USA Stacks WBC Bullpen

As the final rosters for the World Baseball Classic were released yesterday, fans and baseball memorabilia collectors alike were quick to point out the absolutely-stacked bullpen the United States has for the upcoming tournament. Some of the best-sellers in the realm of autographed baseballs such as Grady Sizemore and Dustin Pedroia will be making up the stellar defense behind the men on the mound. Derek Jeter memorabilia collectors will be happy to see the man known simply as “the Captain” back in a USA uniform for the second consecutive WBC, and word has it that limited game-used memorabilia from the World Baseball Classic will be available in the weeks following the Classic.

Kenseth 2-For-2 in ‘09

NASCAR certainly caught a lot of flak after last Sunday’s Daytona 500 was called early due to rain, but any fan lucky enough to catch yesterday’s Auto Club 500 was rewarded with one of the best races in some time. After four rain cautions slowed the race, a late pit stop moved Matt Kenseth ahead of Jeff Gordon and set up an epic 60-lap NASCAR photo-like showdown between two past Sprint Cup Champions. Kenseth, whose NASCAR apparel skyrocketed in the week following Daytona, managed to hold up the four-time champion just enough to cruise to the checkered flag and claim his second consecutive victory. The final green flag run was laden with story lines. Youngster and NASCAR memorabilia favorite Kyle Busch was attempting to become the first driver to ever win three races in one weekend at the same track, while Jeff Gordon attempted to win his first points race since October of 2007. In the end, it was Kenseth who became the first driver to win the Sprint Cup season’s first two races since Gordon did so back in 1997.

Baseball Fans: Start Gearing Up For Spring!

So Spring Training is officially here and it’s time to gear up on some new baseball apparel for 2009. I’ve gotten in the habit of buying a new baseball hat every couple of years, and if your favorite players has switched teams this winter, maybe it’s time for a new baseball jersey too. Even if you have season tickets, don’t limit to just watching the game this year, get out on the field! Even if you’re not the athletic type, new baseball equipment makes a great gift for friends or family members.

Magic Deal For Alston

Fans and NBA memorabilia collectors awaited anxiously the news of a blockbuster deal from today’s trading deadline. Well guys, don’t hold your breathe. It appears the deadline has come and gone with only a few ripples as opposed to the tidal wave many were expecting. For starters, collectors of Shaquille O’Neal autographs were waiting to see if a signed Cleveland Cavaliers jersey might be in their future, but it looks like the Big Cactus will be staying in the desert. While Lebron James didn’t get any help on deadline day, Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic certainly did. After losing emerging point guard Jameer Nelson for the season just before the All-Star break, Orlando filled their void at the point in a big way by acquiring Rafer Alston from the Houston Rockets. As if the jump in Orlando Magic memorabilia demand wasn’t great enough since the All-Star Game, Alston adds a potent scorer and dose of energy to an already dominant offense. Also, combined with J. J. Reddick, the Magic now have two players that can spread the floor as Eddie House and James Posey did so well for the Boston Celtics in last year’s NBA Playoffs.

Time To Gear Up For ‘09

So with Spring Training underway, it’s time to grab some new Yankees apparel for the upcoming season! Whether you’re looking for a new Yankees jersey or a signed Yankees photo for the office, I think everyone is ready for the 2009 regular season to begin. Of course they’ll be some faces in new places for this season. For starters, Pat Burrell will be moving down to Tampa Bay to join the American League champion Rays after wearing Phillies jerseys his entire career. Some other big names like Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. are still deciding on where to play this season, although it looks like Manny will return to the Dodgers and try to head back to the MLB Playoffs.

Nets Shopping Carter?

Vince Carter autographs became a must-have item for NBA memorabilia collectors after the 2000 Slam Dunk Competition, so it’s not a surprise his current front office has picked this week to try and get him out of his Nets jerseys. Many sources around the league are reporting the Nets are looking to send Carter and his $21 million contract to the Houston Rockets for Tracy McGrady. T-Mac has missed 19 games for Houston so far this season, and the Nets may jump at the fact his contract would come off their payroll in the summer of 2010. Signed basketballs have been a big hit for Carter fans, and one would have to think that demand would continue no matter where he went in the NBA.

Sunday’s Daytona Field To Be Set Today

Although there are three days remaining until the 51st Daytona 500, there will be big-time action on the racetrack today as over 50 drivers will attempt to race their way into the 500 through the Gatorade Duels. The Duels are two 150-mile qualifying races that set the starting grid for Sunday’s race, and will send at least seven drivers back home with nothing but frustration to show for their efforts. Fans and NASCAR memorabilia collectors alike get excited for the Great American Race, and fans who’ve collected past champions’ items like Jimmie Johnson memorabilia and Jeff Gordon collectibles are always pulling for their driver to add another Harley J. Earle trophy to their mantle. Of course, nobody has ever won more races at Daytona than the late Dale Earnhardt, and demands for his son’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. memorabilia has never been greater since his move to Hendrick Motorsports.

Favre Calls It A Career…For Real!

18 seasons, three MVPs, a Super Bowl and three retirements later, it looks like Brett Favre is finally ready to step away from the NFL. While demands for Brett Favre memorabilia like autographed football helmets and NFL jerseys were never higher than during his time with the New York Jets, there’s no doubt that the future Hall of Fame quarterback has truly made the most of his 18-year career in the NFL. Though it took three tries for him to step away from the game, Brett does so as the owner of over a dozen NFL records, including most of the league’s record for quarterbacks. For fans and NFL memorabilia collectors alike, Brett Favre and his unmistakable enthusiasm will be missed.

Truex’s 188.001 Grabs Pole For 500

While the remainder of the field for the 51st Daytona 500 will be set with this Thursday’s Gatorade 125s, a pair of Chevrolets will lead the field to the green flag next Sunday. Martin Truex Jr. and veteran Mark Martin locked up the front two starting spots yesterday, with Truex’s 188.001 good for his first career pole at the 2.5 mile super speedway. While the Great American Race always allows for a boom in searches for NASCAR memorabilia, Speed Weeks always sees a greater demand for NASCAR apparel and calls for Jeff Gordon memorabilia as well. It’s the most exciting time of the year to be a racing fan, and collectors looking for Jimmie Johnson autographs should act early as Johnson looks to become the first driver in history to win four consecutive Sprint Cup Championships.

The 51st Daytona 500 green flags this Sunday at 2 p.m. EST.

NBA Has Week For the Ages

While all the hype this week has been about the Super Bowl and fans stocking up on NFL memorabilia, how about the week of action in the NBA this week?! It started off with Lebron James and Kobe Bryant lighting up the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Monday and Wednesday, and last night saw arguably the game of the year between Kobe’s Lakers and the Boston Celtics. While NBA memorabilia is always in demand, the desire for their autographed basketballs and the debate over who is the best team in the NBA has never been hotter. While Boston may be the reigning NBA Champions, the Lakers ending the Celtics’ 19-game win streak on Christmas and their 12-game winning streak entering last night can’t be left simply up to luck. While I’m not ready to proclaim the Lakers can overtake the Celtics if the two teams meet in June, it’s obvious their current rivalry is on the same level as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. I’m sure Magic and Larry are proud.