[Brian B@rry]

Mostly lurker here but I have a good story about a card show.

I was probably 16 when I went with my brother and my dad to a show in the Chicago suburbs (1974?). Toward the end of the day we spotted a 1933 Goudey Ruth at a table, but above our budget. It was probably $30.00. We drooled over it but we just didn't have enough money.

The dealer was an older gentleman, an obvious veteran of the early days of collecting. He asked us how much money we had. We emptied our pockets of all the loose bills and change we had and it came to about $17.00. He said, "OK, help me load up the car and I'll sell you the card for what you have left."

It meant that we left the show a little late and my dad had to check the dealer out to make sure he was OK, but he was, and that's how I got my first Ruth. Still have it and although it's not in perfect condition, it's a nice presentable card.

I don't really collect anymore, but I read this forum pretty regularly and I've tried to play it forward. Once in a while an acquaintance will mention a card he or she used to have and if I can, I just give it to them. Makes them so happy and in turn makes me so.