It's Super Bowl Sunday, So Of Course I'm Posting Baseball and Hockey Cards.

It's Super Bowl time everyone! I'm looking forward to what should be a great game. With that in mind, I went the baseball and hockey route for today's post. Both pickups were cheap gets from my former LCS's eBay store.

First up, Chad Billingsley and James Loney are joined by former D-Backs Randy Johnson and Conor Jackson. Quad relics are just damn fine cards.

This is my third Kyle Palmieri auto, if I'm not mistaken. It's numbered 951/999, is an on-card John Hancock, and was a cool 99 cents. Palmieri got under Jonathan Quick's skin at the Stadium Series game at Dodger Stadium as Quick overreacted to contact initiated by one of the King goalie's own teammates; it was quite interesting to see in-person. I like Kyle's game and was happy to add another one of his signatures for the paltry sum it ran me.

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Don't forget to enter into Chavez Ravining's contest to follow Dodger Penguin and get him to 50 followers!

Kemp and Loney: 2009 Upper Deck SP Authentic Dual Signatures /15

Upper Deck put out some truly beautiful baseball cards prior to losing their license. 2009 SP Authentic Baseball is one of those sets, and it features some of my main collecting interests. The below Matt Kemp Dual Signatures card - numbered 11/15 - is a prime example of that aforementioned beauty.

I now have more James Loney autos than I need or know what to do with. Well, I know what to do with the ones that pair him with Matt Kemp, and that's focus on the Kemp John Hancock, as I have been with this latest addition to my Bison PC. The marble-esque background on the stickers is a nice, appreciated, and understated touch to spice up what should have been on-card signatures.

A Pretty Sweet Andre Ethier Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Bobblehead

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes held Andre Ethier Bobblehead Night on Friday, July 12th. My buddy and I made the trip, and the Quakes took down the High Desert Mavericks in an incredibly sloppy 7-5 game. 7 combined errors and 4 HBPs will do that for a minor league game. Hell, the Quakes played just like the Dodgers in committing 5 of those 7 errors, but somehow held on for the win.

I didn't end up with the bobblehead when I entered, as the line was ridiculously long, but my buddy made it into the stadium before me and landed one. He dealt it to me for my extra James Loney bobble, a trade I'd make 101 out of 100 times.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Martin Madness.

A few of my favorite Russ Martins.

There were so many to choose from.

Clog Those Bases, Joey Votto.

I appreciate greatness on the baseball field whether it wears Dodger Blue or not. Hell, there are a few Giants I actually like. I know, I know. Blasphemy. One player who is so great at his craft that calling him great simply doesn't begin to describe what he does is Reds' first baseman Joey Votto. The man is an offensive machine and has such insane command of the strike zone that it baffles the mind.

I've wanted his autograph for some time but there isn't much supply and the heavy demand has prices sky-high. The above TriStar Prospects Plus Farm Hands minor league autograph was available and I put in a bid not expecting to win. You know the rest. I'm thrilled to be able to cross his name off of my Cardboard Bucket List, and even happier that Votto's entire auto made it onto the sticker.

Votto's career line is an outstanding .316/.417/.550/.967 to go along with a .wOBA of .413, and his ability to not make outs and get on-base is still undervalued by many in today's sports world. His Dodgers tie-in? The club passed on him in the 2002 draft, opting to go with James Loney. Joey also played for the Chattanooga Lookouts, then the AA affiliate of the Reds and now the Blue Crew's AA branch.

Matt Kemp, Chad Billingsley, James Loney: A Triple Auto, i.e. One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other.

I was very, very surprised to win the below card from eBay for the price I did. I mean, I realize it is infested with the James Loney bug but still, Matt Kemp autos of any kind rarely can be had for any sort of steal nowadays. I've wanted one of these bad boys for a while and now I can say I am finally the proud owner of a dual auto of Kemp and Chad Billingsley.

Numbered 50/50, it hails from UD SP Authentic Sign of The Times Triple Signatures. I believe Kemp and Kershaw are on a card from the same set or a set like it, so perhaps one day I can hit the motherload and acquire that gem. It's a phenomenal addition to my Bison PC and is one of my favorite Matty John Hancocks even with Loney front and center. The on-card aspect doesn't hurt.

If I Must Own A James Loney Card....

I don't own many James Loney cards, but when I do, they're not cards I seek out. My first ever trade netted me a surprise Loney auto - my only signature of his - and I have a few base cards and the like lying around. However, today's card is one I'm more than happy to own, and it prominently features the former Dodger bust.

Of course, as you've probably already deduced, this card is one I'm happy to own because of the other former Blue Crew member on it. Numbered 39/50, this fantastic dual patch is the newest addition to my Russ Martin PC. Both patches feature jersey and patch with stitching. The Martin patch comes from the "Dodgers" across the front of a home jersey, while the Loney comes from the corresponding portion of an away jersey, which would read "Los Angeles." For $4.75 delivered and the chance at a new Russell, I'll make do with the least interesting Dodger.

