Brian,
I sincerely appreciate your comments. I don't plan on spending recklessly, but if/when I do see something that really rings my bell, I am willing to spend. If it is the right card in the right grade, I am sometimes willing to go a little above and beyond. This can be true for Ted Williams cards especially. I used to have several of Ted's cards, but I have been off on so many other tangents, that I now only have a couple. I am looking to get restarted on Ted, so to speak. For now, I would probably be content to pick up some of his Topps issues or a '48-49 Leaf. The Wilson's Franks and Red Man issues will eventually happen for me as well as his '54 Bowman. If by some chance I didn't find any Ted cards to my liking, I would be open to some of the '53 Bowman stars. I consider myself a mid grade guy. Cards in the 4-6.5 range that are well-centered, crease/wrinkle free,
and look a little undergraded are some of the best buys in the hobby. I have escaped the trap of being fixated on a number on a holder. I know what I am looking for. I will pay for a well centered 5.5 over a 7 with less than great centering any day. I plan on being at the National from Wednesday through mid-Friday afternoon. I wish it could be longer, but if there is something there for me I will find it during that time. It will be a blast seeing all the dealers and the inventory they have with them. I am not naive enough to expect any bargain basement deals, but I will be on the lookout for good values for the grade. Thanks again for the insight.
Robert
|