Our Happy Birfday Fan Zone Fun Time Whatever - St. Cloud MN

At the beginning of last month, Laura and I were trying to figure out a decent, low impact, day trip, just to get away from Crapids for a few hours. This would tie into both of our birthdays, since they are both in March. Maybe see something cool. Maybe eat something different. Hopefully find something to do that doesn't offend either of our mutual interests.

How about St. Cloud?

It's less than an hour away, we can get Burger Time and look for Justin Morneau cards at Fan Zone? Since that was agreeable to both parties, we made our way northwest, on Saturday March 2, 2024.

Fan Zone, St. Cloud MN.

But we aren't there yet... Have to leave the general Crapids/Anoka area first. 

Leaving this area still remains one of my favorite things to this day!

They're building a something, out where the old Anoka Pizza Hut was.

The grave of Anoka Perkins next door, remains relatively undisturbed. 

But I was saddened to see that another abandoned Burger King has disappeared. This time in Ramsey. I photographed the closed BK in 2021, shortly after it closed. For now, the site appears to be used as a construction equipment storage area. Guessing work on Highway 10 will restart soon, since our winter was so mild.

Soon after I discovered the missing Ramsey BK, the Coon Rapids (south) abandoned Burger King was demolished. Oh yeah, new car wash and stuff... Because of course it is...

Dropping like flies they are... 

Whatever...

It had been several years since I'd been to the Fan Zone. Remembering my las visit, now four years earlier, found a massive selection of cheap singles in boxes, to dig through. And that was my point for today. Zero interest in boxes or packs of new product. What I want is a bunch of inserts and parallels of Twins cards of the past 20 or so years. What would be considered box or case hits of players that no one other than me would ever buy.

And boy did this mission pay off! There wasn't enough time during our visit for me to get through all of it. There's still another 9 Monster Boxes of Top Loadered Baseball singles that I didn't get a look at. Without time being a crunch, I present the...

Top 54 Cards I Purchased at the Fan Zone in St. Cloud, MN!

Catchy title!

#54 - 1991 Topps The Rookies - Kevin Tapani

Not too often you run into a Junk Wax era insert card from the team you collect, that you’ve never seen before. Not a even a Fairfield Re-Pack has brought one of these cards. I paid 25 cents for this, which is higher than the per card price in a Fairfield Re-Pack, but still a bargain for what it is.

#53 - 2005 Topps Gallery - Shannon Stewart

#52 - 2008 Topps Chrome - Francisco Liriano - Blue Refractor

#51 - 2003 Fleer Fall Classic - Harmon Killebrew

I’m going to save time and space with this Whatever. That's a fine Stewart card. I'm not a fan of that shade of blue, cast against those despised 2008 Topps cards. And that Killebrew is one the weakest designs Fleer has used in their many "Legends" sets of the early aughts. Some of the Greats of the Game types are really great cards. 

This one... Not so much.

Whatever...

A mile or so west of the demolished abandoned Burger King, is a fairly new complex of house-inspired stores. Assembled together for direct competition with a similar house-inspired store project, another 20 miles west in Becker. 

Ramsey is coming for you Becker! And they're armed with all sorts of Furniture and Things!

As small towns on the outskirts of suburbia, I have no allegiance to either Becker or Ramsey. But I'll have to side with Becker on the battle of Home Furnishing Supremacy. Just because they stole the Furniture and Things of Coon Rapids to make the Furniture and Things of Ramsey, not so long ago.

Furniture and Things, Coon Rapids edition.

Starting in November 2023, this long time Coon Rapids Blvd. business became Empty and Nothings. I drive by it every day, on my way to and back from work, and still wonder it's fate. Shortly after the building was emptied, it looked like new interior walls were being framed, on both levels. But nothing much has changed over the last couple of months. It doesn't appear like any sort of pre-demolition work is going on, so maybe the building will be re-used as something.

Just days after Laura I moved back in 2018, a driver on Coon Rapids Blvd. lost control of their car and crashed it into the window of Furniture and Things. Sadly the car had been removed by the time I showed up with a camera.

Partnering with Furniture and Things, in their Battle of Home Furnishing Retailers with the town of Becker, is Ramsey's own Plants and Things. Until a few months ago, Plants and Things operated on a parcel of land fronting Highway 10 and Sunfish Lake Blvd. (Previously across the street from this convenience store.) There was an old red farmhouse on the center of the property, most of which was under a canopy of tall trees. The rest of the land was filled with lawn ornaments and outdoor furniture. Surrounded by a small army of garden gnomey outdoor statue type paraphernalia. It was bright and colorful and very interesting to look at when you drove past. 

And I never thought to take a picture of it.

Damat.

This is their new Ramsey Plants and Things building.

So boring.

Another 5 or so miles west, I finally got a decent picture of the old Ebner's Bait building in Elk River. Although that car in the right lane was determined to mess up my dreams.

There's the progress on the new Saxon Motors Apartments. (Parts One and Two.)

Let's get back to Cards and Things.

