Should there be a character clause for the Hall of Fame?

 Congratulations to newest members to the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Jim Leyland, voted in on 15 of 16 ballots of the Hall's contemporary baseball era committee.

      

I remember when I first saw that Pirate hat and I thought that's kind of cool...what was I thinking?! The Topps Heritage card gives Leyland a more dignified picture for a manager.

Adrian Beltre, who received 95.1% of the votes.

      

Todd Helton, who received 79.7% of the vote.

     

Joe Mauer, who received 76.1% of the vote.

     

All well deserved (even though Leyland caught me by surprise). 

I heard talk on different podcasts and youtube videos raising questions about the character clause in the voting for members of the Hall of Fame. There seems to be a growing consensus that the character clause should be removed for consideration to become members of the HoF. When the HoF began in 1936, there were no guidelines to be elected. The clause was added in 1945 when the Hall formally adopted rules for eligibility. 

Here's the clause that I found:

"Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played."

I'm sorry, but I don't see a problem with that statement. 

To me, the players that are in the HoF are the players that were revered for playing the game. I don't know about you, but I don't revere those who cheat the game. 

Those who cheat the game...what exactly does that mean? That's a good question. 

Gaylord Perry was well-known for throwing the spitter, but there was never any positive proof that he did, is in the Hall of Fame.

So, does that mean "those who cheat the game" are the ones that got caught? I think that has more weight for me.

What about steroids? Until there was testing in place, all of the steroid use was he said/she said without proof. I am amazed at the number of people who put so much trust in Jose Canseco's book. Don't you think he was trying to sensationalize the book?

The Mitchell report mentions 80 plus players and there were 104 players who failed a secret steroids test. Some of those guys are in the HoF. I realize that was a different time. I don't think I would have a problem with those players who were named or accused of steroids before 2004 when MLB toughened their steroids policy get in. Those after? Yeah, I don't think so. 

What about the Astros with using technology to steal signs? Using technology to steal signs is in the rules. My initial reaction is no, but then again, they are the hated rivals of the World Series Champion Texas Rangers (had to get that in somehow!).

What about stuff that happens outside the ballpark? Phyiscal abuse? Drunk driving? Curt Schilling? Where do you draw the line? 

I think you have to take it on an individual basis. Me personally, I couldn't vote for guy who beats his wife or girlfriend. Now, I will say it can't just be accused, but actually caught, convicted, admits to, etc... People get accused of things all the time that aren't true.

I guess to wrap this up, I don't have a problem with the character clause for the Hall of Fame. Are there players being held out that I think should be in? Yes. Are there guys who are in that I think shouldn't be? Yes. Both of those answers don't tarnish the Hall of Fame as far as I'm concerned. 

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

First Anniversary of Dillard's Dugout

It's been a year and a day since I started this blog.  Looking at the stats on my blog, it looks like over 15,000 views (seems a little fishy to me), most being from Germany???? I didn't realize I was so popular in Europe! Maybe some of you veteran bloggers out there can better explain the stats to me. It really doesn't make any sense. 

I do know there was definitely an uptick in views after I finally got my blog listed on TCDB.

One thing that I found interesting was that my two highest viewed posts were more on the negative side of collecting. The number one viewed post was "To Grade or not to grade". If you read that post, you know that I'm not a fan of graded cards, so it's not a very positive post. I also think there are still a lot of collectors out there trying to figure out to grade or not grade their cards. 

The second most viewed post was "My least favorite sets from the 1980s". I tried really hard to not be too negative because, I mean, its baseball cards so how can it be negative? The title though gives it a negative spin. The 1981 set was the first Topps packs I remember opening. The 1982 set, despite the double hockey sticks was still the best set of '82 and I promise you I have more 1987 Topps cards than I do any other year so, if it's that bad why would I have so many? 

So, what's my point? Is everyone drawn to negative posts? I hope not, because I'm not really a negative person. I'm definitely a "glass half-full" kind of person. The hobby is supposed to be fun. If the fun ever wears off then it's time to find a new hobby.

Now there are stats that I do understand. I have 14 followers, made 27 posts and received 117 comments. Not a bad start. I do have a goal to write more in year 2 and hopefully, will pick up some more followers. I have "met" some amazing people through blogging and hope to "meet" many more.

