The World Series hasn’t been the only game real fans have been keeping an eye on. The Arizona Fall League is underway with some of the game’s top prospects on display.
Top draft pick Bryce Harper is in that group and he hasn’t disappointed so far. The AFL has traditionally been a great place to get autographs and memorabilia from some younger players before they become stars.
The AFL will open up a 14-day auction of items from 18 players, including 12 first-round draft picks next Saturday night. Game-worn, autographed jerseys, caps and team lineup cards are part of the mix. MLB will capitalize on the Harper phenomenon by offering several items from his professional debut in the AFL. Among the items on the block will be the lineup card, his cap, bases and balls from his first game, many of which are said to be signed. The teenage member of the Washington Nationals organization will be joined in the auction by fellow prospects Dustin Ackley, Eric Hosmer and Zack Cox.
———
TV stations in Texas and northern California have been looking for World Series angles to show their viewers during newscasts and pre-game specials. In Dallas, KDFW stopped by Beckett and did a quick segment on the increasing value of Rangers cards. The most interesting thing about their online blurb, though, was a minute or so long peek inside Beckett Grading.
———
John Schenk, the 17-year-old businessman/collector from St. Louis we mentioned in the blog again last week, was a guest on the morning show of the Fox affiliate there, showing off some of the autographed memorabilia he owns and deals in and talking about his venture.
