10 Must-Have Books About Sports Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The hobby is filled with excellent books about collecting. We highlight 10 favorites that should be considered essential for every collector’s bookshelf, iPad or Kindle.
Sports Collectibles
Sports Collectibles Industry News, Commentary and General Hobby Resources.
2001 Upper Deck Golf Tiger Woods e-Volve Auto Rookie Card
By Jennifer Smeth
Tiger Woods rookie cards and autographs are among the most sought after modern day sports cards. The 2001 Upper Deck Golf Tiger Woods e-Volve Autographed Rookie Card #TW-ES Serial Numbered #/100 is among the best of the bunch: This is a true Tiger Woods 2001 Upper Deck rookie card that features an on-card autograph from […]
2009 Football Card of The Year: Brett Favre 112B
By Brett Lewis
The 112B Captured the 2009 NFL Season and the Eye of Collectors
2009 Topps Football
By Jennifer Smeth
2009 Topps Football Release Date: Now Available Hits Per Box: 1 (Hobby), 3 (HTA Jumbo) Box Configuration: 36 Packs Per Box / 10 Cards Per Pack (Hobby), 10 Packs / 50 Cards Per Pack (HTA Jumbo) Product Information 2009 Topps Football features a checklist of 110 Rookies from this year’s NFL Draft Class. This is […]
2009 Topps Heritage American Heroes
By Jennifer Smeth
2009 Topps Heritage American Heroes Brand: Topps Release Date: Now Available Hits Per Box: 2 Hobby Configuration: 24 packs / 8 cards per pack Price (Average): $60 / Hobby Box Staff Review User Reviews Staff Review 2009 Topps Heritage American Heroes Review Summary The Good: 2009 Topps Heritage American Heroes is easily the deepest, most […]
2009 Topps Triple Threads Baseball Review
By Jennifer Smeth
Price: $135-$155
Review: 4 Stars (Excellent)
2009-10 Upper Deck Trilogy Hockey
By Jennifer Smeth
Release Date: November 2009
Hits Per Box: 9 (including rookie cards)
Hobby Configuration: 10 Boxes per case, 9 packs per box, 5 cards per pack
2010 Topps Sideline
By Brett Lewis
Cardboard Connection’s “Best of 2010” features some of the site’s most popular articles from the year that was. 2010 Topps Sideline (fictional product preview) was originally published on July 10th, 2010. 2010 Topps Sideline is a fictional product that captures the Coaches who have shaped the game of “modern gladiators”.
2011 NHL Draft Panini Hockey Card Redemptions
By Trey Treutel
The 2011 NHL Draft already has many great events planned and Panini has released information about the wrapper redemption promotion that will take place at the draft festivities June 24th and 25th in St. Paul. Using the 2010-11 Pinnacle Hockey design, Panini has created two packs for collectors. Pack #1 Martin Havlat Mikko Koivu Niklas […]
2011 Prestigous Lineage Case Hits & Top Prospects: The Search For Tom Gordon
By Brett Lewis
The folks behind 2010 Prestigous Lineage Football return with a product that could redefine the modern era of trading cards as we know it. With their latest Prestigous offering, Lineage tackles the world of high-end baseball cards, packing 15 cases worth of Triple Threads into a single master tin.
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Variation Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Collectors busting 2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions are discovering variation short prints of base set cards. We’ve got details, images and a running checklist.
2012: A Sports Card Odyssey
By Brett Lewis
On December 23rd, 2012 the world “could” come to an end. Scientifically, the planets are actually supposed to align, just not for collectors. If the world ended a month later, we could get one last round of SP Authentic and Contenders in! The following is a list of things I want to see happen in […]
2013 Topps Chrome Hyun-Jin Ryu Redemption Autograph Update
By Trey Treutel
Found out the latest information about the 2013 Topps Chrome Hyun-Jin Ryu redemption autographs.
2014 Topps NFLPA Rookie Premiere Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2014 Topps NFLPA Rookie Premiere Football celebrates two decades of photo shoots, autographs and memorabilia. Single-pack boxes have an autograph, 19 base cards and five parallels.
4 Big Questions Raised by Press Pass Going Out of Business
By Ryan Cracknell
It’s official, Press Pass is leaving the hobby. But what does that mean for collectors and the hobby as a whole?
