OUTSIDE THE BOX - Baseball In Full Swing

I'm sure I was one of many who were swept up in the drama and excitement of the 2025 MLB Playoffs - and a World Series for the ages. I hadn't watched much baseball over the past couple of seasons, but seeing the Jays and Mariners battle it out for the AL crown had me intrigued.

And while the Jays ended up losing the WS in the most unlikeliest of ways, I can't help but feel excited and optimistic for the new season. I'm looking forward to what 2026 will deliver.

As I was sifting through some cards on my desk this weekend, I came across one of my favorite pieces of cardboard of all time. It brought a smile to my face and reminded me of the beauty and history of the great game of baseball.

2020 Topps Stadium Club

#290 Sandy Koufax

I love this card! The photo just has a majestic feel to it - you can see a ton of detail, but the quality has that vintage vibe. A mighty swing of the bat from one of the greatest pitchers who ever lived. That unlikely combination is what I enjoy most about this simple base card.

I first saw this image when I was on the Topps Bunt digital card app. I thought it was a mockup just for the online platform. When I found a copy of the card in person...it was an instabuy. That sucker was coming home with me and into the collection.

In his 12-year baseball career, Koufax had 778 AB and notched 75 hits for a 0.97 BA. Obviously, he was never known for this offensive skills at the plate. 

But that swing, that pose, is just drilled in my brain. The glare of concentration, the clean follow through (two hands on the bat...no gloves back then). The batting helmet without the ear protection...very clean. The 3/4 baseball shirt that we all had as kids (mine had the Van Halen logo on it. ha ha). The power in his legs...and let's admire those cleats (and the stirrups!!). The fans...many of them wearing sunglasses, absolutely focused on his efforts. This is a stunner of a photo.

For a player who was absolutely dominating the game in his era, this card represents a period of time that I know little about...but appreciate a great deal. Like I said, smile to my face.

And just a couple weeks into the season, I'm already excited for the summer months of baseball.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - This Photo Theme Is Worthy Of The Bike Spokes

Let's start the week with some Cardboard Photography. It's been a while.

There was a time in the 70's and 80's where hockey card pics would be a "what you see is what you get" situation. There weren't a ton of photo opportunities (maybe a couple games in some instances) for some of the shutterbugs to capture all the players, so the options and varieties would be quite limited. It's why we saw a lot of backup goalies doing warmup laps with towels around their necks.

These days, I feel like there are countless photos to choose from when putting a player's card together - and it's gotta be infinitely easier for everyone. Photos are digitally stored, accessible at anytime and anywhere. The quantity of pics to choose from must be overwhelming at times...you aren't thinking about the costs of film or having to develop your rolls before submitting. It's just "here...dig through this pile".

So the ability to get the best of the best is there...right?

Not always.

This stunning snap comes from the 2023/24 Upper Deck Series 2 set. This is the flagship offering for UD and has been a staple for set collectors since the early 90's.

Now, I know Mike Matheson can often be the buttend of some jokes...but this card feels like there's a bit of a dirt kick going on. 

He's gone sliding into the net, back to the netting and seemingly focused on......something. It is one of the more unflattering photos I've seen on a card in some time.

But as I was sifting through other singles from the set, I couldn't help but notice a trend.

Fabian looks like he's just flat out falling down. And his face shows more panic or concern than it does grit and determination.

Did someone give him a little hipcheck just moments before?

Is Palmieri stretching before the game? Is he diving for a puck? Did he fall?

What is happening here?

Marner looks like he hit the boards awkwardly...all by himself. The scorpion look on a forward isn't flattering.

This is not the kind of superstar photography I'd like to have on my cards.

Sure, it's "low angle"...but there are better ways to do it.

Exhibit A....now this is a stunner of a photo! Beautifully framed, wonderful depth. So many great details to check out.

Why can't more hockey cards be like this? Is the selection just not there? Doubt it.

Just because somebody is following the puck, doesn't make it a captivating photo.

And switching to a landscape layout does not help.

Toffoli looks like he's scrambling.

Geez...this is not the "up close and personal" vibe I'm looking for.

Nope.

OK...this was a planned shot...right? Jake posed for this.

Even Matthews can't escape the wrath of the "I've fallen and I can't get up" theme.

Man, sucks to be a Leafs team collector with this product.

It's shocking to see how many photos from this set just fall completely flat in my eyes. This is a first for a flagship product. I can't think of another example where this many shots just don't cut it.

Am I wrong here? Do these pics do anything for you? Sure, it's a bit "outside the box"...but it's too much of a reach for me. Give me slick looking action shots, closeups of faces that show some emotion, unique moments that grab a viewer, or even a reflective moment...a posed shot with a smile. Something less messy.

