Member’s most precious card

[harperj497]

Hello everyone,
Been on here for a while but haven’t got time to get any post up yet. I finally have time now!

I’d love to see one card you all would never sell. I hope this post gets approved. I’d love to see the cards.


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[VintageBen]

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[harperj497]

Originally Posted by VintageBen

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Beautiful card !
Why’s it so precious to you ?


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[oldjudge]

Probably posted in the wrong place, unless this has become the Buy/No Sell/No Trade section. This should be in the main section.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Probably posted in the wrong place, unless this has become the Buy/No Sell/No Trade section. This should be in the main section.

Correct. And that's a nice card!
.

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Probably posted in the wrong place, unless this has become the Buy/No Sell/No Trade section. This should be in the main section.

Oh thanks man. I’ll have it reposted on the main section.


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[jingram058]

I think this is my first card prior to 1960s Topps. I got it because he was Dr. Steve Hardy on "General Hospital" for years. This one really means a lot to me.

[Johnny630]

Say Hey

[Republicaninmass]

The year was 1989, I was a 13-year-old heading to Fenway Park with my 63-year-old grandmother for her first Red Sox game. The Sox were playing the mighty Oakland A's in a late September battle. It was a Sunday afternoon to which I had been looking forward to all summer long. I had spent countless hours thinking about this day: just my second Red Sox game, and my grandmother, a diehard fan, getting her first visit to Fenway. I can't tell whether it meant more to me then or now, but the feeling is still overwhelming.

In preparation for that game, I had thumbed through countless baseball cards, in an attempt to find cards of players to ask for autographs during batting practice at the dugout. Of course my parents and grandmother thought I was a dreamer for thinking I could actually get someone to sign one of my cards, but I had heard that players would willingly sign.

Herein lies a problem I had to deal with that day: the Red Sox latest star, Nick Esasky, did not have a Red Sox card yet as he had been a recent trade. He was on a tear with 26 home runs, probably leading the team at that point, and I needed to hunt for a card of his. I could not show up empty handed in case the once in a lifetime opportunity occurred and Esasky decided to sign my card. I finally found one in my stash, a 1989 Score card of him with the Reds. Now I was ready for the game.

I entered Fenway with the wide eyes only a child could have. When I walked up that ramp and saw the green monster and the outfield grass - after watching it on television so many times - it took my breath away. The sheer size, color, and smells of the park sent me into sensory overload. With my plastic freezer bag filled with cards and a pen I headed down to the mob scene which was looking for autographs around the Red Sox dugout.

After trying and failing with many of the players, some who signed, and some who didn't, along came Esasky. I started yelling: "Mr. Esasky! Mr. Esasky!" while thumbing madly through my bag looking for his card. I don't know if it was the lack of his having a Red Sox card that helped my efforts that day, but it seemed like I was the only one yelling his name. Our eyes locked, and sure enough he came over and granted my wish.

When I got back to my seat I was wild. My grandmother couldn't believe I actually got a card signed by Nick Esasky. The only thing that could have made that day better was if he were to hit a home run after touching my card for luck. Which he did in the seventh inning.

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by jingram058

I think this is my first card prior to 1960s Topps. I got it because he was Dr. Steve Hardy on "General Hospital" for years. This one really means a lot to me.

Nice card you got there man.


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[harperj497]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

The year was 1989, I was a 13-year-old heading to Fenway Park with my 63-year-old grandmother for her first Red Sox game. The Sox were playing the mighty Oakland A's in a late September battle. It was a Sunday afternoon to which I had been looking forward to all summer long. I had spent countless hours thinking about this day: just my second Red Sox game, and my grandmother, a diehard fan, getting her first visit to Fenway. I can't tell whether it meant more to me then or now, but the feeling is still overwhelming.

In preparation for that game, I had thumbed through countless baseball cards, in an attempt to find cards of players to ask for autographs during batting practice at the dugout. Of course my parents and grandmother thought I was a dreamer for thinking I could actually get someone to sign one of my cards, but I had heard that players would willingly sign.

