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.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - Marvel Renditions

A hearty welcome to 2025!! Very excited for what the year might bring.

I haven't been much of a pack ripper over the past couple years. Just not as much product that really gets me excited as there once was. I normally gravitate towards stuff that my guy, Trevor Linden, resides in. It's been slimmer pickings recently.

But I found myself busting open some packs on a couple occasions this past week. And if you're a regular here...it might feel quite outside the box.

For about 3-4 years now, I've been enjoying the Marvel deck building game, Legendary. Developed by Upper Deck over a decade ago, this game has seen literally dozens of expansions and now is a world that consists of thousands of cards. 

I love the game mechanics, the cooperative nature (and it even has a solid solo version that I play quite a bit). 

So...where am I going with this? Upper Deck recently released the Marvel trading card product, Renditions. As a part of the checklist, there are some foil versions of the Legendary cards. My ears perked up at the thought of landing some fun inserts.

I didn't know much about the product when I bought my packs - other than the aforementioned Legendary cards. But I had seen some of the artwork involved and couldn't resist.

I'm still a real sucker for opening packs. I believe it to be the essence of what the trading card hobby is all about. The real thrill of the chase.

Now....in the news world, they say "don't bury the lede", or don't keep the most important stuff to the end.

So......

Opened a pack...very excited to see a card midway down that had its own penny sleeve. That got the goosebumps going. Booklet sketch card....oh boy, here we go!! 

KAPOW!! This photo does not do the card justice. It is absolutely amazing to see this much crazy detail embedded in such a small canvas. Wow! Just floored by this pull.

One person in the store said "case hit". Heck, I think it might be "product hit"...gotta be one of the best cards in the entire release.

The artist is gentleman by the name of M. Arief Russanto. I know nothing of him other than very, very talented.

(quick Google search....young artist from Indonesia. Amazing detailed artwork.)

Now that we've seen the big hit...all this is going to look like mush. Ha ha. Seriously though, I love the artwork on these cards. And of course, some amazing, iconic characters.

It's one of the biggest reasons why I am drawn to the Marvel Legendary game, even though I know next to nothing of the comic books (which a lot of this is inspired by and comes from). But it works so well on the 2.5x3.5 trading card canvas.

This Silk card is a perfect example. The rays of light just enhance the punch of red color coming from Spidey and Silk. Gradient, blending colors create a mesmerizing flow. Piercing highlights on the hair and shoulders make this card pop.

Super eye-catching.

Some of the inserts from the packs...these are canvas comic book cover cards. They look really cool and I can see a lot of people wanting to chase down this set. Again, a perfect vehicle for the trading card.

These not rare by any means (one in every pack)...so an affordable chase is definitely there.

Base cards have some parallel versions. This is the "Goblin Green foil" offering, numbered to 399. Happy with the ones I got in my packs.

The "Kingpin Purple Tie" shiny card (numbered to 99) looks really great in the light. I don't know how they make that foil pattern dance...but it works.

I won't lie though, might be the worst card art in the base set. This Scorpion character does not inspire.

But the main reason why I wanted to open some packs....

Here are the two Legendary foil cards that I pulled. They look dynamite in person. Again, the artwork. I love how these heroes punch right through the card-style borders. Just makes it feel like they're jumping out of the cards at you. Love it.

I'm not sure if I'll chase down the entire foil set (a 90-card build). If they run $3-5 a piece...might be a tough go. They are however, seeded 1 in every 3 packs so there might be a few floating around after the initial wave dies down.

But, they might get scooped up too. It's a hot item currently. Who knows.

Nonetheless, I had a blast opening these few packs (one can say that when he hits a monster sketch booklet - literally). See what I did there? Solid fun.

Let's hope there more big hits to come this year.

What are the "outside the box" items that you chase (or want to chase)? Why?

WALLET CARD - Oddball Concert

Continuing my "cardboard cleanup" this weekend by showcasing some really fun 'Wallet Card' pickups.

