Upper Deck is promising to hold products for as long as it can to cut back on the number of redemption cards. Collectors hate them and often accused the company of not being as responsive as they should when redemptions would go unfulfilled for months--even years at times. They aren't alone, though. Waiting on players to sign cards has caused nightmares for other … [Read more...] about Hobby News and Notes from the Editor’s Blog
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1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Brings $200,000
A PSA 7-graded blank back 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth smashed all records for the issue early Thursday morning when it sold at auction for $200,168. Goodwin & Company sold the card in its first auction of 2012. One of three at the PSA 7 level, the card represents one of the six highest graded Ruth cards from the issue that pictures him as a pitcher for the Boston Red … [Read more...] about 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Brings $200,000
In The Game Enforcers Box Break
by Rich Klein In the Game always creates interesting concepts for their hockey cards. Their most recent issue is no exception; in fact, it got a tremendous amount of mainstream media attention because of its nature. The name of the issue explains everything about the product any collector needs to know. It’s called "Enforcers" and features a mix of active and retired … [Read more...] about In The Game Enforcers Box Break
eTopps Program at Standstill
The eTopps platform turned 10 years old last year. Collectors are wondering if it will live to see 11. The program that allowed collectors to buy in to a limited quantity of cards that could be left in an online 'portfolio'', shipped in physical form or sold online by collector who bought them is in limbo. Prices were generally around $5 per card. After issuing just 37 … [Read more...] about eTopps Program at Standstill
Top Selling Mickey Mantle Cards on eBay
He still dominates the vintage card marketplace. Collectors buy Mickey Mantle cards. Dealers can't buy enough of them. More than 42 years after his last at-bat in a regular season game, Mantle remains hot. His 1952 Topps card can sell for $15-20,000 even in a condition that could generously be described as ''lower grade'. However, it's not just his iconic first ever … [Read more...] about Top Selling Mickey Mantle Cards on eBay
2011 Topps Lineage Box Break
By Rich Klein Having been in this hobby from what feels like the very beginning of time, it is rare that I look at a product and just go ‘wow, this looks like a product I'm going to enjoy opening and playing with’. That was my reaction when I saw an opened box of 2011 Topps Lineage and its contents at the company booth at the 2011 National. This product seemed instinctively … [Read more...] about 2011 Topps Lineage Box Break
Universities Try to Keep Athletes Away From Autograph Revenue
Allegations that Terrelle Pryor had a freelance job as an autograph signer while still in school have sent shockwaves through college sports. But the issue actually goes quite a bit deeper. The marketing of player autographs is an NCAA rules violations and could risk the eligibility of college athletes. Yes, even those selling autographed items from active players could … [Read more...] about Universities Try to Keep Athletes Away From Autograph Revenue
2011 Bowman Chrome Preview and Checklist
Topps has released preliminary information and images for its 2011 Bowman Chrome baseball product. Set to release in mid-October, the 18-pack boxes will include one on-card autograph and two prospects per pack. The promotional information again highlights Bryce Harper, who will be among the sought after autographs. In all, there are 37 prospects who have signed for Bowman … [Read more...] about 2011 Bowman Chrome Preview and Checklist
2011 Topps UFC Title Shot Box Review
In my continuing efforts to catch up on reviews, we’re busting open a box of the 2011 Topps UFC Title Shot product. First I have to say, that I grew up a boxing fan and wish boxing was as seemingly well organized as MMA. I also wish there were sets like this available both back in the day and today. Could you imagine a set issued in the 1972-74 era with boxers such as … [Read more...] about 2011 Topps UFC Title Shot Box Review
2011 Bowman Frenzy Underway
Topps may not have realized the monster it was creating when it decided to bring back the 1950s-era Bowman line in 1989. More than two decades later, today's current issue collector circles the date of the annual Bowman-branded release on his calendar as the first cards of what they hope will be tomorrow's stars are revealed. 2011 Bowman has arrived--and in some cases … [Read more...] about 2011 Bowman Frenzy Underway