Herein lies a problem I had to deal with that day: the Red Sox latest star, Nick Esasky, did not have a Red Sox card yet as he had been a recent trade. He was on a tear with 26 home runs, probably leading the team at that point, and I needed to hunt for a card of his. I could not show up empty handed in case the once in a lifetime opportunity occurred and Esasky decided to sign my card. I finally found one in my stash, a 1989 Score card of him with the Reds. Now I was ready for the game.

I entered Fenway with the wide eyes only a child could have. When I walked up that ramp and saw the green monster and the outfield grass - after watching it on television so many times - it took my breath away. The sheer size, color, and smells of the park sent me into sensory overload. With my plastic freezer bag filled with cards and a pen I headed down to the mob scene which was looking for autographs around the Red Sox dugout.

After trying and failing with many of the players, some who signed, and some who didn't, along came Esasky. I started yelling: "Mr. Esasky! Mr. Esasky!" while thumbing madly through my bag looking for his card. I don't know if it was the lack of his having a Red Sox card that helped my efforts that day, but it seemed like I was the only one yelling his name. Our eyes locked, and sure enough he came over and granted my wish.

When I got back to my seat I was wild. My grandmother couldn't believe I actually got a card signed by Nick Esasky. The only thing that could have made that day better was if he were to hit a home run after touching my card for luck. Which he did in the seventh inning.

Wow!
I’m jealous man lol


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[Rad_Hazard]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

The year was 1989, I was a 13-year-old heading to Fenway Park with my 63-year-old grandmother for her first Red Sox game. The Sox were playing the mighty Oakland A's in a late September battle. It was a Sunday afternoon to which I had been looking forward to all summer long. I had spent countless hours thinking about this day: just my second Red Sox game, and my grandmother, a diehard fan, getting her first visit to Fenway. I can't tell whether it meant more to me then or now, but the feeling is still overwhelming.

In preparation for that game, I had thumbed through countless baseball cards, in an attempt to find cards of players to ask for autographs during batting practice at the dugout. Of course my parents and grandmother thought I was a dreamer for thinking I could actually get someone to sign one of my cards, but I had heard that players would willingly sign.

Herein lies a problem I had to deal with that day: the Red Sox latest star, Nick Esasky, did not have a Red Sox card yet as he had been a recent trade. He was on a tear with 26 home runs, probably leading the team at that point, and I needed to hunt for a card of his. I could not show up empty handed in case the once in a lifetime opportunity occurred and Esasky decided to sign my card. I finally found one in my stash, a 1989 Score card of him with the Reds. Now I was ready for the game.

I entered Fenway with the wide eyes only a child could have. When I walked up that ramp and saw the green monster and the outfield grass - after watching it on television so many times - it took my breath away. The sheer size, color, and smells of the park sent me into sensory overload. With my plastic freezer bag filled with cards and a pen I headed down to the mob scene which was looking for autographs around the Red Sox dugout.

After trying and failing with many of the players, some who signed, and some who didn't, along came Esasky. I started yelling: "Mr. Esasky! Mr. Esasky!" while thumbing madly through my bag looking for his card. I don't know if it was the lack of his having a Red Sox card that helped my efforts that day, but it seemed like I was the only one yelling his name. Our eyes locked, and sure enough he came over and granted my wish.

When I got back to my seat I was wild. My grandmother couldn't believe I actually got a card signed by Nick Esasky. The only thing that could have made that day better was if he were to hit a home run after touching my card for luck. Which he did in the seventh inning.

Incredible! Thank you for sharing. I love stories like that.

[ALR-bishop]

Neat story Ted

[raulus]

How do you pick just one??!!!

I will restrain myself and suggest that these two are the nearest to my heart, although they are not necessarily the most valuable in my collection.

Mostly because they are somewhat challenging to find, I guess. And if I ever did let them go, I suspect that I would have a hard time ever getting them back.

