LINDEN CARD(s) OF THE WEEK - Mailday!

Well, my two weeks off from work ends after tonight...and while I do feel a little relaxed from the hectic summer at the workplace, I can't help but feel disappointed that I have not accomplished nearly as much as I would have liked this past year...and over the past 2 weeks as well.

But I don't feel too bad for not taking on too much over the past number of days. Work took a big bite out of me...so no apologies that I decided to basically sit "off the grid" for a few days.

But it's back at 'er tomorrow...so I better post on the blog while I can.  Ha.

In all honesty, this post is one that I'm really excited to share. It's not just a mailday, but one from a fellow Linden collector. I've added four really nice cards to the PC. Let's take a look.

2019/20 Upper Deck Chronology Vol. II

#CA-TL 18/19 Diamond Relics Black Auto  /9

This is a stunner of a card in person. Beautiful design, great hard-signed signature and the diamond just provides that extra something. I love the design with the accented border and simple presentation. Clean and classy.

Numbered to just 9 copies, I knew this would be a big land to my collection.

2016/17 Upper Deck Premier

#47 Platinum Blue Spectrum Auto  /5

This card just shines...for reals. I love the blue punch that comes on the bottom part (and in the UD logo) as it just compliments the hard-signed auto perfectly. Another low print run card makes this a real find.

2017/18 Upper Deck Canadian Tire Team Canada

#99 Signatures Black  /5

Another tough card to land with just 5 copies out there, this Canadian Tire Team Canada card really brings a smile to my face. I am just enamored with anything and everything Linden Team Canada. To many, it was such a small part of Trev's playing career, but I think it's such a cool part of his hockey story.

2014/15 Upper Deck Premier

#PMP-TL Team Canada Mega Patch

Chest Logo  /27

Speaking of...this might be my favourite set build within my Linden collection. Mega Patch awesomeness x27. This final piece of the "Canada" at the bottom of the crest gives me 10 unique pieces of this jersey front. What's even more exciting is that it adds to the overall picture of pieces that have surfaced since this set was released 7 years ago (how time flies).

I absolutely love this updated image showcasing every piece that has popped up over time. Just six patches have yet to cross my eye path...only a matter of time. 

This Mega Patch card was the starting point for all four of these cards landing in my collection. I was excited to see it hit eBay but was equally as surprised since the seller was a Linden collector that I've known for quite some time. I instantly hit the Buy It Now and reached out to him to see if he had any other goodies that he was thinking of parting with. I was thrilled to see three more cards that caught my eye. What was even better....his asking price was almost bang on to what I was going to offer (great minds).

Thanks Elliot for the fantastic transaction. I am over the moon to add these cards. 

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - 1992(?) Cooper Oddball

The summer is over??.... Did I miss it??..... Where has the time gone?

Ha ha ha. It's true, we're now dipping into autumn, and hockey season is once again upon us. I'm looking forward to the upcoming campaign and the hopes that time for some card collecting can come back into my world. It's been a very busy summer (one of the busiest I've ever had)...to the point where it has me questioning what it is I want out of my work life. I enjoy hard work and love working in an environment where my co-workers are all putting in their best efforts...but I don't feel as fulfilled with the work/life balance that I'd like. I hope that the pandemic challenges start resolving themselves in the new year.

It's why I've done so little collecting, and as a result, so little blogging. It's not for the sake of trying. I check my eBay searches multiple times a day, peruse COMC on a regular basis and try to keep my finger on the pulse of my Linden collection (and other PC's that I have). While I might not have the pickups to show for it, I did land a few nice items...and I've finally got some time to share.

So let's see how many blog posts I can cram into the remainder of the year to make this blog feel like it's accomplished something in 2021.

I want to start with one of the oldest Linden cards I've picked up in a very long time.

1992 Cooper Oddball

A collector on Instagram reached out to me a few months back to share a scan of a Linden card he had. He asked if I had ever seen it. It was a card I've not thought about in a long time. I told him I had a blankback proof that was such an oddball I didn't even include it in my master Linden checklist. After seeing his copy, I changed my mind. He placed it alongside another card to give me a sense of the card size (just slightly larger than a 2.5x3.5 inch standard card...but can still fit in a toploader) and I was hooked. I mentioned to him that if he ever found another copy, I'd be very interested. He said he'd keep his eye out.

A month or so later, he reached out to me again asking for my address as he had found a copy. I asked what he would like in return and he said that it was not much and was happy to send it along. I was absolutely thrilled.

The card has been in my possession for a couple of months now (sitting on my desk) and I finally sorted, cataloged and stored that card in my collection tonight. It has been a long time since I placed a card from the early 90's in my Linden PC. It was an awesome feeling.

Here's a photo of the back of the card. The photo definitely dates it to the early 90's. I'm not 100% sure of the year on this - I couldn't find any information on this card in my Charlton or Beckett annuals from the mid-90s (yes, I've still kept them). Based on the killer Cooper helmet Linden wore to start his career, I gave it the 1992 designation.

The card is printed on decent card stock (of the time) and absolutely has the look and feel of a legit oddball item. Again, I couldn't be happier to add it to the Linden collection. In fact, it's probably the top pickup of the year. 

