Top Ten George Brett Cards That Symbolize America

As promised from earlier today, it is time for another top ten list.  Being that it is The 4th of July it is only fitting that this holiday is the inspiration for my top ten list.  Every card on this list screams Americana to me in some way.  Whether it is the design or it's name, each has it's own patriotic flare.  There will be no 1975 Canadian O-pee-Chee card on this list.  My top ten lists, unless otherwise stated, are limited to cards that I currently own.  The lists are strictly base on my opinion.  Cards might be listed because they have some memorable back story, cool design, or something that simply sticks out, too me, about them.  Feel free to comment, I love talking to other collectors.  To check out the front and back of all of these cards and over 1000 other George Brett cards click here at "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog" and check out my website.

Top Ten George Brett Cards That Symbolize America

10. 1983 Perma-Graphic All-stars #1

You can't get any more patriotic then the Red, White, & Blue with Stars, Right? Some day I am going to do a top ten card brand list and the Perma-graphics are definitely in my top 5, maybe even my top 2.  I am going to have to give it some serious thought, though.  Nice design, but with most of Brett's posed cards, not the best picture,









9. 1988 Play Ball America

Some might argue that Football has become America's sport, and there is probably a lot of truth to it.  Baseball, though, is still considered "The American Pastime".  I chose this card mainly for the name of the card.  These late 80s Broder cards are fun to collect and I have a couple complete sets of them.









8. 1999 Hasbro Starting Lineup #1


Again, whats more American that Old Glory, the Stars & Stripes, and the Red, White, and Blue.  All names for the flag that stands higher than all other flags, well at least here in America.  I wish that they would have just put the entire flag in this card, but I wasn't the designer.








7. 1990 All American Baseball Team #1

Again this one was mainly because of the title, but it still has a very American feel to the card.  It makes me laugh how they could put the team name on the card, but could not have the teams logo's anywhere on the picture.  If you look at most of the oddball cards from this era, you will see many examples of this.









6. 1976 Hostess #114

What's more American than Twinkies! I say nothing.  Since 1930 it was one of the most request kid's snack. In 2012, when America saw the last package of Twinkies sold, because of bankruptcy, Americans stepped up an demanded their Twinkies be returned.  What American's want, Americans get.  Sometimes I wish they would get that passionate and organized about things other than snack foods.  








5. 1993 American Holding Company 6 Card Set

There is nothing terribly American about this set except the fact that it has the name American in the title.  I can not find much information about the American Holding Company, besides the fact that they did a couple of these six card player sets.  This is one of my favorite sets of George Brett cards and I don't get to feature it very often.  I like it way better than the Star sets.  To see all of the cards in  this set, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.







4. 2015 Panini Prizm #16 Fireworks Prizm & #165 Red/White/Blue Mojo Prizm

Finally something recent, and a 2 for 1!  With a brand name like Panini, you know it screams "I'm American!"  But what's more traditional on the 4th of July than watching Fireworks, whether they be legal or illegal, with a red, white, and blue backdrop.  I am doing both of these cards because they are the same year, same brand, and have similar designs.  Honestly when I decided to do this list I thought that they were a variation of the same card at first.  I do like the prizm design and fact that there is a prizm on top of the prizm.  Very hard to tell in the pictures.


















3. 2002 Topps American Pie American Sluggers #19



I will admit that this was a tough top ten list, but I just didn't want to choose a color...don't make me do it.  I love this set.  One of the reasons I love it is because I have the complete set of 4.  Though, I can swear it looks like Topps airbrushed out his puffy chaw cheek.

2. 1990 Score McDonalds #19

I am not sure if there is a brand that is more recognizable to kids in America.  You can not miss the golden arches while you are driving down the interstate.  Whether it be on a billboard or the restaurant itself. I can remember as a kid when I saw them asking (or maybe "telling" is a better word) my mom and dad that I wanted to go to McDonald's.  Granted it was way cooler when I was a kid and they actually had characters other than a creepy clown.  Who remembers Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese?  All forgotten by today's kids, but loved by my generation.  It has been over a year since I did my overall top ten list and I did not own this card at that time, but it would definitely be on it if I redid it today.

