Pujols Rakes In Third MVP

In what’s one of the most anticipated times of the year for die-hard baseball fans and Major League Baseball memorabilia collectors, Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols took home the National League MVP on Tuesday. Pujols’ award caps a year that saw the 29-year old hit .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBIs while leading the Cardinals to the National League Central title. Any sports memorabilia collector who has invested in Albert Pujols autographed items may know the first baseman joins some exclusive company with his third MVP award. Previous three-time winners of the award include Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Jimmie Foxx.

Johnson Races Into History

In what is a day no fan or NASCAR memorabilia collector will soon forget, Jimmie Johnson and his #48 raced their way into history yesterday, clinching their record fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series Championship with a top-five at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson outpaced his only challenger, teammate Mark Martin, for most of the race before coming home fifth and sealing a feat never before seen in the sport’s 61-year history. Just as Jimmie Johnson autographs won’t get the same spike in demand as Yankees team gear did after their championship run, the low-key Johnson will probably settle in to a quiet offseason with his wife at their condo in New York City.

Greinke Takes AL Cy Young

In what is one bright spot for a struggling franchise, fans and Royals memorabilia collectors had to be thrilled to see 26-year old Zack Greinke win the 2009 American League Cy Young award this afternoon. Greinke dominated batters from start to finish in 2009, posting a 16-8 record and an MLB-best 2.16 ERA, the lowest in the American League since Pedro Martinez recorded his insane 1.74 in 2000. The Royals hurler won handily over second-place finisher Felix Hernandez, taking all but three first place votes. While his win total is relatively low for a Cy Young award winner, fans who’ve invested in Zack Greinke autographed baseballs are quick to note his Royals teammates put up only 13 runs in his eight loses, and he fell short of victories on six occasions when allowing one run or less.

The National League award will be awarded Thursday.

Upon Further Review…

The use of instant replay and just how prominent modern technology could be in major sports has been a topic of debate for fans and sports autograph collectors in recent years. On the same day MLB owners struck down an opportunity to expand the use of replay, an NBA game was decided by a 10-minute replay review after the game. The fact it was a nationally broadcast for fans, basketball memorabilia collectors and viewers made it even more intriguing. With the Chicago Bulls trailing the Denver Nuggets 90-89 with 0.3 seconds, Bulls center Brad Miller hoisted a desperation 23-footer that found the net and a raucous crowd of fans in Bulls apparel celebrated what they thought was a miraculous victory. Not so much. After a lengthy ten minute review, the officials ruled the ball had not left yet the tips of Miller’s fingers and the basket was no good. It was not only heartbreaking for fans at the United Center and tuning in on NBA TV, but also fanned the replay flames for fans of Major League Baseball who feel too many calls have been flat out wrong in recent years.

Tex, Jeter Nab Gold Gloves

Fans and Yankees memorabilia collectors have to be grateful they were instrumental in delivering the franchise’s 27th World Series Championship. Today, baseball writers awarded them for their grace in the infield. Yankees superstars Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira were both awarded gold gloves for their outstanding defensive work in 2009. While Mark Teixeira did not have a great World Series at-bat, fans were still proud to wear his MLB jerseys because he took away countless runs with his glove. For Jeter, one of baseball memorabilia’s must-have autographs, the Gold Glove is the fourth of his career. One has to wonder what he’s doing with all these trophies. For Jeter’s first-year teammate Mark Teixeira, the award is his third and comes on the heels of a season where he made a mere four errors at first base.

MLB Free Agency Kicks Off

You don’t have to look too hard to see how quickly a team can reap the benefits of success in free agency. Fans and Yankees memorabilia collectors can thank newbies Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett for their latest versions of Yankees World Series items. A new set of superstars filed for free agency this morning including Jason Bay, Matt Holliday and John Lackey. While Red Sox autograph collectors hope to re-sign their 31-year old left fielder, it looks like Holliday and Lackey will be donning new MLB jerseys come 2010.

Yanks, Phils Set For Game Six

Fans and Yankees memorabilia collectors have given manager Joe Girardi a fair amount of flak during the team’s postseason run. Despite being within 27 outs of their 27th World Championship, the Yankees manager has rested his hopes on three starters on a combined nine days rest. While A.J. Burnett autographs have been popular MLB memorabilia items over the past few months, the 32-year old seemed over-excited and under-rested during game 5, a game the Yankees would lose 8-6.

The storyline is thick for the defending World Series Champs, their fans and sports autograph collectors as Pedro Martinez will take the hill tonight looking to push the series to a decisive game seven.

Yanks Rock Lidge, Take 3-1 Lead

A season-long battle to repeat as champions came all but crashing down in just a mere two minutes Sunday. Philadelphia Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge was unable to hold a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth inning, and the Yankees rallied to a 7-4 victory to take a 3-1 series lead in the 2009 World Series. While Johnny Damon’s double steal and A-Rod’s clutch go-ahead double will be unforgettable for fans, Yankees autographs collectors and anyone who has invested in 2009 Yankees World Series memorabilia, the image of the Phillies closer give up yet another lead is one all too familar for fans and Phillies memorabilia collectors.

With a 3-1 lead in their pocket, the Yankees and Phillies face off tonight at Citizens Bank Park with the champagne on ice and the World Series trophy waiting in the visitors’ locker room.

Ozzie Smith Items Set For Auction

The best news for an MLB memorabilia collector during a recession? Player’s and star’s restaurants going out of business, and some of the rare sports memorabilia lining their walls hits the open market. Just is the case for fans and Cardinals memorabilia collectors. As the legendary Ozzie Smith had to close the doors on his two decade-old restaurant, many unique and rare items including autographed baseball jerseys, photos and displays.

Phils Take NLCS Game One

If recent history is any proof, the Philadelphia Phillies can begin making travel plans well into next week. The Phillies beat the Dodgers 8-6 in last night’s NLCS game one, the winner of which has won the series in 14 of the last 17 years. Searches for Phillies autographs went through the roof last season, with sales of their autographed sports items pushing many suppliers to the brink.

Fans and Dodgers fans should be worried, fans and collectors of Tommy Lasorda autographs should remember the 1977 NLCS where the Dodgers dropped game one of the series to Philadelphia, only to come back and win the series 3-1.