Posted By:
Dwight DavisJust to explain the motivation behind my search for my great uncle's card - I'm still searching for a T210 Eldridge, Greensboro, Series 5, by the way, and I've hounded the board and any Ebay seller I thought may come across one - you have to understand he is actually someone I knew. He lived most of his life just down the road from my childhood home. I saw him often, loved him dearly. He died when I was 16, he was 80. A wonderful, colorful character. I've conducted extensive research on his career (who cares beside me?)Uncle Rube never wanted to play in the majors. He rejected three offers from Connie Mack. He pitched both ends of more than 300 doubleheaders and won some 300 games in his 25-years in the minors. He did this largely under the influence of moonshine during the days of prohibition. Locally, a plethora of Rube Eldridge stories abounds. In and old newspaper clipping Rube explains he garnered his pinpoint control by "throwing rocks though knotholes in my father's barn." My favorite: "Worst whupping' I ever got was when my daddy handed me three smooth rocks and I come back with only two squirrels."
It has been said that Rube "never took life seriously." I suppose he didn't, but he had a great time.
I was thinking I will stop selling/buying tobacco cards when I find his red border. But, I have met so many wonderful people (albeit in cyberspace)who I believe are beyond reproach, mostly on this board. The journey/challenge, as they say, is half the fun and I'm having a great time.
Happy holidays to all.