Name me a nice person in your collecting history

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Posted By: Rich Klein

Someone (S) who did something nice for you in furthering your collection. It can be at the start, it can be a recent experience, it can be an hobby outsider. Details and full story always help

And again, let's keep this one positive

Rich

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Posted By: Paul

My wife bought me this for our 10th anniversary. She did it without my knowledge or guidance. Looks like she's been paying at least a little attention to my hobby over the years.

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

Nice thread.

There are SO many great people in this hobby, but there are a handful of people who are so helpful and so nice that they deserve mentioning. Guys that help me out frequently or are just a pleasure to deal with include Anthony (Griffins), Jay Wolt, Joe Yanello, Mark Macrae, Rob Lifson, Ken Goudey, Chet Woods, James Feagin, Shawn Adkins, Bill Goodwin, Ron Vitro, Josh Wulkan, Frank Evanov, Neal Kane, David Bryan, David Vargha, Keith Conforti, Mark Schoenen, King Yao, Todd Schultz, Mark McCleary, Peter Spaeth, Josh Adams, Mark Hellman...

Jeez, I could sit here and list people all day. It's nice to remember the good guys now and again.

-Al

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Posted By: ErlandStevens

The dad of one of my friends was a big-time collector. When I was much younger, maybe 13 or 14, I collected the sets of the day - Topps, and then Donruss and Fleer. One day, the dad was driving my friend and me somewhere. The guy smoked. When I got in the car, he pulled two low grade T206s (Manning with bat and Konetchy low glove) out of a cigarette pack and gave them to me. He then explained how the cards were originally included with tobacco products. Later, he gave me a bunch of back issues of SCD. Stories I remember were on Cool Papa Bell and an umpire, Al Barlick maybe. From that point on, I liked vintage cards. There was a local card shop with a handful of vintage cards. I would go through the ragged selection of T206s about 100 times before picking out a card for $1. The first I bought from the store was Art Fletcher with a massive corner crease.

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Posted By: Jim Clarke

Seth with 19th Centiry Only. We both were looking at a bunch of 19th century stuff a new dealer just set up at Nationals years ago. Since he was there first, he got to pick the cards he wanted. He picked a couple of cards I was going to buy. After I joked around with him over those, he sold them to me at cost right infront of the table. Plus he was very nice to Tammy at dinner later that night...

JC

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Posted By: Ed

What a beautiful gift. I have a Speaker T3 sitting right here, a legacy from my father.

I think if my wife saw an authentic Wagner T206 (not that I have one), she'd say: "Are you through looking at this...Can I throw this out?

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Posted By: leon

Mark Macrae always goes above and beyond the call of the hobby in helping me when I need it. There is no one incident I can pick. It's every darn time. Kevin Struss fits right into that category too. Nicer guys you could never hope to meet. If the whole hobby was filled with individuals like them it would be a much happier place. As for a recent experience I do have one. Three or four days ago Mike Wentz emailed me and asked me about an R316 he had (common) with a cool back stamp on it from a candy dealer. He and Brian know I am an avid "back" collector. We emailed back and forth a little bit and I told him what I thought the added value would be based on my experience. It was probably about 4x of the common player as they aren't real expensive to start with. Yesterday I got the card in the mail.....insured ....free.......What more can I say?

ps...edited to say I should mention that my best bud in the hobby, Scott Brockelman, has been like my mentor.....and I blame my addiction on him.

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Posted By: MVSNYC

OK, now this is a good thread...finally.

My collecting "mentor" is Jay Wolt. i bought some of my first T206 cards from him about 15 years ago, in his little shop in Phillipsburg, NJ. he took me under his wing and taught me a greal deal about this hobby and the history of baseball...he had a story about each card, player, team, era, etc...we are still very close to this day. doesn't get better than Jay.


Collectors who i have done deals with, and was truly inspired by:

Manny Gordon, Brian Weisner, Don Loucios, Don Spence, Bill Miller, Bill Latzko, Michael Wachs, Scott Ireland

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Posted By: Ed McCollum

Barry Sloate, for his kindness and willingness to talk cards to a starting collector back in the early '90s.

The same for Mark MacRae at the same time period.

And Art Martineau for his knowledge of the T206 set at a time when there really wasn't a lot of information available on the web.

