It is the hobby’s wildest fraud scheme, perpetrated by one man who stayed busy swindling banks, collectors and old friends for millions of dollars.
John Rogers is in for a lengthy stay in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal charges. He faked memorabilia and trading cards, creating a phony bunch of assets like old game-worn uniforms, awards and high-end trading cards. Some were sold but others stayed locked in a safe, where they were touted as collateral for securing millions of dollars in loans that will more than likely never be paid back despite a sentence that included restitution to victims.
While he was most active over a ten-year period that ended in 2014, John Rogers has told friends he’s been forging items for much longer. As is, the case is the largest fraud scheme that FBI agent Brian Brusokas says he’s ever investigated. Officially, there were 26 victims, but exactly how many people were affected and how much money was obtained won’t likely be known.
Arkansas Business has some new details on the exploits of the man who once owned the T206 “Jumbo” Wagner.
The Maryland collector who bought a $500 pack break spot and landed the 1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle at the National Sports Collectors Convention has taken possession of the card. It was graded Mint 9 by PSA on August 4, the day after the now famous break in Cleveland.
No word yet on what’s going to happen to it but Chris Rothe has said he’s planning to sell at some point.
Goldin Auctions will sell items from the collection of the late Bobby Doerr this fall.
Signed bats from Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, autographed baseballs, awards and other items are to be included according to promotional emails from the company.
Doerr died last November at age 99 and was the oldest living Hall of Famer at the time.
Looking for some new wheels to use in the neighborhood?
The golf cart used by Team USA Vice-Captain Tiger Woods during the 2016 Ryder Cup is up for auction.
2018 Topps Archives baseball is getting a split release date.
The retail version is already starting to show up at Target and Walmart but the hobby version won’t be out until late September.
Look for designs from 1959, 1977 and 1981.
You can get a preview–and a retail checklist, including the autograph cards, here.
It’s not a bad time to be a card shop owner as long as you’ve got what customers want. It also doesn’t hurt to be in an area where sports is a big deal.
Crain’s Detroit Business recently profiled a pair of area hobby shops and chatted with Topps and others in the industry about the trading card business–one that seems to be treating both owners pretty well.
The Topps Vault is selling the final negative that became Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Bowman rookie card. There has been plenty of interest. Bidding was scheduled to end Wednesday night and you can follow it here.
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Notes: Topps’ Now Dodgers Sets; New KY Card Shop, Top NBA Jersey Auctions, More
Notes: One Auction Halted Over Suit, Another Delayed; Topps On-Demand Update
Card Shop Q&A with ‘The Rookie’
Report: Rogers Set to Plead Guilty
FBI Agents Search Rogers Photo Archive
