Star Wars has made its mark in sports merchandising (gallery)

We all know that Friday is a big day in the film world with the arrival of the next Star Wars film, The Last Jedi.

It’s a behemoth we’ve seen teased on TV and online for months — and even longer in the toy aisles — and now that we’re days away from its release there’s even more to potentially be seen and heard about the latest chapter in the legendary franchise. But, like spoilers, I’ve tried my best to avoid most of it — all of the merchandising and marketing that can include everything from food to car commercials and then all that stuff in the toy aisle.

So, maybe it’s just my situation — it’s a black hole of sorts I don’t want sucked into because there’s just too much I’d potentially want but ultimately don’t really need — but when I saw that there was a massive amount of sports-related Star Wars items in one online location I didn’t expect?

Well, that’s why we’re here …

When is an ironclad game-used NFL ball even cooler? When you can photo-match it to a big play …

I’ve collected for decades — both cardboard and beyond with plenty of autographs and game-used memorabilia in my stash — but my biggest Black Friday find this year was one that I couldn’t have topped if I had tried.

(Well, at least on my budget.)

It’s my first full game-used NFL item and it comes with a pretty strong story but without my having to pay a premium price to go with it. How? It all came down to doing some research.

For a few months now I had been obsessing about finding a game-used NFL football for the heck of it — a whim, really — simply finding any ball on the cheap yet with some semblance of ironclad authentication. Better than that would be a ball with those attributes and also with some type of tie to what I collect, which really isn’t any one particular NFL team or player but instead my school and many of its recent stars, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Thanks to Fanatics‘ business deal with its hometown Jacksonville Jaguars, the ball you see above is a reality in my collection and it came on the cheap for what it really is. That’s thanks in part to the Getty Images app that anyone can download on their phone — it’s a free tool that any game-used memorabilia collector must have.

Buzz Break: Fanatics Authentic Alabama football block (50 cards)

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there’s a box you’d want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: Fanatics Authentic Alabama Crimson Tide football block (50 cards)
Price: $14.95 (via JCPenney.com)

What’s inside one of these? Keep reading for a rundown and gallery.

Fanatics Auctions selling event-used Rookie Premiere jerseys & more

If you’re a dedicated collector or even a casual one, you already own a piece of the action from this year’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere found in a pack of cards.

But there’s also another way to get memorabilia from a crop of notable new NFL rookies from the event as Fanatics is auctioning event-worn jerseys, cleats and gloves from a number of the players right now.

Weekend Update: Check out 10 top items on The Buzz last week

Ok, it’s not the weekend, but this was slated to be sent last night — further proving that it was a busy one on The Buzz this past week. Here are 10 stories worth a look if you missed out. Check ’em out & hit the subscribe button at right if you want email updates.

This Week’s Big Hit?
It seems that 2017 Donruss‘ arrival has collectors talking and there’s fun to be found inside its packs. Click here to start with variations and find links to checklists & more. After that, check out a Buzz Break of a hobby box right here.

Keep reading for more …

Some legendary game-used lumber auctions close this week

A unique gamer from one of MLB’s most-iconic sluggers is among several game-used pieces up for grabs in the latest Goldin Auctions sale.

It’s not a bat used by Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker, Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, Ichiro Suzuki or Alex Rodriguez, but all of those stars’ clubs are up for grabs, too, as part of a series of auctions ending this week.

When it comes to Chicago Cubs World Series autographed memorabilia, Fanatics has it covered

The Chicago Cubs‘ World Series championship has prompted plenty of memorabilia and, of course, with that success comes high demand and higher costs for companies to get players to sign.

That’s the price of doing business.

But for Fanatics there’s plenty of business — and plenty of autographed memorabilia — for Cubs fans to chase including high-dollar ticket items like this 12-baseball shadowbox as part of an impressive  and deep array of World Series memorabilia that might not have been seen before for a championship squad.

Fanatics show includes some extra memories with Anthony Rizzo

Sometimes a memorabilia show can be memorable for reasons besides the memorabilia.

The Fanatics show in Chicago this weekend was just that for Steve Millsap during a photo opp with Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Check out the video above and hear more from Millsap here in the Blowout forum.

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy baseball cards on BlowoutCards.com.

First Buzz: 2016 Fanatics Authentic Under Wraps autographs

What: 2016 Fanatics Authentic Under Wraps autographed baseballs
Arrives: April 15
Box basics: One signed baseball per box (12 boxes per case)

What’s buzz-worthy: This MLB-approved product is a first for the growing show promotor with this first brand including some of the biggest names in the game as well as a mix of chase baseballs — all signed — and the potential for experiences including the chance to meet stars at shows.

Keep reading for more.

Long-term Fanatics deal already changing look of things for collectors on MLB.com

A big business deal announced last June probably didn’t generate much Buzz for collectors then, but it’s a big deal that’s already helping shape MLB fans’ collections.

Last year, Fanatics signed a 17-year-deal to handle the electronic stores on MLB.com and team sites — and as part of the move that began this year collectors of autographs and game-used memorabilia are already seeing more options on their teams’ sites. The pact runs through 2033.

So, what might be found on the sites now?