CHUCK'S USED CARDS

Adding to My A&BCs - Vintage gets Better But Harder to Find

2011-04-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

The debut of modern bubble gum cards featuring soccer (football) began with the 1958-59 A&BC Football Stars of England. As explained elsewhere in this blog, A&BC Gum Ltd. was later purchased by Topps. The card designs are often familiar between the Topps sets especially the various sports issues.

The premier set of 92 cards were issued in 2 series of 46 players each. The second series being uch rarer and seemingly difficult to find. Some are found without the Planet Ltd. advert on top (with dotted line).

I was able to obtain 4 excellent to mint cards for my personal set. It included card # 1 Eddie Baily (below).

England international and later beloved National Team Manager - Bobby Robson.

The cards with yellow backgrounds are very appealing to me. This is Arsenal's Derek Tapscott (below). The background colors are dark blue, light blue, green and yellow. They follow a pattern with the card numbering. For example the first 5 cards have blue backgrounds. The next four have green backdrops.

The forth card is one of the up and coming stars of Tottenham Hotspur's Double-winning side - Terry Medwin.

Although these are less favored to me compared to the subsequent year, the 1959-60 A&BC set, these 1958-59 portrait style and background colors on these are memorable. Much like the 1952 Topps baseball cards, this is a debut set and will stand as a mark for modern soccer card collections.

The challenge, albeit a small set, will be to complete all 92 cards and even harder to find them in pristine condition. I feel fortunate to have added these four to my collection thus far.

Upper Deck - Epic Fail - World of Sports

2011-04-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Trial and success ... trial and error. So goes the ebb and flow of modern trading cards. However, even a fighter knows when their beaten - they throw in the towel. Upper Deck is staggering long the ropes on wobbly feet and ready for the canvass.

The uninspired product from 2010 - World of Sports - that combined college athletes (who are suposed to be amateurs) with a mix of oddities like lacrosse and lesser know activities with MLS soccer players. The design, if it can be viewed as such, lacks total imagination. The photography, amatuerish at best ...

leaves a lot to be desired by collectors. However, the biggest fiasco is the continued sham of marketing non-existant David Beckham autograph cards. This was an issue as far back as Beck's first appearence with Upper Deck when he refused to part take in the signatures on the MLS products.

Yet, here it is (above), the "fanthom" Beckham autograph card. The sticker autograph is a left over from previous MLS sets - the actual signature is that of Luciano Emilio (below) from 2007.

Even the chase cards are a poor selection of design and photos. Kasey Keller (below) looks to be saying "oh, no ! Its the Upper Deck photographers".

All in all, Upper Deck's MLS products have been sub-quality and hardly changed in a decade of licensed production. An Upper Deck spokesperson has already confirmed that once again the Women's Professional Soccer will be part of the set for 2011.

While I have great admiration for the talent and efforts for the ladies' game (like Marta - below), I feel sorry for the purist who have to wade through these to find their favorite MLS players.

Can you imagine sifting through your pack of NBA cards and only finding WNBA cards as you search for your LeBron or Kobe ? How about sorting your most wanted baseball stars but forced to discover lady softball players among the packs ?

I would much rather have a sub set of US players who star overseas - like Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and Maurice Edu. (this can be done with portrait shots or national team shirts to get around the licensing issue.)

With time ticking down on Upper Deck's MLS license, it may be an opening for Panini (or even a non-licensed company like In-The-Game) to swoop in and deliver a mouth watering soccer set. I know I'll be sending in my suggestions. I would love to hear from you fans ....

Cowboy Calcio, Beckham and Alexi Lalas - LEGEND

2011-02-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

What makes a player a LEGEND ? Many make it onto a trading card, some are memorable and a few, if lucky, are immortalized. For a country that had not appeared in the World Cup in 40 years (1930 to 1990) any spark could result in being an instant hero.

The American who achieved that status was ALEXI LALAS when he scored the goal (above) against England in the 1993 US CUP at Boston. It seemed it was the first time Americans were playing without fear of the legendary soccer nations like Brazil, Germany and Italy.

Lalas was not just an average clean-cut American athlete. He honed his playing skills playing pick-up games in Michigan, then onto the Ivy League at Rutgers University. He played guitar in a rock band and even sang the national anthem at the 1st MLS CUP. He was instantly recognized for his trademark long shaggy red hair and goatie.

He was an Olympian footballer at the 1992 Barcelona Games. His international profile as a "never say die defender" and the goal against England made him one of the high-profile players on the 1994 U.S. World Cup Team. After the 1994 Tournament he was signed as the first native born American in Italy's Serie A.

The "American Cowboy" as he was known, almost single-handedly saved the Padova from relegation by scoring two goals in the final three games of the season including ones against powerful AC Milan AND Inter Milan.

When Major League soccer finally formed a professional circuit in 1996, Lalas returned home to play for New England, New York, Kansas City and Los Angeles.

After 7 seasons in MLS, Lalas accepted a position in the front office at the New York club. Although no great achievements were noted here, he moved on to become the Los Angeles Galaxy's new General Manager. There, he hired former Dutch great Ruud Gullit and was part of the team that brought in David Beckham.

Both those decsions had converse effects on the club, the league and the game in America. Regardless, Alexi Lalas has put his own stamp of uniqueness on the game. He has earned the apearance on a 2011 FUTERA LEGEND card.

Getting Nostalgic With the 90's - Shiney Magic Merlin

2011-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

[above - 1996 MERLIN'S International Masters of The Game - Alan Shearer]

After selling off my entire collection of NFL football cards last week, I have become more focused on filling the gaps in my soccer card collection. As much as I enjoyed the other sports cards growing up, I always wanted more soccer material to be produced in the USA. Unfortunately, it never happened. Now, with Upper Deck spitting out their sub-standard product - and MLS being complacent with it, it looks like nothing much has changed. Thank Buddah for the internet, and cable TV.

Now, I do look at my rebirth into collecting when the wonderful products became available in the 1990's though internet trades - namely, MERLIN'S PREMIER LEAGUE trading cards.

[above- 1998 MERLIN'S Rainbow foil Golden Moment - Alan Shearer]

There are several reasons why these card sets appeal to me. First of all, they were very managable sizes. Most were under 200 cards. Next, they had small and well designed chase cards inserted in the packs. Both the front and the reverse were guilded in shiney color and gloss. But more importantly, they had good information.

[above - 1999 MERLIN'S Gold - Michael Owen]

Lastly, they were acoompanied by binder books - complete with plastic pages and room for all the base cards and the inserts. The binders featured fantastic photos of the stars and a checklist to track your progress.

[above - 1998 MERLIN'S Permier League Hotshots - Robbie Fowler]

While the inserts were dominated by Manchester United players, it had a good mix of stars that have stood up with time - Alan Shearer, Robbie Fowler and Micheal Owen - all 100 goal scorers in the Premier League.

[above - 1996 MERLIN'S International Masters of The Game - Ryan Giggs]

There were a good number of foreign players that were beginning to star in the Premier league on a regular basis. They soon became fan favorites like - Eric Cantona (France), Ruud Gullit Holland), Giunluca Vialli (Italy), Peter Schmeichel (Denmark) and Faustino Asprilla (Colombia).

This was the start to the Premier League evolving into the "World's Best League". Although they are still relatively affordable ($5-10 range), these inserts are becoming increasingly harder to find as global collectors search for super looking super star cards.

Out with the old - In with the New

2011-01-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

So what has been keeping me from writing ? My apologies to all the followers and the ones that check in time to time. I have been writing alright, but just not on my blog.

I had an article published in the SGC Collectors Magazine (above) - a hobby publication associated with professional card graders. In the past, this periodical has been mostly baseball oriented. However, if you read my article, you will know how the whole global soccer trading card craze has emerged.

I've also been working on a book. So, these posts are killing my typing hands ...

Now on to new things ... 50 CRACKS

Argentina's TIKI TIKI Magazine has again produced a wonderful set of international star players. The front of the card depicts the players with their club team with National Team flag,club logo and position. There is also a player rating on a color chart.

The reverse of the cards have the player pictured with their National Team along with career highlights and other statistics.

This reminds me of the English 1972 IPC Magazines that had large insert cards.

These included England and Scotland players featured in their National Team jersey.

The cards were perferated so that you could punch out the player and a grass green stand to display them.

The above Bobby moore card is mislabled as "1969" when they are from 1972.

My Kind of Greeting Cards ...

2010-12-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

One of my pet peeves is waste. Wasted time, wasted money and wasted materials. So when it comes to greeting cards - well, I'm one of those who will save a tree or save you $3.00 or whatever they cost these days.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the sentiment of Birthday, Father's Day and Christmas wishes. But for me personally, send me a collectable card !

So my holiday greetings - from people who know me - came in the form of a 2009 SPORTKINGS limited autograph / jersey card (below) of ...

the New York Cosmos legend - GIORGIO CHINAGLIA. I can now add this to my collection of World Cup player autographs. Giorgio appeared in the 1974 World Cup held in Germany. He was a star for Lazio in Italy before making the move to the NASL and joining Pele in New York.

Also making it into my stocking is this card (below) from the 1902 Ogden's Cigarette series. It features another international player who starred over 100 years before Chinaglia. JOHN ROBERTSON made 16 appearences for Scotland and played over 100 games for the Rangers F.C. dynasty around the turn of the century.

One of his claims to fame is that he was the very first Manager of the then newly formed club CHELSEA F.C..

Two cards, made over 100 years apart, in different parts of the world - still mean one thing - HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

A Card Recipe For Rip-Offs - Fake Jersey Cards

2010-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Like everything that is deemed valuable, someone comes along and tries to ruin the joy for others. Well, I will do my best to put a hammer blow into those plans that attempt to destroy this great hobby.

It is not difficult to take advantage of the naive and uneducated soccer collector. This seems to be more prevalent as the hobby of collecting soccer memorabilia is ramping up. (see my article in the latest issue of SCG Collector Magazine)

Here is proof that with a few purchases anyone can bake a rip-off recipe:
- buy one unlicensed retro New York Cosmos jersey (ebay) like this

- copy one of a thousand Pele photos avialable on the internet
- puchase a few dozen cheap plastic card holders
- cut and paste - print
- advertise liberally (ebay recommended)

What you have is the making of the "evilbay jersey card". You will notice that Pele, who played in the 1970's Cosmos team has the same swatch as Ronaldo who never played for the Cosmos, but was active from the 1990s to the present.

The culprit for this sickly meal is ebay seller kvadteck.

I have also noticed a recent abundance of the 1958 REKORD rookie card of Pele. The Swedish magazine Rekord had a paper insert in a 1958 issue. Considering the high asking price, it seems that either someone is clearing out the old magazine offices or someone's scanner is working overtime. BUYER BEWARE !

There are so many better choices for Pele cards out there with reliable sellers who have collected for a long time. Get to know your sellers and the items you want to acquire. I don't think that chasing a rookie card is neccessarily always a good investment for soccer collectors. If you look at the above card, Pele' real name ( Edison "Edson" Arantes do Nascimento) is not even correct. Secondly, it is on low quality thin paper - making it ripe for counterfitting.

