Back in the day when I would interact with either newspaper reporters or radio hosts while working at Beckett, a question which often arose was: "What makes sports cards different as a hobby than stamps, coins or other hobbies?" While at that time we were still heavily kid focused, I would explain how ours was connected to current events—sort of a “living hobby”. Every new … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Reality Tie Makes Our Hobby Stand Out
Ken Griffey Jr.
10 of the Best Baseball Cards to Own
by Mike Stack Baseball cards have been printed for over 100 years. Millions have been produced but only a handful have gained iconic status. Which cards would make up a top ten list is subjective and depends on what criteria is used. But you’d have trouble arguing that there are some that should be on every collector’s want list. It’s a top ten list of the best baseball … [Read more...] about 10 of the Best Baseball Cards to Own
Your 80s Cards May Not Be So ‘Worthless’ After All
In a scene that has constantly replayed itself through hobby shops and internet message boards, former collectors who hoarded their 1980s Topps cards have been gently - and sometimes not-so-gently - informed that most of their cards are not worth the paper they are printed on. Often heartbroken and sometimes indignant these individuals will either dump them in the trash, donate … [Read more...] about Your 80s Cards May Not Be So ‘Worthless’ After All
Cardboard in the Desert: A Soldier Remembers, Collects 1991 Topps Desert Shield
In the 22 years since they were shipped to troops in Saudi Arabia, the 1991 Topps Desert Shield baseball cards have gained quite a following. However, there aren't many current followers of the set who can say they were stationed in the Middle East at the time and actually came home with the cards. Virginia collector James Dial is one of them, a former soldier and passionate … [Read more...] about Cardboard in the Desert: A Soldier Remembers, Collects 1991 Topps Desert Shield
Ken Griffey Jr. Fan Loses Entire Collection in Burglary
A Ken Griffey Jr. collector from Kansas went from having more than 500 cards of his favorite player to none after burglars made off with his collection. Christopher Fevurly of Wichita came back from a trip to see Kansas State play in the Fiesta Bowl to find someone had used his young daughter's high chair to smash a window and steal not only the cards, but two TVs, a … [Read more...] about Ken Griffey Jr. Fan Loses Entire Collection in Burglary
Update: Topps Tribute Will Include More Autographs, Inscriptions
Topps says it's putting some "enhancements" into its upcoming 2012 Topps Tribute baseball packs. The $300 per box product six packs per box and five cards per pack. Topps says each will contain three on card autographs numbered to 99 or less, plus three relic cards. Here's what's new: Topps has included an additional 100 Hank Aaron buyback autographed cards. All 100 … [Read more...] about Update: Topps Tribute Will Include More Autographs, Inscriptions
Topps Golden Giveaway Site Goes Live
Topps launched its newest season-long online promotional game on Wednesday with the opening of its 2012 Golden Giveaway website. Like its predecessors, the 2010 Million Card Giveaway and the 2011 Diamond Giveaway, collectors can take game cards found in about one of every six packs of 2012 Topps Baseball and redeem them for prizes. Unlike the last two years, though, those … [Read more...] about Topps Golden Giveaway Site Goes Live
Topps’ Golden Ticket Baseball Pulled by Shop Owner
It'll be a nice payday, a great little advertising tool--or a nice display piece for his shop. Either way, it's a win-win for a northern California card store owner. Chris Seibel, owner of D&P Sports Cards in Sacramento, has landed one of the ten 'Golden Ticket' gold baseballs that are the big prizes in 2012 Topps Series One. The redemption cards were placed inside boxes … [Read more...] about Topps’ Golden Ticket Baseball Pulled by Shop Owner
Gold Ticket Redemptions Part of Topps’ 2012 Promo Push
Topps continues to release some of the promotions surrounding the release of its first 2012 baseball product of the year next Wednesday. The company says it will insert ten "Gold Ticket" redemptions into boxes of packs that are good for a 'gold-infused' official Major League Baseball autographed by three of the game's all-time great home run hitters: Hank Aaron, Willie Mays … [Read more...] about Gold Ticket Redemptions Part of Topps’ 2012 Promo Push
2012 Topps Tier One Baseball Information, Checklist and Sell Sheet
A sure sign of spring is more new baseball card sell sheets from Topps. Even if the product is still six months down the pike, it does make the winter days pass by a little quicker to take a look at a new product. The company offered up a taste of 2012 Topps Tier One on Thursday evening, with a "new configuration" according to the promotional material. Collectors who … [Read more...] about 2012 Topps Tier One Baseball Information, Checklist and Sell Sheet