drewscards 2014 Year in Review

Hey everyone, Drew back here! I can't believe 2014 is already coming to a close. It's safe to say it's been one of the best, if not the very best year of my young life thus far, although it hasn't been close to my biggest year in this hobby. I headed off to college for the first time, and decided the dorm life isn't for me. I fell in love with a girl who I've had the pleasure of being with this entire year. I took up a new hobby in collecting vinyl records of all my favorite bands, which has divided my card/memorabilia budget at least in half, but I've still been finding ways to make occasional additions. Here is a look back at some of my fondest sports memories of 2014:

On January 31st...
Dad and I went to NYC for the Super Bowl Boulevard and met one of the greatest running backs in NFL history!

In early February... 

I got back a TTM success from the best current pitcher in the MLB, Mr. 3 Time Cy Young winner himself, Clayton Kershaw!

I also bought some beautiful cards after selling some stuff on COMC.com!

On March 22nd...

I met my favorite pitcher of all time and started my Core Four Sports Illustrated autograph project!

Dad also bought me a Donnie Baseball for my autographed ball collection that day!

In June, following my high school graduation...

William gave me a card from his collection that I had my eye on ever since he first pulled it!

I also saw Yankee phenom rookie Masahiro Tanaka pitch in person with my girlfriend!

On July 8th...

I went to my first Mets game!

On July 12th...

As part of my family and I's amazing trip to San Francisco, we got to attend a Giants game at AT&T Park!

On July 21st

I received a TTM success from Yankee prospect Ty Hensley, and it was one of a kind.

On August 4th...

My family, girlfriend, and I went to a Yankees game, and Justin Verlander flipped my sister a ball for her first ever baseball game!

On August 17th...

Dad and I took in one more card show before I went off to college, and we met a Yankee great and personal favorite player, Johnny Damon!

We met several other players that day, and I was able to add my 52nd autograph to my Mickey Mantle 16x20 project! Almost done!

Finally, I traded my Tom Seaver framed signed photo for 2 signed Yankees baseballs, including this one of the Goose!

Before I Went Away for School...
I got myself a going away present!

On August 28th...

I got a really cool TTM success from newly inducted Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa!

In September...

I got a TTM response from the Son of the Mick, David Mantle!

On September 26th...

I kissed my all time favorite player goodbye as he walked away from the game.

On September 27th...

Mrs. Robinson mailed me back some beautiful signatures for my collection!

On November 15th...

Following the Giants World Series victory, I decided to collect anything and everything Joe Panik related, being a hometown kid!

On December 22nd...

William got me an amazing Yogi Berra relic card as a Christmas gift!

Now that I had the chance to reflect on my 2014 year, I can officially confirm that it was the best year of my life. On top of all the amazing milestones I've been able to reach in my life this year, I even made time for this hobby and started a new one. But, that doesn't mean it can't get better, because my goal is to make 2015 even better than this one. I think I've got a good shot.

Thank you to everyone who helped make another year of drewscards possible. Really, without all the interaction I receive from you all, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing. From my early years in the blogosphere as an immature middle schooler to my current life in college, I can't thank you all enough for everything. 

Have a safe and Happy New Year guys and girls, I can't wait for another exciting year! See Ya!

Oh, and before I put an official wrap to this year,

Rest in Peace Grandpa Walt. Thank you for all the memories.