Perhaps you've enjoyed some of my other projects including cult favorites Helmar Big League Brew (see the back of every card, including this current offering). By the way, this Helmar beer won a Gold Medal at the 2005 World Beer Festival and has been the subject of quite a few magazine articles. We've also made Potato Chips featuring sports cards and the ongoing series of Helmar Famous Athletes trading cards that one often finds on eBay offered by other sellers. Check out other eBay sellers of Helmar Brewing products. I've been fortunate enough to be at the forefront of some of the hobby's most interesting products and trends.
I believe that quality original art (coupled with a well-known brand) has great potential growth within our hobby. Collectors are increasing less interested in the mass produced items and more appreciative of the innovative art and products of those who are devoted to the game for its own sake. I join those who think that this type of handmade, quality item will be of supreme interest to future collectors.
Charles Mandel began his card collecting journey buying packs of 1969 Topps and has spent a lifetime trying to relive that thrill. At age 20 he was awarded the first U.S. patent for a card holder. He also designed the first injection molded card holders and supplied thousands of card shops with these and other hobby necessities. In the 1980’s his presence in mass market retailers such as Kmart helped introduce the joy of collecting to a vast, growing audience.
It is his second act, however, that has brought him the most joy and where he has made the most personal impact with fellow collectors. In 2003 his pet project, the Helmar Brewing Company, first brought vintage baseball names such as Honus Wagner, Shoeless Joe Jackson and Babe Ruth to Midwest food and beverage consumers. Ironically, there was more interest in the associated artwork than the retail products. Changing direction, Mandel began making completely hand-made cards of vintage athletes—pioneering a new industry for the many talented artists making their own cards today. Along the way he published Baseball History & Art, a newsstand magazine noted for both serious research and graphic excellence.
Today Charles continues to be a prolific publisher of genuine art cards. His weekly newsletter is a must for the creatively inclined collector. Additionally, he maintains a small studio for researching and testing new design and production ideas. After all this time, he still strives to answer an old question from 1969: “How can I share this with everyone?”
