Serious Michael Jordan collectors are aware that perhaps the most famous MJ photograph ever taken – the straight-on mid-flight free-throw-line-takeoff dunk that won him the 1998 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest championship on his home court in Chicago – hasn’t been available in any format for years (except for those $1,000+ autographed editions that no one actually buys). The old Nike “MVP” poster was in print from 1988 until about 2001, but was discontinued by Nike when they retired their entire poster line around that time. Meanwhile, Photofile had a slightly different photographic angle available as part of its Jordan collection until last year, but it wasn’t nearly as good a shot, and Photofile lost its MJ license in late 2008.

Upper Deck is now the exclusive license holder for Michael Jordan images, and they’ve come kicking-and-screaming into releasing three classics – including the ‘88 Slam Dunk shot – in 8″x10″ matted photo reprint format. They’re not doing poster size, but these are quite beautiful in their own right. Check out full details by clicking on the image or below. In stock now!

Michael Jordan "Classic Dunks Trio" - Upper Deck Co.

These are spectacular. Each one comes as an 8″x10″, but if you factor in the size of the matting, and put the three on the wall together, it will fill up even more space on your wall than your average poster. A brilliant exclusive from Sports Poster Warehouse!

Admit it, Penguins fans: even YOU didn’t think your boys could possibly win a Game 7 in Detroit. And yet, miracles do happen! A week after Marc-Andre Fleury made his amazing last-minute saves to preserve a 2-1 victory and earn Pittsburgh its second major sporting championship of 2009, the posters are out, and the selection is truly magnificent.

First, there’s the annual commemorative action poster – Pittsburgh Penguins “Champions 2009″ – featuring superstars Maxime Talbot, Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, Fleury, and Jordan Staal.

Pittsburgh Penguins "Champions 2009" Commemorative Poster

Next, it’s the annual “Celebration” poster - this year, enhanced with multiple images of the on-ice pandemonium on the evening of June 12, 2009 at Joe Louis Arena, including the joyous moments at the net immediately following the final horn:

Pittsburgh Penguins "Celebration 2009" Commemorative Poster

Costacos Sports, the venerable poster publisher that normally stops at the standard “Champions” and “Celebration” posters seen above, went a step further this year, and added a third Stanley Cup commemorative, sure to become an all-time classic for fans of Sidney Crosby as his storied career continues its path to ultimate greatness. It’s Sidney Crosby “Holy Grail”, featuring the captain and the cup, both shining in championship glory:

Sidney Crosby HOLY GRAIL Stanley Cup 2009 Celebration PosterAlong a similar vein, also available is this amazing 16"x20" Photofile print, "Our Cup", featuring Sidney seconds earlier:Sidney Crosby "OUR Cup!" 2009 Stanley Cup 16" x 20" Photo Print

Sid was the lynchpin and the leader, but Geno was the MVP! Wincraft is producing this limited-edition premium felt pennant commemorating Evgeni Malkin’s Conn Smythe trophy winning performance:

Evgeni Malkin "Conn Smythe Winner" 2009 Stanley Cup Premium Pennant L.E. /5,000

And then there’s this 16″ x 20″ Photofile of Malkin raising the chalice:

Evgeni Malkin "Raise the Cup" Stanley Cup 2009 16" x 20" Photo Print

Fans of Marc-Andre Fleury will be happy to know that we’ll be stocking a similar 16″ x 20″ Photofile print of the goalie superstar in his moment of glory with the Cup. And, although it’s not from the Finals, this shot could very well represent the turning point in Pittsburgh’s journey from Eastern Conference contender to Stanley Cup Champions – Marc-Andre Fleury “Stones Ovechkin”:

Marc-Andre Fleury "Stones Ovechkin" 16" x 20" Photofile Print (Game 7 vs. Capitals)

Another annual favorite is the Stanley Cup Champions panoramic print from Rob Arra’s Everlasting Images. Since the Cup was clinched in the visitors’ arena, this year’s poster features the final seconds of Game 6 at The Igloo, but also includes inset shots of the celebration after Game 7 in Detroit:

Pittsburgh Penguins STANLEY CUP 2009 Panoramic Poster Print

Finally, there are three more great entries in our ever-expanding, ever-more-popular Wincraft premium pennant series: “Stanley Cup Champions”, Sidney Crosby “Youngest Captain”, and Pittsburgh Penguins “Celebration” 17×40 Extra-Large Premium Pennant.

Now that’s a selection! It’s the best post-Stanley Cup selection we’ve ever had. Sales are brisk so far, and if things continue well, perhaps we’ll be encouraged to bring in more Photofile prints from their vast selection of images.

Pittsburgh sports fans, don’t forget: many great Steelers Super Bowl commemorative posters are still in stock!

