2009 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic Signatures Bat Barrel Autograph #08/25

One of my favorite autos.  Blue sharpie on a wood bat barrel - just awesome.

2012 Topps Triple Threads Autographed Relics White Whale Printing Plate 13-piece Bat Relic Auto #1/1

We all know that adult card collectors are all about getting the cards that you drooled over and dreamed about when we were kids.  In the beginning you were lucky just to get the $0.35 for a wax pack of 1980 Topps and you were happy if you got a couple cards that weren't dups.  As we age and our budgets get better, we get better and better cards and collections.  For me this card represents another rung up that ladder.  Just a cheezy sticker auto 1 of 1 to some, for my budget this is a holy grail kind of card and it made me extremely happy and proud to bag it for a good price.  Will always have an honored place in the Fisk Obsession.  I've got enough 1 of 1 cards now that I recently added that attribute as a column in my Fisk inventory spreadsheet.  Up to 97 autographs, 273 relic cards, 632 numbered cards, and now 4 Juan de Juan.  Love this card and feel lucky to have it.

2009 Upper Deck Icons Immortal Letterman Manufactured Patches Complete Set # /45

This set took me seven years and $120 to put together.  What else can I say that the scan doesn't already say?  I wish I could have a custom frame made with top loaders attached so I could hang the whole set on a wall someplace.  May be a future man cave idea.  I know they're just cheezy manufactured patches, but I just love this set.  So happy to have finally completed it this year.

2018 Panini Donruss Retro 1984 Signatures Gold Parallel #04/10

Got the blue parallel when this set was released and just picked up the Gold for a surprisingly cheap price for a numbered to 10 card.  It's a sticker auto with a so-so photo but Topps and Panini really know the way to my heart (and wallet) with the re-use of the old 70's and 80's designs.  I owned about a billion 1984 Donruss - many of them would be quite valuable today.  But when I sold off the original collection in 1991, I got a very good price at the time for my Mattingly and Strawberry rookies.  Ahhh, breathe in the nostalgia.....

2003 Fleer Flair Greats Home Team Cuts Dual Relic with Jim Rice

This isn't a card I would typically post on The Obsession, but I can't recall ever seeing this one on eBay before.  I have the single card of Fisk, but I believe the duals are fairly unusual.  Some of that is the fact that it's a 15-year old card.  Also interesting is that the card has no number on the back.

2011 Topps Tier One Top Tier Autographs Gold Parallel #06/10 slabbed PSA 8

To be honest, I really wish I hadn't sent this off to PSA.  Not at all sure why I did except I had a voucher that was expiring and it was one of my favorite autos at the time.  The holder they put it in is like 2" thick.  It's gross.  Can't store it anywhere, bulky, clunky, uggh.  Takes a gorgeous numbered to 10 on-card auto on thick stock and makes it......meh.  Maybe one day I'll figure out how to liberate the card from the holder without destroying it.  Until then, it sits in my "shrine" where I can see it every day and as the Fisk Obsession prime directive goes......it makes me happy.  Thanks for looking.

1973 Topps Candy Lids - slabbed PSA 5

Boy there's so much to say about this issue of cards.  I love it that it's an actual Topps company issue.  I love it that it's oddball.  I love it that it's candy related.  I love it that it's rare.  I love that there are "proof" cards and a 1972 "test" issue out there.  Little buckets of candy.  Just wierd.  When I first started a serious Fisk collection in 1998, I never thought I would even see one of these, much less own one. I bought this one on eBay pretty cheaply many years ago and sent it to PSA myself.  I think the 5 grade is pretty good - can't say I recall seeing one higher.

For those interested, here is a great article on the whole Candy Lids thing, much more articulate and well-researched than I could ever attempt.

Suffice it to say, this is one of my favorite cards in the Fisk Obsession and one of the main reasons I enjoy collecting - it makes me smile.

Original box of 1973 Topps Candy Lids with four example tubs.  The player image is on the inside of the lid.

