My first Christmas away from my family...

I will be visiting my girlfriend's family in Rhode Island from December 25th - 31st. This will be my first Christmas without my parents. They are digging themselves out of the snow in Seattle. Hopefully they can make it to my sister and brother-in-law's house for Christmas goose. (I believe they are planning on having duck or roast pork... I was always fond of the pizza we had each year on Christmas eve, but duck or pork sure beats the bag of peanuts I'll be eatin' on the plane.)

Here's to starting new traditions, but not forgetting the old ones.

Yes, my dad's dog licks his bald head (while my nephew looks on in amazement.) Little Hansen has taken to waggling his finger and saying, "Bad Dog" whenever Scout is around... and he's almost always right.

My Gift to You...

Aside from not posting for a week, my gift to you is the gift of cards...

For anyone new to this blog: I make cards. It is not a profession, merely a hobby. Some people have gone so far as to say:

"You're killin' me!"

"This one looks really good!"

"Aww yeah... That's the stuff right there."

"Great card. Watched a Charlie Brown Christmas with my daughter last night."

"We watched Charlie Brown the other night too. Wonderful card, thanks for posting it."

"Nicely done."

"i like your blog......" (possibly sent by robot, but appreciated nonetheless.)

"That is a very cool card. Keep up the great work."

"that is awesome."

And who could forget...

"This post has been removed by a blog administrator."

You folks have said such nice things, I would love the opportunity to return the favor (via cardboard.)

If you email me a picture, I will make a card of YOU!!! Send your picture (bigger the better) along with your name, any applicable statistics, favorite team, favorite card set, etc. to punkrockpaint @ gmail dot com.

If you drop me your mailing address, I will even send you a hard copy.

I wish the happiest of holidays to you and yours...

PS- if you send me an event used item in the mail, I will be happy to embed it into your card like these "fine" examples:

Please don't send anything "dirty" in the mail. If I don't want to touch it... I won't put it in your card.

If you need my address, email me...

Tony Gwynn - a History (Part 6)...

The 1975 season was a milestone in the career of Tony Gwwwhat???


I just realized that if Tony Gwynn was born in 1960 and made his Padres debut in 1969... He won his third batting title at the age of 15!!! That HAS to be a record!


I love his card from the 1976 set. It really shows his playful side. Tony attempting to mimic the batting stance of, new second baseman, Tito Fuentes really cracks me up. I love that he continued the theme with his own name taped to his hat (ala Tito.)

1976 Topps - Tony Gwynn #350

This card was the first of many Gwynn cards that show his quirky side. I am especially fond of the 1993 SP card with Tony in Scott Sanders jersey. I went to several spring training games that year... I may have been there! (Wondering who the new guy, Sanders, with the sweet swing was.)

Tony Gwynn - a History (Part 5)...

Tony Gwynn continued his hot hitting into the 1974 season. After an .875 September, Tony led all major leaguers with a .454 batting average through June. You have probably seen the Sports Illustrated cover story from July of '74. Unfortunately, we had to wait until 1979 for Tony to hit .400 for an entire season.

Tony ended the '74 season on the disabled list. A "wild pitch" by the Cy Young award winner, Mike Marshall, of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit Tony in the left eye... WHILE TONY WAS IN THE ON DECK CIRCLE!!!

To this day, Marshall claims that the "pitch just got away" from him. Tony was 3 for 4 with three home runs and eight RBI against Marshall on the season.

To this day, Padres fans will squint their left eye and spit on the ground every time the name Mike Marshall is mentioned.

1975 Topps - Tony Gwynn #350

Shoulda been Sundays (No Card)...

I have to apologize for not having a card ready for today's post. I am feeling a little distraught. Not winning Dayf's contest took a lot out of me. I spent the entire day in bed yesterday. I appreciate everyone that voted for me, and tip my cap to the winner.

Next time someone has a Make a Fake Tony Gwynn Card contest I won't take my competition so lightly.
Well played, sir. Well played.

Ambassadroid...

Vote for me!

Blatant pandering...

I need your help. Cardboard Junkie threw together a little contest, and I need your votes!



While, I admit, some of the other entries are pretty cool...



COME ON FOLKS!!! IT IS A FAKE TONY GWYNN CARD MAKING CONTEST!!!



I gotta win. I need your votes to do it. I am 4 points back after the preliminary judging.



Here is my entry:

Note the details:

Nine Chipper Jones cards (playing to Cardboard Junkie's love of Larry Jones.)

A package for Dayf under the tree.

Chipper as "Elf of the Month"

A completely redesigned "Pro Set" logo

... and if I do say so myself - AWESOMENESS!!!

So vote early, vote often. Tell your friends.

Make me proud to be an American (that also loves Canada.)

Feel free to copy this into your comments on the contest:

Wow! That one by PunkRockPaint is awesome!

Signed,

Not PunkRockPaint