To the now-generation basketball fans, excuse me for being more than 30 years old. When I played hoops, or anything else for that matter, I wore Converse “Chuck Taylor” canvas sneakers. The first time I bought “basketball shoes” was circa 1969. They were Adidas. And while I thought they were cool, they were also too damn heavy. So when ranking my greatest NBA players of all-time, I actually took into consideration players pre-1980. Hell, pre-1960. After all, the list is “all-time.”

As I read today’s columns and blogs about the game’s greatest players, I’ve concluded that writers are either aiming at the younger-than-30 crowd or have little knowledge of the truly great players from yesteryear. Many in the now-generation actually include Kobe and LeBron in their top 5 list of best ever. Of course, that’s nonsense. Maybe LeBron will soon be included (once he wins a championship or two), but he’s not there yet. As for Kobe, he’s certainly a great player and could be in the top 10 by the time he retires, but forget the top 5.

I realize athleticism plays a role in comparing NBA players of today to those who wore Converse canvas sneakers but, rest assured, Russell, Wilt and The Big “O” take a back seat to no one in today’s game. Maybe the game has changed, but great basketball players endure. Larry Bird was a good athlete, but he was a great basketball player.

So, if you’re younger than 30 or living in Chicago, you might want to click off now, as I give you my top 5 greatest NBA players of all-time.

5. Larry Bird
4. Wilt Chamberlain
3. Oscar Robertson
2. Michael Jordan
1. Bill Russell

Tough to keep off the list: Kareem, Magic, Dr. J. and Jerry West.

Were has the time gone?

by Jeff Figler, Collectibles Editor, HOFN.com

As baseball cards have become a part of American tradition and folklore, it is interesting to see how its evolution developed. A thumbnail sketch is as follows.

It is hard to imagine that baseball cards were first issued in 1887 by a few of the existing tobacco companies of that era. A New York company, Goodwin & Company, issued the N172 series in Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarette packs. More than 500 players are pictured, and as some players were pictured in several poses, nearly 3500 different variations are know to exist. This set was issued between 1887-1890, as were other sets issued by other tobacco companies, notably Allen & Ginter. Cards issued in that time period were usually quite small, sometimes as small as 1 ½ x  2 ¾.

It should also be noted that one company, Green and Blackwell (G & B) of New York, included chewing gum with their baseball cards, the first time that idea had been implemented.

Not much happened on the baseball card front until the years 1909-1915. During that period baseball cards became very popular, and were issued by such diverse companies as tobacco, candy, and bread manufacturers, as well as sports magazines.

During this time the American Tobacco Company issued the famous T206 set from 1909-1911. Of course, the Honus Wagner card, the jewel of baseball card collectors is included in this set. Again, some players, such as Ty Cobb, are depicted on several cards with different poses. Other tobacco companies, such as Ramly, Hassan and Mecca, also issued cards, as did candy manufacturers such as American Caramel, Cracker Jack, and Zeenut candy.

In most cases, the cards would be included with the product, but not always. One exception was the set of cards issued by Sporting Life magazine, which could only be ordered by mail.

During the 1930s there were many card sets, primarily through gum companies. The Goudey Gum Company issued cards from 1933-1941, and the Bowman Gum Company issued the Play Ball sets in the late 1930s and into the early 1940s. During that time frame, and even as late as the 1960s, Exhibit cards were prominent, which were very distinctive in that they were thick and black-and-white.

The 1932 U.S. Carmel company issued a set, which, if a person sent to the company the entire set, the person received a free baseball or glove. It was not until the 1980’s that card number 16 (Lindy Lindstrom) was discovered, and supposedly only two such arts are known to exist today.

Leaf, another gum company, issued a card set in 1948, and Topps produced its first sets in 1951. Topps has been producing cards ever since. During the 1950s the two major issuers of cards were Topps and Bowman. However, other companies such as Red Man Chewing Tobacco, Mother’s Cookies, Wheaties Cereal, Wilson Weiners, Esskay Meats, and Red Heart Dog Food, among many others, all issued cards. In 1955 the Topps Company bought out Bowman, and through 1980 dominated the card market. Other companies such as Post Cereal, Jello, Hostess, Kahn’s Weiners, Milk Duds, and Hires Root Beer issued cards, but did not match Topps. Finally, the Fleer Corporation slowly began to make a dent in the Topps domination. More on that next time.

QUESTION #1: I saw your article on Tiger Woods collectables in HOFN.Com. I have a signed baseball cap that he wore in a tournament at West Englebrook on 1/19/01. What is the value?

ANSWER: It is worth approximately $5,000-7,000.

QUESTION #2: I just bought a 2007 Buick Invitational golf flag signed by Tiger Woods at a silent auction. How much do you think it is worth? How much do you think it will go up in value?

