When we shared the news of Alan Rosen’s death late last month, I realized I had never read the second of his two books, called “True Mint”, published in 1994 and written with the help of T.S. O’Connell. I ordered a copy, knowing I’d probably heard some of the stories before but still feeling a little nostalgic for what was a truly remarkable era. About two-thirds … [Read more...]
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Baseball Card Pioneer Alan Rosen Dies
Alan “Mr. Mint” Rosen, who became the hobby’s most widely known personality as a brash, cash-wielding dealer in the 1980s, died Thursday morning. Believed to be in his early 70s, he had been battling illness for several years. Rosen sold copy machines and antiques until 1982 when a visit to a card show spurred him to focus exclusively on baseball … [Read more...]
Cranston Sports Collectors Show Returns for 40th Event
There are some great traditions during Super Bowl week. Media day. Commercials. The halftime show. And oh, yeah, the game. But for the last 40 years, collectors in New England have another Super Bowl tradition. It’s the annual Cranston Sports Collectors Show, which is run by the St. Joseph’s Men’s Guild and benefits the Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston, Rhode … [Read more...]
Recalling Two of the Hobby’s Major Figures
It was not that long ago when the highlight of any sports collector’s week would be when a new Mastro Auctions catalog arrived. Just to see some of the history that was being sold was amazing and the company did its best to create descriptions for each lot that, while often over the top, did whet your appetite for sports history. The photography of some of the major lots made … [Read more...]
1952 Topps Case is Baseball Card History
Sixty years ago, some were sitting in warehouse while others were likely on their way back to New York, all of them unsold and unwanted. Case upon case of the final series of Topps’ inaugural entry into the bubble gum card market was dead inventory. The company’s first cards had fared well in their competition with Bowman but by early fall, kids were headed back to school. … [Read more...]
Rich’s Ramblings: Of Old Willow Grove Days
by Rich Klein In many ways, these have been some of the most enjoyable articles I have ever written. I have enjoyed reading your comments and to those who have emailed me, thank you so much. And to those who are enjoying these rambles through time, there is plenty more to ramble about in the near future. One of my other interests involves performing some work for my … [Read more...]
Stories Behind Legendary 1952 Baseball Card Finds
Some of the highest grade 1952 Topps cards have great stories behind them. Many of those involve major finds. In 1986, Alan Rosen, known as Mr. Mint in hobby circles, was invited to a man's home. No doubt expecting to see the usual nicks and dings older cards often displayed, Rosen was shocked to find the man bringing out a silver tray full of dozens of 1952 Topps cards … [Read more...]