I've had my eye one these for years and finally decided they needed to be a part of my collection.

For those who don't know, my Oscar Gamble collection is without a doubt my most fun PC. It's inexpensive (in relation to my other endeavours), the cards are right in that perfect balance of vintage vs. current, there's tough chases and always enjoyable photography. What's not to like.

These items fire on all cylinders.

1999 Phish Concert Backstage Passes x3

I mean, c'mon...these are absolutely must-haves in any Oscar Gamble collection...no?

Slightly oversized, these are printed on cloth and appear unused (that said, I don't know my backstage passes that well).

I've had them on my ebay watchlist for years...the seller has hundreds of backstage passes for sale (I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing). But the time was now to strike.

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Green

I don't know what more to say...other than "look at it".  Ha ha.

Obviously, the iconic 1976 Topps Traded baseball card makes an ideal backstage pass image. I love that they didn't take too many liberties with the design (really, just the wording on the newspaper headline).

These look to be in perfect condition. No heavy use or creases.

And for them to be unpeeled is an added bonus. Actually, it was a must-have in my eyes. I don't think I would have snagged them if they were "used".

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Orange

I'm not sure why the three colours. Maybe they were thinking "Hey, I bet there's a guy who loves our band and would like to collect these passes". Close...I like the baseball player.

But to have the three of these, all from the same seller and having like identifiers, that's appealing to me.

How do you say....oddly satisfying.

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Blue

Now I mentioned that I have had these on my radar for years. While I didn't always have them in my ebay watchlist, I knew they existed. When I finally decided that now was the time, I could have sworn that I had seen a red copy at one time. I couldn't find a copy of one when scouring the internets - so now I'm unsure.

But that will have me keeping a lookout...maybe it's a shortprint. :)

Regardless, I love the fact that I have added some quality items to the 'Wallet Card' collection...once again.

Never a dull moment.

WALLET CARD - Still Plugging Away With Oscar

As important as my Trevor Linden collection is to my hobby identity, a strong argument can be made that my Oscar Gamble collection is the most fun.

For those who know the story behind the birth of my Oscar Gamble PC (and why I call it 'Wallet Card'), you know that I can't not smile when I look through the great photos that adorn the various pieces of cardboard depicting his name.

His 1976 Topps Traded remains the GOAT of all baseball cards in my opinion. His master list of all cards out there is a very respectable (and tidy) 200 or so cards...many of which are base or inexpensive inserts and parallels.

I check for his cards almost as often as I do Linden, and although I don't find as many that I can cross off my list as rapidly, the excitement is just as high when I find one that I can land.

Recently, his offerings have consisted of buyback cards (seems Topps is always celebrating an anniversary of some sort). Most of the time, I've been able to snag the stamped offerings (a few have slipped through my fingers), and recently the cards have been of some of his earliest releases.

2021 Topps Heritage

#423 1972 50th Anniversary Buyback

I saw this copy pop up on eBay about a month back. I had an eagle eye on it hoping that I'd be able to grab it for a reasonable price. Sadly, it went for about 3 times as much as I wanted to pay. Such is life.

But I've said it many times before...and it rings true again - patience pays off.

Another one of the stamped buybacks hit the open market a little over a week ago and the auction ended for far less. A price I was happy to pay - especially since the shipping was from Canada (rare on my baseball pickups).

It was a prompt delivery and I couldn't be happier. I love the fact I can add to my Oscar Gamble collection.

This is the first buyback card featuring his 1972 release, so it made this pickup extra nice.

It's a great example of how an inexpensive card can be so rewarding to add to the collection. Not all cards need to be expensive to feel important in your collection.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - Topps Project70

For a person who has been fairly passive with the hobby these days, I can say that the past month has brought with it a number of exciting moments. New cards added to projects, seeing cards move on to a bigger and better cause, PC discoveries, jumping into new territories and another major update on a stolen collection.

