Tuff Stuff Recent Articles

Ruth photos take center stage at Shulte Auction

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was as close to beefcake as a brother could get in 1928. The image of a smiling Babe Ruth, wearing a tank top, was one of five he personalized to his sister Mamie. This week, the photos, along with her copy of The Babe Ruth Story, also signed by the Babe, were sold by Schulte Auctions.

Ten must-have football cards for vintage collectors

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 NFL regular season kicks off it’s 91st season Thursday night, September 9. If you’ve been counting the minutes and you’re into cardboard, we’ve got a list of ten all-time great football cards that should one day be in your collection.

Abdul Jabbar suing Upper Deck

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has filed a lawsuit against Upper Deck over what he claims is the unauthorized use of images featuring his likeness.

Top future MLB stars featured in Topps and Bowman Baseball products

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Both ESPN and MLB.com recently listed their top picks for the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft and believe it or not, you can find cards of these players this year… in 2010 Bowman/Topps Products.

NFL Auction to help kick off 2010 season

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The NFL has launched its “Back to Football 2010 Kickoff Charity Auction” in support of the New Orleans Saints Gulf Coast Renewal Fund.

Heritage Auctions NYC Gallery set for Sept. 1 opening

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The eagerly-awaited new Manhattan gallery and offices of Heritage Auction Galleries will open at 445 Park Avenue (at 57th Street) on Sept. 1.

Obama gets gift from Yogi Berra

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Aug. 26 afternoon, a pool report from the President’s vacation in Martha’s Vineyard contained a line about POTUS taking an envelope from an unidentified man. “One man, standing at the edge of the yellow police tape, handed the President something (it looked like a maroon 8.5x11 folder but pool was too far away to tell.) The President looked at it, then handed it to Nicholson [Obama’s trip director],” read the report.

Great memorabilia offered up in Legends Ball auction

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Guests attending The Legends Ball on September 10 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City will rub elbows with tennis legends and industry leaders, honor the greats of the game and have the opportunity to support the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum by participating in a live and silent auction featuring a variety of exclusive items and experiences. All proceeds of the event will support the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring junior tennis development, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Report claims HOF Jackson jersey and others not authentic

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s 1919 White Sox jersey was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum by Major League Baseball in 1998, it was the crown jewel of the newly-acquired collection of artifacts from the famed Barry Halper Collection. MLB paid close to $8 million for 175 items from Halper and subsequently sent those treasures off to Cooperstown as a donation to be exhibited in the Hall’s “Barry Halper Gallery.”

Strasburg to have Tommy John surgery

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Strasburg has a torn elbow ligament and will likely have Tommy John surgery, bringing the pitcher's promising rookie season to an abrupt end.

Will Triple Crown run lead to spike in Pujols cards?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Carl Yastrzemski was the last player to win the Triple Crown. His 1967 season is the stuff of legend. How tough has it been for a National League player to win the home run, RBI and batting titles in the same year? The last man to do it was Ducky Medwick…in 1937. Now, another Cardinal is making a legitimate run. Albert Pujols leads the NL in homers and RBI and is battling Cincinnati’s Joey Votto for the top average. With just over a month remaining in the season, reality is starting to sink in for fans who may have a chance to see history.

Ali championship ring finally returned to ex wife

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The ring awarded to Muhammad Ali when he became boxing's first three-time heavyweight champion has been returned to Ali's former wife six years after she loaned it to a friend who was dying of cancer, her lawyer said.

The autograph heard round the world

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bobby Thomson’s own signature moment came in 1951, when he hit perhaps the most famous home run in the history of baseball. For me, his signature moment was in 1982. One fine day, I opened the mailbox and found a self-addressed, stamped envelope postmarked Watchung, N.J. Without even opening the letter, I knew what it contained — Bobby Thomson’s autograph. After all, how many letters does someone in Saskatchewan receive from Watchung, N.J.?

Tiger Slam Irons now up for bids

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Not long after Tiger Woods was consumed by much bigger problems, a set of irons he’d given away wound up on eBay. Advertised as one of the sets he used while winning the “Tiger Slam” in 2000 and 2001, the opening bid was $250,000.

Vintage M101-2 Sporting News supplements surface online

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

You never know what the mailman will bring. Over half of a complete set of 1909-1913 M101-2 Sporting News supplements have made their way to eBay after being consigned to auction through Just Collect Inc.