#50 - 2004 SPx Colby Miller SPXciting Rookies

I already have this card. But I really like it and $2 was cheap enough to buy a second copy of Colby.

#49 - 2014 Bowman Inception - Miguel Sano - Autograph Jersey

My personal top Spring Training 2024 surprise was Sano making the Angels 26 Man Roster. After (rightfully) sitting out the 2023 season, losing nearly 60 pounds of fat, and getting into reasonable shape, he’s set to replace Shohei Ohtani as the Angels primary Designated Hitter. Perhaps he’ll resemble the ridiculously slimmed down photo on this card.

The orange jersey snip is a little confusing. Sano had not yet played for Minnesota (not debuting until 2015), so this isn’t a piece of Twins jersey. This is a 2014 card, but Sano sat out the 2014 season after catching a nasty case of Tommy John Surgery in his right arm. In 2013, he played for the Ft. Myers Miracle (who wore Twins colors) and the AA New Britain Rock Cats (who didn’t wear much orange). 

By process of elimination, I have to assume this is part of a New Britain Rock Cats jersey. That’s a dumb name. I much prefer the New Britain Yard Goats. Which is what they became after switching AA affiliation to the Colorado Rockies.

#48 - 2022 Panini Prizm - White Wave - Charlie Blackmon

#47 - 2007 SPx - Jeff Baker

#46 - 1996 Leaf Signature Series - Lance Painter - Autograph

None of these three ever played for the New Britain Rock Cats or the New Britain Yard Goats. All of them played at least a few seasons for the Colorado Rockies. Blackmon more than the other two put together. 

Whatever.

On the Highway 10 path to St. Cloud, you still have to pass through the town of Big Lake...

That Forever Closed Big Lake Casey's

The "Coming Soon" sign on the long closed up Casey's, has now been joined by another, reading: For Sale. Whatever was coming soon had been planning on it for years now. With the building for sale, I think it's safe to say they're no longer coming. 

Big Lake Community School

Built in 1903. Sold in April 2023 for only $375,000. From the information in the listing, the building had started renovations when it was put on the market. I couldn't find much about this building online, both historic and/or future plans. Hopefully it's not demolished. I could see it becoming condos after some extensive renovations. Great location, and with a real investment in those renovations, that price could be a steal.

Just like some of the cards from Fan Zone in St. Cloud!

#45 - 2022 Topps - Generation Now - Lars Nootbaar

A buck for a Nootbaar insert that had escaped me to this point.

Interesting choice of photo...

#44 - 2014 Bowman Scouts Top 100 - Byron Buxton

#43 - 2023 Topps Heritage Purple Refractor - Carlos Correa

#42 - 2007 Spectrum - Johan Santana

I already had that Buxton. I pulled the regular Carlos Correa Refractor from a blaster of 2023 Topps Heritage last fall, and figured he needed a Purple Twin. That Santana is my first card from 2007 Spectrum.

#41 - 1996 Leaf Signature Series - Scott Stahoviak - Autograph

#40 - 2013 Gypsy Queen - Scott Diamond - Autograph

Always on the lookout for Twins, Expos and Rockies cards from 1996 Leaf Signature Series. And I've always wanted a Scott Diamond autograph, because of the box he draws for a D.

D rhymes with B, which stands for Becker, Minnesota.

(No, it doesn't...)

Seems to be a trendy landing spot as the northwestern Minneapolis suburbs spread to the further northwest. Bill's Superette and neighboring G-Will Liquors of Andover, have stretched their reach to Becker.

Bill's Family Foods with adjoining G-Will Liquors.

At least it's not Cub.

Further down the highway...

With as big as Becker Furniture has become, it is not true that the name of the town was changed to match the furniture stores. The retail space stretches for what seems like several blocks. Sub-stores under that Becker roof specialize in the following businesses: Becker Mattress, Becker Spine, Free Grace United and...

Dollar General! 

As the point of the question mark this building resembles.

Still pretty Becker, no matter what it's trying!

#39 - 2017 Bowman Chrome Refractor - Blaine Enlow

#38 - 2016 Bowman Purple - Max Kepler

#37 - 2004 Skybox Limited Die-Cut - Shannon Stewart

This is my second copy of that Enlow Refractor. Drafted in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, then signing above slot to keep him away from a college scholarship. He was absolutely talented, but snakebit by injury and the Covid cancelled 2020 minor league season. Now 25, he's pitching in the San Francisco Giants system.

Purple Kepler Bowman Rookie. That's worth $4 to me.

Die-Cut Shannon Stewart card, that I've never seen before? Well that's absolutely worth 25 cents to me!

#36 - 2021 Topps Heritage Purple Refractor - Nolan Arenado

Couldn't remember if I already had this one or not. Sweet card, released mere weeks after he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

As a side note, I wrote this just after 11pm on 2024 MLB Opening Night. I got of work at 10pm and drove home. MLB Network had advertised the Colorado Rockies game in Arizona, against the D-Bags, at 9pm. I was looking forward to watching some live Rockies baseball after work. Flipped on the TV and MLB Network was playing the Red Sox Mariners game. I checked for scores online, and saw the D-Bags were stomping the snot out of the Rockies, 16-1 in the 4th inning. 