2012 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Sepia Parallel Triple Relic with Frank Thomas & Paul Konerko #24/27

I've been oogling this card for several years now and never quite had the opportunity.  So when I was able to snag this on eBay last week, got super stoked.  Three of my favorite players of all time on one card.  And you know how I love Triple Threads.  An ideal card for me.  The "South Side" lettering is just plain cool.  What else can be said, just a killer pickup.

2005 Topps Pristine Personal Endorsements

I wasn't in the card game in 2005, having rejoined the hobby in 2008 after a nine-year layoff.  So I don't know anything about Topps Pristine, the history of this release, etc.  But I have to say, this card in-hand is a WOW card.  At first glance without an obvious Topps logo, I would have assumed this was an Upper Deck or maybe Donruss card (the sticker hologram isn't as noticeable in person).  This is a surprisingly high-end print for the Topps company.  I don't know what to call the printing technology except that it doesn't appear printed - more like engraved or stamped foil.  The whole thing has a hard metallic shimmer that is incredibly beautiful in the hand.  Very nice job here Topps. If I was at the Topps corporation, this is one release I would go back to the vault for and recycle.  Very happy to have grabbed this for cheaper than 2018 autos are selling for today.  Great card + great price = happy Fisk obsessive.

2016 Topps The Mint Golden Engraving Autographs #68/99

I could be wrong but I think this is the first Fisk "inscription" autograph I've purchased.  That "HOF 2000" really grabs me.  This scan is a TERRIBLE representation of this card.  The card itself is printed on extremely thick, heavy cardstock.  It took a 180 point magnetic to hold it.  Second, the overall printing is very glossy black, almost mirrored finish.  Very classy, very expensive printing.  Lastly, the gold sharpie for the auto and inscription are just awesome.  In any of the 100 Fisk autos I own, don't one even close to as nice as this.  Finally, baseballcardpedia.com notes that The Mint is, on a per box basis, the most expensive product Topps has ever released at an MSRP of $899 per box for.....FIVE CARDS!  I don't track the current release stock market like a lot of guys, so I'd be curious no know how this release ended up selling.  Per card average of the MSRP, this card should have cost $180.  Picked it up for 20% of that.  Just shows to go you how these cards really won't hold their value over time.  I do this because I love it, not for the money.  Thanks for looking!

2003 Topps Retired Signature

I've always liked this set of cards and have coveted this Fisk auto for a very long time.  Just didn't (and don't) want to pay the exorbitant prices that some folks ask.  This particular one I picked up in 2012 for - get this - three dollars.  Yup $3.  Three single George Washingtons.  It's a steal.  What is funky about it is that it is not encased as most 2005 Topps Retired cards are.  It's a naked card in a top loader.  So I'll continue to hunt for an encased one at a reasonable price.  Meanwhile, here's this beauty of a win in the Fisk Obsession collection.

2003 Fleer Rookies and Greats Boyhood Idols Jersey Auto #18/50

As I was filing away newer cards, I keep running across cards that really catch my eye that I haven't put on the blog before.  Picked this one up back in 2012 for $7.  That's right, seven bucks.  I love catching deals like that on The Bay.  Granted, this card is ugly as sin but it's still an auto numbered to /50, so don't hate.  The overall layout isn't bad for 2003.  I like the Boyhood Idols script with the double shadow (white/black/burgundy).  Also, the black background makes it overall very dark so it really doesn't pop but I appreciate the design effort.  If it were me and I was going to use the white "autograph box" that they have at the bottom, I would have gone for a lighter contrasting color.  As it is, the black/white contrast really makes this card all about the autograph box.  Overall experience is , "yup, I got an auto".  But push this design forward ten years and put a 2-color patch and on-card auto with a colored sharpie and this could be a hit. 

2006 Upper Deck Artifacts MLB Game Used Apparel Jersey Auto #05/30

I've always liked the look of the UD Artifacts release.  It's got that 19th Century script and sepia tones that really give it an old time feel.  I've rarely seen Fisk autographs come up in the Artifacts line though, so when I ran across this one I had to have it.  Made an offer and grabbed for a very reasonable price considering it's numbered to /30.  I don't love the sticker and the way it's positioned, partially covering the title logo and the borders of the jersey holder below, but it's a solid add to the collection.

