1956 Topps Hank Aaron Pickup, PSA 1.5!

I took a week off and visited my folks in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. I always enjoy checking out antique shops when I head over there as it's a nice escape and sometimes you can find cool stuff at good prices. The cool stuff is always....the good prices is hit and miss.

This trip proved the latter to be true as I found the above chilling in a showcase at the Antique Mall of America. I don't have much in the way of Hammerin' Hank but when I can add something for a reasonable price the answer will always be a resounding YES. I worked a small deal and this beaut ended up being right around the VCP average. It's an excellent add to my Vintage PC.

Sandy Koufax Pickup: An Absolutely Gorgeous 1956 Topps White Back, SGC 4!

I recently pulled the trigger on a card I've always liked and wanted but never put much thought into actually buying. The price was right to start with, and when factoring in that eBay was running a 10% back in eBay Bucks promotion, the time to act was clearly the present.

This is one of the nicest VG-EX 4's I've ever seen. The front presents more in the 5.5 range and the overall grade is brought down by a couple of minor, minor back imperfections. I really like the '56 Topps set and this Koufax has been somewhere on my radar for years.

I've always liked it more than his rookie aesthetically-speaking although I'm warming to the look of the 1955 Topps offering more and more. This is without question the nicest vintage Koufax I have in my modest Sanford Braun collection.

This is also my first look in-person at the new SGC holders. I am a big fan.

If I Had A Baseball Card and a 1956 Topps Jackie Robinson....Getting In The 42 and Jackie Spirit.

42, the movie chronicling the life and baseball times of Jackie Robinson, hits theaters today. I can't wait to check it out, although I'll be waiting at least 10 days so I can use free movie tickets I have way too many of. I'm cheap, you see.

In the meantime, to get in the spirit of the film, I created a custom card of myself. It was a pretty fun experience, and if you have a few minutes I'd recommend you all give it a shot and post your results. On a side note, I'm no longer sporting such a porn-o-rific 'stache as I was last Movember when the above picture was taken at a kickball game, as I've reverted back to a beard. Oh, and White Shadow is my bowling nickname. Don't ask.

Before I forget, it's only appropriate that I include my favorite Jackie piece of cardboard that calls my collection home.

A Pair of '56s In The Mail Is A Day I Enjoy: Newcombe and Rosen

The Newcombe was somehow set at a BIN price of $1.99, which shocked me, but not enough to prevent me from quickly pulling the trigger. For whatever it's worth, it books for $50. My only gripe was that for $3 shipping, the seller sent the Newcombe in a plain white envelope.

Really?

Some people.

The Rosen came in at a smooth 99 cents in another awesome auction victory, with a couple of bucks to ship it. In a bubble mailer, I might add.

Bonus points to you, random eBayer.

Compared to the Newcombe seller, you're a bonafide mensch.

My Rosen collection is slowly coming to a close in terms of the vintage Rosen I need, with both 1952 offerings - Topps and Bowman - the main cards to allude my grasp thus far.