Monthly Archives: August 2016
Kenny Stabler auction commands thousands via awards, memorabilia
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Earlier this month the late Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame but this past weekend the treasures from that career entered the hands of collectors around the world.
The auction of "Snake" Stabler's personal collection of memorabilia via Pristine Auction ended on Sunday night with one six-figure item that didn't reach its reserve and many others of note. In all, the auction generated nearly $200,000 in sales.
The priciest item was his 1976 Hickok Belt Award for Professional Athlete of the Year (above), which reached $107,427.60. It's an honor that was awarded the final time with Stabler's win and this is the first copy of the award to hit the open market. It's an 18K gold belt buckle with a three-carat diamond, a three-carat ruby, a three-carat sapphire and 26 diamond chips totaling 5.5 carats.
Professional softball fans now have something extra to collect
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They're one part trading card, one part photo and one part Fathead.
They're ChickPicSticks and they are the newest collectible -- and one of very few for traditional collectors -- for National Pro Fastpitch softball and they arrived last week for 13 of the league's top stars including past dominator Monica Abbott, who recently signed the first million-dollar contract in the six-team league.
The images are available in three sizes with prices starting at $3.99.
First Buzz: 2016 Leaf Autographed Football Helmets
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What: 2016 Leaf Autographed Football Helmets
Arrives: October
Box basics: One autographed full-sized helmet per box (three boxes per case)What's buzz-worthy: Leaf offers "the return of one of the most popular and innovative packaged memorabilia items of all time" with every box yielding either a Hall of Famer, current NFL star or rookie, past stars and even "a few more surprises."
Keep reading for more.
Aaron Judge arrives for New York Yankees with plenty of power -- as well as plenty of cardboard to chase
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Aaron Judge's arrival in New York City and New York Yankees pinstripes have already been headline-worthy with a 457-foot home tun in his first at-bat and another in his second game on Sunday.
The hours are ticking down on his first baseball card as a big-leaguer -- his first Topps Now card is above, reflecting his first at-bat -- but it's far from the only cardboard for this can't-miss prospect (he's 6-foot-7) who's taken a bit more time than some might expected to arrive.
His cardboard debut? Well, it came some time ago.
You should know Francisco Mejia after his 50-game hitting streak
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One of the more-impressive feats of the summer in baseball ended on Sunday night -- and you may not have even known it was happening.
Cleveland Indians catching prospect Francisco Mejia had his 50-game hitting streak snapped. It's a streak that began for the 20-year-old High-A Lynchburg Hillcats standout on May 25 and is apparently tied for the fourth-longest streak in MiLB history.
For the year, he's hitting .345 with nine homers and 73 RBI in 351 at-bats.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Aug. 14)
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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: 2016 Topps Chrome, Panini VIP packs, vintage cards and the NFL is back.
Katie Ledecky's dominance isn't seen on much official cardboard
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Katie Ledecky has five Olympic medals in the Rio Games and four of them are gold -- it's a pretty good haul for a 19-year-old.
The one thing she doesn't have, though? A bonafide pack-inserted trading card.
Instead, collectors have a trio of Sports Illustrated for Kids cards -- a staple for the non-traditional sports or young stars not yet professionals found in the pages of the kids magazine as a perforated-sheet bonus. It's a place where LeBron James, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods have made their marks in the past along with many others before traditional card appearances.
Kenny Baker, the man who brought Star Wars' R2-D2 to life, dies at 83
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One of the iconic stars of the Star Wars galaxy -- one whose face you never saw on screen -- has died.
Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2, was 83.
"He had a very long and fulfilled life," said his niece, Abigail Shield, to The Guardian. "He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime."
Buzz Break: 2016 Topps Chrome baseball cards (blaster box)
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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: 2016 Topps Chrome baseball cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 8 (seven standard packs plus one Sepia Refractor pack)
Cards per pack: 4
Cards in this box: 32
Base set completion: 20 of 200 (10 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards – Kris Bryant, Matt Harvey, Paul Goldschmidt, Prince Fielder
Rookie Cards (3) – Raul Mondesi, Joey Rickard, Frankie Montas
Steiner Sports was in on Alex Rodriguez's final game before it was even over -- and you can be, too
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Alex Rodriguez's time as a New York Yankee on the field is over, but the auctions have just begun.
Steiner Sports is auctioning off one of the jerseys worn by A-Rod on Friday night as well as other memorabilia from the 6-3 victory as part of a "Farewell No. 13!" sale.
Gordie Howe game-used Detroit Red Wings sweater heating up at auction
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"Mr. Hockey" wore plenty of sweaters during his more than 30 seasons on the ice as a professional, but it's still a big deal when one of his gamers hits the auction block.
This one's a $64,843 big deal -- though that still sounds like a bargain -- with more than a week to go in an SCP Auctions sale of the Detroit Red Wings gamer once worn and signed by Hall of Famer Gordie Howe, who owned most notable NHL records until some kid named Wayne Gretzky came along. Howe died earlier this summer at age 88.
“In the field of game-worn hockey jerseys this is a pinnacle artifact," said Dan Imler, who is SCP's vice president, "[it's one] worthy of museum exhibition.”