[mrreality68]

Many Great Cards everyone is sharing

And always tough as a collector since we do not want to give up any

For me this would be one of the hardest to part with

[CobbSpikedMe]

The first card, T206 Hannifan, was my very first prewar card, first T206, and most importantly, my first Jersey City Skeeters card. I wanted a T206 since I was a kid and at the end of my college career I decided to get one. I got a Kit Young catalog and rifled through it and got to the T206 section. There was one image as an example and then just a list of cards available. I picked this card because it was a Jersey City card and I'm from Jersey so it seemed a natural choice. I loved it when it arrived and couldn't believe I finally had a T206. It was a Sovereign back as well. No backs were listed in the catalog, it was before backs were a big thing.

This not only made me love prewar cards and start my prewar collecting, it also started my Jersey City Skeeters collection. The second card shown is my T215 Red Cross Billy Purtell Jersey City card which has one card (this card) graded by SGC and no cards graded by PSA at this time. So I'm defintiely keeping this one as I wouldn't be able to replace it any time soon even IF there are any others out there that aren't graded.

Take care fellas.




.

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Many Great Cards everyone is sharing

And always tough as a collector since we do not want to give up any

For me this would be one of the hardest to part with

Love this. That’s a neat one right there !


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[harperj497]

Love the way y’all are sharing stories of these cards. They’re all great stories.

So i got one more question, would you give up your “most precious” cards for $5m if you got the offer. Sorry to drop this bomb on y’all lol. I’d love to hear your answers.


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[paul]

Easy choice for me. I'm a Hall of Fame collector, and this is Frank Selee's only known copy of his only known card.

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by paul

Easy choice for me. I'm a Hall of Fame collector, and this is Frank Selee's only known copy of his only known card.

So would you be giving it up for that offer ?


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[G1911]

Originally Posted by harperj497

Love the way y’all are sharing stories of these cards. They’re all great stories.

So i got one more question, would you give up your “most precious” cards for $5m if you got the offer. Sorry to drop this bomb on y’all lol. I’d love to hear your answers.


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Sure. A precious card I’d never sell is, of course, caveated by the bounds of plausible reality. I wouldn’t sell my favorites for 10-20x their worth, but if you’re going to give me a mansion with a helicopter pad for it, I’ll put it in the mail immediately. I get more joy out of cardboard than I will any money I could reasonably get for them, but in exchange for being able to retire? I’m doing it in an instant.

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by harperj497

Hello everyone,
Been on here for a while but haven’t got time to get any post up yet. I finally have time now!

I’d love to see one card you all would never sell. I hope this post gets approved. I’d love to see the cards.


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How about showing us YOUR most precious card??

[Vintagedeputy]

Hard to pick just one, but I'd have to say this one.

[Kutcher55]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

The year was 1989, I was a 13-year-old heading to Fenway Park with my 63-year-old grandmother for her first Red Sox game. The Sox were playing the mighty Oakland A's in a late September battle. It was a Sunday afternoon to which I had been looking forward to all summer long. I had spent countless hours thinking about this day: just my second Red Sox game, and my grandmother, a diehard fan, getting her first visit to Fenway. I can't tell whether it meant more to me then or now, but the feeling is still overwhelming.

In preparation for that game, I had thumbed through countless baseball cards, in an attempt to find cards of players to ask for autographs during batting practice at the dugout. Of course my parents and grandmother thought I was a dreamer for thinking I could actually get someone to sign one of my cards, but I had heard that players would willingly sign.

Herein lies a problem I had to deal with that day: the Red Sox latest star, Nick Esasky, did not have a Red Sox card yet as he had been a recent trade. He was on a tear with 26 home runs, probably leading the team at that point, and I needed to hunt for a card of his. I could not show up empty handed in case the once in a lifetime opportunity occurred and Esasky decided to sign my card. I finally found one in my stash, a 1989 Score card of him with the Reds. Now I was ready for the game.

I entered Fenway with the wide eyes only a child could have. When I walked up that ramp and saw the green monster and the outfield grass - after watching it on television so many times - it took my breath away. The sheer size, color, and smells of the park sent me into sensory overload. With my plastic freezer bag filled with cards and a pen I headed down to the mob scene which was looking for autographs around the Red Sox dugout.