Autograph Collecting: Protecting Against Forgeries
By Paul Lesko
I am an avid Illini fan, and was lucky enough to live in Missouri in 2005 when Illinois played North Carolina in the NCAA Finals in St. Louis. Needles to say, I was swept up in the Illini fervor and wanted something to immortalize the time. After walking out of the Illini’s practice session, I […]
Bark In The Park
By Jay Ghazaleh
There’s nothing quite like going to a Single A baseball game. The price is right, the food is cheap, and the players use the same restrooms as you do. Throw in your pooches, your seven year old daughter, a couple cheap doggie treats from Wally World, and PRESTO – you got one hell of a […]
Beware the Megatooth Shark! 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Artifacts Revealed
By Ryan Cracknell
Topps promised “unusual artifacts from the past” on their 2012 Allen & Ginter Baseball N43 Artifacts redemptions. And that’s what redemption card holders are going to get. Get the full list of ancient relics that will be used for the set.
Bonds Guilty Verdict Gives MLB Perfect Chance to Restore Hank’s Record
By Brett Lewis
Earlier today, Barry Bonds was found guilty of misleading and evading testimony in a 2003 steroid probe. The verdict means that baseball’s single season and all-time home run leader is now a convicted felon.
Book Review: Mint Condition by Dave Jamieson
By Randy Gaa
A full review of the recently published book Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession by Dave Jamieson.
Card Companies Use Different Methods to Produce First Brett Favre Vikings Cards
By Nick Tylwalk
It’s going to take a little time to get used to seeing Brett Favre in purple. Though he made his first appearance in a Minnesota Vikings uniform on August 21, football card collectors will have a longer wait to see him that way on cardboard – but not too much longer. Topps, Upper Deck and […]
Collecting Sports Legends Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
It seems that quality books featuring our precious Hobby as the primary subject are as rare as a 1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie. Thankfully books like Collecting Sports Legends exist.
Don’t Make the Same Mistakes I Did Buying Baseball Cards on Twitter
By Ryan Cracknell
Thinking of buying and trading cards on Twitter? Here are some tips to help make it safer for yourself and the person you’re dealing with.
Featured Hobby Blog: Bad Wax
By Rob Bertrand
Keeping the Craigslist Idiots in check and sharing his own custom dream cards, Mike Levine celebrates the four-year anniversary of Bad Wax in January.
Featured Hobby Blog: Ben Henry’s Baseball Card Blog
By Rob Bertrand
One of the first hobby blogs created, Ben Henry’s Baseball Card Blog highlights the simpler times of trading cards with dry wit and satire.
Featured Hobby Blog: Sports Cards Uncensored
By Rob Bertrand
Sports Cards Uncensored’s Adam Gellman takes great pride in having one of the strongest opinions in the hobby. For more than three years, he’s used that voice to offer his take on things and educate collectors on various scams.
Featured Hobby Blog: Stale Gum
By Rob Bertrand
Stale Gum is one of the first blogs to focus on the hobby. It’s also one of the funniest and most honest. Written by Chris Harris, Stale Gum doesn’t shy from the tough questions and happily calls out bad gimmicks.
Funniest Sports Cards of the 90’s
By Brett Lewis
In the decade of sports card excess, there was no book value, only comedic value.
Garbage Pail Kids Book Review
By Ryan Cracknell
A new book published by Abrams ComicArts and Topps looks back on the first five sets of Garbage Pail Kids. The wonderful resource includes an intro by Art Spiegelman, an afterword by John Pound and four exclusive stickers.
High Five: 2012 Topps Triple Threads Football Adds Autographed Handprint Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Seven Rookie Autographed Handprint cards have been added to 2012 Topps Triple Threads Football. Get full details on the cards and more.
How to Predict Future Trading Card Sets Using Public Information
By Paul Lesko
Guessing new trading card sets and products can be fun. But there’s information available to the public that can make the search more reliable. In Law of Cards, Paul Lesko describes how to use trademarks and patents to get hints at new products.
How to Spend $100,000 on E-Bay in 15 Minutes
By Brett Lewis
My dream Joe Mauer card, a 1/1 Jason Heyward Printing Plate Auto, a Ruth Rookie, and other cards I can only afford in imagination land.
Is Target the New Hobby Shop?
By Rob Bertrand
Retail giants like Target are increasingly driving the hobby. Rob Bertrand looks at why this is and offers traditional card shops practical tips on how they can compete and be relevant in today’s hobby.
ITG Brings Wendel Clark to the Fall Expo
By Ryan Cracknell
In the Game announces their initial plans for the Fall Expo in Toronto, which include exclusive memorabilia cards and a Wendel Clark autograph session.
