[kailes2872]

I caught the bug early. When I was 8, I sold a bunch of 71-75's for $13 in order to afford a 1980 topps set. Instead of putting them away forever, I would play games with them - George Brett was my favorite, but I also loved Rod Carew. I loved the Fred Lynn card where he was running in from the outfield - with all star across the top of the card. He had 39 homers in the 79 season - just like Jim Rice. Keith Hernadez batted .344 to lead the NL and had 211 hits - although I thought it was strange that Gary Templeton had 212 hits but a lower batting average (the mind of an 8 year old...). I memorized every stat on those cards. I learned how to figure slugging percentage, and thought it was a bummer that stolen bases weren't on those cards - because 1980 was the year of Ron Leflore's 96 SBs and Rickey Henderson swiping 100. I bought the '81 set and then, when I got a paper route, I went crazy in '82. I bought two boxes of wax packs, opening every one, chewing every piece of gum along the way - my cheek looking like George Brett's '78 card. I then bought two 500ct vending boxes and would buy multiple packs when I collected for the paper at the beginning of the month. I hated that it was the strike year on the back and the stats seemed to be just meh compared to other years. In retrospect, that was a pretty ugly card, but it was the one that I collected the most. I didn't get the full 83-85 sets, but had several singles. I then was head first back into it in 86 - getting sets from 86-90 before leaving for college and having my attention diverted. I sold it all in college for $250. With all of the different brands and speculating, I really didn't miss it and could no longer keep up with it.

When I got back into it in 2011, I started with '85 and quickly bought all the way back to 73. It slowed down a bit at 72, but over the next 3 months, I bought 68-72 and '66. I then collected '67 card by ever loving card - making nice progress until getting to the high numbers and short prints. I spent probably 2x on the final series versus what I spent on the first 500+ cards. The next year was 63-65, with 58, 59, 60 coming the following year. After that came 57, 61, and 62. I then decided to collect 56 card by card. There were 342 cards, no expensive high series and 34 HOFers that I could buy exactly like I wanted to. That took about 8 months and I absolutely love that issue. Last year, I found a '55 less 9 HOFers and '54 without Banks and Aaron. I have spent the last 18 months upgrading all of the HOFers to PSA 6 or better. Then, earlier this year, I bought 53 Bowman Color and B&W as well as '50 Bowman. When I finish my upgrades, I plan to buy '55 and '54 Bowman next and then I will tackle a nicer graded '53 Topps. Along the way, I bought all of the new sets with a couple of minor exceptions. I also am in the process of picking up '63 Fleer and will probably buy the 59 Williams set as well as the early 60's Fleer legends sets. I have also painstakingly upgraded with nearly 300 slabbed cards - most in PSA 6 or higher.

I don't think that I will ever have the wherewithall or bankroll to buy 52 Topps or 51 Bowman, but I will get 52, 48 & 49 Bowman in the coming years. I will try to buy a low number 52 Topps and as much of 51 Bowman as I can afford until I am able to get my Mantle and Mays. That probably gets me to 2020. After that, I will go after 39-41 PB and then probably the 35 Goudey set and my all time favorite, 33 Delong. The kids will be completely out of college by 2024, so depending on how things are going, I can look at tackling some of the classics like '33 & '34 Goudey, the 52 hi's and then maybe, just maybe taking a run at the tobacco and carmel cards. If the market does really well in retirement, I will probably take a run at CJ's and then maybe even get into 19th century stuff. My goal is to own every major issue. It is aspirational, and I know that my goals outstrip my finances, but I will continue to aspire for it.

I must have a completion gene. Everything tells me that set building is a money losing proposition. No one wants the commons. I could do much better if I just bought high grade versions on the stars, but I just can't seem to help myself. Thanks to all of those who have done deals with me hear as you have helped me in my quest.