The Brill Report

EBAY GIFT CARD A REALITY

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 168

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(HOLIDAY SURVEY SAYS JEN & GEORGE UNDER THE MISSILE TOE!!)

** EBAY GIFT CARD NEXT HOTTIE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

** SURVEY SAYS GIFT CARDS AND MISSILE TOE EQUAL CLOONEY/ANISTON

** GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HEAR MORE ABOUT RECALL FROM TOYMAKERS

** UPPER DECK TREATS PLAYOFF CITY HOBBY STORES

** DUNGEONS & DRAGONS YEAR FOUR CELEBRATION SATURDAY

** NAXCOM JUMPING INTO AUCTIONS THIS COMING WEEK

** MCFARLANE OFFERING DICE-K FIVE OTHERS

** SIMPSON GAME DROPS ANOTHER DIME ON THE JUICE

** FORMER UPPER DECK V-P SAFE FROM FIRES

** RED SOX ROOKIE HOTTER THAN HOT ON AUTOGRAPH MARKET

** UPPER DECK REDEMPTIONS GETTING BETTER

DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES COMING UP IN TODAY'S BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: HALLOWEEN CARDS A HIT!!

                                              ===================

(EBAY OFFERS GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS)

A new item from eBay is now appearing right next to Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Brittney Spears and all the other tabloid tracers as the holiday season is ushered in. The eBay Gift Card is sure to discourage hobby dealers and sure to perk up the hearts of eBay on-line sellers.

"This is the first time eBay has offered a Gift Card off-line, and we're excited to extend the brand to consumers in this way through grocery retailers throughout the country," said Gary Briggs, eBay's Chief Marketing Officers. "Giving and eBay Gift Card means giving your friends and loved ones the opportunity to shop on eBay and find exactly what they want this holiday season."

The idea is going to be a huge hit. Consumers can purchase these cards in various denominations at over 10,000 grocery outlets nationwide including Von's, Safeway, Kroger and Ralphs. The Gift Card market continues to grow by leaps and bounds and last year reached $28 billion in sales. That figure was twice the amount in 2005 according to the National Retail Federation.

"As the popularity of gift cards continue to grow it was only natural to develop a gift card for one of the most popular sites on the Internet," said Don Kingsborough, CEO of Blackhawk Network which developed the card for the auction giant. "We're thrilled to distribute the eBay Gift Card just in time for the holiday season."

(The new eBay Gift Card available at grocery stores)

eBay's pitch is the card is good for sellers and buyers. Buyers because they can pick what they want to buy and for sellers it should increase sales. People with gift cards will automatically go searching on eBay for the items they want to buy.

It works in conjunction with PayPal. The user makes a purchase on eBay, clicks on the PayPal Payment tab and proceeds to checkout. As long as the seller takes PayPal, which most do, they can accept the gift card. PayPal is of course owned by eBay. There is a 13-digit number to use underneath the scratch off on the back of the card.

The bonus for companies which issue many gift cards is an enormous amount of the money placed on the card is never used. This in reality turns into free money the issuer keeps and never pays out.

For hobby dealers who do not use eBay this is another way for consumers, collectors and buyers to avoid the local hobby shop. The increase in giving gift cards in the past two years has been phenomenal and with the ease of purchasing these gift cards at the local check out counter, it only seems natural more people will go away from the traditional retail store and to the eBay on-line purchase.

                                             ===================

(PAYPAL SURVEY SAYS GIFT CARDS, ANISTON AND CLOONEY HOT FOR HOLIDAYS)

As eBay begins issuing Gift Cards it only makes sense for PayPal to come out with a survey saying gift cards are the hottest item for the holidays this year. It also just happens to be true. The survey says 64-percent of gift givers this season will give Gift Cards, while 57-percent of recipients say they would prefer getting a Gift Card instead of a gift.

     (Jen or Angelina?) The survey was done by Nielsen Customized Research and went on to say kissing under the mistletoe has a special wish list as well. Jennifer Aniston is the preferred choice by men to meet under the shrub at 27-percent compared to Angelina Jolie at only 17-percent while on the ladies side, 29-percent of the women surveyed prefer George Clooney to 22-percent for Johnny Depp and 11-percent for Brad Pitt. Seems Mr. Pitt is losing his appeal.

As far as on-line shopping?

"Holiday shoppers are more comfortable shopping on-line this year than ever before," said Susan Phillips, PayPal on-line purchasing executive. "Consumers have chosen to swap the in store rush for the on-line experience, citing convenience, time savings, less stress and better prices as the top reasons to shop on-line."

The survey showed consumers plan on spending an average of just over $400 and 40-percent of their purchases on-line for the holidays. This is a jump of about 11-percent over 2006 when new records were set for on-line shopping.

Actually the Holiday shopping season begins today (November 1) as seen last year when the traditional holiday shopping season kick off date of the day after Thanksgiving was supplanted by the November 1 date. The biggest on-line shopping day of the year is Cyber Monday, the first weekday after the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

                                   =======================

(RC2 GOVERNMENT REQUESTS)

The Federal Government wants to talk to RC2 Corporation about getting the lead out. RC2 is one of the very first toy makes to issue a recall of toys made in China which contained too much lead in the paint used on the toy. The move cost RC2 dearly as last week the company issued it's latest financial report and took some heavy losses.

(Thomas and Friends among first recalls.)

The Energy and Commerce Committee of the Congress is asking RC2 and three other toy makers for input on the lead paint issue as it drafts legislation to protect consumers. The government is demanding the companies clarify their part in testing, vendor contracts, recalled products and the process for the recall of products.

Earlier this week House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the resignation of the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission citing millions of toys recalled, toys laden with lead laced paint. Congress said it hopes to have legislation drafted next week to deal with the issue and is looking to make changes in the way the Safety Commission handles the process.

"To solve the problem of lead in children's products we must first retrace the events that allowed these serious mistakes to occur," said congressman John Dintell (D-MI), in a statement. "Unfortunately we did not receive the complete answers from all the companies the first time around."

Letters were sent to the companies weeks ago and congress evidently feels the answers were not sufficient. The next answers must be in the hands of lawmakers by November 6.

                                              ===================

(UPPER DECK PLAYOFF EVENTS BENEFIT HOBBY STORES)

Hobby stores in several major league cities were rocking and rolling with tickets and other prizes as Upper Deck hosted events for stores where baseball teams were in the playoffs. Stores in Colorado, New England, Arizona and Cleveland took part in the events. UD gave the stores merchandise and game tickets to promote the in-store events and pretty much all went well.

(Party time at Mike's Stadium Sports in Aurora, CO)

"The prizes were incredible and everyone including the cash register had an awesome night," according to Mike Fruitman of Mike's Stadium Sports in Aurora, CO. "The support of Upper Deck and major league baseball resulted in massive sales and a lot of happy collectors."

Other stores had great events as well.

"We ended up having our second best day our 17 year history," said Jerry Wiselka of Jerry's Sportscards in Colorado. "We had over 400 people show up for these events."

It wasn't only good for stores in the west, but also in the East.

(Colorado Rockies fans unite.)

"The excitement this night generates has been worth every penny in the time and effort it takes to pull this off," added Bruce Parker of New England Sports cards in New Hampshire. "Upper Deck is the only manufacturer to do this promotion and it has helped my store sales grow tremendously."

The company provided products at a discounted rate for the store and chipped in with prizes which included Playoff and World Series Tickets.

                                              ===================

(SATURDAY MARKS FOURTH ANNUAL WORLD WIDE GAME DAY)

Dungeons and Dragons will be the focus but gamers all over the world will be celebrating this weekend as Wizards of the Coast launches the Fourth Annual World Wide Game Day. Fans of D&D will gather all around the world from the US to Amsterdam to Iraq and even to a real dungeon in Britain.

(IceWind will be big on Saturday world wide.)

Approximately 1400 stores world wide will roll out the latest version of D&D set in "IceWind Dale." This is the latest adventure for the D&D role playing game. Participating stores will have special promotional items and the game will be played at the London Dungeon and in military bases in Iraq.

"The world wide D&D game day offers players the opportunity to get together with other player groups to expand their third edition playing experience," said Scott Rouse, Senior Brand Manager for D&D at WOTC. "We hope that player groups use this opportunity to share their plans for wrapping up the Third Edition campaigns with a flourish."

Dungeons and Dragons was first released in 1974 and after gaining a wide following took on a negative vibe with parents. Since it is a "role playing" game, many disturbed teens assumed the character to degrees where they crossed the line between reality and fantasy. There were a few suicides and actual mental problems in the aftermath. It did take some time for D&D to recover socially amongst parental groups.

                                     ====================

(NAXCOM AUCTIONS START WEDNESDAY WITH BUYER/SELLER PROTECTION TWIST)

With NAXCOM getting into the full blown auction market next week, similar to eBay in execution, the company is offering a special twist which will ensure safety for sides and cut down on the amount of fraud which goes on in other sites. Buyers and sellers will handle their transaction payments directly through NAXCOM.You guy it, you send your money to NAXCOM and when the item is delivered NAXCOM will pay the seller. The whole thing started when NAXCOM bought the PIT.COM from Topps.

"The acquisition of the Pit.com from Topps really gave us what we needed to get into auctions," said NAXCOM VP of Business Development, Kevin Klein. "Once that happened we began developing our auction system about a year ago."

