Card of the Day: 1994 Cardz – Muppets Take The Ice – New York Islanders #40

Pin Highlight: 2002 U.S. Open Bethpage Black, New York Golf Tournament Logo Pin

The 2002 U.S. Open Golf Tournament was played in Farmingdale, New York on the Bethpage State Park, Black Course.  Logo pins for the event began to surface well in advance (a good 9+ months prior).  A major change was made that make earlier versions of the pin much more desirable.

At first, the pins initially released featured the skyline of New York City in the background.  Both of the World Trade Center Twin Towers can be seen.

After the events of September 11, 2001 the decision to stop selling this pin was made.  A new pin emerged which lacked the city skyline.

Earlier pins that contain both World Trade Center Twin Towers carry a hefty premium.

Card of the Day: John Goodman 2003 Upper Deck Yankees Signature Series Pride of New York Auto

Card of the Day: Patrick Ewing 2012-13 Leaf Metal New York Knicks Logo Tag Auto

Crossing Paths With Former Yankees Batboy Fred Bengis

From 1959 to 1962, Fred Bengis had a dream job that many baseball fans would have loved to have.  He was the batboy for the New York Yankees.  Imagine going to work everyday and getting to hang out with guys such as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Roger Maris, and Casey Stengel.  That’s exactly what Mr. Bengis got to do.

I got to meet Mr. Bengis and get a look inside his personal collection of stuff he has acquired over the years.  As you can imagine, he is still a big Yankees fan.  He had a front row seat to some of the greatest moments in baseball history, namely 61 in ’61.  Oh the stories he could tell…

For a real in-depth interview with Fred Bengis, check out this article over on MLB.com.

Former Yankees batboy Fred Bengis

Mr. Bengis’s original batboy uniform

Fred Bengis pictured with Roger Maris

The 1961 World Series ring he received

Bat rack

Jeter bat

New York Giants – Nicks & Hynoski – Amato’s Autograph Signing

New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks signed autographs for fans at the Amato’s Pizza in Selinsgrove this afternoon.  Amato’s had plenty of items to get autographed, plus a silent auction filled with many signed pieces of memorabilia.  Hynoski is a graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School which isn’t that far away from the Selinagrove area.  I believe this was the first time Amato’s held an autograph signing at their restaurant.  Tickets had to be purchased in advance, and the lines seemed to be steady.  In my opinion, everything ran smoothly.  There didn’t appear to be any major hang-ups.  Amato’s is about 3 seconds away from my house, and this has to have been one of the easiest autograph signings I’ve ever attended.  It was very well organized.  Amato’s has great food too.  Along with their pizza, I also enjoy their ravioli and cheesesteak in the garden.

Henry Hynoski – Hynoski doesn’t have that many cards to collect.  His rookies can be found in ’11 Playoff Contenders, ’11 Plates & Patches, and ’11 National Treasures.

Hakeem Nicks – Nicks was a rookie in 2009 and has tons of cards to collect.

Nicks during his interview with ESPN 92.3 FM

Hynoski’s signature (on top)

Nicks’s signature (on bottom)

Cooper To Focus On Yankees Dream Scene Next

Jamie Cooper is at it again!  The artist that brought us the Phillies Dream Scene painting will soon begin work on another dream scene.  This one will be based on the New York Yankees.  Mr. Cooper will start painting this week, and plans to have it completed by the end of April.  The finished piece will measure 6ft by 4ft and will be auctioned off during the 2013 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, IL.

Below is a preliminary rough sketch of what the finished piece will look like.  Along with the rough sketch, Mr. Cooper sent over the story that goes along with it.  No word yet on whether prints will be made available.

The story so far.

We are taken to a private corner of a mythical Yankees Clubhouse.  One that reflects the changing décor of the rooms over the past 100 years.   All is smoky and atmospheric.  And here, as if a time machine has skimmed back through history, are the 5 greatest Yankees to have donned the famous pinstripes.

From left to right.