No wonder MLB Network baled...

#35 - 2022 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor - Charlie Blackmon

Not a good showing Charlie...

Cool card though.

It's too bad that Blackmon will finish his Rockies career, playing for some of the worst teams to appear in Coors Field. But that goes no further than a clueless, directionless and stubborn ownership that is FULLY COMMITTED to whatever it is they are doing. The Rockies are the most confusing team in baseball. 

Sure do miss Coors Field though...

For my birfday, Laura went with a franchise firsts (and lasts) theme for both the Rockies and Expos, in my birfday gift package. Funny how she came up with the idea, because I didn't say anything. But as I've been spending more time sorting the card and other baseball stuff collections, I noticed something about the Rockies wing. Other than the thousands of Rockies cards, I don't have a whole lot of Rockies memorabilia. I never made it a point to save the official team programs and yearbooks, like I did with the Twins.

That may be a new focus for 2024 collecting. Trying to pick up those items from the Colorado years, 1996-2018, to add to a rather bare shelf.

The first gift in this set came over a month early, for that greeting card holiday, that shall not be named.

1993 Colorado Rockies Inaugural Season Coke Bottle

She had just gotten it in the mail (via the ebays) and wanted to give it to me first. She said I'd have a good place to store it, rather than her stashing it until my birfday. It being all fragile and soda and stuff. I'd seen these bottles at various Denver area sports collectible shops, and always thought they were cool.

A very important piece for the Rockies collection.

1993 Colorado Rockies Opening Day Framed T-shirt

Now this I had never seen before! Laura wants to re-do the T-Shirt in the frame since it's wrinkled. But I absolutely love this. The Rockies opened the 1993 season in New York, against the Mets. But their first ever game in Colorado came almost a week later, against the Montreal Expos. 

That drawing of Mile High Stadium, in its baseball configuration, looks a whole lot like the old Metropolitan Stadium, in Bloomington, MN. Same style layout, just a larger seating capacity. Do wish I would have gone to something there. Debated OzzFest one year (1997?) before I realized how much I would hate being in that atmosphere.

1993 Colorado Rockies Opening Day Program

She also got me the first game program, with the mini-electronic button that would play "Take Me Out To The Ball Game", if the battery hadn't died decades ago, still bound inside. The Pre-printed scorecard is dedicated to the 1993 Montreal Expos. You can't ask for more than that.

1993 Colorado Rockies Opening Day Ticket

One of the key and most significant pieces of Rockies memorabilia, that EVERY Rockies collector should be required by law to own, is the official 1993 Colorado Rockies Opening Day ticket. Also very important that said ticket is stored inside the official Rocky Mountain News 1993 Inaugural Home Opener Lucite Case!

Why didn't I have one of these long before the 30th Home Opener?

Laura took it one step further and found me an official gold version of that 1993 Colorado Rockies Opening Day Ticket. Which was really hard to take a decent photo of. The seats for the gold ticket are much nicer than the seats from the actual ticket.

But the gold ticket came with its own individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity!

Up next was a pair of Montreal Expos specific Colorado Rockies pins, from 7 Eleven! Still on card in their original 7 Eleven plastic display sleeves. Apparently, back in 1993 and 1993, when you bought a Coke Big Gulp or Slurpee and a Big Bite or something, you could get a Rockies pin for 99 cents. Or more? Or less? They also came in other teams. So you weren't required to buy an Expos pin.

You could buy the Dodgers... But why would you want to?

To follow up on another previously mentioned card, when I wrote the story about the Todd Zeile Expos card, I hadn't yet received the 2003 Fleer Update autographed card yet. Laura had bought this as part of my birfday gifts as well.

It's here now!

With its own Certificate of Authenticity!

This one not individually numbered.

I only bought one card off ebay in the last month. And that was Laura showing it to me, then me telling her to buy it.

2004 Finest - Vladimir Guerrero - Jersey

Even though it's just a boring old napkin swatch (not even a sliver of pinstripe, very disappointing), I've always been a fan of how the jersey and bat relics look on Topps' various Refractory chrome products. 

Shifting over to the Expos portion of my birfday gifts from Laura, she was very creative in putting these together, as well.

What's the significance of this game?

This would be the final game the Colorado Rockies would play in Montreal. That's really cool! Well, it's not, but it is... The Expos would play their final three games at Coors Field in August 2004. I was living in MInnesota in 2004, so I didn't get to watch it. 

However, I do have the final game between the Minnesota Twins and Montreal Expos on VHS (and no VCR to play it on), from June 17, 2004. The Twins were making their first appearance in Montreal in ever, I think. I had to work that night, so I recorded the game to watch when I got home. After I watched it, I realized that Twins will most likely never play the Expos again. I should probably keep this tape.