This gave the company a larger base of people to work with and helped bring the number of users for NAXCOM to over 200,000.

"Since we launched the main NAXCOM site in 2001 our users have continuously requested for us to expand into auctions," said CEO Eric Beckerman. "However we didn't want to expand into auctions until we had enough critical mass where would have a lot of listings and bidders to make our auctions dynamic."

NAXCOM put in a lot of protective rules sellers wanted; rules they complained eBay doesn't have.

                                           ===================

(MCFARLANE TO RELEASE DICE-K, NOMAR, YOUNG AND MAUER IN 6 OF MLB 21)

Mark your calenders for April 2008 and race to the nearest toy aisles to get the first Daisuke Matsuzaka McFarlane figurines. They will be hot because the Japanese market will likely pay a bundle for the favored son who just won a World Series.

(New Dice-K McFarlane due in April.)

Dice-K will be one of the six new releases in April including three players who will get their first action figure; Joe Mauer and Michael Young are the others. The three who have previous figures but will be also offered are Nomar Garciaparra as a Dodger, Alfonso Soriano and Jorge Posada.

                        ====================

(HOW QUICKLY WE RISE AND FALL, Pedroia's SIGNED BASEBALLS $100 WHOLESALE)

The newly released wholesale price for a Dustin Pedroia single signed World Series Baseball is $100 from Steiner Sports. Pedroia, who as a rookie made a name for himself with the Red Sox and in the World Series with some uncharacteristic home runs is hot and Steiner is taking advantage of his popularity.

(Pedroia hotter than hot with all autographs)

The last time the Red Sox won the World Series a local city councilman in Boston tried to pass legislation to keep players from cashing in on their popularity and gouging the public. Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon were selling their signatures at a local show after the Series for $125-$175 each.

Both are still expensive but not as hot as they were before and they can be found at more reasonable prices.

Highland Mint is also offering the above players with Pedroia's Lead Off Homer photo matted and framed for $175 wholesale and other Red Sox stars in the same range. You could also get a HM David Beckham for $175.

                                        =================

(LOIACONO SAFE FROM NEARBY WILDFIRES)

The Brill Report heard from former Upper Deck V-P Tony Loiacono who was in an area of the San Diego County wildfires a week ago. Homes within a mile of Loiacono's ranch were evacuated, but Loiacono told TBR he did not come under evacuation orders.

"Thank the Good Lord everyone was safe, it was touch and go for a few days," said Loiacono. "We were blessed not to have to leave but it came very close."

Loiacono lives in Bonsall, CA where he runs his company "Heads N Tails."

                                       ==================

(O-J SIMPSON DECK DROPS ANOTHER CARD)

A third defendant in the O-J Simpson case is turning states evidence and is expected to testify against the former running back stating guns were present at the alleged sting operation. Simpson tried to get his own memorabilia back in what police are calling an armed robbery. Simpson says he set up a sting at a Las Vegas Hotel room and the thing turned bad.

(Another turns on the Juice.)

Michael McClinton is the third Simpson co-hort to turn on the former actor and NFL great. Police reports say McClinton carried a gun and acted like a police officer in the incident. He could get up to 11 years in jail. He is a former security guard.

If convicted of the biggest crime in the case, kidnapping, Simpson could get life in prison with parole. Nearly a decade ago he was acquitted by a Los Angeles jury of hilling his wife and her friend in a highly publicized trial. He was later found liable for their deaths in a civil trial and while he has had to pay financially, he has walked free until this case came about.

                                        =====================

(UPPER DECK REDEMPTIONS GETTING BETTER)

Upper Deck has gotten much better at its redemption program and collectors are starting to notice. Some are even forgiving, as long as the redemption program continues to get better if there has to be Redemption Cards.

Case in point we recently sent in a "smudged" signature of Elroy Face from Sweet Spot Signatures (see inset). We got the card back with an explanation there were no replacements for it. Instead the company sent us an unopened tin of the product and the card we sent in.

In the tin we got a Rogers Hornsby Letterman card no. 1/25 and two jersey cards; Casey Stengel and Mel Ott.

Send us an email regarding your thoughts on the improved UD redemption program. If you think it has improved or not. Send it to info@kckings.com

                                     ==========================

SO CAL FIRES

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 167

HOT **BUTTON**STORY

(HOBBY DEALER GETS MOVIE ROLE!!)

** SO-CAL FIRES BURN UP COLLECTIBLES

** JUICE SQUEEZED AGAIN, LIFE POSSIBLE

** TWO COPS OPEN MEMORABILIA STORE

** JERSEY DEALER GETS MOVIE ROLE

** WAYNE GRETZY AND OZZY OSBOURNE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON **

** HOBBY DEALER GETS 8 YEARS IN KIDDIE PORN CASE **

** BECKETT AND THE ROSE ** EBAY AND THE C-I-A ** RC-2 NUMBERS DROP **

** JOSH GIBSON AUTOGRAPH HIGHLIGHTS LATEST LELANDS AUCTION **

EDITORIAL COMMENT: FIRES AND COLLECTIBLES

DETAILS ON THESE STORY'S AND MORE IN TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

                                   =====================

(SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES TAKE COLLECTIBLE TOLL)

A week-long firestorm raging through southern California kept homeowners busy and looking back on the collectibles they know they lost in one of the worst tragedies in recent California history. Like New Orleans the loss of property was devastating although the death toll in the Golden State will be lower than the the Crescent City. It could reach 40 as many people are still missing.

While The Brill Report discussed what was and what might have been lost in the New Orleans area when it came to collectibles, the losses in California certainly will be high. Orange county and San Diego, the two area's most devastated by the fires, were hot beds of sports collectibles. At one time the county of Orange was the trading card hot spot in the country.

San Diego had a tremendous number of collectors and the high dollar homes in Malibu certainly housed collections of note. The Santiago Fire in the hills of Orange County destroyed it's share.

One Orange County resident lost more than just a few collectibles. She saw her home burned to the ground along with the garage which housed several collectible automobiles, mostly muscle cars.

"We did build the additional garage to house our collectible cars," said Susan Luckham looking at what was left of the building and burned vehicles in the Santiago blaze. "We had cars from the 50's and 60's, mostly muscle cars."

While no one lost a home some folks who worked at Upper Deck in nearby Carlsbad (North San Diego County) had to deal with the disruption and evacuations.

"No word on employee losses of houses but nearly everyone was affected by evacuations, or relatives losing their homes," spokesman Don Williams told The Brill Report. "Everyone was glued to their television or radio to get updates."

Evacuations were the order of the day.

"Some of the employees were evacuated several times," he added. "Most of the employees were able to work remotely."

Former Upper Deck VP Tony Loiacono was also in the evacuation area covering the small community of Bonsall. A call to him at his company, Heads N Tails was not returned. The town was evacuated for a couple of days as two fires merged in the area not far from the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in San Diego County.

Losses from the fires are expected to mount. The estimated damage just to the houses in San Diego (80-percent of the houses lost were in the county), was well over $1 billion.

                                         =================

(O-J FACING POSSIBLE LONG PRISON TERM IN MEMORABILIA DEAL)

Not able to get him on double murder charges police in several American cities are looking to prosecutors in Las Vegas, Nevada, to put O.J. Simpson away for a very long time. New charges were filed in the case after a second Simpson accomplice turned states evidence and will testify against the former NFL star. Added to Simpson's docket are charges of felony coercion.

"Guilty sir," Walter Alexander told the judge as he entered his plea in the deal with prosecutors. The guilty was to a felony count of conspiracy to commit robbery.

(O-J and attorneys making initial plea.)

Along with Charles Cashmore's flip on the Juice, prosecutors feel they have enough to take the case to trial and probably convict Simpson who staged a self proclaimed "sting operation" to get his own memorabilia back from a dealer. The new charges filed against Simpson could add up to six more years to his sentence if he is convicted.

The six years additional would only mean anything should prosecutors fail to get a conviction on the main charge of kidnapping. If convicted of kidnapping Simpson could get life in prison with possible parole. The 60 year old football star and former actor was acquitted of killing his wife and her friend a decade ago in California but was found liable in their deaths in a civil trial.

The two former Simpson cohorts who will testify against him will say guns were involved in the botched robbery attempt. Simpson still stands by his statement no guns were present. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for the second week of November.

                                    =================

(TWO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OPEN MEMORABILIA STORE)

Most hobby dealers upon reading the above headline might react with "Two Cops? They should know better!" The thought being there is so much fraud in the memorabilia business why would police officers want to be involved?

For Marc Schultz and Danny Casson their passion for sports and their background with law enforcement might just be a plus in the memorabilia business. The pair, brothers-in-law opened Pro Signatures in the Town Center Mall in Simi Valley, CA (a suburb of Los Angeles although actually in Ventura County). It was a natural progression for the sports fans from their department work.

"We were big collectors and did a lot of charity events in our departments and offered to auction items we had from our own collections," Schultz told The Brill Report. "We started doing more and more charity events and it grew into a web site."

He admits opening a retail store was a big step however.

"We're very excited, the mall isn't cheap but we've worked out butts off to get where we are at," he added. "We've priced it right, I mean if you go to Cesar's Palace you see a signed jersey for $1500, we sell the same jersey for $600."

(Law enforcement officers open hobby store.)

