Sports Card Radio Blog

Las Vegas Industry Summit: Good Ideas Part 3 - 'Expired Redemption Day'

2011-05-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of this idea when I saw Upper Deck update its Twitter account this morning with a message to a collector & blogger I enjoy following.

Fair enough, after all the redemption cards are expired. However, much talk was made about #1 Why do redemption cards have expiration dates at all?? Don't the companies often take much longer than what's stated on the card to return redemptions to you?? Didn't Upper Deck just send out a SPx Monta Ellis RC Card from 2005/06??

Why do collectors have to hold to a strict time frame, and the manufactures get off high and dry?

Seems pretty unfair to me considering if collectors get the shaft often enough - they stop buying (as many already have over the years)

Its time for all the manufactures to step up and get more clear on Redemption Cards. Its unfair they can take 4+ years to get a 05/06 SPx Autograph to you, but basically say screw you if you pull a redemption card 24 months after it was made.

It doesn't matter if you don't have an MLB license anymore, or Derek Jeter's direct line - the collector would at least feel some satisfaction if these 'expired redemption' cards were worth something.

Expired Redemption Day
Probably the best idea that I heard was having the manufactures make special packs/cards (like they do at the National and All-Star games) and let you come into hobby shops around the country to redeem expired redemption cards for the packs. It would take LOTS of expired redemption cards off people's hands, and probably clear up a few phone lines at the CS department on a daily basis. Considering wages in CA, TX, and NY aren't getting any lower - I'd think this would actually save them money in the long run.

In a recession - everyone is looking to save money, so these filthy dollar stores and Wal-Marts were where to shop. But this country & the rest of the world is on its way back. Consumers are going to start demanding better service first, instead of long lines, rude customer service members and overall lack of caring. If you continue to avoid an issue with your customer base, it will come back to haunt you.

If I were in charge of Topps, Panini or Upper Deck - I'd worry less about who was the first with a video card, and who will be the first to clearly address expired redemption cards, how long it takes to get them back to the paying customers, what to do when a player(s) don't/can't sign, and clearly stating that on my website & in as many places as I can find because most average collectors might not know.

Update:

I'm doing my part, but I'm just one voice - make yours heard below ... you'd be surprised to see the changes if enough people speak up.

Panini:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PaniniAmerica
Blog: http://paniniamerica.wordpress.com

Topps:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ToppsCards
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/toppscards
Blog: http://www.toppsblog.com

Upper Deck:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UpperDeck
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/UpperDeckSports
Blog: http://www.upperdeckblog.com

Las Vegas Industry Summit: Good Ideas Part 2 - 'Redemption Incentive'

2011-03-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

In the next series of posts I will try and recall all the interesting ideas I heard from hobby shop owners, manufactures and others that attended the Industry Summit in Las Vegas, NV last week. If you think its a good idea, or bad one ... let us know in the comments or by posting your own blog about the subject. Send me a link and I'll post it here as well.

(Please Note: I'll have posts on expired redemptions later - and the kinds of things you might be able to do when you pull an expired redemption. This post is more for current/non-expired redemption cards. I honestly think something needs to be done about expired redemption pulls, so stay tuned for that)

Redemption Card Incentive
No one likes getting a redemption card, even if its for Kobe Bryant or Adrian Peterson. People that open boxes or packs on a regular basis are bound to have dozens they have to send in over the course of a year.

What if you got something in return for all those redemption cards you sent in ... on top of the cards you were promised? Think of those restaurant cards you get stamped when you buy a meal and you get a 'free entree' if you buy 5 of them ... something like that, except for redemption cards. Say for example for every 10 redemption cards you send in, you get a free pack of cards .. something like that.

Its tough for the companies to know what would be 'fair value' for something like this. If you think its a good idea - try to be as specific as possible on what cards, packs, boxes, cases, autographs, jersey cards you would be expecting if you sent in 10, 20, 30+ redemption cards over a year. Should it depend on the 'quality of redemption card' you send in (for example a Kobe Bryant Autograph) or should they all be counted the same? You decide. Maybe they can give you a Voucher for special cards/packs you can redeem at Hobby Stores around the country .... give them ideas.

If you like this idea, share it on forums, write a blog, tell your card store owner, and certainly tell the companies you'd like to see this option. They will at least listen to everything you have to say - I promise.

Panini:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PaniniAmerica
Blog: http://paniniamerica.wordpress.com

Topps:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ToppsCards
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/toppscards
Blog: http://www.toppsblog.com

Upper Deck:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UpperDeck
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/UpperDeckSports
Blog: http://www.upperdeckblog.com

Las Vegas Industry Summit: Good Ideas Part 1 - 'Hobby Blaster'

2011-03-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

In the next series of posts I will try and recall all the interesting ideas I heard from hobby shop owners, manufactures and others that attended the Industry Summit in Las Vegas, NV last week. If you think its a good idea, or bad one ... let us know in the comments or by posting your own blog about the subject. Send me a link and I'll post it here as well.

The Hobby Blaster
You can go to a well stocked Target and Wal-Mart and purchase packs of cards, or 'Blaster Boxes' of 5, 6, 7+ pack quantities that often contain an extra 'hit' or value card inside. Its a great double option for collectors. You sometimes see the same in Hobby Boxes, for example Topps Finest, which is broken down into 'Mini-Boxes' but not every product offers this option to the customer and shop owner.

Someone suggested a 'Hobby Blaster' where you get a box of packs just like Target & Wal-Mart + you could guarantee the customer a hit within those packs. It was brought up because kids can't afford a full Hobby Box, but they do like opening a 'box' instead of just 6 packs that were plucked from the shelf. (Plus kids like getting any jersey card or autographs) It also gives the shop more price points to sell at, and it gives the customer more options.

Sounds like a pretty good idea to me! The thing is, like most good ideas ... you need people to rally behind them in order to make them happen.

If you like this idea, share it on forums, write a blog, tell your card store owner, and certainly tell the companies you'd like to see this option at Hobby Stores. They will at least listen to everything you have to say - I promise.

Panini:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PaniniAmerica
Blog: http://paniniamerica.wordpress.com

Topps:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ToppsCards
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/toppscards
Blog: http://www.toppsblog.com

Upper Deck:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UpperDeck
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/UpperDeckSports
Blog: http://www.upperdeckblog.com

2010-11 NHL Adrenalyn Free Extra Sig Zdeno Chara

2011-03-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

The best of the bunch this week - a 2010-11 Panini Adrenalyn NHL Hockey Zdeno Chara Free Extra Signature Codes. Flying back home from Vegas tomorrow. Look for Free NHL Adrenalyn Codes here to start back up on the 25th!

Player: Zdeno Chara #ES6 Extra Signature
Bruins - Defense
Offense: 81 - Defense: 93
Star Rating: 8
CODE: PN2T WMKN RJHD

2010-11 NHL Adrenalyn Kurtis Foster Free Code

2011-03-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

One more day until the Extra Signature card. Free codes on the Blog until March 23 - then they will resume on our Free NHL Hockey Code page.

Player: Kurtis Foster #227
Oilers - Defense
Offense: 77 - Defense: 75
Star Rating: 6
CODE: PNW7 GG6D M9GR

2010-11 NHL Adrenalyn Free Code Corey Perry

2011-03-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

A few more 2010-11 Panini Adrenalyn NHL Hockey cards to give away on the blog while I try and hit a jackpot in Las Vegas to buy more cards. Today we have Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry. Free codes on the Blog until March 23 - then they will resume on our Free NHL Hockey Code page.

Player: Corey Perry #254
Ducks - Wing
Offense: 90 - Defense: 80
Star Rating: 9
CODE: PN7D MMPG NK4R

Free Adrenalyn NHL Code James Neal

2011-03-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

The first day in Las Vegas has not prevented us from posting a 2010-11 Panini Adrenalyn NHL Hockey Code thanks to Google's Blogger that allows for scheduled posting. Codes continue on the blog until March 24. Hopefully I hit a jackpot in Vegas and I get a few more boxes of Adrenalyn to giveaway on our Free NHL Adrenalyn Codes page.

Player: James Neal #266
Dallas Stars - Wing
Offense: 85 - Defense: 74
Star Rating: 7
CODE: PNGT 4X6X CKWT

James Anderson Free Adrenalyn NBA 2 Code

2011-03-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's hard to get off the bench as a NBA Rookie and James Anderson is finding that out while playing for the 1st place San Antonio Spurs. Free NBA Series 2 Codes on the blog until March 23. Then they will pick up again on our Free Adrenalyn NBA Series 2 Codes page over on Sports Card Radio. Play Adrenalyn NBA online here.

Player: James Anderson RC #45
San Antonio Spurs - Guard
Offense: 78 - Defense: 78
Star Rating: 4
CODE: 3X4J RPNT RCFW

Free Adrenalyn NHL Code Zdeno Chara

2011-03-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Another day, another free Panini Adrenalyn Code. This one is of Boston Bruins 5-Time All-Star Zdeno Chara. You can play the new NHL Adrenalyn game online here. Free codes continue on the blog until March 24th. After that we will resume posting them on our Free NHL Adrenalyn Codes page.

Stay tuned later in the week for the Extra Signature version of this card that will be up for grabs!

Player: Zdeno Chara #57
Boston Bruins- Defense
Offense: 78 - Defense: 90
Star Rating: 8
CODE: PNNH WGKN 4JPX

2010-11 Adrenalyn NBA DeMar DeRozan Free Code

2011-03-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

DeMar is an athletic guard for the Toronto Raptors known for his dunking ability - and maybe in NBA Adrenalyn Series 3 his ratings will go up a little bit. Free NBA Series 2 Adrenalyn Codes on the Blog until March 23. After that, check out our NBA Series 2 Free Code Page where we give out codes everyday! Play NBA Adrenalyn online here.

Player: DeMar DeRozan #193
Toronto Raptors- Guard
Offense: 88 - Defense: 83
Star Rating: 7
CODE: 3XXP KJMG MMGH

2010-11 NHL Adrenalyn Troy Brouwer Free Code

2011-03-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today's free 2010-11 Panini Adrenalyn NHL Hockey code is of Stanley Cup Champion Troy Brouwer. While I enjoy the warmth of Spring Training in Arizona, get on the ice and play the new Adrenalyn NHL Hockey game from Panini. My brother played the game and loved it, and we have already given away over 50 codes on our Free NHL Adrenalyn Codes page over on Sports Card Radio. Codes continue on the blog until March 24th.

Player: Troy Brouwer #156
Blackhawks - Wing
Offense: 83 - Defense: 75
Star Rating: 4
CODE: PNMD NXN9 XG47

2010-11 NBA Adrenalyn Series 2 Free Codes

2011-03-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Many young collectors have really enjoyed our 2nd year of giving away Adrenalyn NBA Cards and our 2010-11 Adrenalyn NBA Series 2 Free Codes page over on Sports Card Radio is on and popping. We won't be able to update that page for about a week - but until that time we've scheduled free codes to appear on this blog! Everyday from March 17-23 there will be a new NBA Series 2 code up for grabs. Check back early and often and be quick - each Adrenalyn code only works one time, for one person only. Be fast!

Player: Marvin Williams #257
Atlanta Hawks - Forward
Offense: 84 - Defense: 85
Star Rating: 5
CODE: 3X7H TF94 NJD4

2010-11 Free Adrenalyn NHL Josh Bailey Code

2011-03-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of young collectors have taken advantage of our 2010-11 Panini Adrenalyn NHL Hockey Free Codes page over on Sports Card Radio. We won't be able to update that page for about a week - but until that time we've scheduled free codes to appear on this blog! Everyday from March 17-24 there will be a new code up for grabs. Check back early and often and be quick - each Adrenalyn code only works one time, for one person only. Be fast!

Product Checklist: 2010/11 NHL Adrenalyn Hockey Checklist

Player: Josh Bailey #15
Islanders - Center
Offense: 83 - Defense: 74
Star Rating: 6
CODE: PN62 HX9D JH2R

Exclusive Licenses - Helped or Hurt Sports Trading Cards?

2010-12-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

The use of the term 'Exclusive License' is used loosely here, however the fact that sports card releases have been trimmed down in relation to years past is something worth taking a look at.

Collectors & Hobby Store Owners/Sellers often urged companies to release less products throughout the calendar year because it was just too many cards for the market of collectors to handle. It took several years for the higher ups in the licensing departments to listen - but they honestly did. They often mentioned reducing confusion and the number of cards released in a season was a deciding factor in giving licensees to less companies (and constraining them to the number of releases unlike years past).

Baseball (or the MLB) seems to have a pretty tight grip on its exclusive license. For the most part, Topps is the only game in town - despite some nice efforts from Panini (Donruss EEE) and others trying to make an impact. You get the feeling that getting the MLB license is like getting the government contract to print money.

For the most part, baseball card collecting defines the hobby. Just recently I was having a conversation with a very well educated man who didn't even know there were cards other than Baseball Cards (seems like the other sports could do some marketing too). Its a sport that is rich with rookies and prospects who are brewing in the Minor Leagues. The fact that people from around the country can often catch a Minor League baseball game for less than $10 and watch the prospects of their favorite team up close and personal is a big reason why baseball cards are highly collected. A few years ago I saw Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey play baseball 3 miles from my house - I can't often say that about Football or Basketball.

The number of releases in terms of sets (ie: Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Topps Heritage, Finest) has been cut back because Upper Deck and others can't have 15+ releases. Topps really only eliminated a handful - off the top of my head Turkey Red, Heritage High Numbers, and some others. Seems like the printer was on full blast after a non-autograph Stephen Strasburg Superfractor "RC" (2 years after he's had Upper Deck USA cards) sold for $16,000+.

Even after Stephen Strasburg got hurt, non-chrome 2010 Bowman Boxes still sell at incredible prices and the coming of Bryce Harper will help put a new face on 2011 products. Also, the fact that Topps has Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and a portfolio of card designs to always go back and re-print - seems like a pretty simple business. However, quality control issues (dusty Bowman Chrome Cards, Miss-Cut/Damage Cards) and product errors (Stephen Strasburg Allen & Ginter Mini, Bryce Harper Redemption not inserted into Bowman Chrome) have tainted what overall was a remarkable year for baseball cards. Not to mention the printer seems to be stuck 'on' for sets like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome and the Target/Wal-Mart money making non-premium sets.

Overall, I think the exclusive license helped increase prices for product across the board - and there is room for improvement and growth. What a 'rookie card' is still really cloudy and no one (Topps, MLB or the Pricing Guides) really wants to clarify the mess that they tried to clean up years ago.

