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Mounted Memories Sports Memoribilia Show

Baseball season is over, but the pursuit of baseball cards continues. Yesterday we attended the Mounted Memories show out at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Part of the highlight was an opportunity to meet Carlos Quentin. Mordecai had the added bonus of meeting Gary Carter, a hero of the victorious 1986 Mets. This was a good week of meeting stars!

Gary Carter

First we met Gary Carter, who was very friendly. Mordecai introduced himself as a Long Island native, so they exchanged some words about that and the Long Island Ducks. Supposedly, Gary Carter is known to be particular about what he signs and for how much, though you wouldn't get that impression from actually interacting with him. Mordecai explained to me that it might be his agent who is picky. I took a picture of what seemed to be Gary Carter's Agent.

Sweatpants!

While in line, you can catch glimpses of other famous people who are greeting fans and signing things. We saw Rollie Fingers to our left, so I tried to snap some non-blurry pictures. This is the best, clear view of his famous mustache. Johnny Knox was signing things to my right, but his facial hair wasn't as interesting. He did have some powerful eyebrows. That's about all I can remember.

Carlos Quentin

While in line for Gary Carter, I saw Carlos Quentin come out from behind the curtains. He is so rectangular! His head is also kind of boxy! He may have had a bone spur in his foot and subsequently contributed to the White Sox failing this past season, but if you haven't noticed, he's also the tall, dark, and handsome type.

Here is Shaun with CQ. Notice Quentin's Chris-Getz-like shirt. This shirt isn't bad, but someone needs to dress athletes more regularly, especially for signings. What's that red trim on his shirt? Anyway, look at Quentin's impeccable eyebrows! Look at Shaun's GRIN!

When I met Alexei Ramirez and Chris Getz, I was star struck, but I think I may have been more star struck meeting Quentin. I have the impression that Quentin is a bigger star than Alexei, perhaps only because he is physically bigger than Alexei. I just kind of stammered and floated about in front of him until Mordecai took our picture. By the time it was Shaun's turn to get his ball signed, I lost my opportunity to shake Quentin's hand. Mordecai reports his handshake was a little moist, but firm. I missed out! Shaun asked about his plantar fascitis; Quentin said it's a lot better. Luckily, Mordecai doesn't seem to be attached to having Quentin on his fantasy team. The Poppersteins will gladly take him into the family next year!

Others

I like this portrait of the rest of the card show gang--Dan, Joe, Bryan. Dan got a box of basketball cards, Joe got a bunch of loose jersey & auto cards, and somehow, Bryan is uninterested in cards (!!!). Someone needs to get that boy a box of cards and experience the thrill of the chase. Maybe he's not into chasing things, though. I've only seen him excited about Kobe Bryant, Rock Band, and playing softball.

Mordecai noticed an empty box labeled "Mets." It appears the box was for pink mini helmets. For the ladies, perhaps? Maybe this is a good time to segue into a few words on my experience as a female at the card show.

Since I began collecting cards last spring, it's become apparent that many card stores do not have a big female clientele. This is not surprising, but what does surprise me a little is that people are quite vocal about a girl coming into their store, not merely there to accompany their male friends. I'm not bothered by this or anything, but I find it interesting that people are not at all shy about the matter. In fact, I like collecting these little experiences. If there was a photo capturing the essence of each one, I'd try to make cards out of these anecdotes.

So yesterday, the old man collecting ticket stubs at the entrance made a few remarks about why I was there and jokingly/creepily said he wanted to see me after the card show. Later on, while perusing $5 jersey cards, the vendor came over to me, Mordecai, Joe, and Shaun and he said to me, "I'm sure you had to drag these fellows to the card show!" I said that yes, they were kicking and screaming about it. At another vendor's set-up, Mordecai and I picked out a few cards to purchase and I went to pay. I reported to Mordecai that the vendor gave us a $2 discount. Mordecai said, "Yeah, that's why I made you go pay." (Hmm. How can I exploit Mordecai to get insignificant discounts?)

