A signed ticket to Ken Griffey Jr.'s big league debut in 1989, some early signed Mickey Mantle cards and even the 2013 NCAA Tournament bracket filled out and signed by former President Barack Obama are all part of the new Heritage Auctions Sports Showcase catalog. The 1,100+ lots are a mix of old and new, signed and unsigned, open and unopened, single and set. The … [Read more...] about Griffey Debut Ticket, Ruth Cards, Signed Early Mantles Among Heritage Lots
Ken Griffey Jr.
Newly Uncovered Shots of Vintage, Modern Legends Headline RMY Photo Sale
There are images of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle, but it’s an original 1989 photo of Ken Griffey Jr. that’s captured the most bidding interest at RMY Auctions. The company’s October auction includes over 850 lots of sports, news and entertainment oriented images. The Griffey photo isn’t just one of the many images taken of the 19-year-old star … [Read more...] about Newly Uncovered Shots of Vintage, Modern Legends Headline RMY Photo Sale
1995 Studio Baseball Turns Away From Established Art, Toward Transactional Look and Feel
After four years of offering some of the classiest and most aesthetically pleasing cards in baseball card history, the Studio brand made a complete departure from their signature style in 1995, leaving collectors scratching their heads and wanting the great Studio cards they were used to seeing in years past.In an effort to evolve and produce something outside of the box, the … [Read more...] about 1995 Studio Baseball Turns Away From Established Art, Toward Transactional Look and Feel
1993 Leaf Studio Brought Color Blast, Glossy Upgrade and New Inserts
It was clear by year three that Donruss-Leaf liked the concept of its Studio line of baseball cards and sales were good enough that it seemed collectors did too. Behind the scenes, though, the company was looking to step up its design game. 1993 Leaf Studio Baseball drastically improved the quality of the cards produced and their presentation as a whole. This release was … [Read more...] about 1993 Leaf Studio Brought Color Blast, Glossy Upgrade and New Inserts
Notes: Griffey Saving More Than Homers; Wagner Update; Auction Results; Vermeil Deal
Studies have shown the mental health benefits hobbies provide. After a tough day at work or some personal strife, our collections and the hunt to add to them are big stress relievers. That’s certainly true for Jason Vass, who is one of the hobby’s most avid collectors. Ken Griffey Jr. is his guy. ESPN’s Ryan Hockensmith paid a visit to Vass’ Virginia home … [Read more...] about Notes: Griffey Saving More Than Homers; Wagner Update; Auction Results; Vermeil Deal
Photo of the Day: Young Ken Griffey Jr.
He was still just a minor leaguer when he posed for cameras some time in 1988, a top overall draft pick with a great pedigree and an even better swing. One of those photos of Ken Griffey Jr. wound up on a Donruss baseball card. Now, a similar image is on the market for the first time. The 8x10 photo of the future Hall of Famer posing in his Seattle Mariners … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Young Ken Griffey Jr.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Card Set Campaign a Big Hit
Any little trading card set that includes the chance for Ken Griffey Jr. or Russell Wilson autographs has a pretty good shot at success. In Seattle, the big name sports stars are mixing with entertainers and some special kids in a new Seattle Heroes trading card set produced by Topps that’s raising money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. The boxed sets, which … [Read more...] about Seattle Children’s Hospital Card Set Campaign a Big Hit
Graded Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Tally Nears 120,000
In the days leading up to his 2016 Baseball Hall of Fame election, one photo consistently used online by writers was the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. That image is burned into the minds of anyone who was involved in the sports collecting hobby at the time, whether as a kid who wanted one more than life itself, a shop owner in a suddenly booming … [Read more...] about Graded Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Tally Nears 120,000
Hottest Rookie Cards of 1989 Had Varied Fortunes
1989 marked some pretty significant advances in the sports card industry. Collectors saw the introduction of Upper Deck as well as the return of Bowman. And as I recently wrote, that also marked the year when football traded cards became 'a thing.' Rookie cards also continued their popularity and, as is the case with any year, some were stars and others were busts. While it … [Read more...] about Hottest Rookie Cards of 1989 Had Varied Fortunes
30th Anniversary Brings Back Memories of Bowman’s Stunning Return
Bowman was one of the earliest post-war producers of baseball gum cards. However, after a run of sets issued from 1948 through 1955, the company packed it in. Bowman competed heavily with Topps once the latter began producing baseball cards. After a brief battle, Topps ultimately bought Bowman out. Rather than operate Bowman as a separate entity, Topps ended the production … [Read more...] about 30th Anniversary Brings Back Memories of Bowman’s Stunning Return