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Some of the most valuable autographed baseball cards are those which are signed by those players who rarely give their signature away. But it's not just baseball players whose autograph is coveted by collectors, as managers Terry Francona and Joe Torre are two mangers whose signature collectors often purchase or trade for.

As far as baseball cards go, the New York Yankees are often at the top of collector's lists and historically, Yogi Berra autographed baseball cards have been a collector favorite like none other. Much of this is due to the fact that Yogi remains active today by appearing in commercials and has a minor league stadium named after him. Of course, his 3 MVP awards, 15 American League All-Star appearances and 10 World Series championships help to drive up the price of his autographed baseball cards.

Perhaps more than any other retired baseball player, Yogi maintains frequent public appearances and makes an effort to sign as many autographs as possible. Normally a high amount of signatures on cards would drive down market prices, but Yogi's great popularity amongst both collectors and the general public help to keep the cards in demand and the prices higher than most.

Many of the most popular autographed baseball cards in the last few years have come from the Boston Red Sox. There's nothing like a World Series or two to spark interest in player cards and signatures, and with the Red Sox having won twice during the first 6 years of the 21st century, collectors and fans alike have taken keen interest in previously unknown players such as Tim Wakefield, Mark Bellhorn and Orlando Cabrera. These players' card values have skyrocketed in the last few years due to the fact that they only had a few autographs on the market once they started winning.

Cal Ripken autographed baseball cards have continued to stand the test of time, and with his 19 All-Star appearances as a shortstop firmly in the record books, the popularity and prices of his cards are going nowhere but up. It helps to be regarded as one of the greatest shortstops ever to play the game, but it is Cal Ripken's actual signature that make his autographed baseball cards so enticing to collectors. Ripken's penmanship on his cards and memorabilia has always been crisp and clean, and has stayed so throughout the years despite the numerous requests placed upon him. This clarity in penmanship has collectors and fans constantly looking for Ripken autographed items.

The value of any card with a signature on it will of course vary, but it comes down to mainly the player, team, design and scarcity. Most of the time, cards with multiple signatures will outweigh the value of any one signature on a card, but of course the players need to be desirable for this to hold true.

A final factor in determining the value of signed cards is whether or not they are certified. Autographed cards that come from the manufacturer with a certificate of authenticity will generally be more desirable than those whose authenticity is in doubt, such as cards signed in person or via mail. Regardless, collectors and fans alike love it when they can get their favorite player to sign something for them.

About The Author:

Justin Michael contributes to several baseball forums across the net, and operates an article directory devoted entirely to Baseball Cards

To find out more red-hot information about baseball cards, visit Baseball Cards Junction now!

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NIKE Mens Shox Monster Metal Cleats

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Loyal South Side fans have something to party about since their beloved White Sox finally won another World Series. The White Sox have been less than inspiring in the last fourscore and eight years, but they have finally pulled out of their record-breaking slump.

Maybe it was more than rut. Some believe it was the "South Side Curse," caused by th "Black Sox." This label was given to eight players from an early White Sox team that conspired together to throw the World Series in 1919. Whatever the cause, it seems as if the sun is finally shining on the Chi-Sox, after a pitiful record for most of the Twentieth Century.

Let's take a look: Of the four World Series the White Sox participated in during the last eighty-eight years, they won two. The first was an exciting victory when the Sox beat their hometown rival, the Chicago Cubs in the ultimate "Crosstown Classic," the only World Series in history dominated by Chicago teams.

For those that don't know, the Crosstown Classic is an annual competition between the American League Chicago White Sox and the National League Chicago Cubs. The two teams alternate hosting the game each year, and this event kicks off the baseball season by firing up fans from both sides of town.

The next Series the Sox played in was in 1917, when they overtook the New York Giants, four games to two.

It was in 1919 that the "Black Sox" gained notoriety after intentionally throwing the Series to the Cincinnati Reds, allowing them to win five games to three. It would be a full forty years before the White Sox would snag another chance at the World Series.

Unfortunately, upon challenging the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959, the Chi-Sox experienced another defeat. The Dodgers beat them four games to two.

Eighty-eight years after winning a Series, the Sox have finally pulled it off again. In October of 2005, the White Sox swept the Houston Astros, defeating them soundly in the first four games of the Series.

The scores were as follows: In game one, Chicago won by two points, with a final score of five to three. Game two was close at seven to six. The third game, a record breaker lasting more than five hours, resulted in the Sox winning by two, after an unheard of fourteen innings. This was the longest game in World Series history, and the final score was seven to five. Game four was another record-breaking game, as it was one of only six in which any team won the Series with a score of one to nothing.

In all fairness, the Astros played a tough final game, with both team's pitchers shutting out batters for the first full seven innings. Unfortunately, fans, players, and even the coach admit that the Astros did not play well throughout most of the Series.

Chicago fans are thrilled by their newfound status as winners. They are crossing their fingers in hope that the new millennium is the beginning of a new era for the White So Ball Club. Only time will tell, but sweeping the Series is a great start.

Article written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of Sports Fan Store,skyfireproducts.com.

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Sportscamp Baseball

Sportscamp Baseball is nine hard-hitting, expert training sessions for young players, their parents and coaches. From hitting and pitching to fielding and bunting, these in-depth lessons are taught by three-time American League All-Star and two-time World series Champ Bucky Dent and MLB coaches Larry Hoskins and Wally Horsman. Teaches: Throwing mechanics, pitching, playing catcher, infield techniques, playing the outfield, base running, hitting and bunting with the best.This action-packed installment of the SportsCamp series presents nine baseball training sessions designed especially for young players, their parents and coaches. Featuring appearances by three-time American League all-star and two-time World Series champ Bucky Dent and major league coaches Larry Hoskins and Wally Horsman, these engaging lessons cover throwing mechanics, pitching, infield techniques, base running, hitting and bunting.

For as long as I can remember, I've always subscribed to the Kiss Principle Keep It Simple, Stupid!

"Often times the only change people like, is the change that makes noise in their pockets." Richard Bach

Baseball is a simple game, and almost everyone knows how to play the game. The game is very simple: 1) you throw the baseball; 2) you catch the baseball; 3) you hit the baseball with a bat, right? But, there are people who can make the game of baseball so complicated and technical, it will make your head spin! Case in point:

Many years ago, I managed a Little League baseball team, and I got my brother-in-law to help me as a coach. I had never done anything like this before, so I didn't know what to expect from a bunch of 9-12 year olds, etc. I had no idea how much a nine, ten, or eleven year old knew about the game of baseball or what he could learn. To see 15 of those little faces sitting around the backstop, didn't sit well when we got started. I felt like we were going to fail, etc. And, I began to wonder if I should have volunteered in the first place. But, we went on and do the best we could. After all, it was all for the kids.

Fifteen kids...ages 9-12 year olds, from every walk of life, were waiting there at the backstop for me to get started. I have to say I was nervous, and I didn't quite know where to start. I had no idea how much a 9-12 year olds knew about baseball and what they could do. How was I going to mold these kids into a team that could win? Opening day was about a month away, and we had to get on with practice right away. After a few comments about the rules of the game, and our own rules as a team, I got the boys out on the field to throw the ball around and loosen up. My brother-in-law hit a little in field practice to get things started.

While they were doing this, I went over to another part of the school grounds, and watched another team in our league practice. I thought it would be good for me to get ideas and tips on how they were doing things and go from there. I thought it would help me with my own coaching as well. As I watched this team practice, I found out very quickly what I was NOT going to do with my team! What I was watching here was incredible!

This team was working on things that Major League teams work on. Things like double-plays; run-downs; bunting; signs from the third base and the dugout; getting the lead run; one bounce to the plate from the outfielders! These two fathers (coaches) were confusing these kids and getting too technical with them, in my view. We're talking about 9-12 year olds...they're just starting out learning the game!