Maybe none of this would happen if I looked more like the Greg Olsen woman. This lady wearing a Greg Olsen jersey was as wide as she was tall, thereby being pretty much completely round. For some reason she was sitting by herself on the ground next to the escalators by the empty entrance of the convention center. She looked like a fat stray cat, contently lounging in a place where she didn't quite belong. Later I saw her with what seemed to be her family, and they looked like they appeared from the mountains, but wearing Greg Olsen jerseys. But I guess I wouldn't have my little anecdotes to collect, so I will continue to bumble about these card shows, letting Mordecai think we're getting $2 discounts because I paid for the cards. Yes, surely, those four Mike Piazza cards from the 90's are worth $11.

Detroit Adventures

In addition to the Twins vs. Tigers game, we had some other adventures in Detroit. I loved Detroit and its surrounding suburbs and would go back any time in a heartbeat.

But I'll think twice about staying at Travelodge again. I appreciate their service because it's good, but I do not appreciate the stench of low-grade bathroom cleaner permeating the entire rented space. Also, the floor plan of this room and the motel rooms in "No Country For Old Men" are eerily similar. The only thing missing was a vent above the bathroom door where I could stuff a suitcase full of drug money and a detector thingie.

Mordecai is always searching for weird buildings and structures, and I knew we were not going to drive away from Detroit without looking at something that was not the GM headquarters building in downtown Detroit.

Apparently there is a townhouse complex designed by Mies van der Rohe in central Detroit. To get to it, we drove around some completely tore up neighborhood, spotted two tall Mies-esque condo buildings, and then noticed that there were some low, modern townhouses tucked away nearby that had "BY MIES VAN DER ROHE!!!" written all over them. I noticed the little playground that also looked like it was designed by Mies. Very simple, straightforward, and functional, if Mies' idea of having fun on bars was training to train like an Olympic gymnast. I definitely hurt myself climbing those bars. I need to stop pretending like I can still do tricks from grade school days.

After lunch at The Detroiter Bar, we searched baseball card shops and came up with Collectible Investments in none other than Royal Oaks, which is where we were staying.

I'd say the store had more toys and Yu-gi-oh-type things than sports-related stuff, but I walked away with a few things I couldn't get in Chicago very easily. Mordecai got some box of old cards that wasn't worth whatever he paid, but I think he was content nonetheless.

For Joe:

EOJ LIVES IN ROYAL OAKS, MICHIGAN!

We almost settled for a chain restaurant for coffee but came across the gem that is the Donut Cutter, not too far from Collectible Investments. I think it is a family-run establishment, and the interior looks like it's stuck in the late 80's, early 90's. I'm pretty sure that this is what Dunkin Donuts used to look like. The girl running the register and the other customers all knew each other by name and what was going on, generally, in each others' lives.

I had what I guess is the old fashioned donut, and Mordecai had a glazed donut. They were both good, but the glazed donut was fluffy and chewy and it made me regret my choice. I think I just like to eat what others are eating, but I swear, if there were such a thing as a donut-cloud, it'd be a glazed donut from the Donut Cutter in Royal Oaks!

Then we went to the game and it was awesome. Did I mention we went to the game and it was awesome?

The next day, it was pouring. But we escaped the storms by heading out west towards New Buffalo, Michigan, for our next destination. Along the way, we stopped at Big Boy.

When my parents went to get Oji, they stopped at a Big Boy and my mom bought the Big Boy figurine for me. So I felt kind of obligated to check it out. I had no idea it was an actual diner; I thought it was more like a McDonald's type of fast food restaurant. It was OK--I'd stop again for the novelty factor.

Took my pancakes with me on the road for some reason. Do you like my busted umbrella?

And then we were on our way to New Buffalo, where sun, heat, and humidity were waiting for us.

To be continued!

Pack Wars

Last weekend Joe, Mordecai and I went to the Bunny Hutch for a baseball card event. The event involved miniature golf, batting cages, and pack wars, which I can best describe as something like sports card bingo. Lots of sun, heat, raffles, giveaways...AND SOUTHPAW!!!

I asked for a photo and then asked about how he/it distracts opposing pitchers by doing dances behind home plate in the first row. Then he/it did some dances for me and signed a magnet for me.

This is John of Elite Sportscards and Comics. He is our go-to man when it comes to baseball cards. He is our Baseball Card Uncle.

