Johnny Evers Fred Merkle Auction Baseball

The baseball from the "Merkle Boner" will go to the highest bidder at 4:00pm ET on Saturday, May 1.

My Johnny Evers interview is here and my story of the 100 year anniversary of the play that was also on Beckett.com is here.

REA is hosting the auction. I'm curious to see what it will go for.

UPDATE: The baseball sold for $65,000.

Free Comic Book Day is May 1 - Reminder

I've always liked comic books, but never really had any. I appreciate the art and story telling, but for one reason or another I didn't get into it.

I do plan on going to my local comic book store for Free Comic Book Day - Saturday, May 1. I'm taking the kids to Comic Town to pick up our free comic books. I blogged about this earlier in the month here.

If you're on twitter, check out FCBD10 and hashtag #FCBD for the latest info on comic book events in your area.

Did Topps Inspire Legos?

Is the Lego brand taking a page out of a baseball card manufacturers playbook? It's not quite the same, but it looks pretty similar.

Last year, Topps introduced the Topps 3D cards. I had a blog post about them on March 9.

This year, Lego is introducing a similar feature.



Can a box top like this be far behind for Topps?

Sure it's a little gimmicky, but how cool would it be if a box of cards you purchased had a similar feature?
- Could it be a preview of what the cards look like?
- Will audio be next?

The technology already seems to be there with the Topps 3D. Maybe this is the next step?

Proud Parenthood Hobby Moments

It's a moment we've all thought about. I wasn't sure it would happen. I didn't want to force it. If it happened great, if not, that's OK too.

On Friday, one of my boys said, "Dad, can I take my cards to school for Share Day?"

I don't think they make a Hallmark card for the event, but damn it - they should!

He didn't want to bring one or two... he wanted to bring the entire box! My answer was an emphatic YES! Bring the box in, let everyone pick them up, read the backs and check them out.

We celebrated Friday night by having Mac and Cheese for dinner. Good times.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Autograph Session

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a Class of 2010 autograph session on their calendar. The Festival Schedule has Sunday, Aug. 8 (time TBD) on their site.

I think the details are in the fine print. Under the listing it says: "Members of the Class of 2010 will participate in a special autograph Session. Time TBD. Class of 2010 participants TBD."

This Sunday session is separate from the Mounted Memories session on Saturday, Aug. 7.

Does this mean that Emmitt Smith, one of the most expensive players for autographs right now, may not show up?

Last year, there was one flat fee for one autograph per HOF class member. Considering Emmitt's prices, this flat fee will have significantly jump or will will occur without him in the line-up.

Who's Blogging About the 2010 National

Who's blogging and writing about the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention?

A discussion thread is started on the Facebook Group page for the 2010 National.

Be sure to list your blog or the favorite one you read on the discussion thread. This will be a good resource to share ideas, thoughts and opinions.

Johnny Evers Ball Auction Update - Merkle Boner Play

The baseball that Johnny Evers held on to following the Merkle Boner play is up for auction with REA.

Last year, and most recently in January, I talked to the great nephew of Johnny Evers about the baseball that played such an important role in baseball history.

Here's a link to my article about the 100 year anniversary of the play.

Today the baseball is at auction and it's currently at $35,000. You still have time, the auction ends May 1, at 4pm ET.

Remember Ray Knight's World Series Highlight

Can you be a Pete Rose fan, Mets fan and a Ray Knight fan? I really like this Topps card though.

Before Ray Knight hit the go ahead home run in Game 7 of the 1986 World Series, he became the man who replaced Pete Rose in Cincinnati. I didn't like Ray Knight for a time because of that - no fault to his, but I wasn't a fan.

And then Ray Knight smacked around Eric Davis in the early parts of the 1986 season in Riverfront Stadium.

The ejections triggered one of Davey Johnson's most memorable managing maneuvers. Roger McDowell and Jesse Orosco took turns playing the outfield and pitching through two innings until the Mets won in 14 innings.

