Being so distant from the game of 80+ years ago sometimes it is the historical character of a player's career that sets them apart and gives a card a story. When I see a card for sale for someone like Ben Chapman for instance, I can't really conceptualize his game in the same way I can for someone like Jim Edmonds or Alan Trammell. But I do recall what I've read of his racism. And in that case, it makes me more interested in his card than I would otherwise be... not because I approve of racism, but because it gives the card a story. It doesn't matter how ugly the story may be, a card that is "common" to me becomes uncommon.
That being said, for players I do know from my own experience, their extra-curricular story sometimes dissuade me from pursuing their cards. I wouldn't refuse a good deal on an A-Rod or Bonds or Clemens card, but I don't look for them either. But in 25 years I might think differently, when their place in the history of the game becomes more permanently engraved in the grand story.
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