Collecting by Geography

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

Okay, here's a longer and less sarcastic post than the others I've made today.

I was wondering if anyone out there bases their collection on geography?

For example, collecting only cards and memorabilia from a certain area of the country.

Recently, a question was posed about which player I would collect, if I were to build a set of a certain player. After thinking about it for a while, I chose Goose Goslin, because he's a HOFer (which I collect), who played during my favorite era, and he's from New Jersey (where I live).

A couple days later, I was reading about the Trenton Cuban Giants.

This got me thinking that there's an awful lot of baseball history in New Jersey. So I started digging around, trying to see what resources are available that chronicle the history of baseball in the state, and found that there are, well, none.

So I started thinking that it might be a worthwhile endeavor to start digging into the history of baseball in the state. There are a TON of stories, from Elysian Fields to Derek Jeter's birthplace, and the best part is that I can hop in my car and drive to any point in the state within just a few hours.

Building a collection this way would also enable me to do something that I've always wanted to do, but have thus far resisted: incorporating more memorabilia into my collection. Until now, I've been mostly a card guy.

But in order to get started, I really could use some advice from others who collect this way. How did you get started? How did you research this? If your state/geographic region had no major league teams, how did you learn about the minor league or Negro League teams in the area? Where did you go for info?

I joined SABR, finally, but haven't put it to use yet. But I'm itching to start a new project, and this one seems as good as any.

Any advice?

TIA,
-Al

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

I am a geographic collector!!! My collection is focused on baseball in the state of Nebraska - from town teams to minor league teams to players born in the state who went on to the majors.

The major areas I focus on are The Nebraska Indians, The Lincoln minor league clubs and to a lesser extent players born here like Sam Crawford, GC Alexander, Richie Ashburn, et cetera.

It's funny that when I contacted Mark Macrae about some Zeenut cards associated with former Nebraskans he told me that he had customers from nearly every state that collected this way.

You will most likely have better luck with SABR than I did since you are from NJ...I got very little to no help at all with my research...however there is one very excellent website devoted to minor league baseball in Nebraska that I believe is top shelf.

http://marian.creighton.edu/~besser/baseball/

I know there is another collector who frequents this board who collects mostly items related to baseball in Kansas. Hi Clint!

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Posted By: Max Weder

Al

My collecting interests are focused to items from British Columbia/Western Canada, as I was raised in Saskatoon Saskatchewan (aside to mzm: no, I thankfully won't post the cigar box again) and now live in Vancouver. It's a lot of work to find items here, but I find it rewarding in terms of making the historical connection to where I live and where I'm from.

As for New Jersey, I'm sure you'll be able to find much information through SABR. Be sure to subscribe to SABR L (the email forum) and post your interests on the web site. There are many people in SABR who are willing to help out, I'm sure you'll find.

Max

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Posted By: Steve

Interesting concept Al good luck!

Steve

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Posted By: Cobby33

Excellent question!

Most of my Vintage collection contains New Orleans (always been fascinated with that area and there are lot of interesting issues from there) and Bay Area issues (where I was born and raised)!

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Posted By: judson hamlin

It's a part of my collection as well. In addition to NJ (live), I also collect Richmond and Toledo cards (college/law school). It's a convenient way top focus on particular Colgans, Old Mills and Coupons, in addition to a few other sets.

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Posted By: Dave F

Well I'm a T206 collector...I live in Atlanta and do seem to migrate towards southern leaguers...not sure if it's a conscious decision though.

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Posted By: joe

I collect Buffalo and Rochester cards, photos, pennants, etc.
Born and raised outside of Rochester and went to college in Buffalo (Go Sabres!)
My initial plan was to try and collect all cards made in those cities as well,
but w/ the SF Hess cards I thought better of it.
I'm doing pretty well; have all T206s; T205s; most of the Colgans and C46 cards and a couple photos.
That Rochester Old Judge card is proving difficult, though.

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Posted By: Jason L

I have not to date, although there was an article in a fairly recent issue of an obscure Wisconsin publication that focuses on area genealogy, that focused on the baseball history of the area.
(Wow, was that even a proper sentence?)

At any rate, my point is that it got me to thinking about doing just what you ask...focusing on the history of baseball in Milwaukee and the outlying area, because it was in interesting article on how the teams were organized and such.

I will look for it and see if I can't scan some of it...thanks for the post...I totally forgot about that.

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Jason, in my search for real photo postcards of small town teams I would say I run across postcards of Wisconsin teams at a rate of at least 5-1 compared to Nebraska cards...that could be an interesting focus. At one time I fancied finding rppc's of every town in Nebraska, but that is too daunting a task.

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Posted By: Brian Weisner

Hi Al,
Nice post! I started collecting players that played here in Winston-Salem several years ago, and wound up collecting both T209 sets, and Series 5 of the T210's. And now I can't stop...... be well Brian

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

Judson, you collect NJ stuff? Where do you go for research?

The posts in this thread are very interesting. I had never heard of anyone collecting this way (except Cobby), so it's nice to hear that there are so many people doing it.

Obviously the bulk of New Jersey's history lies in the minor leagues and in the Negro Leagues, which is another thing that gives it HUGE appeal to me. Digging around, learning about all the history that was made in my backyard is awesome - particularly because there hasn't been a wealth of readily available information.

Do you guys collect memorabilia as well, or just cards? If I do this, I'll likely do the whole shebang - there's all sorts of memorabilia out there that I've always thought was cool, but always held back from buying. So I'm getting more and more excited about the prospect.

I'm also excited about digging into SABR, it seems like there's a lot of assistance there.

-Al

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Al, I have to collect the memorabilia as there are relatively few cards concerning Nebraska teams....about the only ones are the N172 Omaha team and those are nearly impossible and the lone Lincoln Chiefs card of Dick Stuart from 1956.

So I go after anything related - pinbacks, bat pencils, photos, books, et cetera.

Here's a schedule coin of the Lincoln Athletics

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Posted By: judson hamlin

Al - There was a book out a few years ago, prior to the indie league renaissance, on baseball in NJ. It had a few errors along the way, but was worth it for the positives it contained. Also, before I had kids, I would go over to Rutgers' Alexander Library, which had some interesting books and microfiched newspapers on the 19th and early 20th century game in NJ.
You can always scan the encyclopedias for Jersey-born or Jersey-based players,etc.
And, you can always visit "Ducky" Medwick Park in Carteret if you dare (nothing to see except the Rahway River and adjacent landfill.


Edited to further comment on Carteret (Exit 12 NJTP)

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Players born in New Jersey

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bio/NJ_born.shtml

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Posted By: Ronald Haynes

Hi all, I would first like to say that I am lurker on this board who enjoys the expertise of the forum members. I am a hockey collector but a student of the hobby in the large. In any case I collect Newfoundland born hockey players who have played in the NHL, fortunately this is a small list. Newfoundlanders must be a patriotic bunch as cards of Alex Faulkner, the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL in the early 60s, are extremely tough.

Best wishes,
R Haynes

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Posted By: Clint

I collect cards and memorabilia from Kansas. Just like Dan, I'm interested in just about anything old. Real photo postcards, cabinets, minor leagues and the National Baseball Congress are some of my interests. Bats, jerseys, trophies, and other items can really round out a collection.

Al, if you get a chance check out Dan's site. It will give you a good idea on what's out there and maybe a place to start. If you have any questions shoot me an email.

-Clint

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Posted By: Max Weder

Ronald

I don't imagine there are too many images of Jim McKeever, who appears to be the only major leaguer born in Newfoundland. Jim played in 1884, and hit .136 http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/mckeeji01.shtml

And if you don't know, Fred Lake (baseball player) was born down the Valley from you in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia (and if I didn't mention it earlier, my spouse is from Smith's Cove and Clementsvale from that area)

http://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/lakefr01.shtml

Max

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Posted By: Anonymous

Thanks, Dan- more than just YouTube. :]

John Harkins' (1880's pitcher) former house is on Easton Ave. in New Brunswick is now a hair salon.

That and $1.15 might get you a cup of coffee.

edited to remove a stray "an"

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Posted By: Ronald Haynes

Hi Max, many thanks for that reference, I didn't know about either player.
Unfortunately you have now started me on a possibly impossible mission, I need more info on Mr. McKeever, anyone have a team reference?

Thanks,
R Haynes

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Posted By: Ronald Haynes

Hi Max, a couple of other searches on Mr. McKeever indicates that he was really from St. John New Brunswick not St. John's Newfoundland. Phew... I can rest.

R Haynes

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Posted By: Max Weder

Ronald

Not that I wouldn't want you to rest, but is there definitive proof that he was from St. John rather than St. John's? I saw the baseball almanac reference, but is there anything concrete?

Max
Serving to geographically confuse all Americans with these posts

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Posted By: John S

I lived in Charleston, SC for a few years (and will return one day!) so I pick up whatever I can that relates to Charleston baseball.

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

I was born in the same town as Jim Bouton and Billy Hamilton.

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

This is great stuff, guys.

Thanks for contributing. Your enthusiasm is rubbing off on me! I really think this might wind up being a whole new facet of my collection - something I wouldn't have even dreamed about just a couple of months ago.

I'm going to keep digging, but it really sounds like a lot of fun.

-Al

PS - that Nebraska website is awesome!

