Night Owl Cards

The first time I ever saw a blank-backed card -- that is, one that wasn't supposed to have a blank back -- was in 1987. I was buying rack packs of '87 Topps here and there, usually after classes, driving off campus and on my way to my grandmother's. It was then that I pulled a blank-backed card of Tom Nieto. Instead of saying "who the hell is this?", because after all it was Tom Nieto, I said " what the hell is?" because the back was blank. I didn't like it. I was deprived of the stats and factoids that make a card complete. It was especially important because I had no idea who Tom Nieto was and I wanted to learn. I had half a card here! I was promised a FULL card! Later -- and I can't remember if it was in the same rack pack or in a different one -- I pulled another blank back. It was another Montreal Expo named Tom.   Tom Foley was half a card. I was flustered. For years, I wanted to pull another '87 Tom Nieto and...

When the bow is tied on the card season of 2011 -- and that day is coming soon -- there will be a lot of snark and crank and bitch about the concepts of choice and innovation and game-changing. I'll admit, it wasn't the most exciting year for cards. But it just doesn't matter in the larger scheme of things. Sure, I'd like it to be a little more interesting. But, honestly, if I'm looking for something to blow my doors off, I'm not looking to cards first. And if you are staring at me quizzically wondering what else I would rather have blow my doors off, then, my poor, poor child, I doubt I can help you. Cards are a pleasant little diversion for me. Yes, I have a passion for them. But they are not the best thing in my life. There are days when I prefer a wheel of cheese to cards. So, why on earth would I DEMAND that cards be all things to me -- the best of the best, the thrill of thrills, the pinnacle of my existence? I just want cards to be cool. That'...