Baseball Cards

Filed under: Card of the Day

by Darren Smythe Few players have been as quick as Tony Parker, or won as high a percentage of games, or been able to score inside so well considering his height, or been able to dominate the NBA after learning his basketball skills overseas.   Parker's excellence has once again played a huge role in putting the Spurs within a game of another NBA title.  Collectors haven't always been quick to go after Tony Parker's basketball cards.  He didn't have the hype that college, and at the time high school, players had when drafted.  Not many fans had heard of Centre Federal and Paris Racing, the teams Parker played for in France.  He just sort of plopped down and started his NBA career 11 seasons ago. The Spurs always know more about international scouting than most of the other NBA teams, and they added Parker with the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft.  That was the year Kwame Brown went with the top pick.  Pau Gasol was the first international player picked in that draft, and point guards Jamaal Tinsley and Raul Lopez were taken before Parker was. With plenty of busts going in that draft, the rookies don't have the appeal to collectors that others do.  Parker's rookie cards often have the highest price among his draft class, due to not only his and his team's success but also because he has played with the same team his entire career.  Gasol Andrei Kirilenko, Tyson Chandler and Shane Battier have rookie cards in the same sets that Parker does but none are with the teams that they first played for.  Spurs fans will always want Parker rookie cards, but Lakers fans may not want a card of Gasol from his original NBA team.  Of course, the overriding factor is long-term success. Tony Parker rookie cards remain very affordable for the most part.   Not only was Parker overlooked during his rookie season by many collectors.  The Fleer Ultra set didn't have his rookie card but this was addressed by inserting Parker's Ultra rookie card in packs of Fleer Focus. How long has he been around?  Long enough to where autograph cards in packs were still a bit of a rarity.  He has very few signed rookie cards so it's the single, non-signed cards of tougher and more popular brands that draw rookie card collectors.  Most are still pretty reasonable. Parker's 2001-02 Topps Chrome #155 Refractor has sold recently on eBay for $40 and $60.  His 2001-02 Topps Chrome Black Refractor, numbered to 50, sold for $265. The Spurs won their first NBA championship with a point guard with limited shooting range, Avery Johnson, and Parker started his career as someone who could be left open on the outside.  What Parker didn't have early in his career that the Spurs needed at point guard was the veteran play that someone like Johnson possessed.  Card collectors sometimes didn't see Parker on the floor at the end of games as the Spurs would use a type of "closer" to replace him, a veteran point guard to bring calm in the halfcourt game like Antonio Daniels. Parker played in his first NBA All-Star game in 2006, he had four assists and five  turnovers but playing in the game signified his arrival in the upper echelon of NBA guards.  Another turning point in his career was averaging over 20 points per game in the 2005-06 playoffs. Parker would not only improve many parts of his game but the Spurs would change their roster in a way that allowed Parker to do what he does best, penetrate into the paint and pass for the assist or score.  When Parker arrived in San Antonio they had Tim Duncan and "The Admiral" David Robinson and they built the team around them.  The Spurs dominated inside and the offense was pass the ball into the post, and if defenses collapsed, then send it back out for the open jumper.  The Spurs would use outside shooters at power forward, like Robert Horry and Matt Bonner, after Robinson retired and that created more space and driving lanes for Parker to exploit. Something that raised Parker’s profile was his marriage to Eva Longoria, star of the te

