I'd Like to Buy a Vowel (aka Cards from Big Tone)

So, maybe you know Tony, aka Big Tone of the fun blog, Tony's Sports Pub?  I know of Tony because A.) He's a fellow Mets fan, B.) he's a fellow baseball card blogger and, C.) he's a toy enthusiast.  I can dig all of those things.  Thus, I'm a fan of his work.

Anyhow, I sent him a measly PWE with some Markakis and Canseco cards a while back because, well, what do I need them for?!  Plus, Tony's a cool guy and I like sending cards to cool guys.

Well, I certainly didn't demand/want/expect him to send anything back my way.  That was never my intent.  But, of course, I'm writing a blog post so you know something extraordinary happened.

For starters, how about the auto-patch in the lead-off spot?  My first of these, and I'm certainly not disappointed in how it looks and feels in hand.  I always thought these were actual relics cut from real jerseys, but I'm just not a very smart man, apparently.  That doesn't take away from the joy of this incredibly neat collectible in any way.

Already, this was way more than Tony should have sent me.  Yet, this was just part of the goodie bag of stuff he mailed me.

One of my all-time favorite Mets, Edgardo Alfonzo.  Back problems cut short what probably would have been a much longer and much more impressive career for the former All-Star.  But, the few sensational seasons he had were more than enough to endear him to me.

This guy, on the other hand, was kind of a bustola.  I think expectations for ol' Kaz were a bit lofty, especially since the shadow cast by fellow countryman Ichiro Suzuki was so great.  I can remember reading reports prior to Matsui's arrival, heralding him as the "Japanese Jeter."  Talk about unfair!  Anyhow, a totally cool card of a guy who at the very least is a colorful piece of the Mets tapestry.

Talk about colorful.  The unique name would have been enough, but he had the ego and personality to accompany it.  I remember he had a walk-off grand slam against the Dodgers one time -- I think it may have been during the 2013 season?  I can't be sure.  Distinctive autograph, J.V.!

Whoa, that's quite a haul!  But, believe it or not, there's still more!

This isn't a reprint.  No sirree.  This is actually Jose's 2001 Topps Traded rookie!  If I bothered to make a 'Most Wanted' list, assuredly this would've been safely nestled into the top 10.  What a tremendous card!

Limited to just 660 copies each, this is a white refractor of Joe Smith.  Ya know, I can't say I have any other white refractors in my collection.  Good pickup!

Regular 2007 Topps Chrome of Moises Alou.

Normal base card?  Nope, it's actually from the factory issued Mets team set!

I'll finish up with Bartolo Colon from 2014 Gypsy Queen, which I think was my favorite GQ edition yet.  Something about the design just clicks with me.

Actually, one more piece to this plentiful package from Tony...

Tone, you'll have to fill me in on this one -- is this a TTM or an in-person get?  Either way, you picked a great card to get autographed!  These Score 'Dream Team' cards were always a hoot.  I've always like Viola, a New York boy through and through.

Well, you've certainly taken "above and beyond" to a whole new level, Tony.  I can't thank you enough for this amazing assortment of loot!  I certainly don't deserve all this, but I'm thankful for it and I greatly appreciate it!

MK