[marvymelvin]

I am wanting to start collecting a new set. I have it narrowed down to three. 1951 Bowman, 1952 Bowman, or 1953 Bowman color. I am just looking for your opinion on as many levels as you want to share i.e. difficulty, enjoyability, expense, display quality, length of time needed etc.

I will have to wait for a few months to start due to major spinal cord surgery, but will also be laid up for awhile, so I will have a lot of time on my hands to have some fun window shopping, looking at other peoples collections, browsing the net etc.

My first vintage card I ever owned was a 1951 Bowman Al "Flip" Rosen. It was in a shop back in the day when there were cards stores everywhere. There were a lot of hockey cards, new packs, people buying up 1980's stuff like crazy. I went in planning to buy a 1988-89 OPC Brett Hull "push pin" rookie. I had saved $100 for it and told myself that if I wanted one I should buy it today because it is just going to go up in value. I was also pining over a Hoops David Robinson Rookie. It was a mere $40. I thought if I could have the tandem of Hull and Robinson rookies in my collection I would be set and the envy of everyone.

But then it happened. I saw this old Bowman card on the far left end of a glass shelf in the main display counter. It was $40. I was mesmerized. I bought it and leaned it up on a shelf next to my bed. I was hooked. I never did buy another one from this set, until recently. I no longer have the Rosen unfortunately, (and I also went back a week or so later for the Robinson and Hull at $125 for the pair, not my best investment) but I still remember the amazing colors on that Rosen card. The royal blue and crimson on his hat, the shadows on his arms and uniform, classic batting pose. I thought "wow, if all of the cards in this set are as great..."

I have similar stories to tell about my encounters with a '52 Bowman Mantle but will save that for another post.

Brad