2026 trade package #11: njwv

I don't do much collecting-related stuff on social media these days, and I'd say most of the little activity there I have is posting links to my latest posts here. That said, I do follow a number of collecting buddies and others in the hobby on Bluesky. After all, it's fun to see what other folks collect and think about cards, their favorite players, and other subjects, whether or not they also blog.

One account I follow who posts quite often is Nick Vossbrink, who also blogs over at njwv. He doesn't limit his subjects to collecting at all, choosing to write about sports in general (mainly baseball and soccer), photography, and museums, so there's a nice mix there.

I happened to catch a Bluesky post or reply where he expressed interest in the 1990 Score baseball set, possibly due to the famous Bo Jackson card therein, but it was a few months ago, so I can't remember. Anyway, I let him know that I had an extra--I've long had at least two hand-built sets in my collection, and I might have had more way back--and would be happy to try to make a deal with him for it.

We took our time going back and forth but were able to figure out something we were both happy with. In the end he sent me this as my first May trade:

A Riley Greene 2023 Topps Oversized Box Topper. These Costco-exclusive giants are 5 3/4" x 8" and of course this one parallels Greene's '23 Topps RC. I wasn't looking to nickel and dime Nick for value in return for shipping a junk wax set that included a couple notable cards, so I felt like this was a fair offer from him. Riley has followed up his All-Star campaigns in 2024-25 with what has the makings of another very nice season. In a year marred by some bats playing below expectations and others beset by injuries, Greene joins catcher Dillon Dingler and rookie IF Kevin McGonigle as the leaders of the offense. So I'll happily slot this into my album with similar oversized items.

But that wasn't all! Nick asked if I'd be interested in receiving any of his customs, and of course I said "sure!" I love seeing what the creatively inclined can do when it comes to producing their own cards.

The first two in this group borrow from the '81 Topps design and celebrate Miguel Cabrera during his 2023 swan song where he enjoyed retirement ceremonies from the Tigers' opponents. He received a Packers-style cheese hat from the Brewers and a cowboy hat from the Astros, and I love what Nick did with both the photos and design elements, especially incorporating the hats.

As for the second design, I believe that's an existing one I've seen but can't place (but should know), but I'd love for anyone to enlighten/correct me in the comments. Regardless, it looks very nice in its simplicity, and the player choice was outstanding too. The horizontal shots of Fidrych's iconic pairing with Big Bird, Kaline at the plate, and McLain staring down another batter are all well executed, paired with outlined inset images of the subjects.

And it's not like he limited his effort to the fronts, as you can see on these backs filled with stats and a couple brief write-ups.

Nick, thanks again for a great first trade! I hope you enjoy your Score set and that you keep writing, no matter what topic interests you whenever you post.

I'm thinking I'll be back reasonably soon with my other may trade package before showing off some other goodies. Stay cool!