My grandfather grew up in the depression and always kept a tight handle on finances. He was also a man of strong ethics.
At about age 10, in the late 80s, he took me to a card shop out in the country.
He said I could buy any pack I wanted.
Well my grandfather didn't see the old 1980 Topps packs behind the counter which contained the then-ultra-in-demand Rickey Henderson rookie.
Not being shy I said "I'll take one of those please" I'm cracking up just thinking about it.
The owner said, "that'll be $8".
A range of confusion, anger, and a desire to mask both, filled my grandfather's face. He inquired why the pack was so much.
"Aren't packs 25 cents?"
After the owner explained about the Rickey Henderson, my grandfather understood quickly, I was using his money to gamble!
Despite this expenditure conflicting with everything he believed in, he had already promised his grandson any pack he wanted. He bought me the pack.
I got the Henderson.
I still have it.
Last edited by BigJJ; 08-10-2012 at 05:40 AM.
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