LINDEN CARD(s) OF THE WEEK - A Double Hit Of Patchy Goodness

I got home tonight to not one, not two, but three bubble envelopes.  I love a mailday like that.  One envelope was from an ebay purchase, one from a hobby board trade and the final one was a very kind gift from a fellow blogger.

I'm looking forward to going through everything and showing off a few of the cards too.

These two Linden cards go together well because they are both nice patches.  The one finishes off a product release for my pc as well (double...double whammy).  The other is one of these show 1/1 redemption cards that I'm learning to hate.  But since it was a trade, all ill feelings go by the wayside.

2012/13 In The Game

Decades 90s

#M-44 Game Used Patch Silver

2014 Toronto Fall Expo 1/1

How is it that a product that came out over a year ago gets the redemption treatment at a 2014 Fall Expo?  How is it that this product now has two versions (2013 & 2014) of redemptions produced and released?

I know....Johnny Crybaby.  But I just don't get the sheer volume of redemption cards that came out of the ITG camp earlier this month in Toronto.  Overkill is an understatement.

But, like I mentioned, I did pick this card up in a trade so I'm ok with this.  And the patch is really nice.  Three colors, vintage jersey....I'm in.

But I doubt I'll be in for many more unless the price is stupid good.

2012/13 In The Game

Forever Rivals

#M-41 Game Used Patch Red

Now this card on the other hand was a fun one to pick up.  Limited to just six copies, it was the last card from the Forever Rivals product (not including redemptions....hrmph!) on the wantlist.

When it popped up on ebay last week, I had to do a quick doubletake.  I wasn't sure if I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.  And to top it off, it had a pretty reasonable Buy It Now price.

But as nice as the price was, I felt that it should go for a little less.  Yes, the patch is nice, but if there was some red in it....it would have been a slam dunk.  Instead, I put in a Best Offer to knock down the price.

I've been burned by this tactic before.  Good price, get a little greedy, wait for a response, someone else scoops in and buys it.  But this was a card that I thought wouldn't have as much interest.  It's from a product that's a couple years old, the patch isn't as strong and quite frankly, the market for Linden cards that aren't fresh off the assembly line just isn't as strong as it was a couple years ago.

I waited.....and waited.  The card auction sifted onto the second page on ebay, and I waited.  The longer things went, the more comfortable I became.

Late that day I got the e-mail saying that my offer had been accepted.  I was thrilled to pay what I did for the card and am equally happy now that it's in my possession.

Slowly but surely I'm crossing cards off.  They get added on the list quickly at times, but I've got the time to knock them off.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Jean Beliveau

It's been a long while since I've shared a card here worthy of a Cardboard Photography post.  But when I saw this gem in a trade box at last week's trader night, I just had to pick it up.

It's not a high-end card, it doesn't have all the swagger and sway of a patch/auto limited to 4 and it doesn't have an over-the-top card design.

It's simple, it's inexpensive, it's well thought out and it's very effective.

2012/13 Score

The Franchise

#OS4 Jean Beliveau

This is what an insert card from a low-end product should look like.  It's a total eye-catcher.  That vintage feel in the photo complimented by a simple top and bottom border (in a gorgeous green) with minimal gunk on the front.  Every single time that I see a card from this set laying out on a table or sitting in a trade box, I stop and admire.  That's what a hockey card should do.

Let's take a closer look at this photo.

Judging by the 'C' on Hawks' Pierre Pilote, this photo comes from the mid-60's.  While the focus is most definitely on Beliveau, one can't help to admire the "busy-ness" in the pic.

"Gentleman" Jean, Pilote and fresh cut John Ferguson are all clearly keeping an eye on the puck.  I love that there's a story in the photo and we are left to our imaginations as to what it might be.  The fans in the back are all sitting stoic in their (what seems to be mandatory) dark heavy coats, perfectly mannered in their attendance.

So what is the story in the card?  Well I found full 8x10 from where the card was cropped.

I was hoping for the puck to be trickling ever so close to the goal line.  Maybe a scramble or a desperate dive for possession....sadly no.  But this photo does reveal a little more than what's seen in the card.

Where are all the ads?  I miss the clean white boards.  Take a look at how tiny Denis DeJordy's pads are.  Love the ol' leather.  And the crowd....yup, they all got the memo.

While it might seem simple (or inconsequential) to some, I love how someone took the time to see this photo, identify that it would be a prime candidate for a hockey card pic and then go about finding the appropriate cropping and card layout.

