The Butterfly Effect

 

You may have heard of something called The Butterfly Effect.  If you've studied Chaos Theory, you definitely know of it.  It's basically about the law of unintended consequences or something close to that.  Its origins come from a weather man (who was also a mathematician), and he used a metaphorical model which basically stated that if a butterfly in Brazil flapped its wings, it could cause a ripple effect of subsequent events that culminates in a tornado in Texas.  It's a fascinating concept which can be applied in many different ways.

A while back, fellow blogger the Diamond King offered to hold a card draft.  Actually 2 card drafts.  I missed the first, but participated in the second.  I was able to land some really great cards as shown here including one particular Tony Gwynn card.  In the comments of that post, Fuji offered up additional Tony Gwynn cards, as these were all part of a small set.  Since that time, I have acquired the remaining cards to complete the set.

Today, I offer proof the Butterfly Effect is real, and offer an example to help convince you.

A long time ago, a Butterfly (Diamond King) flapped his wings (the draft).

Which resulted in me drafting this card (ripple effect).

I really didn't think about going after the set until Fuji sent me these (more ripples).

Which prompted me to complete the set.

Here comes the tornado part.  A Gwynn auto!

Not one but two!  This might be an F4!  That butterfly had really strong wings!  

In case you were wondering (as I was) how to tell if the auto was pulled from a pack, here is the proof.  Fleer in all their wisdom stamped the cards.  Its says Fleer Proof of Authentication (I think).

Final proof the Butterfly Effect is real, the complete 1992 Fleer Ultra Tony Gwynn Commemorative Set with both Special cards and a couple of authentic auto's (which are my first two auto's of Gwynn).

From a mere concept to a draft, the gift of cards and finally a complete set.  A small change with a larger set of consequences, and in this case good consequences.  In many ways this is what blogging does to influence others to enjoy and discover more about this hobby.  The set will always have a special place in the collection, while the auto's will help fill out another goody box.  I don't anticipate completing a full autographed set (these aren't the cheapest), but I'm incredibly happy to own these and even more happy that a butterfly flapped its wings.