My First Game Used Memorabilia

While cleaning out some old boxes this weekend I found this gem - My First Game Used Memorabilia.

This is the baseball I saved from my 1985 Little League Championship game. I was the catcher when Rob Cuerton struck out the Ben Hayes for the final out of the game. I remember our pitcher, the hitter and saving the ball and holding on to while we jumped up and down on the pitcher's mound.

What a good time. It looks a little odd next to some of my HOF autograph baseballs, but the memories of getting it are a little better.

Sports Cards Stores Need Foursquare

Foursquare is an awesome mobile application that allows you to notify your friends of where you are, what you are doing, and awards badges, titles and points on the way. Your friends/followers can get notified of your doings via Twitter.

I think it would be a great social gathering tool for card stores. If I knew when my friends were going to the card stores to open some packs or video a box break, I'd head over there to hang out, see what they get and join in on the fun. The only problem today - I can't find any card stores on it!

Millions of users are signing up to Foursquare every month. Our hobby sports cards stores need to be on Foursquare.

Businesses use Foursquare to create incentives for returning customers. It would be great to launch incentives for % off packs and boxes. Becoming the "mayor" of a location is a huge badge and a sports card store could offer the mayor a framed photo in the store, 1/2 price for a box, special discounts, etc. Some more business ideas are here.

Foursquare isn't the final solution to bring more collectors in the store, but it should be part of a campaign to bring customers back.

Joe Torre Will Manage the Mets in 2011

In another return to New York, Joe Torre will manage the Mets in 2011.

It has to happen. To me, it makes a lot of sense. Looking at the Dodgers:
- Torre's contract is up after this season.
- The Dodgers payroll is now below the Giants - 11th in MLB.
- The McCourt family struggles will keep payroll low next year.
- With payroll down, why would the McCourt family pay top dollar for Torre? They won't.

Looking at the Mets:
- Jerry Manuel is in his last year (maybe weeks) as manager.
- The team doesn't have any life.
- The franchise has the biggest drop of ticket sales in the majors.
- Payroll is still in the Top 5.

Question: How can you financially keep the team in the top 5 of payroll?
Answer: Sell more seats.
Question: How can you fill more seats?
Answer: Win games, get talent to produce and generate some excitement.

This is done by hiring Joe Torre to be the Manager of the New York Mets in 2011.

Ike Davis for Father's Day

This Father's Day I'd like my paper, laptop, fresh Dunkin Donuts coffee and some Ike Davis memorabilia . . . please.

Ike Davis Mets items are gaining in popularity with every dugout foul ball catch he makes. The smooth hitting Mets first baseman's most popular cards (according to GMA) include:

- 2008 Bowman Chrome

- 2008 Bowman Sterling

- 2010 Finest Redemption #2

- 2008 Donruss Elite Autograph (#'d to 995)

Steiner Sports is also selling some very cool autographed baseball with unique inscriptions that include "Happy Father's Day" and "Mazel Tov!" I tempted to go for the "Mazel Tov" inscription only because I don't have an autograph baseball with anything similar to that.

Eric Lindros - From the Next Great One to Just Another One

Wasn't he supposed to be the next Wayne Gretzky?
Wasn't Eric Lindros going to be the mayor of Philadelphia?

Is Eric Lindros a Hall of Fame player? Did hold-outs in Quebec and Philly ruin his career?

I recently found this card in my collection. I'm not a hockey collector, for some reason I held on to this '91-'92 Upper Deck card.

Free Orioles Ticket For Going to the National

I've been critical of the National Sports Collectors Convention "Sneak Peek" Wednesday night show on this blog, the Facebook group page and a few other locations.

Last year the "sneak peek" show had a limited number of dealers, sub-par autograph guests, and limited hours for the full admission and parking prices.

This year seems to be different. The National announced that if you buy a ticket to the Aug. 4, show date, you'll get a free general admission ticket to see the Orioles at Camden Yards.

Lenny Dysktra Selling Himself on Craigslist

Times are a little rough in the Dykstra house. His issues with wealth management, car washes and the IRS are well documented. Maybe Lenny's entry into Craig's List is an attempt to pay back some debts?

For $3,200 you can get autographed magazines, a frame and a call from the former Mets and Phillies star.

Here's the ad on Craigslist.

Thanks Deadspin for the heads-up.

Topps Returns to the National Sports Collectors Convention

Topps will be at the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore, MD.

Confirmed via Twitter.com/Toppscards - they will be at the National this year.

Their quote: "@JamesRyanJ @VOTC Yes, we'll be at the National this year. I will be there personally. Feel free to come introduce yourself."