Have any of you ever taken a $2,000+ loss, or if I've done my math right, around a 60% loss on a pre-war card before?
My biggest issue with Adrian (besides the obvious) was that he was an "Acquirer" and not a "Collector". He had no connection to baseball cards. Did any of you ever jump right into the hobby by purchasing rare and expensive cards without doing any research or having some sort of emotional connection to the player? Who drops that kind of cash on common card where there is no consensus within the hobby that it is even a "variation", especially with that kind of back damage, when they have no idea what they are doing? Unless you are a professional sports team owner, you can't take that risk. And if you do, I guess that's when 60% losses happen.
I only saw my dad get teary-eyed three times in my life - when he put my family dog down, when he dropped me off at the dorm for my first day of college, and when he talked about Roberto Clemente. I'm sure that is the reason for my Clemente collection. Like many of you, I started collecting in the early 80's. I would buy those "All Time Greats" cards and read baseball almanacs and record books. That's where I learned about Matty, Cobb, Hans, Three-Finger Brown, etc. I'm sure that is the reason for my pre-war card "obsession". Many of the board members here tried to convince Adrian to slow down, do some research, find a favorite player or team, but he did not listen. He just acquired a few rare, high priced cards with no rhyme or reason. I mean, I have a Bake McBride collection that I'm sure I cherish more than any cards he acquired.
That being said, he must have really needed the money and I wish him well. Hindsight being 20/20, he should have consigned the Murr'y to an established auction house right? Oh well, just thought I'd share my two cents on Adrian. I won't be posting anymore about him....promise.
- Ja$on Chri$$i$
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