My 103rd Post! Phenom Edition.

I am a little late with the 99th celebratory post...truth is that I just had too many random thoughts in my head that I wanted to barf out in a blog. I was about to delete my last post. The title was a bit questionable, and I was really just looking to pass the day with some story telling...but then I read the 2nd post and I think Mrs Tooths story is pretty unique and I am hoping to hear more like it. Instead of just dwelling on this youtube Ginter Break I watched, I just decided to copy the link. It really is must see, all the way from the pre-break lucky chant, to the singing along to asian rock tunes, to the "one of one!!" celebration. Take 10 minutes out and watch this video. Pure entertainment. That lucky chant must have worked! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cLNl0fEzx8

But my ritual when I hit a milestone post is to show you some of my favorite cards. The first time around at post #49 I showed you my favorites since starting collecting. This time around I would like to share my favorite phenom pitchers since I have opened that wing of my collection..

Here we go:
Yovani Gallardo 2009 Sp Legendary Cuts Future Legends #39/125. This whole set was just a total piece of class, albeit an expensive one. I actually aquired this card over Ebay for 7 bucks, which is a total steal of a deal. As soon as I saw it I had to have it. Gallardo is the man. I must find his rookie card, his TRUE rookie card.

I never thought the day that I would find a modern card of Babe in Red Sox gear. This came from 2007 Masterpieces and represents his 1918 season with Boston in which he had a 2.22 ERA! In the Last World Series win before a 86 year hiatus, the Babe went 2-0 with a absolutely outstanding 1.06 ERA. This was a surprising find and I love this card. If ANYBODY knows of a framed version, please let me know!

This came to me via trade from Joe at Priceless Pursuit . King Felix is starting to come into his own, but nobody will ever know about it because he pitches for the Mariniers.

Aaahhh, I pulled this beauty from a pack of SP Legendary Cuts. another #'rd to 125 that will stay in my collection indefinitely. He ranks right up there with Gallardo in my books. He has the stuff and just needs to iron out a few more kinks. I look for him to really take off next season.

If you saw Priceless Pursuits (two shout-outs in one blog Joe) blog the other day, Joe posted a great story about beautiful looking cards, not necessarily valuable...but priceless. I really think Topps nailed it on the head with this one. The combination of blue backdrop with blue uniform and blue foil in a classic pose against the green grass...this is one of those cards that just looks great. I could care less if this is not a chrome or refractor, I actually think that would ruin it. What makes this card even cooler is the old school throwback logo from my unfortunate mispurchase way back when.

Sometimes my scanner does random teeny tinys, but the gist of this card is..."I like gooooooooooold"!
Another absolutely stunning 2007 Masterpiece, and a bit of a rare one at that with a rust border #25/50. I am a bit of a sucker for old time masters, and this card represents the final season for Sandy Koufax, as he went an amazing 27-9 with a 1.73 ERA and 317 K's in 1966. Jaw-dropping.

I am a big fan of 2008 Ginter. I may pursue the set at some point, but in the meantime I am please to have a few of these in my collection. Mr Hamels is well on his way to an amazing career and already has a ring to his name. Without a doubt a pitching phenom and future HOF in my opinion.

Speaking of class acts, how can anybody not love Jon Lester's story. I was in Vegas at a sports book watching him pitch his no hitter in May 2008. The whole place just went nuts! I highly respect Jon and hope he is a Red Sox for years to come.

Well not necessarily a phenom, we are talking about Cy Freakin Young here. Nuff said.

And finally, for obvious reasons, Mr Pat Neshek makes my list. This one is on the way out the door tomorrow for a TTM. Thanks to Mrs Tooth for sending me my first memento of a great memory.

There you have it. As you can see I am slowly swinging into form in this great hobby and I owe it all to this great community that I have learned from, traded with, and become friends with. Thank you guys. See you at post 149!