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Posted By: shane Leonard

Each year my father would throw unopened packs of cards in my stocking for Christmas. As time passed and I aged into a teenager, he began to have unopened boxes and perhaps a Mickey Mantle thrown in my stocking that he had purchased from Wayne Grove's shop, Firstbase in Dallas. In 1991, I got married to an awesome woman from Arkansas. (please no Arkansas jokes, and yes she has all her teeth) My father stopped placing the cards in my stocking thinking that it would make me feel stupid or childish. I never said anything the first couple of years to him, but it bothered me that our tradition had ended.
A couple of years later she learned that my card collecting was very important to me. We had just bought our business and things were a little tight this Christmas. We decided that we would only do stocking for each other and then spoil the kids with the presents. My stocking was filled that Christmas with shaving stuff, candies and a little box. I opened it up to find a 1954 Wilson Weiner Sammy White PSA 8 starring at me. This really was a special gift from a special friend.

Shane

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

I'll name two who have helped me further my collection in the last year from this board...one is a lurker and the other is a poster who posts rarely, but I would bet most know him.

First Mark Bowers who I've never seen post, but he gathered from my posts that I collect Lincoln Chiefs memorabilia - he had just gone to the estate sale of Dick Stuart and picked up a box full of his stuff which included a scrapbook he kept during his 66 homerun season...he sent me all of the newspaper clippings which include notations in Dick's handwriting and all the snapshot photos attached to the scrapbook. He sent me these items for free and didn't want anything in exchange.



The next guy is Don Johnston (Spaceops on ebay) who did not realize when he was bidding on a Nebraska Indians cabinet on ebay that I was the other bidder...he read about "The ones that got away" thread on N54 and he offered it to me at his cost.



I would also like to add Mark Macrae who helped me out also. He went beyond what most collectors would go when sharing information with me. I wish he would post more to N54.

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Posted By: MVSNYC

expanding my "inspired by" list to include:

Rob Lifson
Art M.
Scot Reader
Anthony N.

...and new addition:

WonkaTicket!

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Posted By: Brian

Griffins and Jay Wolt are easily the nicest people I have met in the hobby.

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Posted By: boxingcardman

which is one of the reasons I stay involved in collecting. An overall list would include many of the people on the lists already submitted. But, in answering the specific call of the thread for "a person", I will give a shout out to Brent Butcher, who out of the blue sent me a nice card of my cousin Ray Miller. Thanks again, Brent!

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Posted By: leon

I should have mentioned Brent Butcher too. At last years National it was real late at night, the first night, and I noticed I forgot my toothepaste. How bad is that? Brent gave me a little travel tube and it got me by. He also is a local and came over to my house for the last Net54/Texas get together I had. He's a really nice guy.....I have to throw in Rob Lifson's name too....he has always been more then helpful in anything I ask of him. Admittedly there are a few issues he sidesteps....but those are the really tough questions about things he's not willing to discuss. I can still ask though ....

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Posted By: Ryan Christoff

Lou Dials for opening my eyes to the world of the Negro Leagues, which changed my collecting focus from that day on.

-Ryan

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Posted By: boxingcardman

There's this thing at hotels called a "concierge" who can send up a tube of toothpaste if you forget yours.

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Posted By: leon

If you remember it was a major mad house at the hotels. It was some kind of convention of the NAACP or something...and right on those heels there was a convention of all kids... I think I did ask and they didn't have any. I know I was rather frantic. Besides, I don't get out much so maybe I didn't know what to do? I think I did ask their guest services though....Brent was a tooth saver that day...

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Posted By: barrysloate

Any man who lends out toothpaste is alright in my book.

It reminds me of a story W.C. Fields told in one of his movies- he was tending bar and one of the patrons accidentally left his glass eye there. When he came back the next night, Fields graciously returned it to him.

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Posted By: Alan

For other Jewish player collectors (not on this board) for opening my eyes to the world, which changed my collecting focus from that day on.

Alan

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Posted By: Neal Kane

so I won't ... but Al and Brian named many of em. I don't want to leave anyone out, but they know who they are.

My parents were very good to me when I first started collecting. Driving me to flea markets, card shops, and giving me cards for Christmas pretty much got me going as a 12 year old. I am also very lucky to have a wife that has an interest in my hobby - she is the best.

As far as dealers, Jay, Shoeless Joe and Marty have been very helpful. Always a pleasure to talk to them about this hobby of ours, among other things.

Nice thread and nice timing!