Saturday: Won an Authentic Alfonso Soriano Jersey

At least I think it's the authentic one. On Saturday, Mordecai, Joe and I dropped by Elite Sports Card & Comics on Montrose by Damen to see if any of us won a raffle/sweepstakes contest we had automatically entered by buying boxes of Topps Series 2 cards a few weeks ago. For every X number of packs you purchase (I forget how many, we aren't at this Little League level), you get to enter Y number of raffle tickets, and for every hobby box or jumbo box you purchase, you get to enter Y + more raffle tickets. Since Mordecai and I got a hobby and jumbo (Big Leagues), we entered a lot of tickets. The owner, John had the tickets and corresponding prizes listed on a sheet of paper. A 5 year old won an autographed Kerry Wood photograph, and a 74 year old man won some stickers of something unknown. I WON FIRST PRIZE, AN AUTHENTIC ALFONSO SORIANO JERSEY (MEDIUM).

I waltzed into Elite with my new White Sox jacket, too. This just adds to the long history I have with the Cubs, where it seems like I should be a solid Cubs fan. I've written this elsewhere, but I'll say it again: I spent a large portion of my childhood/adolescence half a block from Wrigley Field at my grandma's; I went to a day care with Shawn Dunston's daughters; I went to many Cubs games with said day care; I have met Ernie Banks and have a personlized autograph from him; many of my friends and classmates are Cubs fans; I have met Koyie Hill and have a personlized autograph from him; and now, I win this jersey. The other jerseys that are going to be up for prizes in the next rounds are the Phillie's and Joe's favorite, Chase Utley and the Giant's and Joe's other favorite/Filipino brother, Tim Lincecum. I would've preferred Lincecum because he's on my fantasy team, but I guess it's fitting for me to win a Cubs jersey. At least I don't think lowly of Soriano. His face looks a little skull-ish to me, but I like him fine, and would prefer his jersey over that of other "Cubbies," save for maybe Ryan Dempster because he's also on my fantasy team. This jersey will probably not be worn, but I will hang it and take care of it with tons of pride and gratitude for Elite and John.

Upon careful inspection (Mordecai happened to capture the moment, even though the photo is a little out of focus), I noticed the giant Cubs logo on the front that is bigger than my face is made to look like it's sewn on. The little black zig-zags are merely printed instead of being actual thread. I'm not sure of the details of an authentic jersey, but I really hope the actual "Cubbies" aren't running around with the same patch, because that'd be sad and lame, much like reported crappy facilities in Wrigley Field.

In closing, I want to say that I thought maybe this was a sign that I should "transcend team loyalties" like one of UIC's finest, Prof. Jon Jarrett, who specializes in the foundations of quantum mechanics (or something like that). I only talk to him about baseball (never took physics in my life), and he once told me to email him a list of my favorite players because he collects cards. My email ended up being this long-winded explanation of liking Japanese players, the White Sox over the Cubs, and now a growing, fuzzy love for the Tigers, and how fantasy is just fueling me into overdrive. I ran into him the next day by the mailboxes, and I said hi, and he looked at me and started laughing. In the email, I had asked him about this mysterious "transcending team loyalties" thing. Since all I got in response so far is laughter, I'm still kind of lost in fantasy/personal biases, not knowing exactly how to feel about this Soriano jersey as a Soriano jersey, versus as a prize from Elite and John. If he ever writes back or clarifies the "ascent" or what the Land Beyond is like, I'll certainly update here or on the Marauders of Time blog or Third Base or Bust. Maybe I'll just have to straight up interview him.

Mail Call!

The past few days have been full of activity. While the PS3-HDMI business gets taken care of and while we get real games and while I finish my paper(s), let's review the recent contents of my mailbox.

