PSA authenticated or graded 10 of most-expensive items sold in 2017

Just 10 of the most-notable items in the sports world that were sold in 2017 totaled more than $6.7 million in sales, ranging from the $1.68 million Norman Rockwell piece you see here to high-grade copies of Mickey Mantle‘s iconic 1952 Topps card.

And they all had one thing in common — PSA or PSA/DNA authentication.

“We certified a myriad of incredible items last year, and the list is full of sports history from top to bottom,” said Professional Sports Authenticator VP Steve Sloan. “We’ll continue pushing ourselves toward another great year in 2018, and look forward to what’s in store.”

The Newport Beach, Calif.-based company recently took the time to examine the markets last year and touted its Top 10 for 2017. Keep reading to see everything on the list.

Oscar Gamble’s legendary hair was just part of long big-league career

He’ll always be known for his epic Afro and one of the greatest baseball cards ever made — 1976 Topps Traded No. 74T — but he also was a reliable big-leaguer for a long, long time.

He’s Oscar Gamble, a former New York Yankees outfielder who died on Wednesday at age 68. A member of the Yankees for seven of his 17 seasons in MLB, he hit .265 with 200 home runs and 666 RBI in 1,584 games. He also played for the Cubs, who drafted him in the 16th round in 1968, as well as the Phillies, Indians, White Sox, Padres and Rangers.

“He was the player on the Yankees known for big hair,” said his agent, Andrew Levy, on Twitter, “but those who knew him best will remember his big heart.”

Gallery: Aaron Judge Transcendent Collection Experience cards

A maximum of 87 guests will be at Topps’ Transcendent Collection Experience party later this month in Atlanta and, while everyone in attendance will meet former MLB home run champion Hank Aaron.

But every guest pass also will come with a number of extras — and one of them will be all about another Aaron … Aaron Judge.

Giancarlo Stanton’s first Yankees baseball card is here via Topps Now

The proof is in the pinstripes.

Giancarlo Stanton‘s first moments in a New York Yankees uniform came on Monday after the team confirmed their trade for the reigning National League MVP and MLB home run champ and today we have his first baseball card as a member of the team.

That’s thanks to Topps Now.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Dec. 9)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees? That and more …

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Dec. 2)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Big collecting questions and big pulls in this weekend edition.

Aaron Judge’s record-setting 52nd home run jersey hits auction block

Aaron Judge owned The Big Apple this summer — and the hobby, too — and next week he could own at least one and maybe two awards.

And not long after that, somebody out there can own a historic piece of his memorabilia.

It’s the jersey he wore for his record-setting 52nd home run this season — a new MLB rookie mark topping the 49 of Mark McGwire back in 1987 — and it’s a key piece in Steiner Auctions current sale that ends in nine days.

Buzz Break: 2017 Topps Archives Signature Series Active Player Edition baseball 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: 2017 Topps Archives Signature Series Active Player Edition baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 1
Base set completion: 
N/A

Steiner Sports gives New York Yankees fans 👎 autographs

New York Yankees fans have plenty to 👎 about this season — and Steiner Sports is on it.

The New Rochelle, N.Y.-based company revealed on Wednesday that it’s offering three “Thumbs Down” autographed baseballs to go with the team’s sarcastic trend that has it pushing toward a possible World Series appearance.

Buzz Poll: Who do you think wins the World Series this year?

We’re inching closer to the final teams taking the field this year in MLB and, at this point, we have just a single question for collectors after a crazy year of rookie home runs and plenty of other drama.

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

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

Have you ever seen a certified autograph card of David Robertson?

Whether it was his strong showing that led to a win in the American League Wild Card Game or his everyman reaction to his catcher’s foul-ball incident, more than a few baseball fans saw New York Yankees pitcher David Robertson on Tuesday night.

What they won’t be able to see? A certified autograph of the former Yankees closer on an official MLB baseball card.

Seriously.

Aaron Rodgers signs autograph exclusive with Steiner Sports

The Green Bay Packers’ quarterback has a new home — at least for autographs.

Steiner Sports revealed on Tuesday that it has signed Super Bowl champion and two-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to an exclusive deal for autographed memorabilia.

He joins a roster of new signees that includes the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and a football roster that previously included Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Lou Holtz and Archie Manning among others.

Record-breaker: Twelve Aaron Judge autos to consider chasing

What happens when a New York Yankees star sets a new MLB rookie home run record with his 50th longball of the year?

His baseball cards just keep on selling.

