Card of the Day: Jackie Robinson 1948 Leaf #79

Card of the Day: Jackie Bradley Jr. 2012 Bowman Chrome Refractor Auto

“Pin-Up” of the Week: 2015 Little League World Series Jackie Robinson West “Cheetah” Pin

Next week the 2015 Little League World Series starts.  It runs from 8/20 to 8/30.  Promotional pins will be flowing like water.  Many district and even some corporate pins have already begun to surface.  More will soon follow.

If you remember correctly, the Jackie Robinson West team from Chicago won the U.S. title beating Las Vegas.  They moved on to the World Championship and ended up losing to South Korea.  Not too long after that, Jackie Robinson West was being accused of recruiting players that live outside of the legal boundaries.  They were stripped of their U.S. title and its been a court battle ever since.

I highly doubt that this pin is officially licensed by Little League.  Even though it has Little League on it, I think you can use those words without getting into trouble.  Now if you were using the official Little League logo, that would be a different story.  The character on here looks VERY similar to Chester Cheetah.  His hat has a “42” on it for Jackie Robinson, and the “W” on the shirt is for West.  The word “Cheetah” sounds like “cheater” and as you can see the medal and rule book are in the trash.

I believe someone had these made up because they knew collectors would find them amusing.  One on eBay recently sold for $23.63.  The same seller had another one up for sale and the price was bid up to over $50.00.  But for some reason the auction was closed early.

Card of the Day: Jackie Moon 2008 Upper Deck Flint Tropics Semi-Pro #1

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Jackie Robinson 1962 Hall of Fame Induction Press Pin

Cooperstown has spoken.  The 2014 Induction Class includes Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas.  I’m a bit surprised that Craig Biggio didn’t make it in, but I’m sure it won’t be long until he gets there.  At least this year’s class has people that are still alive.  Guys like Sosa, McGwire, Clemens, and Bonds will never make it in.

Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential athletes of all time.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962 along with Bob Feller, Bill McKechnie, and Edd Roush.  The Hall of Fame held a luncheon announcing Robinson’s induction and members of the press were provided with this pin.  I don’t know what it is about these pewter pins, but some of them freak me out.  I think its the eyes.  They always look so empty.  Collectors wanting to add this pin to their collection will have to open their wallets.  One recently sold for $300.00.

Card of the Day: Jackie Robinson 1952 Topps #312

Card of the Day: Jackie Robinson 1950 Bowman #22

Card of the Day: Jackie Robinson 2001 UD SP Legendary Cuts Auto

Card of the Day: Jackie Bradley Jr 2010 Topps Team USA Auto

Happy Jackie Robinson Day!

Shane Victorino with a bat used by Jackie Robinson.