Schultz and Casson say they are dealing with a wide number of vendors now with PSA at the top of the list as far as authentication. Being cops they feel they are doing the right thing in regards to memorabilia and weeding out fraud.

"We've worked on some cases in our own departments going after bad guys," he said. "And eBay, it's so frustrating because you see so much bad stuff there."

Many of the items, especially non-signed Hollywood montages, come from Legends in Time in nearby Canoga Park, CA. Owner Bob Asher is a long time framer and well known memorabilia supplier. Compared to other stores in the region who carry Legends in Time merchandise the Simi Valley store is on the money.

Casson is with the Oxnard Police as a K-9 officer while Schultz is a SWAT deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Simi Valley, where the infamous Rodney King trial took place, is the home of a very large contingent of law enforcement officers in the region. It has earned the reputation as one of the safest cities in America, no doubt based on it's law enforcement population.

The pair split their duties in half although Cassen does most of the ordering.

"He does 99-percent of the ordering and dealing with vendors around the country," said Shultz. "He's been at it a lot longer than me and he knows what is good and what isn't."

Employees? As per the usual when it comes to the hobby. Dads, fathers-in-law and other relatives.

                                    ====================

(NEW JERSEY HOBBY DEALER GETS MOVIE ROLE)

Whether John Bistis ever wanted to be an actor is up in the air but nearly everyone would love to be in a movie. To play one's self is even cooler and Bistis, of New Jersey, is thrilled he got the role in the upcoming film "Diminished Capacity." It might even surpass his first love in collecting.

(New Jersey hobby dealer John Bistis)

"Cal Ripken's Rookie Card, the one with the three players (1982 Topps) was my first love," Bistis told the audience on the Dr. Wax Battle Internet show.

Bistis actually got out of the hobby.

"When I decided I didn't want to sell cards anymore I just dumped a lot of 5000 count boxes for $50 each and they included a lot of key rookie cards," he said. "I regret selling and dumping those."

However, like Al Pacino in The Godfather (Michael Corleone role) he was dragged back in.

"I picked up a Lou Brock Sweet Spot autograph numbered 1/5 on eBay for $5," said Bistis. "I don't know who sold it but I bought it and I was back in."

The film itself has some big name stars including Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and on Broadway The Producers), Virginia Madsen (Sideways, The Hot Spot) and Alan Alda (MASH, The Paper Lion). It deals with, believe it or not, trading cards.

"Diminished Capacity" features a couple (Broderick and Madsen) trying to hustle a valuable trading card owned by Alda who suffers from Alzheimer's. Bistis, playing a card dealer, is approached during the film. We are told there is even a Mr. Mint type character but while the resemblance supposedly is an Allen Rosen likeness, there is enough of a difference to keep the lawyers at bay.

"Diminished Capacity" is due out next Summer.

                              =======================

(GARAGE SALES; WAYNE GRETZKY & OZZY OSBORNE)

In case you missed the garage sale at Wayne Gretzky's house Sunday, it was a hit. The former NHL star and his wife recently sold their Lake Sherwood, California home and decided to sell a bunch of memorabilia to help build a new baseball stadium for a nearby school. Oaks Christian School is a private school which produces a nigh number of star athletes and Gretzky's son is a catcher on the baseball team. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is a recent grad.

(Gretzky's and Osbourne's in publicity photos)

Billed as a Garage Sale it was actually staged at the school where the Gretzky's sold off a lot of furniture and other items from one of their area homes. They sold the house to former NY Met and Phillie's star Lenny Dykstra previously.

They raised reportedly over $200,000 for the school. A dinner event last week featured the NHL Hall of Famer signing autographs to raise funds as well.

Coming up in November the Osbourne's are going to do the same thing but for a different cause. The Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program will receive what is expected to be more than a million dollars from the event at Julien's Auction House November 30 and December 1.

                                       =====================

(BROG AT IT AGAIN WITH NEW COMPANY)

The man who drove the Topps board of directors crazy with his attempt to keep Topps out of the hands of Michael Eisner and get it into the hands of anyone who would pay more, is on the move again. Timothy Brog formed Locksmith Capital and merged it into his Pembridge Capital for form a company with half a billion dollars at its disposal for investments.

Brog, who eventually lost his battle for Topps, led a group of dissident stockholders who dragged out the process for about a year. Eisner eventually won his battle getting enough shareholders to gain the company and take it private.

Brog told a hedge fund newsletter he will only invest in things he can explain to his mother. In other words, biotech no, baseball cards yes. Don't expect him to jump into the trading card arena or the hobby any time soon. There are few public companies. However, don't count him out for the long run either.

                                  ==========================

(EBAY SELLER ADDS FORMER GRADER TO STAFF)

Joe Pankiewicz, who spent two years as a grader with SGC, joins the staff of Just Collect, Inc. Just Collect is a large eBay consignment seller of sportscards.

"We are ecstatic to have Joe join Just Collect," said Scott Greenwald one of the company's principals. "Joe will specialize in writing, evaluation and processing ungraded sets and vintage cards for Just Collect."

Pankiewicz wrote auction descriptions for both Mastro and Heritage Auctions and will be charged with eBay descriptions for the consignment company.

                                 ==========================

(SPORTS CARD STORE OWNER SENTENCED IN KIDDIE PORN CASE)

Scott Valla who owned the Dugout in Marine City, Michigan will spend 90 months in jail for possessing child pornography which he kept at his hobby store. The 35 year old Valla, who formerly worked at Toys R Us pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year with the sentence coming down from a federal court this week.

"Children do not deserve to have their innocence ripped away and their dignity stolen by the sexual exploitation of child pornographers," said US Attorney Stephen Murphy in a statement. "Todays 90-month sentence should be a strong deterrent to stop such abhorrent conduct."

Valla admitted he used AOL to gain the images and had movies and 450 photos depicting children as young as 12.

                                ==========================

(BECKETT TO PUT ROSE ON COVER?)

Will they or won't they? Beckett Media is considering putting banned player Pete Rose on the cover of an upcoming issue. An email sent to Gold Label Dealers said the company is thinking about putting Rose on the cover of the December issue of Becket Baseball Monthly.

(Possible cover might anger MLB except for 1st Amendment)

If so, expect a terse note from Major League Baseball since Rose is persona non Grata regarding anything to do with baseball. He is on the league's restricted list for his gambling adventures.

Beckett is an editorial publication as well as a price guide and as such has the first amendment right to put anyone on the cover it sees fit. However, collectors and fans alike will have strong opinions on putting Rose on the cover of anything. Opinions both ways regarding the former player are avid.

                                  =======================

(RC2 CORP BLOWN AWAY BY RECALLS -- EARNINGS PLUMMET)

Toy recalls absolutely killed RC2 Corporations quarter as earnings plunged 44 percent in the third quarter. Earnings fell from just over $19 million to under $11 million in the quarter compared to the prior year. Take out the recall and the number was a plus $16.7 million instead. Net sales were down 8-percent to $143 million.

"As expected during the third quarter we experienced a slow down in our North American pre-school sales, lower gross margins and significant costs related to the product recalls," said Curt Stoelting, CEO.

Nearly three million toys were recalled in recent months mainly due to excessive lead in paints used by Chinese manufacturers.

                           =======================

(EBAY LOBBIES THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY)

A disclosure form showing who eBay lobbied pops up with an unusual item. The AP reported eBay lobbied the CIA! The story quotes a contact at eBay calling it a mistake although eBay did speak with the Central Intelligence Agency regarding a 1994 law involving wire tapping. Phone company equipment must allow for wire tapping and eBay owns the VOIP service Skype.

                                       ====================

(LELANDS 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AUCTION OFFERS JOSH GIBSON CONTRACT)

A Negro Leagues contract signed by the man called the "Black Babe Ruth" will be offered up for auction in the 20 Year Anniversary Edition of the LeLand's Catalog. The auction features Josh Gibson's signature on a 1939 contract as he prepared to play Winter Ball in Puerto Rico. Gibson signatures are very rare especially on legal documents.

(Negro Leagues contract signed by Josh Gibson)

Also being offered is a Yogi Berra jersey worn during the 1958 season. The jersey with Berra's retired number is expected to bring $100,000 while Gibson's contract should pull in $25,000 or more.

The auction begins November first and runs through the end of the month.

                                  =====================

ROCKIES & INDIANS MAKING THINGS RIGHT

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 166

NOTE: OUR NEXT UPDATE FOR TBR WILL BE MONDAY OCTO. 29 DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE WILL HAVE AFULL RUN OF STORIES INCLUDING THE FIRES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA...THANK YOU)

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(NEW GAME IN VEGAS; FLIP THE O-J!!!)

** EISNER CALLS FUTURE OF TOPPS MULTI-MEDIA

** ROCKIES & INDIANS WINNERS FOR HOBBY STORES

** ANOTHER FLIPPER FOR O-J

** NEW SITE FOR MY TICKET

** RANDY MOSS 1998 ALL OVER AGAIN?

** DONRUSS AMERICANA PRE-SELLING STRONG ** RYAN HOWARD CAMP FOR TOPPS ** L-T AUTOGRAPHS ROLLING OUT FOR ETOPPS **

DETAILS ON THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: L-A NEEDS A TEAM JUST FOR HOBBY STORES!

