He remains the standard by which other pitchers are measured. Sandy Koufax had a 12-year career, but he didn’t really have a standout season until his seventh campaign, and only the last five years of his career got him into the Hall of Fame. But what an amazing five years they were. From 1962-66, he led the National League in ERA, three times leading the majors. He … [Read more...] about The Toughest (and Easiest) Sandy Koufax Cards to Find in High Grade
1964 Topps baseball
Heritage to Offer Near Complete Box of 1964 Topps Penny Packs
In an era where even the “lower end” sports card packs can’t be touched for much less than $3 (when you can find them), it’s seems almost unfathomable that you could once buy a pack for a penny—and get a stick of gum to boot. The penny packs were—and are—decidedly less prevalent than their multi-card wax-wrapped brothers. Finding a display box of 1-cent Topps packs … [Read more...] about Heritage to Offer Near Complete Box of 1964 Topps Penny Packs
7 Career-Chronicling Phil Niekro Baseball Cards
Catching knuckleball specialist Phil Niekro was an adventure. "Niekro struck out a hitter once and I never touched the ball," recalled Bob Uecker. " It hit me in the shinguard, bounced out to Clete Boyer at third base and he threw out the runner at first." "Knucksie" carved out a 24-year career baffling hitters with his fluttering tosses. Sometimes he was virtually … [Read more...] about 7 Career-Chronicling Phil Niekro Baseball Cards
One-Owner Collection Includes Some of Hobby’s Top 1960s Topps Sets, Singles
Several high-grade Topps sets and single cards are on the block as Heritage Auctions offers hundreds of lots from the Henri Nuber Set Registry Collection. A long-time collector of PSA graded cards, Nuber has built numerous high-end post-War vintage sets that are now on the block. A total of 675 lots are up for bid through Thursday, June 18 including set breaks … [Read more...] about One-Owner Collection Includes Some of Hobby’s Top 1960s Topps Sets, Singles
1983 Sixers Championship Ring; Jim Craig’s “Miracle” Skates; FDR Signed Ball Top SCP Sale
A 1983 Philadelphia 76ers championship ring awarded to guard Clint Richardson sold for $118,230 as SCP Auctions wrapped up its Spring catalog auction. It was the third ’83 Sixers player ring to be sold at auction. SCP also sold Julius Erving’s ring for $244,239 in 2011. Bobby Jones’ ring, sold by a different auction house, went for $72K in 2011. The skates worn … [Read more...] about 1983 Sixers Championship Ring; Jim Craig’s “Miracle” Skates; FDR Signed Ball Top SCP Sale
Why Baseball Cards Came Out a Tad Later in 1964
Think "Topps" and most people think baseball but the truth is, the trading card side of the business always been about pop culture. If it's entertainment or sports and people talk about it or like to collect it, the company is interested. If it'll sell and the licensing is right, it's a candidate for the company's cards, both physical and digital. … [Read more...] about Why Baseball Cards Came Out a Tad Later in 1964
Vintage Pack Facts: 1964 Topps Baseball
After "wood grain" borders in '62 and splashes of color in '63, Topps went back to a more traditional look for its 1964 baseball cards. There was a new type of packaging, too. This week's edition of Vintage Pack Facts from Vintage Breaks examines the packs that came with something completely different on top. Topps went from 576 cards to 587 for its 1964 set, one … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1964 Topps Baseball
1964 Topps Rookie All-Star Banquet Cards Were Quirky And Unique
Topps began honoring its annual Rookie All-Star team with a postseason banquet in 1959. Players were featured in a dinner program, but it soon became obvious to someone at Topps — it was a card company, so why not honor the rookie recipients with a card set? Topps did just that in 1964, issuing a 36-card boxed set for the annual dinner, which was held at the Waldorf-Astoria … [Read more...] about 1964 Topps Rookie All-Star Banquet Cards Were Quirky And Unique
1964 Topps Rookie Stars Full of Fun, Flubs, Future
At a recent show, one of my regular customers started for fun peppering me with various questions about certain cards. After about the fifth name, he realized I truly do love the cards from the 60’s and 70’s and how each one of them tells a story. Since the first card he asked me about was the 1964 Rookie Stars card with Tom Butters, we’ll start with him and discuss a few of … [Read more...] about 1964 Topps Rookie Stars Full of Fun, Flubs, Future
1964 Topps Baseball Might Rub Off on You
The so-called "British Invasion" began in earnest when The Beatles made their first U.S. television appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February of 1964, just weeks before pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training. By the time kids popped open their first packs of 1964 Topps baseball cards that spring to background strains of "She Loves You" and "I … [Read more...] about 1964 Topps Baseball Might Rub Off on You