NBA

We are about a year and some change when the NBA went with Panini to make the only licensed basketball cards. The challenges to win over collectors and make NBA cards more collectible/popular are still present. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are in the top 5 most collected (and highest value) basketball players of all time, and neither can have autographs in Panini (LeBron has Jersey Cards). If/when one of those two players can 'sign' with Panini - Upper Deck will still have a major presence in the basketball card market, despite only having a limited number of releases planned for the 2010/11 season. Panini relies mostly on Kobe Bryant and a handful of NBA players that sign for them. The product rely heavily on the rookies that come into the NBA as well. Unfortunately Blake Griffin was hurt in 2009/10 and that really hurt the sales of the product despite the strong play from Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings and many others. On top of that, the NBA is a tough league to break into and make a huge impact in the hobby ie: Stephen Strasburg or even a Tim Tebow.

That's the bad news.

Good news is that Blake is back and its giving a boost to the inventory of 09/10 product (which really helps sellers who have been sitting on it for a while). You also have a guy named Wes (Wesley) Matthews who could make some noise this season with autographs in several 09/10 Panini sets. The rookie cards in general will help sell the products even a few years after the release - as it usually takes some time for NBA talent to truly develop. Panini also seemed to listen to collectors and provided a few more on-card autographs (less stickers) in 2010/11 products.

Good news is there is lots of room to improve too:
Going forward, basketball is a global game that is very popular in other countries, in particular China and many parts of Europe. If something could ever be done about importing/exporting to sellers in those countries (to keep prices down) they would buy more cards. The NBA Playoffs have been very competitive and enjoyable to watch (despite the Lakers/Celtics winning most of the titles). If the NBA could eliminate or modify the very lucrative guaranteed contracts that each player has - the play during the 82 game schedule will become better. That will also impact cards because it will give the teams/coaches the ability to give opportunities to more players ... giving the NBA the Football and Baseball 'prospecting' aspect that it lacks now.

The products lack autographs of key players that are worth lots of money, including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan - if that changes, basketball cards will become much more collectible going forward. In general I think the exclusive license has helped clarify the NBA card market. Releases are spread out over several weeks (for the most part) - so it does help with collecting. Panini is still a 'young' company in terms of making Basketball cards, so it will be interesting to see how they address the challenges going forward.

NFL

Football has the double license - so it doesn't really fall into our 'exclusive license' category. Upper Deck has had success using players in College Uniforms in only a handful of planned 2010 sets, so its almost like you have 3 choices to choose from.

Lets start with the bad:
Topps Football is pretty much Topps Baseball with Football players.
Panini football seems to never really blow anyone out of the water - so getting momentum set to set is still something they are working on.
Both seem to lack fresh players being added to checklists/player pools including Michael Vick, Arian Foster and Chris Ivory ... the current 'hot players' are rarely added to sets.

For the most part with both companies products, you get a 'player worn' material jersey card and an autograph from a rookie that was purchased at the same event. I can't believe that its that hard to get more veteran players like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Chris Johnson, Drew Brees, Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Arian Foster + MANY more NFL stars. All you get in today's NFL product is a chance to get 1 of the 35 rookies that showed up at the photo shoot months ago. Collectors should be seeing more Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Jerry Rice, and Barry Sanders autographs than they do now. Why does it seem that Walter Payton & Vince Lombardi cut autographs seem way more rare these days than Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle? Seems like every Topps Baseball set has something from someone dead - why not football? (no offense to the fallen legends) What ever happen to the super deep autograph checklists from Contenders or even Topps? The lack of variety actually encourages people to collect less cards - because they have all the guys from 2010 by the 3rd product that comes out.

The Good:
Football still has big draft classes every season, with someone(s) that drive card sales. They also have guys in later rounds like Chris Ivory, and guys that emerge as stars in years 2, 3 and beyond. Football will be fine, and football cards will be good. Just wish they utilized all the talent and possibilities like they seem to have done in the past.

In general, I think football cards have gotten worse in terms of years past. Not sure if its that much more money to get a retired legend that didn't make multiple millions to sign cards - guess it is. Really it comes down to it being easy to get 35 rookies in Los Angeles at an event coordinated by the NFL, instead of calling Tom Brady's agent and getting 500 cards signed - I understand that. Hopefully collectors make enough noise to let these companies know that getting a 1:35 chance at a top rookie in every box is cool - but you're icing out the current and former NFL players that fans have spent years following and developing a personal relationship with. Those are the players people 'collect' - just like baseball.

The industry asked for less product from companies and the leagues responded by giving out less licenses. Overall, I think its helped put less strain on the retailer that now has a clearer picture on what they should purchase during a giving year. The companies themselves seem open and willing to listen - but possibly the comfort of knowing you don't have competition knocking at your door each week with a new product has made them 'lazy' - throwing out sets that look the same from sport to sport - and checklists being the same group of players every time. Hopefully more time is spent developing sets and working in new configurations (24 Packs, 18 Packs, 10 Packs, 1 Pack) is all you see now at the Hobby Level. Keeping it 'fresh' is what Nike, Google, Apple and other top companies contently try to do - would be nice to see the sports card manufactures work on that now that they have exclusive licenses to make the cards we want to collect.

4 Free Hobby Box Breaks - All This Week! Sports Card Radio

2010-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

As always - I ship anything you win - for free.

2010 Panini Certified Football
Thanks To: http://www.paniniamerica.net
Enter Here: http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1106
Enter By Thursday Nov. 25 Midnight Pacific Time (PST)

2010 Topps Chrome Football Box
Thanks To: www.fsfuk.co.uk
Enter Here: http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1073
Enter By Wednesday November 24 Midnight Pacific Time PST

2010/11 Panini Rookies and Stars Basketball
Thanks To: http://www.paniniamerica.net
Enter Here: http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1108
Enter By: Saturday November 27 Noon Pacific Time

2010 Topps Update Baseball
Thanks To: http://www.fsfuk.co.uk
Enter Here: http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1109
Enter By: Sunday November 28 Noon PST

Recently we've given away a Dwyane Wade Prime Jersey, Jason Heyward Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor, Toby Gerhart Crown Royale Autograph and many more cards. Get in on the fun - and check out some of the other threads we have on the forum. Hopefully we can pull some more good cards for the fans and listeners of the podcasts. Please take a moment to check out our sponsors who make all these possible!

Good Luck!!

The Hobby Quick Take Call In Voicemail Phone 916-222-1116

2010-11-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

Got something you want to get off your chest? Want to promote your favorite blog or players? Now is your chance to be heard.

Call: 916-222-1116 --- Leave us a message about the hobby up to 5 min long.

Your voice will be heard on a future podcast at www.sportscardfocus.com

New Podcast #65 & 2010/11 Panini Certified Hockey Box Break Contest

2010-10-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

A little over a year & half has past since I setup the Sports Card Radio Fan Forum. 223 Members - 8,300 Posts and counting - its been a fun experience. The past two weeks have been extra exciting thanks to Panini America providing a box of 2010 Panini Absolute Football & now 2010/11 Panini Certified Hockey for the fans of Sports Card Radio to check out.

People Entered Here: Sports Card Radio Panini Certified Hockey Giveaway

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Podcast is in its second year - and Sports Card Show #65 is our newest release. We talk about 2010 Just Minors Jersey Baseball + 2010/11 Score Hockey + 2010 Panini Crown Royale Football. Lots of great sets are on the Release Date Calendar - so expect more podcasts to come.

Holiday Spending Spree On PreSale Boxes (Wish)

2010-10-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

After taking a look at the upcoming products on the Release Date Calendar - I was thinking to myself how wonderful it would be to have a few thousand to spend on some boxes. Sure would heat up the winter even though its never too cold where I live.

For This Month - October - Here is what I would buy:
2010 Topps Chrome Football
2010 Topps Update & Highlights Baseball
2010 Just Minors Jersey Baseball
2010/11 Panini Limited Basketball

I love Just Minors Jersey baseball where you get an entire jersey signed - pretty cool idea - and they have been doing it for a while. Wish the 'bigger' companies would do something like that. I think Update & Highlights Baseball will be very cool this year - and a fun break if you bust boxes. I might actually open some packs of Limited Basketball and Topps Chrome Football if I can find them in town.

November would really be a large tab - some cool stuff this month.
2010 Upper Deck SPx Football
2010 Bowman Chrome Baseball
2010 Topps Triple Threads Football
2010/11 Panini Rookies & Stars Basketball
2010 Topps Unrivaled Football
2010/11 Panini Threads Basketball
2010 Press Pass Five Star Racing

I've got to say. I watch Daytona every year and I know who Dale Jr and Jeff Gordon are ... but that's about it ... that being said I'd love to pop some Press Pass 5 Star Racing - looks cool. Lots of good football sets this month - if some key RC's play well going into this month - expect to pay big $$ for some of these sets.

December - Got to save some money for gifts, but I'll pretend the bankroll is unlimited.
2010 Topps UFC Knockout
2010 Topps Prime Football
2010/11 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball
2010/11 Upper Deck SP Authentic Basketball
2010 Upper Deck World of Sports

December ends up being a cool month for some 'other' sports - like UFC Knockout is a nice looking premium UFC set. World of Sports has Tiger Woods, Micheal Jordan and many other athletes. I love basketball - and I think SP Authentic and Panini Timeless Treasures will be good bball products at the end of the year.

There are lots more sets than this ... these are just what I would choose. Topps Sterling and Bowman Sterling Baseball (among others) come out too - but I've never really got into baseball as much as football & basketball cards. If you've got a big budget, I would expect you will have lots of fun spending it in the coming months. If you are like me and have a small budget for cards - there will be lots of single cards flooding the market during/after this great run of releases, so there will be plenty to go after. Should be a fun winter for collectors ---- and best of luck to those that really do try their luck at a few of these boxes!!!

Panini's NBA Basketball Exclusive - Act 2

2010-10-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well, its been about a year now since Panini was granted an exclusive reign over NBA licensed basketball trading cards and its time for year number 2 to get on its way.

Basketball cards never really got off the ground in 2009, and I would argue that it took Panini until after the regular season was over to come out with products that really caught the collectors eye. Crown Royale, Timeless Treasures, Court Kings, Hall of Fame, and National Treasures all came out essentially after everyone knew that Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, and Tyreke Evans were the only RC's worth anything. We'll see about Blake Griffin - but he really hurt the company early in the season because he was the RC case hit most of the time.

Given that it was Panini's '1st year' making NBA cards in 09/10 we saw a lot of Football carry-over designs and set makeups. 2010/11 looks to be the same ... but every company does this now. The autograph and jersey card player pool was and still is - extremely small. You get the feeling that Antawn Jamison and Baron Davis change jerseys a lot. More seasoned collectors complained of the over-saturation of sticker autos - however it seems Panini has responded - as more cards will feature on card signatures in 10/11 brands.

Panini did have some breakthroughs with athletes that must not have liked Upper Deck & Topps much. We've seen more Scottie Pippen, John Stockton and Robert Horry autographs than I remember seeing in the past. The use of cut autographs was utilized in a few sets, but I'd like to see a Wilt Chamberlain, Reggie Lewis, Len Bias and Drazen Petrovic down the road.

The exclusive deals across all sports have been interesting to follow. Surely its helped sell every product in baseball ... except maybe 2010 Chicle and a few others. We've seen huge prices for non-autographed Bowman SuperFractors - which will be essentially be re-printed later on this year for 2010 Bowman Chrome, and even Bowman Draft Picks. I don't think we see this type of craziness if Upper Deck, Panini and others have #1/1's and Autographs of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper floating around at the same time Bowman came out in May. Its obviously apparent that Baseball has far more collectors than basketball - and that affects prices more than anything. That being said, I honestly don't think that any 2010 baseball prospect is going to have the career that Tyreke Evans is going to have in the NBA ... but baseball collectors are sure more willing to 'gamble' on a prospect than basketball collectors.

Honestly its a tough market in basketball cards. With LeBron James & Michael Jordan still at Upper Deck - its tough to go all in collecting basketball cards when two of the most valuable players of all time can't sign for you. Its almost like opening a 'searched' box of 1952 Topps with all the Mickey Mantle's and HOF pulled out ... sure you'll get some sweet cards ... but never the prized pull. LeBron James is far more polarized in popularity now, but any collector would gladly spend $100 on a box with a LeBron autograph inside.

Exclusive deals were designed to make collecting less confusing and help keep the supply of cards in check over the course of a year. With only 12 active guys on an NBA roster - and even less of them actually getting playing time and publicity - its already a thin market for basketball cards to begin with. Considering you still see plenty of 09/10 Basketball Product for sale (usually at a discount - ie: 09/10 Court Kings) its obvious that the supply is still too high for demand. If Panini wants year #2 to be a good one - I would suggest making less of each product so you end up keeping hobby dealers happy. Product that doesn't move is like that ugly bright green sweater at Macy's that never sells despite being 75% off ... and Panini has several product that fit this category. Unfortunately the NBA doesn't do much other than promote LeBron and Kobe - so such is life for an NBA licensee and basketball collectors alike.

Card Concepts That Add 'Value' To Cards Attracts New Collectors

2010-09-28T00:58:00.000-07:00

Sports Cards in general seem pretty hot these days. 2010 Baseball has slumped since Stephen Strasburg went down - but Jason Heyward, Starlin Castro, even Buster Posey and the Team USA Signatures in sets like 2010 Bowman Chrome and 2010 Topps Chrome should keep those sets alive. Football is doing well as usual - and as usual - it rides on the back of the NFL Rookies, which as of now seem pretty strong. So far there really hasn't been a 'stand-out' product, but its early. Basketball had its 1st year of Panini in 09/10 - and they look to be listening to collectors demands for more on card autographs. Planned sets 10/11 Panini Prestige, 10/11 Panini Limited and 10/11 Threads will have plenty to chose from.

But honestly, not too much of that will bring in 'new' collectors into buying on a regular basis. Aside from special talents like Strasburg, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Ken Griffey Jr. and many others - its tough to get people interested in collecting unless its the 'rip & flip' make a bunch of money type mentality. Maybe those talents come around often enough to make it profitable for the card companies to do business with the current demand, and not necessarily grow the collector base much.

Aside from a collector liking a player/team and/or hoping that card goes up in value - what other incentive is there to attract new collectors into the market?