Now if only I could find time to blog about it all.  Ha!

Seriously though, it really has got me excited and energized about card collecting. Not that I was ever down on it...but I love when things are on an upswing.

So let's start by checking out some new cards that come from a concept that is sweeping the hobby world.

I won't lie - I loved Topps Project 2020. I thought the idea was brilliant and they executed it to perfection. Add to that the incredible timing of a hobby surge and it was a true rollercoaster ride to watch over the past year.

While I didn't pick up any cards from the project, I'd be first in line if they ever did a coffee table book that depicts all 400 cards (with some info on each, interviews, etc).  It would be a 'can't miss' in my opinion.

The new year brought with it another online, limited-time-only artist product. Topps Project70 is a little more diverse in scope but never short on creativity. I kept my eyes open and decided to strike recently when a card came up that I just couldn't turn down.

Topps Project70

#70 Lou Gehrig

artist: Lauren Taylor

But first, let's take a look at this stunning Lou Gehrig offering from artist Lauren Taylor. If you don't follow her on social media, go check her out.  She does incredible work and has an equally incredible story.

This Gehrig just has an aura about it. I truly feel that it will be one of the iconic artist cards to come from this set - and all future Topps artist sets. It really is an eye-catcher.

I love the simplicity when you pull back and take a look at it from afar, but when you take a closer look at the details....stunning. It tells a story in the images yet it all revolves around Lou's face. It really utilizes positive and negative space so well. And the colours...love the muted greys and blues.

I decided to add this card to my cart since I was picking up another card - and figured I could save a bit on shipping (which is nasty going from the US to Canada).

Topps Project70

#78 Coco Crisp

artist: Jonas Never

When I saw this card on Topps' social media accounts....it took me all of 10 seconds to decide that I had to add it to the Oscar Gamble collection. Any card that pays homage to the GOAT of all baseball cards gets a slot on the master checklist from me.

I've seen other Coco Crisp cards that accentuate his afro...so seeing this rendition didn't really surprise me.  I was a tad disappointed that the image feels a little off to me. He seems hunched or disproportioned a bit.  Maybe it's just me.

Still....a fun card.  So I added it to the cart.

Now these cards didn't break the bank by any means, but with the shipping, they weren't cheap. So I was absolutely pumped when I opened the mailing box to find not two Project70 envelopes inside...but three.

Occasionally, Topps will add parallel rainbow cards or artist proofs to random buyers. I got lucky and my number was called.

And I was even more excited with the results...

Topps Project70

Rainbow Foil  /70

#78 Coco Crisp

artist: Jonas Never

To get the rainbow parallel /70 of the Coco Crisp really made me smile. It's almost as if Topps knew I collected Oscar Gamble. The shimmer on the card is super-cool and I really like the way the card looks. The one touch holder it's in feels a little loose, but I can get past that (part of me wants to bust it open and hold the card itself).

I'll admit, I took a peek at some of the completed sales on this card on ebay...that was a nice treat to see. But fear not, this card isn't going anywhere. It's going to stay in the Oscar Gamble collection from here on out.

Now.....do I track down the Artist Proof /51? I am a completist after all.  :)

Or how about the gold border 1/1? (good thing it already sold)

 I don't think I'll be diving into many more Project70 cards...perhaps if Oscar Gamble himself gets the artist treatment. OK....if he gets a card, I'm buying it.  Nuff said.

PARKIE PROJECT - Edmonton Summit Pickups

A busy month on the work front and a slow collecting month changed drastically when I made the last minute decision to make the trek up to Edmonton for the Summit Card Show - the biggest sports card show in Western Canada.  I went last year (after a number of years away) and absolutely loved the environment.

I was unsure if I was going to go because.....y'know.....work.  But I ran into another collector on the Thursday prior and he really made the point that I should go.  Spending some time to unwind and enjoy the collecting world is an important part of the hobby.  After all, if you're not partaking in the hobby....it's not much of one.

