[brian1961]

In January of this year, I submitted my first article to Sports Collectors Digest. I entitled it, "A Tale of Three Mantles." It comprised three regional/food issue cards of Mickey Mantle---1962 JELL-O unfolded box, 1960 Post Cereal, and 1954 Stahl-Meyer Franks. I was pleased SCD seemed to like it, but they kept putting it off. Naturally, I was getting nervous.

Finally, their managing editor, Tom Bartsch, a swell guy and very young, revealed to me that they liked it so much that they were saving it for this year's National in Cleveland, to give it more attention, as they were giving out that issue for free there. In actuality, only the first segment ran in that August 14, 2009 SCD (Issue #1503). The editors also changed the title to "A Tale of Three Treasures."

I wasn't sure if I was doing anything really worthwhile, or if my approach was stupid. After all, Mickey Mantle articles abound. My nephew-in-law, a college English prof, wanted me to tear out all my creative stuff, I could've chucked the whole thing. I called our Leon, read and sung a few portions to him, and bless his heart, he seemed to enjoy it.

Whilst I am well aware that this is not a pre-war article, and perhaps have wasted your space, at least the newest card I discussed is 47 years old. Take care guys, and you few ladies, too.
--Brian Powell