Monthly Archives: January 2016
PSA adds autograph grading to slabbing & authentication options
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Collectors who submit certified autograph cards to PSA in the future will notice something extra noted on their slabs now if they opt for an added feature from the grading and authentication company.
It's a grade noting the quality of the autograph.
"PSA has long been in a unique position since we offer the top certification brands in both PSA trading card grading and PSA/DNA autograph authentication," said PSA President Joe Orlando. "For years, we have provided card and autograph grading services in separate fashion, but now those services can be provided in one complete package."
Buzz Collector Profile: Austin McPherson aka @texmcpherson
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Austin McPherson
Also known as: @texmcpherson
Email: texmcpherson@live.com
Location: Iowa
Work away from cards: Server
Collecting since: 2012Main focuses: Working on my Buster Posey personal collection and also autographs of stars, semi-stars and prospects.
Favorite players/teams: The Cubs 100 percent! My grandpa was destined to have me be a Cubs fan since birth. Aside from that, the Bryce Harper hype is what got me back into collecting, so I show some favoritism there also. But, as most of the Blowout members should know, my favorite player of all-time is the almighty Buster Posey.No autograph isn't stopping demand for Jarryd Hayne's 2015 Panini Contenders cards
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
If you're a regular Buzz reader, then you know all about the popularlity of San Francisco 49ers practice squad member Jarryd Hayne. He's a former rugby player from Australia whose limited NFL time this season sparked some interest in his Rookie Cards.
With the arrival of 2015 Panini Contenders this week, there was a new twist -- the company couldn't land an autograph deal for his Rookie Tickets. However, that didn't stop demand for his cardboard after Panini America decided to release the cards without ink but a stamp -- in short-printed fashion.
Topps gives 2015 WWE Undisputed the jumbo metal treatment
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Fans of the first high-end set in WWE trading card history don't have to wait any longer for a sequel.
Well, sort of.
Topps has revealed that a selection of base cards and inserts from 2015 Topps WWE Undisputed are now available as jumbo metal wall art.
Continue readingNeed a 2015 Panini National Treasures baseball card checklist? Get it right here ...
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Panini America's high-end standard arrives for the third time in baseball this week and the mystery of what's in 2015 Panini National Treasures has been solved.
What's in it this year? Get the checklist right here.
Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
Cooperstown calls for Ken Griffey Jr. as well as Mike Piazza
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
The Baseball Writers' Association of America votes are in, and there's no surprise at the top -- Ken Griffey Jr. is headed to Cooperstown, N.Y., this summer to join baseball's immortals.
He received 99.3 percent of the vote -- a record and three votes short of unanimous -- after his first time on the ballot. Joining him is former Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza, who appeared on 83 percent of the 440 ballots.
Griffey helped usher in a new era of collecting in 1989 as the iconic No. 1 in the first Upper Deck set, a release that helped change the printing and packaging of cards and the collecting expectations of a generation. For those same thirty-somethings and beyond, he's an also icon on the field with his backwards cap and a smooth but powerful left-handed swing that helped produce 630 home runs and countless more memorable moments for the Mariners, Reds and White Sox over 22 seasons but never a World Series at-bat.
Clearly he's one of the greatest players -- and most-beloved players -- in MLB history, a symbol of what's good about the game in an era of bogus records and inflated statistics that have undermined not only the results on the field but also the cardboard of our youth. His enshrinement this summer in Cooperstown will be the stuff that cardboard (and baseball) marketing is made of. In fact, there are already two forthcoming brands -- 2016 Topps Series 2 and 2016 Topps Finest (above right) -- that will spotlight Junior.
eBay Buzz: A perfect -- and rare -- Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Bowman Tiffany rookie scorches at auction
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
We all know which Rookie Card of Ken Griffey Jr. is the most-memorable, but there's one rarer parallel-type version of one that recently sold for big, big bucks on eBay.
It's the 1989 Bowman Tiffany card -- one printed on glossy, super-bright stock only found in limited factory sets -- and a perfect BGS Black copy recently dominated on eBay. With Griffey destined to get the Cooperstown call in a few hours, this one was worth the spotlight.
