OT - Ty Cobb Goes to School

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Posted By: Paul S

Early this morning my 6th-grade-son sprang the news on me that he needed an artifact today for his social studies class. I gave him an detached T202 Cobb player panel (EX to NM I'd say.) I stuck it in a plastic sleeve inside a tall semi rigid. I figured if any of the other students knew any player from that era then Cobb would be it, plus it has a bio on the back -- I also copy-and-pasted some info from Old Cardboard and Wiki and printed it out. Anybody else here ever sent a card to school? Any negative comments about its relation to tobacco? Did you get it back? In one piece? Will report back tonight with the results.

*edited for tobacco comment and detachment correction

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Posted By: Jimi

As a collector of cards and being a 4th grade teacher, I began a couple years ago allowing the kids to earn baseball cards as a reward. Basically, they earn "Caught Being Good Tickets" when they offer a hand to another student, show a change in attitude, or other things like making an effort to please me (ha!) When they accumulate 5 tickets they are allowed to "purchase" pencils, gum, candy, or baseball cards. Granted the "old" cards in the bunch are from the 80s, but they don't care. They just want to find their favorite players or teams in the box. The neat thing is to see some girls choose this option rather than that of common "girl" items. Not too many years ago, many of the kids would have preferred Pokemon cards rather than baseball/football cards. Nice to see the switch!

No, I haven't sent an "artifact" like a Cobb in school, but I doubt my daughters will want to do that when they hit grade school. Good luck getting your card back!

Jimi

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Posted By: George Gogol

I too am a teacher, 6th grade, and have often taken in my 100+ t-cards for kids to flip through. They don't know there value and usually don't ask. We talk about the times and how cards were used in society. They love the nostalgia and I always get positive feedback from parents. I would love to see one of my kids bring in a t202 cobb panel someday. You are dad of the year in my book! Thanks for being active in your kid's education.

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Posted By: Ben

Jimi, your ticket incentive system sounds really effective. I might try something along the same lines in my classroom. Thanks for the idea.

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Posted By: Paul S

With the massive volume of messages posted on this thread today I know you are all waiting with baited breath on the results. Here is the closure:

The card came back just the same way as it left.
Students were non-plussed, had never heard of Cobb (except my own son) but they were that way about almost every artifact except...
...the 45rpm turntable with self-contained speakers from the 1950's that actually played a vinyl disc.
The social studies teacher was incredibly ecstatic! She was quite familiar with Cobb. Bless you, Mrs. Rosen.

BTW - Thanks for all the tips and support, guys! Myself, mid-life career change -- recently received my state teaching creds.

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Posted By: George Gogol

Paul,
Congrats on the safe return of the Cobb, and a bigger congrats on your teaching cert. You will enjoy your new career. Best of luck and introduce those kids to our great hobby. Mrs. Rosen doesn't have a bald headed husband named Alan, does she?

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Posted By: Paul S

Thanks George! Now, should this be a "famous" Alan Rosen or more like an acquaintance? And, would be out on Long Island.

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Posted By: George Gogol

It was just a poor attempt at a "Mr. Mint" joke. Have fun with your boy and good luck in the teaching profession.

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Posted By: Paul S

I was 90% sure I understood the attempt, just wanted to be sure of the other 10%. My Mrs. Rosen doesn't wear a tiara or make empty promises, so I guess the answer is no. Pity the real Mrs. Mint -- could you imagine? She comes home from work and he's got a big table set up right inside the front door! Thanks George.