Back to the card.

Speaking of leather....how about Beliveau's gloves.  Those are spectacular.  I could go for a pair of gamers for sure.  The tie-up sweaters that fit just right.  Minimal padding that don't make the players look like gladiator beasts (although Beliveau looks pretty intimidating even without the extra bulk).

And of course.....no helmets.  In the early 60's there were very few players who used head protection.  It's crazy to think about it now, but that's how they rolled.  Instantly identifiable, Beliveau just has the look and stature of a Montreal Canadiens captain.

One last note about the card layout.  Panini, who produced the Score brand for the few years they were in the hockey card business, has the presence of mind to make one simple design move that I think really finishes the card off nicely.

A quick comparison of what is and what could have been makes things crystal clear.

Simple and smart, but boy does it ever make a difference.

By just simply pushing in on the photo and letting Beliveau's head pop into the top banner area, the photo takes on a whole new context.

Don't get me wrong, the modified version of the right is still a nice looking card.  But less time is spent looking at Jean and more on the entire scene.  If the theme of the card was Montreal vs. Chicago....we'd have a winner.

But the name on the bottom says Jean Beliveau - and that's who you're looking at first and foremost.  That simple cutout tightens up the photo in the card just right.

A great looking card from an equally stunning set.  The next time you see one at the local show, take a moment appreciate it.

BEHIND THE MASKS - A Little Monkey Business

In addition to the Mike Modano auto I picked up yesterday, I managed a small handful of cards to add to various pc projects.  All the cards were ripe with solid photos and I even went bananas over a Beliveau.

You have to check back later for those goodies because right now I've got  a goalie mask to share.

Upper Deck's flagship product - Series I - recently hit the shelves for the 2014/15 season.  Known for its solid photography, this year's offering doesn't disappoint.  In fact....it's almost overkill.

I'm all for the fancy low-angle "look at what I can do with a camera" type shots, but every fifth card?  Or the exuberant celebration shot that can only represent the pain and agony that player must have gone through...I feel your suffering.  For about a hundred cards worth.

Just give me some good solid action shots.  Nothing overkill.  This isn't Abstract Photography 101.

Dynamic shots.  Unique angles.....UNIQUE.  And how about some closeups.

Yeah.....I like this.  Brian Elliott's days as a St. Louis Blues starter may be coming to an end (with the emergence of Jake Allen) but that doesn't mean he can't have a cool looking Upper Deck card.

And with me being a sucker for masks....this is just the type of card I'm interested in.  But I can't help but see something else in this mask card.  Can you see it?

For those of you who were around back.....way back at the start of 2011, I featured a gorgeous Jaromir Jagr card.  But what made me laugh the most was that I decided to superimpose the photo of Mullet McGee on a Canadian $5 bill.  Hilarious if I do say so myself (and definitely holds up to the test of time).

There's something about this Brian Elliott card that makes me think about.........

Eh?   C'mon......you saw it too right?

Take a second look.  That Elliott card could've been the poster for the big film reboot.

Here's the before.....
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Totally works.

For a guy who can't seem to find enough hours in the day......I seem to have found one tonight.  Ah the wonderful world of sportscard collectibles.

Note:  I've just finished scanning over this post and am seriously considering NOT hitting "Publish".  What the heck have I just been doing??!!!

HHOF AUTOS - This Is Definitely A New Addition

It has been a mighty long time since I've had an actual new addition to the HHOF Auto project.  And yes....it was due to a lack of trying.

Since the return from my summer hiatus, I've been to a few trade nights and a couple of local shows but just never saw anything that really made me want to chase a trade.

Well at tonight's monthly trade night....I managed to pull the trigger.

Mike Modano

Inducted in 2014

Like I said, this is truly a new addition.  As in last week I wasn't chasing this card.

Call me silly, but I feel like I shouldn't add to the wantlist until the actual Hall Of Fame ceremony has taken place.  Technically, they aren't a part of the Hall until then.

If I were to "work ahead", I could conceivably chase cards like Lidstrom, Brodeur, Crosby and Connor McDavid.  But I don't feel comfortable doing that.  It would feel like cheating and not give the respect to the Hall Of Fame project as a whole.

But Modano is in.....and now he's a part of my collection.  This Cup card is a perfect addition.  High-end card, beautiful signing space, great signature, solid photo (and with the team you'd want with him) and I made a fair trade for it.

What more can a guy say.  I hope all my future acquisitions for the pc are as smooth as the one tonight.