by Rich Klein In today’s world, really exceptional customer service is the way to go to ensure long-term customer satisfaction. In fact, when I began training for my current job, it was noted to us at least twice that many of us (including me) were selected because we have really good phone skills and that we have the ability to communicate complex ideas. I wrote last week about a local restaurant that fell short of expectations and then abruptly closed.  I was actually across the street from that location yesterday and can confirm there was a big sign on the door confirming it. If you remember my biggest issues were that we had to wait what seemed to be at least 40 minutes for our check and during the two hours we were there, no manager ever walked the floor to check on how everyone was doing.  They left us with a token freebie or two and an apology. To get the response we should have gotten in the first place it actually took eight posts on Facebook as well as a series of emails back and forth to the owner whose email was provided to me by the person who monitors Hoffbrau Steaks’ Facebook page.  This was the first response: "I did get your email, and have not had a chance to respond. All I can do is apologize. We are very sad to have had to close that location. We gave it all we had, but just did not do enough volume to keep it going and I am sorry about your negative experience of Saturday night. We wish you well.” Now do note, there is a location within driving or train distance from my house and a really savvy customer-service oriented owner would have said something like “How about if you ever venture downtown, stop in and have a meal on us?”   It took an email back from me to remind her of that.  If I never showed up, they weren’t out anything. his was the response to my email about explaining that. “Rich, Normally I would have offered you a complimentary dinner to make up for your negative experience, but since you had indicated you ‘now had a useless appetizer / dessert gift card’, I was under the impression you wouldn't be willing to travel to our Dallas West End location.  Our mission at Hoffbrau Steaks is that everyone has Steaks 'n Smiles, which would include you. If you would like to give us a try again, I would happily send you a voucher for a dinner for 2 on us, which could certainly be redeemed at the Dallas West End location.  Please send me your mailing address and I'll drop it in the mail.” If and when the vouchers arrive, we will consider the matter closed and we may even take them up on the offer. However, this whole experience is a good reminder to always do your best to make sure everyone is satisfied as you never know who will post on Facebook, write a review or post on a blog.  Just remember, this is 2013 and the world has changed from even just 15 or 20 years ago. Putting your best foot forward right out of the gate is vital and that’s a great lesson for card shop owners and show promoters.  Plenty of businesses are responsive to customers and if you don’t work hard to earn business, those people will take it from you. Fortunately, I do have a few really good customer stories to tell in comparison. First, one thing I strive for now that I'm back doing a show each month is to work with my regular customers. I really like helping my regulars get the cards they need at a fair price. Here is an example of helping a collector that I did recently. One of my regulars is a real nice man who owns several Jersey Mike's in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is an avid Reds collector. A few months ago, I sold him a 1968 Topps Lee May (which is a brutally tough card) at full book although the card was ex at best. We agreed that was a fair transaction and he still spends and visits me every show. This month when he came by, I told him I had a better 1968 Topps Lee May for him. We finally found the card, he agreed with me and I told him to return the other card the next time he saw me. I had gotten the Lee May in a "gr

More card show stuff. Now that the big huge stuff is out of the way I can start showing off the normal ordinary stuff. Fifty-something year old stuff but ordinary fifty-something year old stuff. Short printed ordinary fifty-something year old stuff. Ok it's awesome fifty-something year old stuff and I'm a slackass for not posting this stuff sooner. Here, have a card.Oh look a 1957 Topps Danny O'Connell card. This was in the bargain box and it got snatched up pretty quick. I'm not a huge fan of the '57 set even though it's Iconic and stuff. It's kinda like the 1952 set in that it's simultaneously hard to find and pretty drab. This is a pretty nice looking '57s though since there's a style to the drab. Lotsa greens and grays and earth tones in the set. There is a definite 1957 Topps color palette. Just check out the grass in that infield and the way the red and blue on the uniform complements it. Looks pretty nice! Beats the super close up portraits with a gray background. Like most oldy moldy sets, the 1957 set has a scarce series that is tough to find. That series for some reason is the middle series in this set. No idea why no one liked the 4th series of this set, Topps must have gimmicked it up or something. Like all good scarce series, it's chock full of nice rookies that now are much harder to find period, let alone cheap. Bobby Richardson, Jim Bunning and Brooks Robinson hold down the short printed rookie fort in this set. As for Danny, the back of the card says it all. Good defender, light bat. O'Connell played for the Braves for three and a half years before getting shipped off to the Giants in midseason for Red Schoendienst. Missed the World Series by that much. This card was an essential purchase for one reason though:Completed '57 team page, aaaaaaaaw yiss.(see what I mean about the '57 color palette? Looks like a '70s independent art film in here)

Somehow, this envelope of goodies got mixed in with several packs I had bought, and I didn't see it until now! These little goodies came from Pedersej! These are FANTASTIC additions to my Tribecards collection!! Thank you so much for your generosity!!

Golden Age will also include one of the biggest stars of the 1970s as well as a memorabilia card from one of the biggest disasters of the 1930s.

