Bob Feller's baseball career began before he was even technically an adult. He debuted at the age of 17 with the Cleveland Indians in 1936 and quickly impressed, going 5-3 while striking out 76 batters in only 62 innings pitched. Feller would continue to improve and really broke through as a star in 1938 at the age of 19. That year, he was named as an All-Star for the first … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Feller’s 1939 Baseball Magazine Cover
Bob Feller made his major league debut when most teenagers were learning how to drive. He wasn’t in awe. The Iowa farm boy was no rube when it came to pitching. After a successful debut in the second half of the 1936 season, Feller was becoming a national sensation. He wound up on the cover of multiple national publications before his 21st birthday including … [Read more...]
Newly Discovered Photo of Feller’s 3rd No-Hitter
Eleven years after tossing the first no-hitter of his brilliant career, Bob Feller did something no pitcher in the history of baseball had ever done. This month, a previously unknown photograph of the celebration immediately following his third no-no is being offered in RMY Auctions’ October online auction. On July 1, 1951, the 32-year-old Feller started the first game … [Read more...]
1938 Goudey Heads Up Issue Has Several Unique Distinctions
It was definitely a departure from your traditional baseball card set. Using photos and some cartoon-like art, the 1938 Goudey set is unmistakable 78 years after the cards and gum could be found on store shelves. The set wasn't big on size but it was filled with stars. Despite being much smaller in number of cards than some of the first Goudey card sets, the 1938 issue … [Read more...]
1949-1950 Num Num Cleveland Indians Set Highlighted 1948 Champions
The Cubs' 108-year famine is over. The wait, however, goes on in Cleveland. Back in 1948, the franchise won its second (and most recent) World Series title. In 1949 and 1950, the Num Num snack company created a set of photographs of Indians players - most of whom were on that championship team from 1948. It represents about the only comprehensive trading card … [Read more...]
Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle Among Original Photos at Auction
Dozens of original photos, including several rarely or never before seen images of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente , Sandy Koufax and other sports stars from the past are on the auction block this week. Originating primarily in newspaper archives, the photos date as far back as the 1930s. Long-time dealer Henry Yee is offering them as … [Read more...]
Veterans Day: Honoring Athletes Who Served
As the United States honors its military veterans on this Veterans Day, it’s instructive to understand that some very real sacrifices were made by athletes to keep the country free. Some paid with their lives; others sacrificed the primes of their athletic careers to serve in the military. Some are household names. Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio and Jackie Robinson … [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...]
17-Year-Old Bob Feller’s Career Unfolds in Early Photo
Since few are around who remember it well, Bob Feller’s arrival in the big leagues is now left almost totally to the history books. It seems now almost incomprehensible to fathom. Feller, a high school student , was such a marvel, that he basically skipped the minor leagues and went right to a big league mound. Oh sure, there were a few outings in places like Fargo and New … [Read more...]
Editor’s Blog: Leaf vs Summit, Leaf’s New Golf Product, Harbaugh’s Game Worn Pants, Feller vs Satch
Some news and notes to close out the week: Leaf Trading Cards is suing the Industry Summit, the annual Las Vegas confab of hobby manufacturers, distributors and shop owners as well as ten ‘John Does’ he believes may have conspired to keep him out. It seems after paying nearly $10,000, Leaf owner Brian Gray’s payment was refunded and he was asked to take a “sabbatical”. … [Read more...]