First Buzz: 2016-17 Panini USA Soccer cards
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What: 2016-17 Panini USA Soccer cards
Arrives: Oct. 12
Box basics: One autograph and one memorabilia card per 75-card box set (10 boxes per case).
What's buzz-worthy: Panini America spotlights the stars of the USA Soccer squads -- b0th the men's and the women's National Teams -- in this annual box set that's jam-packed with inserts atop the standard cards.
Keep reading for more info and a full gallery.
Need a 2016 Topps The Mint baseball card checklist? It's here ...
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When Topps revealed its plans for The Mint, it was dubbed as a release that takes its baseball cards to high-end levels not seen before and one that “will raise the bar for premium card collecting.”
Now that the final 2016 Topps The Mint checklist is here, we'll know how high.
Buzz Movie Trailer Vote: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (opens Dec. 16)
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The first trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has arrived in advance of its arrival on Dec. 16.
Check out the trailer -- and tell us what you think -- after the jump.
One of Albert Pujols' earliest Cardinals jerseys hits auction block
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What is believed to be one of the earliest St. Louis Cardinals jerseys worn by future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is on the auction block via Goldin Auctions.
Issued with a letter from the St. Louis Cardinals Cardinals Care Community Fund, this No. 68 jersey was used in his spring training with the team in 2001, though it's tagged as a 2000 jersey. It's signed on the back with that autograph further authenticated by JSA.
First Buzz: 2016 Panini Playbook football cards
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What: 2016 Panini Playbook football cards
Arrives: Oct. 5
Box basics: One autograph or memorabilia booklet, one autograph or memorabilia card per three-card box (15 boxes per case)What's buzz-worthy: The formula of last year returns with a new crop of rookies and plenty of booklet-based potential and some new touches.
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.
Michael Phelps' medal count won't near his certified autograph total
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After another ridiculously dominating run in the pool last night, Michael Phelps claimed the 22nd Olympic gold medal of his career and ran up his medal collection to 26.
It's a mark that's not likely to be touched -- but it's also a mark that can't compare to his number of certified autographs.
Although he's a pricey signature, he's one of the most-prolific Olympians when it comes to autographed cards.
Get the 2016 Panini Immaculate Collection baseball checklist here
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The next high-end baseball card brand in the land arrives on Wednesday with 2016 Panini Immaculate Collection from Panini America and the first part of the arrival came on Thursday with the final checklist for the brand.First Buzz: 2016 Panini Impeccable football cards
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What: 2016 Panini Impeccable football cards
Arrives: Sept. 28
Box basics: Five autographs per eight-card box (three boxes per case)What's buzz-worthy: A new high-end NFL brand arrives with a number of autographs per box from "a diverse autograph checklist of past, present and future stars with several on-card autograph inserts that focus on retired and Hall of Fame players."
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.
Gallery: 2015-16 Panini Preferred basketball cards
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When 2015-16 Panini Preferred arrives next week with just four cards in a box, there will be the potential for cardboard inside that continues to push the envelope and provide the simplest touch that keeps collectors comfortable and as close to the game as they can get.
How?
Game-dated cards.
Gallery: 2016 Panini Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 promo cards
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This year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class has taken its place in Canton, Ohio, and the legends have found their new homes.
It's not just in the museum -- it's on new Panini America cardboard.
The NFL's official football card licensee was on hand in Canton and made a pair of promotional sets for the new class of legends as well as cards for the Hall of Fame Game that was cancelled.
Panini Instant racing cards are coming for NASCAR collectors
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Panini Instant cards will be coming soon for NASCAR collectors.
The company added a section for 2016-17 Panini Instant NASCAR cards to its real-time trading card section of its website this week, leaving open the question of just how soon we'll see even more racing cardboard. The Sprint Cup Chase for the Cup begins on Sept. 18 at Chicagoland Speedway, which might make for a logical starting point -- however, it's likely that it could come sooner.
The standard cards are made to order and there are several numbered parallels per card -- and all of them are only available for 24 hours via Panini's website.
First Buzz: 2016-17 NBA Hoops basketball cards
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What: 2016-17 NBA Hoops basketball cards
Arrives: Oct. 12
Box basics: Two autographs per 24-pack box (20 boxes per case)
What's buzz-worthy: The NBA season tips off on cardboard with this release, which arrives a week after Panini America's Contenders college brand gets collectors started on the hardwood.
Keep reading for more info and a full gallery of images released so far.
Ichiro Suzuki's "Journey to 3000" is this week's Topps #TBT pack
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The best players of today on new cards using memorable designs of yesteryear is the point of the 2016 Topps #TBT, an ongoing baseball card set from Topps that has been released one pack a week this summer.
And this week the players are all Ichiro Suzuki and his "Journey to 3,000" that ended on Sunday at Coors Field in Colorado.
First Buzz: 2017 Topps Series 1 baseball cards
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What: 2017 Topps Series 1 baseball cards
Arrives: Feb. 5
Box basics: One autograph or Relic per 36-pack box (12 boxes per case); One autograph and two Relics per 10-pack jumbo box (six boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here to view.
Gallery & SP info: Click here to view.What's buzz-worthy: The newest edition of the Topps baseball brand -- the flagship brand for the hobby -- arrives with a modern look and plenty of new looks that break away from some of the formulas from recent years.
Keep reading for more as well as a full gallery of images.