Night Owl Cards

Last night at work was one of those nights that I wouldn't wish on anyone's job. I can't explain it to those who don't have my job and it'd probably be boring regardless, but let's just say it had to do with computer issues and waking three different people out of a dead sleep. Before we knew what the problem was (and we don't exactly have a clear idea now), we were blaming it on the new logos placed in the paper. Graphics -- for those who don't have the word in their job title with the word "designer" after it -- can be a genuine, time-consuming pain in the ass. But the funny thing is, everyone loves logos. I'm not going to use numbers to back up that statement. It's just understood. Everyone loves logos. The latest example is the poll results for the Biggest Improvement/Biggest Bust in Fleer card history. Here is what was voted the biggest improvement: 1982-83 Fleer: 18 votes 1983-84 Fleer: 11 votes 1995-96 Flee...

One thing that this exercise has taught me is how differently people perceive the exact same thing. It's a simple piece of cardboard with various shapes, colors and lines. But depending on the collector viewing it, it is either the best piece of cardboard ever devised or a train wreck. For the first time in this "biggest improvement/biggest bust" series you will see a certain combination on each list TWICE. That's right, according to your comments , people think that 1982-83 Fleer and 1994-95 Fleer is both the biggest improvement and the biggest bust. I'm tempted to think this is just people trolling or being contrary, but I don't think it is. As my grandma used to say, "that's why there's vodka and beer" (OK, really she said, "that's why there's chocolate and vanilla."). People just like different stuff. So without further babbling, I will present to you the candidates for selection as Fleer's "Biggest Imp...

I'm pretty sure I've neglected close to a dozen regular features on this blog. I always seem to have lots of ideas. But if it can't be completed in a day, then my forgetful self takes over and you can kiss that concept adios. So, anytime I unearth a feature from my brain, or -- duh, take a look at my own sidebar once in awhile -- it's a time to celebrate. I'm following through on an idea. Yay, me! So here's a regular feature that I didn't forget. I've charted the biggest year-to-year improvements and busts for Topps , Upper Deck and Donruss . It's now Fleer's turn. Fleer is an interesting creature. It's kind of the lovable loser of card companies. In MLB terms, it's maybe not as inept as the Cubs, but probably more like the Mets. It has produced sporadic spectacular, memorable years, a lot of "oh lord, bless you for trying" years, and some downright "get thee to rehab" years. My personal favorites are 198...