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Posted By: Mike

When I first collected about 1981, I had a real nice neighbor that saw me sorting my card on the front porch one day. He invited me over and showed me all his cards from the 50's and 60's. I couldn't even begin to count the number of times he would "amuse the neighbor boy" by trading cards on a rainy afternoon in which he would basically give me low-grade superstars (Mantles, Mays, etc.) for a bunch of worthless 1980's junk. Looking back, I'm sure he was simply giving me the cards to see my excitement, but also knew I would appreciate them more if I had to give something in return. I hope to return the favor to some neighbor kid someday.

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Posted By: J Levine

People who I have met, bought from, or traded with number in the 1000s. A few standouts though...

The first one that comes to mind is Frank Nagy. I was literally just a kid when I met him at a show back East. Gave me a '49 Bowman card.

When I was 16 I bought my first vintage card from a catalog...Lew Lipset was nice enough to sell me a few cards over the years and although sometimes gruff, was a great dealer and very helpful when I asked a question.

Paul Maroke, a local dealer who often lets me put stuff on lay away or pay for it later. Over the years, Paul has given me discounts, got me into a National with a dealer pass, found and held onto difficult Phillies for me, and generally built many of my topps sets using his copious amounts of off-condition cards.

Jim Montgomery traded me cards but I would find one thing on his very tough list and he would send something about ten times the value. Not only that he was a very nice guy, knew his stuff, and extremely generous.

Kit Young and Bob Ivanjack. Both have helped over the years with cards and always nice. Complete pros.

Bob Lemke...very nice, a great Jackie fan, easy to talk to and his knowledge is vast.

Mike Wheat...yes really...about 20 years ago the trading group that I am in (along with some other board members--OBC) knew that I was bidding on a very poor condition t206 Magie. Literally, the card has about 1/5 of the top missing and a horrible back. At the time I was 17 years old and Jim Montgomery and others outbid me without my knowledge. Mike let them pay with several different checks, etc. and sent me the card. I was floored that they did this for me. I outlayed a small portion to Mike but they paid the lion's share and Mike let them. How many auction houses and auctioneers would do that today? The Magie is not he rarest card in my collection but it is the dearest to me.

Leon and Bill for letting me ask about 20 novice questions on the board and not getting frustrated.

Bill Henderson was always nice to me as well. Even at this last National he gave me some goudey 4-in-1s for what he paid for them. Bill also used to include extra bonus cards in his auctions.

Terry Knouse who always lets me handle his stuff knowing that I will almost never be able to buy any of it. Over the years I have made a few purchases from Terry and his son and they are very knowledgeable and very nice. They are still some of my favorite people.

Trevor Hocking...knows his stuff, very nice, and a great collector/dealer.

Scott Brockleman...knows his stuff, given me some good deals over the years (most notably my t205 wallace one line for well below book) and will always answer questions about items.

Gar Miller...one of better old time dealers. As a 16 year old collector I was told to send him a check and a list and be prepared. I sent him my '53 Bowman Black and White list and $25. He sent back 25 cards including the Stengel. Over the years, I have bought a few cards from Gar and he is always quick to respond and a pleasure to deal with.

Unknown collector at a show in North Hollywood in 1986. Was looking at t206s and t207s at a table just wondering if I should spend the $15 on a ex t206 when the guy leans over and asks if I like the tobacco cards. I said I was not sure because I don't collect them. He said, "now you do." and handed me a beater t206, my first and that started the vintage obsession for me. I was 15 at the time. Over the years I have sent a few t206s to new collectors or given away cards at shows to kids just to keep that memory alive and well.

This hobby can seem really cutthroat and horribly annoying at times but it really is, for the most part, populated by great people. The above is just a small sample of people I have met over the years.

Joshua

PS Others that I would like to mention...OBC, Larry Tipton (where "tipton mint" comes from), Solomon Cramer, Jim and Ginny Maxwell, Barry Sloate, Adam W., Will Hays, Joe Juhasz, Bob Marquette, Bob Craik, Len Mederios, Frank Thomas, Bob Feller, and Mickey Hatcher, Les Klein, Max at Valley Baseball cards, and Neil at Tripleplay and Rob at Burbank Sportscards, and many many others.

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Posted By: J Levine

oops...repost...

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Posted By: John

Having not dealt with to many hobby folks over the years my list will be short. However I would have to say for the most part most all the people I have met around the hobby are pretty good folks. It would be easier to list the ones I have met and not liked.

