R.I.P. Jimmy Catanzaro

[David Atkatz]

I just learned that a good friend to many of us, Jimmy Catanzaro (thekingofclout) died this past weekend. He was a great collector, and, much more importantly, a great guy. Condolences to all his friends and family.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by david atkatz

i just learned that a good friend to many of us, jimmy catanzaro (thekingofclout) died this past weekend. He was a great collector, and, much more importantly, a great guy. Condolences to all his friends and family.

My condolences to his family.

[Hankphenom]

How very sad. Jimmy had just posted here for the first time in a while. He was heavily into great photos before just about anybody, it seemed to me. R.I.P.

[Shoeless Moe]

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...nia-collector/

[batsballsbases]

Wow another one of the truly great guys that I had the pleasure to meet and talk alot with... Between Mike Hoevet and Jimmy they were 2 truly great guys. Jimmy and I shared many of the same problems in life and many a long talk into the night we would have.. I will miss him dearly. RIP Jimmy... For those who didnt know Jimmy had an incredible photo collection along with an equally great Beatles collection.....

[GKreindler]

I first became friends with Jimmy in early May of 2007. I remember the exact date even, as I had just lost out on a Lou Gehrig photo off of eBay. An action shot depicting the man trotting to first after hitting a home run may not have been super rare, but getting that image taken from behind home plate was a different story altogether. I knew from the moment I saw it that it was going to be a perfect image for a painting I had in mind. After contacting the seller and explaining that I wanted to get in touch with the winner in the hopes that he/she would be willing to sell me a scan, I was given Jimmy's contact info. I was still somewhat new in the game of making the kind of paintings I do now, and I was a bit hesitant to write him. Was I gonna sound like a weirdo to him? Would he understand what I was trying to do? He wrote me back with nothing but compliments on my work, and was more than willing to do anything he could to get a scan of the piece for me.

I didn't know that it was then that I gained not only a champion for what I did, but also came to befriend a human with a REALLY good heart. He was always in my corner - heck, he introduced me to this community soon after we met for the first time. We bonded over our appreciation for the images of the past, be it baseball or the beautiful cityscapes of Berenice Abbott. I mean, for those of you who were on this board in the early 2010s (and I'm sure before that as well) know that the man was a true connoisseur. He was also perhaps one of the most honest, square-dealing people out there. Whether you liked him or not (and I know there were plenty on both sides), he'd tell ya how he felt. And if you knew him personally outside of the hobby, you knew he was a character. And he took great pride in being that. But he'd give you the shirt off his back. And he gave the word 'loyal' a new meaning.

I know that the collecting community (be it baseball, photography and/or the Beatles) has a lost a great champion in Jimmy Catanzaro. And I've lost somebody who has definitely had a profound effect on my life. It may sound dramatic, but I really do think this world is a bit of a lesser place without him. I'm just glad that he's finally at peace and free of pain.

I'll miss you, brutha.

[batsballsbases]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

I first became friends with Jimmy in early May of 2007. I remember the exact date even, as I had just lost out on a Lou Gehrig photo off of eBay. An action shot depicting the man trotting to first after hitting a home run may not have been super rare, but getting that image taken from behind home plate was a different story altogether. I knew from the moment I saw it that it was going to be a perfect image for a painting I had in mind. After contacting the seller and explaining that I wanted to get in touch with the winner in the hopes that he/she would be willing to sell me a scan, I was given Jimmy's contact info. I was still somewhat new in the game of making the kind of paintings I do now, and I was a bit hesitant to write him. Was I gonna sound like a weirdo to him? Would he understand what I was trying to do? He wrote me back with nothing but compliments on my work, and was more than willing to do anything he could to get a scan of the piece for me.

I didn't know that it was then that I gained not only a champion for what I did, but also came to befriend a human with a REALLY good heart. He was always in my corner - heck, he introduced me to this community soon after we met for the first time. We bonded over our appreciation for the images of the past, be it baseball or the beautiful cityscapes of Berenice Abbott. I mean, for those of you who were on this board in the early 2010s (and I'm sure before that as well) know that the man was a true connoisseur. He was also perhaps one of the most honest, square-dealing people out there. Whether you liked him or not (and I know there were plenty on both sides), he'd tell ya how he felt. And if you knew him personally outside of the hobby, you knew he was a character. And he took great pride in being that. But he'd give you the shirt off his back. And he gave the word 'loyal' a new meaning.

I know that the collecting community (be it baseball, photography and/or the Beatles) has a lost a great champion in Jimmy Catanzaro. And I've lost somebody who has definitely had a profound effect on my life. It may sound dramatic, but I really do think this world is a bit of a lesser place without him. I'm just glad that he's finally at peace and free of pain.

I'll miss you, brutha.

+100 Graig.... Well Said.....