Ironically, some of the modern cards of Pele are as expensive as his earliest ones - namely the FUTERA Legends cards and the WCCF cards from Japan. however, these are quality cards with excellent company backing.

Eat, drink and collect !

Youngest Rookie of the Year ... ever, Gets A Card !

2010-11-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Major League Soccer's 2010 Rookie of the Year - Andy Najar - becomes the youngest ROY in the 5 major sports. The 17 year old DC United forward surpasses the Winnipeg Jets' Dale Hawerchuk, who was 19 when he won it in the 1981-82 NHL season.

To commemorate the event, DC United issued a collectors card (above) exclusively for their season ticket holders. All copies are to be signed by Najar.

A Great One Retires and The King Turns 70 !

2010-10-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

One of the true legends of Major League Soccer has hung up his boots ...

DC UNITED star JAIME MORENO retired at the end of the regular season. He not only ends as the all-time goal scorer with 132 tallies, but is still the only player in MLS to record 100 goals and 100 assists. He scored a goal in his final game to remain the all-time leader.

Here are just some of his career magical highlights ...

Moreno is not the only star leaving the soccer fields - U.S. International and American star BRIAN MCBRIDE played his last match for the CHICAGO FIRE.

McBride, like Moreno, spent time in the English Premier League with Preston, Everton and Fulham. He finished his last MLS game with a goal of impecable style.

Both these players will be missed for their leadership and class.

The greatest of the greats - PELE celebrated his 70th birthday this week. Known all over the world, the current President of the NEW YORK COSMOS is the most recognized athlete on the planet. His cards are still in demand and you can be sure that any of his stuff is money in the bank.

2009 Futera - LEGENDS - Pele

Portland Sends First Chop to Northern Rival ...

2010-09-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

While this post may have less to do with cards than soccer, when something is cool, it is worth posting. Firstly, I have to ask what is not to like about a team that has a weapon in its logo ?

I've had enough of cute, furry creatures, Disney-made animatrinic mascots and stupid fantasy photoshop emblems that have plagued American sports teams. The saving grace of traditional soccer clubs is that they fought for every square foot of territory in which they play - Arsenal F.C. with a cannon, Sheffield United with crossed swords and Portland Timbers with an axe !

What makes Portland Timbers even more intimidating is that they had the balls to go up to Seattle and post this billboard right near Qwest Field (see sports complex to the right).

Seattle were dubbed "soccer city" by MLS Commissioner Garber as they have over 36,000 season ticket holders and draw over 60,000 for some matches.

You see, Portland will be joining MLS next year from the 2nd division, just like the Seattle Sounders did a few years ago. and now the rivalry they had in the USL gets more intense.

The Portland faithful are chomping (or should I say chopping) at the bit as seen here on youtube.

All this just makes me laugh at the idiots who think soccer is the sport of the future ... its already here bub. You might just want to come out of the cave ... soccer moms need not apply.

The Super 70's Seen Through the 1978-79 FKS cards

2010-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

The English FKS footballers sets of the 1970's are making a nostalgic comeback. Not only do they feature different cards of super star players like George Best and Kevin Keegan (below)

but up and coming players like Peter Shilton (below)

and Glenn Hoddle, who would star well into the 1990's.

A good portion of the cards depict the players coming out of the stadium tunnels. Others are in action while the remainer are posed or portraits. The Hoddle and Shilton photos were taken as visitors to Tottenham's White Hart Lane - noticable by the club banner above the tunnel.

One sign of the times is the lack of modern goal keeping gloves - and as in the case of Ray Cashley - poor technique (think Robert Green - vs. the USA or worse - Sylvester Stallone in the movie VICTORY).

Ipswich's Gary Pierce looks to don a pair of gardening gloves while sporting the UMBRO track warm-ups.

Leeds Utd. keeper Graham Moseley wears some funkadelic mits as a "Bobby" policeman watches from behind.

Derby County's Charlie George (below) has a stiff lipped "Bobby" guarding the exit as well.

David McNiven (below) sports the 70's popular track suit by ADMIRAL as a "Bobby" in rain gear watches ...

Leeds Utd. star Allan Clarke wears more ADMIRAL stuff ...

Luton Town's Pasquale Fuccillo, soon to be with the TULSA ROUGHNECKS, wears an orange version ...

as would another future ROUGHNECK - Manchester Utd. Chris McGrath (with huge ADMIRAL logo)

while Q.P.R.'s Eddie Kelly models the defunct GOLA zip up track top.

A close up of the ADMIRAL kit worn by Crystal Palace's Peter Taylor - the last 3rd division player to be picked for the ENGLAND team.

Here Steve Finnieston is seen in a rare CHELSEA all red away kit - with green socks!.

Some of the photos were stock pictures from previous years as Sunderland's Gary Rowell show him with the embroidered 2nd Division Champions on the shirt. They won that in the 1975-76 season.

One of the most significant revelations is the addition of Black players. While this is common place in today's leagues, it was unusual back then.

Two stars that emerge from this set - W.B.A.'s Laurie Cunningham (later transferred to Real Madrid) ...

and Viv Anderson, a key fixture in the rise of Nottingham Forest and England in the immediate years.

The set includes other emerging stars like Birmingham's Tevor Francis (seen in the bright away yellow kit), who would soon appear with the DETROIT EXPRESS, join Nottingham Forest as the very first $ One Million Dollar soccer player.

The 1978-79 FKS set is 400 small sized cards that were meant to be pasted into an album. In addition to the player cards, there were also Team groups like Arsenal (below).

These cards are still very affordable, but hard to find in unused or mint condition.

Star Wars Fight Against Cancer ...

2010-09-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the universe calls for spending time doing other things that card collecting. But not in a galaxy too far away from cards ...

I was honored when I was asked to contribute my artwork for The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

The sketch card art will be featured at the Chicagoland Entertainment Collectors Expo beginning on September 10, 2010. The cards are licensed by LUCAS FILM and carry the sponorship information on the reverse (above)

I was only able to do 5 sketches (Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Boba Fett and Obi Wan) as I was pressed for the deadline. I hope they are appreciated by collectors, but more importantly, giving to a good cause - children's cancer.

you can find out more about the artists and the Chicagoland Entertainment Collector's Expo here.

2009 Tiki-Tiki Magazine Stand-ups

2010-08-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

There was a time when magazines gave away some of the best soccer player collectibles to their readers. This was a common promotional item in British magazines and newspapers. Many of these were cards from the 1930's and another spell came in the late 1960's and 1970's.

Tiki-Tiki, an Argentine publication, produced these cut out / stand ups in 2009. Not only do they display well with a color photo of the star player, but include their career highlights and stats on the reverse.

The promotion lasted through the 2009-2010 season and reflects the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

Some issues were before the transfers - like Kaka' who is still depicted with AC Milan. Although there is not a complete checklist, the set does include at least two National Team group pictures.

Known cards in the set:

Kaka' - AC Milan

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid

Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

Carlos Tevez - Manchester City

Lionel Messi - Barcelona

Argentina Team

Holland Team

MLS Sign Record Holder in Post-World Cup Frenzy

2010-07-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

Major League Soccer has dipped their pen into the summer transfer market by signing two record holding players. Both players appeared in the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Switzerland's Blaise Nkufo (above), who actually signed for the Seattle Sounders before the World Cup, comes to America as the all-time goal scorer for FC Twente of the Dutch League. (114 goals in 223 appearences) He should be a good addition as the possibility of Freddy Ljungberg leaving are near.

The rumors came true as France's World Cup dream turned into a nightmare ... but that should not tarnish the illustrious career of former Barcelona striker Thierry Henry who heads to New York. A big NBA fan and friend of both Stve Nash and Tony Parker.

Before moving to the Spanish giants, Henry set the scoring record at Arsenal (174 goals in 254 appearences). Although his controversial handball eliminated Ireland from qualifying for South Africa, he will be best remembered as a back-to-back winner of both the World Cup in 1998 and the European Cup in 2000 with France.

Nkufo is coming to a struggling Seattle side who are experiencing the sophmore jinx. Meanwhile, Henry joins the New York Red Bull who are thriving in the new arena and under new manager Hans Backe.

Let's hope that both enjoy their careers in MLS and feature on a few nice trading cards during their stay.

WORLD CUP CONTEST - Winners & Prizes

2010-07-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well the tabulations have been made and the results are in ... who knew it would be so much @#$%^ math to figure this out (I sure did't when I offered the contest.

However, it really came down to an interesting finish as actually 4 entries went down to the wire. Here are the results :

1. roofgod - 61 pts.

2. dayf - 43 pts.

3. Dan - 37 pts.

4. Captain Canuck - 32 pts. (tie)

4. Beardy - 32 pts. (tie)

5. Darkship - 14 pts.

6. Mttelkjel - 10 pts.

roofgod's pick of Hunduras' lows propelled him to the top. With two players in the goal scoring hunt for the golden boot, and both teams with the chance of a top scorer - it was neither that made the difference. (Villa and Sneijder)

So here are the prizes - (keeping in mind we are in a ressession) I will allow the first place winner to pick first choice, the second place pick what is remaining, and the third to take the left-overs (sorry I cannot offer more).

PICK FROM -

A. (20 different) 1990 Panini World Cup stickers (Italia 90) - won't tell you which they are, but you do the homework. Help finish / start your vintage Panini collection.

B. One unopened pack of (France 98) 1998 Panini World Cup stickers and ...

one 1998 Panini World Cup card.

C. One unopened pack of 2010 Panini Adrenalyn cards.

A, B, or C, That's it folks ... email your picks (in order of preference) with your addresses.

Thanks for playing.

I have thought about taking up the side bar (where the contest standings is listed) with a "hot top 10" soccer cards - both current and vintage. These would be updated weekly or monthly. Let me know your thoughts.

Holland or Spain ... 3 horses left - World Cup contest

2010-07-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

There are three entries who still have the possibilities of winning the Chuck's World Cup Contest. As Spain and Holland play for this trophy ...

... er, um ... oops - that was stolen in Brazil and melted down for its gold contest ... so they are actually playing for this ...

Good luck to the three finalist as well as Holland and Spain ... ABC television 2:00 PM (EST)

FUTERA is on FIRE ...

2010-07-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

The hits just keep coming ... and I am really smitten with the product that FUTERA has been putting out. Now most high-end trading cards are sold in exclusive tins or boxes. However, FUTERA's online series, sold in regular packs, can result in some major mojo ...

as this pack pull proves. The same card (but different player code) just sold on ebay for $153.77.

Futera, if you can find them in the USA market, retail at the suggested price of $3.99 to $4.25 per pack.

The other feature I like about the FUTERA cards is that they are like travelers checks - redeemable world-wide. If you are seeking specific national teams or players, you can post your wants on the FUTERA Trading Forum. the chase cards of HEROES and the powerful LEGENDS are highly desired for the virtual game.

This enables you to play their online soccer manager game while putting together your dream team. So while I'm not a big fan of Ronaldo, I can swap him for a player of his value and a star that I admire more.

Anyone want a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey card ?

