Sports Collectors Daily|Sports collecting news

What’s Hot in the Shop: Bowman, Thy Name is Hot List

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:02:32 +0000

by Mike Fruitman

When it came time to write about the hottest product in the hobby this week, my choice could not have been easier. 2012 Bowman baseball has not only lived up to the hype, it has far exceeded it.

Since arriving last Wednesday, other than the day my store was sold out, it has seemingly been the only thing customers in my store have been asking for.

With one autograph in each regular box and three in each jumbo box, it has once again lived up to its name of the Home Of The Rookie Card. Recent year’s offerings were buoyed by Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, shops literally had lines of collectors waiting for UPS trucks who could not wait any longer.

On top of all the incredible refractors, the new AFLAC High-School All American Autographs, the first time Autographed Rookie Originals buyback singles, the wrapper redemption offer and much more, having rookies of Yu Darvish, Yoenis Cespedes gave it even more hype. Having Harper get called up just prior to release only helped fuel the quest for available boxes.

With additional inserts such as Bowman’s Best, 1/1 Printing Plates, 1/1 Super-Fractors and the new Bowman Black Collection /25 with silver ink autographs collectors and shops should expect to continue to see 2012 Bowman near the top of the hot list for some time.

By the time my store went to restock Bowman jumbo boxes two hours after they hit, we were not surprised to be paying more than we had actually sold them for. Many 2012 Bowman offerings are still down the pike, shops should only hope that they are as well received as the first one from this season.

Mike Fruitman owns Mike's Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, Colo. Enjoy new arrivals and big hits from Mike’s on Twitter. Mike’s is always looking for more friends on Facebook and you can email him at cardmn5150@aol.com.

NFL Rookie Premiere: Topps Bringing Back 1965 ‘Tall Boys’

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:42:10 +0000

Famous Ruth Photo, Clemente Contract, Koufax Jersey Among Items in Auction

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:33:24 +0000

Grey Flannel Auctions' Summer Games Auction 2012 is now under way with collectors placing early bids on Premier Lots including the June 13th, 1948 "The Babe Bows Out" Nat Fein's Original & Actual Wire Photograph Published in the NY Herald Tribune, 1965 Sandy Koufax Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey from his Championship & Cy Young Season, 1972 Roberto Clemente Pirates Signed Final Career Contract and the 1981 NBA Championship ring earned by Robert Parish.

In all, 782 lots have been selected for the absentee and internet auction that closes for bidding on May 30.

The aforementioned original "Babe Bows Out" photo is believed by many to be the most historic photo in sports history, which earned Nat Fein a Pulitzer Prize. The iconic photograph was taken at Yankee Stadium on June 13th, 1948 on the 25th anniversary of the "The House That Ruth Built." It's the original print used by the New York Herald-Tribune for the June 14, 1948 issue, the first from Nat Fein’s 4” x 5” negative.The photo is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Fein himself. Opening bid is $75,000.

Another frontrunner is the 1965 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey. This jersey is a "10" in every way, pristine and all original from the year when the legend of Sandy Koufax was made, declining to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series due to his observance of Yom Kippur and returning to pitch and win both games 5 and 7. The jersey has already been bid up to more than $53,000.

Grey Flannel is also offering Reggie Jackson's Rookie Kansas City Athletics Game-Used & Autographed Home Flannel Vest, the very first jersey worn in the majors by "Mr. October".

Orel Hershiser opted to keep a baseball from his 59^th consecutive scoreless inning in 1988 when he established a new big league record but his glove from that season is still up for bid.

Autographed items include the final Major League contract of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente with the Pirates, a 1947 Old-Timers' Game at Yankee Stadium baseball signed by nineteen Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Jimmie Foxx and Cy Young.

The hardwood is highlighted by the1981 Celtics Championship Ring with a letter of authenticity from Robert Parish as well as a 1973 Jerry West NBA All-Star Western Conference Game-Used Jersey, the only publicly known of its kind photomatched to that very game. The West jersey sits at more than $41,000 as of early Thursday.