Ray Knight signed my 1986 World Series baseball on the sweet spot when I finally got his autograph at an MAB show. He was nice to everyone and I'd like to see the Mets have a "Ray Knight Day" at Citi Field.

My New #Twitter BFF Is . . .

Marc Colombo of the Dallas Cowboys!

I get some interesting followers on twitter, Marc is close to follower #1,000 for me (insert your own e-weenis joke here). I just missed out on seeing Marc's metal band "Free Reign" this winter in Las Vegas.

Tiger Woods Fall From Grace Night In Wilmington

The Wilmington Blue Rocks will host "Tiger Woods Fall From Grace Night" at their home game on Monday, April 19! The Wilmington, DE team is a A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

I called the ticket office today, but couldn't find out information to what their are doing for "Tiger Woods Fall from Grace Night."

Please let me know if you go this. This would be a great promo!

Free Comic Book Day is May 1

Go to your local comic book store on Saturday, May 1 for a free comic book. The first Saturday of May is Free Comic Book day.

I took the boys last year to our local "Comic Town." They had a nice display of the free books provided by the manufacturers. We picked up a Star Wars: Clone Wars and Green Lantern comic books.

The free comic book day site has a zip code search to find a store near you participating. You can also follow them on twitter @FCBD10.

GTSM Replaces Triumph For a Spectacular April in New Jersey

The dates are out and a preliminary guest list is published. It's official, GTSM is replacing Triumph's Football Spectacular Show in New Jersey.

The early guest list includes Drew Brees, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, L.T., Colt McCoy and Dan Marino

Is This the Year Anthony Young's Record is Broken?

It takes a good pitcher to lose 27 straight decisions! He did have a career ERA of 3.89, so how did Anthony Young lose 27 consecutive decisions? I have no idea.

Anthony Young had a losing streak that began on May 6, 1992 and didn't stop until July 24, 1993. I remember those seasons and my gut twisting every time he walked to the mound. I kept looking for the black cat to run across his toes. How could a losing streak last that long!?

The card scanned here is a 1992 Pinnacle, #558.

If there is a Mets season where this record can be broken - this is it.

Texas Stadium Demolition and Implosion

I just received an email this morning from the Cowboys trying squeeze as much out of that stadium as they could. They were selling parts of the locker room and pieces of concrete. I have stadium seats already, but the locker room floor pieces sounds interesting too.

So long Texas Stadium.

Lee Roy Jordan Cowboys Autograph

Lee Roy Jordan made a rare autograph appearance last month. He couldn't have been nicer and was proud to show his Super Bowl VI ring.

Jordan became the 13th autograph on my Cowboys Super Bowl VI helmet (pictured here).

Mike Ditka's First Super Bowl Wasn't with Chicago

"Da Coach" is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a Mike Ditka fan. I thought he was great for the game and still is with his commentary.

In 1969, Mike Ditka came to Dallas and in 1971 he helped the Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl. In Super Bowl VI he caught a touchdown pass from Roger Staubach helping the 'boys win their first title, 24-3 over the Miami Dolphins.

In the 1977 season Mike Ditka was a coach on the Cowboys for their 27-10 win against the Denver Broncos.

I got Mike Ditka's autograph on my Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII helmets during the March CSA Autograph Show. The picture here is from my Super Bowl XII helmet.

Collector Mini Helmet Dilema

I don't typically collect current player autographs - this is a perfect example.

A few years ago I had a chance to get Roy Williams' autograph for free (except for the cost of the mini helmet). At the time, he was my favorite player on the Dallas Cowboys. But a few seasons later he couldn't cover the ground he was standing on and began slowing down waaaay to early into his career.

Now . . . he's not even the most popular Cincinnati Bengal.