Current Collection - 61 HOF Autos

12 In 12 LEGACY - A Wild Stab For It

It's been a while since I have spent some time at the library doing some good old fashioned reading.  That was the goal tonight.

I was hoping to bring my nephew along since we recently picked up a new book for him to tackle (it's a tough go getting him to read on a regular basis....but he's normally game for a library trip).  Unfortunately, I was riding solo as he had a little bit of homework to tackle.

I took along a new book I was going to start, but found a title as I was browsing that made me call the ol' audible.  And it was short enough that I was able to flip through it from cover to cover in one sitting.

A Wild Stab For It: This Is Game Eight From Russia

Dave Bidini

109 pages

I like Dave Bidini.  He's a musician, writer, author and he's got an opinion.  I really enjoyed his book Keon And Me which I read back in 2012 when I pursued my '12 in 12' goal.  I've got a couple other titles by him that are sitting on the shelf......ready for me to read.  Ready.

For me to read.  At some point.

Anyways, back to this title.  I am a sucker for the content - the 1972 Summit Series, I am a sucker for Dave Bidini's writing and at 109 pages, I am a sucker for a short, quick read - especially tonight.

The story of what happened on the ice is very well documented but the angle this book takes is a collection of short, simple stories by different people Dave has talked to, and put into this collection.  Taking us through that final game on September 28, 1972.

While there were some interesting tidbits, I was a little disappointed by the overall tone of the book.  I was hoping for more of Bidini's voice in the read, but found it to be almost "notation-ish" (hey...another new word).  It felt like a collection of notes that were types up, organized and put into a book.  It lacked the character that I was anticipating.

Still, there were some interesting stories that I had never heard.  Like the night before the game when Ken Dryden was asleep and coach Harry Sinden was in the lobby of the hotel.  A reporter approached Harry and Sinden proceeded to ask if he could go check the bar next door to see if any of his players were still up (the coach not wanting to be seen as the bad guy).  A couple moments later, the reporter returned and said that if he were to wake up Dryden....they could have a team meeting.

Or the method of choosing the Player Of The Game (a lot different than today's instant Twitter feedback).  Just mail your choice to this PO Box address.  Snail mail....nice.

If you're a Canadian hockey fan, I think you'll enjoy this book.  It's got some good nuggets to it.  But it doesn't have that lasting effect some titles give.

3 out of 5

Here's an interview with Dave Bidini just after the book's release back in 2012, the 40th Anniversary of the game.


As well, I've also put my two cents down on this title on the book site Goodreads, under my username bamlinden.  You can follow me there if you like (I have my other 12 titles read in my '12 in 12' journey as well as some other books I've read over the past couple years.

BEHIND THE MASKS - Two More Card Show Pickups

Went to the monthly card show yesterday.  Was hoping to land a few cards from this year's Artifacts.  After all, my guy has a bazillion cards in the product so there must be a few hidden in the cheap bins.  Right?

Ah.....no.

In fact, not a single table had any Artifacts.  Has the product dried up already?  Did nobody crack a single box?  Did I miss the bus in bidding on some decent priced Linden cards on ebay?

Note:  I always miss the bus.

There were a couple of noticeable absences and that probably had something to do with it too.  I hate to say that I kind of rely on the wax breakers to feed my Linden card cravings locally.  There's no way I can afford to both crack and chase.

I was batting the big .000 with cards....so what to do?

Dig.

I normally sift through boxes looking for shiny things, cheap things, abnormal things and every once in a while I get rewarded.  Problem with a smaller, local, monthly card show is that the same stuff tends to sits on tables and in boxes month after month.

The sifting goes quicker and quicker each time.

But with nothing better to do on a Saturday morning and a huge desire to buy something, I decided to go through stuff a little more thoroughly.  And it paid off.

Nothing massive....but I did knock a couple cards off the wantlist.

Masked Men 5 might go down as my favourite mask set in years.  The sketch option instead of photos (some blurry and low res) definitely give the set a consistent look.  And the funky, shiny, laser-like red background looks cool both in person and via scan.  Win-win.

I really like Jonathan Quick's retro mask.  A tribute to Rogie Vachon.  Goes great with the purple and gold vintage uniforms they tend to wear on occasion.

Marc-Andre is another solid find.  Both cards were in a box way at the end labelled $3 each or 4 for $10.  I could only find these two that interested me so I bartered him down to $5.  I'm a stingy guy like that.

