2000 Upper Deck Master Collection Set of the Brooklyn Dodgers

Not only have I always wanted to write a little something about this set, I've also wanted to add it to my own collection.  Unfortunately, the price has always been far beyond my pocketbook. 

Featured here is the 2000 Upper Deck Master Collection Set of the Brooklyn Dodgers. They were sold as a complete set consisting of 15 base cards, 11 relic/autographed cards and a mystery pack that had 1 of 10 possible relic/autographs cards unique to the Master Collection set.

This is, in my mind, one of the finest looking Dodger sets ever put together.  Check out the pics below to see if you agree with me.

Directly above and below are pics of a wooden case that held the set.  Only 250 total sets exist, and they were sold wholesale from the Upper Deck for about $1,500.00 (maybe $1,000.00 - I don't remember exactly). 

Well, recently a seller broke up a complete set and sold them on eBay.  I dutifully sought to add some of my favorite players to my collection.  Unfortunately, I was not successful, so instead I figured I should at least write about it here.  Check out pics of every base, relic and autographed card in the set below.  Also, I've gathered photos of 5 of the 10 possible mystery cards that were available.

BTW, the total price of all the cards sold on eBay (the 26 cards in the set) was $779.  If I include the mystery pack card then it sold for a grand total of $890.  That's quite a discount compared to what they cost right out of the factory.  I have routinely seen complete sets for sale on eBay and other retailers for about $1,000.00 to $1,500.00.

The value of the set has obviously suffered due to the large number of relics that have flooded the market since 2000.  Furthermore, I wouldn't blame you for doubting the legitimacy of several of the relic pieces.  The Koufax jersey, Jackie bat and Zack Wheat bat pieces are prohibitively expensive, even in 2000.  And considering the recent fake game-used uniform scandal unearthed by the FBI, it might be safe to assume that the better relic pieces are likely fakes.  Heck, I don't think you could ever convince me that the Sandy Koufax jersey piece is real.

Nevertheless, the design of these cards are top notch.

Here are the base cards.  Click on any pic to embiggen.  Each card came in their own plastic case.

#BD1 - Jackie Robinson                            #BD2 - Duke Snider

#BD3 - Pee Wee Reese                              #BD4 - Gil Hodges

#BD5 - Carl Furillo                             #BD6 - Don Newcombe

#BD7 - Sandy Koufax                          #BD8 - Roy Campanella

#BD9 - Jim Gilliam                              #BD10 - Don Drysdale

#BD11 - Sandy Amoros                             #BD12 - Joe Black

#BD13 - Carl Erskine                           #BD14 - Johnny Podres

#BD15 - Zack Wheat

Below is the 11 card relic/autograph base set.

#LOF1 - Gil Hodges                           #LOF2 - Jackie Robinson

#LOF3 - Pee Wee Reese                          #LOF4 - Jim Gilliam

#LOF5 - Roy Campanella                         #LOF6 - Zack Wheat

#LOF7 - Carl Furillo                          #LOF8 - Don Newcombe

#LOF9 - Duke Snider                        #LOF10 - Don Drysdale

#LOF11 - Sandy Koufax

The Sandy Koufax card above sold for $389.99.  I think that was a steal.  Previous sales I've seen over the years were well over $500.00.

Directly below is the Duke Snider/ Don Newcombe auto/relic card from the mystery pack.  It sold for $111.50. 

Here is the complete checklist of the 10 mystery cards.

• Don Newcombe and Carl Furillo Dual Bat
• Duke Snider and Don Newcombe Dual Autograph Bat
• Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider Dual Bat
• Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges Dual Bat
• Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese Dual Bat
• Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella Dual Bat
• Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale Dual Jersey
• Gil Hodges Bat Cut Auto
• Jackie Robinson Bat Cut Auto
• Pee Wee Reese Bat Cut Auto

And below are 4 additional pics of mystery cards.

Robinson & Campanella Dual Bat           Koufax & Drysdale Dual Jersey

Robinson & Reese Dual Bat                Pee Wee Reese Bat Cut Auto

UPDATE:
Here are some more mystery pack cards.

Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider Dual Bat

Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges Dual Bat

Gil Hodges Bat Cut Auto

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Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2013 - Dodgers Links - Vote Puig for the All-Star Game & Kemp Gets His First Hit in Rehab

We certainly can see Hanley and Puig.  They, along with Adrian Gonzalez, have been very visible at the plate of late.  Pic via Dodgers tumblr.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kemp gets first hit in second rehab game: Doubles in six-inning stint with Albuquerque; Van Slyke goes 1-for-5".
• BTW, TMZ shared that Kemp is renting a mansion in Hidden Hills. (Hat Tip: VSIMH)
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy informs us that Kenley Jansen will be signing free autographs at T-Mobile store on Cienega on Wednesday.
• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Dodgers' Don Mattingly still has front-office support: Although the Dodgers have fallen to 11 games below .500, General Manager Ned Colletti says he sees no reason to fire the manager."
• Yasiel Puig wants your support for the All-Star game.

I need You to vote for me on the all star ballot You need  to write my name in please http://t.co/9cPC5LESDV
— yasielpuig (@YasielPuig) June 24, 2013

• Via Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness, "Yasiel Puig Is Following That Matt Kemp Playbook".
• Sergio at Busting Packs got a legal notice from Upper Deck telling him to stop making fantasy/mock-up Upper Deck cards.  No wonder Upper Deck has been in the dumps.  They're filled with idiots.
• Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports wonders "Can any other struggling MLB teams go on a run?"

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Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2013

Tonight is Hello Kitty Fleece Blanket Night at the Dodgers game.  50,000 blankets will be given out.  Also, Hello Kitty will throw out the first pitch and help fans sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” on the field.  Oy Vey!

• You must watch this video from 2011 of Tony Gwynn Jr being heckled in Colorado, and Gwynn heckling back in his own special way. (Hat Tip: Reddit: SirEinstein)
• Rob Neyer at Baseball Nation takes a look at the villains featured in the Jackie Robinson biopic "42".  He does a great job of telling us how many of them changed.
• Dave Cameron at FanGraphs writes of "The Rejuvenation of Carl Crawford."

Through it all, Carl Crawford has been held up as more than just another player; he’s been the bully pulpit for both sides. Now healthy and away from the spotlight on the west coast — yes, he’s in LA, but he’s playing fifth fiddle to Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, and Zack Greinke — Crawford has been given a chance to get his career back on track. And he is taking full advantage.

• Larry Granillo at Baseball Prospectus tells us about Jackie Robinson in Boys' Life.
• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, Hanley Ramirez expects to be back on the field quicker than expected.

"Everybody is going to be shocked," Ramirez said.

• Brad Richardson, an LA Kings centerman, can't be serious.  John Hoven at Mayor's Manor caught him wearing a SF Giants cap, and he provides the worst reason in the world for his transgression. 
• Get'r Dunn at hockey blog Battle of California collects and laughs at the various twitter post making fun of outdoor hockey at Dodger Stadium.  Stop whining, Minnesota!  No one likes your team anyway.
• Score!  The Dutch Card Guy is an active Dodger fan and card collector.  He recently posted up a wicked card purchase that includes 30+ Clayton Kershaw cards.  See his first post of this recent find here.
• "Upper Deck Creates Card for 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient", via Susan Lulgjuraj at Beckett.

• Check out the below vintage video of Jackie's first visit to Wrigley Field in 1947.  (Hat Tip: 2 by 3 Heroes) From the video description:

On May 18, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his first career appearance in Chicago, in front of a sold out Wrigley Field crowd. It still remains the largest paid attendance in the ballpark's history. When the Dodgers announced that Jackie Robinson would be playing for them that season, the Cubs players held a closed door vote about whether or not they would take the field when he came to Chicago. The final vote tally was not released, but the Cubs voted no. Their owner, Phillip Wrigley, also voted no. He was afraid that the white North Side neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field would rebel and take it out on the Cubs. The players and owners were overruled by Commissioner Happy Chandler, who forced everyone to accept Robinson or be barred from the game.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 3/22/2013

Magic is in the house.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers Jon SooHoo/ 2013 LA Dodgers.

• Chris Olds at Beckett has a one-on-one interview with "42" lead actor Chadwick Boseman (he plays Jackie Robinson) that he recently shared.  It's a fun read:

Autograph Hunting
So, if there was one autograph of a baseball player Boseman would want, who would it be?

“For baseball players, I would love to get Josh Hamilton‘s autograph — that would be cool. I would love to meet him,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to meet some of the Dodgers, so Matt Kemp would be a real cool autograph. And Ken Griffey Jr. of course.”

Then he jumped right into another thought, almost as if he were kicking himself thinking back about his experiences while making the film.

“You know, what I can’t believe is I didn’t get Hank Aaron‘s autograph,” he said. “I met him a couple of times. I have to remember to get him — what am I thinking? The next time I see him, I’ll get him to sign my 42 hat.”

