Innholdsfortegnelse for October 15, 2023 i Sports Collectors Digest

LEADING OFF If you read this column regularly, you know I am a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan, that I love hockey and my Carolina Hurricanes, and that I pledge my allegiance to my alma mater, the University of South Carolina (the real USC). But my work colleagues recently stumped me with a valid fan question. What is your favorite NFL team? That was an important and potentially career-defining moment. With SCD based in Stevens Point, Wisc., most of my colleagues are die-hard Packers fans. And if you’re an NFL fan, you know that no fanbase is more die-hard than Cheeseheads. They caught me off guard — a chop block, if you will — and I had no real answer. Instead, I fumbled around and tossed out the first team that…

Let’s be honest, the players that drive the NFL card market are primarily at the offensive skill positions. The quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends garner the biggest bucks for their cards, and a nice crop of newcomers entered the NFL after April’s draft. Four of the top eight selections were skill position players with quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson going first, second and fourth, respectively. Bijan Robinson was the top running back off the board at No. 8. These guys all made a name for themselves playing college football and now hope to up their game at the next level. Sports Collectors Digest takes a look at this year’s college football players who could emerge as stars. And with name, image, likeness (NIL) dominating…

THE HOBBY IS THE PEOPLE Sometimes here in the states we forget the hobby is a worldwide endeavor. The National Sports Collectors Convention is a great indicator as many folks travel many miles and hours to attend the “Super Bowl of the Hobby,” including collectors from various countries far and wide. I've personally met people from Croatia, Austria, Egypt, Italy and other countries who make the trek to The National almost a yearly pilgrimage. There are card collectors and interested hobbyists in many countries that might surprise you. Almost every time I get my demographics report for the podcast I am surprised and happy to see new countries appear on that report. How people enjoy the hobby in other countries has always intrigued me. How is it different? How many…

“A” is for Acuna. Actually, make that an A+; there’s no other grade to give Ronald Acuna Jr. for his 2023 performance. The Atlanta Braves’ star outfielder, with just days left in the season, was on his way to a delicious smorgasbord of stats, where he would reach 40 homers, 140 runs and 100 RBI. He’ll likely lead the majors in hits (more than 210) and steals (he was on pace to become the first player in MLB history with 40 homers and 70 steals) and by pushing the .340 mark in batting average, he’ll break his personal best by around 50 points. At only 25, Acuna is only entering his prime. So it’s no wonder he has whipped the collectibles hobby into a frenzy. In online auctions, Acuna’s 2017…

SHOP TALK LETTERS EDITOR’S NOTE SCD encourages a diversity of voices and views. Please limit letters to 200-400 words and include your name, city and state. SCD reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity. Please email letters to jowens@aimmedia.com. I've been collecting cards for 69 years and have nothing but great memories of the happy times the hobby has given me. Two magic moments always come to me when I look at the cards I have displayed on my den wall and peruse those safely tucked away. I've never sold or traded any of my nearly 20,000 baseball, football and basketball pieces. I got my first card in 1954. I was tossing a rubber baseball against a brick wall near my grandfather's mower repair shop. I…

NOTE: If you have a show listing, follow the style below and send to jowens@aimmedia.com. ALABAMA Oct 21 AL, Sheffield. Muscle Shoals Sportscards and Memorabilia Show, Clarion Inn, 4900 Hatch Blvd., Sheffield, Al. 35660, SH: 8am-2pm. T: 30. A: Free. Contact: Leroy Willis 256-412-2184, popandhoney@yahoo.comOct 28-29 AL, Trussville (East Birmingham). The Flip Sports Card & Collectibles Trade Show, Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Rd, Trussville, AL 35173. SH: Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. T: 135+ ($120-160). A: $6. Contact: Daniel TheFlipTradeShow@Gmail.com Oct 28-29 AL, Florence. Collectors’ World Alabama Sports Cards, Collectibles & Comics Trade Show, Florence Coliseum, 702 Veterans Dr., Florence, AL 35630 SH: 10am-5pm. T: 100 ($100 both days 8ft; 2 for $150). A:Free. Contact: Josh Johnson 256-607-7020 apastimes@yahoo.com; collectorsworldalabama@facebook.com ARIZONA Oct 29 AZ, Sun City West. Diamond in…