Category Archives: Uncategorized

Heading Home Is Always Nice

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Ever since I left Minnesota for a job in California, I always long to come back and return to my old stomping grounds. Oddly enough, I always end up doing the same things, going to the same old haunts, and definitely returning to all the card shops that I used to frequent. This time is a little different because Noah is in tow, but my goals for the trip remain the same as they always do.

The first thing that I am extremely excited for is being able to see a Twins game in their new stadium. I was able to get fifth row seats with my wife for tonight’s game against the Rangers, and my level of anticipation to finally experience outdoor baseball in Minnesota is palpable. I cant even explain in words my horrible feelings on the Metrodome, but when it comes to Target field, I have nothing but happy thoughts. Ill be sure to take some pictures tonight when we go, check back for a full Twins explosion when I get back. Stepping off the plane and seeing a Mauer jersey was oddly reassuring, to say the least, but it will pale in comparison to being able to see the real thing later tonight.

Secondly, I finally get to buy Noah some Vikings stuff, as infant NFL gear in San Antonio is pretty tough to find. The Minnesota Vikings store at the Mall of America will be a first stop, and after losing over 100 pounds, I could use some new clothes as well. It will be a high level of satisfaction now that I will be able to shop in person for licensed gear, especially now that I dont have to wait the 2 weeks to get it shipped to Texas.

Lastly, I have to check out the shops in the area, as its become ritual to head back and buy cards when I go home. Because I have to make a trip west to visit my Wife’s family as well, I may have a few extra stops on my trip. Now that my favorite players have many collectors in the area, there will be a lot more stuff that I can check out. I think that my last experience at Field of Dreams may keep me away from their storefront in the Mall of America, but hopefully I can check out some more awesome stuff at the places around town.

Ill tell you, its funny to think how long I have been a transplanted sports fan, but when you get back to a place where you are no longer a foreign fan, everything changes.

SCU Scam School is LIVE!

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Ever since SCU was started back in 2008, I have always tried to work against the douchebags that populate this hobby with greater frequency than ever. Recently, with this site getting more visibility, many readers have asked me for a database and any info that can be readily accessed when buying cards.

I am proud to announce that I have launched part one of this venture, a simple guide to avoiding fake patches and fake autos on eBay at the link on the toolbar above. In the future, it will be a spot where ongoing scams are posted with links to specific things to watch out for.

Hopefully this will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the impact that blogs and internet users can have in the prevention of sports card scams.

2010 Panini Limited Fails To Capitalize On Past Success

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Leaf Limited used to be one of my favorite sets, and last year it actually succeeded in the places that Panini tends to fail. After seeing the pictures from the 2010 offering, I have to say that I am underwhelmed to say the least. Considering the part of the calendar that Limited has come to fill, it is going to have a very tough time competing this year when it looks the way it does.

My main disappointment stems from the new phenom rookie patch autos, which are a complete downgrade over last year’s great looking offering. Although they are going to continue to use the team word logos as cutouts, they went in a completely terrible direction with the general layout of the card. When you factor in that last year’s cards featured complete player pictures, the cutouts, AND the stickers, these new cards are epic fail all the way. Companies need to realize that having the brand logo and the team logo the same size as the player picture is the polar opposite of what should be happening. Right Triple Threads?

I will say that I LOVE the base design this year, which will definitely make a difference in the amount of cards that Panini parallels, but thats about it. All the other cards are pretty much exactly like last year, and I will fall asleep opening this, just like every other Panini product this year.

SMALL AND POSSIBLY TEMPORARY VICTORY: Ufjumper7 NARU’ed from Ebay!

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I got an email today from Paul and Brian, readers who had seen my posts on Ufjumper and started working with the FBI and eBay to get him banned from the site and possibly arrested. Ever since Operation bullpen, the FBI has taken an interest in the selling of fraudulent items in sports memorabilia, and it looks like their work, and the work of other readers who have also emailed me, has come to fruition.

Per his email, Ufjumper7 has been kicked off eBay for the time being, and although it may not be permanent, its a start. There is already a neg on his account that states he is selling fakes, and that will deter some but not all buyers in his items if he gets back on. As of now, however, it looks like there is one less faker on eBay, and it is the readers of sites like this one, and the messageboard users who have made that happen. Maybe we are not as powerless as we once thought.

GREAT WORK everyone!