With thousands of collectors convening in Chicago at the National Sports Collectors Convention during the first week of August, it's not surprising that Goldin Auctions' annual live auction is loaded with historic collectibles of Chicago athletes. The most buzz-worthy lot includes both of the gloves worn by Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo when they combined for the final … [Read more...]
Hank’s Bat, Ted’s Triple Crown, Pee Wee’s Jersey at Slugger Museum
Summer brings an influx of tourists and The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory has added some new attractions to see--and some you can touch. They've got some updates to a permanent exhibit and some historic baseball memorabilia to show off, too. Aaron Bat Among New Additions to Hold a Piece of History Exhibit One of the museum’s most popular permanent … [Read more...]
Radio Appreciation Day/Night Minor League Photos Include Hidden Gems
After the invention and widespread use of television, radio became less important in the lives of many Americans. Before TV became a thing, however, radio was absolutely essential and a critical piece of technology for households across the country. In the 1930s, minor league baseball teams capitalized on the popularity of radio, partnering with their local stations for a … [Read more...]
Vintage Set Break of the Week: 1941 Play Ball
When 1941 Play Ball packs hit the shelves, the world was already at war. With America on the verge of joining the fight, the populous turned its eyes to two superstars from two of the most popular teams who were making history. The Yankees’ Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive games, while Boston rival Ted Williams finished the season with a .406 batting average. The … [Read more...]
Vintage Set of the Week: 1953 Bowman Color
In 1952 Bowman issued a baseball card set featuring colorful artwork of some of the game's greatest stars. It was their fifth consecutive year of production, an accomplishment no other baseball card manufacturer had been unable to achieve. Unfortunately that same year Topps released a set that was much larger than Bowman, in terms of both the actual size of the cards and the … [Read more...]
Thought Lost, Pristine 1941 Play Ball Collection Emerges from Attic
The next four years would prove to be among the most difficult the country had ever faced but when the 1941 Play Ball baseball cards arrived at candy and drug stores in the spring, the world must have seemed like a wonderful place. They were in color! Young stars like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Pee Wee Reese stared back like they were next door. So what if they were … [Read more...]
Rich Klein’s Ramblings: Money Keeps Players Out of Reach
Earlier this week, I noticed that former Yankee pitcher Johnny Kucks had passed away at age 81. In addition to seeing a post that Kucks, such as many players of his era had shaved a year or two off his age, I was also reminded that Kucks was the last pitcher to face Jackie Robinson in a major league game. Kucks faced Robinson in game 7 of the 1956 World Series, which he … [Read more...]
Ruth-Gehrig Ball Topped $2.1 Million Auction
Lelands.com recently concluded its summer auction, with 1,344 lots totaling $2.1 million. The highest priced item of the event was a high grade Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig signed ball which fetched $53,152. The most controversial item, a naked photo of Joe DiMaggio sold for $17,233. In the 1930’s photograph, DiMaggio is shown basking in the showers of Yankee Stadium. The … [Read more...]
2010 National Chicle Baseball Short Print List Revealed
Yes, Virginia there are 2010 National Chicle Baseball short prints. Topps says cards #276-329 in the recently released baseball product are short printed and can be found at the rate in one of every four packs. The short printed cards are part of three unique subsets: Retired Stars Revisited, Vintage Veterans and Rookie Renditions. The all-painted Topps Chicle … [Read more...]