New Upper Deck volunteer program building a following

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last month Upper Deck unveiled an exciting new initiative designed to further engage the company’s loyal collector base. The “Upper Deck Volunteer Alliance” is a program free of charge that’s open to collectors from around the world that enables them to earn Upper Deck merchandise simply by helping the company promote the hobby. Upper Deck has been pleasantly surprised by the response it has gotten from collectors looking to help share the fun of collecting trading cards.

Aaron Rodgers exclusive interview

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Somewhere, in Ed and Darla Rodgers’ attic or basement – their son isn’t quite sure just where – there is a very large box, filled to the brim with late 1980s and early 1990s football and baseball cards.
“Tons. Tons. I still have ‘em,” Aaron Rodgers says, proudly. “I think they’re in storage. I know my mom wouldn’t have thrown those out.”

One-of-a-kind signed baseballs raising money for Little League

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Through its partnership with Little League Baseball and Softball, SUBWAY restaurants created the second annual SUBWAY® Baseball DeSIGNS tour and auction program.

UD produces card of soccer sensation Henry

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

He’s only been a member of the New York Red Bulls for less than five weeks, but already the Upper Deck Company has produced a collectible trading card featuring French soccer sensation Thierry Henry. The special Upper Deck Soccer card, the first of Henry’s career as a Red Bull, is now available at Upper Deck’s online store: www.upperdeckstore.com. By purchasing two blaster boxes of Upper Deck’s 2010 Soccer product, customers will automatically receive the sought-after Henry card free of charge.

Basketball HOF Auction nets $1.48 million

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A traditional part of the annual slate of festivities held at the Basketball Hall of Fame is the Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Auction, which this year brought in $1.48 million – a result Grey Flannel Auctions’ Richard Russek, described as “fantastic, especially considering there were 222 lots in the sale. The average lot price was $6,671, and 100 percent of the lots Wilt Chamberlain 76ers jerseysold.”

Huge lot of Cracker Jack cards turn up in Colorado

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are still great finds hiding in dresser drawers across America. Proof of that comes in the form of a collection of 154 different 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards that recently emerged from a home in Colorado.

FBI probe could be a blessing for collectors

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month, thousands of sports memorabilia aficionados and avid trading card collectors spent five days navigating through the massive maze of over 600 dealers and distributors spread across 350,000 square feet in Baltimore’s Convention Center. Several of the attendees at this year’s 31st National Sports Collectors Convention suspended frugal personal finance practices temporarily and heartily participated in the time honored tradition of impulse buying. They splurged on sports mementos, autographs, and trading cards.

New Panini deal with Wall includes memorabilia

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The NBA’s top rookies are in New York Aug. 17 to get their pictures taken for their trading cards. We sat down with Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America, which has the exclusive rights to make the NBA product, to talk about the NBA and the state of business.

Steinerfest to feature several hockey greats

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It will be like a summit meeting of the Hockey Hall of Famewhen Rangers’ Stanley Cup hero Mark Messier, two-time Penguins Stanley Cup champion Mario Lemieux and “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe are among the ice icons convening at Iona College on Sept. 25, for Steinerfest IV.

Collectors and Shop Owners revisit the state of the hobby

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Of the tens of thousands of sports cards Bill Linseman has held onto over the years, many of them are still valuable. He could check their prices on eBay and perhaps get decent offers if they’re still in good condition. He could glance at a national guide and see if others’ buying and selling prices are reasonable. But all Linseman really longs for is the time when sports cards, in general, were really worth something.

Panini inks exclusive deal with Timberwolves top pick

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Panini America announced Sept. 16 that it has entered into an exclusive relationship with Wesley Johnson, the Minnesota Timberwolves rookie and the fourth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. The partnership with Panini America, the exclusive trading card and sticker licensee of the NBA, marks Johnson’s first NBA trading card deal.

Mantle card fuels latest Memory Lane sale

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Paced by the sale of the only PSA 8.5 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, Memory Lane Inc’s 2010 Summer Treasures Auction came to a close in the early morning hours of August 15. The Mantle card, consigned from a private collection, drew a final bid of $130,000. With the buyer’s premium added, the card realized $154,700.

Strasburg steals the show at this year's National

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gray was one of the first 100 lucky attendees to obtain the limited edition Topps Heritage Stephen Strasburg rookie card that the trading-card giant was giving out. In exchange for 10 wrappers of any Topps product, a convention-goer could receive a card of which only 999 were made. All but one were to be distributed at the convention over the course of the five-day event this past week. Meanwhile, the remaining card was numbered #1 and just fetched $870 at a charity auction for Juvenile Diabetes on eBay.