He’s the world’s most famous athlete – Tiger Woods, the dominating golf superstar who has dominated his sport like no other! For fans of the legend, there’s no better deal than this: with any purchase at SportsPosterWarehouse.com this week (June 8-14, 2009), you get a FREE FULL-SIZED TIGER WOODS POSTER! Just add any item from our selection of over 6,000 different posters, prints, pennants, and banners to your shopping cart; then, add the Tiger Woods “Determination” poster to your cart (seen and linked here:)

Tiger Woods "Determination" Poster

Then, use the discount code TIGER-FREE, and you’ll see a $14.95 discount in your cart – which is regular price of this poster! No hidden charges, no catches, no tricks – just an amazing free Tiger poster for your wall, office, dorm, locker room, or clubhouse. Limited quantity available, so don’t miss your chance at this offer! If you need any help with the discount, e-mail me at info@sportsposterwarehouse.com.

Ali-Liston II – May 25, 1965 - Liston may have dogged the fight, but he did provide what SI deemed to be the #1 sports photograph of the 20th century when Ali implored him to rise off the mat and take his beating like a man! This print is in Pyramid’s spectacular 24″x32″ gallery print series, suitable for framing and placement in a more sophisticated setting.

Ali-Liston II (May 25, 1965) Premium Poster Print

Ali-Frazier I - March 8, 1971 - 20" x 24" Photofile Photo Print

Ali-Norton II – September 10, 1973 – Six months after a broken-jaw humiliation at the hands of Ken Norton, Ali came back for a rematch, and provided one of the grittiest, most inspirational performances of his career. This print, again from Pyramid’s gallery print collection, brings you back to that night in California with a vicious Ali roundhouse right to the head.

Ali-Norton II - September 10, 1973 - Gallery Poster Print

Ali-Foreman – October 30, 1974 – “The Rumble in the Jungle” proved to be one of the most anticipated sporting events in history, won by Ali through people-power, rope-a-dope, and mastery of the head-games against the young, powerful, angry favorite, George Foreman. This amazing print, yet again from Pyramid’s gallery series, features the work of photographer Ken regan, who captured perfectly the moment of impact of Ali’s 8th-round right that put George down in defeat.

Ali-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" Knockout Punch - October 30, 1974

Ali-Frazier II – October 1, 1975 – “The Thrilla in Manila” ends after 14 punishing rounds, when an exhausted and wounded Joe couldn’t answer the bell for the 15th. This brilliant poster – published not by Pyramid or Photofile, but Rosensteil’s Fine Art – truly brings home the brutality of that fight with this late-round classic black-and-white photograph of Frazier ducking under an Ali right.

Ali-Frazier II - October 1, 1975 - The Thrilla in Manila Poster Print

Ali-Norton III – September 28. 1976 – Yankee Stadium, NY - In the final big-time performance of his career, Ali outlasted Norton and won a split decision that thrilled the massive stadium crowd. This amazing Photofile 20″x24″ print is in living color, and captures the scene to perfection.

Western New York spots fans are some of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and loyal in North America. Unfortunately, they have also been the longest-suffering fans, having enjoyed not a single major pro sports championship since Jack Kemp (may he rest in peace) QB’d the AFL’s Buffalo Bills in 1964 and 1965.

Despite the lack of any highly-coveted championship commemorative posters (sorry, fans…1964-65 was the pre-poster era), Buffalo’s walls have been adorned with some great, and highly collectible, sports posters over the years. Here are our choices for the Top 10:

10. Doug Flutie “The Flutiemaster” – While some Bills fans will never forgive him for costing Rob Johnson playing time and acting too confident, Doug Flutie’s three-year run with the team in the late 1990s was nothing short of brilliant. In 30 starts, he recorded a 21-9 record, truly earning the nickname “The Flutiemaster” coined with this poster released during his miraculous late-season run to the playoffs in 1998 (limited quantity still in stock at SportsPosterWarehouse.com).

Doug Flutie "The Flutiemaster" Poster - Costacos Brothers 1998

9. Buffalo Bills “Super Bowl XXVII” (AFC Champions) – Action Images 1993. This poster, published for sale at souvenir stands at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena on gameday (January 31, 1993), is a bittersweet reminder of what might have been, had Jim Kelly and the boys managed to win just one of those four early-1990s championship games. Imagine the word “Championship” under the artwork actually reading “Champions!” on a post-game edition. One can dream…

Buffalo Bills "Super Bowl XXVII" (AFC Champions) - Action Images 1993

8. Dominik Hasek “The Dominator” (Old-School Uniform) – Norman James Corp. 1995 – While Dominik led the Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals in the new-school uniform (unveiled in the fall of 1996), he first rose to prominence in the old-school unis. This amazing poster, released by short-lived Canadian publisher Norman James Corp., gives you a glimpse at Dominik as he appeared during his earliest moment of magic – his role in the “Mayday” game against the Boston Bruins during the 1993 playoffs. This is, as far as we know, the only poster published featuring Hasek in this uniform.

