He'd been to three games the season before, but William Howard Taft made history 111 years ago Wednesday. The portly president started a tradition that would continue into the next century when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Washington Nationals' Opening Day game. Now, what appears to be the lone surviving original photo from that day is on … [Read more...] about Original Photo of Baseball’s 1st Presidential First Pitch Up for Auction
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Leaf Files Counterclaim Against Panini Over Durant Stickers
Leaf Trading Cards has responded to the lawsuit filed by Panini America over a sheet of stickers signed by Kevin Durant. The Texas-based card marker and its president, Brian Gray, are seeking a declaratory judgment that it owns the stickers that once belonged to Upper Deck and can do with them as it sees fit. They're also asking for attorneys fees for having to fight the … [Read more...] about Leaf Files Counterclaim Against Panini Over Durant Stickers
Autograph Seekers Chase White House Seekers
Maybe you've got George Mitterwald. But do you have Mitt Romney? Maybe you've got Joe Garagiola. But do you have Newt Gingrich? The chase is on for autographs from the Republican candidates for president. What once may have been a quirky little segment of collecting is now recognized--by the profit seeking autograph hounds who chase them, by the collectors and 'fans' who … [Read more...] about Autograph Seekers Chase White House Seekers
Rare World Series Programs Going on Block
A group of rare, early World Series programs including one from the second Fall Classic ever played, has been consigned to auction by a collector and will be sold later this fall. Among the group to be offered by Hunt Auctions at the upcoming Louisville Slugger auction are programs from 1905, 1906, 1907 and 1908. The first World Series was played in 1903 and there was no … [Read more...] about Rare World Series Programs Going on Block
1938 Lou Gehrig Jersey Tops REA Auction
A 1938 Lou Gehrig jersey sold for $329,000 at the annual blockbuster event conducted online and by phone by Robert Edward Auctions. Bidding concluded early Sunday morning with the auction generating total proceeds of $9.5 million. A total of 25,638 bids were placed and all but two of the 1745 lots were sold to 648 different bidders. 317 different consignors contributed to … [Read more...] about 1938 Lou Gehrig Jersey Tops REA Auction
REA Claims Lawsuit “Frivilous”
A collector of rare, vintage baseball memorabilia filed suit in a Manhattan court Monday, asking for over $1 million in damages and punitive damages over items purchased at auction. Corey Shanus, a New York collector and attorney who specializes in 19th century baseball items, says he bought period pieces that turned to have been manufactured much later. In the suit, … [Read more...] about REA Claims Lawsuit “Frivilous”
Signed Super Bowl Helmets in South Dakota
Terry Craft was looking for something a little different to add to his collection of sports memorabilia. As a big football fan, a friend's suggestion just made sense. Why not track down autographs from every Super Bowl winning quarterback? Craft didn't want them on simple photos or footballs. He was looking for something a little more colorful and visually … [Read more...] about Signed Super Bowl Helmets in South Dakota
Pete Rose Autograph Biz Moving
It was an unexpected sight for thousands of tourists who happened to stop by the Forum Shops inside Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. There, amid the pricey merchandise in the Forum Shops, was Pete Rose, signing autographs for pay at the Field of Dreams store. About every three to four weeks, Rose would settle down and pen his name on baseballs, photos, jerseys and other … [Read more...] about Pete Rose Autograph Biz Moving
Panini, Kids Foot Locker Team Up for Card Promotion
Panini America's basketball cards are getting a foot in the door at more than 100 Kids Foot Locker stores around the country. Shoppers who spend $20 on NBA-licensed merchandise will receive a six-card pack of 2010-11 Panini Rookies & Stars cards featuring Kobe Bryant, John Wall, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Evan Turner and Wesley Johnson. The promotion – being conducted … [Read more...] about Panini, Kids Foot Locker Team Up for Card Promotion
Former Film Star Selling 1970s-Era Jerseys
Blond, glamorous and fluent in four languages, Ini Asmann was on the fast track to international stardom when the movie producer she met and married in the 1970s began casting her in films across Europe. But after five years of lead roles in film and TV productions, the Munich native with ice-goddess looks paused her career and turned down a lucrative Hollywood offer to … [Read more...] about Former Film Star Selling 1970s-Era Jerseys