                                        ==================

(EISNER CALL FOR TOPPS; MULTI-MEDIA)

Michael Eisner isn't saying much yet but he has confirmed one thing; Topps will be a multi-media company.

KNX 1070 News Radio's Frank Mottek caught Eisner just before he spoke at a conference in Los Angeles last week. Mottek told The Brill Report, Eisner is looking for more deals in the business world and really liked Topps. While he would not be specific in the brief interview he did give some insight when asked about the future of Topps.

"Topps is a good company, an iconic company," Eisner said. "We have multi-media plans for Topps."

Eisner with his Tornante Company worked with Madison-Dearborn to purchase the grand-daddy of sports card makers from the Shorin family and the stockholders. The sale price was $385 million and closed last week.

Things have changed so much at Topps now a habitual look at the stock tickers finds nothing. It no longer exists as a public company.

                                  ======================

(DENVER AND CLEVELAND HOT BEDS TO WORLD SERIES)

It's just about World Series time and this means the teams heading into the Fall Classic are hotter than a pistol in their home towns. Good news for card shop owners and two experiencing brisk sales are in Aurora (a suburb of Denver) and Medina (not far from Cleveland). While at this writing Cleveland has NOT locked up a slot and despite most of America and the television networks may not want to see the Rockies and Indians in the World Series, this isn't phasing fans and collectors of the two teams.

"We've been selling team sets like crazy, we normally sell 30-40 the entire season and we've sold over 200 or better this year," said Bill Panchak of Medina Sports Cards. "It's brought back memories of 1995-97, it's really creating a lot of interest when every day you pick up the paper and on the regular front page it's all about the Indians."

(Hafner remains a popular Tribe player in demand.)

It's the same situation in Colorado.

"I just brought in another 50 Rockies' team sets and I wish I had ordered 100," said Mike Fruitman of Mike's Stadium Sports in Aurora. "If it says Rockies on it, it's selling, team sets are flying, individual player cards are rolling and what's great is we are even seeing cards of previous Rockies' players like Bichette, Walker and Galarraga selling."

Panchak concurred.

"They all want the same current players like Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore but even some of the older stuff from the 1950's is selling," he said. "We put out a binder with the old players and I'm surprised at how well they are selling, Feller, Lemon and the others."

Panchak, who has been in business since 1989, said one collector went through the old Indians binder and bought 56 Charles Nagy cards!

"That was incredible, it was like Christmas shopping, selling things you'd never dream you would sell at this point in time," he added. "You have to make sure everything is dusted off well because they are coming in it seems to buy Indians gifts."

(Todd Helton led the Rockies for years.)

He created a section of older Indians cards next to the newer ones and it's helped having them out side by side. People are just going through them and some of the older people are buying players they remember from the 1950's and 60's. Panchak said just putting them out seemed to help.

For Fruitman it's like going back to the beginnings of Rockies Baseball in 1993.

"For so long collecting Rockies cards was un-cool and it takes something like this to change that perspective," he said. "Here it is October and I'm selling more Rockies cards than Bronco's cards and I never thought I would see that in my lifetime."

He adds with the Rockies it's actually better due to more broad based sales.

"Typically with the Bronco's it's one player; Elway or Cutler but with the Rockies' every night there is a different player stepping up to get it done, so not just one player is selling," Fruitman told TBR. "We are not a star laden team."

Fruitman says he is starting to bring in more memorabilia from places such as the Highland Mint because basically he owns a "Card shop." He has never really sold much memorabilia because he doesn't emphasize it. The great thing for Fruitman is the future.

(The hologram was still big in 1993.)

"We are selling a ton of stuff now, we have Christmas to go and beyond that?" He asks the question. "The start of spring training people won't be thinking about an also ran team but a team that was in the World Series, so sales should be pretty strong."

The Rockies were putting about 6,000 people in the seats despite the higher announced attendance. Now they are filling the 50,000 seat stadium. This translates to something even more for both Denver shops and Cleveland shops.

"Even the people who don't collect sports are coming in and buying anything with Indians on it," said Panchak.

And none of this is bad news.

                                      =====================

(TIGER AND THE GATOR DRINK)

Saying Gatorade has been a "part" of his game for years, next March you will see "Tiger" on the store shelves as Tiger Woods enters the sports drink field. Gatorade and the Pepsico folks are paying Tiger a lot; no confirmation but talk is about $100 million.

(The new Tiger Drink will look like this.)

"Gatorade has been a part of my game plan for years, whether I'm training or competing, so this is an ideal match," said Woods in a statement.

Tiger has deals with Upper Deck, Nike, EA Sports and General Motors as well.

                                    =====================

(NEW SITE FOR MY TICKET)

Keith Gentile says take a look at the newly revamped site for That's My Ticket. The company which puts collectors,fans and their memorabilia into a nicely framed piece of themselves forever, recently re-did their web site to give it a new look.

The company recently branched out from just doing items sent in by fans and collectors who attended games, to adding things such as Bruce Springsteen montages with concert tickets, and Bobby Orr's First NHL Game Oversized Mega Ticket.

"There are lots of new items including our recently released MLB and NHL Mega Tickets," said Gentile. "The new site took several months of work and this is the first full remodeling of the TMT site in almost two years."

                                                       ==================

(RANDY MOSS RETURNS TO THE FOLD)

In 1998 the only NFL Hobby name which mattered was Randy Moss. Then Moss' star began to fade and Peyton Manning's star rose to the highest of heights. Moss was in memorabilia limbo for several years, then the banishment to Oakland. Memorabilia sales and card sales tanked. Not so anymore.

The formula? Just add a touch of Tom Brady and stir. All of a sudden you have a hit cocktail called Moss Reborn.

(Moss hot in 1998.)

(Not in 2006.)

The Highland Mint is the latest to jump on the Moss bandwagon. The company is offering dealers a signed plaque for $170. This is a lot and The Mint is usually higher priced than most dealers want. The proof will be in the selling out of the 81 signed items they are offering.

(The Mint will offer Moss signed photos in a New England Patriots uniform.)

The Highland Mint is going to offer the 81 signed photos with the wide receiver in a Patriots uniform. For the last several years Moss sales were down despite being in a Raider uniform.

His years in Oakland were not what were expected.

                                                     ===================

(SECOND O-J COHORT FLIPS ON SIMPSON)

They are playing a new game in Las Vegas; Flip O-J. The game started after prosecutors began questioning the men who were with O.J. Simpson the night he approached a memorabilia dealer in the dealers hotel room. Simpson called it a sting operation to get back his own memorabilia. The dealer originally said they came in with guns.

(Cashmore was the first to turn on the Juice.)

Either way two of the men who were with Simpson during the raid have turned state's evidence and will testify there were guns and what the intent of the raid was. Both Charles Cashmore who was the first to plead, and Walter Alexander a 46 year old man from Mesa, Arizona could spend five years in prison for their part in the alleged crime.

"I think he wishes he had never met O-J," said attorney Edward Miley who represents Cashmore.

Alexander pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery while Cashmore pleads to similar charges. Simpson is charged with numerous counts including kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap in addition to the robbery charges. A kidnapping conviction could result in life in prison.

Simpson is free on bond pending a November 8 hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. Simpson was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and her friend but lost a civil trial which found him liable in the murders.

                                           ===============

(DONRUSS AMERICANA SELLING WELL)

Distributors report sales of Donruss Americana are sailing. The highly anticipated product was pushed back to a January release after the announcement of a November release. Several distributors we talked to said the same thing, dealers are ordering by the 18 box case rather than just a few boxes.

Suggested retail for the product is $40 per pack but expect it to open in the $50 per pack region. The first non-sports high end product from Donruss/Playoff is expected to deliver lots of autographs and relics of famous non athletes.

This will likely be the most talked about product of 2008.

                                                   ====================

(TOPPS & RYAN HOWARD CAMP OUT)

Upper Deck and Steiner Sports both had Derek Jeter camps, how it's up to Topps to have it's local player in a camp for kids; Ryan Howard. The Philadelphia Phillie slugger will meet kids aged 7-14 in a camp November 10 in Philadelphia.

"With the success of the Topps Camp Program and immense popularity of Philadelphia's great Ryan Howard we look forward to connecting our brand with kids across the nation," said Eric Liebler, Sports Licensing Manager for Topps.

(Howard is big with Topps and kids.)

Each kid gets a goodie bag with lots of Topps products in addition to the experience of meeting, talking and spending time with Howard.

"I'm also excited to partner with Topps and interact with all the young baseball players in the Philadelphia area," said Howard. "I hope to teach these kids the meaning of teamwork and the fundamentals of a good swing."

Cost of the three hour camp is a very reasonable $149. You can learn more about the camp by going to http://procamps.com/toppsclinic/location.asap.

                                               ====================

(L-T IN LINE FOR ETOPPS AUTOGRAPHS)

Friday only, October 19, eTopps will offer collectors who have Ladainian Tomlinson's 2001 Rookie cards in their portfolios, a chance to have them autographed. The price $99 and only 25 are available.

                                                 ===================

TOPPS DEAL TO EISNER OFFICIAL

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 165

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(FLIPPING FOR O-J, ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN!!)

