A Note To My Fellow Hobbyists from Joshua Leland Evans

[ZenPop]

Thanks so much for your post.

I'm such a newbie at the collecting business that most of the big names (including yours) I'm not very aware of... I only collect for the joy of it... (I don't own any graded cards, for instance... and only have five cards from The Monster set...), but I've really enjoyed being a part of this forum for the last few years and reading so many interesting things about this Hobby we all love. I'm a graphic designer / illustrator... so this ties to of my greatest loves together... baseball and beautiful cards. I used to collect recent cards (1969-present), but now I only really love the prewar-1972 sets... especially the beautifully designed sets (especially Turkey Reds, Cracker Jack, T205, T206, T207, Goudey, Diamond Kings, Playball, Bowman (50-52!!!), & Topps '52-'56 sets). Glorious stuff.

Your post really touched me and I wanted to tell you to hang in there enjoy what life brings you (but it seems you're already doing that!). The story of you for instance, flashlight in hand at the flea market really struck a chord. The idea of taking a cross-country trip some time to visit antique shops or flea markets sounds like my idea of a good time. ...and I love reading about new discoveries. The idea of going back into the past and opening up a pack of 1941 Playballs or 33 Goudeys is a recurring fantasy.

Thank you again for taking the time to put into words what a lot of us feel about this wonderful hobby. Better health and happiness in the New Year!

Cheers!

[h2oya311]

Great post Joshua - it's been nice having you as a more active net54 forum contributor over the past few months. I'm glad to hear that you are (now) taking what life throws at you in stride.

I wish I had been part of those glory days you speak of. Thankfully, we can still get your flea market experience any time by jumping on the 'Bay and looking for diamonds in the rough! I'd consider giving up my gall bladder for an opportunity to have had hobby chats with Merkin!! His collection was incredible!! I'd prefer to keep my kidneys, though!

[Donscards]

Josh I loved reading your post--Everything you said is so true. -You are always so interesting to chat with and to have some good hobby fun with. This post hits all of us--We do have the passion and like myself, we love doing the sportscard shows--with the buying and selling and camaraderie. I hope all goes well with you this year and look forward to seeing you in Boston in April. Your friend, Don---PS Would be great to listen to your stories again at the net 54 National Dinner.

[timzcardz]

Thank you for a very thoughtful post.

May 2015 bring you everything that you wish, and need.

[nebboy]

Well said, I'm no writer. I wish I was better at putting in words thoughts and feelings about things that matter to me. So thanks Josh for sharing. Wish we were face to face having that exact conversation so I could shake your hand at the end of it. My best to you and all of Net54 in 2015.
John Hanssen

[Leon]

Very well said Josh. I hope you continue your medical recovery and continue feeling as well as can be. You certainly have a knack for writing and I share others thankfulness of your postings on this board. I am a late comer to the collecting world (going on close to 20 yrs now) but love hearing of the old day stories. And your speeches at the Net54baseball dinners are always the highlight of the night. (*besides my Corona's with limes). I look forward to seeing and hearing you at our Dinner again this year. Thanks again my friend and thanks so much for your support of our board. It is appreciated.

[jbsports33]

Interesting and good read for the new year, it's hard to make everyone happy in this hobby and just like Josh we all have had our ups and downs – but the hobby for me is just as fun as it was 20 years ago

Josh - visit Barry and I at the Mansfield Ma show anytime!

Happy New Year Everyone