Sports Collectors Daily|Sports collecting news

Dmitri Young Rookie Card Collection Brings $2.4 Million

Editor — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:28:00 +0000

Well-monitized collectors sent prices for some post-War vintage baseball cards out of the ballpark early Saturday morning as hundreds of graded rookie cards from the collection of former major league player Dmitri Young were sold at auction. Spanning several decades, the PSA Gem Mint 10 collection included several cards that were the lone examples at the grade level including a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente that sold for $432,690 and a 1954 Topps Hank Aaron that brought $357,594.

The auction ended at about 5 a.m. east coast time. All told, the cards sold for more than $2.4 million.

Prices include a 20% buyer's premium added on by SCP Auctions, which is handling Young's collection and hundreds of other pieces of rare sports memorabilia that close Saturday night. Included in the latter group are such artifacts as a 1920-era Babe Ruth Yankees game jersey, a cap Ruth wore in the 1930s and the cap that sat atop Bobby Thomson's head after he hit the pennant-winning home run for the New York Giants in 1951.

Young's rookie card collection included everything from a 1948 Bowman Stan Musial ($129,850) to a 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter ($24,450). A 1963 Topps Pete Rose rookie card brought $157,365.

Young says he'll use the money to fund a foundation aimed at helping children. An avid collector, Young began buying cards several years ago with the help of Dave Bailey, a mutual friend of former Detroit Tigers' teammate Robert Fick, often breaking cases of modern product in hopes of finding perfect looking rookie cards to submit for grading. Occasionally, when he received only a '9', Young would re-submit, hoping a PSA grader bump the card to a 10.

The auction proved that one point on the scale of high grade vintage cards can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.

Not all of the cards in Young's collection required a large bankroll. Many of the modern era rookies sold for less than $50 each, which was expected since numerous other examples already exist. His vintage stash more than made up for it.

The prices paid will likely bring more widespread attention to the vintage card market, which could boost other high grade cards. Collectors holding PSA 10 copies of Young's most valuable cards are likely overjoyed at the result.

1963 TOPPS BILL BRUTON 437 PSA 85 NM MT PLUS NQ TOUGH 1 OF 5 JUST 10 HIGHER
US $49.99

1962 Salada Bart Starr PSA 10
US $1,600.00

2001 Sunoco CocaCola Hunter Maris 12 PSA 10 1962
US $19.99

2001 Sunoco CocaCola Ashburn Roberts 9 PSA 10 1963
US $29.99

1968 TOPPS DENNY LEMASTER PSA GEM MINT 10 CARD 491LOW POP OF ONLY 14
US $205.99

1968 TOPPS 336 JOHN PURDIN DODGERS PSA 10 1 OF 8
US $195.00

1968 TOPPS 308 PIRATES TEAM CARD PSA 10 1 OF 5
US $350.00

1968 TOPPS 305 MINNIE ROJAS ANGELS PSA 9 ONLY 1 10
US $30.00

1961 DINOSAUR SERIES 10 LYCAENOPS PSA 8
US $25.00

Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl Ring Up for Auction; Son Reportedly Selling it

Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:07 +0000

Super Bowl rings have come up for auction many times before, but it's rare when a Hall of Fame player's ring is the one being sold.

Lawrence Taylor’s New York Giants Super Bowl XXV ring is a part of SCP Auctions’ spring auction. The ring has received 21 bids with the current bid at $89,596--roughly double what it was early Thursday morning after the sale received mainstream media attention. With the buyer's premium figured in, the ring has already realized more than $100,000.

The auction ends on Saturday.

Taylor gave the ring to his son who decided to sell it, according to FoxSports.com, which reported that LT's agent was fine with that.

Current Giants' defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora has offered to buy the ring and give it back if he could reach 500,000 Twitter followers by 10 p.m. Saturday. A relative newcomer, Umenyiora had fewer than 50,000 as of early Saturday evening. When a Twitter follower asked why he wouldn't just buy the ring, Umenyiora wrote back, "Honestly, because i dont know him. If im going to spend that kind of money, it will be because people love him and show it".