ANSWER: It is worth approximately $1500-2000. It will continue to go up in value if he continues to win more tournaments.

With Memorial Day upon us, we all need to take a moment and reflect.

As a Baby Boomer, I’m fortunate to have been born from parents of “The Greatest Generation.” For those unknowing, the Greatest Generation is a term used for Americans born from about 1911 to 1924. Americans who lived through the Great Depression, served in World War II and some the Korean War, and rebuilt the world’s industries.

Since my father served in World War II and received the Purple Heart (he lost an eye during the Normandy invasion), I have always had a great understanding of Memorial Day. Like many WW II Veterans, my father would never speak about the war, his injuries, or loss of comrades. However, as a child, I leaned of his experiences from a family member. While my Dad was never pleased that I gained this personal information, I will always be grateful to my Uncle for sharing what he knew about my father with me. You see, my Dad was a true hero – and knowing of his experiences helped shape my life and gave me an ever greater appreciation and love of him, as I grew from a child to a man.

So come Memorial Day, I always take time to reflect on its meaning. However, since the National Holiday Act of 1971, I fear most think of it as just another 3-day weekend. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is supposed to be a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Unfortunately, over time, I fear its tradition has been ignored and neglected.

With most of the Greatest Generation deceased, it’s our generation’s responsibility to keep the true meaning of America’s greatest holiday alive. Maybe we should begin by pushing for recognition of a Senator Daniel Inouye bill. On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of “the last Monday in May” – and not allow it as part of the Holiday Act and a 3-day weekend. Although re-introduced each year, the Senate has taken no significant action on the bill. By the way, Senator Inouye is not only a member of the Greatest Generation, but also the recipient of America’s highest military accolade – the Medal of Honor.

If nothing else, let’s start by recognizing the resolution, “National Moment of Remembrance,” passed in December 2000. In short, the resolution asks that at 3pm on Memorial Day, we voluntarily observe (in our own way) a Moment of remembrance and respect.

Thanks Dad.

If you were watching NBA basketball during the JFK, LBJ, and Nixon presidential era, you must have fallen off your chair when ABC/ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy recently proclaimed Kobe Bryant the greatest Lakers’ player of all-time. Hell, he doesn’t even make my top four (yet).

What makes Van Gundy’s comment even more surprising is that he was born in 1962 and comes from a basketball family. His father, Bill, was head coach at Brockport State University, so I know he recalls the names West and Baylor – not to mention Magic and Kareem.

Truth be told, I’m not a big fan of Kobe. However, there’s no doubt he’s a great player – and, arguably, the best player in the NBA today. However, the greatest player in Lakers’ history? C’mon Jeff.

Being a Celtics’ fan since the Russell era, I’ve seen or listened to all the great Celtics-Lakers match-ups. Young NBA fans believe it was the Bird-Magic confrontations that made this rivalry what it is today, but it started long before that duo were even out of diapers. From the 1961-62 to 1968-69 seasons, they played each other in six of the eight NBA Finals. They also matched-up in 1959, when the Lakers played in Minneapolis. The Bird-Magic era was indeed exciting and helped save the NBA, but it was just a continuation of the game’s greatest rivalry.

So, after 50 years of NBA history behind me, I offer my Top 10 Lakers of all-time. However, two things to note about my list: Wilt Chamberlain only played four full seasons for the Lakers (he was hurt during the 1969-70 season. Plus, I consider Wilt more a Warrior/76er). And, I never saw George Mikan play.
1.    Jerry West
2.    Earvin “Magic” Johnson
3.    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4.    Elgin Baylor
5.    Kobe Bryant
6.    Shaquille O’Neil
7.    Gail Goodrich
8.    James Worthy
9.    Wilt Chamberlain
10.    George Mikan

Manny Ramirez, called by many the greatest right-handed hitter of his generation (along with Albert Pujols), is the latest potential casualty to become a Hall of Famer. Hit with a recent 50-game suspension for violating the MLB drug policy, Manny joins the likes of McGwire, Bonds, Sosa, Clemens, Palmeiro, and A-Rod who will be keenly scrutinized for possible entry in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

McGwire’s fate seems to be determined, as he has already failed to gain sufficient votes. We’ll soon find out about a few others, as their five-year retirement from baseball approaches. The wait on Manny and A-Rod could be to their advantage, as they are years from retirement. Time can deter memory. However, whether any of these cheaters get into the Hall of Fame, they have already ruined the fabric of the game. And who’s to know whether others who have been inducted weren’t also guilty of steroid use? I have my suspicions.

What made baseball so different from other major sports was its stats. Numbers have always been part of the game. As kids, we all knew 714, 61, and 2,130. Today, those numbers have been shattered. However, can you instantly tell me what the new numbers representing those records are today? Personally, those old numbers, along with 755, are the one’s I’ll forever remember.

