Griffs Sports Collectibles 2024

Griff’s 

Sports Collectibles & More 

2024 

Summer 

2024

Griff’s Logo 

Credit 

Brian Griffin

Griff’s Sports Collectibles & More! .. USA 

Started as a Passion as Kid growing up in the 60’s before the Internet, Cell Phone and 

Electric Bikes. Back then we powered our own Schwinn Sting Rays had just a few TV 

Channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13, collected Baseball cards and enjoyed the Ice Cream Trucks 

and Helms Truck for Bakery goods .. Those were special times for sure.. 

Today living in todays news on the minute world we enjoy taking a time to revisit, sell and 

buy Sports Collectibles for the 50s, 60s, 70s & More! 

We look forward to hearing from you and welcome consignments and sharing memories 

and making new ones. 

Our Collectible Mag is online 24/7 we welcome you comments, stories and more! 

Published by JBGmg 

To Get Listed email jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 

As Italian Opera Singer Romina Arena once 

advised me over lunch in Beverly Hills, CA 

Promote Promote Promote 

“JB” Griffin, Founder Griff’s Sports Collectibles 

(pictured with the red hat with my brother Bob (RIP) promoting 

our Steel Tractors in 1959) 

2024 Ad Rates 

4 1/4” X 2 3/4” $50 

4 1/4” X 5 1/2” $100 

4 1/4” X 11” $150 

8 1/2” X 5 1/2” $150 

8 1/2” X 11” $295 

All ads includes a basic listing

Griff’s Sports Collectibles started in 1964 therabouts when Founder 

“JB” Griffin at the age of 9 became a serious Baseball Card Collector . 

The Gum was chalky and horrible but opening a pack of Baseball cards 

was a real treat. Fast Forward 2024 60 years 

later Griff’s Baseball cards from the 60s all gone trashed when I went 

away to college. The good news Cards from the 50s 60s still exist although 

rare and thanks to the digital revolution and print, cards from 

the 50’s 60s can be reproduced but not originals ..so beware. If you 

have original cards you never know what they may be worth so maybe 

you are 

thinking of selling. Griff’s can help you price your Sports Collectibles 

and even help you sell them. Our focus is Sports Collectibles and we invite 

you to let us sell your sports collectibles on consignment. We also 

buy Sports Collectibles to resell. 

Your treasured sports items may have value. 

We hope you join us a seller, agent or sports 

collectible finder and we look forward to hearing from you. 

“JB” Griffin, Founder 

Griff’s Sports Collectibles 

jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 

dba JBGmg, La Quinta, CA 

4 Griff’s Sports Collectibles Summer 2024

Yes We design and Print Cards too 

without the Bubble Gum 

Griff’s Sports Collectibles Summer 2024 

5

Sell Your Sports Collectibles on 




7

Not a Sports Collectible 

Sports Collectible 

Sports Collectible 

Griff’s Sports Collectibles Magazine 

online 24.7 at JBGmg.com 

published by JBGmg 

Design: JBGmg 

Editor: “JB” Griffin 

office / mail 

78-365 Highway 111, #171 

La Quinta, CA 92253 

ph: 562.810.8881 email jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 

design / print / marketing & More! 


Looking to price your 

Collectibles? Look no Further 

than Beckett 

https://www.beckett.com/online-price-guide 

The GOLD STANDARD of grading services 

The most accurate and trusted grading in the 

collectibles industry 


9

Griff with Daughter Faren 

Comet Sunset Beach Famous 

Pooch RIP 

As a Former Resident of 

Sunset Beach, CA Griff 

Founder of Griff ’s Sports 

Collectibles still 

publishes Sunset Beach 

Magazine online 24-7 

and highly recommends 

a visit to Anderson Art 

Gallery in Sunset Beach 

where you can meet 

Legendary Artist Bill 

Anderson who has a 

great book he Illustrated 

all about Americas 

Pastime that being 

Baseball. Bill was quite 

a ballplayer back in the 

day too. 


