"Always Read the Fine Print"

This school of thought applies to many aspects of life. Whether one is purchasing a new car, signing the paperwork for a new house, or even reading through their new life insurance policy. I now have first-hand knowledge that it applies, too, to baseball cards.

Sometimes (usually around payday) I give myself a little bit of leeway and try to take care of some more Robin Yount or Ryan Braun cards from my list via the wonderful world of eBay. Yes, the internet has truly made baseball card collecting much easier. I always think of the line from Cable Guy - "...or play Mortal Kombat with a friend from Vietnam."

So back to the point - a few weeks ago I was picking out some more Ryan Braun cards to add to my collection, when I saw a listing for "2007 SP Rookie Edition #115 Ryan Braun". Sweet! With its $0.99 Buy-it-Now price, and free shipping, this card would be mine! Having already done about 10 or 12 purchases that session, my mind was just looking for pictures of cards that weren't in my binder, and I was clicking ont he purchase button.

This, my friends, is why one must always read the fine print...

I am now the PROUD owner of THREE 2007 SP Rookie Edition #115 Ryan Z. Braun cards. That's right - Ryan Z. Braun.

Apparently, there are two MLB players of the same name, so the pitcher for the Royals, the one nobody knows about was forced to use his middle initial. This method of self distinguishment never commands much respect. John Q. Adams was nothing like his father, John Adams. George W. Bush was nothing like his father, George Bush. Likely, none of George Foreman's children will be as much of a prize fighter as their father. And Ryan Z. Braun is nothing like THE Ryan Braun, 2007 Rookie of the Year and 2008 All-Star. Oh well.

Needless to say, I still need the 2007 SP Rookie Edition Ryan Braun card, #153, though, not #115. That pesky fine print.

Anybody want to trade for these beauties?