Unfortunately, baseball stats have gone the way of basketball and football statistics. No one knows … and no one cares.

Send the college hoopsters back to school for their finals and “bracket fans” (posing as basketball fans) back to whatever they do during the regular basketball season. March Madness is over and the real basketball season begins. It’s NBA Playoff time.

The greatest athletes in the world, a.k.a. professional basketball players, begin their quest for that elusive ring and NBA glory. Not everyone can boast of 11 or six rings as can Bill Russell and Michael Jordon, respectively. Rings are hard to come by. Just ask Kevin Garnett, who thought he was on his way to ring number two this year, only to learn his balky knee likely won’t allow him to even compete for another.

You can play the college bracket-game all you want…but give me the NBA Playoffs as the best and most exciting time of the year for real hoop fans. Which other sport do we even dream to consider that amateur athletes provide more entertainment than the pros? Don’t get me wrong, college basketball can be exciting – but I prefer watching the greatest athletes in the world play – especially during the playoffs.

So with Garnett reportedly out of the picture, it appears we’re down to two teams legitimately vying for the 2009 NBA Championship. Aren’t we destined to see a LeBron–Kobe match-up? If so…God, spare me the hype! They are indeed the two greatest players on the planet – and we’ll surely be reminded daily of their greatness for weeks. I assure you, the four-letter network and ABC have already started shooting special segments in preparation for a LA–Cleveland finals that they desperately want to occur. If you hate Kobe now, wait until the end of the playoffs. And, even the likeable LeBron might be so over-hyped that he, too, will get too much face-time. The media can hurt an athlete’s appeal as much as it helps. That is, unless your Jordon or Tiger.

So, is there any real threat to either the Lakers or Cavs gaining the finals? In the east, the Garnett-less Celtics will have a tough time getting by Orlando to face Cleveland. But even without Garnett, the C’s are a bigger threat to LeBron than the Magic. The Cavaliers might have a tougher time with the Pistons in the first round than they would against Orlando in the eastern conference finals.

In the west, I’d like to see the Trail Blazers get by the Rockets and eventually face the Lakers in the finals. Kobe has lost eight-straight games in Portland’s Rose Garden to the athletic, Brandon Roy-led Blazers. I’d love to see if that success can carry over to the playoffs.

All that said; get ready for the Kobe – LeBron hype. It’s inevitable. To all NBA conspiracy theorists…it’s post time.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced its 2009 Induction Class – and it could be one of its greatest classes ever. Hell, anything in basketball including Michael Jordon’s name has to be considered one of the best. Joining Jordon are fellow players David Robinson and John Stockton, plus Coaches Jerry Sloan and Vivian Stringer. And while all may be deserving of this great honor, I continue to wonder why Artis Gilmore has been the forgotten man in the Basketball Hall of Fame process.

Let me first admit; Artis Gilmore is my friend. I have known Artis since he arrived on the Florida campus of Jacksonville University in 1969. He became my fraternity brother, and remains my friend today. So, while my comments may be somewhat prejudiced, they are no less factual.

Secondly, let’s remember that it’s the Basketball Hall of Fame – not the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Nowhere in the Hall of Fame eligibility rules do I read anything relating to the NBA. Therefore, shouldn’t a player’s entire professional and college career be considered by voting members? And that includes American Basketball Association (ABA) numbers.

For those who snicker at the mention of the ABA, lest you forget some of the great players of that era (1967-1976) came out of the “outlaw” red, white, and blue league. Along with Artis (voted #2 greatest ABA player ever), there was its greatest player, Julius (Dr. J.) Erving; plus: George Gervin, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barry, George McGinnis, Dan Issel, David Thompson, Spencer Haywood, Charlie Scott, Moses Malone, Billy Cunningham, Maurice Lucas, Marvin Barnes, Louie Dampier, and Roger Brown. So, there should be no doubt about the quality of play in the ABA.

Therefore, ABA numbers not being included in a player’s overall professional career is questionable. Remember, the ABA didn’t actually fold. In June 1976, the two leagues made peace, and four ABA teams merged into the NBA (New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs). Comparably, the ABA was not the World Football League. It should be considered more like the American Football League, which merged with the NFL.

Including Gilmore’s ABA stats of 22.3 points and 17.1 rebounds per game, and 750 total blocked-shots, Artis would be ranked 4th all-time in rebounding (only behind Chamberlain, Russell, and Jabbar), 9th in blocked shots, and 14th in total points. Even without ABA stats, Gilmore’s NBA numbers rank him in the top ten in rebounds, blocked shots, games played, and minutes played…and among the top 25 all-time in points. He also ranks first overall in field goal percentage. No other player with comparable statistical accomplishments has been omitted from the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, Artis is now ineligible for enshrinement until 2012.