When I saw the Fleury, I remembered my first reaction to seeing this mask.  You can see that it appears to be a hockey card on the side of the mask.  A Tom Barrasso card in fact.

In this photo, you can get a better sense of what the paintjob looks like.  I knew I had seen that card before.  But it wasn't a dead ringer for the card I had in mind.

Huh.  Interesting.

There's no doubt that the card on the mask is this Barrasso Greats Of The Game.  But you can see that the ITG logo has been replaced by a Penguins logo.  Ironic since ITG doesn't have an NHL license and therefore can't use logos.  You can also see that a few liberties were taken in the color scheme and background designs.

Here's a link to an article better explaining the paintjob.  You can even check out the comments section where I just had to ask "So...did ITG give this guy permission to use the card likeness?"

In The Game gets razzed all the time for bending the rules, using logos in masks, whatever it may be, but the card on Fleury's mask is a toss right back.  In fact, if I remember correctly, Dr. Price did comment saying that no  discussion about the use of the card ever happened.

Kind of gives me a sour feeling towards the mask.

So we have an ITG card with a sketch of an NHL goalie mask depicting a goalie mask card of another ITG product modified with NHL logos.

Card shows can be so much fun.

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - Toronto Expo Pickups

You heard that right.....Toronto.....Expo.

I didn't go to the show, but that doesn't mean I can't walk away with some stuff.

It all started last month when I won a pretty decent round of Pack Wars.  This sweet Taylor Hall 3-color patch/auto was being drooled on by a local Hall collector.  He was looking to trade.....and I was looking for Lindens.

He told me that he was heading to the Fall Expo in Toronto and so I gave him my tradelist.  Fingers crossed he could land a big item.

I saw him this past week at another trade night and as the title says....I've got pickups.

2014/15 Upper Deck

25th Anniversary Young Guns Tribute

#UD25-TL 2014 Toronto Fall Expo Giveaway

I was pumped to see this card.  It was only given out to those at the show who opened up a tin of The Cup at their booth.  While I don't know what the production numbers are on these cards, I have yet to see another copy of one pop up anywhere.

Trevor Linden now has an Upper Deck Young Guns card.

His rookie card was part of the final OPC product prior to the "big boom".  Score, ProSet, Upper Deck and more all created an entire new world of collecting.  Ushering in the junk wax era, Linden's rc can easily be found for less than a buck.

But that wasn't the only Linden item coming my way from Toronto.

Next to his tradebox, there was a larger UltraPro box, housing a display case.  Inside was the item that would complete the trade.

Yessir!  This is an autographed game-used Vancouver Canucks glove.  Tons of usage and a gorgeous signature right in the sweet spot.

The Certificate of Authenticity looked less than what he felt was acceptable, so he had the glove properly authenticated and the paperwork will be arriving shortly.

Now the glove went for a little more than my Taylor Hall card, so a little evening up, and a thank-you handshake and we were done.

What I found to be the kicker is that he initially pulled out an Artifacts base card as a gag for me.  I got home and took a closer look at the card.

What do you think???  Could it be???

I'm gonna say yes......only becasue it would be the perfect way to end this story.

So thank you very much Craig for making the 2014 Toronto Fall Expo a very memorable one for me.

CONTEST - We Have A Winner

Well, the puck has dropped in the Toronto/Buffalo game (that was a mighty long pre-game) and so the contest has been closed.  I had 13 entrants with some great choices.  I really appreciate seeing some great info on some of the other "Good Guys" in sports.

But I'm sure you are all more interested in who won the mighty prize.

Up for grabs are five hard-signed Hockey Hall Of Fame autographs.  Bill Gadsby, Joe Nieuwendyk, Glenn Anderson, Alex Delvecchio and Luc Robitaille.

So I put all thirteen names into a list on random.org, randomizing it five times.

And the winner is.......
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Dave H

Congratulations Dave!!!

Dave wrote about David Clarkson and included a link to some of the great work he has done off the ice.  Nice job Clarky.

And thank you all for entering.  There were some names and efforts that I was unaware of until now and it really makes me feel good that some of the positive aspects of pro sports snagged a bit of the spotlight (even if it was just on my li'l blog).


Note: I did record the randomizing process and am happy to upload the video to Youtube should anyone like to see the process in determining a winner.

CONTEST - One Of The Good Guys

Back in May I was the fortunate recipient of a fantastic act of kindness by fellow blog brother Casey over at House Of Oglethorpe.  He knew about my HHOF Auto quest (he in fact had amassed a pretty impressive collection of autos himself) and decided to send a few signatures my way.  Thanks again Casey for the great additions to my project!

