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Posted By: petecld

Forgive the liberties I took with the words of Shakespeare in my title but this will be in all likelihood my final message here on this forum. A recent post by Leon referred to my new "project". Well, it is actually a new career. In January an email went out by Doug Allen at Mastro Fine Sports Auctions looking for a writer/grader. Feeling my 14-year career in Graphic Design was offering me less and less personal satisfaction I felt this position was the perfect opportunity for me. I am extremely happy to say that I was hired by Mastro and began my new job on April 18, 2005. My title will be "Writer / Researcher - Vintage Cards." I will be working directly with Brian Bigelow and Derek Grady and I couldn't find better people in this hobby to learn from.

A few people were aware of my new position but I didn't say anything until now because it was only this week, after returning from a week of card grading with Derek Grady in PA, that I was assigned a permanent desk, phone, email, etc. These last two weeks have been the best weeks I have spent at my job in YEARS! I really hit the career trifecta here. I like WHAT I do, WHERE I do it and WHO I am working with. I couldn't ask for more. My only fear is that they realize they are paying me for what I have been doing for the last 20 years on my own for free.

It is not part of my official responsibilities but if anyone wants to discuss a consignment with me please feel free to contact me directly at 630.412.1708. I won't make any promises but I'll see if I can get a "forum54 discount".

I hate to disappoint you conspiracy fans but I have learned first hand that Mastro offers no special employee discount on fees (Darn it!!!), gets speedier service from grading companies (Surprised me too), no special treatment regarding grades (Derek responds with surprise to grades just like we all may have done) and there isn't even a secret Mastro hand shake.

Let me also state how happy I am to see this forum still in one piece, or should I say one place. Through it all this board has done a lot of good and hopefully will continue to do so. I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this forum because I, like so many others, have learned a lot here and I thank you all for the hours of entertainment that all of your unique personalities have brought to the table. I think you all know what I mean... I can still be reached via my personal Earthlink email address if need be. (Link attached with this post.)

I am still a collector. I will still outbid some of you on eBay. I will definitely continue to read this board but my official status will be as a lurker.

I want to offer a special thanks to John Spencer, Mike Williams, Elliot, Bill C. and now Leon for their added dedication of taking on the often thankless job of board moderator. Without their extra effort this hobby would be a little less special for us all. I'm sure John had no idea what he was starting with that first post he made welcoming everyone to his brand new Vintage Baseball Card message board...

Peace EVERYONE and happy collecting,

Peter "petecld" Calderon
pcalderon@mastronet.com