Part II of Whats It Worth

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tuff Stuff’s new “What’s It Worth?” feature has returned. For several years our readers have asked us to evaluate their memorabilia because with the ever-changing economics of the hobby those prices are always fluxuating.
While our price guides remain the best source to get an accurate value for your sports cards, collectors wanted a reliable source to turn to to get the same type of dependable pricing for the other items in their collections. And now they have that source.

2011 Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards Now Available for Preorder

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2011 Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards - the bible of vintage sports card pricing - is now availble for preorder at an amazing price - save 34% off the cover price by ordering now.

Manning named Panini spokesman

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Panini America, a subsidiary of The Panini Group, the leading global publisher of sports and entertainment collectables announced Aug. 11 that four-time NFL MVP and Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning will serve as the company's official NFL spokesman and trading card ambassador.

Canton autograph sessions sell out for big bucks

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Meeting a Pro Football Hall of Famer, face-to-face, can turn grown men and women into little kids again. Proudly marching from the autograph-signing table, lifetime buddies Chris Clark and Joe Kreger locked eyes and slapped hands in a high-five moment of football male bonding.

Look for new autograph design from LeBron moving forward

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On July 8, NBA superstar free agent LeBron James announced to the world that he was switching uniforms to go play for the Miami Heat. The much-publicized declaration sent shockwaves through the sports card and memorabilia categories. James, a seven-year veteran of the Cleveland Cavaliers where he sported uniform No. 23, would now be taking his high-flying, hardcourt moves to South Beach, Florida, to team with the likes of perennial All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Not only would his zip code be changing, but his uniform number as well. He’s chosen to wear No. 6 next season for the Heat.

FBI continues questioning at Baltimore National

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An agent from the FBI's Chicago division crashed the National Sports Collectors Convention for the third consecutive year on Thursday, interviewing industry executives at sports memorabilia's largest annual show for what appears to be an extensive investigation into fraud, counterfeiting and shill bidding.

Gray brings Leaf Trading Cards back to the hobby

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brian Gray, formerly of the Razor Entertainment Group has launched Leaf Trading Cards, one of the past brand names commonly associated with Donruss products in the 1980s. Leaf will operate as its own entity and not be a part of the Panini company.

Report From National

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The first three days of the National are in the books without any reviting news. However, two big auctions took place and ESPN's Bill Simmons was roaming the grounds.

Check out this week's Tuff Stuff Direct newsletter

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NFL non-stories stealing MLB's thunder
Collect.com Auctions gearing up for big National
31st Annual National Convention now underway
Stop by Tuff Stuff booth at National and win Rodgers signed items
FBI investigation eying auction house fraud
NFL HOF and Panini form exclusive partnership

UD banking LeBron backlash hurt memorabilia

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LeBron James’ image might have taken a hit this offseason, but the folks at Upper Deck don’t think that collectors will stay away.

National Convention opens door for 31st event

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 31st National Sports Collectors Convention officially opens tonight with the Sneak Peek at 4PM. All exhibitors will be open for business and ready to meet the Baltimore sports public. VIPs get an early start with the Beckett Media VIP Party at 2:30 PM while General Admission attendees can enter the show at 4PM. Free autograph guests at the Sneak Peek are Mike Boddicker, Lydell Mitchell and Mark Moseley. Free tickets for tonights Orioles-Angels games will be available to paid attendees, courtesy of Blowoutcards.com.

NFL great combine efforts to form Retired Players Association

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Retired NFL greats, Carl Eller, Lem Bailey, Deacon Jones and other NFL Hall of Famers, announced Aug. 3 the launch of the Retired Players Association (RPA). The launch will take place at the NFL Enshrinement Festival at the NFL Hall of Fame Ceremony in Canton Ohio on Aug. 7.

FBI probe could have huge impact on the hobby

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dave Grob has been sounding the alarm for years: The future of sports memorabilia is at stake if the scandal-stained industry doesn't clean up its act. Legislators will impose onerous regulations on dealers and auction houses, Grob warned years ago. Memorabilia executives will go to jail.

Panini forms exclusive partnership with NFL HOF

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As part of their partnership with the NFL, Panini recently announced some new additions to their exclusive deal that will allow the card company the right to produce Hall of Fame cards.