2003 Fleer Fall Classics All-American Collection Autographs #058/100 and #13/75

These are old purchases for five or six years ago, but ran across them while filing some other cards in 2003 last week and pulled them out to scan.  Wierd, they don't look as good in the scan.  For a relatively plain card, they have a nice pop to them in person.  I like that they're identical cards but one is to /100 and the other to /75.  Great photo of Fisk too, bet that guy was out at second.

2005 Fleer Showcase Masterpiece Showpiece 2-color Patch #1/1

Haven't got too many One of One cards in the Fisk Obsession just yet.  I think this is my third, and first to be posted.  As cards go, it's not a stunner.  But when it came up for sale, I couldn't recall seeing anything from the "masterpiece showpiece" set before.  Rare, great 2-color piece of a letter patch, and stamped "1/1" in red foil on the back.  Nice pickup, makes me smile.

2017 Topps Triple Threads Relic Autographs Gold Parallel #8/9

You know it's time to retire Triple Threads when the jersey relic spells "Hitz Carlton".  What does that even mean?  Anyway, the design is very good.  Another awesome Gold Parallel /9.

2017 Triple Threads Gold Parallel

1979 Boston Red Sox Team Issue or Vietnam Series

Oddball alert! The folks here on The Fisk Obsession loves some old, weird oddball cards.  Lots of fun just figuring out what in the heck these cards are!  Very true in this case as well.  There seems to be universal agreement that these are from 1979 and are associated with the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park.  From there details are sketchy and opinions diverge.  I believe Bob Lemke (editor of the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards for many years) reference that the Boston Red Sox may have authorized Vietnam veterans to sell these cards outside Fenway Park as a fundraiser.  Along that line, the good folks over at www.carltonfisk.com list this issue as "1979 Vietnam Series".  The site tradingcarddb.com lists them as "1979 Boston Red Sox Vendor Cards," also implying that the Red Sox authorized these.  Of note is that the images on tradingcarddb.com do not show any names underneath the image - blank cards.  The plot thickens.

Finally, after years of searching finally came across a partial Red Sox team set I picked up on eBay for $17.50.  I pulled the Fisk card out and re-listed the remaining cards and immediately sold them for $14.95.  So I'm all-in on this rare card for about Four Bucks. 

1979 Red Sox Team Issue / Vietnam Series

2018 Topps Series 2 1980 All-Star Game Commemorative Pin Rainbow

I really enjoy it when Topps or Panini put Fisk in the current releases.  It gives me a few days or a couple weeks of fun chase again when I already have 99% of every Fisk card ever issued.  This one from Topps is pretty OK.  Very thick cards with the 1980 All-Star pins.  White is base, Black is /99, Gold is /50 and Red is /25.

1974 Topps Deckle Edge

In the hierarchy of cards that I obsess about on The Obsession, this one is very near to Holy Grail status.  Definitely in the top 5.  I love this proof card, but I still don't have an actual Deckle Edge card in the collection.  The one's I have seen for sale are many hundreds of dollars and I haven't been able to pull the trigger.  I got this one on eBay a few years back and sent it to PSA myself.  Not so happy with the Authentic grade, but maybe that comes along with being a proof card.  It's beautiful to look at but yet, it taunts me.  The obsession continues, in search for an edge made of deckles......

1974 Topps Deckle Edge Proof

2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's Jersey and On-Card Auto

This is a pretty basic card by today's standards, but I really like the design.  The bright green, blue and purple colors and glossy finish really make this card pop.  The offset of a black and white photo enhances it too.  The "circle" theme where the patch is echoed in the purple concentric rings really finishes it off.  Unfortunately for Upper Deck, the gloss finish didn't allow the blue sharpie to stick really well and the auto reflects some running/smudging.  It's pretty subtle and doesn't detract from the overall eye appeal of the card.  Overall, really dig this card baby!

2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's Quad Bats

Up to three of these now.  Anybody know of any others?