We have seen some attempts by the card companies, usually aimed at kids, to add something extra to owning the card. When I was growing up, Upper Deck 'You Crash The Game" Insert Cards were something I remember collecting. Basically from what I recall, you got a card of a particular player - and on the back was a corresponding game where he had to achieve a certain stat objective in the game. If that player achieved the goal - you could send that card in for a special set that was later mailed to you. For example, I recall having a Dan Marino and he had to throw 4 or more touchdowns in a game. This was pre-internet and I remember having to check the newspaper on Monday following the game to see if he threw 4 touchdowns (he did). Again, this was pre-internet, where it would have been easy for me to check Dan Marino's stats anytime I wanted to - but the fact is, the card made me check the guys stats to see if I had won. This type of card pre-dates Fantasy Football, which obviously has become popular and I think UD's You Crash The Game was slightly ahead of its time.

Recent examples of adding value to cards beyond the typical means include the popular Topps Attax Baseball & Football Sets along with Panini Adrenalyn XL Football & Basketball. Here for the most part you are gathering cards with codes on them - that allow you to play online. The cards have 'value' over and above the eBay price - because you can play & win with them over and over. Collectors actually pay pretty good money for non-autographed & non-jersey Ultimate or Rare Cards (essentially 'base cards' to most collectors) because of the cards high rating and ability to win matches.

Who knows if these kids will be interested in buying 2010 SP Authentic Football - but they are buying 2010 Panini Adrenalyn XL Football for sure - and its possibly because the cards have value outside selling it online or at a card store. Open an Adrenalyn XL booster box - then go whoop butt online and achieve a top rank almost sounds more exciting than busting a box and hoping I get a Tim Tebow or Sam Bradford autograph so I can 'get my money back' from the break.

Adding value to cards doesn't always mean that we need to throw a signature or jersey piece on it - or even make it #1/1 or serial numbered. I also think that a players performance could do more than make a card sell for more on eBay. Maybe companies would exchange cards (for either top performing or poor performing players) for something else or give you a 'special set' if you send in the 'regular set'.

I'm not sure on the details, however I do know that it might help bring new collectors into the market if we can show them there is value to collecting cards outside selling them on eBay when the guy gets hot.

Podcast #61 - Set Building & 2010 Topps Football

2010-09-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

This week on the podcast we poll some of our Fan Forum members and ask them if they collect sets of cards anymore? I was curious because seems to me its expensive and time consuming.

However after reading through the posts it actually seems like something collectors are doing quite frequently these days. One way to get around hand collating the set yourself is to purchase factory sets or sets online that typically sell for a fraction of the price. You can't always get insert & memorabilia type card sets this way - but it does help get you started.

If you don't like the new sets on the market for a given month or two - (or even a couple of seasons) - you might not collect much at all, so Team Sets, SP or Mini Cards, Parallel Cards all give set builders an option to try something new. Its an endless amount of things you can go after, making it more appealing on a month-to-month basis while collecting. You can always start and stop a new set, which makes it perfect for the type of people that get bored with one thing easily.

One downside to collecting sets of cards is that you end up with a large collection that will take up a decent amount of space. Our forum members also pointed out that its easier to get cards damaged when having that many cards - plus the price of supplies goes up too!

Personally, I'm too lazy to get online and purchase cards on a daily basis - so I couldn't last trying to put together a set practically one card at a time. That being said, if there was a local card shop that put out base cards and things like that - I would go through them and pick out players I want.

I think set collectors have evolved with the times as it would be expensive to do a 'master set' of a product and its almost impossible with #1/1 and other low print run cards. You are forced to narrow the focus and sometimes avoid sets altogether because the cost and/or time would be too great. Single cards have certainly become more available online compared to even 10 years ago - so that helps the people that go after rare and expensive items.

I hope card companies continue to try and attract collectors that build sets of cards - and develop products for them in mind. They are like the guy that goes into the car part store everyday searching for just the right part he needs for his classic car...he's their best customer. Set collectors in a way are the hobbies best customer and I hope to see the tradition of set building continue to evolve and be passed down over the years.

The Sports Card Show Podcast

Holiday Weekend of Free Box Breaks at Sports Card Radio

2010-09-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrate the 3 day weekend in style with a couple of 2010 Football Free Group Box Breaks.

2010 Topps Football Hobby Box was the 1st box we tried - with some decent luck, including Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and a black parallel. About 30 members got 1 pack each, and about 6 lucky members got 2 packs each. You can see the videos below.

By request - on Monday - Annie will be busting her 2nd box ever - for 11 Fan Forum Members who each get a pack of 2010 Score Football.Get involved in our next round of free box breaks (we even cover shipping) http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum

2010 Topps Football Sketch Card Picture Gallery

2010-08-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy the sketch cards that Topps has been putting into some of their products and here are a few that have been pulled out of 2010 Topps Football during it's first week of release. They have two different versions of the sketch cards, with actual NFL players and artists doing the drawings. The three cards pictured are from DeAngelo Williams and Colt McCoy and an artist rendering of Steelers Hall-of-Fame QB Terry Bradshaw.

Free Panini Adrenalyn XL Football Codes Until The Super Bowl!!

2010-08-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Starting today August 12, Sports Card Radio will be giving away Free Panini Adrenalyn Football Codes everyday until the Super Bowl in 2011!!!

Make sure you check the Free Adrenalyn Football Code Page daily for your chance to redeem them online.

Today's 1st Card: Sidney Rice - Vikings WR

Early Look: 2010-11 Panini Prestige Basketball

2010-07-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

A new season of Basketball is just around the corner - and this year should be highly watched with LeBron James and company in South Beach along with all the new 10/11 Rookie Cards.

Panini Prestige Basketball should reach hobby stores on September 29 and you will find 24 packs per box. The 'hits' will be 2 autographs and 2 jersey cards. John Wall autographs should be the big selling point for this product - but you never know what might else help these cards sell.

Checklist + More Pictures: 2010/11 Panini Prestige Basketball Checklist

5 Random Retail Football Basketball & Baseball Pack Break = FREE CARDS!!

2010-06-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Went by the dollar store today and picked up a couple of packs. Nothing too great - but the 2010 Sage High Series Football Pack had a decent QB RC in it.

Here's how its going to work -

1: Watch The Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACqYWMNpe3o

2: Pick 1 Card You Want

3: Post The Players Name/Set Here So You Can Claim It

-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'll place the card in your prize closet.

We'll open it up after a while to give the rest away that aren't picked early.

2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball Box Break - Global Sports Cards - Part 3

2010-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Global Sports Cards - here is part 3 of 3 during our 2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball Box Break. Some interesting cards come from here including a 100th Babe Ruth Birthday card. Stay tuned for Part 3 which will have the 'hit' from the box. Thanks again to Global Sports Cards - save $10 on your next order over $150 by using the discount code: scr

2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball Box Break - Global Sports Cards - Part 2

2010-06-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Global Sports Cards - here is part 2 of 3 during our 2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball Box Break. Some interesting cards come from here including a 100th Babe Ruth Birthday card. Stay tuned for Part 3 which will have the 'hit' from the box. Thanks again to Global Sports Cards - save $10 on your next order over $150 by using the discount code: scr

2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball Box Break - Global Sports Cards - Part 1

2010-06-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

Thank You Global Sports Cards for letting 30 People Get a FREE Spot in this break of 2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball. The cards are cool! We even get a Jason Heyward (RC) Card in this part. Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3. Remember - you can enter the discount code: scr for $10.00 off an order of $150 or more at Global Sports Cards.

Not Much Is Left After 20+ Years In The Hobby ...

2010-06-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

You'd think after working a good portion of my young life at a card store, and even owning one for a few years - I'd have a ton of cardboard laying around. Well ... I do, but its mostly empty Pepsi and Pizza boxes.

That's okay - what do they say? Less is more! Not sure if that really applies to sports cards. I sure would like a box full of 2008 Stephen Strasburg cards just laying around. Of course they'd be long gone by now which, I guess, is a big reason why I don't have many cards in my collection today.

That has changed just a little here recently when I purchased a 2009 Michael Johnson (not the Olympian) the Bengals version of Adalius Thomas - except our guy is 6' 5" - and spent last season playing DE. In OTA's they are working him out at linebacker. This card I picked up for less than $5 shipped and its serial #2/8. I've always been a fan of the letterman or lettermen cards - not sure what you call them - but they are cool. I'm not really expecting to move this thing for $100 bucks - honestly I'd take $10 ... but you better believe that if this guy gets hot I'll be moving it. Chances are, he will be like 99.9% of all defensive players in the NFL and not make any hobby impact outside the $5 manufactured patch auto sale...but its a cool card to have in the collection.

Speaking of the Bengals ... been seeing that our main guy has been working on his dance moves. Isn't that something guys do when they are retired? Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice - come on Ocho - you probably just wanted to get in while you still had those studly good looks and had a chance with that cute chic you were dancing with. The diamond ring you bought her probably didn't hurt your chances either. ..... What's that??? .... "don't hate the playa - hate the game" .... gotcha Ocho, sorry bro - back to cards. I've held onto my 2001 SPx Autograph/Jersey rookies before anyone knew who Chad Johnson was, let alone Ocho-Cinco. I think I've had 4 or 5 of these at one point. I never paid over $10 for any one of them. I sold a few when they were hot a few years ago. I still have a 2 color jersey version and the one-color you see here.

I'm all about Baseball Prospects. I'm also all about selling them when they are hot too. Nothing against buying and holding - I do that too, but its usually a Stock or Mutual Fund share over a card. Based on how things have been going, maybe my money would have been safer investing in cards!!! Shoot, a couple of 2010 Bowman cases - and the next winner (if Strasburg autographs can be added) is 2010 Topps Chrome. Even Topps Series 1 is selling for about $90 a box, which is about $30 over the original hobby retail price. Sure wish my baseball prospecting skills could have that kind of turnaround - same with the stocks. But there is one card I've held onto for a while now - probably just 'cause the thing is slabbed by BGS and I'd just rather hold onto it. Hank Conger may get a shot at some point next season - we'll see ... they've been milking this guy along. Probably a decent time to buy him considering you don't have much to loose. Expect to see this thing for sale if he ever does anything.

I actually still own many cards on thePit.com - I remember signing up when this was a Topps venture. Its actually been over 10 years now that I think about it ... man I might actually be getting old. My brother was working this thing a few years ago - buying and selling in the same day - buying cards and immediately putting in a sell price. Funny stuff - he made money doing it too. The thing I remember about thePit when it was still in its early stages was that cards sold for more money than on eBay. Several times I'd buy cards on eBay and flip them on thePit once they arrived in my account. Probably still happens now, but its more on a card-by-card basis and not site wide like it was 6 or 7 years ago. I think I paid $22 for the Andrew McCutchen you see here - too bad he plays for Pittsburgh - maybe the Yankees will come knocking one day!

Sure wish I could go on a bit further. That about wraps up all the interesting cards I've had. Been getting some nice cards from listeners and fans of the podcast - which I'd add here too but I'm too lazy to bust out the scanner. Hopefully I'll grow this list out a bit more over 2010 - I think I might get some basketball singles once the season is over and everyone is on to Football and Baseball .. if they aren't already. There are lots of good deals out there - and typically that's all I'm in the market for. I've been on the other side of the counter since I was about 15 and its nice to be the customer instead of the owner for a change.

2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball - FREE Group Box Break Announcement - Global Sports Cards

2010-06-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: THIS IS FULL - THANK YOU TO ALL 30 THAT SIGNED UP
The good people at http://www.globalsportscards.com will be sponsoring a FREE Group Box Break at http://www.sportscardradio.com/forum - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off your next order over $150 at Global Sports Cards.

Release Date Calendar for June 2010

2010-06-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Collectors get to take a breath, but not for long after a great month of May that included 2010 Bowman Baseball, 09/10 Panini Timeless Treasures & Absolute Memorabilia Basketball. Not to mention 2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball and 2010 Razor Poker fans for everyone following the WSOP that is going on right now in Las Vegas.

Like I said, take a breath - but not for long - some quality Football, Baseball & Basketball Sets.

Week 1:
09/10 SP Authentic Hockey
Collectors should finally see this set come to hobby shelves. Expect some good prices to be paid for the Future Watch Autograph Patch Rookie Cards.
Purchase A Box Below:

Global Sports Cards - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off orders over $150.00

Week 2:
2010 Donruss Elite Football
Another 2010 set loaded with the new rookies like Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford. You will find more veteran players like Peyton Manning and Randy Moss in this set as well over 2010 Prestige Football, which came out last month.
Purchase A Box Below:

Global Sports Cards - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off orders over $150.00

09/10 Panini Court Kings Basketball
A sweet looking set and another large checklist from Panini. Basketball collectors have to love that 3 quality sets have come out recently.
Purchase A Box Below:

Global Sports Cards - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off orders over $150.00

2010 Ringside Boxing
Don't know much about Boxing cards - but these have to be the ones to get.

Week 3:
2010 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball
What will Topps have up their sleeves this year?? My guess is a redemption for a Stephen Strasburg once he comes up to the MLB in the coming days.
Purchase A Box Below:

Global Sports Cards - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off orders over $150.00

Baseball Factory Sets

Press Pass Stealth Racing
Again, don't know much about racing - but this set does have NASCAR's hottest driver Danica Patrick.

Week 4:
2010 NCAA Sweet Spot Football
I know Upper Deck has photos on Facebook and Twitter - the cards look great. No official checklist yet and don't quote us on this releasing this month. But looks like a cool set that will have Tim Tebow and the rest of the bunch from the 2010 Rookie Photo Shoot.
Purchase A Box Below:

Global Sports Cards - Enter The Discount Code: scr For $10.00 off orders over $150.00

2010 Score Football
Actually a Retail Release. Packs should be $1.00 - might be a good value considering people are paying good money for Tim Tebow stuff.

09/10 Panini Crown Royale Basketball
Sweet looking 'retro' set - the on-card autograph rookie cards will be a must for fans of this seasons rookie cards.

Early Look: 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Basketball

2010-05-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Basketball collectors want high end? How does $400.00 a box (Pack) sound? Well, if you are a big spender or just a casual basketball collector - you will have to wait until August 4, 2010 - but 09/10 National Treasures Basketball is on the way.

Just based on early photographs and the complete checklist - the set is loaded up with Logoman and Multi-Color Prime jersey materials. We especially like the look of the Rookie Cards (Tyreke Evans seen below) and collectors will probably be chasing these down as the final 09/10 Panini Rookie.

One suggestion for Panini - Add 2010/11 NBA Draft Pick Redemption Cards for some kind of Rookie Set - Just like Topps Finest Basketball used to do (and Baseball continues to do) By the time this set comes out - people are going to want cards of the new players. Include it as a bonus pack or box topper.

