The Classics have been doing things to eTopps no one could have imagined lately. The market has been an upturn for the past 90 days and it does not look like it is letting up right now. I anticipate the market will peter out at some point but, with baseball looming, it could be awhile. Once 2005 baseball is introduced, it will no doubt drop earnings and prices across the board, as hundreds of new cards flood the market. I am however anxious for some new blood since we all missed out on hockey this year. Classics were thrown in to fill the void and they have done nicely. Each week a new hero has captured everyone’s attention. Last week it was Piccolo and two weeks ago it was Herschel Walker. This week it will no doubt be Roger Staubach, however his print run is a tad high for collectors but just right for the sellers! So as we move on to a new week of classics we inch one week closer to Baseball. So with that enjoy the cards and good luck!

George Blanda (1,000 @ $9.50)

George was one of the oldest players to play the game when he retired at the age of 48 in 1975. His dual role as a QB and kicker enabled him to have such a long career. He started his career with the Bears in 1949 and then moved on to the Houston Oilers where he really made a name for himself. Between 1960 and 1966, George earned one AFC player of the year award and threw for over 170 touchdowns and kicked for several hundred points. There is no doubt he achieved great success following the stint with the Oilers, but his passing career was almost complete. The Raiders acquired Blanda in 1967 and he played with them until he retired in 1975. He had several good years kicking with the Raiders and even had a stint of winning four straight games by either throwing a TD pass or kicking a field goal. He played in more games over more years than any other professional football player. His legend still lives today in his ability to kick and toss touchdowns like it was no ones business. This card is an interesting one and one that does not come with a lot of fanfare. Don’t expect it to rocket like Piccolo or Walker but keep your eye on it. BUY!

Roger Staubach (2,000 @ $9.50)

Roger was one of the first players to come out of a Service Academy, NAVY, and excel. In 1963, possibly his finest career, he led NAVY to a 9-1 record enroute to an overall #2 ranking. The 1963 Walter Camp and Heisman Trophy winner was not selected until the 10th round of the 1964 draft (Dallas Cowboys). Many people feared that he would spurn the NFL to follow a career in the NAVY. He served his five year NAVY commitment then returned to the NFL in 1969 where he led the Cowboys to elite status. Ole “Captain Comeback” led the Cowboys to two Superbowl victories, including winning the MVP of Superbowl VI. Rogers' best season came in 1971 when he threw for 1882 yards and 15 touchdowns while only throwing 4 interceptions. Roger was that guy who not only got on the field and performed like a champion but he also displayed professionalism off the field and became a legend for the game. He retired after the 1979 season and was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985. He was also enshrined in the famous “Ring of Honor” in 1983. Roger will be best known for his come from behind victories in the fourth quarter, where he bagged 23 games. This is a great card to have and will have value to any Cowboys fan! I would not call this a MUST BUY….but it is surely a BUY!!