New York Mets
Collecting Game-used: Curtis Granderson self-fielded chopper
They can't all be the longballs.
In fact, most game-used baseballs that arrive into collectors' hands are far from that. They're often the near-anonymous pitch in the dirt or an even worse (unless you collect pitchers) swing-and-miss that touched absolutely nothing but leather.
But this one from Curtis Granderson? It's a bit different -- and the video I found researching this one shows you nearly every step in the life of this baseball.
You can keep reading to see the details ... and the ball in action.
eBay Buzz: Mike Trout's dirty Definitive gems, Dusty Rhodes autographs, Darryl Strawberry, Kyler Murray ink & more
Have you seen the latest cool or interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.
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DEFINITELY DIRTY DEFINITIVE
The Item: Mike Trout 2019 Topps Definitive Collection autographed game-used patch booklet (/5)
The Price: $5,000 Buy-It-Now (or best offer)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Look close at that patch and you'll see some game-used dirt that only makes this impressive piece from a high-end brand even cooler. What's coolest about this? It's a gem that's not a 1/1 card -- there are four more like it out there in boxes of Definitive, which is a good thing. (Even better? Today is a 13 percent eBay Bucks day if you use the app ... get on it!)
Similar Pieces: More 2019 Topps Definitive Collection autos on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for Definitive Collection boxes and casesKeep reading for four more interesting items in this week's roundup ...
Buzz Break: 2019 Topps Tier One baseball cards
From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.The box: 2019 Topps Tier One baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 3
Cards in this box: 4
Base (Relic) set completion: 0 of 36 (0 percent)
Duplicates: 0Collecting Game-used: Finding Brandon Nimmo's beanball
Brandon Nimmo's path to Major League Baseball and a spot in the New York Mets lineup is far from a traditional one as he grew up in Wyoming where playing high school baseball isn't even an option.
He's a product of American Legion play -- and already a Hall of Famer there -- but that didn't stop him from being taken 13th in the 2011 MLB Draft and making his big-league debut three years ago at age 23. Nimmo, whose first prospect cards can be found in 2011 releases and who has just three Rookie Cards from 2016, was one of the Mets' bright spots last season with 17 homers in 140 games while hitting .263. The homers were third on the team behind Michael Conforto, Todd Frazier and Asdrubal Cabrera ... but that's not why we're here today.
Nimmo led all of MLB with 22 HBPs -- and the ball you see above connected for one last season.
Buzz Break: 2018 Topps Luminaries baseball cards
From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: 2018 Topps Luminaries baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 1
Base set completion: N/ACarding Baseball America's MLB Prospects Hot Sheet (July 23)
Here's a look at the top five players on this week's Baseball America Top MLB Prospects Hot Sheet and their seasons so far. It's a little something to help those who might want to dabble with prospecting -- some basics on their baseball cards alongside a highlight line from those more scouting-minded. We may not do this every week, but we'll check in on BA's top crop from time to time for the remainder of the season.1. Eloy Jimenez, OF, White Sox — Triple-A Charlotte Knights
Season so far: Hitting .326 with 20 doubles, 15 homers, 52 RBI and 0 SBs in 73 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: "After an extended stint on the disabled list, the White Sox’s No. 1 prospect returned on July 15 and quickly kicked off the cobwebs. ... He’s already socked half as many home runs (five) in 20 games with Charlotte as he did in 52 with Double-A Birmingham."
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): 730
First Chrome auto: 2017 Bowman
One auto to consider: 2013 Leaf Metal Draft
Buzz’s card take: If you don't know his name, it's too late to get in on the cheap as he was ranked as the No. 4 prospect entering this season by Baseball America and MLB.com. He was a key in the Jose Quintana trade and that means his present cards will show him in White Sox colors instead of Cubbie Blue as his first Chrome auto does. As long as all goes well health-wise, you should see him in the majors soon. In five MiLB seasons he's hit .306 with 58 homers and 258 RBI in 373 games.Keep reading for the rest of the top five ...
Playing Favorites: Eric Nuesslein's No. 1 baseball card ...
Do you have a single card or item in your collection that stands out from the rest?
It's often not easy to pick one when looking at a collection that you spent plenty of time (and likely money) building. Is picking just one favorite a challenge that you could take on? Tweet @blowoutbuzz on Twitter (or send an email at the address below) for more info on how you can have your favorite card or item highlighted here on The Buzz. We want to see what makes you tick.
Here is our latest collector to take this challenge. Check it out ...
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Name: Eric Nuesslein
Find him at: @ThoseBackPages on Twitter and Blowout Forums
Location: New York
Collects: Graded Rookie CardsThe favorite: An autographed PSA 1 1985 Topps No. 620 Dwight Gooden Rookie Card
Why this matters to me: This card, specifically the one that I've shown, is hands down the best card in my collection.
Why? Keep reading ...
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (May 9)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: James Paxton's no-hitter, Matt Harvey's trade, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and some big pulls in today's edition.
Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard is this year's Topps Now intern
Topps Now was a game-changer last season for baseball cards and it's been a big enough hit that "Fred" and friends now have an intern.
You might know him.