Complete Checklist: 09/10 Panini National Treasures Basketball Checklist

My Day at the TriStar Collector Convention in San Francisco

2010-05-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to a card show in quite a long time so it was cool to get out of the house today and visit one of the most beautiful places in the world - San Francisco. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of the skyline and half-million dollar homes that caught my attention on the way to the Cow Palace. In fact if the setting around the ancient building wasn't spectacular hilltops lined with colorful homes and the pacific fog rolling in amongst the tops of the hills - you'd think I was in a less desirable area of the planet.

Like I said, the venue was no paradise - but believe me, this is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Not to mention expensive. $4 Bridge Toll, $20 Meal, $8 Parking - all before we enter the show.

What the heck is a Cow Palace?

Not sure why they charge $10 to get in the place. Maybe its to keep looky-loos like me out that only spent $1 on two packs of Soft Sleeves and $5 on a 2009 Beckett Baseball annual guide. Given some of the money I saw spent, maybe $10 is not enough to charge. I was peeking through a few cases of newer game used and autograph stuff. There were several Kobe Bryant Auto/Jersey pieces, I saw several letterman patches and some great looking cards. There was even a Babe Ruth Cut Autograph that I was able to snap a photo of, and I was about to snap a photo of the Walter Johnson next to it when a younger guy walked up with more cash than I've seen in a long time in his hands. It actually turned out to be just south of $10,000 in one hundred dollar bills and he was buying the guys entire table - minus some UDA Signed Shoes. The cards were being packed up in boxes faster than Usain Bolt out of the starting blocks ... so I couldn't get any more photos. I'm guessing the Babe Ruth you see here was included.

Given how popular 2010 Bowman Baseball has been on the internet with people paying $400+ for Stephen Strasburg Auto's (Makes me wonder what his Upper Deck Stuff is selling for) and double the SRP for boxes, I wanted to see what the markup was going to be at the TriStar show. Funny thing was, there was really only a handful of guys selling wax, and only one guy with enough to supply a good portion of the East Bay. Looks like he wasn't marking his boxes up much more than anyone else. In fact I overhead the gentleman running the booth say that a guy came in on Friday (when the show started) and bought several cases from him. He had some good un-opened boxes, all coming from sealed cases I saw behind him. His prices were excellent and even saw someone get $10 off on a Prominent Cuts Box.

If the hobby made sense - I guess Tim Lincecum Autographs would be worth $1,000 considering how much people are paying for a guy that has struck out a few guys that live in a frat house across the street from me (I wish I was joking). Nothing against the prospector, but how much do you think Strasburg Autograph's will go up? Its not like this guy plays for the Yankees, Red Sox or Cubs! You wouldn't know that Tim Lincecum autograph is about 1/10th as popular as guys like Strasburg and Harper by being at this show. I had never seen so many Tim Lincecum autographs! I guess this is where they all have gone, because I sure don't see collectors showing up with them in packs very often. I'm no autograph expert, and I don't want to shed negative light on what was a really enjoyable day in the Bay Area - but I'd have to guess that far less than 70% of the autograph memorabilia I saw was actually signed by the player. When you got dusty LeBron James signed jerseys out un-protected on a table - that smells fake. Being in San Fran, I guess the legitimacy of Giants stuff can be warranted, and just about every booth had Majestic Signed Jersey's for sale.

There were many times I wish I had an unlimited bankroll to buy some cards at the show. There were so many great single cards at this show that I could have spent hours photographing special cards. There were some great deals too. I spent a few minuets going through a guys half dozen tables all full with boxes of PSA graded cards and nothing else. Prices were: PSA 9 or Lower $2.00 - PSA 10 $5.00 - Needless to say the Ty Cobb I have pictured here...was at a different booth...and was not-priced.

The vintage cards at the show were spectacular. I saw cards that I have only seen in magazines and heard about through other more serious collectors. It was amazing to see sellers that have amassed such a huge collection and are showcasing at card shows across the country. Its almost like a rolling museum of sorts, where these guys are in it for profit, but many are showcasing works of art and sports history along the way.

I saw plenty of "modern" cards as well. Maybe not so surprising - I saw a lot of newer basketball singles for some reason. There were plenty of vintage baseball, and some modern football cards - but I don't remember seeing a Tim Tebow or similar 2010 Pick. Maybe that's because the sellers are moving that stuff faster (possibly online) and they take stuff that doesn't sell as well to shows because the cards 'look' expensive and they can get $10 for a Panini Sticker Autograph of a nobody in the NBA.

It wasn't like every basketball card I saw was of a 12th man. You always see the LeBron James & Michael Jordan dual signature on the Upper Deck Basketball sell sheets (I should have said used to see) and since LJ and MJ are locked up with someone that is making Lacrosse sets - we might not see beauties like these anywhere but card shows. I wish I had a Black American Express card or Upper Deck made licensed NBA cards - because I'd buy a card like this and I'm a Lakers fan.

Speaking of the Lakers - and Upper Deck, probably one of the greatest modern basketball cards of all time was on display as well. What makes this card so great? One - its an autograph of a now mythical NBA legend that we imagine dominating those short white dudes like Babe Ruth hit home runs every at bat. Its an on-card signature of a now fallen great. Plus the card is spectacular and was hyped up really well when it came out (I remember guys hunting for these when I was working at a card shop then)

Collectors probably make too much about how cards look. The reason 2010 Bowman is sizzling right now is not because it 'looks' great! However, as prospects flame out and sets get hot and cold - we still remember a handful of cards. There are more Wilt Chamberlain autographs in the world. The design, the signature and the elegance of this design makes this the Wilt Chamberlain autograph card. I'm happy I saw it in person today.

There were quite a few people there and I arrived after Cal Ripken Jr was just making final calls on his signature. People really seemed to be enjoying themselves, mainly focused on looking for the autograph line or hunting through boxes of singles. There were very few people like me that were just looking around, everyone had a purpose and they were serious about finding the cards and memorabilia they wanted. Some dealers looked drained and I saw Free Cell up on a computer and some dealers flipping through their cell-phones - oh how times have changed. Several years ago the computer was the devil to these guys and its what helped kill the hobby - now it keeps them occupied at card shows.

There was a mix of extremely professional high grade tables and younger guys that look like they might only be there because the location or timing was right for them. I noticed some dealers with business cards out from as far away as Connecticut. It was a good sign for the hobby. I think I said on my podcast the other day that Sports Cards are as hot right now than they have been in a while. It could be that the reduction in product (that collectors were begging for several years ago) is actually working. It could be that prospects like Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman, Starlin Castro and others are actually going to be the next generation of baseball stars that follow Jeter, Arod and Pujols when they are done. Not to mention the LeBron James' and Chris Johnson's of the world. Possibly its a mix of both.

I've never been to the National, and I'm not going to fly across the country anytime for that. Besides, people travel all over the world to experience California's summer time ... why on earth would I leave?? That being said, if the National delivers half the experience I had today, it should be one hell of a show for collectors.

New Sports Card Radio Podcast #52 - 2010 Bowman + Interview

2010-05-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

So much jammed into this show - that the title can't even fit everything that we have going on. We bring you another interview with a Sports Trading Card Podcaster, and we discuss three new product releases this week.

Chris from The Football Card Collector Podcast joins us to discuss some of the things you can expect from his program and a little about his collection. We discuss upcoming 2010 Football Card Releases along with some of the rookies that might make an impact this season. Be sure to join Chris in his box breaks along with the fellow listeners.

2010 Bowman Baseball is as hot as I can remember a Bowman set ever being. It all revolves around 3 players autographs - Stephen Strasburg, Jason Heyward and Starlin Castro. Be careful to not get wrapped up in the hype as this product can become expensive if you are opening it by the box. By the end of the season, this product may not look quite as nice as it does now - or it could look better if the prospects and rookies play well. Tough call - but be careful not to overspend here early.

09/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Not exactly everyone's favorite product, but it is a good attempt at a 'new' product from Donruss/Panini to establish itself in the basketball card market for next season. I've got to say - some of these single cards will be worth checking out if you are a bball fan. More deep checklists and interesting inserts to chase after - and Panini could have a winner here in the long run.

2010 Playoff Prestige Football Not sure if its even called Playoff Prestige anymore - but same difference. Collectors will again complain here that this set looks an awful lot like many other mid-low priced Panini Products. You can tell not a bunch of time was spent on this set, but these early big-print run sets tend to get pumped out quick because the company wants to get the product out as fast as it can. We'll see if collectors look past all that and scoop up Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford no matter what a card looks like...my guess is that they will.

Stream & Download The Show Here

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09/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball Checklist

2010-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

This set actually might be one of the largest 2009/10 Panini Basketball Set Checklists to date. Already we see NBA Logoman & Autographs hitting eBay and collector forums on the internet.

Despite some of the Autographs being Stickers and not every jersey being Prime - this does look like a set Basketball Collectors should take a look at; even if its on the single card hunt. You might not want to gamble the $80 - $100 it takes to get a 1 pack box of this stuff but its probably worth searching for some nice hits that people are parting with.

Complete Checklist Here: 2009/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball Checklist

Early Look: 2010 Topps Chrome Baseball Checklist

2010-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

With Jason Heyward and Ike Davis playing well for their respective teams - 2010 Topps Chrome might be a winner once it comes out September 27, 2010. Each will have on-card autographs in the set & each box delivers 2 on-card rookie autographs per hobby box. Would it be considered a 'hot-box' if you pull Heyward and Davis???

Topps Chrome will add chromium to Topps T-206 cards, Topps Chicle and Topps Heritage Cards in the form of insert cards.

As of now: cards #195 - #220 & #240, #244, #245 are TBD - Can anyone say Starlin Castro Autograph!!!

For More Information On 2010 Topps Chrome Baseball - Check out the sites below:

Checklist: 2010 Topps Chrome Baseball Checklist

Preview: Topps Blog

2010 Topps UFC Ultimate Fighter Trading Card Checklist

2010-05-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

2010 Topps UFC trading cards return this year when the UFC is as hot as its ever been. Find 2 Autograph Cards and 2 Relic cards per box along with 32 other inserts and parallel cards.

Some exciting fighters make their debut in this series along with YouTube legend Kimbo Slice. There are also some nice dual relic and autograph cards - along with fold out book relics of all 2009 UFC Champions including BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, and Brock Lesnar.

Take a look: 2010 Topps UFC Trading Card Checklist

Release Date Calendar for May 2010

2010-04-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

2009/10 SP Authentic Hockey - May 4, 2010
This product was pushed back multiple times by Upper Deck, but hockey collectors are not going to want to wait to check this product when it comes out. The autograph checklist is huge and the Future Watch Autograph Rookie cards are some of the best looking cards to date.

2010 Bowman Baseball - May 12, 2010
This year's Bowman baseball stands out as it will have autograph cards of several top prospects in baseball including Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman and Jason Heyward. The checklist is large and has been recently updated. Find the complete set and more by following the link above.

2010 Panini Prestige Football - May 12, 2010
This years first licensed football cards make their way onto the market this week. The latest draft picks including Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and many more will be on cards featuring their team colors and information. The RC cards will feature draft day photos and the checklist is fairly large and should be a great way to start the 2010 football season off.

2010 Razor Poker - May 12, 2010
Fans of Texas Hold-em legends like Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan and Stu Ungar can find autographs of all their favorite gamblers in this set. Poker fans are passionate and should find a set like this very enjoyable to open. Even lesser known online superstars like Tom 'Durrrr' Dwan can be found for the first time.

2009/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball - May 12, 2010
This is ones of Panini's largest checklists to date. There are many autographs and parallels contained within this set making it one of the more exciting releases to date. With Absolute Memorabilia and Court Kings to follow, it will be interesting to see if basketball collectors spend big on a set like this.

2009/10 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Basketball - May 19, 2010
This popular football release is sure to be a hit with basketball collectors. The jersey cards and autographs look great and the checklist is fairly large. Expect many basketball collectors to be running light in the wallet after this and Timeless Treasures Basketball come out within 1 week of each other.

2010 Ringside Boxing Round 1 - May 25, 2010
Even though boxing is a sport on the decline (thanks to UFC) the fighters are still highly collectible. Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson headline the autographs in this set. Find real fight worn material cards as well.

2010 Topps Series 2 Baseball - May 27, 2010
With the popularity of the Topps Million Card Give-A-Way and many other SP variation cards, collectors are surely waiting for Topps Series 2 baseball. The checklist is massive and considering how much Series 1 boxes have gone up in price recently - expect this product to do the same.

FREE Spots - 2010 Topps National Chicle Box Break

2010-04-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

I purchased a 2010 Topps National Chicle Box today for a box break contest we have running. It is a FREE entry as long as you send me an article or some interesting thoughts on sports cards to: sportscardshow@gmail.com
Details Below:
2010 Topps National Chicle Box Break Contest

I also threw in another box that was on sale...and to get free shipping! For this box break - I'm taking the Bengals and any team not chosen. All 31 teams are up for grabs for $2.00 a piece, which is well below what it will cost me to send you the cards alone! What a great deal for you!
Details Below:
2007 Donruss Threads Football Box Break $2.00 - Team

Get involved in both these breaks over on our Fan Forum. Not a member yet? Register and send me an e-mail: sportscardshow@gmail.com and I will approve you faster.

2010 Topps National Chicle Box Break Contest

Early Look: 2010 Historic Autographs Baseball Box - HOF & All-Star Edition

2010-04-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Its not often I'm intrigued in multiple ways when a new baseball set comes across the presale wire - but 2010 Historic Autographs proves to be a very interesting set. As of right now ... its curious to who the manufacture of this set even is. Multiple online outlets have PreSales for the product up but no mention of an actual manufacture that you normally see on any product from Topps to Upper Deck to Press Pass. Recently Razor Collectibles released 2010 Legends of the Diamond Baseball which was similar to this set, except it contained mostly non-autographed cards.

The set reminds me also of the recently released Famous Fabrics set which was a non-licensed jersey memorabilia product. What makes 2010 Historic Autographs set interesting is that there are only 3,000 boxes and each box of 3 PSA/DNA cut autographs will contain 1 Hall Of Fame Baseball Cut Autograph.

Look for Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Barry Bonds and over 800 cut autograph cards. Expect to pay around $180 for each 3 pack box ... but a product like this tends to go higher as boxes dry up on the secondary market. We will try to find out more information about this set in the coming week ... including identifying the manufacture. Could it be PSA/Collectors Universe themselves as they say you can register all cards in their registry?