As Good As Gold ... D'oro Espana (Spanish Gold)

2010-07-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's definitely not how I wanted it, but it happened. Spain got to the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup Final with another 1:0 win. They didn't do it with all the hype surrounding their stylish forwards or skilled midfielders - it was a rugged, long-haired defender who did the business.

Carles (don't call me Carlos) Puyols - part of the star-studded Barcelona F.C. team that swept 6 trophies into thier showcase last season, headed the only goal against Germany.

It just so happened that I had this gem (2005 Futera) laying around waiting to be displayed: a 24k gold plated card from FUTERA, numbered to only 111 and containing a "memocell" photo and a two-color swatch from his Barcelona jersey.

That this one is absent of an actual number, means it was used for promotion. They are quite heavy and the player is etched into the metal on the face of the card. Fortunately, these cards made by the UK company are only rising in value.

What I like about them is that they are truely "hard to find", and are actually limited editions - with runs of about 500 cases world-wide.

So if I have to look for the silver lining (or gold) to Spain's victory, it might as well be this card.

Out on A Limb with Diego ...

2010-07-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

Crazy, Loco and just about every derogatory adjective has been used to describe the current coach of Argentina. He has been banned by FIFA twice and once by his own federation. Yet he has also been attatched to the label "greatest ever".

So today's game has some of the best and potentially, greatest World Cup players involved in the Germany v Argentina match. Lionel Messi (below) has yet to score a goal.

However, Miroslav Klose is near to breaking the record for most goals (lifetime) in world cup play.

and while the focus on many of the stars like Rooney, Ribery and Messi has added up to zero goals thus far, the spotlight has been on the portly man in the suit on the Argentine sideline. Why ?

Because when all has been said and written, he is the one who has lifted the cup and the hearts of his fellow countrymen. His technical coaching abilities were called into question during qualification and seeds of doubt have been sprouting ever since.

But four wins, and a date with destiny await the blue and whites of Argentina. Make no mistake, Germany is not a walk-over, and given the chance, they will destroy you with a blitzkreig bop ...

But if I were to choose one guy to be on the touchline and on my team it would be this guy ...

The magic of Diego Armando Maradona. from waif to super star ... to understand the connection between the devine and destiny, passion and soccer, a personality that exudes the good, the bad and the ugly in this sacred game.

The Look, The Feel of Holland ... South American Power

2010-07-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

How much can we put into one look, one action or one picture ? Well, if you examine the talent of past Dutch National Teams - everything. On paper, Holland should have 3 World Cup titles and a case full of trophies. But the scene, behind the scene of infighting, egos and playing below expectations has been the plague of the Orange Crush. So when Robin Van Persie exchanged words with Dutch Coach Bert van Marwijk after being subbed out, it was a feeling of "here we go again".

But is it more damaging than Brazil playing Dunga-ball ? The boring, boring display of the five time Champion is a slap in the face of the magic associated with the Selecao (the selection). Kaka' has been less than spectacular and the rumors of conspiracy against the former World Player of Year are painted to cover the cracks in the midfield. Apologies for his sending off are not warranted as he deserved the first yellow card - which means he was always in danger of a second - rightly or wrongly.

This Dutch side is as deep in talent as ever and have every reason to believe they can be world champions - except for themselves.

This has been the problem for the African teams - shooting themselves in the foot (or both feet). The hosts and their neighbors have the skill and talent, just not the organization and the discipline. This is what the Netherland has - proven by the hundereds of coaches that they have employed all over the globe.

The excuses of the European teams having too long of season will only work as an argument if you don't count the multitude of South Americans playing in Germany, Holland, Italy and England.

Four of the last 8 in this tournament are from Latin America. THAT in itself is a great accomplishment. If even half of them advance, it is a testament to the technical aspect rather than a style that still exists "down there". The money is in Europe, but the desire is South of America ... (does US SOCCER get the hint ?)

If the Dutch can paste over any cracks in the cake, they will sweep all before them. If not, the Cup will surely find a four year reservation south of the equator.

The Celebration for This Generation ...

2010-06-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

As a sports fan who's been around longer than the internet, it gives me great joy to see what technology that has brought me closer to my sport.

This You tube video was compiled by a college football fanatic ... turned soccer fan. And who can blame him after seeing this WORLD'S REACTION TO LANDON DONOVAN'S GAME WINNING GOAL.

My favorite part is the guy alone on the staircase (about 3/4 way in) ... makes me proud to be an American fan.

Unofficial World Cup cards ... Good or Bad ?

2010-06-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I have a dilema - on the one hand I don't think people who have not paid for the right to do so, should profit from other people's work.

However, on the flip side, if there are people not using something that other people want, then there is no need for waste.

Here is what I am talking about :

Primetime Promos - listed out of Frisco, Texas - has been selling these World Cup cards on the internet. My problems is that look pretty cool and I would mind have a few of them (or the set ?). They have the WC 2010 logo and nice graphics.A good question to the US Soccer offices and their marketing people: why didn't you market this type of card with some product ? Soda ? Soap ? Cereal ? Potato Chips ? Anything we could consume during the World Cup games ?

This is a major fault for not keeping up with the rest of the soccer world. Sure we got the Panini and Topps Match Attax, but why not just a set of USA players.

I'm not plugging them here, but for past World Cups BP had a mini card set for English WC players. It's the only thing I would ever want released from the oil company of idiots.

But there have been bank coins, grocery chain cards, even a set of large erasers with the Dutch National Team player ...

So while I do not advocate the production of unlicensed collectables, perhaps this will wake up the men in suits who have the opportunity to do so but choose to waste the chance.

USA Proves To Be World Class

2010-06-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

When they listed the players that were expected to star in the 2010 World Cup, a few Americans wanted Landon Donovan added to the list. After all, he featured brightly with Everton F.C. earlier in the year and led the Los Angeles Galaxy to the MLS CUP final last season.

But what many Americans are discovering, and what the rest of the world knows now - the USA can match up with pretty much any soccer power they face.

If you picked Wayne Rooney, Robinho, Cristiano Ronaldo or Didier Drogba to be the top scorer in the Cup, you forgot about one guy. Landon Donovan.

But the victory over Algeria was sweet in so many ways - topping Group C (over England) and doing what so many want to see - score goals. This was no "miracle on grass", but rather the culmination of hard work, a developing soccer league and the emergence of the passion of soccer in the USA. There are more Donovans in America - they just need to be found.

Super Bowls, World Series and NBA Championships are relagated to nights and weekends - while the World Cup could care less when its played ... people are watching it at all hours. So it is a testament to the efforts of America to play the game the rest of the planet does - and beat them at it. No changing the rules, no bastardized version of the game and definately no interference from the NCAA.

Soccer is the world's game - and that is what the USA is winning in so far - The World Cup.

Congratulations USA - on to the round of 16 !

Happy (Football) Father's Day !

2010-06-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Father's Day watching the World Cup cannot get any better ... or can it ?

For the US National Team Coach Bob Bradley, having his son tuck away the comeback equalizer against Slovenia is a pretty cool early gift for Dad.

But the Bradleys are not alone, as the father/son, coach/player situtation was also occasioned for Slovakia's match today. Vlademir Weiss - Junior and Senior join their Grandfather also named Vlademir Weiss, who played internationally for the former Czechoslovakia as three generations representing their nation.

To top the Weiss' liniege of internationals, the Mexican family of Javier Hernandez, Jr. can claim a third member who has appeared at the World Cup. Current Manchester United youngster Javier is the son of Javier Hernandez Gutierez, a 1986 World Cup participant.

Even more fascinating, his Grandfather (Tomas Balcazar) was age 22 when he scored against France in the 1954 World Cup. Twenty-two year old Javier, Jr. came on as a sub in this 2010 World Cup against France and scored !

One of the proudest Dads has to be the father of the Palacios brothers - Wilson, Johnny and Jerry. All three are on the 2010 Honduras World Cup team. Jerry was added late only after the injury to Julio Cesar de Leon. A fourth brother was also a footballer. He was kidknapped for ransom but was later found dead after $150,000 had been paid. The brothers have dedicated their World Cup to him.

Here's to wishing every Father a memorable day during this World Cup.

A Bad Day For Goliath ... USA Robbed of Victory !

2010-06-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

As good as Germany looked after one game, they looked like a different side against Serbia. Putting aside the Referee that was happy to give out yellow cards like candy at Holloween (more officiating ahead), Germany had the chance to at least tie the game on a Penalty Kick - but for this guy ...

Stojkovic who preserved the win. He stopped Lukas Podolski on what should an automatic goal. This card could not have a better byline - GOAL STOPPER.

But while we are on critizing officials (as happens in sport), the man in the middle from Mali - had some hand (or whistle) in the Americans coming up short. To be fair, the Yanks were aweful in the first half, giving up 2 goals in a lackluster effort.

Whatever half time speech Coach Bob Bradley made, it was enough to inspire this guy ...

Landon Donovan, who scored on a cranker to get the USA back on track. The coaches' son, Michael Bradley added the equalizer to make the game a nail-biter.

The USA appeared to take the lead on Maurice Edu's tally from Donvan's free kick - only to have the man from Mali blow for an infraction that no one saw. No offside, no foul, nothing except a goal - NOT.

To make the day completely interesting, all the star power of England - Rooney, Gerrard, Terry, Lampard and Co. - could only muster a 0:0 draw with Algeria - deservedly so, as the Africans dominated the passing and ball work that put the group into a log jam.

PANINI OFF LINE GAMES

We've been playing pack wars with our Panini sticker packs: each player picks a country that would give them 3 points, and a team that would be minus 1. All foils count for 1 point. You can also pick a star wild card (player) that would be a 5 point bonus if you get him. Rip and play.

Who Needs Defense ... Not Argentina

2010-06-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

As anyone who follows the "beautiful game" knows, that how a team plays is as important as winning. The Brazilians have made an art of this idea. The addage "the best defense is a good offense" has been Argentina's rallying cry at this World Cup tournament.

The critisism of the great Diego Maradona as coach of the blue and whites, was put to rest as Gonzalo Higuain open the flood gates of scoring 3 goals against South Korea. Higuain, who plays his club ball at Real Madrid, has been overshadowed by Argentina's other strikers - Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi - tallied the first hattrick of 2010 South Africa.

I said it before, and I am sticking with it, that this Cup will be won by a South American side. Uruguay's Diego Forlan (who I blogged about before) began the multi-goal perfomances with two against the host South Africa.

The sympathetic support may be there for all the African teams, but the reality is that they are their worst enemy. I will be surprised if one of the 6 African squads makes the quarter-finals.

Panini America has been good enough to heed my complaints and send me samples of their 2010 World Cup products. I will be reviewing them shortly, not only the traditional stickers but also the Panini Adrenalyn XL cards (example of Higuain above).

World Cup fact: The very first hattrick in World Cup history was scored by American Bert Patenaude (Fall River Marksmen) against Paraguay in 1930.

I managed to complete three sticker squads in the Panini virtual album despite my late start. Heavy trading yesterday resulted in finishing USA, Mexico and England - therefore obtaining the Federation badge for each.

FIFA / Panini virtual collection - new group

2010-06-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Cardboard Junkie - I am addicted to spending my non-game watching hours collecting, and swapping virtual Panini World Cup stickers.

