Dear Babe: I've been researching value of a 1987 Heisman Award program (perfect condition) signed by Paul Hornung and that year's winner, Tim Brown. I can't find any item they have signed that is equivalent. I know they are authentic. It belonged to my father-in -law. The ticket (also in perfect condition) is stapled with one staple to the front of the first page, so when you open the cover it is facing you. The Hornung signature is on top of that same page above where he put the ticket. The Brown signature is on his page in the centerfold .-- Roberta VanDerzee, Lake Luzerne, N.Y.
You've got two Notre Dame Heisman winners -- Hornung won the award in 1956 -- but no signatures on the cover. "I'd put the value of this at $50-$75," said Mike Breeden, a Sports Collectors Digest columnist and autograph expert. "The Hornung adds little value. Most collectors seem to prefer only that year's winner on a given program. Some prefer the signature on the cover, though."
David Kohler, president of www.scpauctions.com, said it might reach into the $100-$150 range.
Dear Babe: I have a 14-x-18 sheet that advertises the first game of the 1955 World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees. It has a team photo of the Dodgers and lists the starting pitchers as (Don) Newcombe and (Whitey) Ford. -- D.P., Redding, Calif.
"This is a fake. It is a fantasy piece -- something that never existed and was created in the past 20 years for sale at flea markets," said Mike Heffner, president of www.Lelands.com auction house.
Some of these do make their way into the hobby and are bought for lots of money by unsuspecting collectors. Some are made to look old (having been) soaked in water, etc. They are not old and can be bought at markets for $25 or less.
Dear Babe: I have a complete set of 1933 National and American league all-stars produced by Renata Galasso, Inc. Ronald Steinback, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Galasso produced a 45-card set in 1983 on the 40th anniversary of the first All-Star game.
The Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards from the editors of Sports Collectors Digest indicates that there are 43 numbered cards along with two unnumbered team photo cards. The set books at $15 with Babe Ruth (No. 31) listed at $5 and Lou Gehrig (43) booking at $3. All other players are $1 commons. The backs of the cards have some player info and a large ad for Galasso.
There is scant mention of the 1933 All-Star Game to be found, according to the guide.
Dear Babe: I wrote to you three years ago and at the time you told me that a signed silver certificate by Sandy Koufax was worth $300 to $500. What is the value of it today? -- Audrey Robinson, Yucaipa, Calif.
There's definitely a market for paper money signed by athletes. However, like everything else, values for signed memorabilia have taken a dip. It depends if the Koufax signed dollar has a vintage signature (when he was still playing) or a newer version. If the signature is vintage and the bill is nice then it should be $300. If the signature is newer, then $150 or so, said Mike Heffner president of www.Lelands.com.
BABE NOTE: Tuff Stuff is no more. The February 2011 issue was the last for the monthly guide that made its debut in 1984. Tuff Stuffs niche was that it had price guide information on all the major sports each month, along with guides for limited edition items and figures. In addition, Sports Collectors Digest, which just began its 38th year (1972-73) has cut back to a bi-weekly schedule, said its editor, Tom Bartsch.
(Send card questions to Babe Waxpak, PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 or e-mail babewaxpak@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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