First, I received some Topps World Baseball Classic cards from the generous Grandcards. As I type, I am listening to the Tigers vs. Twins game, and Granderson just robbed Joe Mauer of a home run in a tied game, bottom of the ninth. Granderson seems to be pretty good at this. I can see him with his GAME FACE on saying, "JOEL I GOTCHU" with fire in his eyes. Anyway, Joe pointed me to Grandcards' funny story about bear-like Fernando Rodney's '09 Series 1 card, which has a picture of a non-bear like pitcher, who turns out to be someone who hasn't pitched for the Tigers since '07. Grandcards points this out to Topps, who says thanks and offers the "2009 Topps World Baseball Classic Cards with Fernando Rodney in it as compensation" for their mistake. But Rodney isn't in the set! Grandcards offered most of the cards to readers, and I asked for NY Mets'/Puerto Rico's Carlos Beltran, Tokyo Giants/Japan's Abe Shinnosuke, and Tampa Bay Rays'/Japan's Akinori Iwamura. I have absolutely no way of repaying Grandcards, but I will cheer on Granderson for the rest of my life. Thank you sir!

Added bonus that evening: when we got our PS3 at the South Loop Target, we stopped by the baseball cards and I noticed a few Goudeys that were scattered about. Looks like someone wasn't pleased enough to take them after opening them without paying. These cards need a good home, I thought, so I walked around with them in my hand to show I was not stealing, but saving the cards, and we walked away with a good PS3 deal and some bonus Goudey cards.

Then early this afternoon, I got my "hot" Goudey packs from eBay. I am attracted to the unattractiveness of Goudey cards. I guess they're Upper Deck's response to Topp's Heritage cards, which I initially didn't like. But now that I've seen the hot mess that is Goudey, Heritage cards look like museum-worthy works of art. So, what did I get? Aramis Ramirez jersey, Joe Mauer jersey, and Gary Sheffield jersey. NOT EXCITING AT ALL. That's what I get for technically cheating, or fueling demand for hot packs, I figure. I don't think I'll get these on eBay again; I'll just get boxes that guarantee something.

And then later this afternoon, the UPS man dropped off my 2008 Stadium Club box and Joe's 2007 Rookie Edition box. The Stadium Club box is laughably light, even though it's much larger than Joe's Rookie Edition box. The number of cards explains this, but it's still funny to actually feel and see. I'm pretty sure that I asked for five packs of Upper Deck 2008 Series 2 as my bonus free stuff from dacardworld.com, but they gave me four packs of 2007 Rookie Edition, which is yes, what Joe got. But in one of those packs was an autograph from JOE SMITH, then a pitcher of the Mets, and according to Joe, now injured with the Indians. Anyway, I am waiting to open the box in the presence of both Mordecai and Joe, so that I can share my experience of pulling autographs and base cards that I already have.

Last note: My mom and I went to Assi on Dempster and Milwaukee, a Korean Mitsuwa-like supermarket. They have a satellite bakery in there, Crescent, which according to my mom is the underdog to Hippo at Mitsuwa. Crescent has some MAD SOFT sliced bread; I'm surprised the slices don't crush themselves. At the supermarket, I picked up some Pocari Sweat, a slightly salty, Gatorade-like drink, packaged in this tall, skinny, steel can that I remember from back in mid-90's in Japan. I also got this snack, which I recognized as the Korean version of Japan's Ottoto (o-to-to). I can report that both versions are equally addictive (I ate the entire content of the box in about five minutes after taking the photo above).

This is a text-heavy post; I hope I made sense.

2009 Jenni, Series 1

I was immensly pleased to discover a small package of baseball cards from Jenni in our mailbox yesterday. The wrapping was very nice, with a personalized touch. Initially, I wanted to wait until we saw Joe again so that the three of us could open the packs together like we often do when we go card hunting. But I knew I couldn't wait that long, so Mordecai and I opened ours last night. Sorry, Joe.

I received a few Miguel Cabrera cards that I don't have yet, because my Miggy collection is mostly from when he was still with the Marlins. There were also a few Bobby Jenks cards, only one of which I already had. And finally, there were two of what I consider to be *bonus* cards: 2008 Allen & Ginter of creepy pitcher AARON HARANG of Reds and star pinch-pitcher NICK SWISHER of the Yankees. I picked up Aaron Harang for my fantasy team only to drop him; Joe and Nar brought his Yahoo! profile picture and the development of his disgusting facial hair to my attention. His picture now is not so bad, but there was one before that was pretty horrific. I guess he's not a bad pitcher though. I have problems with ugly on my team, but I was willing to make an exception if he pitched well. For better or for worse, it turned out I specifically needed a relief pitcher to replace José Valverde while he's on the DL getting hematoma-related fluid drained from his calf (gross), so I had to let Harang go for Frank Francisco of the Rangers. I have to say I'm partially relieved since Harang looks so scary, kind of like Death personified, but I will root for him and his ugliness from here on anyway.

