Love of the Game Auctions

Al Crisafulli revisits the origins of the first gum cards, settling the long-misunderstood label of Scrapps Tobacco. He’s joined by Andy Broome, the Vice President of CGC Cards, who shares how a childhood discovery sparked his passion for the hobby. Andy also offers a behind-the-scenes look at CGC’s approach to grading, including a high-stakes moment that helped save a collector’s home, and discusses the company’s ongoing commitment to research, accuracy, and innovation in card preservation.

https://www.cgccards.com/
https://loveofthegameauctions.com/
Produced by Brand Groupies - https://brandgroupies.com/
Theme music by Doug Stoley: www.stoley.com 

Episode highlights:
(0:54) The mystery behind the 1888 Scraps Tobacco cards
(3:08) The H.D.S. & Co. clue that changed the story
(5:35) Why Scraps Tobacco was actually a gum card issue
(6:02) Introducing CGC Cards Vice President Andy Broome
(8:13) How Andy began grading pre-war baseball cards
(10:58) The incredible T206 Honus Wagner discovery
(15:10) How the Wagner helped save its owner’s home
(20:08) Collecting vintage Japanese baseball and Victor Starfin
(23:46) CGC’s approach to vintage and obscure card grading
(34:32) The baseball moment that started Andy’s lifelong passion

What is Love of the Game Auctions?

In a hobby often dominated by hype and hyperbole, Love of the Game Auctions Podcast offers a scholarly insider’s look at the history of sports memorabilia and the legends who made it significant. Hosted by Al Crisafulli, Founder and President of Love of the Game Auctions, this show goes beyond the auction block to explore the artifacts that define the game we love.

Established in 2012 with the goal of being a trustworthy resource for avid hobbyists and novices alike to buy and sell quality material, Love of the Game Auctions is one of the most widely respected auction houses in the industry. We understand that while each collector has taken a different path in the hobby, every approach originates from the same place: a love of the game.

During our episodes, we dig into the stories behind the items we’re lucky enough to handle alongside people keeping history alive. If you value the lore as much as the score, you’re in the right place. Let’s go!