If anything though, these cards made me stop...look, and even post about. So there's that.  :)

RAISE THE CUP - A Unique Card That I NEVER Would Have Found

A couple of months ago, I was asked to be on the Sports Cards Live podcast to talk about my approach to collecting, lessons learned in this hobby and share some of my PC pieces. It was a real joy to sit and enthusiastically "talk shop" with a person and audience that would (hopefully) appeciate my words. It's something I don't normally do.

This blog is really the major outlet for me to share my thoughts on the hobby, let me explore topics with a little more detail and show off some new finds. Even though I don't post nearly as much as I used to, I absolutely love that this platform is here when I want. Lately, the bug to post has returned...and I'm enjoying it.

In the days after my appearance on the podcast, I had a few people start following me on social media (be it Twitter or Instagram) which I found flattering as I don't normally post card stuff on those sites. And I had a couple collectors even reach out to me to connect - which I greatly appreciated. There are a lot of fantastic, positive hobbyists out there and their genuine care and love of collecting really cuts through the noise of negativity for me. In fact...I'm quite drawn to it. I love good hobby people and I love good hobby stories.

One of my new connections mentioned that he had a couple cards for my 'Raise The Cup' project...one of my favourite builds, as it celebrates the pinnacle moment in a player's career (winning the Stanley Cup and lifting it over their head). It's also a very affordable chase. There's no checklist but ample cards out there to find and acquire.

We swapped addresses as I noticed he liked Paul Kariya cards and I had one sitting in my trade box for a while. When I received my cards, I had a curious smile on my face when I was presented with this gem...

1996/97 Upper Deck SP

Inside Info

#NNO Joe Sakic

So...as we can all see, this card does not show Burnaby Joe lifting the Cup over his head. Right?

Wrong.

Don't let the cover fool you. The goodies are inside. :)

Ohhh....what have we here?? This looks fun.

I gotta say, for a card from the late 90's, this is pretty slick. Remember, there were no booklet cards at this time. Memorabilia cards were in their infancy. This was a very solid insert for its day.

And we're not even at the best part, yet.

Ta-da!!

What a great reveal...a little surprise inside the card. Very fun, very cool.

I never in a million years would have found this card to add to my Cup Raisers collection. I love the fact that someone else recognized they had this and knew I'd appreciate it.

And I do. I think this is without question the most unique card in this project - and one with a great story. Have I mentioned that I like stories? :)

I'm curious though, as to the choice to use a "backside Sakic" photo. What led to that decision? It's a great pic and I love the fact that it's part of the card, but I can't help but think that if they were considering that backside Cup photo to put on a standalone card...they wouldn't have gone with it. It's too outside the box.

That makes me like this card even more. It's awesome.

So a sincere thank you to Andrew over at Dog House Hockey Cards for the fantastic gift. I greatly appreciate you thinking of me...and your generosity.

Do you have a card with an "outside the box" photo on it? Something that makes the card feel almost foreign to the set or your collecting project? Love it or hate it?

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Show Me Your Crown

I have a lot of cards sitting on my desk.  A lot.

Cards manage to find their way there when I get stuff in the mail, but stuff at shows, open packs at trade night or just do some random cleaning of my closet.  I'm literally looking around my desk right now and see cards that have just been sitting for likely a year.

I don't know why I can't keep things more organized.....or don't.  Somehow it just feels comfortable to have cards sitting out in my office.  Every once in a while I'll flip through a pile and think "oh yeah....I remember that one."  Most of the time I forget I even had the cards on the desk to begin with.

That said, when it comes to my various collections.....those get the organized treatment.  Rarely will I let a pile grow of more than 6 or 7 cards like my Lindens or goalie masks.  Those get documented and put away pretty quick.

When I was sifting through one of my random piles a couple weeks back, I noticed a trio of cards that I knew I wanted to share for their unique photos.  So here we go.

2000/01 Upper Deck Reserve

Golden Goalies

#GG8 John Vanbiesbrouck

This cards screamed out at me for two reasons.  I love the mask Beezer is wearing here (a very underrated Islanders offering).  He's known for some pretty iconic masks but this one gets overlooked easily.

I also like this card because it shows the top of the mask and the clear 'NY' that is automatically associated with the Islanders.

As you all know by now, I like my goalie mask cards.  I like goalie masks period.  So it's nice to see a part of the mask get photographed that normally doesn't make the cut.  I feel like the crown of the mask and the backplate are the two areas that get little hobby love.  Shame.

2001/02 Topps Stadium Club

#100 Marc Denis

Remember when Topps used to do hockey cards?  Remember when Marc Denis played in net?  Remember his mask?

