Most knowledgeable people in the hobby today

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p><br />With what seems like every year someone else that has been instrumental to the hobby passing away I'd love to hear who currently would be considered the top of the top based on knowledge today of pre-war cards...maybe a top three or top five?<br /><br />I would guess Lipset and Macrae would both be on most people's list...but who else? Also, of the people on the list what are their areas of expertise in? Macrae I think is pretty much totally PCL related stuff correct? What about Lipset...pre-1900?<br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Bruce Dorskind</b><p>Most Knowledgeable<br /><br />All of the distinguished gentlemen listed below have been active collectors<br />for at least 25 years, in some cases they have collected for more than 40 years.<br />Many of the names below are not active in today's market. However, their<br />knowledge about the card companies, the companies' history and the history<br />of the hobby is unsurpassed<br /><br /><br />Overall Knowledge- Rob Lifson, Lew Lipset<br /><br />19th Century; Jay Miller, Keith Olbermann, Corey Shanus Mark Rucker, Barry Sloate<br /><br />Early 20th Century= Bob Richardson, Dan Gantt, Gar Miller, Bill Heitman (T 206), Lew Lipset<br /><br />PCL- Mark Macrae, Jim Horne, Dennis King<br /><br />Texas Tommy- Larry Kelley<br /><br />1930's- Gerry Glasser, Gar Miller, Marshall Fogel, Charlie Merkel<br /><br />1940's Gerry Glasser, Marshall Fogel<br /><br />It was always an honor and a pleasure to learn from these hobby scholars<br /><br /><br /><br />Bruce Dorskind<br />America's Toughest Want List

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Bruce Dorskind is also extremely knowledgeable, although sometimes we lose sight of it due to all the other extraneous things that surround his posts.<br /><br />And I would be remiss if I didn't add Ted Zanidakis.

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Posted By: <b>Dave Hornish</b><p>Scot Reader should be on this list. His Inside T206 guide is among the best hobby treatises I ahve ever read.

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Posted By: <b>MVSNYC</b><p>i agree with many names listed above...i also offer these:<br /><br />jay wolt<br />brian weisner<br />anthony nex

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Posted By: <b>Steve Murray</b><p>Bruce Babcock<br />Scott Brockleman<br />Jon Canfield<br />Bill Cornell<br />Brett Domue<br />Richard Masson<br />Tim Newcomb<br />Mike Peich<br />Rhett Yeakley<br />Frank Ward<br /><br />Just to name a few.

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Posted By: <b>Marty Ogelvie</b><p><P>Relating to T206, Scott Reader and Ted Z. have to be mentioned.</P><P>martyOgelvie</P>

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>Friends I turn to for insight:<br /><br />Rob Lifson<br />Mark Macrae<br />Bill Goodwin<br />Anthony Nex<br />Joe Yanello<br />Leon Luckey<br />Elliot Bassin<br />Steve Murray<br />Mark Schoenen<br />Frank Evanov<br />King Yao<br />Zach Rice<br />Barry Arnold<br />Bob Fisk<br />Al Richter<br />Brian Weisner<br />Brian Dwyer<br />Dave Forman<br />Derek Grady<br />Scott Hileman<br />Marty Prichard<br />Jay Wolt<br />Chris Stufflestreet<br />David Vargha<br />Barry Sloate<br />Tom Daley<br />Mark Tylicki<br /><br />Folks I don't know as well, but whose writings have taught me a LOT:<br /><br />Frank Ward<br />Rhett and Rhys<br />Tim Newcomb<br />Bill Cornell<br />Richard Masson<br />Ryan Christoff<br />Scot Reader<br />Corey Shanus<br />Lew Lipset<br />Marshall Fogel<br />Keith Olbermann<br />David Rudd<br /><br />There are a lot of knowledgeable, approachable people in this hobby.<br /><br />The more I think, the more I can add to the list. I'm sure I'm leaving some people out.<br /><br />-Al<br />

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Posted By: <b>B.C.Daniels</b><p><br />Bruce Babcock that is! Not the other three in one trinity of pomposity.<br><br>BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Kevin Struss should be on the list, as should Terry Knouse for 19th century stuff.<br />JimB

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Did nobody mention Bill Mastro?<br />Jim

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Posted By: <b>B.C.Daniels</b><p>they didn't! why?<br><br>BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Joe D.</b><p>I think almost everyone I can think of has been covered.....<br /><br />Like others - <br />I would have Anthony Nex <br />and Brian Weisner on the list for sure<br /><br />I met Zach Rice at the national and as I listened to him talk with Brian, I was humbled by their knowledge.<br /><br />So I would put Zach on the list as well (if he is not already on it)<br /><br /><br />Did anyone mention Marshal Fogel? <br />(not sure if my spelling is correct)<br />I've had some email correspondence with him in the past.... I would say he belongs on the list.<br /><br />David Rudd....<br />Tremendous amount of knowledge and here is the best part.....<br />he goes above and beyond to share that knowledge with others through his writings.<br /><br />Dan McKee....<br />Just incredible knowledge and experience. And a great guy.<br /><br /><br />I also would like to second (or third or fourth, whatever it may be up to)....<br />Steve Murray.<br />I can't say enough good things about Steve... .so when asked I try to stick to bad stuff. The list is shorter and easier to remember <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> (actually can't think of a bad thing)<br /><br /><br />My list is incomplete - and I am sure I can mention others if I continue to think about it.<br /><br /><br />As for myself.... <br />I like Guinness too much... and it seems the brain cells are getting burned away at a rapid pace. This is not a list I would ever make.<br /><br /><br />edit: spelling<br />Edit: spelling again. Thanks dan. Sad part - same word edited