Last year, former Raiders' punter Ray Guy put three of his Super Bowl rings on the auction block and they sold for over $96,000 combined.

Arguably the most significant Super Bowl player ring ever offered publicly, it features two football shaped diamonds on the face surrounded by worn blue enameling framed by seventeen smaller diamonds. Design elements include the name “TAYLOR” on the left shank above a Giants helmet and his number “56”. Engraved on the interior band in the full name “LAWRENCE TAYLOR”. The ring shows considerable wear, meaning LT apparently wore it quite a bit.

Held at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on January 27, 1991, at the height of the Gulf War, the game was played under much patriotic fervor. The proceedings included a rousing pre-game rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Whitney Houston. The Giants held on for a 20-19 win over the Buffalo Bills after the famous "wide right" field goal attempt by Scott Norwood.

Taylor owns a ring from Super Bowl XXI, when the Giants beat the Denver Broncos, 39-20 at the Rose Bowl in January of 1987.

The ring includes a notarized letter of authenticity from Taylor.

There's no word why he's selling.

For information and links to Giants replica championship rings, click here.

Hobby Update: Ripken Handprints, Crazy Auction Numbers, Pricey Bowman ‘Contract’, Stolen Goods, New Cards

Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:42:26 +0000

Collector Ready to Let Go of Reggie’s Rookie Jersey

Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:01:09 +0000

Before he became “Mr. October” with the Yankees in the ‘70s—and even before he was the kingpin of the Oakland A’s dynasty, Reggie Jackson was a Kansas City A’s prospect.

He wore #9 in Oakland and #44 in New York but a year before his career took off, Jackson wore number 31 with KC. That original jersey is now up for bid at Grey Flannel Auctions. The current high bid is over $16,000.

According to the auction house, it originates from a lot of 150 A’s flannel jerseys that were purchased from a warehouse in the late 1970’s. It is accompanied by a photocopy of a 1967 box score listing “Jackson 31” as well as additional “Baseball Reference” and “Baseball Almanac” printouts listing “Jackson” on the starting roster for several games in June of 1967.

Jackson has signed the front in black marker adding the inscription, “My 1st Rookie Gamer Jersey from Kansas City June 1967”.

The man who owned the jersey, Steven White, is an independent middle east consultant who became friends with the Hall of Famer. He writes about his decision to part with a little slice of baseball history that was part of his still vibrant collection in this blog at the Huffington Post.

What’s Hot in the Shop: Bowman, Thy Name is Hot List

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:02:32 +0000

by Mike Fruitman

When it came time to write about the hottest product in the hobby this week, my choice could not have been easier. 2012 Bowman baseball has not only lived up to the hype, it has far exceeded it.

Since arriving last Wednesday, other than the day my store was sold out, it has seemingly been the only thing customers in my store have been asking for.

With one autograph in each regular box and three in each jumbo box, it has once again lived up to its name of the Home Of The Rookie Card. Recent year’s offerings were buoyed by Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, shops literally had lines of collectors waiting for UPS trucks who could not wait any longer.

On top of all the incredible refractors, the new AFLAC High-School All American Autographs, the first time Autographed Rookie Originals buyback singles, the wrapper redemption offer and much more, having rookies of Yu Darvish, Yoenis Cespedes gave it even more hype. Having Harper get called up just prior to release only helped fuel the quest for available boxes.

With additional inserts such as Bowman’s Best, 1/1 Printing Plates, 1/1 Super-Fractors and the new Bowman Black Collection /25 with silver ink autographs collectors and shops should expect to continue to see 2012 Bowman near the top of the hot list for some time.

By the time my store went to restock Bowman jumbo boxes two hours after they hit, we were not surprised to be paying more than we had actually sold them for. Many 2012 Bowman offerings are still down the pike, shops should only hope that they are as well received as the first one from this season.

