[Jerry G]

Hi, Matt. Welcome to the board. A constant mantra that you will hear around here is, if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your collection, collect what you like.

Most collectors are attracted to cards issued during the players playing days. This includes me but, I also love the '60 and '61 Fleer sets. I collected these as a kid because even then I appreciated baseball history and it's characters.

Now, after starting this post, I realize that I had never seen an "old card" (meaning pre-1958) in 1961. That had to add to the appeal to me. The first old card I ever saw came a couple years later. It was a 1952 Bowman Marlin Stuart. It was so little! I immediately had to trade for it. Then, in 1965, a classmate brought to school the first ever 1935 Diamond Stars I ever saw, Joe Medwick and Julis Solters and a Goudey 4 in 1 with Mel Harder. The trade was made as quick as we could get to my house.

In the mid to late 1960's, I decided to send one of my '61 Fleer doubles to Ted Lyons to sign. Don't remember why I chose him but, he responded and included a nice note with it. Over the years, I have picked up a total of 57 autographed 61's. Most recently added Gabby Hartnett and Earl Combs. So, I've enjoyed these sets for many years for several reasons.

I'm sure that's way more information than anyone cares for, but it goes back to my original point. Collect what you like. If you run across a bargain and the card doesn't grab you, forget about it. Save your money for something else.