by James Morisette There was plenty to talk about in 1973, a turbulent time in American history.   Forty years ago this summer, the Vietnam War was almost in the rear view mirror and millions of U.S. citizens and returning soldiers sought to return to normalcy. Skylab went to space that year. And the Godfather earned the Oscar for best picture. Meantime, The Sting and Last Tango in Paris both arrived on the big screen. And in the grim of soaring gas prices, President Richard M. Nixon and Vice President Sparrow T. Agnew both felt the sting of Watergate, before dancing their last tango in the White House. For many baseball fans, 1973 was also a year of grief, tribute and excitement. Still dealing with the loss of Brooklyn Dodgers’ legends Gil Hodges and Jackie Robinson (who died a year prior), fans were grieving the untimely passing of Pittsburgh Pirates superstar Roberto Clemente. On December 31, 1972, Clemente was selflessly delivering relief supplies to earthquake-torn Nicaragua when the plane he was on crashed.  The great Clemente was just 38. Fans in 1973 saw  two sluggers who were approaching the all-time home run record.  They also watched a young California Angels pitcher take his first steps toward greatness, and a veteran All-Star outfielder with a household name take his final thwacks for the New York Mets.  Last, fans saw the debut of a young man who would go on to become one of the finest third basemen in major league history. Collectors can relive some of those moments through the contents of those 10-cent wax packs of bubble gum cards.  Here are my picks for the five 'must have' 1973 Topps baseball cards. Home Run Leaders (Card No. 1) Rarely do baseball cards capture looming monumental achievements like Topps did with its Home Run Leaders Card. This yellow card with white border features up-close black and white photos of Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. To the bottom right of each player is a red star. Inside these stars are the number of home runs each player had. Ruth had 714. Aaron had 673. Mays had 654. A truly cool card, Aaron went on to break Ruth’s record on April 8, 1974 vs. Al Downing and the LA Dodgers. While Mays’ chance of catching Ruth was almost nil by 1973, he nonetheless retired with 660 home runs.  It was the last year Babe Ruth was called the all-time home run king and this card captures the passing of the torch. Beckett lists the value of the #1 card in ungraded form at $40 in mint condition. Per the PSA Sports Market Report, a PSA graded 8 is worth $85. The value for this card skyrockets in PSA 9 ($500).  There has been only one PSA 10 ever graded and it  sold for $3,889 on eBay in April of this year.   As the #1 card in the set, it's somewhat difficult to find in high grade. Roberto Clemente (No. 50) Clemente's death came  just a few months after he got his 3,000th big league hit.  Topps produced Clemente’s final card showing him as an active player, dressed in home whites and a yellow Bucs’ helmet, moving to swing his bat. The opposing catcher crouches ready to accept a pitch, though the pitcher is not visible in the shot. A green outfield fence sits in the far distance, a bit blurred. For vintage baseball card collectors, this final tribute to Clemente is a must have. Like the Home Run Chase card, Beckett values Clemente at $40.  A PSA 7 is valued at $70. But realistically collectors can get this card on eBay for between $20-$30. A PSA 8 Clemente will usually run $60-75.  Also part of the first series, the Clemente is easily available online. Nolan Ryan (Card No. 220) While Nolan Ryan has some sweet vintage cards, his 1973 Topps card is among the best. In this card, Ryan’s resolute eyes glare from beneath the red bill of his California Angels cap. Ryan’s long arms, which are clothed in black, meet his glove above his head in what appears to be a windup along first base side. A red circular halo floats above angels on the front of Ryan’s jersey. What makes this card special is that 197

Part of the revenue from the Kobe Bryant memorabilia that will be sold next month will go toward a charity aimed at bullying awareness.  Several pieces, including two Bryant high school uniforms and his 2000 NBA All-Star ring, will be in the auction.  The BULLY Project, supported by Bryant, was founded by movie director Lee Hirsch after the release of his 2012 film BULLY and is aimed at changing a culture of bullying into one of empathy and action. Since BULLY's theatrical release, the film has been seen by 1.8 million students, plus their parents, teachers and advocates. Goldin Auctions, which reached a deal with Bryant’s family to sell the items, says 50% of the proceeds from four lots will go toward the BULLY Project. "We are pleased to partner with The BULLY Project on this high-profile auction of rare Kobe Bryant memorabilia." said Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions. "All of the bidders on these four unique items can feel good knowing that, in addition to adding historic memorabilia to their collection, they are also helping kids be safe from bullying." "We're delighted to have been chosen to benefit from the auction of these once in a lifetime items from Kobe Bryant." said Lee. "Athletes set a powerful example when they speak out against bullying and we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this auction for helping us to amplifying this message." Here are the items of Kobe Bryant memorabilia whose sale will benefit The BULLY Project: LOT #15 - Kobe Bryant's 2000 NBA All-Star Game Ring - Prior to this auction no Bryant ring has ever come up for public sale. LOT #16 Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion game-used maroon high school uniform (jersey & shorts) number 33.  There has never been an authenticated Kobe Bryant game worn Lower Merion #33 road uniform offered for sale.  A Letter of Authenticity signed and dated from Kobe's mother Pam accompanies this impressive uniform set. MEARS has analyzed the uniform and awarded it a grade of A10. LOT #17 Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion game-used white high school uniform (jersey & shorts) number 33 - Similar markings and quality as the road maroon uniform, this homee white uniform also carries a perfect grade of A10 from MEARS. LOT #18 -- Kobe Bryant's 1996 Magic's Roundball Classic All-Star Medallion and Ribbon.  The commemorative medal was awarded to Bryant after the game. The 2 3/4" round and 1/8" thick medal has "ANNUAL" and "1996 All Star" surrounding the "Magic's Roundball Classic" logo and "Palace of Auburn Hills" in relief on the obverse. The medal is suspended from a red, white and blue neck ribbon. Each of the items are accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity signed by Kobe Bryant's mother, Pamela Bryant. The LOA's state that the items are authentic and have been in her possession until being part of this auction. Goldin Auctions will also be issuing a LOA with each item guaranteeing its authenticity as well as its origin. In addition to the above items, 16 additional items related to the Lakers star will be available during the auction. The additional items are not part of The BULLY Project charity initiative. They include: a Kobe Bryant 2000 Lakers NBA Championship Ring 14K-28 Diamonds (Laker Issued Player Ring Gifted by Kobe to his father Joe Bryant); a Kobe Bryant 2000 Lakers NBA Championship Ring 14K-24 Diamonds (Laker Issued Player ring gifted by Kobe to his mother Pam Bryant); a 2006-07 Lakers game-worn jersey; a 2001-02 Lakers game-worn uniform; a UCLA basketball signed by legendary coach John Wooden and personalized to Kobe Bryant; several rare prototype sneakers and other footwear; plus a selection of autographed items and other memorabilia. The auction is open from June 17-July 19 at www.GoldinAuctions.com.