Awesome.

This perfectly framed horizontal offering is one of my favourite cards.  I love the pic of him just gobbling up the puck.  His monstrous equipment drowning out the background just creates the feeling of action....yet somehow time stands still when I see this pic.

Heck, I like his mask so much I feel like doing a 'Rate My Mask' for him (remember those posts?).  Heck again, after seeing this piece of cardboard I feel like starting a little mini collection of crown mask photo cards (clearly I would have to come up with a better title than that).

A card like this really gets my collecting juices going.

2000/01 Be A Player Memorabilia

#48 Trevor Kidd

When it comes to design and flare, Trevor Kidd might just take the cake.  His pads, his masks, his hair, he's never one to be boring.

It's cards like these that make me go "Oh yeah....he played in Florida."  It was the third of four stops in his NHL career.  In looking at his stats, he had a very lacklustre career (from what I thought he had).  Clearly the hockey card industry was stronger for Kidd than his actual play on the ice.

I don't even know what's going on with Kidd's mask but the metallic, robotic motif clearly says Florida to me.  But I always got the sense he was a guy who preferred the road less travelled.


So what do these three cards have in common?  Puck gobbling, horizontal layouts, mask crowns and early 2000's explosion of goalies.  What's not to like about that?

Have you come across any others that would fit this description?  What goalie mask crowns catch your eye?

I'm sure if I sift though the piles on my desk I'll find one or two more.  :)

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Close...But No Cigar

You remember when the Canucks went retro for a game last season?  It was against Toronto.  I was pretty pumped to watch it as I lived and breathed the Canucks "skate logo".  And to see Ryan Miller come out with the full on V logo mask just brought back even more memories of the Canucks teams from the early 80's (and John Garrett).

So how did the hockey card world celebrate this great game, sweet uni and killer mask?  Well they had a beautiful shot of Miller stepping on the ice as the photo of choice for their Portfolio set.  Brutal.

Well this year Upper Deck looked to right that wrong by including Miller (in his retro garb) in their robust OPC set.  It was great to see.....almost.

Once again....close but no cigar.

So I guess I'll have to do things myself.

You know the saying, if you want something done right.......

There.  Now was that so hard?

Now while I'd love to see a little more of an action shot (yes, I'm picky), this card of Miller would be the Ace of Spades in anyone's retro collection.

Man that's a great looking mask.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - George Brett

I'm so late to the party on this one....but I was sifting through some of my cards last night and stumbled upon a stack of 2015 Topps Stadium Club baseball.  They came from a heated round of 'pack wars' that I won oh about a year ago.

I've been on a bit of a baseball kick of late.  Chalk it up to a great stretch run (or frustrating if you're a Jays fan) to the season, some new #WalletCard Oscar Gamble pickups and some eBay cheapies to add to the tradebox.  So when I flipped through the stack of TSC I was doing it with a big grin.

There are some great photos used in the set (I think Stadium Club is generally known for its solid photography).  But when I got to a certain card - I stopped sifting.

2015 Topps Stadium Club

#210 George Brett

There's a lot that I like about this card.  First and foremost...it's George Brett - my favourite player when I was a kid.  After all, his last name was my first name.  How cool is that?  I always wanted a Brett jersey...I thought it would've suited me well.  Heck, I still think about picking one up.  It's now a tossup between Brett and Gamble (Cleveland Indians era).  Oscar is catching up in the race.

But back to the card.  The photo is just tremendous.  It harkens a time when players were totally accessible and many were more than willing to give a young fan a couple moments of their time...and a sweet sig on a newly purchased baseball.  This shot has a distinct 70's feel.  The stadium in the background, the jersey, the shaggy hair...it's all there.  But to me there's just a little more.

This card (it seems) has had a little work done to it.  It almost has a painted look to it.  I'm convinced that if this card was blown up 5 or 6 times in size I'd hang it in my office.  It looks like a fine piece of art.

The photo had me so interested that I began researching it on the good ol' computer.

Well worth the time.

I'll begin by sending you to a story on National Geographic's site.  It seems as though there a neat story about this pic.

note: Again, I'm so late to the party on this one....I'm talking a couple years late.  But like I said...it's a neat story.

Pop star Lorde said that this George Brett photo (which appeared in a 1976 edition of National Geographic) was the inspiration for her mega-hit 'Royals'.

"I had this image from the National Geographic of this dude just signing baseballs.  He was a baseball player and his shirt said 'Royals'  It was just that word.  It's really cool."

Seriously??  That's incredibly random...and the song has nothing to do with baseball.  But what the heck...a person can have ideas shoot into their head from the strangest and unlikeliest things.