Aaron Judge is that Yankee and thanks to several years’ of prospecting sets and his blazing 2017 Rookie Card arrival he’s arguably the hottest cardboard in the hobby today and pretty much has been all season long. As we documented here previously, he’s got plenty of ink. And there’s been plenty made this summer — at the point where he had a dozen home runs this year, he had more than 400 different autographed cards.

Now? He’s pushing 700. Seriously.

If you don’t have a Judge auto, where should you start? Consider these 12 sets or specific cards as mentioned here previously on The Buzz — or one of the many that has arrived since then.

Lou Gehrig’s 1925 New York Yankees contract heads to auction block

Steiner Auctions has a legendary piece coming in its next sale.

It’s Lou Gehrig‘s 1925 New York Yankees contract — his first full season — and it’s hitting the open market next month.

How much might it go for? Well, there was a recent auction of a previous contract that could set the stage for this one.

New York Yankees prospect Gleyber Torres joins Topps Authentics team

New York Yankees fans will have a new place to land autographs of their future star infielder Gleyber Torres.

He’s joined the Topps Authentics team, Topps’ autographed memorabilia division, where his pieces will now be found on an exclusive basis.

“I’m happy to be part of this big family,” said Torres in a prepared statement. “I’m happy to be here and [for] everything Topps has done for me.”

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Aug. 22)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: The Aaron Judge debate, big sketches and breaks from around the sports world.

Aaron Judge’s Home Run Derby win isn’t just commemorated on cards

Aaron Judge doesn’t need a crown, but the king of this year’s MLB All-Star Home Run Derby could easily have one added to his newest figure.

It’s a limited edition toy that is now available from Import Dragons — and it’s a capless sculpt painted just like the night he went yard over and over and over. It’s part of a three-pack of Yankees figures available now — and it’s not alone.

Fanatics Authentic signs Yankees rookie Aaron Judge to exclusive deal

The Fanatics Authentic Team now has a new member.

It’s New York Yankees rookie slugger Aaron Judge and he’ll be joining a team that already includes reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant and Los Angeles Dodgers rookie slugger Cody Bellinger. It doesn’t mean he won’t be signing for fans or baseball card companies — they just now know the place he signs for directly when they can’t land him at the ballpark or in a pack.

“I love signing for fans, especially Yankee fans, they are the best in the world,’’ Judge told the New York Post. “Now that I’m with Fanatics, I’ll really be able to get my autograph out. They got some pretty cool pictures of me, I’m not going to lie, I’m looking forward to getting those out.’’

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Aug. 14)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Big pulls & big (fake?) autograph finds to start a new week.

Former AL MVP Don Baylor doesn’t appear on a lot of cardboard

One generation might know him as a bit of a slugger and the 1979 American League MVP, while another might know him as a manager and coach.

Either way, Don Baylor was a man who lived his life in baseball — his career that spanned from the 1960s until 2015. He died on Monday at age 68 after a battle with multiple myeloma.

“Don Baylor: 14 teams as player, coach and manager. Countless lives influenced. There’s a hole in the universe, its expanse without end,” said J.G. Taylor Spink Award-winner Claire Smith on Twitter. “Deepest love and condolences to Becky Baylor and the Baylor family who are mourning a man whose heart was as big as all of Texas.”

Aaron Judge’s colorful Home Run Derby socks make way into new Topps Now memorabilia cards

If you’ve noticed those colorful socks used recently in MLB, well, now they have a new home.

Topps Now Relic cards.

Aaron Judge and his All-Star Home Run Derby title captured all the attention Monday night in Miami and today there’s the cardboard to show it.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (July 11)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Aaron Judge, Aaron Judge, Aaron Judge, if Clayton Kershaw retired today, Aaron Judge, Aaron Judge, Bichette happens & plenty more.

First Buzz: 2017 Panini Immaculate Collection baseball cards

What: 2017 Panini Immaculate Collection baseball cards
Arrives: Aug. 16
Box basics:  Five autographs or memorabilia cards per six-card box (eight boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here to view

What’s buzz-worthy: Immaculate returns to the diamond with a number of big names but it’s three New York Yankees who will steal the attention for now — Aaron Judge, Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

Keep reading for more info and a full gallery of images released so far.

Clint Frazier’s powerful debut for Yankees provides spark for his ink

It’s almost like Aaron Judge all over again.

The New York Yankees’ newest rookie outfielder, Clint Frazier, made his big-league debut on Saturday night in big fashion with a home run and a double as part of a 2-for-4 day in Houston.

