What got you into vintage cards?

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Posted By: Bill Stone

In 1954 I was playing little league baseball in Burbank, California when I met Dale Long of the Hollywood Stars. The team was appearing at a little league ballpark and I got his autograph which I still have today. From that moment on he became my favorite player --I got his 1955 Topps card and was hooked. Years later we corresponded and he sent me a number of interesting items including a letter on Hollywood Stars stationary dated November 5, 1955 from Bobby Bragan to Dale Long saying how Bragan was looking forward to managing the Pirates in 1956. Dale Long added a note saying Bragan had been named manager and the letter was a response to one he sent Bragan. When Dale Long hit 8 homeruns in 8 games in May of 1956 I was the only little 10 year old boy who thought he was the next Babe Ruth.!! Years later I was moved to Kentucky and discovered the T210 Series 6 cards featuring the players of the Blue Grass League --my research has only increased my goal of acquiring all the Frankfort players ( or at least a scan of the cards in the meantime ) . As far as I am concerned 1955 and 1910 are the best years for baseball cards !!!