2021 Topps Allen Ginter Baseball Review and Box Break

Topps' Allen and Ginter Baseball set traditionally appeals to a broad spectrum of collectors with it's vintage design and celebrity infused checklist. This year's 2021 Topps Allen and Ginter Baseball set stays true to form featuring the likes of Marc Anthony and Jason Biggs, alongside current stars and retired MLB legends. Old school collectors will be happy to see names such as Dick Allen, Vida Blue, Mo Vaughn, and Kent Hrbek in the set, as well as Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry getting his first Allen and Ginter card.

We took a look at the entire set, as well as spoke with Topps' communications manager Emily Kless about the set for our Forbes Sports Money column. Click here to read the review.

2021 Topps Allen and Ginter Box Break

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Chris Potter reels in Dr. Mike Marshall for his March 22nd signings

Chris Potter, who was profiled earlier this year for his tremendous work traveling the country, tracking down retired players to offer autograph signings for fans and collectors, is about to embark on his next round of signings on March 22nd.

Potter's catch this trip is the reclusive Cy Young Award winner, Dr. Mike Marshall. While Marshall has made himself readily available to spread his knowledge about preventing pitching injuries, he has remained one of the most reluctant autograph signers in baseball.

This dates back to his playing days, as Marshall's his anti-autograph stance was detailed in a 1974 Sports Illustrated Article. "Marshall explained that he would willingly sign if the boys could show him that their autograph books also contained the signatures of their teachers and others who 'were really meaningful in their lives.'" Marshall defended his position by stating, "As an athlete, I am no one to be idolized. ... I will not perpetuate that hoax.  They say I don't like kids.  I think that refusing to sign autographs, I am giving the strongest demonstration that I really do like them.  I am looking beyond mere expediency to what is truly valuable in their lives." 

Whatever magic the leprechaun on Potter's site contains must have rubbed off of Dr. Marshall, as Potter has been able to get Marshall to agree to a signing fee, while pricey ($185 for baseball cards), is less than when Marshall did a rare signing with promoter Bill Cocoran a few years ago. For the hardcore collector, this is an opportunity to nab one of the toughest living signers in professional sports.


Potter's next signing trip also includes another tough autograph in former Milwaukee Brave Joey Jay, brothers Gaylord and Jim Perry, Choo Choo Coleman, Cy Young Award Winners Dean Chance, LaMarr Hoyt, Mike McCormick, Rookie of the Year Award Winners Alvin Dark, Ron Hansen, Gary Peters and Stan Bahnsen. He is offering signings with over 50 former players in total. 


Click here to view all of Potter's signings for his March trip. Items are due by March 22nd, 2012.

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Giants retire New York legend Monte Irvin's number 20

A long overdue tribute to one of baseball's pioneer's, and the last living superstar of the Negro Leagues. At 91, Irvin is the last living player who was a superstar in the Negro Leagues before getting to the major leagues. He was the first black on the Giants in 1949, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. Click here to read the article and see video regarding the wonderful, albeit late, ceremony to retire Irvin's number 20 this past weekend.

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Gaylord Perry and George Foster give back at Long Island youth baseball clinic

Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry and former National League MVP George Foster led a group of retired Major League baseball players that delivered an enriching baseball clinic at Hofstra University on May 22nd, 2010.

Sponsored by the MLBPAA and the RPS Treiber Agency Group, over 200 children aged 6-16 attended the clinic. For many of the participants, they were able to have direct instruction from former Major League baseball players.

The baseball alumni sent a clear and consistent message: play hard, have fun, and take care of your education. Perry looked forward to bringing smiles to the faces of both the kids and their parents.

"I enjoying seeing the excitement in the kids and the parents," he said. "The parents saw us play in their day during our day, so they knew what we did, but the young kids are out here to have fun, play ball, and learn a few things. I want to give them confidence that they can do the job."

A return to New York brought back fond memories for Perry who played there with the Yankees towards the end of his career.