Now thats a Collectible 


11

Now thats a Collectible 


Churches / Ministries 

Our Daily Bread Ministries 

P.O. BOX 2222 

Grand Rapids. MI 49501-2222 

www.ourdailybread.org 

Printed Bible Pocket Size Booklets with Bible Verses 

and stories for every day of the month 

JBGmg Christian Minstries 

78-365 Highway 111, #171 


24/7 VM- 562-677-7452 

cell: 562.810.8881 

www.JBGmg.com 


Online Christian Resources Ministry 

publisher of Heaven Bound Magazine 

Best Collectible a Cross in your 

pocket and dog eared Bible in 

your home 


13

Griff’s Travel Feature, Murphy CA 

Pictured above the World Famous Murphys Hotel where many famous people have stayed 

and had a drink or two at the Murphy’s Hotel Bar. Photos courtesy of Gum Gummy 

http://murphyshotel.com/ 


World’s Safest Beach Carpinteria,CA 

http://www.carpinteriacoast.com/beaches.html 

Griff’s 

Surf 

Collectibles 

That be Dewey Weber 

Surf Icon in the 60’s 

https://www.deweyweber.com/ 


15

Topock , AZ Gathering with the 

So Pas Tigers 

Rivers Edge Golf Course, Needles CA 

Griff Visits 

Arizona’s Playground 

Lake Havasu 

https://www.golakehavasu.com/ 

https://www.historic66az.com 


Topock, Az 

It is known for being a boating town as well as 

being home to the Old Trails Arch Bridge which used to be 

the old Route 66 bridge featured in the film The Grapes 

of Wrath. The crossings of the Colorado River at Topock, 

including the Old Trails Arch Bridge, are also featured 

prominently in the opening credits of the movie Easy Rider. 


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Old Trails Arch Bridge, Topock AZ 

The bridge carried a now-abandoned section of the former U.S. 

Route 66 across from southeast of Needles, California to south of 

Toprock, Arizona. It is a brace-ribbed through arch bridge that 

was built in 1915–1916. It served as a highway bridge until 1947 

when the Red Rock Bridge, formerly a railroad bridge, was modified 

for highway use. The Old Trails Bridge was later converted 

to a pipeline bridge. It was listed on the NRHP on September 30, 

1988. The bridge has been seen in a number of blockbuster films 

including The Grapes of Wrath and Easy Rider. 


https://topock66.com 

Speaking of Arizona 

Did you know that 

Danny White fromer ASU and Dallas Cowboy Football Great grew up in 

the Mesa, Arizona. White was a four-sport star in high school, before he 

earned his football fame as a record-breaking quarterback at Arizona State 

and leading the Dallas Cowboys NFC championship games. White was 

named The Arizona Republic’s Athlete of the Century in 1999. While 

he was an All-State infielder in baseball his senior year at Westwood, he 

placed second at state in the long jump in track and field. He was All-State 

in basketball as a point guard. During an interview with the 

Republic for a story on him being chosen Arizona’s Athlete of the Century, 

White quipped, “I wasn’t the best athlete in my family.” His dad 

Wilford “Whizzer” White, he felt, owned that title. 


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Lake Havasu City So much to 

do..... www.golakehavasu.com 

Meanwhile back at Topock 66, Griff’s Sports Collectible Mag 

publisher “JB” Griffin enjoying the Scenery. The Pool at Topock 

66 is epic along with the Great Restaurant Bar by the Pool 


In 1971, Hollywood stars descended upon 

Lake Havasu City’s Nautical Inn for the Lake 

Havasu City Celebrity Tennis Tournament. 

The event raised more than $5,000 to support 

disabled children in the Colorado River Indian 

Tribes in Parker. Participants included famous 

actors and actresses of the time, including 

Charlton Heston, Michael Landon, James 

Brolin and Desi Arnaz Jr. 

