Who are the 10 most important collectors in hobby history

[GoSoxBoSox]

Again with the name calling. Boring.

Nice catch on Hal Lewis as a collector, guys. I'm not sure how he slipped by? Same with James Beckett and Bob Lemke as contributors.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I infer the original reference to Hal was sarcastic, but he did generate a lot of interest and debate about the definition of a rookie card, and by extension the definition of a card in general.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I infer the original reference to Hal was sarcastic, but he did generate a lot of interest and debate about the definition of a rookie card, and by extension the definition of a card in general.

I liked Hal. In Hal's time in the hobby he was very prolific and active. Some of his threads definitely generated huge interest on the board. He certainly helped define the rookie collecting era. The several times I spoke with him he was always very nice to me. It's a shame the personal issues happened and he got out. He was always a very enthusiastic and passionate collector when in his prime. regards

[Leon]

The original question only asked for 10 people. That is quite a small number for the last 75 yrs, or so, of collecting. I gave my 10 but certainly missed some names that could have been put in.

Bruce- I still don't think that just because someone spends 10 million on a collection that they should be nominated for the list. It's the people, dare I say, that give back and help collectors and the hobby, that I feel should be on the list. It would be fun to have a current 10 and a past 10 too. There are also names like Denardo, Young, Mitchell (Hi Stephen) and many more that could make the list. As I said, 10 is a small number. regards

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Leon

I still don't think that just because someone spends 10 million on a collection that they should be nominated for the list.

You are 100% correct. This can't be just about money. If it is, I heard a rumor in another thread that the ex-Mrs. Dorskind may have a collection worth somewhere north of $2,000,000! Maybe we should add her to the list.

[barrysloate]

Agreed that just because someone has the ability to write a million dollar check doesn't make him a great collector. To make the list, one has to be a lot more well rounded than that. I've always admired the collector who maybe didn't have a lot of money to spend but was resourceful and knowledgeable, and was still able to amass a great collection by working hard and using every skill he could. That was always my definition of a great collector.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Agreed that just because someone has the ability to write a million dollar check doesn't make him a great collector. To make the list, one has to be a lot more well rounded than that. I've always admired the collector who maybe didn't have a lot of money to spend but was resourceful and knowledgeable, and was still able to amass a great collection by working hard and using every skill he could. That was always my definition of a great collector.

+1