Hobby News

Dreams partners with AOL for online sales platform

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

AOL Sports and Dreams, Inc. have launched the FanHouse Fan Shop, an online store featuring apparel, collectibles and authentic autographed memorabilia directly on FanHouse, AOL Sports’ blog site.

Topps Airs 'Back on Topps' Online Show

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In one of the first major moves by Michael Eisner at Topps, the company begins its entertainment experience with a new show: Back on Topps starring the Sklar brothers and a host of athlete appearances and references.

Best Of Tuff Stuff CD

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What do Muhammad Ali and Tony Hawk, collectible hockey cards, Tiger Woods memorabilia and autographs have in common? They're all represented in the recently released CD The Best of Tuff Stuff 2004-2008. Order by May 23rd to save 10% plus FREE shipping!

MLBPA promotion sets participation record

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Major League Baseball Players Association’s Baseball Card Clubhouse program established a record for participation in October, as nearly 2,400 kids took part in its baseball card collecting seminars around the country. That smashed the previous single-month record of 1,477 kids, set last March.

Dreams sets record; announces venture with AOL Sports

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Internet division of Dreams, Inc., reported that it set a new company record for single-day online sales earlier this week. The company said it received 15,918 orders on Dec. 15, for sales of $1,029,595. The previous record was set Dec. 12, 2007, (13,233 orders with a value of $890,000.

The Ultimate Unopened Fantasy: $46.2 Million

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A photo from Woolworth's in 1952 sent this sports card collector scurrying for a calculator to figure what 231 boxes of 1952 Topps Baseball might be worth. In case you're wondering, the 1952 price tag was $277.

Hobby Legend Lionel Carter Remembered

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

He was a giant in the sports collecting field before cards were considered cool to collect. Hobby legend Lionel Carter passes away at age 90.

MLBPA Seeks Hobby Shops for New Promotion

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The MLB Players Association has unveiled details of its latest hobby shop promotion, which will offer prizes to collectors such as Majestic baseball jerseys, autographed photos and other licensed products.

eTopps Kicks Off Baseball Season With Presidential Allen & Ginter Cards

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Catch the first pitch of the 2009 eTopps baseball season with Allen & Ginter president cards.

Collectible Classics sale loaded with vintage material

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Autographs of Steve Prefontaine, Lou Gehrig, Turkey Stearns and Walter Johnson, a rare Batter-Up premium (shown), a scarce 1888 book on New York baseball and a high-quality 1938 Churchman “Boxing Personalities” set are among the highlights of Collectible Classics’ CCA25 auction, which is online now at www.auctionscc.com and closes Aug. 25.
Collectible Classics specializes in collector-friendly auctions with affordable lots. The current auction offers 284 sports and non-sport lots, with most minimum bids set at $100 or less.

Forecasting the RCs that will stand the test of time

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rookie cards are highly coveted in today’s sports card marketplace. Although not every “blue-chip” prospect turns into the next Hall of Famer, there is always a great deal of potential found among rookies. Speculation abounds for the top rookies of the 2008 season for all of the major sports.

Topps Produces Sarah Palin Card

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After Upper Deck unveiled the vice president candidates in its Presidential Predictor series, Topps has now debuted its Sarah Pain card.

Hockey Cards That Won't Break the Bank

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Eight-card packs of Fleer Ultra Hockey retail for just $2.99.

Collect.com Auctions in Kansas City This Weekend

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Heading to the GTSM Show in Kansas City this weekend? If you're also looking to consign items to an auction house while you're there, Collect.com Auctions will be attending and is currently taking appointments.

Contenders Brand Debuts For Donruss Baseball

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Donruss will ship its fourth and final baseball release for the 2008 season – Playoff Contenders Baseball – on Feb. 4.

Avoid Collecting Pitfalls

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tuff Stuff's Sports Collectors Monthly partner, Sports Card Forum, offers some collecting advice.

HBO files motion to dismiss Frangipani libel suit

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HBO looks to dismiss $5 million libel suit by autograph authenticator Donald Frangipani.

Upper Deck signs Tony Romo to autograph exclusive

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a stable that already includes Michael Jordan, Ken Griffey Jr., Tiger Woods and others, Upper Deck has signed Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to an exclusive autographed memorabilia deal.

Upper Deck Announces The Tale of Despereaux Cards

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Upcoming animated feature film will be released during the holidays starring Matthew Broderick. Cards hit Nov. 18, with autographed versions of the movie's stars.

LeBron cards pulled in NBA's Starting 5 promo

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Three more LeBron James autographed cards have been pulled from prize packs of the NBA’s Starting 5 hobby shop promotion.

Players-Turned Analysts Sign Often

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

They might no longer roam the field with a passion, but former athletes-turned analysts still don't disappoint when it comes to autograph requests.

McFarlane Announces New Figure Set

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This fall, look for new NFL products from McFarlane Toys, including Team Sets and collector's editions.

Show dealers also feeling the effects of slow economy

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The economic downturn of the past year has affected everyone in the industry, including show dealers and promoters. While the show market is much smaller than it was a decade ago, this latest slowdown has put a noticeable dent into show attendance and spending.

New Upper Deck set chronicles entire 2008 MLB season

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Upper Deck is offering another challenge for set collectors. The same company that offered a 6,661-card insert set chronicling every game ever played at Yankee Stadium is now rolling out a 4,980-card set documenting every game of the 2008 MLB season.

Complete the Yankee Stadium Legacy Series, Meet Jeter

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

All of the cards in the Yankee Stadium Legacy series from Upper Deck are now available in 2008 UD Baseball products. That means the entire set can now be put together. So Upper Deck is rewarding the first five who can confirm they have done so, including a visit with Derek Jeter.

Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl Exclusively at Toys R Us

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With a new look, smaller size and cheaper price point, Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl figures will now be available at Toys R Us. First up, NFL stars McNabb, Brady, Eli Manning and more!

Donruss creates limited-edition sets

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Donruss has created two limited-edition card sets that will be distributed as part of the NFL International Series at games in both London and Toronto.

Griffey Sigs available in UD Series 1 Baseball

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Upper Deck had Ken Griffey Jr. sign 89 of his 1989 rookie cards and include the inscription “20 years.” The cards will be randomly inserted into 2009 Upper Deck Series One Baseball, which releases next month.

Traded for a Card to be Made Later

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Late-run sets considered an afterthought are now full of value.

Companies act fast to capture Favre as a Viking

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It didn’t take long for card companies to get early photos of Brett Favre as a member of the Minnsota Vikings for upcoming products. While not quite the media ordeal as last year when Favre jong the N.Y. Jets, card companies still wanted to get shots of Favre as early as possible.

Highland Mint offering World Series PhotoMints

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Highland Mint is offering limited-edition PhotoMints honoring the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies for their 2008 World Series appearances.

Steiner signs Joba Chamberlain to exclusive deal

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Adding to an already impressive list of exclsuive signers, Steiner Sports has added Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain.

Topps announces 50th annual MLB Rookie All-Star Team

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Topps has announced the roster of its 50th annual Major League Rookie All-Star Team. Each player will have the Rookie All-Star Team logo on his 2009 Topps card.

Card Release Schedule

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Want to know what the sports card companies are releasing? Check out the schedule here.

Perch at Yankees Clubhouse Led to Many Famous Opportunities

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Former Yankees clubhouse attendant had more than his share of memorable moments with the famous players that passed through his door. Good thing he took pictures whenever he could.

Donruss honors space missions with special set

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new NASA exhibit has opened at the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum, and Donruss helped kick off the event by producing a special set of cards in its Americana brand.

NBA begins "Starting 5" trading card program

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the start of the second annual “Starting 5” trading card promotion which challenges fans to collect the cards of five designated players for a chance to win a trip to the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix*. This year’s Starting 5 lineup features Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Tony Parker and Chris Paul. Interested hobby shops can register between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 to become a participating location for fans and collectors to enter the promotion.

Expose the Experts Rules

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rules for Tuff Stuff's Sports Collectors Monthly's Expose the Experts Survey.

Press Pass to unveil Element brand in 2009

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Press Pass, Inc. announces a new NASCAR trading card brand: Element, arriving in January 2009.

Q&A With Jock Smith: Pioneering Lawyer is Also a Pioneering Collector

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jock Smith is as comfortable in a court room as he is in line at a sports memorabilia show. The pioneering lawyer is also a pioneering colector of jerseys – and he owns some of the best in the world.

New company enters market with celebrity card set

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The next celebrity-themed card set to hit the market won’t be coming from an established card maker. Instead, it will be from a new company started by a former show business agent. PopCardz is scheduled to arrive in stores next month. The set is the brainchild of Ted Kurie and Christian Troy, the latter of whom was a former agent at Creative Artists Agency.

Rookies, autographs fueling increase in WNBA sales

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Candance Parker leads a powerful rookie class in the WNBA, helping to fuel card sales, as well.

Collector conquers UD Yankee Stadium Legacy set

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An Arkansas collector completes Upper Deck’s 6,661-card Yankee Stadium Legacy insert set.

DNA cards mentioned in NY Times story

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Nov. 19 Wall Street Journal featured a story about insert cards featuring strands of hair from historical figures.