Innholdsfortegnelse for April 1, 2023 i Sports Collectors Digest

LEADING OFF Ah, baseball is in the air. Oh how we love the crisp crack of the bat, that glorious sound of ball meeting solid wood. The smack of horsehide on leather. The buzz of dugout and infield chatter, mixed with frequent shouts of “I got it, I got it … attaboy … let’s go now.” The sweet aroma of hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks, or burgers, burritos and barbecue, depending on your ballpark preference. The sight and smell of fresh-cut grass. The distinctive scent of dirt, raw earth so soft and smooth you almost want to scoop up a handful and taste it. The bright, vivid colors of clean new uniforms, mixed with the pure, white shine of brand-new baseballs. It’s the greatest time of year, when the…

Mickey Mantle is a regular in this space, and the discussion is often around his iconic Topps debut — the 1952 classic that’s practically synonymous with the hobby — or his 1951 Bowman, his true rookie card. But any card is a great card if it features Mantle. Consider his 1963 Topps card. Issued 60 years ago this spring, the card gives collectors a close-up view of The Magnificent Yankee (as Mantle was anointed by announcer Mel Allen). The pinstriped power hitter is gazing off to his right, that distinctive Yankee Stadium facade behind him. An inset photo in a circular frame gives us a view of the Bronx Bomber in a right-handed batting pose. That spring, Mantle was suddenly 31 years old and had been playing through a variety…

For a complete listing of upcoming shows, visit www.sportscollectorsdigest.com ALABAMA April 1 AL, Scottsboro. Scottsboro Sports Card & Memorabilia Show, Goose Pond Civic Center, 1165 Ed Hembree Dr., Scottsboro, AL 35769. SH: 9am-2pm. T: 150. A: Free. Contact: Stephen Moore 256-599-0989, Stephen@jacksonssportscards.com – www.jacksonssportscards.com April 8 AL, Birmingham. Vintage Card Show at Rickwood Field, America’s Oldest Ball Park, 1137 2nd Avenue W Birmingham, AL 35204. SH: Sat. 9am-4pm. T:25 ($35). A: Free. Contact: Mike Newton bamadadtimes2@gmail.com April 14-15 AL, Gardendale (North Birmingham). The Flip Sports Card & Collectibles Trade Show, Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main Street Gardendale, Alabama 35071. SH: Fri 12-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm. T: 200+ ($100-$150). A: $5-$10. Contact: Daniel TheFlipTradeShow@Gmail.com ARKANSAS April 14-15 AR, Bentonville. GG2 Sports Cards Show, Four Points Hotel, 211 SE Walton Blvd., Bentonville, AR.…

THE HOBBY IS THE PEOPLE Ray Fonio loves baseball, baseball cards and seeing the greats of the game gain the ultimate honor, enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He thought about the cards he has collected and loves and how, like the players themselves, some cards are held in higher esteem than others. So he wondered: If there were a sports card Hall of Fame, which cards would get in, and which ones might be close but might not make it initially? Surely someone was already doing this right? Subsequent research revealed no one was. Gears started turning. Could he do this? How do I do this? After pondering those questions, he jumped into the task. He would take the top 10 cards people mentioned and voted…

The days are getting longer and there are hints of warmer weather right around the corner. Spring Training is in full swing and the familiar crack of the bat and snap of the ball hitting a glove fills the air. Baseball is almost back. And it’s time to preview some of the top upcoming baseball card releases as the new season approaches. 2023 TOPPS SERIES ONE We would be remiss if we didn't talk about 2023 Topps Series One Baseball, Topps' most popular release. Hobby boxes check in at 14 cards per pack, 24 packs per box and 12 boxes per case. Each hobby box offers one autograph or relic card and one silver pack. The flagship Topps product generally kicks off the baseball card collecting season and has collectors…

EDITOR’S NOTE SCD encourages a diversity of voices and views. Please include your first and last name, city and state. SCD reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity. Please email letters to jowens@aimmedia.com. I read the article about Frank Thomas by George Vrechek with great interest. It talks about the game where the Braves set the major league record by hitting four back-to-back home runs in 1961 at Crosley Field. I was at that game. I was 14 years old. I got all the home run hitters to sign the article that came out in the Cincinnati Enquirer the next day. I also have my scorecard from that game. I have been a collector since I was 10 years old. I really enjoy your publication. David…