After World War II, the Bowman Gum Company quickly became a viable competitor to Topps. Both companies produced sets early in the postwar era but Bowman would eventually get swallowed up by its rival. Topps, of course, ceased printing cards under the Bowman label after 1955 until reviving the brand back in 1989. But while Bowman's first run lasted only from 1948 through … [Read more...]
Remembering ‘Newk’: 5 Cards of Don Newcombe
Don Newcombe, who died Tuesday at the age of 92, was an imposing, hard-throwing pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He won 20 or more games three times during his 10-year major-league career and 19 games in 1950. He might have topped the 20-win plateau a few more times, but he lost the 1952 and 1953 seasons to military service. “Newk” stood 6-foot-4 and weighed 220 pounds. … [Read more...]
Clean Sweep Kicks Off 2019 with Largest Auction in Company’s History
Clean Sweep Auctions spent the latter part of 2018 stockpiling consignments. Now, the company has opened the new year by unleashing the largest auction in company history. The sale includes over 1,100 lots, ranging from 19th century baseball cards to modern era autographs and memorabilia. The auction leads off with several key lots: a … [Read more...]
Notes: NSCC Likely Staying Put; ’52 Mantle Winner; Old Bowman Relic
There will soon be a vote on the future schedule for the National Sports Collectors Convention and indications are that it's not going to venture out of the "C" zone. Next year's show has already been set for Chicago and the 2020 event will be in Atlantic City but there has been no word on where the show might land after that. It's believed that NSCC management will be … [Read more...]
Look Familiar? Robinson Photo Used for ’50 Bowman at Auction
He’d spent two challenging years in the major leagues but thanks to help from one of the greatest hitters ever, the 1949 season put Jackie Robinson on another level. George Sisler helped the Brooklyn Dodgers’ infielder make important adjustments to his stride and stance. The results were immediate. Robinson hit .342, drove in 122 runs, scored 122 himself and won the … [Read more...]
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson Among Set’s Gems
The 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson represents the first Topps card issued of the immortal Brooklyn second baseman. It is also #312, one of the rare 1952 Topps high numbers. This makes the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson one of the most desired cards, next to Mantle, in the 1952 Topps baseball series. Prices range from $500 for a lower grade example to $2,000 and up … [Read more...]
1950 Bowman Baseball a Trend Setter
As Americans said their good-riddances to the 1940s, a decade that shredded our hearts and families with war and decimated the National Pastime, sports fans were ready to finally enjoy their games with a full roster of superstars once again. When the first spring of the new decade dawned, the 1950 Bowman baseball set was ready and waiting to greet collectors who had waited all … [Read more...]
1950: When Bowman Ruled the Card Kingdom
The classic sets of the 1950s all have that signature star, rookie or some design trait that make it instantly recognizable and sought after by collectors. 1951 Bowman has those gorgeous horizontal rookie cards of Mays and Mantle. 1954 Topps contains that blazing, bright orange Henry Aaron. 1952 Topps is chock full of rookies and legends. Even 1955 Bowman’s kitschy color TVs … [Read more...]