THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 19, 1995 TAG: 9503190175
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Once again, Michael Jordan is dominating the card-hobby news.
The recent speculation, confirmed Saturday, that Jordan's return to professional basketball is imminent has caused stock in Jordan-endorsed product companies to rise and has had a similar effect on interest in his collectible cards. He'll play for the Bulls today.
Jordan's change of heart (and sport) will help to cement his position as the most popular figure to appear on modern trading cards. His cards were solid values when he was ``only'' the best-ever basketball player. They became objects of more intense interest during his transition into baseball: Both baseball and basketball depictions of Jordan were eagerly sought by hobbyists.
Now the reverse move by Jordan promises to excite collectors even more.
The bottom line for the collecting hobby and its enthusiasts is that Michael Jordan will remain a hot commodity. He's demonstrated that, no matter what sport or uniform is involved, his cards define collectibility by being items for which demand can only increase. At the moment, no other sports figure can lay claim to that status. 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 of Jordan basketball card
by CNB