After trying and failing with many of the players, some who signed, and some who didn't, along came Esasky. I started yelling: "Mr. Esasky! Mr. Esasky!" while thumbing madly through my bag looking for his card. I don't know if it was the lack of his having a Red Sox card that helped my efforts that day, but it seemed like I was the only one yelling his name. Our eyes locked, and sure enough he came over and granted my wish.

When I got back to my seat I was wild. My grandmother couldn't believe I actually got a card signed by Nick Esasky. The only thing that could have made that day better was if he were to hit a home run after touching my card for luck. Which he did in the seventh inning.

Cool story! Nick Esasky was terrific that year and seemed destined for stardom before he got hit with vertigo and never could make it back.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by harperj497

Love the way y’all are sharing stories of these cards. They’re all great stories.

So i got one more question, would you give up your “most precious” cards for $5m if you got the offer. Sorry to drop this bomb on y’all lol. I’d love to hear your answers.


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I’d definitely consider it. My wife would take it in a heartbeat.

I’d probably want you to make it $10M, so that I could net $5M after taxes.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by raulus

I’d definitely consider it. My wife would take it in a heartbeat.

I’d probably want you to make it $10M, so that I could net $5M after taxes.

At the same time, it’s an uncomfortable feeling recognizing that there’s a price at which I would sell. And it sort of brings your whole collection into play at that point, even if the price is ludicrous.

It reminds me of the joke from the economist’s joke book:

An economist walks up to a woman and asks, “Would you sleep with me for $1M?”

To which she replies: “Why, I suppose I would.”

To which he responds, “How about for $100?”

She then objects, “What kind of a woman do you think I am??!!!”

And then he retorts, “Madam, we have already established that. Now we are merely negotiating on the price!”

[brianp-beme]

This one was part of a group of 5 I purchased for lawn mowing money many a moon ago. It means the world to me and would be the last vintage card I would sell, but I would jump on a 5 million dollar offer. I think unless you have a seven digit value card, and a real strong attachment to it and no need to realize a windfall from it, I believe all of us would for this amount of stupid money.

Brian

[G1911]

My favorites are generally the ones I have an illogical fond memory of collecting when I first started with my father. My T205 Livingston that was my first T card, my T205 Knight (Portrait) that was my first T206, my T3 Admiral Schlei that was my first cabinet, the E94 Lake and Devlin and E98 Vaughn (Red) that I found in Cooperstown, New York for $20 each and my dad bought me. Because of the small budget when I was a kid, none of these cards have much interest or note to anyone else.

This is probably my most precious card item now, not a single card but it was a single sheet. I have 20 of the 25 fragments, 2 of which apparently do not exist anymore 112 years later. The Donovan has only 4 non-proof copies known and was unproven to exist until 2006. I would also sell it for $5,000,000, but have turned down what I would to be consider significant offers for it, since even threads specifically about not-money become about money

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

The year was 1989, I was a 13-year-old heading to Fenway Park with my 63-year-old grandmother for her first Red Sox game. The Sox were playing the mighty Oakland A's in a late September battle. It was a Sunday afternoon to which I had been looking forward to all summer long. I had spent countless hours thinking about this day: just my second Red Sox game, and my grandmother, a diehard fan, getting her first visit to Fenway. I can't tell whether it meant more to me then or now, but the feeling is still overwhelming.

In preparation for that game, I had thumbed through countless baseball cards, in an attempt to find cards of players to ask for autographs during batting practice at the dugout. Of course my parents and grandmother thought I was a dreamer for thinking I could actually get someone to sign one of my cards, but I had heard that players would willingly sign.

Herein lies a problem I had to deal with that day: the Red Sox latest star, Nick Esasky, did not have a Red Sox card yet as he had been a recent trade. He was on a tear with 26 home runs, probably leading the team at that point, and I needed to hunt for a card of his. I could not show up empty handed in case the once in a lifetime opportunity occurred and Esasky decided to sign my card. I finally found one in my stash, a 1989 Score card of him with the Reds. Now I was ready for the game.

