You Can Always Get Scammed

Even hobbies have their villains.

People that spend the big money on huge quantities of cards, or even the big money on just one or two cards, definitely know that the card collecting "Hobby" as its known isn't immune to dirtbags. Like anything that can get dollar signs in people's eyes, there are always going to be shady folks trying to make or steal a quick buck or several. There's fascinating dirty details to unearth about legendary Tobacco cards and infamous card companies (hello, Upper Deck!), and I'm not going to rehash that here. Bogus auctions and items exchanged via the mail not being "as advertised" are going to happen no matter who is buying what.

It's funny when it happens, then, to a circle of small-time like-minded people who just like to send cards through the mail to each other and exchange stories and experiences about those cards, sports, and life in general. I'm generally pretty skeptical of people's actions if I haven't dealt with them before, and I feel like I'm pretty insulated to being duped. Mail thievery aside, it's just kind of eyerolling when you can tell when someone who tries to be an active participant in this little blog thing is obviously not above board.

I'm not here to call out any individuals by name. Instead, these things just remind me that I need to do something I meant to do years ago and actually compile a list of people I've traded with. I can't remember a single bad experience in these exchanges. There's been dozens of non-starters, but in most cases this is likely because one or both parties just didn't get their pile of cards together in time. Life gets in the way, etc. In general, it seems that if you make an effort to read someone's blog and get to know a little bit about what they like, and then reach out in the form of an email or a comment, most people... most... are not looking to take advantage of your kindness. At least, that's been my experience.

The first person that's going to go on that "Solid Dudes" (ladies can be dudes! we're all dudes here!) list is Pat from Hot Corner Cards. Pat reached out to me when I was in my Angry Dome and sent me piles upon piles of cards. (I still owe Pat! I need to hit his mailbox up before I turn into one of those horrible people I was just complaining about.)

Pat also sent some 2014 Topps Heritage set needs. I am getting closer, little by little, day by day. You know what's not little? Matt's head. There's not much room for anything else on this card.

There's a sense of mystery about the Cardinals rotation this coming season, with a number of players returning from injuries and Shelby Miller dealt away. Marco Gonzales looked good at times last season and could be a factor in the rotation depending on how things play out.

This is a clown card, guys. Clown card. Ozzie's not a clown. I cannot draw to save my life, but I know you can do better, Upper Deck.

I just like showing this card as often as possible because it cracks me up.

So is this obstruction now? Is Yadi out? Does anyone know the rules anymore?