And just like Judge, who homered in his first game but had the night off save for a pinch-hitting appearance late in the Yanks’ 7-6 loss last night, it’s back in 2013 where you’ll find the start of his certified autograph résumé.

Need an Aaron Judge autograph? Buzz is giving one away …

New York Yankees rookie slugger Aaron Judge owns the hobby right now and we want you to have a shot at owning this 2016 Bowman’s Best Refractor.

Everybody needs autograph of the guy who should own the Yankees’ rookie home run record any day now, could set the major-league mark and just might be a Triple Crown, Rookie of the Year and MVP award-winner, too.

No, pressure … keep reading how you can win one of three new Buzz Boxes — one of which will have this autograph inside.

Aaron Judge’s MLB debut and first home run jersey hits auction block

Update (July 31): It sold for $160,644.05 when bidding ended on Sunday.

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Aaron Judge owns The Big Apple this summer — and the hobby, too — and now somebody can own a truly historic piece of his memorabilia.

It’s the jersey he wore for his MLB debut and his first career home run, and it’s a key piece in Steiner Auctions‘ Mid-summer Classic auction running for the next 30 days.

Babe Ruth’s 1927 World Series ring — and more — hits auction block

Update: The ring sold for $2,093,926, while the contract sold for $2,303,319.

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“Wild Thing” is cashing in.

Babe Ruth‘s 1927 World Series ring is on the auction block and its owner, actor Charlie Sheen, is closing in on a seven-figure payday with more than three days remaining before the Lelands.com auction closes on this and one other very, very big piece of memorabilia from MLB history.

“We have sold and seen many great pieces of sports memorabilia in our nearly 50 years in the hobby,” reads the auction house listing. “But this is without a doubt the finest piece of all.”

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (June 22)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Big pulls, collecting entire print runs, the NSCC, Houdini’s Superfractors & more.

Cody Bellinger’s homer binge fuels demand for his few certified autos

One of the hottest rookies in baseball — the King of the West Coast to counter Aaron Judge‘s Big Apple dominance — wrote his way into the record books on Monday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger hit two more home runs — that’s 21 in just 51 career games — and that’s the fastest pace in MLB history to start a career and good enough for the National League lead, trailing only Judge for the overall mark.

What makes this feat extra-enticing for collectors? The fact that Bellinger has a relatively minuscule amount of cardboard overall and a small number of certified autographs — and that means more competition for what he does have as the home runs go flying.

eBay Buzz: Graded Aaron Judge cards reportedly sell for $20,000

Its auction photo really didn’t help, but this Aaron Judge 2013 Bowman Draft Gold Refractor really was another color when it reportedly sold on eBay last week.

That color was green.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (June 19)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Aaron Judge, Aaron Judge, Aaron Judge and a number of other topics from around the world that don’t include Aaron Judge … yet.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (June 16)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Big pulls from throughout the collecting galaxy as we enter the weekend.

Potomac Nationals baseball card set can only be completed with visit to BlowoutCards-The Fantastic Store

The 40-year history of the Potomac Nationals includes some of the biggest names in the history of baseball — and the team has the baseball cards coming to prove it as part of a stadium giveaway.

Bryce Harper, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte are just some of the players who have suited up for the franchise that is now the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. All of those stars and more will be found in the 2017 Potomac Nationals’ 40th Anniversary Team card set honoring them all to be given away at a game later this month.

And it’s only at BlowoutCards-The Fantastic Store where that set can be completed.

Aaron Judge’s home run barrage has him on pace to be in elite company

If the season ended today, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge would win the Triple Crown.

As a rookie.

With two homers on Sunday — one a highlight-reel worthy 496-foot shot — he upped his mark to 21 this season and that goes right alongside a .344 batting average and 47 RBI. Will the Triple Crown pace continue? Who knows, but the power is a barometer of baseball card potential and he’s on pace to be among the best rookies in MLB history.

He’s on pace to top the 40-homer mark and that’s been done just one other time by a rookie. Even if he struggles some, by season’s end he’s likely to be very close to — if not among — the top 10 sluggers for most home run seasons by a rookie.

Panini Eternal launches Mickey Mantle commemorative set today

The Mick’s return to baseball cards continues today with Panini Eternal. 

Mickey Mantle‘s MLB debut came today in 1951 and that starts the “Mantle Monday” project, which will see a new card of the Hall of Famer released each week for the next four months.