Anonymous Collectibles NJ said...

“Let me see if I got this right. You buy low grade

beat up cards and feature them on your blog.

That’s awesome. Totally different than all the

other blogs I have seen featuring the nicest cards.”


11.24.2013

1922 E120 American Caramel
Stuffy McInnis



As a member of the Philadelphia Athletics,
Stuffy McInnis played first base alongside second baseman Eddie Collins, shortstop Jack Barry and third baseman Frank Baker.

Some consider the foursome the best infield ever assembled. And they were paid accordingly. From 1911-14 they were collectively known as the $100,000 infield. The cost of all four players.

Today, counting for inflation, that would equal only a little over $2.5 million.

Today, a team would be hard pressed to find a single starter for $2.5 million, let alone the entire infield.

Today, baseball's finances are a little different than 100 years ago.

As for this card: It appears someone added their opinion of Stuffy in red ink "Hitting and Fielding great" they also updated the card to include his current team, as of 1925, to Pittsburgh.

To most collectors, writing on a card is like the kiss of death. To me it's just another story in the life of a poor old baseball card.

11.09.2013

1959 Topps
Mickey Mantle

Oh how I love a poor old Mickey Mantle.

This card arrived earlier this week after my eBay best offer was counteroffered at $27. I was hoping to pick it up for under $25 but how could I quibble over $2. After all, it's a 54-year-old of MICKEY MANTLE.

I'm lucky to own more than a few Mantle's in poor condition. This one's right up there with the worst.

But did I pay too much?

I usually don't pay more than a few dollars for poor old baseball cards but when they're of the game's greats I don't mind shelling out a few more dollars. I figure the superstars will always hold their value, no matter the condition.

So again I ask: Would you pay $27 for an original 1959 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card with a few creases?