Iowa autograph collector/dealer Jack Smalling first published his 'Autograph Collector's Handbook in 1980. It was a way to connect the growing legion of collectors seeking "TTM" or "through the mail" signatures with the athletes' home addresses. While other books had been published, Smalling took the process to the next level, updating his book every couple of years to … [Read more...]
The Dawn of Baseball Cards
The following is an excerpt from Chapter One of a new book entitled "Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession". Written by Dave Jamieson, the book chronicles how baseball cards were born and also profiles many of the men who played a significant role in how the hobby evolved and changed over the years. Among other topics, Jamieson chronicles the … [Read more...]
Blog: Bob Feller Talks Baseball, Memorabilia
Bob Feller may be 91 but he's still Rapid Robert. Feller still travels around the country doing appearances and autograph shows. The Hall of Famer still runs his museum in Iowa and usually has time to chat with reporters who want to hear about his career, modern players or anything else you ask him about. Feller apparently isn't hurting for money. In an interview with … [Read more...]
Collecting Answers, Not Autographs
Tom Owens has always been a collector. However, he's been a writer about as long and it's that part of him that has led to his latest collecting pursuit. The Iowa resident writes to former big league players, many of whom saw their last action in the 1950s or 60s. Unlike most people who do that, though, Owens isn't searching for autographs. Instead of sending a … [Read more...]
Youngster Reaches Out; Maris Family Reaches Back
For ten-year-olds, 1961 might as well be 1492. Sometimes, though, modern entertainment can provide the link that makes a connection. Last year, Jonah Crilly, a young baseball fan from Harlan, Iowa slid a DVD of the movie *61 into the family's entertainment system and was mesmerized by Roger Maris' chase of Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. Maris became a … [Read more...]