What was your favorite pickup in '09?

[Rob D.]

Seems like a good time for a year-in-review thread.

I was extremely fortunate to add a lot of nice cards to my collection during the past 11-plus months. I think this one is my favorite not only because of the card itself but because I bought it in person at the National. No auction. No staying up until 3 a.m. to see if a bid holds up. No worrying about shilling and the like. No "great guys." There's something to be said about holding a card (or slab, in this case) in your hand, looking the seller in the eye and attempting to reach a deal.

Here's hoping '09 was good to you.

[frohme]

Timely post, Rob.

I also feel very fortunate to have added a number of nice cards to my collection over the past year, not least of which is the Birmingham for which remain in your debt. My favorite of the year, though, is the Donlin from REA.

While I haven't been to a show in many years, I vividly remember the feeling you just described and plan to get back to the National in '10.

[bijoem]

[Tyler]

Rob,
Your story about buying a card from a dealer, at a table, at the National (or any other show) almost made change my mind about my favorite '09 pickup...almost. This REA pickup makes everything else in my collection seem expendable.

[Irwin Fletcher]

I just started a vintage baseball card collection in the second half of this year. Here's my favorite so far:

[T206Collector]

2009 was a good year for adding HOFers to my signed T206 collection, including Sam Crawford (batting), Fred Clarke (batting) and this one....

From Autographed T206

[tedzan]

I have acquired quite a few vintage BB related items that I could post here. But, my favorite is this unopened
American Beauty pack, since I have been searching for one for several years. I opened it to find the original 10
cigarettes in it.....but, no card.





T-Rex TED

[3-2-count]

This one!!

[rfurnish]

I added several really nice t206 cards to my set this year, but this is one that I'm really happy to finally have in my collection.

[glenv]

Don't see these too often:

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[D. Broughman]

I have had a great time trying to put this set together this year. I am putting a low grade set together with the intent to upgrade later. I still need 8 more to complete. Planned on having set completed but 2 of my kids (their adults but kids to me) lost there jobs here in Southern Michigan due to the car industry cutback so I had to put this on hold to help them out. D.

[docpatlv]

These were my favorite 3, if I had to pick one it would be the Wagner...



Mike

[E93]

Who says you can't find cool stuff at the National? From a board member.
JimB

[DeanH3]

It was a slow year for me. Only made one purchase. That means big trouble for '10.

[rman444]

yeeha!

[Chris D.]

[kkkkandp]

I especially enjoyed obtaining the Alcott - Mansfields card in a trade. It was the last significant "common" team I needed.

[SteveMitchell]

This card measures 5-1/8" by 3" and pictures the Electric Display at Willow Grove (PA) Park. On the back is an announcement for a Third Annual Picnic under auspices of Kinsports Employees with music by Sousa's band. In smaller lettering there is mention of "Philadelphia and Chicago (National League) at 15th and Huntingdon Streets". The date is August 21, 1915.

What interested me about the card initially was the mention of Willow Grove: a longtime home of one of our hobby's best shows. After a bit more research, I discovered that the Phillies had a doubleheader that day and won both ends: 7-5, behind the great Grover Cleveland Alexander in the opener, and Al Demaree over Karl Adams, 3-2, in the second. Furthermore, the Phillies would go on to win the National League pennant that year.

Minutes ago, as I was trying to track down this information for posting, I discovered another important fact regarding the date August 21, 1915 which I did not know at time of purchase. That was the date that the Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Shoeless Joe Jackson for outfielders Larry Chappell and Robert Roth, pitcher Ed Klepfer and something over $31,000 in cash!

This find came courtesy of a spur of the moment eBay search for "Willow Grove."

[rhettyeakley]

Here are the 3 men refernced by Steve... I'll take that Jackson kid!