Since Panini America has been absolute crap in getting the REAL things into the hands of collectors - this Panini virtual site will have to do.

I tried to join dayf 's swap group but it was already full. So I created a group:

group name: Cup Quest
password: goal

I will swap any of my stickers at this point. If I find a team that I think I can complete, I might reserve a few.

Incidently, except for Germany's goal glut - with 4 different strikers scoring goals - almost all the firepower has come from the midfield.

That means so far, no goals from Rooney, no Van Perse, no Henry, no Messi, no Altidore. Man. United's Korean midfielder (above) - Park has scored one of the best so far.

So far no player has more than one goal.

I will be updating the contest tallies after every team had played at least one game.

Where Were You ?

2010-06-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

What was I doing yesterday ? Where were you ? The headline says it all to our pompous know-it-all fans across the Atlantic (and especially the ones who live here in America). If not for the lucky bounce off the post, Altidore's shot would have sunk the mighty England.

After going down a goal within 4 minutes, the Americans battled back to tie it on Clint Dempsey's gutsy strike which turned round England Captain Steven Gerrard like a balarina.

Lampard - nil

Rooney - nil

Lennon - nil

"Don't Tread On Us" ... not then ... not now. GO USA !

HAWKS or FLYERS ... which decade ?

2010-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

It has been almost 50 years since the city of Chicago won hockey's most coveted of prizes - the STANLEY CUP. The swingin' sixties were right for Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.

The heavy seventies were right for fighting - and that is the last time the Philadelphia Flyers hoisted the silver cup. Bernie Parent minded the nets for the orange bruisers.

Who will win it ? Game # 6 tonight.

Baseball, Beer and Sick Days ... World Cup News

2010-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

News out of the World Cup arena has the country of Brazil worried about running of beer during the tournament in South Africa. Brazil, the 4th largest consumer of beer (behind USA, German and China) has gone to the measures of importing copious amounts of the brew to quench their thirsty soccer fans.

Meanwhile, in England, the governament has advocated having televisions put in offices and factories to make sure production does not decreased. The thought process is that if workers can watch the games, it will prevent them from calling in sick and preventing a greater slow down of work.

Lastly, while many of the great stars will be attending the 2010 World Championship, Brazilian magician - Ronaldinho - will not be there. However, he is on the tour of North America with his Italian club AC Milan. Here is throwing out the first pitch of the Chicago Cubs day game prior to his night match against the CHICAGO FIRE.

The Trouble with Tribbles ...

2010-05-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

The most annoying thing about American soccer is that so many Americans are ... well, dumb - when it comes to the world's game. Take the "fake sports know it alls" like Jim Rome, for who, even a good beating would be a waste of energy. I call these part-time "wanna be"s - tribbles.

Then there is this guy - who for all intents, is at least trying. However, he does not know the difference between this guy ...

and this guy ...

It adds to the bubble headed bleach blondes who meanders through the news confusing Manchester City with Manchester United.

It's no big deal, right ? ... I'm sure that baseball fans don't make much separation between the New york Mets and the New york Yankees either.

I thank god every day for the (FSC) Fox Soccer Channel and GOLTV so I don't have to listen to the tribble of ESPN (US version only) - the worst sports channel in the galaxy. It irks me to no end watching a match on ESPN only to be interupted for the latest in Pooh City Vulcans have drafted Romulan Joe Smow in the 101st round.

Imagine if you will, watching your favorite sport - during a break away on the ice or a long pass going for the end zone ... and ESPN breaks away to tell you about David Beckhams toe nail ?

Thankfully, ESPN lost the contract for the Champions League and FSC has won more of the coverage of both MLS, EPL and other important soccer leagues.

Kirk out.

WORLD CUP Fever CONTEST - standings

2010-05-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here are the picks so far:

Captain Canuck:

N. Korea - low

Argentina - top

Lionel Messi

Dan:

Brazil - high

New Zealand - low

Spain - top

Cristiano Ronaldo

dayf:

Italy - high

Spain - high

Spain - top

David Villa

Roofgod:

Honduras - low

Holland - top

Dirk Kuyt

Mittelkjel:

Japan - low

Brazil - top

Robinho

beardy:

New Zealand - low

Brazil - high

Holland - top

Robin van Persie

darkship:

France - high

Brazil - high

Holland - top

Arjen Robben

WORLD CUP Fever CONTEST

2010-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

My brain is already in overdrive in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The USA is making its 6th consecutive appearence and opens against the former empire - ENGLAND on June 12 (live on ABC). No David Beckham. Yes, Landon Donovan.

The contest may seem frenzied but it only reflects the football madness happening world-wide. This vintage album (above) - a 1970 Panini World Cup sticker album is on ebay at $367.00 with 6 days to go. Sorry, that is NOT the prize.

My prize will be much more modest, but will include some older Panini World Cup stuff (before 2010) or some other soccer swag. A chance to score some soccer memorabilia and show your sports smarts.

Because the first 6 or 7 entries might pick the favorites (I'm not going to tell you - keep reading), I will do a high / low contest. Not only pick first place, but the OPTION to pick who finishes LAST.

CONTEST:

1. pick one of the 32 participating teams at the 2010 World Cup.

2. state whether you pick them to win or finishish last.

3. tie breaker: pick which team will have the highest number of goals or the lowest number of goals.

4. double tie breaker: pick which team will have the top scorer over all.

5. pick a player to win the golden boot - top scorer in the tournament.

So your entry should look something like this:

Chuck's Used Cards

2.Canada-high

3.Jamaica-most goals

4.Scotland: top scorer

5.Pele-Brazil

or this ...

Card Nutz

2.Cuba-low

3.Egypt: least goals

4.Ireland: top scorer

5.George Best-N. Ireland

You will earn points - 32 for a correct HIGH / LOW pick, minus 1 point for each level off top or bottom. Bonus points -

20 points for correct MOST / LEAST goals.

10 points for tops scoring team.

25 points for picking the actual top scorer.

As with FIFA, mine is the final decision, fair or not, right or wrong, god help us all. One entry per person.

Entries must be in by Friday (next week) 12:00 midnight - June 4th.

Panini World Cup Fever ... Collect'm, Stick'm, Love'm

2010-05-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

If you love the game, its part of it as much as the signing, the wave, the hooligans, or the pre-game pub visit. It is PANINI soccer stickers ...

Long before there were pack wars ... grown men would bet on the star power pulled from a ripped packet of Panini stickers.

Then there is the affordable album - packed with info and ready to safely store your player stickers for years to come.

Stay tuned ... CHUCK'S USED CARDS - WORLD CUP CONTEST will be announced before the weekend.

League Champions - Champions League ... season wrap up

2010-05-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

The European football season came to a close on Saturday when Inter Milan (Italy) defeated Bayern Munich (Germany) for the UEFA Champions League title.

Diego Milito score twice for the Italian side. With the European club season over, he furthers his chances as a starter for Argentina at this summer's World Cup.

Chelsea did well to win the double - the FA Cup and the Premier League in England. Frank Lampard (below) and Didier Drogba will star for England and the Ivory Coast respectively in South Africa 2010.

The German power house Bayern Munich came up roses in the Bundasliga, but just short against Inter. Ribery was suspended for the Final but will surely be a factor for France in South Africa.

Inter Milan has to be the club of the season winning the "treble" - the Italian League, the Italian Cup and the Champions League.

Meanwhile, the heroics of Manchester United reject - Diego Floran propelled Atletico Madrid to the Europa League title over American Clint Dempsey's Fulham United. Floran will be a star to watch for Uruguay at the World Cup.

The flop of the season has to be Real Madrid which splashed out over $200 million dollars for just three players - Kaka', Cristiano Ronaldo and Karem Benzema - and won no trophies.

Season Winners:

Uefa Champions League: Inter Milan

Europa Cup : Atletico Madrid

England : Chelsea

FA Cup : Chelsea

France: Marseille

Fench Cup : Paris Saint-Germain

Germany : Bayern Munich

German Cup : Bayern Munich

Scotland : Rangers

Scottish Cup : Dundee

Spain : Barcelona

Spanish Cup: Sevilla

Homer(ing) in on the World Cup

2010-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

If you don't know who Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronoldo is then your cave is safely secluded from the world. For the rest of us who live and breath the World's game - this NIKE commercial which features Homer Simpson, Kobe Bryant and more - tells us its World Cup time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

Enjoy ! The World Cup starts in less than 20 days !

Return of the ROWDIES

2010-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

The ROWDIES are here, the ROWDIES are there ... a kick in the grass. The 1970's theme song was a hit in the early days of Florida's permier sports teams. Before the Rowdies, the only professional franchise in the Sunshine State was an obsecure ABA basketball team and the NFL Miami Dolphins.

But all that changed in 1975 - when the NASL awarded a franchise to the city of Tampa. By 1976, the Rowdies were the most popular team in Florida. The New York Cosmos signed the legendary PELE' to a multimillion dollar contract. It is no secret this is what prompted baseball's N.Y. Yankees to do the same with Jim "Catfish" Hunter - the first million dollar player in MLB.

But the Rowdies went out and got a wild one ... the quick witted, clown prince of soccer - RODNEY MARSH. A superstar in England, best selling author by age 20, and the hero of the stadium terraces. HE - came to Tampa Bay.

When the Rowdies opened their 2010 season at Steinbrenner Field on May 8th - the fans were introduced to 10 of the original Rowdies. Rodney was one of those in attendance. I did not hesitate to have him autograph his 1977 Topps card and his 1967 Autobiography.

While I was at it, I added to my 1990 ProSet England soccer cards with former Everton and Manchester City star - Adrian Heath. Heath is now the head coach of the visiting Austin Aztex. This was my 3rd signed Manchester City player in this set.

This is not you father's NASL - but the teams are young and exciting. Hopefully, there will be more collectables on the horizon.

In Pursuit of the Primose and Gardians of the Cage

2010-05-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have to admit collecting anything that is over 100 years old is very exciting. Thoughts of how many hands and lives such an object must have touched is equally compelling.

When this is combined with my interest in soccer cards - well, the dyno-meter needle goes whacko.

The rivalry of England v Scotland in soccer goes back to 1872. This is best understood by Americans and their heated battles with Mexico in the past few years.

One such match stands out for Scottish fans - the day that Scotland, who traditionally wear dark blue, instead were outfitted in the horse racing colors of of Lord Archibald Primrose.

The great victory in 1900 was preserved for all time when Ogden's Cigarettes depicted the Scottish players in the pink and yellow kits after their 4:1 triumph.

I have been trying to collect all the players from that famed match and have added two of the players - Smith and Walker. Although the 1900 and 1901 Ogdens tobacco series include 10 of the 11 players, I think only 6 appear in the Primrose. I have three so far.

My other persuit is pre-war goalkeepers - having picked up these three gems: Wenz, Jakobs and Schwatzfischer from the 1932 Monopol Cigarette series.

While the Schwatzfischer card above is a wonderful folly of illusion (above)

the Wenz and Jakobs are both international players who appeared for German National Team before the War.

These items, if you can find them are still bargains. But I risk competition from my readers now that I have revealed this. But maybe we can trade if you happen to beat me to the punch.

