A few months ago when I heard that Donruss/Playoff was planning to produce more relic cards of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson I wasn't sure what would happen to the price of his first relic card from 2001 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts. Simple economics dictate that when quantity increases, cost diminishes. But in the case of Joe Jackson relic cards this doesn't seem to be occurring. When his new relic cards hit the market, the prices went through the roof. Now that the dust has settled and all the wrappers have been thrown away, the prices of the newer cards seem to be coming back down.
Three of last year's biggest baseball card releases were 2008 Donruss Threads, 2008 Americana Sports Legends, and 2008 Playoff Prime Cuts IV. All of these trading card products sport game used material cards of Jackson. What I find interesting is that the 2001 UD SP Legendary Cuts bat card continues to hold its value more than the newer relics. Taking a look at two recently closed auctions, you can see that the eight year old relic holds more value than the ones that are only a few months old. Playoff Prime Cuts IV is a much higher-end product than SP Legendary Cuts, but when looking at the auctions, the 2001 card (which is not serial numbered) keeps selling for more. A 2008 Playoff Prime Cuts IV Game Used bat card serial numbered to only thirteen copies of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson recently sold for $176.00, compared to a 2001 SP Legendary Cuts bat card that recently sold on ebay for over $300.00. Even cards featuring dual relic pieces of Joe Jackson and Jim Thorpe failed to exceed the price of the older card.
Probably one of the main reasons why the card from 2001 sells for more is because of the bat piece's size. As for now, it seems like many people are in more favor of the original.
Andrew Chrisman runs Sports Card Info, http://sportscardinfo.wordpress.com/
A blog that provides hobby news, stories, thoughts, and fake card information.
Police in Rutland, VT have charged two twin brothers for allegedly breaking into a nearby home and stealing over $2,000 worth of sports memorabilia and an Ibanez SRX guitar valued at more then $500.
The 18 year old duo, Brandon & Cameron Lackey, are residents of Wallingford, VT. The crime for which the brothers are being charged allegedly occurred August 22nd, when police say the tandem broke into a home in nearby West Rutland and committed the crime. Among the sports memorabilia items stolen during the burglary were autographed photos of former MLB stars Whitey Ford, Frank Thomas and Paul O'Neill.
The Rutland Herald reports that both men have been formally charged with burglary and grand larceny, and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Both Lackey brothers plead not guilty to all charges during their court appearance Monday.
Just Minors announced late Thursday Afternoon that they have formed a strategic partnership with fellow Baseball Card Manufacturer, Razor Entertainment. The agreement will allow Just Minors to distribute Razor Baseball Card Products via their website on both a retail and a wholesale basis. As part of the agreement with Razor, Just Minors will phase out new product operations following the release of Mystery Jerseys 2009 in order to focus on sales and support of existing inventory, as well as on the sales and development of Razor products. Just Minors has not merged with Razor and is still an independent, privately owned company.
While this agreement will likely spell the end of the road for Just Minors branded products, there is still a chance that the Just Minors brand will live on. As part of the agreement between Razor and Just Minors, Just Minors branded products can be initiated by Razor. It is entirely possible that there will be a Just Autographs release in 2009 - though this would be initiated by Razor instead of Just Minors.
The first ever Razor baseball product, 2008 Razor Signature Series, is currently being sold by Just Minors in 2 available configurations:
2008 Razor Signature Series Hobby Boxes - 10 packs per Box. One guaranteed autographed card per pack.
2008 Razor Signature Series Silver Collector's Set - Each set contains 100 base silver cards, and no insert cards or autograph cards. This is a Just Minors exclusive product that boasts a low gloss finish, perfect for autograph collectors.
Just Minors has announced the latest addition to their line of Baseball Memorabilia products, just in time for Christmas. 2008 Mystery Mini Bats Plus is a hybrid product unlike any other currently available on the market. Each hobby box includes 4 mini boxes that contain an assortment of autographed baseball cards, autographed mini bats, and even an autographed baseball jersey.