My Box of 2012 Allen & Ginter For Gint-A-Cuffs IV (My Best Pull Ever!)

A big thanks once again to my parents for giving me the box for my birthday. It's my second time participating in Gint-A-Cuffs, but it certainly won't be my last. If I can find a way, it also won't be my last box of 2012 A&G. I prefer to recap the box in its entirety in one post rather than breaking it up into multiple little recap posts. And here we go.

I'll be putting together the Base Set, SPs included, as well as these inserts: Historical Turning Points, World's Greatest Military Leaders, and What's In A Name?. I don't anticipate working on any other sets beyond grabbing cards of the guys I collect, barring anything unforeseen. What I need from 2012 Ginter can be found here. My Base and SP needs will soon be added.

I had to check with the Commissioner on a scoring question, but everything should be to his liking based on the rules he has set forth. Gint-A-Cuffs IV is officially underway.

Boxtopper: Famous Roller Coasters: The Wild One (+ 12)

Pack 1:

Ian Kennedy
Tom Seaver
Cole Hamels
Brad Peacock
Jered Weaver
Alex Rodriguez (- 1 Yankee)
Shaun Marcum Mini Regular Back
Clayton Edwards Kershaw, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN, + 1 FT = + 3)

Pack Total: 2
Running Total: 14

Pack 2:

Ewa Mataya
Chris Perez
Joe Nathan
Bob Hurley Sr.
Johnny Cueto
Jeremy Hellickson
Nolan Ryan SP Mini Regular Back (+ 3 SP Mini)
Ryan Joseph Braun, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 5
Running Total: 19

Pack 3:

Michael Bourn
Cameron Maybin
Lou Gehrig (- 1 Yankee)
Miguel Montero
Shane Victorino
Matt Moore
Josh Beckett Mini Ginter Back (+ 2 A&G Mini)
Jered David Weaver, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 3
Running Total: 22

Pack 4:

Alex Avila
Jordan Zimmermann
Meadowlark Lemon (+ 1 ML)
Clayton Kershaw (+ 1 My FT)
Bryce Harper
Historical Turning Points: The Great Depression (+ 3 HTP)
Dexter Fowler Mini Regular Back
Jhonny Peralta SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 7
Running Total: 29

Pack 5:

Carlos Marmol
Yadier Molina
Don Mattingly (- 1 Yankee)
Shin-Soo Choo
Ian Kinsler
Historical Turning Points: Signing of The Magna Carta (+ 3 HTP)
World's Greatest Military Leaders: Horatio Nelson (+ 3 WGML Mini)
Jon Lester SP (+ 2 SP)
Crack The Code Promotional Card

Pack Total: 7
Running Total: 36

Pack 6:

Justin Morneau
Heath Bell (+ 2 OFP)
Brett Anderson
Josh Beckett
Lance Berkman
Historical Turning Points: Signing of The Declaration of Independence (+ 3 HTP)
Dustin Pedroia Black-Bordered Mini (+3 BBM)
Chase Headley SP (+ 2 SP)

 
Pack Total: 10
Running Total: 46

Pack 7:

Brett Gardner (- 1 Yankee)
Geovany Soto
Joey Votto
David Price (+ 2 OFP)
Yu Darvish
Mike Stanton
Heath Bell Mini Ginter Back (+3 OFP, + 2 A&G Mini = + 5)
Felix Abraham Hernandez, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 8
Running Total: 54

Pack 8:

Derek Holland
Bob Knight (- 1 BK)
Doug Fister
Michael Morse
Michael Phelps
Jeff Francoeur
Liam Hendriks Mini Regular Back
David Taylor Price, What's In A Name (+ 2 WIAN, + 2 OFP = + 4)

Pack Total: 3
Running Total: 57

Pack 9:

Jemile Weeks
Alex Liddi
C.J. Wilson
Mariano Rivera (- 1 Yankee)
Drew Pomeranz
Jason Kipnis
Giants of the Deep: Minke Whale (+ 3 GotD Mini)
James Augustus Hunter, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 4
Running Total: 61

Pack 10:

Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Stephen Drew
Neil Walker (+ 2 OFP)
Nick Hagadone
Freddie Freeman
Murder In Willow Cove: Greg Keeley (+ 3 CTC)
Nick Markakis Black-Bordered Mini (+3 BBM)
Ryan Dempster SP (+ 2 SP)
Crack The Code Promotional Card

Pack Total: 10
Running Total: 71

Pack 11:

Yoenis Cespedes
Matt Kemp (+ 4 FP, + 1 My FT = + 5)
Yonder Alonso
Yovani Gallardo
Tsuyoshi Nishioka
Murder In Willow Cove: Dan Proot (+ 3 CTC)
J.J. Putz Mini Regular Back
Mike Moustakas SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 10
Running Total: 81

Pack 12:

Mark Trumbo
Derek Jeter (- 1 Yankee)
Joe Benson
Zach Britton
Felix Hernandez
Murder In Willow Cove: Frank Kraft (+ 3 CTC)
Kelly Johnson SP Mini Regular Back (+ 3 SP Mini)
Kelly Johnson SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 7
Running Total: 88

Pack 13:

Ben Revere
Alex Rios
Nyjer Morgan
Jorge De La Rosa
Justin Upton
Cliff Lee
Giants of the Deep: Orca (+ 3 GotD Mini)
Alex Jonathan Gordon, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 5
Running Total: 93

Pack 14:

Jackie Joyner Kersee
Victor Martinez
J.P. Arencibia
Jerry Bailey (+ 1 JB)
Bud Norris
Johnny Damon
Alexi Ogando Mini Ginter Back (+ 2 A&G Mini)
Osborne Earl Smith, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 5
Running Total: 98

Pack 15:

Carl Yastrzemski
J.J. Hardy
Ryan Vogelsong
Jackie Robinson (+ 1 My FT)
Brandon Beachy
Matt Cain
B.J. Upton Mini Regular Back
Don Richard Ashburn (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 3
Running Total: 101

Pack 16:

Carlos Ruiz
Joakim Soria
Wade Davis
Todd Helton
Adam Lind
World's Tallest Buildings: 1 World Trade Center (+ 3 WTB)
Ike Davis Mini Regular Back
Lefty Kreh SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 5
Running Total: 106

Pack 17:

Edwin Jackson
Wandy Rodriguez
Ian Desmond
Don Denkinger (+ 1 DD)
Brandon Phillips
World's Tallest Buildings: Willis Tower (+ 3 WTB)
Melky Cabrera Black-Bordered Mini (+3 BBM)
Bela Karolyi SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 9
Running Total: 115

Pack 18:

Dustin Ackley
Ty Cobb
Brian McCann
Huston Street
Sandy Koufax (+ 1 My FT)
World's Tallest Buildings: Empire State Building (+ 3 WTB)
Brett Anderson Mini Ginter Back (+ 2 A&G Mini)
Cal Ripken Jr. SP (+ 2 SP)
Crack The Code Promotional Card

Pack Total: 8
Running Total: 123

Pack 19:

Tim Lincecum (+ 2 OFP)
Mickey Mantle (- 1 Yankee)
Jacoby Ellsbury
Ichiro
Zack Greinke Jersey Relic (+ 10 Hit)
Phil Hughes Mini Regular Back (- 1 Yankee)
Carl Demonte Crawford, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN)

Pack Total: 12
Running Total: 135

Pack 20:
 
David Wright (+ 2 OFP)
Dayan Viciedo
Torii Hunter
Coco Crisp
Jordan Zimmermann Jersey Relic (+ 10 Hit)
Man's Best Friend: Yorkshire Terrier (+ 3 MBF Mini)
Nicholas Thompson Swisher, What's In A Name (+ 2 WIAN, - 1 Yankee = + 1)
Topps Pennant, Ever Wonder Brewers Promotional Card

Pack Total: 16
Running Total: 151

Pack 21: 

Babe Ruth (- 1 Yankee)
Troy Tulowitzki
Alexi Ogando
Colin Montgomerie
Ike Davis Bat Relic (+ 10 Hit)
Drew Stubbs Mini Regular Back
Jack Roosevelt Robinson, What's In A Name? (+ 2 WIAN, + 1 My FT = + 3)

Pack Total: 12
Running Total: 163

Pack 22:

Rulon Gardner
James Loney (+ 1 My FT)
Jose Tabata
Ryan Braun
Ike Davis
Baseball Highlight Sketches, Mickey Mantle (+ 3 BHS, - 1 Yankee = + 2)
David Ortiz Mini Red Ginter Back /25, #'d 16/25 (+ 21 A&G Mini Red Back /25)
Kyle Farnsworth SP (+ 2 SP)
Crack The Code Promotional Card

Pack Total: 26
Running Total: 189

Pack 23:

Chris Parmelee
Paul Goldschmidt
Vance Worley
Miguel Montero
Lonnie Chisenhall
Baseball Highlight Sketches, Frank Thomas (+ 3 BHS)
Justin Morneau Mini Ginter Back (+ 2 A&G Mini)
Guy Bluford SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 7
Running Total: 196

Pack 24:

Reggie Jackson (- 1 Yankee)
Mike Trout
Roy Halladay
Jordan Pacheco
Dan Haren
Baseball Highlight Sketches, Nolan Ryan (+ 3 BHS)
Musucal Masters: Sergei Prokofiev (+ 3 MM Mini)
Adrian Gonzalez SP (+ 2 SP)

Pack Total: 7
Running Total: 203

All of the above yields: 203. This blows my 2011 box of 186 points out of the water, and it's really cool to surpass 200 points.

Final Score: 203 points

I suppose the biggest disappointment of the box was not pulling anything Kate Upton, which saddens me.

Ok.

I'm not sad anymore.