Big Blue Sunday's:A Winning Sunday

A win. Finally a win.

I know the Giants defeated the Redskins in Week 17 of the 2017 season, but this win feels so much sweeter. It's 2018 people and we are under a new regime. I would like to forget about last season and not be reminded this year with weekly losses.

So the Giants after their hold on victory against the Texans sit in last place in the NFC East but at 1-2. The leaders in the division are 2-1. Giants are only a game out however their schedule is pretty tough and that begins today with their home game against the New Orleans Saints. I bet Drew Brees is drooling over the fact he gets the weak Giants secondary.  I am just hoping the Giants oline can hold together and let Eli keep up.

Let's check out a mail day from my buddy and long time Sport Card Collectors reader Grady M. He sent the Giants Pride sign shown above along with these OBJ items,

 

Alec Ogletree rookie. The guy has impressed me the last few games. He came up with a huge interception in the Texans game when Watson had thrown into the end zone and Alec jumped up to snag it.

Already two 100 yard games for Odell. I hope there is more to come. It would be nice if he would score for once though.

 

Wayne got more play time against the Texans as the Giants were trying to rest Barkley from taking on the whole offense. He also took a shot to the knee on the first play of the game that had me gasp. Gallman stepped in and did some good work.

Speaking of good work, Sterling had his big game of the year vs the Texans. He made many important catches including the game clinching touchdown which looking back at the score was the biggest play of the game. Everyone including myself expected Eli to hand that ball off, but new regime and new chances and they threw it to Shep who found himself open most of the day.

Collins made a lot of stops on defense. I don't feel like we have mentioned much of his name yet this season. He is playing under the radar a lot but still is one of the best safeties in the game.

I am hopeful this guy can return this week. Vernon missed the first three games and the Giants pass rush could really use him and

I am hoping with this now linebacker status and his pass rushing skills, I will see a glimpse of this Giants legend.

I will admit, when the Giants cut Harris this past offseason, I didn't miss him. Now I do. Giants special team returners have been horrible and almost have turned the ball over multiple times. It was worst enough to witness the Jags game go to a loss because of it.

JPP doesn't wear blue anymore. I didn't think the Giants would miss his pass rushing very much, but they do. The Texans game was a little better with the pass rush thanks to Kerry Wynn, just hoping he continues to beast it out. It was weird seeing JPP in a Buc's uniform on Monday Night Football.

 

And argue with it or not, the Giants selection of Saquon Barkley at the two slot in the draft was a great move. Every time this guy touches the ball you can feel the excitement. He scored his second TD against the Texans and rushed over 80 yards. Really good game for him and I can't wait to see what he has in store this week.

Another new Barkley.

A thanks to Grady for the mail day!

My buddy Tim Yount's mail day was just as impressive.

Eli shined in that game like he does on this card. People were calling him washed up, well, he proved them wrong.

Eli Apple has impressed this season. I was calling for the Giants to cut him, but he seems to have matured. I am hoping though he can get healthy and be ready for the Saints game. They will need him.

Die Cut OBJ. Makes sharp cuts like the player featured with the ball in his hands.

Cody Latimer played for the Broncos, but since he departed I had a feeling Tim might have his autograph I could get in a trade. Well, here it is. Cody had his best game as a Giants vs the Texans last week. They have been using him as a Kick Returner which I feel isn't really his thing.

And finally, this really awesome 1968 Topps Poster. I gotta find a way to keep this in good condition.This marks one of the oldest Giants items in my PC.

 

A big thanks to Tim for the new Giants adds!

The Giants start at 4:30 pm this wee and are finally back at home. I am hoping last week was just the beginning on the season and not a one time highlight. I think a win against the Saints would prove to me this team is for real, a loss however, well, that will just tell me this is a growing year.

Mail Day Saturday:#SCC 5-Year Mail Day

I know it's a bit strange to show off a segment called Mail Day Saturday on a Wednesday, but, I had to show this nice package I got in the mail this week to celebrate #SCC5Year and since I normally on share my mail days on Saturdays, I stuck with the name.

I recently did a trade with my buddy Tim, @skukman1998, who I have known the longest since getting into the social media age of collecting. We always do surprise ones to each other so you never know what to expect. As always, Tim's package delivered some great stuff.

Up first, some Yankees Chrome shiny adds. I miss Cano in pinstripes.

 

A nice round of some G-Men here, all new. Digging that Odell insert.

 

Up next, Green Prizm of Eli and a /25 gold parallel of Geremy Davis. These are new as well. The Davis is really cool as the background is inset and he pops off the cardboard. I really wished the Giants could had given him one last chance.

 

Odell snagging a catch over an Eagle, yes. Chrome and refractor appeal, yes. This is one great looking card and it also brings me back to when I chased down all of the 1,000 and 3,000 yard clubs on the later 90's.

 

My first Kevin Hayes relic to my slowly growing Rangers PC. Nice looking card to. Upper Deck has always put solid looking relics in their flagship products.

 

A couple sparkling new relics of Giants stud WR Sterling Shepard. I would had loved to built a nice PC around him, the problem was his cards costed so much. I at least have a few good ones now.

 

Loved adding this this Eli! I have the base version, but not the pink parallel and this card really stands out. The red jersey also is a nice touch.

 

Speaking of studs and cards that stand out, this Eli Apple Prizm auto....😮😮😮😮😮

 

What a great mail day to celebrate today!

 

A big thanks goes out to my buddy Tim and I look forward to our next trade. I will start setting stuff aside for you again.

Thoughts on any of these cards are welcomed in comments!

Military Upper Deck e-pack Giveaway!!!