Another item of game-used basketball apparel that are off to a running start include Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers Rookie game used home jersey with shorts, which Grey Flannel says has been photo matched to his debut in 1996.

The gridiron is represented with a Willie Wood Green Bay Packers Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey which the auction company says was worn in the 1962 NFL Championship Game. Provenance comes in the form of a letter from the team’s defensive coordinator at the time.

Bidding in Grey Flannel's Summer Games Auction will close on May 30. Printed catalogs are free to all registered bidders. The fully illustrated eCatalog is available to view online.

Rescued Greyhound Serves as Store’s Official Greeter

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:27:20 +0000

We don't know for certain, but it's probably a pretty good bet that we found the only retired racing greyhound in the baseball card business.

Bill Webb, who owns Webb's Sports Cards in Bearden, Tenn., has a soft spot for dogs and each day at this shop near Knoxville, you can find Derby. Bill brings him along every day to have some company inside his long running store, which is of course painted UT orange.

Greyhounds are a special breed, but he's found that with just a little bit of patience, these speedy canines are great pets. Derby isn't the first Bill has turned into the store's mascot, though.

You can read more about Bill's business and his 'assistant' in the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Five Budget Priced 1933 Goudey Hall of Famers

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:03:04 +0000

The 1933 Goudey set launched what eventually became the standard by which baseball cards were issued. They were a kids product so why wouldn't they be packaged with gum? Bubble gum and baseball cards went together like peanut butter and jelly. Kids chased multiple Babe Ruth cards, yelled when a Lou Gehrig popped out of a pack and in the Midwest, dug Dizzy Dean. Over time, those cards, along with a few others, became highly sought after--and expensive--in high grade. You can't touch a really good looking Ruth for less than $1,000. All is not lost, though, if you're looking for Hall of Fame relics, respectable in grade and price.

Here are five all-time greats on 1933 Goudey cards that might work within your budget and give your collection a little Cooperstown quality.

1) Carl Hubbell: Make no mistake, this was a superstar. If you were transported back to 1933, you might find his name mentioned almost as often as that of the Babe. He won 24 straight games at the height of his career in the 1930s. In the '34 All-Star Game, he struck out Ruth, Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin--all would wind up in the Hall. A nine-time All-Star, Hubbell's screwball kept hitters guessing from 1928-1943. He has two cards in the '33 Goudey set, #230 and 234. The former is a horizontal action image and other shows a capless Carl relaxing. Both are unique. Either one is worthy of your investment, which won't be more than $250 for one graded about EX, sometimes even less.

2) Charlie Gehringer: He hit .320 over his long career with the Detroit Tigers (1924-1942) and it's the offense that most fans think about when it comes to "The Mechanical Man". He was also one of the best fielding second basemen of the century. When the spotlight got brighter, Gehringer got better. It's hard to call him underrated, but his cards are still reasonably affordable and when you learn what he was all about, you'll be glad you own at least one.

3) Rogers Hornsby: This guy hit .358--for his career. Only Ty Cobb was better. He hit .400 or better three times. A different era, yes, but Hornsby's greatness has never been in dispute. His career was in a weird spiral by the time his two 1933 Goudey cards hit the market. Not always easy to get along with, he was a player manager with the St. Louis Browns for the last half of the year and played sparingly until the end of his career, despite still having superior hitting skills. Had he played in a big market during his prime, his cards would be worth more than they are. Hornsby is pictured as a manager and on another of those beautiful horizontal cards making a play in the field.

4) Bill Terry: This old Giant had a lot of pride. As a senior citizen, still signing autographs through the mail during the 1970s, he would autograph index cards "Wm H. "Bill" Terry". Eighty-two years ago, he hit .401 and no National League hitter has done it since. His career averaage was .341. A standout playing career was followed by a managerial stint. He did both in '33, leading the Giants to a World Series championship after starting in the first-ever All-Star Game. Simply one of the game's all-time legends. Shop smart and you can buy a nice '5' for less than $200.

