2003 Topps Chrome Uncirculated Maury Wills Auto, still encased in a Topps Tomb of Doom. I've seen a couple on eBay before, and almost pulled the trigger. I'm glad I didn't. This card is nails in so many ways: an on-card autograph, the Spring Training feel the background provides, the chrome, and the old-school Topps umbrella logo.
This is my second Maury Wills autograph, with the first an in-person autograph I received from the former Dodger shortstop at Dodgers Day at the LA County Fair last September. That autograph came on this spiffy mini-helmet.
Arno also sent me a dual jersey relic featuring former Sun and one of my favorite players of all-time, Shawn Marion.
Upper Deck kindly tells me on the back of the card that both jersey swatches are game-worn, and come from the 2005 All-Star Game. Sweet.
Finally, amongst all the other great cards I received (some Hamels, a Wright, and a die-cut-looking card of the Hulk) was this Just Minors card of Jay Bruce.
I've been trying to figure out what it says on the 2. Looks like an upside-down "hel" to me. No idea what that might stand for though. Suggestions are welcome.
Thanks Arno! I appreciate these fantastic cards - and the secrecy with which you sent them - and I look forward to our next trade!
Judging from the proximity to the last name, I think it says "Jay."
ReplyDeleteBoth of your Wills autographs are amazing. Love the helmet!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of Topps Retired Signature products... I enjoyed all of the designs... but the 2003 set is my favorite (2004 is a close second).
I also like that they're uncirculated... however... I'll pop them out of their cases if the case is scratched.
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ReplyDeleteOh boy, I am indeed an idiot. For some reason I never considered it said Jay. Thanks Matt.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to hide in shame now.
Thanks Fuji! Popping open the case is tempting, but something about them being uncirculated makes me want to leave it locked up.