The Great One on Cardboard: # 99

2010-04-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

It is play-off time in the NHL. The expanded series from the coast of California to the shores of Atlantic, the puck is dropping. If you are a reader of this blog, you know I love to wax nostalgic.

When it comes to NHL records - one name, one great name, appears over and over. WAYNE GRETZKY. So when I saw that one of the toys from the 1980's was up for auction recently, it flooded back memories from the glorious collecting of everything Gretzky.

I had as many cards as I could get my hands on in the 1980's - Canandian, American, food issue and special issues - I had them all. And then there was the Mattel doll figure. Yes - the same people who make Barbie and G.I. Joe.

I happened to be at a summer fireman's carnival around 1985-86. The "carnies" had their usual games of shooting and hoop tosses. There was a gambling tent in which you would throw a little red ball and try to get a "Bingo". It was called "I got it" - which you shout out if you had a winning pattern.

Well, I sad down with the chain smoking geezers and gray haired ladies to play the game. Not by choice, but rather because among the cigarette lighters, pocket knives and stuffed animal prizes - was a Mattel Gretzky doll.

To make a long boring story short - I got it ! So these days, during the play-offs, ol' Gretz is propped up in the corner with my sticks and Canadian touques to see who can come close to his records.

As far as I am concerned - No one can.

Absorbed in The Golden Age of Comics

2010-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ok. I admit part of my absence has been due to plain lazyness. However, the other half I feel is my legitamate efforts to add to the trading card universe.

You see, although I do not do much artwork any more, I was asked to contribute to an upcoming set - THE GOLDEN AGE OF COMICS - due to be released this week by BREYGENT MARKETING.

To further delay my return to blogging, my sadistic ego took on two additional projects for CARTOON sketch cards and the Sci-fi / Horror poster card set - due out in June and August respectively. I have enjoyed this imensely - perhaps too much.

I was lucky enough to have all 4 of my 5x7 sketch cards selected to be exclusives for the 2010 SAN DIEGO COMIC CON. Here are one from the Comics and one from the Cartoon series that will be featured at the biggest Comic Con in America.

While my work may show a little rust, there are some really fine artists involved with these projects. And for those who want investment in their cards, I would submit that sketch cards are the future just as original comic book art was about 10 years ago. If you have been tracking the auction prices for original comic art - it is $kyrocketing.

I will be finishing up my contracted work with these soon and have been alloted a few "artist proof" cards which will allow me to sketch commissioned cards which will go straight to a few select fans rather than to the packs. If you are interested, please send me an email.

Excelsior !

The A&BC s of Footballers - the First Year

2010-03-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

The first product of any card company is always special. The 1952 Topps baseball is idolized for its inclusion of the Mickey Mantle card. The 1958 A&BC Chewing Gum card set is actually the second sports product from the British card makers.

The 1954 A&BC All Sports was a multi-athletic set but did feature some great soccer players. However, the first complete soccer set by A&BC was this 1958-59 series. This feaured the rookie card of England's all time scorer and Manchester United great - BOBBY CHARLTON.

I recently traded for 5 cards from this colorful set with my friend Stein. A&BC - also known as the American & British Company Limited - produced sets from 1958 to 1975. They were then purchased by Topps. Topps continued the soccer sets up to 1981.

You can see that the two makers already worked together by the similarity of designs from the Topps baseball and the A&BC soccer cards.

I have already completed two of the A&BC sets - the 1967 and the 1971 series. I have about 75 % of the 1959 set and got a nice start on this 1958 set. The variations are still a curiousity as the debut series were issued wih the Planet album offer and without

the Planet offer. Yet, even the with versions have been found to be on different sizes.

Of course the "with Planet tabs" are more desirable, the ones without were designed to be put in the album. As you can see by the dotted line they expected the collectors to trim off the tab to fit in the album.

I am looking for any trades on these cards. Speak up and get yourself a deal ...

No Country For Old Men ...

2010-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

I cannot remember when I got so much use out of my cable tv. With all that is turning the sports world, I have not time for writing this blog. NBC, MSNBC, USA, CNBC, Fox Soccer Channel, GOLTV and ESPN ... and now Fox Soccer Plus is introduced this week ... what the hell do I have time for ?

American international Landon Donovan has been voted Everton F.C.'s player of the month. There is even a facebook site dedcated to keeping at Everton - which means not returning to MLS before the World Cup this summer.

The other hottest player has to be Manchester United's Wayne Rooney - with superelatives like "greatest" and "legend" being tossed around. One thing is for sure, the USA defense will have one hell of a time trying to neutralize the Englishman at the World Cup on June 12th.

And while I'm interupting my Uefa Champions League, English Premier League with spring training of the MLS clubs here in Florida, along comes the US National Team to play in Tampa. It was a great match to watch in the pouring rain. The US fans were fantastic !

so all this and then the Olympics get even more interesting. Missed turns, wipeouts, wiped tears, torn limbs and limber athletes ...

Canada rebounds with Roberto Luongo (I told you so) and will meet the USA in a rematch for GOLD on Sunday.

It is lucky I can get any sleep. At least I can carry my laptop to the "can" or eat in front of the TV. But no time for proper blogging ... so until then ... this will have to do.

Falcons, Crowns, Maple Leafs and U-S-A

2010-02-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

After last night's North American battle of the ice, the USA came out on top again over Canada. This makes the host's climb to the medal podium somewhat harder.

The Americans have gone with one goalie - RYAN MILLER.

Canada started strong with Vancouver netminder ROBERTO LUONGO, but changed to Martin Brodeur. The question begs, why ?

Sweden have Rangers' HENRIK LUNDQVIST wearing the blue and yellow crowns and look good for a repeat gold.

The Americans changed their jerseys from the "roller derby" logo to the classic 1960 / 1980 "U-S-A". It may have just been the inspiration ...

... or HERB BROOKS looking down from hockey heaven.

The Russians hit the speed bump with Slovakia, but will still be in for a medal - this is ALEX OVECHKIN - spelled in Russian. It still means G-O-A-L-S.

The amazing fact that this Olympic hockey tournament is really the NHL on speed. A look at the 12 team rosters of goalies shows only 14 of 36 not in the NHL (3 that once were in the NHL). It includes at least half a dozen who could be Hall of Famers. And all but two teams had NHLs starting between the posts.

SWEDEN

Henrik Lundqvist - Rangers

Jonas Gustavsson - Maple Leafs

Stefan Liv - Jonkoping

USA

Ryan Miller - Sabers

Tim Thomas - Bruins

Jonathan Quick - Kings

CANADA

Roberto Luongo -Canucks

Martin Brodeur - Devils

Marc-Andre Fleury - Penguins

RUSSIAN

Evgeni Nabkov - Sharks

Semyon Varlamov - Capitols

Ilya Brygalov - Coyotes

SLOVAKIA

Peter Budaj - Avalanche

Jaroslav Halak - Canadiens

Rastislav Stana - Severstal Cherepovets

CZECH REPUBLIC

Tomas Vukon - Panthers

Ondrej Pavelec - Thrashers

Jakub Stepanek - Vitkovice Ostava

SWITZERLAND

Jonas Hiller - Ducks

Ronnie Rueger - Kloten Flyers

Tobias Stephen - Geneva Servette

GERMANY

Thomas Geiss - Sharks

Dennis Endras - Augsberger

Dimitri Patzold - ERC Ingolstadt

BELARUS

Vitali Koval - Dynamo Minsk

Andrei Mezin - Dynamo Minsk

Maksim Maliutn - HK Vitebsk

FINLAND

Mikka Kiprusoff - Flames

Niklas Backstrom - Wild

Antero Nittimaki - Lightning

LATVIA

3 goalies with Dinamo Riga

The Pepsi Generation ... Argentina

2010-02-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

What is great about some current international MLS players is finding some of their soccer cards before they came to America. One of these stars is the Columbus Crew's Guillermo Barros Schelotto - 2008 League MVP.

An icon and idol of Argentina soccer, he was a hero of the terraces at fan-crazed Boca Juniors. In a recent trade with my friend Michel from Texas, I recieved these 1996-97 Pepsi Futbol cards.

They included Argentinian national team players dressed in Pepsi jerseys. Each player appears in a portrait and action pose. I believe there are 50 players in the 100 card set. Obviously with international players, it is star loaded - including Enzo Francescoli, and Hernan Crespo.

In addition, the trade also featured these 2000 Pepsi 3-D cards. Although scans never do justice to these, the 2 second flicker of action records some spectacular highlight of the player on the card. While there are some nice goals, the one card that I think is exceptional is a save by Paraguay's World Cup goalkeeper - Jose Luis Chilavert - of Velez Sarfield.

The commercializaion of trading cards has come a long way from the cigarette cards of our grandfathers. It definitely makes for some interesting trading and collecting.

If you have any unusual soccer cards you want to trade, let me know.

Flags, Curling and the Danish ... Go Denmark !

2010-02-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite reasons (if as if I needed one) to collect cigarette cards, is that they are an abundance of information. In days of old, one could probably get a P.h.D from reading these before the cancer from using the tobacco set into the body.

When I entered JDs Wild Cardz Olympic contest, I knew the random draw would pull me in as a new fan of some country - unless I was lucky enough to draw the USA.

I did not. The lot for number 77 was DENMARK. I could have done worse for the winter games - as Cardboard Junkie's pick turned out to be Jamaica. He had an Allen & Ginter mini card of a Denmark flag which I though about stealing for this blog.

But that would have been a dishonor to my new found country. Besides, I prefer the vintage to the new. So, I found some of these turn-of-the-century issues - including the Queen of Denmark (with a small coat of arms) ...

... and Turkish Trophy card of a Danish women carrying Danish flags ...

... and more Danish flags, and a Danish coat of arms ...

... and the King of Denmark, with and flag (with a coat of arms) AND a coat of arms (and ice skaters) ...

... and the Danish Capitol building (Copenhagen), with a Danish flag ...

After finding all these, I went to see who the Olympic team of Denmark brought to the 2010 games in Vancouver. It revealed that the team had 18 athletes competing in 6 different events - of which more than half were in the sport of CURLING ...

... sticks and stones ... broom sticks and push stones.

Well, I'll be tuning in to some major Danish superstars in the push and sweep.

GO DENMARK !

For Club and Country ... The Ultimate Sacrifice

2010-02-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

He was not the first, he probably will not be the last - Nodar Kumaritashvili, from the Republic of Georgia, died from his injuries at the Olympics yesterday.

Making a practice run on what is being described as the fastest track in the world, Nodar lost control of his luge sled and crashed into a pillar.

In last night's Opening Ceremony, one of the four pillars to the Olympic Tourch did not rise to meet the others. Despite the malfunction, organizers carried on with the remaining three. I found this eerily symbolic.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

As we continue to honor Black history month, the heroics of one Walter Tull must be retold. Although he was not the first black player in professional soccer (football), he was the second. Having signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 1909 he was later transferred to Northampton Town F.C., where he played more than 100 matches.

He appears on the very scarce 1912 Lees' Cigarettes card (above). When the First World War erupted in 1914 he joined the army and was one of the first blacks to serve.