5) Hack Wilson: The ultimate shooting star, Hack Wilson was dead before the age of 50. His playing career--and his life--cut short by alcoholism and fighting, Wilson was one of the game's most feared hitters during his brief prime. You almost have to have a baseball card of a guy who once hit 56 home runs and drove in 191 in a season, don't you? Live ball or not, that's raking.

Not only are you buying a Hall of Famer's cards (although some would debate the selection), you're buying a conversation piece, especially if you're around Cubs fans. You can often buy a VG-EX model for around $160 but this is often a tough card to find for sale.

VIDEO: ESPN’s 30 for 30 Visits Pete Rose Autograph Station

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, Pete Rose has a job in baseball. Maybe not the one he'd like to have, like managing a baseball team, but he still gets paid to hold baseballs and bats and jerseys, sign his name, take pictures and market himself as The Hit King.

Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs since his playing days ended, there are still people willing to go to his regularly scheduled signing session inside Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and pay him for a signature, a handshake and a little conversation.

From an industry point of view, Rose has all but flooded the market with signed items. From a fan's point of view, he can never sign enough. Maybe the lines aren't out the door, but it's how Pete Rose makes his living.

He just turned 71 last month and apparently he still needs--or wants--the money.

ESPN's award winning 30 for 30 documentary series went to The Strip to catch up with the man who's still waiting for a reinstatement that may never come. The video is worth seven minutes of your time.

Josh Hamilton Rookie Cards: Not So Fast, My Friend

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:30:38 +0000

Finally, the hobby has a hot player whose rookie card was produced in the 1990s. What does that mean? For one, you won't have to sort through a mountain of data just to determine which card is the best one to own. It won't be a "1 of 1" and it won't cost you a week's pay. There are only four real Josh Hamilton rookie cards--all from 1999.

Hamilton rookies picked up steam after his four home run night last week. He has Topps Traded, Topps Chrome Traded, Bowman and Bowman Chrome first year cards picturing as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, before his life and career began to spiral out of control (talk about a guy whose appearance has changed since high school).

His 1999 Topps Traded autographed rookie cards have been bringing $450-500; more for the lucky few who manage to have one graded at a '10' level. Regular edition Hamilton rookie cards are selling briskly for $15-30 each. A PSA 9 Bowman Chrome standard issue brought $50 recently.

Hamilton rookie cards are hot and it's fun to see a player make that hobby breakthrough, not to mention what it does to local hobby shops and dedicated eBay sellers. If you're looking to get in on the action before a Hall of Fame career really takes off, though, you may want to temper your enthusiasm. There's a reason his rookie card is almost vintage.

Hamilton turns 31 years old this month. His long climb back from drug and alcohol addiction is a great story but his late start may prevent him from reaching the lofty milestones associated with Hall of Fame players.

He's hit 136 home runs so far in his career and put together only a few full seasons because of injury. Even if he averages 30 homers per season until age 39, he'll finish with about 400, and that's assuming no further setbacks. Solid, but not necessarily Cooperstown worthy.

The same goes for his hit total. At best, he may wind up with 2,100-2,200 hits. Again, short of Hall of Fame type numbers.

If he can somehow win a triple crown this year or add a couple of World Series titles to his credit between now and retirement, his profile could change. He's still young enough to where there's probably still room for some growth, but at this point, it's probably best to avoid buying Hamilton rookie cards during a bull market and respect baseball history by the numbers. Not surprisingly, eBay listings have exploded over the last week. Click here to check out current bid levels.

2012 Panini Elite Football Preview

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:46:22 +0000

Two months from now, NFL teams will be ready to head back to training camp and about that time, we'll start to see one of the league's trading card partners dish out the latest edition of one of its longer-running products. 2012 Panini Elite football will offer two autographs, two memorabilia cards, four rookie cards and six or seven more inserts or parallels per 20-pack box.

Rookie card collectors will see the highly anticipated 2012 NFL draft class pictured in their new uniforms.

Among the product’s other highlights . . .

