The one that got away...

[GregC]

We all have one. That stunner that we lusted after. She was perfect for us in every way but for some reason, the stars did not align. Maybe the timing wasn't right, maybe we were too involved with someone else.

For me, it was a stunning psa 1 '52 Topps Mantle. I saw it on the CU Forums but was no longer a member. Then it appeared on eBay. I admired from afar and when I finally worked up the courage to try and take her home, she was gone.

Anyone have that's one card they kick themselves for not buying?

[MattyC]

For me, easy: in June 2013, a PSA 8 Mantle RC that was 50/50 and in 2006 a Ruth RC. Runner up: a CJ Shoeless in LOTG. They all still sting, LOL.

[7nohitter]

1988 Donruss Al Pedrique. Absolute pristine condition and I let it walk....oh well, live and learn.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

1988 Donruss Al Pedrique. Absolute pristine condition and I let it walk....oh well, live and learn.

You too?

[CW]

Years ago I was outbid on a gorgeous PSA 7 example of a '54 Dan Dee Mantle. It stung for a few years, until a PSA 5 came along that was nearly as nice at 1/4 the price.

[Republicaninmass]

Few years back on Ebay I missed a signed 55 topps Gil Hodges, have only seen one other since and borders were trimmed off. Still forget why I didnt/couldnt bid.

[pawpawdiv9]

Originally Posted by MattyC

For me, easy: in June 2013, a PSA 8 Mantle RC that was 50/50 and in 2006 a Ruth RC. Runner up: a CJ Shoeless in LOTG. They all still sting, LOL.

Theres a PSA6 RC mantle in Heirtage right now, if risking 19K for a O/C to right and maybe a tilt.

I passed up a nice Cobb CJ and a 40 playBall Jackson, I been chasing a 33 goudey Ruth for many years, the ones in my area have paperloss or severe wrinkles..waiting patiently for a nice 1, then theres time i missed on a t206WB Cobb, either variation (red or green) When able, i always place a bid, if the front is presentable.

The one i missed and always remember: the 1963 Mantle plaque.mask
Thats because as a avid Mantle fan, it may be ugly, but wouldnt hesitate next time i see one. I love seeing it here, when a board member shows his.

[Paul S]

Here's a long and boring story. In the mid-late sixties. I was about 14-15 years old. There was a guy (Goodwin Goldfaden...he only died just a few years ago at 94, Was quite well known in the trade) who had a sports cards/books/publishing/etc shop in Los Angeles. I bought most of my pre-war vint from him. Later he sold all but the cards, and worked out of his house and garage. And he had also just happened to move just a quick bike ride from me. So I spent a summer going over there and sorting/cataloging a ton of cards. I'd seen them all anyway and already had anything I wanted. Mostly this was all post war vint. Stars and commons and future HOFers. I'd sit in his kitchen, his wife served me lemonade, I'd plow through a box and he'd bring in another from the garage and more lemonade. It went like THAT! A kid's dream! He paid peanuts but I would have done it for free. So, one day I'm sorting all this boring sixties stuff, and POW, there's #311 staring straight at me! I'm like WHOAAAAA.... Now, I had a ton of Mantles, him being my favorite player and me being born in NY. But not this card because it was always too expensive for me, even then, at a ridiculously low price. I set it aside and thought about it. I should have asked him just to hold my pay and give it to me at the end of the summer. Or we could have worked out a layaway. I wasn't sure. He was a miser but his wife was very very sweet. Maybe I could get her to intervene. But, instead, at the end of the day I showed it to him and said, Look what I found!" I still kick myself daily. And still don't have one. In fact I can afford it even less so now than then.

[brian1961]

Paul, in all honesty, your story was not very long, and was by no means boring. I feel for you, as I was pretty shy at that age, and would have found it difficult to muster the courage to ask Goodie about a possible deal for his '52 T Mantle. He had a very intimidating manner.

I share your situation as well. There's some cards I still want, but most are now beyond my reach.

I made 2-3 visits to Goodie in the early 70s, and passed on the purchase of a pair of wretched-looking '52 T. Mantles. The price was about $20-25 each, but their condition was intolerable. My standards were a lot higher then. No, I take that back; my standards are still very high. I was and am extremely picky. He said I was foolish. In retrospect he was right (in regards to future investment-resale potential); however, at the time I was 18 and had very limited card-buying funds.

--Brian Powell

[CW]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Here's a long and boring story. In the mid-late sixties. I was about 14-15 years old. ....

Forgot to comment on this one.... great story, and not too long.

[geor952]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Here's a long and boring story. In the mid-late sixties. I was about 14-15 years old. There was a guy (Goodwin Goldfaden...he only died just a few years ago at 94, Was quite well known in the trade) who had a sports cards/books/publishing/etc shop in Los Angeles. I bought most of my pre-war vint from him. Later he sold all but the cards, and worked out of his house and garage. And he had also just happened to move just a quick bike ride from me. So I spent a summer going over there and sorting/cataloging a ton of cards. I'd seen them all anyway and already had anything I wanted. Mostly this was all post war vint. Stars and commons and future HOFers. I'd sit in his kitchen, his wife served me lemonade, I'd plow through a box and he'd bring in another from the garage and more lemonade. It went like THAT! A kid's dream! He paid peanuts but I would have done it for free. So, one day I'm sorting all this boring sixties stuff, and POW, there's #311 staring straight at me! I'm like WHOAAAAA.... Now, I had a ton of Mantles, him being my favorite player and me being born in NY. But not this card because it was always too expensive for me, even then, at a ridiculously low price. I set it aside and thought about it. I should have asked him just to hold my pay and give it to me at the end of the summer. Or we could have worked out a layaway. I wasn't sure. He was a miser but his wife was very very sweet. Maybe I could get her to intervene. But, instead, at the end of the day I showed it to him and said, Look what I found!" I still kick myself daily. And still don't have one. In fact I can afford it even less so now than then.

Paul, fantastic story! Thanks for sharing. No card, but what a memory.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by geor952

Paul, fantastic story! Thanks for sharing. No card, but what a memory.

Thanks George. You know, I would have had impressionistic memories of that summer anyway -- such as how the SoCal summer light filtered through their kitchen curtains. But the Mantle "appearance" just solidified the whole experience for me -- like a lengthy youtube video in my mind.

[the 'stache]

My first love in high school, and somebody I have recently reconnected with, oddly enough. In fact, I'd just sent her a message on Facebook immediately before seeing this topic.

There have been cards I regretted not buying. And I love my hobby. But I can never wax poetic about some card that "got away", especially if I could go on eBay and buy the identical card right now if I wanted

Although, Greg, there was this 1975 Topps Robin Yount about three years ago...selling for a C note. If the auction was legit, if the seller really had that card, that was a PSA 10 in the making, a 9 at the very least. And I'll never know why I didn't buy it.

[rats60]

Back in the late 80's, I'd completed the T206 set missing the Big 3 (Doyle wasn't publicly known yet). I had a chance to buy a beautiful Plank and Magie and didn't. Some cards are so rare that you only get one chance.