Artelopes- 2015 New York Giants

With a batch of eleven artelopes heading out this month. I currently stand at only five still unaccounted for. Some such as the New York Giants nailed it in their return as you are about to see.

I'm not going to lie, and say this was anything near my best work because it isn't. Missing from the business card collection a request needed to fill in the NFL part of the collection.I had to send something out, and this is the best idea I could dream up at the time.

Once more I learned that amazing doesn't always get the best results. Some of the best returns have come from artelopes like this one. The daughter or myself can dream up some incredible idea, and get barely anything. Then come up dry, and just throw something together that we aren't fond of. Only to get the best results we have gotten in a long time.

Adding to all this fun is the Giants are now part of the NFL business card collection. Now only seven teams are still holding out. Hopefully 2016 will yield close to the same results that 2015 did. If so then the collection will make some serious headway in the eventual goal of a business card from every professional team.

Artelope Returns- 2015 Idaho Stampede

Despite not having the best of luck the past two years in returns from Thanksgiving til Christmas. The business card collection is still missing some NFL, NBA, NBA Developmental League, and NHL teams. Unfortunately the best time for all these leagues is during this time of the year. What that does is leave me the option of either continuing to take my chances, or giving up altogether. Being the goal for my collection is a business card from every team. I have only the one option of trying year after year until I finally have success. So try is what I have been doing, and lately it has been paying off.

For those that don't know, the Stampede are the NBA Developmental League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. As for the artwork on this artelope. I handed over a stack of envelopes, and gave the daughter free reign. Despite the teams logo being a horse she was in the mood to draw a guitar, and so I stuck with what she had drawn. She did refuse to add color so the drawing is just a pencil drawing instead of the usual pen, or colored pencils. On a side note, this was the only envelope in the batch she did. The remaining envelopes were eventually finished by myself.

To me the most important part of this project are the results. Idaho was a huge success in that department with a return of one schedule, and the much sought after business card. After adding Idaho into the collection the NBA Developmental League now remains at seven missing teams. Four new artelopes went out to teams in the league so hopefully that number will dwindle before Christmas.

Los Angeles D-Fenders Artelope

With the main blog currently running the Cleaning Out The Clutter. I'm moving the artelopes project here as of right now. This is an idea that I've toyed with for awhile, but never pulled the trigger on. With the main blog doing its thing I feel that right now is the best time to make the move.

The artelopes is a business card, and pocket schedule related project so why not send it over to the blog related to those two hobbies? My plan is for this to be a permanent move, but who knows it may go back to the main blog eventually. For now though it's here, and ready to go.

Despite not having the best of luck the last two years during this time of year. I am in a catch 22 spot as basketball, hockey, college football bowl games, and NFL are all running right now. Because of this I'm left with no option, but to continue trying in hopes that some of these will find their way home. Luckily I sent out a request to a team in the NBA Developmental League that hadn't gotten a request until now. So, I came up with a few designs, and went to work.

Not the most fantastic of drawings that we've done lately, but it was effective.

This was everything I could want from any team I send requests to. As you can see it had the much sought after, and only reason for the request business card. Adding not only a card from the NBA Developmental League, but from the Los Angeles Lakers affiliate was a huge surprise. Since adding the card into the collection the NBA Developmental League needs list is down to seven teams missing.

Now that the artelopes has been moved here for the time being you can expect lots more posts here in the coming days. Currently I believe there are nine requests out wandering the country. Six of them are part of the artelopes, and three are just requests minus the artwork. So, if you enjoy the artelopes feel free to follow this blog, bookmark it, or just follow the link through the main blog.

Augtember Continues

So far I've made some great trades that have lowered the wantlists in all the sports. Things have slowed down a bit now with one batch of schedules that should be arriving any day now still lingering. With the slow down, and finally getting a three day weekend for the first time in over a month. I just spent some time adding some not only new schedules, but some new 2015 schedules into the traders. So, to whet your whistle a little here are two of the schedules that I know some collectors out there are looking for.

This is the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals 50th Super Bowl card schedule. 