Babe Ruth reclines holding the war club with which he hit the 60th home run in 1927.  Inscribed on it are the initials T.Z (Tom Zachary – the unfortunate pitcher).  He sits in front of his metal locker from the late 1920’s and 30’s.  Perhaps a door could be open to reveal a big fur coat, a box of cigars and other features of the man’s tastes and fashion in the 20’s.

Above it is the famous Yankees façade that is a feature of the current day clubhouse.

Derek Jeter stands overlooking the group with a friendly hand resting on Gehrig’s shoulder.  This symbolizes the respect felt toward him from all the Yankees faithful.

Lou Gehrig himself is central in this scene.  Proud yet humbled to be part of this elite group, he is happy to let the bigger personalities take the limelight.  But in reality, he is the embodiment of the Yankees great tradition.

Mickey Mantle circa 1956, leans in to join the fun with a big, all American smile and a can of Ballantine beer in his hand.

Behind them are 2 iconic lockers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  Mantle’s on the left and DiMaggios’ on the right.

In Mantle’s locker are towels from the period, lots of bandages, a bottle of Yoo Hoo, pictures of loved ones and a reference to his triple crown in 1956.

DiMaggio’s locker will feature a carton of Chesterfields, a picture of Marilyn, and a news cutting of his 56 game hitting streak.  The clothes hanging will reflect his wardrobe of the time.  There will also be a small written slogan from Joe saying, “I’d like to thank the good lord for making me a Yankee”.

DiMaggio himself casts an eye across the scene to Ruth, the two of them, as gatekeepers to this magical moment and as elder statesmen of the greatest baseball club on the planet.  Of course he has a Chesterfield in his hand.

Behind him to the right are the wonderful industrial looking lockers of the early 1920’s.  There will be plenty of balls and towels scattered around, a couple of beer cans and other post game paraphernalia.  The carpet in the foreground is the one from the current day clubhouse featuring the small NY logos.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: World Of Disney 2008 New York City Marathon Pin

Well it looks as if the 2012 New York City Marathon has been cancelled.  I wonder if they had any pins made up for this year’s race yet?  I think they made the right decision to cancel it.  Sandy just hit at the wrong time and its almost impossible to predict the amount of damage that was going to take place in order to cancel the race in time.

This pin was by Disney for the 2008 NYC Marathon and is limited to 500 copies.  It can easily be found for $10.00.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: The Dark Knight Rises New York City Premiere Pin

The Dark Knight Rises is out, and it’s blowing away fans.  I’m looking forward to seeing it first thing tomorrow morning.  I’ve been staying clear of all the entertainment sites so I don’t ruin any surprises.  Not only am I looking forward to seeing this film, but the trailers that come before it.  I hear there is a Man Of Steel trailer before the movie starts.  That I deeply want to see.  Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is by far the best interpretation the world’s greatest detective.

This pin was given to those individuals that were lucky enough to attend the New York City premiere of The Dark Knight Rises on July 16th.

Super Bowl XLVI Champ Henry Hynoski Signing

This afternoon New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski was signing autographs at the Susquehanna Valley Mall.  The event was sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Mall and ESPN 92.3FM.  Hynoski played for Southern Columbia High School, then went on to play for the University of Pittsburgh.  He recently won Super Bowl XLVI with the Giants.  Everyone could get (3) items signed free of charge.  The place was totally packed.  The line started outside of Bon-Ton and by the time I left the line was all the way back to Sears.  That’s a long line.  Luckily I got there early enough and didn’t have to wait too long.  They were also handing out miniature ESPN footballs and Pepsi products.  Hynoski was signing right outside of Schuylkill Valley Sports.  They were selling tons of Giants items you could get signed.  How convenient? 🙂

Henry Hynoski is one of those rookies from last year that doesn’t have a ton of cards.  As of right now, you can only find his cards in Plates & Patches and Playoff Contenders.  His Plates & Patches cards seem to be a lot more popular than the Playoff Contenders.

During Super Bowl XLVI Hynoski caught 2 passes for 19 yards, and recovered an Hakeem Nicks fumble in the third quarter.