Stars v. Joe Schlabotnik...

[JLange]

Over the years my focus has shifted from stars to HOFers to stars of just one team. My most recent interest though took the single team concept to the limit with their all time list of players, coaches, managers, owners, broadcasters,and others connected to the team. My list expanded to more than 2000 individuals almost overnight, and created a challenge for me unlike any prior collecting. There is a real scarcity factor (not just manufactured scarcity) in that some players have no known cards with the team. This has led me on a wonderful pursuit through every catalogued set and every team issued set just to figure who has a card and who does not. I also found great interest in RPPCs and press photos to help fill in the gaps. I now pursue "collectibles" for guys with only a handful of MLB plate appearances or innings pitched (or less!) with the same zest that I used to have for stars and HOFers alone. I can't say this will be my last collecting makeover, but it has been my most enjoyable. I can also name hundreds of players from all eras for my chosen team, for anyone who would care to listen. Useless I'm sure to everyone but me!