Take A Look: 2010 Historic Autographs Cut Signature Baseball Box Review

UPDATE: This is made by a company named: Historic Autograph Company
Founded by: Heffner/DiFrancesco/Huggins in 2010
Facebook Page

2010 Topps Allen & Ginter Artist Name Correction

2010-04-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was contacted today by Mr. Jeff Zachowski who has artwork appearing in the upcoming 2010 Topps National Chicle and 2010 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball sets. If you have written a preview for the product and mentioned him by name - its possible that you may have misspelled his name (as I did) - because the Topps Allen & Ginter Sell Sheet has his last name incorrect: Z a y k o w s k i - is NOT the correct spelling - Jeff Zachowski is correct.

Apperantly the 2010 Topps Chicle Sell Sheet is correct, 2010 Allen & Ginter is incorrect. His #1/1 Hand Painted Cards appear in the 2010 Topps Allen and Ginter Rip Cards.

The Upper Deck Seats Are Getting Empty

2010-04-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I - along with my brother who operates www.sportscardreport.info - have been fairly outspoken about Upper Deck's troubles with the MLB, Konomi, Lawyers, Fake Twitter Accounts, Awards and other matters.

Most of my loyal listeners know that I am very interested in the Stock Market and trading stocks...and its this background that has led to my sometimes harsh criticism of Upper Deck Company. The signs of a failing company are staring everyone in the face with loss of all 3 major sports trading card licensing deals (NFL, MLB, NBA) Not only that, but the CEO being linked to counterfeit cards and a failed attempt to continue to make baseball cards.

What does Upper Deck have left? They told me via Twitter:
UpperDeckSports

@SportsCardRadio We hope so too. Hockey, CLC and our Entertainment properties should keep things going for us. CC via CoTweet in reply to SportsCardRadio

Basically - this is like the Coca-Cola company saying "We are not selling anything but Fresca" ... Is Upper Deck going out of business? No. Some other company would 'buy' their proprietary brands if it came to that. However, they have to downsize - and they have to do it in a hurry. Upper Deck's revenue, cash flows and profits are going to hit record lows and if they don't start cutting expensive "exclusive" athlete deals like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and LeBron James ... they won't last. You don't see a ITG, TriStar or Razor sign an athlete of that caliber.

Its known that Upper Deck has laid off many workers - and for the good of the "Company" - they might want to hand out more pink slips.

They should also think about moving out of the multi-million dollar southern California offices they occupy and move to a much smaller and less glorious location.

Why? ... Because they aren't going to have the product lineup to fund the Upper Deck that collectors are used to. The director of sports for Upper Deck said it himself that Upper Deck Series 1 is basically the only set the company makes huge profits on (because its a massive 1990's print run) - those sets are gone because Upper Deck can't make cards in quantities like that any more. They have to run a 'lean' business as the smaller manufactures like Razor and TriStar seem to do. (In fact I see TriStar is hiring un-paid College Interns)

The story of Upper Deck is so familiar in the business world: Huge run up and profits from a bubble in the market - then slow to react when the demand returns to normal levels. The seats aren't empty yet ... but its getting close.

Spring Into April Box Release Date Calendar

2010-04-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2010

2009/10 SP Game Used Hockey - Around $140 Per Box
6 Packs Per Box - 3 Cards Per Pack - Look for 1 Game Used Memorabilia or Autograph Card Per Box

2010 (09/10) Upper Deck Greats of the Game Basketball - Around $70 Per Box
16 Packs Per Box - 8 Cards Per Pack - Look for 2 Autographs & 1 Memorabilia Cards Per Box
Features Michael Jordan and LeBron James Autograph Cards

April 9, 2010

2010 TriStar In Pursuit of the Majors Baseball - Around $75 Per Box
1 Complete Set + 6 Autograph Cards Per Box - Look for Jason Heyward Autograph Cards

April 13, 2010

2009/10 Upper Deck UD Ice Hockey - Around $80 Per Box
20 Packs Per Box - 6 Cards Per Pack - 4 Rookie Cards - 1 Auto - 2 Memorabilia Per Box

April 20, 2010

2009/10 O-Pee-Chee UD Hockey - Around $60 Per Box
24 Packs Per Box - 5 Cards Per Pack - Look for 1 triple jersey card per box

April 21, 2010

2009/10 UD Ultimate Collection Hockey - Around $80 Per Pack/Box
1 Mini-Box (1 Pack) - 5 Cards Per Pack - 15 Mini Boxes Per Case
Look for 1 Autograph + Rookie + Memorabilia Card Per Pack (3 Hits)

2010 Razor Autograph Poker Cards - Around $70 Per Box
5 Packs Per Box - 1 Autograph Card Per Pack
All cards are Autographed except Stu Ungar Relic Cards

2009-10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball - Around $95 Per Box
1 Pack - 5 Cards Per Pack - Look for 3 Autographs or Memorabilia Cards Per Pack (at least 1 auto)

April 27, 2010

2009/10 SP Authentic Hockey - Around $100 Per Box
24 Packs Per Box - 5 Cards Per Pack
Look for 3 Autograph Cards Per Box - With at least 1 Future Watch RC Auto

April 28, 2010

2010 SAGE Autographed Football - No Price Info Yet (Probably Between $100 - $120)
1 Autograph Per Box

April 29, 2010

2010 Topps National Chicle Edition Baseball - Around $80 Per Box
24 Packs Per Box - 8 Cards Per Pack - 2 Autograph Cards & 1 Relic Cards Per Box

April 30, 2010

2009/10 In The Game ITG Superlative Hockey - No Pricing Info Yet
Only 2,500 Books (Boxes) Produced!
·One Game-Used Jersey Card
·One Autograph Card or Auto Plus Card
·One Superlative Prospect Autograph or Auto Plus Card
·One Superlative Patch Card
·One Auto Jersey Card or Auto Plus Card
·One Famous Fabrics Card
·One Special Insert Card

March Madness (Part 2) Sports Trading Card Releases

2010-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

See Part 1 Of March Madness Trading Card Releases

2009/10 Panini Classics Basketball (March 31, 2010)

This is possibly one of the final products that won't deliver a 'hit-per-pack' like the remaining products in the pipeline do for Panini. The on-card Autograph Rookies might be some of the best looking of the season - making this a set you might want to check out once it goes live at the end of the week. The use of former NBA players makes this a hit with older collectors, and the Rookies, Kobe, and current NBA stars makes this an all-around solid product from Panini. 09/10 Panini Classics Basketball Checklist & Review

2010 Razor Legends of the Diamond Baseball (March 31, 2010)

This is a unique product which is basically a re-packaged vintage card collection. Although, every card is guaranteed to be PSA 7 or PSA/DNA Autograph of a pre 1970's Hall of Famer or famous baseball player. Check out our preview where we run down Atlanta Sports Cards 20 Box Break.

Also out at the end of the month: 2010 SAGE High Series Football! (March 31, 2010)

2010 TriStar In Pursuit of the Majors Baseball Box Checklist

2010-03-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

2010 TriStar In Pursuit of the Majors Baseball is an interesting configuration and set. Each "Box" will contain a complete 75 card set plus 15 additional insert cards - including 6 total Autograph Cards. There are many top MLB prospects in this set including: Jason Heyward, Chris Carter, Dustin Ackley, Zach Wheeler and many others.

Roger Clemens even makes an appearance in this set, including a 2010 Tri-Star OBAK Preview, and a Dual Autograph with his son Koby Clemens.

Look for this set in Hobby Shops and online around April 9, 2010

Find the Complete 2010 TriStar In Pursuit of the Majors Baseball Checklist

Early Look: 2010 Topps Tribute Baseball Box Checklist

2010-03-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Collectors can mark July 19, 2010 on their calendar as the potential release date for 2010 Topps Tribute Baseball. This product will contain 6 total hits (3 Autographs & 3 Memorabilia Cards)

There are some very impressive hits out of this product including 9 New York Yankees 1927 #1/1 cut autograph card. Also look for cards of important presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Barrack Obama, Abe Lincoln and others. There is even a Dual Autograph of John McCain and Barrack Obama.

The most 'common' hit will be from the 100 single jersey cards #/99 .. however there are dual and triple memorabilia autograph parallels which should keep thing exciting for collectors.

Find the full Checklist, Pictures and More - All Below
2010 Topps Tribute Baseball Checklist & Review

2003/04 UD Exquisite Basketball - A Look Back With Checklist -

2010-03-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Finding information on old sets can sometimes be tricky. So we'll take the time to do reviews of past products and provide a complete checklist for further reference. 2003/04 Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball is such a landmark set for NBA collectors for many reasons and is worth going back and looking at the top cards.

03/04 Exquisite Basketball has all the top rookies with patch autograph cards. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. All of these RC cards are serial numbered to /99. Josh Howard, Mo Williams, and David West highlight the group of players who have patch auto's serial numbered /225.

Box prices today are in the $2,500 - 3,000 range. Recently, a case of 03/04 Exquisite Basketball was sold on eBay, so boxes and cases still exist and command premium value at auction.

READ MORE:

2003/04 UD Exquisite Basketball Checklist & Review

Early Look: 2010 Donruss Elite Football Set Checklist

2010-03-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Panini/Donruss has released the early checklist for 2010 Donruss Elite Football (Presumably everything is there but the Rookie Cards) Speaking of the RC Cards, the top prospects will be serial #/499 and autographed.

Dallas Cowboys fans will see more use of Miles Austin, and one of the most collectible non-rookie cards might be Passing The Torch #1 Mark Sanchez and Joe Namath dual autograph.

Each Hobby Box will contain 20 Packs - 5 Cards Per Pack. Each box on average delivers 4 memorabilia or autograph cards - with at least 1 autograph. There will also be 4 RC cards inserted in each box. There are no early pictures as of yet, but you can find the full preliminary checklist and more below.

2010 Donruss Elite Football Box Checklist & Review

2010 Razor Poker All Autograph Box Review

2010-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Razor Poker is back! This year it is even better then ever with every card in 2010 Razor Poker, except Stu Ungar memorabilia cards, being autographed. You get 5 autographs per pack, 1 pack per box. The 2010 Razor Poker pre-sale box price is coming in at about $65-70 a box.

Be Sure To Check Out:
2010 Razor Poker Review & Checklist

2010 Razor Poker features many special redemption cards for items like Phil Hellmuth tournament worn sunglasses, and a Daniel Negreanu hat. You'll even have a chance to win a seat for an online poker tournament to win a seat to the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event.

Partial Checklist:
2010 Razor Poker Review & Checklist
Note: Phil Ivey might appear in the set.

Johnny Chan
Vanessa Rousso
Doyle Brunson
Phil Hellmuth
Daniel Negreanu
Patrik Antonius
Howard Lederer
Shannon Elizabeth
Annie Duke
Men The Master Nguyen
Scotty Nguyen
Mike Matusow
Greg Raymer
Chris Moneymaker
Stu Ungar
Jennifer Harman
Antonio Esfandiari
Orel Hershiser
Erick Lindgren
Erik Seidel
Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi
Tom "durrrrrr" Dwan
TJ Cloutier
Ivan Demidov
David Williams+MORE+

March Madness: Sports Trading Card Release Edition

2010-03-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

The first half of 2010 has been a good one for sports card collectors. Topps Series 1 and Topps Heritage Baseball are everything we have come to know from Topps Baseball product and possibly a bit more. The newest honest Abe Lincoln SP variation cards that have surfaced recently only add to the sets popularity among collectors.

Upper Deck tried to stay in the baseball card market .. and they even went to court over the matter but were shut down by the MLB and the law. UD Series 1 Baseball was still allowed to be sold ... and it may be the last product they make for a while.

But hold onto your hats collectors because things are only heating up in the trading card market. The end of March brings 2 quality baseball releases and 2009 Football's best release. Check out some of the cool stuff that should keep your Visa card maxed out.

2010 Topps Pro Debut Series 1 Baseball

This set is Topps first crack at making Minor League Baseball cards via the exclusive agreement they reached with the MiLB some time ago. Its an interesting set as many of these players were featured in Razor's 2008 product line and Upper Deck's USA Baseball Sets. There really isn't anything new here except Topps making Minor League Baseball Cards. Its a cool set that has some value on the box level. Check out the review I wrote on 2010 Topps Pro Debut Series 1 Baseball over at Sports Card Radio.

2010 Topps Finest Baseball

I would say that this set is one of those that you will either love or hate. The absence of any 'game-worn' jersey cards is hidden by the fact that there are player worn letterman's in just about every box. The exclusive 1/1 foldout refractor versions are a first for Topps ... each letter of the card is autographed folks! As always with Topps Finest products, there are Rookie Redemption cards that come 1 per hobby box and will be announced during the season. Be sure to check out the full 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Checklist before you go buying a box of this.

2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Football

I must say that the early scans of this product look terrific. Since I can't afford this stuff I can only go off the photos and it makes me want to go rob a bank like politicians rob the country of our freedom. This stuff is absolutely gorgeous and I think once it hits the market it will be the #1 product of the season. We have 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Football covered at Sports Card Radio.

2010 Press Pass Football

Press Pass did a nice job in what probably will be their last season making the early year Football product. They locked up Golden Child Tim Tebow ... they have many other rookies including Golden Tate signed to exclusive contracts so they kind of shut SAGE out in terms of the early 2010 football product. Fans should gobble this stuff up when it hits the market at the end of the month. Find everything including the 2010 Press Pass Football Checklist & Review at Sports Card Radio.

Early Look: 09/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball Set Checklist

2010-03-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

Timeless Treasures is another premium product that has been announced by Panini. These will be $100 per 5 card pack, with each pack containing 3 autographs or jersey cards (at least 1 autograph)

If you are searching for NBA Logoman and premium NBA Jersey Swatch parallel cards, this may be a set to check out. Many of the inserts and subsets including: the Base Set, ROY Materials, MVP Materials, Championship Season, and NBA Apprentice, have prime Logoman and Team Logo Laundry tag 1/1 parallels.

Tyreke Evans replaces Blake Griffen as the Rookie Case Hit. Along with Evans, each 15 box case will contain 1 or more of the following autographs: George Mikan, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robinson, Larry Bird or Jerry West. This quite possibly is the strongest case hit guarantee list that Panini has put out in the 09/10 season.

2009/10 Panini Timeless Treasures Basketball Set Checklist

Early Look: 09/10 Panini Crown Royale Basketball Set Checklist

2010-03-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

Crown Royale is a name familiar with Baseball and Football fans. Panini has decided to bring back the die-cut base cards and inserts for basketball collectors in 2010. This 'premium' product contains 4 packs per box and each pack has 7 cards. Each box contains 4 Auto or memorabilia cards including at least 1 on-card autograph! 1:15 boxes is a hot box that will contain 4 extra hits.

