Kittanning, PA native Mickey Morandini is a hero for an entire generation of Philadelphia Phillies fans. After his college career, the sure handed Indiana University second baseman decided not to enter the 1987 MLB Draft. Instead, he chose to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing his country as a member of the United States National Team in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, … [Read more...]
Former NFL Coach Jerry Rhome Still Loves Vintage Cards
Dallas, Texas native Jerry Rhome was a three sport star at Sunset High School. Playing baseball, basketball and football (for his father) Rhome excelled in every athletic endeavor. He accepted a scholarship and attended Southern Methodist University, where he was named the starting quarterback for his sophomore season. Rhome eventually transferred to Tulsa and became a star. … [Read more...]
Brad Leggett Q&A: A Football and Collecting Family
The sport of football runs deep in the Leggett Family. Brad is widely considered one of the greatest centers to ever suit up for the University of Southern California where he was part of some outstanding teams in the late 1980s. The Vicksburg, Mississippi born offensive line standout was drafted in the eighth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He played … [Read more...]
Eric Valent Q&A: Collecting as Kid, Rookie Photos, TTM Requests
To say Eric Valent was a college baseball standout would be an understatement. More than 20 years after his career at UCLA ended, he still holds the Pac-10 record for career home runs with 69 and team records for career RBI with over 200. The La Mirada, California native also led the Bruins to the 1997 College World Series and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1998. … [Read more...]
Fred Lynn Q&A: Rookie Card Recollection, Massive Mancave and Power Tools from Topps
He played from 1974-1990 in a career that took him from coast-to-coast, but Fred Lynn is best known for his stellar seasons with the Boston Red Sox, where he won a batting title and four Gold Gloves. The definition of an all around athlete, Lynn excelled in four sports as a youngster including baseball, basketball, football and track. Born in Chicago, he was … [Read more...]
Baseball Lifer Mike Cubbage a Long-Time Collector
If you opened a pack of baseball cards in the 1970s and early 80s, you remember Mike Cubbage. If you're in the hobby, you may have even competed with him in an auction or run into him at a show. A "baseball lifer" with decades of experience at all levels in the game, he's a long-time collector, too. A third baseman by trade, the Charlottesville, VA native was drafted … [Read more...]
Gary Barnidge Q&A: Former NFL Tight End is Active in the Hobby
Long before Gary Barnidge was a high school football standout, a Division 1 college player and a ten-year NFL veteran, he was an avid sports card collector. Prior to seeing himself on cardboard years later as a pro himself, like many kids of the 1980's and 90's, he collected sports greats like baseball icon Ken Griffey, Jr. and football star Warrick Dunn. After an extended … [Read more...]
Gregg Olson Q&A: Topps Rookie Card, Mancave in the Making and Conversations with Castro
Nebraska native Gregg Olson was a high school pitching phenom. He led Omaha Northwest High School to four state titles, even throwing a no hitter in the state championship game to cap off his senior season. He was featured as one of the “Faces in the Crowd” in an issue of Sports Illustrated back in 1984. The powerful closer attended the Auburn University and continued to … [Read more...]
Card Back Q&A: Dwight Stone Talks Blazing Speed, Steelers Mini Camps and FBI Agent Aspirations
Florala, Alabama native Dwight Stone went undrafted coming out of Middle Tennessee State in 1987 but still managed to forge a 14-year NFL career, playing the bulk of it with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, he retired after the 2000 NFL season. The multi-threat back was known for his blazing speed. ‘Stoney’ was a running … [Read more...]
Tommy Polley Q&A: Basketball Stardom, Signing Rookie Cards, Grabbing Deion’s Last Cleats
He had a productive, six-year career in the NFL but it could be argued that the Baltimore, Maryland native and Dunbar High School grad Tommy Polley was a better basketball player than a football player. He averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists per game as a senior, leading the national powerhouse to a fourth straight state title. Polley was a top hoops recruit … [Read more...]