The starting pitcher for the Expos that night? Livan Hernandez. Who is pictured on the Rockies ticket. Livan Hernandez would go on to pitch for both the Rockies and Twins, after his run in Montreal/Washington. One of only five players to appear for all three teams.

Her next gift was amazing, and it made me feel kind of sad. 

Framed photos of the Montreal Expos first home game, at Jarry Park, on April 14, 1969 (top), and the final Montreal Expos home game, September 29, 2004 (bottom). As I was writing this, I found that someone had uploaded the entire final Expos home game to YouTube! Along with a great historical look back at the franchise, on the pre-game show. Interviews with former Expos players, including members of the 1994 Expos, who attended the game in person, were spread throughout the broadcast. The entire delay for fans throwing golf balls on the field is included. With the broadcasters talk of threats of the police cancelling the game, which was threatening to turn into a riot situation, in the third inning. Tensions calmed down so the Expos could lose their last home game, very badly, to the Florida Marlins. Also included on the video is the Expos on field player thanks you's to the fans, after the game.

And now I'm going to watch that instead of writing this.

All well feeling pretty bummed out.

This is the saddest baseball game I've ever watched...

And it's all THIS GUY'S fault!

Whatever...

#34 - 2012 Finest - Liam Hendriks

#33 - 2012 Finest - Chris Parmelee

Pair of Twins rookies from 2012 Finest. One of them has had a long, productive career. Albeit with a great deal of unfortunate injuries. Parmelee was projected as a power hitting outfielder/first baseman, but never developed at the major league level. 

#32 - 2022 Stadium Club Chrome Refractor - Jose Miranda

Miranda had a very promising 2022 rookie season, and looked like a future building block. 2023 was lost to ineffectiveness then injury. Now in 2024, Miranda is back in AAA with the St. Paul Saints. He has no clear role on the 2024 Twins, and is basically waiting for a spot to open up. As well as proving that he is the player of late 2022, not the 2023 Jose Miranda, that couldn't hit or field.

#31 - 2023 Topps Pro Debut Chrome Aqua Refractor - Danny DeAndrade

With the sad closure of Pal's Sports Cards, I completely missed out on 2023 Topps Pro Debut. Topps version of a flagship Minor League set has become one of the cheaper wax boxes I enjoy buying each year. Especially the Jumbo packs which feature the exclusive Chrome parallels, and all of the serial numbered, multi-colored Refractor parallels of the parallels. Guess I'm down to snapping up singles whenever I can find them.

Whatever...

Upon entering St. Cloud, Laura and I made one of our routine stops at a Kwik Trip for restrooms and supplies. From this vantage point in the parking lot, You could also see Culver's, who make a great greasy cheeseburger. Across Highway 10 is another Holiday Station that cannot compete with the awesomeness of Kwik Trip.

That incredible abandoned SuperAmerica still rots away, about a block north of Kwik Trip. You just know that sign with the gas prices from when it closed in November, 2020, fools a high percentage of Highway 10 drivers every day. 

I'd like to think the final store manager had a slight vindictive streak, and never changed the sign when the store closed down. Wouldn't affect that guy, but it would be yet another stain on the already piss poor reputation of SuperAmerica. Thousands of drivers every day, cursing the SA name, by teasing a ridiculously low price for gas. Only leading to a partially boarded up building, with no pumps under the canopy. 

I kind of admire that!

Just up 10, Highway 23 is still under construction where it crosses over, so the exits are closed and we need to take the detour. The bridge is mostly framed now, but the road it will support is still missing. No noticeable work on the ramps that we can't use. That's the only difference since we last came through in October.

In order to drive to the western side of town, we have to drive up to the next intersection and make a left turn on St. Germain Street. A mixture of temporary and many years old traffic signals, tell traffic when to move. I got a kick out of the pair of traffic signals high up on the pole. Someone didn't measure right!

A look out the passenger window at the boring selection of fast food options on the east side of  Highway 10 and St. Germain. You have a Wendy's, a Subway and a McDonalds. Yawn... Wendy's and McDonalds have been here for at least 40 years now. McDonalds is in a newer, uglier building, after demolishing the more traditional style building that stood here since the 1970's. Subway used to be many things, but it was originally a gas station. Always thought it was a cool building.

#30 - 2014 Bowman Chrome - Alex Meyer - Autograph

#29 - 2013 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor - Jared Wilson

#28 - 2016 Bowman Chrome - Jermaine Palacios - Autograph

Meyer was a former top prospect, that just couldn't stay un-injured. He found brief success with the Angels, but retired after yet another arm injury. I don't know much about Jared Wilson. Other than I want his card if it's serial numbered out of 25 and $3. The same can be said for Palacios, minus the serial numbering. Palacios finally made the majors, filling in on the 2022 Twins. Who were absolutely decimated by injuries, and were down to 4th and 5th string backups on depth chart. 

#27 - 1994 SP Blue Holoview - Kirby Puckett

I love the 1994 SP Blue Holoview set. Nothing more needs to be said about its greatness. 

