Bret Boone was born into baseball. A third generation Major Leaguer, Boone followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Ray Boone who was an infielder for the Indians, Tigers, White Sox, A's, Braves and Red Sox and his father Bob Boone who was a backstop for the Phillies, Angels and Royals. Bret Boone was eventually joined by his younger brother Aaron who had a solid career as … [Read more...] about Bret Boone Talks Bowman Rookie Card, Personal Sports Bar, Growing up in Veterans Stadium
2003 Donruss Studio Baseball Goes Right to Stadium Steps, Offers HOF Autos, Dugouts of Memorabilia
The 2003 Donruss Studio Baseball offering is a 211 card set released in two separate series. The first series consists of 200 cards and was issued in June of 2003. As was Donruss' method at the time, the final 11 cards were found in another of the company's products. This time the second series was inserted in packs of 2003 DLP Rookie Traded, all with serial numbered to just … [Read more...] about 2003 Donruss Studio Baseball Goes Right to Stadium Steps, Offers HOF Autos, Dugouts of Memorabilia
2002 Donruss Studio Took on Patriotic Flair
Studio Baseball was back with a very patriotic 275-card base set in 2002.As a change of direction from the previous year's higher pack price and the resulting sales decrease, the 2002 product was reconfigured and offered at a much lower MSRP. Configuration and Base Set Hobby boxes consisted of 18 packs per box with six cards per pack with a retail price of $4. There were 16 … [Read more...] about 2002 Donruss Studio Took on Patriotic Flair
Shop Talk: For the Love of the Game
I don't know if it just started happening recently or if I just started noticing it recently but I've had a number of guys my age come into the shop looking to get back into collecting sports cards and memorabilia. Yes, you are reading this post pandemic and post pandemic sports card mania. Reengaged and new collectors are still popping out of the woodwork. I've even had … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: For the Love of the Game
Renaldo Wynn Q&A: Signing in South Bend, Chicago Sports, Rookie Card Growls
Renaldo Wynn was a multi-sport star at Da La Salle Institute in Chicago. On the gridiron he was the team captain earning an All-Midwest selection and All-State Second Team nod from the Chicago Tribune. In addition to being a star on the defensive side of the ball, Wynn rushed for 500 yards and nine touchdowns as a fullback during his senior high school season. He received … [Read more...] about Renaldo Wynn Q&A: Signing in South Bend, Chicago Sports, Rookie Card Growls
After Two Years on the Bench, Studio Baseball Returned in 2001
After a two year hiatus, 2001 Studio Baseball was back now under the Donruss/Playoff banner. This was the first set released for the brand after a two year absence due to the bankruptcy of Pinnacle.The 18-pack hobby boxes had two game used memorabilia cards, a single rookie subset card and one 5x7 Private Signings autograph card packaged as a box topper. The pack prices came … [Read more...] about After Two Years on the Bench, Studio Baseball Returned in 2001
Jeff Lyman Q&A: Seeing His First Bowman Card, Collecting Baseball History, Learning a Pitch on the Beach
San Francisco native Jeff Lyman was a star on the mound at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. The big, strong righty was drafted in the second round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Atlanta Braves. Lyman went on to spend a few years in the minors and played nearly a decade of professional ball at various levels including time in the Atlanta … [Read more...] about Jeff Lyman Q&A: Seeing His First Bowman Card, Collecting Baseball History, Learning a Pitch on the Beach
Shop Talk: Much Needed Help, New Customers, Big Hits and Another Busy Week
The owner was out of the shop last week as he headed down south in order to get a beach house he owns ready for the crazy summer season ahead. This fact left me manning the shop for the week. Over the past few years when he was out of town I was basically on my own with a few hours of much appreciated help here and there but beyond that the shop was a one man show.To be … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Much Needed Help, New Customers, Big Hits and Another Busy Week
Donruss Studio Produces Another Aesthetic Winner in 1998 but Ends Season on Baseball Card Bench
The 8x10 picture card format was back for a second season in 1998 Donruss Studio Baseball.Hobby boxes consisted of 18 packs with seven baseball cards and one 8x10 per pack with the suggested retail price of $2.99. The box art featured a rich red color that faded in and out of a dark black and featured the words "Donruss Studio" at the top of the box the box imagery feature the … [Read more...] about Donruss Studio Produces Another Aesthetic Winner in 1998 but Ends Season on Baseball Card Bench
1997 Studio Baseball Continues Portrait Tradition, Debuts 8x10s and Autograph Inserts
Donruss Studio baseball was back on the diamond again in 1997 with the smallest set and checklist the brand had ever produced. The tiny 165-card base set was issued in August of that year. Studio again reinvented itself and literally pushed the envelope with the insertion of an actual 8x10 Studio portrait in every pack, which also included five standard size baseball cards. The … [Read more...] about 1997 Studio Baseball Continues Portrait Tradition, Debuts 8x10s and Autograph Inserts