The “original” Frank Thomas, who hit 35 home runs and drove in 109 runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1958, is still around, still signing autographs and still helping youngsters. Thomas played for six teams during the 1950s and 60s, amassing 286 homers as a teammate of players like Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron. His ’58 season landed him on the cover … [Read more...]
Last Minute (Mostly) Cheap Gift Ideas for Sports Collectors
The holiday season is upon us, and the collectors in your life certainly deserve something fun and interesting, right? What about if you’re in a Secret Santa exchange with other collectors? If you’re running short on ideas, here are a few to consider … even if you’re just buying a present for yourself any time of year. Most of these options are inexpensive, whether you send … [Read more...]
Notes: Zion Zooming; Cardinals Collecting; Comer’s Career
He hasn't played an NBA game yet but one year of college basketball is all it took for hoop heads to go all in on Zion Williamson. The 19-year-old has the body and skill set of an NBA veteran and his powerful dunks were must see TV last season. A pair of his game-worn shoes from last November's Maui Invitational sold for nearly $20,000 last week. His first … [Read more...]
Forgotten 1992 GameDay Football Card Set Becoming a Favorite for TTM Collectors
Lost in the quagmire that has stigmatized most sports cards produced from 1987 to 1994, a true visual gem has emerged out of obscurity: the 1992 GameDay NFL football set. NFL Properties’ 1992 GameDay cards have recently been gaining momentum as a favorite among TTM (Through the Mail) autograph collectors. A throwback to Topps 1965 "tall boy" football cards, the 1992 … [Read more...]
Spring Training Means More Returns in Less Time for the TTM Autograph Collector
Major League Baseball’s Spring Training is a six week window of opportunity for the autograph collecting community. Running from February 12 through the end of March this year, Spring Training is an autograph collector’s paradise where you’ll find players more relaxed, accessible and for the most part open to signing. Everyone, however, may not have the chance to visit with … [Read more...]
Arkansas Collector Gets Signed Cards of Glenn Hubbard — 16 1/2 Years After They Were Mailed
It took 16½ years, but Dale Case finally got those autographed baseball cards of former major-league infielder Glenn Hubbard he sent through the mail. But don’t blame the Postal Service. In fact, give an Arkansas mailman an assist. Case, 52, the principal the past six years at Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, used to mail baseball cards … [Read more...]
“Waiting for a Sign” Tells Tales of Autograph Seeking
If you’ve ever chased a baseball player for an autograph, there’s a new book out that you might want to put on your summer reading list. “Waiting for a Sign” was written by Kevin Keating, a long-time collector/dealer and the current Principal Autograph Authenticator for PSA/DNA. A native of suburban Chicago, Keating spent much of his youth acquiring … [Read more...]
Rockies’ Neshek Burns Greinke Over Autograph Snub
Colorado Rockies pitcher Pat Neshek can identify with fans and collectors who collect autographs. He’s a collector, too. Since his college days, Neshek has collected vintage cards, autographs and memorabilia and after spending several years in the big leagues himself, he’s accumulated thousands of signed cards. He’ll even trade with fans who have duplicates and posts … [Read more...]
Nats Players Part of FanSigner Launch
For the last few seasons, pitcher Max Scherzer has been raising money for charity by asking for donations from fans and collectors who send items to be autographed. Now, he’s part of the development of a new memorabilia company and website that could bring more players on board. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has joined Washington Nationals … [Read more...]
‘Hutson Letters’ Recall a Time When Superstars Wrote Letters to Fans
One of the things we like about collecting older sports memorabilia is that it offers a tangible look at the past. While it may seem as if the NFL has been a behemoth on the sports landscape for ages, that’s not really the case. There was a time when even the biggest stars in the league not only answered their mail, but helped track down teammates for signatures, wrote … [Read more...]