Our hobby forefather, Jefferson Burdick, was a major force behind Goudey's decision to reprint # 106. His forceful letter was replete with pungent legal threats. As I understood the story, told a few times in 1970s hobby paper writings by fellow hobby forefather, Lionel Carter, NOBODY had pulled a #106. Goudey wasn't intending that you would----just keep buying our penny packs with the hope against hope you'd get a 106.
Think about it. Who did they wind up making. A Napolean Lajoie, of all players. I really doubt it. Look closely at the design of the Lajoie. That's not a 1934 Goudey by a long shot; the design is indicative of an unissued 1933 Goudey Sport King. Looks like they made more of the #106 in the 1934 Goudey high # series.
Just as our brother concluded, they took pains not to incriminate their asses.
A worthy postscript. About a dozen letters were sent to Jeff Burdick about the matter, before Jefferson fired off his broadside to Goudey. He kept all the letters. Goudey sent Mr. Burdick a little more than a dozen copies of the #106 Nap Lajoie. Jefferson Burdick then mailed out a letter to each hobbyist that had written to him about the matter, and enclosed one of the precious # 106s, for free of course. Lionel Carter wrote that story, because he was one of those who complained to his friend Jefferson, and in course received a letter with a Lajoie from his hobby pal.
Nice fellow, this Mr. Jefferson Burdick.
---Brian Powell
Maybe one of you who knows David Kathman might be able to persuade this master hobby paper archivist to dig out one of Lionel's articles he penned of that historic hobby happening. Try Sports Scoop, David. I think I recall seeing it there, or in an early 70s SPORT FAN. Just a thought......
