The sports card industry is marking the 30th anniversary of something that collectors, manufacturers and their employees, and most dealers in the industry do not know about. The ‘something’ is a lawsuit that paved the way for an entire segment of the industry. It wasn’t just a David vs. Goliath scenario. It was more like David vs. a team of Goliaths. The David in this case … [Read more...] about Thirty Years Ago, Tri-Cards Lawsuit Changed The Hobby Forever
MLB
Scott Elarton Recalls His First Cards, Making Trades as a Youth, TTM Signing
Six-foot-seven righthander Scott Elarton was a first round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 1994. As an 18-year-old, he passed on the college experience and headed straight to the minors. In 1997 he went all the way from Single A ball the Triple A and in 1998 he made his Major League debut for the Astros. The Lamar, Colorado native spent a decade in the bigs, playing for … [Read more...] about Scott Elarton Recalls His First Cards, Making Trades as a Youth, TTM Signing
Players Weekend Uniforms Will Be Auctioned For Charity
Player names on the back of New York Yankees’ uniforms? Blasphemy! But it’s for a good cause, so even the ghosts of the Babe, the Iron Horse, the Yankee Clipper and the Mick will not get a rise when they see “All Rise” on the back of Aaron Judge’s No. 99 jersey. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced Players Weekend for Aug. 25-27, … [Read more...] about Players Weekend Uniforms Will Be Auctioned For Charity
One Pitch Changed Conigliaro’s Career — And Life
New York Yankees rookie right-hander Bryan Mitchell was hit in the face by a line drive Monday night, a grim reminder that baseball can be a very dangerous game. Any time a player is hit in the face — whether he is a pitcher or a batter — I am reminded of one player. Tony C. Tony Conigliaro was ticketed for stardom. He appeared on a 1964 Topps rookie card at age 19. … [Read more...] about One Pitch Changed Conigliaro’s Career — And Life
No Logos, But Donruss Elite Extra Set for Release
Panini America is showing off additional images for its first MLBPA-licensed product in several years. The company's 2011 Donruss Elite Extra line didn't quite make its December 21 release date, but company officials say it will definitely be available next week. Panini has permission to use images of players but isn't licensed by MLB itself so that means a prospect-heavy set … [Read more...] about No Logos, But Donruss Elite Extra Set for Release
Editor’s Blog: Panini/Donruss Back in the Game
When they came seemingly out of nowhere to buy Donruss/Playoff and grab an NBA license in 2009, Panini vowed to make an impact on the North American trading card market. The goal? Have a presence in all four major sports. They accomplished that on Thursday, announcing an agreement with the MLB Player's Association on a trading card license with Texas Rangers' star Josh … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Panini/Donruss Back in the Game
2011 MLB Draft Picks Added to Bowman Set
With the window now closed for draft picks to sign with their Major League teams, Topps has been able to make some significant additions to its Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects autograph list. The company has landed #3 overall pick Trevor Bauer and many of the first rounders beyond pick #7 for a total of 20 players. Still missing from the autograph checklist are top pick … [Read more...] about 2011 MLB Draft Picks Added to Bowman Set
2011 Bowman Sterling Packs 2 Autographs Per Pack
Topps made two big announcements Thursday, showing off the first images of its 2012 baseball cards while revealing a little more about its high-end 2011 Bowman Sterling Baseball product. Modern card collectors will be hoping to see a box or pack under their holiday tree. Sterling is set for release the week before Christmas. Boxes will cost dealers around $200 each with … [Read more...] about 2011 Bowman Sterling Packs 2 Autographs Per Pack
All Star Fan Fest Includes Appraisal Fair, Auction, Hall of Fame Artifacts
An annual attraction at MLB All-Star FanFest, Hunt Auctions will again conduct daily silent auctions held exclusively for visitors on Friday, July 8 - Monday, July 11 featuring vintage and modern era items for less than $1,000. The auction complements the company's All-Star live catalog auction on July 12. Leading up to Tuesday's events, the company will conduct a … [Read more...] about All Star Fan Fest Includes Appraisal Fair, Auction, Hall of Fame Artifacts
2011 Topps Pro Debut Sneak Peek
If you're a student of prospects, Topps is banking on you to support "the official card of minor league baseball". 2011 Topps Pro Debut will launch later this spring, the second issue from the company's deal with MLB to produce a set focused on big league prospects. Topps released some images and information for this year's set on Thursday. Each 24-count box will include … [Read more...] about 2011 Topps Pro Debut Sneak Peek