Filed under: Hall of Fame, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, Tip Sheet, Topps, WWE | Tags: Alabama football, Albert Pujols, Autographs, Barry Sanders, Bob Feller, books, Brett Favre, Clerks, Collecting Autographs, Collecting Tips, Danica Patrick, Facebook, Ichiro Suzuki autographs, Joe Namath, Kevin Smith, MLB, NASCAR, National Sports Collectors Convention, NFL, NSCC, Ozzy Osbourne, Pam Grier, Pamela Anderson, signed books, Steiner Sports, Steve Nash, Tim Tebow, Trish Stratus, TriStar, TTM autographs, Twitter, Upper Deck Authenticated, Wayne Gretzky, WWE
By Chris Olds | Editor
It’s no secret that the autograph is key to many a sports products these days as those certified authentic slips of the pen turn cardboard into collecting gold.
But the certified autograph is not the only way a collector can land a treasured item.
In fact, many a signer of certified autographs actually signs in other ways — ways that collectors may not always think about in a world of commodified, short-print chases and dreaming of winning mylar-wrapped lotteries. It may sound like common sense, but there are other ways to track down signatures besides ripping packs and buying singles at the card shop or online.
Here’s a rundown of ways that collectors — beginners through the long-time hobby veterans — should always consider trying to land an autograph without hitting up a pack of cards or buying a certified signature straight from a trusted dealer.
OFFICIAL WEBSITES
These days, it’s pretty common for athletes and celebrities to have their own websites where they sell autographed items directly to the public. The signed copy of WWE Magazine above, for example, was purchased on Trish Stratus‘ website, www.trishstratus.com. There, the former multi-time women’s champion sells signed magazines, books, photos, posters and more. If you have your own particular item you want signed, she’ll ink it up for a $10 fee.
Filed under: Beckett Media, First look, In The Game | Tags: Canada, Canadian Culture, Canadian Heritage, Canadiana, In The Game, ITG, Trish Stratus, William Shatner
By Andrew Tolentino | Assistant Editor
On the verge of a new year, In the Game officials recently gave collectors one of many great things to look forward to in 2011. Putting it as plainly as possible, today’s newsletter explained, “In the Game celebrates being Canadian with the upcoming release of Canadiana.”
Filled with Canadian pop culture and history, this set presents an opportunity to collect and even learn about the heritage of the great white north. Appearing alongside rare and some familiar autographs, Canadian-born celebrities, athletes, artists and inventors add depth to the celebratory trading card context.
Although the pending release is old news by now, the hockey-happy manufacturer recently revealed new images of base cards, cut signatures and beyond. Nobody likes being called a hobby hoser, so check out these cards, eh? Continue reading
Filed under: Fleer, Pro wrestling, Topps, WWE | Tags: Fleer, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Pro wrestling, Ric Flair, The Rock, Topps, Triple H, Trish Stratus, WrestleMania 25, wrestling cards
By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor
Millions (and millions) of fans watch pro wrestling every week on television, but many won’t admit it. That’s OK — it’ll be our dirty little secret. But there’s no doubting that people are interested in the pop culture phenomenon that’s part sport, part soap opera but wholly entertaining for many.
How much interest is there in pro wrestling? A lot. If the DVDs, video games and countless other items don’t tell you that, consider this — there are two companies producing wrestling cards these days. That’s more than you can say for a few pro sports.
On Sunday, the traveling caravan known as World Wrestling Entertainment makes its biggest stop of the year in Houston for WrestleMania 25, so we figured now’s the time to examine 10 classic cards that should be in any serious wrestling collection.
1. Hulk Hogan — 2006 Topps Allen & Ginter Autographs
Let me tell you something, brother, there’s nobody bigger in WrestleMania history than Hogan. And in the last decade of card sets only a handful carry as much weight as the 2006 Allen & Ginter baseball release. Included as a “world’s champion” for wrestling, Hogan signed just 200 of these cards, which sell for roughly $150. (The card was pricier before his family’s recent drama.)
