Thoughts on TCDB

It's been about 10 months since I really started using TCDB with my collection and I thought I'd give some thoughts about it. 

Listing/Inventory

I started listing complete sets and then my player collections because I figured it was the easiest way to figure it out. It was. Then came the monumental task of entering in all of the years that I was working on and the duplicate cards that I had. I started with the older ones first, because I didn't have as many of them. It was going pretty smooth until I got to about to 1987 Topps and it began to slow down. 

I kind of jumped around at that point and listed some sets from the 2000s. It's kind of like my collecting history. I started strong in the beginning, hit a downturn and then started back. That hole that is the middle of my collection is the same hole in my inventory on TCDB. It's not like I don't have any cards from that time, I just haven't bothered to put them in. You'd think those would have been the easiest and most important ones to do, but I just haven't. If the haves and the want lists were there, I probably could have started acquiring those missing cards through trades. 

I've still got a long way to go to get all of the Topps sets listed and their duplicates. Plus, I have a ton of Fleer, Donruss and Upper Deck to list too. I think listing all of my cards is going to be one of those never-ending projects. 

I have run into one little snag with inventorying my cards. If I make a trade, TCDB does it for me. If I pick cards up at a show, the card store, or bust open some packs, some of the time I forget to put the cards in TCDB before or after I put them up. I've really got to figure out a system or I'm going to have to back track and recheck everything. 

Trades

I recently completed my 50th trade. 

Nothing great in the trade except in got me a little closer to completing a couple of sets. 10 months and 50 trades isn't much considering all of the trades that I see posted in other blogs, but I'm pretty happy with it. I do hope to increase that number in 2024. It would help if I had more cards in they system. I need to get busy! 

In those 50 trades, I accumulated almost 1000 cards and traded away a little over 600. I had a few bumps in the road on those 50 trades. Got taken on a couple(my fault, not theirs), had a couple of trades get lost in the mail and received some very generous trades from people.

I've also received some cards that weren't in the condition that was stated or implied. So far, everyone has been great when I send a message back about the condition of the card. I don't know about you, but I try really hard to make sure that the cards I am sending are as stated. I will be honest, I didn't inspect each card as I was listing them. When I pull one out and its dinged on a corner, has a crease or is mis-cut enough, I let the person know so that they can decide if they want to continue the trade or not. 

Shipping on trades is a whole other topic. My post office basically, limits me to sending 4, maybe 5 cards in a PWE. One time I was able to send 8 cards, but the rest of the time it's a no. So, any trade I make over 4 or 5 cards costs me a BMWT. Still trying to figure out the best way to ship cards. 

Has anyone used paypal.shipstation.com? Heard about it somewhere, but haven't checked it out yet. Let me know if you have it or have any other suggestions.

I have received all kinds of envelopes/packages in my trades. Most have been in #10 white envelopes with inexpensive 9-pocket sheet protectors. Most have a thin piece of cardboard on the front and the back. Some don't have anything. Some have common cards surrounding the ones in a trade(my favorite, because I get bonus cards!). The worst one I got was a 2 card trade and sender surrounded the 2 cards with common cards taped together with masking tape. I tried really hard to take the tape off and not mess up the cards, but couldn't do it. 

As of today, I've only initiated 3 trade proposals. To be honest, it's taken me this long to actually figure out the easiest way to do it. Yeah, I know, makes sound like an idiot, because its really easy to do. I think my problem was the first time I tried it, the system was slow or not working and it messed me up. I think I got it now.

Overall, my experience with TCDB has been positive one. I will definitely keep adding my collection in, making trades and meeting new collectors. If you're not using TCDB for your collection, you should check it out. 

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31

How do you collect?

 There are so many different ways to collect baseball cards. 

When I first got into collecting, the main focus was on complete sets. Opening packs, sorting, and seeking out the cards that were missing. As I got back into collecting again, I assumed everything was still the same. Yeah, not even close.

The absolute first thing I noticed was that there's not much love for base cards. I don't know about you, but I still love base cards. I still love opening packs, sorting the cards and looking for those I'm missing. I love the chase. Right now, the chase is '23 Topps Heritage. Next month it will still be '23 Topps Heritage and '24 Topps flagship. I got a feeling the chase for Heritage is going to take awhile. The chase and that feeling of satisfaction when you finally find that last card is awesome. 

I think the biggest change in collecting from when I started until now has to be the inserts. The only inserts when I started was gum, then stickers and puzzle pieces. Now, the inserts are as numerous as the base cards. Some of the inserts are really great looking cards. I have become a fan of some of those inserts. I tried really hard to stay away from collecting the insert sets, but I ended up with several of the '23 Topps All Aces and the Father's Day patch cards and now I'm hooked into those subsets. 

I'm not really close on completing either of them, but I enjoy looking for them and being pretty picky on what I'm willing to pay for them. So far, I've not been very successful trading for them. 

If you're a fan of the game, you have your favorite team and your favorite players. Team and player collecting has become the main stream when it comes to collecting. I'm not sure why the switch, unless collectors began questioning why do I want a card of a player who never plays and for a team I don't like? Maybe it's about space, I don't know. My first thought was it was about not as many cards, but with all of the inserts and parallels, its still a ton of cards to collect. 

Speaking of parallels, a lot of collectors collect color runs. A year ago, when 2023 Topps came out I'd never even thought of doing a color run. Hadn't even looked at it really. I saw somewhere, either on YouTube, in a blog, or at a card show someone's color run. I don't even remember who the player was. I got to looking at what I had and decided that I'd give it try. Knowing that the different colors can get expensive I had to pick a player that I liked and wouldn't get crazy expensive like Ohtani or some other superstar would. I went with Marcus Semien. I mean let's be real, it's not like he's some scrub, he's just not high up on the card collector's list. Here's what I got so far.

So, I'm not the brightest light bulb in the pack, I really wasn't paying attention to the card numbers as much as I was the picture on the front. I knew that Topps Chrome was numbered different, but that didn't stop me from focusing on the picture. I make the really quick decision to switch it up a bit and try to put together as many of the same picture as I can. Let's be real, just between Topps, Topps chrome and Topps Holiday,  there are nine different 1 of 1s and 3 different 1 of 5s. I'm not even putting those on the list as possibilities. As best as I can tell, if I take those out I've got 37 more cards to get. 

For me, my team is the World Series Champion Texas Rangers (had to get it in!). I started putting together team sets from 1972 to present. I'm not getting the team sets Topps puts out, just the cards that come in the base set. I've got a long way to go on this, but it's fun. 

I have a handful of current players that I say I collect: Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Witt Jr, Adolis Garcia, Josh Jung and now Evan Carter. Pretty sure that I will add Wyatt Langford to the list when he debuts, hopefully, in 2024. Mostly what I collect are Topps and Topps inserts, but I do have several Bowman, Topps Chrome, and some Panini of my guys.

I don't limit my player collection to just those guys. I also do player runs. I have a fluid list of about 30 players that I am working on collecting their Topps card from all of their playing years. Every now and then, I'll come across a card or hear story about someone and I'll start that player run.   

This post when way off from where I originally planned. Originally, it as a way to show my Marcus Semien color run, but what the heck, I got to share some of my collection. 

I'd love to hear what and how you collect. Drop me a comment!

Peace,

Michael 

Isaiah 40:31

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.