However, what separated him from every soldier aftrwards was that he was admitted to officer training school at a time when it was specifically prohibited by law to allow persons of color as officers in the British military. He became the very first black officer reaching the commissioned rank of Second Lieutenant.

He saw combat in France and Italy and was commended for his coolness and gallantry. After almost four years of war, he was shot and killed instantly in battle so heavy that his body was never recovered.

All accounts report that he was a talented footballer who may have been purchased by Glasgow Rangers after the war. His legacy has been recounted in books and in film.

Walter Tull (1888-1918)

Let The Games Begin ... 2010 VANCOUVER

2010-02-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

I'll be a bit busy for the next few weeks - as the world watches the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver, Canada.

May your team succeed, may you win the hearts of every spectator and may the spirit of the olympics carry you.

Let the games begin ... enjoy !

2010 Topps Match Attax - kicks off new sets

2010-02-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Although the packs have been available for a few months now, I finally got around to opening the pack of 2009-10 Topps Match Attax soccer cards. The trade with my fellow blogger Jack at Pursuit of 80's is always great.

The first pack I opened revealed the online craze of playing football with trading cards. I immediately pulled an icard - with a code that gets you extra points plus more online cards for your team.

Here was the breakdown of 4 packs:

Pack 1:

Christian Benitez - Birmingham City

Hugo Rodallega - Wigan Athletic (icard)

Marc Wilson - Portsmouth

Julien Faubert - West Ham United

Hermann Hreidarsson - Portsmouth

David Edgar - Burnley

Nice start with the shiney insert card, but the others are all from the bottom clubs.

Pack 2:

James McFadden - Birmingham City

Emannuel Eboude - Arsenal

Ayegbeni Yakubu - Everton

Jonathan Woodgate - Tottenham

Benni McCarthy - Blackburn Rovers

Liam Lawrence - Stoke City

Much better with a few international players in the mix.

Pack 3:

Gary Megson - Bolton Wonderers - Manager

Tomas Rosicky - Arsenal

Steve Finnan - Portsmouth

Emile Heskey - Aston Villa

Steve Sidwell - Aston Villa

Roy Hodgeson - Fulham United - Manager

More Portsmouth (last place team) and two manager cards. Oh well - a bit better.

Pack 4:

John Utaka - Portsmouth (blimey !)

Sir Alex Ferguson - Manchester United - Manager (a real Knight !)

Mark Hughes - Manchester City - Manager (former Man. Utd star)

Ryan Nelson - Blackburn Rovers (former DC United player)

Carlos Tevez - Manchester City (icard)

Karl Henry - Woverhampton

A very nice finish. Although now Hughes has been unceramoniously fired, Tevez to me is the player to watch in the upcoming World Cup. While many will be folloiwing Lionel Messi, Argentina's ace might just be Carlos Tevez.

Speaking of international sporting events - JD's Wild Cardz is having an Olympics contest with cool giveaways. So get there quick, check out his blog and take a flag (or a number) !

The Vancouver Winter Olympics begins this Friday.

All In The Family ... Actors On Cards

2010-02-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

Every generation has its stars - in sports, in music and in film. Thr strongest link to these are relative ... or rather relatives.

This fact holds true with card collectors as well. The hobby is often passed from father to son, from Uncle to niece and so on and so forth.

We often see today's well known TV stars are offspring of movie stars - like father Donald (M*A*S*H) and son Kiefer Sutherland (24).

One of our favorite examples is Robert Mongomery of the silver screen ... related to

... his daughter who went kept us BEWITCHED on television as the lovable Samantha Stevens.

not related ... is Agnes Moorehead who played her mother.

Also not related is SABRINA the teenage witch. (but we like her)

The grim looking, gravel voiced, famed horror star John Carradine ... is related to ...

actors Keith Carradine, Robert Carradine, Bruce Carradine and ...

David Carradine - better known for his role as a KUNG FU master.

The galaxy is as relative as STAR WARS' Carrie Fisher who is the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress ...

Debbie Reynolds. If you require further proof ...

(it says "Princess Leia's Mom")

The longest and probably most fabled lineage is the Barrymore Family ...

begininning with stage actor Maurice Barrymore ...

His actress daughter Ethel Barrymore ...

... sons John Barrymore, ...

and Lionel Barrymore ...

and beautiful Granddaughter Drew Barrymore ...

... who is the maternal Granddaughter of Maurice Costello ...

... all related.

A Card To Be Made Later ... and Black History Month

2010-02-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

I really hate falling behind. I have made the trades, sent and recieved - yet I have not got around to scanning the wonderful cards I now have in my collection. I've also fallen behind in exhibiting some of the cards that readers have been wanting to see.

So .... I've finally finished two of the cards for fellow bloggers - Shane over at SHOEBOX LEGENDS - is a die-heart Hartford Whalers fans.

I love retro-historical cards, players and teams. Therefore his prize is a Ron Francis all-star card in the design of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey. (ONE OF MY FAVS)

Subsequent to my posts on the never-made fantasy cards of 1979 Topps NASL soccer - there was a hue and cry for Chicago's representation. Therefore I created this card for the former NASL Champions - CHICAGO STING - in the style of the 1981 Donruss baseball set.

Karl-Heinz Granitza was the scoring wizard for the Soccer Bowl '81 winners. I hope this satisfies Sal over at PUCK JUNK and my fellow traveller at JOHNGY'S BEAT.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH:

It often amazes me that when I travel abroad, foreign peoples' awareness to the prejudices that kept black American athletes from particpating in major sports leagues.

This collusion was rampant among many team owners - notably Washington Redskins' owner George Preston Marshall - who conceeded to finally sign a black player through pressures of the Kennedy Administration.

The player he eventually signed was Bobby Mitchell. You can read more about the NFL, Marshall, Mitchell and Black football players here.

PS - Happy Birthday Hank Aaron !

Are You A Tough Guy ?

2010-02-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Remember school days when it seemed important to be a tough guy ? The thing about trading cards is that if your sport requires it, a tough guy picture is a hit on the playground.

So who looks ike a tough guy ? Wrestler Theo Bauer (above) looks quite the intimidater a hundred years before WWF guys were posing as such. This 1887 Allen & Ginter is a true sample of artwork.

1909 Player's Cigarettes Arms & Armor and the 1905 Player's Riders of The World are two sets that displayed superior illustration of men ready for battle. Three sword welding mad-men were probably ancient all-stars.

What's different about the card below ? Could it be the fact that the offensive skater is wearing a helmet and face cage ? Meanwhile, the goalie - Lorne Worsley - has no mask.

Lorne, better known as "Gump" was one of the last NHL goalkeepers to don the face mask.

Worsley was a part of the Montreal Canadiens 1960's dynasty. He experienced a nervous breakdown and suffered from a fear of flying. He was lured out of retirement for the expansion Minnesota North Stars. This great moment of battle was only available in the 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee hockey set.

What Could Have Been, But Never Was ... Topps NASL

2010-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

You know you have been on this planet long enough when things come full circle. Back when the (NASL) North American Soccer League was at its heyday - there was only one trading card company that produced sports cards. That was Topps Chewing Gum.

At some point, one Topps executive made the call whether or not to market soccer cards. Personally, I think the guy was a bonehead. Looking back at the international stars that were playing in the United States at the time - he looks like a real baffoon.

No league up to that point had 4 of the 5 greatest names of soccer in playing one country - except America. It is pretty close to what the English Premier League has now but even bigger.

Instead of putting the best faces on cardboard, Topps ran with a cheesy sticker set that had only the logos of the 24 NASL teams. What they could have made were cool cards of George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cryuff and Carlos Alberto.

For the benefit of fantasy - these are what might have been the 1979 Topps NASL cards. This year the NASL will return in 2010 to playing in the USSF Division 2 - included will be the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers - three original names from the league. Two teams from MLS already have original NASL names as well - Seattle Sounders and the San Jose Earthquakes.

Weekend Mail and Garage Sale Pick-ups ...

2010-01-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated by the idea of tobacco cards. Having grown up in the age of bubble gum trading cards, I guess I wonder about those the same way today's kids think about modern cards. Today's packs are sold without any additional product. This is quite different from the era when cards were just the byproduct of the item to be sold.

I had the chance to get this complete cigarette box of "TURF" sliders. They were named as such because you could slide open the box to retrieve the cigarettes.

The 1953 "TURF" Cigarettes series of 50 British Aircraft were meant to be cut out after the box was empty. These can sometimes be found through online auctions. I found this one for .99 cents and free shipping.

My garage sale bargain was this complete set of Top Trumphs 2009 STAR WARS: Clone Wars card game.

Tops Trumphs is a British manufactorer that has produced these card games since the 1970's.

The range of subjects run from entertainment and sports to science and history. They are well known around the world and you can visit their web site Planet Tops Trumphs here. My cost - .25 cents.

Out of Africa ....

2010-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

Anyone who follows the world's most popular sport is already aware that the next World Cup will be played in South Africa this summer. The 2010 FIFA tournament will be unique in many ways with the continent hosting it's first World Cup.

The commonality of cigarette cards from first Europe, then South America is also the progression of soccer itself. With the advent of the North American Soccer League (NASL) the U.S. added themselves to the list of countries that produce soccer cards.

But the European influence had reached Africa even before the Second World War. Proof of this comes with the 1939 African Tobacco Manufactorers Ltd. set. The series titled "The World of Sport" really does include personalities known globally for their athletic achievments.

The 100 card set includes mostly British and American athletes. However, there are Australian, German and Italians as well. The greater part of the cards feature boxing and track & field.

What makes this group special is their rarity and the inclusion if idolized sporting icons. The most sought after card - the baseball player Babe Ruth. Two African-Americans follow closely in Joe Louis and Jesse Owens who made their mark on the world as minorities.

One of my favorite cards is of course - William Ralph "Dixie" Dean - the great Everton F.C. and England soccer star. It is said he was given the nickname "Dixie" because his wavy hair and dark toned skin was a reminder of persons from the Southern United States.

Not to be lost in the irony, that the cards are printed in Cape Town, South Africa and written bi-lingually in English and Dutch (Boer). The colonization by Dutch and German settlers is what led to the practice of Apartied - the separation of the people by race.

A great set using modern photos of the day. Every sport collector should own at least one card from this set.

How Many PELE' Cards ? ... PSA Doesn't Have a Clue !

2010-01-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

The hobby of card collecting is cumilative. That is - as more people are involved, more knowledge is passed from the center to the outer circle. A subjective look at recent sales of soccer cards and world wide soccer issues, reveal the massive increase in interest.

While grading of soccer cards is still in its infancy, it has just exposed the tip of the iceberg. The biggest hurdle is the lack of knowledge from the grading companies.

For example, the PSA Registry (Professional Grading Service) has a Master listing of popular player cards - from Mickey Mantle Master Lists to Peyton Manning Master Lists to Wayne Gretzky Master Lists.

In my curiosity I peaked to see what they had listed under soccer. Well, well - someone actually had a PELE' Master List ! But wait ... there were only 20 to 25 cards listed ?