2007 Topps Triple Threads Relics Autographs Gold Parallel Relic Auto #2/9

The latest in my series of Triple Threads Gold Parallels.  This is the oldest one I've been able to get so far, with Triple Threads having started in 2006.  Those 2006 cards seem to really hold their value.  Anyway, the 2007 to me seems to say "old school" Triple Threads when it was THE hot high end product.  I like the simple 3-letter patch, big and bold.  These days they're getting into complete sentences with little tiny relic pieces!  Anything numbered to single digits is still super cool to me.  Finally, I would love to have the White Sox version of this card. 

2008 Donruss Threads Baseball Americana Gold Parallel Auto #24/50

From 2007 to 2009, the Donruss brand name - owned at that time by the Playoff Corporation - decided to produce cards without an MLB license.  That being the desperate cash grab that it sounds like, you get these type of cards as a result.  Cheap, uninteresting design.  Player not in uniform, with no MLB team logos.  And a sticker slapped on for good measure.  This card really sucks.  On the flip side, the photograph of Fisk on this card is taken from an on-field celebration event.  Fisk is actually holding his arm surreptitiously by his side and subtly "flipping the bird" to a former rival.  Explains the playful look on his face I guess.  The Donruss/Playoff designers simply cropped off the "one finger salute" and ran with it.  It's fun to think about the kind of hard-nosed baseball, rivalries and plain of good times that led to a moment like this one.  Cool photo if you know the back story.  Other than that, just another auto off my checklist.

2007 Upper Deck Premier Stitchings Green Monster Manufactured Patch Auto #16/25

Here's another sweet auto I got for the price of a nice base card.  Forget the haters, I like the manu patches.  Something different.

2008 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts Memorable Moments #1/1

I think this is year I've gotten my first one-of-one Fisk cards.  I have a few now and boy are they addictive.  This one isn't that great but I couldn't hold back from having that "Juan de Juan" in my hand.  What is lame is that UD just changes the little indented story, the text in the "memorable moments" box, then calls that card "1 of 1" also.  So there's no telling how many of these "1 of 1" cards are out there.  There are 2 on COMC right now.

2017 Panini National Treasures Legends Cuts Booklet Material Quad Relic Auto #1/5

For the third Panini card in a row, this one is a whopper.  Still nothing like Upper Deck, but pretty sweet.  It actually looks to me like they paid Fisk to sign slips of paper so they could call them "cuts" but I can't be sure.  Who doesn't love a booklet numbered to 5?

2012 Panini Signature Series Lumber Cuts Jersey/Auto #01/10

Not sure what material this auto in on, but it looks like "lumber" for the Lumber Cuts line.  Pretty cool.

2016 Panini Pantheon Scripted Rudiarius Auto/Bat #02/15

Probably the cheapest Fisk auto I've ever picked up.  Not sure why, the 3D effect is pretty OK.  Alright, it's a bad card.  Gotta work on your game Panini.

2006 Upper Deck Epic Endorsements #04/30

Another not so great photo.  This card really looks fantastic in-hand.  For the 97th time, Upper Deck's quality is way past everyone else.  The sheen on this card is amazing and somehow makes up for the sticker auto jammed right in the middle of the card.  Older low-numbered cards like this don't come up for auction very often.  Really sweet pick up.

2016 Topps Triple Threads Autographed Relics Jersey/Bat/Auto Gold Parallel #3/9

Another day, another 10-piece relic auto numbered to 9.  This time, "Wave It Fair".  Just got this in the mail last week.  Sa-weet!

2012 Topps Triple Threads Autographed Relics #02/18

Your basic Triple Threads.  Sticker is off-center.  Something just catches me about the different relic spellings they put out.  Makes me wanna click "place bid".

1977 Topps Venezuelan

Boy I could write a book about these.  As everyone knows, Topps tried to make an extra buck by licensing card images to a Venezuelan printer, who then turned them into stickers in 1977.  Kids pasted them into books by the hundreds so all the backs are destroyed.  Extremely tough to get in decent condition.  I've seen a PSA 4 as a best condition card and it's worth several hundred bucks.  I got this one for a song, I think due to the mis-cut (MC) qualifier which is very common on these stickers.  Cool card history.

