I was 11 years old when I flipped through my stack of basketball cards and decided that my favorite player would be Mitch Richmond. Fifteen years later, what started out as a couple trading cards has morphed into a wide range of Sacramento Kings memorabilia, including everything from in-game giveaways to in-person autographs. It wasn't always easy, and at times put a serious dent in my wallet, but my collection has not only helped preserve some childhood memories, but perhaps a small part of team history.
I still remember trading my friend all of my Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley cards in fifth grade for the "rare" Mitch Richmond die-cut (center) that was all but impossible to find in days prior to the internet. Around the same time, the local comic book shops began calling me "Richmond" and ecstatically holding aside Kings items they'd otherwise never sell in a tiny New Jersey suburb.
When I was in sixth grade, my mother excitedly called me from a nearby garage sale where a woman was selling her father's old sports collection. Among stacks of signed magazines, photos, and basketballs was a Sacramento Kings license plate, autographed by none other than Richmond and two other players whose names I still haven't deciphered. Although the seller couldn't verity its authenticity, she claimed that it was obtained at a Sacramento charity function (and besides, who'd fake a few Kings' autographs?). Best $35 — bargained down from $50 — I've ever spent.
"Got anything with the Kings?""Doubt it, but you're welcome to look."
I can't tell you how many times I heard those words as a kid. As frustrating as it oftentimes was, there came a certain thrill with digging through hundreds of Knicks and Lakers items, hoping to find a new piece to add to my collection. During a family vacation in Eastport, Maine, of all places, I somehow came across a poster of Michael "The Animal" Smith (seriously) and a miniature Kings key chain in a remote comic book shop.
How unknown was Mitch Richmond in the early '90's? When Kenner finally put out his Starting Lineup figure in 1993, he was depicted in a number 21 jersey that he'd never worn in his career (they'd eventually get it right three years later). One of my "sources" badly overcharged me for acquiring the first SLU at a trade show, but I made it up for it by finding the second figure in a Toys 'R Us clearance bin.
In 1995, Richmond (and by association, the Kings) briefly gained the NBA spotlight by unexpectedly winning the All-Star Game MVP Award. When NBA.com later auctioned off an autographed mini-basketball, I had to combine my birthday and Hanukkah money to outbid dozens of other fans. Let's just say it cost a little more than that license plate.
The prominence of the Chris Webber-led Sacramento teams in the late '90s and early 2000s not only made it easier to find items in local shops, but in other countries, as well. A family friend brought back a set of Kings matryoshkas from his visit to Russia in 2003. All five players actually fit inside the Oliver Miller doll.
A new world opened up for me when I discovered eBay, which gave me access to hundreds of items I would've never come across (for better or worse). Some of the first collectibles I won included: home and away Jason Williams 1999 team teddy bears, a Scot Pollard plush toy that was an Arco Arena giveaway, and a Bobby Jackson doll that was only available in Sacramento-area Subway restaurants. One purchase, however, remains regrettable.
Sure, the Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Jason Williams jerseys I bought at Foot Locker are hanging in the back of my closet, but once again, it's the Richmond ones that hold the most significance. For years, the only Kings article of clothing I owned was the black road jersey that I had to get custom ordered from a sporting goods store in the mall. I found the newer and vintage white versions at flea markets, the latter of which helped me finish the New York City Marathon, and just last year, I finally won an authentic half-black, half-purple alternate jersey the Kings wore during the 1996-97 season — either the coolest or ugliest jersey ever, depending on your perspective -- in an online auction.
Last but not least, there are the keepsakes from my in-person encounters with Kings players. On the left is a basketball card that I had signed by Chris Webber at the NBA store during the bittersweet 2001-2002 season.
It's a little hard to make out, but Ron Artest inscribed my name on the rap album he graciously handed me when I ran into him in midtown Manhattan.
And on the right is the infamous Post-it note that Kevin Martin autographed for me in a Dallas strip club, which still makes me smile every time i see it. Funny how of all the expensive and hard-to-find mementos that I've collected over the years, my favorite one didn't cost a dime.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
The Oliver Miller doll looks ... how do I put this: small.
2 - doktakra
Ha, on the contrary, it was actually too large to fit into the picture. All you can see is the looming shadow...
3 - Dexter Fishmore
Wow - this is an amazing collection. But nothing Bobby Hurley-related?
4 - doktakra
Thanks, Dexter. I have a ton of Bobby Hurley rookie cards in some old binders, I'm sure. And plus, I always assumed that key chain was supposed to be Hurley...well, it's either him or Šar?nas Mar?iulionis.
5 - RW5254
That's so awesome. I collect sports memorabilia as well and can appreciate a good collection. Hope the Kings have a great season!
6 - doktakra
Thanks so much, RW5254, I really appreciate the kind words!
7 - Gabe
Hi,
Linked to this awesome article from Sactownroyalty. Your collection is pretty good, I really want a jersey with the checkerboard sidestripe.
Did you get the Kings Barbies? I have white and African Amercan versions... hahaha! I also got nesting dolls in Moscow, a different version. Can we make a website dedicated to funny Kings memorabilia?
For example, I would post my homemade 5 foot tall "Causinator" poster in my home office...
Gabe
8 - doktakra
Glad you liked the article, Gabe. I don't have the Kings Barbies, though I won't lie to you, I'm slightly intrigued. Although I now quite unfortunately have that "Barbie Girl" song stuck in my head...
Between our Michael Smith and Duane Causwell posters, we're well on our way. I just wish I could offer up this game-used and signed Greg Ostertag jersey that I someone once outbid me on at the last second on eBay. I wish I was joking.
9 - Igor and Inna
Wow! You are a great writer. I think we
have some Kings items in the attic.
10 - Treacy
I have a Peja Stojakovic Matryoshka and I was wondering if it is worth anything
11 - doktakra
Treacy - It might be worth something to a hardcore collector, such as myself...but I found the one you're talking about on eBay for less than $10 a few months back. ;)
12 - Graeme
Hey doktakra, great article. You sure do have some very rare Kings merchandise. I was wondering if you knew of anywhere I could purchase a Mike Bibby Jersey from the 2001-2002 season? It was Bibby's first with the Kings, and everywhere I look I can only find the newer style of jersey. The one I'm looking for is the one that just says "Kings" on the front. It can be found easily for a Jason Williams jersey, but none for Mike Bibby. Any help you can give would be very much appreciated. Thanks
13 - Alex Kramers
Hi, Graeme. I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I'm not sure where you'd be able to find the Bibby jersey off-hand, but I'd suggest checking on eBay. I've seen plenty of Webber and Stojakovic jerseys in the style you're looking for, so I'm sure a Bibby one will pop up sooner or later. Best of luck!
14 - Darian
Ive got this Peja Stojakovi? Game-used shorts card and my brother (I won it from him in a game of dice) thinks its awesome but it's not really worth anything is it?