This is the full version of the photo that was used in the article.  Taken by photographer Ted Spiegel, this moment in time really has a certain type of energy to it.  Not in a frantic or explosive way, but in a motivating and innocent mode.

But my hunch about the card having some work done to it might have some merit.  This photo looks to be a little underexposed (it could just be the scan) and you really don't get a full sense of the expression on Brett's face.  The card does a nice job of evening out the contrast and making everything  less harsh to look at.

There are few occasions where I like to see baseball cards showing players doing something other than play baseball.  The old "sitting in the dugout" shot or "fake pose" down the third base line doesn't really do it for me.  But this shot just has a distinct uniqueness to it that frankly can't be matched.

The more I think about it, the more I want to find a nice copy of this photo so I can hang it up in my office.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Tito

As part of my Oscar Gamble haul recently, I managed to pick up a few other Topps Original stamped buybacks from the 70's.  And baseball cards from the 70's have a definite appeal to my eye.

Case in point - Tito Fuentes

I don't think I've ever seen such a spectacular use of one's hat before.  Can you do headband and cap at the same time?

Should you?

And the fact that it's Padres brown and yellow just make it that much more impressive.

Speaking of impressive, I didn't know the King Of Latin Music played second base for San Diego.



Whoops.....Fuentes....Puente.  My bad.

Tito does make for a mean trading card though.

No, no, no.....not that Tito.

(and don't even think of me going where you think I might be going).

Let's take a closer look at this 1977 stunner.

The uniforms go without saying, but I'll say it anyways - Frickin' Awesome.  These colors seriously need to make a comeback.

The ol' vintage leather glove is quite the throwback too.  They don't make them like that anymore (thank goodness).

How about that facsimile autograph.  Tito definitely has the sweet sig.  And a star to dot the "I".....can you say Superstar.

And while the card design isn't really anything to write home about, the massively off centered cut makes this a true home run in my book.

Mental note.....start wearing my Canucks hat in the same way next season.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Red Light Views

It's been a long while since I've given a card some face time strictly for the photography.  But when I saw this card pop up at trade night a couple days ago I knew I had a post.

Remember those Score Net Cam cards from a few years ago?  The set that takes low angle butt shots of goalies and gives them the moniker of "insert".  The set that reminded me of my old Atari video game system?  Super cool for about two minutes....then I find myself asking "Why am I even looking at this?".  The set that I used to build....then abandoned, and never moved from that day forward (seriously...I haven't touched 'em).

Well it seems that Fleer Ultra needed an insert set and pulled a rabbit out of the ol' hat.

Red Light Views.

Yeah, that's right.  A celebration of pucks going into the net (after all, that's what the red light is for).

I'll be honest, when I first saw this card I thought "Cool".  Then I slapped myself for thinking such a thing.

But I still traded for it...so let's take a closer look at this bugger.

First, you have chaos.  How many guys do you count in the crease?  Six?  Seven?  And where exactly is the puck?  According to the set name...it could be in the net.  And I love the stick just stealing centre stage.

One of my biggest beefs is that the Red Light Views title is plastered across the top of the card...impeding my view of both the unknown Penguins player and the video screen at the top (which has an alternate view of the play).

It's a shame since there's ample room at the bottom of the card if you swap text with the team names and date.  But what do I know.

I do like that we get to see King Henrik's backplate (as unexciting as it is). And I do enjoy the numerous thoughts D-man Ryan McDonagh must be having.  "Where's the puck?", "Where's my contact?", "Those are nice skates", "I'm making imaginary sand castles in the ice".  Hours of fun.

Overall though, it is an interesting photo - just not a unique or exciting execution of a hockey card.

I think it would have been better if the insert set was called "Gongshow".

Oh wait.....that idea has already been taken.

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.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Tomas Vokoun

Concentration.

Anticipation.

Levitation?


There are some hockey cards that truly evoke the saying "frozen in time".  A while back I posted a pair of Dominic Roussel cards that fit the bill perfectly.  And last week at the monthly trader night, I found one more example.

2011/12 Upper Deck Series II

UD Canvas

#C206 Tomas Vokoun

This closeup shot of Vokoun as he focuses on the puck creates some cool imagery.  Is he David Blaine-ing it up and performing a feat of levitation?  Or is he about to pounce on the puck like a kitten with a ball of yarn?  Maybe he's in the midst of a mental lapse as he watches the puck drift by him....unable to react?

Whatever it is....it's a cool photo.  And I'm a sucker for shots like these.  Especially when you add into the equation the closeup of the goalie mask.  It's like the card was made with me specifically in mind.

Even on the canvas textured card, you can make out some of the bold detail on Tomas' mask.  I do like what he had done with his Caps lid.  The team theme with the red, white and blue colors.  Good symmetry and not a ton of minute detail.  A eye-catcher from a distance....just like all good masks are.