So I jumped in the car early on Saturday to make the three hour drive.  It was actually a really nice trip.  Great weather, not too busy on the roads and some good tunes to keep me company.  I arrived just in time to get in line for the big auto snag of the trip (more on that in a bit).  But first, a pair of Parkie pickups.

1952/52 Parkhurst

#68 - Rene Marcel Pronovost

There were a few tables that had Parkies, many of them were either in really bad shape, overpriced or slabbed.  I'm looking for decent condition, nicely entered raw cards.  I finally found a dealer that had a number of them - and for a decent price.

This Pronovost was one I selected because of the name.  I really like the aesthetics of the cardboard and it has just a hint of a surface crease.  But I'm more than happy with it.

Again, it was all about the name.  Pronovost isn't the superstar that others in the set are but it's nice to cross off a name like this.

1951/52 Parkhurst

#12 - Floyd 'Busher' Curry

Another well centered offering that has really nice colour and pretty solid corners (all things considering).  I went with this one because he's Montreal.  I feel like those players just have an artificial premium on them (I could be totally out to lunch on this).

Clean backs on both (clean enough for me) make these a dynamite pair.  Like I said, I could've gone overboard and grabbed another 5-10 cards but I held off.  There was a beautiful Terry Sawchuk RC that was ungraded and I seriously considered it.  It was priced at $1200 but would've been 20% off.  Wasn't planning on a big purchase like that but I'll wonder if I left a good deal on the table in Edmonton.

This puts me at just over 20% of the set.  Of course there are a ton of big names on the wantlist.


Next up.....Joe Carter.

Who remembers where they were when THAT homer was smacked?  I do.  It's still one of the pinnacle sporting moments I've ever seen - and I bet Joe Carter has been asked about it every day since.  EVERY.  DAY.

I'm sure he doesn't mind though.

My co-worker, whom I've worked with for a decade, and I have taken sports many times and I remember a number of years ago him saying that he has a Toronto Blue Jays magazine with Joe Carter on the cover that he'd love to get signed one day.  He's not a collector or anything, but this would be the exception.

For some reason I kept that little nugget of info in my brain and was thrilled to see Carter's name on the signing list for the show.  I though briefly about seeing if I could snag the magazine without him knowing but it was too much of a logistical challenge.  So I did the next best thing.

I went to Edmonton and got a nice 11x14 signed by the man himself......and personalized to my co-worker.

It's a great going-away gift as he's moving in a month or so to BC.  I'm pretty thrilled for him as he pursues the next chapter of his life with his family.  But I can't help but be devastated at the same time as he's been one of the best co-workers a guy could ask for.

He's really opened my eyes with regards to non-profits, charity and the act of giving without expecting anything in return.  He's been a huge influence on me and it'll be one thing that will last long after he's moved.

Anyways.....enough of me blabbering.  On to the final - and I must say, stunning item I picked up from the trip.

It was at the same table that had the Parkie cards, just a few items in bins labelled "50% off".  I don't need much more of an invitation than that.

There were a lot of programs and some neat, older items.  It was one in particular that had me doing a double take.

It doesn't look like much upon first glance, but it was the covering that was protecting it that had me take a second look.

This is a book entitled Down The Ice, written by the iconic hockey broadcaster Foster Hewitt.

For those that might not know the name, Hewitt is THE MAN when it comes to play-by-play historically in the NHL.  He introduced Canada to the game first over the radio airwaves and then eventually on television.  He was the voice of hockey for a generation.

And I'm a sucker for broadcasting items.

This book is a first edition from 1934, so yeah....like 85 years old.  It's in pretty great shape for an item that old.

But what really got me going was on the page prior.....

One of the nicest signatures I have ever laid eyes on.  This is a beautiful fountain pen example that just flows across the page.  You don't see the guys these days with penmanship like this.