So to Gary, a very heartfelt Thank You for not only your generosity but for reaching out to me to begin with. Social media has been a fantastic outlet for finding, discovering and landing cards...some of which are likely impossible to find otherwise. I appreciate your kindness and will do my part to pay it forward. Cheers.

And speaking of social media...anyone with more info on this card, I'd love to hear about it. The promo that I have also included Mike Vernon (for what that's worth), but I've never seen this card out in the wild ever before. 

Have a good one everybody and stay tuned.  I've got more Linden pickups, some Oscar Gamble goodies, a few goalie masks and more.

STOLEN TREVOR LINDEN COLLECTION - Yet Another Bit Of Good News

Been meaning to post an update on this as there has been some great news of late.

A couple of months ago there was a huge development in recovering many of the stolen Trevor Linden cards from 2017. A card collector - from my city no less - had acquired a considerable number of these stolen cards and had been in the process of selling them. A few of us Linden collectors (who keep tabs on Linden cards hitting the open market) were able to identify many of these cards as stolen due to the serial numbers. Lesson to those who have a collection of rare or tough-to-find cards....take photos and document serial numbers.  It can indeed pay off.

During this time, there was another handful of cards that popped up on eBay. Again, we Linden collectors took note and eventually were able to get the Terrace RCMP involved. They seized the cards and held them while the Linden collector worked to prove they were his.

Many of these cards are 1/1s or extremely rare copies. Seeing these pop up for sale after so many years created some excitement that there were still some opportunities to recover this stolen property.

I was actually asked to provide the RCMP with a statement of ownership - as I was given a list of the stolen cards back in 2017...complete with serial numbers. Again, this was the key to recovering these cards.

After a few weeks, I received an e-mail from the Linden collector who said he received the cards back, further shortening the list of cards out there that rightfully belong to him.

In addition to a large Linden collection, he also had some Sedin cards stolen...again, some rare, irreplaceable items.

He also had some Pacific Atomic Blue cards (which are low-numbered print runs). It really was incredible to once again see a large lot of cards find their way back home.

To this day, I immediately go to my list of stolen Linden cards to check serial numbers whenever a rare bird flies into eBay or some other online store. I firmly believe that there will be a day when all of the remaining cards pop up somewhere. Let's hope it's sooner than later.

A little good news to wrap up the weekend.

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - A Surprise Special Guest

A few weeks ago, I was digging through my base cards and non-PC cardboard trying to hunt down as many cards featuring Indigenous players for my buddy Naim's 'Base Cards For Kids' project. He sent a shoutout on his YouTube page asking for (you guessed it) base cards of Indigenous NHLers so he can pack them up and give them away to kids.

I loved the idea and immediately hit up his website to remind myself of the dozens of players who are on the list. I managed to find some and mailed them off. It felt good.

And I think the hobby gods agreed...because in my search, I discovered a number of new Linden cards to add to my master checklist.

Way back in the day (I'm talking 25+ years ago), when I was originally developing my Linden master checklist, I found a few cards that featured other players...but just happened to have Linden in the photo - a cameo of sorts. Me being me, a completist, I made the decision that these cameo cards needed to be added to the list.

Most of them are junk wax base cards - so the price to pick them up has been cheap, but a few of the parallels might have me cringing (a 1/1 Eric Desjardins is on the list). Really, it's just a fun addition to an already hefty checklist.

I've even had a fellow Linden collector send some knowledge and generosity my way. This hobby is the best.

So where am I going with all of this?

In my digging for base cards, I found a Kirk McLean that had me stop in my tracks...

1996/97 Upper Deck

#348 Kirk McLean (Linden cameo)

I couldn't believe that in 25 years, I have never noticed Linden's number 16 staring back at me. 

I love my goalie cards - and have a decent amount of junk wax-era goalies due to the cool masks they wore in those days. I really liked the sideplates on this McLean mask and so I kept the card.

Again...how did I not see Linden all these years??

Regardless, it was an easy add to the Linden checklist - and an equally quick cross-off.

But....there's more.

My memory from 25 years ago isn't as strong as it used to be...so I didn't know if there were any parallels for this card (which would of course need to be included on the list). So I made my way to COMC to check if there were any offerings.

In my search there, I came across ANOTHER McLean card that clearly shows Linden in the shot. I was stunned. And then I laughed.

First of all, what a terrible photo to use of Kirk - the dude just got scored on! What gives? Second, there is the base card and four parallels. Sure, they're not bank-breaking parallels, but still. Five new cards to the master list. Crazy.

It makes me want to go through all the Canucks who played with Linden and check out their cards. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if there are a couple more photos that sneak Linden in the background.

This hobby is always providing me some fun and interesting curveballs. I love it.

And for those who have some extra base cards lying around...please consider Naim's 'Base Cards For Kids' project. Head over to his YouTube page to learn more.  Thanks!

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.