"I was fortunate enough to really get my start here in 1964 against the Mets," he said. "I pitched 10 innings in relief, winning in 23 innings. In 1980 I finished the season with the Yankees. They had a very good club, and in 1982 I won my 299th game in Yankee Stadium, so New York is very special to me."

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Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry to lead baseball clinic at Hofstra University

The RPS Treiber Agency Group, today announced that it will host a Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) Legends for Youth clinic at Hofstra University on Saturday, May 22. The clinic will feature Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry, and other former players as instructors, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hofstra University Intramural Field.

The Hofstra clinic is the first New York stop in the 2010 “Legends for Youth Clinic Series. In addition to helping promote the game of baseball and developing basic baseball skills, the clinics also will focus on building kids’ confidence and self-respect, and their sense of responsibility for themselves and their team, important skills and abilities that will benefit them at home and at school.

While participation in the event is free and open to all boys and girls ages 6-16, spots are limited to the first 175 children. Internet registration for this event is taking place at www.baseballalumni.com. The Agency is also donating dozens of tickets to the clinic to local youth organizations.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the Legends for Youth Clinic to our community,” said John Paterno, Area President for RPS Treiber Agency Group. “As an agency dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential, we hope that through these positive role models, children who attend will walk away inspired to give it there their all when it comes to playing sports and maximizing the educational opportunities available to them.”

Co-sponsored by The Hartford, the Hofstra event will also feature former greats: All Stars George Foster and Steve Rogers as well as several other former big leaguers.

“We are very excited to co-host this clinic with RPS Treiber Agency,” said Brooks Robinson, president of the MLBPAA. “Our former players understand how important it is to donate their time to provide fun-filled, educational opportunities to children who can benefit from the influence of positive sports role models.”

About the MLBPAA Legends for Youth Program
Each year, the MLBPAA Legends for Youth Program gives thousands of children across the country a chance to learn baseball fundamentals and life skills from former Major League Legends. This year alone, the program will conduct over 40 free events around the United States and will also visit international locations such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Celebrating its 28th year in existence, the Alumni Association is a non-profit organization that was formed to promote the game of baseball, raise money for charity, inspire and educate youth through positive sport images and protect the dignity of the game through its former players.

To find out more about the MLBPAA’s Legends for Youth program, you can visit their website at, www.baseballalumni.com.

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Feller, Perry and Perez Headline the 2009 MLBPAA Legends for Youth Dinner

The longest standing member of the Hall of Fame Bob Feller stood on the podium 91 years young, a veteran of World War II, addressing a crowd of 250 former players and aficionados Friday at the Hilton Hotel in New York City. Feller, looking ever spry, expressed his affection for the supporters of the MLBPAA, and vowed to be a fixture at the annual reunion dinner for years to come. He introduced the 2009 Alumni Achievement Award honoree, Gaylord Perry, who was being honored for his service to the association. Perry is extremely active with the Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics, where he and other retired MLB players give clinics around the country for young aspiring ballplayers. Fellow Hall of Famer Tony Perez was on hand to announce the 2009 Heart and Hustle Award recipient, which was Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Following the awards, the fans were treated to a round-table where Perry, Feller, Dennis Leonard, Jim "Mudcat" Grant, Tommy John, Rick Cerone, Jeff Cirillo, Mike Torrez, Billy Sample, John Franco, Orestes Destrade and Jimmy Wynn spoke on their favorite MLB experiences. All of the alumni spoke candidly about their travels in the Majors, and showed a genuine appreciation for being able to share them with the fans. "Mudcat" Grant captivated the crowd with an entertaining story of how early in his career he got revenge on an umpire who he believed was "squeezing" him. Grant dipped the unsuspecting umpire's mask in manure, and in the 100 degree heat, the oblivious umpire swore the catcher had soiled himself during the game. The umpire was none the wiser to Grant's prank. Grant also went out of his way to recognize the efforts of Feller for helping to ease baseball's integration by touring with Jackie Robinson's All-Stars in 1946, playing with Larry Doby in 1947 and honorably serving in WWII. Feller graciously accepted Grant's acknowledgment to a standing ovation from the crowd.

