Nice Article in SMR on Photo Collection of Board Member

[drcy]

Congratulations. I should have asked for Ben's autograph at the National while I had the chance. Next time I see him he may be charging.

[GKreindler]

A GREAT profile of a GREAT dude.

I've known Benny for around five years now, and he's exhibited nothing but kindness to me in my own endeavors, and has been a great friend in the process. So, perhaps when I'm talking about him on a personal level, it's a bit biased. Especially since he lets me have my chicken fingers and Coke without giving me too much sh!t.

But in regards to the kind of enthusiasm he brings to his corner of the hobby, I think anyone who knows him can say without hesitation that he's one of the best ambassadors out there. He has a great collection of stuff that he's always refining and retuning, which I think is pretty evident by the article. I think that his passion for photography as art really comes through in the interview too, especially how the medium is able to transcend the world of collectibles and communicate much in the same way artifacts in museums do.

Maybe the best thing about having someone like him as a face for baseball photography (and though it was touched on in the article, but not entirely), is that he's incredibly kind and generous with his time and helpful to those who are new to collecting. Of course, we all know that he can be direct and isn't one to take any crap, but that's just who he is - deep down, there ain't a better dude. I'm sure this board is filled with people that have dealt with him in that manner and would agree.

Whether it was PSA doing article or someone else, I think it was a great piece about someone who's really an asset to the collecting community.

Graig

[thekingofclout]

It's been quite some time since I last posted here, but I gave up collecting baseball memorabilia, and now I've put all of my emotion, passion, energy, and dough, into collecting Beatles photography & memorabilia only.

But I do browse, and when I saw this thread about Ben, I felt compelled to post. My sincere congratulations to you Ben, for putting together one of the most remarkable vintage original Baseball Photography collections extant!

I met the big guy the same way I met our mutual friend/genius Graig Kreindler... on ebay. I thought I was a passionate collector. Then I met Ben. As Graig pointed out, Ben has ruffled a few feathers along the way, (especially mine!) but so has many others. However, Ben is a man of strong convictions, and once you get past that armour, he's a loyal friend, and a down to earth guy, that cares deeply about what's important to him. He's been very supportive, positive, and uplifting of my spirits, (as have a couple other guys here ) due to my medical issues, especially over the last year. But, that's the kind of person Ben is.

I felt the need to elaborate here as in the two days that Gary was kind enough to start it, (Hi Gary!) just a half of dozen people took the time to congratulate Ben on such a terrific honor. I guess being honest and straightforward isn't as admirable as I thought it was. I know for a fact that Ben has helped countless people here on the board, and in person at the Nationals for the last several years.

So, I want to say "thank you" for paying it forward, Ben. You took the handoff and broke new ground for this exciting sector of the hobby. And everyone that collects photos should be grateful for what you, and a few other fellas here, have done to advance the hobby. Well done big guy! And... North Dakota Football RULES!

[GrayGhost]

I may have sold Ben a couple small items in the past, one thing that is so obvious here is that with the comments herein, someone obviously is admired and respected. Congrats on the great items and article Ben.

[Scott Garner]

I finally had a moment to read this great article on Ben Weingarten, one of net54's good guy contributors.

I'd like to personally extend my congratulations to Ben for the amazing collection of vintage Type I photos that he has amassed. It's truly one of a kind!

Ben, just remember: "Watermarks" (inside joke). LOL
Good job, buddy!

[cubsguy1969]

Congrats, Ben! Very cool. Ben was super helpful to me when I bought some Babe Ruth photos at an estate sale. Great guy.
Rob

[Exhibitman]

Nice collection!

[Forever Young]

I have not posted on here for awhile but am compelled to do so to thank the men who commented below.
thanks a lot Gary....

I am truly appreciative and humbled(yes it is possible) by your comments. Some of you are close friends, some of you I have done business with and some of you are collecting peers whom I have never spoken to before. I can say, however, all of you are classy gentlemen. A thread like this is very telling in many ways.

