One year ago today ...

On this date a year ago, I posted this night card of Justin Verlander and started a blog called "Night Owl Cards."

Even though it was just 12 short months ago, I don't know if I can give you a straight answer on why I started this thing. The short version is: I was inspired. After months of reading other blogs devoted to nothing but baseball cards, I couldn't help but think that this was something I could do. I was a writer, an avid baseball fan, and a collector of cards. It seemed like a calling.

This anniversary date means nothing to a lot of people in my life. Although some members of my family know I have a blog, others have no idea. And I'd prefer to keep it that way. All of the people who I talk to on a daily basis at work -- even the ones who I actually like and can relate to -- don't know I have a blog either. And I'd prefer to keep it that way, too. Self-censorship is too much of a downer on a blog that is meant purely for my entertainment.

And that's what it is to me -- entertainment. I write about what interests me in a way that interests me. The blog is therapy, too. And I've noted the benefits of that aspect, as well. In many ways, this blog is my personality. I try not to get too deep with it -- this is about baseball, after all -- and by nature I am easygoing and have a sense of humor. But I also have a strong sense of right and wrong, can be direct and abrupt at times, and have always been introspective. It sounds strange, but I am a quiet, thoughtful, humorous guy, who also can get loud once in a great while.

And all of this filters into the blog.

I know I never expected to draw the readers I have or make as many trades that I have. For people who care about numbers, I average around 240-250 unique visits a day. It's not a big number, but it still blows my mind. As for trades, I went back through some of my trade folder stuff and figured out I have traded with people in 28 states and three countries. I'm not sure how many blog trades I've made, but it's over 100.

That's the important part for me, the connections I have made with other collectors. This blog is like an oasis within my immediate world. My immediate world couldn't care less about trading cards or even baseball. Football and television and politics and money and general meaningless garbage dominate the landscape of my world. But when I check out the blogs, it's a group of people that only cares about baseball and collecting and (*gasp*) are willing to talk about it for hours. With you, I don't have to argue endlessly like I do with non-converts, saying, "BASEBALL IS NOT BORING! YOU THINK IT'S BORING BECAUSE YOU JUST DON'T GET IT!" That's because you folks on the blogs get it. And thank goodness I found you.

The feeling is mutual, judging by the trades and notes I've received. I enjoy getting notes in card packages. I enjoy getting emails from people who have gone out of their way to do something or create something and then send it to me.

Andy, of Traded Sets, sent this "unlicensed" creation to me the other day in response to a post I made over the weekend, about how Upper Deck should go "oddball" in 2010.

Ouch. 1987 Topps would really suffer with the no-logo treatment, wouldn't it?

I've got a better idea ...

I love a junk-food logo on my card. Notice that I went with the old-school Burger King logo.

Quite some time ago, Cliff of Capewood's Collections, sent me some of his own card creations. And I haven't posted them until now.

It's a wonderful design, and Cliff picked out some great Associated Press photos to use as subjects.

But I guess he couldn't bear to write Manny Ramirez's name on this card. Incidentally, I'd like to remind those Giants fans there in the outfield that they once had a guy with a giant head named Bonds patrolling left field. Glass houses, guys.

One just for fun, Cliff said.

The last two of Martin and Torre are my favorites. Thanks, Cliff!

People also send me photos they've taken at games they have attended. People actually appreciate my interest in night games and use the phrase "night card"! That is so cool!

Jack of All Tribe Baseball has sent me photos a couple of times. He took some photos of an early August game that he attended at Jacobs ... er... Progressive Field. (The "er" is part of the official name).

Aren't they great? That's Grady Sizemore making the diving catch on the video screen.

The point to showing all these images is that I appreciate the communication between collectors. I'm not a person who is drawn to large crowds or has to be the center of attention. But I do like people. It's why I am a writer. People fascinate me. Their stories fascinate me. That's why I like history and historical ballplayers, because their lives and histories are more interesting to me than any scientific breakthrough or mathematical problem.

That's why I am still going after one year of doing this blog. Yes, it can be difficult to post sometimes, and, yes, I run out of ideas just like everyone else. But like I said before, I'm meant to be here. A community of baseball fans who collect and trade and enjoy writing and reading other people's writing? Wow.

I'm not going to list my favorite posts from the last year. There's a "Best of ..." link. That pretty much sums it up.

I'm also not going to list everyone who has traded cards with me, given me advice, answered my questions, corrected my mistakes, made me laugh, touched my heart, or simply been a pain in the ass. Because I'm too lazy for that.

So, to everyone, a simple, "Thanks." Don't ever change. And all that other yearbook stuff.

And, also, thanks for reading.

Here's to year two.