Dominik Hasek "Dominator" (Old-School Uni) - Norman James Corp. 1995

7. Thurman Thomas “The Thurmanator” – Costacos Brothers 1991 – From the late-1980s, early-1990s heyday of Costacos Brothers theme posters, this one is still highly sought after by Bills collectors, and was such a great seller back in the day that the publisher came out with a sequel – “Thurmanator II” – in 1993.

Thurman Thomas "The Thurmanator" Poster - Costacos Brothers 1991

6. Gilbert Perreault & Rick Martin – Sports Posters Inc. (Lewis Portnoy) 1973 – A Hall of Fame photographer for the amazing results his innovative arena strobe techniques produced in the early 1970s, Lewis Portnoy was a true innovator and entrepreneur. From 1973 to 1975, the St. Louis-based snapper marketed his own line of posters from his amazing library of images. The upstart Sabres had two entries in the series, pictured here: Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin. (Note: a limited quantity of these posters is still available from The Sports Poster Warehouse in The Portnoy Collection section).

Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin Action Posters - Sport Posters Inc. (Lewis Portnoy) 1973

5. O.J. Simpson Action Poster – Studio One 1973 – From 1972-78, the sports posters you could order from those “checklist” advertisements in Sports Illustrated magazine came from the Studio One corporation. SI-SO posters were printed on a very delicate paper stock, making it very difficult to find them in decent condition. Further, unlike some of the earlier SI posters published by the Renselaar Corporation from 1968-71, we are unaware of any major warehouse finds of this era’s posters, making many of them impossible to find in any shape! While most of us wish we never had to see O.J.’s guilty mug ever again, no one wants to forget the football magic he brought to Buffalo in the 1970s – especially the 2000+ yard 1973 season, the year this classic was published.

O.J. Simpson Action Poster - Studio One Sports Illustrated 1973

4. Winter Classic 2008 Panoramic Poster Print – Everlasting Images Inc. – If you are a hard-core Western New York sports fan, you were probably at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008, at what will certainly be remembered as one of the most fondly-remembered sporting events in Buffalo history. From legendary panoramic stadium photographer Rob Arra’s brilliant Everlasting Images collection, this brings the day alive with class and style. (Note: this poster is still in print, available here from SportsPosterWarehouse.com).

2008 Winter Classic Panoramic Poster Print - Everlasting Images Inc.

3. Bob McAdoo Buffalo Braves Action Poster – Studio One Sports Illustrated 1974 – Few outside of Western New York have any idea that there was an NBA franchise in Buffalo in the 1970s…and the team was actually pretty competitive! The team was led by superstar Bob McAdoo, the #2 overall draft pick of 1972, who brought the high-flying athleticism of North Carolina hoops to the Aud (and Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens for a few games every year). This impossible-to-find poster found its way into SportsPosterWarehouse.com’s permanent collection via eBay many years ago…and we’ve never seen one offered for sale since! A truly rare historical relic.

Bob McAdoo Buffalo Braves NBA Action Poster - Studio One SI 1974

2. “Buffalo ‘66″ Bills Theme Art Poster – Unknown Publisher 1966 – No, this is not from Vincent Gallo’s memorable 1998 indie film that weaved Buffalo football history into a bizarre Western New York-centered tale. This is a vintage original from the earliest-known full-sized (24″ x 36″) poster line ever published for consumer sale – a series of AFL and NFL team theme art posters published between 1966 and 1968. There’s no copyright info on the posters, no artist information, and we’re not even sure where they were sold; but the pure-’60s artwork is brilliant, and all teams of the era were included, including the Bills franchise that was still enjoying the glow of back-to-back championships. If anyone has more details about this series, please leave comments on this blog entry!

Buffalo Bills 1966 AFL Theme Art Poster - Publisher Unknown

1. “Machine Gun Kelly” Jim Kelly Theme Poster – Costacos Brothers 1987 – To this day, we get more requests for this one than for any other Buffalo-related classic. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the kitschy 1980s Costacos Brothers theme poster line (yes, there were actual Costacos Brothers – John and Tock Costacos, Seattle-based entrepreneurs), but you can’t argue with success, and you can’t argue with public demand! Featuring the legendary Buffalo Bills QB playing off his on-field gunslinger reputation, this now impossible-to-find poster truly brings you back to the glorious ’80s – the style is unmistakeable, and man, does Jim look young! Thousands of you had this one posted to your bedroom wall back in the day, but how many survived post-adolescence or redecorating? We’re guessing – not too many.

