The Diamondbacks Collection

50 of the Greatest Cards in Sports Collecting History

by Tom and Ellen Zappala

with John Molori
Foreward and Contributions by Joe Orlando

What Critics Are Saying

"The Diamondbacks Collection is one of the legendary collections that has been discussed for years in the hobby. Now, thanks to the efforts of Tom and Ellen Zappala, all collectors have the opportunity to enjoy the premier examples of the most important cards in the hobby. Their work with The Diamondbacks Collection is a gift to us all."

- Nat Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Collectors Universe
"Ken Kendrick has taken his fascination with sports and trading cards and built the most impressive collection in the world. Now Tom and Ellen Zappala have assembled the names, stories, and cards for that collection into a treasured work for us all to enjoy. It is a combination history lesson and pop culture study, illustrated with museum-quality pieces and offered in a full color presentation. The Diamondbacks Collection is a treasure that all fans and collectors will enjoy."

- Jim Kaat, Hall of Fame pitcher and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster
"This book is the perfect way for any sports fan or collector to walk down memory lane with a perpetual smile on their face."

- Josh Rawitch, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame

A Treasure That All Sports Fans and Collectors Will Enjoy

The Diamondbacks Collection: 50 of the Greatest Cards in Sports Collecting History details the story behind the most iconic cardboard gems ever assembled in any private collection. Ken Kendrick, managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has compiled an amazing array of sports cards that is unsurpassed. From the famous 1909–1911 PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner, to the 1948 Leaf PSA 9 Jackie Robinson, to the 1948 Bowman PSA 8 George Mikan rookie card, this prestigious collection consists of 50 of the highest-graded and most sought-after cards in the hobby.

Ben Franklin Award Winner, Silver Medal, 2023
IPPY Award Winner, Bronze Medal, 2023

A Treasure That All Sports Fans and Collectors Will Enjoy

The Diamondbacks Collection: 50 of the Greatest Cards in Sports Collecting History details the story behind the most iconic cardboard gems ever assembled in any private collection. Ken Kendrick, managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has compiled an amazing array of sports cards that is unsurpassed. From the famous 1909–1911 PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner, to the 1948 Leaf PSA 9 Jackie Robinson, to the 1948 Bowman PSA 8 George Mikan rookie card, this prestigious collection consists of 50 of the highest-graded and most sought-after cards in the hobby.

Ben Franklin Award Winner, Silver Medal, 2023
IPPY Award Winner, Bronze Medal, 2023

A Peek Inside The Book

The players immortalized on these cards are sports legends, and the admiration for these stars prompted Kendrick to collect their cards in the first place. A comprehensive narrative on each player’s personal and professional life is included, giving us a glimpse of the human element of these great athletes. Some endured the burden of racial discrimination, some lost prime years to military service, some died too young, and others went on to lucrative careers after their playing days were over.

In addition, longtime collector and hobby expert Joe Orlando discusses the nuances and intricacies of every card in the collection and the set to which it belongs and analyzes why Kendrick’s collection is the most important in the hobby. Orlando also takes a look at how the sports card collecting hobby has evolved over the years, from the explosive growth of the 1980s through to the hobby’s recent dramatic growth.

The first 20 cards discussed in this book are the most sought-after in the world. The remaining 30 cards fall in right behind them. The hobby has evolved over the years into a very sophisticated industry, but the fact remains that most collectors first collect for the love of the player. Ken Kendrick is no exception. Williams, DiMaggio, Robinson, Mays, Cobb, Thorpe, Gibson, and the rest are all here.

The Diamondbacks Collection: 50 of the Greatest Cards in Sports Collecting History is an enjoyable and fascinating read which will appeal to both sports fans and collectors. These pieces of cardboard art are the best of the best.

A Peek Inside The Book

The players immortalized on these cards are sports legends, and the admiration for these stars prompted Kendrick to collect their cards in the first place. A comprehensive narrative on each player’s personal and professional life is included, giving us a glimpse of the human element of these great athletes. Some endured the burden of racial discrimination, some lost prime years to military service, some died too young, and others went on to lucrative careers after their playing days were over.

In addition, longtime collector and hobby expert Joe Orlando discusses the nuances and intricacies of every card in the collection and the set to which it belongs and analyzes why Kendrick’s collection is the most important in the hobby. Orlando also takes a look at how the sports card collecting hobby has evolved over the years, from the explosive growth of the 1980s through to the hobby’s recent dramatic growth.

The first 20 cards discussed in this book are the most sought-after in the world. The remaining 30 cards fall in right behind them. The hobby has evolved over the years into a very sophisticated industry, but the fact remains that most collectors first collect for the love of the player. Ken Kendrick is no exception. Williams, DiMaggio, Robinson, Mays, Cobb, Thorpe, Gibson, and the rest are all here.

The Diamondbacks Collection: 50 of the Greatest Cards in Sports Collecting History is an enjoyable and fascinating read which will appeal to both sports fans and collectors. These pieces of cardboard art are the best of the best.