This guy...

...is pitching right now.  Yankees not in the lead against the Indians.

2012 Tribute, Andy Pettitte signature, #'d 60/99.

It took me a while to finally acquire a Pettitte autograph card.  He was one of my favorite pitchers when I was a kid.  Well, I'm not technically a kid anymore and he's still pitching!

Yankees took the lead.

*Update: And a comebacker just destroyed Andy's shins and ankles.  Way to jinx it, Arno.

My first booklet

For a period of time this year, between the end of January and middle of May, I had nothing to do.  Literally, nothing to do.  Or, at the very least, nothing of much import or urgency.  It was probably the first time in six years that I had some actual, serious downtime.  It was weird, and I'm not entirely sure whether I liked it or not.

So what did I do with that all that free time?  Not much, really.  I drank copious amounts of beer, played a large amount of video games, and started up this blog again.  Hell, I didn't even post that much.  Lazy bastard.  Well, now I'm back home in glorious Southern California and a package arrived the other day that reminded me of my favorite card shop, in a region of the state I called home for several years (and a place I will actively try to never move back to - sorry, Nor Cal, I just like it here):

Bilal Powell yellow printing plates from 2011 Panini Playbook, autograph-relic booklet, #'d 1 of 1.

I never thought I'd actually pull one of these things.  I guess I still haven't - technically speaking - because I pulled a redemption for this card instead at my old local card shop.  I like it though!

Here are some views of the booklet closed:

I couldn't tell you where "home" is.  Maybe some historical figures and philosophers, perhaps wiser than you or me, can do that.  At least the cards will always somehow find their way to us nerds.

A closer encounter

I met Kenley Jansen yesterday at Paul's TV (inside a Living Spaces) in Monrovia, CA.  He was scheduled to sign from 12-1 PM.  Jansen showed up a bit late to sparse applause, but he signed rather quickly and was a pleasant dude.  Also, he's massive.  I was lazy and did not really get any photos of the event.  However, here's the baseball I got Jansen to sign:

Kenley signed his number... 74!  Sweet.  Jansen's autograph looks like kanji.

This was my first time at a Dodgers signing. I enjoyed it, though it was a rather quick (not the waiting) and workmanlike event.

Some of you may have noticed that I have not posted in a while.  I just moved back down to SoCal after six or so years in the SF Bay Area.  It's great to be back!  And how about them Kings?  Champions!

Capicola

2009 UD Goudey, Dustin Pedroia on card autograph.  Gabagool.  My first and only Pedroia auto.

So I went to see Opeth, Mastodon, and Ghost at the Fox Theater in Oakland last night.  Pretty metal.

2011 Playoff Prime Cuts: sponsored box break

Howdy!

Here's a box break of 2011 Panini Playoff Prime Cuts baseball, sponsored by Atlanta Sports Cards.  Totally had the "itis" when I was filming - don't judge.

Nice looking cards, but these risky boxes are still pricey and could yield some super awful breaks.  I did pretty well with mine.

Thanks to Atlanta Sports Cards for the discount!

P.S.  Don't forget to check out Dan's group break!  Here.

An Otherwordly Group Break

Yo dudes!  Dan over at The Other World has a pretty sweet group break idea that could net people some awesome cards.  You can check out his post here.

As it stands right now, the proposal would be 2 boxes each of 2010 Panini Century Collection (one of my personal favorite sets), 2011 Leaf Valiant, and 2011 Leaf Ink (which I opened here).  I do enjoy mid- to high-end products, and these are some of the better ones at that.  As well, for $60 to $65 a slot (Dan's working on logistics, so the price could lower), I think people would get much value and fun from this break.

Anyway, I just wanted to help spread the word because I think it would be a hoot!

Cut cut cut

Cut signature, that is.

2011 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts, Carl Furillo cut auto, #'d 4/8.  We haven't forgotten about you, Carl!  Now why'd they have to go and chop off part of the "C" though?

How 'bout that trouncing we got yesterday from the Astros?  Ow.  Too painful.  I had to go watch Detroit vs. Texas and Kansas City vs. Toronto instead.  Yankees-Rangers starts in five!