Ask Babe: More questions for the Babe

Dear Babe: In 1950 Charlie "Choo Choo'' Justice was the MVP of the College All-Stars vs. Philadelphia Eagles game. My father was a big North Carolina fan and "Choo Choo'' fan. Justice gave my father the jersey he wore in that All-Star game in which he was the MVP. I also have a signed copy of "Choo Choo, The Charlie Justice Story.'' -- Eileen Curry, Greensboro, N.C. "He is a legend in North Carolina maybe the best UNC football player ever,'' said Mike Breeden, an autograph expert and editor of Tuff Stuff's autograph guide. Justice led North Carolina to national prominence in the late 1940s, starring for the Tar heels from 1946-49. Along the way he was, at various times, among the nation's leaders in rushing, punting, scoring and kickoff returns. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting twice -- first to Doak Walker in 1948 and then to Leon Hart the following year. The halfback led the Tar Heels to a 32-6-2 regular including three Top Ten finishesOn the down side, Justice's N.C. teams came up short in three bowl appearances, losing to Georgia , 20-10, in the 1947 Sugar Bowl, Oklahoma, 14-6, in the 1949 Sugar Bowl and Rice, 27-13, in the 1950 Cotton Bowl. As you noted, he was the MVP of the game that used to pit college stars against the reigning NFL champs. He played four NFL seasons in Washington and is a member of the Redskins Ring of Fame. "Nice jersey,'' said Mike Heffner, president of www.lelands.com auction house in South Dennis, Mass. He and Brian Marren, vice president of acquisitions for www.MastroAuctions.com auctions in Chicago, put the jersey in the $3,000-$5,000 range. "This book is worth somewhere in the $100-$200 range, depending on condition. That said, he died just a few years ago and there is little interest in items pertaining to him outside of N.C.,'' said Breeden.Dear Babe: I have an All Star Game baseball from 1999. The baseball is not signed. I think this is the game Pete Rose was not allowed to attend according to his deal with MLB. -- Bob R., Riverside, Calif.Actually, the only "deal'' Rose has with MLB is that he is banned for life. However, Rose was allowed to show up for Game 2 of the 1999 World Series in Atlanta when the All-Century was honored. Rose was selected to the team. Since all living members were being invited, MLB had to bite the bullet and allow Rose to participate. Other than Ted Williams, he received the loudest ovation. All that aside, the '99 All-Star Game was in Boston where the A.L. prevailed, 4-1. A ball from than year just sold in an eBay auction for $20.50 plus $5 shipping and handling. It's only one sale, but it should give an idea on the ball's value.BABE NOTE: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has ruled there was no tampering by the Vikings in the Brett Favre saga. Maybe the commish needs to start checking out the folks at Topps.They've made Favre their poster child for their 2008 football release. Favre is on the box and featured on every pack. Although he was supposed to be retired when the product was designed, he has a card as does Michael Strahan, who has stayed retired -- so far."That is what everyone has been asking us 'Did you guys know?''' said Clay Luraschi, director of Topps product development. "We planned this out months ago. We just find it so ironic that all this happening with Favre.''Topps has used retired players such as Roberto Clemente and Mickey Mantle. However, I think both of them appeared after their deaths. Mr. Favre is definitely alive and well. For more information on 2008 Topps Football, visit www.topps.com.(Send card questions to Babe Waxpak, PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 or e-mail babewaxpak(at)charter.net. If possible, include card number, year and brand or a photocopy. Please do not send cards. For Babe Waxpak's blog, see www.scrippsnews.com/waxpak. Babe Waxpak is a feature of The Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)