Not to be outdone is the 2015 Utah Utes. Not exactly the best scan, but a very cool looking schedule in person. If you don't have one, and want to see one hit me up for a trade.

Remember we are into the second half of the great Augtember. Until the end of this month I am trading three of my schedules, or business cards for just one of yours from my wants. 

Helping to make trading easier is there are a limited few baseball I am still missing for 2015. Even easier is the Cincy Bearcats, UNLV Rebels, and Denver Broncos all anchor my missing football for 2015. A series of baseball teams changed affiliates this year so business cards for teams of not only baseball, but all sports are still huge. 

Either way give things a look, and lets get some trading done!!

Michigan Panthers- Rex Boomer Schedule

As per a request from a fellow schedule collector I am showing off a 1983 Michigan Panthers schedule.

For those that don't know the Panthers were one of the original members of the USFL. Only playing in the league for two seasons, and winning the inaugural USFL Championship. After the 1984 season the league was talking about moving from spring to the fall. Unwilling to compete with the Lions, Panthers ownership worked on a merger with Oakland.

From the look of the back this schedule was used not only as a schedule, but as a tool for trading. Rex did a few of these schedules in 1983 with the Tigers being included into the collection.

Let The Trading Commence

Every year that I have been collecting schedules the month of February, or one of the two months close has been labeled 'Trading In Your Favor Month'. The idea of the month has been to offer a deal in other collectors favor for schedules that fit into my collection. In past years this has been a great success not only for myself, but hopefully other collectors that have filled in their wants as well.

With this year being crazy for the cat on so many levels the offer continually got pushed back, and pushed back. Heck, I almost got to the point of wondering if I was even going to run the offer this year.

  Well wonder no more! 

Despite things still being a little nuts around here with me working tons of overtime, and other things going on. I am making this thing happen, and it is officially happening right now!! Not only is it happening it will happen for the entire extended month of Augtember.

If you haven't taken me up on this offer in past years, or just stumbled across this blog, here is how the deal works. For the remainder of August, and September I am offering to trade 3 yes, 3 schedules, or business cards from my traders for one schedule, or business cards from my wantlists. 

It's a great deal that will help both of us fill holes in the collections that have possibly been looking to be filled. So go through all those traders you have looking for a home, and see if maybe just one might find that forever home here at the cat house.

2015 Seattle Mariners Portland Edition

It has been waaay to long between posts around here so I feel it's time for something new.

Around 2006 the Mariners had put out a few schedules that had a line with the town, and the word edition. There were a very limited amount of teams at the time that got these special editions.

Fast forward to 2013, and the Mariners went back to these schedules. Unlike the 2006 version these have been done on a much larger scale with over a dozen being put out each year. Besides the bar across the bottom with the town name, and edition. What makes these different is the inside lists the local radio stations that broadcast Mariners games.

While I'd love to show more of these this is currently the only one from these three seasons I've managed to trade for. Hopefully more will make their way in my direction in the future, but for now I'm thrilled to have this lone copy.

Eugene Emeralds New Business Cards

On Monday I had to make the trip south to Eugene, and PK park home of the Eugene Emeralds. On the agenda was to pick up tickets for the 4th of July game. We went to this game last year, and had such a good time that we wanted to do it again this year. Another item on the agenda was to update the Emeralds business card.

Last year the team had business cards that looked like a Bigfoot foot. Personally it is the best business card in all of sports, and I was looking forward to getting the new one with the teams new affiliate Cubs logo. Things weren't looking good as sitting on the counter was this card.

I'm not going to lie when I saw the card. It was a bit of a bummer that the team had changed their business cards. Getting the tickets I asked if it was possible to get a business card as I collect them from all baseball teams. Looking at the card on the counter he noticed that the card was taped to the counter, and opened a drawer to grab me another. As he was swinging the drawer open I could see the wheels in his head turning as if thinking about something. Then without notice he re-shut the drawer, and pulled out his wallet. Reaching in he pulled out his own card, and the one I was looking for.

The Bigfoot card lives!!