I was getting irritated as I watched this team, because many of these kids don't have the strength, the coordination and the eyesight to perform like the big guys...they don't! I really didn't know at the time what I was going to do with my team, but I knew for sure I was not going to do what these coaches were doing with these kids, etc.

In the two years I coached Little League baseball, I only saw one double-play; no run-downs; I saw no bunts; and no stealing of bases, etc. So, why practice them! By practicing these various things, I felt that this team I was watching would get worse as the season went on. The only reason why I think a coach would teach the kids this stuff, is an ego trip. Trying to show the kids how much they know about the game of baseball. That's all it could be!

Our approach was going to be completely the opposite! Our approach was going to be to keep it simple and practice, practice and more practice, until the kids got it right, and until they made no errors. The kids would learn to catch the ball over and over and over until they got it right! They would learn how to throw the ball over and over and over until they got it right! And, they would stand at the plate and hit the ball over and over and over until they got comfortable at the plate and not be afraid of the ball, etc.

We were going to make the game as simple as we could make it. There would be discipline, and the first thing that disappeared was the bubble gum. Blowing bubbles was too distracting! And, there were only four things the players had to remember. Throw the ball (hopefully straight): catch the ball; hit the ball and go for the easy out! We would never, never go for the lead runner, even if they scored.I think that was pretty easy for the kids to remember.

There would be no complex, technical blah, blah on this team. Simplicity ruled, and it would stay that way. Good pitching was the key to winning. I was lucky, I had good pitchers, and they were very good, and we would work with them every chance we had. As the season started and progressed, my pitchers would strike out an average of 14 batters per game. So, why would we need all that practice on defense. Not many on the other team are going to reach base anyway. And, why should we practice all that technical blah-blah...not many are going to reach base anyway.

I felt like we had a good practice month and now the proof was in the pudding. Opening day came, and we were to have our first game, and we would find out if we were a disciplined team that could win. It was the discipline that made these kids organized and look and play like a baseball team. I was pleased at what I saw and how far we had come in such a short time. I felt that this team was going to win more games than they would lose, but the jury was still out.

When the season started, we won our first eight games in a row, and we won them on simplicity and not making any errors. And, then we lost two in a row, which had me a little worried. But, to make a long season short, the kids came back and, for the season they won 17 games and lost only 3 games.

Sadly, the team that I watched practice early on, won only 2 games and lost 18 games! I felt sorry for this team because they were in shambles. In Little League, there is a 10 run rule. If a team is 10 runs ahead of the other team, the game is stopped! That's so the kids are NOT humiliated...that's not the purpose of Little League. We beat this team by more than 10 runs both times we played them and the games were stopped.

The kids on that 2-18 team were confused by the coaches; they used too many technical terms and play in baseball and they were awful. At the end of the season, the coaches (fathers) were nowhere to be seen, and the team finished the season with a 14 year old coach. PRETTY SAD!

As far as I was concerned, I enjoyed working with the kids so much, that I came back to coach the following year. Surprisingly, it was a repeat of the first year, as we, again won 17 games and lost only 3 games, for a two year total of 34 wins and only 6 losses. And, we did it on simplicity! I was very proud of the kids!

"We design our lives through the power of choices." Unknown

* * *

NOTE: I have been a woodcarver for over twenty years. I was invited to teach a class on woodcarving at the University of New Mexico. If I do, it will be the same approach in wood carving as in Little League baseball...keep it simple, stupid!

ARTICLES PUBLISHED; (70+ websites/includes links); Direct link: http://humordoctormd.homestead.com/articlespublished.htmlWebsite name; humordoctormd - Over 150 colorful pages; over 300 graphicshttp://humordoctormd.homestead.comemail; humordoctormd@yahoo.comCopyright; Jerry L. Aragon (The Humor Doctor); 2006

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Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves Center Fieldman - A True American Hero

One of the many dreams that my Brother Jason had, was to travel to Los Angeles to meet Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. In 1984 his dream and the dream of my family came true.

