Goudey Gum Company sailed across the pre-World War II landscape with a busy run that included standard issue baseball cards, premiums and some non-sport sets. The 1941 Goudey Baseball set would mark the end of a relatively brief but impactful run. The Boston-based firm got off to a huge start with its ultra-popular 1933 set that featured four Babe Ruth cards. The ’34 … [Read more...]
5 Underrated 1934-36 Diamond Stars Cards
Even though it's a set that doesn't include either Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, the 1934-36 Diamond Stars baseball set is popular with pre-War collectors thanks to its art-deco style fronts that reflect its time as good or better than any set. Despite missing a few key stars who apparently were under exclusive contract to Goudey, the Diamond Stars set can be … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Charles Conlon Captures Carl Hubbell, Crafty Rookie
First impressions aren’t everything. Carl Hubbell was a 23-year-old prospect when he was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1926 but player-manager Ty Cobb and his pitching coach, George McBride, weren’t blown away by the young pitcher’s talent and thought his screwball might mean arm trouble down the road. Eventually, he was sold to Beaumont of the Texas League where a … [Read more...]
Rare Photo of Gehrig’s Last Series HR at Auction
Everything must have seemed so right. Lou Gehrig had finished another brilliant season in which he hit .351 with 37 homers and 158 RBI. The Yankees were back in the World Series with a commanding lead over their city rivals (again). He was happily married, the unquestioned leader of the greatest baseball team in the world and making a very good living on and off the … [Read more...]
Craig’s ‘Miracle’ Mask Sells for $137,849; Heritage Plans Ali Auction
The game-worn mask worn by 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey goalie Jim Craig sold for $137,849 early Friday but his gold medal, jerseys and flag didn't meet auction reserves. Craig has been trying to sell his collection of ‘Miracle on Ice’ memorabilia since last summer, first via a $5 million straight sale price tag and then through Leland’s latest auction. In addition to the mask, … [Read more...]
Vintage Photo of the Day: Card Playing Giant Hall of Famers
Do baseball players play cards anymore? Years ago they did—a lot. Our Vintage Photo of the Day from RMY Auctions is this wire service photo from 1934 showing several members of the New York Giants in the middle of a game of poker. Carl Hubbell and Mel Ott, two Hall of Famers, are pictured along with others whose names are scripted in pencil on the back. The photo appears … [Read more...]