Sports Illustrated and The Athletic both published stories about the hobby on Monday. SI’s feature focused on the rise of case breaking, especially in recent times. The lack of live sports, no games to bet on and plenty of time at home were all credited with some breakers seeing huge increases in the number of customers. Card afficianado and long-time … [Read more...]
The Atlantic Explores “How Baseball Cards Got Weird”
Baseball cards are the subject of a feature story in The Atlantic, one of the few surviving magazines that actually pre-dates the first baseball cards. The piece is called “How Baseball Cards Got Weird: A very analog hobby finds a way to thrive in the digital age.” Writer Eric Moskowitz chronicles the changes in collecting over the years, with an emphasis on the … [Read more...]
Real Breaks Grows With Family Friendly Approach
A few years ago, collectors Ryan Holland and Tom Kulczewski didn't even know each other. Now they're best friends, business partners and run one of the largest sports card case break websites by volume on the internet. Their philosophy behind Real Breaks? Keep it fun...and family friendly. Holland says their business is growing thanks to the hobby's overall … [Read more...]
Recent Hobby Innovations Have Been Fast, Numerous
The concept that gave us the internet turned 30 earlier this month. As with any new invention, there have been moments of greatness associated with this watershed change in communication and moments when we wish it had never been invented at all. It's changed how many of us live, how we shop, how we communicate and really changed how we learn. It's also … [Read more...]
Notes: Jeter SP Soars; MHCC’s New Auction; Live Case Break Opens Shop
A PSA 10 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter rookie card is on the auction block and has already set a new record for the grade, sitting at $66,200 with the auction not set to conclude until mid-week. The SP Jeter has become the future Hall of Famer’s most popular—and pricey-- rookie card and ranks is among the most valuable cards of a modern era in high-grade. There … [Read more...]
Notes: Paper’s Story on Box Breaking; Roquan Smith Ripped Off; Big $ for LeBron; Singer Trades Tix for Cards
Work crews have torn up the street in front of his shop but as long as there’s an internet connection, Steve Palmer of BreakRoom Sports Cards and Autographs in Cape Coral, FL can get through the day. He’s one of a legion of online case and box breakers who are helping keep the modern collecting hobby afloat. Breakers tear open newer products and the cards are … [Read more...]
New Sports Card Releases June 26-July 4
Whether you collect football, basketball, baseball or racing, there will be a new product available before the Fourth of July. In fact, four will hit the market in the span of just three days before things settle down until just after the holiday. Courtesy of Maine Sports Cards, here's a rundown of what's about to arrive. 2016-17 Panini Spectra Basketball (June 28) If you … [Read more...]
New Sports Card Releases: June 14-27
After a very busy week of sports card releases that included Topps Finest and a pair of Panini products, things slow down just a bit as the calendar reaches the midway point of 2017. Still, there are a few notable new issues hitting the market. Courtesy of Maine Sports Cards, here's a look at what to expect: 2017 Topps Series 2 Baseball (June 14): Four months … [Read more...]
Notes: Case, Set Breaks at NSCC; ’55 Koufax Giveaway; Shop Owner Profile
The National Sports Collectors Convention will have a Case Break Pavilion again this year, this time keeping some longer hours and including an area for vintage set breaks. Show organizers say the area will open for a “Preview Night” on Tuesday, August 2 from 6:30 PM -12:30 AM. Attendees interested in joining breaks or there to watch and/or learn will be admitted free. The … [Read more...]
Topps Archives Signature Series Checklist Released
One pack, one card, one autograph. That is the theme for 2015 Topps Archives Signature Series baseball, a limited-edition high-end product that will be released Wednesday, December 9. The checklist has been released by Topps and is below. It’s a simple concept — each pack of Archives Signatures will have one original Topps or Bowman card autographed by the player. The … [Read more...]