Jack Miller, 9-Year-Old Cancer Patient, Gets Upper Deck Card to Raise Money for Charity
By Ryan Cracknell
Upper Deck and Friends of Jaclyn are partnering to create a Colorado State football card of Jack Miller, a nine-year-old who has been battling brain tumors for six years.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Upper Deck Get Their Day in Court
By Paul Lesko
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Upper Deck are finally headed to court next month. Get the latest updates on the case as well as legal analysis on its bigger hobby implications.
Law of Cards Parody: Trading Card Startup Files 2015 Trademark Application
By Paul Lesko
The hobby has its share of questionable trademarks. Paul Lesko makes light of the situation with a parody poking fun at the situation.
Law of Cards: An Unlimited Number of Trademark Battles
By Paul Lesko
Card companies continue to race for new trademarks including Upper Deck for Precious Metal Gems. The card maker also joined the opposition of Panini’s Limited trademark. Paul Lesko has the details.
Law of Cards: Beckett v. Beckett Case is Over
By Paul Lesko
The legal battle between Beckett Media and Beckett Associates has come to a fast finish. Paul Lesko has the details and analysis of the joint settlement.
Law of Cards: Bill Mastro and the Unintelligible Algebra of Shill Bidding
By Paul Lesko
Paul Lesko uses the Bill Mastro lawsuit to look at the real damage shill bidding can cause and why the court’s definitions can be confusing.
Law of Cards: Collectors Universe Appears to Win Lawsuit Against Software Developers
By Paul Lesko
Collectors Universe, the parent company of PSA, appears to have won a lawsuit against coin software developers MWP and Matthew Perry.
Law of Cards: Collectors Universe Busy with Copyright Lawsuits
By Paul Lesko
Collectors Universe, the parent company of PSA/DNA, has filed a pair of copyright lawsuits against software companies that allegedly distribute material available for paid subscriptions.
Law of Cards: Court Fines J&T Hobby in Upper Deck Matter
By Paul Lesko
A judge has levied a fine of more than $3,000 against J&T Hobby in its case against Upper Deck. You won’t believe the reason why.
Law of Cards: Does Panini’s Filing Against Leaf Hint at Possible Resolution?
By Paul Lesko
Recent court filings show that Panini and Leaf may be on their wait to settling some of their legal issues. Paul Lesko has the details.
Law of Cards: Hexbugs Bug Crypotoic’s Hex Trademark App
By Paul Lesko
Cryptozoic had a trademark for their Hex card game approved. They also received an opposition from the creators of Hexbugs. Attorney Paul Lesko has the legal details and what it could lead to.
Law of Cards: Is Upper Deck Versus Executive Over?
By Paul Lesko
It appears as though the case between Upper Deck and Executive Trading Cards is coming to a close. Paul Lesko has the details and legal analysis.
Law of Cards: Kobe Bryant Gives the Gift of a “Cease and Desist Letter” for Mother’s Day
By Paul Lesko
Kobe Bryant is going to great lengths to stop an upcoming auction of his memorabilia consigned by his mother. Get full details, legal analysis and copies of the court documents.
Law of Cards: NBA, MLB, NHL, CLC Go After More Alleged Memorabila Counterfeiters
By Paul Lesko
The NBA, MLB, NHL and CLC are teaming up again to try and shut down another batch of websites for allegedly selling counterfeit goods.
Law of Cards: Panini Limited Trademark Approval an Error?
By Paul Lesko
Panini has received a final thumbs up for its trademark for Limited, despite outstanding opposition from Topps. Paul Lesko ponders whether this is an error by the Trademark Office.
Law of Cards: Pokemon Versus The Pokellector
By Paul Lesko
Details on a lawsuit where the makers of Pokemon are suing Pokellector,an app maker and website, for trademark infringement. Paul Lesko looks at the case and how it could apply to sports cards.
Law of Cards: Schedule Released for Beckett v. The Card Collector
By Paul Lesko
The trial is going forward. Attorney Paul Lesko looks at the release of the trial schedule in the lawsuit between Beckett and The Card Collector and what it means for the case.
Law of Cards: Surreal Battle Breaks Out in Already Surreal LIMITED Trademark Action
By Paul Lesko
A deposition by Topps has been released in the company’s opposition of Panini’s “Limited” trademark application. Attorney Paul Lesko has the highlights and what it all might mean.
Law of Cards: The Wildcat Case is Getting Frisky!
