2003 Topps Tribute Memorable Matchup #MM-BF Dual Game Used Bat w JohnnyBench #115/150

Here's a recent pickup where Topps had a rare hit amongst their frequent misses. The early 2000's Tribute stuff is among their best, and this card might be the best of all those. Low numbered, dual Hall of Famers, dual game used, exquisite refractor coating, sweet old-school All-Star logo. I just love to look at this card.

2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's Quad GU Bat

As part of the Fisk Obsession, I absolutely love the 2001 Decade issue. This quad bat is the 9th different Fisk card I have from that set. I love the throwback color scheme, the old school UD logo, and the pop of the design. I really never thought I would grab this quad bat version though because of its high price. I had put it out of mind. Then I found this one that had an erroneous listing and a low starting bid. Ended up grabbing it for eleven bucks which I thought was at least half of what I would value it at. It's in good shape too. One last great thing about this card is that the bat pieces aren't under the card like most game used, but sit up above the paper where you can rub it! Hey, it's the little things that make card collecting fun to me!

2010 Topps Update Series Manufactured Bat Barrel #55/99

I have been trying to find this card at a reasonable price for a couple years now. I've had the more rare black bat parallel since 2012 but could never get this one. Finally checked this one off the list recently. It's a bit dinged up but got it delivered for under ten bucks. 

Even though I know it's manufactured, I just love the look and feel of this card! When you see it in person it's almost like looking into a shadow box. That is because this card is it is in unbelievably thick. It is one of the few cards I own that require a 360 point magnetic to store it!!

2014 Historic Autographs 1941 Mini Auto #88/100

Update: sold this card in 2017....

The Historic Autographs offering this year is interesting. On the one hand, it's a PSA graded autograph in an attractive presentation. After receiving the card however, I noticed that the manufacturing is done so cheaply that it really detracts from the eye appeal. Both the red card backing and the 1941 Mini framed inside it are cut waaaaay off center. My 7 year old son could have done better. Since the PSA grade is for the auto only, there's no great way to see this when viewing the card online. Come on HA. You can do better. 

2005 Donruss Elite Passing the Torch Double-Sided GU Bat w Mags Ordonez #196/250

I have several parallels of these base cards, some of them fairly low numbered. The refractor/gloss coating is really sweet on this issue. But I've never seen a game-used bat version of this sweet baby. Grabbed it on The Bay last week for super cheap. 

 

2003 Upper Deck Sweet Spot GU Jersey #138/150

Got this sweet baby last week. Love the early-days manu patch and especially the hand numbering. UD led the way.