Jim Kelly "Machine Gun Kelly" Poster - Costacos Brothers 1987

Yours truly – Neil Flagg, President and Founder of Sports Poster Warehouse - will be appearing on WGR550 Sports Radio’s The Hobby this Saturday morning (May 23, 2009 at 8:00am). Hosted by Mike Schoop of Buffalo’s top-rated drive-time show Schoop & The Bulldog, The Hobby is a fantastic hour of radio focusing exclusively on the world of sports collectibles. We’ll be discussing the history of the sports poster, and sports posters in general from a collector’s perspective.

You can listen live on WGR’s streaming audio feed linked here. A day or two after the show, an archived audio file will be available here on The Hobby’s Web Site. A highly recommended, very entertaining show for those interested in sports collectibles!

For fans of the show, we’re offering a free shipping discount code – a $5.75 discount off orders of $20.00 or greater, expiring July 4, 2009 ($5.75 is the price of standard shipping fee for the Continental USA). Use discount code WGRHOBBY-FREESHIP.

New York baseball fans, and ballpark afficionados – celebrate a new era! Just in stock today, it’s the official Inaugural Game commemorative prints for the amazing Big Apple billion-dollar baseball meccas, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. First, it’s New Yankee Stadium Inaugural Game, from April 16, 2009:

New Yankee Stadium 2009 Inaugural Game Official Poster

Next, it’s Citi Field Inagural Game, from April 13, 2009:

Citi Field New York Mets Inaugural Game 2009 Official Poster

Each print is available in our exclusive large-format 20″x24″ size for just $39.95, and is complete with official MLB serialized hologram for licensing authenticity.

And, we have historic-first-Home Run 16″x20″ prints for the Yankees and Mets. First, Jorge Posada “First HR at Yankee Stadium”:

Jorge Posada First Home Run at New Yankee Stadium Commemorative Print

Next, it’s David Wright “First Mets HR at Citi Field”:

David Wright First Mets Home Run at Citi Field Commemorative Print

Don’t miss your chance at these exclusive prints – they are printed in runs of just 20 at a time, and are often discontinued without notice. Amazing, rare collector’s items for any Yankee or Mets fan!

I’ll be honest – before I punched his name into a Google search, I did not remember who Steve Emtman was. And yet, here’s a guy who, 17 years ago this month, was the talk of the NFL Draft, going #1 overall to the Indianapolis Colts as a dominating Defensive Lineman out of the University of Washington. Injuries prevented his NFL career from ever truly taking off, so after this amazing release produced by the legendary Costacos Brothers company from a pre-rookie-season photo shoot, you’ll find no record of Emtman in the annals of sports poster history.

We found this poster hidden away in a box of mixed stock we obtained about a year ago, and have just posted it to eBay as a featured auction. I’m pretty certain we’ll never come across one of these again, so if you’re a big-time Huskies or Colts collector, you won’t want to miss your chance at owning this one. My guess is, there’s at least a few fans of this College Hall of Famer who will bid this up substantially. Auction ends April 23, 2009 at 8:43 pm EDT. If you come along after this date and time…sorry, I can’t help you find another one of these posters – you’ll just have to admire the picture!

Serious Tar Heels hoops fans and collectors – don’t miss your chance at this one! The official North Carolina Tar Heels 2009 NCAA Championship Commemorative poster is now available, and thanks to our contacts at the publisher, Action Images Inc., we can confirm that the press run for this one was limited to just 2,000. To put that in perspective: there were more than 2,000 UNC students sitting in the raucous school seating area in Detroit on gameday! Seriously, folks: this one won’t last long.

And if you’ve put off buying this one for the past four years, note that we still have a few left in stock of the North Carolina Tar Heels 2005 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions Commemorative Poster (this one was published in greater quantity – probably 5,000):

What was I doing, transfixed to the television at 1:00 am EDT this morning, dead tired while nursing a cold, and having two little children to help take care of in less than six hours? I was watching one of the best baseball games I’ve ever seen! After two weeks of trying to follow a lacklustre group of teams playing an incomprehensible tournament format in front of mostly empty stadiums, the World Baseball Classic concluded with a truly amazing Japan-Korea final. The secret? These were actual TEAMS competing, not assembled groups of spring training refugees who’s GMs didn’t forbid them from taking part. After a 9 innings of amazing defense, intense strategy, clutch hitting, and dominant pitching, it was only fitting that the legendary Ichiro Suzuki would break the tie with a remarkable 8-pitch at-bat that resulted in a two-run single and a 5-3 Japanese victory. With his clutch performance, he definitely earned his spot on my Wall-of-Fame! Click on any of the images below for more info on these great Ichiro additions to your wall:

Ichiro Suzuki Signature Series Premium Felt Collector's Pennant

Ichiro Suzuki "The Swing" Multi-Exposure Batting Photographic Print

Ichiro Suzuki "Seattle Star" Seattle Mariners Poster

And other Team Japan players available: Kosuke Fukudome,  Daisuke Matsuzaka.