1. 1991 Topps Dessert Shield #2 & #540

What makes America great?  Its the people that gave their live for us to make sure that we are free.  Those freedoms include to celebrate on this day and tell how great our nation is.  They also gave us the freedom to spout hateful things about our nation.  Things that in many nations would be deemed treasonous and worthy of death.  That's how great our nation is, and I think that most people forget that freedom, because once it's gone, this country will cease to be that "shining city upon a hill."  We can say what we want, but only because of brave men and women who sacrificed themselves for this country.  These cards were distributed to men and women that were fighting overseas during Operation Dessert Shield.  I feel it an honor to have them in my collection.  

Thanks for checking out my top ten.  Check back regularly for my semi-regular blog called "Random and Reflections."  Also, again, don't forget to check out my website, "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog".

Random & Reflection #8

It is July 4th and it’s a day to bar-b-que, hang out with friends, and watch both legal and illegal explosions in the air, but it also a day to reflect on what we have and who we are as a country.  We as Americans like to whine and complain about things going on, and I will say that it is on all sides on the political spectrum, but we do not realize that is one of our greatest freedoms that we have.  To say what is on our mind.  Most countries do not share in this freedom, which is what makes America great, even if I disagree with most of what people are saying.  Anyway, it has been a week and a half since I blogged and I think it is time for a little R&R.

The Random

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini #317 Short Print

I use a random generator to select which card I am going to write about.  The number spread I have is 1 to 1017, because that is how many different Brett cards I currently have.  To my surprise the randomly generated number was 1017.  I have grown too really like the Gypsy Queen cards.  I collected a large amount of them in 2015.  I will say I do like the dark green border on the 2015s way better than the light border on the 2016s.

The Reflection

Psalm 33:12

Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh— the people He has chosen to be His own possession!

Not a surprise that Bible gateway put a verse up today with possible symbolism for the holiday. ;-) This is an awesome chapter of Psalm. The chapter starts off with rejoicing in the Lord, praising the Lord, and skillfully sings new songs to the Lord.  We do this because the word of the Lord is right and trustworthy.    This verse also states that God made the Earth and all that dwells on it and has control over all of it too.  Do we trust that this is a true statement?  In our world it feels like things our totally out of control.  Not just in America, but globally.  Whether it is people not happy with particular candidates, uncertainty with the EU, terrorism in the name of a deity, it appears to be a scary place and no one seems to have any answers.  In verse 10 it states that the Lord frustrates the counsel of nations, meaning the groups that are in charge of the people.  That feels like an understatement right now.  Then it states that He thwarts the plans of people, meaning that nothing political is going to stand for a very long time.  There is a constant ebb and flow of political decisions, one group in power is going to change this policy and the next group in power will change it again.  But God counsel will stand forever and His plans will remain forever.  That is why it states that “happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh.” Because they have chosen to put their faith in God, who doesn’t change and won’t let them down over a faith is a political structure.  Christians need to stop thinking that putting the right person in political power is going to save us.  Only God, through Jesus Christ can do that.

Have a great, blessed day.  Check back later tonight for a Top Ten List with a patriotic twist.   

http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Random & Reflection #7

My wife and kids are out of town for the weekend.  For some men this is a time to party, hang out with the guys, or cross off some items from the honey-do list.  I choose to do some R&R.

The Random

 2013 Topps Chasing History Holofoil #CH23

It took me a little while to understand the difference between this card and the standard card.  From afar they are very similar, to see the difference you have to hold them closely to your eyes and tilt the card from side to side.  Then you can see the holofoil.

The Reflection

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.