New low grade Wagner card surfaces in the hobby

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A century-old Honus Wagner baseball card is one of the most legendary pieces of sports memorabilia in American history. Only 50 to 60 Wagner 1909-1911 Sweet Caporal Cigarette cards are known to exist. One currently awaits auction at Dominion Coins in Chesapeake. During the past 14 months, Wagner 1909-1911 Sweet Caporal Cigarette cards have sold at auction for as much as $399,500. “It’s amazing. This is the Holy Grail of the sports world, and to have it actually pass through your hands is something,” said Ray Ciccone, owner of Dominion Coin Company. The trail intersects with Suffolk banker Keith Horton and includes two notes, hidden safes, a trip to New Jersey with the precious treasure and a charitable chapter still to be written. A man living alone on an estate in Pennsylvania passed away. He had no children and wasn’t married. He left everything to his sister, a nun in a Baltimore convent, The School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Strasburg auto sells for $17k in Huggins & Scott sale

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Although the timing of his purchase couldn't have been more flawed, it didn't stop him from pulling the trigger on the deal. An unidentified buyer of a 2010 Bowman Stephen Strasburg 1-of-1 red auto is now hoping that the inflamation in the pitching shoulder of pheom Stephen Strasburg will quickly subside and he can get back to dominating hitters. Strasburg was placed on the 15-day Disabled List almost simultaneously to the conclusion of the sale of the card. The injury didn't deter the buyer from shelling out $17,000 in a Huggins & Scott auction that ended late July 28.

Veteran collector opens own museum

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly 20 years after helping bring Major League Baseball to the Mile High City, Bruce Hellerstein finally has his own field of dreams. Though players won't emerge from any cornfields, America's favorite pastime comes to life a block from Coors Field inside B's Ballpark Museum, which houses a treasure trove that Smithsonian Baseball ranked among the top 21 private collections in the world.

Grey Flannel continues tradition with HOF auction

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Grey Flannel Auctions of Westhampton, N.Y., has announced details of its Fifth Annual Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Auction and other special events associated with the 2010 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The live auction will take place on Friday, Aug. 13 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Postal Service honors Negro League players with stamp set

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Negro Leagues Baseball stamps, to be issued in June, pay tribute to the all-black professional baseball leagues that operated from 1920 to about 1960. Drawing some of the most remarkable athletes ever to play the sport, including Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson, the Negro leagues galvanized African-American communities across the country, challenged racist notions of athletic superiority, and ultimately sparked the integration of American sports.

Win great signed Aaron Rodgers items at Tuff Stuffs National booth

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

He's one of the hobby's hottest players and he's one of the NFL's rising stars. He's coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he threw for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He's Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Tuff Stuff's Sports Collectors Monthly has him. Beginning with some excellent giveaways at their booth at the National and carrying over to an exclusive interview with the superstar QB in the next issue.

Tristar honors Obak cards with special National set

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tristar Productions has announced that they will produce a very exclusive set for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention. Tristar's 10-card set commemmorates the anniversary of the OBAK cards of the early 1900's with the release of Tristar Okak: History of the Game.

Kobe and MJ top LeBron as far as popular collectibles go

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When someone recently asked basketball great Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, whom he thought was better -- LeBron James or Kobe Bryant -- he blurted out "Kobe." Sports memorabilia collectors would tend to agree. James's game-used jerseys have sold for between $2,000 and $8,000, according to Antiques Roadshow appraiser Leila Dunbar. A game-used jersey Bryant wore in last year's NBA finals sold for more than $30,000. Though prices may seem high to non-sports fans, they are a relative bargain compared with Jordan memorabilia.

Chasing Perfection With Drew Brees

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For veteran New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, this season, his time with the Saints, and basically his entire NFL career have always been about changing perceptions. Whether it’s been trying to convince scouts his then 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound frame could withstand the rigors of the NFL, or trying to get those same scouts to believe he had the arm strength to make all the necessary throws at the next level, there have always been skeptics.

Historic Rose bat does not meet expected price

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The black Mizuno bat that Pete Rose used to get his final hit has been auctioned for $158,776, less than expected for the 32 ounces of baseball history. Rose used the bat for hit No. 4,256, a single off San Francisco's Greg Minton on Aug. 14, 1986. His final hit stands as the major league record. Lelands.com auctioned the 34-inch, 32-ounce bat online this month. Seven bids were received.

Former MLB player Dmitri Young at Memory Lane National booth

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When healthy, he was one of the finest pure hitters in baseball. Dmitri Young’s .292 career batting average will attest to that. He was also one of those players who had a respect for the game and the players who came before him. Like many of us, Young manifested that appreciation by collecting sports cards and memorabilia. Memory Lane Inc. is honored to announce that the affable ballplayer/collector will be on hand at the company’s booth during two days of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore.

