Christmas Cards on Cards

Today was basically the last time anyone can talk about Christmas for the next 11 months or so as far as I'm concerned. It's a new year, we're going back to work tomorrow, and it's time to take the tree down. Just in the nick of time, here's one final Christmas-related post which will also be the third-to-the-last trade post of 2010. Yes, there's more coming, but I expect to get those out of the way later this week.

Larry from Emerald City Diamond Gems hit me up with a Christmas card full of surprises: more cards! I found it very generous of him to send a number of us blogging types some free cards geared towards our collecting interests. My envelope in particular was loaded with vintage rookie goodies. I really wish Topps had remained true to the original set by using the "St. Louis Cards" on last year's 2009's Heritage set.

Okay, so we're not talking GEM MINT+++++ grade or anything here, but I think I almost prefer my vintage cards to be well appeciated and pliable.

This is an amazing card for three reasons: that logo on his cap, the expression on his face and... yes... the name.

Lo and behold, here's a rookie card of the famed Cardinal reliever-turned TV broadcaster. Rookie faced Hungo doesn't quite have the same intimidating look he became known for. I guess Bob Stinson wasn't notable enough for the "artists" at Topps to bother to create a cap logo for him.

From one broadcast booth to the other, it's a rookie card of the lovable goof Mike Shannon.

And finally, the whole package did a 180 degree turn and produced a Yadier Molina All-Star jersey. I now really want to make sure I have all of the Cardinal jersey cards from this set as it was the year the All-Star Game was in St. Louis. Hence, they look great.

Thanks again to Emerald City Diamond Gems! I will make sure to send something back to give my thanks, although it probably won't include a Christmas card.