The annual PSA Set Registry Awards are the hobby’s version of the Oscars. Each year PSA studies thousands of fantastic collecting achievements that were logged the previous 12 months on the PSA Set Registry, and recognizes what we believe to…
Tag: Autographs
A Collector’s Guide to Attending The National
The 2021 National Sports Collectors Convention will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from July 28 to August 1. The National, as it is known amongst collectors, is the hobby’s grandest stage. Hundreds of…
Paying Tribute to Five Legends Lost in 2020
This year has brought countless challenges to all of us. We continue to fight against a global pandemic, still wear protective masks, and do our best to practice social distancing. We’ve curtailed travel plans until further notice, learned how to…
Collecting While Stuck at Home | Write TTM Letters
In this new, limited blog series, “20 Ways to Collect While Stuck at Home,” we offer ideas for enjoying your collection at times when a standard hobby experience is not possible. Illness, financial constraints, or any number of factors might temporarily keep collectors from participating…
The Importance Behind Third-Party Authentication and Grading
One of the toughest decisions any collector faces is when to part ways with all or some of his collection. It’s often based on finances – or lack thereof – and brings with it an emotional toll. It could…
Hobby Gratitude for 2019
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I enjoy the cooler temperatures of the season and, of course, the food, but those are just ancillary reasons. The truth is that I enjoy the time of reflection, having gratitude…
Who Wants a Fascinating TTM Autograph Project?
TTM = Through the Mail I’ve always found hobby projects to be most enjoyable when they have a specific theme and force me to learn something new while adding items to my collection. Of all the different manners in which…
Does a Player’s Autograph Add Value to His Card?
Ever since I entered this great hobby, I’ve been collecting on-card autographs. The majority of them I got signed in person. I’ve always found it fascinating to watch a player sign his cursive, and then see if he adds…
Celebrating Mickey Mantle’s Hobby Impact 24 Years After His Death
The first time I met Mickey Mantle I was standing on the dais at the first-ever, Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) kickoff press conference luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The date was Tuesday, Sept. 22,…
Parkside Collectibles Taps into the Lacrosse Card Market
In the river of trading card information that regularly flows across my desk, one release caught my attention and caused me to do a double-take. It wasn’t Bowman Chrome, Topps Heritage or some other issue that is already popular with…