Bowman beat everyone to the post-War punch. Three years after everyone stopped conserving paper and working dads brought home extra pennies and nickels for their baseball-loving sons, the company brought baseball cards back to life. Missing since the early 40s and inconsistent in their availability, baseball cards were about to be reborn for good. Except for a one-year … [Read more...] about Bowman vs Topps: The Old Rivalry on eBay
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Editor’s Blog: Let’s Play Find the Forgers
In homes and offices across North America sit big, beautiful photographs. Expensive jerseys. Vintage display items. Signed baseballs. All purchased by those who wanted something to remind themselves of their favorite sport, favorite player or favorite moment in sports history. All cost hundreds, maybe a few thousand dollars. All bearing someone's John Hancock. Not … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Let’s Play Find the Forgers
Long Live the Vintage Box
Even if your local card shop is more about the newest product than the old classics, they've probably got at least one. Even if your local show has more Ryan Howard rookies than Nolan Ryan rookies, you can probably find a few to sooth your hankering for the days when every pack came with a stick of gum. A big ol' box of vintage cards. While many of the kids who grew up … [Read more...] about Long Live the Vintage Box
Sports Guy Returns to the National
There's no doubt about it. Bill Simmons is a memorabilia guy. Table after table of vintage baseball cards don't get the popular "Sports Guy" of ESPN.com fame going when he goes to the National Sports Collectors Convention. What he loves are the vintage, unusual, historic, absurd, silly, nutty and improbable pieces that dot the landscape of the exhibit hall. After … [Read more...] about Sports Guy Returns to the National
2011 National Sports Collectors Convention Ends 5-Day Run
The 32nd National Sports Collectors Convention wrapped up Sunday at 5 p.m., although quite a few dealers were long gone by then, catching flights or starting the sometimes long drive back home. A few tidbits from the weekend that haven't been covered yet: Wednesday night's Topps Vault auction at the VIP reception saw a 1977 uncut proof sheet with a Reggie Jackson … [Read more...] about 2011 National Sports Collectors Convention Ends 5-Day Run
Editor’s Blog: Collector Projects Show Creativity in Action
When it's your birthday, you can ask for baseball cards but unless you can find a fellow collector to buy you something, it might not be a good idea. You never know what they think you'll like...and often times, you wind up wishing they'd have bought you a sweatshirt instead. If your gift buyer is a guy named Alex Towbin, you're OK. With a friend approaching the … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Collector Projects Show Creativity in Action
Editor’s Blog: Heritage Scoring More Points
I'm still more of a vintage guy but I have to say I am falling in love with Topps Heritage and our local Target store is going to be our best man. 1962 was a favorite set to begin with and this product really is tailor-made for the Heritage concept. The photos even have that rather harsh look that make player out to be much older--and more ugly--than they actually are. I … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Heritage Scoring More Points
Tribe Closer Perez is a Collector
The Cleveland Indians invested over $2 million in Chris Perez over the winter. The former St. Louis Cardinal is now the the closer for the Tribe--and a pretty wealthy guy compared to other 20-somethings. That's the nature of Major League Baseball today. And while fans might paint players with a broad stroke and imagine they'd buy expensive cars or other luxuries … [Read more...] about Tribe Closer Perez is a Collector
Harwell Collection at Home in Library
He actually had a lot of interests and was a very spiritual guy, but baseball was a huge part of Ernie Harwell's life. He made his living behind the microphone, calling Detroit Tigers games for decades. He was in prime position to acquire mountains of baseball memorabilia. Now, that collection is housed in the Detroit Public Library. He may have lived to be 100 if an … [Read more...] about Harwell Collection at Home in Library
A House of Black and Gold
He lives in Georgia now, but George Danesky is a Pennsylvania guy. More specifically, he's a Steelers guy. No one is more excited for Sunday's AFC Championship than the semi-retired fan whose home bears tribute to his favorite team. Danesky is a collector of Steelers memorabilia. Jerseys, helmets, autographs, prints...and the stuff that's not archive material, … [Read more...] about A House of Black and Gold