Maybe that the 1994 SP Red Holoview Die-Cuts are even greatnessier.

#26 - 2006 Bowman Sterling - Justin Olson - Autograph - Jersey

I bought a lot of Bowman product in 2006 and a barely remember Justin Olson's time in the Twins Farm system. Of all the Bowman product I did buy that year, only one pack of 2006 Bowman Sterling ever happened. I did well, with a similar Jersey/Autograph combo, for my pack hit. The one I pulled was Cole Hamels, a top prospect for the Phillies, and borderline Hall of Famer.

#25 - 2016 Elite Extra Edition - Ben Rortvedt - Autograph

#24 - 2016 Bowman Chrome - Ben Bowden - Autograph

Pair of 2016 Bens. Rortvedt played a few games with the Twins in 2021, and was included in the Yankees theft of Josh Donaldson from our payroll. Recently traded to the Rays, where he may get some decent playing time. Bowden pitched in 39 games for the Rockies in 2021. His numbers weren't that good, and he hasn't returned to the majors. For 2024, Bowden is pitching for the the AAA Gwinnet Stripers, in the Atlanta Braves system.

Oh good, the traffic signal at finally allowed us to turn left onto St. Germain Street. 

I'm totally fine with this Highway 23 detour, because I wanted to try for some pictures of old and neglected buildings along St. Germain. Most of which are empty now. This is the oldest part of St. Cloud, so it has character and looks far cooler than the drive thru shopping mall that is Highway 23.

Laura was happy to see that Val's Burgers was still a thing. Which goes back well before the mid 1990's, when she was attending St. Cloud State University, just a few blocks south of here. Kind of reminds me of a tiny Griff's.

The atmosphere of St. Germain Street and Lincoln Avenue, westbound.

And the Railroad Crossings on both sides of Country Hearth Bread.

How about some St. Germain Street and Wilson Avenue?

Approaching Riverside Drive, on St. Germain Street. The Mississippi River bridge is just beyond.

Gotta love the simple beauty of Roger's Professional Hairstyling.

My photo attempt on the Mississippi River bridge didn't turn out.

So you'll just have to take my word that we did indeed cross the river.

Here's proof! That interesting narrow brick building is still a thing! My better picture of it turned out worse, so I cant show you anything better. According to the Googles, the Herbalife Flatiron Nutrition is operating here today.

Whatever...

#23 - 1998 Leaf Fractal Foundations - Brad Radke

Happy to add any hits of Radke, whose career spanned the years I collected the least amount of cards. This is some sort of parallel. Serial numbered out of I forget.

#22 - 2009 SP Legendary Cuts - Denard Span - Jersey

Something about this design, I really like.

#21 - 1993 Donruss Diamond Kings - David Nied - Autograph

Almost positive this is from another of those retail Treat Products that were all over the WalMarts back in 1993 and 1994. Some of their premium repacks had some interesting stuff in them. Once, I got a Raul Mondesi autographed baseball out of one. Treat says it's authentic, but I don't know if I have written verification of that any more. I do have an autographed 1992 Classic Minor League card of Carlos Delgado, which came in a pleather folder, with the COA sleeved next to it. Thnk they retailed for $15. Maybe $10. Seemed like a good deal for 1993. Don't remember which box it's in now, but I do still have it. Remember seeing similar Treat autographed card packages of David Nied around that same time. Several other Junk Wax Prospects got the Treat treatment as well. 

#20 - 2021 Topps Chrome Update Pink Wave Refractor - Trevor Larnach

#19 - 2023 Select Silver Prizm - Harmon Killebrew

#18 - 2022 Topps Chrome Pinstriped - Byron Buxton

Trio of very attractive lower tier parallels, that I feel need no further comment.

#17 - 2020 Bowman Chrome Silver Pack - Simeon Woods-Richardson

Beginning to think that 2020 Bowman Chrome is one of the best efforts to has put into Bowman Chrome. The year and logo are really striking along the border, with the different flavors of Refractors contrasting them. Really like these cards.

Meanwhile,... Back in St. Cloud...

Our crossover from St. Germain Street, which became 2nd Avenue, to Highway 23, brought the same boring commercial buildings I expected. 

So it was nice to see an abandoned Midas Brake Shop on our way to Fan Zone. Which wasn't all that far away now. So close in fact, that I didn't take any more pictures until pulling into the lot. 

In case you are wondering, Sports Cards and Cafe are two separate things. Not a sports cards themed cafe. Though I'd probably patronize one of those if it existed. Bet they'd probably have a pretty decent Patty Melt.

It would likely have a really stupid punny name though...

Next to the stairs leading to the front doors of Fan Zone, I saw a baby's pacifier laying on the ground. Laura and I discussed the possible explanations as to why it was left behind. My thoughts were that Junior switched from the pacifier right to the Marlboros, given the two butts within a toddler's arm reach. Growing up on the Waite Park/St. Cloud border could do that to anyone.

