Flyers, "Players Favorite Things Basket" Auction

Here's a unique experience for anyone attending the Flyers game tonight (December 17th) against the Caps: The 2013 Players Favorite Things Basket Auction.  The baskets were designed by the individual player - with items related to their specific tastes.  Also available are baskets for the coaches, Ed Snider and Paul Holmgren.  There are some pretty cool options available - though, opening bid amounts may be enough to keep the casual collector away.  Here are a few that caught my eye:

Craig Berube

Highlights:

• Signed "Get Lost" Welcome Mat
• His favorite books: "Ultimate Bar Book" and "Healthy Garden Book" (odd pairing, don't you think?)
• Favorite condiments: Lakeshore Guinness Mustard, Honey-Beer Dipping Mustard

Opening Bid: $250

Comments: What I take from this is that Chief has a great sense of humor, and would be awesome to hang out with.  Anyone who lists dipping mustards among their favorite things is alright in my book!

Kimmo Timonen

Highlights:

• Autographed practice helmet
• Game-used gloves used in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Opening Bid: $250

Comments: Kimmo's one of my favorite current players - 'nuf said...

Luke and Brayden Schenn

Highlights:

• Game stick from and autographed by each
• Game worn gloves autographed by both
• Breaking Bad Season 1 DVD, Pringles, and NHL 14 (wait, this is MY list of favorite things)

Opening Bid: $250

Comments: Cool items - but, geez... I feel for these guys always being a "pair".  It would definitely give me a complex...

Check out the complete listing of baskets/contents here.  Good Luck!

Philly Show Finds

After spending anytime on my blog, you'll come to realize I am a true collector of paper!  Posters, programs, photos, cards... I just can't fight the urge to look (and often buy).  On top of that, I love collecting unique items from the 1970s and 1980s that represent a "point in time".  With that in mind, here are a few finds from the Philly Show...

Bullies-era Flyers Coloring Book

Anything "Bullies" is collectible, but this children's activity book stood out on the dealer's table.  Graphics on the cover and in the book are awesome - and totally '70s.  I have no idea whether or not it is rare, but I haven't seen it on ebay before.  Either way, very cool item.

Tug McGraw 40th Birthday Party Memorabilia

A "new to me" piece of memorabilia related to The Tugger's 40th birthday held at Veterans Stadium August 30, 1984.  The piece most recognized from the event is the Dick Perez print (surrounded by all of Tug's Topps cards) - the first of several SGAs with this design.  This is a simple folded card, measuring 12" high and printed on card stock.  It reads like an invitation to the party.  

Front

Inside

Back

Tug McGraw Promotional Card

Another item that I had not previously seen - a 5"x7" promotional card featuring a drawn image of former Phillies relief pitcher, Tug McGraw.  While these have an old feel, I believe they are probably from the 1990s - used at McGraw personal appearances.  The dealer told me he had bought these, along with the birthday card (above) and a few other items as part of a large collection.  Cool, unique - that just about sums up Tug...