by Rich Klein This past weekend the brotherhood (AKA the Men's Club) at my synagogue (Adat Chaverim, Plano TX) celebrated its bar mitzvah and I was honored with giving one of the readings. The event's coordinator attempted to tailor each reading to the honored person. My part included these words: "There were business associates who wanted more than we could give. There were … [Read more...]
Jeremy Lin Rookie Card from National Treasures Sells for $21,580
New York Knicks' sensation Jeremy Lin went one for 11 and committed eight turnovers against the Miami Heat Thursday night. It was not the type of blue chip performance the buyer of a $21,000 rookie card hopes to see, but such is life in the prospecting game. The Panini National Treasures Lin rookie card that had been getting so much attention over the last week sold to that … [Read more...]
National Treasures Lin Prime Patch Auto Could Be Ultimate Game of Flip
All of his rookie cards have entered the wealthy part of sports card town over the last week, but the National Treasures Jeremy Lin Prime Patch Autograph card, numbered to 25, could prove to be a lot better--and easier--than flipping houses. At least for one guy. Yair Rozmaryn is a New Yorker and a Knicks fan who gambled $1,000 on one of the cards prior to Lin's 38-point … [Read more...]
Griffin Rookie Cards Not As Pricey a Year Later
The sale of the 1/1 National Treasures Blake Griffin rookie card for over $38,000 earlier this month generated some national headlines but it might paint a far too rosy picture for the overall market for the L.A. Clippers' young superstar. The average price has actually dropped in recent weeks. Often times, a player who explodes onto the scene--especially in a flashy sort … [Read more...]
Rich Klein’s Ramblings: The Greatest Day in Hobby History?
by Rich Klein Last time in Ramblings we took a detour through the happy times and discussed 9/11. The effects of that day are still fresh in so many minds. Everyone has different memories of that weekend. I spoke to my good friend Ted Straka the other day, and we were both amazed that 10 years had passed at this point. He is still happily married and still active in the … [Read more...]
World Series Schedule 2011
The 2011 Fall Classic is right around the corner. Every year except two (1904 and 1994), the two league champions have met to decide the best team in baseball. The New York Yankees may have the most titles of any team, but they'll be absent this year. It's been a memorable year but if you're wondering when the games will be on, we've got the answer. The World Series schedule … [Read more...]
Bryant Signs Stacks of Cards for Panini
There's no such thing as complete down time for elite pro athletes, but summer is as close as it gets for Kobe Bryant. Last week, he found time to sign hundreds of cards for Panini America's upcoming National Treasures and Elite Black Box insert cards Brian Bayne, Panini's Memorabilia Business Manager, is the guy who rounds up autographs from Panini pitchmen like Bryant, … [Read more...]
Sports Card Auctions: Starting ‘Em Low Philosophy Works for Just Collect
It’s a philosophy some eBay sellers just can’t embrace. Starting an auction at 99 cents means that baseball card or autographed picture could sell for…well…99 cents. It’s a roll of the dice in hopes that Sports Collector Nation isn’t attending a giant pool party somewhere or hiking in a remote spot far from an internet connection. The rules state if the bidding stops at … [Read more...]
TRISTAR Keeps Autographs Flowing at National
They sit at the back of a mammoth exhibit hall, away from the dealer booths and legions of collectors buying baseball cards. A rainbow of colored Sharpies and ballpoint pens at the ready, a who's who of stars file in from late morning until late afternoon, fulfilling the wishes of fans who show up with anything and everything that can be written on. It's an autograph party … [Read more...]
Buying Vintage Sports Cards Offers Options
Walk the aisles at a major sports card show and listen to the conversations. You'll quickly discover that it's not possible to put collectors into the same 800-count box. Some are filling want lists; happy to finish their vintage sets with cards in virtually any respectable grade. Others want the absolute best they can find, willing to pass on a card that might put them a … [Read more...]