Later, from conversing with the owner of the shop, she found out the owner of Fan Zone was recently a new father. In fact, he had to close the shop precisely at 7pm, in order to pick his son up from day care. He explained that the charges for being even a minute late are astronomical. Although had he stayed open for us, I probably would have paid for several hours of day care overtime. Probably the best for both of us that he had to leave,

Patty Melthomes Jr.

And it would be autographed in ketchup.

Whatever.

#16 - 2020 Prizm Draft Picks Hyper Prizm - Kala'i Rosario

Kala'i Rosario may never develop into a Major Leaguer, but I saw him play in a few spring training games for the Twins this year, and he didn't look out of place. His power is coming around, and if he can improve his plate discipline, in a couple years we may see him in Minnesota. Even if he doesn't, this is a tremendous looking card.

#15 - 2017 Bowman Chrome Purple Shimmer - Nick Gordon

The Shimmer flavored Refractors are amazing.

#14 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor - Wander Javier

#13 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor - Jorge Alcala - Autograph

#12 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor - Andrew Bechtold - Autograph

Finding stuff like this was the best case scenario of today's card buying mission. Never encountered enough 2018 Bowman to find Twins hits like this before. And when generally unwanted rare hits are found, they're usually at prices which reflect the fact that they are rarely seen. Not here. None of these three were more than $5 each. 

I really want to dig through the rest of the boxes in his store... We must come back when he doesn't need to pick up his son before I find more discounted gold!

My hopes were to find Laura some really cool Justin Morneau piece for her birfday, at Fan Zone, in addition to what I could find. As I was checking out all of the singles cases in the shop, she was talking to the owner about finding Morneau cards. He had a couple of boxes of Twins singles, and she was already checking them out. Before I long, I joined in. Searching the non-Morneau Twins I was interested in.

While there was no big ticket Justin card I could give her for birfday, she pulled out a few others that she wanted. Here are some of them...

2006 Upper Deck Ovation - Justin Morneau

2003 Bazooka - Justin Morneau

2011 MCPA Fireworks Safety - Justin Morneau

These three came from the box and were ones she didn't already have. I've never been a fan of Upper Deck Ovation as a set. I think it looks boring, Laura liked the Bazooka card a lot since she never saw a photo of Morneau wearing number 61. I have to assume it's from 2002 or 2003 Spring Training, since it doesn't match up with any of his minor league jersey numbers. Cool card. The prize here is the Fireworks Safety card. Another of those highly underrated local team issue police sets, this one I'd never seen a card from before.

Unfortunately there were none of the other 8 cards in the set, in the Twins box.

2007 SPx Young Star Signatures - Francisco Liriano

Debated buying this one for myself, but I passed on it. Was surprised to see it included in the cards Laura wanted. Didn't know she was a Liriano fan. She said she always seem him associated with Morneau and Mauer, when it comes to promoted Twins stars of that era. Plus, he's a left-handed pitcher. Laura is a fundamentalist left-hander. 

So it all makes sense!

2010 Bowman Chrome - Max Kepler

I hate cleaning up scans of cards like this.

So I’m not gonna.

2013 Bowman Platinum - Max Kepler - Autograph

Kepler is her favorite current Twins player, so she's starting to acquire his cards as well. These Bowman Platinum autographs are sweet looking cards. I already have a similar Kepler, but I don't remember which year it's from. For her first Kepler autograph, you can't get much nicer than this.

2014 Topps Rookie Image Patch - Harmon Killebrew

One of those semi-irritating manufactured hits Topps keeps making. At least this is better than some of the non-hit garbage Topps has been pumping out over the last too many years. Those stupid City Connect disks from last year are particularly insulting.

So this isn't too bad. 

2003 Topps Gallery Heritage - Harmon Killebrew - Bat

Weird use of space by the Topps card layout department. I looked at this card before Laura did, and strongly considered buying it. The $15 price tag on it was absolutely reasonable. My pile of $3-$5 cards was growing so high that I was going to hold off on adding it in until I knew what my total was up to. As we were ringing up our final purchases, I found that she had put this card in her pile. She has good taste. I did want this Killebrew for myself, but ended up buying it for Laura in the end. 

Before we left, he told us about the upcoming Sports Card Show that the Fan Zone was putting on in April. Logistics dictate we wont be able to make it up here, but I'll include it here for anyone reading that wants to attend. Provided I finish this story in time to post it BEFORE that show happens. I do recommend attending if you're interested and in the area. The Fan Zone show I attended in 2019 was a great time, with tables that brought a bunch of singles I was interested in. 

Whatever...

#11 - 2023 Bowman Chrome Refractor - Carlos Correa

#10 - 2023 Topps Chrome Sonar Purple Refractor - Carlos Correa

While I still don't like the Twins new logos and uniform re-branding of 2023, now that I'm seeing the new look on baseball cards, I don't hate how the Twin Cities alternate looks on Refractors. At least the Sonar Purple Refractor features a photo taken in 2022, so it looks better. And despite the Sonar Purple Refractor being rather gimmicky, I have been fond of this particular flavored Refractor since I pulled a Yadier Molina from a retail pack, last summer. 

