11.30
By Chris Olds | Editor | Commentary
The Baseball Writers Association of America released the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot this week, a list of eligible players that includes some likely Hall of Famers, some guys still waiting their turn and some guys who’ll get the Vince McMahon Entrance Music Award as they’ve got “No chance … ”
While we have to wait until Jan. 5 to see who was picked on 75 percent of all ballots, here’s my rundown — with an emphasis on the player’s place in cardboard.
Of this year’s new crop, I have several I’d vote for but I don’t see too many getting in. I’d vote for the likes of Fred McGriff, Larry Walker, Jeff Bagwell and Barry Larkin while marveling at those who cast their votes for the likes of Mark McGwire and first-timer Rafael Palmeiro.
See my full rundown after the jump.
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11.30
By Chris Olds | Editor
You’ve probably seen a few Michael Jordan game-used jerseys through the years, but this one’s out of this world.
Forget Jordan’s Chicago Bulls threads — or his somewhat-forgettable-anyway Washington Wizards gear — this one has to be one of the rarer Jordan jerseys around. It’s a jersey that was prepped for his use in the 1996 movie, Space Jam, where His Airness co-starred with Bugs Bunny.
Think what you want about the Warner Bros. film, but it made $90.4 million at the box office after it was released in late 1996. And for all those kids out there that undoubtedly saw the movie — and their parents, of course — the jersey might be an interesting piece of basketball, film or MJ history for them.
After all, many of those 1996 kiddos and pre-teens are likely in their 20s now — and they have spending power, right?
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11.30
By Andrew Tolentino | Assistant Editor
Fortifying its late-January release with proven icemen like Pavel Bure and Steve Yzerman, In The Game claims that 2010-11 Heroes and Prospects “…could be the best…ever!” AHL, CHL and International contenders bolster the checklist with the prospect of stardom in this pairing of hopeful and established hockey heroes.
Doing what they do best, ITG officials bring the game to the collector with spectacular game-used memorabilia cards from the Top Prospects Game, the Subway Series and other on-the-rink action. These, along with National Pride, Net Prospects, Prospect Trios, Quad Patch, Complete Jersey inserts justify the chase. The memorabilia-focused manufacturer even sweetens the deal with autographed versions of some of its game-used inserts. Read More »
11.30
By Chris Olds | Editor
We all know that Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees are millions of dollars apart in their contract negotiations, but few of us can truly comprehend what that means.
After all, just one million would keep more than a few of us occupied — even that Dr. Evil guy, who we hear is an avid reader.
But how can we show casual sports fans just how far apart the negotiations are between the 27-time World Series champs and their captain who is now a free agent?
Easy. Some other numbers — some stats we might be able to comprehend. Here’s how you might be able to spend $15 million … the amount that Jeter was reportedly offered by the Yankees but wasn’t good enough:
– A million copies of Jeter’s 1993 Topps Rookie Card. Given that it was 1993, there are surely a million copies out there … they really let the presses roll back then.
– 1,153 game-used Jeter jerseys from Steiner Sports — if he somehow has that many more games to play.
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11.30
By Chris Olds | Editor
Press Pass‘ foray into the ultra high-end trading card realm has some gems of racing memorabilia, but that’s not all the company is packing into its $500 and up boxes.
Some packs of Press Pass Five Star will include instant win memorabilia cards redeemable for items that even the most casual of NASCAR fans will recognize as kind of a big deal. (Apologies to Ron Burgundy.)
For example, how about a Dale Earnhardt race-used and signed helmet? It dates from the mid-1990s as it features a sticker on the back noting The Intimidator’s 1993 Winston Cup title.
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11.29
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Contributing Editor
Topps created its annual rookie All-Star team in 1959. Since then 17 future Hall-of-Famers have been named to the team with players such as Willie McCovey, Joe Morgan and Cal Ripken Jr.
The company released this year’s edition with catcher Buster Posey and pitcher Stephen Strasburg highlighting the list.
The award is given to one player for each field position in addition to a right-handed pitcher, a left-handed pitcher and a reliever regardless of league.
See who made the team after the jump:
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11.29
By Andrew Tolentino | Assistant Editor
With only six cards in the Beckett database, the late Leslie Nielsen never hit the hobby as hard as he struck the universal funny bone. Taking hyperbolic leaps in humor, the frequently absurd actor died on Sunday, leaving a legacy of comedic characters and cult classics.
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11.28
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Contributing Editor
Panini America really took advantage of the 2010 NFL Rookies Premiere in May. With all the rookies in one spot, officials from the company got on-card autographs for some of its sets.
One of these includes the 2010 National Treasure Football Pen Pal Autographs subset.
2010 National Treasures is Panini’s final and most expensive product of the year and it looks like they aren’t holding anything back. Besides on-card autographs, which we all love, the product also features the rookies in their NFL helmet.
Last year’s set only had the guys in their college uniform.
Pen Pal Autographs offer so many different combinations of rookies, you’re bound to find your favorite grouped together. Pen Pal Autographs will come with two to eight signatures on the card.
The set it is scheduled to be released in early March with a $400 price tag.
See a gallery of Pen Pal Autographs inside.
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11.28
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Contributing Editor
The NBA season is in full swing and all eyes have been on rookies John Wall and Blake Griffin. These two will likely go to the wire when it comes to the Rookie of the Year vote, but the cardboard world doesn’t just revolve around these two guys when it comes to NBA rookies.
You may have been caught up in the dazzling moves of Wall or the strong-arm play of Griffin, but here are three rookies who also deserve your attention.
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11.25
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Contributing Editor
Earlier this week, Upper Deck announced it was moving forward with 2010-11 SP Authentic Basketball with big news that every 12-box case will include autographs from one of a couple of pretty big names.
It’s a college- and high school-themed set under the Collegiate Licensing Company.
Each box will have two SP By the Letter Autographs or one By the Letter Autograph and an additional autograph OR a Michael Jordan North Carolina Supreme Court floor card.
Upper Deck released images of the set with some of the biggest stars, including the Jordon Supreme Court card. The Supreme Court card is a 1.5’’x2’’ piece of the floor that Jordan played on while at North Carolina.
See more photos after the jump.
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