I was quick to snag this item and thrilled to show it off at the show - with more than one gawk and a few asking which table it came from.

Funny thing.....this wasn't my first encounter with Foster and his signature.  A number of years ago I found his autograph in a Hall Of Fame book that I picked up at a used book sale.  It's neat to see just how different the two signatures are.  Clearly one is from his earlier days and the other is from after retirement (that's my guess anyways).

Regardless, I'm over the moon at these pickups....and the fact that I made the trip to the show.  It's a great reminder to me that I need to take some time every once in a while to enjoy things and stop to smell the hobby roses.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - Negro Leagues Centennial Team Postcard Set

One of the really exciting aspects of the card collecting hobby is the explosion of the online element. Don't get me wrong, I love the in-person component - and find it to be an essential part of collecting, but there are just so many different things that can be explored, discovered, chased....and bought online.

I have my "hobby favourites" when it comes to those people or collections that I can admire from a distance on social media.  Just a few of the names that come to mind are Tim Carroll and his cut up baseball cards, Ryan Cracknell and his fun, enthusiastic approach to collecting, Shane Katz and his awesome Topps Binder Project as well as his sweet oddball finds, and Graig Kreindler with his absolutely jaw-dropping baseball art.

Craig's work is tremendous.  The patience and time he takes to perfect his numerous works of art are truly mind boggling, the detail in some of the scenes are head shaking and the essence of the day and the spirit of the subject(s) is definitely captured.  I've been a big fan of his for years and hope to one day pull the trigger on an original piece.

In the meantime though, I've found a terrific slice of Graig Kreindler art to get me by.....and it also quenches my card collecting thirst.

What you see here are 34 postcards commemorating the Negro Leagues Centennial Team (1920-2020).  Each one a "study" of an iconic name in an important part of the baseball story.

The detail in these pieces are fantastic and the scans don't do them justice.

This is the box cover.  As you can see, the collection is limited to just 2,020 sets and I was thrilled to have landed one.

I had noticed a tweet sent out by Graig shortly before Christmas indicating that the Negro League Museum had been working with him to commission this set.  Pre-orders were underway and I raced to the website to get my place in line.

I noticed quickly that due to me living in Canada, my order was unable to be processed.  Once again, social media to the rescue.  Within moments of sending my query to the museum, Jay Caldwell responded and said he would look into things.  Long story short, my order was placed within the hour.

Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige

When my package arrived shortly into the new year I was absolutely stoked with the quality of the set.  The postcards have a beautiful sheen to them and are perfectly cut.  The simple framing on the front just add the perfect amount of class to the cards.

Roy "Campy" Campanella

The backs have a great writeup about the player along with some personal information.  No stats though, but that's ok.......there's lots of room to type up a quick note, slap a stamp on it and mail away.

Joshua "Josh" Gibson

If I had the slimmest of beefs, it would be to have the cards printed on a canvas card stock (kind of like what Upper Deck does with the Series I & II Canvas cards).  That would've taken the things to the ultimate.  But make no mistake, these are literally stunning works of art.

James Thomas "Cool Papa" Bell

I'll admit, I still haven't really....REALLY spent the time to fully immerse myself in these cards.  I mean c'mon, just peer into those eyes for a moment.  What would be going through his mind?  What was his life like at that moment?  Where had he been and where was he going?

Mesmerizing.

Graig has put together arguably the greatest set of Negro League cards out there - period.  And yes, I've picked up other sets in the past, but these paintings are just a special notch above.

John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil, Jr.

The last pic I'll share is of one of my all-time favourite baseball players, the great Buck O'Neil.  Every time I hear his name or see his picture, I immediately think of the fantastic clips he provided in the iconic Ken Burns documentary series 'Baseball'.  He just had a genuine voice that I appreciated a great deal.  His storytelling ability is tops on my list.

One of the books on my 'to read' list this year is The Soul Of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America.  I can only imagine the "pictures" that he will paint in my mind.