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Posted By: Ronald Haynes

there was a webpage that I found which indicates that there has been a major league player from each province except Newfoundland. I am not sure if it is definitive or not but check out:

http://www.sportspic.com/cndsports/players_cnd_hist.htm

Cheers:)
R Haynes

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Posted By: CN

I know he is current but I went to H.S. and elementary school with future HOFER Craig Biggio so I try to collect what there is of his. Hopefully my H.S. yearbook will be worth something one day LOL. CN

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Posted By: Glenn

I grew up in New Orleans, so I've considered doing a Big Easy/Crescent City/ N'awlins collection many times. Unfortunately for me, the New Orleans issues have attracted a lot of interest from collectors outside the region, so the cost of such a collection is beyond my current baseball card budget. I have, however, been working on a collection of the eight players from my high school who played in the majors.

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Posted By: Scott Mosley

When I'm not working on a particular set, I like collecting type card examples that depict pre 1920 Phillies or A's players. I never even thought about type collecting until returning to the hobby a couple of years ago and seeing collections like those of Leon and Glenn V.

While I am a Phillies fan, I decided on adding A's players as well in order to include certain sets and to avoid competing with Marc, Joshua and Mike P. all of the time

http://www.sgccardregistry.com/index.asp?action=5&setid=246

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Posted By: S Gross

A great way to go, you can be as specific or general as you choose:



I was thinking of expanding to other t210-1 SAL teams, but with prices these days, I'm happy with Savannah team .....

I also agree that a trip to your local, college, or state library is well worth it. It's facinating to read baseball acoounts from various vintage periods. What struck me is the similarities more than the differences of the game played 100-130 years ago. By chance, I did some rersearch in Trenton (long ago when I lived there), and still get a kick out of two NJ teams from the 1880's:
Newark Domestics of the Eastern League (owned by the Domestic Sewing Machine Company of Newark, NJ) -- how great is that !!
And the best local amatuer league team: Atlantic City August Flowers.

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Posted By: Andy Broome

I collect Chattanooga players, both who played there and who was born there. I also collect other Southern teams such as Knoxville and some Atlanta.

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Posted By: Jason L

Dan, in an earlier post, you said:
"Jason, in my search for real photo postcards of small town teams I would say I run across postcards of Wisconsin teams at a rate of at least 5-1 compared to Nebraska cards...that could be an interesting focus. At one time I fancied finding rppc's of every town in Nebraska, but that is too daunting a task."

Admittedly I have not yet started this research yet, but thinking about it at lunch here, thought I would just pen a post to ask : Why do you suppose the WI RPPC's would be so much more plentiful than those of Nebraska? Perhaps just a function of relative number, as Nebraska cards are just so rare?
Was wondering if you had any latent knowledge about the WI baseball scene...

again, I intend to look into it, but just thought I would ask, since this is your forte in general...

--and thanks for that email help again, by the way. I plan to do some "Ebay work" as I like to call it, this weekend.

Jason L

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Posted By: Jason L

The Wisconsin Historical Society has quite a number of vintage baseball photos that you can view online, and even order copies of!
Check them out...dates start at 1886 and go towards 1960...

subjects include Indian teams, school teams, House of David, Babe Ruth, Eddie Mathews, plenty of neat Hammerin Hank, & lots of stuff that they have marked as unknown...perhaps you could help contribute to their knowledge base if you recognize something!

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/results.asp?pageno=1&keyword1=baseball&search_type=basic&sort_by=date

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Jason, I am almost certain without looking that Wisconsin's population was at least two to three times (maybe more)that of Nebraska in 1910 which is about the time that rppc's were at their heighth of popularity...that would account for the major reason there are more Wisconsin rppc's at any given time on ebay than for Nebraska.

Just the fact that that website exists tells me that there is a rich baseball history in Wisconsin....I especially like that Cooksville Cornhuskers team

One of my biggest regrets was getting outsniped on a rppc of the Nebraska Indians team in some small Wisconsin town. I knew I should have gone after it much harder than I did...oh well.

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Posted By: Jim

I live in Richmond, Va. now but grew up in Mahwah, NJ from age 7-27.

There was a pitcher in the 50's from Mahwah named Al Sima


Babe Ruth used to play golf on a course in Mahwah that is now gone and the land is used by Sharp Electronics.

If I remember correctly, former Yankee Curt Blefary attended Mahwah High School.

on the golf side, pro senior golfer Walt Zembriski is from Mahwah as is guitarist Les Paul and poet Joyce Kilmer (I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.....)

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Posted By: Anonymous

Cobby, I have a beautiful T210 Brooks New Orleans, wanna trade? I'm collecting T210 Alabama players.

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

Hey! I grew up in Mahwah as well!

That's a SMALL world!

-Al

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Posted By: Jim

You must be kidding?

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Posted By: Al C.risafulli

Nope, not kidding at all, Jim.

I lived in the Cragmere section until the late 70s, then we moved over to the Fardale section. I went to the Catholic schools, though - graduated HS from Don Bosco in Ramsey.

In fact, the first house I lived in, which actually wasn't in Cragmere but in West Mahwah, I guess, was right behind that Sharp Electronics campus where you say the Babe played golf (I never knew that). Only it was a Ford plant then - same plant Springsteen sang about.

How's that for weird?

-Al