Thanks again, Jenni!

Koyie Hill @ AU Sports, Skokie IL

This post could also be called, "Reason #23984 Why I Should Be a Cubs Fan." (More details on that in the hopefully near future.)

Mordecai, Joe and I first encountered Skokie's AU Sports on Dempster before it moved to Village Crossing. I think I was a little bewildered by the disorderly state of the Dempster location but looked forward to the new, near-Chili's location. Aside from Meijer and AU, I have no place to purchase, in person, pricey hobby packs of 2008 Stadium Club with a chance to pull a rookie autograph I already have or what I would consider the haunted Nick Adenhart autograph. Mordecai and I dropped by AU's new location last weekend for its "pre-grand opening." Joe went a few days later, and while the store was closed, he noticed a sign at the door saying that the Cubs' backup catcher Koyie Hill would be doing a signing at AU the following weekend.

We weren't particularly committed to going until the very last minute. The three of us are White Sox fans anyway, and I think our combined knowledge of Koyie Hill was rather minimal. I was kind of curious though, and at this point my love for baseball is so enormous that I'll take any active player's signature and a photo with him. So, along with cards, Mordecai and I got a photograph of Koyie and Joe got a baseball for Koyie to sign. He arrived in a white SUV with his daughter, which was quite endearing, and was very pleasant to everyone. I don't like speaking to strangers unless I have to, so naturally, Mordecai did all the talking. He asked for it to be signed to "Kei and Mordecai." My theory is that as a result, Koyie thought I was absolutely foreign. He also wrote "Go Cubs Go!" which I didn't see on other people's signed things, to the extent that I could see them. On all kinds of levels, I probably am absoultely foreign. Anyway.

Joe said that Koyie reminded him of Dustin Pedroia. I saw a picture of Pedroia without his helmet recently, and I started to see what Joe was saying. But I think it went more like this: the baseball gods made Koyie Hill and they were like, "Not bad. We'll keep this template." And then they made Dustin Pedroia but something didn't go exactly right, at least visually, along the line. But it was good enough, so they moved on. I don't know if Pedroia has nice teeth, but Koyie had some nice pearly whites.

Here is Joe with Koyie. Joe admitted to being star-struck.

I don't think I'll ever be a Cubs fan, but I think I'll always be somewhat sympathetic. I have too many connections and I can't seem to evade them (again, more on this later). Andy has Geovany Soto, and I probably won't ever have an opportunity to meet Geovany Soto, and Geovany Soto's shoulder is "sore." Perhaps it will get sore-er. So, I will forever root for Koyie to be the Cubs' starting catcher. Go, Koyie, Go!

Weekend Wrap Up: Hammer Pants, Baseball Cards & Real Baseball

This weekend I dropped by H&M and picked up these pants with the remainder of my gift card. Initially, I didn't like these "harem," "drop crotch," or "MC Hammer" pants that everyone is wearing, at least in Internetland, but then I started to realize the roominess might be comfortable if the fabric is right. I was also inspired by CC Sabathia and Prince Fielder's enormous uniforms. If only they'd wear knee-high socks like Ichiro but over those billowing pants.

I was a little apprehensive about these pants so I kept the tag on but wore them out. But then I couldn't stop wearing them all weekend. They are so comfortable, you must take my word for it. You can't really tell in the photo above but the have a slight shimmer to them. But looking at these pictures, I'm starting to realize how ridiculous they really do look. Oh well!

On Saturday, Mordecai and I went baseball card-hunting in the afternoon and then we picked up Joe to eat some damn good orange beef at Shanghai Inn. We then went to Meijer and were initially disappointed by the regular card aisle, but then discovered a display of many blasters on sale. I cleaned out their 2008 Topps Series 1 blasters as they were $5 each. I also got a 2008 Topps Chrome blaster, not at all on sale, but worth every penny. Looks like I'll be collecting 2008 base set as well. And yes, that is a GOP John McCain card on the table.