Remembering that I mentioned collecting business cards he wanted me to have the cool version of the teams card. I couldn't walk away though after seeing the other design, and asked if it would be possible to add one of those. More than happy he reached into the drawer once again, and pulled out one of the original cards like the one on the counter. Now the Emeralds are once again current.

1987 Clearwater Phillies

While it would be obvious that in the 28 years since this schedule was first released schedules would go through many changes. One of the many changes I have noticed over time is very obvious in this particular schedule. In many of the 80's schedules I have there is a sponsor listed someplace on the front of the schedule. Few are used like this one, where the sponsor is possibly more important than the team. It's an interesting part of the hobby that I've started to realize the more, and more I add older schedules in the collection.

When this started, and when it ended is something I've never looked into, but maybe one day I'll give it a full look. What I do know is a couple MLB teams still have these as they have become vital additions to collectors for those teams. One of these I collect myself, and will eventually share both here, and on the main blog.

With the cover not giving the full picture I thought that this schedule needed the full view. Back in the 80's schedules aren't the masterpieces they are today. During the early days schedules were just that, a schedule of the games with some containing the ticket prices. Now they are full of information such as pictures of the field that let you know which section costs how much, and where things are located. Many have added more sponsors to the inside with full advertising. Things like these old schedules are another of the fun things that show how far baseball has come like all the other things in life.

2015 Corvallis Knights

Here it is, and somewhat hot off the presses. I'd say hot of the presses, but odds are these have been out for a little while.

First let's talk schedule. Corvallis did a fantastic job on this schedule, and yet kept it simple. For a collegiate wood bat league team, I believe they did a schedule that is better than alot of minor league teams. Very well done Corvallis, you should be proud.

For those that don't know about Corvallis here is some information. The team plays in the West Coast League which is a college wood bat league. One of the most consistent teams in the WCL as Corvallis is always a team you must go through for the title. Winning seven division Championships, and three league titles. The defense of their division title begins on Friday at Bend.

2015 Boston Red Sox Ace Tickets

Sometimes the most fun schedules to collect aren't even schedules of your favorite team. Case in point is the 2015 Boston Red Sox Ace Tickets schedule.

These thin plastic cards are a fun schedule that have appeared the last few years. While these type of schedules are basic in design they are still one of the more fun schedules to add into the collection. Adding the tougher to find items is always the most fun adventure in collecting anything.

2015 Savannah Sand Gnats

I seem to be failing when it comes to my plan of posting a schedule, or business card a day. If I can just get myself going maybe things will turn around at some point.Until then enjoy one of my latest schedules from 2015

Adding New Stuff

Going to keep it simple today. Being I use this blog as a site for doing schedule trading, business cards, and just showing off both. I'm going to throw it out there that I just completed the addition of 32 new baseball schedules into the traders page.

Being you came here for something I had to share the 2015 Dodgers, and White Sox spring training schedule.

2015 Oregon Ducks Baseball

Last week while down in Eugene getting the car worked on I headed across the street for a great breakfast. While walking in I spotted this schedule sitting there, and took it when I left.

An odd sized 4X5 in size, and only showing the teams home games. Schedules of various sizes like this one have started popping up at all levels of baseball, and all sports.

These are tough schedules for collectors to add for two reasons. First is most times they are folded to fit into the smaller return envelope. Some collectors use manilla envelopes, and thus are able to get good versions. The second is sometimes they aren't mailed out, and unless there is a local collector to find them they are lost. So if you collect local team schedules, posters, brochures, etc. Stay on the lookout for tough to find stuff like these that can take your collection to the next level.

2007 Texas Collegiate League

Being the only schedule of this type in my collection I thought it would be fun to show off.

For those who aren't familiar with the Texas Collegiate League. The league is one of the many college wood bat leagues that run around the country. These teams consist of either high school players, and/or college players. They play for very little money, but get a chance to showcase their abilities with the wood bat. It's a great way for them to let the scouts see what they can accomplish without the aluminum bat used in college play.

We have a local team, and watch them play quite often. If you are looking for some good baseball these leagues don't disappoint.

