My collection began with 1980 Topps baseball. About the age of 6. I would search grocery rack packs while my mom was shopping. I think my first pack/purchase had a Steve Garvey A.S on top. Another rack I remember having Reggie Jackson on it. 1980 FB (ugly cards) was the first set I put together. Had some friends that would trade cards after school. For some reason, no one had a Mike Haynes All-Pro! It took me months to find one. Took a year off and restarted collecting with 1982 & 83 Topps. Took a few more years off, then stumbled upon a price guide in 1988 (my downfall moment). I dug out my Topps cards to find all my Rickey Hendersons, Cal Ripkens etc... They were valuable now... LOL
The '89 Fleer Billy Ripken card got me hooked for life. I later got a job at a card shop in high school - I too spent all my money there. Ready to quit in college, my uncle sent me his entire collection (from the 50s). 1959 was the focus going forward. I had about 70% of the set - all EXMT or better. Many 8s and 9s!!
Discovered eBay in 1998 and finished off that set rather quickly. My best (early eBay) pickup was the '59 Mantle SGC 84 for under $100. The auction title labeled it as a 1995 - it was a steal.
Now I blame Net54..... You bastards inspire me to no end.....