On Sunday, Mordecai, Sean and I went to see the Red Sox sweep the Yankees at a Red Sox lovers' bar, Monsignor Murphy's in Lakeview. I went to the bathroom at one point and when I came back, all "tu tu ru"-ing to myself, I turned to my left and checked to see how the game was going, and that was when I witnessed Jacoby Ellsbury stealing home. Perfect timing! Joe had told me about Kenji Johjima stealing home once, but I had totally forgotten about it. Jose Reyes was recently talking about stealing home, but I'm starting to become wary of him, even with that million dollar smile.

On schedule this week: more baseball and baseball cards!

Weekend Wrap Up

On Friday, Mordecai, Joe and I visited Nickel City. Three more Poppersteins were collected. I need three more to have a complete baseball team! I'm like "the crazy cat lady" but with stuffed penguins instead.

On Saturday, the three of us again investigated baseball card shops. AU Sports Memoribilia moved, but has yet to open in Skokie's Village Crossing. Big John and Little Debbie's was nice, but they don't seem to carry 2008 Stadium Club. Meijer was not an option on Saturday because we went to Long John Silver's for late lunch/early dinner, which meant we'd go home afterward to shrivel up like rasisins from astronomical sodium intake. I had the chicken and fish basket with coleslaw on the side. I couldn't eat the hushpuppies, and I'm not sure I would've if I could've. I don't understand their existence.

On Sunday, Mordecai, Sayaka and I went to Mitsuwa. I had ramen and natto (fermented soy beans) for lunch. I previously underestimated Santouka's ramen, which is reportedly famous in Japan. This shit is good! Will I return to udon next door? Also, Gabutto Burger is going to open soon in Mitsuwa's food court. I'm not sure what they're up to, but it looks fun. Meijer was an option after Mitsuwa, so off we went. Heritage packs were nowhere to be found, and being unable to leave empty-handed, Mordecai got the $4.99 pack of Topps '09. I got my Stadium Club pack, which yielded a David Ortiz Yankee's Stadium Slice and a Chris Perez auto that I had to redeem online. I also got a regular pack of Topps '09 for the sake of it. I love Topps.

BASEBALL IS UPON US

Our league's floating manager heads and their respective first picks.

Baseball Card Love

Yesterday Mordecai, Joe and I went to Max's for dinner and Target for baseball cards. Max's is known for their "ghetto fries." They apparently also have "pizza fries" which I found more enticing than the description of "ghetto fries," but since the latter are so hyped up I decided to go with them. The fries are smothered in BBQ sauce, cheese, chopped onions, Italian beef gravy, and hot peppers. It sounds appetizing, but it kind of became too much after a while. I certainly don't need to try them again. And for some reason, Joe's order was notably spicier than mine.

Then we moved on to the Target at Peterson. If you don't know from other social networking sources, the three of us have become more or less obsessed with baseball cards. My level of interest was comparatively minimal when Mordecai, Jenni and I went to Meijer, though getting the Tim Lincecum card and knowing he was high up on overall draft rankings sealed Fantasy Draft fates (I drafted Lincecum before Joe could during the second round; sorry Joe, I didn't know he's potentially part Filipino). I know that my general obsession with Fantasy Baseball is spilling into the territory of "abnormal," but why should love have limits? In addition to collecting Topps 2009, I'm keeping a binder of all of our league's players. (More on that for another post, probably.)

Mordecai got Topps 2009 and Topps Heritage (1960 design). He seemed to enjoy the card of floating manager heads and the Jimmy Kimmel-look-alike player. Joe got the Upper Deck Masterpiece 2009 (or was it 2008?) box, Topps 2009 Cereal box, Upper Deck 2009 Jumbo Pack, and Upper Deck Spectrum 2009 box (in photo, above). The Spectrum series features autographed cards by random celebrities, including Kim Kardashian. I bought a regular pack of Topps 2009, a jumbo pack of Topps 2009, and a Topps 2009 Cereal box as well. I added significantly to my general collection and to my Fantasy League collection, so I am quite content and willing to hold off until Saturday for more baseball card treasures.