Well now, if you’re a fan of baseball and collectin’ those little action figures, then you probably already know about the Starting Lineup Baseball Figures. I reckon, back in the day, they was all the rage! You could find ‘em everywhere – from stores to the flea market, and folks would pay good money for ‘em too! But let me tell ya, they ain’t just toys. No sir, they’re real collectibles, and folks all around the world want a piece of that action.
These little figures started out in the late 80s, around 1988, when they were first made by a company called Kenner. Later on, the big folks at Hasbro took over the reins. Now, when you hear “Starting Lineup,” you probably think of them little figurines that look just like your favorite baseball players. And let me tell ya, these things were made to be as real as possible, every little detail, right down to the bat in their hands or the way they stand on the field.
Who are these figures for?
Well, these little fellas ain’t just for kids playin’ with toys – oh no! They’re meant for serious collectors too. A lot of folks like me, who grew up watchin’ baseball on the TV, would pick ‘em up just to have a piece of history. It’s like keepin’ a memento of the greats, you know? Think about players like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, or even the newer stars like Jayson Tatum or Stephen Curry. You could get them all as figurines, and they were dressed up just like they were on the field, with all their gear and everything.
And you know, over time, these figures became more than just collectibles. They turned into a part of the culture. I remember how folks would swap ‘em or even auction ‘em off on places like eBay. Some of those figures, especially the older ones, could fetch quite a bit of money, and rightly so! A real gem in your collection could be worth hundreds or even more, depending on how rare it was. For example, figures from the 90s, like the Bo Jackson or Benito Santiago ones, are considered real treasures!
The Players and Their Figures
So now, you might be wonderin’, who all is included in this lineup? Well, honey, you got yourself a whole list of big names. Some of the best baseball players got their own action figures made. You’d find figures of folks like the mighty Barry Bonds, the one and only Ken Griffey Jr., and of course, Bo Jackson, who was a beast in both baseball and football! The figures are usually dressed up in their teams’ uniforms, with the details so clear you can almost see the dirt on their cleats!
But wait, it gets better! Nowadays, Hasbro’s back in the game, and they’ve teamed up with Fanatics to bring the Starting Lineup figures back to life. Ain’t that somethin’? So, now you can still get your hands on these classic figures and even some new ones, like players from the Golden State Warriors or the Milwaukee Bucks basketball teams, not just baseball! Ain’t it nice to see these old-school figures comin’ back in a big way?
What Makes ‘Em Special?
You might wonder, well, why bother with these little figures? What makes ‘em so special? For one, they got character! These ain’t just little plastic toys – no sir! They’re crafted with such care and precision, it’s like you’re lookin’ at the real player. And for those of us who love collectin’, they’re a piece of history. Each figure captures the spirit of the game and the players at their prime. It’s like holdin’ a little piece of the past right in your hand!
Plus, if you’re a fan of a particular team or player, there’s nothin’ better than havin’ a figure of your favorite star to put on the shelf. It’s a great way to show off your fandom, and let’s face it, they look mighty fine displayed in your home or office. You could even get a whole set to show the entire team, which would be a real treat for any true baseball fan!
The Return of the Starting Lineup
Now, like I said earlier, these little figures vanished for a while there, but they ain’t gone for good. In 2022, Hasbro decided to bring ‘em back, and folks couldn’t be happier. You can now get your hands on figures from all sorts of sports, not just baseball! They’ve even got football and basketball players, so it’s a real smorgasbord for collectors. All them action figures are back on the shelves, and let me tell you, they’re selling fast! So if you want one, you better grab it before they’re gone again!
In conclusion, starting lineup figures are more than just toys, they’re a whole part of baseball history. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who loves the game, these figures are a great way to celebrate your favorite players and relive those good ol’ days of baseball. So, next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for ‘em. You never know when you might find the next big treasure for your collection!
Tags: [Starting Lineup Baseball Figures, Baseball Action Figures, Collectible Sports Figures, Hasbro, MLB Action Figures, Sports Memorabilia, Starting Lineup, Collecting Action Figures, Fanatics, Baseball Collectibles]