We ARE talking about PELE' - the undisputed KING of Soccer ... Football, Futebol, Veotbal, Calcio, Futbol ... everywhere in the world. So how can there only be a couple of dozen cards from a player that appeared on every continent, played in 4 World Cups and had a career over 2 decades ???

My own personal Master List of PELE' cards is over 200 cards - not including sets specifically dedicated to the world's most famous athlete. PSA's list also included a rash of mislabled cards.

The other well know card grading company - SGC (Sportcard Guarantee) - has dabbled into soccer card identification, but still have allowed a few errors to hit the market with their labels.

I have begun to compile a Master List for 3 of the most popular soccer players. I hope to have these available on CD ROM before summer.

Meanwhile, I hope PSA gets to know their goalpost from their helmet.

Winter Olympics and hockey ...

2010-01-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

When John Lennon wrote and sang "Whatever Gets You Through the Night", little did he realize how important card collecting and hockey are to people who do not like winter.

I am one of those warm-weather souls.

Hockey is what gets me through the cold winter nights (as cold as it gets in Florida). The World Junior Championships were fun - especially the USA-Canada final. But I am really looking forward to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver (beginning February 12). The showcase will be highlighted of course by the hockey competition.

My classes and disertation research has impeaded my blogging - but sure as ice is cold - I'll be clocking in for the winter games. Until then I leave you with these two gems from the 1924 Willard's Chocolates card set (designation V-122).

LIFE ... Real Life ... the People on Cards ...

2010-01-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Now that we begin a new decade ... um, no, I'm not going to do one of those features. According to the Mayan calendar we got 730 days from January 1st to live life as we know it. So ... we might as well bring in some important issues, survival training methods ... um ... never mind.

Let's stick to card collecting.

What is always as interesting to me is comparing fact with fiction. Like the following cases, these characters were depicted in real life and also in fiction. WYATT EARP, the wild west lawman, was played by several actors throughout the years. He even made a fictional appearence within a fictional series - played so aptly by Ron Soble in the original STAR TREK tv show.

However, the closest look-alike to a card was Kurt Russell who portrayed Earp in TOMBSTONE. Russell looked just like this illustration on the 1956 Topps Roundup card.

Stranded astronaut JIM LOVELL (seen here on a French trade card from the 1960s) was boldly played by TOM HANKS in APOLLO 13. They do not look alike. One if them is tough and gritty - your call.

Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts portrayed the big clevage, sexy, fiesty ERIN BROCKOVIC in the film of the same name. Although photographed much later than the movie - Brockovic is no has-been on her Heritage autograph card.

Who doesn't love a mystery ? Who doesn't love money ? Why not have both. The legend of D.B. Cooper(actually named Dan), the name listed on the passenger manifest of the 1970's high-jacked airliner, reaped a handsome ransom $$$$ without ever being caught.

It wasn't until I was watching the re-runs of the tv show LAS VEGAS that I realized the character played by Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.) was call Mr. Cooper. He had a mysterious background, was extremely wealthy and had a covert knowledge of many things. Where else would you spend untracked money but Vegas ?

Although he owned the hotel and was a powerful man, he insisted that people just call him "Coop". These were characteristics of the suspect that intercted with the stewardess' of the mysterious flight.

Life ... or real life ?

All Time Defunct Teams - A New Year's Goodbyes

2009-12-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

When we ususally write our end-of-the-year summeries, they tend to focus on the last 365 days. However, if you've been reading my blog - know know the word "ususal" need not apply.

As we close another decade we will take a look at some sports teams from the past - as in defunct, gone, moved, folded and non-existent.

One of the saddest chapters unfold in New York baseball where the Brooklyn Dodgers toiled. When the club of Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges moved to California, baseball changed.

While baseball has tried over and again to become "international", it never quite seems to work out. In 1969 MLB expanded to its first and only foreign country - CANADA. There, the Montreal Expos - a former farm club of the Brooklyn Dodgers, showcased the American game to a bi-lingual audience. To this day, only one Hall of Famer has been inducted in an Expos uniform. His name is Gary Carter.

BASEBALL:

Winner - Brooklyn Dodgers *1932-1957 (titles in 1955)

Honorable Mention - Montreal Expos 1969-2004

Team Set to Own - 1956 Topps Dodgers

For the grid iron game, the modern era takes off with the most recognizable helmet in the game - The Los Angeles Rams (By way of Chicago - St. Louis). With all due respect to Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones, the post war years belong to Bob Waterfield and "Crazy Legs" Hirsch.

A close second goes the team that left by moving van in the dark of night . The Baltimore Colts made the transformation from the postwar era to the TV age. Unitas, Moore, Berry et al became household names.

FOOTBALL:

Winners - Los Angeles Rams 1946-1994 (titles 1951)

Honorable Mention - Baltimore Colts 1953-1983 (titles 1958,'59,'68,1970)

Team Set to Own: 1951 Bowman Rams

The Winnipeg Jets won 3 Championships in 4 consecutive Cup final appearences during the 1970's. The selection of defunct teams listed here were only supposed to be from existing leagues. Technically, the clubs from the World Hockey Association [WHA] are gone - yet because one still exists as the Edmonton Oilers, I decided to chose from there. (**Add an asterist if you must**)

As a breakaway hockey league, the WHA lured NHL legends Gordie Howe (Houston) and Bobby Hull (Winnipeg) to the new circuit. The WHA continued to purge up and coming NHL stars - many who would make a name in the new league.

One such player was Montreal Canadien's young gun Marc Tardif. Already a Stanley Cup winner with the Habs, he went on to become the WHA's all-time leading goal scorer with Los Angeles Sharks (see jersey below), Michgan Stags and eventually with the Qubec Nordiques.

Ironically, Tardif returned to Quebec - not to Montreal, but the Nordiques. When the Nordiques, along with the Jets, Oilers and Whalers joined the NHL in 1979, Tardif was their Captain. His number was subsequently retired.

Gordie Howe joined the Hartford Whalers - sporting one of the coolest hockey logos ever - the "H" hidden within the "W" of the whale tale.

HOCKEY:

Winners - Winnipeg Jets 1972-1996 (titles 1976, 1977, 1979)

Honorable Mention - tie Quebec Nordiques / Harford Whalers

Team Set to Own - 1976-77 O Pee Chee Quebec Nordiques

The newest of the pro sports leagues featured is the MLS which began in 1996. After the setback of folding two of its clubs in 2002 (both from Florida) the league has been gang busters ever since.

There were many international players that suited up for the Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Miami Fusion - including MLS stars Steve Ralston, Eric Wynalda and Nick Raimondo. But one player stands out who appeared for both clubs - the great Colombian World Cup star - Carlos Valderrama.

SOCCER:

Winner - Tampa Bay Mutiny 1996-2001

Honorable Mention - Miami Fusion 1998-2001

Team Set to Own - 1997 Upper Deck Tampa Bay Mutiny (plus inserts)

Continuing on with Florida, I always found these ABA basketball cards to be strange. although there is no longer an ABA, much like the WHA, many of the clubs were merged into the existing NBA. Florida now has two teams, but the Floridians are hardly remembered.

BASKETBALL:

Winner - Florida Floridians 1968-1972

Honorable Mention - Seattle Super Sonics

Team Set to Own - 1971-72 Topps Floridians

The first ABA - International basketball cards

2009-12-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

Long before the red, white and blue basketballs - way before the satin shorts and big afros were cool - the Argentina Basketball Association was playing hoops in South America back in 1965. The "other" ABA - American Basketball Association would peak in the 1970's.

Some of the Argentine basketball pioneers were pictured on gum card made by Tarjton - a subsidary of Topps in Argentina. A closer look at 1965 Tarjeton Sports set the design hints of the 1960 Topps football cards. WARNING - the following samples are not PSA material.

The set also includes boxers, track & field (world record runner Osvoldo Suarez- below), automobile sports and of course - soccer. About 75 % of the set is soccer teams from the Argentine 1st Division.

The highlites of the set include the top club players from River Plate, Independiente and Boca Juniors. However, included are members of the Italian Champions - Inter Milan (aka Internationale) with Spanish star Luis Suarez and Brazilian "Jair".

These cards are very rare compared to any American issues. They do not appear often and a complete set in mint condition would be priceless. As you can see from these samples above, condition is a major factor in foreign issues with binders, card holder and card savers a luxury.

Soccer Cards Catch World Cup Prices ... $$$$$$$

2009-12-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

It looks like World Cup fever is catching up with the soccer card collecting hobby. Several rather hefty prices have been realized for modern cards. Top of that list, in the American market, is still David Beckham. Oh, what a goof the Upper Deck people made when they omitted Beckham from the autographed sets of Major League Soccer cards.

The above 2002 Upper Deck Manchester United card - numbered # 31 of 50 - sold on ebay recently for a whopping $386.65 plus postage.

Not to be outdone by the new HEROES - Futera has made a big impact on the hobby with exclusive 1/1 autograph cards. However, the real surprise is the non-autograph cards that are bringing triple digit prices.

The French superstar Eric Cantona fetched $170.00 for his 2009 LEGEND card (above) while another English World Cup star - Bobby Moore brought $172.50 for his card (below). Moore played briefly in the old NASL during the 1970's and appeared in America with West Ham United when they played in the ISL of the 1960's summer league.

In other news ...

Reports that MLS' 2009 Most Valuable Player - Landon Donovan will go on loan to Everton F.C. for 3 months before the MLS season starts next year. He joins fellow Yankee - Tim Howard with the Liverpool club.

Another former player - ex-Tottenham, Inter and Bayern Munich player, former Germany national team coach - Jurgen Klinsmann (below -1995 Merlin pogs) is returning to the USA. He lived in California for some time. Can we speculate that he will take the New York Red Bull vacant coaching job ? Time will tell ...

In a wonderful holiday gesture, I was sent this card by a fellow blogger - 2009 Goodwin Champions Alex Ovechkin. I am happy to see other athletes in these sets but also disappointed with the lack of soccer players. The unassuming pose is refreshing in the avalanche of action shots that flood todays' sets.

2010 FIFA World Cup Draw pits club teammates head to head ...

2009-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Team mates who play side by side will face off opposite one aqnother when nations clash in the next FIFA World Cup. The earth will stand still in 2010 South Africa - and the recent draw (3 1/2 hours on ESPN) decided the group lots from which countries will compete.

The most notible of course was the former colony - The United States being drawn in Goup C with England. This means the once disagreeable (see The Beckham Experiment) and then befriended Los Angeles club mates - David Beckham and Landon Donovan - runners up in MLS Cup 2009, will be trying to cancel out each other when their countries meet on June 12.

But they are not the only club member who will change allegience during the summer of 2010. Real Madrid's two multi-million dollar signings - Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka' are drawn in Group D with Brazil and Portugal respectively. Not to be dismissed is Ivory Coast - whose duo of Micheal Essien and Didier Drogba will ace both of the above in Group D.

Drogba may arguably be the hottest striker in the English Premier League right now. Previously that title was credited to Ronaldo, who was with Manchester United last season.

This by far, is just the first view of what should be, a powerhouse tournament.

