@Peajay021
@HookemMike
@_AlleyAwesome
@HokiePorter
@M_J_Erickson
@ToddSass1
@MikeyBCards
@Tcorvino792
@EgresitsJohn
@ToneyDavid11
@RapidCards
@noah_sattison
@KyleLewisforGov
@good2bgold

In this message was also tracking for a package. I had no idea what was coming and had no idea why still I was chosen for it. All I knew was that I was probably about to be blown away.

The package, after taking a long trip here, arrived yesterday and I am just getting prepared to see what this weeklong surprise is.

*sits down for today's Cards Over Coffee post. has coffee by his side, a surprise package and excitement like it is Christmas in the air. we all know how much I love Christmas*

*takes a sip...looks over at the package and realizes scissors will be needed. gets up, grabs scissors carrying them appropriately and comes back to the table to open the package*

*does so*

 

*looks through the package while trying to video the opening on the phone, gets to the item, realizes it will actually take a new post to do this justice as my video was poorly shot and my hands shaking didn't help*

*feels blown away...pictures the Will Ferrell meme of his mind being blown as myself*

*takes another sip, wipes away a tear, gets ready for a new post on Cards Over Coffee*

*hopeful you are ready and tips mug your way while wiping another happy tear away*

Picture it. It was 1991 or so and I was riding in the car with my father running errands and having our one of our bonding moments which was to turn on the radio and listen to music together while we were out. 

When we listened to the radio, we always made sure to turn it up when Elton John came on. My father since his youth was a big Elton fan and always jammed out when he came on the radio. It was something we did every time we got in the car, unless my mom was in it. She was not so much a fan.

A few years later when we started collecting sport cards, my father acquired Elton's Too Low For Zero Cassette tape and we listened to that a lot. So much, that I remembered all of the song lyrics even still to this day. Most of the time we listened to that tape, we were heading out to the card shop or on our way to the monthly card show knowing my mother wouldn't tag along with us for those trips. We wouldn't have wanted her to anyways if she had seen the amount of money "wasted" as she called it. We called it fun and making everlasting memories.

Because of those days and the fond memories, I have attached to them, I became an Elton fan myself. I picked up many of his CD's over the years including the CD version of Too Low For Zero (though I still own the original cassette tape we had) and listen to him a lot.

The power of music and memories attached to them is incredible. Especially as you age and life changes. I don't see a lot of my father since I moved out after high school many years ago, other than a couple phone calls a week as both of our schedules are packed. Listening to music, especially Elton, brings back a lot of powerful times.

*takes a sip, turns on the Too Low For Zero CD in the CD player. yes, I am one of the very few people who still listens to CDs*

*enjoys a minute of memories before continuing on with today's post*

For the past few years, roughly five, I have been getting deep into non-sport collecting and adding pieces from my youth that bring back memories. I have autographs from Betty White, Kevin James, Leah Remini, Bob Newhart, Angela Lansbury, and Bob Saget to name a few that bring back those sweet times.

One autograph I didn't have and couldn't ever afford was my biggest need to my childhood memories collection and collecting overall. Yes, it was Elton.

*takes another sip, jams out to I'm Still Standing for a few seconds before continuing on*

I heard three years ago that Elton did a few TTM autographs from a group on Facebook I was a part of and tried it myself only to get an unsigned photo in return since he didn't have any more signed. So, I waited a few weeks later and tried again only to have my envelope in general returned back to me.

Ugh.

I didn't give up there as I am not one to give up very easily.

I began to use that group to see if anyone had scored an extra one for trade which they did not.

Double Ugh.

That led me to trying another group on Twitter that did TTM autographs and trying to locate an address for me. That came up empty as well.

Triple Ugh.

Then I attempted the last few years on Twitter trying to trade for one with having no luck. The last few months I actually gave up tweeting about trying to get one. I had reached my point realizing that I wasn't probably ever going to land one. EVER.

Instead, I added a few small cards that Elton was featured on hoping that would work. It did, but still didn't turn me away from wanting his autograph someday.

What I didn't know was that someday was going to be today.

 

Inside of the USPS flat rate shipping package above was a bubble envelope (also shown above), that had a rubber banded cardboard piece (once again shown above) which had this CD inside of it first.

That alone was cool.

When I first heard this remix song, I had mixed feelings. I am not one for remixes but after a few listens, it grew on me. It wasn't much longer after I became obsessed with the song, which by the way became a topic of discussion for my father and I during our weekly phone chats.

Under the CD was this PSA COA.

Then under that....

Well....

Wow....

Skipping across the room....

Tears of happiness....

Jumping for joy.....

Amazing....

Incredible.....

Hand shaking....

Wow...

Oh wow....

Signed Elton Art Card with PSA approval.

If you're mind isn't as blown as mine is right now, please re-read this post.

I couldn't do it on the video and not sure I can even here say the right words of thankfulness I am feeling. It's too hard and I am not even sure those words even exist.

But, all of you guys, I am talking about this list of incredible, thoughtful, amazing, friendly, good-natured individuals that did this for me, THANK YOU. I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever times infinity forget what you did for me today.

@KurtSchwanda
@MrKdub
@thepointsports1
@nearmintzki
@bmw3679
@benfuqua
@eshecker
@KellysKards1768
@DReynolds5294
@papayontrading
@BettsKetts
@QuadosCorner2
@WillieJ3nkins
@Rowdy421
@Brent3323
@dandreaeady
@K37troyer
@s10blazer99
@GarrettAdair19
@MK_breaks
@millerjs241
@jeremynyr
@steelcitygoon84
@allset24
@KellysKards1768
@BentleyTock
@90sNicheFBCards
@keckscards
@IraKates
@jfortner88
@mcfarm21
@CollectorJoe15
@KimJFlanders
@Andyscards85
@HiveCards
@LastSecondSnags
@Peajay021
@HookemMike
@_AlleyAwesome
@HokiePorter
@M_J_Erickson
@ToddSass1
@MikeyBCards
@Tcorvino792
@EgresitsJohn
@ToneyDavid11
@RapidCards
@noah_sattison
@KyleLewisforGov
@good2bgold

I hope you guys can feel the raw emotion through the screen. I tip my mug to you all.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post. listens to another song*

As I sit here typing, memories of riding in the car with my father and our trips for collecting are coming back. Great times.

I now also realize a new memory was made with Elton today because of the people above. I cannot say this enough, thank you everyone on that list.

I hope everyone reading this today has a great Friday and weekend. Drink some coffee, not alcohol.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*