MLB authenticators set for A-Rods milestone HR ball

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The balls, which are indistinguishable from regular balls to the naked eye, are part of MLB's authentication program, which enables teams and fans alike to verify the authenticity of game-used memorabilia. Every ball pitchers throw to Mr. Rodriguez once he reaches 599 will be specially encoded so it can be indisputably identified if it is hit into the stands. And just about every piece of clothing he wears, every piece of equipment he uses and everything he touches when he hits No. 600 will be tagged with high-tech holograms immediately after the game.

Why Stephen Strasburg's $40k Rookie Card is a bad investment

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So in a way it's not surprising that the special edition Stpehen Strasburg autographed rookie card, which really is one of a kind, is generating so much attention -- or that the auction being conducted by Huggins and Scott is expected to generate so much cash. And say what you want about the childlike passion that big money collectors have for the game, the fact is that there's not a single person on the planet who will bid tens of thousands of dollars on a baseball card without some eye toward its future value.

Panini offering first LeBron Heat card at National

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Panini America will offer a wrapper redemption program at this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention that will feature the first cards of LeBron James and Chris Bosh wearing Miami Heat uniforms.

Topps giving away Strasburg card at The National

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Topps revealed on July 21 that collectors who open 10 packs of 2010 Topps or Bowman packs (with the exceptions of Attax, Opening Day and 99-cent cello packs) at the Topps booth during the National Convention will receive a Strasburg 2010 Topps Heritage card (No. NCC1).

Baltimore Sun and DACardWorld combine for great National giveaway contest

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"The Luckiest Kid in Town" contest is taking Baltimore by storm as the Baltimore Sun and DACardWorld.com have teamed up to give Cal Ripken Jr away as a door prize at this year's 31st National Sports Collectors Convention. Ads, eBlasts, Websites, and a huge PR push have just begun in the host city where thousands of kids are trying to be that "Luckiest Kid in Town"!

Highly graded 1952 Mantle fuels current Memory Lane sale

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Memory Lane Inc. has released its list of items in the company’s Summer Treasures Auction, which launched July 17. Summer is when fans flock to the Baseball Hall of Fame but this year, baseball history may be as close as the Memory Lane catalog. More than 1,100 lots will be offered, including several Cooperstown-worthy pieces spanning virtually the entire history of organized professional baseball.

Bryant ties Tiger as top sports star

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tiger Woods has dropped into a tie with Kobe Bryant as the favorite American sports star. Woods had held the position alone since 2006, but the Los Angeles Lakers guard moved up from fourth last year to grab a share of the top spot, Harris Interactive said July 20.

Upper Deck unveils plans for National

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, the Upper Deck Company is preparing to entertain the card-collecting masses at the fast-approaching National Sports Collectors Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s event, scheduled to take place from Wednesday, August 4, through Sunday, August 8, will mark the 31st running of the nation’s largest sports collectibles and memorabilia show.

Collect.com Auctions next sale loaded with rare vintage materials

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s not very often someone comes across never-before-seen or uncataloged collectibles, especially in the sports memorabilia hobby. One such major occurrence took place last year when a Wisconsin man found a box containing some of the rarest baseball cards ever produced – the 1934 Al Demaree Die-Cuts (R304) by Dietz Gum Co. of Chicago. And now the hobby has a chance to own then, as Collect.com Auctions will offer these rare cards in its Sports & Americana Auction No. 5, slated to kick off July 26 and end Aug. 12.

APBA located and loaded for upcoming gaming tournament

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

APBA International, Inc. (APBA Games) of Lancaster, PA is preparing for it's 7th annual convention and baseball game tournament to be hosted at the Heritage Hotel in Lancaster, PA. APBA has been a leader in sports strategy gaming since 1951, with the advent of it's classic APBA Pro Baseball Board Game.

Sneak Peek: Exclusive Interview With Hall of Famer Cal Ripken

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With this year's National Convention being held in Baltimore, the one person atop every autograph seeker's wish list was undoubtedly MLB and Orioles legend, Cal Ripken Jr. But because of a busy post-baseball career that includes duties as an entreprenuer, television broadcaster and full-time father, getting Ripken to sit down to sign autographs these days is about as difficult as getting him out of the lineup was during his playing days.

UD announces redemption plans for National

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, the Upper Deck Company is preparing to entertain the card-collecting masses at the fast-approaching National Sports Collectors Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s event, scheduled to take place from Aug. 4-8, will mark the 31st running of the nation’s largest sports collectibles and memorabilia show.