I entered Fenway with the wide eyes only a child could have. When I walked up that ramp and saw the green monster and the outfield grass - after watching it on television so many times - it took my breath away. The sheer size, color, and smells of the park sent me into sensory overload. With my plastic freezer bag filled with cards and a pen I headed down to the mob scene which was looking for autographs around the Red Sox dugout.

After trying and failing with many of the players, some who signed, and some who didn't, along came Esasky. I started yelling: "Mr. Esasky! Mr. Esasky!" while thumbing madly through my bag looking for his card. I don't know if it was the lack of his having a Red Sox card that helped my efforts that day, but it seemed like I was the only one yelling his name. Our eyes locked, and sure enough he came over and granted my wish.

When I got back to my seat I was wild. My grandmother couldn't believe I actually got a card signed by Nick Esasky. The only thing that could have made that day better was if he were to hit a home run after touching my card for luck. Which he did in the seventh inning.

Hey Ted - love it! Your story sent me scouring through my attic for an old photo.

I loved Esasky as well in that summer of '89. I was a dorky (as you can see below) high school kid, who would ride my bike a few miles after school to hang out at Fenway and collect autographs.

I was lucky enough to get a photo with Esasky, then on a different day had him sign it. I remember him being super nice and great about signing, which was awesome because he was having such a great season.

It was a bummer when he left after that '89 season, and even worse to see vertigo end his career shortly after. But it is nice to know he created wonderful memories for at least two young fans that summer!

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by harperj497

Love the way y’all are sharing stories of these cards. They’re all great stories.

So i got one more question, would you give up your “most precious” cards for $5m if you got the offer. Sorry to drop this bomb on y’all lol. I’d love to hear your answers.


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Most people would probably sell. Because most of our cards are not near that value so we sell it and then buy another one, a better graded one, or an even more special card that is on our bucket list or dream list that we never could have had before.
Or at least that is what I would do

[JollyElm]

GreggJefferiesRookie.jpg

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

This one was part of a group of 5 I purchased for lawn mowing money many a moon ago. It means the world to me and would be the last vintage card I would sell, but I would jump on a 5 million dollar offer. I think unless you have a seven digit value card, and a real strong attachment to it and no need to realize a windfall from it, I believe all of us would for this amount of stupid money.

Brian

This is fact actually. I think everyone would jump on the offer. I think you are just in dilemma because the probability of getting that kind of deal is slim but then if it were to be happening really, i think y’all would be giving the cards up.


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[harperj497]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Most people would probably sell. Because most of our cards are not near that value so we sell it and then buy another one, a better graded one, or an even more special card that is on our bucket list or dream list that we never could have had before.
Or at least that is what I would do

Exactly!


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[Tere1071]

From my childhood, it would be the only card that I have left: my 1970 Topps Super Roberto Clemente.

From my rebirth as a collector (2012- ), it would be a binder of cards that my wife purchased for me at an estate sale. The cards are worthless in terms of monetary value, but the fact that she purchased them for me is very significant. She puts up with my addiction er, I mean hobby and admittedly I spend too many hours in front of the computer looking at baseball cards which my wife has commented on more than once, dozens of times perhaps. With that being said I know that she purchased those cards for me out of love.

I will never part with the Clemente nor that binder of cards.

Phil aka Tere1071

Complete 1953 Bowman Color, 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1975 Topps Baseball sets - under revision.

A near-complete 1973 Topps Baseball set (647/660) under construction.

1970 Topps Baseball Card partial set (596/720) under construction.

[darwinbulldog]

I'd happily sell my entire collection for $5 million, but if I could keep just one card, this is the one for me.

[todeen]

It would be sentimental cards. The Jackie was pulled when my dad took me to the 2001 Fanfest in Seattle for the All Star game. We didn't attend the game. We were there two days. I got a cool card, wrapper redemption Ichiro, met some amazing HOF players and got autos and pics. It was heaven on earth with my dad.