Thank you again Jay for your help in getting me this set and thank you Graig for producing some incredible pieces of art.  For those who are interested in picking up these postcards, I believe there are still some available from the Negro League Museum store.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - A Couple Of Legends

Let's go over the list one more time....

Like sifting through boxes looking for gems - CHECK

Sucker for a deal - CHECK

Enjoys a good laugh - CHECK

So when I came across a box full of non-sport priced at three bucks a piece or 2 for $5....I decided to take a few moments.

I came to a quick halt when I saw this gem....

Ha ha ha......who loves ya' baby!

I have no idea what possessed...............oh yeah right.  I'm a sucker.

Get it!!!  I'm starting to show my age.

The back of the card has some great info on Mr. Savalas (I just can't call him Telly)....

"Telly Savalas ranks among the most recognizable actors of the 20th century.  A veteran of World War II, Savages was nominated for an Academy Award in 1963 for Birdman of Alcatraz.  Of course, his most famous role came as Lt. Theo Kojak on Kojak.  Who loves ya' baby!"

Very cool.

Anyways, I confirmed with the seller 2 for $5 and began digging for card #2.

It was a non-sport box but found this equally impressive legend....

The King.......Richard Petty.  Race Used Firesuit.  Look at that photo!!

That was good enough for me.

These two cards for a measly five bucks.  All.....day.....long.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - 1975 Topps Minis

There's an antique show that runs in my city every six months that has slowly become a staple for me, my mom and my niece (and sometimes nephew) to check out.  I love the fact that there's an event out there where three generations of people can go and enjoy a day out and maybe find some treasures.

I am always keeping an eye out for one seller in particular who always seems to have some neat sports stuff.  He used to work for the local media here in town and has things like photo sheets, slides, yearbooks, media guides and posters.  This past show he had a box full of gorgeous hockey pucks - game issued from the late 1970's.  Oh....if I only had the money, I would have bought them all.

But he did have something that I couldn't stop thinking about and finally decided to take a chance on.

1975 Topps Minis........about 300 of them.

Man is this set ever beautiful.  The colours, fonts and crisp looking backs make this one of the all-time great sets.

I was ho-humming about snagging them because....well, simply put I just don't know a lot about them. What's a good price?

So I tried my best to do a little research.  Sometimes not knowing is best.....you can make a little lower offer and just say "Hey......I'm taking a flyer on this".

I think this will pay off though.

BAM!!  What a great card.  Sure it's no George Brett rookie card.....but a Gary Carter is no slouch.

Man does he ever look young in that pic.  I guess that's why they called him "The Kid".

It's in decent shape and I'm just thrilled to have found this in the lot.

How about a Nolan Ryan?  Dude is just legendary.

This one again is in really nice shape.  Great colours and the backs are just spot on.

Ryan's highlight card is a little more rough.  Way miscut and a little softer on the edges.

But still......it's Nolan.

Reggie!  Reggie!  Reggie!

I love this card.  The batting helmet, the green and gold, the colours on the card - awesome.

Another one that is in really nice shape.

Johnny Bench is a player I wish I got to see play in his prime.  I don't think I fully have come to appreciate just how good he was.  He's like the Bobby Orr of baseball for me.  Just a few years before I was aware of him.

Look at that background.  Man they don't make cards like this anymore.

I really like the shot of this Steve Carlton too.  Empty seats galore.  Makes me laugh because where I work, using any sort of footage with empty seats is such a no-no.

I just realized the facsimile autos on these (yeah....I'm slow).  These look even better now.

Checklists might be boring....but not unmarked ones from the 70's.

This one is a little diamond cut but is still in solid shape.

Second verse same as the first.  I like this one even more to be honest.

So.......what's a good price on the lot?

I paid $40cdn for all of them.  Did I do good?  I feel as though I'll be able to make a little on them down the road.  For now, I'm happy to just have them part of my collection.


