No film exists of professional baseball in the nineteenth century. Without moving pictures we are left with colorful, often embellished, words to describe the early greats of the game. In those early days in the league's formative years no player's exploits jump off the page more-so than Mike 'King' Kelly. While we can't hear him speak in his thick Irish brogue, we can … [Read more...] about Mike Kelly is King of Nineteenth Century Baseball Cards
gypsy queen
2015 Gypsy Queen Box Break
Way, way back in the day there was a saying about the selling of older cards which still rings true to this day. The two easiest types of vintage cards to sell are the ones in really nice condition (even if they bring a premium) and the lowest end varieties which appeal to those collectors on a budget, The most difficult cards to sell are those in the middle grades and there … [Read more...] about 2015 Gypsy Queen Box Break
Bat Barrels, Books, Buttons Coming to 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen
by Chris Harris Over the last couple of years, Topps’ base and premium-level baseball products have stuck to the same formula: Keep the structure of the product exactly the same as the previous year’s set, add something new to create “value,” and not subtract much, if anything. For the most part, this strategy has had mixed results. Despite its brief two year life-span, … [Read more...] about Bat Barrels, Books, Buttons Coming to 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen
Ken Griffey Jr. Signs Autograph Deal with Topps
For the first time ever, Topps will offer certified autographed trading cards of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. in its 2012 baseball card products. After helping jump start Upper Deck as a viable competitor in the late 1980s and early 90s, Griffey stayed under contract with the California card maker for his entire playing career. However, with Upper Deck no longer … [Read more...] about Ken Griffey Jr. Signs Autograph Deal with Topps
2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball: Back for A Second Go-Round
by Chris Harris One of the more successful product introductions in recent years was the debut of Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball. Initially seen by many as an Allen & Ginter knock-off, Gypsy Queen surprised many in The Hobby with its clean 19th Century design and set collectability. Then again, any product that retails for $6/pack and yields five “hits” in a box is bound … [Read more...] about 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball: Back for A Second Go-Round
Willie Mays Autographs Will Appear in 2012 Topps products
Topps has signed a multi-year autograph deal with Willie Mays. Collectors will find signed Mays cards inside packs of 2012 Topps Baseball Series 1, which hits shelves early February. Mays autographed cards will also be in 2012 products such as Topps Tribute, Gypsy Queen and others. In addition, Topps will be issuing a variety of relic cards featuring the 80-year-old … [Read more...] about Willie Mays Autographs Will Appear in 2012 Topps products
2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Review
by Rich Klein First, I would like to apologize for the delays in writing these reviews. On a personal note, I got nailed by a minor medical issue, far from life threatening, but one that was sufficient to delay my efforts. It's very difficult to write a review when you can not really see the cards or the computer screen. Although I'm not totally recovered, things … [Read more...] about 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Review
2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Details
Four guaranteed hits per box are part of the 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen product. Topps Gypsy Queen pays homage to the 1887 tobacco set of the same name with a colorful twist and an array of autograph, insert and memorabilia cards…including a first-ever concept. The four prized cards in each box will include two autographed cards and two relic cards. On card autographs of new … [Read more...] about 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Details
Hank Aaron Signs Contract to Sign for Topps
On the heels of announcing that Sandy Koufax would be signing autographs for 2011 Topps products, the company has announced announce that Hank Aaron autographs will be a part of 2011 baseball card products. It will be Aaron's first autograph deal with Topps since 2005. He signed for Donruss in 2008. The first Topps issues to find Aaron’s autograph will be: 2011 … [Read more...] about Hank Aaron Signs Contract to Sign for Topps