The one that got away...

[Bestdj777]

I was in the middle of saving up for an engagement ring and was catching flack for not buying one yet--we were already engaged I just wanted the time to design the ring, meet with the jeweler, save the money. Anyway, a really nice 1960 Venezuelan Mantle/Boyer popped up right in my price range. I actually probably would have paid a bit more. But, I held off for the ring as I wanted to make sure the important one didn't get away.

I have not seen another example for sale since...

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I was in the middle of saving up for an engagement ring and was catching flack for not buying one yet--we were already engaged I just wanted the time to design the ring, meet with the jeweler, save the money. Anyway, a really nice 1960 Venezuelan Mantle/Boyer popped up right in my price range. I actually probably would have paid a bit more. But, I held off for the ring as I wanted to make sure the important one didn't get away.

I have not seen another example for sale since...

Chris, you know in your heart you did the right thing. Honestly, had you opted for the Venezuelan Mantle/Boyer, your guilt would then strike you every time your eyes gazed at your card. You'd be stealing from yourself every ounce of what would have been future pleasure in owning that card. Let your memory of the words of the knight from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade come back to you strongly, "YOU HAVE CHOSEN......WISELY".

Wishing you and your wife a most happy and meaningful Valentine's Day!

--Brian Powell

[Bestdj777]

Thanks Brian. You are definitely right. It's an awesome card, but I made the right decision. That card will come back up again sometime Happy Valentines Day to you too.

[Tomman1961]

Autographed Richard Nixon BB. $75 will good provenance. 1986?????

[stlcardsfan]

Well, this is really nitpicking but Paul's story reminded me of this one. In 1976 I was 9 years old and I had an older cousin named Kenny that lived in Kankakee, IL where my dad grew up. (We lived in O'Fallon, IL, metro east area of STL). Anyway, I was into cards for a few years and my cousin had a HUGE collection as far as a 9 year old was concerned. He was probably about 16 at the time. One day when we were up in Kankakee at my grandparents for the weekend he and his family came over and he had a big box with the top cut off (I think I remember it being an old Kool cigarette box) that was full of cards, all in vertical piles separated by rubber bands. There were probably in excess of 5,000 cards. The years ranged from 1974 back to 1955. There a couple thouand from 1973 and 1974. They were all his doubles and he was giving them to me. I remember being blown away and I started to look through some of them. The first pile I picked up and starting going through was 1959, where there were probably only 50 or so cards. I still remember one was Willie Mays #50 and I said "Look, Willie Mays"!!! He said "Let me see that!" and took it back! Well, I stopped looking at that point! I brought them home, and sorted through them. Some of the highlights included 2 Mike Schmidt RC's in incredible condition, tons of stars and high #s from 72, 69 and 68 Mantles, some great 66's including Billy Williams, #544 (you know if you put that set together), Horace Clarke, 65 Aaron and Mays. There were just a few in each year from 55-63, no really big stars. But what it did was give me great starter sets in those years, and about 12 years ago I started putting sets together back to 59, of which I finished about 2 years ago. My cousin passed away much too young a few years ago, but I was always grateful he was generous enough to give me all those cards. Even though Kenny was a Cubs fan.

[1963Topps Set]

As a "newbie" to this forum, I am still catching up. I was directed to this thread by another member based on a story I told him. As I read the postings here, I found myself welling up with emotions. There is always ONE story. It could be because of inexperience, foolishness of youth, or just a life's decision when we are at a certain crossroad.

By the summer of 1979, I was an established collector, having collected since 1971 (age 8) I not only collected the current cards, but I was very drawn to the vintage cards as well. That summer there was an old, small antique store in my neighborhood. Somehow, I found out he had a stash of 1951 / 1952 Bowman. The regular cards were 25 cents apiece. I would stop off at the store everyday and with my lunch / paper route money buy as many cards as I could. There was one problem, he had the 1951 Bowman Mantle and Mays at $25.00 apiece! As a 16 year old kid with just a paper route, I simply could not afford them. I am now 22 cards away from the '51 Bowman set and Mantle / Mays are still needed.. and probably will never be gotten by me.

I can't complain, though. I have been very blessed and lucky with my collecting. I am grateful that is my ONLY regret.

Back in the 1970s I was going to shows at the 65th District Center in New York City. Their shows were every second Friday of the month. I picked up a beautiful 1959 Mantle for $2.50! Those were the days.

Win some, lose some! : - )