Texas Motor Speedway

With the NASCAR race for this weekend ending not long ago. I thought why not show off the business card from Texas Motor Speedway.

2005 Colorado Rockies Magnet

As a fan of the Colorado Rockies I have quite a collection of various Rockies schedules. Not very many of which are magnet schedules. Currently only three have made it into the collection as I've chosen to focus on the pocket sized, and the other tough to find schedules.

Magnets that are shaped like this one are some of my favorites to come across. If they were only easier to either display, or to put in pages odds are I'd pursue more for the collection. Maybe one day I will spend the time to figure out a better way, but until then the collection will remain at three. That is unless another one of more just fall in my lap one day.

2015 Boston Red Sox version 1

With today being opening day in baseball. Why not show off the 2015 Boston Red Sox version 1

The Sox usually put out anywhere from two to four versions of their schedules. Most teams will do various players, and not label their covers. The Red Sox though are one of the few teams that label each version.

Most years one of the versions will feature Big Papi, and odds are 2015 will feature one as well.

2003 Brockton Rox

As I prepare to send off a schedule trade with a fellow collector. I thought it would be a great time to show off this 2003 Brockton Rox schedule before mailing it off.

2015 Texas/Kansas City Spring Training

With spring training in full swing my boss who travels to Arizona on vacations stopped by the Rangers/Royals facility. On the stop he managed to nail down the above spring training schedule for both teams.

South Bend Cubs Business Card

Among the many changes going on this year in minor league baseball was South Bend. Changing their affiliation over to the Chicago Cubs. With this change came another from the Silverhawks to the South Bend Cubs.

Initial opinion of this card from the front is that it's kind of plain, but does contain every bit of contact information I can personally think of. I can't recall any other team in any sport with this much points of contact information on a card front.

Then comes the back of the card which saves the Cubs from being just some boring team business card. It might not be some crazy design, but it works. Not all teams add designs on the back of their cards. So when a team does you have to give them credit for it.

Looking at just the front when I got the card I wasn't completely sold. Then came the back, and some time looking at the card. Now I think the team did an good job with the card, and an excellent job on making sure you know how to contact them. That is the entire reason for a business card isn't it?

Myrtle Beach Pelicans- Business Card

With baseball season getting closer, and closer schedules are starting to appear. One of the teams already on the list of schedules is the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The Pelicans changed affiliates this off season, and joined the Chicago Cubs. With the business card collection ever evolving as I try to keep up with affiliate changes. I needed to contact the Pelicans for the latest edition of their business card.

Sending out an artelope that I honestly didn't scan as it wasn't my best work. Despite the terrible artwork the results were exactly what I had hoped for.

The team did a great job with the new business card design. I enjoy the large pelican head on the right side of the card.

Hopefully all the other teams that changed affiliates treat me like the Pelicans did. If they do it should be a great year in getting baseball back to where it was before all these changes.

Canton Charge Business Card

As I have been doing more often than I'd like lately. Today I am once again posting the latest addition to the business card collection. Today's winner comes from the NBA Developmental League.

2014-2015 Rochester Knighthawks Business Card

Sometimes in the world of schedule collecting there are times where schedules, and business cards collide into one great looking card. Thanks to a fellow schedule collector I had the chance to not only add a good looking card that fits that bill. I had the chance to cross another team off my wants for the National Lacrosse League.

Grand Rapids Drive business card

The latest addition into the business card collection comes from the NBA Developmental League.

Currently I am doing a full assault on the league, and hope to cross all teams off the wantlist by the end of February. There are three requests still waiting for returns, and the other seven will be getting requests sent out in the very near future.

2014-2015 Chicago Blackhawks

I guess the goal of showing off something from the business card, or pocket schedules every day for the year has failed. No biggie as it's time to move onward, and show off my latest traders.

Being odds are you got here from my main blog you already know about these. Now they can be found in my hocket schedule traders.

2011 New York Jets magnet

Wanting to do something different I'm breaking out a magnet schedule today. The fun with magnets are they come in so many shapes that they are sometimes more fun than the regular pocket schedule to collect. The problem comes in the storage aspect. Magnets don't fit nicely into nine, four, or six pocket pages like pocket schedules.

