Another belated introduction.
 

Hello. I have been here about 4 months maybe. Not shy about shooting off my mouth or dealing on B/S/T. I've probably gone overboard a couple of times (Adrian), hopefully not too bad. Completed several deals with the excellent guys here. Just today the USPS completed a trade between me and a prominent member. Very nice! I hope he is as happy as I am. Some pretty scarce cards.

Anyway my name is Ken Madden. I started collecting about 1963-64 and was lucky enough to grab some good stuff cheap in the 70s. I am 59 years old and semi retired. I worked 30+ years in underground coal mines so my body is a bit worn out. Not too bad though. I was lucky. I live in Southern Illinois. Kinda of a recluse I guess, but my wife and I like it this way.

I love baseball, it's history, and thus the beautiful cardboard that records that history. My budget is pretty limited, but still going after stuff I like! Love this site. Still learning from you guys!!

Nice to have you here, even if I'm a newbie it's good to have a fellow collector to talk to and get advice from.

You're in my "ball park" Ken, the '64's are still one of my favorite sets, partially because my first collected as a young'un. "Shooting off your mouth"...personally, I prefer that over trying to be politically correct (the late George Carlin would consider those two words incompatible!!). Opinions are great, use some tact, and a little humor is a plus!!
A ton of knowledge here...reap the benefits!! (I'm still workin' on it)!!

1964 was when I got serious. The younger guys don't realize, but you couldn't just buy a set back then. It took a lot of labor and love and then you still couldn't do it. There was always the dreaded 7th series. Nobody ever had them for sale. In 1964 my buddy was lucky enough to travel a few miles away and score some 7th series cards. I was jealous!! A week later I was spending the weekend with my grandma and they had a few there where she lived. One dollar equaled 20 packs and that's what I had. Got me close to completing the set, but took several more years to do it.

My story is the same, I began in 1965 in northern Illinois (Chicago). Glad to "officially" meet you. I always wondered what Little Egypt was.

PS 519/524? What is the fifth card that you're missing?

Aloha! Great taste in cards! Dave.

hello, love the user name!

I couldn't have said it better myself. :D

I've been to some of the best art museums in this country, and I've seen some amazing works. But nothing hanging on a wall, for me at least, can compare to these wondrous pieces of cardboard we hold in our hands. I'll take a '53 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese, or a T206 Hughie Jennings both hands showing over the Mona Lisa any day of the week!

A warm official welcome to the forum, Ken. Welcome to the fun.

nevermind...

O'Hara St. Louis. Hope to find a decent one I can afford some day.

hey Ken...it was nice to have worked a trade with you! ken was kind enough to offer up a card that I NEEDED for my miller run...a d303 gen baking.

Thanks again Ken...I wish you luck with your sets...it's guys like Ken that make this hobby the best!

pete ullman

Right back atcha, Pete!

Ken - Hope to see you at the National this summer !!!