The Sports Collectibles Association International was organized in 1991. It claims more than 400 members -- hobby dealers, manufacturers, licensors and hobby publications.
Dealer members display SCAI's red, white and blue logo in store windows, on business cards, in ads and at card shows.
But SCAI is seeking to increase its visibility with collectors. One way is by attending card shows and giving out shopping bags decorated with its logo. Collectors love freebies, and they can always use something to carry their treasures in.
SCAI was at Essex Community College last weekend, at the Hall of Fame Weekend card show. Officials were answering questions and giving out bags, collectors' guides and, for youngsters, free cards.
Soon, says SCAI executive manager Lisa Jenkins, collectors will be able to join.
"SCAI will be having a collectors division," says Jenkins. "We're laying the groundwork to see what we want from a collectors division."
Jenkins says there is no date for offering membership to collectors.
For now, she says, "We're trying to educate collectors to deal with the SCAI dealers." Member dealers sign a code of ethics, pledging to sell only licensed products, fulfill all contracts and never knowingly sell counterfeit cards or items with forged signatures. Collectors can complain to SCAI if they believe a dealer has violated this code.
"We are the only nonprofit trade association in the industry," she says. "The purpose of the association . . . is to have all the people [dealers, manufacturers and licensors] working together to benefit the collector."
For information on SCAI, call (800) 898-SCAI.
Moving with a new name
Pinnacle's moving cards are back with some twists, including a new spelling of their name, Sportflix. The 170-card set is due in late May. Among the five insert sets is "Double Take," which flips between stars from the American and National leagues. In the 12-card set, Cal Ripken is paired with Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett with Tony Gwynn.
Classic Hockey Images
Classic is bringing out Hockey Images in late May, focusing on top 1994 draft picks, probable high picks in 1995 and current NHL stars. Look for Washington Capitals goalie Jim Carey on a regular card and in two insert sets (Platinum Prospects and Clear Excitement).
Coming events
Today-tomorrow, card show, Golden Ring Mall, mall hours, (410) 866-3366.
Friday, auction to benefit Rognel Heights Elementary School, Timonium Holiday Inn, 6 p.m.
Friday-next Sunday, card show, Harundale Mall (expected signers are Armando Benitez and Manny Alexander, next Sunday), mall hours, (410) 760-5052.
Saturday, card show, Earleigh Heights Fire Hall, Severna Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (410) 672-5859.
June 10-11, second annual Olympic Memorabilia Show, New Weave Building, Historic Savage Mill, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., (410) 290-7953.
June 16-18, card show, Eastpoint Mall (expected signers include Brooks Robinson), mall hours, (410) 682-4375.
CARD OF THE WEEK
Highland Mint's first original hockey card features Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins. Cards will be produced in bronze ($50), silver ($235) and gold ($500) versions. A card of Gordie Howe will be issued in June. Highland Mint also will produce a line of Hockey Legends medallions. (Shown is Bobby Orr).