• Vincent Bonsignore at the Daily News writes that you shouldn't blame the WBC for Hanley's injury.

"This could have happened anywhere," a disappointed Ramirez said Thursday, his right hand encased in a huge black brace. "It could have happened here."

He's absolutely right, which is why it's silly to blame the WBC.

Even though that won't stop people from doing exactly that.

But that's misguided considering the injury occurred on a play so routine Ramirez might as well have been taking infield practice.

• Just to add more sorrow to the story.  Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs notes that Hanley Ramirez was the best hitter in the WBC.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com reports some good news.  "Zack Greinke, Chad Billingsley Report No Further Medical Problems."  He then tells us that pitcher, Stephen Fife, is turning some Dodger heads.
• Chris Carlin at the Upper Deck Blog tells us how Baseball cards can help kids with Down Syndrome.
• Upper Deck may have been shut out of a MLB card license, they did snag a license from the MLB Players Association.  Via their press release.
• I'm not sure what prompted this but the Sacramento River Cats (or is it RiverCats, or river cats, whatever) is implementing a $1 fine on anybody who dare misspells their name.  See the press release here.  Hey River Bats, I dare you to try and collect from me!  BTW, this team is the AAA affiliate for the A's.
• Check out the Smithsonian Magazine's 2012 photography contest finalist.  

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Tomorrow is National Hockey Card Day!

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 16th is National Hockey Card Day.  Go to participating stores for a free pack of Upper Deck hockey cards.  They made a special set and randomly inserted autographs. More information is here.  Also, Upper Deck's blog has information, as well.  Below are the 4 Kings cards in the 16 card set.

 

Below is a list of CA stores participating from Upper Deck list.  Go to this link for more info.  More stores may be added.  Also, be sure to call the store before attending to confirm that they do indeed have packs.  Again, Upper Deck's blog has more information, as well.  Click this link for more information.

TAYLOR'S BASEBALL CARDS & COLL
8682 BEACH BLVD. #101
BUENA PARK, CA 90621
(714) 827-7746

SOUTH BAY BASEBALL CARDS INC
1751 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
LOMITA, CA 90717
(310) 530-5818

THE BATTER'S BOX
4558 SHERMAN OAKS AVENUE
SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91403
(818) 304-8440

CARDBOARD LEGENDS
17218 SATICOY ST
VAN NUYS, CA 91406
(818) 342-8948

PJ'S SPORTS CENTER
1324 3RD AVE #3
CHULA VISTA, CA 91911
(619) 420-8176

BASEBALL CARDS PLUS
6401 EDINGER AVE
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647
(714) 898-5648

CARD PAVILION, THE
2423 N. TUSTIN AVE
SANTA ANA, CA 92705
(714) 541-4757

OC DUGOUT, THE
1238 S. BEACH BLVD #J
ANAHEIM, CA 92804
(714) 527-6319

BASES LOADED
3225 W SHAW AVENUE SUITE 104
FRESNO, CA 93711
(559) 225-9321

PENINSULA SPORTS CARDS
572 EL CAMINO REAL
BELMONT, CA 94002
(650) 595-5115

MVP PLEASANT HILL
1637 CONTRA COSTA BLVD
PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523
(925) 687-5710

Here's Upper Deck's commercial.

Video Link:

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RIP: Richard McWilliam - co-Founder and Chairman of Upper Deck

The sports card hobby has lost a pioneer.  Upper Deck co-founder and chairman Richard McWilliam passed away this weekend.  He was 59 years old and leaves behind a wife and three children.

Suffice it to say, he was one of the most influential people in the trading card hobby.  In 1988, he along with other partners began an ambitious plan to produce a high quality Baseball card product for a market desperately seeking something different.  At the time, Topps, Donruss and Fleer produced cards, but they lacked the gloss and innovation found today.  Upper Deck soon filled that void.

I remember back in those days as a young teenage entrepreneur and Baseball card dealer seeing specs from Upper Deck officials.  They were a revelation.  Their cards had white stock cardboard that provided brilliant photographic images, and a hologram that gave a strong impression.  I was hooked on the new company, and so were many of my cohorts sitting on the dealer side of the table. 

Much has happened since Upper Deck's intial introduction to the market.  They introduced autographed insert cards, game jersey cards, holograms, and digital trading cards.  There was also a lot of controversy ranging from the loss of major sports licenses to scandals regarding the authenticity of game-used uniforms.  Nevertheless, McWilliam's impact on the hobby cannot be overemphasized.  He ushered in a new era in collecting, and all hobbyist should extend their hand to him as a thank you.

