Burdick Award finalists

[oldjudge]

Of those up for the award I thought Keith was the most deserving. He is both a great collector and a student of the hobby. He has written some incredibly insightful articles on a variety of sets, and has always been free to share his knowledge.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Of those up for the award I thought Keith was the most deserving. He is both a great collector and a student of the hobby. He has written some incredibly insightful articles on a variety of sets, and has always been free to share his knowledge.

#1 on all of the above

[nat]

The Nobel Prize is also restricted to living people, FWIW.

Here's a link to Rob Fitts' history of Japanese baseball cards. He doesn't post much, but he's actually a member here.

[GaryPassamonte]

I understand what your saying, Rich. Those that are deceased can no longer appreciate the honor. In some cases, however, their families can appreciate it, even though, in the case of the Burdick Award, this might not be true. For example, I am on my high school athletic HOF committee. I have spent a good deal of time reseaching pre-1950 athletes from the school and have nominated and helped many get elected. In the cases where the elected individuals were deceased, a family member has accepted the plaque in every instance. Some family members have traveled as much as a couple thousand miles to see their relative inducted and have been moved by the experience. I am getting a little away form the original topic, but an award/honor can have benefits beyond the recipient.

[obcmac]

Very happy to see obc'er Rob Fitts among the nominees. I personally feel that Beckett, while important, has a very large negative contribution to the hobby...the focus on prices and condition has added no positivity as far as I can see. Rob's books have added to the depth of baseball knowledge in a much more positive way. I very much appreciate what KO has done for the hobby as well. My two top choices

Mac Wubben

[buymycards]

I would have to agree with the selection of Mike. I recently purchased 900 minor team sets that I have listed on eBay. Mike must have invested 1000's of hours of research just compiling the rosters, plus obtaining stats, photos, and keeping tracking of the ever changing roster of players during the course of the season.

Producing these 100's of sets was a major undertaking, which he did very thoroughly and precisely and he was able to produce early cards of many players and coaches who went on to become hall of famers.

Rick

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by obcmac

Very happy to see obc'er Rob Fitts among the nominees. I personally feel that Beckett, while important, has a very large negative contribution to the hobby...the focus on prices and condition has added no positivity as far as I can see. Rob's books have added to the depth of baseball knowledge in a much more positive way. I very much appreciate what KO has done for the hobby as well. My two top choices

Mac Wubben

I think one could argue that the baseball card boom in the early 80's happened as a direct result of Dr. Beckett's pricing guides being readily available. IT allowed everyone to actually put a definitive price on their cards and therefor helped to fuel the fire of those who were currently collecting and those who had long ago put away their cards in attics and now wanted to rekindle their childhood passion. I know personally that, while I was an avid collector for eight years before the first book form price guide appeared in bookstores it wasn't until I ran across the first Beckett in a mall located in Omaha, Nebraska (I lived in Illinois but was ditching a wedding I didn't want to go to) did I realize what my collection was worth and helped me to start very successful card shows from my parents garage. I do believe, without a doubt Dr. Beckett deserves consideration for this honor.

Now let's talk about the Gummy Arts guy....I find it very hard to have any interest in those cards and cannot understand the desire to won them. Nothing against Mr. Noren but those cards are not attractive in my opinion.

[drcy]

As a side note, the Nobel Prize is given only to living people (sorry, Rosalind Franklin fans). There were even questions if John Nash deserved his because, while alive, he hadn't worked in some years due to being schizophrenic.