“A must visit when in Lake Havasu City” - 

A collectible Moment 


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Real Estate Services 

JBGmg 

78-365 Highway 111, # 171 


www.JBGmg.com 

Contact: “JB” James B. Griffin, Broker Owner DRE# 01229433 

562. 810.8881 

email: jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 

Licensed in State of California. 20+ years experience. representing buyers and 

sellers. 1.99% Full Service Listing 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 


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OMG Collectibles & Sports 

77622 Country Club Dr 

Suit J 

Palm Desert, CA 92211 

www.omgcollectibles.com 

ph: 760.360.3790 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The global sports memorabilia market is expected to grow significantly, reaching 

$227.2 billion by 2032, up from $32.4 billion in 2023. This industry is driven 

by nostalgia and the emotional connection fans have with their favorite teams 

and athletes. Sports memorabilia includes items such as trading cards, autographed 

jerseys, equipment, trophies, photographs, and autographs. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Capri Deli 

713 E. San Bernadino Road 

Covina, CA 91723 

www.capridelicovina.com 

ph: 626.332.0940 

Great sandwhiches since 1954 

Best Deli in Southern California, 2011, Best Deli in San Gabriel Valley, 2011- 

2013 and 2014-2019. Dine-In, Carry Out and Catering for Events 

The tiny suburb of Covina can lay claim to a number of famous athletes, as well 

as being home to Capri Deli. Lacey Baker a professional skateboarder. Several 

baseball players, such as Michael Young of the L.A. Dodgers and Jack Clark of 

the St. Louis Cardinals, grew up in Covina. 

So when you are walking down the streets of Covina, keep your eyes peeled for 

some famous folks. You never know who you might bump into. 


Golf anyone Griff’s tip Ranch Manana https://ranchomanana.com/ 

“Since starting in 1952, Randy’s Donuts is the 

most recognized Donut Shop in the world.” 


25

Griff’s Sports Featured Destination 

Cooperstown Dreams Parks Established 1996 

Just Imagine ... 

Being a part of History! Each player and coach will be 

immortalized by being inducted into the prestigious American 

Youth Baseball Hall of Fame where they will be enshrined. As 

a part of the Cooperstown Dreams Park Experience, your team 

members will be awarded the coveted American Youth Baseball 

Hall of Fame ring - like the champions before them - and granted 

membership into this distinguished baseball club. All Cooperstown 

Dreams Park participants share this great honor. 

& Be sure to Visit 

Cooperstown 

Baseball Hall of Fame 

Museum 

https://baseballhall.org/ 

Picture: Griff Visits 

Cooperstown 1974 

Now thats a Sports 

Collectible moment for sure 

https://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com 


Little League Basebal History 

The first Little League Baseball World Series was played in 1947 at Original Field at 

Memorial Park, Williamsport. 

The Little League program itself was founded by Carl E. Stotz, an oil company clerk, in 1939 in Williamsport. 

In the first Little League Baseball World Series, all the teams except one were from Pennsylvania. At the 

time, Little League only existed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A Williamsport-area team (Maynard 

Midgets) won the first Series. 

Within a few years, word spread about Carl Stotz’s program, and Little League was being played in all 48 

states. The first Little Leagues outside the 48 states were in Panama, Canada, and Hawaii, in 1950. 

The Little League Baseball World Series moved to it’s current location at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in 

1959. Volunteer Stadium opened in 2001, to accommodate expansion from eight teams to 16. 

To date, 20 girls have played in the Little League Baseball World Series. 

In the 74-year history of the Little League Baseball World Series, International teams have won 37 Championships, 

while teams from the United States have won 37. The state with the most championships is 

California with seven. Chinese Taipei is the country with the most titles with 17. 

There have been 28 different countries to send local Little Leagues programs to compete in the Little 

League Baseball World Series, and teams from 42 states. Countries that have won the Little League Baseball 

World Series are Curaçao, South Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and the United 

States. 

Today, Little League Baseball and Softball consists of approximately two million boys and girls in all 50 

U.S. states and more than 80 other countries on six continents. 

In the Little League Baseball division of the International Tournament, approximately 16,000 games are 

played in dozens of countries in 45 days, culminating in the 16-team Little League Baseball World Series 

each August. There are more games played in this 45-day tournament than in SIX FULL SEASONS of 

Major League Baseball. This is in just one of the seven divisions of Little League that culminate in a Little 

League World Series Tournament. 