By Paul Lesko
Paul Lesko has the latest on a lawsuit revolving around a patent for electronic trading cards. Both Topps and Panini are named in the lawsuit.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck Files for Grandeur and Property of Trademarks
By Paul Lesko
Upper Deck has filed a pair of new trademark applications. This time, the card maker is trying to secure the rights to Grandeur and Property of.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck Files for Jambalaya and Quantum Trademarks
By Paul Lesko
Continuing with the flurry of trading card trademark registrations, Upper Deck has filed for both the Jambalaya and Quantum names.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck Poised to Challenge Panini’s MASKS Trademark
By Paul Lesko
Just as Paul Lesko predicted, Panini might face some challenges over its Masks trademark application. He has details on Upper Deck requesting some extra time to explore the possibility.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck Slams Distributor in Lawsuit Response
By Paul Lesko
Upper Deck has responded to a lawsuit brought against it by distributor J&T Hobby. Paul Lesko breaks it down and has copies of the court documents.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck vs Upper Deck International Poised to Go Global – UPDATE
By Paul Lesko
Upper Deck vs. Upper Deck International is going global. Paul Lesko has the details on Upper Deck requesting foreign documents to support its case against Upper Deck International and what it might mean.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck Wins $1.8 Million Verdict Against J&T Hobby
By Paul Lesko
Upper Deck has won a longstanding court case against J&T Hobby. In the process, they were awarded $1.8 million with the verdict.
Law of Cards: War for the Rally Squirrel Breaks Out
By Paul Lesko
The notorious Rally Squirrel is back in the headlines. The pseudo mascot is at the center of a trademark dispute between the St. Louis Cardinals and PBR Industries.
Law of Cards: We Need NFL Referee Cards in 2012
By Paul Lesko
Refs have had a huge impact on the first part of the NFL season. Paul Lesko discusses why he thinks Panini and Topps should consider including referee cards in their 2012 products.
Law of Cards: Who, If Anyone, Owns Checklists?
By Paul Lesko
Are checklists protected by copyright? If so, to what extent? Attorney Paul Lesko delves into the issue.
Law of Cards: Yet Another Skirmish Looms Between Panini and Leaf
By Paul Lesko
Panini and Leaf look like they’re headed for another legal battle, this time over Leaf’s trademark for Leaf Limited.
Leap of Faith: The Importance of Trust in the Hobby
By Ryan Cracknell
As much as our collections are about the actual cards and memorabilia, this is really a hobby based in trust. What happens when that trust is broken and how can it be fixed?
Matt Duchene vs. John Tavares
By Brett Lewis
In the 2009 NHL Draft, there was John Tavares and everyone not named John Tavares. Tavares was without a doubt the most heralded and coveted prospect since Sidney Crosby. In fact, he was so good that he unsuccessfully attempted to enter the 2008 NHL Draft at the age of 17. For these reasons, it’s curious […]
Ohio Woman Shows Off Father’s Collection of Vintage Photos of Baseball Legends
By Nick Tylwalk
Imagine having high quality photographs of some of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history, names like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby and Jimmie Foxx. For good measure, let’s say some of them are autographed as well. Ohio native Julia Whitaker doesn’t have to daydream about a collection like that, because it’s exactly […]
Panini Releases 2010-11 Playoff Contenders Hockey Rookie Short Prints
By Trey Treutel
Today, Panini announced two more short prints included in 2010-11 Playoff Contenders Hockey. The short printed cards are all autographed rookie tickets and include Montreal Canadiens’ P.K. Subban and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Nazem Kadri. Previous players revealed to have short prints in the set are Taylor Hall (Edmonton Oilers), Jeff Penner (Boston Bruins), Tyler […]
Rainbow Connection: 2012 Bowman Baseball Yu Darvish Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
You’ve found the end of the 2012 Bowman Baseball Yu Darvish rainbow thanks our visual guide. It includes images of every Yu Darvish card found in the set as well as print run info and other detailed information.
Spectacular 2012 Topps Finest Autographed Yu Darvish Superfractor Pulled
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012 Topps Finest Baseball Autographed Jumbo Patch Superfractor Yu Darvish has been pulled. Check out the video and get the reactions from both the collector who got it and his plans for the card.
Sports Cards and Morality?
By Julie Develin
Card collecting can be seen as a type of hero worship. But what do we do when one of our favorites gets into legal trouble?
Sports Cards I Wish Existed
By Brett Lewis
The rookie card is the holy grail of sports cards. Autographed bats, balls, helmets, jerseys, pucks, and pictures all take a back seat to these kings of cardboard. A rookie card represents the first chapter in a story. It could be the story of greatness like Peyton Manning, or the story of absolute failure like Ryan Leaf. The […]
State of the Hobby: Stronger Than Ever
By Rick Klein
Rick Klein reflects on what drew him back into baseball card collecting. He also makes a case for why the hobby is strong despite many challenges.
