by Rich Klein Last time in Ramblings we took a detour through the happy times and discussed 9/11. The effects of that day are still fresh in so many minds. Everyone has different memories of that weekend. I spoke to my good friend Ted Straka the other day, and we were both amazed that 10 years had passed at this point. He is still happily married and still active in the … [Read more...]
Collector Who Witnessed 9/11 Attack Reflects
Everyone remembers where they were during the terror attacks of 9/11. For some, the memory is more vivid than others. Frank Capece is an attorney and a collector of baseball cards and sports memorabilia whose Secaucus, N.J., office was directly across from the Manhattan Skyline as summer began turning to fall ten years ago. He was having an early morning phone … [Read more...]
Moutain of Baseball Memorabilia Keeps Okie Collector Busy
Robert Taylor of Tulsa, Okla., isn't one of those guys who doesn't want anyone to know what he's got. Everyone in his area already does. Besides, he'd rather show off his pride and joy if a local civic group calls and asks for a little show and tell time. Taylor has plenty of material. He's one of the biggest collectors of baseball material you'll find in the … [Read more...]
Bidders Flock to Killebrew Rookie Cards
The news came as a shock, even though we knew it wouldn't be long. Just a few days after telling the world that he had given up his cancer fight, Harmon Killebrew died early Tuesday. He was 74. One of the most popular Hall of Famers both for his on-field exploits and gentlemanly demeanor off it, Killebrew's passing evoked tears from even the steeliest competitors. Jack … [Read more...]
Ten Things We’d Like to See in 2011
Five weeks are left in 2010, a year when card companies continued to watch every penny and prayed to keep a share of a market that continues to be challenging at best. Dealers and auction houses fought for consignments and hoped their customers bid a little more often. Good things have happened over the last 11 months but there are plenty of things we'd like to see come … [Read more...]
Athletes Parting With Items Keeps Everyone Happy
Mark Wells' situation aside, the sale of memorabilia that once played a big role in an athlete's life isn't always about a need for cash. Some just get tired of looking at it. Others have no heirs to give it to. Most figure they've had it long enough and are ready to trade it for cash to help themselves, their favorite charities or family members. It's a good deal … [Read more...]
Deceased Man’s Shoebox Keeps Memory Alive
It was how everyone kept their cards in the early 1970s. In shoe boxes. There were no tailor-made 660 or 800-count boxes back then. No fancy "sports card albums" with 9-pocket sheets. No penny sleeves or top holders. Baseball cards in your shoe box meant quick and easy access...just in case you needed to look up Manny Sanguillen's batting record. You wanted to fill … [Read more...]