A package arrived today from one of my favorite tradin’ buddies, John over at The Pursuit of 80′s(ness). If you have never dealt with John or never seen his blog, you should check it out. He is a great guy and loves to trade through the mail. John sent over 30 cards this time around and as always it was loaded with goodness. Aside from the Pujols cards I needed John threw in a great selection of cards ranging from a 1989 Topps Chris Carpenter to a 2008 UD Timeline card of Albert. Below are a few of my favorites.

Thanks John

Another thing about this package was the hand written note included. See John always includes a little note to make it more personal and he uses some notebook paper that he appears to have created himself. The reason I bring this is up you ask? Well, you see John is form the UK and as far as I know he has never been to where I am from but a picture on his note had me second guessing that thought.

Good ol Granite City

Read the wall behind him – it says Granite City – which appears is a supply company of some sort wherever that picture was taken. Why is that even relevant you ask – well see, I live in a small town near St. Louis in IL. I am about 20 minutes from downtown and about 10 minutes away from me is this little town called…Granite City. They are mostly known for steel. So John did you know about Granite City IL or is this just one of those crazy coincidences? I would assume the latter but stranger things have happened. Either way I really enjoyed the package and will start your return pile.