#9 - 2016 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor - Ben Rortvedt

Our old pal Rortvedt on a beautiful card that I paid a ridiculously low price for Bowman First numbered parallel, of a Major League Player. No matter how fringe, Rortvedt on this cardboard, should absolutely sell for more than $2. The Fan Zone Twins box was filled with stuff like this.

This was a card collecting dream come true.

#8 - 2012 Finest Green - Chris Parmelee - Autograph - Jersey

A companion piece to the 2012 Finest Parmelee card I talked about earlier. I already had a Chris Parmelee autograph, but not a jersey card. For $3, I would have bought this card if it was logoless and in black and white on grey 1970's card stock. The fact that it looks really awesome made this even bigger bargain.

Parmelee played in a 273 games for the Twins, over 4 seasons, but never was able to hit consistently enough to become a regular. And because of that, this card was only $3.

Really makes an argument against buying Hobby boxes for hundreds of dollars, now doesn't it...

#7 - 2017 Bowman Chrome - Torii Hunter Jr. - Autograph

Back in 2017, I split a box of 2017 Bowman Chrome with mother. We both ripped one of the two mini-boxes that made up a Hobby Box. Both hits in the mini boxes were autographs of then Phillies pitching prospect, Sixto Sanchez. Mine was base, hers was a Refractor. My box had a base card of   Torii Hunter Jr., which became my favorite card I pulled from 2017 Bowman Chrome. I hadn't realized that long time Twins star, had a son who was also signed to a pro team. 

Hunter Jr. made it as far as AAA, before calling it quits after the 2022 season. He hit okay for a low level minor leaguer, but it wasn't enough to translate into a major league career.

How much did I pay for Torii Hunter Jr.'s autograph? 

$1.

I feel almost guilty for this.

#6 - 2013 Bowman Chrome Refractor - J.T. Chargois - Autograph

Chargois was a relief pitcher I had hoped to see big things from, in the Twins bullpen. Not only because he could throw 99mph consistently, but I liked hearing his name on TV broadcasts... Shag-WAH with the pitch... And he needs Tommy John Surgery... When healthy, he's been a near dominant relief pitcher, logging quality relief innings for the Twins, Dodgers, Mariners, Rays and Marlins. He's still with the Marlins today, but has been unable to pitch due to neck spasms. 

Hope he comes back soon, I've always liked him.

After departing the Fan Zone, we moved our party to gas station zone. Both of us needing restrooms and cold beverages...

To the Waite Avenue Kwik Trip, Quick!

Standing by the Kwik Trip coolers, Laura channels worthless trivia from a sleepy corner of her mind. Somewhere she read that Justin Morneau's favorite snack is Ketchup flavored potato chips. While not big here, apparently they are a thing in Canada. She looked online and Lays does make Ketchup flavored Potato Chips, but they are only distributed in Canada and are ridiculously expensive to import into America.

"We should look and see if they have any Ketchup flavored Potato Chips here..." Laura says, completely not serious.

I turn around to looks at the bags of chips on the shelves behind the cooler. "They wont have Ketchup flavored Potato Chips here... Oh wait, here they are." Not Lays, but Kwik Trip brand, Crave.  So Kwik Trip markets it's own generic version of a Potato Chip that most American snack manufacturers wont touch?

We bought them.

Laura ate one chip said it wasn't bad. It tasted almost like ketchup on a french fry.

I don't like ketchup on my fries.

No one else had wanted to try them. Including me.

Unfortunately, we wasted so much time that it was now the incredibly late hour of 8pm. And the eating places deemed acceptable to us had already closed for the night. After all you cannot expect to get food after 8pm on a Saturday night. Crossing both Burger Time and Bravo Burrito off our list of possible dinner solutions. After all, only Satan himself would be out past 8pm on a Saturday night! Laura was hungry and wanted to settle on McDonald's, but their dining area had already closed. I'm not eating McDonald's without a nearby restroom, so I opted out. Laura ordered something from the drive thru and ate it in a parking space, at the end of the drive thru. 

I had to get out of the car for a decent picture of this...

Amoco is staging a comeback!

After re-branding to BP about 20 years ago, Amoco gas stations are starting to pop up again. I read somewhere that BP was at risk of losing the Amoco trademarks unless they could show that they were still using them. So at least here in St. Cloud, Amoco is back! In this case, temporary signage has been placed over existing Speedway signs. Speedway (formerly SuperAmerica) is owned by 7 Eleven. BP (British Petroleum) owns Amoco. I get that there's all kinds of different ownership scenarios, from the smallest local levels all the way to to corporate owned stores. Licensing comes into play as well... 

Bottom line is I need to spend less time trying to make sense out of corporate branding.

It just makes my head hurt.

Whatever...

#5 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Silver Pack - Zack Littell - Autograph

Zack Littell went from a somewhat effective relief pitcher for Minnesota, to filling the same role with the San Francisco Giants, to now being one of the better starting pitchers on the Tampa Bay Rays staff. Didn't see that coming. Even if it's not a sustained success, $3 for a Bowman autograph of a possible playoff starting pitcher makes sense.

