Opening Day is a time of renewal for baseball fans. Winter is over, and as John Fogerty sang in his 1985 hit, “Centerfield,” “We're born again, there's new grass on the field.” “You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through,” Yankees Hall of Fame outfielder Joe DiMaggio said. “You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. … [Read more...] about Baseball Cards of Some Greats Who Made History on Opening Day
Bob Gibson
Chuck D’s New Rap: “It’s So Hard to See My Baseball Cards Move On”
Chuck D, co-founder of Public Enemy and a huge sports fan, has a new song out that collectors and fans will appreciate. “It’s So Hard to See My Old Baseball Cards Move On” was actually born out of his own artwork. Chuck grew up as a Mets fan in Queens, NY, collecting cards with his father and going to games. Along with his influential music career, Chuck is also an … [Read more...] about Chuck D’s New Rap: “It’s So Hard to See My Baseball Cards Move On”
9 Career-Chronicling Cards of the Late, Great Bob Gibson
Remembered as one of the fiercest competitors to ever take the mound, Bob Gibson’s trademark tenacity and grit was likely forged long before he ever dreamt of becoming a major leaguer. Months before his birth, Gibson’s father passed away from tuberculosis, leaving his mother Victoria to raise seven children without a dad in a post-depression Omaha, Nebraska. Born Pack Robert … [Read more...] about 9 Career-Chronicling Cards of the Late, Great Bob Gibson
5 Cards to Capture Baseball As It Was 50 Years Ago
It was the last year in which finishing at the top of the standings in your league meant an automatic berth in the World Series. It was the year in which Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench made their baseball card debuts and a year in which the American League batting champ barely hit .300. In 1968, baseball card packs were still a nickel, and while you won't find even … [Read more...] about 5 Cards to Capture Baseball As It Was 50 Years Ago
Ramblings: Why a Sport Rules a City and its Collectors
Whenever I set up at a show or have a conversation with a fellow hobbyist, there are times where the simplest question actually begets some real deep thoughts. One of the recent conversations I had centered around why Houston seems to be a far better card market than Dallas. I think there are two main reasons. The first is Tri Star being located in Houston really helps to … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Why a Sport Rules a City and its Collectors
1959 Topps Baseball Set Took Collectors Through the Porthole
Though every year witnesses events that change the world and make us gape in awe, some are more dramatic than others. By the time 1959 faded into a new decade, America had gained two new states, Fidel Castro had brought red power to Cuba, and the New York Yankees had slid all the way to third place in the American League. Along the way, the 1959 Topps baseball … [Read more...] about 1959 Topps Baseball Set Took Collectors Through the Porthole
Home Run Bats, Vintage Card Sets Top Auction
The bat used by Ernie Banks to hit the final home run of his Hall of Fame career sold for over $60,000, topping Memory Lane’s Springtime Classic Auction, which closed early Sunday morning. Total auction proceeds were over $1.6 million. The Banks bat, displaying significant game use, included a copy of a letter of authenticity from WGN Broadcasting Company dated 1971. The … [Read more...] about Home Run Bats, Vintage Card Sets Top Auction
Memory Lane Ready to Launch Spring Auction
“All encompassing” might be the best phrase to use when describing Memory Lane Inc’s upcoming spring catalog auction. 1175 lots of high-grade and rare sports cards and memorabilia will be on the block when the company opens bidding March 26th. Every decade from the late 19th century to the current era is represented. Among the lots are one-of-a-kind sports cards, … [Read more...] about Memory Lane Ready to Launch Spring Auction
National Show Brings Crowds to Cleveland
There wasn't any fighting to gain space at dealer tables. No word of any gigantic, historic walk-in item. Still, the 2009 National Sports Collectors Convention seemed to get off to a good start on its first full day. A fairly steady crowd showed up late in the morning and continued until the 6 PM close. More than one person, however, wondered if the National is doing all … [Read more...] about National Show Brings Crowds to Cleveland