When I picked this magnet up I was thinking about putting it in either a frame with others on the wall, or on a magnetic board on the wall. Either way in the future it will hopefully find a home on the wall in the hobby room. Even not being a Jets fan I couldn't pass on it.

1997-1998 Colorado Avalanche

When it comes to hockey there aren't many teams that I collect. One of those very limited teams is the Colorado Avalanche.

One of the great things about this schedule is it nails two things I enjoy. First off is my favorite NHL team the Colorado Avalanche. The second is it hits my fascination with logo's. Seeing the Ave's logo in seven different forms on a schedule is awesome.

Austin Spurs

In a form of cheating with the post a year for this bog. Today's business card is the latest addition into the collection.

Received on Friday from an artelope request sent out around Christmas. This leaves me just ten teams away from completing the NBA Developmental League. If you have a team locally, and would like to help in completing this great league I'd love to hear from you.

Tennessee Tech Basketball Biz

Nothing to earth shattering, or anything today. After doing pocket schedules the first two days of the year. I thought why not mix things up a bit with a business card.

Doing a quick Google search I learned a few facts to share with the card. Coach Lebo was the head coach at Tennessee Tech from 1998-2002. Playing in the NIT Quarterfinals his final year as coach for the team.

After making two other stops Jeff ended up where he currently coaches at East Carolina in 2010.

The card might look rather bland, and it is on a certain level. Scans don't seem to show the glossy purple that makes up the Tennessee Tech.

2013 Fresno Grizzlies

Last year while on our road trip to Disneyland from up here in Oregon. We usually make stops to some of the baseball teams in the area when time allows. Unfortunately we weren't able to make more stops than just the one in Fresno, and the Fresno Grizzlies home stadium. While there I bought a new hat, logo baseball, and managed to pick up a small stack of pocket schedules.

The Grizzlies had three different schedule covers for 2013. I managed to only come away with the one cover which was fine with me.

Fresno does a great job with the backs of their schedules. Adding the team logo on the top middle is a nice touch that most teams don't take the time to do.

What kind of changes will there be if any this year for the Grizzlies is an interesting question. The team changed affiliations this off season to the Houston Astros. The change was forced by San Fransisco moving to the slightly closer Sacramento RiverCats.

2014 Oregon Ducks- Coors Light

While this might be a secondary blog to my main one The Prowling Cat. What this blog does do is serve a home for two of my three collecting passions. Those two are the business cards, and the pocket schedules I enjoy so much.

I am going to put a bit more effort into this blog this year than when it was first created. Yes, it will stay true to those two hobbies. Starting today though I have a plan I'm hoping to be able to stick to. The plan is to do a daily post on the site of either a business card, or pocket schedule. If you enjoy seeing either of the two or like myself enjoy both. You might want to put this blog someplace you can find it easily.

How I do these posts will be a great mystery that will reveal itself as the year goes on. I'd love to tell you how it will work, but honestly I don't even know myself. What I do know is you will get to see some stuff that I believe you wouldn't see without coming here.

Starting off the fun is today's schedule for the 2014 Oregon Ducks football team. I chose this schedule due to fact that today the Ducks are playing Florida State in the Rose Bowl.

If there are any schedules, or business cards from a favorite team regardless of the sport feel free to let me know in an e-mail or replying to any post during the year. I might not have the schedule or business card, but  will do my best to find a picture. If I can't find one for that request I'll try to nail something close to your request. I enjoy both hobbies so seeing some things I haven't may have not seen before would be just as much fun for myself. I will give a heads up that most my collection, and traders are from 2001, and newer. I do have some older than 2001 stuff, but I am very limited. Like I said though, seeing some older schedules would be a thrill.

Any ideas on how you would like to see schedules, and business cards shown is welcomed.

 I'd like to say thank you for stopping by, and hope to see you stop in more often. As always I am open to trading for either business cards, or pocket schedules. That is the main purpose of this blog anyways.