Love of the Game Auctions

Al Crisafulli tells the story of a Babe Ruth ball personalized to Kenneth Caselnova, sharing its unique provenance and Ruth’s 1946 stay with the family. Baseball card expert and SABR co-chair Jason Schwartz joins to discuss his collecting journey, Hank Aaron cards, and how SABR could revive the Standard Catalog. From legendary artifacts to the evolving world of baseball card research, this episode uncovers the stories that make the hobby timeless.

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

Episode highlights:
(0:54) Babe Ruth and the Caselnova family story
(5:03) Jason Schwartz introduction
(6:12) Jason’s start in collecting
(11:18) Why Hank Aaron matters
(18:12) Vintage card myths and 1949 Leaf
(23:55) SABR Baseball Cards Research Committee
(30:04) Preserving hobby knowledge
(50:30) Jason’s dream card
(53:52) The Steve Garvey card that changed everything

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!