The rash of sports card-related burglaries in Minnesota isn’t over. Police in St. Paul say thieves broke into a building just after midnight Thursday and stole more than 500 vintage sports cards, valued well into six figures, from the inventory of a long-time dealer. Police say they responded to an alarm and arrived to find a back window broken and the building … [Read more...]
Retirement Vision Becomes Reality for Twin Cities Sports Cards
There are a lot of shop owners out there with interesting stories to tell. I have been trading email with Rob Hunegs of Minnesota who recently opened up a store as a retirement venture. Twin Cities Sports Cards is located in the suburb of Golden Valley. He gladly consented to answer some questions and we're always happy to have a Q&A with store owners and show dealers … [Read more...]
Cleaning out the Clutter: When it’s Time to Downsize
Sports memorabilia is a huge industry with plenty of variety. While millions of us may enjoy it, the temptation is to save or collect a little bit of everything. After a fw years, you come to one conclusion. You've got a lot of stuff. Many dabble in collecting but some of us are more enthusiastic than others. If you warn people to stay out of your spare bedroom … [Read more...]
Did Fan Snare 1st Ball From Old Met Stadium?
When the Minnesota Twins opened their new ballpark this year, every 'first' was recorded and virtually every piece of significant memorabilia from the first game was preserved. Teams are much more conscious about being caretakers these days and very well in tune with the potential market for such items. That wasn't always the case. In 1961, when the team first took up … [Read more...]
Twins Keep History in Forefront as Target Field Opens
It's back to the future in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Twins arrived in the early 60s as the chief tenants of Metropolitan Stadium, an outdoor venue that was home for about 20 years. After spending the next two decades at the rather sterile, if not comfortable Metrodome, the team is back outdoors at Target Field. Monday was the first game, but behind the scenes a … [Read more...]
Missing Card Gets Viking Fan’s Goat
Unless you've been paying close attention, you might not realize that Topps' 2009 football 'factory' set has a wee bit of false advertising on the box. The shrink-wrapped sets, sold heavily at retail stores like Target and Walmart, feature a checklist that shows card #120 is Brett Favre. However, a look inside reveals no Minnesota Viking in that spot. In fact, it's … [Read more...]
Sports Collecting a Passion for Gophers Announcer
Dick Joncowski just wrapped up another season as the familiar public address announcer at Williams Arena. Now, he can spend every night working on his collection. The Minnesota Golden Gophers' basketball voice is also well known in sports collecting circles as the guy who buys it all. Basketball, baseball and football...you'll find all of it in the basement of his home … [Read more...]
Autograph Seekers Try to Score at Spring Games
Spring training used to be fertile hunting grounds for autograph collectors and fans. 25 or 30 years ago, there wasn't much competition. It's still easier to land a few signatures in Florida or Arizona than at Yankee Stadium in July, but you'll have plenty of competition as you chase down players or wait for them to stop and sign. Some of those carrying baseballs and … [Read more...]
NCAA Tourney Ring Returned
Walter Bond was just out of college at the University of Minnesota when someone broke into his apartment near campus and stole his NCAA Elite 8 ring. That was in 1991 and truth be told, he hadn't thought about it much in recent years. He's got teenage daughters now. Police records are funny, though. They stay in the system a long time. Earlier this month, a drug … [Read more...]
Twins Will Sell Game Worn Gear
After a long stay at the Metrodome, the Minnesota Twins will move into a new ballpark next moth when Target Field opens. Along with the new stadium, comes a new team store. The Twins Majestic Clubhouse Store opens this week by Gate 29 and the club promises to include a selection of game-worn and game-used equipment along with the usual MLB and team caps, jackets and … [Read more...]