But, that's my guy!

 2024 Topps Flagship is starting to find its way to the interwebs and I finally found a picture of this collector's most coveted card from Series 1. 

Behold!

The Vogelmonster

I called my wife over and asked her what she thought.

"That is not attractive facial hair."

"He looks pale." 

I retort with, "But, that's my guy!"

She pauses and adds, "They can't all be winning shots." 

She walks away. 

Man, I'm so glad baseball season is almost here! Happy collecting!

My First Disc Golf Ace

 It was a pretty muggy day in P-town, but I needed some exercise so I met up with my disc golfing friends at our local course, Bradley Park. Much to my surprise I hit my first ace today on hole 8!

I've been playing pretty regularly since May of 2020 and my skill set has improved to where I'll say I'm now an average disc golfer. 

Recently I've started scoring below par on this particular course for my rounds, but this was my first bogey free round at Bradley Park. Woo-Hoo!

Here's an up close look at the disc which I scored my first ace.

It's made by Prodigy Discs and it's the A2 mold, super overstable midrange. I needed this slot filled in my bag and I picked this one up when the Masters Championships tournament came through town last summer. 

My last day of teaching was about a week ago and I finished my baseball coaching duties just two days ago. What a great way to start the summer!

Thanks for reading and I hope all is well with my blogosphere friends!

Blogiversary

 Twelve years ago I started this blog. I'm not sure if it's a true blogiversary because of my prolonged hiatus. Either way, I'm okay. 

There's six weeks left in the school year and the sophomore baseball team I coach is off to a 6-2 start. 

This morning I shot five under par at my "home" disc golf course, which is a personal best. Pretty exciting!

Family, friends and my cats are all in relatively good health. To cap it off, the Cubs are in second place (for now)!

I just wanted to give a quick life update and show off a pretty neat trinket sent to me from Mark. Mark is relative on my mom's side, and he might be as just a big of Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson fan as myself. Thanks, Mark!

Enjoy the spring everyone!

Funniest Auction I've Seen Lately

 A few of friends have asked why I'm not as big into baseball memorabilia and cards anymore. My complete answer consists of many layers and is quite longwinded. 

The picture below sums up one of my bullet points nicely. 

Vogelbach's autograph with a "Dingers & Donuts" inscription

Dan Vogelbach is a fun guy. He is big boy and has perhaps an even bigger personality. 

Earlier this season Vogelbach notably said, "I hit my home runs in bunches, just like I get my donuts."

Again, the Vogelmonster has been a favorite of mine ever since I learned of his fun loving ways. 

Yet, ten grand for a Vogelbach autographed baseball got me to snicker and sigh all at once. 

Wow.

Checking In

 Don't get too excited. I'm just checking in to thank a couple of bloggers for dropping some Vogelbach love on me via the always appreciated PWE.

Yes, I'm still alive and kicking, but my focuses have changed slightly. I'm still adding Vogelbach cards to my collection, but I'm mostly working on filling the holes in my player collection from 2011-2021. I'm not purchasing newer cards (think 2022) of my favorite current player unless I can get them for less than a couple of bucks. Otherwise, sports cards aren't really occupying my time much. 

I'm reading a bit more, trying to get outside more (disc golf and hikes), and making an effort to spend more time with friends and family. 

Now, on to the mail!

I've always been a big fan of a handwritten note accompanying the card. The people in the hobby are the best part, and little personal touches like the notes above just make my day. 

Greg, from The Collective Mind, found this Playoff Contenders auto from 2011. Can you believe it's been eleven years since the Vogelmonster was drafted? How did that happen?

Jim, author of cards as I see them, sent the black and white Bowman from 2020. The B&W photo gives the card a little bit of that old-timey feel, which I think meshes well with Vogey. 

A BIG thank you to Greg and Jim for thinking of me and also for their generosity. 

I hope all my blogging friends are doing well!