It’s amazing how many of the passages that I have been reflecting on have been about how God’s strength is far greater than mine and how I need to stop trusting in my own abilities and trust only in God’s.  I could blame biblegateway.com, because that is where I am getting the verses, but I am sure it is God gently nudging or slapping me in the back of the head to try and get my attention.   I have no chance against the power of Satan on my own.  He knows my weaknesses, better than I do.  If we trust and follow God, He is faithful to us.  This passage says that He will strengthen and guard us.  What it doesn’t say is that the evil one will go away.  If God just sent the evil one away, why would we need Him to strengthen and guard us?  God does not want a once and forget it relationship with us, He wants us to put our lives in His hands, trusting that he will be faithful and lead us to wherever  He has set before us.

Have a great, blessed day.    

Check out my website at http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Random & Reflection #6

How many people can say the can remember what they were doing 13 years ago today.  I can!  I woke up next to my wife and told her “I love you.”  You see, it was the first morning of our marriage.  That first morning our marriage was new, exciting, and full of anticipation.  13 years later, my wife and I have laughed together, cried together, argued together, had 2 beautiful kids together, and lived life together.  After 13 years the words “I love you” does not mean the same as they did that first morning.  Those 3 little words mean way more now, because I choose to love my wife through thick and thin, and every little thing that she does that get under skin, and I am so blessed that she does the same for me.  I would like to say a very happy anniversary to my very beautiful wife.  13 for most people is an unlucky number, but to me it’s a reminder how God has blessed me by bringing us together.  She puts up with me, way more than I have to put up with her.  Now that I am done with all of the sappiness and this very long intro, how about some R&R

The Random

1987 SportFlics Exclusive Collector’s Offer

 

To some this might not be technically a card.  The cards stock is quite a bit thinner than normal cards and this was meant to be mailed off to get a special card.  Reading the back it appears that there were 2 cards that were shipped out as part of this offer.  The 4.5” Superstar card, which I have, and a Cooperstown card, which I cannot find any info on.  I see in 1989 they made a set of Cooperstown card, but…oh well, Sportsflics is still one of my favorite brands of cards.   

The Reflection

Psalms 121:7-8 (HCSB)

The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

Do you remember in "Finding Nemo" after Marlin said “I promised that I would never let anything happen to Nemo,” Dory says, “Hmm…That’s a funny thing to promise.”  Marlin meant that he would never let anything bad happen, but because of that he never let Nemo do anything.  We as parents do the same thing.  We can’t make this promise to our Children because we have limited control over certain aspect of their life, and really no control with the life circumstances and other people that surround them.  So the question is if we as parent cannot protect our children, and I will also say ourselves, from all harm, can God?

If we read these 2 verses by themselves and do not put any context with it we are too believe God will protect us from everything that can and will harm us.  We can go where ever we please and we will have this little protection bubble that surrounds us.  I don’t know about you, but I see or feel no bubble.  This chapter of Psalms starts with “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  These verses are a call for people to seek God and understand that He is their help, Stop relying on anything else to protect you, especially yourself.  Reading this chapter I see 3 great reasons why God is a better protector than I would ever be.  First, he made the world and understands what truly going on…he sees the big picture and we usually only see a small sliver of what’s really going.  Second, God does not need to rest.  I get tired easily.  I love naps.  In fact I hope to take one later today.  God doesn’t need a nap, He is always watching where His children are going and there is no hiding from Him.  Third, He desires that we trust Him with His protection.  We have free will to choose where we go and how we will get there, but if we are truly walking with the Lord, it will really be the Lord leading and us following.  We need to trust where God is leading us will be the best for us.

Will harm come to us if with are following the Lord and being protected by Him?  Not in the same way as if we were running through life without Him.  Our understanding of it will be different.  It won’t be a self-centered, poor-is-me; it’s the end of the world as we know it attitude, but the attitude of Christ, knowing that there is a greater-than-now time coming.  Hebrews  12:2 says “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.” Our attitude needs to be that of Christ, understanding that if we are following God and allowing His protection, we won’t be focused on today’s trouble. It will pale in comparison to that one day, when we will be in the presence of God.

