Throwback Thursday: A Simpsons Hand of 1952 Topps, a Pair of Clementes, and a Stargell

Nothing beats vintage deals

Here's a lot of cards I recently purchased from a vendor at a mall card show for $50.  A pair of Clementes and a second year Stargell along with a Simpsons handful of 52s.  I couldn't be happier to add these to the collection.

Hopefully by showing off some vintage, the Bucs can get back to their vintage ways and win some games again.

Throwback Thursday: An AUTO of the Man that Started it all....

If you were expecting Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Cy Young, etc you will be greatly disappointed with this post.

Elroy Face may not be considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all-time.  He is however, often dubbed as the guy who helped revolutionize the bullpen and an impact it can have on games.

In 1959, Face set a record that is still standing today for collecting 18 wins in relief appearances.  He still holds the Pirates record for career games pitched (802) and saves (188)

Last month I grabbed this beautiful on card chrome autograph of the man formerly referred to as "The Baron" during his pitching career. The card cost me only $7 delivered.

Throwback Thursday: Vintage 58s

It's been too long since I've shown off some true vintage (pre60s) on my page.  

I managed to grab the above 8 cards I needed for my Topps Flagship sets for $4.90 delivered.  In addition to the 8 cards above I also grabbed Gene Freese, Frank Thomas, Dick Groat, and Buddy Pritchard in the same lot.  None of these cards are museum worthy, but for the price I just couldn't resist adding more vintage cards to the collection.

Card Show Pickups pt2: Vintage Edition

Yesterday I showed off some very cheap cards I was able to grab for under $1.

I was able to continue my success to one of my favorite parts of the hobby, VINTAGE!!!!
Nothing excites me more at these local card shows than digging through 50% off vintage and 5 for $10 bins.  I came away with a few steals in my search which I will immediately show off.

Up first are my $2 Roberto Clementes, I found in the 5 for $10 bins.  $2 for vintage Clemente????!!!! Hell yeah!!! Who cares that there is a major crease on Hank Aaron.  I sure as hell don't.

Next up are 3, yes 3 vintage Willie Stargells I grabbed for $5 each.

A trio of 1963 Topps I grabbed for $60 including a really nice looking Clemente

To finish up is four 1964s and four 1969s I grabbed for a total of $12.

Buc Hill Aces: 1961 Edition

The Pirates pitching staff looked incredibly strong last year lead by veterans AJ Burnett, Fransisco Liriano, and closer Jason Grilli.
Back in 1960, the World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, had 2 other aces that catapulted their record to the best in the NL with a 95-59 record.
The Pirates pitching staff in 2013 allowed 577 runs compared to the 1960 pitching staff which allowed 593 runs.  If the Pirates are going to continue their success in 2014, they will have to depend on the arms of Gerrit Cole, Fransisco Liriano, Charlie Morton, and the effectiveness of the bullpen.  It's only been one game so far, but it looks like the Buc Aces are back!

Here's hoping for success from the aces in 2014, so that the Pirates can be champions much like Vern Law and Roy Face pictured above.
I bought this card for $6 when I went on vacation in February.

Some more vintage needs crossed off

I recently grabbed 9 of my Topps Vintage Needs.  The cards ranged in years and all 9 were acquired for the low price of $19.  Just over $2 a card to help me complete my Topps team sets.

Huge chunk of 1962 Topps Pickups

As you all know I am trying to complete the flagship base Topps Pirates team sets dating back to 1952.  You can see my vintage needs here if you would like to help me.

At a recent mall card show I managed to grab 8 Pirates from the 1962 set.  These cards ranged in price from $1 - $4.  I'm now 10 cards away from completing the 1962 team set.

Going old school

In light of Topps Lineage starting to show up online I thought it would be fun for me to show off some of my older players autographs I have.  I was born in 1981 so I never got a chance to see any of these guys play, but a guy I work with is always telling me stories about the Pirates from the 60s and 70s.

Here's some autos:

Ralph Kiner was an absolute powerhouse when he first into the majors, winning 7 HR crowns in a row.  One of my favorite lines regarding Kiner was when he wanted more salary and the team said "we finished in last place with you, we can finish in last place without you."
Pictured are 2004 Donruss Playoff Absolutely Ink AUTO/BAT 53/100
2010 Topps Tribute AUTO/BAT 20/99

Next up are 3 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic Signature cards.  All 3 of these guys were part of the 1960 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.  Bill Mazeroski is still the only player to hit a walk off HR in Game 7 of the World Series.  I was at Maz's statue unveiling and celebration last September and he is one of the most humble guys I've ever met.  He thanked all his team mates for allowing him the opportunity to play at such a competitive level and couldn't believe that a kid from Ohio had gotten that blessed to have a statue in his honor.
Elroy Face 120/125
Dick Groat 18/175
Bill Mazeroski 19/25

I really like the design of the Sweet Spot Classic AUTOs.  They feel very classy with the vintage photo of Forbes Field in the background and a nice classic shot of the player to the right of the card.  As with everything else, there are parallels to these signatures based on color stitching of the ball or a bat barrel or a piece of glove.  None of the balls, gloves, bats are game used.