I stopped by my local card shop a few days back. The shop had moved across the parking lot to a larger storefront a few weeks back and I was excited to see the new digs. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. I probably should have taken some photos inside the shop, but my mind was on cards.
Here are the latest pickups at Triangle Area Trading Cards.
First up......
You see a great card from your childhood and it's cheap, it's really hard to pass up. The card is off center and there is some chipping on the edges, but this is a great card. Could not pass it up. I need to post my first Rickey Henderson rookie on here one of these days, because it's a really good story from my childhood.
Luken Baker has hit a ton of home runs the last two years with the Cardinals Triple A team. They've left him in the Minors most of the time, given the Cardinals track record, it's only a matter of time until Baker is a really good player on some other team. Decent autograph, cheap card. Go team.
I spent some time in Michigan this summer, which included watching a decent number of Tigers games. I had been meaning to pick up a Reese Olson card all summer long, but never got around to it. He's a really impressive young pitcher, think this will be a good pickup in the long-term.
An old Archives autograph for cheap. Yes, please.
A newer Archives autograph for cheap. Yes, please.
Esteban played for the Durham Bulls a few years back. He's spent most of his career playing in Mexico, but spent time in the Minors with the Red Sox, Rays, and Phillies with a cup of coffee in the Majors with the Cubs. Lovable player, spark plug type. I am glad that someone gave him a baseball card and had him sign a few autographs.
Zack Gelof is having a terrible year, but I still like him. I saw him play in college while he was at the University of Virginia. He was also on my fantasy baseball team last year. Let's hope for a better 2025.
Next up, Luis Arraez. I loved the Silver Slugger cards when Topps made them back in the early 2010s, this one is not as thick, but still a really nice card. Serial numbered to just 10 copies, but it's on the back. Sorry, no back scans today.
A little bit quicker......
Masyn Winn, Junior Caminero Finest RC, and a cool Taj Bradley Chrome parallel.
Cal Raleigh RC, Willy Adames RC, and another Masyn Winn.
Shiny Big Mac, Xavier Issac should be the Durham Bulls first baseman next year, and a Jordan Walker.
Shiny cards of Yordan Alvarez, Willson Contreras, and a Satchell Paige with the Browns.
Last, let me tell you about the blaster box I bought. I saw the 2024 Donruss packs and boxes at the counter, decided why not. Let's try a few packs. Ninety-nine percent of the box was terrible and I am not going to waste my time scanning the cards, nor waste your time reading about the terrible cards.
It was the last thing I said as I was checking out. "Let me get a box of 2024 Donurss"
Famous last words and it turns out that 1% of the box was pretty spectacular.