Mike Fruitman owns Mike's Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, Colo. Enjoy new arrivals and big hits from Mike’s on Twitter. Mike’s is always looking for more friends on Facebook and you can email him at cardmn5150@aol.com.

NFL Rookie Premiere: Topps Bringing Back 1965 ‘Tall Boys’

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:42:10 +0000

Famous Ruth Photo, Clemente Contract, Koufax Jersey Among Items in Auction

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:33:24 +0000

Grey Flannel Auctions' Summer Games Auction 2012 is now under way with collectors placing early bids on Premier Lots including the June 13th, 1948 "The Babe Bows Out" Nat Fein's Original & Actual Wire Photograph Published in the NY Herald Tribune, 1965 Sandy Koufax Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey from his Championship & Cy Young Season, 1972 Roberto Clemente Pirates Signed Final Career Contract and the 1981 NBA Championship ring earned by Robert Parish.

In all, 782 lots have been selected for the absentee and internet auction that closes for bidding on May 30.

The aforementioned original "Babe Bows Out" photo is believed by many to be the most historic photo in sports history, which earned Nat Fein a Pulitzer Prize. The iconic photograph was taken at Yankee Stadium on June 13th, 1948 on the 25th anniversary of the "The House That Ruth Built." It's the original print used by the New York Herald-Tribune for the June 14, 1948 issue, the first from Nat Fein’s 4” x 5” negative.The photo is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Fein himself. Opening bid is $75,000.

Another frontrunner is the 1965 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey. This jersey is a "10" in every way, pristine and all original from the year when the legend of Sandy Koufax was made, declining to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series due to his observance of Yom Kippur and returning to pitch and win both games 5 and 7. The jersey has already been bid up to more than $53,000.

Grey Flannel is also offering Reggie Jackson's Rookie Kansas City Athletics Game-Used & Autographed Home Flannel Vest, the very first jersey worn in the majors by "Mr. October".

Orel Hershiser opted to keep a baseball from his 59^th consecutive scoreless inning in 1988 when he established a new big league record but his glove from that season is still up for bid.

Autographed items include the final Major League contract of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente with the Pirates, a 1947 Old-Timers' Game at Yankee Stadium baseball signed by nineteen Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Jimmie Foxx and Cy Young.

The hardwood is highlighted by the1981 Celtics Championship Ring with a letter of authenticity from Robert Parish as well as a 1973 Jerry West NBA All-Star Western Conference Game-Used Jersey, the only publicly known of its kind photomatched to that very game. The West jersey sits at more than $41,000 as of early Thursday.

Another item of game-used basketball apparel that are off to a running start include Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers Rookie game used home jersey with shorts, which Grey Flannel says has been photo matched to his debut in 1996.

The gridiron is represented with a Willie Wood Green Bay Packers Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey which the auction company says was worn in the 1962 NFL Championship Game. Provenance comes in the form of a letter from the team’s defensive coordinator at the time.

Bidding in Grey Flannel's Summer Games Auction will close on May 30. Printed catalogs are free to all registered bidders. The fully illustrated eCatalog is available to view online.

Rescued Greyhound Serves as Store’s Official Greeter

Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:27:20 +0000

We don't know for certain, but it's probably a pretty good bet that we found the only retired racing greyhound in the baseball card business.

Bill Webb, who owns Webb's Sports Cards in Bearden, Tenn., has a soft spot for dogs and each day at this shop near Knoxville, you can find Derby. Bill brings him along every day to have some company inside his long running store, which is of course painted UT orange.

Greyhounds are a special breed, but he's found that with just a little bit of patience, these speedy canines are great pets. Derby isn't the first Bill has turned into the store's mascot, though.

