Well that escalated quickly...

[sbfinley]

So it is not often that a new Tommy Bridges item pops up on the market that I do not own or care to pass on. Then a couple of days ago a decent item popped up on eBay. It was listed as a "Signed Contract", but it's more like a bonus receipt signed by Bridges. However, the item evidently dates to Bridges' time with the Wheeling Stoogies and his minor league material (especially at Wheeling or Evansville) is rare so I wanted it.

So the item started as a 10 day auction starting at $.99. A couple of days pass with no bid. I've been chasing Bridges material for five years and I know the market. I know who is following this auction. In reality it is a $50 item. if certain people see the auction it's a $75-$125 item. If the other Bridges collector I know and I get in a bidding war it's $250 (and that is us texting each other the last day with taunts). Basically it is a cool item, but not mind blowing. Personally, I would have gone higher just because it has been several months since I picked up a cool new Bridges item and I'm going through withdrawals. If I had a bottle of good Scotch in front of me I'd give more.

So I get home tonight and check eBay to only to find that the auction has ended early. My first thought was that one of the other Bridges collectors I know sent an offer through email, but then I noticed the "item relisted" icon and clicked on it.

Merry. Christmas. Me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20s-Vtg-Tomm...item2a2fb61539

Fortunately, I am drinking very bad Scotch right now so I am only partially considering the price. FYI a Babe Ruth signed photo inscribed To my Pal Tommy Bridges hammered at only 2/3 of this clown's price.

Thanks for the rant.

Steven Finley