How many of you just collect minor league cards and why?

[Michael Peich]

Good thread topic, Scott.

While I collect T cards and other issues, southern minor league players, especially from 1909-1911, appeal to me the most because of their connection to baseball history. It's revealing to see how America's game spread to so many small towns across the country, especially in the south. And, it's interesting to track the careers of minor leaguers, some of whom made it to the Show, like Clarence Tillie Walker who began his professional career with the 1910 Spartanburg Spartans of the Eastern Carolina League (where he hit .390 in 1911). And Ivey Wingo who broke in with Greenville in 1910 and went to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1911, beginning a twenty year career in the Bigs. Both of them were World Series champions.

Besides, who has ever heard of Charles Bunn “Bunny” Hearn? He was on the 1910 Wilson, NC team, pitched sporadically in the Bigs, was a scout for the Red Sox, and later had a distinguished career as coach of the Univ. of North Carolina Tarheels baseball team (1917-1918, 1932-1946). He’s still remembered in Wilson.

And, of course, how can one forget the infamously named Titman? Below is his T209 card, although, Dan, your AWH would sure look good in my collection!

Cheers, Mike