Some of the cards he sent were upgrades to ones I already had in my collection (unbeknownst to him).  So now I have some extras.  And I knew what I wanted to do with the extras the moment I opened that bubble mailer all those months ago.

So today, I'm announcing - CONTEST!!!!!

Before I get into what needs to be done to win.....let's see what goodies are up for grabs.

Joe Nieuwendyk auto.  Maybe I'll do a spelling contest?

These Lord Stanley's Mug signatures look really nice and I have no doubt would be a fun set to build.

Glenn Anderson auto.  Maybe a Movember moustache contest?

These cards scan horribly....but look much nicer in person.

Bill Gadsby auto.  Maybe a hockey history quiz?

Love these autos from earlier HOFers.  Especially hard signed.

Alex Delvecchio auto.  Ooooooh...a penmanship contest?

Another great hard signed signature set for those looking to start a new project.

Luc Robitaille auto.  Maybe a "Six Degrees of Wayne Gretzky" contest?  I don't even know what that means.

Who else likes there Luc places the 20 in his signature?  Fun.


So that's FIVE hard signed autographs of Hall Of Famers.  And all of them will go to one lucky winner.

So what do you have to do to enter?

Well, earlier today I read a great article by 4-time Canadian Olympic medalist Adam van Koeverden, a 15-year member of the Canadian national kayak team.  He responded (very passionately and eloquently) to an article about A-Rod and drugs in sport.

It was yet another strong example of positive, ethical......good athletes in our sports.  Good people that we can look up to and take inspiration from.  Good guys.

The article reminded of a blog post I made years ago about Olympic speed skater Johann Olav Koss and his quest post-racing career.  Or Patrice Bergeron who has been a strong prescience in the NHL to a number of people.....I know of one for sure.

So for this contest, all you have to do to enter is post a comment on an athlete you feel is a "good guy" (or gal) and why.  I don't need a long book, just a short paragraph.  I want know about other positive athletes in our world.......and not THAT kind of positive.

So post your comment, make sure you don't post as "anonymous" as your  comment name will be your ticket to entry.  Obviously only one entry per person and I will keep this contest open until puck drop of next Saturday's Toronto/Buffalo game (so Nov. 15 @ 5pm MDT).

At that point, I will take all the names, put them into a randomizer (random.org) and randomize 5 times (for the 5 cards up for grabs).  The name at the top of the list after the 5th randomize will receive all 5 cards.

I like saying 5 and randomize.

So good luck to all, I'm looking forward to reading your comments and thank you very much once again Casey for your kind generosity.  You're one of the good guys.

STASHED IN THE CLOSET - Gretzky Retirement Coin

Saw this item tucked in the back of one of my shelves in my closet and was shot back a decade and a half.  It made me laugh as I had completely forgot I had one....

actually, I have four.

And of course it reminded me of a head-shaking time in my collecting life.

This is the Highland Mint Wayne Gretzky Commemorative Retirement Medallion (yeah....that's a mouthful).  It's made of solid nickel silver...whatever that means and is limited to at least 32,597 (so "not rare").

It obviously was released to celebrate the retirement of one of the greatest players ever to play the game.  So I had to have one right?

The coin is about the size of a half-dollar (or whatever these commemorative coins go for in size).  It's a common size.  The Gretzky etching on the front doesn't look too bad and I like the signature along the bottom.  It's a clean looking front and a pretty spiffy look all things considered.

The back is a lot busier.  I do like that the St. Louis logo has been included.  It seems like a lot of tributes and overall Gretzky "stuff" tends to ignore his brief tenure with the Blues.

A bit of a resume and some unnecessary official jargon finishes off this coin.

What made me laugh is that I got these coins (like I said...I have four) from my mom.  She used to be the AVON lady.  You know....make-up, the whole nine yards.  And there was a time when AVON sold NHL memorabilia.  At one time, I had a dozen of these coins.

I was able to get them at her cost, and then I'd try to flip them for a bit of a profit.  Looking back now....I'd be lucky if I broke even.

But she had stuff like metal cards (the 5-card Mario Lemieux collector tin), mugs, wall hangings.....you know, stuff that people really want.

This coin also reminded me of my obsession with all things Gretzky retirement.

I was so sure that anything about his retirement would garner big money, that I went and bought a couple dozen newspapers, magazines, you name it.  I think the newspapers went into the recycling and I might have a magazine or two kicking around.