If I did have one little beef, it would be that Vokoun's eye is a little covered by the cage of his mask.  If the photographer would have been able to time it where his eye would have been clear through one of the holes...it would have been a home run.  Instead, it's a solid triple....with an error to get him home.

What a great card to add to the collection.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - John Vanbiesbrouck

Most of the cards that I have featured in my Cardboard Photography posts have great action, vintage equipment, unique angles or just an overall oddball feel.  For this particular card...it's something else.

As you may know, I'm a big fan of goalie masks.  I like looking at and knowing about as many different goalie masks that have been worn in the NHL as possible.  Be it the classics like Martin Brodeur, Ken Dryden and Jacques Plante all the way up to today's art like Al Montoya and Corey Crawford.

One goalie who definitely has an iconic mask is that of John Vanbiesbrouck from his days with the Florida Panthers.  Proof's in the pudding.

I don't think there's any debate that when you see this mask - you know who it is.

What I find interesting is that in his days beforehand with the Rangers, Vanbiesbrouck switched up his mask a number of times.  I guess he was never quite happy with the look.  His days after Florida, especially with the Flyers, saw more variations (I remember him adding a glitter-type look to some of his lids).

But with Florida.....it was status quo.

Or was it?

Check this card out.

1993/94 Topps Stadium Club

#85 John Vanbiesbrouck

Lovely posed shot I know, but take a look at the goalie mask John's leaning on.  Clearly something different than his go to mask.  Remember, the Panthers just came into existence in the league and I don't even think Beezer had even played a game in Florida colors before this photo was taken.

Could this be a first version mask?  Is it a mask that belongs to another Florida goalie (Mark Fitzpatrick was the other goalie picked in the 1993 Expansion Draft)?  Or is it a mask that was brought in specifically for the shoot?

In doing some research, I found dead end after dead end.  It doesn't seem as though much is documented about the mask.  Believe it or not, I have seen it a couple times before.

Here's an insert from Skybox Impact's 1996 release.  Clearly a different mask (and I think it's the same lid as in the TSC pic).  So did he wear it in a game?  Maybe practice only?  Do card companies use a lot of practice photos on their cards?  The questions just pile up.

I also saw this mask (don't ask me how I remember this all...it must be from my obsession with masks at the time) in an NHL-produced video called  NHL's Masked Men - The Last Line Of Defense.  Here's the snippet with Vanbiesbrouck (go to about the 3:15 mark).


No mistaking John Vanbiesbrouck there with comedian Jay Mohr....and it's Mohr who is wearing that rare mask.

So what's the story behind this goalie mask?  I for one would love to know.  It just goes to show you...photos can often reveal the answers, but there are occasions where it will instead pose more questions.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Dominic Roussel Redux

Busy weekend is finally over.  Is it wrong to kind of be a little bit happy that "regular routine" Monday is on its way?

Yesterday was an awesome afternoon with my nephew.  He had asked me about a month ago if we could go see the new Jackie Robinson movie '42'.

He's 10!

And he asked me to go see this sports biopic.

TEN!

Um.....yeah!  I was absolutely pumped at the invite.

Opening weekend was a no go as he was sick but yesterday was smooth sailing as we headed to the theatre.  I was more interested in seeing if he would be engaged throughout the movie or if he would just get bored with it.

Long story short.....he loved it.  So did I.  It's a really solid flick if you get a chance to see it.  It's PG so a lot of the harsh, harsh stuff Robinson had to go through was not put in the film.  But there are some tough moments without question.

I loved my nephew's initial reaction when Harrison Ford (who does a great job playing Dodgers Pres. & GM Branch Rickey) hit the screen.  "Hey, that's Han Solo."  I saw it coming a mile away.  But it didn't take long before Ford became Rickey.

Go see it if you like your biopics.

Anyways, on to today's card.

A while back I posted a sweet shot of Dominic Roussel from a mid-90's junk wax release.

See....not bad at all.  One in a million to get that puck to do its thing right?

WRONG!

Much to my surprise, I found another.  With Roussel.

1993/94 Upper Deck

#336 Dominic Roussel

Eyes glued on the puck like in the first photo.  Flyers logo crisp and clean on the puck.  And the epitome if "freezing time".  Imagine if it was from the same game!  Kudos to the photographer.

It's amazing how many good shots can be found on junk wax era cards if one just takes the time to go through them.  I was sifting through a bunch of my commons recently and pulled out a good dozen or so (and could've yanked quite a few more).