What do I do with this Oklahoma University mini helmet signed by the Cowboys' former hard-hitting strong safety?
- Put it in storage? (I don't have room for it to be displayed.)
- Remove the signature and wait for another player to use it on?
- See what kind of damage I can do to it?

Herschel Walker Cowboys Autograph Mini Helmet

Herschel Walker was one of my favorite players as a kid. He was explosive in college, the USFL, and with my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

I always thought he handled himself with class, especially when he was the only thing to watch on the Cowboys for a time in the late '80s. I had a Herschel Walker jersey - which turned into a Tommie Agee jersey after he was traded to Minn.

I picked up this mini-helmet autograph at the CSA Show in March. Walker was nice to everyone and posed for pictures. He even added the "America's Team" inscription to this mini helmet.

My Favorite Virtual Card

I've been submitting the Topps Million Giveaway codes and some virtual cards have been OK. This 1975 Pete Rose card is my favorite though.

Thank you Mr. Easter Bunny for bringing my boys some baseball cards this year!

Baseball Reference Sponsorship

I renewed my sponsorship of the Howard Johnson page on Baseball-Reference.com site. I really enjoy the site and I'm a huge fan of HoJo. He's done a great job as batting coach. This is the 2nd year that I've sponsorship of the Howard Johnson page.

Could this be the year HoJo takes over as manager? I have a feeling that someone is going to!

What Would Casey Stengel Say?

I added to my '62 Topps Mets team set last week at the CSA Show. I picked up this Casey Stengel card for a couple of dollars.

I'm a huge Mets fan, but I'm not looking forward to this season - I think they could easily land in last place of the NL East with this team.

After getting this card, I began thinking, "What would Casey say" about this current Mets team.

Here are some great "Stengelese" quotes - the last one is my favorite:
- All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height.
- I've been in this game a 100 years, but I see new ways to lose I never knew existed before.
- Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.
- I don't know if he throws a spitball but he sure spits on the ball.
- I was such a dangerous hitter I even got intentional walks during batting practice.
- Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits.
- Most people are dead at my age. You could look it up.
- Mr., that boy couldn't hit the ground if he fell out of an airplane.
- Son, we'd like to keep you around this season but we're going to try and win a pennant.
- The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader.

Missing Items from the Mets Hall of Fame

The Mets Hall of Fame is opening on Monday, April 5. It only took a year of public outcry, a floundering team and the risk of losing attendance, but better late than never.

Our friends at Sports Collector's Daily provided the list of items on display. I'd like to see some Gil Hodges items and Ed Kranepool. How does the Mets Hall of Fame not have any Ed Kranepool items? Hopefully there is more than what SCD has listed below.

I'd also like to have Bobby Valentine's glasses and 'stache from his June 9, 1999 ejection vs. Toronoto and Ricky Henderson and Bobby Bonilla's cards from their 1999 playoff series.

- Tom Seaver’s 1967 Rookie of the Year Award
- Tom Seaver’s 1969 Cy Young Award
- Bob Murphy’s Ford C. Frick Award
- Ralph Kiner’s Emmy Award
- First ball put in play from first game at Shea Stadium
- Ball from last out at Polo Grounds
- Casey Stengel jersey from 1962
- David Cone jersey from 19-strikeout game in 1991
- Al Leiter jersey from 2000 World Series
- Casey Stengel’s blazer from 1962
- Tommie Agee’s glove from 1969 World Series
- Rusty Staub’s bat used to get 8 straight pinch hits
- Benny Agbayani’s bat used in 2000 World Series
- Robin Ventura’s bats from 2 grand slams in doubleheader
- Mike Piazza’s helmet from 2000 World Series
- John Franco’s FDNY hat
- Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Gold Glove Award
- 1986 Game 6 World Series ball
- 1969 World Series ring
- 1969 World Series press pins
- 1973 World Series press pins
- Tom Seaver-Mike Piazza Citi Field ceremonial first pitch
- Tom Seaver’s cap from 19-strikeout game