Thank you for all of you who follow the blog and a bigger thank you to those who comment. I really don't believe I'd still be writing this without your support. Hopefully, the writing has improved over time and will continue to get better as I continue to write. I've got a long way to go to catch up to my friend Night Owl. Maybe one day...

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

P.S. I can't have a post without posting a pic of a card or two...

2023 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 

   

Thoughts of an old collector 1st edition of 2024

 Random thoughts of an old collector - 2024 

*Let's go ahead and get it out of the way...according to a friend I get to own this until the next winner is crowned!

*As a set collector, I think one of my goals for 2024 should be to actually complete some sets. Not just the 3 I collect for myself and my grandsons, but actually finish some of the ones that I've started.

*I got bored one day when I was at Walmart and bought a couple of 2023 Topps Heritage blasters. Big mistake! I actually love it, but man, is it going to be a challenge to complete. I'm down to about 80-85 cards in the first run and about 20 in the high numbers. It's going to be a challenge, but it should be fun.

*I really like the design of the 2024 Topps. It's different. I like the look and believe that Topps Chrome should look really good. I'll stick with the flagship and just collect my players from Chrome. 

*Speaking of 2024, Evan Carter's rookie card will be in there(see above!). I think the Rangers hit on a good one and look forward to grabbing his cards. 

*I started a few subsets this past year, which, for the most part, I've tried to stay away from. For some reason that didn't happen this past year. I'm collecting the World Baseball Classic team USA and I'm down to 3 cards. Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber. 

*The other two subsets I've started are the All Aces and Father's Day patch cards. I'm about halfway on the All Aces and only about a third of the Father's Day patch. Another one of those, "Why did I start this?" collecting moments. 

*TCDB update is still in the waiting stages. I can't seem to get motivated to get it moving. I know this, the longer I wait, the worse it's going to get. I need to find my motivation. 

*Had a really cool moment with one of my grandsons. He's 3 years old. He crawled up in my lap and wanted to look at his 2023 set in the binder. He pointed at cards and asked who they were, I pointed out the Rangers (to continue the indoctrination!). We went through the book 3 times before he lost interest. 

*Lastly, I guess one of my other goals for 2024 is to try much harder to blog on a regular basis. There are times that I really just don't have anything to say (my wife would disagree with that. She says I could talk to a wall!). I'm going to try though! 

If you've made any goals or have any rambling thoughts, I'd love to read them! leave me a comment!

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

2023 in review and What's the plan for 2024

 2023 was a big year for me and baseball card collecting. Tons of firsts for me. Now I've been collecting for a long time. All the way back to 1981. I started when I was working at First Base card shop in Lochwood mall in Dallas, TX. There have been many ups and downs since that time, alot of those I have covered in other posts. 

Back to 2023. I really decided that I was really going to get organized and develop a plan for my collecting. For the most part I've stuck to it. I started looking around for the best way to get organized and I came upon TCDB. My first, first was trying to get my collection listed on TCDB. I would say for the most part its gone pretty well. I do know that I'm no where near having everything listed and I'm quite sure I've added cards to sets that are listed that aren't on there either. I'm not exactly sure how I correct that without doing inventory. I always hated doing inventory when I worked retail. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do. 

My next first was figuring out how to move cards that I really didn't want or need. I needed a place to sell some cards. I really didn't want to do Ebay, don't know enough about COMC and wasn't sure about social media either. That's when I found BuySportsCards.com. I created an account and began listing cards. For the 2023 year, I had 41 transactions for almost $400. I know its not enough to retire on, but its $400 to spend on cards. My little advertisement for BSC is if you are looking for low end inexpensive cards, its a good place to start looking. 

My next first was TCDB trading. 43 complete trades in 2023. Based on what I've been reading over the year in blogs, that's not a very big number, but it was huge for me. I don't think I've ever traded cards before.

Social media card collecting was another first for me. I started following different card groups and bought a few cards. Towards the end of the year I actually made a trade through social media. I kind of like it, but man I hate paying for shipping. Same goes of pickups on Ebay or BSC. 

