Reasons to be Thankful, Pt. 1

Howdy, all!  And an early Happy Thanksgiving to everybody.

ARPSmith's newest weekly Wednesday contest asks us bloggers/collectors to conjure up a reason (or reasons) to be thankful, as it pertains to our beloved hobby.

Well, it just so happens a recent trade package from Marcus at All the Way to the Backstop contained the ingredients which will allow me to do just that.

For starters, the above R.A. Dickey '87 Mini card from this year's Update set.  I'm thankful I got to watch and root for this year's NL Cy Young winner, as he pitched game after inspiring game for my beloved Mets.

And, speaking of the Mets...

Yup, I'm even thankful for those Amazin' Mets.  Yeah, they give me heartburn when they're actually good, and they put me in the dumps when they're bad.  But, for better or worse, they're my favorite team and that won't change.  Mostly because it's something I can share -- and have shared my whole life -- with both my father and grandfather.  Watching Mets games with the two of them are moments and memories I wouldn't trade for anything.

While we're on the topic of family, I am absolutely thankful for my mother.

What, 1990 Topps Stickers don't make you think of your mom?  Okay, let me explain.  My mom is a selfless person in every way imaginable.  And that even extended to card collecting when I was younger.  Whether it was driving me to a local card show, surprising me with packs of cards, or taking me to Caldor in the pouring rain so I could get a 1990 Topps Sticker album kit, Mom was there.  No kidding, I still remember the storm I made my poor mother drive through.  I also remember my dad being pretty sore at me once he found out!

Of course I'm thankful for the late, great Gary Carter, who was one of my heroes growing up.  But, this card is from a Milton Bradley board game, which reminds me of my sister and the many hours we spent playing board games as kids.  My sister is three years my elder, and we always had a great relationship growing up.  We never fought like most siblings tend to...except when it came to board games.  Because, you know, sometimes she would try to cheat.  Or, better yet, when I didn't feel like playing a certain game, she would pull my hair until I agreed.  Ah, memories...

Oh, you know what else I'm thankful for in our wonderful hobby?  Oddball cards!

I'm on record regarding these Cap'n Crunch cards -- I love 'em!  It's pretty cool that they're starting to pop up regularly in a lot of these re-packs from Target and such.  I've been lucky because Marcus has hooked me up with quite a few of these bad boys.

And, speaking of Marcus, well, I'm thankful for Marcus.

Not just because he sends me awesome baseball cards on a somewhat regular basis, including these two 2012 Heritage black bordered parallels.  But, in a broader sense, he was the first person I really formed a bond with in this blogging universe.  After all, his blog inspired me to start up my own little operation.  Anyhow, he's a good soul and a very generous trading partner.

Marcus, good buddy, thanks for the cards, as always.  And I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

MK