Renata Galasso
 

I've searched this forum and while there is some scattered information on her, there doesn't seem to be a thread devoted to someone who really helped me, and a lot of others, discover that you didn't need to go to the store to get cards.

When I was trying to complete my 1978 set (my first ever) my dad came back from a Yankee game with their current scorebook/magazine, and I found an add for a complete set for $14.95. It took me a while to convince my parents that it made more economical sense to invest the 15 bucks and finish the set, than to keep buying packs looking for straggler cards (which I kept doing anyway). I found it odd then and still do that the card image they used to illustrate the 78 set was Dave Roberts - a pretty poor paint job of a guy who didn't resonate with kids in 1978.

Anyway, it took forever to come. When it finally did, they sent the 1979 Topps Set which had just been issued. I was furious! My mom pulled the first card, the 1978 batting leaders, and said, "are your sure it isn't the right set? This says 1978". I had to explain it to here.

Anyway we got it straightened out, and by the time I got it I only needed a single card - Gary Ross.

I remember that when she advertised the new Topps set each year, well into the 1980s I think, she used an old, poor image of 1975 cards to illustrate the offer for vending boxes. I actually used to not get those because I was 'worried' I might get 500 mint 1975 cards instead of the 1985 cards I was really looking for...if only!

Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone out there has any information on her - how she got into the business, where she went, that sort of thing.

Thanks!

I put this thread in the wrong place - look for it in the pre-80 category. Anyone know how I can delete this thread?

This is fascinating. I had no idea Renata Galasso was a woman that dealt cards in the 1970s. I only know the name as the brand that produced replica prewar sets in the early-'80s. I've got some sweet '83 T206 sheets that they put into Baseball Card Hobby Report magazine. I know they made a bunch of other sets, too.

Hopefully someone comes along that knows more about her.

Arthur

Hi - taking your post and quoting under Renata Galasso thread in the pre-1980 sections.

Here you go...just googled her:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renata_Galasso


See vintage thread for more info.

The "pre-war" sets you may be thinking of (b/w photos on a high gloss card) were issued as premiums when you ordered a current year set from her. There were 45-cards per year, I think they were issued most years between 1978-84. She did a lot of advertising in Sporting News, Boys Life, Baseball Digest, places like that. She's a great part of the history of the hobby because she brought thousands of people into the "organized" hobby.

Actually, was thinking of their 1983 T206 set. I've been piecing that together sheet by sheet lately. It's pretty well done.

Arthur

I've been doing detailed work on that set for COMC and breaking all the backs down. I know I missed a couple but there are a ton of cards with different backs and if you wanted to do that set it's a really well done reprint set,

Rich

I had no idea they did different backs. I have four uncut sheets with the four Cobbs on them. I'll have to dig them out and see if there are any variations. Thanks

Arthur

In my first round of the hobby, from '72-'77 or so, I would buy the current set every year to go along with the pre War stuff I was collecting. Your options were basically Frisch or Stan Martucci. About '75 Renata Gallasso came along, offering sets for a couple of bucks less. From what I heard at the annual Anaheim convention she hired a bunch of college kids to pull them together, and developed a large business. The old time dealers used to make jokes about it but if I could save $2 on the '76 set that meant 4 more T206's, so the choice for my friends and I was pretty easy. Plus she shipped super fast. Unlike the guys above she never had anything pre '75 or so, but for the current year she was great to deal with.

Wow have times changed...now make that about $200, for anything VG or above anyway.

I remember buying sets from her in the early '80's. I had a few friends that collected and I talked them into having me order their sets with mine. One year, based on the number of sets ordered she included a large color autograph poster. I have a very nice autograph poster of Reggie Jackson and another of Frank Robinson. Then i also have some of the T206 cards.

She also published a nice Hobby Magazine for awhile as well....I was fortunate to obtain the original cover artwork by renown sports artist Ron Lewis of Cal Ripken Jr. from a 1984 issue:



https://i.imgur.com/wFuxGQu.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/RwpW8ux.jpg