My Father and Mother, as do most parents, wanted to see the dreams of their children come true. They were in a position where they did just that. Looking back, now as an adult, I can see where that desire to help their children's dream come true, may have come at a great sacrifice. Nevertheless, they desired to do all they could for my brother Jason's dream to come true.

Jason was born with a very rare bone disease. After reaching the age of 8, he was no longer able to walk and therefore spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Jason loved the Atlanta Braves. He watched most games on TBS and became a huge fan of Dale Murphy. The trip was planned and the arrangements were made to travel to Los Angeles and to spend time with Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. We arrived at the Hyatt Regency and were immediately met by Dale's Father -In-Law, who helped us make the contact and arrangements with Dale. The time finally arrived and Dale walked through the main doors at the hotel. Hie eyes immediately went to Jason and they began to speak. Dale Murphy spent more than an hour speaking to Jason and my family, presenting a baseball glove and other signed items to my brother. I remember seeing tears fill my parents eyes as they witnessed the genuine compassion of this great baseball player, and how he gave of himself at that time. Christian principles teach that giving of oneself is the greatest thing that we can give to our fellowman. Dale did just that. The remaining part of the trip we spent eating with the team, getting autographs of each of the team members, and enjoying the time we had as a family.

Truly, Jason's dream came true. It wasn't long after that highlighted trip, Jason passed away. But this I can say; Thanks be to God for people like Dale Murphy who still to this day, does not realize how important that time was in the life of my Big Brother Jason. Thanks, Dale Murphy.

Travis Ludlow, Founder of Itsagoodday.org highlights the good things of the world. He has a B.S. degree from Brigham Young University and loves his family. Isn't it time, that we use the internet for good things for the world is his theme. Check out his other articles and website at http://www.itsagoodday.org

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Youth Baseball Practice & Coaching-Making The Best Use Of Your Practice Time

Making The Most Of Your Youth Baseball Practice

If you ever have the opportunity to watch a professional sports team practice, the one aspect that jumps out at you, other than the abundance of talent, is the degree to which every single minute is utilized in an efficient manner. Different groups rotate around drills for set amounts of time governed by a clock and timed buzzer. You can do somewhat the same thing with your youth baseball practice. Here is a good basic formula for an hour and 45 minute practice:

In the first 10 minutes have players each find a teammate to warm up with by throwing and catching with each other. If a player does not have a partner, an assistant coach should throw and catch with the player.

In the next 5 minutes you should have your team meeting and discuss what you will be doing in the practice and cover details for an upcoming game.

In then next 1 hour divide the team up as follows: Have your 3 starting pitchers and starting catcher in the pitching & catching group, have half of the remaining players in an infield practice group, and have the remaining players in an outfield practice group.

Have one of the pitchers throwing to the catcher (in full catcher's gear) while the other two pitchers throw to each other. Have all the pitchers switch off after ten pitches to the catcher so all pitchers have a chance to throw to the catcher. Have a coach watch the pitching form of each pitcher.

Have the infield group cover all the infield positions with extra players going to the outfield. A coach should bat balls to all areas of the field. Have extra players assume the roles of base runners. Rotate the infield positions after every few hits.

Have your outfield group spread out in a wide semi-circle in pairs of two with each two players about 8 feet from each other. A coach or assistant bats or throws balls to each pair. The player closest to the ball calls it and the other plays backup. Stress the need for good backup! Only 2 outfielders should be involved with each throw but you can keep the hits/throws going as quick as possible. It is nice to have an extra helper to the coach to gather balls as they are returned.

After 30 minutes, have the infield and outfield groups switch. On every other practice have the pitchers & catcher mix in with the infield/outfield groups.

Devote the last 30 minutes to batting practice. Use a variety of batting drills and make sure every player gets a lot of practice.

Michael Sakowski works full time and volunteers as an assistant coach for his son's youth league baseball team. He also has researched effective youth baseball methods and has published a website,Youth Baseball Basics that provides helpful information to first time baseball players and first time baseball parents.

