I made my list,
And checked it twice.
I thought I would get cards,
Because all year I'd been nice.

No Panini, no Leaf
No Topps, no Upper Deck.
After opening all gifts,
My christmas list I did check.

WWE Heritage, Panini Cooperstown
Were both on my list.
Panini's Golden Age and UD Goodwin,
How could I have missed?

Nothing to rip
Nothing to break
I'd even settle for relics
Although I'm sure they'd be fake.

I guess I'll survive
There's always next year
At least I got socks and boxers
And some work clothes gear

Let this be a warning
To fellow collectors I've known
When it comes to your xmas wish list
Just buy it all on your own!

I went to get my mail today and I was shocked to see a TTM return as I haven't had the time to send them out in quite some time.  The irony is, I should have known who it was since this player tweeted out a picture the other day of him signing fan mail.  I was still shocked and happy to see it was Josh Hamilton!

Say what you want about him, but I've been a fan of Josh Hamilton since his triumphant return to the Major Leagues.  His Home Run Derby performance at Yankee Stadium (the old one) will be something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

I saw that he signs through the mail and figured I would give it a try.  I can't believe that someone at his level takes the time to sign autographs for collectors through the mail.  Truly a class act and I can't thank him enough for taking the time to sign the card for me.

It's official, I'm addicted!  My first box of 2012 Panini Cooperstown was so much fun that I decided to purchase two more boxes today at the lowest price I've seen yet.  I was fortunate enough to pull three sweet autographs (two in one box!).  Adding to my Whitey Herzog autograph that I pulled in my first box, I added autographs from Dick Williams (#/49), Don Sutton (#/799) and Dave Van Horne (#/500).  In addition, I was able to make a larger dent in my want list of cards that I need for the complete set.  Ideally I'd like to create a master set, but we'll see how that goes.  The prices are now lower than when they were under the MAPP, so scoop up a box if you haven't yet.  Also, email me (LINK) if you'd like to make some trades to help each other complete sets or needs!  

2012 Panini Cooperstown SET NEEDS:

99

SPs: 152, 153, 154, 155, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168

Ballparks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 10

Bronze History: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100

Credentials: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18

Famous Moments: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19

Field Generals: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10

Hall History: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

High Praise: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20

HOF Classes Induction Year: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20

Induction Set: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25

Museum Pieces: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

The Village: Otesaga Hotel, The Landmark Inn, Cooperstown Mountains, Fresh Snowfall in Cooperstown

Voices of Summer: 1, 2, 5, 9

With Honors: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9

I purchased a box of 1991 Pro Line Portraits (Football) from Baseball Card Exchange (bbcexchange.com) during their Black Friday promotion, so I figured I would share the results.

Base Set: 269/300 (89.7%)

Pro Line Portrait Wives: 3/7 (42.9%)

Autographs: Zero :(

This had to be one of the funnest box breaks I've done in some time.  The box was inexpensive but the laughter was well worth the price.  The pictures on some of these cards and the outfits the players wear, PRICELESS!  While I didn't get an autograph card from the box, this product had an autograph list and distribution that was WELL ahead of its time.  If you are able to find any of these boxes at a decent price, I'd suggest you purchase one and open it.  Fun times!

Stop me if you've heard this one before, but I purchased a box of 2012 Panini Cooperstown from Dave and Adam's Card World over the Black Friday weekend.  I wanted to share my box break and a brief review with all of my readers.

Here are the results:

Base Set: 81/150 (54%) 

SPs: 157, 170

Ballparks: 2/10

Credentials: 2/19

Famous Moments: 3/20

Field Generals: 1/10

Hall History: 3/10

High Praise: 2/20

Induction Set: 3/25

Museum Pieces: 2/20

The Village: 2/10

Voices of Summer: 2/10

With Honors: 2/10

Induction Year (balsa stock): George Brett

Bronze History (#/599): Cum Posey, Sam Thompson, Monte Ward

Crystal Collection (#/299): Walter Johnson, Richie Ashburn, Tony Gwynn

Cooperstown Signatures: Whitey Herzog (#/550)

There you have it, outside of Topps Allen & Ginter which happens to be my favorite release every year, I have to say that Panini Cooperstown was my favorite product in 2012.  I always enjoy visiting Cooperstown as the village is beautiful and the hall of fame is second to none.  I'm definitely going to try to put together the set and may try for another box or two if the prices go down.  My only complaint is the lack of card numbers on the Village insert set.  Not sure why they wouldn't include card numbers on those, but other than that the set is beautiful, the autographs look sharp and it's a fun box to break. Great job Panini, you're batting 1.000 with the two products that I opened (Triple Play and Cooperstown) and I think I may be warming up to you!

I have more box breaks coming up this week, so bookmark the site and stay tuned for more!