The 1961 Koufax and Snider were cards I asked my mom to buy me on two random occasions when someone was selling cards in a weird unexpected spot. I asked not expecting her to say yes, but she did! I didn't know until a few years later that she was a Dodgers fan. That was about 1995, and she was rooting hard for the Mariners cuz I was. I had just assumed she was a Mariners fan.

And would I sell for $5 mil? Yes. Mama didn't raise no fool.

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[ullmandds]

i would gladly sell anyone my most precious card...let alone my whole precious collection for 5 mil.

Anyone?

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by todeen

It would be sentimental cards. The Jackie was pulled when my dad took me to the 2001 Fanfest in Seattle for the All Star game. We didn't attend the game. We were there two days. I got a cool card, wrapper redemption Ichiro, met some amazing HOF players and got autos and pics. It was heaven on earth with my dad.

The 1961 Koufax and Snider were cards I asked my mom to buy me on two random occasions when someone was selling cards in a weird unexpected spot. I asked not expecting her to say yes, but she did! I didn't know until a few years later that she was a Dodgers fan. That was about 1995, and she was rooting hard for the Mariners cuz I was. I had just assumed she was a Mariners fan.

And would I sell for $5 mil? Yes. Mama didn't raise no fool.

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The last line got me cracked up
Beautiful cards by the way.


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[Casey2296]

Easy for me, this is the only card that my Dad and I ever bought together.

And yes, offer me $500K and I would sell it in a minute, or my Dad would kick my ass for being a dummy.

_

[campyfan39]

May 11, 1986. My Dad was coaching my team and we had a game that night. Before the game he and Mom told me to come into their room that they had a special gift for my 13th bday. It was this 56' Mick. Dad bought it from a Kit Young catalogue for $35 (which was more than was normally spent on birthdays and more than Dad had ever spent on a card for himself at that point).

Dad passed almost 19 years ago at just 54 years old. I think about that day every time I see this card.

[harperj497]

Originally Posted by campyfan39

May 11, 1986. My Dad was coaching my team and we had a game that night. Before the game he and Mom told me to come into their room that they had a special gift for my 13th bday. It was this 56' Mick. Dad bought it from a Kit Young catalogue for $35 (which was more than was normally spent on birthdays and more than Dad had ever spent on a card for himself at that point).

Dad passed almost 19 years ago at just 54 years old. I think about that day every time I see this card.

Felt so emotional reading this. He must’ve been a great dad.


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[Sean]

I would never sell this one. It's nowhere near my most valuable. I would put it's value around $10K, maybe a bit more if I got lucky and a couple guys bid it up. Would I sell it for $200,000? Sure I would, but that's not realistic because no one would offer that. But if someone offered double, triple, even 5x its current market value? No, I wouldn't sell for that.IMG_1345.jpg

IMG_1346.jpg

[CobbSpikedMe]

Would I sell my choices for $5M? Yes. In a heartbeat. That would go a long way in helping my family. And taking care of and providing for them ranks above cards all day long.



.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by Sean

I would never sell this one. It's nowhere near my most valuable. I would put it's value around $10K, maybe a bit more if I got lucky and a couple guys bid it up. Would I sell it for $200,000? Sure I would, but that's not realistic because no one would offer that. But if someone offered double, triple, even 5x its current market value? No, I wouldn't sell for that.Attachment 538653



Attachment 538654

I've never seen a Pirate back! Thanks for sharing!

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[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Many Great Cards everyone is sharing

And always tough as a collector since we do not want to give up any

For me this would be one of the hardest to part with

Jeff—Beautiful card for the grade!

[campyfan39]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes he was awesome. Mickey was his childhood hero but he never owned a 1956 for himself. He also insisted we not duplicate cards as he always said his cards would be mine one day.

When he passed, together we had most of the stars from 54, 56, 58, 59 and so I put those sets together as kind of a tribute to our days collecting together.