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Baseball - Rawlings Unfinished Inseam Baseball Pants

Rawlings Unhemmed Ankle Baseball Pants Custom Fit! This pant comes with an unhemmed 37" inseam so you can tailor to your exact length. Features include a zip fly front with belt and tunnel loop - Softball Pants

When the Fantasy Sports first came out, it was more of a humorous and intriguing concept, some even considered it a joke. Of course, it's no joke now, as many workplaces have running bets and pools to see who can win, a form of gambling yes, but people really enjoy the process and in many offices it goes over better than Super Bowl Betting Pools, as everyone can get involved and have fun with it. Many cannot believe how far Fantasy Sports have come, at first they saw it as a silly fad, but apparently the Fantasy Sports Fad has stood the test of time and today it is a definitive trend.

Does this mean that it is Trendy to enjoy betting, playing or predicting the outcome of Fantasy Sports? It appears so. One Harvard Study suggests that it taps into the human psyche and the innate human characteristic to enjoy the impossible. Yet, Fantasy Sports are somewhat potentially plausible and speak to the youthful parts of our brains, where anything and everything is somehow possible. One thing is for sure, and that is there are sure a lot of folks hooked on Fantasy Sports.

In the age of cartoons, Harry Potter and full length movies with fictitious characters in them, it appears that Fantasy Sports has found a place in both our hearts and our minds. Will this trend continue? Some predict that Fantasy Sports may command huge market potential in the future to the tune of 10s of billions of dollars, not to mention the huge advertising venue for Corporate America. Indeed, Fantasy Sports may well be the greatest story never told coming to a TV set near you?

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio

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Nike Standout 1200 Baseball Fielding Glove (12")

The Nike men's Standout 1200 baseball fielding glove is a high-performance fielding glove crafted with a tumbled full-grain leather palm and back for a rapid break-in.

Coaching our youth is a delicate practice that needs to be taken with the kids self confidence at the heart of the teaching. These days, parents and coaches alike want to win so bad, they put undue stress on the kids that can have a negative effect.

We over criticize when we are talking to them instead of building up their self confidence. I once heard a parent yelling at his kid from the stands, "If you don't get a hit, you will not be eating dinner tonight!" Needless to say, I went up and spoke with the parent about this approach. Some people may think this is harmless, and it may have been said in a joking fashion. But think of the kid on the field who is playing in front of all the parents and friends who hears this as he is strolling up to the plate. Talk about stress and the feeling of rejection and humiliation if this kid doesn't come through.

Remember, we are building more than just ballplayers here. We are building people who are going to go out in the world someday. We are building character, pride, self confidence. We do this through encouragement and a nourishing attitude. Not through pointing out failures and humiliation. To learn more about this, visit http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com.

But how do we get them to play better if they can't stand a little criticism? By encouraging them. When your kid takes a swing and misses, the first words out of your mouth should be, "Nice swing! You just missed it, keep trying and you'll get a hit!" That encourages your kid to keep trying. Not only that, your kid will be excited about trying more. This promotes self confidence.

If your kid strikes out 4 times in the game. Put an arm around him after the game and tell him he really swung the bat well and that he will get them next time. And tell him how proud you are of him for trying.

Remember these simple tips:

1- Encourage them through positive reinforcement.

2- Nurture them when times are tough.

3- Be there for them when they need your help.

4- And love them unconditionally.

Remember,help your kids out by encouragement. I can't say this enough. They will believe what they hear and if you are encouraging them all the time, they will feel good about themselves. Not only in baseball but in other things.

And also remember, be patient. They are still learning,so you need to give them time to succeed. Just keep loving them and nurturing them and the rest will fall in place.

Bill Bathe- former major league baseball player who played in 1989 world series. Former instructors include Eddie Matthews, Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, and Dusty Baker to name a few.Visit his website at http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com which provides drills, information, and tips. Also, digital online video analysis, equipment, posters, and more. In addition, stories and pictures on the journey to the big leagues.

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