** TOPPS/EISNER DEAL OFFICIAL

** UPPER DECK DEBUTS B2B SITE

** SUSPECT FLIPS IN O-J CASE

** SPORTKINGS READY TO GO

** DONRUSS AMERICANA PUSHED BACK TO 2008 ** CHINA TO ELIMINATE THE MIDDLE MAN ** JAKKS GET SPONGEBOB LICENSE ** CARDS FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES? YEP! **

DETAILS ON THESE STORIES AND MORE IN TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: DEALERS BRING UPPER DECK INTO 21ST CENTURY

                                ===========================

(TOPS DEAL OFFICIAL, EISNER GROUP TAKES OVER)

It is official; a group led by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner owns The Topps Company. After a long and protracted battle in which rival Upper Deck almost blew the deal for the Shorin Family and it's board, the stockholders will now get their $9.75 per share. The $385 million deal became a reality on Friday.

"This is a great day for Topps and it's shareholders," said Arthur T. Shorin, CEO and the last link to the founding Shorin's, in a statement. "This transaction provides our former investors with full value for their shares and ensures the further success of our iconic company."

(Eisner now controls the Bazooka Joe icon Image.)

Eisner's Tornante Group and investment firm Madison Dearborn Partners formed the Joe Holding Company and the Joe Acquisition Company in order to pitch for Topps. Dissident stockholders fought a good fight in trying to kill the deal saying $9.75 was undervaluing the company. UDC also tried to buy Topps but many thought it was an attempt to look at sensitive company material and Topps refused to give UD officials what they wanted in terms of distribution information.

In the end, it was Eisner who bought the company after saying his offer was final and if the deal didn't go through, he would not up his bid. He comes up a winner.

"Topps is a wonderful company with a rich history and a strong brand portfolio," Eisner said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the company's outstanding management and employees to grow Topps in new and innovative ways."

(Michael Eisner;The new head of The Topps Company)

The Brill Report has asked for an exclusive interview with Eisner but so far officials say he is not ready to discuss his plans. TBR has repeatedly offered insights and views into what Eisner seems to be planning in expanding Topps into his growing multi-media company. Bazooka Joe webisodes and cartoons being possible targets for Eisner's budding firm.

The key to the Eisner deal over UDC or the dissident board members is with Tornante, key management are being kept in place.

"We are pleased to have a talented and experienced group of investors who are committed to growing our company and to delivering added value to our partners; the people who enjoy our products every day and to our terrific team of employees whose efforts have this transaction possible," said President and COO, Scott Silverstein.

Topps was founded in 1938 and while going from public to private to public to private over the years, it has remained mainly in the control of the Shorin family.

                                   ====================

(UPPER DECK BUILDS DEALER BUSINESS SITE)

It took longer than anyone in the hobby ever expected but Upper Deck finally has an e-commerce site for it's dealer base. The Business-to-Business website has been in the planning and building stages for two years. The site offers the new dealer base called "Diamond Dealers" the opportunity to order and track on-line.

"No longer will dealers need to call in an automated line and hope they get what they need," said Mike Phillips, director of Hobby Sales in a statement. "They can now log into the site with their account number and PIN to see every product available, order what they want and get immediate confirmation of these orders."

Upper Deck will phase out the phone line system beginning in November. The new site also replaces the old antiquated dealer site. Phillips said the store owner will also be able to select different shipping carriers and track packages on-line.

"Accounts purchasing direct from Upper Deck are in store for an even more enhanced service," he said. "Their time is valuable so we want this service to be quick and easy for them."

One of the keys to the new site is you don't have to be a direct dealer, you can be a hobby store owner who purchases from a distributor. The site also offers capabilities for the other parts of the the company such as gaming, entertainment and memorabilia. Part of the site is dedicated to promotions to help dealers learn more about running tournaments and improving their stores.

Topps began it's ToppsPro Dealer web site several years ago and found it to be a tremendous help. The company still has it's phone line service as a back-up and some dealers take advantage of it. Most find it so much easier to order on-line over the Internet.

                                          ================

(SPORTKINGS READY, DONRUSS AMERICAN DELAYED TO 2008)

In stunning news, one of the most highly anticipated products of the year, Donruss Americana, has been pushed back nearly two months. Americana, a non sports trading card product featuring autographs of historical and entertainment figures, was to be released Thanksgiving week, November 21. The new release date is January 9, 2008.

(The new Sportkings comes In a large protective box.)

Dealers were sent an email with the information but no explanation as to why the delay. Most common reason given by manufacturers lately regarding delays has been the desire to eliminate all redemption cards and to have every autograph in-house before shipping. No word from Donruss Playoff on the reason.

On the other hand, the anxiously awaited SportKings is ready to rock and roll. November 1 is when the product rolls out. The new SportKings calls for the retail price to be over $300 per pack and is being watched closely. This is the first hobby product of such magnitude to not be a licensed mainstream product.

"We finally received all our hard-signed autograph cards and now we can begin the pack out process," said company top man Dr. Brian Price. "We will spend a great deal of time hand collating the cards in this product as that is what customers will expect."

The November release date is for Series A. Series B is in the planning stages with a number of the athletes selected by the fans through a vote on the company web site. SportKings is a mixture of players from all sports including horse racing, track & field and boxing.

                                  ========================

(FLIPPING FOR O-J, PUTS A STRAIN ON THE JUICE)

He is 40 years old and he's flipping on the Juice and this means putting the squeeze on O.J. Simpson. Charles Cashmore of Las Vegas intends to plead guilty today in Las Vegas to reduced charges in the O.J. Simpson case and could spend up to five years in jail.

(Charles Cashmore, cashes out on the Juice.)

Cashmore is taking the plea deal and will testify at least two of the men in the room with Simpson the night he attempted to get his memorabilia back, did have guns. Simpson and others were arrested last month after they confronted memorabilia dealers trying to sell Simpson's personal items. The former NFL star and actor said it was a sting operation and he was attempting get back his own stuff.

Evidently at least one of the men with Simpson pulled a gun to reinforce the idea. Simpson is charged in what amounts to an armed robbery and will face a judge probably in December. Other charges include conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping. Cashmore's testimony will likely damage Simpson's case since he will testify two of Simpson's accomplices brought guns to the party.

There is speculation Simpson himself will eventually be offered a deal and could spend time in prison but nothing yet has been declared. If this does happen it would be the ultimate irony for the former Buffalo Bills running back. Acquitted of killing his wife and her friend, losing a civil case and pretty much everything he owns except his pension, only to possibly end up in jail for trying to get back what he says was rightfully his in the first place --- something which was stolen from him.

                                ========================

(CHINA WORKING TO ELIMINATE THE MIDDLE-MAN WORLDWIDE)

Two billion Chinese? The world's businesses salivate at the potential market. Now however, the Chinese are trying to turn the tables via the Internet. China announced it is embarking on the new world-wide Internet mall called the Beijing Cyber Recreation District. The BCRD will basically be a web site linking local Chinese factories with consumers around the world.

The idea? The consumer buys a product from a U-S retailer which was made in China. A tag on the item will carry a web site where the manufacturer can deal directly with the consumer and therefore sell directly to the consumer anywhere in the world. In other words; eliminate the middle man.

(Millions of Chinese consumers mix the old with the new as the Internet explodes across borders although it will take time for China to be as efficient as other countries in delivering the goods to individuals in the market.)

Imagine Chinese factories making items to order for consumers around the world, the transaction completed and paid for via the Internet and the product delivered direct to the door of the consumer from Anchorage, Alaska to Zelienople, Pennsylvania. The Chinese are turning the tables. However China will allow access, albeit limited to its middle class which is growing exponentially.

"This will make you think of China in a different way," said Chi Tau Robert Lai, who is the chief scientist of the project, speaking in San Jose, CA. "We are stepping back and trying to blend the human and the computer to touch everything associated with people's lives."

While efficiency isn't easy to achieve especially when dealing with the thousands of factories in China the country hopes to have the basics up and running in a year. Currently the system of selling thousands of items to a distributor and on down to the retailers gives China it's best margins along with volume. Going person to person will not only take time but is not what China's workforce is used to. It will take time but don't bet against them.

                                   =====================

(CARDS FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES, A UNIQUE APPROACH)

Someone in Toronto wants sportscards. He or she wants them so much they are willing to trade "school supplies" for them. A note in the classified section of the Kijijij Classified Internet Site, shows 45 people have looked at the ad and whether or not any trades have been conducted is anyone's guess.

The solicitor is offering pencils, scotch tape, erasers, post it notes and just about everything imaginable in exchange for sportscards. The trader doesn't say what they want, just sportcards. It looks more like a warehouse for a stationary store than anything else.

Any takers? We'd be glad to hear if there are. Look for ad no. 20495388.

                                ===========================

(JAKKS DOES DEAL FOR SPONGEBOB)

Adults as well as kids, believe it or don't, are a huge audience for the hit cartoon series "SpongeBob SquarePants." Over 64 million viewers watch the lovable cartoon character every month and more than $6 billion in retail sales have been generated from the character.

Now JAKKS Pacific has signed a licensing deal to produce collectible micro-figures, plush toys and other creative items. Viacom and Nickelodeon signed a deal to license the toymaker with its hot property.

"As we prepare to celebrate the tenth anniversary of everyone's favorite animated character, JAKKS is the perfect partner to bring new innovation to our toys," said Leigh Ann Brodsky, president of N&V Consumer Products. "JAKKS has been developing creative product lines for Nickelodeon for many years and we're delighted to add SpongeBob SquarePants, a multi-billion dollar brand and a consumer favorite, to JAKKS' Nickelodeon portfolio."