Richard McWilliam was found dead on Saturday from unknown causes.  He had a history of heart problems; including open heart surgery in 2008.  Check out the Sports Collectors Digest story on him here:

“Richard was a thought leader and visionary in the trading card industry. It grew from a hobby for some baseball fans into a multi-billion dollar industry because of the multiple innovations that Upper Deck introduced under his leadership,” Jason Masherah (Upper Deck's new President) said. “He built a company that has weathered difficult times for the entire industry and is well positioned for future success.”

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2012

Representin' in the Bay Area.  Pic via instagram 1pacman.

• Hey.  At least the Dodgers farm club in Ogden is playing well.  They are in the finals.  Per Sam Dykstra in a MiLB report.

"It feels to great to win this," said Smith, the Dodgers' 12th-round pick in the 2012 Draft. "This is something we've all been working towards since we got here. After winning both divisions this year, this was what we all thought we'd be capable of. Every time we stepped on the field, it was to work toward the opportunity to play for the league title." 

• Bob Timmerman is writing at Dodger Thoughts and points to the inadequacy of the Dodgers to finish the job.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN shares a great quote from Andre Ethier that expresses the Dodgers troubles.

"I don't know if it's pressing too hard or not caring enough or what," Andre Ethier said. "You try to go out there and relax, it doesn't work. You try to go out there and care, and nothing works. Maybe somebody needs to come on and give us all a good shake or something. I don't know."

• Via Gideon Rubin at the Daily News, Dodgers owner Peter Gruber compares the Dodger fall to some Hollywood flops.

That's according to minority Dodgers owner and renowned film producer Peter Guber, who said his experience in the business of media entertainment and sports have taught him assembling star power does not guarantee success at the box office or the standings.

Guber, who was at AT&T Park on Friday for the start of a crucial series with the Giants, cited "Bonfire of the Vanities," a 1990 cinematic flop he produced, as an example of a talented lineup that included Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks and Morgan Freeman.

• Left Field Pavilion makes the call.  Dodgers dying.
• Sports Collectors Daily unveils a new lawsuit against Upper Deck.  Boy! Considering how they have conducted business with various sports leagues, I'm not surprised by this. 

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2012 Goodwin Champions - Dodgers Related Cards

As some you know, Upper Deck recently released their 2012 Goodwin Champions set, and although it doesn't directly include any Dodgers (save a 19th century player) it does have several players who are associated with the Dodgers.  Check them out below.

Since Magic Johnson is now a part owner I feel compelled to share any new cards made of him; especially if he is sporting a suit indicative of his business acumen. 

#5 Magic Johnson

Hey, Greg Maddux wore Blue for a little bit of time.  Besides, he isn't wearing a uniform of any team, so I figured we should claim him as our own.  Furthermore, the old master is shown throwing a wiffle ball which has awesome written all over it.

#22 Greg Maddux

He's our coach, our captain, and the only man who can make a gawd awful sweater look swank.

#84 Don Mattingly

Hall of Famer Ned Hanlon never actually played for the Dodgers, but he did manage them for a bit.  He steered the Brooklyn Superbas (as they where known back then) from 1899 to 1905.  Over that time he won two National League pennants, and had an overall record of 511 wins to 488 loses in Brooklyn.  He was also an owner of team.  After the 1898 season he bought shares of the Superbas and moved several of his players from the Baltimore Orioles to Brooklyn.  By 1905 he had wanted to move the Superbas to Baltimore, but was overruled when Charles Ebbets bought out his shares.

#163 Ned Hanlon

Here is the man who saved the Dodgers from moving to Baltimore.  In 1905 he bought out Ned Hanlon and kept the team in the New York borough.  In 1912 he built Ebbets Field which would become the iconic home of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

#204 Charles Ebbets

Below is a 1888 Masterpiece Originals drawing that was inserted into packs.  This is a hand painted original art card emulating the original 1888 Goodwin Champions card. These cards are serial numbered to 10 and is one of the key cards from the set.  Bob Caruthers played for Brooklyn from 1888 to 1891, having won 110 games against 51 loses.

GMPS-4 Bob Caruthers

BTW, following up on my recent rants (here and here) regarding the cut-up pieces of the Union/ American flag that was placed in relic cards, Rob Ford at Upper Deck shares more details about their thinking and "state of repair" of the flag in question.  Check out what he wrote here. 

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