Mets & Marvel team up for Thor-Noah Syndergaard bobblehead
The Mjölnir has a new home.
The New York Mets announced this morning that they have joined forces with Marvel to create a bobblehead of Thor -- no, not The Avengers' Norse God -- aka Noah Syndergaard, who is one of the Mets' biggest comic book-nicknamed stars.
Gallery: 2017 MLB spring training & batting practice caps from New Era
A new baseball season is nearly here with the first spring training games set to air later this month and that's when we'll see the newest players on their new teams.
And many of them will be wearing new uniforms -- well, at least new caps.
Tim Tebow's first baseball autos coming soon in Elite Extra Edition
The 10th edition of Elite Extra Edition just might be remembered for No. 15.
Panini America's season-capping prospecting brand, 2016 Elite Extra Edition, arrives next week with a new configuration and former NFL player turned New York Mets minor-leaguer Tim Tebow on its checklist.
Holding Honus: Arizona D-backs' MLB Play Ball charity auction includes an unusual bonus
A series of charity auctions during the MLB Winter Meetings will raise money for a New Jersey youth baseball field in memory of former New York Mets public relations executive Shannon Forde and one will give a card collector a big, memorable moment.
One of the Arizona Diamondbacks' auctions among more than 80 active as part of the Play Ball initiative will give the winner a chance to meet someone legendary in the history of baseball cards.
Buzz Poll: Who do you see winning the World Series?
MLB's postseason begins tonight ... and we simply want to know who you think wins it all.
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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Sept. 19)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: Tebow's a Met, big Walmart hits, big breaks and ... where in the world is Manny Ramirez?
Buzz Poll: Will Tim Tebow ever play for Mets ... and have baseball cards?
From the New York Jets to the New York Mets.
That's the headline this morning as Tim Tebow has been signed by the Mets to a minor-league deal.
The 29-year-old hasn't played baseball since high school and hasn't taken a meaningful snap in the NFL since he was a Jet in 2012.
But, hey, now he'll be eligible to appear on baseball cards. (The real question is how soon will they arrive?)
[polldaddy poll=9516326]
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[polldaddy poll=9516331]
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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
Justin Turner's scarcity makes him an animal on baseball cards
He's in his eighth season as a big-leaguer but Justin Turner has finally become a bit of an animal at the plate with a career-high 23 homers and 72 RBI (so far) this season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He's been a mainstay at third base for the team the last couple of seasons and with his emerging presence he's attracted some fans -- or do we call them promotional buddies? -- along the way, which probably has helped get him on the radar of a few more.
There's one problem, though. When it comes to cardboard, he's a bit of a rare breed -- and that's translated into some cash for some collectors who have found and sold.
A Michael Conforto collector needs this 1996 Upper Deck Olympicard
Michael Conforto hasn't had the best sophomore season but playing in New York City means there are plenty of collectors who has sought out his cardboard.
But there's a chance many of them have missed a different Conforto that should be found along with their collection of New York Mets cardboard.
It's a 1996 Upper Deck Olympicard of Tracie Ruiz-Conforto -- his mother.
You never know where you'll see baseball cards pop up
You never know where you'll see baseball cards and late-night TV is one place where some good ol' American cardboard surfaced.
Actor Viggo Mortensen was on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and brought some gifts for the host.
Mike Piazza's NYPD helmet from 2001 game heads to auction
The helmet that Mike Piazza used in the first game after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will be on the auction block and sold during an auction during the National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, N.J.
The New York Mets catcher and Hall of Famer's helmet will be sold via Goldin Auctions with 50 percent of the buyer's premium headed to a New York-based charity, Tuesday's Children, which supports first-responders and their families.
"We are very lucky to have the opportunity to share such an important piece of baseball history and at the same time support the worthwhile work of this wonderful organization that supports those affected by the events of Sept. 11," said Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions. "Similar to Piazza's jersey from that night, this helmet will forever connect fans to one of the most memorable moments in Mets history. Those who were lucky enough to be there, or view it on television will never forget it."
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (June 26)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: Flawless breaks, Jose Altuve autographs, fake autographs, Brandon Nimmo, the NSCC & more.
David Wright signs exclusive autograph deal with Steiner Sports
Captain America has a new home when it comes to autographs.
New York Mets third baseman David Wright has signed an exclusive ink deal with Steiner Sports, which the company announced this week.
“David Wright has been the cornerstone of the New York Mets franchise for over a decade and has led the team’s talented young core into a new era of success,” said CEO Brandon Steiner. “Steiner Sports is proud to welcome David to our team and we are looking forward to opportunities to bring fans unique pieces of his signed memorabilia to cherish.”
Bartolo Colon's home run gets a bobble-belly bobblehead
First there was the home run. Then there was the baseball card.
Now there will be a bobble-belly bobblehead.
That's the collectibles life of Bartolo Colon these days as the first career home run of the 42-year-old pitcher has sparked plenty of interest.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (May 20)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: A supply savior, big maildays, Bowman Lucky & analyzing pitchers.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (May 11)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: Bartolo Colon's home run card, The Golden Bear, vintage debates, vintage pulls and Superfractors ... plenty of Superfractors.