Check out this week's Tuff Stuff Direct newsletter

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MLB Predictions: Half right at the halfway point
Collect.com Auctions sale featuring unopened wax boxes and more
MLB releases one whale of a book
Huggins & Scott auction fueled by Strasburg auto
Special Sneak Peek of Tuff Stuff's exclusive with Cal Ripken
What's It Worth? returns in next issue of Tuff Stuff

Steinbrenner dies of heart attack at age 80

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

George Steinbrenner, who rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire with a mix of bluster and big bucks that polarized fans all across America, died Tuesday. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday July 4.

MLB unveils 75 pound limited edition book

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In the short history of sports megabooks, there has been a 75-pounder about Muhammad Ali, a celebration of Pelé that was a shapely 35 pounds, and a history of the Super Bowl that tipped the publishing scales at 85 pounds. To coincide with the July 13 All-Star Game, Major League Baseball on recently entered the market with a 75-pound, $3,000 tome that traces the game’s history through 110,000 words and more than 1,000 photographs and illustrations. Like those before it, the leather-bound book, “The Official Major League Baseball Opus,” will come out in a limited edition (1,000 copies), packaged in a silk-covered clamshell case.

Strasburg Bowman Red fuels next Huggins & Scott Sale

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Headlined by the Stephen Strasburg Autographed Red Parallel 1/1 Bowman rookie card Graded a Mint 9 by Beckett Grading Service and an uncut sheet of 1954 Topps Baseball cards with the Hank Aaron rookie card, Huggins and Scott has completed preparations for their upcoming worldwide sports memorabilia catalog auction that will begin Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at Noon eastern time. Bids will be accepted until the auction closes on July 28-29, 2010.

Relocating LeBron How a change of teams will affect his collectibles

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A devoted Cleveland sports fan is dreaming. In his dream, Cavs fans rise in anticipation as LeBron James approaches the scorer’s table at Quicken Loans Arena and reaches for the talcum powder. King James may be from Akron, Ohio, but his pre-game chalk toss is pure Hollywood. He pours the powder into his hands, pauses for effect, and then dramatically unleashes it in the air. The crowd erupts, but just as the chalk begins to disintegrate, poof, LeBron disappears. The King is gone.

UD releases Ultimate Collection Hockey

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2009-10 NHL season may be over with the Stanley Cup now residing in the Windy City, home of the victorious Blackhawks, but Upper Deck continues to quench the thirst of rabid hockey collectors everywhere with its new trading card releases. And this week, the hockey card giant is pleased to release its much-anticipated 2009-10 Ultimate Collection Hockey product. This season’s sought-after set features the most collectible rookies in the league and guarantees at least one rookie card, one autographed card and one memorabilia card in every pack.

PSA National promotion to include free magazines

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visitors to the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention will have an opportunity to see an exhibit of rare Babe Ruth baseball cards and also have an opportunity to receive a free magazine and book from Professional Sports Authenticator (www.PSAcard.com). The show will be held in the Baltimore, Maryland Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010.

Lautieri wins UD 'Hunt for the Ultimate Man Cave' Contest

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With big-time bragging rights and an autographed, hand-painted Michael Jordan Bulls Jersey from Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) on the line, 29-year-old Roy Lautieri stepped up and hit nothing but net. An avid sports enthusiast and autograph collector for the past 20 years specializing in UDA memorabilia chronicling the likes of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Lautieri sufficiently wowed Upper Deck’s internal committee in the company’s recent “Hunt for the Ultimate Man Cave” contest. With one room in his house completely decked out in UDA keepsakes, Lautieri’s video entry was compelling enough to sway the judges despite the more than 50 outstanding entries that were received.

Panini inks Turner to exclusive trading card deal

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Panini America announced July 1 that it has entered into an exclusive relationship with Evan Turner, who was the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. This partnership with Panini America, the exclusive trading card and sticker licensee of the NBA, marks Turner’s first NBA trading card deal.

Stolen Ty Cobb letter returned to Sporting News archives

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On the morning of May 19, 2010, Dr. Ron Cobb of Marietta, Georgia was perusing items for sale on eBay, as he often does. An amateur baseball historian and memorabilia collector, Ron often searches out baseball collectibles on eBay, and on other auctions sites that allow internet bidding. As a lifelong Ty Cobb fan, and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Ty Cobb Museum in Royston, Georgia, Ron is particular interested in memorabilia and other items related to Ty Cobb. (However, he is not a descendant of Ty Cobb, or a close relative of the Ty Cobb family) On this particular morning there was an interesting new item up for auction on eBay with the following description:

UD set to unveil college hoop stars in upcoming product

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Upper Deck announced June 26 that it will be releasing an impressive 2010-11 Ultimate Collection Basketball trading card set in September, in which many of this year’s top lottery picks will be appearing complete with autographed inserts. Several of the top players selected during yesterday’s first round of the 2010 Basketball Draft will be featured in the set including Derrick Favors (No. 3 pick overall), DeMarcus Cousins (No. 5), Ekpe Udoh (No. 6), Greg Monroe (No. 7), Gordon Hayward (No. 9), Paul George (No. 10), Cole Aldrich (No. 11), Xavier Henry (No. 12) and Luke Babbitt (No. 16).