This the first Just Minors Mini Bat product since 2004 and the checklist is packed with big name MLB Stars and Prospects. Players who autographed mini bats for the set include:
Josh Hamilton
Evan Longoria
Chipper Jones
Grady Sizemore
Mark Teixeira
Hanley Ramirez
Jake Peavy
Joe Mauer
Miguel Cabrera
Roy Oswalt
Jason Heyward (JMI Exclusive)
Jay Bruce (JMI Exclusive)
Billy Butler (JMI Exclusive)
The main draw of the product - the autographed jerseys - are back and better then ever. The autographed jersey checklist is so strong that it will be difficult to be disappointed - regardless of whose jersey you pull. The full checklist is as follows:
Adam Lind
Carlos Gonzalez
Adam Wainwright
Carlos Quentin
Alex Gordon
Colby Rasmus
Alex Rios
Cole Hamels
Andrew McCutchen
David Price
Aramis Ramirez
Duke Snider
Bill Rowell
Evan Longoria
Billy Butler
Fernando Martinez
Brandon Jones
Jair Jurrjens
Brandon Wood
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Jason Heyward
Steve Carlton
Jay Bruce
Victor Martinez
Jeremy Hermida
Wladimir Balentien
Jose Tabata
Yovanni Gallardo
Josh Hamilton
Nick Adenhart
Josh Vitters
Robinson Cano
Kelly Johnson
Michael Cuddyer
Additionally, each case of 16 mini boxes contains at least (1) Glossy 1 of 1 Autographed card and (1) Dual or Triple Signature Autograph Card.
2008 Mystery Mini Bats Plus are available for immediate purchase nationwide.
Take the hood of a Chevy Tahoe; bring it to six Major League Baseball parks; have more than 220 players sign it, including the biggest names in baseball today, Baseball Hall of Fame members and future stars of tomorrow; and what have you got? One of the most unique pieces of baseball memorabilia ever created.
Baseball memorabilia collectors and auto enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on this one-of-a-kind vehicle on January, 16, 2009, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. A portion of the proceeds will be used to help create future stars, as they will be donated to non-profit youth baseball programs across the United States.
The Chevy Tahoe (Lot #961) will be sold at No Reserve and has been dubbed the Ultimate Baseball Ride because of some special upgrades. In addition to "standard" luxury features like top-of-the-line stereo, DVD player with several screens and custom paint, the SUV features Rawlings baseball glove leather seats and steering wheel and baseball-bat ash wood dashboard, door panel and steering wheel accents.
Adding to the draw of this unique Tahoe is a second hood that is signed by Major League Baseball stars like Derek Jeter, Ryan Howard, Mariano Rivera, Francisco Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero, Carlos Zambrano, Chipper Jones, Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum. About 220 current players from eight teams - the Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim, the San Francisco Giants, the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres - have signed the hood. The hood also made a stop in Cooperstown, N.Y., for the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in July, where Hall of Fame members Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, Tom Seaver, Whitey Ford and others also signed. All signatures on the hood were authenticated by Steiner Sports, the leader in sports memorabilia authentication and sports marketing. Front and center on the hood is the first signature from Goose Gossage, the only player inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. He helped collect the signatures as part of AutoTrader.com's Drive to a New Start program.
Drive to a New Start was one of AutoTrader.com's 2008 marketing and community outreach programs. In each city Gossage visited with AutoTrader.com, he hosted a youth baseball clinic for inner city children, met fans and signed autographs at pre-game events and conducted on-field or in-box media interviews. At each city, Gossage helped collect players' and coaches' signatures on the hood, with each signature garnering an AutoTrader.com donation to youth baseball programs in those cities. The program raised a total of $100,000, and the proceeds from the auction of the signed hood and the tricked-out Chevy Tahoe itself in January will also be donated to youth baseball programs.
Gossage said of the charitable undertaking, "It was a real thrill to be involved with this program during my Hall of Fame induction year. Touring the country, collecting these signatures and helping kids learn about baseball was all very rewarding. I'm excited to see what this unique collectible fetches at auction in January. It's definitely going to make the lucky winner very happy."
"Steiner Sports is honored to be the official authenticator for such a creative campaign," said Jason Teitler, senior vice president, Steiner Sports & Entertainment Marketing. "The AutoTrader.com hood features a rare blend of autographs with signatures from current and future baseball legends that makes this piece a one-of-a-kind collectible and a unique investment."
This amazing vehicle will sell to the highest bidder with the proceeds benefiting MLB Charities. To register to bid on this one-of-a-kind vehicle, please visit barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694. Internet and absentee bidding is also available for fans who cannot attend the Barrett-Jackson event.
"This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history that combines two of America's favorite pastimes -- baseball and car collecting," noted Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "We're excited about this historic piece of sports and automotive memorabilia, especially since proceeds from the sale will help encourage kids to get out of the stands and into the game. Providing this incredible opportunity once again creates an exclusive Barrett-Jackson experience."
For more information about the Drive to a New Start program, to see images of the signed Tahoe hood or learn about signing up to bid on the hood and the Tahoe at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in January, please visit . Visitors to the site will also see highlights from the various Drive to a New Start events held with Gossage throughout the year.
Tristar announced early Friday that they will be holding a private autograph signing for Roger Clemens in mid November. This will be Roger Clemens' first and only autograph signing of 2008. All items mailed in for the signing need to arrive in Tristar's Houston office no later than November 14th. The deadline for mail orders is November 7th. Additional details for this upcoming signing can be found on Tristar's website.
