I just got this back from PSA - a check from Pro Sport Services endorsed by Ryne Sandberg. I sent it to PSA basically for the encapsulation, but it's cool to have the authentication as well.
I'm still trying to find some information on Pro Sport Services. From what I can tell, they are either an agency or a marketing company.
With the college football season coming to a close and the NFL playoffs kicking off this weekend, I figured this was a good time to discuss Ryne Sandberg, the football player. Sandberg die-hards know that he was a three-sport star at North Central High School in Spokane, Washington. In fact, he was recruited by Division I schools to play quarterback and even signed a letter of intent with Washington State University. However, when the Philadelphia Phillies came calling, he chose the route of hardball, and we know where that took him.
A couple of months ago, I picked up a magazine about the history of North Central football (1908-1981). There is an article inside about the 1977 team led by quarterback Ryne Sandberg. Sandberg directed the team to its first undefeated season since 1928. All-City in 1976 and 1977, he was North Central's first All-American high school player. At the time the magazine was published, Sandberg held many school football records: total yards in a game, season, and career; attempts in a career; completions in a game, season, and career; and passing touchdowns in a season and career.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much else on Sandberg in the magazine. Even so, it was fun reading what I could about the team and Ryne, the football player.
Ryne Sandberg has been named the manager of the Iowa Cubs for 2010, replacing Bobby Dickerson. This is yet another step for Ryno on his way to a gig in the big leagues. This also means he is within driving distance of me. I may have to make a trip to watch him manage.
Check that - after looking at the schedule, I will definitely make a trip to watch him manage.
The members of The Bench have voted me the recipient of the 2009 Benchies Award for Player Collector for my Ryne Sandberg collection. This is one of the proudest moments of my collection. I went head to head with collectors of Todd Hollandsworth, Jon Matlack, and Brian Roberts. Other players in the mix were Sean Casey, Don Mattingly, Manny Ramirez, and Shaquille O'Neal. All of the collections in the competition are excellent collections, but I am extremely happy to come out on top. I will cherish this award for as long as I collect, and I will continue to work on my collection to hopefully someday win the Super Collector award.
Sandberg led his 2009 Tennessee Smokies to the Southern League Championship Series, but unfortunately they fell short, losing the series to the Jacksonville Suns three games to one in a best-of-5. This is as close as Ryno has ever gotten to a championship since turning pro.
It's only a matter of time, but I feel he will eventually get that ring he is coveting. The perfect scenario - Ryno succeeds Lou as manager of the Chicago Cubs and leads them to their first World Series win since 1908. Hey, it could happen!
Ryne Dee turns 50 years young today. Here's to hoping that he gets what he wants (perhaps a comeback series win for the Southern League championship?).
A new category has been added to the collection. I had been looking for a shirt that fit my criteria for a while. The shirt has to be a size large and come with the tags intact. After a long wait, I finally have one, and it came at a pretty good price. Behold, the first shirt to enter my collection - a 1991 Salem Sportswear Face to Face!
My older daughter and I just returned today from a short trip to Chicago. The last stop on our trip was Wrigley Field, where the Cubs were hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. The promotion for that game (8/11) was a Ryne Sandberg bobblehead. We were the first ones at the gate we entered to be sure we didn't miss out on one of these beauties. We were happy campers to have been able to obtain these in person. Unfortunately, the Cubs came out on the wrong side of the battle, losing 4-3 in 12 innings.
This is the second Sandberg item I have received for attending a game. The other was on August 4, 2007, when the New York Mets visited Wrigley. Caps with Ryno's 23 were given away that night. If only I were fortunate enough to attend all games in which Sandberg is given away in one form or another.
I had a nice little mailday today. I received an awesome lot I purchased from fellow Sandberg collector, Selby. Selby has an unbelievable Sandberg collection. It took me a while to get Selby fully paid, but he was gracious enough to allow me to pay in installments. It was a long wait, but it was well worth it. Here are a couple of the highlights.
1993 Bleachers Silver Prism - I fell in love with these cards when I saw scans of them. The scans do them no justice. These cards are beautiful in person.
1993 Vineline Sheet - This sheet of cards shows Ryno through the years (1982-1992). The cards are uncut, but they would look just as good as separate cards. I might have to find another set already cut or one that I can cut myself. This one will remain as is.
Like Father's Days past, I received an allowance that I used to pick up goodies for my collection. This year, I picked up a 1989 Chicago Cubs Ticket Plans Brochure; 1991 Baseball's Best Record Breakers Page #21; Full Tickets to Games 3, 4, and 5 of the 1989 National League Championship Series at the San Francisco Giants; a 1982 Chicago Cubs 8000th Victory Poster; and a 1992 Allied American Insurance Company Cubs All-Stars Poster.
I also picked up this cool Mitchell & Ness Chicago Cubs Retired Number Flag. It is my favorite item of the bunch. It is 24x14 and made of wool. The flag will be hung in the shrine with pride.