Be on the lookout for On-Card Autograph Rookie Cards #/499 - we think that these will be popular with collectors once they hit the market in June.

2009/10 Panini Crown Royale Basketball Checklist & Review

Early Look: 09/10 Panini Court Kings NBA Basketball Set Checklist

2010-03-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Panini's first "Premium Pack" product that will set you back about $100 per 11 Card Pack when it hit shelves June 2, 2010. Every base card is serial #/325 or less making this a solid candidate for set builders.

In every 15 Box Case look for one or more of following autographs: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings. Also find two 5x7 Autographed Box Toppers per case!

Find redemption cards for One of 120 exclusive Kobe Bryant signed 16x20 Lithos!

Also look for Kobe Bryant On-Card Autographs. Also the Supreme Court Set contains on-card autographs of top NBA stars and is worth taking a look at.

Find the Complete 09/10 Panini Court Kings Checklist Here

The Sports Card Show Podcast #45

2010-03-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

The latest episode of The Sports Card Show podcast is up on iTunes and over at Sports Card Radio.

We follow up on the Upper Deck and MLB settlement and the impact it will have on the hobby.

2009/10 Panini Studio Basketball is the only set of note that comes out next week and we give you a run-down of the highlights. Be sure to check out our preview of the product over at Sports Card Radio: 09/10 Panini Studio Checklist

We also discuss game used memorabilia and collectibles markets. Where you can find pieces and the relation to the hobby card market.

Early Look: 2009/10 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Basketball Box

2010-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

09/10 Absolute Memorabilia Basketball will make its debut for the NBA and will give collectors an exciting higher end set to collect. Many of today's best rookies including Tyreke Evans, Blake Griffen and Brandon Jennings will have Rookie Premiere Material (RPM) cards. There will also be many Prime Swatches and multi-color jersey cards that are lacking from most of Panini's early Basketball offerings.

Be sure to find the entire preview with lots of photos over at Sports Card Radio:
2009/10 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Basketball Set Review and Checklist

Show #44 - Sports Card Radio - UD Legal Issues - 2 Interviews

2010-03-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

We have two great interview guest for this weeks show. We catch up with Tim Danielson of the Bench Trading and see how the progress is coming along with the YSL Charity Drive. Later in the show Ryan from www.sportscardreport.info joins us to talk about Upper Deck, Topps and the MLB’s courtroom battles.

Also in the show we talk about the NFL Combine and some early thoughts on the upcoming baseball season. Lots of great stuff! Jammed into one episode!

#1 Sports Card Podcast on Itunes!!
Show #44 Upper Deck Topps & MLB Legal Battle + 2 Interviews

2010 Famous Fabrics - All Sports Autograph Game Used Set -

2010-02-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

Creative Cardboard Concepts released their brand new 2010 Famous Fabrics set today. Every card is autographed or game used, and are serial numbered to /9 or 1/1. The checklist comes from all sports, with baseball, basketball, football, and boxing being featured the most.

Cut signature cards of Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Jesse Owens highlight the deep checklist of cut autographs. They are apart of the Enshrined insert set.

Product breakdown:
Release Date: 2/24/2010

Case = 10 Boxes *Only 400 Cases Produced*
Box = 1 Pack Per Box - 1 Card Per Pack

Read Full Review With Complete Checklist.

Forbes: Panini Ready To Gamble

2010-02-18T02:01:00.000-08:00

Since getting the exclusive license to make NBA basketball cards, Panini has produced sets that have some collectors wanting more. Their entire product line is filled with mid-priced boxes, that don't have any eye popping hits. No crazy cut autographs. Nothing that pushes the limit of what has been done before.

A recent article from Forbes might shed some light as to why Panini has been so conservative with their basketball line. Panini has set aside $10 Million for its basketball venture. So where does all that money go? For one, having Kobe Bryant as your pitch man doesn't come cheap. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most recognizable faces in the world. The details of the contract with Kobe are not known, but Forbes did slip in a little insight:

The company signed up superstar Kobe Bryant as its front man, agreeing to pay him seven figures annually for appearances, and autograph sessions.

Alright. So Kobe costs them a nice chunk, at least 10% of the NBA budget. I don't mind that so much. LeBron said something funny at the Olympics back in 2008. Something like, "I thought I was famous until I got here with Kobe." Getting Kobe Bryant to pitch your basketball product is a good idea, even if it costs you 10-15% of your budget.

Here is where Panini is ready to gamble it up. They are "sinking $2.5 million of its $10 million NBA investment into the launch of an interactive card game it's calling Adrenalyn." Here we go again. Another card company thinking they can get kids to drop their PS3 controller, their IPOD, their cell phone, etc...... to go play a game with basketball cards online. Call me a skeptic, I see this as $2.5 million down the drain.

I would have spent the $2.5 million to wow the collectors Panini inherited. The hundreds of thousands of basketball collectors, that have been forced to sit through mid-range product, after mid-priced product since October. Panini drops at least $1M on Kobe, $2.5M on Adrenalyn, and suddenly a big part of the $10 Million budget is wiped away. Die hard basketball collectors, or even those who only buy a few packs or boxes a year, get left out in the cold because that money doesn't get them anything. The older collectors, and this is just a wild guess, aren't going to play Adrenalyn or want anything to do with the .99 cent packs.

Getting more kids involved in the hobby, in any sport, would be a great thing. Panini should make strides in that effort. What I have to question is going so bold in year one with the kids push. Panini is taking the risk of freezing out older collectors because the sets they've put out leave a lot to be desired. If it were me, I would have tried to "wow" the fan base I already had, and then work on bringing some new collectors along in year two.

Product Update: 2010 Topps Allen Ginter Baseball & NCAA Sweet Spot Football

2010-02-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

If you like to keep up on upcoming products then Sports Card Radio is the place to be.

2010 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball

Some new photos via Topps Twitter Feed are available in our early product preview. Be sure to check back soon as we will have an interview with the 2009 Ginter Code Winner. No word on when this product will go live, but we expect it to be an late spring/early summer release.

2010 UD Sweet Spot NCAA Football

This is an entirely new product that comes from the NCAA License that Upper Deck secured. It will feature current and former NFL stars in their College Uniforms. Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy autographs are included, as well as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Dan Marino, Barry Sanders and many others. This product will feature 6 Packs with each pack containing a jersey or autograph card. Expect Upper Deck NCAA Sweet Spot Football to hit the shelves in June 2010.

Check out all of our 2010 Product Previews Here

2009 Upper Deck UD Exquisite Football RC Card List

2010-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

With just about every important 2009 Football set already released including SP Authentic, Playoff Contenders and Playoff National Treasures ....collectors only have 1 thing to wait for: 2009 UD Exquisite Football!

Check out the complete 09 Exquisite Football Rookie Card Checklist Here

Just like years past, there will be guys that emerge in years 2, 3 and beyond...plus even the less popular players tend to sell well..so it makes for a great set to collect!

Be sure to check our Exquisite Football Section for news, checklists, prices and more!

Topps To Become More Media Friendly?

2010-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

We learned today from Sports Card Report that The Topps Company just hired a new top gun. Former TV Guide President Ryan O’Hara will be taking over on March 1st.

To be honest, I could care less if O'Hara knows anything about sports. The key will be getting Topps to step up their game on the tech front. Topps website? Pitiful. I have to be honest. Here is the current release schedule on Topps' website:

"No upcoming releases are planned at this time."

The sports side of the site hasn't been updated in at least a month. Hopefully the new CEO will be addressing this. O'Hara was in charge of TVGuide.com, so he knows a thing or two about the web. Of course the confection side of Topps business is the money maker, and O'Hara was also a former executive at Nestle, so his hiring is as much about candy as it is cards. Let's hope he can get the ball moving at Topps so that we all can be better informed about the hobby.

2010 Topps Baseball Pack 2

2010-02-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

Pack number two of the new 2010 Topps Baseball. RedBird's claimed the cards. I'll probably go out and get some UD or more Topps sometime soon. If I hit something I'll put it on eBay and then get a box to break for our forum members. If you haven't signed up yet, be sure to check us out. We are going to be running some contests throughout 2010.

PACK 1:

John Lackey #54

Nate Robertson #84

Gordon Beckham #115

Coco Crisp #182

Jeff Francoeur #184

Pablo Sandoval #190

Matt Lindstrom #276

Ross Ohlendorf #284

Colorado Rockies #329

Evan Longoria Turkey Red Insert #TR41 (Odds 1:4 Packs)

Cal Ripken Jr. Target Red Back (Odds 1:4 Packs)

Hanley Ramirez ToppsTown.com

PACK 2:

Joey Votto #48

Ken Griffey Jr #85

Chris Iannetta #114

Dustin Richardson (RC) #131

Cleveland Indians #197

New York Yankees #260

Arizona Diamondbacks #264

Chris Snyder #303

Manny Ramirez Turkey Red Insert #TR12 (Odds 1:4 Packs)

Lou Gehrig Target Red Back (Odds 1:4 Packs)

Miguel Cabrera ToppsTown.com

Sports Card Radio

2010 Topps Baseball Pack 1

2010-02-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to busting a few packs of 2010 Topps Baseball Series 1. Here is what I got in pack 1. Be sure to check out our full preview here. And a complete base set checklist here. If anybody wants the cards, just shoot me an email.

A Guess at How Much UD Will Owe Konami

2010-01-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

So we learned from Sports Card Report that UD and Konami have settled their damages trail, and Upper Deck needs to pay it's first settlement check by Friday. It pays it's final check to Konami on March 31st. How much money are we talking?

Upper Deck illegally reproduced more than 600,000 of Konami's Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. I tried to find examples in the real world to get a handle on the dollar amount Upper Deck might now be on the hook for.

In early 2009 the MLBPA sued Donruss for using MLB logos and colors without a license (sound familiar?). The MLBPA reportedly is seeking triple the profit that Donruss, now Panini, made off the sale of the cards.

Software maker Symantec -think Norton Anti-Virus- has won a litany of counterfeit software judgments ranging form a few hundred thousand to $21 Million.

The ladies love Louis Vuitton, and in 2008 they were granted what is believed to be the highest award of damages in Canada against purveyors of counterfeit goods. $920,000.

Konami reportedly was seeking "hundreds of millions" in civil damages if the case went to trial. That is usually a scare tactic to get the other party, in this case Upper Deck, to settle out of court. My gut, tells me that the payoff has to be in the neighborhood of $5-8 Million. I know that sounds low. And maybe it is indeed too low a number.

Two things though brought me to that range. Upper Deck has reached an agreement to settle the payment from this lawsuit by the end of March. With rumors that UD is already struggling, you can't think they are paying up $15-20 Million in damages so quick. The other issue I took into account was the damages Symantec got in their anti-piracy judgments. They are two totally separate issues, but this Symantec software was mass produced, and was worth a lot more then 600,000 Yu-Gi-Oh cards. The MLBPA vs Donruss case I noted earlier had the MLB looking for 'triple' what Donruss made on the sale of the cards. How much can you make on 600,000 Yu-Gi-Oh cards?

The sleazy nature in which UD went about counterfeiting the Yu-Gi-Oh cards makes the case somewhat unique. Therefore Konami probably has a leg to stand on when trying to squeeze as much out of UD as they can. I'm going to stand by $5-8 Million as a range. We'll see if any news leaks to see if I'm dead wrong.

2010 Topps National Chicle Baseball Set Preview

2010-01-26T00:27:00.000-08:00

Just spent several hours putting a 2010 Topps National Chicle Baseball Preview together. The set has generated quite a bit of buzz from around the hobby world, and I tried to portray some of the early feelings about the cards in the preview.

I've also covered all the ad backs, parallels, box loaders, autographs, and relic cards. Odds, and checklists for the auto's and relic cards are also in the preview. I will at some point put up a complete checklist in the very near future.

The same 12 artists who did the artwork for the Chicle Football set are back to design the baseball set.

Hope you enjoy! Check out the full preview here.

Is Upper Deck Trying To Go Broke?

2010-01-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about the Upper Deck - Konami/Yu-Gi-Oh lawsuit I figured things were about to get bad for UD. Real bad. First they lost out on the Baseball license to Topps. Now Konami is standing in line for their payday.

The story gets better. Now, rumor has it, UD is going to release their 2010 Baseball line using MLB logo's. Riiiiiiigggghhhhhttttt. Guess they didn't care about losing the MLBPA rights deal to Topps, cause they were just going ignore the deal anyways. ~~Why didn't they just ignore the rookie card logo rule too?~~

Now I am starting to wonder what the real deal is. They must have the Chapter 11 papers all printed up, just waiting for the right time. With whispers of UD owing $100 million to the IRS, they are probably just playing russian roulette by using MLB logos.

Some collectors even seem to think (in the comments section) that Upper Deck might release some of the baseball product, and then have to pull it off the shelves. Thus creating a short print set on their way out the door. I wouldn't buy into it. With how shady their business has become, I'd be wary of any UD product right now.

Exquisite or National Treasures 2009 Rookie Card Design?

2010-01-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

The two biggest (or at least most expensive) Football products are coming soon.

2009 Playoff National Treasures Football comes out January 20, 2010

2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Football comes out February 23, 2010

The set designs are in and I'm a fan of 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite RC over the 2009 National Treasures RC design. You can take a look below, but to me the gold background on the Exquisite cards just make them look expensive. Many of these cards will sell in the high 3-Figures and even 4-Figures so the design is important. The National treasures rookies look great too, but I have to say I like Exquisite in 2009.

Be sure to check out our extensive preview of both products over at www.sportscardradio.com

2009 Playoff National Treasures Football Preview

2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Football Preview

NFL Weekend Impact Players Rookie Cards

2010-01-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

Nothing moves rookie card prices quite like playing well in an NFL Playoff game.
Below are the complete RC checklists of this weeks biggest stars.

Reggie Bush - Looked the 'old Reggie' at USC making huge plays that helped New Orleans win. He has a large Rookie Card selection, many of which are autographed. Find the complete list of Reggie Bush RC Cards Here.

Sidney Rice - Brett Favre has given this WR a boost in numbers and his Rookie Cards are being collected more than ever. His big game against Dallas is sure to keep them going in the same direction. Find all of Sidney Rice 2007 Rookie Cards here.

Jared Allen - A rare defensive player makes the list. His personality and great play makes him one of the few DE that you might want to think about collecting. He doesn't have many 2004 Rookies, you can find the complete list here.