Strasburg card sets new mark with $25,000 sale price

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While the Red autographed Stephen Strasburg card auction was pulled after bogus bids threatened the $1 million mark, the 1-fo-1 2010 Bowman SuperFractor sale was completed on Monday evening and it set a new record in the process.

300 Collectors Get Chance To Get Their Autographed Strasburg Topps Rookie Card

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On June 8, the day of Rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg’s MLB debut, the Topps Company released a special rookie card exclusively available through code cards found in Topps baseball packs. On June 23 the company has announced that 300 collectors can have Stephen Strasburg personally autograph their limited edition rookie card.

National announces Sneak Peek autograph guests

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Attendees at the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention Sneak Peek on Wednesday evening, August 4 will receive an extra treat. In addition to the previously announced free Baltimore Orioles ticket promotion, sponsored by Blowoutcards.com, Sneak Peek guests will have the opportunity to get free autographs from three local favorites. The National Sports Collectors Convention will run from August 4-8, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Sneak Peek hours are 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. VIPs may enter the show at 3:30 p.m.. Visit www.NSCCShow.com for details and ticket information.

Sports Card Forum delivers quad signed card to contest winner

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

During the Hawaii Trade conference in 2009, Upper Deck turned many heads by giving away some truly amazing cards to the attendees. Sportscardforum’s owner and general manager were in attendance and they received the mother of all hockey cards. A quadruple autographed card numbered to 3 featuring Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux. What does one do with such a card I hear you ask? Well, if you’re the owner of a popular sports card forum you think that this is a wonderful way to give something back to the members and you decide to give it away on the boards. When they hockey Team got wind of what their top prize for the season would be, they decided that a simple one off contest just wasn’t enough. After all, to be worthy of such a prize, the eventual winner should have to display some skills and knowledge about hockey.

Autographed one of one Strasburg card reaches $1 million in eBay auction

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Strasburg is living up to the hype on the diamond and he might be exceeding it in the sports card hobby. Another one-of-a-kind baseball card of Washington Nationals phenom pitcher has been listed on eBay and the bids are flying off the charts for a new card.

Mounted Memories unveils new Chicago Blackhawks memorabilia

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mounted Memories, the sports memorabilia manufacturing division of Dreams, Inc., scored a major victory with its debut of a one-of-a-kind shadowbox. To commemorate the remarkable victory by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, Mounted Memories has created unique memorabilia that includes magical photography of the series’ highlights, and also features ice from the Stanley Cup final.

Contest winner will take part in NHL Entry Draft

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Upper Deck Company, the NHL’s exclusive trading card manufacturer, is pleased to announce that 12-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Estrada of Anaheim has been selected as the grand prize winner in the company’s recent “NHL Entry Draft Runner” essay contest. The promotion was conducted over the past three weeks across 10 participating Los Angeles-area hobby shops where shop owners solicited written entries from eligible customers between the ages of 10 and 14 who purchased a box of 2009-10 Upper Deck NHL hockey cards.

Hyped Up Sports to conduct rare signing with LeBron

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hyped Up Sports is living up to its name with a private signing with LeBron James that company officials are touting as the last opportunity to have the 2010 MVP sign items linked with his No. 23.Hyped Up Sports, an Upper Deck Authenticated dealer, and the rare private signing is slated for late July at the Upper Deck headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.

Press Pass announces plans for National promo

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Press Pass Inc., the premier manufacturer of NASCAR racing collectibles has announced the company’s plans for the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention, scheduled for August 4-8, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Press Pass will provide a great 6-card National-exclusive VIP Set. The set includes Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick. VIPs will receive a wrapped 5 card pack and will receive the 6th card at the Press Pass Booth #2227 in the Corporate Pavilion.

Fun and Games leads to the pull of a lifetime

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Meet Jason Rininger. He’s a 30-year-old newlywed residing in Atlanta, and he’s an addict.
There’s no pills, pipes or powdery white substances involved here. And there’s no Russian vodka that comes calling for him on a daily basis, and no 12-step recovery program associated with the addiction, either.
Rininger’s addiction stems from a restaurant featuring video games as far as the eye can see.