Each of the teams at the LLBWS is assigned two or three “Team Hosts,” who volunteer their time to stay 

with the team, usually well into the night, to ensure their needs are met, and to make sure, above all, they 

have fun. 

Little League will celebrated the 75th Little League Baseball World Series in 2022, which will include 

expanding to 20 teams. 

https://www.littleleague.org/history/world-series/historical-information/ 


27

Hey Batter Batter Swing 

Pictured Griff ’s final 

year in Little League our 

Team finshed 15-3 and 

won the National League 

in South Pasadena, Ca . 

What a great expereince 

Little League was for all of 

us who played. A sports 

memory for sure 


Griff getting in a little Workout in San Pedro, Ca 

at the Tuna Boat Fishermans Landing 

Gum’s Feature Best Sports Bars in the USA 

1. Legends Belmont Shore, CA https://legendssportsbar.com/ 

2. Check this out https://sportsbars.com/ 

3. Mckays https://hospitality.usc.edu/dining_locations/mckays/ 

If you Love Italian Food ! 

Domenico’s is one of the first 

restaurants to serve pizza in 

California. In 1954, Domenico and 

Beverly Spano opened Domenico’s 

in the Belmont Shore area of Long 

Beach. 

https://domenicosrestaurant.com 

Filippi’s History 

https://realcheesepizza.com/history 


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Wanted Baseball cards 1950’s 60’ 70s call “JB” Griffin 562.810.8881 

Your So Cal Sports Realtor 

New Listings Wanted 

for more information contact 

JBGMG 

James B. Griffin. Broker /Owner 

DRE# 01229433 

cell: 562.810.8881 

email jbgriffin@jbgmg.con 

JBGmg 


Serving all the Coachella Valley 

1.99% Listing Service 



“JB” Griffin, RE Broker, Owner 

DRE#01229433 

www.JBGmg.com 

562.810.8881 



LA Angels Legends 

Bo Belinsky 

& 

Dean Chance 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAA/1962.shtml 

The franchise was founded in Los Angeles in 1961 by Gene Autry as 

one of MLB’s first two expansion teams and the first to originate in 

California. Deriving its name from an earlier Los Angeles Angels 

franchise that played in the Pacific Coast League (PCL), the team was 

based in Los Angeles until moving to Anaheim in 1966. 


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Jay Hook 

Jay Hook NY Mets 

On April 23, 1962, Hook became the first winning pitcher 

in Mets franchise history, tossing a complete-game, 

five-hitter in New York’s 9–1 win over Pittsburgh at 

Forbes Field, giving the team its first regular-season 

victory after nine defeats. In that season he compiled an 

8–19 mark for the Mets, and led the team in complete 

games with 13 and games started with 34. 

Those 1962 Mets had a record of 40–120, still the most 

losses for any major league team in a single season since 

the 19th century. 


Back in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, six 

businessmen with no restaurant experience 

whatsoever got together to open a place 

they couldn’t get kicked out of. True story. 

More than three decades later, the Hooters 

brand has grown into an international sensation, 

with more than 420 Hooters in 29 

countries. 


33


https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/08/17/erik-kramer-eric-hipple-suicide-attempt-depression-lions 

Erik Kramer 

photos 

and Story 


35

Order your 30 day supply of 

trimcards 

distributed by JBGmg 

www.jbgmg.com 

to Order Call 562.677.7452 VM 

or email jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 

Griff and Wesley “Mike” Ballew RIP.. All who knew Mike 

will miss him until we meet again 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sunnews/name/wesley-ballew-obituary?id=53833528 



Featured Collectible 

Old Wilson Golf Bag with 21 

assorted Golf clubs 

$299 Plus Tax & Shipping 

FOB Indio, CA 


cell: 562.810.8881 

Griff’s Sports Colllectibles 

dba JBGmg 

78-365 Highway 111 

#171 



37

Griff visits the John Wooden 

Statue at Pauly Pavillion on the 

UCLA Campus 

Yes there is a town named 

Weed in Northern 

California 

We Buy and Sell Sports Stuff that is 


Golf History in Glass Frame $99 


39

We Buy, Sell and Collect 


dba JBGmg 

email jbgriffin@jbgmg.com 


Almost 


41


A games of chance played with your 

baseball cards. Form your own league, 

make trades, keep Stats & More. 

Published by GRG from 1987 - 1992 over 

10,000 Games were sold in the USA. 

To purchase the publishing rights to 

Roll-um Baseball parlor game 

email 

JB Griffin, Griff’s Sports Collectibles 

and former partner with GRG 


562.810.8881 


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44 Griff’s Sports Collectibles Summer 2024 

GRG Partners 

owners of 

Roll-um Baseball 

Pomona 

Fairgrounds 

Pomona, CA 

Baseball Card 

Show 1988

Roll-um Baseball for 

Sale 

Call JB Griffin @ 

562.810.8881 


45


Baseball Past Hot Springs. Arkansas 

https://hotspringsbaseballtrail.com/ 

Historic Baseball Trail 

What to know 

A one-of-a-kind baseball trail documenting Hot Springs’ status as The 

Birthplace of Spring Baseball; 26 historical markers located all over the 

city tell the story of baseball training camps held in The Spa City. Each 

plaque has a QR code which allows smartphone users to access an audio 

narration. dedicated website includes complete list of the plaques, with the 

ability to click on a specific site to learn more information related to that 

location and the player or players associated with it. A printed brochure is 

available at the Downtown Visitor Center in Hill Wheatley Plaza. 

https://www.explorethevillage.com/ 


47

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Beban 


Now thats a Collectible the Old Turnstyle Hot Springs Arkansas 


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Hot Spring CC a Must Visit when in Hot Springs See Where Babe Ruth Golfed 

https://www.hotspringscc.com/public/the-club/history 

Griff visits Walmart Corporate Office 2023 - Yes that is Sam Walton’s Pickup Truck 

Be sure to visit the Walmart Museum when in Bentonville, Arkansas 

https://www.walmartmuseum.com/content/walmartmuseum/en_us.html 


“We Support 

Steve Garvey 

Baseball Legend for US 

Senator” 

JBGmg 

List your Sports Collectibles for Sale at 

Griff’s Sports Collectibles & More 

562.810.8881 



51

Serving Golfers to find their Dream Home in So Cal from the 

“Ocean to the Desert’ 

Lets tee it up to help you find your next Home either on a Golf 

Course or closeby. 

“JB’ Griffin, RE Broker & Golfer 

www.JBGmg.com 

DRE# 01229433

JBGmg 


Serving all the Coachella Valley 




“JB” Griffin, RE Broker, Owner 

DRE#01229433 

www.JBGmg.com 

562.810.8881 

email: jbgriffin@jbgmg.com

Bill did you hear the news ? That Real Estate 

Buyers Agents Commission will no longer be 

part of the MLS Listings effective August 17th 

2024 and Buyers Agents will have to negotiate 

thier commision with Buyers or Sellers ... Who 

knew ! 

Call me if you want more details @ 

562.810.8881

Rodney Peete Former USC Quarterback and NFL 

Quarterback with Faren Griffin, Griff’s Daughter

Who Invented Baseball Cards ? 

The earliest known baseball card is a visiting card, or carte de visite, 

given out to fans by the Brooklyn Atlantics baseball team in 1865. 

As baseball became more popular in the late 1860s, companies began 

using trade cards featuring baseball players to advertise their 

products. For example, in 1868, the New York sporting goods store 

Peck and Snyder started producing trade cards with photos of baseball 

teams. Andrew Peek, a former Union soldier and baseball fan 

who co-founded the company, may have created the first baseball 

card.

Perry Berger, who worked for Topps for over 50 years, is often called the 

“father of modern baseball cards” for his work on the 1952 Topps baseball 

series. In 1951, Berger and graphic artist Woody Gelman began designing 

the cards at Berger’s kitchen table in Brooklyn, New York, with the goal 

of encouraging kids to chew more Topps bubble gum. The 1952 set was a 

big improvement over the company’s first baseball card set in 1951, which 

hadn’t sold well. Topps originally sold their baseball cards with taffy, but 

switched to gum after the taffy affected the flavor of the cards. Eventually, 

collectors began complaining that the gum stained the cards, so they were 

sold separately.

