Happy Day: The Fonz, Greg Brady and More Show Up at Panini America HQ (Gallery)

Days like today are precisely why working at Panini America is akin to some adrenaline-riddled romp on a white-knuckled roller coaster ride that makes a loop-to-loop through Christmas morning before coming to a stop in a candy store. Funny what the arrival of hard-signed autographs from the likes of Henry Winkler, Barry Williams, Barry Switzer, Curly Neal and so many others can do for the kid-like psyche of a 1970s child.

Panini America 2013 Golden Age Baseball Autographs (32)

Days like today are precisely why working at Panini America is akin to some adrenaline-riddled romp on a white-knuckled roller coaster ride that makes a loop-to-loop through Christmas morning before coming to a stop in a candy store. Funny what the arrival of hard-signed autographs from the likes of Henry Winkler, Barry Williams, Barry SwitzerCurly Neal and so many others can do for the kid-like psyche of a 1970s child.

Such was the case this morning, when a must-see slew of early returns from the upcoming 2013 Golden Age Baseball release instantly jettisoned me back three decades or so to my living-room floor, where I spent countless hours watching “Happy Days,” “The Brady BunchOklahoma Sooners football and the Harlem Globetrotters. It was a euphoric experience to be sure, and one that foretold of a stunning follow-up to last season’s Golden Age debut.

While Fonzie and Greg Brady top my shortlist of hard-signed Golden Age autos that have been returned to Panini America HQ so far, there’s plenty more  ’70s-era splendor worth mentioning, too. Like Eve Plumb (Jan Brady), Dick and Tommy Smothers, Stanley and Barry Livingston (“My Three Sons”), Carlton Fisk, Mario Andretti, Jim Kiick, Sugar Ray Leonard, Yogi Berra and Ron Cey.

We’ve provided many of the highlights in a most golden Golden Age preview below. The product is slated to go live June 26, so stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for news on additional arrivals, including six history-makers in particular that must be seen to be believed. More on those later.

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15 Replies to “Happy Day: The Fonz, Greg Brady and More Show Up at Panini America HQ (Gallery)”

  1. Wow, that is quite the set of cards and all with amazing auto’s. I would be pretty excited to see those come in the mail too.

  2. No love for 80s pop culture? The 80s are a lot hotter than the 70s right now. A set with 80s sitcom stars, MTV stars, athletes, etc. would probably do great.

  3. Interesting mix of signatures, still not keen on non-baseball players in a baseball release though. If it was billed as Americana/pop culture I’d be more in favor. Thanks for the preview Tracy!

  4. Isn’t this the first certified auto for Ted Simmons? That card will sell very well on the secondary market.

  5. They all have clean auto’s. not rushed you can tell they take there time, beautiful. Is the six auto secret history maker of the Brady bunch?

  6. HEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Gotta love the Fonz! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I thought last year’s Golden Age delivered the most consistent value for the money of any product I opened. I bought 6-7 boxes and all but one delivered a really nice auto or mem card (and sometimes both). Great mix of players and other figures. Hard Signed autos. Interesting swatches from all kinds of athletes and icons. NOT TO MENTION THE THREE STOOGES!! Can’t wait for 2013 Golden Age.

  7. On card autographs of Henry Winkler, Max Baer Jr., The Smothers Brothers and Curly Neal… pure awesomeness

    Is there any chance that the actors signed an inscription with their characters name? I would love to see a Jethro Bodine autograph.

  8. Awesome gallery. I really enjoyed last years product. This years looks just as great. Can’t wait. Great autographs. Heyyyyyyy

  9. I’m trying to find a good set my wife and I can collect together with enough stuff to keep her interested. This might be the set. Tobacco sized minis, yes?

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