Baseball Hall of Fame Election: Cha-Ching!
Cal Ripken Junior and Tony Gwynn are wasting little time capitalizing on their new salutation of "Hall of Famer". First stop: QVC.
They may have feigned uncertainty, but Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn were such locks for the Baseball Hall of Fame, marketing reps had already set up tentative deals once the results became official on Tuesday.
Leading off the capitalization parade was Ironclad Authentics, LLC selling 2007 Hall of Fame commemorative autographs.
Batting second was a deal Ironclad struck with home shopping channel QVC, which issued this news release announcing the pair would be appearing together before American consumers less than 36 hours later.
Two-time Most Valuable Player Cal Ripken, Jr. and eight-time batting champion Tony Gwynn are scheduled to appear on QVC, tonight at 11 PM (ET) live from New York City. The duo, both first-time eligible Baseball Hall of Fame candidates for 2007, will share stories of their celebrated baseball careers during the one-hour broadcast.
QVC has entered into an agreement with leading sports memorabilia manufacturer Ironclad Authentics LLC to bring shoppers a special selection of autographed baseballs, jerseys, trading cards and limited-edition collectibles.
Ripken’s legendary career includes 2,632 consecutive games, predominantly with the Baltimore Orioles. He was named a 19-time All-Star and a two-time Most Valuable Player, as well as a two-time Gold Glove winner and an eight-time Silver Slugger.
Gwynn, the 15-time All-Star with the 19th highest career batting average at .338, played for the San Diego Padres, and holds five Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers.
Said Rich Yoegel, director of merchandising for QVC: "Having Cal and Tony, men that exemplify the best in baseball, solidifies our position, while bringing the most valuable and collectible merchandise to baseball enthusiasts."
Luckily, both players have earned a pass from most fans. Ripken spent hundreds of hours signing bold, legible Sharpie-signed autographs for fans before and after games throughout much of his career.
This Washington Times columnist remembers a kindness offered by Ripken during the early stages of his career.
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