Another Babka?

Jerry and Elaine had never heard of cinnamon babka:

You sold us a hair with a cake around it. I'd like another one.

I didn't realize Nomar had a baseball playing brother until I found this card:

Michael is still playing in the minors, most recently with the Astros Triple A affiliate, Round Rock Express where he hit .366 in 20 games.  Michael is 27.

Santo Saturdays -- Ron's Rainbow

There are a number of sets of "metalic" variations (gold, silver, bronze, etc.) but as far as I know there is only one "rainbow set" produced of my favorite player, Ron Santo.

These are all of the cards in the 2005 Topps Rookie Cup set minus a dual sticker signed card of Santo and Mark Grace.  I opted for the solo Grace version and so far have passed on the dual.

Base card

Red variation numbered to 499

The red and orange versions are barely distinguishable from one another, a bit of a "fail" on Topps' part.

Orange variation numbered to 399

(I have two)

 Yellow variation numbered to 299

 Green variation numbered to 199

 Blue variation numbered to 50

(I have three)

 Auto version (at least the silver sticker goes with the gray)

Pack Break -- 2009 Football Heroes

I don't buy many loose packs these days but whenever I'm in Target I do check the  $1.59 "power packs".  A while back I came across two, a 2008 and a 2009 UD Football Heroes.  Here's the second:

This was another nice pack.  

 Larry had his most productive week last Sunday with 7 catches for 107 yards in the Cardinals OT loss to the Vikings.

 The talented but oft injured Lions quarterback.

 Shonn is averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season.

Here's Science Hall of Famer Ike Newton.  How would his hair look coming out of a football helmet?

 4 time Super Bowl Champion!!!!

3 time Super Bowl Champion!!!

Card of the Day

Okaaay... no more pant relics for me!

By the way, I'm not making fun of Bill Krueger who seems to be a fine gentleman.

Card of the Day

This is the oldest card in my collection.  Not much else I can say.  I wish I knew something about Miss Amzi.

 Sweet Caporal Actresses, 1890's

Card of the Day -- Sid Gordon

This was just going to be a regular old Card of the Day post until I saw a post from one of my favorite bloggers who made a comment that made me think a bit (no I didn't hurt myself).  He thought it "weird" that Topps would put out a card like this, connecting two players by their religious background.

(thanks to COMC for this image)

 I don't think it's weird at all.  I'm not going to attempt to write a thesis here but guys like Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax have meant a lot to Jews, especially sports minded Jewish boys and I would think this continues today.  I'm aware that Ryan Braun is Jewish and there is a measure of cultural pride I take in his accomplishments.  By putting out this card Topps is honoring not only the players but their fans.

That being said here's another great Jewish ballplayer, Sid Gordon on his 1953 Topps card.

Card of the Day

Most of the autographed cards in my collection are the card company certified variety.  Here's an exception:

I think I just wanted this signed card because I like Bobby's last name which is pronounced, kuh-NOPP.

Bobby took his great fielding skills with him to the majors where he won three consecutive Gold Gloves (1966-1968).

Another great Topps cartoon.  Don't try this at home, kids!

Cards from Crinkly Wrappers

Recently Ted at Crinkly Wrappers had a "year end giveaway".  Well, he may feel differently (bless him for it) but my motto is "you can't have too many cards".  Ted was offering packages by category and I chose "oddball sets and inserts".

I think there were around 200 cards in the box that came.  I like them all but here are a bunch of my favorites ( btw I am a Cubs fan).

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Thanks for the great cards, Ted!