Dear Babe: Recently I saw the feud and settlement between MLB and Upper Deck. I was wondering if buying 2010 UD Series 1 packs would be a good investment. Since Topps has the official MLB contract for 2010, will UD survive this blow to the chest? -- Jack Polidoro, Laconia, N.H.
When it comes to blows to the chest, it seems as if almost everyone is lining up to get their licks in.
This week's news flash from Upper Deck was that its NFL license was not renewed. A few weeks ago, the NHL and NHLPA renewed UD's license. However, it's no longer exclusive. Panini America also received a license. Panini America picked up Donruss to produce its exclusive NBA cards and has released quality products. Not having the exclusive hockey license has to hurt UD.
Upper Deck also paid for a license from the Major League Baseball Players Association, which appears to have little value after the MLBP settlement. When you add that to losing NBA and MLBP licenses along with paying millions to settle the lawsuits with MLBP and Konami (over counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh! cards), one would think UD is facing an uphill battle. It does have the exclusive license for collegiate cards, but only time will tell how profitable that will be.
As far as its baseball products are concerned, UD said that part of the settlement with Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) included UD paying an undisclosed sum to allow it to continue to sell the three products in questions, 2009 Signature Stars, 2009 Ultimate Collection and 2010 Upper Deck Series One. Methinks MLB did not want to reward UD for its transgression by making the cards scarce and valuable. Making UD pay for the right to continue selling the cards ensures that they would not become "limited" editions with added value.
Instead, since they will be sold as if nothing happened, prices for unopened 2010 product and values should remain normal. Looking at completed auctions on eBay for hobby and retail boxes and what's on store shelves in our neck of the woods that appears to be the case.
Dear Babe: I have a 1983 Braves team baseball signed by Joe Torre, Dale Murphy, Bob Watson, Chris Chambliss and Len Barker to name a few. Randy Johnson has also appeared to sign it. Was he a Brave in '83? -- Craig Williamson, Braselton, Ga.
That's Randy Johnson, but not THE Randy Johnson. That Johnson was a second baseman who was in the Majors from 1981-84. This is definitely an item of regional interest. "Key signatures to look for on the baseball are Dale Murphy (MVP year), Brett Butler and Phil Niekro. If your baseball is in excellent condition and contains at least 20 signatures it is worth $150," said Dean Zindler of Zindler's Sports Collectibles in Norcross, Ga. On other side of the coin, Mike Gutierrez, consignment director for Heritage Auctions (www.ha.com) in Dallas, looking at the ball from a national standpoint said it might be worth $75-$100 and would be a tough sell at that.
Dear Babe: I have a 1977 Angels media guide that is signed by Nolan Ryan and Frank Tanana. They signed their profile pages. -- Joe Moniz, Nashua, N.H.
Since it is a media guide, their pictures are probably on the pages. If that's the case, it's worth $25-$50 with much of the value being Ryan's signature.
(Send card questions to Babe Waxpak, PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 or e-mail babewaxpak(at)charter.net. If possible, include card number, year and brand or a photocopy. Please do not send cards. For Babe Waxpak's blog, see www.scrippsnews.com/waxpak. Babe Waxpak is a feature of The Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif.)
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