To keep up with MLBPAA sponsored events and clinics, check out their website at BaseballAlumni.com

To view additional photos from the event, watch the slideshow below.

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MLBPAA Legends for Youth Dinner Friday November 6, 2009 List of Expected Guests and Schedule

2009 Legends for Youth Dinner
Friday, November 6, 2009
New York Hilton
Avenue of the Americas

6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception (Rendezvous/Petit Trianon)
6:45 p.m. Call to Dinner Program
7:00 p.m. Awards Dinner (Trianon Room)
9:45 p.m. Dinner Program Ends

**Dress is Business Attire/Semi-Formal/Coat & Tie

Please be aware of the MLBPAA autograph policy for the event. Limit the items you bring to the event to items that fit in your pocket. Bags, bats, or other large items are not permitted.

List of Confirmed Guests as of October 28, 2009

Gaylord Perry – Honoree
Bob Feller
Tony Perez
Craig Anderson
Tony Balsamo
Fred Cambria
Rick Cerone
Ed Charles
Jeff Cirillo
Don DeMola
Orestes Destrade
John Doherty
John Franco
Oscar Gamble
Jim “Mudcat” Grant
Jim Hannan
Paul Hartzell
Tommy John
Brian Johnson
Joe Lahoud
Tim Leary
Al Leiter
Dennis Leonard
Phil Linz
Skip Lockwood
Bob Miller
Jerry Moses
Jim Poole
Dennis Rasmussen
Ron Robinson
Steve Rogers
Will Royster
Billy Sample
Steve Shillet
Charles Smith (NBA)
Craig Skok
Gary Thorne – Master of Ceremonies
Frank Tepedino
Rusty Torres
Mike Torrez
Jose Valdivielso
Jimmy Wynn

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2009 MLBPAA Legends for Youth Dinner November 6, 2009 - Hilton New York City

Established in 1999, the MLBPAA created the Legends for Youth Dinner recognizing former Major League players for their on-field accomplishments coupled with their off-field contributions to communities across the world. In addition, the MLBPAA recognizes current players by presenting the National and American League Pitcher and Player of the Year Awards, which is voted on by the former Major League players, and the Dick Schaap Memorial Player of the Year Award, voted on by baseball’s television and radio broadcasters and presented to Major League Baseball’s most valuable player irrespective of position or league. Finally, the Alumni Association created the Heart & Hustle Award, presented annually to a current player and voted on by former players. The winner is the player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game of baseball. Whether or not these players are named a Most Valuable Player, are a World Series Champion or simply play the game hard each time they take the field, these players win our admiration and respect.

The Legends for Youth Dinner, which will be held on November 6, 2009 at the Hilton in New York City, honors baseball’s legends with MLBPAA Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year's honoree is Hall of Fame pitcher, Gaylord Perry. In addition to the honorees, many of baseball’s greats attend the awards show to support their peers. “The MLBPAA is proud to recognize current and former Major League players for their accomplishments on this national stage,” said Brooks Robinson, Hall of Fame Third Baseman and MLBPAA President.

This event also serves as the primary fund-raiser for the Alumni Association’s youth programs. The MLBPAA allocates Legends for Youth Dinner proceeds to Alumni youth programming, which includes Legends for Youth Baseball Clinic Series. The Legends for Youth program is a series of FREE baseball clinics designed to talk to youth about life skills promote baseball and teach young players baseball fundamentals. “The life skills station carries the most weight for the long-term,” said Denny Doyle, chairman of the youth clinic series. “It carries a little more strength and power coming from a Hall of Famer. We realize that puts a great deal of responsibility on our shoulders.”

Confirmed guests at this year's dinner include Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Tony Perez, Brooks Robinson, as well as perennial all-stars John Franco, Steve Garvey and Al Leiter. To find out more information about the 2009 Legends for Youth Dinner at the Hilton in New York City, click here. To register directly for the dinner, click here.

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