ESNY’s own Mike Vivalo caught up with eBay and New York Yankees superstar Mariano Rivera to discuss an exciting new partnership.
The Grand Daddy of e-commerce is getting into the Sports Card game and we got a sneak peek. The OG e-commerce marketplace—eBay—announced the inaugural class of the eBay Baseball Card Hall of Fame on June 13. New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera is among the list of inductees.
According to eBay, the list includes 10 legends whose trading cards have held the highest value and had the greatest influence on baseball’s cards and collectibles world. Inductees were selected based on more than a decade’s worth of proprietary sales and search data, and represent every era of the last century of baseball, from Babe Ruth to Pete Rose, and beyond.
Meet the Baseball Card Hall of Fame: Class of 2019
- Mariano Rivera—The Closer
- Ken Griffey, Jr.—The Fan Favorite
- Nolan Ryan—The “K”ING
- Stan Musial—The Midsummer MVP
- Cal Ripken, Jr.—The Fielder’s Choice
- Babe Ruth—The Godfather
- Ted Williams—The King Without A Ring
- Pete Rose—The Hustler
- Ozzie Smith—The Golden Glove
- Mickey Mantle—The MVP
On Deck: Hall of Fame Hopefuls
- Derek Jeter—The Postseason Prince
- Mike Trout—The Looming Legend
- Aaron Judge—The Riser
- Bryce Harper—The Powerhouse
- Albert Pujols—The First-Ballot Bat
Fans can explore the entire eBay Baseball Card Hall of Fame here. ESNY was invited to check out the official launch with upcoming HOF inductee Mariano Rivera, who has partnered with eBay on an exclusive memorabilia deal of his own.
The “eBay x Mariano Rivera” collection includes hand-signed official baseballs, jerseys and hats, autographed photographs of epic moments, flashy framed signs and wall art, 2019 Hall of Fame memorabilia, and more.
Additionally, 42 special items—including game-worn jerseys, signed and game-used MLB bases, signed Yankees baseball hats and a personalized video recorded by Mariano Rivera—will be auctioned off, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Mariano Rivera Foundation through June 16.
The lunch was highlighted by a spirited talk with Rivera about his humble beginnings in Panama, and how the kids used to make baseballs with tape and make gloves out of milk cartons.
.@MarianoRivera discussing how he played baseball as a kid is one of the best things you'll see all day. @EliteSportsNY #PinstripePride pic.twitter.com/EiiCxSScGI
— Team Vivalo (@TeamVivalo) June 12, 2019
Rivera remains a great ambassador for the game of baseball and brings respect and class wherever he goes, whether it’s the eBay Hall Of Fame or the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
