The Beckett Blog

When I watch magicians like David Blaine and self-proclaimed “Mindfreak,” Criss Angel, I can’t help but assume that they attended some underground seminar taught by the devil himself. Presumably, this lecture occurred in Georgia, which is why I’m boggled by Bronx collector Steve Mendez, whose magic hands have pulled four incredible1-of-1s at his favorite Brooklyn hobby shop.

The Baseball Card Dugout has become a main stage for Mendez’s hobby magic. A few years back, he pulled an SP Authentic Exquisite Endorsements 1/1 Lebron James autograph. Then, in 2006 Mendez gave us a history lesson when he pulled two cut signatures (Robert Treat Paine and John Adams) in two consecutive days from Topps’ Declaration of Independence series. And, for his next trick, Mendez pulled (Drum roll, please…) a 2009 Topps Legends of the Game 1/1 Babe Ruth cut autograph. Tah Dah!

“This guy’s so lucky, I want him to play my Mega Millions,” joked Joseph Attianese, who owns The Baseball Card Dugout. Attianase (aka “Joe Rock”) revealed to us that Mendez normally buys boxes from his shop, but on a whim, he decided to bust open a few extra packs at the counter. Alakazam! Steve’s impulse purchase paid off in the form of a one-of-a-kind Babe Ruth cut autograph.

This is the difference between Mendez and me. The last time I acted on a “whim,” I woke up in an ice bath, missing my kidney. Fortunately, this collector’s willingness to take a chance has paid off in a big way.

Former Marine, Mendez started collecting (magician apprenticeship) in the 1980s when he was stationed in Grand Prairie, Texas. Situated next to a pawn shop that occasionally sold sports cards, he picked up the hobby and hasn’t stopped since. With his recent good fortune, I certainly don’t blame him.

When asked to compare his most recent pull with the rest of his wizardry, he replied, “Those are nice, but to get your favorite player from your favorite team, who you know wasn’t on steroids, only hot dogs and beer, is just the coolest thing!” What’s even cooler is Steve’s selflessness. Despite the monetary magnitude that these cards could bring him personally, he is holding on to them a little longer to help send his daughters to college.

To my knowledge, none of the major manufacturers have committed to offering The Great Bambino’s leftover hotdogs and beer, but who knows what Mendez might pull out of his next pack?

If you find yourself with a case of the “magic touch,” and you’re looking to sell your incredible 1/1, please contact Dave Sliepka at dsliepka@beckett.com to discuss your options. You can also visit www.beckett.com/select to browse through offerings from other Hobby Houdinis.

[Insert cloud of vanishing smoke here.]

- Andrew Tolentino