Devery Henderson - In an offense that has many weapons, Devery stands out and makes plays for New Orleans. He has a ton of 2004 Rookies and you can find them all here.

Lynell Hamilton - Probably wouldn't have made the list, except he is from my home town Stockton, CA. He did score a touch down against Arizona and possibly could be a super sleeper later on in the playoffs. He only has one RC and you can find his 2008 RC here.

Tim Hightower - Busted a huge run on the first play of the game and then disappeared. His 2008 Rookie Cards are still worth taking a look at.

Pierre Thomas - Limped off the field a few times. (See Lynell Hamilton above) The Saints could be Super Bowl bound, and you have to think he will be okay then. Might be a good time to scoop a few of Pierre Thomas 2007 RC Cards.

Marques Colston - Didn't have a huge game against Arizona, but you have to think he will get involved later on in the playoffs. This 7th round draft pick has been hot since his 2006 Rookies hit the market.

Brett Favre - This old man keeps doing it. His 1991 Rookie Cards are still as hot as ever.

Adrian Peterson - He took a back seat to Chris Johnson and possibly even Cedric Benson this year in terms of sizzle behind his card values. Look for the values to hold as the Vikings try to make a deep run in the playoffs. Adrian Peterson 2007 Rookie Cards are still some of the most valuable cards on the market today in any sport...so bring your Visa!

Mark Sanchez - This QB gets the job done and lets the great Jets defense take charge. His 2009 Rookies have been setting the bar for the rest of the 09 RC class. He is this years Matt Ryan/Joe Flacco.

Shonn Greene - This 3rd round pick has been taking quite a few carries away from Thomas Jones. The Jets may have their future Running Back and Quarterback locked up for a few years! Since getting more playing time after Leon Washington went out with injury, Shonn Greene 2009 Rookie Cards have been soaring. He has been a big part of the Jets 2 playoff wins.

Antonio Gates - Didn't have many 2003 Rookie Cards being undrafted. That makes all of them highly collectible.

2009 Playoff Contenders Football SP RC Ticket Checklist

2010-01-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

If you have been busting boxes of 2009 Playoff Contenders Football then you may want to go check out our review. We have the complete list of SP Rookie Tickets that were inserted in 2009.

Aaron Kelly has a mere 21 copies. Expect huge prices on his card.

Matthew Stafford and Michael Crabtree are on the list as well.

Find our complete list of SP RC Tickets and our review of the set here.

No New Is Good News? 2009 UD Exquisite Football Set

2010-01-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

We have been searching the internet for 2009 UD Exquisite Football information but Upper Deck has been fairly quite about the release. I anticipate it being a great set and they are probably just trying to get it all together.

We have some early 2009 preview information here on the main site.

In the mean time. Check out the history of the set from 2005 - 2008 and you will see that there are plenty of sleepers still around to collect. Seems like every year (Vernon Davis, Chris Johnson) someone breaks out and their Exquisite card values jump through the roof.

We'll keep you posted on when we here something new of the 2009 Exquisite Football release.

A Look at Chris Johnson's UD Exquisite Football Price Jump

2010-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Titans RB Chris Johnson had one of the best years of all-time by any running back. He became the 6th NFL running back to rush for over 2,000 yards. He also broke Marshall Faulk's yards from scrimmage mark which Faulk set in 1999 with the St. Louis Rams.

Over at Sports Card Radio we have been taking a look at the price history on ebay of certain members of the 2008 NFL Rookie Draft Class. Here is a look at the data we have collected for Johnson so far:

01/05/2010 $430.00 (3 Clr /199)

01/04/2010 $450.00 (3 Clr /199)

01/03/2010 $432.01 (3 Clr /75)

01/03/2010 $316.55 (2 Clr /199)

01/03/2010 $415.00 (3 Clr /199)

01/02/2010 $357.00 (2 Clr /199)

12/31/2009 $450.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/31/2009 $482.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/29/2009 $400.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/29/2009 $499.99 (3 Clr /199)

12/27/2009 $403.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/11/2009 $375.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/09/2009 $250.00 (2 Clr /199)

12/07/2009 $435.00 (3 Clr Sp /75)

12/07/2009 $400.00 (3 Color /199)

12/05/2009 $400.00 (3 Clr Sp /75)

12/04/2009 $263.87 (2 Clr /199)

12/03/2009 $375.00 (2 Clr Sp /75)

12/03/2009 $350.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/03/2009 $405.00 (3 Clr /199)

12/01/2009 $480.00 (3 Clr Sp /75)

11/28/2009 $280.00 (2 Clr Sp /75)

11/27/2009 $243.50 (3 Color /199)

11/25/2009 $299.00 (3 Clr Sp /75)

11/20/2009 $201.00 (2 Color /199)

11/18/2009 $244.05 (3 Color Patch)

11/18/2009 $210.00 (3 Color Patch)

11/18/2009 $195.00 (2 Color Patch)

11/18/2009 $212.00 (3 Color Patch)

11/18/2009 $227.50 (2 Color Patch)

11/16/2009 $365.00 (SP /75 3 Color Patch)

11/15/2009 $180.00 (2 Color Patch)

11/15/2009 $172.50 (SP /75 1 Color Patch)

11/14/2009 $259.99 (3 Color Patch)

11/12/2009 $202.50 (2 Color Patch)

11/11/2009 $245.00 (3 Color Patch)

11/10/2009 $245.00 (3 Color Patch)

11/09/2009 $146.50 (2 Color Patch)

11/09/2009 $320.00 (SP /75 2 Color Patch)

11/08/2009 $171.38 (SP /75 2 Clr Patch)

11/08/2009 $400.00 (SP /75 3 Clr Patch)

11/07/2009 $140.00 (2 Color Patch - Card was laying out unprotected!)

11/06/2009 $159.99 (2 Color Patch)

Sports Card Radio's Exquisite Football Home Page

2010 Topps Heritage Baseball Hobby Box Preview

2010-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

2010 or '10 Topps Heritage Baseball reaches baseball collectors in late February but collectors are already taking a look at Topps 2010 offerings. Each box only contains 1 auto or 1 relic card but all autos are On-Card and we like that.

There are some Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, and Roger Maris Jersey and Cut Autograph cards if you are lucky enough to pull that kind of mojo!

Be sure to check out our complete review of 2010 Topps Heritage Baseball

Should be an exciting year in baseball!

Sports Card Radio Latest Product Preview & Review

2010-01-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Some interesting products to start 2010 off with a collecting bang. We have tried to review some of them for you!

2009 Playoff Contenders Football Box Review
Some SP Rookie Ticket Checklist speculation and more. Always a fun set, but I think you will see the Rookie Ticket Autograph cards are a little to 'busy' for my taste and it takes away from the autograph. Still a nice set that delivers 4-5 Autographs per box.

2009 Playoff National Treasures Preview
One of the best sets of the football season. Some great patch autograph jersey cards come from these box breaks. We preview this set and it looks to be a great one. Stay tuned for more news as it becomes available.

Be sure to check out our growing section of product news here

Happy New Year Everyone! Looking forward to seeing what cards will be the best in 2010.

www.sportscardradio.com

2008 Topps Allen & Ginter TTM Autographs By CubsFan129

2010-01-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Sports Card Radio's Hall of Fame member Cubsfan129 has had a lot of success with TTM autographs. I was taking a look at his photobucket the other day and I noticed how nice the 2008 Allen & Ginter cards looked with an autograph across the front. I decided to take the time and document all Cubsfan129's success. He has a lot of cards up for trade including some of his TTM's so be sure to check out his photobucket.

Check out the complete article here.

NFL MLB NBA Team Address List

Sports Card Radio's Fan Forum TTM Autograph Section

Hobby Wish For 2010

2010-01-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Panini, UD, and Topps to come up with creative ways to buy/sell/trade their products.

I am not the average collector. The only time I am going to rip into a box of cards is with the intention of giving the cards away. While that puts me in the minority in terms of collecting, it doesn't mean I wouldn't spend some money to build my own personal collection. I've bought hundreds of single ~~Michael Olowokandi~~ cards on ebay so I am not shy, nor do I care, about throwing my money down the drain.

Over the years I've enjoyed buying and selling on websites like The Pit and Etopps. While The Pit is a small community of collectors, the premise behind the website is pure gold. Topps used to own The Pit. They overpaid when they bought the site and lost millions of dollars when they sold it to Naxcom. Which will more then likely prevent them from doing something like it again.

I go and look over at Sports Card Forum, and the trade sections on the site are home to the most popular threads. ~~Sellers~~ like it or not, Ebay is now the place to be for buying/selling Sports Cards. Period. Card Stores and Shows are drying up faster then Tiger's endorsement deals. Walmart and Target only cater to the low end market. Ebay is where it's at if you want to buy and sell. Card stores used to have weekly 'trade nights'- now upstart forums are the place to go to trade. If I were the owner of UD, Topps, or Panini a light bulb would be hovering over my head. I'd want to get a piece of the action. With ebay being the king of buying/selling, I would have no control over the secondary market place where my product was being bought and sold the most. At any moment, Ebay could shut out the low end sports card market by raising fees. Some would argue Ebay already has. Even selling boxes and cases proves to be difficult because most products have a razor thin profit margin. Any hike to ebay seller fees makes that margin even tighter. Just like the hobby stores across America have dried up, so could the sellers on ebay. If I owned Topps, UD or Panini I would want to have a piece of that secondary market.

It could be done a number of different ways. The easiest would be to try and team up with the people who are already doing it the best. Find creative partnerships with the forums, and blogs from around the web. It also wouldn't hurt to knock on ebay's door every once in a while to see if you can get a slice of their pie- like Topps did with Etopps. There was/is a site on the web where you could buy and sell 'shares' of expensive cards just like shares of stocks on a stock exchange. Meaning I could own a piece of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle without having to buy the entire card. I would create a website where the shareholders could vote to cash out and sell the card (perhaps on ebay), so that shareholders could take swift advantage if they wanted to scoop a profit.

Most of the card companies are now saying they are going to go after children to try and revitalize the hobby. That could prove to be very difficult. Check out this Voice of the Collector blog to see why. Kids are a difficult market to reach. If it were me, I would focus on the collecting base that is already there. I would try and find ways to make the collecting experience more dynamic (stock exchange), and also more interactive (by connecting with collectors on the web). If I were working for Topps, UD, or Panini I would be on the popular forums and blogs everyday trying to get a feel for what collectors wanted to see. Maybe they do participate in that manner, but I haven't seen it.

Be sure to visit our website Sports Card Radio.

Top 5 Amazon Sports Card Products of 2009

2009-12-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

To close out 2009, let's take a look at the top 5 products on Amazon. While Ebay remains the best place to buy and sell sports cards, Amazon has prices that are similar and sometimes less then the popular auction site.

With free shipping on some items, Amazon is a great alternative to ebay if you are looking to add to your collection. Most orders over $25 gets you free shipping as well. Here are the top 5 Sports Card products sold on Amazon for 2009:

New York Yankees 2009 Topps World Series Champions Set (27 Cards)

The Yankees claim the top Amazon spot for 2009. And why not? The most successful franchise in all of sports claimed another World Series win in '09. The 2009 Topps Set features all of the top players off the champion Yankees team. Jeter, A-Rod, Rivera, and Tex are just a few of the names featured in this set. It wouldn't be a bad idea picking up one of these sets and storing it away for safe keeping. The popularity of the Yankees is as strong as ever, and they might just be the favorites to repeat in 2010.

2.

2008 Upper Deck First Edition NFL Football Factory Sealed Factory Set (225 Cards) Including Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco Rookies and w/ 2 Game Used Jersey Cards

Quite a bargain for this 2008 Upper Deck Factory Set. For $12.99, you also get 2 game used jersey cards. The 2008 Rookie class was very impressive, and the value of the set could increase over the years.

3.

2009 Upper Deck First Edition Football Trading Cards - Blaster Box

Retail boxes seem to sell very well on Amazon. When you hit the $25 free shipping bonus, then buying retail boxes on Amazon can be a cheaper alternative to Ebay. If there is not a Target or Wal-Mart close to you (not sure how that is possible) then buying off Amazon can be a great way to add to your collection without having to drop a lot of coin. Be sure to check out the Other Football Boxes on Amazon.

4.

2008 Upper Deck X MLB Baseball Factory Sealed 24 Pack Retail Box w/Autograph

For $14.99, you can see why this is a hot seller. You get 24 packs of cards and an Autograph. The Upper Deck X boxes are little harder to find on the retail market, I just checked my local Target and they didn't have any left.

5.

2008 Upper Deck First Edition MLB Baseball Factory Set(506 Cards) + Game Used Jersey + 5

Another Upper Deck factory set makes the list. A staggering 506 cards, plus a game used jersey card, and also 5 Yankee Stadium Legacy cards. For $13.99, it doesn't get much cheaper then that.

2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition EEE Baseball Preview

2009-12-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sports Card Radio has 2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition covered! Check out our spectacular preview here.

This year will feature On Card Autograph Rookies Cards! Including Dustin Ackley, Donovan Tate, Matt Hobgood, and many more! Check out the complete checklist of on-card RC auto's inserted into 2009 Donruss Extra Edition Baseball.

Check out this sweet Albert Pujols Fort Osage Indians High School Autographed card which will be limited to # /20. These will be red hot! Be sure to check the preview for more information on this Pujols Autograph.

Beware: Fake NBA Logoman Patch Cards

2009-12-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

NBA Logoman patch cards are some of the hottest cards on the market. These rare cards sell quite well no matter the player. Its a hobby fact, that there are many sellers who will try and make a buck any way they can. Ebay is a popular place for these people to run the scam, but the selling is not limited to just the auction scene. Buyers need to be careful whenever they purchase a card. Here are some steps to take to make sure the logoman card you are buying is legit.......Full Article Here.

FAKE WADE

FAKE MALONE

FAKE

FAKE KOBE

FAKE WADE

Topps Signs Stephen Strasburg + SP Authentic Pushed Back

2009-12-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

Topps has signed a deal with 2009 MLB #1 Pick Stephen Strasburg. I am not sure how they will incorporate Stephen into the 2010 Topps products. Unless he makes the Washington Nationals out of Spring Training he will not have a true "RC" card. The baseball RC logo rule is discussed here.

Here is Topps press release on the Strasburg signing.

Upper Deck Sp Authentic Football has a new release date. 1/26/2010. Upper Deck is attempting to get all autographs for the set to be signed on card. Sp Authentic is usually a set that gets pushed back, the on-card element throws a new wrinkle. I am sure UD wants to get this set out before the 2010 Super Bowl, so collectors won't have to wait much longer.

