Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of the day Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record finally fell. Now, Topps has teamed up with the man who broke it. The new Topps X Cal Ripken Jr. 2131 baseball card set is an online exclusive put together with help from the Ironman himself. The 50-card set features what Topps calls “unparalleled storytelling and … [Read more...]
Humble Beginnings: Most of Cal Ripken Jr.’s First Baseball Cards Were Destroyed
It’s May 30, 1980, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Nashville Sounds are at Jim Crockett Memorial Park to take on the Charlotte O’s, the AA Minor-League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Souvenir programs leading up to tonight’s Southern League contest have billed the game as “WBTV Baseball Card Nite.” Through a partnership with Charlotte’s WBTV Television, “all children 14 … [Read more...]
Notes: Device Helps Blind Collector; Jumbo Wagner History; Ichiro Signing; Cal Cards
You may have read our story last year on Denver area collector Jake Cohen, a youngster with a passion for sports, sports cards and music. Jake lost his sight a few years ago but has continued to collect. Now, a scanning device is helping him identify cards without having to see them. The i.d. mate Galaxy is a portable “all-in-one” talking bar code scanner that aids … [Read more...]
Cal Ripken Cards: 21 Favorites as Icon Celebrates a Birthday
It seems like just a few years ago that he was circling Camden Yards after breaking Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played. Reality, though, is that he hasn't played in a big league game since 2001. In honor of the Hall of Fame shortstop's birthday, here's a chronicle his career with a selection of Cal Ripken cards from each of his 21 big … [Read more...]
Ramblings: Reader Reaction
The cyber mailman has been busy delivering your questions and comments so let’s get right to it. Last week, I wrote about the death of long-time Philly Show promoter Bob Schmierer and my memories of when this incredible show was held at the George Washington Motor Lodge in Willow Grove, PA. Rock Hoffman of Glenside, PA shared his memories—and an update on the site where … [Read more...]
Ramblings: Ripken Recollections as Anniversary Approaches
The actual anniversary of Cal Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig’s record is Sunday but with the schedule putting the Orioles on the road, they celebrated the 20th anniversary of that milestone Tuesday night at Camden Yards. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since that magical run around the ballpark when his 2131st consecutive game played became official. Carl … [Read more...]
Meeting Players Trumps Autographs at Show
There was once a day when collectors actually became upset when card show promoters began charging $10 if you wanted Joe DiMaggio’s autograph. The demand was there, though, and it became apparent fairly quickly that fans and memorabilia lovers would gladly fork over a few bucks for the chance to say they had a few seconds in front of a Hall of Famer. Mickey Mantle made a … [Read more...]
A Piece of the Game TV Looking for Memorabilia to Feature
Producers of the Emmy Award-winning reality series A Piece of the Game will be taping two new episodes this month and are looking for collectors with sports memorabilia that has a story to tell. The show, which was recently picked up for national syndication on Fox Sports and Comcast Sportsnet, will tape at Chisox Bar & Grill in Chicago on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to … [Read more...]
Autograph Lineup Taking Shape for NSCC
Fans of the 1970's Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Reds should be happy with the initial announcement of autograph signers for this year’s National Sports Colletors Convention. The show in Cleveland will feature Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez from the Big Red Machine era as well as former Steelers greats Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Jack … [Read more...]
Mazeroski Collection Leads Results at Hunt’s Louisville Slugger Auction
For a generation of Yankee fans, Bill Mazeroski's series winning home run in the final game of the 1960 World Series remains a dagger plunged into their heart. As Jay Baker - former CEO of Kohl's and chairman of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation - stated the night before the auction, "it has taken me 53 years to get over that moment - but I'm over it." Items from that iconic moment … [Read more...]