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>"This is not a list I would never make."<br /><br />very subtle Joe. <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>robert a</b><p>Dave,<br /><br />Mark M. is knowledgeable about far more than just PCL and probably more willing to share than anyone else I've encountered.<br /><br />Rob

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p><br />Robert-<br /><br />Yes I figured Mark had a vast array of knowledge throughout cards, I was just trying to maybe pin down a specialty. The original point of the thread was supposed to be to name the top 3 or 5 guys in the hobby today based on knowledge alone...it has kind of branched out with a top 50 or so it appears. I was giving Mark Macrae big props along with Lew Lipset putting them in an initial top 5. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>There are niche collectors out there who have tremendous knowledge of certain areas of collecting....I think it would be near impossible to know everything about everything so I'm going to include those in my list that I think know more than most about nearly all aspects of our hobby.<br /><br />Mark Macrae<br />Lew Lipset<br />Bob Lemke (how can he not?)<br />Keith Olbermann<br />

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Posted By: <b>Jim Rivera</b><p>Art Martinaeu & Dan McKee

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Posted By: <b>Joe D.</b><p>"very subtle Joe."<br /><br />I am basically saying that I do not have a sliver of the knowledge that the people on the 'list' have.<br />And at the rate that I am burning up brain cells.... being 'list-worthy' is not in my future.<br /><br />not sure if what I said was taken as something else.

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Posted By: <b>Anthony S.</b><p>Back when I was trying to acquire a certain particularly difficult card for my 1910 Obak set (Obak collectors know exactly which one I'm referring to, no reason to go into the backstory), I would write to sellers whenever they put the card in question up on Ebay, asking that they please not end the auction early, and explaining why it had become such a difficult and desirable card to acquire. One of the sellers wrote back and politely explained that he was aware of the situation surrounding that card and that he would let the auction run it's course. The note was signed "Bob Lemke." I felt just a little bit stupid.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Joe, if you read what you said carefully you used a double negative. Thus making it a positive statement inferring that you will make the list. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />It made me laugh anyway.

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Thanks dan - I fixed it. <br /><br />The sad part is that is the word I 'fixed' with my first edit. <br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Lee Behrens</b><p>Just out of curiousity, who here has corresponded with Keith Olberman on vintage cards? We all know he enjoys them and has a great collection, but everyone I have talked to about him, has never had contact and seems like a ghost. I do know that Rob Lifson does do some business with him, but who else has been able to talk to him about his knowledge in the hobby.<br /><br />Just because you have a great collection does not mean you know much about about what you are collecting. Look at the modern athlete, most could not tell you about players from the past let alone the great ones.<br /><br />And how many people are out there that chose not to let there knowledge out or are not heard? I believe there are some that some alot but do not truly understand what they are talking about.<br /><br />Just Curious,<br /><br />Lee

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Keith has been a casual friend over the years. We have spoken, emailed, and met a few times in person. I try not to impose on him because he is both very busy and a celebrity of sorts. So I've always kept it low key.<br /><br />I still have correspondence from him from the 1980's with some great baseball card content. I remember his letters were probably the first I ever received that were printed with a computer, not on a typewriter.

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Posted By: <b>Mike Peich</b><p>While I am humbled to be included, I would be remiss if we didn't add Bob Marquette, our own T-Bob, to the list. Bob is an authority on many sets, and a welcome, sane voice on the Board.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Mike

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Keith Olberman was a regular contributor to hobby publications in the '70's and early '80s and still writes on occasion. <br />JimB

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Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>I once did an little piece about the 74 Washington Nat'l League Cards -- Keith O responded with a very courteous, very informative email which we later ran in our publications. I was quite amazed and please that he took the time to add much detail to what I had written on an general view point.<br /><br />Regards<br />Rich

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Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>I communicated via email with Keith O. after I sold him a card. He told me about his recent purchases, came across as knowing a lot and was polite. I've heard other normal collectors who've dealt with him also say that he's courteous and polite to them as well, though not gregarious.

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Posted By: <b>joe</b><p>Bill Mastro certainly belongs on this list. I would also add Joe G. for his knowledge of Old Judge cards, especially Detroit information.<br /><br />Joe<br><br>Ty Cobb, Spikes flying!