LOST cards found only at Rittenhouse

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rittenhouse Archives is set to release its all-new, 2010 LOST Archives trading cards and much like the series’ must-see final season and susequent series finale, fans will likely swallow them up with a simliar verocity. The highly anticipated release is due out July 21 and comes on the heels of the LOST: Seasons 1 thru 5 series, which chronicled the show’s amazing run which then cumlinated in the sixth and final season.

Mantle jersey fuels latest SCP Auctions sale

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A rare autographed, game-worn home jersey from Mickey Mantle’s 1955 season sold for $125,332 in SCP Auctions’ latest online auction, which concluded Thursday. Tagged exclusively for Mantle, it features blue chain stitching on the front tail that reads, “Mantle, 55-7,” accompanied by Mantle’s signature.

Panini unveils collectible World Cup sticker

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As excitement builds with the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and in advance of the U.S. National team’s opening match against England on June 12, Panini America (www.paniniamerica.net has launched its marketing efforts to introduce the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Sticker collection for the first time in the United States at major U.S. retailers and online at www.eurosport.com.

World Cup is here, Panini Delivers Stickers

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The World Cup is underway, and Panini is bringing its vast experience in FIFA stickers to the U.S. through major retailers. Get in on the action today.

Mounted Memories inks deal with nearly perfect Galarraga

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mounted Memories, the sports memorabilia manufacturing division of Dreams, Inc., announced that it has signed an exclusive deal with Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga, to commemorate his nearly perfect game on June 2, 2010

Bat Rose used to establish hit record up for bids

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The black Mizuno bat that Pete Rose used for his final hit -- record No. 4,256 -- is being auctioned by Lelands.com and is expected to become one of the most expensive bats ever sold.

Check out the latest Tuff Stuff Direct newsletter

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From the BlogZone: Stephen Strasburg's impressive debut has even the most cynical of sports writers believing the hype.
Topps captures Strasburg's first pitch in debut rookie card
High-quality vintage items to be featured in upcoming Collect.om Auctions sale
PSA/DNA debuts new protective photo holders
Submit your memorabilia for free evaluations with "What's It Worth?"
Press Pass' Showcase series makes its return

Mantle cards continued long after Micks playing days

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thank God for TCMA. If it wouldn’t have been for The Card Memorabilia Associates, the 1970’s and 80’s would have been boring. It was a dormant time period from a standpoint of collecting Mickey Mantle baseball cards. As we all know, Mickey’s last real card from Topps was issued in 1969, even though he never played during that centennial year of Major League Baseball.

Latest Online Auction News

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

STRASBURG: Kids, just relax on Stephen Strasburg. He might be making his first start, his rookie cards might be just hitting the market, he might have more potential than Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and the Big Train himself, all combined, if you believe the hype on this kid. Will someone please tell these bidders shucking out thousands of dollars for his rookies that the market for modern cards is still pretty soft, and that young pitchers are volatile?

Oswalt an ace on the mound and in the hobby

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Roy Oswalt has one strict rule when it comes to memorabilia collecting. Pitchers only. He doesn’t have or want anything from hitters, his professional arch-enemies, whose lives he’s made miserable since breaking into the big leagues nine years ago.

PSA/DNA introduces protective holders for photos

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Protective holders for certified original photographs and for the grading of autographs on 8X10 and slightly smaller-size photos will be used by PSA/DNA Authentication Services (www.PSA/DNA.com) beginning June 14, 2010. The new holders make it easer for collectors and dealers to organize and store their photos.

Topps unveils first officially licensed Strasburg RC

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To celebrate MLB Rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg's major league debut, The Topps Company, Inc., the exclusive producer of Major League Baseball trading cards, has announced that Strasburg's first ever MLB rookie card will be made available exclusively online via www.toppsmillion.com immediately following his first pitch in the big leagues.

Press Pass� Showcase returns for Encore in 2010

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The release of Press Pass Showcase NASCAR turned out to be one of the most popular debuts in the trading card industry last year. The super-premium, hobby-exclusive Press Pass Showcase will be back in 2010 and better than ever. Once again, every pack will contain either an autograph or race-used memorabilia card from one of the world’s top drivers. The autograph and memorabilia line-up consists of a variety of low-numbered rare cards that are exclusively available in Press Pass Showcase, including multi-signed autograph cards and oversized autographed memorabilia cards.