Board Buzz: Five must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Jan. 6)
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.What's Buzzing Today: Ken Griffey Jr. and the Hall of Fame vote, NBA legends, 2015 Topps Strata, Panini Immaculate Collection College & redemption replacements.
Get 2015-16 Panini America checklists in The Checklist Zone
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
For 2015-16 Panini America products that don't get a standalone story here on The Buzz when a final checklist is released, we'll place a link to a PDF of the set's checklist right here.
You'll be able to find all new checklists in PDF form as released by the company and all in one spot. (If traffic stats show us you guys like this format, we'll expand in other directions. If not, Buzz will focus on other stuff.)
Keep reading to see the Panini America checklists posted so far.
Topps Authentics adds Boston's Henry Owens to autograph roster
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Henry Owens made his big-league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 and this year he'll debut with a new team.
The Topps Authentics squad.
Topps revealed Owens as the latest exclusive member of its autographed memorabilia team on Wednesday. He joins reigning American League Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa and New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino. The company also teased that there will be more TA announcements to come.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this new endeavor with Topps,” Owens said. “First, being featured in their card products. Now a featured athlete for their Topps Authentics brand. Quite the honor.”
National Treasures includes legendary first for John McGraw
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
He was known as "Little Napoleon" during his 17 seasons as a player that began way back in 1891 and during his 36 seasons as a manager that ended back in 1932, but the memorabilia cards of Baseball Hall of Famer John McGraw found in 2015 Panini National Treasures are a big deal.
Why? They're unprecedented in hobby history.
Does getting a 1/1 autographed yourself hurt the card's appeal?
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
One Blowout member did something unconventional by most collectors' standards and has sparked an interesting debate about collecting over on the forum.
He got his 2015 Bowman Chrome Mini Superfractor of Steven Matz autographed in-person. It's since been JSA certified, yet he asks the question "Did I ruin this card?"
In a poll on the site, 55 percent of those who answered said it looks awesome but he killed the value of the card. Just 30 percent said it was a good idea and the rest say he ruined it.
First Buzz: 2016 BenchWarmer Daizy Dukez Update Edition
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
What: 2016 BenchWarmer Daizy Dukez Update Edition
Arrives: Jan. 15
Hobby box basics: 10 cards per box (eight boxes per case)What's buzz-worthy: This follow-up to the previous release includes all-new content -- no previously released cards -- all with the short-cut denim theme we have seen before.
See a gallery and more ... below.
Five NFL coaches get spotlight after signing for 2015 Panini Contenders
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
At least one of them is no longer with his team, but there are five "Rookie Cards" in 2015 Panini Contenders that collectors might not expect to see.
And their autographs might go for more than you might expect, too.
Why? They're NFL coaches -- and they, for the most part, don't have any other certified autograph cards.
This *totally* explains why Steph Curry wasn't a McDonald's High School All-American ...
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Just for fun with this one -- Lil' Stephen Curry starring in his dad's Burger King commercials.
First Buzz: 2016 Super Break Game-used Edition (memorabilia)
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
What: 2016 Super Break Game-used Edition (memorabilia)
Arrives: Jan. 15
Box basics: One game-used memorabilia piece per box with some boxes including a bonus autographed model item.
What's buzz-worthy: Super Break's first release of the new year is all about game-used with a piece of memorabilia from top names in baseball, football, basketball and hockey to be found in this limited release.
Need a 2015 Panini Contenders football checklist? Get it here ...
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Panini America has revealed the checklist for its 2015 Panini Contenders football card set, giving collectors the first look at who's in and what variations there might be for this year's crop of rookies.
Click here to download a PDF of the checklist.
Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
>> Click here to shop for 2015 football boxes on BlowoutCards.com.
Buzz Collector Profile: Tanner Jones -- aka Mouschi, a Jose Canseco fan
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Tanner Jones
Also Known As: Mouschi / Tan Man Baseball Fan / @tanmanbbfan
Website: www.TanManBaseballFan.com
Email: tanmanbaseballfan@gmail.com
Location: Texas
Work away from cards: Website development
Collecting since: 1989Main focuses: Jose Canseco
Favorite players/teams: Jose Canseco (on all his teams)Current collecting projects: Ultimately, anything not yet on my list at www.CansecoCollector.com including prototypes, samples, test cards, etc. My most-wanted cards are the 1996 Select Certified Mirror Gold, 1997 Pinnacle Totally Certified Platinum Gold and 1998 Donruss Crusade Red.