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Posted By: <b>Jimi</b><p>These are just a few who have personally helped me out over the years. Forgive me if I leave anyone out.<br /><br />Jon Canfield<br />Bob Marquette<br />Mike Peich<br />Brian McQueen<br />Bryan Long<br />Leon Luckey<br />Bill Cornell<br />Brett Domue<br />Ryan Christoff<br /><br />Certainly I could list more, but these are just a few off the top of my head that I can say helped me become the collector I am today. Sorry if that's a little off topic of your thread, Bruce.<br><br>Jimi

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Posted By: <b>Dave Hornish</b><p>KO knows a helluva lot about the hobby from what I have seen. He did a great 5 part series on Topps proofs for SCD this year (see their site) and two great articles on the Topps 3D set (only the second is on the website). Would love to see his collection someday....

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Posted By: <b>J Levine</b><p><br />Lew Lipset<br />Art Martineau<br />Rob Lifson<br />Bruce Babcock<br />David Hornish<br />Mark Macrae<br />Leon Luckey<br />Gar Miller<br />Tim Newcomb<br />Brett Domue<br />Trevor Hocking<br />Scott Brockelman<br />Bob Lemke<br />Bill Heitman<br /><br />There are many more but I will limit my list to people I have actually had a lot of correspondence with.<br /><br />Joshua

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Posted By: <b>John S</b><p>My interest/knowledge in vintage football has been enhanced by:<br /><br />Andy Becker<br />Mike Moran<br />Mike McKee<br />Dan Hitt<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>I've sold a few items to Rev. Moran over the years...he does indeed know his early football.

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Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>The below is the Rev. Moran's dad.<br /><br /><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ed/Hap_Moran.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>That's one of the items I've sold to the good Reverend.

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Posted By: <b>Rob D.</b><p>Michael O'Keeffe

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>It's incredible. Mike Moran has helped me more with my research of Jewish football players than some other fellow collectors that collect Jewish players !!!<br /><br /><img src="http://vbbc.forumotion.com/users/17/23/61/smiles/136179.gif"><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Non-Net54ers......<br /><br />George Moll.....the dynamic person behind all the Bowman Gum Co. sportscards & non-sportscards<br /> issues from 1939-1943; and, 1948-1955.<br /><br />Irv Lerner....well known Philadelphia area collector/dealer that has continuously been in the hobby<br /> since he started collecting as a kid in the 1940's.<br /><br />Frank Nagy<br /><br />Lew Lipset<br /><br />Gerry Glasser<br /><br /><br />Net54ers......<br /><br />Mark Macrae<br /><br />Dan McKee<br /><br />Scot Reader<br /><br />Barry Sloate<br /><br />Brian Weisner<br /><br />and, special thanks to Bob Lemke in publishing my many Bowman BB & FB card articles in the early<br />1980's in the Baseball Cards Magazine and SCD.<br /><br /><br />TED Z<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Fred Y</b><p>I haven't noticed anyone mention Jodi Birkholm, who seems to always be very helpful w/ his impressive knowledge of just about any autograph I've ever seen discussed.

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Posted By: <b>Geno</b><p>I collect mostly T202s and T205s. The guys I turn to for answers are:<br /><br />T202: Lee Behrens<br />T205: Joshua Levine<br /><br />If those two guys don't know, it's not worth knowing...<br /><br />I would also add Dave Hornish for any non-mainstream Topps issues - the guys knows everything!<br /><br />Take Care,<br />Geno

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Posted By: <b>B.C.Daniels</b><p>I have sold Keith some N-172's and have an aged want list of his as well.<br><br>BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Hank Levy</b><p>I believe that Richard Gelman belongs near the top of this list.<br />As the son of Woody Gelman, Topps' original art director, and owner of the Card Collectors Company for decades, before he sold out to Fritsch, I'm sure that he met all the hobby pioneers and had intimate knowledge of how many of the most popular sets in the hobby were produced. In fact he was responsible for many of the earliest reprints of sets including the T205 & T206 sets.<br />In the early 1970's, I was a customer of his, at a bank he ran in Flushing, N.Y., and I remember that one day he was so excited that he finally completed a small tobacco set from the early 1900's. I also seem to recall that in the early 1980's he once put up for sale a T206 Wagner in Ex/Mt condition for $25,000.<br />I guess it's time for me to revisit that bank, see if he is still there, and try to wrangle an invitation to see his collection.<br /><br />Hank Levy<br />

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Posted By: <b>Matt</b><p>In addition to the above, Kevin Saucier regarding card alteration.

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Posted By: <b>TONY GALOVICH</b><p>I found it fascinating that name's I thought would be named are not even mentioned or received minimal votes<br />Like Bill Mastro

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Posted By: <b>Robert Klevens</b><p>Keith Olbermann has a great collection of Japanese baseball cards as well. I enjoy reading his early articles in The Trader Speaks. He is a wealth of knowledge.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Many hobby veterans with extensive 19th & 20th Century collections and knowledge have not been mentioned.<br /><br />Here are 10 missing from any list, so far......<br /><br />Bob Schmierer<br /><br />Bill Huggins<br /><br />Tony Carrafiel<br /><br />Terry Knouse<br /><br />Charlie Conlon<br /><br />Ron Oser<br /><br />Levi Bleam<br /><br />Kevin Struss<br /><br />Tom Faith<br /><br />Joe Palaez<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />