As we mark the 25th anniversary of the demise of Pinnacle, I have been thinking a lot about the company, the incredible people, the great products, the high quality of work, and some of the things that happened behind the scenes of one of the most impactful companies in the history of the hobby. I don’t think of the negative things, like the bankruptcy. Too many people got … [Read more...] about When a Supermodel Created a Baseball Card Set
Pinnacle
The 1998 Chicago National: McGwire, Sosa and a Bittersweet Trip
We all think of the same things when we think of sports cards in the 1990s. Junk wax. Overproduction. Baseball strike. Michael Jordan. Wayne Gretzky. Brett Favre. Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith. Jeter, Griffey, A-Rod, Bonds and McGwire. A myriad of sports card products that didn’t hold their value despite being, still to this day, some of the best products with the best … [Read more...] about The 1998 Chicago National: McGwire, Sosa and a Bittersweet Trip
Pinnacle’s Wild Weekend: Bobby Hull, The Commish and Massive Layoffs
For the last few weeks, I have been thinking about all of my encounters with Bobby Hull. I thought about doing a story on his passing a couple of weeks ago, but a story would not come near sufficing the magnitude of his personality and his importance in the hockey world and specifically in the hobby. As I was writing the story on how we resurrected the Bee Hive brand at … [Read more...] about Pinnacle’s Wild Weekend: Bobby Hull, The Commish and Massive Layoffs
Recalling When Pinnacle Resurrected Bee Hive Hockey
There were so many sports card sets produced in 1997-98 that you could probably have a 25th anniversary celebration of any given release on any given day this year. However, for me, there is one that is special to my heart. When I arrived at Pinnacle as their NHL hockey brand manager in March, 1997, we were in the planning stages for the 1997-98 season. There was one set … [Read more...] about Recalling When Pinnacle Resurrected Bee Hive Hockey
How Paul Henderson Autographs Ended Up In 1997-98 Certified Hockey
Fifty years ago this week, the Canada-Soviet hockey Summit Series came to a thrilling conclusion. Paul Henderson scored the winning goal with 34 seconds left as Team Canada beat the Soviet Union. It was probably the biggest moment in Canadian history other than maybe the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 or D-Day in 1944. And, yes, it was even bigger than the iconic Canadian … [Read more...] about How Paul Henderson Autographs Ended Up In 1997-98 Certified Hockey
1972 Summit Series: Hockey’s Most Iconic Photo Turns 50
One of the things I've always loved about collecting sports cards was the photography used to create them. My uncle was an award-winning sports photographer and taught me a lot about lighting and depth when shooting sports. I loved the poses on cards from when I began collecting as a five-year-old in 1969 through the 1980s. When Upper Deck and Pro Set came along, I loved the … [Read more...] about 1972 Summit Series: Hockey’s Most Iconic Photo Turns 50
When Pinnacle Imploded At The NHL Draft
The NHL Draft is a big day on the calendar for the hockey collector. Montreal will be buzzing with fans and collectors this weekend as Upper Deck once again plays a major role as title sponsor. When I look back on my time in the industry, probably the best thing I was responsible for was the annual card and collectibles show at the draft. It’s nothing to gloat about, though, … [Read more...] about When Pinnacle Imploded At The NHL Draft
How Leaf vs Manning Draft Debate Fueled Sports Card Hobby in 1998
Manning or Leaf? Leaf or Manning? It was the biggest question debated between football fans and collectors leading up to, and even months after, the 1998 NFL Draft. Sure, we know how the story ends. Peyton Manning ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and won two Super Bowls. Ryan Leaf did not come anywhere near living up to the expectations the football world … [Read more...] about How Leaf vs Manning Draft Debate Fueled Sports Card Hobby in 1998
Jeff Morris Recalls Memories Of His First Day Working At Pinnacle 25 Years Ago
In some ways, 25 years can seem like forever ago. In other ways, it can seem like yesterday. For me, I am not sure which it is. All I remember is that I have clear memories of that day in late March, 1997. It was my first day working as a brand manager and product development specialist for Pinnacle Brands, Inc. My actual time working for the then-trading card giant is a … [Read more...] about Jeff Morris Recalls Memories Of His First Day Working At Pinnacle 25 Years Ago
25 Years Later: The Hobby Dominoes Of Marvel’s Bankruptcy
When we look back at something that happened 25 years ago, we all interpret the timeline differently. If you are a veteran collector who has been around for the roller coaster ride of the hobby from the 1980s to the present, 25 years does seem like a long time. If you are a newer collector, jumping into the hobby in the last decade or even sooner, it’s an ancient era. To … [Read more...] about 25 Years Later: The Hobby Dominoes Of Marvel’s Bankruptcy