(SpongeBob SquarePants is a hot property.)

For six years the TV show has been number one among kids age 2-11. Nielsen ratings show "a massive number of adult fans" as well tune into the program. SpongeBob is an endearing yet wisecracking figure adults can enjoy and now JAKKS has this hot property.

                                   ====================

SET BUILDERS; DO THE MANUFACTURERS CARE?

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 164

HOT *BUTTON*STORY

(ELVIS BACK IN THE BUILDING; IN PAJAMA'S!!!)

** SET COLLECTORS, DOES ANYONE CARE

** ELVIS IS BACK WITH A Vengance

** MORE TOY RECALLS, TOO MUCH LEAD

** EBAY STARTING IT'S OWN NEIGHBORHOOD

** MORE SUITS FILED AGAINST GIANT AUCTIONEER

** EBAY PAID TOO MUCH FOR SKYPE SAYS CO-FOUNDER

** JOSH GIBSON AND BABE RUTH TOGETHER FINALLY

** PINK IS IN IF YOU ARE STEINER ** HERITAGE AUCTIONS NEW MAG **

DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES IN TODAY'S TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: UD REDEMPTION'S GETTING BETTER.

                            ===========================================

                                        ======================

(SET BUILDING; WHO REALLY DOES CARE?)

John Cooper is a 40-something collector from Upstate New York, living as a transplant along California's central coast. In all his years of collecting, as a boy, in the Navy and as an adult there is really only one thing he cares about; collecting an entire set. He is not getting much satisfaction these days.

"I don't know that you'd call me a serious collector but I collect seriously," Cooper told The Brill Report. "I don't think the manufacturers really care about us set collectors anymore though."

(Collector John Cooper wants to be able to get a complete set of a small series at a reasonable price with the manufacturers putting most of the cards in the box.)

His main complaint this year and in previous years are the really nice looking products with base sets of 100 cards but only 35-plus cards in an entire box.

"I really like Legendary Cuts, the base cards, the design, the players, many of these guys haven't been in other Upper Deck sets with retired players in them," Cooper said. "I want to put together a base set of whatever it is, a hundred cards I think, but I can't afford to buy three or four boxes at over $100 a box to build a set I can buy for $25."

Cooper's dilemma is one the hobby has faced since the early 1990's but has been exacerbated by the rising cost of boxes combined with the continued emphasis on "hits" per box. The typical box an adult will buy features 12 packs of cards, three to four hits per box at a cost of $100-$120 per box. Inside the common cards average three or four per pack. It doesn't take long to figure out a set collector is out of luck with this type of product.

Upper Deck went completely away from set builders with Sweet Spot Classic. The cost per pack is the same as per a regular box; about $120. The handful of cards inside reveals three hits (just like a box would have) and two common cards. It is designed for the heavy hitter who doesn't want the bulk of all those extra cards in a box. Instead it's two common cards per tin at $120 per tin.

"What is the point of the common card?" Asks Cooper. "Why put them in there at all."

For Cooper, and many other set collectors we speak to, Short Prints are not the problem. They don't mind chasing a few short print or SP cards. They do mind finding only 40 cards in a box when the set is 100 cards. With perfect collation it would take three boxes or approximately $300 to build a $25-$35 set of cool looking cards.

Cooper took his problem to UD directly by calling the Customer Service Department.

(Legendary Cuts base card.)

"It was like the guy didn't even care at all," he told TBR. "I spent 20 minutes on the phone telling the guy to tell his management if they are going to put 12 packs in a box for a 100 card set, could we please at least have five or six common cards per box. I just want to build a set at a reasonable price."

It can be assumed the Customer Service rep likely did tell his bosses about the call but probably not much consideration will be given to a single call regarding a matter such as this. Upper Deck doesn't talk to TBR so we'll leave the issue at this point for UDC.

Topps has always pushed for set building and while Topps seems to have more sets conducive to set builders it's higher end sets are also almost impossible to complete. Topps Sterling only has 21 cards but at the price is hardly obtainable. The Internet is where most of those sets get completed.

Topps Heritage and Bowman Heritage series are designed for set builders and those who like large sets find them challenging and even exhilarating. These are dead on set builders sets. Upper Deck doesn't seem to offer the same type of card series. For Cooper's purpose the Heritage sets are not for him. He prefers the smaller sets.

"I don't have the money or the time to chase all over to build the Heritage Sets although they are really great sets," he said. "I like the smaller sets which I can enjoy and I just want to be able to put them together for a reasonable price. I like the hits too but if they are going to put out a 100 card set I'd like to be able to get most of it in the box. It's not that I have anything against the bigger sets, I just like the smaller ones because I enjoy them."

                                          ==================

(ELVIS BACK IN THE BUILDING; IN HIS JAMMIE'S)

Where did Press Pass get all those pairs of pajama's worn by Elvis? We've seen a couple boxes opened and each had a swatch of Jammie's worn by the King of Rock N Roll. Kathy C. of Ventura, California was thrilled.

(Kathy C. showing off her Elvis pulls including Pajama's and a signed card of an Elvis co-star. Notice the Elvis Pez container at bottom.)

"I was thrilled when I opened the box and I beat the odds," she told The Brill Report. "I got a swatch from his purple pajama's, another swatch and even an autographed card."

The signed card was from an Elvis co-star Cynthia Pepper. The actress starred in the King's 1964 film, "KIssin' Cousins," as Cpl. Midge Riley.

"This was almost as cool as getting a swatch of his underwear," added Kathie, before thinking, and laughing out loud. "No I will stick with the pajama's, I draw the line at underwear."

Another collector opened a box and also got a swatch of Elvis' PJ's. This wasn't purple though.

"Oh look, I got a pair of pajama's swatch," said Terry Bonham as he opened his box. "This one is plaid, not a solid color."

The two swatches definitely came from different pairs of clothing. The Press Pass Elvis series is selling for about $3 per pack. This seems to be the first of the Elvis series released in recent years where there is an emphasis on autographs of people who fled with him aside from his band.

                                          =====================

(MARVEL HALTS CURIOUS GEORGE, MAY RECALL TOY)

A consumer group found a Curious George backpack made for Marvel to contain 10 times the amount of lead legally allowed. The company said it may recall the toy after further testing. These are made in China. The question was raised after testing by the The Center for Environmental Health.

(Curious George, a mom favorite, is a small part of the Marvel empire.)

"We have already reached out to the Center for Environmental Health for their help in identifying the product they tested and the full details of their testing," said a spokesman for Marvel. "In the meantime, we have halted all shipments of our Curious George product line and are pulling various samples from the factory for rush lead testing."

The CG line is a small part of the overall Marvel toy line. So far this year Mattel has recalled 21 million toys made in China and RC2 has recalled several million more.

Meanwhile the government issued another recall affecting about half a million toys. Among them are keychains made for Dollar General, Baby Einstein Blocks and Winnie the Pooh Bookmarks. All contain overt levels of lead and are made in China.

In addition, an investor is filing a lawsuit against Mattel over Mattel's delays in announcing the recalls. The investor is also charging key executives dumped $33 million in stocks just before the recalls were announced.

                                     ====================

(MORE LAWSUITS AGAINST EBAY)

The fourth French company to file a lawsuit against eBay is Hermes International, maker of luxury goods. Hermes joins Dior, Vuitton and L'Oreal in filing suit. They are all trying to get eBay to stop the sale of counterfeit goods on it's site. No comment from either eBay or Hermes at this point.

                                   ======================

(EBAY PAID TOO MUCH FOR SKYPE. SURPRISE SURPRISE)

Most who saw the sale of VOIP company Skype to eBay two years ago for as much as $4.3 billion, as ludicrous, are seeing some justification. TBR was one of those saying the price was wildly too much. Now one of the co-founders of Skype, who recently resigned his position admits the price was too high.

eBay has cut about $1.2 Billion off that price (the last billion or so was to be based on performance) and has paid out over $530 million to shareholders and others. Meanwhile at a conference in Hungary Niklas Zennstrom, a co-founder, admitted the company was over valued when the deal was made.

The Voice Over the Internet phone service was supposed to revolutionize the telecommunications business.

                                   =================

(EBAY BUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS AND ADDING ONE-CLICK BIDDING SOON)

It's your "Neighborhood" and eBay will have it soon. In an effort to boost lagging listings eBay is going to add a social networking position to the site called "Neighborhoods." Listings, totaling 480 million items last quarter actually showed a decrease. This is about a two percent drop. The drop for Power Sellers is much bigger; about 25-percent.

In hoping to get more consumers together to have a more fun shopping experience, the company is going to offer the social networkings arena. This means buyers and sellers can communicate with photos like they do on MySpace rather than basically dealing in text. Getting people together and talking should make them more anxious to shop on eBay -- or so it would seem. Especially if they are passionate about their buying. Sportscards is a prime area for this new Neighborhood network part of eBay.

"On eBay people who are passionate about certain brands, trends, celebrities or products, have been discovering and trading with one another for years," said Jamie Lannone, eBay VP of Buyer Experience. "We hope that eBay Neighborhoods makes this even easier by combining commerce, communication and community in a way that enhances traditional on-line buying and selling."