Last, but definitely not least, I started this blog. It's been almost a year now and I have "met" some truly interesting people. I enjoy reading and commenting on their blogs and especially enjoy when others read and comment on mine. 

What does 2024 have in store for collecting for me? Who knows? I plan to get TCDB up to date, make more trades, work on selling more cards on BSC, maybe do a claim sale on social media and most importantly, keep collecting. 

By the way, did I mention that the Texas Rangers won the World Series?

I know, I know, I'm being a little bit of a pain, but man, I waited a long time for that! 

Let me know what your plans for 2024 are in the comments!

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

Christmas Eve

 As I sit here late at night on Christmas eve reflecting on all of the blessings I have received this year, I have decided that I am a very blessed man. I have a great wife who puts up with my baseball card collecting, great kids and their spouses that I enjoy every moment I get to spend with them. 7 grandkids that make me laugh and give great hugs to their Papa. More family and friends than I can count who love and support me. I am very blessed. 

This year I got to add something else to my many blessings; my blogging and card collecting friends. 

Now I realize that I haven't ever met any of them and all of our communication has been through comments on blogs, emails, TCDB trades/messages or random acts of kindness packages sent through the mail, but to me, they are my friends. People that I get to share card collecting with who actually understand and don't just nod their head pretending they are interested or have the slightest idea of what I'm talking about. 

As I sit here sipping some egg nog and finishing up this post, the clock strikes midnight and it's Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas fellow collectors! I hope you are more blessed than I am this Christmas morning!

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

P.S.

I want to give a shout out to my friend, Night Owl, for the cards he sent me way back in November! Sorry it took so long to say thank you. The 1986 Topps go towards completing the set and Kershaw heads into my Kershaw collection. 

    

Heart and Hustle

 Have you ever heard of the Heart and Hustle Award? 

This award, given to the player who demonstrates a passion for the game and embodies values, spirit and tradition of the game of baseball, was instituted by the Major League Baseball Alumni Association in 2005. The MLBPAA creates 30 committees made up of former players with connections to each team. Those committees nominate one player based on their passion, work ethic and desire both on and off the field. At the end of the season, fans (I've never voted!), alumni and current players vote. 

I can honestly say that I'd never heard of this award until one of my favorite World Series Champion Texas Rangers (It never gets old saying that!), Marcus Semien, won the award for the 2023 season. 

At a time when athletes seem to be focused on "me" instead of team, it's nice to have players recognized who go about playing the game the right way. Semien did it the right way. He set an MLB record of 835 plate appearances in 2023. He hit .276 in the regular season with 40 doubles, 29 home runs and 100 RBIs. In the playoffs, he started off cold, but heated up to have 2 doubles, a triple and 2 home runs driving in 10 RBIs. Semien started all 179 games at second base. There's no doubt that Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia carried the biggest offensive load this year, but Marcus Semien was the steadying force for this team.

Here are the previous winners and their cards:

                2022                                                         2021

        Paul Goldschmidt                                      Ozzie Albies

     

***2020 was lost due to COVID.*** 

                       2019                                             2018

                Howie Kendrick                             Mookie Betts

    

                         2017                                              2016

                 Brett Gardner                               Todd Frazier             

    

 

                           2015                                            2014

                     Anthony Rizzo                           Josh Harrison

    

                2013                                                       2012

            Dustin Pedroia                                        Mike Trout

    

                            2011                                            2010

                    Torii Hunter                                 Roy Halladay

    

                       2009                                                         2008

                   Albert Pujols                                    Grady Sizemore 

    

                              2007                                         2006

                      Craig Biggio                              Craig Biggio

    

2005

David Eckstein

  

Tenacious, relentless effort, energetic, playing with passion and a phenomenal teammate are just some of the words used to describe these players. Other words that describe these players are All-Star, Silver Slugger winner, MVP and World Series Champion. All great words to describe these players, but there's more. 

Each of these players is well known for giving back to their communities and beyond. Supporting their team charities, creating their own foundations that support cancer patients and their families, surviving members of military families, numerous youth organizations, baseball clinics, etc...the list goes on. 