Makes me wonder why more photos like these - or any unique sports photos for that matter - aren't used when creating card sets.  I find a lot of sets have simple, boring 3/4 body shots of guys turning left or right.  Simple "I'm ready for a faceoff" poses or "Hey....look over there.  You know, where the action is".

A photo like the Roussel above can create interest and attraction.  And while it might not be everybody's cup of tea, I can't help but think there are a bunch of collectors out there who would scramble at good solid photography.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Cam Ward

What's that saying?  The eyes have it?  That definitely the case for this latest card to be praised for its solid photo selection.

There have been a number of memorable cards that have a certain glare, glance, look or even twinkle when it comes to a player's eyes.  To me, it instantly elevates the card to another level.

I took a photography course years ago and one of the things that was really focused on was a person's eyes.  Can you see them clearly?  Can you see what they are looking at?  Can you see both of them? (amazingly, it does make a difference)

It's almost as if you can hear what a person is thinking when you can see their eyes.

2009/10 Fleer Ultra

#28 Cam Ward

Most definitely a unique photo.  Very different cropping for a horizontal pic.  I love that they were able to get both the team logo on the jersey AND the puck in the shot.  Losing even one of them would have made this card much less interesting.

You can really see the concentration (or is that desperation) in Cam's eyes.  I wonder if that puck was tipped, bobbled or a knuckler from the point?

Even the Thrasher in the background looks mesmerized.

The eyes definitely have it.


Oh.......and by the way, I'd like to point this out to the card companies out there.

This great looking photo was utilized in a LOW END product.  This is not your UD Awesome or Panini Excellent.  This is Fleer Cheap.....and some great photos in the release.

If you like good hockey photos and can find a few packs cheap - grab 'em.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Cory Schneider

It was a very busy last few days when it comes to the ol' hockey card collection.  There was a trade night last Thursday and a local card show on Saturday.  Yesterday was also Canada's National Hockey Card Day which meant a free pack of cards (actually 2....I went to two different stores).

I've been busy scanning in a bunch of items to show off so look out over the next week.  There will be a plethora of posts.

I'm keeping this first post relatively simple (because it's 2:30 in the morning) but it still packs a pretty good punch.

I like P words.

For some of you readers who have been with me from the start, you may remember an early 'Cardboard Photography' card of Ed Belfour doing some pre-game stretching in his crease.

The camera angle and unique stare into the camera made it a must for the side project.

In this year's Upper Deck Series I, I saw a card that instantly reminded me of that past piece of cardboard.

2012/13 Upper Deck Series I

UD Canvas

#C80 Cory Schneider

When I first saw this card I thought it was upside down.  Upon second glance it was evident that Cory was also partaking in his pregame postures.

I'm not sure if Schneider is in deep focus or what but it looks as if he's gazing right into the photographer's lens.

I love the unique angle on Cory's mask and the one of a kind perspective on Schneider in general.  I wonder where the camera guy was positioned in order to get a shot like that?  Would he be on in the rafters with a long lens?  Would he have a camera mounted in the net somehow?  Heck, the lack of....well....everything else makes this shot more of a mystery than anything.

I love the negative white space that surrounds Cory.  It forces you to focus on one thing and one thing only.

What looks like a simple shot was probably anything but.  Definitely worthy of a position in the personal project.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Phil Roberto vs. Chris Neil

A little over a year ago, Casey over at Drop The Gloves! posted a thread that showed off one of my favorite cards from the 70's.

It was rare to see a card like it at the time and moving into the 80's, 90's and beyond has become pretty much an impossible sight.

1973/74 O-Pee-Chee

#3 Phil Roberto

Oh man!  This is THE base card for all enforcer collectors in my opinion.  Even though you only see Phil from his shoulders up - you get everything about the moment.

Helmetless, fist cocked for the knockout blow, his opponent nicely "jersey'd" and a pair of linesmen trying to restore order.

The details in the photo really make it a fantastic card.  The numbers on the back of the linesman, the heavier sweaters, the tie-strap, the St. Louis colors peeking out on Roberto's shoulders.  Fantastic!

Seeing a scrap on a hockey card is a rare thing.  In fact, it's pretty much non-existent over the past couple decades.

So when I was flipping through singles at the card shop a few days ago and came across this beauty, I had to pick it up.

2012/13 Upper Deck Series I

#131 Chris Neil

Now I know that this is a pre-fight shot as opposed to the post fight goodness from above, but the look in Chris Neil's eyes definitely make up for it.

As they say - the eyes have everything.

Neil looks about ready to explode on his opponenet, Devils' Eric Boulton.  And taking a page from Paul over at Card Boarded, I'm going to do a little 'Captured on Cardboard' add.

