New Member Intro

[VoodooChild]

Hello. I signed up a little over a month ago, have been browsing around the posts, and even made a few transactions. So, I figure now would be a good time for an introduction. My name is Jason. I currently live in MD, but was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I was recommended to this site by Mike C. ("freakhappy") after going back and forth with him on the ebay boards about starting a T206 collection. Let me just say that this site is freaking awesome. I have nothing but positive things to say about it. The pictures that were posted to the "Let's see 'em laid-out" thread are some of the coolest things I've ever seen and I have learned a ton about 19th century and Pre WWII cards from all of the other posts in a short amount of time. So, thanks again.

I collected as a kid from ages 9 to 12 and just got back into the hobby in 2010. I was hooked as a 9 year old after getting a few packs of 1983 Topps and a baseball encyclopedia. Even back then, I was interested in the history of the game and loved reading about the "old-timers" and hearing stories about them from my dad. I still remember my first trip to the card shop. My dad gave me $10 before he went to work and told my mom to take me to TNT Collectibles in Monroeville, PA. The owner though I was crazy seeing a 9 year old buy a '71 Topps Clemente, '68 Topps Ernie Banks, and a '78 Topps cello pack that had Rollie Fingers on top. I still have all those cards.

Currently, my collection is all over the place. In addition to all of the Pittsburgh related cards (any sport, any era) and the 1953 to 1956 Topps that I have been concentrating on recently, I decided to start a T206 collection. Not sure where it will lead, but I'm about 20 cards in. Mostly commons, a couple "tough" commons, and 2 HOFers (Clarke and Lajoie). So far, I've decided on lower graded (2 or 3) HOFers, but am going after everything else raw. I like them to look a little rough (like they are over 100 years old) and don't mind a little creasing and corner wear. Also, can't really afford to be concerned with backs at this point. Well, that's my story, thanks for listening. It's been a pleasure on this site so far.

Thanks again

- Jason