Regarding Artis’ college career, he led the NCAA in rebounding both his junior and senior years while at Jacksonville. He holds the Division I college rebounding record of 22.7 rebounds per game and is one of only a few players in college basketball history to average 20 points and 20 rebounds for his college career. He also led tiny Jacksonville University to the 1970 NCAA finals against mighty UCLA.

Take a look at some of Artis’ individual accomplishments – and if you can, tell me why this man is not in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

•    ABA All-time team
•    ABA MVP 1972
•    ABA Rookie of the Year 1972
•    5x ABA All-Star
•    5x ABA First Team
•    5x ABA All-Defensive Team First Team
•    6x NBA All-Star
•    1x NBA All-Defensive Team
•    NBA Career Leader in Field Goal Percentage (59.9%)

Artis Gilmore is the most glaring omission to a respective Hall of Fame. The Basketball Hall of Fame should see the error of its way and allow Artis to have his rightful place among his peers when once again eligible in 2012.

Since the announced retirement of Curt Schilling, the question du jour is whether or not he should be voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. My initial, knee-jerk reaction was no. However, I’m now having second thoughts.

I am not a stat machine, so if you’re looking for all the numbers, you can look ‘em up on numerous sites. However, what I do know is that Schilling has 216 wins; six all-star appearances; one World Series co-MVP; one of the best post-season pitching records in baseball history; and three championship rings.

A friend and colleague of mine said, “He absolutely does not belong in the Hall.” However, my friend also thinks Schilling is a blowhard – and that the blood-soaked sock was really ketchup. So, his judgment may be influenced by his disdain for him, rather than analyzing his accomplishments.

Players need not win championships to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. See Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, et al. However, those who have accomplished the feat, especially multiple times, definitely deserve consideration.

Curt Schilling has been known for speaking his mind…and, in 2004, when he stated, “I’m going to Boston to break an 86 year-old curse,” he fulfilled his brash prediction. His memorable, bloody-sock, game-six win versus the Yankees in the 2004 AL Championship Series was one of the gutsiest performances I’ve ever witnessed. He later repeated his bloody sock heroics in a game-two World Series win versus the Cardinals when doctors, in an unprecedented procedure, made a wall of stitches to keep Curt’s tendon in place. Even if it were ketchup on his sock, Schilling later had surgery on his right ankle to repair the ruptured tendon.

And, in 2007, Schilling was part of a second Red Sox World Championship.

So, whether you like him or not…you can’t deny his accomplishments. While his 216 regular-season wins might not be Hall of Fame numbers, his post-season record of 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA might get him over the hump.

And, oh yes, there’s also those three rings.

Classic: highest in quality; of enduring interest; noteworthy – worth remembering; traditional event. Thank God the dictionary includes traditional event in the definition of classic, or I wouldn’t understand what the World Baseball Classic meant.

Of course, we all know the World Baseball Classic has begun, right? Japan opened the event versus China in the wee hours of the morning in the U.S. I set my alarm for 4:30 a.m. so not to miss the fist pitch. Ya, right.

I’m sure the “Classic” will gain interest as it progresses, especially if the U.S. does well. But, don’t count on it. Baseball is back, but it’s time for spring training. Even baseball fanatics need time to warm up to our national pastime. Also, when the best of the best don’t play, Americans have little interest. And when MLB teams prefer their star players stay home, how can its fan base support it?

The World Baseball Classic was developed for the rest of the world to watch. And that’s exactly what they’ll get. No one here cares.

Also, due to the Classic, the 2009 World Series will be played in November this year. Ridiculous.

It was easy for basketball purists to be appalled by the NBA All-Star fiasco that occurred in Phoenix. However, I’ll go beyond simply the purists – and suggest even the average basketball fan thought the game and pre-game show was a farce.

I realize all-star games are solely for entertainment purposes and another cash cow for professional leagues. Of the four major sports, MLB is the most pure all-star event, with the NFL and NHL simply a half-speed showcase for their stars. The NBA event used to fall somewhere in the middle, as it was usually a show in the beginning – then players would get more competitive as the game progressed.  The game in Phoenix started as a joke – and concluded as an even bigger mockery of the game.

What happened to actually watching the greatest players in the world play the NBA game? If I wanted to watch schoolyard ball, I’d go to one of the inner-city courts in New York and get fully-entertained by some kids. But, when I put on TNT, I expect to watch organized ball being played with some sense of competitive integrity.

And the pre-game show?  Now, I don’t mind watching cheerleaders perform, as they’ve been part of basketball since Naismith rolled out the first ball. However, those dancers and Shaq?  Spare me. Are the players there to entertain us … or themselves?

I couldn’t watch the entire game, but I did keep going back with hopes it would get better. No luck. It was pathetic and an embarrassment to the NBA.

That could have been the last NBA All-Star game I’ll ever watch.