2009 Upper Deck UD Sp Authentic Football Box Preview

2009-12-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

Just finished a preview of the 2009 Upper Deck Sp Authentic Football Set. Good stuff this year. Up to 10 Rookie Patch Auto's per case!! NICE!

All Autographs will be on-card.

Here is what you get per box:

Get one (1) Autographed Memorabilia Card in every box!
Up to 10 Rookie Auto Patches per case!
An additional Two (2) Autographs in every box!

Check out our review here.

Quinton Ganther Washington Redskins RB

2009-12-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

This guy was out of a job just last month. Yesterday, he scored 2 TD's and totaled 90 yards. Gotta love the NFL. Quinton also helped me win a fantasy football playoff game. In honor of that, Sports Card Radio has posted a 2006 Rookie Card Checklist of the man himself.

Quinton Ganther Rookie Checklist

Thanks Quinton!

2009/10 Panini Threads Basketball Set Preview

2009-12-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Check out our set preview for 2009/10 Panini Basketball. The Rookie Class Patch Autographs look cool.

Pacific Tigers vs. Cal Bears 12/9/2009

2009-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

Went to my first college basketball game of the year last night. It also happened to be the largest crowd (8,704) ever to witness a college hoops game in Stockton, CA. The enthusiastic crowd couldn't help the under-sized and over matched Tigers who lost to Cal 79-54.

It's too bad UOP couldn't buy a jump shot the entire game. If they'd made just a few more open shots, it would have been a competitive game. Cal didn't impress me. The Tigers were able to get open looks all game, but just couldn't hit them. There are a couple Tigers teams from several years ago that would have beaten the Cal team I saw last night.

Here are some names off the Cal team that I think have a chance to make it to the next level. Not sure where they rank in terms of NBA Draft prospects, but these guys certainly have the skills to make it:

PATRICK CHRISTOPHER. Dude had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Looked to be about 6-5'. Nice NBA body. Can hit the mid range jump shot. This guy looked good.

JEROME RANDLE. Dang, this guy is really quick. I mean, really, really quick. Had some traveling calls on him that won't be called in the NBA. He is very small, which will hurt him. Not a great passer, he was more or less looking for his own shot. Might fit as a backup PG in the league.

MAX ZHANG. This guy is 7-3". Not the most mobile big guy, but can move a bit. Good touch on his shot. Aside from Christopher, he was the guy who impressed me the most. He had very modest numbers: 6 points 3 Rebounds and 3 Blocks, in just 10 minn. of action, but clearly the skill set is there.

Most of the Cal guys are "me first" so dumping it into the post to a guy who is 7-3" against a UOP team that was guarding him with a guy who was 6-8" must not have occurred to them. This guy will most definitely make the NBA just because of his size. I think he is a Sophomore, so he might still have some room to get better.

Show #42 Tiger Woods - Brett Favre - Peyton Manning + News

2009-12-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

The entire globe has been abuzz about Tiger Woods and his Car Crash that somehow lead to other personal matters being discovered about the world's greatest golfer. We talk about his situation along with the other athletes that have been doing well on the field this year.

Check out the Sports Card Show Podcast #42

2009/10 Panini Basketball Coverage

2009-12-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Sports Card Radio will be covering Panini Basketball in it's first year with the exclusive deal with the NBA. Here's what we've got so far.

2009/10 Panini Prestige NBA Basketball Card Set Review

2009/10 Panini Elite NBA Basketball Set Preview & Review

2009/10 Panini Rookies & Stars Basketball Set Preview

Be sure to check out the recent box break videos of each product.

2009/10 Panini Prestige Basketball

2009/10 Panini Elite Basketball

2009/10 Panini Rookies & Stars

2009 Topps T206 Product Review

2009-12-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

A review of the 2009 Topps T206 Baseball set is up on Sports Card Radio. Be sure to check it out. Much like Topps Allen & Ginter, this set features mini's, ad backs, buybacks and much more.

The cards appear to be popping on ebay.
2009 T-206 Box Break Videos on YouTube

OT: I Should Have Hit on Tiger's Wife When I Had The Chance

2009-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

I think it was 2002, and I was at a PGA Tour golf tournament in San Francisco. My favorite athlete, Tiger Woods, was roaming the golf course and I was doing everything I could to get as close as possible and get a glimpse at the greatness. Fortunately for me, the crowd wasn't too big that day, and I was able to follow Tiger for all 18 holes, without any obstruction.

Tiger was making his way through the course, and was about to hit an approach shot on a long par 5. Nobody was around me, I was standing all by myself. Tiger, was way out in the middle of the fairway, probably 100 yards away from me. Suddenly, I turn to my left, and I see this blond woman walking straight toward me. I mean, STRAIGHT toward me. Looking right at me. She was very moderately dressed, a blue hooded sweater, black stretch pants, and big sunglasses hiding her eyes.

I can probably count on one hand how many times in my life, that something inside told me "I have to say something to this woman." Living in California, I see beautiful women everyday, but very, very, rarely does a little voice inside my head tells me to make a move. So here I am, standing, totally oblivious to the golf tournament at this point, and this gorgeous woman has all my attention. Low and behold, this woman comes and STANDS RIGHT NEXT TO ME. We are almost touching shoulders we are so close. Like I mentioned before, there wasn't any one else around. It wasn't like she squeezed in between a few people to get a look at Tiger, she walked up, with nobody else around, and STOOD RIGHT NEXT TO ME. Whoo Hoo!

So right about at that point, my heart starts to pick up a little bit. I NEED TO SAY SOMETHING! So I start to steal some glances at her. And at the same time, I am trying to come up with something smooth to say. On about the second glance, I get this funny feeling. Do I already know her? She kind of looks familar. She looks about my age. Maybe from school? From a past job? While all this is running through my head, a person approaches who I do recognize. Tiger Woods mother comes walking up and stands next to, what I think, will be my future wife. Suddenly, like a flash, I snap out of my haze, I stare out at Tiger hitting his shot, and it dawns on me. I was about to hit on Tiger's wife. I was really, like two seconds away, from hitting on the biggest sports star in the ENTIRE WORLD wife.

While part of me was a bit sad that I wouldn't stand a chance with Elin, part of me was also proud. One of the few times in my life when I had the strong urge to make a move on a young lady, it happens to be the wife of the most famous athlete in the world. Hey, it's easier to dream big right?

Ryan Tedards

2008 UD Exquisite Football RC Price History

2009-12-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

If you ever want to know what the top rookies of 2008 Upper Deck Exquisite Patch Auto RC's sell for, we will be keeping a price history here at Sports Card Radio.

Andre Caldwell
Chad Henne
Chris Johnson
Darren McFadden
DeSean Jackson
Felix Jones
Joe Flacco
Matt Forte
Matt Ryan
Ray Rice

Feel free to suggest any players you'd like to see Sports Card Radio keep track of.

Sports Card Radio Main Website Updates

2009-11-18T21:07:00.000-08:00

Bunch of cool things going on over at www.sportscardradio.com

Now you can find the last 50 articles in one place - Catch up on all the latest news.

Upper Deck Exquisite Football will have a complete coverage section. Getting ready for the 2009 Release.

The Basketball Rookie RC card checklist page is underway and has some cool players already.

A good look at the rise of Chris Johnson Exquisite RC Jersey Auto Cards over the lat month.

Plus lots more. Be sure to check the latest articles for the newest stuff!

Old School TTM B.J. Armstrong Chicago Bulls PG

2009-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I had a lot of fun sending cards out in the mail to get TTM Autographs. Some of the guys I can remember getting were:

Dale Ellis
Karl Malone
Dennis Smith (Who would send you 3 cards of his own Autographed)
Don Nelson
Dolph Schayes

Here is a picture of one that I dug up the other day. Former Chicago Bulls Point Guard B.J. Armstrong.

Be sure to check out Sports Card Radio's TTM Fan Forum Section.
Forum member Cubsfan129 has had tremendous success over the years getting TTM. Check out his thread.
Cubsfan129 will be making an appearance on Sports Card Radio in December to talk about his collection.

SCR FREE Box Break 2006 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia Football

2009-11-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check back here for more contests!
Freeroll Baseball Box Coming in December. Click Here and Get a Team!

Visit Sports Card Radio.

Tyreke Evans PG/SG Sacramento Kings Part II

2009-11-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

Take back everything negative I said about Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings SG/PG, in an earlier blog post dated October 21, 2009. I actually got to watch the Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game on November 10 which the Kings won 101-98.

The kid can flat out ball. Wow. Tremendous footwork. Above average passer. Seems to already have a grasp on the pick and roll game which is a staple in every NBA teams offense. Great one-on-one player. Maybe one of the best one-on-one players I've seen come into the league in quite awhile. Can play in the half court, and can also lead the break. His long arms allows him to make scoop layups with ease around defenders. As with most young players, his jump shot needs a little work, but that is usually one aspect of NBA players game that gets better over time. Is he Dwayne Wade? Of course not. Wade, to me, is more athletic, and at this point has a better range on his jump shot. Tyreke's range appears to be inside 20 feet, with the ability to hit the occasional three-pointer. Again, his range should improve over time.

There were times during the game where they would just give Tyreke the ball and watch him go one-on-one with a usually helpless Thunder defender. He got to the hoop with ease. He is able to draw fouls that only the good offensive players get. Wow. Wow. Wow. I STRONGLY suggest getting in on some of his Rookie Cards as soon as possible. He is a Rookie of the Year candidate and will get a lot more attention once people around the league realize this kid can flat out do everything on the court. Once he gets his outside shot going, LOOK OUT! I will happily eat crow on this one, and have already added him to my fantasy basketball team.

Stephen Curry PG/SG Golden State Warriors

2009-11-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

You must have lived in a cave to not know what Stephen Curry did while attending Davidson. CBS made him the darling of March Madness. His Father, Dell, had one of the smoothest jump shots I've ever seen. His son is not far behind in the jump shot category.

Stephen is currently starting for the Golden State Warriors. The NCAA leader in scoring last year is finding it hard to find shots on a Warriors team that includes 'me first' players such as Corey Maggette, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis. The thing that surprises me about Curry is how well he can pass the ball. It makes me think that Curry will be able to stick at Point Guard throughout his NBA career. At some point, I think he will also get enough shots up to average in the 15-20 ppg range.

The Warriors aren't going to do much this season. I would also imagine Curry will only put up modest numbers meaning getting an affordable card of his very likely as the season progresses. It's worth the small investment because I could see Curry playing in the league for a long time.

Be sure to visit Sports Card Radio.

Buying Low and Selling High

2009-11-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

New article in the Insider Hobby Tips section of Sports Card Radio. Gives some general tips on when to buy and sell sports cards for profit.

The tips apply to collectors looking to make money on their collection. Its not intended for casual collectors who only collect their favorite players or teams.

Check out the article here.
Visit Sports Card Radio.

Louis Williams PG 76ers

2009-11-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

Louis Tyrone Williams got put on my radar screen last season. He averaged a career high 12.8 ppg coming off the bench behind Andre Miller. With Miller gone, Louis is now the starting PG in Philadelphia. He's off to a hot start this season, 'getting his' with 17 ppg in his first 4 games.

Williams was a 2nd round pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. His game reminds me a lot of two other former 2nd round draft picks, Nick Van Exel and Gilbert Arenas. Louis is a guy who could shoot up the charts in popularity among NBA fans, and his card values could pop as well.

You heard it here first at Sports Card Radio.

Website Updates

2009-10-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out some of these new pages added to Sports Card Radio's website in the last week:

A new feature on the 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter Creatures of Legend, Myth and Terror Set.
Tons of new YouTube Box Break Videos broken down into each year and brand.
Babe Ruth's baseball Rookie Card Rolodex.
Check out ebay auctions for CLH Cards. Lots of good stuff at good prices.
As always, check out Sports Card Radio's forum loaded with good hobby insights.

Sport Card Radio's Group Freeroll Box Break

2009-10-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today was mail day for Sports Card Radio. We are going to have a FREE box break for our loyal SCR Forum members. Signing up for teams is too late. :( But more free breaks will be in the works for the future. Check out Sports Card Radio's Forum for more details.

Here is the box we are breaking! 2006 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia Football. Good luck to everyone! Break will be done at some point this week! Check the forum and our You Tube Page on Sports Card Radio.

2009 Top 50 Topps Allen Ginter Baseball Sports Card Auctions

2009-10-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

2009 Topps Allen and Ginter Baseball has some of the most expensive cards for a modern baseball card set.

I was surfing around eBay the other night and came across the Napoleon Hair DNA Card with a huge Buy-it-Now on it. Made me want to see what other cards might be selling for that kind of money.

Visit our Top 50 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Card Auctions page at Sports Card Radio

Some cool cards even if your not a baseball fan. I'm a fan of the Napoleon and the Van Gogh...which ones do you guys like?

NFL Week 7 Matchups

2009-10-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

New England Patriots
Tampa Bay Bucks

Gotta go with the Pats. They looked unreal last week, should be a blowout.

Green Bay Packers
Cleveland Browns

The Browns actually played the Steelers tough last week. I'm picking Cleveland with the upset.

SF 49ers
Houston Texans

San Francisco doesn't have the offense to keep up with Houston. Texans by 14

Minnesota Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers

Minnesota has won some games they probably shouldn't. The steel curtain comes down on them this week. Pittsburgh by 6.

Indianapolis Colts
St. Louis Rams

Colts in a blowout.

San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs

I'm going SD. The Chiefs really aren't too bad, this one could go either way.

Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers

Wouldn't watch this game if you paid me. Picking Carolina if they stick to the run.

New York Jets
Oakland Raiders

The more drama, the more the Raiders win. Just win baby...two in a row for Oakland.

Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo was playing better when Jessica Simpson was his girlfriend. This week he'll rekindle some of that old magic and beat the Falcons in a shootout.

Chicago Bears
Cinncinatti Bengals

Of course I pick the Bengals. But this game will come down to turnovers.

New Orleans Saints
Miami Dolphins

Gotta go with NO but this one could be close. Miami is kinda sneaky and they are running the ball well. Drew Brees and the Saints running game will be too much to handle.

Arizona Cardinals
New York Giants

New York got roughed up last week. I think they come home and play like a championship caliber team this week. Ahmad Bradshaw has been playing very well.

Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

Well, the Skins coach at least knows he has a job. The Eagles are embarrassed after last week. Tough game to pick. I think the Eagles bounce back and pull this one out.

Have fun watching the games!