Numerous sources, including the Associated Press, report that Guernseys highly anticipated sports memorabilia auction that was held over the weekend was a resounding failure. The auction, which included over 400 pieces of Yankee Memorabilia, was held over the weekend in New York City's Madison Square Gardens. Auction attendance was very low, with about 100 people attending the event.
Some of the items featured in the auction were Yankee Stadium's final home run ball which was hit by Yankee utility infielder Jose Molina, and a collection of 15 World Series and American League championship rings that were once owned by former Yankees owner Del Web. José Molina is home run ball was expected to fetch upwards of $400,000 , but things seem went sour when they found that no one was willing to pay the opening bid price of $100,000. The World Series & ALS championship rings didn't fare any better. Experts estimated the value of the collection to be $700,000, but when bidding reached less then half of that figure, it too was pulled.
Other prominant items pulled by Guernsey's due to poor performance included a three page letter written by Mickey Mantle to a former girlfriend back in 1951 and a pitching incentive agreement signed by Babe Ruth during the 1918 MLB Season.
Guernsey has yet to announce when (or if) they will attempt to sell the items that pulled pulled from the auction.
Calling all members of Red Sox Nation - The Boston Red Sox's Historic 1912 World Series trophy, along with a host of other vintage BoSox Memorabilia, will be sold by Guernsey's Action House at their upcoming auction (slated for October 18th). Predating the days when Major League Baseball provided an offical World Series trophy, the 1912 Boston Red Sox team purchased this sterling silver trophy to honor their teammate and manager, Jake Stahl. Remaining in the Stahl family for the better part of a century, and now the property of a collector, the cup will find a new owner come October 18th.
The 1912 Red Sox World Series Trophy was originally crafted by Frank W. Smith Silversmiths of Gardner, Massachusetts, stands 11 inches tall (14 1/8" when seated on its custom-made stand) and is 9" wide. The trophy is also accompanied by the original photograph by Carl Horner, taken on the first base line of Fenway Park just before the victory parade. Horner is a photographer who is well known for capturing the images of many early 1900's ballplayers. Far and away his most famous photograph was of Honus Wagner for the famous 1909 T206 baseball card.
In addition to the World Series trophy and team photograph the auction will also feature a letter to Babe Ruth, when he was with the Red Sox, in which the owners of the Red Sox offer Ruth a cash bonus to hit more home runs.
There is not admission fees to attend the auction. Click here to find out auction hours.
Early Thursday Morning The Mile High Card Company announced the start of their Fall Internet Auction. Bidding is open to all registered members of Mile High's Auction Website until 11:00 pm EST on October 1, 2008. Registration for the auction is still open, but don't wait until the last minute to sign up as the registration approval process takes 24 - 48 hours.
The auction includes an incredible assortment of rare vintage baseball cards, football cards, and basketball cards, as well as a virtual treasure chest of baseball memorabilia. Some of the highlights of the auction include:
Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball Graded a NM 7 by PSA/DNA
A complete set of High Grade PSA 1952 Bowman Large Football Cards (2nd best grading ever by PSA)
With Yankee Stadium's final game in the books, Cooperstown has begun obtaining memorabilia to include in their final commemorative exhibit of the famous ballpark. Journeymen Utility Infielder Jose Molina gained the distinction of hitting the final home run at Yankee Stadium, thus ensuring his place in both history books and in the Hall of Fame. Molina graciously donated the spikes he was wearing when he hit the aforementioned home run to the Hall shortly after the game.
Johnny Damon's bat he used to homer in the last game - he'd broken all of his own, so he used a Xavier Nady model - was also donated to Cooperstown. Damon registered the final home run by a New York Yankee in the long and storied history of Yankee Stadium. Yankee Team Captain, Derek Jeter, also also made a considerable donation to the Hall by donating a bat that he used during the final series at Yankee Stadium and the spikes he wore when he passed Lou Gehring on the Yankee Stadium career hit list.
The new items will go on display this fall after they are entered in the museum archives. Countless other priceless Yankee Stadium Memorabilia has already been sent to the Hall - including the lockers of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio and a ticket booth from the stadium.
A few months ago when I heard that Donruss/Playoff was planning to produce more relic cards of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson I wasn't sure what would happen to the price of his first relic card from 2001 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts. Simple economics dictate that when quantity increases, cost diminishes. But in the case of Joe Jackson relic cards this doesn't seem to be occurring. When his new relic cards hit the market, the prices went through the roof. Now that the dust has settled and all the wrappers have been thrown away, the prices of the newer cards seem to be coming back down.
