More than just cards...

I added another addition to my Michigan State collection today, but it is not a trading card.

The latest issue of Sports Illustrated has sophomore guard Gary Harris pictured on the cover along with members of the Izzone.  Plus a cameo of Mateen Cleaves.
Every time a Spartan is on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it is a must buy.  Especially if they are in the green and white.  I now have about dozen issues of Spartan Sports Illustrateds dating back to 1979.  Which of course is with Magic Johnson after winning the 1979 title.
I also have a couple Sporting News covers including a 1979 Magic Johnson also.

Spartan Family Mourns... T.J. Turner

Former MSU linebacker lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday. He was only 35 years old.
He was a native of Hillsboro, Ohio and lettered at MSU from 1997-2000.  He was drafted by New England Patriots in the seventh round in the 2001 NFL draft and played one season for them.
Below is my only Turner card, his 2001 Bowman card:

Go Cats?

No, I am not a Kentucky Wildcat fan or will start a collection of former Wildcat players.  Bob Brannum played for Kentucky in the mid 40s for a couple years and then transferred to Michigan State.  After one season at MSU, he went on to play for Boston Celtics for a several years.
Bob Brannum is 58th MSU basketball player.  He is placed between Tim Bograkos and Mike Brkovich in the binder.   Also, Brannum is my 35th Spartan player I have card of who has played in the ABA/NBA.  Only 3 others exist, but all three don't own any trading cards.

Trade Completed!

I received cards back from http://swingandapopupboston.blogspot.com/ recently.  I helped him complete a few sets and he did well and sending me a few Spartan baseball cards I needed.  He also sent some cards for my regular baseball collection also.  But here is the MSU ballplayers:

a couple Kirk Gibsons, Here is a Steve Garvey:

a few Mark Mulders:

 

and surprisingly this Tim Birtsas:

 

Autographs are Rolle-ing In

I recieved another autograph in the mail just recently.  It is of former tight end Butch Rolle.

Rolle played for MSU from 1982-85 and in the NFL from 1986-93 for the Bills and Cardinals.  As a Bill, he was primarily used as a blocking tight end and short yardage receiver, particularly near the goal line.  If you look behind his 1990 Score card pictured above, through the 1989 season, Rolle had nine career receptions and five were for touchdowns.
He finished his career with 38 receptions and 11 touchdowns.

More TTM Success!

I received back one of my through the mail attempts on Saturday. It was success and  I even got a bonus.  I sent away for Ralf Mojsiejenko's autograph.  He was a kicker/punter for MSU from 1981-84.  The years I started to watch MSU sports.  I sent Mr. Mojsiejenko his 1986 Topps rookie card to get signed:

As you can see, a success. But I also got this one back also.  I didn't even send that card.  His 1989 Topps Traded auto, pictured with the Washington Redskins.  It must be a 2 for 1 promotion going in the Mojsiejenko household right now.

By the way, sending away for autographs is a great use for your extra cards from the junk wax era.

Didn't Know It Existed

During my last trip to the local card shop, I was flipping through the Detroit Tiger binders looking for a few cards for my baseball card collection.   Then I came across this card for my MSU collection.  I saw his name and it seemed rather familiar.  It is kinda hard to keep track of the baseball players from MSU as they are rarely on television like football, basketball or even hockey.  So, I try to keep up to date from the local newspaper and news.

2009 Bowman Prospects #BP39

I checked the back of the card and it confirmed my familiarity. It said "Michigan State". 
Jon Kibler is my 39th Spartan baseball player and will be slotted between Steve Juday and Jack Kralick in my baseball binder.  Kibler never made to the big leagues, so he doesn't count toward the MLB Spartans.
I also picked up a Kirk Gibson 2012 Topps Heritage card. He is pictured as the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks: