R.I.P. Joe Paterno: 1926 – 2012

Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

Yesterday the world lost one of its most important visionaries – Steve Jobs.  Jobs created the perfect harmony between technology and art.  He made technology cool not only to use, but to look at too.

I can still remember the first time I used a computer.  I was in preschool and I was playing a game where I had to make a worm go through a maze so it could eat an apple when it reached the end.  I’m sure there are many of you reading this that can remember those school days playing Oregon Trail which came on those ungodly large floppy disks that actually were floppy.

As far as cards go, Steve Jobs doesn’t have any.  He wasn’t a huge signer, but I could see a possible cut signature coming in the future.  But for a moment, lets “think different” here.  Lets go beyond a cut signature.  I want to see a Steve Jobs card that contains and actual button from a device he once owned and used.  I bet that would be unique looking and I’m sure the famous iJustine would go nuts over it.    It might be awhile before one of those hit the market though.  Jobs was very strict over who could use his name and the Apple brand.

If you can’t wait for one of those cards, you could always add the 1984 premier issue of Macworld to your collection.  Their only selling for a mere $400.00 each.  An autographed copy containing signatures of both Jobs and Steve Wozniak recently hit eBay and reached $1,426.69, but the reserve price was not met.  Like many companies, they had pins to commemorate product releases and years of service.  Some of these can go for $20.00 each like the one pictured above.

On a side note, I would like to say that Apple Stores are well designed for people with disabilities like myself.  They are wide open with a lot of space, and most of the tables are opened underneath and high enough off the ground so someone in a wheelchair can pull right up to the display.

Steve Jobs will be missed by millions.  Thanks for everything you created.

Two Years Ago Today We Lost Our Friend Harry

Two years ago today Phillies fans lost their beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster, Harry Kalas.  I’m a huge fan of his, and thats why I’d like to show off my personal collection of Kalas cards.  In addition to these cards, I have two bobbleheads, HK pin, and an autographed bat.  I’m always on the lookout for more Kalas stuff.

There is a Harry Kalas Memorial Statue in the works, and the Phillies have accepted it as a gift.  I can’t wait to see it.

2004 Upper Deck Sweet Classic Signatures Spot Red Ink Auto #’ed 1/25

2004 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic Signatures Blue Ink Auto #’ed 1/50

2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic Auto

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game – Announcing Greats

2010 Monty Sheldon Harry Kalas Sketch card #’ed 1/1

Remembering Irvin Kershner

Many Star Wars fans were sadden when they heard the news that Irvin Kershner had passed away.  Kershner was the director of The Empire Strikes Back, which is one of the darkest films in the series.

Kershner has a handful of cards, including a few autographs.  Probably the card that most collectors want to have in their collection would be the 2009 Topps The Empire Strikes Back wide-vision autograph.  Finding signatures within this product are extremely rare and collectors pay hefty amounts for any of them.  The Kershner is worth about $400.00, maybe more.

Ernie Harwell Remembered On Cardboard

Ernie Harwell was one of the best baseball broadcasters in the history of the game.  He called the television broadcast of Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard Round The World”.  Broadcasters usually don’t have a ton of cards to collect, but Harwell has a little over 30 different cards for collectors to add to their collection.  Probably his most popular certified autographs come from 2004 and 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic.  He does have a dual autograph along with Kirk Gibson which can be found in 2004 Fleer Greats of the Game and is limited to only 25 copies.  You can also find his autographs in 2003 and 2004 Topps Fan-Favorites.  Much like after the death of famous Phillies broadcaster, Harry Kalas, I’m sure you’ll see a rush of his collectibles hitting the market.

Yesterday May Have Been Pi Day, But………

Today is the anniversary of the death of Julius Caesar.

This guy was talented.  He ruled Rome and had time to open his own restaurant.

Michael Jackson Trading Cards

In today’s hobby, its not that common to see an entire product based on a single individual.  You might see it done with a certain team, but rarely with one person.  Back in the 80’s, manufacturers made all kinds of trading card sets for specific celebrities including Michael Jackson.  In 1984 Topps released a set based around the pop icon.  Each box contains 36 wax packs with 3 cards and 3 stickers per pack.  Later that year Topps released a 2nd series based around Jackson.  In a way these could be considered his “rookie” cards.  I would highly suggest not purchasing anything of Jackson right now because the prices are through the roof.  It would be better to wait until things calm down.

Currently Jackson has no relic or autographed cards floating around the secondary market.  With all those colorful outfits he wore, I’m sure they would make for some interesting relics to pull.  R.I.P the King of Pop.

Be sure to check out Cardboard Icons break of a box of Michael Jackson 1984 Topps.

R.I.P Danny Ozark

The former Phillie great passed away today.  He always came to a golf tournament in Williamsport, PA once a year.

 

R.I.P Brad Van Pelt

Yesturday, Brad Van Pelt passed away at the age of 57.  Pelt was a 5x Pro Bowl selection and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.  He suffered from a heart attack.