How’s this for a unique hobby niche, NBA Fines Documents? I apologize for the image quality; the photo in the 2002 auction catalog is tiny.
Here’s the complete auction description, full of fines from some NBA heavy “hitters”:
NBA “Fines” Document Collection (21)
The “bad boys” of the NBA are usually those large front-court players who rebound well, defend (enforce) the paint, and throw an elbow or two. Considering the physical nature of the game there are many instances where tempers flare…as well as the players’ fists. The following are actual NBA press releases relating the fines levied upon the combatants. Amazingly, each and every release is signed by the players involved. All are bold ink or Sharpie signatures that are single or multi-signed. Includes: 1982/83 4/25 (Tree Rollins, Danny Ainge). 1984/85 4/8 (Earl Cureton), 5/8 (Akeem Olajuwon #34 his rookie year signed before his name change), 10/28 (2 Chuck Daly, Stan Albeck), 11/20 (2 Darryl Dawkins #53), 12/19 (2 Darryl Dawkins, Steve Stiponovich). 1985/86 – 1/24 (2 Larry Smith, Ken Bannister, Bob Thornton, Steve Johnson, James Bailey, and Gerald Wilkins), 2/21 (Rick Mahorn), 4/8 (2 Danny Ainge, Sedale Threatt, Matt Goukas, Charles Barkley, Clemon Johnson), 12/19 (Tony Campbell, Joe Dumars, and Sidney Green). 1986/87 1/7 (Grant Gondrezick), 4/27 (Karl “Mail” Malone #32), 5/18 (Kevin McHale #32 Celtics), 5/22 (Tom Chambers), 5/27 (Robert Parrish), 12/23 (Adrian Dantley), 12/15 (Isiah Thomas signed “Isiah #11”). 1987/88 1/18 (Rick Mahorn), 1/14 (Jeff Hornacek, Walter Davis, James Bailey, and Sleepy Floyd), 1/12 (Larry Nance #22, Mark Aguirre #24), 2/17 (Moses Malone #2). A unique and interesting look at the dark side of the NBA. As you can see from the names above, many of the well-known bad boys are included. An absolutely unique offering with huge star power to markedly increase collector appeal and the value of the collection in its entirety! LOA from James Spence & Steve Grad/PSA DNA.Minimum Bid $200
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any other examples online. Let me know if you see any so I can include a better picture!
Happy collecting!