More National Pics

What a treasure trove of sports memorabilia in Chicago this weekend. Carlton Hendricks of Sports Antiques.com has posted his first batch of photos from the National Sports Collectors Convention. Check them out here. Below are some of my favorites.

Here is a group of 5 very rare Spalding trophies dating to the early part of the 20th Century.
Below is a great memorabilia display featuring bobbleheads, gloves, hats, display boxes, a signed football and a very rare bobblehead set of the Beatles (second shelf from the top on the far right).
These two statues are extremely rare. They were made in Germany in the late 1800's and depict early American Baseball players. Right now the manufacturer and exact age escape me, but as soon as I can find some additional background info I will pass it along.

Nooooooooooo!!!!!!

So what now? The Dodgers get Manny Ramirez and give up on Andy LaRoche. Who in the outfield will be sitting down? Is Ethier or Pierre the odd man out? Is Jones officially out of the picture? What is going on here?

This trade will probably help the present, but the future is a little screwed up. I think that ultimately we will regret losing LaRoche.

Holy Woolly Mammoth!

From the category called "INSANE" we get probably the goofiest insert card ever found in a Baseball pack. Topps Allen & Ginters 2008 release features numerous "1 of 1" DNA cards that feature hair from the famous. Last year, Topps caused an uproar with this insert set when George Washington's hair was pulled from a box and sold on eBay for thousands. The 2008 version tries to take it to the next level by including DNA samples from a Woolly Mammoth. This limited card has recently been pulled and now you can check it out on eBay here.
eBay Auction Link: Woolly Mammoth hair:

Hat Tip: Gavel Chat:

The National

Pictures are just starting to crawl in from the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.

Today is the first day of one of the most anticipated shows of the year. Every card manufacturer and vendor will be there. Limited edition cards can be had from companies like Topps and Upper Deck. On top of that, some of the best the hobby has offer will be on display. Vintage cards from the 1800's, trophies from the turn of the century, vintage uniforms made of wool and modern cards loaded with uniform pieces and signatures are available to view and purchase. Athletes from William "The Fridge" Perry to Steve Sax are on hand to sign their names.

Right now I'm wondering, "why am I not there?"

Fortunately, DMcD is there and he has posted some pics that were taken today. Go here to check them out. Below, is a part of Mastro Auctions display.
Here is some vintage 19th Century cabinet cards.

Thank You Angels

Teixeira is now an Angel.

Thank goodness.

All that talk about him ending up in Arizona was starting to get me worried. The Angels give up on Casey Kotchman and throw in minor league pitcher Steven Marek.

Blog Kiosk 7/27/2008

Manny is a drama queen. There is no way he gets traded.

• A must read.

  And the talent is there. It has been there all along. Show a little faith - there's magic in the night.

  I Believe.
  
• OK. What's going on here?
• Steve Bartman is passing on collecting $25,000.00 for his signature at the National.
  
• This is why blogs are so great. Home Run Derby shares some photos from Harry Caray's last day at Wrigley Field. Go here for more.
• Busted Coverage has photos of the demolition of Tigers Stadium that comes after 10 years of being dormant.
• Check out this interview with the owner of 19thCenturyOnly.com.
• Here are some great pics from ComiCon 2008.
  
• Padres former 1st round pick, Matt Bush, gets into another fight. (Hat Tip: Gaslamp Ball)
  
• The Eisner influence. Topps has a web-based tv series called "Back on Topps." Deadspin has all the details and a video preview.

  Leif and Leyland Topps are just twin brothers trying to get ahead in the rickety, unpredictable world of the sports card business, with a boss who doesn't like them, a Steinbrenneresque CEO and enough half-baked ideas to get them into consistent trouble. Sound familiar? Anyway, it's the basis for the new Web-only series Back on Topps, created and performed by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar

• A Sports memorabilia dealer is busted for selling fakes on eBay in PA.
• Seth gets Asdrubal Cabrera's auto for his unassisted triple play ball.