2003 Donruss Diamond Kings Team Timeline - Hawaii Conference Embossed #37/50

I actually think event-based embossed cards could make a comeback.  It's cheezy but hey, we all love a chase.  The concept could easily be overdone, but every few years a special event tag would be cool.  I don't know the story of this particular card or conference other than it is very rare and took me a decade to find one.  Didn't cost much but really glad I have it.

2010 Topps Series 1 Manufactured Hat Relic #30/99

I can see alot of collectors scoffing at a blog post for this card.  Don't care.  Was the first manufactured logo patch I ever got and I loved it at the time.  Numbered to 99 ain't bad.  I paid a lot for it back then too!

2007 Upper Deck Goudey 1941 Double Play and Diamond Stars both hand-numbered to /15

I had these cards on my want list for years.  I love the long, patient chase for rare cards.  When it pays off it really is fulfilling and rewarding.  Writing this post just makes me re-live it all over again.  Never thought I would have one of these cards, but now I have three!  Only two in the photo for now.  One of the oldest cards I've ever seen hand-numbered.  Very, very basic throwback card but just super sweet and rare.

2012 Panini Playoff Prime Cuts Icons Patch Auto #14/25

Your basic Panini sticker auto.  Numbering is on the back.

2009 Topps Sterling Career Chronicles Quad Bat Relic #11/25

I get the impression that Sterling was a really high-end release back in the day.  I was collecting base cards only in 2009 so I may never know.  One great thing about most cards going down in value, is if you're patient you can get these cool scores for your collection. 

2011 Topps Triple Threads Autographed Relics Gold Parallel Jersey Auto #1/9

Even a few years ago cards like this were outside my budget.  It's nice to show these cards to my kids who totally freak out at a five piece, two color patch with auto paralleled to 9!  It's just fun to look at.

2012 Topps Museum Collection Signature Swatches Triple Jersey Auto #15/25

This seemed so super sick when it came out six years ago.  Seems a bit meh in 2018 with the sticker auto, even though the gold border is a very nice way to present the auto.  Also not a big fan of very late-stage Fisk photos from 92-93.  But hey, it's a sweet card.

2012 Topps Series 1 Classic Walk-Offs Autographed Relic #08/10

I can still remember how completely geeked I was in the early 2012 when this card was actually featured on the Topps "sell sheet" that they use to market their releases to the hobby shops.  I drooled over it.  Obsessed over it.  And totally and completely KNEW that it was out of reach.  Nobody EVER really gets these cards. So I ended up paying way more than it's worth now, but I don't care.  It makes me smile and that's why I collect.

2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Signature Edition Signature Supremacy #05/25

Once again, I am constantly amazed at how good UD cards were back in the day.  For 2005 this is still better than most Topps products coming out now.  BTW, did I mention this is an ON-CARD auto?  No sticker.  Makes such a difference.  In-hand this card really pops.  The purple has a great sheen and really flows with the grey nameplates and the auto.  The horizontal theme on the left is a great contrast to the vertical swoosh element on the right, tied together by the hitting Fisk.  Just a really beautiful card overall.

2002 Topps Archives Reserve Game Used Bat

Here's another old school 2002 Topps that doesn't scream "wow" compared to today's cards.  But in person this is a really pretty card and the 1977 feel brings back memories.

2002 Topps Gold Label

I picked this up for three bucks back in 2013.  Not a crazy hit to show off, but in person it really looks great.  For an older card, it really looks great.  Love the '73 Topps shadow in the background and the see-thru window for the game used bat.

2004 Fleer National Pastime Signature Swings # /36

There seem to be less Fleer cards out there than Topps or UD.  And when I see autos of Fleer they don't seem to be as nice as those other companies.  This one is definitely an exception.  Gold Parallel with a low # /36 and a very clean auto.

2004 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts Marks of Greatness On Card Auto #08/50

Got this for half of what it's worth.  The white circle auto area is great and Fisk put a good looking auto in there.  The low print run is cool also.