The company started looking into alternatives such as this when Wall Street saw eBay wasn't growing exponentially as it was previously. eBay is also going to add a new feature soon to allow those last minute bidders to be a little quicker. The company will introduce the "one button bid" coming soon which will make it easier to bid in the last few seconds before an item closes.

                                  ==================

(UPPER DECK REDEMPTION'S GETTING BETTER)

Upper Deck's promise to fulfill redemption cards in a guaranteed time frame or they will send a replacement seems to be working. Recently a large number of redemption cards were fulfilled. UD added a nice touch, sending an email as the card is shipped to let the consumer know it's coming.

(Harold Baines recently signed.)

TBR recently sent in a Harold Baines signed Sweet Spot Classic redemption and it arrived in about a month. Previous redemption's averaged from four to six months while some were never fulfilled but were substituted after about one year.

Last year UD had hundreds of thousands of unfulfilled Redemption Cards at one point, and said it was a top priority to eliminate them this year.

                                      =========================

(THE BABE AND JOSH; TOGETHER ON CANVAS FOR THE FIRST TIME)

When it comes to three commonly discussed items in baseball, there is little doubt about them;

1. Babe Ruth was the "greatest" player in the game

2. If allowed to play in the big leagues, Josh Gibson would have challenged Ruth's records

3. A home run derby between the two would have sent TV ratings through the roof.

(The meeting which never was.)

Well, the last one isn't discussed much at all, but it's a fun thought. Ruth saved the game after the horror of 1919 when the White Sox, called the Black Sox, fixed the World Series for gamblers. Of this there is no question. He changed the game. Gibson on the other hand never had the chance to play MLB due to the color barrier but there is little doubt he would have given Ruth a run for his money.

Now the pair is being depicted on a Bill Purdom painting, side-by-side, in a fictional meeting. The painting was approved by the families of both players and their foundations. It was a sort of brainchild of the player's great grandson's who just happen to meet at a wedding reception by chance. Such a chance meeting never took place between the actual players.

"I think Babe would have loved the chance to play against Josh," said Brent Stevens, son of Julia Ruth Stevens. "He played a lot of interracial exhibition games and enjoyed the experience."

(The meeting which took place by chance.)

Sean Gibson, who is Josh's great grandson added there was mutual respect between them.

"I'm pretty sure Josh had a lot of respect for Babe," he said. "Babe was hitting home runs and making history in the majors, while Josh was making his own history in the Negro Leagues."

The younger Gibson points out in African American circles The Babe was referred to as "the White Josh Gibson."

The prints will be limited to 300 18 x 24 inch heavy, satin canvas pieces with a price tag of under $300. An 8 x 10 version will sell for under $50 and will be an open edition. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Babe Ruth League Scholarship Fund and the Josh Gibson Foundation.

                                        ==================

(HERITAGE MAGAZINE TARGETS HIGH END GUYS)

Heritage Auctions is now releasing it's own high end magazine targeting high end collectors, and or spenders. A quarterly Heritage Magazine it ships this month and is aimed at those who regularly spend the big dollars at auction for all kinds of collectibles. Jim O'Neal is on the cover. The former CEO of Frito-Lay is a rare coin collector.

"The collectibles market is growing at a phenomenal rate with everything from fine art to comics growing as legitimate investments," said Hector Cantu, director of editorial. "We'll be providing collectors with solid advice, sales information and interviews so they can make smart decisions when it comes to selling and buying the most sought after collectibles."

Among the unusual going up for auction now is jewelry from a former Bush. Neil Bush's ex-wife Sharon is auctioning off jewelry made for her and the other Bush women by Barbara Bush. The Bush women got tiny replica's of White House dog, Millie. This one of a kind series with links to a twice presidential family is expected to bring some serious dollars.

How about a sword once owns by former president and Civil War hero Gen. Ulysses Grant. It sold for $1.67 million. The magazine also has an exclusive interview with O'Neal who says at one point he had $4 or $5 million burning a hole in his pocket. He is one of the last century's largest gold coin collectors. Cost of the magazine is $9.95.

                                      =========================

(STEINER SIGNS IN PINK FOR AWARENESS AUCTION)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Steiner Sports is taking advantage of the event in an usual way. Items up for auction in the Special Auction are nearly all signed in pink. Pink is the color used by the SASS Foundation to designate awareness for breast cancer.

(Joe Namath signed in Pink without Panty Hose.)

Nearly 180,000 women each year are diagnosed with breast cancer. Portions of the proceeds from sales of these donated items will go to the foundation and other related cancer fighting organizations.

                         ==============

SHAFFER ONCE AGAIN THE "ACE" IN THE HOBBY

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 163

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(TOPPS SAYS VICK CHROME RELEASE "UNINTENTIONAL!!!")

** VICTOR SHAFFER BACK IN THE SADDLE

** TOPPS SAYS VICK CARDS UNINTENTIONAL

** EBAY WARNS SELLERS ABOUT RECALL TOYS

** MILLER CASE GETS REHEARING

** NAXCOM PUSHING HARDER IN AUCTIONS

** EBAY SELLER OFFERING MONEY FOR TRIVIA

** TOPPS PUSHING ECHELON WITH NEW PROMO

** IN THE GAME WRAPPER REDEMPTION HIGH END ** SCOUT PROGRAM ROLLING **

** DAVID WRIGHT PROFILE ** TOPPS SELLING FOOTBALL SETS TO THE PUBLIC **

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN TBR: THE BRILL REPORT...

EDITORIAL COMMENT: THE SELLING OF WHOLESALE DIRECT.

                                         ====================

(VICTOR SHAFFER BACK IN THE DRIVERS SET BUT SITTING ON THE NET)

It's been a long time since Victor Shaffer sat behind a desk as CEO of a trading card company. The man who brought Press Pass and the first "Game Used" items to the hobby is at it again. After years of consulting himself out of a hobby job he's back with Ace Authentics; the company which makes tennis cards. And, he's back running the show as an owner.

"I had been working with Dreams Incorporated spending most of my time in the Mounted Memories division and had worked my way through my contract and was about to go pitching on my own in the trading card business when this opportunity arrived to buy into Ace Authentics," Shaffer said in an exclusive interview with The Brill Report. "I am the CEO and my partner, who is truly a partner, is John Reichel the president."

(Maria Sharapova is one of the darlings of tennis.)

Shaffer applauds Reichel who laid the groundwork and set up the contracts with the players. Shaffer has a long hobby history from his days at Pro Set when he brought in Parkhurst to founding Press Pass and then selling Press Pass to RC2. He stayed on to consult and transition the moved onto the Dreams. There came a time though when Shaffer got itchy to get back in the trading card saddle and tennis believe it or not, was a perfect fit.

"I actually grew up as a tennis player in my youth and worked as a teaching pro working my way through college," he told TBR. "It has always been a great passion of mine and I thought this would be a fun way to combine what I used to do a heck of a lot with my profession and it's been enjoyable."

Ace is currently making about three trading card products a year, tennis figurines and has exclusive contracts for signed and framed memorabilia with nearly all the big names and those trying to overtake them. It basically means, as small as the market may be, Ace is the Place.

(This figure of Roger Federer sold out quickly.)

"If there is a source for authentic memorabilia and there is only one real source to go to, then that is Ace," he said. "We are the only substantial source of tennis memorabilia in the world with our large number of in depth contracts with the players who we go to directly to sign."

Tennis may not be the hot mainstream item and in some ways compares to golf. Shaffer says however there is a big difference in what Ace is doing and what Upper Deck did with the lynx.

"We really are talking two different animals because Upper Deck has to support a much different business model due to their overhead," said Shaffer. "They are big we are not and we run things tightly, we don't have to generate big numbers."

Shaffer says the appeal for tennis much broader domestically and internationally.

"While there are a substantial number of really terrific golfers there really is only one who can have an impact on the trading card and memorabilia markets (Tiger Woods) and you can't say that for tennis," Shaffer added. "Although Roger Federer may go down as the greatest player in the history of the sport there are a number of great players who are meaningful to the market."

He points out Andy Roddick, one of the best known players on the tour isn't even no.1, Maria Sharapova is top ranked and is one of the hottest looking players on the tour plus she is one of the leaders in endorsements deals. Another is Rafael Nadal and these are just a few of the players who are comparable to the top players in other sports. But he isn't leaving out the past.

"In our card products we are recognizing the history of the sport and are tying up players in terms of three to six year contracts including legends of the sport such as Trace Austin, Pat Cash and Steve Smith," he said. "It is important to the history of the sport and to trading cards and the fan base because we had to create a sense of history with players from the 1970's and 80's who contributed so much to the growth of tennis."

(What tennis fan wouldn't like to have the signed match worn shorts from no. 3 Jeleana Jankovic?)

Some of the products will be high end, others not so high end. High end in Tennis is $25 per pack which Shaffer feels is about right. In December the company will release Grand Slam 2 which will feature four cards (2 autographs, a shirt card and another rare limited card with memorabilia). Although things can change this will be one of the cornerstones of the Ace trading cards series.

"This is a niche opportunity and although not an absolutely positive mainstream opportunity at Wal-Mart, still it is an opportunity," he said. "It is a sizable niche when you consider global sport and a global opportunity."

Shaffer realizes the international market is not new ground and says he realizes both Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck have had their failures internationally. He also realizes this is a new era and there are opportunities in the new global market which were much tougher to crack 10 years ago because the world is changing so quickly.