Earlier this year, Upper Deck released e-pack, the first ever digital card that you can actually get physical cards of. You can get daily FREE packs as well where it gives you a taste of what the program is about (free packs are all base cards) or you can buy packs, boxes and cases with at least one physical card you can claim per box.

If you need more info or how the program works, I laid it all out in detail on this LINK.

The greatest part of the e-pack experience is being able to bust packs, boxes and cases wherever you want. This is a great advantage for those who don't have LCS' or more importantly, those collectors who serve our great country overseas or right here at home. It's not always that easy for them to access cards and a hobby like this can be very therapeutic in their stressful life. 

I know if my grandfather who served in WW2 was alive, I would share this program with him if he was serving somewhere. To be honest, I am not sure if my grandfather was a collector nor did I ever meet him because PTSD took him before I was born, but I think something like this might have helped especially if it was something he may have had done with me.

Even my buddy Tim, whose brother served, had this to say about him, "My brother served in the military for 6 years. Fortunately, he never saw action in a war but he did serve his country with pride. I recently had the opportunity to show him the Upper Deck ePack platform. While he is not very tech savvy. He did like the idea of being able to open packs anytime, anywhere. He also liked the fact you can have cards mailed to you. Due to his present situation I was unable to take a picture with him. But he did say that if he collected sports cards it would be something that he would probably would interested in. Who knows, maybe a seed was planted and we'll be going to card shows or trading on the Upper Deck ePack site before long."

So what Tim and I would like to do, is share the e-pack experience with someone who is currently serving, did serve or a close family member of someone who is as we know that can be just as stressful.

There is 3 e-packs up for grabs to 3 different people. So each person will get one pack. It's not much, but we are hoping it helps. And you never know we may do this again especially if turnout is good so please spread the word. This is for a good cause.

For those that enter, all we ask for in return is for you to tell us your story (doesn't need to be long) of your military ties and whether or not you have used the e-pack platform (let us know your thoughts on it) in the comments below. It's as simple as it gets. 

We will random all entrants and announce winners. Please leave your email or Twitter @ in comments as well to make it easier for us to reach you if you miss winner announcements.

Right now there are a couple of hockey card offerings on the e-pack website, but later this year Goodwin Champions will release on the site as well and that product offers a ton of fun stuff across many sports, non-sports and this years edition even has military related items.

You will have til May 26th 2016 to enter. Winners will be announced on May 27th 2016.

Thank you to all who spread the word on this and especially to those who served.

WE ARE ALSO TRUSTING YOU ARE ENTERING THIS BECAUSE YOU CURRENTLY SERVING, DID SERVE OR ARE A CLOSE FAMILY MEMBER OF SOMEONE WHO IS. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER IF YOU ARE NOT. THAT IS DISRESPECTFUL TO THOSE WHO SERVE OUR GREAT COUNTRY TO TRY AND TAKE SOMETHING FROM THEM. THANK YOU. 

@skunkman1998 Bombards Me Part 2

Yesterday I posted Part 1 of my mail day from @skunkman1998, today is the second half of it.

Part 2 starts with unopened older packs. Good mixture of football and baseball.

These are sweet!!!!! I really enjoyed Upper Deck throwing it back to '97 on these inserts. They have the same design and feel, but the player head doesn't have the hologram component. I still like it anyways.

Broadway looks pretty good in Prizm.

Some Knicks. They look better on cardboard then they do the court. Zinger! The Anthony Prizm Red/White/Blue parallel is nice.

No Yankin your chain here, a great mixture of Yankees inserts from a variety of players.

Mantle! All three are new to that small PC. All of my Mickey's are modern day. Some day would love to add some vintage there.

A couple of shiny inserts.

DJ! Haven't added to my Jeter PC in a very long time. Really like Bowman Platinum.

A couple new Griffey Jr's here. They will be featured in upcoming Collectin Griffey segments.

And to end it, Some incredible looking Walt.

 

A big thanks goes out to Tim for this amazing mail day. He covered all PC areas in one small box. I look forward to our next round of mailings. 

Anyone got thoughts on today's mail day offerings?

@skunkman1998 Bombards Me Part 1

One of the people I have known the longest online since my discovery of it (yes I was a bit delayed on the internet years), is @skunkman1998. We have known each other for 5 years now and send each other blind packages occasionally. Friday I received a massive one from him containing many goodies.

This mail day will be broken down into two days, today and tomorrow. Today's is Giants packed, tomorrows, will be well rounded with all sports and players like Jeter, Griffey and more. Some of the cards I decided not to post yet as I am waiting for my new 90's segment to kick in :)

So let's just take a look what I am showcasing for now. Today, let's all bleed blue!

Up first, I found the oldest current NY Giants card I own.

Great looking inserts here, especially the Finest Nassib. That is one epic die cut.

Refractors. Love those no matter the team but being Giants gives them a bit of an edge. That Toomer up close is a stunning card.

More refractor goodness.

Numbered Nassib. I am starting to wonder if I should see how many of his cards I have. I gotta be pushing a good number. New PC guy? Well, we will see.

Victor Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuz Rated Rookie among other great Giants inserts.

Golden Osi! This is also in an uncirculated case I just cropped it down to card only. It's one sharp looking card to say the least.

A NEW Andre Williams Jersey card for that PC. I think it makes me card #65.

The leagues best WR. Yes, I said it. Hoping this year he can at least beat Josh Norman. Will be interesting to see those two matched up twice a year now that Norman is a Redskin. I totally dig the blue Prizm parallel.

More Rodney. I gotta check and see if I got these to. I am currently 3 cards short of 400 so wondering if these will get me there.

Some great cards in Part 1 of this mail day. Part 2 is just as good as you will see tomorrow. 

Stay tuned and thoughts on today's mail day are welcomed!