Collectors and dealers 

Vintage baseball cards have been a prime focus of countless collectors and 

historians of one of America’s favorite pastimes. Since rare baseball cards are 

difficult to find, collectors seek for ways to be aware of the rare cards that 

come into the trading or selling market. Baseball card collectors normally 

obtain them from other card collectors or from specialized dealers. Some 

dealers may sell rare baseball cards over the internet, very often on eBay. 

Rare baseball cards may also be purchased at major baseball card shows. 

These events are held periodically in different cities, allowing baseball card 

collectors and dealers to meet. In valuing a card, the 

potential buyer takes into consideration the condition (or graded 

condition) of the card. Rookie cards, players’ first cards, are the most 

valuable ones. 

Sports card catalogs are a main source of obtaining detailed information 

on baseball cards. Online catalogs typically also contain tools for collection 

management and trading platforms. 

Alan Rosen was a high-profile card dealer, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. 

In 1986, he purchased a previously unknown trove of baseball cards, the “1952 

Topps Find”; he claimed to have paid upwards of $125,000 (including a finder’s 

fee and police protection) for 5500 cards. He sold an ungraded Mickey 

Mantle for $1000 that year, bought it back for $40,000 in 1991 and quickly 

flipped it to Anthony Giordano for $50,000. That card was sold at auction for 

a new record price for all sports memorabilia in 2023 - $12,600,000, including 

buyer’s premium - shattering the previous record for a baseball card (a T206 

Honus Wagner, for $6,600,000 in 2021) and for sports memorabilia (the jersey 

Diego Maradona was wearing when he scored the infamous “hand of God” goal 

in the 1986 World Cup, for $9,300,000 in 2022).

Bowman 

was the major producer of baseball cards from 1948 to 1952. In 1952, 

Topps began to produce large sets of cards as well, releasing its first, created by Topps 

employee Sy Berger and publisher, Woody Gelman. The set is considered by collectors as the first 

modern baseball card set due to the new full-color photos, facsimile autographs, and the inclusion 

of statistics and bios printed on the back.] The 1952 Topps set is the most sought-after 

post-World War set among collectors because of the scarcity of the Mickey Mantle rookie card, 

the first Mantle card issued by Topps. Although it is not his true rookie card (that honor belongs 

to his 1951 Bowman card), it is still considered the ultimate card to own of the post-war era. 

Mantle Bowman baseball card 

Topps and Bowman then competed for customers and the rights to any baseball players’ likeness. 

Two years later, Leaf stopped producing cards. In 1956, Topps bought out Bowman and enjoyed 

a largely unchallenged position in the U.S. market for the next two decades. From 1952 to 1969, 

Topps always offered five- or six-card nickel wax packs, and in 1952–1964 also offered one-card 

penny packs. 

In the 1970s, Topps increased the cost of wax packs from 10 to 15 cents (with 8–14 cards depending 

on year) and also offered cello packs (typically around 18–33 cards) for 25 cents. Rack 

packs containing 39–54 cards could also be had for between 39 and 59 cents per pack. 

This did not prevent a large number of regional companies from producing successful runs of 

trading cards. Additionally, several U.S. companies attempted to enter into the market at a 

national level. In 1959, Fleer, a gum company, signed Ted Williams to an exclusive contract and 

sold a set of cards featuring him.Williams retired in 1960, forcing Fleer to produce a set of 

Baseball Greats cards featuring retired players. Like the Topps cards, they were sold with gum. In 

1963, Fleer produced a 67-card set of active players (this time with a cherry cookie in the packs 

instead of gum), which was unsuccessful, as most players were contractually obligated to appear 

exclusively in Topps trading card products. Post Cereals issued cards on cereal boxes from 1960 

to 1963, and sister company Jell-O issued virtually identical cards on the backs of its packaging 

in 1962 and 1963.

published by 

To Advertise or be listed call 562.810.8881 

or email jbgriffin@jbgmg.com

Griffs Sports Collectibles 2024

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