Who are the 10 most important collectors in hobby history

[terjung]

I can't imagine a top ten without Burdick if hobby contribution is a consideration.

[iggyman]

What about Howie "T206" McCormick??? Did he even make the cut?

Lovely Day...

[brianp-beme]

I am familiar in varying degrees with 9 of the 10 gentleman listed, but who is Dr. Robert Wesiberg--I don't recall hearing his name before (and is it possibly spelled 'Weisberg'?).

And of course Burdick should be listed.

Brian

[iggyman]

Barry Halper has lost a great deal lot of credibility lately (deservingly so). Because of that, I wouldn't exclude him from the top ten and slide Walt Corson in his place.

Lovely Day...

[usernamealreadytaken]

You guys are forgetting

"America's most important buyer of rare, high grade baseball memorabilia."

[barrysloate]

Everybody on those lists are either deceased, no longer in the hobby, or only peripherally involved. Aren't any of the present day collectors worthy of mention?

[rdixon1208]

Hobby contributions I understand, but what does the "breadth and scope of their collections" have to do with being important?

[bbcard1]

Just my opinion, but you (or me) are the most significant collector in the history of the hobby. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be beholding to those who studied or compiled masses of information, but ultimately this is a personal journey. Is it solitary? Anything but. What we truly accumulate, other than cards, are experiences, friendships, relationships and connections with others. We only own the card for a while. If we pass on a love for the game and an appreciation for the hobby, we have been significant. I have read Burdick's work. I sort of knew Frank Nagy who by all accounts was great. My brief correspondence with Lipset was more negative that positive. To me the most significant collector I met was Keith Miller, who taught me to be honest in all my dealings and to help others out when you can. I have been encouraged by a collector named Ed Woodard who taught me not to keep my stuff locked up...that I should share it every chance I get.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by terjung

I can't imagine a top ten without Burdick if hobby contribution is a consideration.

IMHO, Burdick will always be #1.

Of Bruce's list I would not quite say the exact same ones. I would take out Copeland....easy choice there. I have never heard of Wesiberg (which doesn't mean much but I would like to think I have at least heard of the name to be in the top ten) so I would take him out and I would take out Mark Rucker. I would probably put in Larry Fritsch for several reasons....and maybe even good ole Lew Lipset. That would round out my 10, with the others Bruce listed. Just my opinion and I am sure there are some collectors I might be forgetting.......Nice question.

Here is my first take on it.....

1. Jefferson Burdick
2. Sir Edward Wharton Tigar
3. Buck Barker
4. Lionel Carter
5. Richard Egan
6. Larry Fritsch
7. Frank Nagy
8. Barry Halper
9. Lew Lipset
10. Charles Bray