#4 - 2016 Bowman Inception - Adam Brett Walker II - Autograph Bat

Adam Brett Walker II never panned out as a prospect. Lots of power, lots of strikeouts, great signature for an autograph.

$2 was all it cost!

#3 - 2012 Bowman Platinum - Levi Michael - Autograph

Never seen this one before... Levi Michael was the Twins first round draft pick in 2011. He was a decent college infielder going into the draft, and I thought he'd soon be in Target Field as a utility infielder at worst. Topps made a stupid mistake and airbrushed a Texas Rangers uniform on Michael for his official First Bowman Card, in 2011 Bowman Draft. I was so disappointed. A Levi Michael Twins card was what I really wanted to see from that set upon its release. 

Since Michael didn't hit the minors and dominate, he wasn't included in many upcoming Bowman releases. Over the next few years, he climbed the Twins ladder slowly. He bounced around the minors until the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to Covid, and he never came back. 

$2 was a steal for a Levi Michael card showing him with the Twins, that I'd never seen before. I would have gladly paid double, just for the beautiful penmanship.

#2 - 1999 Topps - Josh Girdley - Autograph

I've wanted this card for over 20 years. An image of it was used in a 1999 Topps preview, and I have needed it ever since. Girdley was the Montreal Expos first round draft pick in 1998, 6th overall, and never made the major leagues. He pitched with the Expos farm system through 2004, never making it above High A. When the Expos moved to Washington to become the Nationals, Girdley called it quits on baseball.

Because he saw no real success in baseball, his autographed baseball card was only $1. 

Again, I almost feel guilty.

Whatever...

Since I chose to not torment my colon with a sack of nasty McYuck, I had not yet eaten as it was approaching 10pm on the drive home. By the time we were coming into Big Lake, Laura had gotten really tired and said she was going to pull over and I could drive the rest of the way home. Not a problem, keep going and we'll switch off at the Big Lake Kwik Trip. After all, I needed a sammich that wont make me sick.

My half of the big St. Cloud Co-Brifday dinner was a chicken sammich, enjoyed in 36 degree weather, eaten at the picnic table hiding behind the small tree, near center of this photo. Which was taken on our drive up. The local ruffians sitting at the table in this picture had moved on by the time we used it.

A few weeks later, Laura gave me the rest of my birfday gifts. In addition to the great Rockies and Expos milestone games memorabilia, she got me a veritable grab bag of Official 1980's Major League Baseball publications:

World Series programs from 1980 and 1983, All Star Game programs from 1983, 1985 and 1987, and the 1985 edition of the official American League Red Book. The 1983 All Star Game program was of particular interest to me, given the 50th Anniversary of the game, and hopefully some interesting Comiskey Park photos. Of course the 1985 All Star Game program was a need, since it was held in the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis. For some reason I had yet to acquire it before.

The Magazine theme kept on...

Minnesota Twins 1977 Program & Scorecard

The Scorecard portion of this Program features an ad for the printing company I currently work for. That's pretty cool. I'm assuming it was printed where I work, as well. That scorecard is set up for a game with the Kansas City Royals. On the day I'm writing this, the Kansas City Royals absolutely humiliated the Twins 11-0. And I go to work tomorrow afternoon.

Coincidence?

Not really...

Minnesota Twins Program & Scorecard 1961, 1962 & 1964 

Now this is awesome! Programs from three of the first four seasons of Minnesota Twins baseball! I've already scanned the entire 1961 program for a future story here. So many cigarette ads! It truly makes a smoker struggling with quitting, weep...

Whatever...

Oh that's right, I haven't yet revealed the number one card I bought at the St. Cloud Fan Zone, on Saturday March 2nd, 2024!

#1 - 2009 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor - Bobby Lanigan - Autograph

Bowman Chrome Gold Refractors are just cool looking cards. Until now, I hadn't been able to get my hands on an autographed Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor, but I wanted one. Didn't really care who. Likely wouldn't be a huge star, since these tend to get pretty expensive.

Enter Bobby Lanigan. Minnesota's third round pick in the 2008 MLB Draft. Lanigan made it to AAA in his six seasons in the Twins system (plus one year in Boston's minor leagues), but never played in the majors. Because of that, there's not a whole lot of demand for a rare autograph of his. (And it's a pretty cool autograph.) Add all of those factors together and it means I'm finally getting my very own autographed Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor!

For $4!

Despite not getting the food we had set our hearts on, when we drove to St. Cloud, the trip was a great success. I got a big bunch of nice Twins and Rockies hits that no one else wanted (which likely doesn't make them hits), at a great discount. I took some decent photos of stuff that interests me, but probably no one else. Laura got some cool cards she liked, and is probably still digesting that McDonald's from across the street by Amoco. 

And Kwik Trip still stands supreme, over all other Minnesota gas station chains. 

I better go feed Harley before he eats Adam Brett Walker II…