Trade Post: All The Way To The Backstop

I haven't really felt like posting anything the last couple of days so, well, I haven't. The other night I was reading all the way to the backstop and saw my zip code among those he sent packages out to. I already had his cards packaged up but I hadn't made it to the Post Office yet. Yesterday as I was heading out to mail his cards and another batch for Dime Boxes, I checked the mailbox and the cards from Backstop were already here; that was quick! I chose the two cards for the top photo because they happen to be two cards I also sent him- hey, that's a pretty good success rate! There were a few cards I already have but most were new to me and will be finding their way here for some time to come.

At the top of the stack were six Joey Cora cards. Now here's a guy who's been paying attention! There was one of him with the Padres, one with the Mariners and four as a White Sock.

The cards spanned from 1987 until present and included both stars and unheard of players along with an array of fan favorites and historical footnotes. A great number of manufacturers were represented as were two languages (English and French). There were a few Benitos, a couple Adrians and one of each Alomar.

One of my favorite things about trading through the mail is the handwritten note. It's such a juxtaposition to everything you know about fellow bloggers; all I've seen before is the typed word and written words lend an extra element of humanity. His was no disappointment, complete with nifty lettering, an awesome illustration and words of encouragement all Padres fans must heed.

This was a blind trade so I had no idea what to expect. I'm very happy with what I got and hope he's as stoked when he gets his. I have a feeling he'll be pretty pleased.

All 24 Of The 24s For The 24th

There have been 24 men who have worn number 24 for the Padres. Walt Hriniak was the first and Chris Krug also wore it in 1969. Jerry Nyman and Jim Williams had it in '70, followed by Leron Lee from '71 through '73. Joe McIntosh in '74 and Ken Reynolds in '76 were succeeded by Dave Wehrmeister from '76 through '78. Dan Briggs donned it in '79, as did Luis Salazar in '80 and '87. Dave Edwards had the 24 in '81 and '82, followed by Champ Summers in '84, Dave LaPoint in '86, and Jerald Clark from '88 through '92. Current hitting coach Phil Plantier wore it in '93 and '94. Roberto Petagine had it in '95 before Rickey Henderson in '96, '97 and again in '01. Mark Langston in '98, David Newhan in '99, and Joe Vitiello in 2000 wore it in Rickey's absence. San Diego-born Aztec alumnus Alex Palaez wore it for all three games of his career in '02, follwed by another San Diegan, Brian Giles from '03 through '09. Mike Baxter had it in '10 and Cam Maybin has held it down since we swiped him from the then-Florida Marlins. I hope to see it between Tony's 19 and Winfield's 31 in his honor fifteen or so years from now.

A Pretty Halfassed Phil Plantier Post

Here's the Padres' new hitting coach back in his playing days rockin' what I once heard Joe Nuxhall refer to as "some kind of haystack hairdo". Plantier is the latest through the revolving door at that position. His predecessor managed to last two seasons, lasting one more than I guessed he would when he got hired. Since I've been on some sort of idiotic haiku kick lately, here's one just because...

Our new hitting coach
Nice job if you can get it
Check back in a year