One from my childhood is Dan McKee Sr, I still remember the time he spent showing me cards and chatting with me. I will never forget it, in the later years Dan McKee Jr. who is a hoot and one of the most knowledgeable guys I have ever met.

Some new blood via this forum that are top-notch people

Michael Sarno
Bill Cornell
Elliot
Max
Julie Vognar
Dar Schuster
Scott Mosley
Rob Silverman
Barry Sloate
Joe D
Jeff Lichtman
James Gallo

All great guys, except for Sloate I’m still up in the air on that guy, something shifty there I cant put my finger on…

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Posted By: barrysloate

I guess you caught me shoving dinner rolls in my pocket last night. I thought noone was looking!

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Posted By: John

After talking with Leon for the first time the other day he seems like a good guy too. I was going to add him to the list but after reading how he almost blew himself up over an anthill...


I’m going to have to sleep on it for a while.

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Posted By: Joe D.

Bruce Babcock very nicely responded to a newbie email I sent him over a year ago... giving me a bunch of information and pointing me to this site.
That probably was the biggest game changer for me.
I owe him great thanks for that. Of course, if my wife knew who pointed me down this path there'd be trouble for that person

Steve M. - has given me great information and has always graciously advised me when I reached out to him off board. Just an awesome guy.

Barry - for being a breath of fresh air in the hobby. A pleasure to talk with, and always honorable.

Jeff L - great guy to break bread and talk cards with.

John Wonkaticket - it was very nice of him not to take a digital photo of me for future use.

JC - its nice when he doesn't outbid me on stuff. Another great guy that I have enjoyed off-board emails with.

Joann - always a pleasure to talk to.

Leon - for doing what most times is a thankless job.

Judd - Nice of him to be willing to drive me to April's next Halloween Party.

Michael Sarno, Dar, Rob S., James G - we break bread and enjoy good laughs and good stories. Awesome people.


Anthony Nex and Keith O. - all around great guys who helped me along through encouragement and advice during my T200 quest.


I really can go on and on and on, and on.

(and my apologies in advance to anyone not listed)

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Posted By: Mark

Don Johnson (from DC) introduced me to vintage collecting (incl. this forum), and would patiently entertain my naive questions for hours at a time. Don Johnson from AZ is also one of the nicest guys in the hobby..coincidence?

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Posted By: JimB

Kevin Struss has gone beyond the call of duty on several occassions for me.
Barry Sloate has been great as well.
There are many others.
JimB

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Posted By: John

Also a special thanks to Don West who made my collection what it is today...you know something?

I finally put my finger on the Sloate thing he and Don have a similar style to the way they sell cards, has anyone else noticed that??



Sloate always swimming in cards.....

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Posted By: MVSNYC

John- that is such a funny clip...i admit that i have watched don west once or twice in my life...(about 8-9 years ago).

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Posted By: barrysloate

What's wrong with those guys? Does Don West drink eighteen cups of coffee before he goes on the air? Those guys need to chill out.

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Posted By: Bruce Babcock

Bob Wood, son of Joe. (That's Bob in the photo with Lou.)

Alan Silvers, Barry Sloate, Clay Hill, David Bryan, Rick Klein (for starting threads like this), Joe Gonsowski, Bill Cornell, Dan McKee, Lyman Hardeman, Rob Lifson, Doug Allen, Kevin Struss, Jonathan Freund, Mark Macrae, Eric Copper, Dave Hamilton, Tik & Tik, Leon L. and Scott B. All have helped me find stuff, imparted information and/or are swell fellows.

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Posted By: mike

vic manella, triple play sports cards in pittsburgh, one of the best!!

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Posted By: Bill Stone

Bill Cornell was a great help to me.

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Posted By: Mike

Kit Young
Marshall Fogel

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Posted By: Scott Levy

When I was first getting into the hobby (about 20 years ago) I was featured as a collector in the baseball hobby news (I think that's what it was called). I mentioned that I loved Pee Wee Reese and always wanted an autographed card. About a week later, a mail arrives with a beautiful autographed bowman Pee Wee Reese. The sender said, that he saw my profile and had to send me this card and that I could pay whatever I wanted for it. Being a kid, I didn't have a lot of money but I sent him $20 and a thank you note

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Posted By: peter chao

Scott,

20 years ago the card was worth about $20, so you basically reciprocated. Unfortunately now days, we're all worried about being ripped off.

Peter