“Pin-Up” of the Week: Sammy Sosa 2005 Baltimore Orioles 600 HR’s Error Pin

Nobody could possible forget that 1998 baseball season where Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were battling it out to break Roger Maris’s single season home run record.  Too bad it was all ruined by the steroid and performance enhancer controversy.  In 2005, Sosa played for the Orioles and fans were hoping to see him hit his 600th career home run in 2006.  That’s why these pins were printed up ahead of time.  Do to one of his worst seasons since 1992, the Orioles decided not to bring him back in 2006.

The error isn’t that Sosa didn’t make it 600 home runs, the error was that he didn’t do it while playing with the Orioles.  Sosa hit his 600th career home run in June, 2007 while playing for the Rangers.

This pin and countless others can be found for sale by the #1 pin dealer in the industry… The Pin Man.

Flashback Product of the Week: 1954-55 Baltimore Bullets Gunther Beer Basketball

Here is a nice little vintage set you don’t hear a lot about.  The Gunther Brewing Company released this 11-card basketball set based on the Balitmore Bullets during the 1954-55 season.  These cards are slightly larger than your standard sports card of today.  These measure 2 5/8″ x 3 5/8″.  Its very common to find them autographed.  I guess the parents would buy the beer and then give the cards to the kids to get signed.  This isn’t the first time Gunther Beer sponsored a card set.  They issued a set back in 1947 based on the Senators.

The Bullets are a defunct basketball team that was based out of Baltimore, MD.  They were around from 1944-1954.  The Bullets are the only defunct NBA team to have won a championship.

Condition is everything when it comes to these cards.

Some Early National News

Its never too early to start talking about the National Sports Collectors Convention.  The 2012 National will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center from August 1-5.  Tickets will go on sale around March 10.  Press Pass announced today that they will be giving away this Danica Patrick autographed banner at their booth during the show.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Baltimore Ravens City Pin

Last weekend when I was in Baltimore, I picked this pin up at one of the gift shops.  I like these team pins that show parts of the city they are from.  You can look at them and say “I was there.”

Orioles vs. Reds – 6/25/11

Last night the Orioles and Reds put on a show.  A combined 9 home runs were hit, the second most in Camden Yards history.  The Orioles lost 10-5.  I have never seen such a display of power between two teams before.  It was fun to see Scott Rolen again in-person.  I met Rolen many years ago at the first card show I attended.  At the time, he was just a prospect making his way up to the Phillies.  In the 7th, he belted a two-run homer.

Scott Rolen and Matt Wieters

The first 20,000 fans received a Buck Showalter bobblehead

That is a lot of bobbleheads

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Baltimore Orioles 1966 World Series Press Pin

The 1966 World Series placed the Baltimore Orioles against the LA Dodgers.  Baltimore ended up sweeping the Dodgers in 4 games.  Frank Robinson was the MVP.  Dodgers outfielder Jim Barbieri became the first person to play in both the Little League World Series and Major League World Series.

Members of the press were given the above pin.  In today’s market, they sell for around $70.00.  Press pins remain some of the most sought after pins for collectors.

PHOTOS: The 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention

The National is by far the greatest show of the year.  I saw a lot of people, opened a ton of packs, and participated in many of the wrapper redemption programs provided by the manufacturers.  I even had time to watch the Orioles take on the White Sox Friday night.  The marketing was much better this year, not only for The National, but for other companies too.  There were T-shirts, cups, and all sorts of promos flying around the Baltimore Convention Center.  Check out some of my photos.

Panini

Press Pass

Sportkings

Upper Deck

TRISTAR

Topps

Brian Gray plans to bring the Leaf brand back starting with 2010 Leaf MMA in Sept.

D & A Card World

Blowout Cards

FreedomCardboard.com

This was one of the coolest artifacts on display at The National.  This is the bat Cap Anson used in 1897.  I had never seen anything of Anson’s before.

Former Baltimore Colts running back Lydell Mitchell

Member of the Miami Dolphins Perfect Season team, Earl Morrall

1983 Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier

Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Palmer

This has nothing to do with The National, but Pickles Pub was right next to the hotel I stayed at.  Every night the place was packed.

Leaving For The 2010 National

This morning I will be leaving for the 2010 National.  I will be returning this Sunday.  Will be back with a full report filled with photos and cards!!!!!!!

The National Is Coming Together!

Thanks to Blowout Cards for posting a few, very early, images of the 2010 National.  I will be leaving Wednesday morning and heading to Baltimore.  When I get back, get ready for a full report with lots of photos.  This will be the 3rd National I’ve attended.  The first two I went to were great!  I’ve pulled a “one-of-one” during each show, and last year I was able to get behind the TRISTAR autograph booth and get my picture taken with seven Heisman Trophy winners.  The National has traditionally been a very lucky place for me.

Prices of wax boxes are usually quite reasonable during The National.  My favorite place to by wax is Marty’s Sports Card Exchange.  Blowout Cards and Dave & Adam’s Card World are also great places to purchase boxes.  I also look forward in taking advantage of the many wrapper redemption programs provided by the manufacturers.

Brian Gray of Razor Entertainment is suppose to be unveiling some big news during The National too.  I have no idea what it will be.  Perhaps we’ll find out if Razor is owned by another manufacturer, or maybe they plan to unveil some new product that will revolutionize the industry.  What do you think?

No matter what happens, I’m sure it will be a great National.  For those collectors wanting to know what to bring.  Just bring cash.  In my opinion, The National is meant for buying stuff.  Who else is going?

Ali Highlights Sportkings ’10 National VIP Set

The National is only a week away, and manufacturers are still tweaking their giveaways/promos.  Today, Sportkings announced they plan to include a 5-card pack within each VIP bag.  Collectors can look for famous athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Wilt Chamberlain, and Royce Gracie.