THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502050194
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
The baseball world celebrates a milestone this week: the 100th anniversary of Babe Ruth's birth. The Babe is the sport's best-known figure, and commemoration of his contributions to baseball unites several generations of fans.
The card-collecting hobby has done its part to recognize the Bambino. Young fans can read about his achievements, and collect his image, on a variety of modern items. Many card companies, including Upper Deck, Ted Williams and Conlon have produced cards designed to acquaint a young audience with the Ruth legend. Production of Ruth-retrospective cards has intensified as the centennial approaches, but it's nothing new: Various manufacturers have honored Ruth in their sets a number of times since his death in 1948.
Contemporary-era Babe Ruth cards constitute the hobby's elite stratosphere. Baseball cards were a low-priority use of paper during the '20s and '30s, and cards of Ruth from his playing days are limited to just a few amusement park, ice cream, and gum card issues. Today, they're understandably scarce, desirable, and expensive.
The anniversary of Babe Ruth's birth is an opportunity to reflect on baseball's past, and to be optimistic about its future. As usual, collectible cards are available to provide education, nostalgia, and an additional means of fueling the fan's enthusiasm. MEMO: Brian L. Bigelow is store manager and appraiser for Candl Coins &
Stamps, located on Independence Blvd. and North (Lynnhaven) Mall Drive
in Virginia Beach. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Babe Ruth cards are understandably scarce, desirable and expensive.
by CNB