Some people hang out along the dugout railing or wait outside the players' parking lot hoping a few will stop and sign autographs. Randy Kaplan has been there and done that but you're more likely to find him in the shadows of history. He collects baseballs signed by world leaders. Presidents, prime ministers, generals, secretaries of state. You name it, he has them. Or wants … [Read more...] about Randy Kaplan’s World Leaders Signed Baseball Collection
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Busted: Cops Say They’ve Got Serial Ruth Signed Ball Counterfeiter
Police in Largo, Fla., arrested a 40-year-old man they believe orchestrated a scam to sell fake Babe Ruth signed baseballs to pawn shops and second hand stores throughout the state. Marc Szakaly of Land 'o Lakes was taken into custody at his home and booked into the Pasco County Jail on Wednesday night. Five hours later, he was out on $50,000 bond. He's been charged with … [Read more...] about Busted: Cops Say They’ve Got Serial Ruth Signed Ball Counterfeiter
Sports Memorabilia With a Purpose
They're not fun places to be. A state's attorney asks tough questions of witnesses--and victims. It's part of the job but it can be an intimidating, depressing and frightening place for some. Dario Broccolino, the man who asks such questions in Howard County, Md., has come up with a novel way to help make those who come in feel more at ease. He's turned the office into a … [Read more...] about Sports Memorabilia With a Purpose
PA Dealer Still Appealing; Seized Items Still on Hold
Items seized by police from a Pennsylvania dealer convicted on theft by deception charges are still being held after the state attorney general said he wanted to wait until after Roger Lee Hooper's appeals were heard. Hooper, of Lower Allen Township, was found guilty last October of selling fake sports memorabilia including re-sealed wax packs and non-genuine autographs via … [Read more...] about PA Dealer Still Appealing; Seized Items Still on Hold
First NFL Championship Trophy Still Missing
Mention pro football in 1920 and you'd get either a quizzical look or one of outright dismissal. The game simply hadn't existed outside high school and college campuses. In 1920, though, organizers in Ohio got serious. Four teams from the state would form a small league that would eventually morph into the NFL. While there was some controversy, the Akron Pros were awarded … [Read more...] about First NFL Championship Trophy Still Missing
Phils’ Kendrick Loses World Series Ring, Gear to Thieves
Police in the state of Washington are searching for suspects who burglarized a home owned by Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick's 2008 World Series ring and other valuable items were taken late last week according to police in Mt. Vernon. The pitcher grew up in the area. He was at spring training with his family when the break-in … [Read more...] about Phils’ Kendrick Loses World Series Ring, Gear to Thieves
Kuhn Goes From Small School to Super Bowl Champ
He attended a small high school. Went to a small college. Got cut from the practice squad of his home state team. Not exactly the type of background you'd expect in a sports card show autograph guest. But John Kuhn doesn't let anything get in his way. All it takes to learn that is to watch a Green Bay Packers game. Finding a home in Packerland, Kuhn has become a fan … [Read more...] about Kuhn Goes From Small School to Super Bowl Champ
Rare Cards, Tighter Controls Pushing Market?
In recent years, mainstream media reports have focused on a 'dying' sports card hobby. Much of the material written about the state of the market focused on the overproduction years of the 1980s and early 90s and how they failed to retain their original value, let alone increase as so many kids and parents had hoped back in the day. That's changing a bit with the release of … [Read more...] about Rare Cards, Tighter Controls Pushing Market?
Vintage Card Theft Investigation Continues
The theft of an extremely valuable collection of vintage baseball cards from a home in upstate New York last month remains under investigation by New York State Police. Thousands of cards, including a near set of T206, numerous old tobacco issues and other high grade sets spanning much of the 20th century were stolen from the home near Oneonta, New York in early April. An … [Read more...] about Vintage Card Theft Investigation Continues
$10,000 Reward for Stolen Baseball Cards
Some rare vintage baseball cards stolen from a home in upstate New York this spring remain missing and now a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. New York State Police say the burglary occurred at a home in the town of Oneonta. The homeowner who was victimized is offering the reward. Calls to the … [Read more...] about $10,000 Reward for Stolen Baseball Cards