Longtime collector John Spalding passes away

[oaks1912]

Longtime Bay Area writer, researcher, collector and friend John Spalding passed away this past week. John was one of the original organizers of Sports Collectors shows here in Northern California during the 1970's. John promoted or exhibited at most of the Sports Collector shows on the West Coast during the 1970's and 1980's. In the process he built a world class collection of cards, almost as extensive as his network of friends and sources. Although he had sold off the majority of his collection over the past 15 years, he remained interested in sports, sports history and collectibles. He authored numerous articles and books on sports collecting and sports history, beginning in the 1970's. A link to his obituary is below



http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mer...&pid=156558942

[Jay Wolt]

Mark, sad to hear this.

[kcohen]

Read the obituary. I would say, a life well lived. What more can we ask?

[Exhibitman]

John used to come down to LA to do shows here in the 1990s. Always a pleasure to deal with and speak with about vintage cards, a true gentleman of the hobby.

[brianp-beme]

Although I only met John a couple of times at shows in the 90's, I felt like I knew him through his writings on the Pacific Coast League. If anyone out there is interested in collecting PCL issues, I suggest you pick up his books on the stars of the Pacific Coast called Pacific Coast League Stars, Volume 1 (detailed biographies of 100 of the best in the league through 1957), and Volume 2, which highlights another 100 or so that made it into the major leagues). These books really put an identity and personality to the names shown on my Zeenuts, as well as picturing plenty of cards and photos of the players. Condolences to family and friends.

[ecRich]

Very sad to hear of the passing of one of the finest and great guys I have known in the hobby. John was always so kind every time we met at shows back in the day. This must be tough for you Mark, take care my friend.

Rich

[ethicsprof]

Very sad news. It is the loss of a truly distinguished pioneer in the hobby
My condolences to family and friends.
Barry