December Pickups

[71buc]

In 1974 my father began buying me one box of unopened Topps cards for Christmas, at the time I was 11. Hank Aaron had become my favorite player following the passing of Clemente. I recall the joy of sorting the cards and being thrilled with card # 1. This tradition continued unitl age 26 when I married. At that time he decided I was too old for cards.

Two years ago I had a bit of luck and purchased seven boxes of unopened Topps 1975-76 basketball cards for $140.00. I obviously sold them for much, much more. I used the opportunity to purchase Rookie cards of both Clemente and Aaron. There was no choice to be made for the Clemente (55 Topps). However, I agonized between the 54 Topps and the 54 Johnston Cookies Hank Aaron. Although there were far many more 54 Topps available I made the conventional choice and picked up the Topps version.

Today I came home from work and found a USPS box addressed to me. It contained this card. I knew immediately where it came from. I called my 73 year old father and he said, “Merry Christmas”. For a moment it was 1974 all over again for both of us.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by 71buc

In 1974 my father began buying me one box of unopened Topps cards for Christmas, at the time I was 11. Hank Aaron had become my favorite player following the passing of Clemente. I recall the joy of sorting the cards and being thrilled with card # 1. This tradition continued unitl age 26 when I married. At that time he decided I was too old for cards.

Two years ago I had a bit of luck and purchased seven boxes of unopened Topps 1975-76 basketball cards for $140.00. I obviously sold them for much, much more. I used the opportunity to purchase Rookie cards of both Clemente and Aaron. There was no choice to be made for the Clemente (55 Topps). However, I agonized between the 54 Topps and the 54 Johnston Cookies Hank Aaron. Although there were far many more 54 Topps available I made the conventional choice and picked up the Topps version.

Today I came home from work and found a USPS box addressed to me. It contained this card. I knew immediately where it came from. I called my 73 year old father and he said, “Merry Christmas”. For a moment it was 1974 all over again for both of us.

That is freakin' cool...Merry Christmas 71buc!

[CW]

Great post, Mike, and that's a cool card. Thanks for sharing!

[71buc]

Originally Posted by CW

Great post, Mike, and that's a cool card. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Big 6 and CW, a man cannot pick his parents but I have long known that if I can be half the man that my father is I will be a success as both a husband and a father.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Mike,

That's awesome that your father did that. Very cool of him and what a sweet card he chose too.

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This is another pickup for me this month. I just love the image and colors on this 1954 Bowman Jim Gilliam. I just started this set and this is one of my first to pick up from it.

Thanks,

AndyH

[71buc]

Nice card...did Jim Gilliam ever have an unattractive card?

[hammer]

Love the Aaron and the great story of you and your father enjoy.

[bosoxfan]

Originally Posted by 71buc

Thanks Big 6 and CW, a man cannot pick his parents but I have long known that if I can be half the man that my father is I will be a success as both a husband and a father.

Mike, thanks for sharing the story about your relationship with your dad. It put me in a great mood. The card is a beauty, Merry Christmas

[robsbessette]

Got a great deal on this puppy. Only need one more for the set! #133 if anyone has one. My whole set is in a binder, should I break this bad boy out? Never done it before, any advice on how to proceed? I'm pretty happy with the card, no real nasty creases, just a tiny paper loss, too bad it's on the front, but for $45 you can't beat that deal!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Nice Kaline RC, Rob, especially for a "2".

[Matthew80]

Originally Posted by robsbessette

Got a great deal on this puppy. Only need one more for the set! #133 if anyone has one. My whole set is in a binder, should I break this bad boy out? Never done it before, any advice on how to proceed? I'm pretty happy with the card, no real nasty creases, just a tiny paper loss, too bad it's on the front, but for $45 you can't beat that deal!

Break it out. It would bug me to death having that in a slab by itself, especially in that technical grade.

Congrats on completing a gem of a set!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Please delete

[the 'stache]

Steve, that's a sweet Mantle. And Andy, that's a really nice Gilliam.

I am such a sucker for the early 50's Bowmans!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Great Aaron RC, Mike.

[tonyo]

Originally Posted by 71buc

In 1974 my father began buying me one box of unopened Topps cards for Christmas, at the time I was 11. Hank Aaron had become my favorite player following the passing of Clemente. I recall the joy of sorting the cards and being thrilled with card # 1. This tradition continued unitl age 26 when I married. At that time he decided I was too old for cards.

Two years ago I had a bit of luck and purchased seven boxes of unopened Topps 1975-76 basketball cards for $140.00. I obviously sold them for much, much more. I used the opportunity to purchase Rookie cards of both Clemente and Aaron. There was no choice to be made for the Clemente (55 Topps). However, I agonized between the 54 Topps and the 54 Johnston Cookies Hank Aaron. Although there were far many more 54 Topps available I made the conventional choice and picked up the Topps version.

Today I came home from work and found a USPS box addressed to me. It contained this card. I knew immediately where it came from. I called my 73 year old father and he said, “Merry Christmas”. For a moment it was 1974 all over again for both of us.

Thanks for sharing that Mike, gave me chills...

[Batter67up]

Glad to get this one. I have had 2 previously and always wonder why I sold them. Plan on keeping this one.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by 71buc

In 1974 my father began buying me one box of unopened Topps cards for Christmas, at the time I was 11. Hank Aaron had become my favorite player following the passing of Clemente. I recall the joy of sorting the cards and being thrilled with card # 1. This tradition continued unitl age 26 when I married. At that time he decided I was too old for cards.

Two years ago I had a bit of luck and purchased seven boxes of unopened Topps 1975-76 basketball cards for $140.00. I obviously sold them for much, much more. I used the opportunity to purchase Rookie cards of both Clemente and Aaron. There was no choice to be made for the Clemente (55 Topps). However, I agonized between the 54 Topps and the 54 Johnston Cookies Hank Aaron. Although there were far many more 54 Topps available I made the conventional choice and picked up the Topps version.

Today I came home from work and found a USPS box addressed to me. It contained this card. I knew immediately where it came from. I called my 73 year old father and he said, “Merry Christmas”. For a moment it was 1974 all over again for both of us.

Great story, Mike. Clemente and Aaron are my favorite two players from that era. Congrats on the Christmas present. Sounds like you have a very cool dad! Merry Christmas!