Upper Deck's National Hockey Card Day coming soon in two countries
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
We're about a month away from this year's version of National Hockey Card Day -- an Upper Deck promotion that gets two different sets into collectors' hands if they visit a card shop during the hobby holiday.
There will be one 16-card set available in the United States and a different 16-card set available in Canada -- beginning on Feb. 6. Only one will include NHL newcomer and No. 1 overall draft pick Connor McDavid, though.
Get 2015-16 Upper Deck checklists right here in The Checklist Zone
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
For 2015-16 Upper Deck products that don't get a standalone story here on The Buzz when a final checklist is released, we'll place a link to a PDF of the set's checklist right here.
You'll be able to find all checklists in PDF form as released by the company and all in one spot. (If traffic stats show us you guys like this format, we'll expand in other directions. If not, Buzz will focus on other stuff.)
Keep reading to see the Upper Deck checklists posted so far.
Pulp Fiction gets Upper Deck Gallery treatment with two new prints
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
The Upper Deck Gallery's latest offering includes some of the most-iconic characters in recent film history as part of a montage print for a film that would carry the same gravitas.
The film is Pulp Fiction and a pair of prints by artist Dave Perillo are the latest creation from the company in a series of pieces featuring past films and comic book characters.
“I was super excited for the opportunity to work on this project for the Upper Deck Gallery, especially since Pulp Fiction is one of my all-time favorite movies," Perillo said. "It is such a fantastic story filled with so many unique characters. I love how the movie has a retro quality to it without really specifying when it takes place. My goal was to translate that into the print, hopefully doing it justice.”
Board Buzz: Five must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Jan. 4)
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: 1/1 showcases, unopened wax stashes, Connor McDavid, big-time retro box breaks & Muhammad Ali.
Elton Brand returns to NBA to mentor Jahlil Okafor -- and perhaps spark some new Duke cardboard
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Way back in 1999, Elton Brand was a star center for the Duke Blue Devils -- a center from tiny Peekskill, N.Y., who was about to make a big impression as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Fast-forward to today and the former Chicago Bull is coming out of retirement to join the NBA's worst team -- the Philadelphia 76ers, owners of a 3-33 record -- to help mentor another former Blue Devils star and first-round pick, Jahlil Okafor. Okafor, of course, has had issues off the court this season while also picking up the NBA game quickly. It's a match made in Blue Devils collecting heaven.
"He's not unlike most 20-year-olds you probably know, and he's definitely not at all different than most of his fellow players," Brand wrote in a piece for Sports Illustrated's website. "... if camera phones were around when Brad Miller, Ron Artest and I were Jahlil's age, we might've been banned from the league altogether, never mind suspended for a few games."
So, what about Brand on cardboard?
Barry Larkin's memorabilia hits block via Goldin Auctions this month
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Memorabilia from the career of Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin will hit the auction block next week via Goldin Auctions as the former Cincinnati Red has decided to sell his collection.
Among the items in the sale, which will begin on Jan. 11 and end on Jan. 30, are his 1984 USA Baseball uniform and the ball from his first career hit as a big-leaguer. Also found among the 53 lots are items from his University of Michigan days and an All-Star Game-used uniform.
"Barry Larkin is among the most popular players in Reds history as he was born and raised in the Queen City and then played all 19 of his MLB seasons with his hometown Reds," said Ken Goldin founder of Goldin Auctions. "During his remarkable baseball life, he was an Olympic champion, Rookie of the Year, World Series winner, MVP, 12-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer. We are honored to make these rare collectibles from his career available for the first time."
So, who gets the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award?
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/blowtest/public_html/app/code/community/Fishpig/Wordpress/Addon/PluginShortcodeWidget/Helper/Core.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 268
The biggest driver on football cards these days is the Rookie Card and now that the regular season is over most of those big-name newcomers are done for the year.
So, naturally, that makes us wonder who get the Rookie of the Year nod? We'll focus on offense since it matters the most when it comes to cards. (On defense Buzz thinks it will probably go to Kansas City's Marcus Peters, who tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions and two TDs.)
But on offense it's not as easy.