"Clearly the U-S is the main opportunity but the foreign market is ready to develop for both trading cards and memorabilia," said the CEO of Ace. "There are still so many avenues we haven't explored yet globally including international distribution and corporate arena's."

Shaffer founded the "game used" market at Press Pass when he was the first to offer "Race Used" Lug Nuts from Nascar vehicles through redemption cards in packs. Upper Deck later started offering game used jerseys with Shaffer countering with Race Worn fire suits, burning rubber from tires used in races and of course cut up hoods placed in trading cards from the likes of many great racers. He is the father of what is now known as Game Used Memorabilia.

Ace sets up at venues with the support of the sponsors of events such as the Open tournaments, selling their products directly to the public to gain exposure. One really cool product sold for $49 a box and included cards and even a match used Tennis ball. Some were signed. There were also highly regarded rookie cards, signed cards and 1/10 balls were autographed.

The future past tennis?

"Right now we have our hands full with tennis," he answered. "While clearly there are opportunities outside tennis in my mind, for the time being we remain dedicated to tennis."

Somehow TBR feels there is lots of room for growth for one of the brightest minds in the hobby to take tennis as the first step in the next evolution of the trading card industry. If anyone can make the hobby sing, it's Mr. Shaffer.

                                        

     =================

(TOPPS SAYS CHROME VICK A MISTAKE)

A total of five 2007 Topps Chrome Michael Vick cards have sold on eBay with a sixth taking bids now approaching $200. The highest sold for $500 with the lowest in the $300 range. Not bad for cards which were never supposed to be produced. Last week TBR asked Topps for an explanation. Today we got it.

"This was obviously done unintentionally as we officially announced that 2007 Topps Chrome Football would be the first 2007 Topps Football product to not include Michael Vick," spokesman Clay Luraschi told TBR. "We are currently looking into the manufacturing process of the product to determine what happened."

The problem seems to exacerbate itself since not only did Regular Topps Chrome cards get out, Refractors were released and even a rare Blue Refractor. Four of the five sold were purchased by a CPA named Dennis who bought them as an investment.

The sellers included a dealer, a stay at home mom and a collector.

                                   ====================

(EBAY WARNS SELLERS OF RECALLED TOYS)

eBay issued a warning to sellers who are selling toys which have been recalled recently. The website told dealers they can be kicked off the site for selling any of the many recalled toys.

"Listing items on eBay which have been recalled is strictly prohibited and if the Consumer Product Safety Commission asks eBay to remove an item, we will take it down," said Catherine Schwartz, eBay's toy and gadget department leader. "eBay has been working with the CPSC for years as part of our commitment to to making eBay a safe place to trade."

(Some of the Thomas Trains under recall.)

One of the big ones is the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, an RC2 and there were over 100 listings on eBay for the item. eBay says it cannot police everything with over 30 million items on the site at any one time.

However, the company had to get serious with so many lawsuits being filed by consumers regarding the recalled toys. Over the past few months 21 million toys were recalled, many due to lead in the paint such as with the Thomas & Friends Railway.

"The rapid growth of on-line shopping exposes consumers to a different set of challenges in identifying potentially recalled or defective products being sold on-line," said Nancy Nord, acting chairperson of the CPSC. "In order to ensure consumers are not purchasing products which have been deemed hazardous, it is critical for us to work with e-commerce marketplaces such as eBay to educate consumers on these risks."

The web site is also providing links to recall information. Meanwhile CNN is reporting many of the hottest toys for this holiday season will be in short supply, sold out long before they can be remade. The holiday season is expected to account for about $18 billion in toy sales.

                                    ===============

(MILLER CASE GETS REHEARING)

The case of William Miller versus Collectors Universe will be heard again as an appellate court judge granted a motion for a rehearing. Miller won his case against CU but lost what he wanted most; damages.

The company continued to put the long-time authenticator's name on COA's after he left the company and Miller sued. He won a judgment based on the use of his name once, not the 14,000 or so times it appeared. He won $750, but wanted $750 for each offense or $10.5 million. The courts rejected his argument.

Now it looks as if Miller will get another chance to make his case. CU says it doesn't expect any impact on the company, standing by the court's previous decision.

                                    ===============

(NAXCOM AUCTIONS TO FEATURE MANY EBAY LIKE NUANCES)

As NAXCOM starts heading into the auction field there are going to be many similarities to the eBay site. There will be feedback, combined shipping, buy it now features. Two things which will be different are a private offer option. This is something eBay resisted for many years. The other feature differing from eBay is the feedback.

(NAXCOM ready to roll out auctions.)

"All negative feedback will go first through NAXCOM who will assess each one and then assign ratings accordingly," said the site. "In this way it will insure buyers can place negative ratings without fear of retaliation from the seller, while also protecting sellers from buyers that leave unwarranted negative feedback."

This feature alone should make people want to try NAXCOM for trading cards. NAXCOM officials say there are more listings for sportscards on it's site than on eBay.

                                            ================

(EBAY SELLER OFFERS PERKS FOR JUST COLLECT)

An eBay seller (just_collect) is offering cash prizes for eBay watchers who want to try to guess the actual closing price of certain auctions. The Closing Price is a site which deals on eBay selling high dollar vintage items. As part of a grand scheme to gain new buyers to it's auctions it is giving away three prizes for watchers who are good guessers.

"Just like the Price Is Right each week we pick three auctions on eBay (a pre-war card, an autographed card and a vintage card) and you guess the closing price on one or more of them," said co-president Scott Greenwald. "For each auction the closest guess without going over wins $50, second place wins a $25 grading/authentication gift certificate and third place gets a Just Collect Polo shirt."

It is free to play. Guesses end 24  hours before the auctions close.

                                  =====================

(TOPPS ECHELON TO INCLUDE SAME DAY SIGNED MCDONALD'S CARDS)

In these days of signed stickers it is rare a player even touches a card he is supposed to have autographed. Topps has found a way to promote the "card touch" process with it's autographed McDonald's cards in the upcoming Echelon Basketball.

(Some of the high school cards signed.)

"These will include the much talked about same day autographed cards from the 2006 McDonald's High School Game," said Topps.

Among the players in the group are Greg Oden, Brandon Wright, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes, Daequan Cook and Javaris Crittenton. All are numbered to 100 except Hawes who is limited to only 50.

                                         ===================

(TOPPS ON-LINE OFFERS 2007 NFL SETS)

With a direct cost to dealers of just about $30 Topps is offering it's 2007 NFL Factory Sets direct to consumers at $44.95. The sets are being sold from the Topps On-Line Store along with tubs of Bazooka Bubble Gum and boxes of 2007 Topps Total NFL. These boxes are $36.95.

Topps also has Jimmy Rollins autographed helmets but they seem to be sold out.

                                       ====================

(IN THE GAME GOES HIGH END ON WRAPPER REDEMPTION)

In The Game, the other company making hockey cards, is going very high end in its wrapper redemption program for the Canadian Fall Expo in November. The company announced a pair of redemption programs for the annual show in Toronto.

(One of the Ultimate 7 Redemption prizes.)

The first will feature the new product "Oh Canada." Collectors should buy boxes and bring them to the ITG Booth to open them. Once they do they will get either a Game Used memorabilia card designed for the show (limited to 25 of each player), or, a Game Used 1/1 card from the Oh Canada Series.

A second redemption program is even more high end. By opening packs of Ultimate Memorabilia 7 collectors will get one of 20 different cards designed for the Expo and which will contain game used and be sealed in the Ultimate Memorabilia holder.

                                         ===================

(MLBPA SCOUT OUTREACH PROGRAM STARTS ANEW)

New ads are hitting this month in Boys Life and Scout Magazines as Major League Baseball Players Association continues it's push to reach scouts for cards. The program started two years ago and has been successful with scout masters contacting hobby stores to set up field trips to the stores. Each kid gets a collecting goodie kit to take home sponsored by MLBPA.

"Thus far the response has been strong," said Josh Orenstein of MLBPA.

(Scouts can earn Merit Badges as well.)

Store owners are encouraged to have the scout troops come to the store, play some games with cards, hand out pizza and of course give a quick lesson on the history of trading cards. The idea is to get more kids interested in collecting and the local stores where they can buy cards.

Store or scout troops wishing to participate may contact Orenstein at www.baseballcardclubhouse.com.

                                  ================

(DAVID WRIGHT BIG CARD AND AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR)

(Input for the following is courtesy of Topps and Alan Narz)

David Wright of the Mets is what you might call a serious collector. Today he collections autographs.

"Today I'm in a position where it is a little easier for me to get autographs," Wright told Topps consultant, Alan Narz in an interview. "I met Donovan McNabb recently and we both wear no.5 so we are exchanging jerseys."

(David Wright Topps spokesman.)

Wright, a spokesman for Topps had the pleasure of watching a young New York girl get to pick out his next trading card as winner of a Topps contest. Wright told young Meredith Quiros her the choice was also won of his favorites.

"We have good taste, both of us," Wright joked.

As a collector growing up, he did all the right things.

"I went to shops and conventions and opened packs with my dad," he said. "My dad made sure I sorted them as I opened them to keep them in order."

His hero was Cal Ripken Jr., but his favorite card was a Nolan Ryan rookie.

                                     ================