The tilt happened almost a year ago - January 2, 2012.  With the Senators trailing 2-0, Chris Neil decided to give his team a spark.



I'd say he did.  Wow.

Back to the card for a moment.  It's rare that a moment of little action can be so memorable.  But in this instance I think there are two factors that make this card a huge success.  First, it's the anticipation of something happening.  Much like a good horror movie, it's the moments before the scare that are the best.

Second, and going back to my original thought, a card showing any sort of 'fighting' is a rare sight on cardboard these days.  Anything unique or outside the box is certain to get a second look.

It's all in the eyes.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Larry Robinson

I cracked a box of 2012/12 Artifacts a couple months ago and while the 'hits' weren't all that spectacular, there was one card that really caught my eye.

Some of you may know that I'm a sucker for certain vintage things.  Fibreglass masks being the biggie.  But I also love the old All-Star uniforms that NHLers wore in the early 80's.  The orange and black jerseys with the white stars as trim are a definite eye-catcher.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this offering...

2012/13 Upper Deck Artifacts

#49 Larry Robinson

Oh yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about.  Awesome stuff.  And I really like the Montreal gloves Larry's sporting to top it all off.  Takes me back to the 1985 All-Star game I had the privilege of going to as a kid.

But as great as that photo is, there was another card that I found at the weekend card show that trumps it....well.  And it just happens to be another Larry Robinson.

2012/13 Upper Deck Artifacts

Frozen Artifacts dual jersey

#FA-LR Larry Robinson

Now let's address the obvious first thing....dude's got one mean 'Wilderness Bill'-style playoff beard going on.  Spectacular!  I don't ever recall ever seeing Larry sporting that look before.

But to top it all off, Upper Deck pulls out another great All-Star uniform.  This time from the 70's.  And look at the padding he's wearing (or should I say lack of).  Robinson is a big guy, but he doesn't look as big as some of the giants out there these days.  The padding really gives a false sense of size.

Once again, the nice Red and Blue gloves going halfway up the elbow.  Now that's vintage.  And flowing hair.  Just a great snapshot.

When I saw this card I knew I had to pick it up.  If for no other reason than to give it some proper face time right here.

It just goes to show how much a unique looking photograph can greatly increase the interest and desirability of a card - even a simple base card.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Maurice Richard

I love black & white photos. I think they're more intimate and strong than their color counterparts. Bold and commanding attention while remaining somewhat subtle. Not overpowering......but instead - powerful.

Some of the most iconic photographs in NHL history come from the black & white era of the 40's and 50's.  They get very little love when it comes to the cardboard form.  But every once in a while a little gem will pop up.  Sometimes when you least expect it.

1992/93 Score

#549 Maurice Richard "The Legend"

I'm sure most of you have seen this photo before.  I'll go so far as to call it iconic.  Maurice Richard had one of the most intense looks ever.  Period.

I would not want to be the goalie he's barreling in on when he's got that type of game face going.  Intimidation to the umpteenth degree.

But while most people might just be mesmerized by Maurice's eyes, there's a lot more to this photo if you take the time to look.

Raise your hand if you started your hockey career with a straight-bladed stick?  Now raise your hand if you had no idea stick blades were at one time straight.  That's right, you could go into a store and just "buy a stick".  You didn't have to look for a left or a right.

I feel old.

If you ever get the chance to try using one - do it.  You'll have a much better appreciation for stickhandling......and you'll probably have a wicked backhand.

Now on to the gloves.  Even though the photo bares no color, I can just imagine the battered beige gloves that are consuming Richard's hands, wrists and forearms.  Monsterous, yet Maurice still found a way to have a goal-scorer's touch.  I wonder if he cut out the palms so that he could get a better grip on the stick (my dad used to do that with his).  And I love the "hot dog wiener" look that the gloves give.  It just reeks of retro.

The sweater.  Man does that just look heavy.  It must have been a sauna wearing that out on the ice.  I love the lack of flash and pizzaz the jersey commands as it just embraces its simplicity.  Just the logo on the front - that's all that mattered.

And while everybody today wears a helmet (and most sport a visor as well), I can't imagine what "The Rocket" would have looked like if he donned a lid.  That photo would look a whole lot different.

Lastly, let's take a look at the background.  I'm pretty confident that this photo was from a staged set-up (or he's a real cocky dude for posing).  I'm assuming the lights are from windows of some sort and I love that the ice surface seems endless.  The black just engulfs everything except Maurice.  He stands alone.

I love the fact that Score took the time to include this pic in their 92/93 release (the Canadian product release).  Blunt and to the point, Maurice Richard truly earned the moniker of "Legend".

I wanted to give credit to the photographer who flashed the bulb and captured this great moment, but I'm having one heck of a time figuring out that puzzle.

