I'm addicted to obscure players. Who is with me?

[AJBU]

Originally Posted by 88horsepower

I know I posted the Sammie Smith earlier, but I thought these three should be together when I featured the Humphrey and Gary cards. I'm working on getting as many of the Draft/Prospects cards as I can from 1989 Pro Set. It's going to be a slow, slow process, but I have quite a few now. These three are some of my favorites, all running backs, we probably used in Tecmo Bowl from time to time.

Gary had a few nice highlights with the Rams, scoring a league-best 14 TDs in his sophomore season and then rushing for 1,125 yards with the Rams a few years later. I used him in Tecmo on more than one occasion, and remember he was one of those running backs who defensive players seemed to just bounce off of.

Bobby Humphrey made a Pro Bowl in 1990 after enjoying a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He sort of screwed himself in 1991 when he decided to hold out of training camp, wanting to cash in on his two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Broncos didn't budge and the holdout lasted until week 14 of the 1991 season, which severely damaged Humphrey's standing with the team. He was out of shape and had lost his job to Gaston Green. The following season he was traded to the Dolphins for Sammie Smith.

Which brings me to Sammie Smith. I honestly thought Smith was going to be a star when he was drafted by the Dolphins. I mean, it just made sense. He was a local product, having attended Florida State University, was pairing up with arguably the most explosive QB in the league in Dan Marino. He had to be a huge success, right? Three seasons in Miami and he never rushed for more than 831 yards, which isn't terrible, but not the kind of numbers you'd expect from the 9th overall pick in the draft.

Jason Romano had Sammie on his podcast a year ago. Has turned his life around. Really great stuff. Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soMe5CVob1g

[JosieD]

Let me know if you are looking for anything! My dad kept every card he ever opened from packs.

[SleeperCards]

Originally Posted by 49erRCCollector

I know I'm spamming this thread tonight - but I'm digging through boxes right now. Bears, Lions, Jags and...a college card!

This one made me LOL, who grades that stuff? This wins for most random unless there's a connection I'm unaware of like where they went to school or something?

[49erRCCollector]

Originally Posted by SleeperCards

This one made me LOL, who grades that stuff? This wins for most random unless there's a connection I'm unaware of like where they went to school or something?

Reasonable question.

I have a showcase on PSA of the 49ers 2019 Super Bowl team - Sheldon Day started that game.

I have a showcase of 49ers "Len Eshmont" award winners (team award) - hence the Tony Parrish.

I threw in Kerry Hyder when he was racking up sacks for the Niners his first stint there. Thought he might break out but instead went to the Seahawks, became a backup, etc.

I think I threw the Dres Anderson in a PSA sub to get to 100 back when they did 100 cards for $8/pop.

To be fair, I did say I was addicted.

[Valdorian]

The goal of my collection is one autographed card of as many different Alabama players as possible, so collecting obscure guys is probably well over 50% of my collection and I love it! Someone mentioned the 1989 Coke set a earlier in the thread...that's probably my favorite set to get a new Bama card from.

I also enjoy reading up on what little I can find out about each player and if they were noteworthy off the field for anything other than football.

[49erRCCollector]

Originally Posted by Valdorian

The goal of my collection is one autographed card of as many different Alabama players as possible, so collecting obscure guys is probably well over 50% of my collection and I love it! Someone mentioned the 1989 Coke set a earlier in the thread...that's probably my favorite set to get a new Bama card from.

I also enjoy reading up on what little I can find out about each player and if they were noteworthy off the field for anything other than football.

That was me mentioning the Coke set. Love that one.

And yeah, I'm the same. I mean, how many Montana or Rice cards do I need? Those deep cut guys - what they've done after football. Kind of interesting. When I post on Instagram I tag the player if they are on there. Often times I get a like or message back.

Jamie Winborn messaged me, Chafie Fields (who is now an NFL agent) did too and I sent him some cards of his. Terry Kirby and Garrison Hearst always say thank you for my posts. One player's mom messaged me like, "where's my son's card???" I tagged her in it and she was pleased.

'Bama has some passionate collectors, I can imagine it's the same.

[jplarson]

Originally Posted by 49erRCCollector

I have a showcase of 49ers "Len Eshmont" award winners (team award) - hence the Tony Parrish.

And to think my Immaculate Grid standby is RW McQuarters for Bears/49ers player. I should mix it up with Parrish the next time it pops up.

[49erRCCollector]

Originally Posted by jplarson

And to think my Immaculate Grid standby is RW McQuarters for Bears/49ers player. I should mix it up with Parrish the next time it pops up.

R Dub! I had such high hopes for him. but it didn't really click with the Niners.

My favorite Bears/Niners Player is Anthony "Spice" Adams. He's pretty funny. He also shows both teams a lot of love. His IG is a pretty entertaining follow.

Edit: That Immaculate Grid game is fun - I was missing 3 on that, but did OK.

[SleeperCards]

Originally Posted by 49erRCCollector

Reasonable question.

I have a showcase on PSA of the 49ers 2019 Super Bowl team - Sheldon Day started that game.

I have a showcase of 49ers "Len Eshmont" award winners (team award) - hence the Tony Parrish.

I threw in Kerry Hyder when he was racking up sacks for the Niners his first stint there. Thought he might break out but instead went to the Seahawks, became a backup, etc.

I think I threw the Dres Anderson in a PSA sub to get to 100 back when they did 100 cards for $8/pop.

To be fair, I did say I was addicted.

It makes a lot more sense that you graded it yourself, I thought someone graded them and you found them in the wild. Probably safe to say those are all pop 1s, didn't even realize they were all 49ers.

