There are few hobby practices as wholesome as young fans getting their trading cards autographed by their favorite athletes. The practice is decades old and warms the hobby hearts of most longtime collectors. And while after-market autographed cards suffered a period of scorn by hobby purists who felt the application of a signature actually defaced and devalued the card, recent … [Read more...] about Trading Card Autograph Inscriptions Don’t Have to be Boring
About Todd Tobias
Tracking the History of Lacrosse Cards as Interest in Old Game Grows
While many consider lacrosse to be North America’s oldest sport, it has lagged far behind baseball, football and other traditional sports in terms of hobby attention. That is not because lacrosse cards are recent additions to the hobby lineup; in fact, the first lacrosse trading card was issued in 1878 as part of a 12-card multi-sport set issued in Europe by a biscuit company … [Read more...] about Tracking the History of Lacrosse Cards as Interest in Old Game Grows
AFL Programs Offer Rich History
There are few collectibles that have a more direct connection to sports than a game program. Full of photos, stories, information and those great old advertisements, game programs have been a staple of the sporting experience for more than 100 years. Programs are ubiquitous in sports today, and can be found at contests ranging in importance from the annual Super Bowl to … [Read more...] about AFL Programs Offer Rich History
1964 Topps Football Set Marked Big Change
More than a few historians believe the 1960s to be the greatest decade in professional football history. Those 10 years saw the rise and success of the AFL, a merger with the NFL and the first Super Bowl, known then as the AFL vs. NFL World Championship Game. It was a busy time in the football card world as well. The game was getting more popular and football cards … [Read more...] about 1964 Topps Football Set Marked Big Change
Collecting Super Bowl III: History-Making Game Still Within Reach
On January 12, 1969, the New York Jets made history with the AFL squad's landmark win over the Baltimore Colts. Super Bowl III memorabilia is among the most popular from any of the games that have been played since. In terms of historical significance, there are not many games that are more important or had a greater influence on the NFL than the one played in Miami … [Read more...] about Collecting Super Bowl III: History-Making Game Still Within Reach
1966 Chiefs Autographs Spur Memories of Team That Faced Lombardi’s Packers
The 50th anniversary of the first Super Bowl is just a few years away. As such, much of the focus in the near future will be on Vince Lombardi and his legendary Packers - and rightly so. Lombardi crafted a dynasty the likes of which has not been seen since. Five NFL championships and two Super Bowl victories are difficult to top. Still, being the AFL fan that I am, I tend … [Read more...] about 1966 Chiefs Autographs Spur Memories of Team That Faced Lombardi’s Packers
1963 Fleer Football Set Offers Key Rookie Cards; Tough Autographs
Fifty years ago, the American Football League was four years old, and while still struggling financially, had begun to build a following among professional football fans. Their game was exciting, and attractive to fans. The AFL had early success in signing new players to their league, and many recent college superstars were sporting the Chargers powder blue, the Bills red and … [Read more...] about 1963 Fleer Football Set Offers Key Rookie Cards; Tough Autographs
Rarest Autographs on AFL Trading Cards
Every vintage football card collector knows which cards are the most rare and expensive. A raw Joe Namath rookie card in excellent condition may run you upwards of $600 or $700. Which are the rarest autographed American Football League cards? That's a more interesting question and one that requires a little research. While supply and demand certainly factor into the … [Read more...] about Rarest Autographs on AFL Trading Cards
1966 Topps Football Set Pulls Autograph Collectors Too
The 1966 Topps football set seems to have a somewhat polarizing effect on collectors. Similar in design to the 1955 Bowman baseball issue, ’66 Topps football cards have a horizontal format, and feature a wood-grained border styled to look like a television, which I have found most collectors either love or hate. Unlike its baseball counterpart, which pictures many … [Read more...] about 1966 Topps Football Set Pulls Autograph Collectors Too
Chargers’ Last AFL Game Meant Record Setting Moment, Memorabilia for Alworth
On December 14, 1969, the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers met beneath a 66-degree Southern California sky to play their final game as members of the old American Football League. A merger between the AFL & NFL, which had been agreed to four years prior, would take full effect the next season, and the new American and National Football Conferences would take the field … [Read more...] about Chargers’ Last AFL Game Meant Record Setting Moment, Memorabilia for Alworth