Base RCs will be numbered to 999, along with autographs and die-cut parallels numbered to 699 or less.
The Rookie Inscriptions insert featuring on-card autographs from the top 36 rookies in various colors and scarcity.
The Passing the Torch Autographs insert featuring two autographs and numbered to 25 or less. New pairings include Dan Marino/Drew Brees, Cam Newton/Robert Griffin III and Emmitt Smith/DeMarco Murray.
Back to the Future memorabilia cards honoring past stars like Dan Fouts, Bob Hayes, Doak Walker, Ted Hendricks, Don Meredith and Otto Graham numbered to 199 or less. Prime versions will be numbered to 99 or less.
Throwback Threads memorabilia cards featuring such pairings as Marshall Faulk/Steven Jackson, Rocket Ismail/Jerry Rice, Jay Novacek/Jason Witten and Doug Flutie/Ryan Fitzpatrick numbered to 199 or less and including autograph versions.
Hit List profiles the NFL’s top defensive standouts such as Clay Matthews, NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith and Jason Babin on memorabilia cards numbered to 199 or less. Prime versions will be numbered to 49 or less.
The NFL’s top producers — including Maurice Jones-Drew, Calvin Johnson Jr., Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Graham — comprise the Prime Numbers memorabilia insert that is numbered to 299 or less. Prime versions will be numbered to 49 or less.

2012 Panini Elite football will be out "just after the 4th of July" according to the company.

MARVEL ELITE 18 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 17 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 10 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 8 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 5 PANINI COMICS
US $8.92

MARVEL ELITE 4 PANINI COMICS
US $8.92

MARVEL ELITE 29 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 28 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

MARVEL ELITE 32 PANINI COMICS
US $7.64

Hershiser 59 Scoreless Innings Streak Ball Pulled from Auction

Editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:22:46 +0000

He was no spectacular physical specimen but in 1988, Orel Hershiser had a presence. He pitched as close to perfect for much of the season as any man ever has. It ended with a couple of playoff MVP awards and the Cy Young. In between was one of the most remarkable stretches any pitcher has ever enjoyed. Hershiser put together a streak of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking a long-held record set by Don Drysdale two decades earlier. A collector, Hershiser recently decided to pare down what he has accumulated and a ball from that record game in September of '88 was part of his consignment.

Not so fast.

After Grey Flannel Auctions put the catalog together and shipped it to the printer, Hershiser called and told the auction company he had changed his mind. They could auction off jerseys, some of his awards and other material, but he wasn't quite ready to part the scoreless innings streak ball One of his card-swapping partners, fellow collector Keith Olbermann, wrote about it in his Baseball Nerd column for MLB.com.

Giants Take Game Used Equipment Sales to Next Level

Editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:06:12 +0000

Instant memorabilia might be the best phrase to describe the latest big league move in the game used market. You now the opportunity to purchase San Francisco Giatns game used items including jerseys, bats, balls, helmets, line-up cards, bases, autographed memorabilia and other items, just minutes after they were used in action at the new From the Clubhouse merchandise location inside of AT&T Park.

Fans and collectors can find items such as the batting helmet worn earlier in the game by Buster Posey or the dirt stained jersey worn, just that night, by Angel Pagan. The items are shipped from the clubhouse to the store, meaning inventory literally changes on an hour-by-hour, sometimes minute-by-minute basis. An MLB official authenticator is at AT&T Park for all games and takes items from the players, after a play or from the game itself and authenticates them with a MLB hologram, ensuring their authenticity before they arrive in the store.

The team will commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge by wearing a patch on their uniforms on Friday, May 18 when the Giants celebrate International Orange Friday. These game used jerseys will be available for sale after the game in the store with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Kids to the Bridge program.

From the Clubhouse is open only on game days, two hours prior to the game and one hour after the game, and is located on the Promenade Level behind Section 119. This specialty store and location is part of the retail chain of Giants Dugout Stores located throughout the Bay Area with stores in San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Jose and Walnut Creek.

For more information on the From the Clubhouse store, email gameused@sfgiants.com.