As one of my many jobs, I work full time at a sports card and collectible shop in my hometown in Central Pennsylvania.In this new series, I will be checking in each week to share some of the more memorable stories, experiences and trends I've seen first-hand at the shop.Anyone reading this is probably very familiar with the volatility of the current sports card and collectibles … [Read more...]
Card Back Q&A: Rob Ducey Talks Playing Softball, High School Wrestling and Beauty Pageant Wife
Toronto, Ontario born Rob Ducey played for six clubs during a 13-year career in the major leagues and even had a stint in Japan. The former outfielder holds the distinction of being the first Canadian born player to play for both MLB teams in Canada (Expos and Blue Jays) and also represent Canada in the Olympic Games. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame … [Read more...]
Arrowheadliner: A Clyde Edwards-Helaire Rookie Card Review
His name may have lagged behind top pick Joe Burrow and Alabama legend Tua Tagovailoa early in the 2020 NFL trading card year but it didn't take long for collectors to determine that Clyde Edwards-Helaire rookie cards might be worth latching onto as well. The Kansas City Chiefs young running back went right from a national championship in college to contributing mightily to a … [Read more...]
The Big Easy: A Brandon Ingram Rookie Card Review
It's taken awhile, but those who had faith that Brandon Ingram rookie cards would prove to be worth hanging onto are feeling pretty good these days. A little maturation and a fresh start have pushed the still youthful NBA standout to become a player to watch in the 2020s. The Book on Brandon A Kinston, North Carolina native, Ingram was the definition of Mr. … [Read more...]
Growth Potential: A Deandre Ayton Rookie Card Review
For being such a large man posting even larger numbers as a number one overall NBA draft pick, its hard to imagine Deandre Ayton's rookie cards being overlooked but here we are. Born in the Bahamas, Ayton was a standout on the hardwood from a very early age. He was being recruited and looked at by local teams and media outlets as early as 12 years old.The former tuba … [Read more...]
Heating Up: A Bam Adebayo Rookie Card Review
The deep rookie class from the 2017-18 NBA Draft, which featured Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Lonzo Ball and other players who had the hobby buzzing. Not much hobby attention was on the Miami Heat's top draft pick. You would be forgiven for not jumping all over Bam Adebayo rookie cards right out of the gate. If you did manage to grab some, you are more than happy with the … [Read more...]
Baseball Lifer Mike Cubbage a Long-Time Collector
If you opened a pack of baseball cards in the 1970s and early 80s, you remember Mike Cubbage. If you're in the hobby, you may have even competed with him in an auction or run into him at a show. A "baseball lifer" with decades of experience at all levels in the game, he's a long-time collector, too. A third baseman by trade, the Charlottesville, VA native was drafted … [Read more...]
Card Back Q&A: Gregg Olson Talks Diamond Kings, ‘Paralyzing’ Curveball and Studio Serial Killer Card
In the latest edition of Card Back Q&A, former Orioles All-Star Gregg Olson talks religious analogies and 1991 Donruss, spring training haircuts, his curve ball and the hazards of being a closer. Tony Reid-You were a Donruss Diamond King, which is a big deal. 1991, it stated ‘You can't get to heaven without a strong bullpen.’ They called you a guardian angel. What are … [Read more...]
Up Arrows: A Travis Kelce Rookie Card Review
It's safe to say if you were buying cards of NFL draft picks in several years ago, there were plenty of choices you would have made instead of gobbling up Travis Kelce rookie cards. Third round picks are the penny stocks of prospecting, though, and if you were one of the few who believed in him back in 2013, you've done well. The Kelce Chronicle Ohio native Travis … [Read more...]
Gary Barnidge Q&A: Former NFL Tight End is Active in the Hobby
Long before Gary Barnidge was a high school football standout, a Division 1 college player and a ten-year NFL veteran, he was an avid sports card collector. Prior to seeing himself on cardboard years later as a pro himself, like many kids of the 1980's and 90's, he collected sports greats like baseball icon Ken Griffey, Jr. and football star Warrick Dunn. After an extended … [Read more...]