Steel City Collectibles 2017-18 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey Box Giveaway
By Ira Higgins
A free box, you say? Steel City Collectibles is giving away one hobby box of 2017-18 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey! Find out how to enter the limited-time giveaway.
Steiner In Their Own Words Story Pages Offer New Premium Collectibles
By Trey Treutel
Offering a unique sports collectible option, Steiner’s “In Their Own Words” lets athletes relay the biggest moments in their career on a premium display piece.
The 2010 Kings of Cardboard: Rookies and Prospects
By Brett Lewis
After 20+ hours of putting this list together (I was in too deep before I reallized what I had gotten myself into), I present to you the 100 rookies and prospects that defined the 2010 trading card season! Due to the NHL and NBA’s carry over into multiple years, rookies from both 2009-10 and 2010-11 […]
The Bubble Gum Card War Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
Vintage trading card expert Dean Hanley tackles the post-war battle between Topps and Bowman for baseball card supremacy in The Bubble Gum Card War. Get a full book review and brief synopsis.
The Cracker Jack Collection Review: New Book Provides Insight into Fabled Cracker Jack Set
By Rob Bertrand
Not just relegated to the sweets aisle, Cracker Jacks are synonymous with baseball and America. These tasty treats helped define a generation and the prize in the box has become a hot commodity. Authors Tom and Elle Zappala provide commentary on the prolific period of Cracker Jack cards during 1914 and 1915.
The T-206 Collection: The Players and Their Stories Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
Much more than simply a detailed chronicle of one of The Hobby’s most desirable and recognizable sets, The T206 Collection provides a never before seen backdrop and insight into the legendary, and not so legendary, players that helped pave the way for baseball to become America’s pastime in the 20th Century. A highly collaborative effort, […]
These Sports Ugly Sweaters Are the Ugliest
By Ryan Cracknell
Want the ultimate proof of your team loyalty? Wear one of these sports ugly sweaters out in public.
Top 10 List: Best and Worst Professional Sports Team Names
By Brett Lewis
The best and worst team nicknames from the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. From great names like the Steelers to terrible names like Thunder, American Sports is filled with nicknames that connect a city to it’s team or connect a city to weather or some sort of cat.
Topps Announces Plans for Kris Bryant Rookie Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Topps has announced plans for the first Kris Bryant rookie cards. Find out which sets you’ll find him in, including base cards and autographs.
Trading Card Companies Need to Take Release Dates More Seriously
By Brett Lewis
Card companies need to make a commitment to product release dates and understand that the card company itself isn’t the only one effected by poor planning. Both collectors and hobby shops pay the price for a problem only the card companies themselves can commit to solving.
Trading Card Sell Sheets of Yesteryear
By Brett Lewis
2007 PBA, Battlefield Earth, Scooby Doo 2, The Blair Witch Project and other premium trading card product previews from years that are no longer with us. Plus a bonus proposition you’d be hard pressed to turn down from recovering rip-aholic and peddler of fake Pro Bowl Memorabilia, the one and only Cornelius.
Upper Deck Baseball Card Issued for Daniel Alexander to Help His Battle Against Cancer
By Trey Treutel
Full details on Upper Deck and Friends of Jaclyn partnering to create a Notre Dame baseball card of Daniel Alexander, a boy battling an inoperable brain tumor.
Why Do I Collect Sports Cards? – A Female Perspective
By Julie Develin
Why do we collect? It’s a question we often ask ourselves. Here’s one take, from Julie Develin of Layton Sports Cards.
Why Sports Card Exclusives Aren’t the End of the World
By Nick Tylwalk
If the last part of this decade in sports cards can be defined by a single trend, it’s sports leagues signing exclusive deals with trading card manufacturers. The NHL was first, deciding to go solely with Upper Deck coming out of its 2004-05 lockout season. A more surprising announcement came this January when the NBA followed suit. […]
Yankee Greats Book from Topps Looks at 100 New York Yankees Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Love them or loath them, there’s no denying the impact the New York Yankees have had on the hobby. Topps and Abrams are joining to publish Yankee Greats, a new book that includes looks at 100 classic New York Yankees baseball cards. It also comes with four exclusive cards.
Yankee Greats: 100 Classic Baseball Cards Book Review
By Ryan Cracknell
Yankee Greats: 100 Classic Baseball Cards is a fascinating book that combines the history of baseball’s most decorated franchise with the hobby. The reasonably priced book also comes with four exclusive cards.
