A Last Look at the National

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the National Sports Collectors Convention this year, and probably won't be able to attend one in the future unless it comes back out west. Fortunately, the wonder of the internet allows me to enjoy the show like I was there. Still, most of what I had seen in photos so far was lacking. Sure, I liked seeing some of the give-aways and modern cards available in Chicago, but how about the vintage stuff. Does anyone have pics of the really old stuff?

Yes, after a couple of weeks those photos are starting to crop up and they truly show why the National is a must for serious collectors and sports history buffs.

First, check out this story from Bill Simmons as he puts together a nice 16 part photo gallery essay about the show, here. I suggest taking a look at all 16 pages.

Then, you have to check out Carlton Hendricks of Sports Antiques.com for his spread of 444 photos focused primarily on sports memorabilia from the National. Go here now. You won't regret it. To wet your whistle check out a couple of photos below.The above press photos come from the Sporting News Archives collection. Below is a case filled with the kind of stuff I like to see. Here are some late 19th century/ early 20th century Baseball artifacts. I believe on the top left are some postcards made of leather (circa 1910's) and on the bottom left are some 1880's Victorian Baseball themed trade cards. Of special note are the very scarce Sporting News issue with the yellow bottoms. I really love those cards and regret not buying a large lot of them several years ago in a Lew Lipset Auction.

Hunt Auctions: Some Dodger Goodies

Hunt Auctions just recently closed their most recent online offering and it included several nice Dodger related items. Below are just a handful I thought stood out.

Back in 1999 the Dodgers held a fan voting contest naming the greatest Dodgers of the past. Then, artist Paul Rogers was commissioned to create a series of murals of those greatest Dodgers to be placed on the outfield walls of Dodger Stadium. (If anyone has photos please pass them along.) Soon thereafter, the Dodgers released a group of patches based on those drawings, 23 in all, that were worn by players and coaches on their uniform sleeve. Better yet, each individual had the opportunity to choose for themselves who they wanted on their uniform. The Dodger sold very limited quantities to fans, so they are fairly scarce. On top of that, Sandy Koufax refused to license his image for the project. As a result, less than a dozen are believed to exist anywhere. Below is a framed display of 17 of those patches that sold at Hunt's for $228.00. Strangely, it once belonged within the personal collection of Curt Schilling.

(Auction Link)

Here is a Tommy Lasorda plaque that was personally signed and given to fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. It includes the following note,

"To Robin - you and the Dodgers are both great. Your friend Tom Lasorda."

It Sold for $200.00.

(Auction Link)

This is clearly the best item available in this auction. It is a used ticket and program from Sandy Koufax's 4th no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965. It sold for an astounding $6,905.00.

(Auction Link)