My research initially led me to La Presse (Montreal's newspaper...I think that's where it originated) and carried me towards AP (Associated Press) where the photographer is listed as 'anonymous'.  The rights to the photo belong to Bettmann/Corbis/AP Images but I can find nothing with regards to who actually took the photo.

Sadly, it may remain a mystery to me, but this gem will live on forever.

It's that good.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Dominic Roussel

Do any of you recall the time Tiger Woods made that ridiculous putt that seemed to curve forever (at the 2005 Masters)? Remember seeing the Nike logo on his ball.....perfectly timed to show as it was sinking into the hole?


"In your life!" indeed.

I came across a hockey card recently that made me think about that putt. About how unlikely the logo would line up ever so perfectly.  A thousand tries and you couldn't recreate it.

1994/95 Leaf

#223 Dominic Roussel

This picture is definitely a one in a million shot.  Check out the Flyers logo on the puck as it sits propped up on Dominic's glove.

And Roussel's eyes are just piercing it as he remains concentrated (obviously to balance it as long as possible).  In fact, it doesn't even look like he's focused on the puck.....it looks like he's posing for the camera.

Cheeky.

You gotta think that this photo was used solely because of the puck.  It's an otherwise bland photo.

But that puck!  In your life!

It just goes to show that a split second can really make the difference between a regular, everyday photo and a pretty spectacular shot.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Jimmy Howard

Why is it that I am drawn to goalie photos?  It might be because they are a very unique player out on the ice with those bulky pads and killer masks.  It might be because they play a unique position flipping and flopping around as the last line of defence in stopping the puck.  Or it might be because they can be captured at a key point in the play or the game that (while it looks routine) creates an awe-inspiring moment in time.

This Jimmy Howard card would definitely have checks next to all those boxes and more.

2011/12 Upper Deck Series I

UD Canvas

#C34 Jimmy Howard

Before I drool over the photo, let me just say that the Canvas concept Upper Deck has introduced to its flagship product is a huge hit in my eyes.  A great insert set to build and the textured card just works with the constantly stunning photography this release brings.

What I love about the Howard is the framing.  Filling the card but finding the fine line that drifts into cramming.  You can easily see the eyes piercing from within Jimmy's mask as he stares down the puck into his outstretched glove.

I love that the puck is borderline "snow-coned" making the save even more impressive.  It looks as if Howard is reaching behind him in a last ditch effort to keep the piece of rubber out of his net.

If there's one thing I would have liked to have seen different, it would have been Jimmy's jersey.  I wish this shot was taken in Howard's reds.  The contrast of goalie and rink boards would have sent this over the top.

Can you guys take care of that for me this year Upper Deck?  Thanks.

ps.  another one to go in the "for 'so-and-so' box" if you're interested Paul

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Jacques Laperriere

There are a ton of vintage cards that have no business getting any face time when it comes to its photography.

Blue backgrounds, boring headshots and stoic (or is that sleepy) looks do not make for a good hockey card pic.

But in the mid-90's, amidst the boom of hockey card companies and products, Parkhurst put out a set that gets little recognition, and has some pretty cool looking cards that capture a time that's been all but forgotten in the hobby these days.

1994 Parkhurst
1964/65 Tallboy Set

#161 'Laperriere Wins Race'

Parkhurst released a couple of vintage-style sets in 1994.  The Missing Link set showcases what the cards might have looked like if a 56/57 set were actually released (apparently a set wasn't produced back in 56/57 because of 'market re-evaluation'.... interesting).

The 64/65 tallboy set (showcased above) is a product that emulates what would have been released that year.  Parkhurst decided to stop producing cards after the 63/64 season and it took nearly 30 years before the Parkhurst name was resurrected in the early 90's.

What I really like about this card (which would be sort of an 'In Action' card) is that you really get a sense of the environment and game action.  It truly takes you back to that era of the game.

The shadows dominating the ice surface clearly indicate that the rinks were not built for the benefit of photography (and video for that matter).  The lack of any advertising on the boards is something that looks so foreign nowadays, but boy does it ever look nice).  No helmets, straight sticks, brown leather gloves and tube skates are all something the vintage admirer drools over.

But how about that pretzel mask goaltender Charlie Hodge is wearing.  Now that's a thing of beauty.

Not to mention, you have one of the greatest players of the era (and of all time) in Gordie Howe  with his eye on the puck and looking for the chance to strike.

If this card photo were blown up (and the banner removed), you'd have a stunning picture that'd be more than worthy of framing and hanging.

If you're a vintage fan and get a chance to track down one of these sets, take a moment to look at some of the great photography on the cards.  It's well worth the trip down memory lane.