When it comes to pre-war multi-sport sets, the 1933 Goudey Sport Kings set is often heralded as the best. The set boasts all kinds of legendary figures but is also known for producing what are often viewed as the first true professional basketball cards. Here's my look at what I consider to be the top ten cards in the set. 10. Howie Morenz A handful of hockey cards are … [Read more...]
Connie Mack’s 1950 Book Promotion Included 4-Card Set That’s Rare Today
In 1950, Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack released a book about his baseball career titled, "My 66 Years in the Big Leagues." The book chronicled his famous career from a 19th century player to iconic skipper. To help promote the book, a special set of baseball cards was produced. It's one of those obscure issues that's unknown to a lot of collectors today. Seventy … [Read more...]
Inside the 1962 Topps Babe Ruth Subset
When it comes to valuable baseball cards, few top the early cards of Babe Ruth. But while the cards from the playing days of Ruth are often expensive, there's great value to be found in some of his post-war vintage cards. Some of those cards are found in Topps' 1962 Topps set. Issued nearly three decades after Ruth's major league career had ended, this vintage subset gives … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Babe Ruth Manages To Smile While Mending From Mosquito Attack
While some of the best pitchers of his era were not enough to tame the booming bat of Babe Ruth, a smaller foe was apparently able to take down the Swat King. In this unique Paul Thompson photo, circa 1920, Babe Ruth is pictured with his right arm bandaged up. The injury was a result of a mosquito bite, which struck The Babe down with blood poisoning. The bite certainly … [Read more...]
1923 German Transfers Sets Features Ruth, Cobb, and More
Pre-war sets come in all shapes and sizes. Among the more unique issues are transfers sets and one of the more popular ones is called the 1923 German Transfers set. Transfers are often called stamps and that's for good reason. They basically look like stamps and often have perforated stamp-like edges to them. But they're a little different in that they have reverse print. … [Read more...]
Fans Flocked When Young Babe Ruth Signed Baseballs Sold for Charity
The autographed baseball as a fundraiser may not have originated with Babe Ruth but it’s pretty clear he spent a lot of time signing balls for that purpose. Paging through some newspapers from a century ago, I stumbled on a few clippings that make it clear there were plenty of Ruth signed baseballs in circulation by the time he completed his first calendar year with the … [Read more...]
1940s Babe Ruth Editorial Bruguera Cards Remain Elusive
Due to his immense popularity, Babe Ruth wound up on all sorts of baseball cards. His presence not only was felt in the U.S. but also abroad as he was known as one of the most famous athletes in the world, appearing on all sorts of international cards. While Ruth eventually was left out of sets in the years following his retirement, he was still a popular figure. As a … [Read more...]
1915 Ruth Signed Baseball, Joe Jackson Voucher Among Lelands Fall Highlights
Babe Ruth memorabilia remains a big hit with collectors. Particularly baseballs signed by the Sultan of Swat. A baseball signed by Ruth as part of a team collection of signatures from the World Series champion 1915 Red Sox is one of several key pieces of memorabilia items offered for sale in the Lelands Fall 2019 Classic Auction. The baseball, which opened at $5,000 … [Read more...]
1914 Baltimore News Set Home of Babe Ruth’s Minor League Rookie Card
When it comes to pre-war cards there's rare and then there's 'rare.' Consider the 1914 Baltimore News set to be in that latter category. Here's a look at this unique set that is home to one of the most expensive baseball cards in the world. 1914 Baltimore News Set Overview The 1914 Baltimore News set is one of the more obscure issues from the pre-war era that can be found. … [Read more...]
Prices for Cards of Baseball’s First Hall of Famers Have Soared
Baseball's first Hall of Fame class is unrivaled and the first induction included only five players. However, the players that were inducted were Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner, and Christy Mathewson, making for as star studded a group to be found. Several other years have also had loaded rosters but none will ever top baseball's inaugural class. Prices for … [Read more...]