Why today's vintage baseball card boom may just be for real!
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Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Montreal Police Question Zdeno Chara
Chara: Welcome to my home officers. Per league advice, I have been provided with a lawyer...
MTLPOL: Yes, sir. Now, as evidence of identity, please sign these documents.
Chara: These are all photos of me lifting the cup.
MTLPOL: Yes sir. Please sign all 24 of them.
Chara: Um, OK.
MTLPOL: Now as evidence of occupation, please sign these.
Chara: Hockey sticks?
MTLPOL: Yes sir.
Chara: There you go.
MTLPOL: Now we need visual evidence. Please stand over there, with these 2 officers. That's right, now put your arm of their shoulders, as I take these photographs. Good.
Chara: Look, about that Pacioretty incident...
MTLPOL: Who? Oh, yeah, don't worry, we've already waived that traffic violation he received.
Chara: Traf...?
MTLPOL: We'd like to conclude the investigation with public identification. Please come with us to Fenway. A private box will be provided where you will be subjected to questioning, while the game is being played.
Chara: I guess so.
MTLPOL: You can take your lawyer with you. Nice kid you have there Zdeno.
MTLPOL: Yes, sir. Now, as evidence of identity, please sign these documents.
Chara: These are all photos of me lifting the cup.
MTLPOL: Yes sir. Please sign all 24 of them.
Chara: Um, OK.
MTLPOL: Now as evidence of occupation, please sign these.
Chara: Hockey sticks?
MTLPOL: Yes sir.
Chara: There you go.
MTLPOL: Now we need visual evidence. Please stand over there, with these 2 officers. That's right, now put your arm of their shoulders, as I take these photographs. Good.
Chara: Look, about that Pacioretty incident...
MTLPOL: Who? Oh, yeah, don't worry, we've already waived that traffic violation he received.
Chara: Traf...?
MTLPOL: We'd like to conclude the investigation with public identification. Please come with us to Fenway. A private box will be provided where you will be subjected to questioning, while the game is being played.
Chara: I guess so.
MTLPOL: You can take your lawyer with you. Nice kid you have there Zdeno.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Card Of The Day - April 19'th
1985 O-Pee-Chee #9 Mario Lemieux Rookie Card
Mario Lemieux was one of the most talented players in NHL history. Routinely discussed along with Wayne Gretzky, Mario had one thing Wayne did not have....along with amazing talent Mario had size which made him a dominating presence on the ice!
Despite a career filled with nagging injuries and a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease Mario piled up impressive career numbers. Mario was only the second player in NHL history to average 2 points per game over his entire career. Additionally he won 6 scoring titles, was selected to 8 All-Star teams, won 3 MVP awards and 13 trophies overall! Who knows what he would have accomplished had his career not been cut short due to his health issues.
There was also a TOPPS RC issued however the O-Pee-Chee issue is by far the most desirable and while this card is not terribly hard to find in high grades, the OPC as usual is tougher than the TOPPS. There could be some problems with rough edges and centering but still, you will be able to find this in a very nice high grade. This is definitely NOT the card to settle for PSA 7 or 8 when 9's and even 10's are not that hard to come by.
Hockey fan or not, this card is worthy of any sports collectors collection. Not only was Mario one of the best players of the modern era...or maybe even all time....he was a genuinely nice guy and a credit to the sport! His place in Hockey history is cemented.
Mario Lemieux was one of the most talented players in NHL history. Routinely discussed along with Wayne Gretzky, Mario had one thing Wayne did not have....along with amazing talent Mario had size which made him a dominating presence on the ice!Despite a career filled with nagging injuries and a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease Mario piled up impressive career numbers. Mario was only the second player in NHL history to average 2 points per game over his entire career. Additionally he won 6 scoring titles, was selected to 8 All-Star teams, won 3 MVP awards and 13 trophies overall! Who knows what he would have accomplished had his career not been cut short due to his health issues.
There was also a TOPPS RC issued however the O-Pee-Chee issue is by far the most desirable and while this card is not terribly hard to find in high grades, the OPC as usual is tougher than the TOPPS. There could be some problems with rough edges and centering but still, you will be able to find this in a very nice high grade. This is definitely NOT the card to settle for PSA 7 or 8 when 9's and even 10's are not that hard to come by.
Hockey fan or not, this card is worthy of any sports collectors collection. Not only was Mario one of the best players of the modern era...or maybe even all time....he was a genuinely nice guy and a credit to the sport! His place in Hockey history is cemented.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Favorite Baseball Set From the 1970's
When looking back at the sets released in the 1970's there are certainly two or three contenders for my favorite set of that decade...1975 would rate very highly for example. However all things considered the winner as my favorite set of the 70's is without a doubt the 1972 Topps Baseball set.
As always there really are only a couple of criteria that make a set great. a) Set Design and b) Players included.
The design of the 1972 set offers a unique, colorful, almost psychedelic design. To me these cards offer great eye appeal. Everything just "works", from the colors to the fonts. This is one set I can surely take out and look at frequently and never tire of them.
As for player selection we have a fairly rare situation in this set. Every so often you get what I call a crossover , or transition period happening, when older stars are reaching the end of their career at the same time that a batch of hot new rookies are just coming on the scene. So essentially you get two groups of star players for the price of one! The early to mid 1970's was one such transitional period of baseball. Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays were all on their way out while newcomers like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver were coming into their own. When you combine the old and the new you have an outstanding checklist in this set.