I look back at my obsessive nature with Gretzky and just laugh.  What was I thinking?  I was clearly a couple decades late to the party.


BTW....I have a couple extra I'd be willing to sell.   :)

HHOF AUTOS - Another Upgrade

Trade nights always allow me the chance to rummage through other people's stuff.  I like that.  Especially when I find something that might fit better in my collection than their trade box.

One of the projects I most hope to add to is my HHOF Autos since I am only allowed to trade for these cards.

Last spring I hauled in a huge lot which included a Luc Robitaille card that I was a little wishy-washy on.  The headshot photo was alright.....but that's about it - alright.

Well, I can now put that card in my trade box since I have found a much more suitable replacement.

Luc Robitaille

(Inducted in 2009)

The Prime Signatures sets put out by Panini in numerous years are some solid, hard-signed autograph cards.  Simple, which allows the signature to be the star.

And boy did Luc ever take advantage of that.

He's taken up the full lower half of the card with his autograph.  There's good "inkage" as the sharpie seems to have held up (I always get worried about bubbling or streaking (things that make a for a less-than-solid signature).

A quick and easy trade has now brought this card into my collection where it will sit with 59 others.  I took a look through those as well today and I'm really happy with the progress I have made on this set.

All hard signed, all Hall Of Famers, all acquired via trade.

Now that's just plain fun.

Current Collection - 60 HOF Autos

OPINION - Airbrushing

I have been anticipating Leaf/ITG's latest release for a number of months now.  Ultimate Memorabilia 13 is a high-end product oozing with gorgeous memorabilia cards of the game's greats.  And for the past couple of years, my guy has been piledriven into the product.

UM12 - 24 cards - 16 numbered to 10 or less
UM11 - 28 cards - 22 numbered to 10 or less

So you can guess my excitement level as I was waiting for the checklist to be released in advance of this latest onslaught.

None.  Ziltch.  Zero.  Nothing.

Not a single card of Linden is in the entire product.

Maybe it has to do with the merger effort of ITG and Leaf?  Maybe it has to do with the ultra-limited production run of just 4000 packs (or 800 5-pack boxes)?  Maybe they ran out of memorabilia?  OK....I doubt that last one.

But whatever it is, I gotta say that I'm pretty happy he's been passed over in this product.  For more than one reason.

It eases my wantlist considerably.  With Panini's Prime and National Treasures along with Upper Deck's The Cup, I've gone through the "high-end" hills with little damage to the list of cards I need.  Sure there are a few that will be pricey....but nothing compared to year's past.

It helps me ease back into the current hobby season.  I'm still getting comfortable with how I want to approach the collecting season this year, so having fewer big ticket cards to think about surely helps.

Last, and most importantly, I don't like what Leaf/ITG has done with the cards.

This is an example of one of the beautiful memorabilia pieces that will be in Ultimate Memorabilia 13.  A sick piece of game-used skate from Habs legend George Vezina.  But what do you think I see sticking out at me?

No logo.

Airbrushed out of the shot.

Now I realize that ITG for years has not had an NHL license so they are not able to use logos.  Leaf obviously is in the same ship.  But I didn't mind what ITG did in the past with headshots.  It made the photo seem more authentic (albeit limiting).

To not the the Montreal logo on the front of this jersey just ruins my enjoyment of the photo.

Now this isn't the first time airbrushing has been used on hockey cards.

The 70's and 80's were riddled with cards of players who were traded or moved to new teams.  So guys highly skilled in Pencil Crayon 101 were hired to fix the problem.

Some of my favourite cards from that era are smattered with these "corrections".

Upper Deck for a couple of years released a Be A Player product that couldn't use logos.

Awkward player contortions, lame side shots and the odd logo airbrush made for some less than desirable photo selections.

Or worse, have guys hangin' out away from the rink.  Ugh....those cards bring back bad memories.

But these photos put out by Leaf during the packing process for UM13 has left me completely turned off of the product.

And relieved that Linden is not among the bunch.

Funny thing with this Richter card is that part of the Rangers logo makes up this sweet patch.

Is that ironic or what.

Overall, I get WHY they need to airbrush.  I just don't like that they have chosen to go this direction.  I would have thought they would have tried going this direction with more of a mid-range release (as opposed to one of their bigger ticket items).  I'm curious to see what the reaction will be when the product comes out next weekend.


What are your thoughts on airbrushing?  And what Leaf/ITG has done with UM13?