Dear Babe: In 1989 when I was 15, my Dad and I went to an Oakland A’s game with Rick Bosetti, the former major league outfielder. Rick was able to get us into the dugout and on the field before the game during batting practice. We talked to several players but were not allowed to get autographs. Just before we left the field for our seats, Dave McKay, then the third base coach, yelled out to me “hey kid,” tossing a ball to me. There are 30 autographs. Some of the more notable players were Carney Lansford, Dave Parker, Dennis Eckersley, Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Tony LaRussa, Terry Steinbeck, Dave McKay, Rick Honeycutt, Rickey Henderson, and Greg Cadaret. It is in very good condition – in a plastic case for years.

– Ryan Barry, Redding, Calif.

Who can forget the Bay area World Series of 1989, which was interrupted for 10 days by the earthquake?

The A’s were in the middle of three-year run of American League titles, but 1989 was the only time they were able to win it all. Of course some of the luster has worn off, because the team’s two stars, Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, the Bash Brothers, have been tainted by steroid revelations.

“They are quite common actually. Most don’t have the full team or few secretarial signatures. They have sporadic sales because they are common. The value is anywhere between $350-$700, depending on who needs one at the time it’s offered,” said Mike Gutierrez, consignment director for Heritage Auctions (www.ha.com).

Dear Babe: I have a couple of cards signed by former Giants Rod Beck and Matt Williams. The Beck card is a 1995 Upper Deck card No. 86. Williams signed a 1990 Mother’s Cookies card.

– C. R., Palo Cedro, Calif.

As we’ve discussed before, signed cards that aren’t certified by a card manufacturer have little value. Card collectors don’t covet autograph cards.

Autograph collectors prefer something larger to be signed (8×10 photos), so the signature can be displayed.

Beck died in 2007 at the age of 39. Often when a player or former player dies young there’s a premium for autograph, but that doesn’t appear to the case with Beck. That aside for these players, there seems to be little interest in signed cards – even those certified by a company.

Da Babe says a buck or two for each one – if you can find a buyer.

Babe note

It’s not that often that a food issue is on the leading, but that’s the case for Taco Bell Panini cards that are now available.

The borderless cards have rounded corners. While, the back mentions Taco Bell trademarks, there are none on the cards.

A five-card pack comes with the purchase of a Kids’ Meal at participating restaurants. It’s a 150-card set (five players from each of the 30 NBA teams) that includes updated photos of many players in new jerseys as well as “Rated Rookie” logos on top first-year player’s cards.

The updated photography for several star players whose off-season team changes were not captured in the mainstream 2012-13 NBA Hoops release includes Ray Allen (Miami Heat), Steve Nash and Dwight Howard (Lakers), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Jason Kidd (New York Knicks), Andrew Bynum (Philadelphia 76ers), Landry Fields (Toronto Raptors), Jeremy Lin (Houston Rockets) and Andre Iguodala (Denver Nuggets).

The promotion runs until
May 22 or while supplies last.

Babe Waxpak is written by Bill Wagner. If you have a question for Babe Waxpak, include your full name and hometown, the card number, year and manufacturer or send a photocopy. Please do not send cards. The address is: Babe Waxpak, Box 492397, Redding CA 96049-2397 or email babewaxpak@charter.net.

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