I know that every time I see a story about my Rangers in the community giving back, I see Marcus Semien there. These are the guys that live by example. The ones that you want you kids to emulate. These are the heroes of the game. 

Since I've found out about this award I've decided that I'm going to collect the Topps card for each winner in the year they won. That's one of the best thing about collecting; you get to collect what you want! All I have to do now is find a place to display them.

Peace, 

Michael 

Isaiah 40:31

My least favorite sets from the 1980s

Still reveling in my Texas Rangers FINALLY winning a World Series! Such a long time in coming, that its really hard to move on from it. Can't tell you the number of times that I've watched replays on YouTube. 

However, that is for another post. This one is about my 3 least favorite sets from the 1980s. 

 I'm not a negative person. I'm definitely a "the glass is half full" kind of person. I get that from my faith in God and my parents. I tell you that so you know that this post about my least favorite sets from the 1980s is not supposed to be a big negative thing. I mean, it's baseball cards, so how can that be bad, right? 

Once again, this is not going to be a deep dive into the sets. As a matter of fact, I'm going to include all three of the sets in this one post. These aren't in any order, just my least favorites from the decade. The biggest thing for me on these sets has absolutely nothing to do with the number of rookie cards or the over abundance of cards printed. These are just my least favorite designs of the cards from the '80s. 

Leading off the list of my least favorite Topps sets from the '80s is the 1981 set. 

1981 is the year I got into card collecting. I opened a ton Topps, Fleer and Donruss packs that year. A failed attempt at making a quick buck on Fleer error cards, a whole bunch of Donruss packs (I cannot for the life of me remember why!) and lots of Topps, chasing the Fernando Valenzuela and Tim Raines rookie cards. 

   

There are 726 cards in the set with 79 of those rookies. The other sought after rookie cards from the set are the Hall of Famer Harold Baines and Kirk Gibson. 

    

Back in '81, I didn't mind the design of the card, but the more time that has passed, the hat on the left bottom corner just doesn't work for me anymore. I don't think I'm a fan of all of the information on the front being at the bottom of the card either. I do like the way Topps chose to designate the All-Stars and there are some really good close up pictures of the players.  

    

This isn't a terrible set, just not one of my favorites. Could be part of the reason I still haven't completed the set yet.

Next up on the least favorite Topps set from the 1980s is the 1982 set.

The 1982 set was the first set that expanded to 792 cards. There are 62 rookie cards with 26 of those being the Future Stars team cards shared by three players. The most famous and sought after being card #21, Orioles Future Stars with Cal Ripken Jr. 

Who doesn't love Cal Ripken? Okay, I'm sure there's people out there that don't, but I sure don't know any. That card is almost the reason, all by itself, to not have the '82 set on my least favorite sets, but I'm sorry, I just don't like the double hockey stick design of the cards. I definitely didn't coin that phrase, but once I heard it, it fit. I think Topps was trying to be modern and in the '80s I guess that would qualify, but it doesn't work for me. 

    

There are some decent action shots in the set and I kind of like the facsimile autographs on the cards, but I keep finding myself drawn to strange colored hockey sticks on the side. Plus, I think the Topps logo on the front is kind of big.

The last of the least favorite Topps sets from the '80s falls to the 1987 set.

The '87 set is made up of 792 cards and is probably the most over-produced set out there, but that's got nothing to do with why it is one of my least favorites sets. It's all got to do with the wood grain border. 

     

This is 25 years after the 1962 set that had the wood grain borders. Like that set, the borders vary a bit in color and I guess its my OCD kicking in, but it drives me nuts! I do know this, it is real easy to identify the '62 and the '87 sets. That being said, There are some nice cards in the set.

    

 The Barry Bonds, Barry Larkin and Rafael Palmeiro rookie cards are from this set. My first born son was born in 1987 and I decided before the cards even came out that I would collect him a set from his birth year. I was really disappointed in the wood grain design, but I still bought them and  have that complete set for him. I don't have one for myself though, so I've got to finish that one. 

That's it for my least favorite sets from the 1980s. Like I said before, this can't be a big negative post because, its baseball cards and how can baseball cards be negative? Leave me a comment and let me know what your least favorite sets from the 1980s are!

Peace,

Michael

Isaiah 40:31