It’s a little bit longer that a normal R&R, but thanks for sticking it out.  Have a great, blessed day.  

  

Check out my website at http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Top Ten George Brett Cards Produced Since Becoming a Dad

On an early Thursday morning in the middle of February in 2005, my 9+ month pregnant wife and I went in for a non-stress test and a ultra-sound to get an idea when we should hope to see the new addition to our family.  We were told that we would be there for around an hour and be sent home.  I took the morning off from work fully intending to go in the afternoon, but plans changed and the nurse told us that we, well at least my wife, weren't going home without our son.  Around 30 hours later my wife and I became parents of a literally bouncing baby boy.  Three years later his sister came along.  Children change outlook on life.  You are now responsible for someone else's life and well being. It has been over 2 months since I last did a top ten, so I thought it would be cool to do a top ten George Brett cards that have been produced since I became a dad in 2005, in honor of Fathers Day.  I will say that this era of cards do not hold as dear of a place in my heart as ones from his playing days, starting 3 decades earlier, but there are a few gems.  My top ten lists, unless otherwise stated, are limited to cards that I currently own.  The lists are strictly base on my opinion.  Cards might be listed because they have some memorable back story, cool design, or something that simply sticks out, too me, about them.  Feel free to comment, I love talking to other collectors.  To check out the front and back of all of these cards and over 1000 other George Brett cards click here at "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog" and check out my website. Top Ten George Brett Cards Produced Since Becoming a Dad 10. 2013 Panini Father's Day Museum Collection #MC1 It's hard not to pick a card that came out on Father's Day.  Nice design and I like the colors, but I would have liked the border to be a bit narrower. 9. 2005 Bazooka Fun Facts Relics #GB (Game Used Bat Piece) This was the first memorabilia card I ever bought.  It was fairly cheap and "Fun Fact" it's fun to look at. 8. 2014 Stadium Club Legends Die-Cuts #LDC-6 I like die-cut cards.  They go against the norm of solid 4-sided rectangle.  What's not to like. 7. 2015 Topps Museum Collection - Canvas Collection Reprints #CCR-28  I also really like drawn cards.  To me they bring out youthful feelings, because I use to love to draw when I was a kid.  I drew a pretty mean Alf if I do say so myself. 6. 2008 Topps Triple Threads Sepia #53 (s/n 294/525) I have recently started enjoying buying serial numbered cards.  When you think about how many thousands and thousands of standard cards a series like Topps makes and these particular cards have a very limited run, it give you a special feeling,  Now saying that, I don't think I will have the special honor of having a 1 of 1 card any time soon. 5. 2013 Hometown Heroes Homegrown Heroes #11 George Brett I really don't have a good explanation why this card is so high on the list.  It's a cool design and I just like it. 4. 2012 Topps Archives Cloth Stickers #GB  All of these cards produced in this time frame that I have chosen to highlight are from well after Brett retired.  So many of the brands like to showcase past successes.  One of my top ten George Brett cards is the 1977 Topps Cloth Sticker card.  It's also probably the card I have the most of.  When I saw this card come on the market it had to be mine.  Unfortunately, I was way to eager to get this card and paid way to much for it, thinking that it was going to be a high value card.  Well, it's now highly valued only by me. 3. 2015 Topps Tribute #86 Sometime you after you paid for a card you get this sinking feeling that you paid way too much for it.  See #4 for a great example.  Sometime you buy one and say, man I go a great deal on this one.   I have found patience is usually the key when buying a baseball card.  Usually one will pop up for a price that you can't refuse.  When I saw this card I new I wanted it, but didn't want to pay the price most sellers were asking.  Finally I found one in a budget that I was willing to pay and it was mine. 2. 2005 Donruss Elite Teams Green #8 w/Bo Jackson & Frank White (s/n 257/750) I don't only collect George Brett cards, but I also collect Royals cards from the late 80's early 90's.  I have a almost complete Frank White set from when he was an active player and a very large Bo Jackson collection, mainly focusing on when he played for the Royals and Raiders.  I have a few very rare Jackson cards that do not come up for sale very often and a large Odd-Ball & Broder collection of Jackson cards as well.  I might do a Bo Jackson top ten sometime. Honorable Mentions:  Notice any similarities? From Right to left 2006 Topps Rookie of the Week #12 2012 Topps Archives Reprints #228 2013 Topps Manufactured Commemorative Rookie Patch #RCP9 2014 Topps Manufactured Commemorative Rookie Patch #RCP9 2016 Topps - Berger's Best #BB-24   1. 2010 Topps Cards Your Mom Threw Out Original Back #CMT82 This shouldn't be a surprise, but in 2010 is when I started recollecting George Brett cards.  My first card collected was a 1975 rookie and pretty close to the second card was the other variation to this card, which has a commemorative back.  Well that wasn't good enough for me and I had to have the original back.  It didn't take long before this card was in my small collection at that time.  Six years and over 1000 George Brett cards later and I still have the drive to collect. But for now it is late and this guy is ready for bed.  Good night!

