In an ongoing series, long-time basketball autograph collector Tim Gallagher recounts memories of collecting in person signatures and brushes with greats of the game. What if I described a 6’11” center of Yugoslavian descent, that had traditional post moves, but shot from the outside like a forward and dribbled and passed like a guard? Who does that? That is easy, you say… … [Read more...] about Dribbles and Scribbles: Basketball’s Unknown Hall of Famer and His Rare Autograph
rare autographs
Original Celtics Signed Photo is a Rare Hoops Antique
There’s an ancient autographed Celtics team photo in SCP Auctions’ upcoming catalog but if you’re thinking Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, you’re a few decades off. In fact, it pre-dates the Boston Celtics franchise. The 7 ½ x 9 ½” image signed in fountain pen features the “Original Celtics,” a squad considered the world’s greatest pro basketball team of the post-World War … [Read more...] about Original Celtics Signed Photo is a Rare Hoops Antique
Signed Ball from 11 Original Hall of Fame Inductees Could Fetch Record Price
Once the property of an autograph seeking player, a baseball signed by 11 members of Major League Baseball’s original 1939 Hall of Fame inductees will be brought to auction starting on July 25. The Reach Official American League ball boasts the signatures of Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Tris Speaker, George Sisler, Walter Johnson, Connie Mack, Nap Lajoie, … [Read more...] about Signed Ball from 11 Original Hall of Fame Inductees Could Fetch Record Price
Collector’s 17-Year Search for “Moonlight” Graham’s Autograph
A rare and coveted autograph from Archibald “Moonlight” Graham found its way to PSA/DNA during a recent collectibles show in Pennsylvania. The yearbook containing Graham’s signature was brought to the company's booth by collector Jon Algard, who had been searching for the fabled scribble for 17 years. Graham famously played just two innings in the Major Leagues in 1905 for … [Read more...] about Collector’s 17-Year Search for “Moonlight” Graham’s Autograph
Baseball Autograph Book Wins IBPA Award
The newest book by Tom Zappala and Ellen Zappala, The 100 Greatest Baseball Autographs, has been awarded top honors at the 29th Annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards ceremony in Portland, Oregon. The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) annually recognizes excellence in book editorial content and design with their prestigious Benjamin Franklin awards. The … [Read more...] about Baseball Autograph Book Wins IBPA Award
Rare Henry Ford Signed Baseball Dates to 1933
Collecting autographs from non-baseball personalities is not a new phenomenon. There’s evidence of that in the current Lelands auction: a baseball signed by auto industry pioneer Henry Ford and others in 1933. The ball surfaced at last summer’s National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City and contains not only Ford’s autograph but signatures from race car driver … [Read more...] about Rare Henry Ford Signed Baseball Dates to 1933
The Strange Saga of Clancy Smyres and Why His Autograph is More Valuable Than Babe Ruth
Clancy Smyres played in five major league games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 , had two major league at bats and a lifetime batting average of .000. He died November 27, 2007 in Lancaster California at age 86. To fans of the old Brooklyn Dodgers teams he represents the true definition of the "Cup of Coffee" big leaguer whose moment in the sun was a barely imperceptible blip … [Read more...] about The Strange Saga of Clancy Smyres and Why His Autograph is More Valuable Than Babe Ruth