Your guide to 42 & its collectibles + Poster contest
By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor
The Jackie Robinson movie, 42, arrives in theaters in two days and that means the world will finally get a chance to revisit the tale of one of Major League Baseball’s bravest stars and discover one of Hollywood’s newest talents in Chadwick Boseman.
If you’re a reader of Beckett Sports Card Monthly, you can find him on the cover of the May issue, which arrived in hobby shops this week and should start appearing at other newsstand outlets soon. Inside, you’ll find plenty from him — and even more about collecting as it relates to sports movies. (I’ve also got a heavy eBay bounty ready for the first JSA-authenticated copy out there signed by Boseman. — Editor)
As the marketing materials — i.e. SWAG for the film — continues to trickle out of Tinseltown with the latest being this quirky gem and a few other interesting novelties beyond some very in-demand posters, yet another impressive piece of potential memorabilia will present itself very soon at Dodger Stadium.
This statue showing three of the first four black players to make the MLB All-Star team — Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella — will be given away to the first 40,000 fans in attendance on Monday at the ballpark to coincide with Jackie Robinson Day. Presented by Warner Bros. and 42, this piece should be in demand as every player in Major League Baseball dons Robinson’s No. 42 as part of MLB’s annual tradition.
The size of the statue was not announced, so estimating its value could be tricky, but expect it to be of interest in the wake of the film. After all, SGA or stadium giveaway items can often be quirky, cool and valuable. (Check out one recent example.)
Another possibility for fans of the film who want it all is a line of T-Shirts from Aeropostale, which show a scene from the film and use its name on a few others.
If you haven’t been following our coverage leading up to the release of the film, here are some handy links to past stories and other Robinson necessities …
BECKETT.COM/NEWS COVERAGE OF 42
March 20: Chadwick Boseman talks about collecting, autographs and more
March 25: Collecting 42 via its baseball cards and its stars
March 9: “Moments” banners offer striking look at 42
Feb. 28: If you could ask Chadwick Boseman one question, what would it be?
Feb. 8: First one-sheet for 42 arrives
Sept. 21: Commentary: Modern-day rookies can’t touch Robinson’s influence (42 trailer arrives)
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Jackie Robinson Beckett.com checklist and Online Price Guide
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Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball magazine. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
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WIN A 42 PROMO POSTER!
Want to own an 11×17 promotional poster for the film? Check out some of our stories and leave a comment (include your email in the proper field) below. We’ll pick a winner at random from all commenters received by next Wednesday.
Love your insight and perspective into the hobby!
I hope this movie makes people want to go back to the ballpark and watch a real game.
The movie should bring back interest if it’s as good as the reviews and the promo clips
I have seen.
I cant tell you how excited I am to see this movie. A common discussion between my Father and me is always baseball, and over the past few years we have really been interested in the Negro Leagues and the integration of baseball. My father collects First Day envelope Autographs and is hooked on acquiring as many of the negro league players as possible. Their impact on baseball is not nearly talked enough about and some of the greatest players ever to play never got the recognition that many of the white players received. From Monte Irvin to Satchel Paige to Judy Johnson to Cool Papa Bell to Jackie Robinson; these are the guys that made it possible for many to break into the Major Leagues. Their stories are unparalleled and its nice to see that a movie like this will open the eyes of many to a little piece of our nations pastime’s rich history.
The best thing about this movie is that we get to feel the heartache and tribulations that not only Jackie Robinson had to go through, but also how one man, Branch Rickey, stepped up to fight for what was right and to show the world that not only could the negro league players play…they could play with the best of em!
This movie is a cant miss and I feel privileged to be able to share this moment with a great fan of the game, my father. 42 will be talked about for a long time in our house and its great that many will finally learn why each year we take a day out to honor such a great man….#42, Jackie Robinson.
Can’t wait to see 42!
There is no way this film will disappoint you. Best baseball movie ever — except, of course, Major League. This one will win Oscars. Calling it now.
Going to be one of the best baseball movies of all time – cannot wait to see it!
This movie will become an instant classic of all baseball movies. We cannot possibly comprehend what Jackie Robinson endured to play the game he loved. This will be a great history lesson for all of us. I can already tell you I will see this movie more than once.
Excellent story of perseverance – can’t wait to catch the movie! Looks to be destined for best sports film ranking…
Not only will this be an Oscar worthy film but it is a great story of determination and endurance, plus it’s a baseball story :D It would be nice to see some more interest in the hobby and the sport in general through this movie. Can’t wait to see it!
From mod: winner via random selection
About time they do a great movie about Mr. 42.
I got my own personalized Orioles jersey a few years ago. The number? 42.
It won’t even be nominated for an oscar. The Great Gatsby will take home the award for best picture. even though the story is 100 years old and it’s been made and remade over and over again.
MLB has a great tribute when all the players wear the # 42 jersey.
Super stoked for the release of 42 – outside of the baseball world, there doesn’t seem to be a ton of hype around it, though, from what I’ve seen. Regardless, I cannot wait to see!
Looking forward to this film, writing my dissertation on Jackie Robinson!
I hope it’s as good as you say, his story definitely deserves it.
Remember the Titans was nominated once upon a time so this one might be
The closer it gets to the release date, the more excited I get about this movie.
I’ve alreeady done the scan of Ebay a while back after you posted the converssation with Boseman. I would love to have the poster if you choose me.
I had a discussion with my son on why I would love to have a Jackie Robinson card,auto or mem.
It’s not a stat or record it’s how 2 people Jackie and Branch Ricky moved a country forward.
Intresting that just saying his name invokes so many different things to many people.
What can we say most of us can’t imagine what he and others had to struggle with and why it means so much to us all becasue it is throught that struggle for eqaulity to those without that keeps Equality secured for us all.
I was tought by my single mom to respect eveyone reguardless what they look like or where they come from and I’m proud to say I teach my kids the same and I plan on my family seeing this movie together.
thanks .
By the way I thought it insightfull how Boseman forgott to get Hank Aaron’s auto all the while he had been on the set.
tom
Finally a contemporary version of a great man and players story. Hopefully this movie re-opens some eyes and educates those who may not understand that era in society and sports.
Your coverage of this film and it’s related collectibles makes me want to see this film even more. Not many players in the history of the game are as deserving of a movie about their life as is Mr. Robinson. I cannot wait to watch it!