You can read more about Bill's business and his 'assistant' in the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Five Budget Priced 1933 Goudey Hall of Famers

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:03:04 +0000

The 1933 Goudey set launched what eventually became the standard by which baseball cards were issued. They were a kids product so why wouldn't they be packaged with gum? Bubble gum and baseball cards went together like peanut butter and jelly. Kids chased multiple Babe Ruth cards, yelled when a Lou Gehrig popped out of a pack and in the Midwest, dug Dizzy Dean. Over time, those cards, along with a few others, became highly sought after--and expensive--in high grade. You can't touch a really good looking Ruth for less than $1,000. All is not lost, though, if you're looking for Hall of Fame relics, respectable in grade and price.

Here are five all-time greats on 1933 Goudey cards that might work within your budget and give your collection a little Cooperstown quality.

1) Carl Hubbell: Make no mistake, this was a superstar. If you were transported back to 1933, you might find his name mentioned almost as often as that of the Babe. He won 24 straight games at the height of his career in the 1930s. In the '34 All-Star Game, he struck out Ruth, Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin--all would wind up in the Hall. A nine-time All-Star, Hubbell's screwball kept hitters guessing from 1928-1943. He has two cards in the '33 Goudey set, #230 and 234. The former is a horizontal action image and other shows a capless Carl relaxing. Both are unique. Either one is worthy of your investment, which won't be more than $250 for one graded about EX, sometimes even less.

2) Charlie Gehringer: He hit .320 over his long career with the Detroit Tigers (1924-1942) and it's the offense that most fans think about when it comes to "The Mechanical Man". He was also one of the best fielding second basemen of the century. When the spotlight got brighter, Gehringer got better. It's hard to call him underrated, but his cards are still reasonably affordable and when you learn what he was all about, you'll be glad you own at least one.

3) Rogers Hornsby: This guy hit .358--for his career. Only Ty Cobb was better. He hit .400 or better three times. A different era, yes, but Hornsby's greatness has never been in dispute. His career was in a weird spiral by the time his two 1933 Goudey cards hit the market. Not always easy to get along with, he was a player manager with the St. Louis Browns for the last half of the year and played sparingly until the end of his career, despite still having superior hitting skills. Had he played in a big market during his prime, his cards would be worth more than they are. Hornsby is pictured as a manager and on another of those beautiful horizontal cards making a play in the field.

4) Bill Terry: This old Giant had a lot of pride. As a senior citizen, still signing autographs through the mail during the 1970s, he would autograph index cards "Wm H. "Bill" Terry". Eighty-two years ago, he hit .401 and no National League hitter has done it since. His career averaage was .341. A standout playing career was followed by a managerial stint. He did both in '33, leading the Giants to a World Series championship after starting in the first-ever All-Star Game. Simply one of the game's all-time legends. Shop smart and you can buy a nice '5' for less than $200.

5) Hack Wilson: The ultimate shooting star, Hack Wilson was dead before the age of 50. His playing career--and his life--cut short by alcoholism and fighting, Wilson was one of the game's most feared hitters during his brief prime. You almost have to have a baseball card of a guy who once hit 56 home runs and drove in 191 in a season, don't you? Live ball or not, that's raking.

Not only are you buying a Hall of Famer's cards (although some would debate the selection), you're buying a conversation piece, especially if you're around Cubs fans. You can often buy a VG-EX model for around $160 but this is often a tough card to find for sale.

VIDEO: ESPN’s 30 for 30 Visits Pete Rose Autograph Station

Editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, Pete Rose has a job in baseball. Maybe not the one he'd like to have, like managing a baseball team, but he still gets paid to hold baseballs and bats and jerseys, sign his name, take pictures and market himself as The Hit King.

Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs since his playing days ended, there are still people willing to go to his regularly scheduled signing session inside Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and pay him for a signature, a handshake and a little conversation.

From an industry point of view, Rose has all but flooded the market with signed items. From a fan's point of view, he can never sign enough. Maybe the lines aren't out the door, but it's how Pete Rose makes his living.

He just turned 71 last month and apparently he still needs--or wants--the money.

ESPN's award winning 30 for 30 documentary series went to The Strip to catch up with the man who's still waiting for a reinstatement that may never come. The video is worth seven minutes of your time.