I would like to specifically thank Graig and Jimmy for your thoughtful comments. I respect you both very much and am lucky to have you as dear friends. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to comment. I particularly appreciated your candidness. You're both spot on in that I do not take a lot of crap/nonsense
I am certainly better at telling people where to go when they are out of line than I am taking compliments.... no doubt.

Therefore, I will make this brief and get back to fighting for Truth, Justice and the Weingarten way.
That was a joke...... kind of.

It is always nice to see others appreciate things you have worked hard for/building. Thanks again to each and every one of you who have either commented publicly or privately.

As always, I am willing to help(provide advice) anyone who truly needs it. I love discussing original photography with passionate collectors as well as neophytes. I hope the article was useful for both of these groups or at least provided some needed reading material on the potty. Take care and happy collecting.

Peace and Love, Peace and love

Sincerely,

Ben Weingarten

PS:

1) HYEE AUCTION up and running with some great images
2) RMY AUCTION coming up soon too.. so pinch your pennies.
3) DAVID CYCLEBACK-I don't sign autographs. Perhaps you could settle for a hand print?

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by thekingofclout

I felt the need to elaborate here as in the two days that Gary was kind enough to start it, (Hi Gary!) just a half of dozen people took the time to congratulate Ben on such a terrific honor. I guess being honest and straightforward isn't as admirable as I thought it was.

I would not read too much negative into this. It's the internet and there are plenty of non-malicious reasons why communication might not go as expected. Many times I have been astounded when my friends here did not support me for whatever reason, but I have learned that often they either didn't notice the thread, were taking their time so that they could post something more useful, etc, etc.

In the photo section, more than any other, hobby friends tend to communicate by phone or email. There tends to be a lot of useless 'noise' and angst in this sub-forum.

...and...Very good to see you again Jimmy!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I would not read too much negative into this. It's the internet and there are plenty of non-malicious reasons why communication might not go as expected. Many times I have been astounded when my friends here did not support me for whatever reason, but I have learned that often they either didn't notice the thread, were taking their time so that they could post something more useful, etc, etc.

In the photo section, more than any other, hobby friends tend to communicate by phone or email. There tends to be a lot of useless 'noise' and angst in this sub-forum.

...and...Very good to see you again Jimmy!

I agree Scott. It is not a reflection on anyone, or anything, if a thread doesn't get the audience we think it should. What I find a bit ironic is that Jimmy (hi Jimmy) who is a great guy too, is lamenting about the lack of posts when that is his first post in 2 years. It's just the internet I guess....

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by Leon

I agree Scott. It is not a reflection on anyone, or anything, if a thread doesn't get the audience we think it should. What I find a bit ironic is that Jimmy (hi Jimmy) who is a great guy too, is lamenting about the lack of posts when that is his first post in 2 years. It's just the internet I guess....

Wow. This turned into something special

If anyone would like to talk photos(network) and are on fb, come on over. I will be happy to entertain and answer any questions people might have.
https://m.facebook.com/WeingartensVintage?ref=bookmark

Ps:I am very pleased with the positive responses I have received. This, however, is exactly why I was hoping that it would not be posted here. Thanks again Gary ha!

I will close with a couple pickups which are also posted on the facebook page above.

1) Henry Yee Auction Winning

A SUPERB TYPE 1 photo of Babe Ruth on deck starring down the pitcher ready to release hell on the ball. It is during the Yankees 1928 championship year.

Besides being a stunning image, what makes this particular photo most interesting is the bat boy Eddie Bennett kneeling behind his close friend like a loyal bird dog.

Eddie Bennett had a very hard life and died tragically. Considered a dwarf(caused by an injury as a baby), Bennett was considered a good luck charm as many of you know.

2) SEPTEMBER PICKUP

...from a fellow board member to add to my Rookie Babe Ruth TYPE 1 photo collection. It was one of the many great experiences/transactions I have had on the board. Thanks Phil Garry!

I am off to catch a flight..peace out dudes!