Great thread and I am enjoying reading all of the posts!

Originally Posted by harperj497

Felt so emotional reading this. He must’ve been a great dad.


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[paul]

I hadn't seen the post about the $5 million offer until now. I think I"m with raulus on that one. I'd probably sell my Selee for $5 million after taxes, which I know that no one would ever pay me anyhow. It's hard for me to imagine my collection without this card.

[Al C.risafulli]

My father left when I was 9 years old and my mom worked three jobs to keep things going in our house. In 1981, my whole neighborhood was obsessed with 1981 Fleer, finding all the errors and variations in the set.

Graig Nettles was my favorite player, and when I found out there was an error with Nettles’ card in the 1981 Fleer set, I HAD to have it.

My local card shop was a place called Dollars and Sense, in Ridgewood NJ, and when the owner got a Nettles error and priced it at $17, I knew I would never have one. In 1981 in my family, seventeen dollars might as well have been seventeen million dollars.

And then on my birthday, my mom gave me that card. She worked as a teacher during the day, and in a factory and a medical office at nights, so she could buy me that card. Not really, of course, but that’s what it felt like. I’m sure at whatever she got paid to work in a factory in 1981, it was half a day’s work to get that card.

I’ve still got it, and when they say “you can’t take it with you,” well, I’m taking it with me.

-Al

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by Al C.risafulli

My father left when I was 9 years old and my mom worked three jobs to keep things going in our house. In 1981, my whole neighborhood was obsessed with 1981 Fleer, finding all the errors and variations in the set.

Graig Nettles was my favorite player, and when I found out there was an error with Nettles’ card in the 1981 Fleer set, I HAD to have it.

My local card shop was a place called Dollars and Sense, in Ridgewood NJ, and when the owner got a Nettles error and priced it at $17, I knew I would never have one. In 1981 in my family, seventeen dollars might as well have been seventeen million dollars.

And then on my birthday, my mom gave me that card. She worked as a teacher during the day, and in a factory and a medical office at nights, so she could buy me that card. Not really, of course, but that’s what it felt like. I’m sure at whatever she got paid to work in a factory in 1981, it was half a day’s work to get that card.

I’ve still got it, and when they say “you can’t take it with you,” well, I’m taking it with me.

-Al

Fantastic story, Al...

So many of these treasured/favorite cards are linked to childhood memories of our parents and loved ones. I think that's what draws many of us to collecting in the first place.

My favorite items are not cards, but photos that my Dad took of the Reds and visiting teams at Crosley Field in the 3 years preceding its 1970 demise. It was the formation of the Big Red Machine, and those photos represent my best memories as a kid.

I also collect pennants, because Dad would always be sure we had a souvenir to take home with us after the game. Eventually my brother and I had enough pennants to form a full "pinwheel" circle on the wall.

Fast-forward to now, I've acquired many rare pennants that date back to the early teens. But the ones closest to my heart are still the 1960s Reds pennants (which are all worth under $100).

[Leon]

The definition of a true keeper. Great story, Al.

The other shared stories are great too! I don't think I have any that are so sentimental.

Originally Posted by Al C.risafulli

My father left when I was 9 years old and my mom worked three jobs to keep things going in our house. In 1981, my whole neighborhood was obsessed with 1981 Fleer, finding all the errors and variations in the set.

Graig Nettles was my favorite player, and when I found out there was an error with Nettles’ card in the 1981 Fleer set, I HAD to have it.

My local card shop was a place called Dollars and Sense, in Ridgewood NJ, and when the owner got a Nettles error and priced it at $17, I knew I would never have one. In 1981 in my family, seventeen dollars might as well have been seventeen million dollars.

And then on my birthday, my mom gave me that card. She worked as a teacher during the day, and in a factory and a medical office at nights, so she could buy me that card. Not really, of course, but that’s what it felt like. I’m sure at whatever she got paid to work in a factory in 1981, it was half a day’s work to get that card.

I’ve still got it, and when they say “you can’t take it with you,” well, I’m taking it with me.

-Al