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...]
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...]
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...]
700 Lots Sell in Inaugural Goldin Auctions Internet Sale
More than 700 of the 775 lots of sports, entertainment and historical memorabilia were sold in Goldin Auctions' inaugural Internet-only auction. Prices ranged from $50 to $27,000. The two-week event, held from March 12-24, was the first of four such internet-only auctions scheduled for this year to accommodate items that did not make it into the company's catalog … [Read more...]
Goldin Launches 1st of 4 Yearly Online Only Auctions
To keep up with what it says is strong demand from both consignors and customers, Goldin Auctions h as announced the launch of quarterly online only auctions. The first kicked off Monday with 775 lots of sports, entertainment and historical memorabilia. The two-week event is the first of four such quarterly internet-only auctions scheduled for this year to accommodate … [Read more...]
Ken Griffey Jr. Signs Autograph Deal with TriStar
Houston-based TriStar Productions has signed an exclusive autograph contract with Ken Griffey Jr. The company conducted its first private signing session with Griffey earlier this month. TriStar is offering a line of autographed baseballs, bats, photos and jerseys with prices ranging from $249 to $699. Many include a “HOF 16” inscription along with the autograph, … [Read more...]
2017 Topps Fire Baseball Hits Shelves as Target Exclusive
Beginning this week collectors will find a new product in the 2017 Topps line on store shelves, but only if they look at Target. Topps has partnered with graphic designer Tyson Beck for what they describe as 'outrageous' designs for their Fire lineup. The product features a 200-player checklist drawn from current stars, retired greats, and rookies - including the popular home … [Read more...]
Ken Griffey Jr. Signed Bats to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research
Seattle Children’s Hospital is honoring Ken Griffey Jr.'s Hall of Fame induction and Mariners' jersey retirement by selling Ken Griffey Jr. autographed bats to raise money for children's cancer research. The bat is the same 34-inch size Griffey used during his historic 22-year career. They include his“Swingman” logo, Griffey’s major career statistics, 13 stars representing … [Read more...]
Griffey, Piazza Get Topps NOW Cards
The two newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame are getting fresh baseball cards. Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza are featured on the latest Topps NOW cards, part of the ongoing 24-hour print-to-order program that began at the start of the year. Griffey is pictured with his much discussed backward baseball cap pose while a smiling Piazza is also shown at the podium … [Read more...]
Notes: Ichiro Loves the HOF; Griffey Notes and More
This may come as a shock to some but the active player who loves baseball history—and memorabilia—more than any other just might be the first Japanese player who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. According to the New York Times, Ichiro has visited Cooperstown six times. Most of his visits have been very quiet, with Ichiro accompanied by a “small entourage” and … [Read more...]