A long-time autograph collector and currently the lead authenticator at PSA/DNA, Kevin Keating's new book 'Waiting for a Sign' got some major exposure last week when he appeared on MLB Network. Keating shared some of his stories and why autographs became such a big part of his life. The book chronicles not only his first experiences collecting signatures by mail as a … [Read more...] about Notes: Keating Talks Autos on MLB Network; Big Bucks for Trout and Tiger
Tiger Woods
Ramblings: Why Golf’s New Star Needs More Cards
A couple of days ago we discussed how Tiger Woods, basically by himself, had created a golf card market about 15 years ago. That was actually the third and longest attempt to market golf cards. The first came in 1981 when Donruss added golf for a couple of years so they could do more than baseball cards. The next attempt came during the peak production years when Pro Set … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Why Golf’s New Star Needs More Cards
Ramblings: Tiger’s Troubles Reveal Perils of Buying Current Athletes
This weekend, I, like many of you, watched the "highlights" of Tiger Woods at the 2015 U.S. Open. To me, the dissolution of his talent reminds me of watching Willie Mays as a New York Met in 1973 when he knew it was time to "Say Goodbye to America" to the last days of Johnny Unitas as a San Diego Charger. For people who remember just a few years ago how great Tiger was, their … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Tiger’s Troubles Reveal Perils of Buying Current Athletes
2014 Exquisite Golf Set for Release Next Week
Capping off the summer height of golf’s major championship season, Upper Deck will release its brand-new line of high end cards on July 29. 2014 Exquisite Collection Golf is a super-premium golf card set with each pack containing five autographed cards. Retailers are already pre-selling 2014 Exquisite Collection Golf with an average price of at least $600 per pack or … [Read more...] about 2014 Exquisite Golf Set for Release Next Week
Collections of 2 Golfers Involved in Famous Masters Tournament Rule Decisions at Auction
The 2013 Masters featured a defining moment when Tiger Woods was assessed a two stroke penalty for a misplaced drop of his ball. Many feel that this ruling was instrumental in shaping the eventual outcome of the event. Woods’ incorrect drop was first pointed out to the Masters Rules Committee by David Eger, who witnessed the infraction while viewing the tournament from his … [Read more...] about Collections of 2 Golfers Involved in Famous Masters Tournament Rule Decisions at Auction
Always in Demand: Gretzky, Woods, McIlroy Talk Autographs
One of the benefits of signing a player to an exclusive autograph contract is that you occasionally have their undivided, personal attention. Upper Deck recently hosted three of its big guns for signing sessions and in between time, they set up a camera and talked about autographs with Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It's promotional in nature but the three … [Read more...] about Always in Demand: Gretzky, Woods, McIlroy Talk Autographs
Tiger’s $250K Irons or…Not?
The price was steep, even if they really were Tiger's golf clubs. $250,000 for a set of old irons used to win four major championships? There were no takers for Steve Mata's eBay listing, but the clubs he claimed were used by Tiger Woods to win the "Tiger Slam" in 2000-01 have gotten a clubhouse full of publicity. Woods was asked about the clubs at a news … [Read more...] about Tiger’s $250K Irons or…Not?
Masters Represents Sales for Signed Memorabilia
Inside the gates of Augusta National Golf Course, fans follow the action at The Masters. It's the most anticipated event on the PGA Tour. But there's also some action outside the course. The lucky few who are allowed to set up vending space find willing buyers for whom a trip to The Masters is one special week. They come ready and willing to bring home some … [Read more...] about Masters Represents Sales for Signed Memorabilia
Blog: Upper Deck: When it Rains, it Pours
It's been a rough year for Upper Deck. First, the fallout from the Tiger Woods scandal, which couldn't have helped sales of exclusive autographs. There was the lawsuit filed by Konami over counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh cards that ended in a settlement and revealed some less than flattering details about what went on during the process. Then, Major League Baseball filed suit … [Read more...] about Blog: Upper Deck: When it Rains, it Pours
The “New Tiger”? Woods Signs More Autographs
It's the great equalizer. Several years ago, the European Ryder Cup team signed autographs and chatted up American fans, winning them over after the U.S. stars were less than accommodating. Mark McGwire is attempting to win back some of his old supporters by grabbing anything fans toss his way. Now, it may be Tiger Woods' turn. The disgraced golfer is back on the … [Read more...] about The “New Tiger”? Woods Signs More Autographs