LINDEN CARD(s) OF THE WEEK - We've Got A Really Big Show

I've been a Trevor Linden collector for more than half my life. When it comes to my hobby story, there is no question that my Linden PC is front and center...and a true galvanizing aspect of sportscards for me. This collection has kept me motivated, organized, passionate and ever-chasing - even when things slow down or get in a funk. Linden cards have always been a source of enjoyment.

I do searches for new Linden cards on eBay daily...even hourly.  Technology has created a streamlined situation that makes the task virtually effortless. And make no mistake...I still get really excited when I find a card that has been sitting on the wantlist for a long time. It doesn't happen as often...and maybe that makes it all the more enjoyable.

Recently, I've come across an influx of older show cards the likes I've never seen before. On wantlist where some of these cards have been sitting for almost 20 years, just finding a copy is near impossible. To land not just one...but multiple - is borderline unheard of.

But here we are.  Enjoy the show (see what I did there).

1998/99 Be A Player

#234 SHOW Atlanta National  /10

This is a perfect example of a card I thought I'd never see. I still can't believe I own a copy of it.

So, the story behind this card (and most of the others in this post) come from a site called Centre Ice Collectibles. They sell singles and I've picked up the odd card here and there over the years. Most of the time I check out their site, they have base and a few mid-range parallels...nothing I don't already have. They've also started posting some of their cards for sale on eBay...which is where the lightbulb went off.

They did not have this card on eBay...I went to the CIC site after I tracked down a couple other cards and couldn't believe my eyes at the number of show cards they had sitting in the Linden checklist. 

My excitement was so palpable that it cost me in some stupid shipping costs (more on that later).

I've said it a number of times since I cracked open the bubble mailer...I can't believe I have found a copy of this card.

1999/00 Be A Player Millenium
#129 SHOW Fanfest Silver  /25

This was one of the cards I saw lurking on eBay. It popped up on my feed on a weekday afternoon, causing me to do a doubletake. What was a rare gem like this doing wandering on deck on a Tuesday? It made no sense. A quick check of my master list confirmed that it was indeed a card I needed...so I pulled the trigger quick on the purchase.  Even went so far as to pay for it right away (foreshadowing).

This is the fourth colour parallel of this show card that I now own and again, I still can't believe I stumbled on a copy of it.  These cards just never see the light of day.

But within seconds of me winning this auction...another card popped up right behind it.

2000/01 Be A Player Signature

#213 SHOW Cleveland National Ruby  /10

My jaw dropped when I saw a second show card hit the open market. I started wondering if there was a Linden collector offloading their collection. Then I saw the seller and started putting two and two together.

I snagged this piece of cardboard just as quick....paid for it - yes, I ended up completely blowing the whole "combined shipping" thing - and was off to the CIC website.

At $3 a card to ship...it wasn't the end of the world...but had I'd known how many show cards I'd be buying, I'd have paid more attention.

This card finished off the four-card Cleveland National rainbow and is the 13th show card from this card issue (I think I need to do a show & tell just on that).

But wait...there's more.

2001/02 Be A Player Parkhurst

#161 SHOW Tri-Star Collectors Show  /10

This was the one card that started off this recent show card haul. A couple of months ago, I started noticing that there was a seller who had monstrous amounts of show cards from one set issue...and was offering them up at crazy prices.  Of course, they were cards I needed so my lip was getting bruised as I was constantly biting it - holding off on making some bad purchases. 

My patience paid off as this card hit eBay again shortly after, with a different seller and for a much more reasonable price.

Again, I've never seen a copy of this card. It's unbelievable to think I now own it...and three other show cards within such a short period of time.

The even more absurd part of all this...as I was typing up this post tonight, I decided to go back to the CIC site just to triple-check my master list with what they have left in their inventory.  Wouldn't you know it, they have TWO MORE show cards that are on my wantlist. So this isn't the last of my 20-year-old show card haul.

This hobby never ceases to amaze me.

One more Linden to wrap up the post...this time, a buyback from a product that had me smitten when it originally came out.

2018/19 Upper Deck MVP

#131 98-99 Buybacks  /20

This card comes from one of the low-end UD products...but was one of the most desirable cards for me in the 18/19 season. I don't know why, but I was a sucker for these buybacks. Numbered to just 20 copies (to celebrate this product's 20th anniversary) I thought it was a really fun chase. I even opened a few boxes back in the day.  These buybacks came one in every box. Of course, my luck, I hit a Joe Juneau on my first attempt...and my second.  Yup, I have 2 of the 20 possible Joe Juneau cards from this offering.

It took a while to find a copy of this Linden for the right price...again, a lesson in patience. Really happy when it showed up. It's not often I add many cards from recent products these days. I find they have huge asking prices and I'm just not as motivated a buyer as I was years ago. I can wait.

This came at the right time and I'm thrilled with it...as I am with all of the Linden cards in this post. It arguably is the biggest addition to my collection in quite a number of months. Doubtful it's a trend that will continue, but I like the fact that I can give myself complete permission to take a stab at a card whenever I want. I feel I've got the mindset to not go crazy these days and put a burden on my wallet.

It really is the best way to collect.

What a month it has been.

NOTE: I just realized that not a single one of these cards shows Trev in his Canucks jersey. Odd. 
 

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.