Love of the Game Auctions

EP 3: Babe Ruth Ball + Guest Jason Schwartz

Al Crisafulli — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:09:05 -0400

Al Crisafulli tells the story of a Babe Ruth ball personalized to Kenneth Caselnova, sharing its unique provenance and Ruth’s 1946 stay with the family. Baseball card expert and SABR co-chair Jason Schwartz joins to discuss his collecting journey, Hank Aaron cards, and how SABR could revive the Standard Catalog. From legendary artifacts to the evolving world of baseball card research, this episode uncovers the stories that make the hobby timeless.

https://sabr.org/
https://loveofthegameauctions.com/
Produced by Brand Groupies - https://brandgroupies.com/
Theme music by Doug Stoley: www.stoley.com

Episode highlights:
(0:54) Babe Ruth and the Caselnova family story
(5:03) Jason Schwartz introduction
(6:12) Jason’s start in collecting
(11:18) Why Hank Aaron matters
(18:12) Vintage card myths and 1949 Leaf
(23:55) SABR Baseball Cards Research Committee
(30:04) Preserving hobby knowledge
(50:30) Jason’s dream card
(53:52) The Steve Garvey card that changed everything

EP 2: The Discovery of Billy Miller + Guest Rick Cerrone

Al Crisafulli — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Al Crisafulli uncovers the compelling history of a rare 1903 calendar out of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, an artifact that led to the discovery of local hero Billy Miller. Al then sits down with Rick Cerrone, the Editor-in-Chief of Baseball Digest and a veteran of the sports and media industries. Rick shares insights from his time leading public relations for the New York Yankees and working in magazine publishing, offering insider memories while reflecting on the lasting importance of storytelling in baseball.

https://baseballdigest.com/
https://loveofthegameauctions.com/
Produced by Brand Groupies - https://brandgroupies.com/
Theme music by Doug Stoley: http://www.stoley.com/

(0:58) Billy Miller’s remarkable story begins
(4:28) Miller’s military service with the Harlem Hellfighters
(5:19) Rick Cerrone joins the show
(8:55) Rick’s early path into sports media
(19:54) Launching Baseball Quarterly
(36:04) Becoming Yankees PR director
(45:26) Behind-the-scenes Yankees stories
(54:06) Rick’s vision for Baseball Digest
(59:48) What made Rick fall in love with baseball

EP 1: The Lou Gehrig Bat + Guest Graig Kreindler

Al Crisafulli — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:06:09 -0400

In the first episode of the Love of the Game Auctions Podcast, Al Crisafulli recounts the story of a Lou Gehrig game-used bat that sold for a record-breaking price - a sale he credits with putting Love of the Game on the map. He then talks with artist Graig Kreindler, who brings baseball history to life through meticulously researched oil paintings. From rare collectibles to the stories behind the legends, this episode is a must-listen for fans and collectors alike.

https://www.graigkreindler.com/

https://loveofthegameauctions.com/

Produced by Brand Groupies - https://brandgroupies.com/

Theme music by Doug Stoley: https://stoley.com

Welcome to Love of the Game Auctions Podcast

Al Crisafulli — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:51:15 -0400

Every collector's path is different. Some of us hunt for the pristine, while others find beauty in the well-loved corners of a century-old card. Some of us collect what we know, others dig deep into the research and the great hobby mysteries. But no matter the path, every journey starts in the same place: a love of the game.

On this show, we're going beyond the auction block to talk about the legends, the rarities, and the long-forgotten stories that make this hobby great. I'll be joined by guests who live and breathe sports - experts who help us see the hobby through a different lens. So if you value the lore as much of the score, you're in the right place. Let's go.