[wubh]

Really cool seeing all of these Niners! Here are some that are currently in my COMC account waiting to be shipped out.


2013 Topps - 1959 Topps Design Minis #15 - Justin Smith
Courtesy of COMC.com
One of the best lineman of his generation and 100% heart but I doubt many are collecting him


1995 Topps Finest - [Base] - Refractor #218 - Merton Hanks
Courtesy of COMC.com
I really need to see if he has a chicken dance card out there


1998 Upper Deck SPx Finite - [Base] - Spectrum #267 - Marc Edwards /325
Courtesy of COMC.com
Can't say I remember him much but I love this set


2012 Topps - [Base] - Gold #64 - Andy Lee /2012
Courtesy of COMC.com
Legend! And a highlight from some of those terrible Niner teams in the 2000s.


2006 Score Select - [Base] - Scorecard #318 - Brandon Moore /100
Courtesy of COMC.com
Nice depth player


2004 Topps - [Base] - Gold #6 - Jamal Robertson /499
Courtesy of COMC.com
Preseason tease


1999 Upper Deck Retro - Inkredible #GH - Garrison Hearst
Courtesy of COMC.com
An near star who is largely forgotten today


1994 Upper Deck - [Base] - Electric Silver #36 - Heavy Weights - Bryant Young
Courtesy of COMC.com
One of my favorites from the 90s teams and just an amazing photo

[Stifle]

How many members look at base cards in search of such obscure players who are shown on some other players card. Yes, I’m that much of a card junkie that I’ll research background players in cards to see if it’s a College team that I collect, and I collect roughly a hundred of them. I enjoy the search and I know there is another Blowout member who collects Huskers who does the same.

Offensive linemen who have never had a NFL licensed card may have 3 or 4 background cards. The search takes time but finding that one player makes it worth it.

[49erRCCollector]

Originally Posted by Stifle

How many members look at base cards in search of such obscure players who are shown on some other players card. Yes, I’m that much of a card junkie that I’ll research background players in cards to see if it’s a College team that I collect, and I collect roughly a hundred of them. I enjoy the search and I know there is another Blowout member who collects Huskers who does the same.

Offensive linemen who have never had a NFL licensed card may have 3 or 4 background cards. The search takes time but finding that one player makes it worth it.

100%

Former Niner Dan Skuta here on a Greg Olsen card (Skuta never got a pro card):

[Stifle]

Originally Posted by 49erRCCollector

100%

Former Niner Dan Skuta here on a Greg Olsen card (Skuta never got a pro card):

That is hobby Gold when you come across a obscure player who is pictured that prominently on another players card. Anytime a card has a clear visible name or number and it matches the time line, it’s in my collection. I have at least a hundred just for Nebraska and Michigan. The card may not carry much monetary value but to have in a PC is tremendous. That is the quest.

I go through everything to find high end to obscure end. A hobby friend believes base is garbage, but to me, they hide hidden hobby heroes. Players who were special team - long snappers, holders “Tim Smith Huskers WR for Oilers”, gunners, etc.

[Jerseyramfan]

I also have a fondness for the "Hall of Very Good" -- the guys on the bubble that might someday make it into the hall. Mostly vintage guys like Lemar Parish, Jake Scott, Ed budde and so on. Plenty of them out there that can cost you $5-20 dollars in really good shape and I don't feel so bad since all of them have multiple pro bowls and were legit players in their time.

[Stifle]

Originally Posted by Jerseyramfan

I also have a fondness for the "Hall of Very Good" -- the guys on the bubble that might someday make it into the hall. Mostly vintage guys like Lemar Parish, Jake Scott, Ed budde and so on. Plenty of them out there that can cost you $5-20 dollars in really good shape and I don't feel so bad since all of them have multiple pro bowls and were legit players in their time.

I’ll add Dave Brown (DB), Jesse Sopalu, Mike Brown & Bob Sanders, Mark Bavaro, Bubba Baker, Darren Woodson, etc.

[49erRCCollector]

Providing a little breather from the Fanatics/Panini drama. RON STONE!

[49erRCCollector]

Recent PSA sub return:

[twisty571]

It's not that I am into obscure players, they just end up being that way

[49erRCCollector]

Originally Posted by twisty571

It's not that I am into obscure players, they just end up being that way

We've all been there.

[49erRCCollector]

Taking a break from SB stuff to bump this:

[49erRCCollector]

New arrival, Person was an interesting guy. Drafted by the Niners in 2011 under Harbaugh, released, bounced around the league on several teams before landing back with the Niners as a Super Bowl starter in 2019 in what would be his final season.

[RustyDawg37]

Originally Posted by 88horsepower

Hell. Freaking. Yes. That card is awesome!

So, I have to admit, I have a problem. I adore 1989-1991 Pro Set and really have a fondness for the more obscure names from the Draft/Prospect rookies. I just busted a few boxes of 1990 Pro Set Series II and it's going to be very hard not to sub a few of the more gem looking rookies. I'd love to get my hands on a Steve Broussard, Anthony Thompson, Anthony Johnson, Andre Ware...you get the idea.

I have a pro set problem too. We probably need a new thread.

[nfcsaints]

Originally Posted by Stifle

How many members look at base cards in search of such obscure players who are shown on some other players card. Yes, I’m that much of a card junkie that I’ll research background players in cards to see if it’s a College team that I collect, and I collect roughly a hundred of them. I enjoy the search and I know there is another Blowout member who collects Huskers who does the same.

Offensive linemen who have never had a NFL licensed card may have 3 or 4 background cards. The search takes time but finding that one player makes it worth it.

Yeah, I’m that guy….Everett is “fringe” obscure, I guess, but I still pick up base of other player’s cards.