Memorabilia

SO, HOW DOES that old expression go: He who dies with the most toys wins? Ronald Toby is not quite ready to tally up the final score, but he has what would appear to be an insurmountable lead. At 57, he has more toys packed inside of his Northeast Philadelphia home than your average Toys R Us. He not only has an array of interesting sports stuff he has picked up through the years, but also perhaps one of the more varied collections of memorabilia these eyes have ever seen. All I can say is: You have to see it to believe it. "I have always loved toys," said Toby, who worked as a SEPTA mechanic for more than 30 years before retiring in 2004.

A former Ohio State wide receiver told the school's student newspaper that he sold Big Ten championship rings and other memorabilia for cash and got special car deals. Ray Small, frequently benched, suspended or disciplined during an erratic career at Ohio State from 2006 to '09, confirmed to The Lantern that when it came to getting improper benefits "everyone was doing it. " He also said it was no big deal selling personal items given to the team: "We had four Big Ten rings.

WASHINGTON - Vincent Lecavalier scored his second goal of the game 6 minutes, 19 seconds into overtime, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the top-seeded Washington Capitals, 3-2, Sunday night for a two-games-to-none lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Fifth-seeded Tampa Bay appeared headed for a much simpler victory, leading, 2-1, in the third period, but two-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin forced the extra period by scoring with 67 seconds left in regulation. Dwayne Roloson made 35 saves as the Lightning won their fifth consecutive game.

At his death last May at age 83, Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts left behind a treasure trove of memorabilia that he had collected during the course of his 19-season career in the major leagues. He also left behind four sons, who found themselves faced with a vexing question: Who gets what? Who gets the signed Babe Ruth ball? Who gets the 1950 National League championship ring? Who gets the collection of hand-painted game-used baseballs from more than 100 of his 286 career victories?

Tell us what you have in the way of unusual, obscure and just peculiar sports memorabilia. So, whatcha got? Perhaps your grandfather passed down to you a piece of the goalpost from the Eagles' win in the 1960 championship game, or your great-grandfather had a collar that was once worn by Connie Mack. Or, perhaps it was something you came into possession on your own: a cancelled check endorsed by Wilt Chamberlain or a bar tab signed by one of the old Stanley Cup champion Flyers.

Robin Roberts Jr. probably won't be at Citizens Bank Park Tuesday when the memorabilia his late father accumulated over a lifetime will be auctioned. "I think there's a college baseball game that night. I'll just watch that," Roberts said. "I don't know if I can watch the auction. It's very difficult. " He'd rather not see someone bid on the trophy the Phillies Hall of Famer won for being Michigan's best college basketball player; or on his 1950 National League championship ring, the one inscribed with "Whiz Kids"; or on the ball Babe Ruth signed for the pitcher.

Less than a year after his death, some of Robin Roberts' most prized possessions are for sale. Items such as Roberts' Hall of Fame induction ring, his 2008 World Series ring, 1950 National League championship ring, and a bat used in the 1952 All-Star Game are going up for auction. On April 12 at the Diamond Club in Citizens Bank Park, a live event will be conducted by Hunt Auctions. Attendance will be limited on a reserved basis. A $20 reservation fee will be charged, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Phillies Charities.

About four years ago, Dan Leider purchased a signed, 1985 "We Are the World," United Support of Artists for Africa poster for $450 at an auction. Leider has been working in the recording industry for six years and has been collecting rock-'n'-roll memorabilia for at least 15. He had a hunch the framed poster, covered in a rainbow of Sharpie signatures by the likes of Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and others, might be worth...

For Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt , spring means working with the Phillies hitters, to be sure, but what it really means is that he'll be going fishing more. Schmidt, who lives in Jupiter, Fla., is working with the World Fishing Network to drum up interest in a contest called Ultimate Fishing Town USA. Anglers are being asked to nominate their town at www.WFNFishingTown.com for the chance to win $25,000 to support a local fishing project, as well as a 30-minute TV show on WFN. Could be a new dock, says Schmidt, or a public ramp.

Not long ago, the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society had to cancel its annual fund-raising breakfasts, because most of the players who used to attend had died. More recently, the passing of 1953 all-star Gus Zernial left the number of surviving ex-A's at either 36 or 37. No one was certain, because Max Silberman, the member tasked with keeping the count, died two years ago. Like the last vestiges of a deep and memorable snow, those who played and rooted for Connie Mack's A's are gradually melting away.