For All The Cards ...MLS Cup preview

2009-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a team looks so good on paper ... er, um ... cardboard - that the odds are being favorite to win are overwhelming. A Chicago vs. Los Angeles matchup for the MLS Final would have been great. But if the NFL had thought that about a franchise in Wisconsin as we do about Real Salt Lake - the Packers would have been sent packing ...

The Utah soccer club are upstarts - not quite the David to Goliath (actually David vs. Kyle), but they are led by a very young coach in Jason Kreis (above) who finished his career at RSL and was the first player in MLS to score 100 career goals.

His counterpart, veteran coach Bruce Arena, (former US National Team) has World Cup experience. He has also solidfied a club that was dead last - last season. Bringing in World Cup veteran Greg Berhalter (2006 Panini card above) and Jamaican international goalkeeper Donivan Ricketts was part of the deed.

But the man with the edge between the pipes has to be Nick Rimando - MLS vet and one MLS Championship ring better.

In the Midfield match up of Beckham vs. Beckerman (David vs. Kyle), and Mathis vs. Donovan - the edge goes to Los Angeles. Kyle Beckerman has had a banner year and former SI cover boy Clint Mathis is in his golden years. Clint got his start with the Galaxy (1999 Upper Deck rookie card below right)

The wild card has to go to the new generation - Real has two up and coming strikers in Yuri Moysisian and Robbie Finley. And a wild card in Fabian Espindola.

This should be interesting going up against the Galaxy's top draft pick defenders Omar Gonzales and Sean Franklin -back to back rookies of the year in 2008 and 2009.

Seattle will be the venue - a great one at that. The weather will be .. well, as usual, rainy and cold - as it has been since the first MLS Cup in New England back in 1996.

Prediction: 2:1 to the upstart Real Salt Lake.

Rimando the Magnificent ...

2009-11-15T10:00:00.001-08:00

Experience, experience, experience ... and then some awesome goalkeeping by Nick Rimando turned the 2009 MLS Playoffs upside down.

The dream final of Los Angeles vs. Chicago came to an end last night at the Fire's home stadium - Toyota Park.

No Beckham vs. Blanco ... no Galaxy vs. Fire ... no Hollywood vs. the Windy City ... instead it's the upstart Cinderella REAL SALT LAKE going to the final in Seattle.

While Chicago's veterans - Brian McBride and Cuautemouc Blanco played the entire 120 long minutes into extra time - RLS' no name players stood firm shutting down the home team FIRE.

Nick Rimando, winner of MLS Cup 2004 - then with DC UNITED, faced seven penalty kicks in the shootout - because the pressure looked to get to both Fire and RSL takers - each team missing two in the appointed round of five kicks. But Nick Rimando had different plans.

When it looked bleakest - after the first miss by Salt Lake's Javier Morales, Nick was the first to run up to him and seemed to say "don't worry, I'll win it". He was spot on correct.

Amazingly, Rimando guessed correctly ALL 7 times which way the Chicago penalty kicks went. He got close on several occasions and in doing so saved a whopping 3 of the PK's ! (like his fantastic GOAL GUARDS card above)

REAL SALT LAKE will appear in their first MLS Cup final and take on the stars of the Galaxy - at least the ones in Los Angeles.

On a card note - MLS has original photos available (with hologram) on line. I just happened to find one that was used for Nick Rimando's 2008 Upper Deck card. How cool is that ?

NEXT UP: MLS Cup reviews.

That Vintage (football) Show

2009-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Taking a closer look at vintage cards has become a hobby. If we examine many of these before the days of whacked photographers and egocentric superstars (i.e. pre-upper deck) - the TV GUIDE reads as follows:

Preston vs. the Love Bug:

The vintage VW bus in the background fits in with the swinging 60's although it would be another decade before the afro-sporting Frenchy Fuqua and Franco Harris rocked Pittsburgh.

The Amazing Floating Lamar:

The Chicago QB was caught wearing a pair of Air Jordans and had to return to reality. Forget the fact that the Cards were playing in a baseball stadium. They were soon banished to St. Louis.

Poor Jack Butler:

A lonely farmboy who was so destitute that he had to throw passes to himself in the pasture. Not a bleacher nor hashmark in sight.

Heeeeeeeere's Johnny:

Before he got the Tonight Show in Hollywood, John was seen at old Griffith Stadium snagging tossed albino footballs.

Carr's Chicago Cards Cards:

Just to prove that it was a baseball stadium (Wrigley Field), here is better look at the box seats along the 1st base line.

C.B.'s Used Cars:

More Cardinals - more cars. C.B. had a long name - it would have been a fortune to put it on a sign. The Cardinals could have used a lawnmower. So they moved to St. Louis ... and finally Arizona where there is no grass. Problem solved.

Chicago Vice:

Was Zeke was auditioning for a part in L.A. - otherwise how do you explain the palm trees and the bungalow ?

The West Wing Back:

One of my favorite team photos - the Washington Redkins showing some cool architecture in the Capitol.

The Peeps of San Francisco:

Good old John Broadie sneaks into the family photo of Coit Tower. He retires to become a pro golfer.

Stay tuned for next season ....

Rarest Cards Still Being Discovered ...

2009-11-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

Stories of old cigarette cards found in the attic usually get collector's hair standing on end - or at least some attention. Recently, A discovery of rare 1934 soccer cards made in the former Czechoslovakia were found in Canada.

Four of these cards depict the great ARSENAL F.C. team of the early 1930's. The world famous club won the F.A. Cup in 1930 and 1936 (runners up in 1932). They were league champions in 1931, 1933, 1934 and 1935 (runner up in 1932). A clear domination of English soccer for the era.

The club had earned a great reputation throughout Europe and toured in Spain, France and Central Europe. One card features a game against Racing Club Paris. (Arsenal-Racing List here) This contest against the French team was in benefit of war invalids. The record of matches which started in 1930 continued annually until the 1960's (except the war years).

Although I can find no record of the club, Arsenal played a match against Rokousko - who I assume is a Czech club. However, all that was prior to the Second World War and may not exist any longer.

It is great to find such priceless collectables and hope more will turn up in the future.

FUTERA ... Out of This World cards

2009-11-03T14:17:00.001-08:00

Last posting I featured a great new set from ITG of Canada. This time it is even better ...
Futera cards of the UK (near England for the geographically challenged) have just released their 9th annual series of World Football cards. The company began in the late 1990's with club sets that included Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Celtic.

The release began some of the most coveted sports collectables in recent years with their 1/1 autograph cards. (that means only one card like this exists in the entire world) Now if you follow baseball, hockey or basketball there might be a few million of you. However, since soccer - football is world wide - the hunt for these treasures is massive for the billions who love this game.

For Americans it's special as the cards depict players usually with national team jerseys - only an exclusive few make these limited sets. Two to three Yanks have been included with sets in the past few years. Recent sets have included Landon Donovan, Kasey Keller and current # 1 goalkeeper - Tim Howard (above).

Some of the more interesting memorabilia cards have been produced by Futera. For the collectors who are weary of jersey cards that come from photo shoots or practice gear - rest assured, these cards tell you exactly from which team / season the jersey originates. The back of the above card of superstar "Ronaldinho" lets you know the swatch comes from his rookie season with Paris St. Germain.

The newest twist on card collecting comes from what is on the back of these cards. Futera has developed online gaming for card collectors. Entering the digital numbers on the reverse of the cards, collectors add to their fantasy teams over the internet. Periodic winners get exclusive cards made by Futera and other prizes.

There are chase cards that feature current HEROES ... (like England / Chelsea Captain - John Terry and Holland / Arsenal gunner Robin Van Persie above).

The old boys are not to be outdone as the most sought after chase cards are the LEGENDS which show all-time greats like two former New York Cosmos - Pele' and Franz Beckenbauer.

So all around the world - at shops or online, from the Brazil's Greatest (Pele') to the Newest ( teenager - "Pato" at top), this set has it all. Made for the collectors and the gamers and the fans of the sport - 2009 FUTERA is out of this world.

Warning - this is a high end product - not for the faint hearted of finance. The HEROES card have a brisk selling price of $15 - 20 on the secondary market, while the LEGENDS can demand from $50 to $300.

The 1/1 cards that make it to the second hand auctions range from $100 to $500 for "average" players. Superstar 1/1 autographs (if anyone would give them up) would fetch well into the thousands of dollars price range - AC Milan's Gattuso bringing $450 last week on ebay.

Happy Hockey-ween MASKS ...

2009-10-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing says holloween like a good mask. And the new release from ITG (In The Game) retro set of 1972 - The Year In Hockey says it better than most.

All safety aside, in those days the masks were just cool pieces of art. The subset of MASKED MEN from the Canadian card maker (who do not have an NHL license) is pure joy.

Those companies with NHL license should take a lesson. In fact, they should be frightened !

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN to card collectors ...

2009-10-31T13:13:00.001-07:00

and to all a ghoul night ...
May your plastic pumpkin contain packs.

A Tale of Two Doctors ...

2009-10-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

There is a fine storyline in the film "Field of Dreams" where a young ball player grows up to be a doctor. The interesting thing is the character - Archibald "Moonlight" Graham - was a real ball player and a real doctor (1 game -1905 N.Y. Giants).

In the more modern era of professional baseball, along came Bobby Brown of the New York Yankees. He appeared in 4 World Series with the "Bronx Bombers".

After his playing career, Brown took up as a cardiology doctor until the 1980's, when he returned to baseball. He left his Texas practice to join the Rangers organization. He then succeeded to the American League Presidency which he served from 1984 to 1992.

Giovanni "Johnny" Berardino was a major leaguer from 1939 to 1953. A shortstop for the St. Louis Brown and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also won a World Series with the 1948 Cleveland Indians.

After his playing days, Berardino honed his acting skills. As the old commerical said - "I am not a doctor, but I play one on TV."

Among other film and TV stints, John became a household name as Dr. Steve Hardy on the soap opera General Hospitol. The memorable character earned him a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Indians With Sticks ...

2009-10-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you follow this blog, then you are well aware that I relish cardboard with Indians - or what is accepted as Native Americans.

I also love the fastest team sport on ice - hockey. So when you get a chance to combine the two ...

it should be something special. Well ... not always, but when the NHL announced in 1972 that Kansas City would get a franchise - they went with the Western theme of an indian. Much like the history of our Native Americans, it did not work out so well.

The Kansas City Scouts lasted until 1976 when they moved to Colorado to become the Rockies - which didn't work out so well ... and they moved to New Jersey to become the Devils.

That didn't start out so well either, but has progressed to some great success.

The club was originally to be called the Mohawks, but protest by the Chicago Blackhawks franchise prompted the change to Scouts - named after the Kansas City Scout statue that overlooks the Missouri city.

So while it could have been a better indian logo, it is a tribute to the concrete Native.

The Four Faces of the Flu ...

2009-10-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have been fighting it most of the week ... but the symptoms have the better of me ...

One minute I feel good, the next - I'm mean as all get out.

But this virus will not be passed on here ... so I leave you with something naughty, nice and near and dear to my collection ...

One of my favorite characters from XENA: Warrior Princess - the evil, the sexy, the irrepressible - CALLISTO.

Alas ... I hope I feel better soon.