Dan Walters Autograph and Konnor Griffin Christmas Card Lead a Collector’s Mailday

A card numbered 12/25 can make a holiday themed card feel like it was meant for a particular collection. Rod, the collector behind Padrographs, knew that would appeal to me, and his latest box of cards ended with a Konnor Griffin Christmas card that’s become the standout of the haul. The box also brought a fresh autograph for my Dan Walters collection, another Dick Allen card and plenty of players to follow.

Rod dropped off the box last weekend. I saved it for after a procedure I’d been putting off, which gave me a welcome stack of cards to look forward to. His boxes have the feel of a small card show arriving at my door: mostly recent product, a mix of familiar commons and more unusual finds, and sometimes a card chosen with my collection in mind.

Two personal collections get a boost

The Dan Walters autograph is a particularly satisfying addition. A year ago, I finished the run of Walters cards available to me, but a completed player collection can still grow through aftermarket autographs, buybacks, customs and CardArt. This is just my second Walters autograph. The first was a minor league card I got signed in person as a kid; the new one has a bolder signature and pen, making it a distinctive companion and a pleasing way to round out the collection for now.

Dick Allen remains another collecting priority. I’m still thrilled to hold the top spot among Dick Allen collectors on TCDb, a run that began well before his Hall of Fame induction. Rod’s box adds a lime green Optic parallel from 2026 Donruss to my Allen total. It’s a colorful variation, and an easy choice for the personal collection.

A welcome way to meet new players

I don’t open much new product these days, so a box like this keeps me in touch with the latest young players without needing to chase every release. There’s a difference between hearing a rookie’s name and having one of his cards in hand. Once I’ve got a card or two, I start following the player more closely and find myself rooting for him. That’s been part of the fun since the days of Kevin Maas.

As usual, the box also leans heavily toward our shared favorite team. The pictured cards offer a glimpse of that team focused portion of the haul, while another stack is made up of players I collect. That stack alone is a reminder that sorting comes around again quickly: each new group of cards has to find its place alongside the ones already filed away.

There were more cards worth showing, but the last one earns its place as the finale.

A Christmas card of a hot young player. This Konnor Griffin card is numbered 12/25, the kind of numbering I’m especially fond of. Rod could likely have sold it on eBay, but he knew it belonged with me and passed it along. Griffin is signed to be the Pirates shortstop through 2034. Injuries have marked his rookie season, though the 20 year old still gives collectors plenty to watch. The card’s numbered detail and seasonal design make it an especially good match for my collection.

That’s the pleasure of a box built by someone who knows what another collector cares about. It can bring together set additions, new players to follow and a card that feels personally selected. Rod has been generous with me for years. I help with the occasional Photoshop request, and I try to make fun Tim Flannery CardArt for him when we meet, but I doubt I’ll ever fully even things up. For now, I’ll have a new stack to sort—and a 12/25 Griffin to enjoy.