Talking to his hometown Allentown Morning Call in 1997, Tom Nuneviller was finally coming to the realization that his career was over.He'd played baseball, and gotten paid for it, for six seasons. He never made the majors, but he did make AAA. Now, though, it appeared to be time for something else."God has a plan for everyone," Nuneviller told The Morning Call. "Apparently, baseball wasn't the plan for me. There's something in store for me, and now I have to find out what it is."What was in store for Nuneviller was a new career as a high school teacher and high school baseball coach, at Pennridge High School in Pennsylvania.It was the same high school that Nuneviller got his start at in the 1980s, moving on to West Chester University and then to the pros.Nuneviller's professional career began in 1990, taken by the Phillies in the fifth round of the draft, out of West Chester.Nuneviller was selected with the recommendation of Phillies area scout Joe Reilly, Reilly writing a report to the team that Nuneviller would make the majors, according to The Philadelphia Daily News."He's got a big-league bat," Reilly told The Daily News. "Any time I see a bat like his and don't like it, there has to be something wrong with me. And I've never seen a better two-strike hitter."With the Phillies, Nuneviller started at short-season Batavia, hitting .232 in 71 games. He moved to high-A Clearwater for 1991, hitting .272 there over 124 games.Then the injuries came. He moved to AA Reading for 1992, but played in just 47 games. By July, he had blown out his knee, undergoing reconstructive surgery."I'm disappointed, but I'm trying to keep positive," Nuneviller told The Morning Call. "I just hope to work hard and come back stronger than ever."Nuneviller came back for 71 games in 1993 back at Reading, then played 129 games in 1994 between Reading and AAA Scranton. At Scranton, Nuneviller hit .259 over 80 games.He then played his final games in 1995, after another injury, a torn ACL in the spring. He made it back for 12 games at high-A Clearwater, ending his career.By 2003, Nuneviller was a high school teacher and baseball coach at his old school Pennridge High. In 2011, he spoke with The Montgomery News about the success of his program, and the importance of attitude. "We've been fortunate to have talented kids while I've been coaching," Nuneviller told The News. "They come up and know how to play the game very well. I try to keep them focused on playing as a team. I say every year attitude is the most important thing. When the attitude is right we are usually successful."Philadelphia Daily News, June 5, 1990: Lieberthal's Enthusiasm Is CatchingAllentown Morning Call, July 16, 1992: Nuneviller's Season Shelves Allentown Morning Call, Feb. 20, 1997: 'Time To Move On'Montgomery News, Aug. 10, 2011: Pennridge's 14Us state championship latest example of area's success1990 CMC-Pro Cards TallyPlayers/Coaches Featured:1,178Made the Majors: 677 - 57.5%Never Made Majors: 501-42.5%-X5+ Seasons in the Majors: 29210+ Seasons in the Minors: 174

I Have Finally Completed The 2012 Topps Archives ‘Deckle Edge’ Subset!!!  Check It Out!!! I have been knocking out player collections and subsets at a pretty good pace as of late, and I have another completed set to add to my collection. This subset comes from the 2012 Topps Archives set, and is re-make of a very popular and widely collected subset from the late 1960′s – ‘Deckle Edge’. The set, made famous with its smaller size and scalloped edges. Have a look at this 15-card beauty: Featuring both players from today’s game and legends from the past, the set looks great.  I love the Black and White look of the images used on this set, but the faux autographs probably could have been skipped… If I could change one thing in the set, it would be the crop of players from today that were included.  Sure, I understand adding Napoli and Freese due to their amazing play in the 2011 World Series, but I would have rather have seen guys like Verlander or Cabrera or Posey make the cut instead. Still, a fantastic set for my collection.  And one that I am really happy that I chose to piece together.