Random & Reflection #5

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s been a long week today”?  That is what yesterday has felt like.  With no electricity last night, I thank God that he decided to turn the natural AC down.  Almost 10 hours later the power is back on, one of our air conditioners doesn’t work, and everything in our refrigerator is probably spoiled.  Even with all of that, God is still good.  How about some R&R

 
The Random

1984 Topps Stickers #275 

I swear these are random, but the shear amount of Topps sticker cards means that this type of card might pop up a couple of times.  I wonder sometimes if George just does not pose well for pictures.  Most of his posed cards he looks disinterested about the photo and because of this some of the faces that they produced on his cards are classics, in an awesomely awkward type of way.

The Reflection

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day and I can’t think of a better verse to call fathers to attention about what they need to do in their homes.  Growing up I can remember a dad telling me that he did the sports and the mom did the church thing.  Not surprisingly, the kids ended up doing the sports thing and mom gave up on the church, because she had no support from dad.  Dads, we have way more influence on our kid, especially our sons, than we like to give ourselves credit for.  This verse calls for dads to do 2 things.  One, do not purposely anger our children in a way that would cause them to sin.   Our children will be mad at us from time to time, because we had to discipline them in a way that honors God, but in discipline we are correcting a sinful behavior, not encouraging it.  We know what makes our children tick, in the same way they know how to get us ticked, too, and we are not to agitate that for the purposes of sinful means.  Second, we are commanded to teach and train them in the ways of the Lord.  You might say, “isn’t that the Church’s job?  Isn’t that what Sunday school is for?”  NO!  It is supplementary at best.  Are you telling me that 1 hour a week is plenty to teach and train you kids?  A high school sports team will train around 15 to 20 hours a week to prepare for a game that last less than an hour.  How much more do we need to teach and train our children to prepare them for a life outside of our homes and the protection of mom and dad?  Dad’s we are called to do this, this is not mom’s responsibility.  This is something that I struggle to practice what I preach. 

Well, looking at the reset clock it is time for me to get ready for work.  Have a great, blessed day.    

Random & Reflection #4

Happy Day Off Day!  Everyone needs a day off every once and a while.  A day off helps you remember why you work so hard the rest of the week.   The older I get, the more I appreciate day off naps.  But until it’s nap time, how about some R&R.

The Random

2014 Topps Allen & Ginter's Mini A& G Back #159

 

This card was added to the collect fairly recently.  The Allen & Ginter’s sets have a cool, vintage concept.  I wonder if anyone, other than collectors, knew that Allen & Ginter used to be a tobacco company.  I'm surprised parents aren't outraged.  Hmm...it has been 126 years since they rolled their last cigarette, so I guess the term “too soon” does not apply here.

The Reflection

Proverbs 23:24

The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.