If you are like me, the players from the 60's and 70's are really the last from baseball's golden era.....somehow pure and "real". And if you love this period as much as me you should consider adding the 1972 Topps set to your collection. Both for the pure enjoyment, as well as a potential solid investment this set is a winner!
The Old...
As always there really are only a couple of criteria that make a set great. a) Set Design and b) Players included.
The design of the 1972 set offers a unique, colorful, almost psychedelic design. To me these cards offer great eye appeal. Everything just "works", from the colors to the fonts. This is one set I can surely take out and look at frequently and never tire of them.
As for player selection we have a fairly rare situation in this set. Every so often you get what I call a crossover , or transition period happening, when older stars are reaching the end of their career at the same time that a batch of hot new rookies are just coming on the scene. So essentially you get two groups of star players for the price of one! The early to mid 1970's was one such transitional period of baseball. Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays were all on their way out while newcomers like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver were coming into their own. When you combine the old and the new you have an outstanding checklist in this set.
If you are like me, the players from the 60's and 70's are really the last from baseball's golden era.....somehow pure and "real". And if you love this period as much as me you should consider adding the 1972 Topps set to your collection. Both for the pure enjoyment, as well as a potential solid investment this set is a winner!
The Old...
The New...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What is your favorite sportscard?
I'm sure all collectors have thought about this question from time to time....all these cards in my collection...which is my favorite?
For me it comes down to one simple thing, nostalgia. While I may have sexier cards, cards worth more, cards with better investment potential, etc...my favorite card hands down is the 1963 Topps #537 Pete Rose rookie card. Why? Because it brings me back to a simpler time when I was a kid watching baseball with my Dad. We were both fans of the Big Red Machine with great players such as Rose, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Ken Griffey. Rose was my favorite and if the man does not get into the Hall Of Fame it will be a crime....but that is a discussion for a different post.
So when I yearn to be taken back...a simple glance at my favorite card and there I am...watching Reds - Pirates. Maybe is sounds a little sappy and cliche to say "those were the days"...but they really were.
So that's what does it for me, what about for you?
For me it comes down to one simple thing, nostalgia. While I may have sexier cards, cards worth more, cards with better investment potential, etc...my favorite card hands down is the 1963 Topps #537 Pete Rose rookie card. Why? Because it brings me back to a simpler time when I was a kid watching baseball with my Dad. We were both fans of the Big Red Machine with great players such as Rose, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Ken Griffey. Rose was my favorite and if the man does not get into the Hall Of Fame it will be a crime....but that is a discussion for a different post.
So when I yearn to be taken back...a simple glance at my favorite card and there I am...watching Reds - Pirates. Maybe is sounds a little sappy and cliche to say "those were the days"...but they really were.
So that's what does it for me, what about for you?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A Legend On A Budget for Your Collection
Today I'm going to talk about a card for your portfolio which I feel is slightly undervalued and is a great buy right now. In order to determine whether or not a card is undervalued we need to try and determine the long-term demand for the card. What determines demand? Basically three things:
1) The popularity of the sport in question
2) The player on the card
3) The supply of the card
Jim Brown is a legend! In nine years he won the NFL rushing title eight times and even though Jim played in an era when the season was only twelve games long he still ranks in the top ten all-time in rushing yards. Over the course of his career Jim rushed for 5.2 yards per carry. Not bad considering the great Walter Payton averaged about 20% less at 4.4 yards per carry.
I realize that the 1958 Topps Rookie Card issue might be a little beyond the means of of the average collector so the card that I am recommending is Jim's second year card from the 1959 Topps set in a grade of PSA 8 or higher.
In order to meet our criteria the supply must be low and the price must be reasonable. With slightly over 200 copies in existence at PSA 8 or above the card is not extremely rare, but on the other hand it is not extremely plentiful either. A PSA 8 can be had for under $300....not cheap however for arguably the best football player of all time in a high grade, I believe this card is a bargain.
1) The popularity of the sport in question
2) The player on the card
3) The supply of the card
Jim Brown is a legend! In nine years he won the NFL rushing title eight times and even though Jim played in an era when the season was only twelve games long he still ranks in the top ten all-time in rushing yards. Over the course of his career Jim rushed for 5.2 yards per carry. Not bad considering the great Walter Payton averaged about 20% less at 4.4 yards per carry.
I realize that the 1958 Topps Rookie Card issue might be a little beyond the means of of the average collector so the card that I am recommending is Jim's second year card from the 1959 Topps set in a grade of PSA 8 or higher.
In order to meet our criteria the supply must be low and the price must be reasonable. With slightly over 200 copies in existence at PSA 8 or above the card is not extremely rare, but on the other hand it is not extremely plentiful either. A PSA 8 can be had for under $300....not cheap however for arguably the best football player of all time in a high grade, I believe this card is a bargain.
Jim Brown's greatness has withstood the test of time and any serious collector needs to have a nice Jim Brown card in their collection. I ask you, would you rather spend $300 for a high grade rare card of one of the all time greats, or would you rather spend $300 cracking boxes of modern product "hoping" for a big hit?? I know what I would do!
Monday, March 21, 2011
At Long Last, We Are Back!
After a long hiatus due to personal reasons Diamond Chip Sportscards has returned with the Sports Card Investment Blog!
Stay tuned for news on collecting/investing and the general state of the card market. We are busy working on a lot of new material which will be coming soon.
Stay tuned for news on collecting/investing and the general state of the card market. We are busy working on a lot of new material which will be coming soon.
In the meantime, have a look at some of these great buys on eBay!
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