Oh....I almost forgot.

The best find of the day at the antique show....

You might have to be my age or older to be impressed by this.

An Archie Bunker Grandson doll.

Who's buying this?  I don't know how many 5-year-old girls would be watching All In The Family back in the day.

"Physically Correct Male"????  Ok.

Classic!!!!  An no.....I did not buy it.  (although I wonder if I should have)

OUTSIDE THE BOX - Have A Drink On Me

It's been a very hectic week both at work and away from it.  I still feel like I'm trying to get my year started (as I had a bit of a hiccup due to having to buy a new vehicle last month).  But in spite of all the  busy hours I still managed to find some time today to go to the antique show with my mom and nephew.

I could go to this show with a completely empty wallet and have a blast.  I love the window shopping - and spending time with my mom and nephew is just flat out fun.  We had a great time and saw some neat stuff.  I'll share that with you all another time.

Tonight, I got home and was doing a little tidying up in my office and decided to pull out a collection that hardly ever gets any of my time anymore.  It's likely the most passive of pc's I have and the best part is that I don't have to spend a penny on it.

When I pulled the collection out of the closet I immediately saw a set that shot me back at least 2 decades.

Would anybody care for a refreshment?

Who remembers these Molson Canadian NHL beer coasters from the (I want to say) 1994 season?  I certainly do.

I was out of high school and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.  I spent a lot of time hanging out with buddies at Don Cheery's Sports Bar in Calgary.  It was the first sports bar I went to on a regular basis and watched many....many hockey games there.

These beer coasters were released and I remember looking like a fool going from table to table, bar to bar at Don Cherry's looking to complete the 26-coaster set.

Took me just one evening to get them all.

It was the start of what has become a fun, inexpensive hobby for me....

Beer coasters.

I tend to snag a coaster at every bar or restaurant that has one (and normally grab two just in case the flip side is nice).  It's a great reminder of the places I've been and horrible beer I used to drink....Molson Dry was my beer back in the day.  Ouch.

After a number of years I decided to pick some coasters up when I saw them cheap at a garage sale or antique show (so I can't claim that this is a completely free excursion) but rarely do so now as it really isn't worth it.

That said, I keep an eye out when I'm at a place or event that might have them.  I definitely take advantage of it if the situation presents itself.

I did a count tonight (as it's been a few years since I organized them) and have 578 unique coasters.  I have an additional 196 doubles/extras for a grand total of 774 beer mats.

I remember seeing a cool bartop long ago....I can't remember where (some pub) and it had a glass top.  Underneath were what looked like hundreds of different coasters.  I thought it was a cool idea and still envision a final end spot for all of these.

Maybe one day.

Until then, I'll continue to have fun with this collection.

Now, let's take a closer look at some of these team logos.

Gotta start with my Canucks.  Oh do I ever remember those wonderful days in the mid-90's.  So many great memories.

Yeah.....this is one that takes me back.  Love this logo and wished the team never moved to Carolina.

Another iconic logo from days gone by.  This was just prior to the move to Colorado.

This Senators logo looks so old now.  But I remember when the team came into the league....and the Alexandre Daigle experiment.

Who can forget that??

Don't really need to say anything here.

The best of things never get old.

I never really cared for this Penguins logo.  I'm glad they didn't stick with it for too long.

That said, this logo definitely reminds me of their early 90's dominance.  Hard to forget that.

Hoo boy.....another great early version of a logo.

Those new logos at the time (Ottawa, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Florida) just seemed so out there in comparison to the simple 21-team league I grew up with as a kid.

Jets......version 1.0......awesome.

Having this set in my collection (hockey and beer coaster) really gives me great satisfaction - and a lot of great memories.  And at the end of the day, that's what these little nuggets of stuff we pick up or buy should do.

Spending time tonight going through all those old beer coasters really jolted my brain and got me pretty nostalgic.  Good stuff.