[horzverti]

I met Jimmy at a National show a few years back. I had a some photos that I was looking to sell and was asking a few dealers if they were interested. I sold a few and bought a few before I wandered over to the huge Memory Lane “booth.” I asked a younger gentleman if he was interested in buying type 1s used for various 1930s cards. The guy said that I should wait for “Jimmy.” Two minutes or so later a smiling man greeted me and asked to see some stuff. He seemed pretty knowledgeable and he bought one or two. I had no idea who he was. I asked if he had any Conlons for sale and he kind of chuckled, reached for a portfolio book and handed it to me. As I flipped through the pages I soon realized that I had seen all of these gems before. There were many beautiful Gehrigs and I believe a few stunning Ruths. Holding his display book, I felt as if I was invited into a back room of a museum. I asked if he was The King of Clout and he replied “I’m Jimmy.” He was just a good guy. Later we corresponded through eBay and via email. Jimmy possessed super knowledge regarding vintage photos. He was always tolerant of my many questions and detailed in his excellent answers. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP to The King of Clout.

[ooo-ribay]

I never knew Jimmy, but he sounds like he was a great guy.

We should all aspire to make hobby “connections” like he obviously did.

RIP.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Oh, no. This is awful news.

Jimmy and I never had any dealings or communication otherwise, but he once sent me an email that really cheered this guy up at a crucial time. Nothing I care to share, yet something that will always mean the world to me--especially since Jimmy had no actual reason to send it other than to be his positive self. It was so unexpected; I think of his kind message every once in a while and what it did to lift my spirits.

So sorry you're gone, pal. Wish we could have grabbed a meal or three.

[bobfreedman]

Jimmy was a great guy and was a passionate collector. He collected baseball photos as well as a Beatles memorabilia and was as knowledgeable as anyone who I ever met. I will miss our long talks, this one stings.

[slidekellyslide]

More sad news in a sad year for Net54. Jimmy was awesome, he pepped up this forum more than anyone who has ever been a member. I was so excited when I saw he came back here a few months back. RIP Jimmy.

[gnaz01]

Sad day indeed. RIP Jimmy

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

More sad news in a sad year for Net54. Jimmy was awesome, he pepped up this forum more than anyone who has ever been a member. I was so excited when I saw he came back here a few months back. RIP Jimmy.

^^^^
Thank you Al, Dan and Scott but he was truly a loss for everyone he touched. Even if you had it out with Jimmy, you were probably in the wrong so he hopefully taught you something. Some on here are unaware of his influence who are new. As Dan mentioned, Jimmy was an influential poster.. maybe the most. If you look at his posts in the day.. he was very passionate and creative. To this day there are may "copycat" posts he started.
Anyway... as The great Kreindler stated.. as cheesy and cliché as it may be, the world is a lesser place without a Jimmy Catanzaro. It is everyone's loss.

[Lordstan]

I too was heavily influenced by Jimmy. You can count me as another on the long list of those who got started with photos due to his influence.

He was a great guy, but we had not spoken in a while up until recently. He recently wrote me and I am a bit shocked to hear of his passing to be honest.

I am really struggling to find the right words to describe him, so I will echo the sentiments of Ben, David, Graig, and all the rest on what a good guy he was and how he will be missed.

Rip buddy.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Runscott]

Very, very sad to hear this news. Condolensces to Ben and others who were close friends with Jimmy. Jimmy twice sent me encouraging notes regarding my son, back in 2012. Very caring guy who I never had the fortune to meet, but I saved his notes because with all the dysfunction on the internet, he was a great human touch that helped keep things in perspective.

"Also, it seems, by the vibe I've gotten from your posts over the last few weeks, that you really seem like you're much at ease. I truly hope that that is due to your Son doing much better, Scott.

All good things, sincerely, Jimmy"

[Baseball Rarities]

So sad to hear this. I have known Jimmy since 2002 or so and every deal that we ever did was on a handshake. I knew that he was not in good health, but I had no idea...

Thoughts and prayers out to his family and friends.

[perezfan]

I'm very sad to hear this news. I knew Jimmy was struggling with multiple health issues, but had no idea it was that far advanced.

He and I traded a few times, and he was a pillar of honesty, integrity, and generosity. Occasionally we would send each other cool pieces just as a surprise. He knew I liked Tony Perez, and sent me some killer early-career photos. No money was ever exchanged and nothing was expected in return (although he and I always reciprocated in some fashion).

Jimmy truly appreciated the good stuff, and had impeccable taste. He was an innovator, and was well ahead of his time when it came to Original Photos. And I agree with Scott... Net54 has never been the same since he departed. He created so many thought-provoking posts, and was the very best at getting other collectors involved and engaged. Jimmy was just a stellar human being.

RIP

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Jimmy and I had a brief interaction this summer when he commented on my Babe Ruth Type 1 Thread. While many saw his post as antagonistic at the time, he kindly messaged me via PM and continued to give me advice as well as exchange contact information should I ever need any advice. I never had the chance to truly pick his brain and wish I had as he seemed very knowledgeable, and even better... a great person.

RIP.

[ooo-ribay]

It kinda blows my mind that Jimmy had recently won at least $10,000 worth of Beatles stuff on ebay that he will never get to enjoy. His Beatles collection must be unbelievable.

If anyone is able to post pictures of Jimmy's Beatles treasures, I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one interested in seeing them. I don't think Leon would mind, either.

Condolences to those who knew and loved Jimmy.