One thing to remember with Proverbs is that they are generalities, not promises.  I think that we get hung up on a lot of Proverbs and hold them as dear promises from God and when they don’t happen like they are written we get angry with God.  With that being said, many Christian parents raise their kids to be kids of Christian parents rather than with the vision of them being Godly adults.  That’s one of the things that I pray for my children the most, that they would grow to be Godly adults.  Meaning, that one day my kids are going to leave our house and go out to this big world outside of the protection mom and dad.  My prayer is when this happens, that they will not just remember what they have been taught, but it is a part of their lives and they live what they were taught.   When I see that, I will rejoice not in my child’s abilities, but in what God has done in my their life. 

Have a great, blessed day.    

Click here to visit "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog"

Random & Reflection #3

It’s Monday.  Everyone is trying to get ready for the morning and scurrying around.  I think it is time for some R&R.

The Random

1988 Star Brett Platinum #93 George Brett/Major League Stats

 

It’s Pink!  Love this set of 10 GB cards.  The have a parallel set in orange that use the same heading on each card, but a different picture.  I have not been able to find out a lot about the star company, but it appears that they love making player sets.  I have all 3 GB sets and several Bo Jackson sets.

The Reflection

Luke 11:13

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

As parents we want to give is best for our children.  Isn’t it awesome that the best gift that God have given us is His own Son?  A gift I don’t think that I could give.  That is a gift that He has given all of us, and we just have to believe to receive it.  But the gift of the Holy Spirit is also an awesome gift.  It is a helper that directs us and shows us Gods will for our life. Sadly, I fight this great helper a lot.  I want to go my own direction and it says, “I don’t think that’s a good idea”.  It is a lot like my wife, which in the bible a Godly wife has several of the same descriptive words describing the Holy Spirit. Just remember, though, a good Godly wife is similar to the Holy Spirit, not the Holy Spirit.  ;-)

Have a great, blessed day.    

Random & Reflection #2

Good afternoon all. I have the day off today and enjoying some very hot and humid R&R.  Some might call it rest & relaxation. I am calling it Random & Reflection.  

The Random

1986 Donruss Pop-Ups #12 George Brett – card size is 2.5”x5”

I have always been fascinated with these types of cards that were design with the intension to not stay in the standard flat card format.  Interestingly, when I first got back into collecting I bought a huge lot of George Brett cards and there were 2 or 3 of these cards in there, but they had all had there tops cut off so they would fit in a standard size card holder.  I still have one of the cut off cards, but shortly after I realized that there was something missing got the real thing. 

The Reflection

Psalms 46:10

“Stop your fighting—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”

I think we all have this feeling of fighting a losing battle.  Whether it is with our children, our work, our spouse, or even our government.  As a people, we enjoy putting the weight of the world on our shoulders and then even more enjoy complaining that our burden, put there by ourselves, is too heavy to bear.  Chapter 46 starts with the phrase; “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” But when trouble comes, we like to take on the trouble ourselves first.  When we can’t fix the trouble, we like to blame it on anything and everything.  Finally blaming God for the trouble, as well as blaming Him for the additional troubles that we added to the initial trouble.  When all we needed to do was go to God first.  This verse says STOP FIGHTING! Stop trusting in your own power.  It is only going to fail you and make things worse.  God says, “Know that I am God.  Know that I was at the beginning of this, I am in the middle of this, and I will see you through this, but no matter where you are in this struggle, if you seek Me, I will always be found!”

That’s a great reminder that if we seek Him, He will always be found.  God does not hide Himself, but many times He will not reveal Himself to us unless we want to find Him.

Have a great, blessed day.    

Random & Reflection #1

Good morning all. Yesterday's blog I talked about a new format and here it is.  I am calling it Random & Reflection.  It consists of 2 parts: the random, which is a randomly picked George Brett card with my thoughts, and the Reflection, which are my thoughts on the Bible verse of the day from Biblegateway.com. So without further ado. 

The Random

1988 Topps Sticker George Brett #259 w/Mark Langston #63 on the back

These sticker cards are 2 cards in one.  I love cards that have variations and the 1988 sticker cards had several for Brett, because he had both a sticker and a sticker back variation.  Each variation has several different players on the opposite sides.  I don't know much about Mark Lanston, but I bet this has to be one of the most collected of his cards.  

"Way to piggy back off of George's success, Mark.  My hats off to you!"

The Reflection

Colossians 3:12-13 HCSB

 12 Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

Whenever you see the word “therefore” in scripture, you have to look at what it is “there for”.  This is pointing back to the earlier passages stating that we are new person in Christ and should not want to go back to the way we were because of what Christ has done for us.  In Gods eyes, His followers do not have geographical, geopolitical, or social boundaries.  He sees them as His children and we should see them the same way, but our flesh keeps pulling us back to our bad habits. 

When as followers of Christ will we stop using our flesh as an excuse?  We are told to put off the old self, because we are new.  We are different!  One of non-Christians biggest complaints against Christians are that they are fakes.  They go into church and act all high and mighty, but outside of the church walls they talk, walk, and act just like everyone else as if Christ has made no change in our lives.  

My challenge to myself, and to you if you are reading, is to put on the heartfelt self to others, just as Christ did for me.  Not because they are deserving of it, because I am worthy of what Christ did for me, but because I have Christ in me.

Have a wonderful, blessed day

Short and sweet with new news!

I finally posted a new card and writing a new blog today.  It has been over a month for both.  The reports of my demise have been grossly exaggerated.  I just wanted to do a short update about whats going on with me and some news about this blog.  First, I haven't post any new cards for a month simply because I haven't ordered a any new cards in a month.  Money has been a little tight and everything else comes first.  I hopefully will be able to get some new updates throughout the summer.  Second, since I haven't posted any new cards for over a month, the blog updates suffered as well.  Also, along these lines, I feel that I have been making my previous blogs way too long.  Most previous blogs usually take me about 2 hours to write, proof read, edit for formatting before I publish them and because of that they get rather draining, mainly because all of my blogs are written at night when I am trying to settle down for the night.  So I am going to start a new format of blogging.  I am going to get up in the morning and blog, tentatively a couple times a week and the blog is going to consist of 2 parts.

Part 1.  A random George Brett card, a picture of it's front and back, and my thoughts on the card.

Part 2. The Bible verse of the day from my Bible Gateway app and also my thoughts on the verse.

I am hoping that this will shorten up my blogs quite a bit and make them more manageable and easier to read in one setting, while still writing about the 2 things that I am very passionate about.

I still plan on doing a top ten monthly, which seem to be very popular.  

Please check out my website "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog" to keep up to date with all of my updates.  But until the next time, have a wonderful, blessed day.

Top Ten George Brett Cards GBCardGuy is Content About Not Being in the Database

There comes a time in every card collectors life when they come to the realization that there are going to be certain cards that will never be in their collection.  You can have two reactions to this.  One, be whiny and complain that someone has something you don't.  Two, say "oh well" and move on to the next card.  There are several cards that I have come to that realization that will never be in "The Unofficial George Brett Card Database", ultimately because they will most likely never be in my possession.  I know that I should never say never, but as you can see with the following top ten list, you might understand why.  Usually My top ten lists, unless otherwise stated, are limited to cards that I currently own.  This top ten list falls under the "unless otherwise stated" category.  The lists are strictly base on my opinion.  Cards might be listed because they have some memorable back story, cool design, or something that simply sticks out, too me, about them.  Feel free to comment, I love talking to other collectors.

Top Ten George Brett Cards GBCardGuy is Content About Not Being in the Database

Honorable Mention: Any One of a Kind Cards
I typically do not start with an honorable mention, but this is not a typical top ten list.  My funds for purchasing cards is very limited.  I do not have hundreds to thousands of dollars to spend, and if I did I am sure that my wife would find better thing to spend that money on than George Brett cards.  Cards that would fall into this category would be any cards that only one or very few cards were printed in that series or was a printing plate of a series of cards.  Most of the times these cards are made for someone in particular or an event, and were mostly produced after 2000.  This top ten is going to be, for the most part,limited to cards that were produced while George Brett was an active player.

10. 1995 Tombstone Pizza Autograph #AU2

(photo courtesy of ebay)

Technically not from his playing days, but pretty close.  When I first started re-collecting George Brett I saw one of these on auction on ebay and I told myself that I will see it again, but never have until recently.  From what I understand, there were about 2000 of these made.  I am really surprised with the quantity that were made that this card doesn't show up for auction more frequently.  There is one currently on ebay for $59.99, if anyone wants to buy it for me.







9. 1993 Topps Finest Refactor #63

(photo courtesy of ebay)

According to http://baseballcardpedia.com/ there were approximately 241 of this card made.  Although not the rarest on this list, they sell close to $200 on ebay, ungraded.











8. 1984 & 1991 Topps Gallery of Champions  

(photo courtesy of ebay)

(photo courtesy of ebay)

From what I understand, these where produced as a box set with a total of 12 "cards".  They are actually quite small. and made out of precious metals. The 1984 Topps made 2 different series, one being made out of bronze and the other sterling silver. In 1991 3 series were made out of aluminum, bronze, and sterling silver.  I have a 1986 Bret Saberhagen aluminum one.





7. 1990 Donruss Aqueson Test #144

One of the most treasured for the most serious of collectors.  I could not even find a picture of one online.  I have been told that there are only 2 or 3 of these in circulation.  I might be wrong about that. One sold on Ebay 5 years ago for over $3500.










6. 1982 FBI Discs #3

(courtesy of psacard.com)

These have nothing to do with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but it was apparently a soft drink company.  I have only seen one sell on Ebay and I believe it sold for well over $200.







5. Topps Blackless Error Cards

(photo courtesy of ebay)

baseballcardpedia.com states that sheets of the 1982 Topps card were accidentally printed without any black ink.  They are very rare.  3 of the 4 1982 Brett cards have this variation.  There is apparently also a Blueless variation too.










4. 1981 Donruss Test Issue Panel

(photo courtesy of ebay)

This is a three panel set.  There is a mini, regular, and jumbo set of each.  About the only thing of Donruss worth collecting.  Sorry, that might have been a little harsh.








3. 1980 Topps Pepsi

(photo courtesy of thetoppsvault.com)

This is a panel that Topps put up for auction several years ago.  The individual Topps Pepsi cards that I have seen on ebay are not nearly this nice.  Some of these cards from this set have made it out into the general population, but no one is certain if the George Brett card did.



2.  1977 Venezuelan League Stickers #162

(photo courtesy of ebay)

So apparently something that was made in Venezuela is hard to find in the USA.   Normally the stickers for these sets focused mainly on players in Venezuela, but in 1977 they did a small run of about 50 MLB players using the 1977 Topps design.  Most of these that one would find are in terrible condition, but they are so rare that it hardly matters.









Honorable Mention: Any Vault Cards
Every year Topps will sell some of their old, original card scans.  Whether it is a negative of the original card or the original scan that the card was based off.  Most of the time its way out of my price range and only the serious collectors pick them up.

Honorable Mention:Graded 10 cards
I have not bought any graded cards yet.  If I do, I would probably only go after cards that would receive a grade of 10, but it is very low on my priority list.  I almost bought one last year, but stopped myself.  I could not bring myself to spend $10 on a card that would normal sell for less than a quarter if it was ungraded.

1.  1974 &1975 Royals Team Issued Post Cards 

(courtesy of imageevent.com/)

These pop up every once and awhile on ebay and the bid always goes very high.  Would it be nice to have, yes.  Is it worth going broke over, absolutely not.











Like I said before.   I should never say never, but it can be safe to say that these cards will most likely never be in my possession and I am ok with that.  That being said, if anyone out there that is reading this top ten and owns one of these cards and wants to give up their ownership to me as a early birthday gift.  I wouldn't say no.  But anyway, it is getting late and this guy is ready for bed.  Good night.